Priestess of the Aegean: Book Three--The Elixir of Life

By Katarina Soul

When erotic love, herbal medicine, and divination converge on the Aegean isle of Delos in 500 B.C., will the collective magic of five Alchemists: Fortuna, Demetrius, Ahmed, Angelos, & Phoebe, triumph over King Xerxes in his heinous attempt to squash Greek democracy? Can Ahmed locate Stavros' Sacred Text in time to concoct the secret Elixir of Life needed in their race against time? Fortuna seduces the temple building Demetrius after he instates her as the Oracle of Delos, but can she forsake her Priestess' vow to Apollo, and beckon Aphrodite to immerse her in the bliss of Eros, after the sun sets? As a result of her passion, Apollo might remove her ability to see into the future, and ruin everything they've all worked for. As spirit guides dart in and out of the Etheric Realm to advise her, Fortuna, the orphaned Oracle is shocked to finally discover her true parents, as Death looms across the Aegean in this third book, the culmination of the Priestess E-book trilogy

• Language: English
• Publisher: Katarina Soul
• Release date: Apr 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781476095417

Katarina Soul

Katarina Soul is a Greek/American born in the USA after her maternal grandmother escaped the Turkish invasions of the 1900's and stowed away on a slave ship bound for America. Katarina is an independent author of several E-books in Amazon's Kindle store and here on Smashwords. Her Priestess of the Aegean trilogy blends historical fiction with adventure, love, magic, alchemy and mythology. Book One: Fortuna's Magic Book Two: The Etheric Realm Book Three: The Elixir of Life. This ancient historical series takes place in Greece in 500BC during the Persian wars and entertains both young adult and adult readers. Dr. Soul is a naturopathic physician, a holistic healer using only natural remedies:healthy nutrition, herbs, flower essences and homeopathy. She is also a lifelong metaphysician and helps clients see into their bright futures. She can be reached at: [e-mail]

Book preview

Book Three

The Elixir of Life

Copyright 2012 by Katarina Soul

Smashwords Edition

Text copyright ©2012 by Katarina Soul

All rights reserved.

The scanning, uploading and distribution of this book via the Internet or via any other means without the permission of the author is illegal, and punishable by law. Please purchase only authorized electronic editions, and do not participate in or encourage the electronic piracy of copyrighted materials. Your support of the author’s rights is appreciated.

Acknowledgments:

Cover Art & Photography © 2012

by William Almodovar, Jr. & Katarina Soul

Other Titles © 2011-2012 by Katarina Soul

Priestess of the Aegean:

Book #1--Fortuna’s Magic

Priestess of the Aegean:

Book #2--The Etheric Realm

Priestess of the Aegean:

Book #3--The Elixir of Life

Other E-Books by Katarina Soul coming in 2012!

Cyber-Ella: An Internet Dating Fiasco

Confessions of a Fortune Teller

Be Magnificent!

The Alchemy of Well-Being

For

All

Who

Summon

The

Elixir

of

Life!

The Island of Delos

500 B.C.

I. Merging

On Delos, love was in the air! Ahmed and his crew drained four amphorae of wine, inciting Dionysus with every sailor’s toast. Men took turns feeding their bonfire the debris of splintered triremes strewn along the beach.

Wait! Do not burn those! Store them for our next row through rugged battle. Ahmed ordered. Elias and Xavier collected useable oars to stow aboard their vessel.

Fill my mug one more time, mate! Xavier tottered as he poured a refill, spilling some.

You, my good man, have had enough. Go bivouac upon the sand! We must acquire our last good night of sleep upon these sacred shores, their captain commanded as his laurel crown tilted.

Oh listen to the newly crowned King of the Water! You personify Poseidon! Oh mighty Ahmed, I bow before you!

Ahmed threw a handful of sand at him. You are drunk. Go get some sleep. There will be much to do at dawn. Elias collected Xavier and guided him down the beach to a bunker within the rocks.

If we are lucky, perhaps we may catch some seafood to dine on, right in here!

