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As Qwyfyx drew closer to the mountains, his glimpses of the faint star became more and more frequent. It seemed to beckon him on and he was certain it was a sign - that this faint, twinkling light might lead him to the mysterious stone. He was becoming very tired when he reached the foot of the mountain and was about to rest when he heard a tiny voice calling his name. Looking up, he saw the star flash brightly, then disappear again. The vision seemed to energise him and he picked up Midnight, quickened his pace and began to climb the steep slope. |
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| As he neared the summit, he heard the voice telling him to hurry and he saw the star flash and sparkle as if greeting him.At last, just as he was nearing the top, the voice became clear. "Come on, hurry up, you'll miss the sunset," it said. Qwyfyx looked, but there was no one there. The star twinkled, then vanished. As he stepped onto the highest point, he closed his eyes and shook his head in disappointment. When he opened them, there beside him, resplendent in silver, red and gold, stood Mercury. |
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"Goodness me, I thought you were going to take forever, however long that is, and I should know but I don't." Mercury spoke so quickly that Qwyfyx had difficulty understanding him. "Word has it that you are on a quest." "My King has sent me to search for the Philosopher's Stone," said Qwyfyx. Mercury's clear laughter filled the rarified air. "Oh my, the wondrous antics of mortals are a constant source of amusement to me. Have you searched the air?" |
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Why, yes," said Qwyfyx, "I believe I have." "And have you searched the water?" "Yes, yes, that too!" "And have you travelled to the depths of the earth?" Qwyfyx trembled at the thought. "Yes, I have," he said. Mercury gestured to a far-off range of volcanic islands. "Your mission is still incomplete," he continued. "Perhaps in the land of fire you will find your precious stone. I wish you luck, strange one." "Thank you," sighed Qwyfyx. Mercury smiled, shimmered and promptly vanished. Qwyfyx looked into the distance just in time to see the faint star disappear beneath the horizon. |
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