Chapter 64 THE GOVERNOR OF TAGO
They could hear the sound of shuffling feet on the other side of the door, and it soon stopped. A small slit opened on the door, a pair of eyes peering out through it.
"Who's there?" the man asked, his voice very deep.
"We've come to see the governor," stated Magnus. "There's something I would like to talk to him about."
"State your name." Magnus only smiled. This may be one time when his full name would do him some good.
"Magnus Coleman."
There was silence on the other side. That had been expected though. His name wasn't one that was often heard. However, if these men knew about him, then they also knew that he was from a rich, influential family. Even though the family itself was gone, the name was still a symbol of power. Hopefully, this man realized that.
"… You may enter," the man said, and the doors opened. Xyra and Magnus stepped in, instantly looking around. It was a nice house, the floor made of white marble and the walls made from jade. Such expensive stones had been used when bricks would have sufficed. This governor had a lot of money.
The man who had greeted them bowed to Magnus. He was obviously smart enough to know that the name "Coleman" was a regal one. Magnus's family was well respected and still famous even after their death. It was kind of nice, he had to admit, being treated like this.
"The governor is currently in a meeting," the servant told him as he raised his head. "If you would like, I could give you a tour of the mansion."
"That would be nice," Magnus said with a smile. "Lead the way."
The man began walking, and Magnus and Xyra were quick to follow. It would be a good thing to know the house, because something told him that things weren't going to go nicely today. Just by looking at the mansion, he knew what the governor was like. His house reflected him perfectly. He was a snob who loved money. Everything around them was the proof. The marble staircases, the jeweled candle-holders, the diamond chandeliers…all of it reflected his wealth. It had to be something he took great pride in.
They followed the servant around the house as he showed them to different rooms and floors. It really was beautiful. Everything about this place was. Magnus found that he wasn't all that impressed though. It was flashy, not so functional. Houses were just for living in, not showcasing. Xyra was taking much more interest in it than he was. She seemed to be memorizing everything, her eyes picking up the location of every room and every hallway. He wasn't sure why she was bothering, but he didn't plan on asking. She seemed to be enjoying her little game.
Eventually, they stopped in front of a large room, the doors still closed. The servant bowed to Magnus again and then straightened himself out, standing in a perfect posture. He looked a great deal like a butler should, his black hair being a bit greasy and slicked back, his entirely black suit not harboring a single wrinkle. His master was obviously of poise, despite his money obsession.
"I will tell you to the governor," he said. "Please wait here until I come back."
"Alright," Magnus responded with a sigh, "but I don't like waiting."
The man just nodded and entered the room. They couldn't hear the conversation that was going on, but they figured it had to be going well. There was no screaming involved. Magnus really did have a lot of influence thanks to his name. He could probably be granted an audience with just about anybody. However, whether he could get what he wanted was going to be the real issue here.
The doors opened again, and the servant came back. He held the huge wooden doors open and motioned for the two of them to enter. They found themselves in an extravagant room, the floor so clean that they could almost see their reflections. Everything was lined with gold, and the walls were coated in it. There was red trim on the ceiling and the pillars, and a red carpet that led to a mahogany desk. There stood quite a few guards, similar to the ones that were standing by the doors. Their uniforms made them look just as flashy as the room. Magnus couldn't help wondering if they were just as useless and artificial as this house.
At the desk in the middle of the room was the man they had been waiting to see. In all his plump and wealthy glory sat the governor. He was a shorter, slightly older man. His hair was already graying, and his mustache was gray. His eyes were black, or at least they assumed they were. The two points were too narrow to really tell.
"Welcome," he said, his voice dripping in false sincerity. It was as if he was trying to suck up, to sound sweet and proper. Magnus and Xyra could both see through him though. His presence itself gave him away. "You're Mr. Coleman, I assume?"
"Yes," answered Magnus, keeping his face straight and business-like. He wanted to just get to the point instead of trying to beat around the bush with pleasantries. This town disturbed him. He wanted out as soon as possible.
"May I ask what a noble person like you want from a simple governor like me?"
"I came because I heard you have a Lazufeer talisman." He really was getting right to the point. He watched as the governor's eyes widened a bit in surprise and then narrowed as he smirked.
"I do have one," the governor responded.
"Can I see it please?"
"Of course." The plump man removed himself from his chair and walked over to the glass display case. Sitting there was an assortment of objects. There were pendants, swords, daggers, gems…everything that was of value. There was also the talisman that Magnus wanted. It was a bronze color, the stone in the middle shining brightly in the chandelier-lit room. "Here it is. A beautiful trinket, yes?"
"That it is," Magnus responded with a smile, his eyes never leaving the object of his desires. He had to have that talisman. "How much do you want for it?"
"I beg your pardon?" he asked, not thinking he had heard the sorcerer quite right.
"I want to buy that thing off your hands. I'm collecting them, so to speak. I'll pay whatever the price."
The governor looked over the boy for a minute, probably thinking he was insane. However, it's not like the plump man had any use for the talisman. It was simply a souvenir, something to draw attention. He loved it for that reason. Its value was incredible.
"You're sure you want to pay the price?" he asked Magnus curiously.
"I'm a Coleman, sir," Magnus said with a smirk. "I have more than enough money." That was an understatement. He had enough money to probably buy this entire house, let alone a small talisman.
"This thing is worth a lot," the governor stated. "I know the legends. It's very powerful, especially for a sorcerer such as yourself. You said you'll pay any price, no matter what it is?"
"Yes." The boy was completely serious. He really wanted that talisman, and he was going to do whatever it took to get it. He'd give this man all of his money and even some of his pendants. He would even give up the one he wore around his neck, the one that detected demons and dragons. It was his favorite accessory, but he would give it up for the talisman.
The governor seemed to be deciding what he wanted for the talisman. His eyes were roaming about the room as he thought. Eventually, they landed on Xyra. She was just standing there, looking around. She seemed to be memorizing everything in the area. The thief wasn't paying the governor any mind, so she missed the cruel smirk that spread across his face. She also missed the way his eyes roamed over her. However, Magnus seemed just as oblivious. He was only watching the talisman.
"How about this?" began the governor, once again snatching the sorcerer's attention. "I'll give you this…if you let me have your woman."