Chapter Text
It was the early hours of the morning.
The night had been beset by a most thunderous storm during the wee hours; the rain beating against the roof of the cottage in a heavy shower.
The storm had since abated. The distant echoes of thunder yet boomed in the distance; but the rain had settled, and the clouds had begun to clear away. The dark skies above had only begun to make that slow, subtle change to a lighter blue as day drew nearer.
The golden rays of the sun had yet to peak out from over the horizon. But the air was already filled with birdsong over the soft plip-plops of water dripping down from the trees onto the forest ground below. A pleasant chill hung in the air, along with a most pleasant fragrance of pine and moistened earth.
It was an otherwise peaceful morning that followed the midnight storm. But Carolinus had found himself in a state of great unrest, for his nightmares had not yet abated…
It had been some time since the defeat of the Red Wizard Ommadon.
Mankind had reached a crossroad between a world of magic, or a world of science, with man choosing to embrace science over the wonders of magic.
It was at this time that Carolinus, the Green Wizard of nature's realm, saw fit to hold a summit at the Temple of all Antiquity with his three brothers: the Blue Wizard Solarius, Lord of the Depths and the Heights; the Golden Wizard Lo Tae Shao, Lord of Transcendence, Healing, and Contemplation; and the Red Wizard Ommadon, Lord of the Devil's Domain.
As man came to accept science and logic, the magical power of the wizards grew dim.
The dawning of the age of science was inevitable. And as the age of logic waxed, the age of enchantment waned.
Carolinus, wishing to preserve the wonders of the enchanted world, proposed the creation of the Last Realm of Magic: a place divorced from the modern world, where all things of the enchanted world could thrive, free, and unencumbered.
Sealed off from the rest of the world, and protected by the mists of invisibility. No one on the outside could enter its boundaries, save for the length of a dream, or a flash of inspiration.
The Last Realm of Magic would ever remain beyond the reach of man. Yet it would forever, too, remain a part of man's world.
“If man was ever to surmount the insurmountable, there must always be magic to inspire him,” Carolinus had reasoned.
“The world needs magic. Magic cannot die.”
It was a sound proposition that earned the approval of the other wizards.
Save one.
While Solarius and Lo Tae Shao expressed a cheerful willingness to aid Carolinus in his endeavor of creating this magical sanctuary world, Ommadon stood in most bitter opposition, for he had seen Carolinus’ proposition as a sign of great weakness; an act of cowardice on part of the other wizards, that they would so choose to yield and cede to the era of science and logic.
Ommadon wanted no part in Carolinus’ plan; for he had a most wicked scheme of his own.
“I have weapons you would not dare use. Fear rules men.”
Of the four wizards, Ommadon was, himself, most cruel of heart. And the vision laid out as a counter to Carolinus’ own was one of a dark nature, for Ommadon’s intentions were to tease out the worst impulses of mankind, and tempt man down the road of greed and strife. It was his wish to show man what ruin science and logic was capable of, so that man would one day destroy himself.
“While your powers die, mine will flourish. Man will never inherit my domain, for I am making man mine!”
With dark determination he had sworn. And with devilish ambitions made known, the red wizard bade the wizards a grim farewell.
The other three, appalled by Ommadon’s intentions, could not abide such a wicked vow.
And Carolinus thought then to inspire a quest, to steal away the Red Crown of Ommadon, the source of all his dark powers.
Three champions were chosen to undertake that sacred mission: the gallant knight, Sir Orrin Neville-Smythe; Gorbash, youngest of Carolinus’ draconic familiars; and one whom Antiquity so chose to lead.
Plucked from the modern world came Peter Dickenson, a man of science, but whose heart was full of passion for the magical wonders of the enchanted world.
No quest was without its trials and tribulations. For Ommadon, too, learned of that sacred mission, and had taken measures of his own to hinder the champions of Carolinus.
Many adversaries did he send forth: from sandmurks, ogres, and worms… And a flight of dragons to protect his crown, led by Ommadon’s own familiar, Bryagh.
But for every challenge set by the red wizard, there were yet more heroes who would join the champions of Carolinus, and take up arms against the red wizard: from the wolf Aragh, to Giles, elf of the treetops, Danielle of the woodlands, and the eldest of the two dragons of Carolinus: Smrgol(the circumstances that led to Smrgol joining the quest was a topic of great embarrassment for Carolinus even unto this very day!).
Eventually, it had all culminated in a confrontation between Peter Dickenson, and the red wizard himself.
Many grand boasts did Ommadon make; gathering the sum total of all the worlds evil unto his own self, creating a form most terrible to behold.
“I can do anything. Test me! I can reach up and pluck down the sun!”
But for each fantastic claim, they were each of them dismissed, for Peter’s logic proved stronger than Ommadon’s dark magic; and the red wizard succumbed to Peter’s words of science, logic, and truth, left as little more than ash and dust in the wind…
And what’s more, all those who had perished on the quest were granted another chance at life following the defeat of the red wizard.
But it was not without cost; for in order to defeat Ommadon, Peter himself had to deny all magic. Thus was he barred from the enchanted world.
Yet, for his heroic deed, his heart remained touched by magic.
Ever would there be a part of the enchanted world that would remain with him; for the princess Melisande, whom Carolinus had taken under his wing and raised as though she were his own daughter, had expressed a wish to join Peter in the modern world.
Though Carolinus’ heart ached most greatly, for such a parting would be final. But it was what Melisande wanted; and it was a way for which science and magic could remain connected, in some small fashion.
And so it was, that the mists of invisibility separated the worlds of magic and science from one another. And for all time hence, neither could interfere with the other. For the modern world would never fall under threat of another being like Ommadon(should there ever be another like him; but how could there be?). And neither would the enchanted world be disrupted by the pursuits of mankind.
It was a bittersweet ending for the tale…
But, it was not the Happily Ever After Carolinus had hoped for. For though the enchanted world was kept safe by the mists of invisibility, curiosity would, at times, gain the upper hand on the green wizard. And he would peer through his crystal ball at the happenings of the modern world.
