Chapter 711 - An Evening at Madam Zenarie’s Emporium Ⅲ (2/2)
”Very well, sirs, I shall wait further down the hall to escort you upon the ending of gentlemen's discussion,” Tamara resolutely answered, before curtsying again. The rustle of her skirt can be heard before the door firmly closes shut behind her. Certain that the door is closed properly, she walks away further down the hallway to wait. The Potentate of London did not take too kindly to being overheard nor much less to those that dared to eavesdrop. Neither group nor individual never lived to tell the tale.
Inside the parlor, there is an icy silence until Sanderson gestures to the two other empty silver goblets set on the table next to the corked wine bottle set next to it. ”Wine?” Sanderson politely asked. ”It is a rather good vintage.”
”I am fine at this time,” Avery Sr. crisply declined with a wave of his hand, while Rosier Sr. did not verbally answer except to address a menacing glare at the Potentate of London in acute response.
”It surely must be a matter of delicate nature to require such secrecy for the request was not conveyed via owl post nor in person at the pub where it is customary to present alternative business matters. Then again, I cannot help but note Avery that you have been accompanied by Rosier which suggests that that the pressing nature of the matter to be discussed is of some magnitude,” Sanderson frankly opinionated as he seemingly rested his hands on his lap, but carefully peeked up at the wizards. He noted that the two wizards gave nothing away with their expressions which all but confirmed his previous statement regarding the gravity of the request.
With a self-assured expression, Sanderson says, ”Very well, then let us commence negotiations.”
”Then I shall make this conversation rather short, Sanderson,” Avery Sr. coldly answered, before his lips twitched up with a touch of contempt, ”-as not to offend your sensibilities.”
Sanderson narrows his eyes at the pureblood's curt remark, but he does not rise to the bait. He would settle the score between them soon enough. For it was the other party, who had come to his door.
”The matter begins and ends with a Babylon Candle,” Avery Sr. flatly stated causing Sanderson to let out a surprised sound.
”A Babylon candle,” Sanderson slowly said with a look of intrigue in his eyes. ”Do pray and tell, Avery. How does such a foul and innately rare item exactly relate to your personage?” The mockery in Sanderson's voice is evident as Avery Sr. maintains his composure, while Rosier Sr. burning gaze darkens with irritation.
Sanderson feigned shock and derisively says, ”Do not tell me that the artifact was stolen, because I can assure you, Avery, they were not one of mine.” For it was true. Nothing so valuable could have been stolen and traded without his knowledge.
Avery Sr. flashes Sanderson an icy white-toothed smile. ”Your answer is understandable considering your line of services, Sanderson,” Avery Sr. contemptuously declared. ”And no, it was none of your own, Sanderson, you may set your concerns to rest.”
Sanderson's face finally twitches with annoyance at the contemptuous remarks of Avery Sr. Smug at having finally rattled Sanderson's composure, Avery Sr.'s face grows solemn. ”T'was Damian Mulciber who viciously used a Babylon candle upon my daughter-in-law and grandson with the condition that only could not live. In the end, my noble daughter-in-law, Marceline elected her own life over that of her child, my grandson, Barnabas.”
Sanderson shows a trace of surprise on his face, before cautiously wording a response. ”Avery, I need not remind you of the fact that Damian Mulciber was killed at the hands of the Auror's.” He pauses to frown to continue in a stern voice, ”And I do not dabble in resurrecting the dead. Necromancy is most foul and evil that even I am reluctant to be tainted by such vile magic.”
”That is not what I am intreating,” Avery Sr. chillingly retorted. For indeed it was not. For Death can be a mercy, and even a kindness in the end.