Oracle

By Travis James

Book Three of the Thoth Scrolls series: Book Three tells of mankind’s evolution from hunter gathers to space travellers as seen through the eyes of Arieka. This woman will be known as the Oracle after she sits on the throne of Apollo in Delphi. Born in Gerrha on the banks of the Arab Sea in 94BCE, she will learn of her immortality after being attacked by her father’s brother. At eighteen years old she leaves her mother and travels along the Silk Road to an as yet unknown destination in the west. When the camel train is attacked, she finds herself in the Wuham slave market where she is sold into Emperor Xuan’s harem. With the Sphere working with her, she enables the impotent Emperor to gain his manhood and sire a son. As a reward she is given leave of the harem but is later captured by Emperor Mang. He uses her prophetic ability to plan an attack. But he refuses to hear the remainder of her prophesy that states his success would last a very short time and result in his death.
Twice she confronts Thoth, telling him to hide the scrolls currently in the Library of Alexandrina. The Christians of Alexandrina attack and destroy the Library. However Thoth has had the scrolls copied and placed in safe keeping under the Sphinx along with the science library. They will be discovered centuries later when man has the technology to detect the locating signal.
In Seattle USA, she is visited by a number of prophetic dreams that tell her of a coming terrorist attack on a football stadium. A wrong word to her policeman lover sets off a chain of events which result in her being implicated in the attack. Sphere sends her to New Zealand for safety.
After the world war, working with the Sphere, she goes to Europe and then America to help the survivors find food and medical supplies. As the world slowly recovers she travels around doing her best to help the survivors.
She contacts the Central Committee Chairperson, Jennifer D’Bou and tells her Earth is about to be contacted by an extra-terrestrial ship. They become friends and travel to other world together. When the Earth is attacked by the man called The Professor she works with Jennifer to combat him – finally in desperation, she martyrs herself in a vain attempt to stop The Professor.
Book three runs in parallel to the Books One and Two in the Thoth Scrolls series by providing more background information as to why things happen as they did.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Travis James
• Release date: May 16, 2021
• ISBN: 9781005957285

Book preview

PREFACE.

Jabari, third son of the Egyptian God Thoth, stood on the head of the Sphinx and looked down as fire consumed his beloved city. A lone imam started a call to morning prayers but stopped as a line of bomb blasts traced across the city following the path of a fighter screaming overhead. Soot flecked tears streamed down Jabari’s fire-reddened cheeks. Once more, he thought of his father’s comments about these maddening humans. They could change from the finest, most compassionate artists to the fiercest warriors in seconds. A gust of hot air prickled his face as the wind picked up the heat from the fires. The missiles and bombs had destroyed most of the city, now the fire was consuming what little remained. Memories of the years he had spent here cascaded through his mind as he started to sob.

Jabari.

He spun around to see his niece standing next to him. Her sudden appearance startled him; he had not seen her walk across the plateau below.

She started to speak but it was not with words; they were impressions on his mind. Man will arise again and this time will be much wiser. Ahura, why am I saying this? She thought as she steadied herself against the shockwave from an exploding gas tank. Only then will man be able to complete his task. She shook her head to clear the thoughts of the mother and child trapped in the shopping centre.

But why destroy it all? Jabari shouted, barely audible over the explosions below. He was witnessing the destruction of millennia of work.

She shook her head; she had no answer. Jabari, you should hide, they have released pathogens into the air. You have no… She was gone.

Chapter 1: The Professor, 104 BCE

Location: Earth-Sun Lagrange[1] Point

The final essence moved to the gathering point. The Professor sent an annoyed thought to it as it settled into the swarm.

‘The people in the Eastern area are now reaching a critical point. We cannot allow this dynasty to fall. You must initiate the guide.’ emanated from the Professor, ‘Artimaus, you have your task.’

Artimaus sent out a thought of acceptance. He had been watching this humanoid develop for many millennia. They were different to the others. Of all the worlds the Professor had seeded, these people had a vitality not seen in the rest. There was an essence…a spirit, none of the others possessed.