Mankind had come a long way; and every day, man would take another step forward on the road of discovery and invention. From powering their modern devices with the light of the sun, to the creation of medicines that could ameliorate afflictions once thought incurable.
… But, for all the advancements in technology and medicine, man remained ever beset by great roadblocks. Strife remained a persistent mark on the spirit of man, manifest in the form of prejudice and corporate greed.
Medicine that could be used to save lives, kept beyond the reach of those most in need of it in the name of ‘profit’.
Artwork, and stories. Things that man had long poured their love and passion into for ages, now fed into machines, regurgitated as soulless imitations; and corporations hail this as ‘innovation’ as man is deprived of his imagination.
Authors whose stories once inspired the readers and filled their hearts with hope, now turn to using their fame and fortune to fund laws made to censor and oppress.
People whose homes were destroyed; whose backs had been forced against a wall, driven to a point of starvation, with nowhere to turn… And for what?
Human lives were treated as expendable.
Nostalgia was a thing weaponized for profit and war.
People who were meant to lead and keep the peace are instead using that power and influence for their own selfish gain.
Man no longer looks to the moon with wonder, but with the thought of personal gain. ‘What resources could we harvest from so far beyond?’
It was exhausting, seeing how man turned against one another. How so many had their lives uprooted by forces beyond their control. How so many had perished so needlessly…
So deeply was Carolinus’ despair, that he had cast down his crystal ball, for he could no longer bear to stand witness to such avarice and greed…
It had been a little over a month since he had last pondered his orb, for the crystal ball had cracked when it fell upon the floor, leaving him blind to the happenings of the modern world. For better, or for worse.
But the visions he gleamed troubled him deeply.
His heart, gripped by a terrible melancholy; the malaise tormented him in his sleep, stirring within his mind memories: the parting words of the red wizard Ommadon on their last meeting at the Temple of all Antiquity.
“Can you not feel the world turning in my direction already?”
The words festered in his mind.
Carolinus had not managed a good night's rest since, his dreams conjuring forth images most terrible, made exaggerated by last night’s storm.
The words festered in his mind, conjuring forth images most terrible, exaggerated by the loud booming of last night’s thunder.
And though Carolinus dreaded thinking it, he could not help but wonder:
‘... Was the quest all for naught? Were we all too late in stopping Ommadon?’
Knock-Knock-Knock.
There was a heavy tap on the door.
“Who is it?” asked the old wizard.
“It’s Smrgol.”
‘Ahh, Smrgol…’
Carolinus felt a certain sense of ease in that moment, hearing the familiar voice of the old dragon.
“You may come in.”
The door creaked open. The old dragon, with scales of earthy browns and reds, poked his head through the door, flicking his serpentine tongue to scent the air.
“How do you fare?” Asked the old dragon, passing through the large door; his tail curling around the handle and shutting the door behind him.
“Mm… Dismally, if I am to be honest,” said Carolinus, flinching as he made to stand up, old bones creaking as he stretched his body.
“If you hadn’t said so yourself, then your old bones would have spoken it plainly for you,” said the dragon as he drew closer, his words spoken half in jest, and half in concern. It wasn’t until the dragon drew closer, lowering his head closer toward Carolinus that all manner of levity faded.
“As would the dark circles ‘neath your eyes… Good heavens you look horrible… Haven’t you had a moment’s rest?”
“Not as much as I’d have hoped,” said Carolinus.
“The nightmares have not abated.”
“Ahh, still hounded by your night terrors?”
The old wizard paused for a moment as he drew in a deep breath, walking toward one of the windows of the cottage and opening its shutters. By this time, the sun had risen, and its rays now shined through the open window.
‘It was a beautiful morning,’ thought Carolinus. And it pained him that it did not bring him such peace of mind that it normally does...
“Your visit is unexpected, but not unwelcome… Tell me, did you happen to see a carriage on your flight here?”
The old dragon sat, humming in thought, before shaking his head. Carolinus nodded his head in understanding.
“I’m hoping the rain didn’t slow her down.”
“Her?”
“The pamphlet is on the table,” said Carolinus.
Smrgol, with a quirk of the brow, brought his head over to the table to inspect the parchment laid out upon it.
It read: The Rose Garden, Potions and Remedies.
“Huh… For a moment I thought you were saying you had hired some midnight company for yourself.”
“SMRGOL!”
The old dragon let out a puff of smoke from his nostrils, chuckling lightly at Carolinus’ brief display of outrage.
“A jest old friend, merely meant to lighten the mood,” said Smrgol. Lowering his head, he brushed his snout lightly against Carolinus.
“Though I have found that having such company around is most favorable. Especially on nights when sleep is elusive, and the bite of old wounds sting once more.”
“Oh Smrgol, I haven't given thought to such relationships in ages, whether it be maidens or dragons,” said Carolinus, reaching out to rest his hand on old Smrgol's snout. “We each find comfort in different things. But I'm afraid these night terrors of mine cannot be warded off by a warm embrace and a kiss to the cheek…”
“So it is your belief that a potion might do?”
“Well, it is a hope,” said Carolinus.
“I had caught word of Ms. Thorne some months back… An up-and-coming alchemist who opened up shop just on the outskirts of a town not far from here. And from what I have gathered, she seems to have done quite well for herself.”
“The closest town that comes to mind is but a five day journey on foot. Nothing compared to the speed in which a dragon flies,” Smrgol mused aloud, letting forth a puff of smoke from his nostrils.
“Why not call upon me or Gorbash to whisk you there and back again?”
“The thought did cross my mind,” Carolinus started with a nod of his head.
“Alas, the sight of a dragon is sure to inspire fear in the townsfolk. Otherwise I would have called upon either you or Gorbash to take me there.”
“And these are the people who chose to remain in the enchanted world,” Smrgol mused aloud, with smoke yet billowing from his nostrils. His long tail came to a heavy thud behind him as a display of ire.
“You would think they would have grown accustomed to the sight of a dragon.”
Carolinus chuckled lightly at Smrgol’s words.
