The Oracle

Chapter Three

Aepida was once more on the road to Alogroth. She had spent a month or more at Grandma's, judging from the moon cycle. She figured she had six days before she reached the outskirts of the city. She was a bit apprehensive as she had never been to a city before.

She was also anxious about what Grandma had said that she would be tested on the way. She still had the road to herself. This far out the road was rarely traveled. In some places, it was overgrown to be barely recognizable. Her senses were very acute to every sound, smell, and sight.

As night fell she found a secluded spot off the road. She could even build a fire without being seen. She ate from the provisions Grandma had provided for her. She slept peacefully. The cloak protected her from the shadow creatures. Just in case some of them acted as spies for the beast.

She traveled the next day without incident, and the next day as well. On the third day, around noon, the road became more defined. It was seeing more traffic. By evening she was seeing people, wagons, and even horses and oxen. She tried greeting them as she passed but stopped when it appeared as if she frightened them. A few even drew weapons.

Night came and once again she found a secluded spot that provided peaceful rest. She awoke with the morning light feeling both excited and a little scared about seeing the city for the first time. She ate a quick breakfast and was on the road while the sun was still breaking the horizon. As the sun rose to midday, Aepida felt she was making good time. She started to hum a tune from her childhood but stopped. There were two men following her. From the sound, she could tell they were wearing boots. Their pace was to catch up with her.

"Sir, sir." One of the called.

She did not answer but kept on walking. When she heard them start to run, she turned and faced them.

"Well, what do we have here." Said the taller of the two.

"Why it's a girl, out here on the road, all by herself."

"Missy, what are you doing out here? Don't you know that a lot of bad things happen out here?"

Again, she did not answer.

"I think she must be a mute, Tor."

"Is that it? Are you mute?"

"No," Aepiida said

"Whoa, she can speak, Mari. Why don't you come back to our camp? Let us show you our hospitality." The man chuckled. Mari was grinning.

"I don't think so. I am in a hurry. I don't have time to socialize." She surprised herself with how calm she felt.

"Now that is not very hospitable of you." both men drew knives. The taller one reached out and grabbed her hair and spun her around to get behind her to put the knife to her throat. But, she did not stop. The next thing the man knew was her sword sliced between two of his ribs. Shocked, he let go of her. With a slight change of motion, she now shoved the weapon into his chest cavity, slicing through his internals.

Mari was unprepared for what had just happened to his friend. His only thought was to avenge him. The point of her blade through his heart was his only reward. Both men were now lying on the ground, gasping for air as they died.

Aepida had checked that the blade was clean and sheathed the sword. She stood over the two men, shaking as she watched them die. Tears rolled down her cheeks. She turned away and wretched. She ran away from the scene and again found a secluded place away from the road. She suddenly hated herself. She hated her life. She hated the two fathers for even creating her. She pulled the sword from its scabbard. she touched her finger lightly to the sharpened edge. It bled. She stared at the sword. It could remove the burden that was on her. It could remove her pain, her guilt, and her despair.

She became numb. She sheathed the blade and sat, no longer crying, or feeling. Night fell. She slept right where she was wrapped in the cloak. She dreamed a nightmare of what the two men had in mind for her. When she woke that she was justified in what she had done. She realized that they were probably robbers and murderers who died as they had lived. Still, the idea of killing someone sickened her.

The sun was almost at its peak when she solemnly returned to the road and her journey. She was neither happy nor sad. She was numb. No matter how she rationalized it, she could not yet face the fact that she had killed two men. She tried not to think about it, but the eyes of the dying men haunted her. She had to force herself not to relive every moment in her head.

When night fell she again found a secure spot off the road. She ate a small dinner. Then she sat in quiet contemplation. Tears filled her eyes as she relived the men's dying moments vividly in her mind.

Even though she was only defending herself, she regretted it. Yet, she realized that she had no choice and, if necessary, she would do it again. Self-preservation is a powerful instinct and she was only protecting her own life. That gave her some comfort.

She slept peacefully. No longer did the images haunt her. though she found peace for herself, it was tempered with regret at having to kill. She wished that there could have been another way.

She was much more eager to get on her way when the morning light broke. She was on the road as soon as the sun's rays lit the path. The street was worn now. Slowly groups of people appeared. They even greeted her warmly as they passed, unlike the people she had met on the road a day or two ago. The greetings warmed her heart.

