It's a chemistry set, much like the one you had as a kid, though it looks older and a lot more elaborate, probably salvaged for a science lab somewhere when they upgraded their equipment. Remembering how much you loved that old chemistry set, you feel the urge to buy this one, your parents having taken the old one away from you after an incident involving a series of stink bombs during junior high.
Picking up the box containing the kit, you look around for somebody you could ask about the price, as the item's not labeled, though, being the only customer in the store so far as you can see, you're hoping to receive one of the free promotional purchases. Not seeing anyone in your immediate vicinity, you call out "Hello? Is there anyone in here who can help me?" A mere two seconds latter, the feeling of a hand clutching your shoulder causes you to jump, almost dropping the chemistry set and forcing you to fumble with it for a moment to avoid having it smash against the floor. Once you have your package secure you look back over your shoulder into the face of an old man with a bald head tattooed with strange symbols and a long white beard. His eyes look even older than the rest of him, having a sort of timeless quality that you can't quite place. He's also very tall, taller than you by at least a good six inches, dressed in crimson robes with a mesmerizing pattern, and carrying a long black cane, topped with an absurdly large green gemstone which simply has to be fake, as a rock that size would be literally priceless if it should happen to be real.
"Um, are you the owner by any chance?" you asked nervously, the old mans sudden appearance and strange clothing throwing you off more than a little, as both practically scream wizard, but of course that can't be, as there aren't any real wizards right?
"That I am young man. Feldan is my name, just like it says on the sign. I see that you have found an Alchemy kit to your liking, and are likely wondering how much to purchase it?" the old man stated more than inquired.
"Well, yes, but, don't you mean chemistry?" you corrected.
"Nay boy! I meant what I said and I said what I meant! What you hold in your hands a set of tools, elixirs and formulas dedicated to the practice of alchemy, a powerful discipline harnessing both science and sorcery to create marvelous potions and concoctions capable of all manner of wondrous feats, and should you desire to purchase it, you are most fortunate, as thanks to our special promotional deal and being one of our first ten customers, this wondrous item can be yours for a little bit of nothing!" the shopkeeper said with a smile.
While quite happy at being one of the customers to receive the stores special promotion, you can't help but stare at the man somewhat incredulously at the mention of magic, though, given what you've seen in this store already, you're not nearly so quick to dismiss his claims as you would normally be. Besides which, if it's really free, even if it turns out to be nothing but a box of useless junk you haven't really lost anything. Still, you can't help but ask. "Wait, sorcery? You mean stage magic, like card tricks and pulling a rabbit out of your hat, or....?"
"No, young mister Rayburn, I refer not to such charlatans trick, but to the ancient and powerful discipline of true sorcery as practiced by the ancients, an art all but lost to the modern world." the old man answers, seeming somewhat irritated at the mention of such "charlatans tricks" as he calls them. Then it hits you. You'd never introduced yourself, and you'd certainly never met this man before. With his colorful appearance you'd certainly remember, so how could he possibly know your name?!
"How did you.....?" you begin to inquire, only to be interrupted.
"How did I know your name you ask?" Haven't your figured it out by now my boy? It's quite simple really. I'm a wizard, a true one, and I know a great many things beyond the knowledge of lesser men, your name being but one of them. Now, if you still require further proof of my claims, then you merely need accept this gift and try it out for yourself. I'm sure you'll be most impressed with the results." the self proclaimed wizard said, gesturing casually towards chemistry, er, alchemy kit still cradled in your arms.
You were not prepared to argue the old mans claims, nor did you really want to, hoping instead that he was indeed telling the truth and the kit really was magic. Nodding your agreement, you said. "Alright, you've convinced me, I'll take the kit. Now, uh, could you show me the way out of here? I've kind of gotten a little lost wandering around in all these shelves." you said somewhat sheepishly.
"But of course." the old wizard said, chanting a few arcane words and making a couple of gestures, the world fading out of view around you for a moment before you suddenly find yourself standing once more in the mall proper just outside of where you had entered the shop, your purchase still clutched to your chest. You turn around, intending to both thank the shop keeper as well as asking him how the heck did he do that, but in place of the store front you're expecting, there's only a short space of blank wall between two other shops, the magic emporium and it's sign nowhere to be seen! The old guy was telling the truth! Suddenly far more excited than before, you hurry back to your apartment, eager to begin brewing wondrous potions to test on yourself and others. Arriving at your apartment a short while latter, you find that______________________?
View Portfolio
Visit Notebook
Send Gift Points
Awards
Badges
Send Email
Community Newsfeed
General Discussion
Sponsored Items
Book of Trinkets
Static Items
Books
Groups
Interactive Stories
Audio
Campfire Creatives
Community Notes
Crossword Puzzles
Documents
Folders
Images
In & Outs
Madlibs
Photo Albums
Polls
Product Reviews
Quizzes
Survey Forms
Web Pages
Word Searches
More by this author
