Visions of the Oracle

Pyrenees mountains, Spain

Winter 1423

The order was thrilled for the new Oracle to come into power. Every abled bodied in the mountain readied themselves, even invited the Basque people to join in after the ceremony.

There was much to cheer for. Dyfed himself did not wish to partake and volunteered to lead the guard during the celebration. There were a few captains that did not mind missing the ceremony, but wanted to partake in the drinking and trading of tales. Dyfed switched with Cedric's watch. The newer recruits were anxious, but he wanted to only take the troublemakers for his shift. He felt the newer recruits needed to learn the traditions of the ceremonies. He volunteered Erik to join him. Erik was not thrilled, but brought his own ale with him to his post as 2nd Captain of the guard. Dyfed expected no less of his Viking counterpart.

It was still several days until the full moon. When everyone had to ceremonially prepare themselves for the change. Dyfed was proud of Antonia, but it made him miss Dia even more. His daughter was still young, Dylan took her to the ceremony. Dylan noticed his brother was no longer the little lively brother he remembered. The death of Dia had broke him. Dylan had to work two fronts consulting his Brother and Dia's Twin Antonia.

"What if I cannot do my sister justice?" Antonia confided in Dylan.

"The elders pushed your sister. She wanted more. I know you. It is the strength and memory of your sister that will carry you, be it years or millenia"

Antonia chuckled.

"Remember, you will have us with you every step of the way. Even Dyfed." Dylan looked to Hilde who remained silent. She wished not to join in the consultation.

"I know and understand this, but do I have the strength?"

"You've made it this far, imagine the wisdom you will receive. The countless many you will help."

"You mean doom?" Antonia said as Hilde chuckled.

"Fear is something you must come to surrender to the will of the earth."

They continued on with the celebration as the order awaited the induction of the Oracle, the three of them moved out to meet the others. They moved inside as the ceremony began.

The eldest of the order called upon Antonia. The group parted and kneeled as she passed them. The eldest stood above a fountain. He drew a cup and filled it from the fountain. As Antonia kneeled, she was passed the cup from the elder. He handed her what looked like some mushrooms and bread. She ate it, it tasted stale, but was easy to chew. She then drank the water. The Overseer stood behind awaiting the newly appointed Oracle.

The Ceremony of Antonia's Ascension concluded with the Order standing and cheering quietly. The younger priestesses in white formed in a line behind her. Alayn was next in line to follow Antonia as an Oracle and waited closest to Antonia. Dyfed and Dylan stood by as the Overseer waited for her in the center of the hall.

"Now begins the long prayer, that high priests and high priestesses must endure to become the prophets." the Overseer announced.

The Overseer and the Oracle walked towards the heart of the mountain through a small hallway. Antonia looked back to Dylan and Dyfed, they both nodded as she continued on with a relieved smile. They walked into the chamber that was down the hall. This led deeper into the mountain. At the end of the chamber led a cave entrance that had a water creek flowing continuously into the chamber. Inside was a black and gold fountain. It was said that this was the heart of a forest of giant Oaks. Buried within the mountains from a giant, ancient being. Only whispers of the large Oaks remain, but one could see the massive roots poking out of the walls. Seven roots around the circular hall. The Overseer stood by the cave tunnel entrance. Antonia realized she was to take this tunnel down to where her training would begin. As she approached, the Overseer began to say with a stern voice, "Many have come before you, And not very many will follow." His voice was quiet, but in the chamber the echo was nearly deafening.

With only light from a hole in the ceiling illuminating the path and the fountain, Antonia made her way down. On the other side of the fountain there was a golden lion relic facing away from the fountain overlooking a red door past the circular path where it ended.

"What is this place?" She turned to the Overseer.

"The olden cave of reflection, I am the last of the order whence it came. The sons of gods made this place. And through that door you will sit on the black throne of marble."

