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The last door was simply marked with an umbrella and a scroll.
Apprehensively, Qwyfyx knocked before opening it. "Hello," said Etcetera the Philosopher. "Oh, hello," replied Qwyfyx. The room was very damp and smelled stale and musty. "You woke me up," yawned Etcetera. "I was having such a wonderful dream! You're the second one this week, you know." "Um, yes," said Qwyfyx, "I get the feeling that I'm following a well-worn path." |
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"Yes, you are, but don't despair. At least I can tell you what the true purpose of the Philosopher's Stone is." "Please do," said Qwyfyx. "It's all so confusing. The Alchemist told me it was to make base metals into gold; then the Astrologer told me it was to see into the future." "Hmmph, fools, what would they know! I suppose they said that they had the secrets as well." "Well, yes, they did." Etcetera shook his head. "Now I will tell you the truth. The Philosopher's Stone has the power to endow the user with eternal health and life - immortality, no less!" Qwyfyx gulped. He was feeling quite dizzy. "Oh," he said weakly. "And I suppose you have the stone as well?" |
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"Of course, I also know that you are about to ask me to give it to you. Alas, I must refuse." "Then, please tell me where it is?" "That, young Magician, I can not do," said Etcetera. "Pass me the bread and wine from the table, will you? Save me from getting up." Carefully avoiding the puddles, Qwyfyx carried the food across the room. "Thank you, I never get up unless I really have to," said Etcetera. "I think so much more clearly in bed. Now, you had better run along." "Well, thank you anyway," sighed Qwyfyx. "Here - first take this." Etcetera pulled a scroll from under his pillow and gave it to the Magician. He was about to instruct Qwyfyx on its use when Midnight burst from the carpet bag and jumped onto the bed. "Aggh, a cat! I have a dreadful allergy to cats," cried Etcetera. "Go, quickly!" "Oh, sorry," said Qwyfyx as he scrambled around the room, chasing Midnight. Etcetera was already starting to sniffle and sneeze when, cat and bag in hand, Qwyfyx closed the door behind him. |
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