Satisfied with the decision or unwilling to question the Professor, most followed the Professor and dissipated throughout the cosmos.

One stayed near, ‘Should we interfere? We don’t have a good record. The original people would have made it if we hadn't interfered.’ Thoughts of the meteor and the damage it had done floated through her memory.

Artimaus looked down on the planet. ‘We have sent the Tarians to re-seeded so many other planets and it has always ended up as a failure, they are no better than the ones we exterminated. What is wrong? Is it us? Are we looking for the impossible? Is there something else I can do?’

The other moved off leaving Artimaus alone, pondering his next move.

Chapter 2: Gerrha, Parthian Empire, 93 BCE.

As the morning sun’s rays topped the surrounding hills, a woman’s birthing moans disturbed the quiet of the town’s largest brothel. Minutes later the quiet was disturbed by the cry of a newborn child. The local dogs started to howl as the midwife’s soft, quiet words assured the new mother that her girl child was perfect. As she spoke, she was caught by the knowingness in the child’s eyes; they captivated her. Parviz what will you call her?

Arieka, ‘She who knows’. Yes, that sounds good, Arieka. Sadness in the mother’s heart pushed aside the joy of birth.

Parviz quietly cursed. How did this happen? The measures should have stopped this; now I have a child. Sadness flowed through her as she thought about the lives of the other brothel children. This was no place to bring up a child, especially a girl child. None of the townsfolk would take her. The only thing was to give her to the temple and hope the Dasturji would look after her. I can’t be a mother. My life! What I do…? Parviz’s thoughts were arrested by the whimpering of the child as the midwife laid her on her naked breast. Parviz looked down at the tiny body. The child moved her head to look her mother in the eyes and smiled before she turned to nuzzle one of her mother’s breasts. Her smile caught Parviz off guard, it was not a childish grimace; it was a smile of recognition - of thanks. Slowly the pain eased, her body was at rest. While the child nuzzled her breast, she laid back and tried to remember who she had been with all those months ago. Too many men - so long ago. A memory started to push its way into her consciousness, one man, different from all the rest, clean and well spoken - not from around here. Could he be the father? Could she get him to look after the child? Where did he come from? Her thoughts dulled as exhaustion spread throughout her body. The gentle suckling at her breast lulled her to sleep as the dogs slowly stopped barking.

Chapter 3: Brothel brat, 85 BCE.

Arieka, you’re cruel! Yazdin said as she dropped the bunch of twigs she had been playing with.

Zahan stared at Arieka. My mum isn’t going to die, tears began to form in his eyes. The three children had been playing in the dust under a tree when the image came to Arieka.

But I know she is, Arieka sat there looking at the boy; she could mentally see his mother lying under a shroud.

The boy jumped up and ran, screaming, towards his mother. Midway, he stopped and turned. Liar, I hate you! he screamed before running into the doorway nearly colliding with an old man walking along the street.

You’re cruel to tease him like that. His mum isn’t going to die. Yazdin kicked dust into Arieka’s face before running after the boy.

Arieka sat there alone as people came and went along the dusty street. She watched an old man lead a string of donkeys down the road. What do I do? I see her laying there. I had to tell him. He needs to know. A dog walked towards her but stopped, growled and walked away.

Even the dogs think I’m weird, she thought to herself.

Arieka, what have you been saying to Zahan? Parviz asked as she walked over to where her child sat.

His mother is going to die. It was then she saw the sadness in her mother’s eyes. Why are you so sad?

But you can’t tell... How do you know?

I looked at Zahan and saw his mother lying under a shroud just like Behruz, her memory went back to the time she had sneaked into Behruz’s room to see her lying on the bed under a white shroud. In her memory she could hear the women of the brothel crying.

Her mother dropped to her knees next to her, Arieka, you can’t go around telling people wh….when other people are going to die.

Why not? I’m right. You know I was right when I told you that Vasna was going to die and he did.