As the silver moon rose, the inebriated pair stumbled across the rocky promontory of Fournoi Bay while their sleeping trireme tugged upon its precarious anchor.

I did not know Delos had caves. Swallowed by adventure, the two drunken sailors failed to notice when the tide had turned.

Ahmed gazed down the beach where a smaller blaze mesmerized two reunited lovers.

I cannot comprehend the forces of the gods who sailed you to Delos---and then--delivered me as well. Phoebe stared at Angelos’ curly hair, studied its texture, and smoothed her hands over his locks, sending shivers through him.

True Alchemy occurred as I worked upon my mosaics. I do not lie when I report that I saw your Ether in my fountain, Phoebe—long before I was finished—long before you actually arrived. Demetrius explained that my clairvoyant Visions occurred because you attempted a Sacred Blending Ritual under Aphrodite’s full moon; was this true? Angelos asked.

Phoebe searched for an appropriate answer. I shall never lie to you, Angelos. There were times when I spied on Fortuna in Delphi when she conjured this ritual with Demetrius. During full moons, I would follow her down her crooked path to the Gulf of Corinth. The luster of her body when his spirit emerged in the Ether---well---it was intoxicating! I did not understand the raw power in her—nor in him. In short---yes---I tried to perform the same ritual, one evening when the moon was full. But I did not immerse in the sea; instead I lilted upon the waters of the Castilian Springs, while I invoked your image.

So, he gulped, we did share the same point in time---then? Angelos’ ruddy face looked puzzled. When I saw you materialize in a shadowy form in the very fountain I worked upon…

I think Alchemy did occur, Phoebe interrupted. An elemental force opened a channel to our physical merging. This was our miracle, Angelos!

As the roaring blaze flickered in the lapping Aegean waves, the joyous couple kissed, merging their physical bodies with the spiritual Ether of their reacquainted Love, while Persian War loomed around the Aegean.

Phoebe stopped her cooing.

Wait! I cannot make love to you here upon the sand, like a wild animal provoked by the full moon’s light.

Angelos, a warrior familiar with the spoils of battle, bit his tongue. What would be to your satisfaction?

Phoebe studied his face. I am shy about being naked upon the same beach where two hundred other men snore away the hours. What if one gets up to…err… and stumbles upon us? She giggled.

Hmm, even a recently emancipated slave girl has her standards; I won’t disappoint you, my Phoebe. We have waited a long time to share this moment. I suggest we make a ceremony out of our love, in private, after all the men depart these shores. How does this sound? Angelos gently kissed Phoebe’s cheek.

She shivered, anticipating the strength and passion he would deliver with merely his roving hands and moist lips as amorous tingles turned her skin into gooseflesh.

They needed a plan, and quickly!

In a stunning unity of their Fates, captain Ahmed trekked to Delphi and mistakenly kidnapped Phoebe—thinking she was Fortuna—and brought her to the Aegean island of Delos. Ahmed sought to please Demetrius by bringing him the sole woman who’d become his Muse all these years. Delos would transmute into a central point where Greek mariners would align in their fight against their true enemy--Persia. Perhaps a Delian League would be the perfect solution to end the civil strife between Sparta, Aegina, and the Thracian barbarians.

Yes, miracles of mystics transformed the tiny island of Delos. Ahmed smiled, recalling his earlier faux-pas at the Oracle of Delphi when he’d attempted to save Fortuna from the advancing tyrant, Themistocles.

Unbeknownst to anyone, Fortuna had clandestinely placed her maidservant, Phoebe, on the tripod at Delphi. When Ahmed rescued the woman bathing in the Castilian Spring, believed to be the Oracle of Delphi, it was Phoebe--not Fortuna—who he stole aboard his trireme and sailed unknowingly to Delos. His random blunder led to the ironic reunion of four lovers who’d been torn apart for seven years. Long ago, Phoebe was sold into slavery, and Fortuna’s destiny as Oracle unceasingly kept her apart from Demetrius, year after year--until now.