“I don’t think there’s anything that could properly prepare the normal man of the possibility of a dragon descending upon them,” said the old wizard.
“That aside, mans needs are inevitably to come into conflict with a dragons own…
Take gold for instance: in the every day life of man, gold is an item of commerce used in trade or business, where's a dragon will hoard mountains of it for its use as bedding…
Shepherds and farmers, who tend to their flock of sheep, their herd of cow, for the wool and milk they give. Chickens, and pigs too, who provide them with eggs and bacon…
Man will utilize horses and mules as a means of transportation. Meanwhile, all these different animals that I’ve mentioned are all part of a dragons diet.”
“You know, I never could figure out what difference there is between a man and a mule,” Smrgol started.
“They’re both asses.”
Carolinus turned his head and gave Smrgol a most disapproving glare.
“That’s not funny…”
A silence fell between dragon and wizard that seemed to linger for what seemed to be several minutes, before the first sound was heard: Smrgol let out a slight chuckle.
Carolinus remained silent. For a time. But as Smrgol’s chuckles grew in volume, Carolinus felt a subtle pull at the corners of his own mouth.
The dragon’s amusement was beginning to rub off on him. And when Smrgol broke out into laughter, Carolinus found his resolve to remain stoic had faltered. And the old wizard joined his winged companion in laughter.
It was much needed after all that time spent in melancholy.
But, as their laughter died down, Carolinus’ face turned somber once more as he pondered over his own words: mans needs are inevitably to come into conflict with a dragons own…
And in his mind he saw a dragon, very similar to Smrgol in appearance, but with a different air about him that evoked a certain dread.
The dragon he envisioned was of an ancient breed: larger, and far more ferocious than dear Smrgol, and looked as though he had flown from the deepest pits of hell itself.
With a body of ashen gray and black, an underbelly of deep crimson, and wings inlaid with stars. From his chin was a beard of black fur, the very same of which ran down the length of his spine, from the back of his head all the way down to the tip of his tail, ending in a great tuft.
Large tusks jutted from his lower jaw; long ears pointed back in a display of deep ire.
His face was of a light purple color which turned dark around the eyes, which could only be described as holding only the brightest and hottest of flame.
And as he looked down upon Carolinus, his eyes held only the deepest scorn.
“So what are we dragons to do? Starve?”
“... Carolinus? Carolinus?”
The old wizard was startled when, upon a sudden, he felt the clawed hand of Smrgol upon his shoulder, gripping him carefully, but sternly, steadying him as though he were beginning to fall. And with a breath, he gripped his head, feeling as though the world around him had begun to spin at a great speed that made it difficult to keep on his feet.
“Hum… For a moment I thought you were about ready to fall,” said Smrgol. And with a gentle brush of his snout against Carolinus’ back, he urged the wizard back to his chair to sit.
“I may have underestimated the extent of your weariness, old friend…”
“... Ahh, I would ask that you forgive me,” said Carolinus at last, bowing his head once he had found rest.
“Whatever for?” asked Smrgol, tilting his head with curiosity.
“... I may have brushed off your frustrations. And I wish to apologize. It was not my intent.”
“What, concerning the needs of man and dragon? Think nothing of it, there was no offense taken.”
Carolinus drew in another deep breath, laying himself back in his chair with his hands on his lap as he thought on how best to voice his own concerns on that same matter, for the needs of both man and dragon were an important thing.
‘How, then, can these two come to a compromise?’ Carolinus asked himself.
And he thought: ‘man could forego their consumption of meat, and live off of fruits and vegetables… But no, that would only lead to a strain on the environment around him. And focusing too much on one thing could potentially deprive other creatures of their own necessities… Man, by nature, needs a balanced diet of fruit, vegetables, and meat…’
“... I know that look, old friend.”
Smrgol’s voice broke Carolinus from his thoughts.
“That right there is the look of a wizard deep in thought: of one presented a puzzle to which the solution remains elusive.”
“I'm afraid you are quite right.”
Carolinus sighed heavily.
“It was my wish once, that the world of magic and science could exist as one; where man could embrace logic without compromise to the wonders of the enchanted world…
But with the progression of science came the dwindling of magic from the world. Thus came the need for the Last Realm of Magic, and the divorce from the world turned modern…
Mankind chose the world of science. But there were yet those who chose to remain here in the enchanted world, among dragons and fairies…
So then why does man remain at odds with the beasts of the enchanted world?”
“Mm… The way I see it, it is a feud no different from that between the wolf and the deer.”
“No, it is a matter much more complicated than that,” said Carolinus.
“Just as it was my wish once, for the worlds of magic and science to exist as one, so too is it my wish for man to live among the enchanted beings of this world, in that way where one side need not compromise the other. But it just…”
The old wizard drew in another deep breath. Frustration, and exasperation, mixed into a cauldron that brewed nothing but defeat.
“It… Just feels as though man is dogged by that shadow called conflict, whether it is in part due to things that are simply beyond mans control, or worse: brought about by mans own hand; and I wish that were not so.”
“My dear old friend, you trouble yourself too much on this matter,” said Smrgol, giving Carolinus another nudge on the head with his snout.
“It is my belief, no matter who you are, what you are, or from where you came: conflict is a thing that extends beyond man, and has existed since time immemorial…
For instance, not all wolf packs get along. And there are feuds even among us dragons, ranging over territory, or… Well. Potential mates.”
“Oh Smrgol…”
Carolinus looked to the dragon with an expression of embarrassment, reaching up and lightly pushing the dragon’s snout away. But still he looked up at the dragon with lingering concern.
“... You are careful out there, aren’t you? Many had fallen in their quest against Ommadon; but following his defeat, Antiquity granted each one of them another chance at life. You, too, were among those who had fallen, and granted life once more. But not youth.”
“... Again, I will say that you worry too much.”
And now it was Smrgol’s turn to look upon Carolinus with a hint of concern. The way the old wizard kept fretting over this, that, and the other thing…
His concern toward Smrgol’s own wellbeing…
His dismay over the conflicts man faces– or causes…
And his lack of a good night’s rest…
“... It is starting to make me worry.”
