The Elixir of Long Life

By Vera Kryzhanovskaia and By the Spi... John W. Earl of Rochester

Rochester awakens our curiosity and converts it into truths, myths and legends of humanity.

The main theme is an elixir that gives those who drink eternal youth and tries to endure the pursuit of bad spirits and the need to learn to master natural phenomena through magic.

• Language: English
• Publisher: World Spiritist Institute
• Release date: Aug 20, 2023
• ISBN: 9781088267394

Book preview

CHAPTER I

On the outskirts of the city of London stood an old building, still solid and with a large garden. The house dated back to the time of Cromwell and retained the severe, puritanical appearance of that century.

On the third floor lived Dr. Ralph Morgan, as indicated by a small copper plaque over a dark, aged oak door. The doctor's apartment consisted of a vestibule, dining room, study, and bedroom. Each of these rooms, simple but comfortably furnished, had an advantage most precious to the resident - the windows overlooked the garden. The doctor loved the quiet and open air, preferring a long walk, even in bad weather, to the busy and noisy life in the city center, with its sad and gloomy-looking roofs and chimneys.

The August night was beautiful and calm, and the window of the house remained open. Under the light of a green lamp, sitting at a desk, the doctor was reading a thick volume with a cover worn by the years. Dr. Morgan, in his mid-thirties, could pass for a handsome man, were it not for the amazing thinness and pallor that marred his image. He was tall in stature, with thick brown hair with reddish highlights, and wore a short, slightly darker beard that framed a face of regular features. His large eyes, severe and thoughtful, were peculiarly colored: blue-grey in quiet hours and darker in moments of agitation. That look of extraordinary mobility immediately reflected the slightest inner feeling.

Everything in his office announced that Ralph was a studious, wise, and industrious man: the vast library, with shelves full of books, magazines, and brochures dealing not only with medicine but with all the other subjects touching on the various branches of human knowledge.

The doctor threw himself freely into his reading and personal work, for he had almost no clients, and derived his livelihood from a well-paid job in a sanatorium for the mentally ill.

This modest situation satisfied him since his delicate health forced him to lead a quiet and regular life, but the doctor used his free time to improve his already brilliant intelligence. It was not in vain that, day after day, he dwelt on an insoluble problem - madness.

The incessant contact with the incomprehensible evil, which escaped scientific research, impelled the doctor to tear the veil of mystery; but it was in vain that he went through the works of practical science and the mystical and alchemical works; neither the work of wise psychiatrists nor the obscure formulas of Paracelsus gave him the key to the secret.

Sometimes, after useless efforts to solve the enigma that kept running away from his mind, he was overcome with anger. And, many times, after fruitless attempts to discover the means to cure the diseases of the spirit, the doctor let himself be penetrated by revolt against the cruel laws, shrouded in mysteries that hid the key to the cure.

Putting aside the volume he was reading on hypnotism, the doctor looked coldly at his hand holding an ivory bookmark and shuddered to imagine that same hand resting on his inert chest.

- ... You dream, my young friend, an old professor, his former master, had told him after examining him a few weeks earlier. Your heart is sick, and your lungs are damaged. You need complete physical and intellectual rest, or else...

Ralph sighed deeply; he understood the meaning of that last word. As a doctor, he knew what the chest pains, uneven heartbeats, difficult breathing, weakness, and dry coughing that brought blood his mouth. Closing his eyelids, he let the fear of death slowly invade his spirit.

The anguish and fear of this approaching not being overwhelmed his heart. Was there no way to prolong life and stop the disintegration of the body?

Unexpectedly he remembered reading a book on the occult:

The elixir of life exists, but its secret is lost; alchemists have searched in vain for it in the organs and blood of virgins, children, and animals, in plants, and in the atmosphere. Yet the books of magic spoke of this elixir as an irrefutable reality. Ah! if it were possible to find this vital fluid, a powerful and imperceptible force that animates living and organized beings, from the most elementary to the most complex...

