Ex-Auror Manannán and the Tear of Ra

-Chapter Twelve- The Tear of Ra

It was the first of June. A glorious Sunday morning greeted Oliver as he woke early and headed out on his morning run. On his return, he quickly showered, sent another message to Dumbledore, using the enchanted bottle and collected his things, ready for the search of the cave on today's list. The cave in question was in a mountain region near the Belarus-Ukrainian border, on the Dnieper River. Oliver had a muggle made map of the area, with some notes on the region. It was clear there were several small caves clustered together, and some appeared to be poorly explored or not investigated at all. Not by the muggles who had created the maps he held, anyway.

Waiting in the library, Oliver had placed all the maps and notes into his rucksack, as well his usual supplies. He pulled out a few items, just to make sure they were there. His small silver box that contained his additional senses, his potion rack, and his glass case with the golden bird claw clasp. He returned the items to his bag and zipped it up. At that moment Jynx entered the room.

'Finikis is coming now. He is just talking to the elves.'

'Okay. Today's location seems a little hazardous. So, I reckon we need to set off soon.' Replied Oliver, as he chucked his rucksack over his shoulders.

'Great. That's not going to do anything for his mood.' Said Jynx. She was still struggling with Finikis inclination of late. He was withdrawn, downbeat and very short and quick to anger. He was tiring of the cave searches and longed for it to be over.

'Well, seventeenth time lucky!' Chortled Oliver.

Finikis joined the pair a couple of minutes later, and the trio were soon using the Floo network to travel to Kiev and from there they used apparation to reach the riverbank in front of a large, wooded area surrounded by four rocky mountains. The three walked through the tall trees, they were mostly Birch, which Oliver noticed and considered it to be a good sign. It took over an hour for them to navigate the terrain and reach the crest of one of the small rock mountains. There was a small hollow into the cave, which after a quick investigation, proved not to be the Draconis cave. A half an hour trek to the next mountain, led them to a slightly smaller one than the first. The three clambered up a steep precarious climb. One which required them to apparate to navigate. It would have been impossible to pass a verge that protruded without climbing equipment or magic. Beyond that verge there was a small enclave were the three appeared. Before them there was an entrance to a cave, from where they stood it appeared to stretch downwards, into the mountain. It seemed to be potentially a very extensive cavern.

Finikis stepped into the opening, turned on the spot and looked out into the distance. It looked similar to the picture that they were working from, but he could not see the river in the distance. The treetop was higher and it concealed most of the view.

'It looks like. No vater though.' Said Finikis.

Jynx walked to the archduke's side and took in the view as well. She agreed with him, it looked similar but different enough to give them doubt.

Oliver walked into the cave, he gave the view a quick glance but continued into the cave and moved close to one of the walls. He outstretched his hand, his tips flexed as he analysed the rock, there was a vibration within them that was familiar.

'Get out your wands.' Said Oliver, as he dropped his wand into his right hand.

'Vat is it?' Asked Finikis.

'There's magic permeating throughout the stone. There's a powerful charm. It penetrates the entire cave, I think.' Replied Oliver, as he used his left hand to continue to examine the walls.

'What kind of spell?' Asked Jynx, as she raised her wand defensively.

'Nothing sinister. It's an anti-apparition spell. It's strong though. It prevents apparation beyond the entrance point. If we want to enter the cave, we have to do so on foot.' Said Oliver, pausing for a moment. 'This could very well be the cave we are looking for.'