Book 1, Chapter One: Longing, Pages 29 and 30
“Is not yet done with this world.”
At this crisis of mortality, the Servant replies
with a polite cough, followed by
“My king, if I may advise?”
Alexander waves his hand in permission. “Speak.”
The Servant smiles, with a twinkle in his almond black eyes.
“There is indeed a cure for your troubles.
It is known by many names,
but in essence, we call it…
the Water of Life.”
Alexander looks at the old man in interest.
“Tell me more.”
The Servant is more than happy to explain.
“Ah, well.
It is a marvellous spring – wonder of wonders! –
found only in the Land of Darkness,
at the very end of the world.
Any soul blessed enough to discover
and ingest even one sip of its Water,
shall preserve their youth and live...
forever”