PIECE PROFILES

Astrol

As dusk passes into night, Astrol clutches his robes tightly to him and ascends the steep, stone stairs into his roofless tower. For years he has awaited this moment. In an ancient alchemy book it is written that only on this evening will the secrets of the stars reveal themselves to those with true desire for learning and knowledge. It is cold and dark as the keen old face stares hopefully yet fearfully into the midnight sky. . .what if the spell does not work?

Slowly Astrol lifts his staff and mutters a well-rehearsed incantation. Far away, an owl cries, and a chill wind blows the ragged clouds aside to reveal the dazzling light of the moon and stars. His waiting over, he stares in wonder as the knowledge of the heavens is made clear to him at last.

The piece on this page belongs to collector Alastair Dunning