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The Price of Knowledge Dracula's Account
I had known the laboratory would possess a charm for my impressionable companion, something beyond the ordinary and bordering on the furthermost reaches of realism. Anticipation exuded from each movement as Kelantha swiftly placed the candelabra aside and took a turn about the room, absorbed by the materials before her. It was the result of years of researching and collecting the finest resources; a pursuit that had been highly discouraged and that I indulged nonetheless. he laboratory might indeed be curious, an odd mixture of elaborate supplies and some substances considered credulously unconventional, outdated in the eyes of the scientific world. That is where most failed to truly see, regarding valuable assets as medieval superstitions. Progress had done precious little for any lasting development in the modern world.
Intrigue led Kelantha to the tall cabinet. Its shelves and drawers were glanced over hurriedly; the neatly arranged glass containers beckoned within reach of her slight fingers, suspended just above the vials. One moment of hesitation dampened the glow in her eyes and resulted in both hands being folded demurely. She would not touch, only look at the chemicals before her with yearning but ultimate restraint. Several moments of this silent inspection passed before she asked me, in polite tones, if I would show her the resources. Willingly did I comply, advancing forward and removing both the mercury and the aqua regia from the shelf. Another of Flamel�s documents lay untouched by the drawer below, which Kelantha had been gazing at but made no reference to. With some prompting she was persuaded to examine it more closely, her reluctance at length overcome by irrepressible curiosity. The eccentric drawings and nearly heretical theories underwent her scrutiny, while I took a clean phial and began measuring�merely a few drops of mercury into aqua regia would suffice. The steadily increasing fascination of my guest interested me far more than the chemical trifle I had succeeded in many times.
�Is it possible?� Kelantha mused softly, wistfulness and skepticism taking equal hold of her voice, �an experiment we have no proof of ever having succeeded, and yet here is confirmation, written in Flamel�s own hand. April 1392 marked his breakthrough�could he have made gold?�
�That,� I began delicately, �would require the baser metal to transmute to the perfection of gold and conform to its number of atoms. Gold is not a compound. Therefore the idea of Flamel turning his half-pound of mercury into virgin gold��
�Is false,� Kelantha supplied flatly.
�Not entirely feasible,� I corrected, tucking the mercury away and replacing its container. �Still, there are many other marvels�given us new compounds, reactions. One can extract the precise element desired and replenish it at will. Would you care to experiment?�
The pause that followed lingered long enough to cause slight concern on my part. Hesitation was evident in Kelantha�s manner, particularly the questioning look in her eyes as she glanced at me silently.
With a faint smile I proceeded. �Yes, I quite agree with you. I err in keeping you so long: it darkens. I shall content myself with escorting you to your room and trusting the pleasure of your company will not long be withheld.�
Kelantha followed me through the corridors quietly, wrapped in a distraction of thought she interrupted only once to inquire if she might revisit any of the rooms at leisure.
�The library, perhaps?� I prompted knowingly. �You may spend your evening immersed in literature, if that is your wish. It is the guest�s privilege to move about freely.� Upon reaching her chamber I bade her good night, retreating only after the solitary figure disappeared through the doorway.
Re-entering the laboratory, I approached the cabinet directly and sought the phial. The mercury was where I had placed it, in contact with the aqua regia, though the heavy metallic drops were no longer dull and leaden, but luminous gold. It was the link alchemists lacked, an intelligence even Flamel alluded to but did not completely grasp. Transmutation is possible, mercury is changed into gold much in the same way a mortal life is shed for immortality. The expense of knowing is costly, one few are willing to pay. All things have their price.
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