Song of the Alchemists (Alchemy 1)

by Atrahir ul Maulay

When the Council of Nine's court alchemist had to leave his station,

after a laboratory experiment that yielded detonation...

The word went out that the Foremost did want,

a new servant to mix his potions and brews.

But he declared he would only choose,

a fellow who knew the tricks and the tools.

The Foremost refused to hire on more fools.

After much deliberation, discussion, and debates,

the Foremost picked two well-learned candidates.

Afar al Aqra and Corben dan Berk,

an ambitious pair,

vied to prove which one was the best.

Said the Foremost, "There will be a test."

They went to a large chamber with herbs, gems, tomes,

pots, measuring cups, all under high crystalline domes.

"Make me a tonic that will make me invisible,"

laughed the Foremost in a tone some would call risible.

So Corben dan Berk and Afar al Aqra

began to work,

mincing herbs, mashing metal, refining strange oils,

cautiously setting their cauldrons to burbling boils,

each on his own, sending mixing bowls mixing,

sometimes peeking to see what each other was fixing.

After they had worked for nearly three-quarters of an hour,

both Afar al Aqra and Corben dan Berk winked at the other,

certain he won.

Said black Foremost, "Now you must taste the potions you've wraught,

take a spoon and sample it right from your pot."

Aqra vanished as his lips touched his brew,

but dan Berk tasted his and remained apparent in view.

"You think you mixed silver, blue diamonds, and yellow grass!"

The Foremost laughed, "Look up, al Aqra, up to the ceiling glass. The light falling makes the ingredients you choose

quite different hues."

"What do you get," asked the floating voice, bold,

"of a potion of red diamond, blue grass, and gold ?"

"By the One," said al Aqra, his face in a wince,

"I've made a potion to fortify my own intelligence."