You Become A Deeper Mystery

Demenik knocked on Doc Johnston's front door and smiled when the elder man opened it.

"Hello, Doc. You're dressed fancy today."

"Hi, Demenik. I am leaving for the Pits in a few minutes."

"I didn't know you went there."

"Are you keeping track of where I spend my time?"

Demenik shrugged. "Not really, but my network does like to mention when they see you out and about."

"No harm in that. My little spiders do the same with regards to you." He opened the door and stood to one side. "Come in. I have a treat for you to sample."

"If you are about to leave, I can come back later. I don't want to interrupt your day."

"Nonsense. I have time and have been excited to share this with you."

Doc Johnston led them into his sitting room. "Let me go prepare it. I had water boiling for another purpose, so it won't take long."

Demenik removed his jacket and walked to the bookshelf, retrieving a volume that he had been reading bit by bit during his visits. "Take your time. I'm at a very interesting part in this book."

The doctor returned five minutes later with a tray holding a pot and two cups. Demenik looked up and closed the book as the older man placed the tray on the small table between them.

"What have you got there?"

"It's called xai." He tipped the pot and poured a light purple liquid into both cups and handed one to Demenik.

"Xai? Never heard of it." He leaned close to the cup and sniffed the steam. "It smells wonderful?"

"A faraway land across the ocean."

"Which one?"

"Krandar."

Demenik frowned. "Our ships trade with Krandar. Why have I not heard of xai before now?"

The doc chuckled. "It is a very sacred drink. The penalty for sharing it with foreigners is death."

Demenik blew across the surface of his cup and then took a sip. His eyes widened and he smiled before taking another. "This is delicious."

"I thought you would enjoy it."

"Imagine if I could get this into my coffeehouses."

"I have." The doctor took a sip from his cup and smiled. "That is exactly why I am giving you a taste."

Demenik set the cup down. "You've found a way to get some?"

"Maybe. That's why I am off to the Pits today."

"Ah."

"I always keep my eye out for people from Krandar. It is rare for them to journey abroad, but every once in a while one will strike out and seek the Pits."

"It is said that they produce the world's fiercest warriors."

"Based on those who come to the Pits, I would have to agree with that reputation. Over a year ago, a Krandarian appeared and my network informed me. I have been building a relationship with him ever since. Even the best fighters are injured and require medical attention."

Demenik took another drink of xai and closed his eyes. "I've never tasted anything like it."

The doctor laughed. "I think that my relationship with the warrior has grown to where I can bring up this topic with him." He shrugged. "The odds are strong that he will not help me, but I must ask."

"If he does agree to help, you could profit an incredible amount."

The doctor nodded. "I feel very optimistic that Ricin will be agreeable to my proposal."

Demenik froze, the cup halfway to his lips. "His name is Ricin?"

"That's right. What's wrong, lad? You look troubled all of a sudden."

Demenik placed his cup on the table, the porcelain tinkling from the shaking of his hand. "Doc, this is going to sound very strange, but I need to go with you and meet this man."

"Don't worry, Demenik, I will be certain to cut you in on the profits, should Ricin be willing."

"It's not that." The boy took a breath and exhaled.

"What is it?"

"I remember names from my early childhood. Only a handful, but for some reason they are burned into my brain. When I hear of people with these names, I feel an overwhelming compulsion to meet them. It is almost as if some part of me is searching for these people. When I find the correct person, I know it right away."

The doctor frowned. "And Ricin is one of those names?"

Demenik nodded.

"Hmm." The doctor's frown deepened as he drank the remainder of his xai. "You become a deeper mystery as time passes."

Demenik blinked and remained silent.

"I intended to bring you in on the xai opportunity, so I see no reason for you not to accompany me."

"You don't need to include me in the xai business, Doc."

"Oh, please." He held one hand up. "Our lives and destinies have been intertwined since the day we met. For better or worse, our stars rise or fall together."

"I feel the same way."

"Wait a minute." The doctor's smile faded. "Is my name one of those implanted into your psyche?"

Demenik looked at the doctor and nodded.

"Fascinating." The doctor stood and retrieved an overcoat from a nearby sofa. "Well then, I guess we had better go meet Ricin."