A short, loud ringing of the bell broke the course of his agitated thoughts. He straightened up, waiting, but old Patrick, his only servant, must no doubt be fast asleep since no noise was heard in the entrance hall.

The bell rang a second time. Ralph got up; perhaps some sick neighbor was sending for him.

This rarely happened, but the possibility still existed.

As Patrick gave no sign of life, he opened the door. A man of good stature stood in the doorway, wearing a dark coat and a wide-brimmed felt hat, carrying a small chiseled silver box.

- Are you Dr. Morgan with whom I have the honor to speak? asked the stranger in a deep and sonorous voice.

- That's him - I am at your service.

- In that case, allow me to come in, for I have a very important matter that is of particular interest to you.

They sat down and a long silence ensued.

Ralph examined his visitor with curiosity. He looked to be about thirty-five, forty years old; and although healthy and strong, he was now visibly pale and tired. But there was not a wrinkle on his forehead, not a single white hair in his thick, black wig like a raven's wing.

His Hellenic features could have been the model for a work by Phidias.

Thoughtfully, the strange man stared at the books stacked on the desk and then raised his large, black eyes gently over Ralph.

- You seek the elixir of life, and you would like to possess it...

- Who are you that knows my thoughts? Morgan stammered, jumping up from his armchair.

The mysterious visitor smiled and spoke:

- Sit down and fear nothing; I am not the devil as you have supposed. I am a man like you, and between us, there is only one difference: you wish to live, while I wish to die. You have lived very little and I have lived a lot; I wish to enter the infinite space... and I have come to propose an exchange. You have death and I have life. Give me a single drop of your blood, and in exchange, I will make you lord of the Elixir of Long Life. Do you agree?

The doctor looked at the stranger with uneasiness. He was undoubtedly in the presence of a madman, but he had no time to think about what to do. His guest uttered a loud, loud laugh, so loud that Ralph felt disconcerted.

- You think I'm crazy, and you're wondering how to get rid of an unpleasant visit, said the stranger benevolently. Don't worry, my young friend, I have my reasons. Even if my words are untrue, they represent the immutable truth. I truly possess the elixir of long life. And now let us talk seriously. For a long time, I have sought the man to whom I could transmit my knowledge and the mystery of my existence; but all my searches were always in vain. I have studied your life, your character, and your aspirations, I know your doubts and the thirst for knowledge that torments you. I have concluded that you are the most capable of collecting my inheritance. Tell me frankly then: would you like to live forever?

The young doctor blushed and straightened up:

- Certainly, I want to! But I doubt you can give me what you promise... How great would be your glory if you truly owned the means to preserve earthly humanity!...

- Why do you think that possessing the secret of long life, I wish to take advantage of it to fill this planet with millions of beings without any need? The benefactors of humanity are rare, and I doubt that they will accept to use my means. Now here are my conditions: I want from you some of your blood... in it there is already the breath of death. You are a doctor and you know it; the state of your heart and lungs cannot be cured by known methods. In exchange for this blood that will help me die, I will give you the elixir of long life. One drop of it, placed in a small vial, is enough to cure you and make your life almost eternal. Never touch the rest of the elixir. Be careful not to reveal your secret to anyone; don't let your desire to populate the earth with immortal beings drag you down. And a word to the contrary: by giving you the elixir of long life, I also bequeath you my knowledge, my fortune, and my name. Now decide: do you want to be my heir? I will give you ten minutes to think it over.

Ralph was astonished.

The thoughts were whirling in his brain, causing a sharp pain in his head, and the strong emotion was cutting off his breathing. Suddenly, meeting the intelligent and energetic gaze of the stranger, calm and decision returned to him.

- I accept; make use of me, he said, rising and offering his hand to the strange visitor, who, shaking his outstretched hand, rose to his feet as well.

- In that case, you must leave with me immediately.

- For how long?

- That will depend on the circumstances. According to the probabilities, for a few weeks.

In that case, I would ask you to allow me a quarter of an hour to make the necessary preparations and to tell my servant that I am leaving on inheritance business.

