Chapter 76: V2 Prologue

As the light of dawn broke across the horizon, the city of Rivera bustled to life. Friends gathered in the streets, excitedly discussing what their day would bring. Stall holders laid out their wares, calling for all to see. Birds chirped, and the smell of freshly baked bread filled the air. 

“Today will be a good day.” Lucas attempted to reassure himself, knowing it was unlikely to prove true. 

Gazing at the clay jars and vials that cluttered his stall, Lucas let out a mournful sigh. He’d thought making potions and tinctures would lead him to prosperity, yet all it brought so far was an empty coin purse. Perhaps he should give up and try another craft. He’d heard recently that those who were working in professions such as glassblowing were in high demand. Mayhap he would try his hand at being an artisan next. 

Lost in thought, he almost didn’t notice when a dark shadow blotted out the sun. It was the rustling of paper, and gasps of the crowd that made Lucas look up to see the large form of a Quetzalcoatlus. The massive creature flew over the city, looping around in wide arcs, its rider tossing what looked like confetti into the air. No, larger than confetti,  the street became cluttered with densely written sheets of paper. 

One of the pieces landed on his stall, and he picked it up with interest. On one side was a drawing of an elderly man holding a staff, with a strange-looking globe at the top. Flipping the page over, his eyes widened as he scanned the contents written on the paper. 

I call to thee citizens of Kaledon, 

I call to thee citizens of Earth!

Behold thy God Trismegistus, 

And his domain of Natural philosophy.

Be you Alchemist, Transmuter or Astrologist

He welcomes all with blessings of prosperity. 

Take a knee oh citizen,

Should this grand gods' blessing you wish. 

Let this High Priestess's words be thy guide. 

With an open mind, oh citizen, call out to him. 

Great Trismegistus, you who are all-knowing and wise, 

I plead to thee, teach me your ways. 

I seek your wisdom and insight, 

so I can walk a path of  greater knowledge. 

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In the name of the High Priestess, 

I call to thee, and plea. 

Let me go forth into the world,

Spreading thy knowledge of natural philosophy.          

“A god of alchemy? I didn’t even know there was such a thing.” Lucas murmured, turning the page over again to look at the drawing.  

“He welcomes all with blessings of prosperity.” He repeated ponderously as he looked at the vials he’d laid out on his stall. Prosperity was exactly what he needed, and if this so-called god was offering, who was he to refuse? 

Holding the paper in one hand, Lucas knelt on the damp ground beside his stall, reading aloud the words written on the reverse side of the page. 

“Great Trismegistus, you who are all-knowing…” 

Warmth filled him as the last word left his lips, and soon after a tired-sounding feminine voice spoke. 

“Trismegistus has heard your prayer, disciple. Now, I, High Priestess of Philosophia Naturalis, shall bestow upon you a blessing. Be it of Alchemy, Transmutation or Astrology that you would seek further guidance?”  The voice sounded close, but as Lucas looked around he didn’t see anyone nearby.

 “Well? Hurry up! Which blessing do you want? Alchemy, Transmutation or Astrology?” The woman spoke again, this time sounding impatient. 

“Uh, hello?” He called out hestitanty, not sure if he was to one the voice was addressing. 

“Yes, yes, hello... I’m in your head, no need to speak out loud. Trust me, people will just think you’re crazy if you do. Come on, hurry it along, I’ve got work to do. Which blessing do you want? Alchemy, Transmutation or Astrology?” 

“Alchemy please,” he responded, scratching his head in confusion at the strange manner in which the voice spoke. Was this the high priestess the paper spoke about?

“Alchemy, an excellent choice! I bless upon thee, oh disciple, the gift of alchemic sight! Oh, and I highly suggest you purchase any books marked with a nine tailed Kitsune.” 

“I shall! I will buy them all!” He vowed, as he gazed around at the golden lights that were filling his vision. Eyes settling on his stall, he saw each of the vials he’d laid out also pulsed faintly with light, and reached out to touch one with a feeling of reverent awe. 

He’d been wrong. Today would not be a good day, because it was already a great one.