As the day wore on the street became more crowded. People flooded onto it from side streets and paths. She became caught in a huge crowd trying to make their way through a huge gate. This was Alogroth. Inside the gate, it was even more crowded. Aepida stood for a few minutes in awe of the whole spectacle of life in the city. It was noisy, like nothing she could have imagined.

A young man pushing a cart approached her shouting.

"Aguapa, Aguapa."

She watched as people gathered to give him silver for his "aguapa."

"Would you like an aguapa?" he asked her.

"I don't know," said Aepida. "What is an aguapa."

The boy puffed his chest proudly.

"Only the best pork with my mother's unique sauce rolled up into a flatbread, ma'am."

"Well I guess I will have to try one," she said handing him a silver coin from the ones her father gave her.

"You better take two ma'am. They are going fast."

Aepida laughed and handed him another coin. The aguapa was every bit as good as he had said it was. She told him so. He smiled broadly.

"Is there a place I can get some water?"

"Yes ma'am," he replied. "There is a well straight down this street. It is free and there usually is a crowd. There are lots of buckets and plenty of cups."

"Thank you." said Aepida, "Just one more question before you go. Do you know where I can find someone called the Oracle?"

"Yes ma'am. Everyone knows the Oracle. Just go straight out of town on this same road, past the well, to the rear gate out of the city. She lives on top of the hill to your right. There is usually a long line. You won't miss it."

"A long line?" said Aepida.

"Yes ma'am. The Oracle tells fortunes and gives advice. You know, Oracle stuff."

Aepida thanked him and tipped him a third silver coin. She ate her aguapa as she made her way to the well. There was a crowd but she found a cup right away and drank her fill. Vendors tried to sell her all kinds of merchandise. The hustle and bustle of the city amazed her. Alogroth was everything that Hort wasn't.

She did not hurry. She took her time to observe the spectacle of what was a big city. She exited through the back gate and found the hill just as the boy had described. She took her place in line at the bottom of the hill. A couple of people next to her in line greeted her. they made some small talk about some of the sites and what was going on in the city. Most of which Aepida could not add to as she was unaware of such things.

After a little while, Aepida thought she heard her name being called out. She looked up the hill and saw a young girl walking down the hill. Every few steps she would call out Aepida's name. She stepped out of the line and hailed the girl.

"I am Aepida. Can I help you?"

"You are Aepida?" the girl asked

"Yes, I am."

"The Oracle sent me to find you. Please follow me." said the girl.

As they left the line and passed the crowd, Aepida asked, "How do you know my name?"

The Oracle knows, She also knew you were here and sent me to find you. We have been expecting you."

They did not say anything more but hurried up the hill. They came to a huge gate. It must have been well balanced, for the girl pushed it open with ease. Once inside the girl led her to the back door of a quaint little cottage. It was small but cozy. the girl offered her a comfortable chair to sit in.

"Would you like some tea?" asked the girl. "I have a fresh pot in the kitchen."

"I would love some, thank you," said Aepida

The girl left for a moment returning with a teapot and three cups.

"Mother will be joining us in just a few moments."

Just a few seconds later a woman appeared in the doorway

"Kayla, is she here yet?"

"Yes mother, I sat her directly across from you."

The woman sat in the chair directly in front of Aepida.

"You are blind!" she blurted out in shock.

The woman smiled and said, "In sight, yes, but in other ways, I see perfectly clear."

"I am sorry. I did not mean to be rude."

"No offense taken. Relax, and let us have some tea."

They had some small talk, introduced themselves, and got to know a little more about each other. She learned that the woman's name was Joan and that she had been blind from birth. When the tea was finished, Joan spoke to Kayla.

"Don't forget your chores, Kayla."

Kala rose from her seat, smiling, and spoke to Aepida.

"That is my mother's way of telling me she wants to talk to you privately."

Kayla kissed her mother on the cheek and left the room.

Joan reached out and took Aepida's hand. After a moment, she spoke.

"Oh, that was unfortunate. But you had no choice. We must hope that the beast was not alerted of your presence."

"You mean it could have been a trap?" she asked.

"Maybe," replied Joan. "More likely, it would be carried on the wind or by the birds who saw it. The beast can talk to both. Either way, they were bad men. their intentions were purely malicious."

Suddenly a vision appeared to Aepida.

