The False Prince

07 | The Benefits Of Success

Dedicated to Absolutely_Positive for helping with the contest idea.

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Oliver didn't waste a moment of time. As soon as he had collected the final ingredient, he bustled quickly into the kitchen to brew his potion. Fortunately for the young wizard, there was already a large pot full of boiling water hanging in the hearth. The hot flames of the fire brought great succor from the cold, dismal rain pouring outside. Oliver threw all of the ingredients into the black cauldron and began to stir the mixture with a wooden spoon. Once the liquid had turned a bright teal colour, the witch's son used a ladle to pour it into several small flasks. Oliver chugged down one of the potions and put the repertory of remaining bottles into his satchel.

Suddenly, he felt a strange sensation rush down his spine. The sorcerer in training stole a glance at his face in the reflection of a metal bowl, only to realize that he now looked exactly like Prince Tabazan. Just after he had transformed, the real Tabazan walked into the kitchen.

"Ah!" The real Tabazan screamed in a not so manly voice when he saw his doppelganger.

"Don't worry." Spoke Oliver. "I'm you from the future."

"Wow, me, you look good."

"Thanks and goodbye." Oliver told him and snapped his fingers, causing the real prince to disappear in a puff of silver smoke.

All of a sudden, the young wizard realized why he was the only person in the room. Everyone else was having dinner in the banquet room. He sped through the hallway until he started to smell food. Then Oliver followed the scent to the long dinner table. Trying to act natural, he took the only empty seat, assuming that it was the prince's spot. In front of him, on the table, was the largest ensemble of forks Oliver had ever seen. All of his life, he had only eaten with one fork, so this was very new to him. The table was covered with every food imaginable. It was dreams come true.