But he was an old man. Parviz put her arms around her and pulled her to her breast. Arieka, there are some things that are best left unsaid. People don’t want to know when they or others are going to die.

But why, they can prepare–get ready?

No… One day you will understand. Promise me you’ll never tell anybody when something is going to happen. She looked her child in her eyes, Promise me.

What about something good?

Even then don’t tell anybody, let it be a surprise.

Even you mum?

Yes, even me. It has to be your secret. I couldn’t take knowing that someone is going to die or get hurt, Parviz thought to herself. Yes, even me.

Arieka how did you know Banudadhush was going to die? Kharshedbai, the brothel owner had manhandled her onto the chair and was standing over her.

I…I don’t know, I just knew.

Did you know that Gulbai was going to kill her? her face was red in the mid-day heat.

No. I just…

Everybody knew that Banudadhush and Gulbai were fighting. Gulbai had accused Banudadhush of stealing her two wealthiest clients. The fact Gulbai had put on a lot of weight had never entered her mind. All she could see was her two best clients were now going to the younger, more attractive Banudadhush. The two women clashed so often Kharshedbai had put them in rooms at the opposite ends of the building.

Tell me! How do you know these things? There must be more to this than she is letting on, Kharshedbai thought. The things she had said had a habit of coming true.

I just know. That’s all.

When am I going to die? the question escaped before Kharshedbai had time to consider the consequences.

Mindful of the promise she had given her mother, I…I don’t know,

Yes, you do?

No... No.

You’re lying, Kharshedbai hit her on her head so hard it knocked her off the chair. Now tell me.

I can’t, mum made me promise I wouldn’t tell anything bad, she was laying on the floor sobbing with Kharshedbai glaring down at her.

So, you do know. Kharshedbai stooped down, yanked her up by one arm and dropping her back onto the chair. Tell me now or I’ll hit you again.

I can’t.

The next blow struck Arieka on the shoulder, swinging her around so she spun off the chair.

I want to know now! the anger was controlling her now; logic was a long way off.

But I promised mum.

Now! Kharshedbai bellowed.

Arieka lay huddled on the floor. There will be a fight over the wine you serve. You will be killed, she sobbed as she spoke.

What man would harm me? You stupid child, Kharshedbai kicked her in the leg. Get out.

Kharshedbai watched the child limp out of the room. Blasted child, she’s a freak. But still she had been right on several occasions, she shook her head to clear the thought, I’m an important person in Gerrha. No one will harm me.

Mum, she made me tell her! She’s going to die. Arieka sat next to her mother rubbing the bruise on her leg.

Parviz hugged her daughter tighter, I hope you’re wrong.

Arieka stared out the window, Please let me be wrong.

****

Kharshedbai smiled, she could hear the men’s laughter. Things were going well, most of the women had lain with two or three clients already, and it was still early in the evening. Now the satisfied men were in the bar drinking beer and wine. They were laughing and singing. She could hear a couple of the women singing with the men, they would entice the men to buy more drinks. She smiled to herself again; Shulgi was an excellent barman; he knew when to swap the good wine for the cheaper variety. She looked down at the stacks of coins on the table in front of her. Things were going very well.

Then she heard an angry shout that silenced the rest. Moments later, more angry shouting erupted. A woman’s scream pierced the men’s shouts. Kharshedbai stopped writing; she ran down to the bar. There were two men, swords drawn, standing against the far wall. In front of them lay Shulgi’s body. She forced her way through the crowd standing around the doorway. The men were crouching, ready for a fight, ready to defend themselves. As she walked towards Shulgi’s body the shouting stopped.

Who killed Shulgi? she shouted.

He tried to serve us pig’s swill. One of the men standing by the wall answered. He refused to give us the good wine.

So, you killed him?

The men did not answer.

Several of the other men started to shout and brandish their swords.

Stop! she shouted as she walked towards the two men. Who killed Shulgi?

She really didn’t need to ask, looking at the man with a bloodied sword. Put your swords down, you can’t hope to escape.