There was a pause then. The dragon taking the moment to seat himself beside Carolinus.
“If I am to take a guess,” the dragon started, his voice taking on a certain gentleness. “I would say you have something on your mind. Something that has been eating away at you. And you have been keeping it to yourself. To the best of your abilities. But it is beginning to take its toll.”
A brief pause followed, and the dragon reached out to rest his paw on Carolinus’ shoulder.
“I may not be able to remove this burden of yours in its entirety, but I can at least help shoulder it with you… If there is anything at all, please. You have my ear. As your familiar. And as your friend.”
“Thank you, Smrgol.”
The old wizard looked to the dragon with a warm smile, reaching his hand up and petting the dragon’s snout.
Carolinus was silent then, taking Smrgol’s words into consideration; for indeed, the dragon spoke true: there was a lot on his mind.
Visions gleamed from his crystal ball; the modern world disarray.
The words of the red wizard Ommadon, spoken so long ago; but Carolinus remembered them as though it were but yesterday, and how they seemed now to serve a grim prophecy of the path that man would walk.
“These dreams… These nightmares that have plagued me so… I've been seeing him again.”
“You speak of Ommadon?” Asked Smrgol, to which Carolinus nodded.
“I had been scrying through my crystal orb, glimpsing at the goings-on of the modern world,” Carolinus started, his expression turning sorrowful.
“Things have taken a tumultuous turn. From senseless war, and corrupt politicians. Men who sit upon vast mountains of wealth, far greater than any dragon that has ever lived. The very earth is torn apart for resources for the creation of machines that numb the creative mind, and man's capacity to think for himself…
When last I saw Ommadon, at the Temple of All Antiquity, it was his wish to tempt man down that dark path of self destruction. For you see, it was his belief that man would come to accept his magic, once man had been made witness to the destruction that science was capable of…”
“You are worried that Ommadon achieved his victory afterall.”
“Yes…”
Carolinus bowed his head.
“The modern world has fallen into the hands of bad people. And with the mists of invisibility separating this world from the modern world, I am powerless to do anything that could help man fight against this evil. I hate this feeling as though I’m… Sitting around like an old nanny and letting it happen.”
A sigh followed; and the green wizard looked to the dragon and said:
“… I would ask, and would hope that you would answer truthfully: Do you think I made the right choice? Do you think it was the right decision, separating this world from the modern world?”
“My friend, separating these worlds from one another might not have been what you wanted. But you did what you felt to be best for the both of them,” said Smrgol.
“True, there are those who do not look upon my kind with much fondness, and I shan’t deny that we are an imposing lot. But there are those among man who do get along quite well with dragonkind; and the same can be said for us dragons. Things aren’t so bad here. And as for the modern world, well, the night is long, but morning always comes. And if there is one thing that I learned from our quest all those years ago, it's that evil always meets its end. One way or another. And this, I answer true to my heart.”
True to the heart…
It may not have been the universal truth. But it was a truth nevertheless, as Smrgol so said. And Carolinus felt a sense of comfort in those words. A small comfort, but a comfort.
He smiled then.
“I have half a mind to seek an audience with Antiquity, and petition that the mantle of the Green Wizard be passed down onto you, for you speak with a wisdom that I find myself lacking.”
“D’oh, you give me far too much credit!”
Smrgol puffed a cloud of smoke from his nostrils, scrunching his nose at the very notion.
“Such responsibility is beyond even dragons. You yet possess a wisdom that I myself lack. Don’t put yourself down.”
Carolinus could not think of anything more to say. There was yet much on his mind, but he felt he expressed what he needed to get out. The weight was still there, but he felt it had lessened significantly.
“Smrgol, will you be staying for a while?” Asked Carolinus.
“For as long as I am needed, old friend,” answered Smrgol.
“That is good… While we are waiting for, would you mind bringing in a bucket of water from the well? I have some herbs that I can use to make tea… Ginseng, peppermint…
“Ginger and chamomile… Your favorites.”
“I’ll have a cup prepared for you, if you’d like?”
“My thanks, old friend. I will return before long.”
And with that, the dragon rose with a stretch, making his way to the door. And as Smrgol shut the door behind him, Carolinus stood up from his chair, and made his way to the kitchen.
He had an assortment of herbs stored in his cupboards: gifts from his brother and colleague, Lo Tae Shao.
Tea was not a particularly common amenity in this part of the Magical World where Carolinus called home. It was a special drink that came from the eastern realm of the Golden Wizard. With varying flavors that ranged from bitter, to pungent sweet; tea was a drink known for its aromatic scent, and medicinal properties.
A thing of science in and of itself, now that Carolinus thought about it. And as he gathered a small assortment of herbs together, he found himself smiling.
Man was, by nature, a creature of curiosity.
He had discovered fire, whether by fate or mere chance, and learned how to utilize that element. But what drove man to experiment with the environment around him? How did man discover, by soaking leaves in water, that he could brew tea?
Even in the world of magic, science still had a place of belonging.
Man learned to make tea.
Man learned to take the natural resources of the environment around him to create thread; and from thread came cloth. Man learned he could create houses from wood; learned to craft great ships to carry him across the sea. Man learned to navigate the sea by the position of stars…
Man had discovered a great deal of many things. But what was the driving force what led man to the discovery of these things in the first place?
These were things even man himself contemplated, with some claiming that they were each aided by some strange force beyond their understanding. But this was all mankind's accomplishment.
Perhaps it was inevitable that man would embrace science after all. For their history was one rich in science, though they did not know it at the time, and claimed their accomplishments to be the workings of magic.
It was a topic that fascinated Carolinus; and he and the other wizards could probably spend several days contemplating the history and nature of man. Though Ommadon would be loath to engage in such discussions…
He heard Smrgol’s return. The dragon carrying a bucket filled with water in his mouth, which was then placed down onto the nearby table. And Carolinus approached with a pot in hand, filling it with water as Smrgol turned to light the fireplace; and with pot in hand, Carolinus moved to set it over the fire until it came to a boil. And before long, the tea was ready.
