Chapter 26

"Ooh mama," within the concert hall, Eddie sighed with a shake of his head, "Our dreams came true at last."

It was a glorious thing to be invited to an institution as prestigious University of Noya. He had thought that life would automatically synchronize with its prestige, but reality always had terrible ways of squelching expectations. He had to find a way of living, otherwise, he would go back home for inability to sustain himself.

While growing up, he was trained in the way of painting by his dad. His father was just an ordinary painter and such people hardly found their footing in the market. People preferred overpowered painters such as the wish painters, dream painters and the likes. He tried his best to help his father in his painting but as if poverty was a spell on them, nothing changed in their life.

When Eddie thought that there was no hope, one day his dad revealed to him the fact that he was a spirit painter and was blessed to be one. He was guided on how to tap onto this power and since he succeeded until he joined the university, he tried sprit painting twice; two occasions he did not like at all. This kind of painting really took a toll on his spirit and as a naive young man, he did not want to destroy himself just to produce paintings. Furthermore, in a place as backward as South West, no one knew the value of his gift.

For months after joining the university, he never produced spirit paintings. All he did was make ordinary paints and sell. Lucky for him, he found customers in Noya. Things changed though when he met George. The latter made him realize how precious his gift was and assured him support. The Art Gallery was later opened. From the time it was opened, the gates to wealth were officially opened. What he made in a few hours ordinary people would not in their lifetime. The first thing he did was build his parents a magnificent mansion, what they became proud of even to this date.

I say thanks go to the gods, they themselves know what I hold

When time comes to be bold, the riches I have shall unfold

As the lyrics fell into his ears, memories drifted across his mind. Even the pain on his chest that had been hard to ignore got none of his attention now. As large veins bulged on Jason's neck, a sign that his delivery was without a struggle, Eddie and the other listeners did not want the moment to end. Deborah who had shown little concern when Jason stepped on the floor was also currently nodding her head in enjoyment.

"Eddie, art has been given to you as a gift by the gods." Soon, the words of his father played at the back of his head. "You stand at the apex in the world of artists and that is a priceless endowment. Even though I have never earned anything substantial from my art, it has made me realize that it is one thing that reflects the desires of the soul. As you pour these desires to a canvas, your mind finds peace and the body is refreshed beyond imagination.

"Music is a form of art that can beguile the soul. If you find music that evokes your deeper desires, with the right state of mind, art is but a portal to take you to a world of ecstasy. The piece you produce in such a state will not only carry your talent but also your spirit and feelings. Everyone who will set their eyes upon what you will paint thereafter will see beyond a piece of canvas and set their eyes on the realm of magic. As a spirit painter, this will be a crucial point of evolution and you can save lives thereafter. If you one day find yourself in such a state, find your tools and get to work."

"This is the moment." He smiled.

He ran to an attendant who was under the spell of the music and after waking him, he asked where he could find a room where no one would disturb him but still listen to the music. After he produced a few coins, he was happily shown one.