As soon as the receptionist left, the painter in red robs waved casually and two chairs appeared out of nowhere behind him a few paces in front of George. The painter stood and gestured for George to join him on the chairs. The startled George did not utter a word as he walked softly to one of the chairs.
"Good to see you, George. You look more elegant in person." As soon as they were both seated, the painter smiled, extending his right hand for greetings. He was a slender young man in his early twenties. He was not particularly good-looking but his smile was charming. His demeanor was simple and welcoming.
"You flatter me but thanks and good to see you too. I did not know wish painters possessed magic to do what you just did." George directed a curious gaze at the painter.
"Well, wish painting is a magical skill in itself. It should not be surprising to see any wish painter use magic of any form, would you like a cup of tea?"
George was just about to respond when two nicely crafted wooden stools appeared before each of them. On top of each stool were a cup and a teapot. The teapots exuded white smokes from their spouts effusing the fragrance of the tea. This brought forth George's appetite, prompting him to pour himself a cup.
"From the stories I have heard, Noya is ever full of talents, some incredible than myself. Why should you seek me, Memory Photographer?" After they had their cups half empty, the painter put his on the stool and asked without emotion.
"Gilbert," George smiled temporarily ignoring the question, "What exactly does your magic do?"
"Well," Gilbert sighed before explaining with a shrug, "People offer their wishes, I paint their wishes using a drop of their blood and once they take a glance at the paintings, they wallow in their wish for a few seconds before the paintings are crushed to dust."
"Is that all?" George frowned, hardly believing what Gilbert had just said.
"That is basically it. Of course the paintings crush only after ten uses but everything else is as I have told you."
"Like I told you over the phone, I am a memory photographer and my magic works more or less the same as yours. I have an art gallery in Noya. It is visited by myriad of people in a single day most of which are as talented as we are. The reason why I come is to invite you over. You could make more money there and you could meet people, people who can help your skills grow to unimaginable heights."
"I cannot go with you, George." Gilbert shook his head apologetically, "Apart from being a wish painter, I am also the head of my clan, only a true wish painter can be the head. I am the only wish painter left; I cannot leave."
"What do you mean by 'I am the only wish painter left'?"
"Well, about fifteen years ago, when I was a young boy, the then clan head accidentally offended a powerful sorcerer. The irate sorcerer ended up killing our clan members with spells. His action purged those with this gift. I had to be hidden by some elders so that the last one would not be killed." George narrated sorrowfully.
"I am sorry for your loss, what did your people do to stop the sorcerer?"
"Nothing, as soon as he had his fill, he just let us be."
"Have you ever thought of making him pay for what he did?"
"We have a prophecy. The sorcerer would be killed by a man. This man will also bestow upon us that which we had lost. He is also the only person that can take me out of Truetown."
George filled his cup before taking a long sip. His face showed a little disappointment as he returned the cup to the stool. Tapping his thighs slightly, he asked, "How will you know that he will be the man in your prophecy?"
"I will, the answer is a little complicated, I am sorry?" Gilbert clasped his hands.
"Then I am glad I made this trip, at least I met a wish painter. When I come back, I will have my wish painted." George gulped all the contents of his cup before rising to leave.
"You are my guest; you should at least stay for a night."
"No, I have to go back to Noya. I was to meet Eddie today and very early in the morning tomorrow, he will be making his painting. I cannot miss that event, although it happens every two days."
"Who is Eddie and why is his painting so special to you?" Gilberts knew better than to ask but he was human, a creature susceptible to curiosity.
"Eddie is a spirit painter and also the co-owner of Noya Art Gallery…are you okay?"
George was in the midst of his explanation when he noticed Gilbert had long stopped listening to him and was looking at him with a shocked expression. He was so shocked that his mouth and eyes decided to be widely open. When he recovered, he stood and only said, "I will go with you."
"What made you change your mind?" George asked, his eyes wide in confusion.
"I would like to see for myself a spirit painter work with my own eyes. After all, he could be the only sprit painter in the world." Gilbert explained with eyes lightened up.
"So, do you have to go back to your clan to say goodbye or pick a few things for your journey?"
"I have to let them know of course. As for what I will need, my wish lamp and magic brush will be enough."
"What are those?"
Gilbert explained excitedly what the wish lamp and magic brush were. George could not help but be astounded at the sound of what they could do. After Gilbert issued instructions to everyone in the shop, they boarded his flying car and they flew to his home. However, he did not really tell George the real reason why he wanted to see the spirit painter. Otherwise, George would have received the greatest shock of his life.