Chapter 1 - The Puppeteer's Apprentice

Long, long ago, in a certain little village there lived a young boy. He was some thirteen years old. His name was Pedro.

Pedro was a small boy and not very strong, but his fingers were dexterous enough to astonish anyone. When he moved his whittling knife, wooden blocks would turn into birds and wonderful creatures as if by magic.

The boy spent his days with these crafts as his life.

One day, strange travelers came by the village. An old man with sharp eyes and a large man in black garb casually strolled into the general store whereupon their eyes were drawn to a wooden bird so cunningly carved that one could almost hear its wings beat the air. It was Pedro's latest creation.

After inquiring with the owner of the general store, the old man and his escort came upon the little house where Pedro lived. And the first words they had for him were...

'Prepare your things. We're leaving for the city!'

Pedro's eyes widened in shock at the order.

'What is this?' he cried. 'Who are you people, any...'

His eyes fell on the large man in black. Pedro's words caught in his throat.

The old man chuckled. 'Hm. So you DID notice. I thought you would.'

From the old man's fingers stretched transparent threads. He gestured and the black-garbed man bowed gracefully.

The immense man was a clockwork puppet.

'He is the 'Black Priest,' the old man said. 'My finest work.' His wrinkled face creased further as he smiled slyly.

He was the famous master Capri Oratoria, a puppeteer known throughout Weltluna.

Oratoria fixed Pedro with a beady eye. 'You could craft something even greater than this. Doesn't the mere thought excite you?'

No more words were needed. Tossing his carving knife into a sack, Pedro fixed his cap on his head and greeted his new master by saying farewell to his old home.