2nd page:
Starquest [picture of planet's moon, i think Iopa or Triton or some other moon of Saturn or Jupiter]
Prologue
Tharban, the Great Lord, had never been as outraged as this. Both Rigelmen and Dârkor Alvermind had failed him, allowing Aquilia to send the child to Ėithilarn. Lucky for them, Rigelmen and Darkor would not be punished, only sent on another task.
Tharban unsheathed his dagger and balanced it on his finger. If the Alvermind and Rigelmen, the Wizard, were to get bait for Aquilia, she might get caught. Yet what use was she now? It was the child that mattered. Tharban's eyes glowed a dull red as he glared at the Phial. Ten thousand years ago, his father, Argalorn, had captured it and the Treasure, yet died in the Battle of the Great Shadow, leaving it to Tharban himself. Thinking of these memories gave Tharban;s stomach an unpleasant twist.
The Great Lord bolted upright. Had the Alvermind not said that the child would be a danger to him only when the stars fell? That would mean there was time, an extremely rare and essential element. Time, used for a plan.
The Treasure was no more than a small gem, sparkling and deep in color. If you put it in anything, it would give that special abilities. If put in a key, the key could open anything, even spells or mysteries. In a sword, the Treasure would make it unbeatable. It only worked in gold or silver. But something Tharban often wondered was: How would the Treasure help in random situations, such as his?
The Phial, however, was different. It held a number of things - wishes, dreams, even soulds. One could not tell if it was empty or full to the brim, unless they were experienced in scrying, like The Wizard Cepheus, or Tharban himself.
Tharban's thoughts were interrupted by a thud on the heavy iron door.
"Rigelmen?" asked Tharban, in a cold, commanding tone.
"Yes, Lord," replied the Wizard, opening the door. Rigelmen was lean and tall, handsome and elegant, yet dark and solemn, He was not the kind that would like failing his master. He was elder and vain, but he did have sense.
The Great Lord looked at him, scrutinizing him. He spoke slowly. "Am I right in saying that you and the Alvermind let Aquilia send the child?"
Rigelmen nodded. "Yes, Lord," he answered, bracing himself for the severe punishment.
Tharban smiled. "Well, you are lucky, Rigelmen. You are doing a special task."
Rigelmen's eyebrows raised in surprise. Which was a mistake, of course. Quickly he said, "Yes? What is it?"
"You are to capture the Queen Cassiopeia and her daughter, Andromeda. Not immediately. We have -" Tharban calculated, "- about 51 years. Oh, and send, for Dârkor. Tell him to prepare to make a magical golden brooch, with room for the Treasure. It must be real, and fit any size, and hollow."
Rigelmen nodded obediantly, not daring to ask about these strange inquiries. He left the chamber but before he closed the door, Tharban said, "And remember, my traitors are punished."
Rigelmen left. Tharban smiled, but not from happiness. He had a plan. A clever, evil plan.
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