Ah, Hermes, you never stop sharing your paradoxes with me, eh? Ahmed studied the flames bolting into the night sky over Phoebe and Angelos, young lovers reacquainting the fury of touch with the thrill of first kisses.

He swigged his wine with celebratory gusto, albeit alone, as Sirius, the Dog Star winked from the dark velvet sky and blood-laced tides crashed ashore.

Possessing metaphysical talents, in random acts dictated by their gods, Fortuna, Demetrius, Phoebe, Angelos and Ahmed had merged, a virtual quintessence, a vital beacon on the brink of Persian annihilation situated on the tiny island in the center of the Cyclades, with little food, scorching heat, and naval battles raging all around them.

Why had five rare alchemists mysteriously joined company upon the sacred shores of Delos? Earlier that morning, Demetrius had consecrated his four friends with crowns of laurel leaves in a holy ceremony at his newly erected Temple of Apollo.

On the other side of the beach in the wheat where Leto purportedly gave birth to Apollo the troubled waves hypnotically rolled ashore. After lonely, tormented years of sharing their spiritual love in the Ether under every full moon, when Aphrodite fused their souls together, Fortuna and Demetrius could behold one another as never before—in physical union.

You materialized, right in front of all of our eyes, from invisibility into your beautiful female form. From her sea foam, the goddess of Love transmuted you and delivered you, Fortuna--in the flesh. Today, you stand as a blessing from Apollo, in his natal sanctuary. It is all so perfect!

Demetrius tenderly swept back Fortuna’s loose hairs, locking his gaze on her sparkling eyes. For years he’d dreamt of this moment, the fateful day when he would cast his eyes upon her, when his heart would melt against her breast, when at last, their bodies would merge.

Fortuna looked longingly at her artisan. I am overwhelmed with joy, my love. For years, I too, imagined this moment. There were times when I began to wonder if I would ever rematerialize again. Images of your face, the sound of your voice echoing in my Mind, all drove me to Delos, and into your strong embrace.

She kissed the nook of his warm neck, suntanned to a rich brown, pulsing with raw desire. A fluid mosaic of tears streamed over their cheeks while their laurel crowns, neatly situated on their heads, tilted in homage to their kindling passion.

You are the Sun King, the one man who will unlock the destiny of all of Greece! This I do know! As she spoke, he held her powerful chin in his hand and raised it to his mouth. Her laurel crown fell. Demetrius retrieved it, caught by his own provocation, and gently secured it back upon Fortuna’s head, smoothing his hand down the length of her hair to the middle of her sweaty back.

And you are my Priestess, my Moon Queen for all eternity. He paused with a serious look on his face. Why have you come to Delos, my love? Why has Apollo finally united your path and mine? Why do we join mystical forces with Ahmed, Angelos and Phoebe?

Apollo kept me in Delphi, Fortuna muttered, lost in his caresses, but Aphrodite flew me here, on Eros’ wings of monumental Love.

I do not understand how you materialized right in front of my eyes. Maybe one day, you will spin your adventure tales when we cuddle near the beach fire, sharing our deepest secrets of Alchemy. But right now, I want to hold you, my love. I want to press your gorgeous body close to my own, and remain entwined for full moons without end! Demetrius’ heart quickened as he drew Fortuna tighter to him.

Beholding you in the flesh, I am overwhelmed by the sparks showering my touch, she answered. We share one Elixir which bathes us in white Light when we embrace; do you feel it?

Demetrius held her as though she were sacred marble, sought after by Kings. He could not answer. Fortuna felt the beating of his heart sync with her own. The tatters of their linen chitons meshed together in one garment. All he could think about was plunging his tongue into her pretty mouth, over and over, slowly listening for her moans in response to his seduction. During seven years of celibacy, his desires were diverted into the crafting of marble pillars, and the adorning of delicately carved friezes. A thunderstorm brewed within him, threatening his chaste vows.

There is so much to tell you—so much to share. I know not where to begin, or to end. Fortuna felt sparks sizzle through her body, as tears fell. Demetrius’ fingertips wiped them away, gingerly, as a priest would.