Both wizard and dragon spent time discussing the latest happenings of the magical world, the good, and the bad.
Their conversations came to a pause when, upon a sudden, there was a knock on the door.
“Hello? Hello, is this the residence of Sir Carolinus?” A voice called out from outside. A young woman from the sound of it.
“Sir Carolinus?” Smrgol repeated the formality with a certain amusement; one that flustered Carolinus more than it should have.
“You know, that has a rather gallant ring to it, doesn't it?”
“Oh hush, it's just a formality… Yes! Yes, it is! The door is unlocked. Do come in!”
The door creaked open.
And stepping inside was a woman.
She wore a green dress, and bore a cloak of brown-red, with a hood draped over her head.
She had a particular scent about her; a variety of different smells that seemed to cling to the woman, from herbs, mushrooms, and fruits.
As she stepped inside, Carolinus noted that the woman wore gloves on each hand. No doubt it was in part due to her profession as an alchemist.
With her left, she used to push open the door; and in her right, she carried a basket which Carolinus noted held four bottles.
The sleeping draught, Carolinus reckoned.
“... Oh!” She exclaimed, her now free hand shooting up to her mouth as she stood wide-eyed, her gaze being drawn away from Carolinus, and up to the old dragon at his side.
“Have no fear young lass,” said Smrgol, puffing out a cloud of smoke from his nostrils.
“My maiden abducting days are long behind me.”
“Smrgol, don't be rude.”
Carolinus looked to the dragon with a scolding furrow of his brows before turning to the alchemist at his door.
“Please, don’t be intimidated by my friend,” said Carolinus as he made a move to stand.
“You must be Ms. Thorne. Step inside! You must be tired from the journey.”
The woman approached with her basket, setting it down upon the table.
She reached up and pulled down her hood, smoothing back her dark mulberry hair with a gloved hand.
Once more her attention was drawn to the dragon; and as she stared up at him, Smrgol stared right back.
It was clear in her eyes that the woman was taken aback by Smrgol’s presence; her eyes glimmering with awe, and a trace hint of fear.
“... Would you like a cup of tea? I have plenty and to spare,” asked Carolinus, both out of politeness, and as an attempt to ease the woman of her concerns.
It took a moment for the woman to process Carolinus offer, her attention so focused upon the old dragon that she had momentarily forgotten all about her client.
'She had never seen a dragon before. Or at least had never seen one up close and personal. It was little wonder that the woman was so intrigued by Smrgol,’ Carolinus mused quietly to himself, watching the alchemist with a quite intent.
“Oh… No, thank you,” she said at last, taking her gaze from the dragon for a moment to focus on the old wizard before her.
“I must apologize; I hadn't expected that you would have company. Much less company that was…”
“A dragon?”
Smrgol finished before the woman could. There was no ire in his voice; merely a friendly amusement.
“Yes… I have heard a great deal about your kind, sir…?”
“Smrgol, dear lady,” said the old dragon.
“Yes, I would imagine you’ve heard many a tale of my kind...
Man has described us as having scales like tenfold shields; with teeth like swords, and claws like spears. The shock of our tail is as swift as a bolt of thunder, and the beat of our wings can form great gusts of wind as strong as a hurricane. We dragons have laid low great warriors of old. We instill terror in the hearts of man, for to face our breath is sure to mean certain death.”
“You must have been a true force to be reckoned with,” said the alchemist, the fascination in her voice mingled with a hint of amusement.
“Indeed I was! Ahh, but I am old. You speak to a dragon, yes; but one who is living his life in retirement. And quite enjoying it, if I must say.”
The alchemist chuckled lightly at old Smrgol’s words.
“Indeed, folk have gone at great length, telling stories of dragons who are among the most nefarious of fiends. But so, too, have I heard stories of dragons with only the noblest of hearts,” said the alchemist.
“It would be remiss of me to say that I had not expected to meet a dragon this day, least ways one enjoying the comforts of retirement. But it is a tremendous honor.”
The dragon gave a blink, nodding his head with a deep chuffing sound.
The woman, turning her attention now to Carolinus, bowed her head.
“As it is a tremendous honor to finally meet you in person, Sir Carolinus.”
The green wizard held up his hand.
“Please, Carolinus will do.”
“Alright… Carolinus.”
With a nod of her head, the woman brought the basket forward.
“I have the potions you commissioned. Before going to bed, just take a small spoonful and mix it into your choice of water or milk. But don’t pour the entire contents in.”
“Elseways I might not wake up?”
“... Yes. The effects of sleep, when applied to potion brewing, can be very powerful. Dangerously so, if made by nefarious hands.”
Carolinus nodded his head.
Yes, he’s heard of such uses. Though it might not have been the original telling of the tale, he recalled the story of Snow White, and how the wicked queen soaked an apple into a cauldron of alchemically brewed poison. ‘The Sleeping Death’ it was called in one iteration of the tale, popularized by the widely beloved animation studio headed by Walt Disney. In the modern world…
“Is it safe to use?” asked Smrgol.
“It’s safe as long as he doesn’t take too much. You’ll know if the drink is too strong if you find it glowing violet. So remember that if you’re in a spot where you’ve lost count to how many spoons you’ve mixed in,” said the alchemist.
“Should that happen, just empty out and get another glass.”
'Too strong if glowing violet…’
The green wizard stroked his beard as he repeated the instructions in his mind.
‘Too strong if glowing violet…’
After giving it a bit of thought, Carolinus turned away from the alchemist to fetch his notebook, flipping through the pages(most of which consisted of a list of needed necessities), until finding a blank page. And reaching for his ink and quill, he scribbled down a quick note to himself:
SLEEPING DRAUGHT,
One spoonful in water or milk before bed.
DO NOT DRINK IF GLOWING VIOLET.
In truth, Carolinus would like to believe he wasn’t the forgetful sort.
