PROLOGUE
There's someone at door, Master Lorenz, and he wishes to see you.
"Who is it?" A grumpy voice replied to the pixie at the door.
Let me clarify.
A few seconds later, it replied,
Chromosco Larabascas, courtier of Asfagus, as said by the caller.
"Ah," the man sighed. "About time too, let him in."
With pleasure.
There was a small creak, and the door opened, revealing a tall man with dark skin. He stepped into the clean living room.
"Hello, my old friend. How've you been?" the man named Chromosco spoke up, as he spotted Lorenz. Both men shook hands, and took their seats by the fire.
"I'm all well and healthy, bless the Phoenix," Lorenz replied, gazing at the orange tongues of the flame.
"I get your joke, old man," Chromosco retorted, laughing heartily. "It is the Phoenix who blesses its people."
"As much as I appreciate you that you sensed my humour, I would like to request you not to declare me 'old'."
"Take that as
my
sense of humour."
The pixie brought a tray laden with two cups of strong tea, and placed it on the small table covered with a floral tablecloth.
"Thankyou, Elda," Lorenz said to the pixie, who bowed deeply. "You may continue with your chores."
"So, my friend," Chromosco spoke up. "Missing your reign as revenue minister?"
"Ah, the good old days " Lorenz sighed, a small smile appeared on his tired face. "Fantastic."
There was silence as the men sipped tea.
"Lorenz," the visitor said, looking at his friend. "Why did you call me here? You had send a vulture."
"Ah," Lorenz sighed again, and his expression hardened. "The vultures can never be mistrusted. And yes, I had called you here for a very important reason."
"What do you mean?"
"Your butterfly days are over, mate. We need to get into business."
Chromosco let out a laugh. "Butterfly days? I do not recall the days I have spent without worrying about that precious burden."
"I'm afraid, Larabascas, that the precious burden has to be returned."
Chromosco's eyes widened in terror. "The coast is not safe, my friend. Ilyadors attacks are becoming more frequent. We cannot bring her to the light now."
"I am well aware, that the coast is not safe. In fact," Lorenz averted his eyes to the fire again. "It's about to get more dangerous."
"What in the name of the Phoenix do you mean?"
"I mean," Lorenz leaned forward, and reduced his voice to barely a whisper. "I mean, the King and Queen are alive."
Chromosco accidentally knocked down his cup of tea. It crashed to the floor, the sound echoing throughout the hall. Tears filled his eyes. "Lorenz?"
"Yes, my friend. It is time, to tell Asfagus the truth."
"But we can't - "
"It is time," Lorenz leaned back on his chair, his eyes never leaving the fire, its flames now a deep red, as if its gonna die out any second. "To retrieve the Princess from Earth."
The fire died out.
