A Sail of Innovation

Redfurd and Wilfeather have been friends and colleagues for many years. Both teaching classes at the college and engaging in private studies. Class had ended half an hour ago and there wouldn't be another session for the entire summer. Redfurd was going to visit Wilfeather so they could continue their studies.

Once Redfurd arrived at Wilfeathers office, he knocked on the door.

"Greetings Redfurd," Wilfeather answered. He wore a long white lab coat, with a teal shirt underneath and black slacks. His beard was shaggy and white, like his silky hair atop his head. "I'm glad you came today. The more time we have, the more we can do." His voice high pitch in nature.

"Yes, good friend," Spoke Redfurd, who wore a brown leather vest over his brown t-shirt and blue jeans. He had a bushy red beard and was bald. "How was your class today?" He asked with his deeper voice, entering the classroom so the two of them could sit and speak.

"Ah, the usual," Wilfeather answered. "Please, let us do away with these formalities and begin our work. The world's first flying machine will not invent itself!"

They worked for hours every day after their class studies, in hopes of inventing a ship that could fly. They drew concepts and blueprints on the chalkboard, making notes about physics and mechanics. They worked for at least a year before now, making hardly any progress.

"It seems to me that something is missing. I can't quite figure it out." Redfurd moaned

"It starts with your attitude!" Chirped Wilfeather.

They went to the school library in order to research any ancient rites of magic or artifacts that would cure their hopeless dead end. Many more days went on during the summer while they researched endlessly in the library for the answer to all their problems. Nothing ever came, of course until they found a book titled "The Hyperion Crystals."

"Look at this Redfurd!" Exclaimed the elder professor. "The Hyperion Crystals bestow upon their infused artifact incredible abilities! They've been none to allow invisibility, fire protection, water breathing, and flight!" Willfeather read from the book.

"Hmmm, very interesting. But does it say anything about where to find them? I heard they were only a myth."

Wilfeather flipped through the pages. "Look at this, there are some pages torn out!" They were at the end of the book. The only remains were the tattered pieces of paper toward the spine. "Someone must've taken them!"

"I don't think these crystals are real, and only a fool would go after them," Redfurd complained, signing through his Red facial hair.

"We have to at least try!"

"No."

The two men went to their abodes for the evening. In the morning the professor went to the market stalls located at the Arcane Arts Port. There he intended to search for any kind of information, either for purchase or bargain.

A sleek man dressed in black stood behind a wooden table. His left eye was gray and his right was green. A scar reached over his face over his gray eye. The two professors stood nearby, looking for someone who may help. Another common man approached the man in black.

"Do you have it?" He asked.

"I do," said the man in black. "But do you have payment?"

The commoner put a bag of gold on the table, and the man in black in exchange gave the commoner a map.

"Incredible. A map to Hyperion Island!" Said the commoner, rather loudly.

"Keep your voice down." Snarled the seller.

"Excuse me," Wilfeather heard the man and approached the two. "Did you say Hyperion Island?"

The man in black rolled his eyes. "Yes. And for the right price, I'll sell you the location."

"Who are you?" asked the professor.

"That isn't part of the deal."

"What's the price?"

"10,000 gold."

"I don't have that kind of money."

"No gold, no map."

"Can we work out a deal?"

"Unless you plan on taking me with you to Hyperion Island, then no."

"Okay, what say ye sail with me to the Island then?"

"Aye."

The professor went to the Malice home to inform him of the news.

To be continued...