A Thief's Treasure Read Free Page B

said.
     
    “But I thought Rome was conquered by other countries?   And you’re that old?”
     
    “It wasn’t some other countries, that’s what we put in the books to get suspicions away from us.   We don’t want people to know so when something like that happens I can wipe people’s memories.   It’s important that we lay low.   That’s why Darren wasn’t able to leave as easily as we thought.   And as for the age thing, it all depends on the alchemist and if they can keep their life going.   I’m about a thousand years old but my wife is only 350.   Darren’s actually only 35 at the moment but he looks about your age because of his regeneration powers,” he replied.
     
    “That makes sense.   But what does any of this have to do with me?” I asked.   This was interesting and all, but I wasn’t getting the point and how I felt about everything.
     
    “You are the key to opening the tool to destroy these bad guys and wipe out black alchemy forever.   See you have powers that you might not know of, and I’m going to help you wake them up.   Your parents are both very strong alchemists and with your power you will be able to open up the Great Rune.   That is a stone that very few alchemists can read and if they do their enemies will perish in a bright light.   I wanted to tell you all this and ask if you’d join us.   I can take you to your parents if you want me to.   They have seen pictures of you from your foster parents, but it would be nice to pay them a visit.   We will train you and open up the power and together we will defeat them.   Are you willing to stay with us?   We’ll support you and you won’t have to be an intern at that museum anymore.   And we’ll also take care of your schooling with online classes.   Plus I know Darren would like someone more his age around,” he replied.
     
    I thought about it; were these guys telling the truth or were they going to kill me when I was the most vulnerable.   And were my parents really still alive?   It seemed almost too good to be true and I almost didn’t believe it.   Yet there was something telling me to trust him.   Even though it was a risk it was one I was willing to take.
     
    “I-I’ll do it,” I stated, “I’ll join you guys.   Just please be honest with everything.
     
    “I will Alyssa.   And we won’t kill you, don’t worry.   Remember we can all read minds and make sure to keep your thoughts clear in case if you want to keep something secret.   Now in regards to why we needed that vase, it was because it had a deadly enchantment that Karakan had personally put on it.   Normally we get a bit of notice and salvage it before its put in the museum, but this time we couldn’t due to the rush that was on it.   We also thought it was time to let you know about the truth.   I know it was wrong to kidnap you and I’m sorry, but it was for the best.   It had to be done,” he stated.
     
    “It’s fine.   I know you’re trying to save the alchemic world and the human world.   By the way, how many alchemists are there?” I asked.
     
    “We comprise about eight percent of the overall population.   We hide it well and most of them don’t even know.   About 15,000 of us are active alchemist,” he replied.
     
    “Wow, that’s crazy.”
     
    “Indeed.   Say why don’t we join Eliza and Darren in the library?   They’re performing a spell to seal the magic and then after we can have dinner.   Is that okay with you?” he asked sweetly.
     
    “Sure,” I replied.   He placed his hand on my shoulder and walked me over to the small door where Darren and Eliza were.   It was weird, but this man seemed like more of a father to me then my foster parents have been all my life.   Sure they loved and cared for me, but they seemed like they wanted me to do more and learn the truth.   I felt safe around these people, and I was curious as to what they had planned for me next.
     
    Chapter Four
     
    I