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The colors swirl slowly throughout the small glass-like sphere. As he continues to gaze at the movement, Strax fails to notice as his young apprentice, Malri approaches, and sits opposite to him at the small, wooden table. "Have you found out what it does yet, Sir?" Looking up with a start, Strax exclaims "Malri! Don't do that! My old heart can't take surprises from within my own camp . . . from my own apprentice . . ." "Sorry, Sir. I just wondered if you've figured out what the orb does yet? The other apprentices, especially Ruscha* (*Pronounced "roo-shah", emphasis on "roo") have been very curious, as well . . ." Strax stares silently at his apprentice for a moment, before letting out a breath in a long sigh. "Malri, have I ever told you how old I am?" "Yes, Sir, quite often . . ." "No, I mean, specifically. Have I told you the number of years I've spent living upon this world?" "Err . . . No, Sir, I don't think you have . . ." "Nine-hundred, sixty-seven." The silence stretches from a moment of shock, into a minute of silent reflection. The silence is broken by nervous laughter. "Sir . . ." "Strax!" "Sir . . . Strax . . . you can't be serious . . . ?" "Oh, but I am, dear boy. Why else would I be out here searching for these orbs? I was there the last time they were brought to the front of this cosmic 'game' of life, over 900 years ago." Malri begins to back off, disbelieving, that the man who has been his teacher-no, more than a teacher-his friend is truly an Immortal. As if reading that very thought, Strax continues: "No, I'm not immortal. My longevity is a gift. The only thing I have left from a dear friend. A man still known to this very day . . . Celec Shadowstar . . ." Forgetting himself, Malri exclaims "Shadowstar?!? The Shadowstar? From the legends?" "Pthah. People don't give the man justice. He wasn't a savior of the world. He was a young man (we were all young back then), trying to survive in a world gone horribly wrong. The events that would propel him, above the others to the status of a legend occurred over the course of several years. But first and foremost, Celec was a dear friend. Celec, Tarah, Stump, and myself banded together under the tutelage of Grehdalf, in those early days . . ." Strax pauses, his eyes focusing on his students, who have all gathered around, eager to hear what he has to say. "Bah! The ramblings of an old man. My life has been long, but we have much work to do, so let's not waste any more time . . ." Strax stands up, feeling every year of his age, as he looks over the small assemblage of students. From Malri to Ruscha, to Grehdehn and Derys, as well as several newer students, none budge. "What are you waiting for? Serah, have you found anything about the other orb that was said to have been discovered here during the battle of Gygorde's Pass?" Staring back, Serah patiently explains: "Sir, Strax, according to the texts we have, that orb was said to have been the main weapon of Kalic, Gygorde's half-brother, and lost during the battle. The orb could be anywhere. Carried off by anyone, an ogre, goblin, a bird . . ." "I see. And none of you have found anything else to contradict this?" The answer is comprised of silent nods. Muttering to himself, Strax continues: ". . . and I suppose I have been working all of you pretty hard." Looking at Malri, Strax calmly proclaims "You may all have the day off. Go, have fun. Be back here tomorrow at sunrise! Go on! Out with you all!" The last was exlaimed, because not a student budged. All stand silently, looking at their teacher. Finally, Malri speaks for the group. "Sir, will you tell us about Celec? About when you were our age? What was the world like? What were people like? Is this orb one of the Six...the Orbs of Power? . . ." Sitting down once more, feeling more than hearing the creak of wood as the chair re-adjusts to his weight, Strax states simply: "So many questions, from those so young. It's no wonder you're the best. Pull up close, everyone. This is a long story. It was the beginning of my 19th summer season. Little did I know that before the summer's end, much of the world would be at war, one of my friends would be dead, and another would be the living martyr propelling the human/dwarven alliance to new heights of conquest. The only chance at stopping the war and returning peace to the land lay in the possession of four orbs, each of tremendous power. Each was itself a formidable weapon. United under one mind, the power they granted was greater than that of the greatest mage to ever walk this world!" Leaning back, closing his eyes, Strax lets the memories overtake him, and his voice changes. The tinge of old age always heard disappeared, and even the wrinkles on his face seem to change, disappearing. When he speaks again, it is as if a totally different person was among the young men and women of the Academy of Learning and Controlling the Magics. "You asked for a story. A story I myself have lived. I now will pass this on to you, the New Generation. I give you the story of the return of magic to the world. Of the rise and fall of the dwarven empire, and the emergence of the elves from their forest hideaways. I give you the story that gave the Dark Sea its name. The tale that propelled my dear friend, Celec Shadowstar into the common light as a savior of the world." Opening his eyes, Strax feels a breeze rustle his robes as he looks excitedly upon his students. "I give you . . . the Orbquest!"
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