But… There was that time when he had forgotten the correct incantation that could have transported Peter safely from the clutches of the devil-dragon Bryagh. And it was that particular blunder that led to the accidental merging of Peter and Gorbash: a man’s soul trapped in a dragon’s body.
‘Better safe than sorry,’ Carolinus thought to himself, before heading back to the alchemist.
“Now, as I mentioned before: potions of sleep are very powerful. A spoonful of that should give you a good night’s rest undisturbed.”
“How powerful is it?” Asked Smrgol.
“With just the one spoonful? Not even a hurricane could wake you,” said the alchemist.
“Furthermore, it will also help in repelling nightmares. Whatever they may be.”
“... My thanks,” said Carolinus.
Reaching for one of the bottles, the wizard looked the bottle over.
‘Fresh from the Rose Garden!’ read the label on the front.
Removing the cork, Carolinus held the bottle up to his nose, taking note of the fragrant scent of the concoction.
The potion carried a pleasant aroma; but as Carolinus inhaled the scent that wafted from the bottle, he felt a momentary wooziness that prompted him to set the bottle aside and cork it back up. He could tell just by the smell that the alchemist was not kidding when she said the draught was potent.
But there was something else about the potion. Something that struck Carolinus as awfully curious.
“Pardon me my curiosity, but, if you could humor me Ms. Thorne, but what exactly are the ingredients you used?” asked Carolinus.
The alchemist regarded the green wizard for a moment before answering.
“... Tangleweed and Goodberry,” answered the alchemist. And just then, a hint of concern flashed in her eyes.
“... Why? You aren’t… Allergic to any of the ingredients, are you?”
“Nono! I was merely curious!” said Carolinus, waving his hands in an effort to dismiss whatever concerns he may have imposed upon the woman by accident.
“As the Green Wizard of Nature’s Realm, you could say I have a certain inclination toward the professions that deal with nature’s bounty. But the names you mention do not sound like things that the normal man would dabble with.”
“... You’d be right,” said the alchemist.
“The ingredients I use in my craft, from the herbs to the mushrooms, the fruits, the vegetables. Even minerals. They’re not anything you’d find your local apothecary dealing with; and out in the world, they’re all highly elusive.”
“And yet you specialize in these elusive ingredients.”
The alchemist nodded her head.
“I get the occasional merchant passing by: herbalists, mushroomers, miners… It’s one way I stock up on inventory, provided I have the coin for their wares. It’s convenient to buy the ingredients whenever they drop by, but costly. Especially given the nature of these ingredients. The other way is by buying the seeds, and growing the ingredients myself.”
“And, given the nature of these ingredients, I reckon growing them yourself is no easy task?”
“Normally, no… The ingredients I use are all of a magical nature, and only ever grow under very specific conditions. Furthermore, they are also highly volatile if handled by careless or inexperienced hands. It’s why you don’t see many people dabbling with them. But when it comes to alchemy, it's magic in liquid form.”
Magic in liquid form…
The green wizard stroked his beard thoughtfully.
“So how do you do it?” asked Carolinus, genuinely curious.
“Magic nurtures magic,” said the alchemist.
“The garden where I grow my ingredients is enchanted… From what I’ve gathered, the cottage where I’ve set up shop was formerly home to a wizard – a grandmaster of alchemy. They cultivated this Enchanted Tree at the very heart of the garden, and it’s thanks to this tree that everything within the garden can grow outside of their regular conditions...
But no one knows what became of the previous owner. And by the time I came around, the cottage itself was in a state of disrepair, and the equipment down in the basement was blanketed with dust. So whoever the previous owner was, they’d been gone a very long time.”
The alchemist paused, crossing her arms as she regarded Carolinus with a slight tilt of her head before continuing:
“In fact, if I may be so bold, as you are the Green Wizard of Nature’s Realm, I was wondering if you might have been the previous occupant. or if you would, perhaps, know who the previous occupant was?”
“I’m afraid not. Nor would I know the identity of this other wizard,” answered Carolinus.
“I see…”
The alchemist nodded her head.
“... Are you looking for this wizard?” asked Carolinus.
“Not actively, but I keep my eyes open,” said the alchemist.
“At the most I've made inquiries, but no one knows anything… I guess you could chalk it up to a natural curiosity.”
“Wizards are an enigmatic folk,” said Smrgol.
“Exactly… You never know when they’ll just appear at your doorstep to whisk you off on an adventure. Or fall from the sky at random.”
“Why set up shop in this wizard’s cottage, if you are worried about the previous occupant coming back?” asked Carolinus, quirking his brow.
“Didn’t have the funds to set up shop in town,” the alchemist said with a shrug of her shoulders.
“As I said before: the cottage was abandoned. And in need of refurbishment. Whoever the previous occupant was, they hadn’t been home in a very long time, and it’s most likely that they aren’t coming back…
With that in mind, it was ultimately more convenient to take up residence and fix the place up on my own. Though I can’t say it was cheaper in the long run. There’s still a lot of things that need refurbishment, as well as some equipment that I've been saving up for…
All that aside, folk in the town were suspicious of me at the time, and weren’t as open to deal with a stranger – especially a wandering alchemist. Though I think they’ve since warmed up to me now after realizing I wasn’t just some witch…
It took a bit of time. But I think people are more apt to shop at my little establishment now.”
“So you got by in part due to word of mouth,” said Carolinus. And once more, the alchemist nodded her head.
“I’m impressed that word has managed to spread this far. But I won’t deny it makes me feel a little… Nervous.”
“What makes you say that?” asked Smrgol, tilting his head.
“Wouldn’t that mean more business for you, if more people heard tell about your shop?”
“Yes. And no.”
The alchemist crossed her arms.
“Of course more people will come as word spreads. And as the business thrives, so does the flow of gold. But with more people comes a higher demand; and with a higher demand comes a greater expectation. People want magic. And as I said before: alchemy is magic in liquid form…”
There was a pause then. And the alchemist shook her head.
“But what some people don’t take into consideration is that it is also a science.”
Carolinus quirked his brow in intrigue at the alchemists’ words.
“Please elaborate,” said the old wizard, clasping his hands. And for a moment the alchemist was silent as if in thought before she spoke.