My darling lady, we will have many sunrises and sunsets here upon the sacred isle of Delos. Every moment will be blessed with our holy Love, Love I can rain down upon your physical form at last! Praise to Aphrodite! Demetrius stood up and pulled Fortuna into his toned chest. His strong hands ravaged her torso and raked through her thick black hair, as broken trireme flotsam continuously crashed ashore.

I shall take my time, relishing you, as though you were an expensive perfume, a love potion brought from foreign soils--a rare delight indeed!

You have evolved poetically since I last spoke with you seven years ago. Fortuna cast a light beam his way. He pressed his fingertips to her lips and tenderly traced the line of them, lost in the warm softness of her beneath his touch.

Even more beautiful than I imagined, your skin far exceeds the smoothness of any carved marble. You are warm alabaster that Apollo, himself, has sun-kissed. Pray, how does an Oracle living underground have a lovely tan such as yours?

Ah, I left the shadowy caves of Delphi months ago. Mine is a story of epic proportions. Fortuna recounted details of her most recent discoveries while she struggled with invisibility.

Stavros lied to me about his wife Amathea. She did not die. He secretly exiled her on the island of Icaria, to free her from becoming another slave in Paros’ malachite mine.

Why did he lie to all of us? Demetrius’ black eyebrows arched a common furrow.

I am not certain. I believe Stavros could transmute himself at nights, when he was in his magical shed, after all villagers fell fast asleep. He could have transported in the Etheric Realm over to Icaria and blended with her, in secret, just like we have done so many times.

I am amazed by this news! Have you told Ahmed this story?

I do not want to tell stories. Hold me like you will never let me go, Demetrius! Fortuna swooned in his arms, never wanting Apollo’s sun to rise. Demetrius kissed her lips, over and over, until his devout restraint seized him.

I have not prepared a domicile for you, my love. When I worked upon my recent temple, I envisioned it as the stately residence for the Oracle of Delos.

Fortuna did not know what to say. He caught her breathless.

How did you know there would be an Oracle on Delos?

What do you think? Apollo, the god of prophecy, informed me. What better use for his temple than to deliver a prophetess to the masses as they shower their coinage into our Delian Treasuries. His face glowed at the stunning vision of her, shimmering in the moonlight cascading off the bay.

You and I have entertained identical thoughts! When I was marooned on Icaria, I predicted our destiny; it included my role as the Oracle of Delos. How could you have possibly known this thought was in my Mind? Fortuna kissed Demetrius’ earlobe and gently blew warm breath into his ear.

You and I both know the answer, Fortuna. Our destinies are linked. Together our burdens weigh half as heavy. Do you not agree?

For a moment, sadness befell her. Together we cannot become husband and wife, as Apollo forbids this. We have vowed to place our alchemical talents before our personal lives. Where does this leave this immense passion between us?

Fortuna, Demetrius gently ran his hands up and down the outside edge of her naked arms. We can do whatever we desire on Delos. There are no High Priests watching over you and enforcing protocol; you are free here. He swept her up in his magnetic arms, crushing her to him.

I never want to let you out of my sight. We have way too much time to make up for, starting right here, right now. He kissed her cheeks, tenderly, purposefully.

Demetrius took her hand, kissed it repeatedly, and put it to his breast. On my honor, I will do only what you desire, when you desire. I have waited patiently for years. I am no barbarian, but a gentleman. Rest assured angelouthee.

What did you call me? Fortuna’s surprise alarmed him.

Angelouthee, my precious angel. Why?

Stavros used to call me that. No one has called me ‘angelouthee’ in a long time. I am sorry—I am moved. Tears welled in her almond eyes.

You have the mystical eyes of a gypsy, agape mou. Many mariners would love to stare into those intoxicating eyes, while a woman as beautiful as you foretells their futures. Of course, if you do not mind peppering your answers with a positive spin: ‘Greece will triumph!’ that sort of thing.

Why Demetrius, it appears you want me to play Oracle, with a hidden agenda.