The man with the bloodied sword took a swing at her; the tip of his sword sliced through her dress leaving a rip across the bodice. A trickle of blood began to colour the edges of the cut. Seeing a chance to attack, the men surged forward. As they did the swordsman grabbed her. He spun her around and pulled her in front of him as a shield. She shouted for the men to stop but her words were lost in the noise. One man lunged forward but as he did the swordsman pushed her forward. The sword entered through her stomach. It was driven with such force it sliced through her spine and exited her back.

Chapter 4: Gerrha, Festival of Sadeh, 77BCE.

Sadeh, the Zoroastrian Festival of Fire, was an exciting celebration for all Gerrha. It was the one time of the year when all the community came together as one. Like the rest of Gerrha she and her mother were welcome to give food to the festival and partake of the food given to their god Ahura Mazda. Everyone, rich or poor was encouraged to celebrate the celestial success of Ahura Mazda over Angra Mainyu. The festival fire had been lit three days ago and now the embers were filling the cauldron, when the first of these spilt over the edge, the bells would be rung, and the celebrations started.

Arieka had spent her meager savings buying some freshly killed lamb, which she cooked with onions and herbs exactly how Behruz had shown her. She smiled to herself as she cooked the offering. Last year, many complemented her on the taste, even though no one was meant to know who offered the food.

She walked through the golden gates into the temple yard. The white painted temple was set towards the back of the compound with its golden columns running across the front of the building. In front lay a lake of crystal blue water. Running down each side of the lake was a colonnade, the right hand one held the Sadeh cauldron. But before she could move further into the compound, she was approached by Zaosh, one of the elders. Arieka, you're not welcome here. Not after what happened to Bagâbigna. He was one of our elders.

She knew Zaosh as one of the so-called ‘god men’ the women in the brothel sniggered about. A man who would cross the street when one of them walked by, he considered himself above them.

But it’s the Festival of Sadeh?

You foretold the death of Bagâbigna.

But Ahura Mazda gives me these messages, I... I just warned him.

Go home Arieka, we don't want you here.

She’s a child Zaosh, she's only doing what she thinks Ahura Mazda wants from her, a woman standing nearby joined the conversation.

No, we can’t have the festival tainted by this w...

I am not a witch; I carry messages from Ahura Mazda.

Go child I will not argue with one who cohorts with Angra Mainyu. You’re a Daevas, he was getting red in the face.

Zaosh, the Sadeh festival is where we all come together to praise the fire, the woman said standing next to Arieka.

She cohorts with Angra Mainyu, he looked down his nose at the child. This is a pure place, and it is not to be defiled by Daevas like her—and her mother.

But mother and the others come here every year, Arieka asserted.

Not anymore, we are going..., Zaosh started to say.

The Elders or just you Zaosh? The woman interrupted looking him directly in the face, daring him to answer the question truthfully.

I will not argue with you, woman!

Woman! You can’t even lower yourself to use my name. It’s Arnaz, as if you didn’t know.

She cohorts with Angra Mainyu and her mother sells her body, he spat out in defence.

And you’ve never visited a brothel Zaosh? Arnaz asked knowing that as a youth Zaosh had often ventured through the brothel doors.

No! Never.

Zaosh, how about we go and ask if any of the women recognise you?

His face turned scarlet, How dare you question me woman?

And why shouldn’t I question you? she was enjoying seeing the man trying to squirm out of this."

I…I’ve accepted the teachings of Zoroaster.

What only now? What were you doing when you helped light the Sadeh Fire as a youth?

He just stood there looking at her.

Arnaz turned to Arieka. Go in child you are welcome to the Festival of Sadeh.

As Arieka walked in through the gates she thought, Ahura why didn’t he want me to come in here?

He thinks his religion is only for the good people, but he forgets it is for everyone. Ahura answered to her mind.

She looked around; her mother was standing over by the wall with several of the other of the working women. Mum, did you have any trouble getting in? Zaosh, tried to stop me.

Her mother shook her head and frowned, Why would he do that?

