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As soon as Qwyfyx was back in the hallway he heard an odd, swishing sound and he watched in dismay as the symbols on the doors shimmered and vanished. He tried knocking on all six doors but there was no reply, and he certainly could not open them.
For a while, he sat on the floor wondering what to do. Then he began to examine the contents of his carpet bag. He tried to put the Astrologer's ring on but, mysteriously, it would not go over the tip of his finger. He attempted to unroll the Philosopher's scroll, but for some reason, it remained tightly bound. Finally, he pulled the Alchemist's potion from his carpet bag and removed the stopper. |
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At first, the purple fluid fizzed and frothed; then, turning clear, it began to overflow. Desperately, Qwyfyx tried to stem the deluge, but to no avail, and all the waters of the earth poured forth.
Around him, the corridor vanished and he was surrounded by a garden of beautiful coral and fish. There were stones everywhere and Qwyfyx was beginning to wonder if any of these could be the prize he was seeking.
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Way overhead, he could see the sun shining through the surface of the ocean but here it was very cold. Breathlessly, with the taste of salt in his mouth, he began to clamber for the distant surface. Qwyfyx tried to prevent himself from gulping water but it was useless.
Off in the distance, just before he blacked out, he thought he saw a mermaid. Unseen by the young Magician, firm but gentle hands took him by the arms and guided him to the surface. |
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