The overseer explained that inside the door is the base of the mountain which rumbles of the earth's voice. Antonia was informed of a gas that would plug up her nose and ears, there would be a stone around her which is darker than blackness itself. She was to calm her heart and sit in a submerged throne. She entered the room with only the light into the room shining on the throne which reflected on the water it was in. The room was round from what she could tell, but the walls were unseen to her eyes. She stepped down into the water, and was surprised to find it hot. The throne faced away from the door out of sight. She sat in the throne as the Overseer told her to not close her mouth even if slightly.

"What will I see?"

"A truth you must hide until, a time you will know when, the world will be ready for it. Slight truths as time scurries along."

"Will I see my own death?" She asked as the Overseer smirked.

"The oak will help you, embrace what happens no matter the fear", He closed the door behind as he left.

In the darkness, she heard her own heartbeat and breathing immediately. She was anxious of what was to come. She focused on her breathing and tried to calm herself. The room itself smelled of burnt oak. She felt the water slowly rose over her knees. She grew nervous, her legs were now out in front as she leaned back to ease into the throne. The smell grew intense as she started to slightly cough. It was smoke she felt she was breathing. It grew thicker and plugged her nose up. And she felt the exposed portion of her body was beginning to collect a sticky moisture. First her face, down to her chest. A piece of the water trickled into her lips. It was salty to the taste, but was unsure of what to do. She tried to recall the overseer's words. The water level rose and the smoke increased. She felt a slow crawl up her leg, she was stricken with fear. Some sort of creature? Another crawl felt up her other leg. She wanted to get out, but was too fearful to move. There was another creature now by her arms. It was long like an eel, rough like bark. She could feel a large grumbling in the stone below. Perhaps it was only fingers to a larger creature. Terror took her as she drowned in thought. She felt as if she was being wrapped around and felt around with her knuckles. She could feel it was not a type of flesh she recognized. Slowly she started to realize, it was roots or perhaps vines. She grabbed at it as it went closer to her neck. It continued rather gracefully through her grip. She felt leaves sprout from the vines, almost as if it sensed her panic. It began to cover her mouth as she began to reach for an escape. The vines moved faster as it finally had her in its grasp. The leaves covered her mouth as she struggled to break free. She was breathing heavily, and came to realize the smog in the air was no longer hindering her breathing. She could not hear or smell. She could not taste or see. The vines froze as a large root illuminated from her feet. This was the base of a giant tree. With ease, the light slowly died out and she felt a serene sense of clarity. There was a booming she could feel. Like a large heartbeat, but not her own. As it continued she began to lose feeling all around her body. She heard a familiar voice.

"It's about time they made you oracle."

Dia? Antonia opened here eyes, but could see nothing. She tried to feel her arms, but could feel nothing.

"I'm here to welcome you." She heard happiness in her voice.

Antonia tried to talk, but could not. Instead she continued with her thoughts.

"Dia, is that really you?"

"You will see that what has been set before you, I determined for you. And I can only apologize for passing on the burden. I knew I could not carry on the path set before."

"You were the strongest of us my dear sister. I miss you so much. We need your strength"

"Antonia, you already do have my strength and I'll always be with you. Especially witnessing your mistakes. I am here to guide you now. And when you have questions, eventually you will no longer need me to answer them. You will find truth in what you will, and you will perfect your understanding. Just remember I will always love you, and you have only just started your journey. Tell them all that things will get harsh, but will flourish in time."

There was a pause, as Antonia asked if Dia was still there.

"The order will come to the brink. Forces are already at play, and now I must catch you up on what was shown to me. Though the path set before you will change in its possibilities. The secret I hold is that with myself as Oracle, I would have led the order into malice unknowingly. Though we would have prospered, we'd instill corruption. I'm glad I had the happiness of love. Tell my daughter I miss her and that you will be our channel to speak to each other. Our thoughts will be as one."

Another pause as Antonia began to feel coldness in her hands.

"Now I will show you the past, the present, and the possible."

She started to see a small spark. And in it she saw the sun in the distance. The spark engulfed her sight, and she began to feel the wind and the smell of the sea nearby.