The Grand Alchemist

It’s 1726, Florence, Italy. Young David Franz dreams of joining his father, a Transylvanian prince, in his quest to free his country of tyranny. He studies alchemy with his mentor, Dr. Pietro, who emphasizes he’s not a warrior. Although it’s a secret, David shares a magical experiment with the love of his life, Maddalena. Marquis Fausto Golini, a wealthy Sicilian, uses witchcraft to capture Maddalena’s heart, but she only loves David, who has Pietro’s supernatural protection. Propelled by jealousy, Fausto delves deeper into witchcraft. He discovers David is royalty on the run from the Hapsburg Empire and tells his enemies of his whereabouts. He warns Maddalena’s parents of his dangerous heritage. David narrowly escapes an attempt on his life and leaves Maddalena and Italy. Believing he is fulfilling his destiny, David tries to seek his father in Transylvania. While incarcerated, David realizes he is not a freedom fighter but, instead, is a freedom-seeking alchemist. In Paris, David claims his inheritance, the De France Hotel. He continues his alchemical experiments and forms a clandestine society of free thinkers, at a time when opposition is punishable by death. He also fights for the oppressed hoping to bring positive change in the world. Fausto and Maddalena, now married, visit Paris and see David at the King’s birthday party. David and Maddalena steal a brief encounter, confirming their never-ending love. Filled with jealousy, Fausto accuses David of defiling the church to the authorities. David escapes to Persia to further his knowledge of alchemy. There, he studies with mystical magi, encounters a war-mongering shah and sheds his fear and doubts, able to hone his skills as a powerful alchemist. Meanwhile, Maddalena discovers Fausto’s practice of black magic and leaves him. She visits David in Paris, and they confirm their future plans. However, life’s trials and tribulations keep them apart. David continues to help the poor and the sick by using his magical powers. He also foresees the Reign of Terror that will befall France. He warns the monarchy -- but to no avail. Again, David, discouraged, must flee to Italy to maintain his freedom. In a dream, he receives the revelation that he did help make changes by being a freedom seeking alchemist. Renewed, he meets Maddalena once again, who has aged. David, a creator of youth elixir, has maintained his youth. Yet, they are able to reconcile the past and profess their eternal love. Nevertheless, Fausto, a dark world sorcerer, continues to wage his revenge. In their final confrontation, Fausto transforms into a monster and thrusts David into his dark world, where the battle culminates into a chilling power struggle of white alchemy versus black magic. Defeated, Fausto begs David to make him non-existent. David response, “free yourself.” David achieves his ultimate magical feat, ascension, and continues as a powerful force to bring hope and freedom to all humankind.