“It’s a bit of a lengthy explanation, so bear with me please…”
In truth, Carolinus didn’t mind at all. And in fact, he found himself quite interested by what the alchemist had to say…
Reaching into her pocket, the alchemist withdrew a compass, and held it before the wizard.
“Firstly, how I see alchemy is that it’s like navigating by compass: you take your ingredients and sort them by element; then take the element, and sort them by direction. For instance: north is air, east is water, west is fire, south is earth.”
She then tilted the compass one direction and then the next, showing how the compass wheel moved in the direction opposite of where she held it down.
As Carolinus leaned forward, he noticed various symbols etched just above the letters that indicated direction.
“These ingredients you use,” Carolinus started.
“They are of an elemental nature.”
The alchemist nodded her head.
“I deal with a multitude of different potions that appeal to a variety of different people, from the local townsfolk to the wandering adventurer. People use my potions of fire as a substitute for people who've misplaced their flint, and my potions of frost can be used as a preservative to keep foodstuffs fresh longer. And both have their uses for enchanting weapons.”
“Well that sounds simple enough,” said Smrgol, puffing a cloud of smoke from his nostrils. And the alchemist nodded her head, before continuing.
“With more people comes higher demand; and with higher demand comes greater expectation,” the alchemist repeated.
“We’ll take a potion of healing as an example…
For instance, healing stands somewhere between east and south on the alchemical compass, so you’d need ingredients with the elemental qualities of earth and water. In the alchemical profession, healing potions are among the easiest potions to make, and possibly one of the first.”
“And most important,” added Carolinus, to which the alchemist nodded.
“But see, this is where things begin to get tricky because certain people come with very specific demands. So I try to make note of keeping different recipes on hand to accommodate my clientele.
For example, I have two recipes on hand: one recipe calls for one waterbloom and two terraria roots; the other calls for two lifeleafs.
My first customer comes in, and asks for a healing potion that is made with only one type of ingredient. So I provide them a potion of healing that was made with the two lifeleafs.
The next customer comes in and asks for the same thing, but specifies that they don’t want a potion made with lifeleaf. So I offer the potion made with waterbloom and terraria.”
“Are people really that picky when it comes to your potions??” asked Smrgol, quirking his brow at the woman’s explanation.
“Different people have different needs. Someone might be allergic to a certain ingredient. Other times, well… Other people simply don’t like the way an ingredient smells.”
“Oh! Picky!” the dragon huffed.
“Business is business, and I strive to bring what people want, whatever the reason,” said the alchemist with a shrug of her shoulders.
“Some people want potions of a particularly high quality while others want something more simple. I’ll also get the odd request now and again for something unusual, like potions that combine different effects all in one bottle. But again, that’s where things get tricky. Because you need to be mindful of what you’re brewing, because there are some elements that are incompatible with one another.”
“Like fire and frost?” said Carolinus.
“Precisely,” answered the alchemist.
“People will still demand potions made with a specific ingredient, and a certain amount of ingredients used. Sometimes I’ll get requests for potions of a specific effect made with ingredients of the opposite element. So I have to turn certain "requests down because I lack the skill and ingredients necessary to fulfil that order. Other times, it’s simply impossible to do.”
“Even when dealing with magic in liquid form, people have unrealistic expectations,” said Carolinus, to which the alchemist nodded her head once more.
“The complexity of requests only ever grows the more popular the Rose Garden gets. It’s a challenging profession, and it has its risks. But all that aside, it’s something I enjoy.”
“It’s certainly fascinating to listen to,” said Carolinus. And he smiled lightly.
“A profession where magic and science go hand in hand… When these two things oftentimes clash with one another, it’s refreshing to hear that there is a way where science and magic can work with synergy.”
“The wonders of magic are, themselves, a thing of science. And the workings of science is a thing of magic all of its own. They're meant to go hand-in-hand,” said the alchemist.
“You really do sound like Carolinus,” said the dragon. There was a brief smile on the alchemists face. But after a moment, she glanced to the window of the cottage, then turned back to the wizard.
“Well… In any case, I’m afraid I probably should make my way back home,” she said at last.
“It’s a five day journey, with a few stops at an inn or two for food and rest. And that’s when the weather is at its most agreeable.”
“Heavens, I really did keep you longer than I should have, didn’t I?”
The old wizard frowned then.
Turning away, Carolinus made his way to a table at the corner where he had set a pouch of coin for when the alchemist arrived. And making his way back, he offered the pouch to the alchemist, to which she graciously accepted.
“But you know,” the wizard started after a moment.
“I feel that it would be remiss of me not to ask, but wouldn't you prefer to spend the night here?”
“Oh… Well…”
“How far is the closest inn?”
The alchemist regarded both the wizard and the dragon for a moment more before she gave her answer.
“... Well… It's… Normally, it would have been a four hour ride. Six, thanks in part to the rain.”
The green wizard nodded his head.
“Please, I insist. You will be provided food and drink, and I have an extra bedroom upstairs for you to spend the night in.”
She was silent then, contemplating Carolinus' offer. And for a moment she turned, wandering to the window of the cottage and looking to the sky, making note of the position of the sun.
It was the afternoon…
‘... If I set out now… I'd still be out on the road when the sun sets, and the roads aren't safe after dark.’
“Well…”
The alchemist crossed her arms, gazing out the window a moment more before looking back to Carolinus with a nod of her head.
“Alright.”
“Then it's settled!”
Carolinus nodded his head with a smile.
“It's been a long time since I've last entertained a guest. Gorbash is sure to enjoy meeting new company–”
“Wait, Gorbash?” Asked the alchemist.
“Is that an orc?”
“No no, lass. Gorbash is a dragon much like myself.”
“Another dragon?”
The alchemist's eyes lit up as she looked between Smrgol and Carolinus.
“Meeting one is a privilege enough, but two? And to live to tell the tale?”
“Good heavens, you seem more ecstatic to meet dragons than the legendary green wizard, Carolinus,” the green wizard remarked with a hint of amusement in his voice.