- Very well! I'll wait for you on the stairs.

In a moment Ralph put some clothes in a suitcase, as well as two suits. Then he woke Patrick up, gave him the necessary orders, and handed him money for his expenses.

Then he joined the stranger.

They quietly descended the stairs and took a seat in a waiting automobile and proceeded to the railway station where they boarded the train to Dover.

The stranger occupied a reserved cabin; as soon as the train departed, he invited Ralph to dinner. But the young man was still too much in the grip of inner agitation and felt no appetite.

His companion made such amusing jokes, opening a basket full of delicacies, that the doctor calmed down little by little, ate and drank the best wine, and finally decided to ask what strange place was leading him to.

- The Continent... and then you'll see for yourself, replied the stranger with a slight smile.

The journey lasted several days and the travelers didn't stop anywhere, since it didn't suit them.

But the journey took place in such comfortable conditions that Ralph, despite his illness, experienced no fatigue.

At a certain point, he realized that the journey was to end in Canton Valais, Switzerland. They stopped in an isolated village at the foot of Monte Rosado.

And the mysterious traveling companion announced to the doctor that the next morning they would undertake the ascent of the mountain.

Ralph was very surprised, but he didn't make any remarks, because he was determined to risk himself completely on this adventure. How could he not live it to the end?

The next morning, after dressing in their mountaineering clothes, the travelers set out.

As soon as they reached the first summits and the air became colder, the stranger asked, smiling:

- We will be forced to spend the night on the ice; aren't you afraid of freezing, my friend?

Ralph shrugged his shoulders and replied:

- I expect to endure the cold like any other man, and since my body already languishes slowly, I don't mind dying a little sooner or later. Besides, if you are not crazy, and my life is necessary for you, you will not let me die.

Your courage borders on stoicism and I like that. You are right-your life is precious to me, and to free you from all useless fatigue, take these pills and you will feel neither cold nor tired.

Seeing that Ralph hesitated, he added with a slight dose of irony:

- Suck the pills. They do not yet contain the elixir of life and are only a narcotic that will give you strength.

They continued on their way.

Although it became more difficult to walk, they had already reached the limits of the eternal snow. The stranger did not appear to be tired; Ralph marveled at his own endurance and felt a fortifying energy coursing through his veins.

They spent the night in an empty cabin and set out again at first light.

The doctor had forgotten how long it had been since he had started climbing the mountain. They had crossed the glacier, flanked precipices, and climbed vertical heights; it was evident that they had deviated from the usual tourist path and were entering a little-explored part of that snowy solitude.

The stranger advanced with a confidence that showed perfect knowledge of the path. After skirting a rise, they suddenly reached a rocky, deserted spot. The way continued down one side by small, regular steps that seemed to have been carved by human hands and ended in a deep cave.

Completing the perilous descent, the travelers came upon another glacier, and after a quarter of an hour's walk, they reached the entrance to a wide cave illuminated by a bluish light.

It was with a feeling of curiosity and anguish that Ralph entered there with his companion. His surprise increased when he noticed a polished stone wall that slid noiselessly on invisible axes, as soon as his companion pressed a light button, hidden in one of the openings in the wall.

A narrow corridor dug into a rock, opened to them. The stranger turned a switch embedded in a wall, and immediately the electric light illuminated the entire passage.

- Do you have electricity here? stammered Ralph, whose eyes could not believe their eyes.

- My God! Why not use the inventions of modern industry to increase the comfort of this Elixir of Long Life dwelling? We are in the land that belongs to Him and His agents, replied Ralph's mysterious guide with a cheerful smile.

At the end of the corridor, the doctor noticed a spiral staircase, leading to a platform where many doors opened. The stranger pushed one of them open, and they both found themselves on a terrace-like projection of rock. A magnificent view stretched out there, and Ralph, unable to contain himself, let out a cry of excitement.

From that formidable altitude, a magical landscape unfolded. The rocks, snowy plains, and deep craters seemed to be lost in the purple haze of the setting sun's rays. In the distance, the green fields and meadows stretched out gigantic, green as emeralds.