Nothing like the power of positive persuasion as a Mind set, ne? He kissed her eyes, one at a time, while she moaned her next reply.

Yes. Your power is most pervasive, and persuasive. Shall we make ready for our Sacred Love Ceremony? Anticipation rolled through her midsection.

Demetrius repositioned Fortuna in his arms, carried her down the beach and up a trail past the Sacred Lake until he came upon his marble creation towering in the still night air.

My beloved Priestess, please accept my devout offering of Apollo’s Temple, a Vision I crafted in my Mind’s eye and fueled with my own hands--ahem--and my Alchemy.

He kissed her lips softly, as love swelled inside him. Bless the ashipu ways you taught me, Fortuna. Seven years ago, if you had not come to Delos to mend my wounds, I may be dead instead of thriving, He kissed her, not only as a builder of temples, but also, as a resident priest of your Love.

The envelope of his muscular arms yielded a security unlike any Fortuna had known in her twenty-six years. Whenever Demetrius’ path intersected her own, Aphrodite spun a wondrous web of seduction, as enchanting as a myrrh bath on a hot summer’s evening. Nothing like this seemed possible, and yet, every sensation felt infinitely real as though they had rehearsed it repeatedly in an ancient vapor, a continuous veil of moonlit eternity.

I will create a Lover’s Ceremony for our union. From this night forward, I pledge my heart and my soul to you, Demetrius. She kissed one cheek, and then the other, as Demetrius gently propped her back on her feet. When she paused, he took advantage and pressed her to him, tighter this time.

The indigo Aegean darkened as twilight disappeared, casting shrinking shadows where six Ionian columns lined the entrance to Apollo’s Temple.

Fortuna felt his manhood against her. A dozen thoughts ran through her Mind.

I have dreamed of this Ceremony: we are braided together on a bed of fresh straw, in a molten embrace. Fortuna’s virginity glared at her. Were priestesses allowed the indulgences of the hetaera, the beguiling women of pleasure who populated the city of Corinth?

I will not hurt you, my Love. You have my word on that. I hold devout respect for you as an herbal healer, and more reverently, as a renowned Oracle to generals and slaves alike. I do not wish to treat you like my concubine, but rather like a Priestess of the Aegean.

As they entered the temple, Demetrius withdrew his malachite worry beads from inside his chiton. You see? Remember these? You gave me these so many years ago, and I have always kept them close to my heart. Tonight, in your arms, I want to give these back to you as a sacred pledge of my Love for you, Fortuna. With these, I release all of my worries. Let us carry the burdens of our countrymen together, and triumph in our common plight. He lit the first of several olive oil lamps, flickering in the evening breeze.

Fortuna stared at the green beads made smooth by years of Demetrius’ fingers rubbing them during his musings. She foretold it in her parchment love poem, his talisman which kept him sane during many lonely nights with little food or wine.

When hands stretch free of worry beads… he recited as though reading her Mind.

The Persians’ spell will break… she continued. In unison they recited her love poem aloud.

Fortuna had spent years on Lesbos with Sappho, the beloved Greek poet, while visiting at her school for women. Without their chance meeting, Fortuna may never have acquired her talent for writing love poetry. And if Artemis, her messenger dove, had not been in both of their lives, no poem would have reached its intended destination on Delos.

The sequence of god-ordained events had led them to this pivotal point in history.

We are all One! Fortuna shouted.

Especially you and me. Demetrius slid his tongue into her moist mouth.

Oh, Demetrius, I am home at last!

II. Celebration

As the first sunset of spring lapped the Aegean with brilliant orange tongues, Fortuna and Demetrius walked arm-in-arm through the original birthplace of Apollo.

Where exactly did his birth occur? Fortuna’s scholarly air impressed him.

Demetrius smiled. Somewhere amidst these very grasses, Leto gave birth to Apollo. You know Zeus banished her. Delos was the island that aided her in her darkest hour.

So, you believe this legend lives on in anyone who comes ashore? Fortuna questioned. Why are you so certain that Darius, or his heir, Xerxes will not invade?