“N-no offense to you of course, Sir– Carolinus…!”
“None taken, Ms. Thorne–”
“Rose.”
“Hm?”
“... My name. You can call me Rose, if you so wish.”
Rose Thorne…
Carolinus chuckled lightly.
In hindsight, perhaps he should have known that that would have been her first name, given the name of her shop.
The rest of the evening went by without a hitch.
The alchemist - Rose Thorne - was pleasant company, and was immensely pleased when Gorbash made his arrival.
Gorbash, too, was pleased to make a new acquaintance. For the beast had grown most lonely since Melisande’s departure.
Words were exchanged over dinner. As Rose had told the wizard and his dragons more about herself, Smrgol and Gorbash spoke more of the nature of dragons: how feeding on gemstones gave them their fire, and why they kept hoards of gold.
Carolinus also spoke at length regarding himself and his brothers; and how, as the green wizard of nature’s realm, he was the Lord of Nature’s Bounty, and the ever-changing seasons.
The alchemist listened with great fascination to all Carolinus had to say in regards to himself and his brothers, the blue wizard Solarius, and the golden wizard Lo Tae Shao.
But what Rose found curious was that Carolinus made no mention of the fourth and last of the wizard quartet during dinner. And as they were just about ready to retire for the night, Rose decided then to inquire about this fourth and final wizard.
“You said there were four wizards,” Rose started as she followed Carolinus up the stairs to the second floor.
“May I ask who the last one is, if it isn’t any bother?”
“Ahh… I neglected to speak of him during dinner,” said Carolinus. And Rose noted that his expression turned grim.
“The last of my brothers was the red wizard, Ommadon. Lord of the Devil’s Domain, and seducer of darkness. Master of that heartless magic the world calls black. From high atop the Loathly Tower, he ruled over the Realm of the Red Death with the devil-dragon Bryagh ever at his side. He prided himself on being the figurehead for all that is evil.”
“Sounds to me like he wasn’t that good of a person,” said Rose.
“Why keep someone like that in your wizards circle, if he truly was as evil as you say he is?”
There was a pause then as Carolinus considered Roses’ question, as well as a certain feeling of deja vu, for that very same question had been posed upon him by Princess Melisande so very long ago. And so he would give Rose the same answer he had given Melisande:
“As evil is a part of all things, evil is a part of our world of magic. For the irony of all existence is that good would be totally impotent without the contrast of evil…
You see, each of us were so ordained by Antiquity, and we were each of us tasked to maintain a balance to the world.”
“Whatever became of him?” asked Rose.
“He is gone now,” answered Carolinus.
“Ommadon was vanquished years ago… And as he had turned against his brethren, it is unlikely that he will ever return.”
“... Is there another?”
Carolinus paused as he considered Roses’ question, before shaking his head.
“As of the present, Antiquity has not seen fit to pass on the mantle of the red wizard onto another. So perhaps… The world has no further need of him?”
“I… See.”
And with that, nothing more was spoken of the red wizard. And each of them retired for the night.
Carolinus followed Roses’ instructions, taking one spoonful of the sleeping draught and stirring it in a glass of milk until it turned to a pastel shade of purple.
… There was a bit of uncertainty as Carolinus looked his glass over. But Rose had said not to drink it if it turned to a deep violet color. And it wasn’t glowing.
And so, with a shrug of his shoulders, he drank his pastel purple milk, and climbed into bed.
‘Hm…! Berry flavor!’ was the last thought that crossed his mind before falling asleep.
He awoke to the sound of birdsong the next morning. And Carolinus rose with a stretch and a yawn.
The old wizard nearly had himself a heart attack as he ventured downstairs to prepare a pot of tea when the greeting of ‘good morning!’ startled him; for so soundly had he slept that he had forgotten all about Rose’s visit the day before.
It was a good thing, for he slept the night free of nightmares. Carolinus had not felt more refreshed in a long while.
Carolinus treated Rose to a plate of eggs and bacon for breakfast, for she had quite the journey back home.
“You know, you should drop by the shop,” said Rose.
“Not as a customer, but as a friend.”
“I’m flattered for the invitation,” said Carolinus with a smile.
“But I’m afraid with these old bones of mine, it’d be too far of a journey.”
“Well, you’ve got dragons. You could fly on one of them,” Rose pointed out, looking past Carolinus and to the two dragons behind him.
“Yes, but wouldn’t that frighten the townsfolk?”
“The shop’s a good distance away that it shouldn’t pose a problem. Keep that in mind for the next time, won’t you?”
And so the alchemist turned, taking her seat up on the wagon.
With a bid of farewell, she urged her horse onward. And off they went…
“How did you fare during the night?” asked Smrgol to Carolinus.
“A night's rest undisturbed,” answered Carolinus as he made his way back to the cottage.
“She said I only needed to take a spoonful once, and that I should only resort to using the draught as needed.”
“Did she say how long the effects would last?”
“It was one of her best batches, so a month at most.”
“A month! Goodness, and she gave you four bottles. That draught will last you a long while then.”
“Yes, but… I’m wondering now if she priced her potions too cheaply?” Carolinus mused aloud.
“If you’re worried about having paid her too little, worry not. I gave her one of my old chalices,” said Smrgol, puffing a cloud of smoke.
“From your own hoard!? Goodness Smrgol, that was a generous thing of you!”
The old dragon chuckled.
“I figured a little charity on my part would do some good. I’ve still got gold a plenty, so what’s the difference of one chalice missing?”
Four days had passed now since the alchemist had departed. And the night was beset by a most rueful storm.
With brows beading with sweat, Carolinus stirred. From outside, the crack of thunder echoed loudly.
A great shadow loomed from outside, staring through the window with eyes of fiery orange.
A place hand came to rest on the glass, and the figure became momentarily illuminated by a flash of lightning.
A tusked maw, a large horn-tipped nose, and robes of red…
Carolinus awoke with a bolt as the glass shattered. But when he turned to the window, he saw only the shadow of the trees blowing in the wind.