And in that instant, it seemed to Ralph that he had never felt so strong, the land had never seemed so beautiful and life so desirable.

The stranger crossed his arms over his chest and gazed at that splendid sight with a sad and thoughtful look.

An instant later, he passed his hand over his forehead as if to drive out unwelcome thoughts, and turning to Ralph, he said:

- Come, it is time to regain strength...we will talk about our business afterward.

They returned.

After showing the doctor the secrets of the exit, he opened the opposite door and led Ralph into a medium-sized circular room.

A glowing fire burned in the fireplace, and a pleasant breeze reigned in the room.

Ralph looked around curiously. The walls were entirely lined with dark-colored oriental tapestries. A thick carpet covered the entire floor. Against one wall stood a cabinet with chiseled doors, and on another a large work table filled with books and parchments. Still in the room were some chairs in antique style, inlaid with gold and ivory, and in the center a table set for two pieces of cutlery. Next to it was a large candelabra.

The unknown host placed a small chest on the table and lit candles.

He then removed several bottles of wine, a large cake, and fruit from a piece of furniture, and invited his guest to sit down at the table. The extraordinary walk had aroused Ralph's appetite.

As soon as the two had satisfied their hunger, the host dragged his chair over to the fireplace and invited the doctor to do the same.

- The time has come to study seriously, and in detail, the subject that has brought us here. Many centuries ago I also sat in the chair you now occupy and listened with anguish and emotion to the life story of my predecessor. Now it is your turn to hear the narrative of my past life. My official name is Naraiana Supramati, and I am a Hindu prince. I have received from the one who bequeathed me the Elixir of Long Life the name as well as all the legal documents and privileges that titles confer. My real name is Arquezilai; I was born in Alexandria, during the reign of Ptolemy Lages, who ruled Egypt after the death of Alexander the Great. My father, Clonius, served in the forces commanded by Lages and linked his fate to that of his chief.

"Ptolemy, after becoming ruler of Egypt, rewarded my father amply and elevated him to a very high rank at court. I wallowed in luxury and lost myself in an indolent life, devoted only to the pleasures my parents gave me as their only child.

"I lost my father when I was twenty-five. I took advantage of this to lead an unruly existence, dissipating all my inheritance in five years. One morning I woke up poor and sick.

"The friends who always came to my parties, the women who disputed my advances, and the parasites who took advantage of my generosity, all abandoned me...

"I was left alone and penniless, and would certainly have died of hunger, were it not for an old soldier who served my father; he took me in and took care of me. His name was Merion. As soon as I was fit to walk, we left Alexandria and set out for a small estate inherited by Merion, my benefactor.

"A new disappointment awaited us there. The piece of land lay on the edge of the desert and could barely feed us. The house was a half-built hovel. Nevertheless, Merion did not want to return to Alexandria at all; he was a silent and misanthropic man.

"I protested nothing when he chose to live in a cave and helped him with the work that allowed us to live very modestly.

"The fresh air and the work restored my health, and this new life absorbed me completely.

"After four years, Merion passed away and I became lonely; loneliness came to me bitterly and finally became intolerable. I remembered my old life, full of luxury and comfort, the elegant and cultured society, and I felt irresistibly drawn to that world from which I had been expelled forever. A cruel anguish came over me. Day after day life became more detestable and the desire to return to the world became more intense. However, this desire was unattainable, for I had nothing more than that cave.

"One night, lying in the doorway of my miserable dwelling and given to dark thought, I heard footsteps approaching; an unknown voice called my name. I stood up in surprise. Before me stood a man of great stature, wearing a dark cloak and whose face was expressive and energetic.

"Do you want to die, Arquezilai, to get rid of the miserable life you lead in this desert? he said in a sonorous voice, staring at me with a burning gaze. Although you have deserved your fate and are solely responsible for your misfortune, I have mercy on you. If you wish, I will take you to a place where you will be forever free from misery and where you will live as long as you want. Later you will know who I am. Don't worry about