It would be an act of sacrilege. The Immortals are a superstitious people. Besides, there are few men--no women--and rare storehouses of goods here, in other terms, no riches to plunder. We are all quite safe here.

Fortuna worried about their Persian enemy; Darius’ triremes increased in number every time she spied his fleet looming on the horizon, heading for the northern island of Euboea.

I believe Themistocles’ winning strategy should be centered in Artemisium, the northern city of Euboea. If he has his sentries posted in those hills he can maneuver important information toward his fleet-in-waiting at Salamis.

How would he accomplish this? Demetrius felt transfixed to her ingenious plan.

With fire signals naturally. Fortuna paused. Did you recognize the signal I sent from Icaria?

That was you? Demetrius’ jaw dropped. Angelos interpreted your signal and sent it to his allies on the mainland. You were telling us that Darius had over one hundred vessels; was that the message?

How smart you are. Fortuna tickled his side where a Persian arrow pierced his flesh years ago during the Ionian Revolt when Demetrius’ trireme, the Ankhomen, was rammed and sunk by their common enemy. Miraculously, Demetrius survived; Fortuna arrived in time to save his life by performing her Sacred Healing Ceremony.

How does your wound feel? she interjected.

Every time I longed for you, my scar would itch. It is true! Demetrius gazed at her tresses flapping in the evening breeze. Someday, I want to brush your hair with the finest silk brush. Perhaps Ahmed will do us the honor of locating such a rarity in the agora of his Egyptian homeland, ne?

Ahmed has not returned to the mouth of the Nile since Darius occupied it years ago; he despises the Persians as much as any Greek.

Does he share these details with you? He never speaks of his past with me, Fortuna.

Her beguiling smirk appeared. That is because you are neither a female nor an Oracle. We weavers of fortune elicit delicate details from many weary warriors, and generals.

You have so many wonderful talents, Demetrius praised. Let’s gather some of this grass into a bale of straw so I may fashion soft bedding for your comfort in Apollo’s Temple. I want you to feel like the priestess that you are, honored guest of the gods! He stared right through her.

My holy eyes absorbed this miracle of your materialization—truly remarkable! Demetrius laced his arms around her, and kissed the top of her head. Fortuna’s windswept hair tickled his face.

How will we let others know that there now resides an Oracle of Delos?

Ahmed approached, signaling Demetrius that the sailors’ dinner of thanks awaited him.

You see this man? He will tell all of Greece about your mystical presence on Delos. In a matter of months, mariners and merchants will plow through the indigo waves, spiriting their honored triremes to Delos to hear their futures, and to secure assured protection from Themistocles’ navy. Do you not see what a miracle this will become? We will be able to unify, side by side, in our common mission, serving mighty Apollo day by day. Demetrius’ eyes sparkled as he orated and began lightly tracing her high cheekbone, as a blind person would, delicately with admiring precision.

I am sorry to interrupt your discussion. Demetrius, my men and I have prepared an elaborate feast in honor of the majestic temples you have single-handedly erected on these shores. Come! We want to roast you one last time before we set sail tomorrow. Excuse us Fortuna. This is a feast of men! Demetrius kissed Fortuna’s cheeks.

Why not seek the company of your former maidservant, Phoebe, and get lost in women talk?

Fortuna slapped his backside as he heartily followed the lumbering Egyptian leading him to his honorary banquet, celebrating him as Delos’ King of the Sun. Demetrius envisioned the Agora for Delian enterprise where mariners would plunk down shiny coins and spin tales of their latest battles, peppered by the formidable tempests encountered en route.

Fortuna envisioned the agora where Ahmed’s men waited with calamari, figs, pomegranates, Chian wine, and feta cheese melted over freshly baked bread. She smelled the aroma of seafood sizzling over a beach fire, happy to inhale fresh ocean air, rather than the smelly fumes of the suffocating caverns at Delphi where she’d spent the last seven years.

