Chatting with Torx
By James Rowle XI
Another month has come, and with it a new interview to be had. Now this month was a bit of a difficult choice on whom to chat with about the wonderful topic of Egypt. The tenacious Curse-breakers raiding any pyramid they can get their hands on? Or perhaps an Egyptian scholar roaming the world for information? Maybe even a kindly man willing to give you a tour down the River Nile? Being a wizard of no small skill opens even more options for myself. Do I interview a long dead Egyptian Pharaoh mummy? Or an evil spirit soaring across the land? I could even try to capture a sphinx and force it to not talk in riddles.
In the end I came to the conclusion that none of these would end up suiting my needs. No, I would need to chat with someone else. A Gringott's Goblin by the name of Torx the Talkative. Hopefully he can answer all the questions I have about such a wonderful country.
Q – Question
A – Answer
Q – Hello Torx, and thank you for agreeing to this little chat.
A – Greetings Wizard! It is the wish of my leaders that we try to gain a better relationship with your kind to foster better financial relations in the future. It was only reasonable that we start with such a respectable paper by your races standards.
(Somehow he managed to maintain his impressive sneer throughout the whole speech.)
Q – Ah yes, I'm very glad you have such a high opinion on our paper. First question, what is your opinion on Egypt?
A – Egypt is a very fruitful country full of many treasures that are most likely beyond your comprehension. A large majority of our curse-breaking business is conducted in the country, particularly in the region your kind call 'The Valley of Kings'. The wizards and witches of that land were extremely knowledgeable in magics that those in Britain would call dark.
(He trailed off with a disdainful tone.)
Q – Hmm, that sounds all well and good, but what is your opinion on the country? Do you like the locals? Is the weather nice there? What is your favorite thing to do there? Those types of things.
A – I have never been to Egypt. It is my job to remain in the London area and look after public relations. Visiting another country would be counter-productive to my job, and therefore a waste of money.
(I stared at Torx in confusion, and a small amount of disbelief.)
Q – I told you that this interview would be about Egypt. Why would your superiors send you if you've never been to Egypt?
(It was his job to stare at me in disbelief.)
A – I just informed you that it was my job to look after public relations. I was the logical choice to send here. It is not integral to have visited Egypt to talk about it. Tell me Wizard, have you ever visited Egypt? What credentails do you have to interview someone about Egypt?
Q – Ahh, ummm, errrrr, I've never been to Egypt, which is why I'm asking you about the place. Okay, final question, can you please tell me some interesting facts about Egypt?
A – Egypt's capital city is Cairo, the longest river in the world runs through this country, and it is home to numerous pyramids. Most interestingly, the Egyptians worshipped over 1,400 gods and goddesses, at least half of which were actually magical people and beings in disguise.
I decided to end the interview on that note. There wasn't a whole lot you can ask someone about a country they have never been to be before. Personally, I think Egypt sounds like a marvelous place, and I'm extremely interested in their ancient civilization and mythology. Perhaps I shall visit this country one day in search of unknown magic. I'll also like to thank Torx once more for the fascinating interview, he certainly lived up to his name 'Tork the Talkative'. I don’t believe I've ever heard a goblin talk so much before. Anyway, until I see you next issue my loyal fans.