"What do you see?" asked Joan.

"I see a young girl lying face down in the dirt naked, bruised from head to foot. I think she is bleeding. I think she may be dead. That could have been me. But, it is not me. She has dark hair."

Aepida suddenly broke the grip Joan had on her hand.

"It was not me!" Aepida stammered. "It was you!"

"You only have an inkling what they did to me. That is what they would have done to you. Blind, I could not even identify my tormentors. They murdered my family, mother, father, my sisters, my brothers. I was found by the people that Kayla knew as her grandparents. They nursed me back to life and made it so I could love the one good thing that came from it, Kayla. Those men would have tortured you and killed you as painfully as they could think up."

"How were you able to know what they intended for me?" asked Aepida.

"One of them touched you. He imparted his energy into you. I can read that energy."

"Is that what an oracle does."

"That is what this one does."

She poured another cup of tea.

The last bit of guilt left Aepida. She could finally come to terms with the killing of the two men that had confronted her.

"You will stay here for at least five days. There are gifts for you. But, first, you need to rest"

"Aepida thanked her for the tea as Joan excused herself to attend the line of people waiting for her advice. Kayla returned.

"I guess you and mama had your private talk," she said as she entered the room. "Mama said to get you settled in the guest room, as you will be staying for a few days. Follow me."

The room was small but comfortable. The bed was more comfortable than anything she had ever known. An urn and wash basin was there for convenience. A single window let light into the room. Not having much in belongings, Aepida settled in easily.

"Of course, you can go anywhere you want. You are not confined here."

"Thank you," said Aepida with a little laugh.

"Why don't you show me around the place? I am not ready to go to bed, but a relaxing walk sounds good."

"Sure," said Kayla. "It is not a very big place, just the house and a stable out back."

"I would love to see it."

Kayla led the way out the same door they first entered the house. Aepida had noticed the flowers next to the house, but now she got to enjoy their fragrance and color. Over by the stable were even more flowers adding their fragrance, filling the backyard with a calming aroma.

The backyard was small. Kayla motioned for Aepida to follow her into the stable. It was dimly lit, the only light coming from the open door. There was only one stall and in it was a beautiful dapple gray horse with a black mane and tail.

"This is Apollo," said Kayla.

"He is beautiful," said Aepida. "I have never seen one this beautiful. He is amazing."

Kayla and Aepida spent some time brushing him down and giving him feed, and water. Apollo seemed happy.

Kayla's mother called for them, so they returned to the house. When they entered, she saw Joan standing at the stove cooking. She was amazed that a blind woman could do so much without assistance.

"Dinner is almost ready. Where were you?" Joan asked.

"We were in the stable. I introduced her to Apollo. She helped me brush him down. He seemed to enjoy it."

"Better than good. He seems to like her."

Aepida sensed that something was amiss, but she let it go. She was sure that the two women were protecting her. After all, she had been advised twice to trust them.

Dinner was pleasant, and the conversation was light. It was now dark out, and Aepida was feeling weary. She excused herself and went to her room. She looked out the window for a brief moment. The weight of the burden she carried seemed heavier than ever. She wondered if she would ever see home again or Hans. She climbed into bed, and stray tears ran down her cheek. Despite the people around her, she felt alone.

She awoke at the first light of dawn. She got up and looked out the window that faced the rising sun. Even though the sun was barely breaking over the horizon, she could see something was not right. There was a darkness that the sun's light could not break through. It sent chills up her spine.

She left her room. Nobody was stirring in the house. She went out in the backyard. There was a chill, not an ordinary chill, but an evil omen kind.

"Come back in here, child."

Joan's voice startled her. She turned around, closing the door behind her without realizing she had done so.

"You startled me," she said.

"I am sorry, but the forces of darkness are strong yet. It is as if they know the Two Fathers' plan and are looking for the Beast's enemies. We all best stay inside until the sun has fully risen. Come sit down Kayla will be joining us soon."

Aepida accepted the invitation and took a seat at the table. Kayla soon came in and took the seat next to her. Joan set the tea and some bread with jam on the table. Kayla poured the tea. Joan sat across from the two girls and bid them to eat. Then helped herself to a slice of bread and some jam.

"This morning, you will receive one of the gifts promised you, but after breakfast," said Joan.

Kayla got up and began to prepare the morning meal. It took but a few minutes until eggs and pork were served. The three women ate in silence.

