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Most of the symbols on the second door were familiar to Qwyfyx; they were the signs of the zodiac. He was feeling a little more confident now and, opening the door, he walked in. "How dare you just come in here without knocking!" shouted a powerful-looking man from behind a large desk. Qwyfyx's confidence immediately deserted him and he began to feel very small. So small, in fact, that he had the very uncomfortable feeling of shrinking to a fraction of his height. |
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"I am Nostromo the Astrologer," laughed the man as he picked Qwyfyx up and placed him on the table. "Who are you, small one?" "Qwyfyx, Qwyfyx the Magician." "I suppose your King sent you to look for the Philosopher's Stone and you have to be back yesterday?" "Yes; how did you know?" "I know because it all happened ninety-nine years ago. Oh, and by the way, the Alchemist is a charlatan and a fake. The Philosopher's Stone will never turn base metals into gold. What it will do, is enable one to see as clearly into the future as one does into the past." "Oh," said Qwyfyx. "Can you tell what is going to happen in the future, Mr Nostromo?" "Of course I can." "Then you could save me a lot of trouble by telling me how to do it." "Such secrets are only for those with the knowledge and power not to misuse them," Nostromo said angrily. "Think of it this way. Since you are ninety-nine years into the future, to make a prediction, all you have to do is to read the history books." |
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"Oh, of course," mumbled bewildered Qwyfyx. "Since you have to be back ninety-nine years and one day ago, by my estimation you are running a little late - so you had better hurry." Nostromo picked up a ring from the table. "Take this ring," he said. "It could well save your life..." At that moment, however Qwyfyx began to regain his confidence and he started to return to normal size. The feeling was so discomforting that he failed to pay attention to the Astrologer's instructions. "Now go!" said the Astrologer. Qwyfyx picked up his bag, opened the door and left the room. |
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