QUEEN – You’re not as stupid as you make out to be, Fadrius! How crafty you are. You want someone else to get the MIRACLE for you. But remember the important thing is that all my wishes come true. Don’t waste the entire MIRACLE for the Kingdoms stupid affairs, so that nothing will be left for me.

FADRIUS – Don’t worry Your Majesty, If Gelo brings back the MIRACLE I will try to use it wisely.

QUEEN – Well then, call your apprentice. I personally want to see his departure.

Fadrius walks to the side and calls Gelo. Gelo walks in and humbly waits for further instructions.

FADRIUS – Gelo! You have a great privilege. I, as your teacher have chosen your test so that you can become a real Wizard. You’ll have a long and dangerous journey. There you will find a magical substance called the MIRACLE. With its help, one can achieve any magnificent magic.

GELO – (Excitedly) Even to make all of humanity happy?

FADRIUS – (Unhappy that he was interrupted) Perhaps, even that.

QUEEN – What nonsense! A good subject would want to make his Queen happy first.

FADRIUS – Your Majesty, that’s exactly what Gelo meant. (Talking to Gelo again) Here I have prepared instructions and extracts from old magical manuscripts. They will help you find the way and acquire the MIRACLE. (Gives him instructions and extracts) You must go straight away.

QUEEN – Yes, yes. I’m tired of waiting for my wishes to come true. I have too many of them. That’s why you should hurry.

GELO – Can I say goodbye to my fiancé?

FADRIUS – Your Majesty I think you would be magnanimous to let the young ones to have a kiss goodbye. In our Kingdom you never restricted anyone to love one another.

QUEEN – (Unhappy) You use my kindness so skillfully. Ok then – Say goodbye, but not too long. (Tired and coquettishly) Everybody knows how easy it is to get along with me. One just has to agree with me. Show me to my quarters, Fadrius.

Everybody walks off stage Fadrius and the Queen to one side and Gelo hurriedly goes to the other. There is a sound of a gong.

Music plays. Blackout.

Fadrius comes on stage. He turns over the hourglass symbolizing that some time has passed. Then sits at the table and shifts through some papers. Lizy takes the stage. Lizy appears shyly.

LIZY – Dear Wizard, can I ask you something.

FADRIUS – (Hides grin and pretends to be dissatisfied) I’m listening, Lizy. What’s the matter?

LIZY – Mr. Fadrius, It’s been a week since Gelo left. And I’m sick with worry! I don’t know what to do with myself…

FADRIUS – So what?! What do you want from me?

LIZY – Can you tell me in all honesty how dangerous his journey is?

FADRIUS – Very dangerous. I’m not even sure if he will be able to complete the task at hand.

LIZY – Then why did you send him on this horrific journey?!

FADRIUS – Well, Lizy it wasn’t me who sent him. He chose his own destiny. Gelo wants to become a real Wizard, a great Wizard. And because of this he will suffer many trials and tribulations. This is the first of many. And if you really do love him then you should know the truth.

LIZY – What truth?

FADRIUS – For example, every woman can achieve someone’s love, but that doesn’t mean that love will last forever.

LIZY – I don’t understand you…

FADRIUS – Just because a man tells his woman that he loves her, it doesn’t necessarily mean that he loves only her. For every intelligent, creative, energetic man his dedication and love for his work can be greater than his love for a woman. Not all women understand this. Some of these women are even stupid enough to be jealous of a man’s work. And in the end, they make themselves and their loved ones unhappy.