Temple of Apollo
Delphi, Ancient Greece
632 BC

 

Cylon’s heart hammered as he climbed the last few steps after waiting all day. He couldn’t recall feeling so ill at ease, even when in the thick of Olympic competition in the races. The pressure to win had been tremendous, the relief felt after crossing the finish line victorious, orgasmic.

But this wasn’t the Olympics. This wasn’t a race against his fellow citizens. This was an audience with Pythia, the high priestess of the Temple of Apollo, known in the whispered halls of Athens as the Oracle of Delphi.

The mystery shrouding her and those who had preceded her was something he had always dismissed as superstition, but as each step brought him closer, the heavy fog billowing out of the ground, the flickering flame that took only the edge off the darkness, and the full moon that lit the night sky, all contributed to his uneasiness.

For what was said in the following moments could change his destiny.

He took the final step and suppressed a gasp at the sight of a woman, covered in the finest cloths, prone on an altar in the center of the temple. A gentle breeze blowing across the hilltop had the shimmering layers she wore fluttering, obscuring her form and features, and he dared not judge whether she was beautiful lest he offend Apollo himself, whose choice in whom to speak for him was no doubt wise.

“High Priestess, Cylon of Athens seeks your guidance.”

Cylon flinched at the chorus of voices, only now noticing the dozen priestesses surrounding him, positioned between the pillars supporting the roof of the holy temple.

“What is his question?”

The voice was serpent-like, and he was certain it came from the shadows, or at least echoed from the darkness.

He drew a long, slow breath, calming himself unsuccessfully, then stepped forward. “I seek the guidance of Apollo on this most holy of days. Should I follow my father-in-law’s urgings, and seize the reins of power of my great city, and return it to the path of strength and order it has so foolishly forgotten?”

The hissed response was almost immediate. “Theagenes is wise and strong, and the gods respect the power that he wields on their behalf. Your family is one of honor, you are a hero of the people, and should you act wisely, you will succeed in unifying the citizens of Athens. But be warned. Patience is key. Take action not this day, but on the day that honors Zeus. To not heed this warning will result in a tragedy that will haunt you until the day you depart this plane of existence, and journey on to the next.”

His chest swelled with pride as his eyes burned with tears that threatened to rush down his face. He had her blessing, and his. Apollo, the god of light, through his Oracle in this world, had assured him of victory, and with the Olympic celebrations occurring next week, there was little doubt that this was when he was to make his move and usurp power from those who would weaken the city he loved.

He bowed deeply. “Thank you for your generous guidance.”

“Wait,” hissed the voice from in front of him, and from the shadows. “Give him the token.”

A priestess emerged from the darkness with her hands extended in front of her. In her palms, she carried a plush purple pillow with a gold, tear-shaped amulet perched in the center. She stopped in front of him, saying nothing.

“Wear this to give you the strength of Apollo. Should you succeed, blessed will be all who wear it. But should you fail, all who possess it shall know nothing but misery.”

His hands trembling, he reached out, uncertainly, an internal debate raging on whether he wanted to touch something associated with such a prophecy.

Yet he couldn’t refuse.

No one refused a gift from the Oracle.

He picked up the amulet with both hands, holding it above his head. “I thank you, Oracle, for such a generous gift, and will heed your words.”

“I grow tired. Leave us.”

The writhing form in front of him abruptly collapsed onto the altar, all movement ceasing save her heaving chest, the wind that had kept her robes in motion and the flames’ flickering suddenly failing, leaving the curious fog to rise unfettered, enveloping the altar in a shroud of secrecy that had him backing slowly away as the priestesses that had surrounded the proceedings receded into the dark.

He placed the amulet around his neck, rubbing the small token between his thumb and forefinger as he closed his eyes, trying to remember every word that had just been said. He opened his eyes and turned, hurrying down the steps, toward the bottom of the hill and his waiting entourage. And with each step, his confidence grew, and by the time he reached the bottom, he had no doubt that not only was Apollo on his side, but that it was his duty to save his people.

And become Tyrant of Athens.

 

 

Get your copy today to find out what happens next, and see how James and Laura get mixed up in this action packed adventure!

 

 

To sample or purchase, please visit Kobo, or click here for additional purchase options.

 

NOTE TO APPLE DEVICE USERS: The links above likely won't work on Apple devices. Please click here to be taken to my website for direct purchase links to your favorite store.