Chapter 1

To those who have tasted me upon your tongues, remember my flavour. I may be knowledge or an element yet you worship me still. Your need for me, your compulsion swells and twists from just one taste. The draught that glitter in your hand. See it shimmer. See it shine. Drink me. Feel me as I dance down your throat. Indulge in me.

There was once a man. A man who was simply a king. He lusted for me. I was his vice, his evil, his fortune. I had him in the palm of my hand, dancing. He danced, a silly little dance, to the tune of his desires and his greed. I watched him twirl about merrily. The tune soon grew louder and louder, his greed drowning everything. He made a wish to the gods for more. More fortune, more riches. Poor poor Midas, wretched little Midas. My hands became his and his world turned into riches with every touch. (And they say what a rich man wants is nothing.) He had what he wanted but not what he needed. His precious wine and bread became encased in my beguiling beauty. He passed not long after. Starved and dry surrounded by immeasurable wealth and fruits he could not eat. Nothing had changed.

Tell me, what has changed? Tell me, is it the simple things in life? Are they parts of days gone by? Or simply small nothings spoken in our daily lives. Tell me the story, sing me the song of what once was and will be. Tell me the reason for all that has happened. Time and time again. I am still a source of desire. I decorate museums and dress old buildings. I am stored away. I am stolen. Fought over. Killed over. I am your pain, your suffering. An addiction. Come closer, let me see you. Let me feel you. Watch me drag my fingers down your arms and the goosebumps rise to attention. Follow me as I drag you into a never ending cycle of want. Those who dream of fortune, be warned. I am both a blessing and curse. I am everywhere.

You see, I am there when you buy your bread and butter. I am the reward for a hard day’s work. I am a fortune.

I am gold.

Yet my story is not finished. I am money, I am wealth. I am part of your desire. No one is safe from me. Some may want me, some may need me. Others hate me whilst some love me. But I cannot be controlled. Try as you may, I will haunt some and be the downfall of many. Like greedy King Midas. He could not have a taste of his food nor water for it had become gold.

Do see me for what I am, a simple piece of rock beneath the sand. Dig me up and use me wisely. My beauty attracts the eyes of many. Guard me well. Though sometimes I am likened to knowledge and people. It is my physical form that should be feared.

Those who lust for me, beware the taste that I will leave. It will imprint itself upon your tongue and melt in your brain as a drive, a desire for material gain. Do not wish for me. I am everywhere. My presence lingers in the air. I can cause many to do what they should not. I can take the life of mortals though not intentionally.

Beware my spell, my worth, my beauty.

I am gold, wealth, and desire.

Drink me, if you dare.