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It was a large, hot room, cluttered with some of the strangest things Qwyfyx had ever seen. A foul smell seemed to emanate from the blackened walls and a fire crackled in the hearth. Sitting at a table, an elderly man was regarding Qwyfyx with interest. "Well then," said the man, "introduce yourself."
"Um... my name is Qwyfyx." "Well, I, young man, am Zosimos the Alchemist." Zosimos looked at Qwyfyx for a moment. "I suppose you are another of that fool King's errand boys." |
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Qwyfyx was shocked. He had never heard his King called a fool before. "How can you be Zosimos?" he managed to stammer. "Zosimos died a hundred years ago." "Ninety nine to be exact! And, since you have to be back yesterday, that will mean you will have a little time up your sleeve, eh?" said Zosimos. "Well, yes, I suppose so, "Qwyfyx was becoming a little confused. "Now," sighed the Alchemist. "I suppose you want to know what the King is looking for?" "Yes, yes, do you know?" "Your King is looking for the Philosopher's Stone, the legendary stone that changes base metals into gold." Zosimos raised an eyebrow. "You will never find it, you know." |
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"But I must find it, the King will have my head if I return without it." "Well, then, you had better get going hadn't you? Here, take this, you might need it." Zosimos handed Qwyfyx a small flask of purple liquid and proceeded to give him some detailed instructions. At that moment, however, Qwyfyx espied the Alchemist's daughter peeking at him from behind a curtain. He was so struck by her beauty that he failed to hear a single word. "Before I go, Mr Zosimos, tell me..." Zosimos frowned. "Yes, young man?" "Do you have the secret; can you change base metals into gold?" "Of course I can. I am Zosimos the Alchemist after all!" "Then, please tell me - you could save me a lot of trouble." Qwyfyx was surprised at the intensity of Zosimos's reaction. "Trouble! Trouble! Do you know how much trouble there would be if I gave it to you! Do you know what would happen to the world's economy if the stone fell into the hands of greedy men like your King? Be off with you now!" "Goodbye, Alchemist," said Qwyfyx as he stepped back into the corridor of doors. |
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