Patriarch Robert glanced at his father, confusion etching his features. He couldn't fathom why the old man had spoken so cryptically.
Patriarch Robert offered no explanation. Erwin's intuition had hit the mark—Patriarch Robert had indeed stumbled upon a stroke of luck in his youth. He'd found a rare seed that sprouted into a potent herb. Consuming it had surged his magic to new heights. Later attempts yielded nothing, though, and his efforts to cultivate more failed utterly. He safeguarded the remaining seeds, hoping to consult an expert herbalist someday. But the discovery was too perilous to share lightly. As the wizarding proverb went, "An innocent wizard invites envy, but a treasure draws the wolves." Patriarch Robert grasped the danger all too well. Without a trusted ally, he'd kept it hidden for decades.
That herb had bestowed more than raw power—it sharpened his senses, letting him glimpse the magical aura of others. To him, every wizard appeared as a slumbering volcano. Some smoldered faintly, their magic sluggish and faint, like that of young children. Others erupted in furious geysers of raw force. Erwin's aura blazed like that: a cataclysm waiting to unleash.
Patriarch Robert had encountered similar prodigies before—the headmaster of Ilvermorny, for one. But those wizards were seasoned elders, not a boy barely out of school. That disparity chilled him. He'd never crossed paths with Dumbledore, the century's greatest wizard, yet he knew Erwin's trajectory could eclipse even him one day.
Was allying with the Cavendish family a blunder? The alliance branded the Roberts as traitors now, inviting backlash. Yet Patriarch Robert believed their hidden asset could secure protection. Once Erwin came into his full power, the Roberts might rise even higher. Age had honed his foresight; truly, an elder was a family's greatest treasure.
Patriarch Robert eyed his son. "If I fall in this fight—"
"Father, no!" Patriarch Robert interrupted, voice cracking. "You're our foundation. You'll be fine. If anyone's to pay, it's me—for my error."
Patriarch Robert dismissed the outburst with a wave. "Enough. Blame won't save us now. The Robert family has chosen a side; there's no retreating. Stand firm with the Cavendishes. Nothing else matters."
Patriarch Robert's eyes glistened. He nodded fiercely. "I understand, Father."
"If I don't return," Patriarch Robert pressed on, "lead Lord Cavendish to the deepest basement chamber. What's there will prove our worth—they won't cast us aside as pawns."
Patriarch Robert hesitated. "The deepest chamber? You've always barred entry. Is it... that dangerous?"
Patriarch Robert nodded gravely. "Exactly. It could doom us if mishandled."
"But giving it to the Cavendishes—they might turn it against us?"
"No," Patriarch Robert said firmly. "Erwin isn't the type. I trust my instincts. In the wrong hands, it's our ruin. In his, it's our salvation."
Patriarch Robert swallowed hard. "Understood."
Satisfied, Patriarch Robert clapped his son's shoulder. "Good. Sound the call—we move out."
Patriarch Robert obeyed. "Let's go!"
The Robert wizards seized the enchanted keys—portkeys tuned for their assault—and vanished in clusters, the air rippling with departure.
From a second-floor window, Erwin watched them blink away. A faint smile tugged at his lips. Patriarch Robert was sharp; he'd likely deliver exactly what Erwin sought. The old man's survival? Irrelevant. Erwin knew these American second-tier families inside out. Patriarch Robert's power should carry him through—unless his spellwork was abysmal.
Erwin didn't dwell on it. If the elder held something valuable, he'd pass it on before the end, bolstering the family's standing anyway. He'd anticipated every twist in Patriarch Robert's calculations. In cunning, Erwin reigned supreme.
Yawning, he eyed the fresh sheets on his bed. A nap seemed in order while he waited. Idleness bred drowsiness.
He awoke to shouts echoing through the house. Night had fallen, stars pricking the sky. A knock sounded—Cassandra.
Erwin flicked his wand; the door swung open. She entered, face taut.
"The Roberts are back?" he asked.
She nodded. "Yes. Heavy losses. Patriarch Robert's badly hurt."
Erwin's brow furrowed. "Injured? The old fox is weaker than I thought."
"According to Patriarch Robert," Cassandra explained, "they razed the Dalsey family first. The other two caught wind and laid an ambush at the Bard estate. Both hit hard. Patriarch Robert held off multiple wizards alone—took a beating for it."
...
WANT 15 BONUS CHAPTERS?
Enjoy the read, and let's get started on the next goal immediately!
Power Stones: [58]/300
5 Star Reviews: [13]/20
— MrGrim