Ahmed’s culinary skills amazed his crew; he had mastered the baking of bread at sea, using the sunlight as a catalyst to help his dough rise. The crew teased him constantly. One of them fashioned a baker’s hat out of disheveled sailcloth, and embroidered a sketch of Ahmed cooking. At first he despised this gift. But after many nights at Poseidon’s mercy, he appreciated any act of kindness his men rained upon him. After years of surfing Aegean tempests, sea-captain Ahmed was mellowing with age; he wore the hat tonight, and boasted a genuine smile.

A few sailors began a game of coin toss; the one who landed his coin closest to the Seventh Sacred Lion would win the other’s coin. Many men joined in as the wine flowed.

Then it is true? You will keep Fortuna here and set her up as the Oracle of Delos?

Yes. We shall see how history evolves. I do not want to jeopardize her glory, if Darius or Themistocles ventures into these waters. Be mindful of the candidates you select to spread this eager news across the Aegean. As you relate the tale of the Oracle of Delos, also tell them that the Delian League awaits their contributions to back the Athenians in a unified resolve against our enemy, understand?

Ahmed shook hands with his dear friend. I am happy that you and Fortuna are together at last. You have no idea how difficult being in the middle was! I would watch you pine for her, voyage to Delphi, and listen to her lament about you. After several years this became quite tiresome. And now I see how happy you both are, and my heart is gladdened! Yiasou!

Demetrius couldn’t possibly fathom the largeness of Ahmed’s love for Fortuna; he’d kept it a secret for decades.

You are a compassionate man, Ahmed. I salute your steadfast nature. For all of the meals you have brought us over these many months, many thanks!

Demetrius laughed at the irony. I will need twice the food if I am to keep my Oracle and Angelos’ Phoebe well nourished in their new homes.

Oh? Is Phoebe staying on with Angelos as well?

Did you think that she would venture back to the mainland to emulate the Oracle of Delphi? Especially when they believe Themistocles is responsible for her kidnapping?

Ahmed smiled. From what I heard, Phoebe was quite adept at fortune-telling.

Ah, more reasons to keep her here. Besides, Angelos will not be finished with his mosaics for a few more months. Perhaps the autumnal breezes shall set them both free, ne?

What do you suppose the High Priests have done without a Pythia?

Demetrius looked intently into Ahmed’s black eyes. Probably, they will rely on Greek Theatre. I heard from a marble merchant that a Theatre would be built at Delphi. Did you see the men carting their marble slabs as you traveled through the Pindus Mountains?

Yes, we saw such men.

Would it not be ironic if they sent word for a Pythia competition, to choose one seer from among the Corinthian beauties?

Ahmed roared. Do you know how many hetaerae would hike the hills from Corinth to Delphi? Such a competition would surely mock the Hierophants!

Either way, locating an Oracle of Delphi is their problem to solve. Perhaps they will shroud more Oracles in Aeolic riddles and dazzle the naive with chicanery, he elbowed his friend in the ribs, while it is Delos which offers Greeks the most gifted sibyl of all!

I shall do my best to bring you steady provisions. Continue to create more marble masterpieces. These shall unify all of us in the sanctity of prayer—and secure Greek democracy, ne? Ahmed winked at Demetrius.

That is my hope. Demetrius sat down to a feast among friends as sunlight dwindled over Italy, signaling the arrival of the vernal equinox.

Ahmed sat next to him. The men feasted on delights brought from seven different islands; Pramian wine from Icaria, pomegranates from Cyprus, olives and olive oil from Chios, and feta and pistachios from Lesbos. Their bounty fortified the battle-fatigued men. Dionysus made sure each rogue drank enough wine; before an hour had passed, several broke into song, wailing notes to old sea tunes, in bad harmony.

I hope you don’t mind if I speak to Fortuna before I depart, to ask her to employ me to barter for things she will need brought to Delos. I am sure there will be a few items from Delphi. I must navigate that course to fetch General Cimon and his men; I abandoned them on Scyros looking for Theseus’ skeleton. Ahmed laughed. I am sure there will be several empty holes littered across that island!

"What will you do if he finds it? It is bad medicine to bring an ancient skeleton aboard your trireme. Are you