When breakfast was finished, and together they cleaned and washed the dishes. Joan excused herself but soon returned carrying a vest.

"This vest is made of the same material as your sandals. It will protect you. It is better than most armor." She handed it to Aepida.

"Thank you," was all Aepida could say.

"You are welcome," replied Joan. "Wear it under your tunic so none can see it."

"I will," said Aepida.

The sun had risen above the horizon. They were safe now. The forces of darkness must be kept separated from the light. As the two Fathers can exist side by side but cannot cross the boundary that divides them.

The three women cleaned the house and finished by midday. Joan fixed a light lunch. Since Joan was not entertaining clients today, she suggested they should go for a walk through a wild area behind the barn. Joan even suggested that they bring Apollo with them. Kayla eagerly went and brought him out to join them. Apollo followed along without a halter or tether.

The sun was warm, but the air was cool inside the woods. They found ripened fruit of several different varieties. They collected quite a few to take back with them. Of course, they sampled them as they filled baskets and sacs they had brought.

The woods had a calming effect on Aepida. She was a bit sad when Joan said that they should be heading back. When they reached the cottage, Apollo went straight to his stall. Kayla closed the door and followed her mother and Aepida into the house.

The three women were soon busy cleaning the fruit and making pies. They made sure that there was enough fresh fruit to enjoy as well. Dinner turned into a feast. The main course was meat and bread, followed by fresh fruit and pies. The conversation was also light and joyful. Tea topped off the meal. The three of them sat there, delightfully content. It was now quite late. They bid each other goodnight and went to bed.

When Aepida woke in the morning, she found Joan and Kayla already fixing breakfast. They bid each other good morning and told her breakfast would be ready soon.

"Is there anything I can do to help?" asked Aepida

"Yes," said Joan smiling. "You can help us eat it." Joan bid her to have a seat. There was the fruit they had picked yesterday on flatbread, similar to what Grandma made in the forest camp. There was tea. It was a grand breakfast.

After breakfast, while sipping tea, Joan took a more serious tone.

"You will only be here a couple more days. You must be moving on. The instructions I have for you come by a messenger from the two fathers." She paused a few moments to let the gravity of what she was about to tell her to sink in. Aepida did not speak. Emotions choked off any words. Joan reached out and offered a hand to her. Aepida gladly took it.

"You must travel to a place called The End of the World. Don't worry it is just a port town. The name is a sailor's joke. From there, you must board a ship and sail to Norland. Nor, means north in their language. They are seafarers and marauders, for the most part, very hardy people. You have to convince them to ally with us. Their mages have some of the most powerful magic known. We will need that magic if we are to succeed."

Aepida was sad and shocked by what she had just heard. She remained silent and nodded her head in the affirmative. Then she remembered Joan was blind.

"I understand." was all she could manage to say.

Kayla refilled their cups, mainly as something to do to keep her own emotions in check. Aepida thanked her and took a sip to help calm herself.

Again Joan spoke. "The last gift to you is a guardian. He is a changeling. He can assume any form. Changelings are neither male nor female nor plant or animal. They live among us as whatever they like. They are highly regarded by the gods."

At that moment, Kayla got up and opened the door. In walked a man who reminded her of Hans but much older. He stood next to Kayla in front of Aepida.

"This is Apollo," said Kayla.

"Pleased to meet you," he said, holding out his hand.

Aepida reached out and shook his hand timidly. Apollo smiled. The realization of who Apollo was swept over Aepida. Kayla offered him a seat to Aepida's left, she took the seat to her right. Joan was across the table directly in front of her. Apollo spoke.

"I am to accompany you on your journey to the very end and victory is ours. I will carry you. Norland is just the beginning. I am to protect you and support you throughout. Also, I know a lot of the regions we must travel to, so I can act as a guide."

"This is magic that I have never heard of before, I don't know what to say."

"Don't say anything. Just accept it. He was sent to you by the two fathers to aid you, just like the Witch, me The Oracle, Kayla your friend," said Joan. "Changelings have become the secret guardians of mankind for the gods."

"Then, you are Apollo the horse?"

"Yes, I am."

Aepida got up from her chair and stood directly in front of Apollo.

"I am humbled by you and I accept your service. I will be happy to have you accompany me. I am glad that I will not have to journey alone. It will ease my anxiety to have a companion."