He said it was because I predicted Bagâbigna’s death. He said this was a pure place.

How did you know it was going to happen child? another of the women asked.

I… I don’t know, Ahura Mazda tells me, she looked at the ground. I wish he wouldn’t.

You’re in, that’s the main thing, her mother said. She was going to tell her to talk with the other children but since Bagâbigna’s death, everyone was keeping well clear of her.

She stood near the women as they talked, she was used to being an outsider, but it had become painfully clear no one wanted to associate with her. Even the other children of the brothel stayed clear. Rather than stand there she wandered over to the food table. People were still coming in and putting all types of food on the table. The bells had not been rung so it could not be eaten. She looked around at the happy faces, most people were standing in groups chatting and laughing. The Festival of Sadeh was a time of rejoicing.

Ahura Mazda why am I like this? Why can’t I be normal? she said quietly.

You have been chosen for a special task, came to her mind.

Are you really Ahura Mazda? she thought back.

Yes, I have been talking to you since you were born.

What task? I don’t like being like this, no one wants to talk to me. She answered quietly so no one could hear her.

Silence.

With a bit of help from one of the lesser Dasturji, the first ashes had fallen out of the caldron; the bells were rung, the festivities could start. Young girls dressed in their finery danced around the fire as the people clapped in time with the music. Why can’t I be one of them? A tear wound its way down her cheek. She’d never been invited to join the dancers. Other people began to join the dancers as the music changed beat. People danced, laughed and sang as they circled the fiery cauldron. Arieka stood there and became engrossed in her sadness. Her mother looked at her, she should be fully grown by now, why had her body stayed so boyish? Was it some disease her father had given her? But her thoughts were broken when a man came up and coaxed her into the throng; soon she was laughing and singing.

Soon the dancing began to slow down, the night was hot, and the time to eat was drawing close. The chief Dasturji dressed in his pure white robes walked out of the temple and stood at the head of the lake. Two boys also dressed in white followed him out holding lanterns on poles to give him light to read by. The Dasturji gave his customary talk about Ahura Mazda’s victory. Then he invited everybody to partake of the food. People flocked to the table; Arieka stood back and watched the crowd swarm over the food. She was not particularly hungry after the incident with Zaosh. She watched several people point to her offerings–no one wanted to touch it. Slowly as the people had their fill, they walked away from the table. There amongst the remaining food stood her offering. It was untouched. She looked at it and then at the people, but as she looked at them, they turned their backs towards her. This was all too much she ran out of the temple grounds.

Zaosh watched her go and smiled to himself, he had gotten his way. He had told people she had cursed the food and anyone who ate it or talked to her would likewise be cursed.

Back in the brothel, she sat alone in her mother’s quarters. Why do they hate me? she thought to herself, What have I done, I’ve only warned people. She looked towards the ceiling, Ahura, why? she shouted.

The bell in the foyer rang to indicate a client was waiting. Perhaps I should follow my mother and forget about all this.

Arieka, you have been chosen to carry out an important task. Only you can do this. You have been given special powers so you can complete this task. With my help, you can see the future. You will live forever for the task is a long way in the future, Ahura spoke to her mind.

But…But why me?

You were chosen.

What is this task?

I am unable to tell you.

Silence.

Why?

No answer.

The bell rang again; she could not answer it. Her mother had forbidden her to work as a prostitute. Then she could hear voices, one of the women had gone to the door and was now taking the customer to her quarters.

Ahura, why aren’t you answering me? she spoke aloud with her fists clenched by the sides of her head.

Silence.

Dasturji Yoishta, I’m frightened. I’m still getting messages from Ahura Mazda, Arieka’s face was pale and her eyes puffy from lack of sleep. She had not slept properly since the festival.

Arieka you’ve been living with this all your life, why are you scared now? the Dasturji was sitting facing her. He had placed a table carrying two glasses of water between them. It gave him a sense of security. The pair had talked on many occasions about the voice who claimed to be their god. It was only now, after Bagâbigna’s death, did the priest begin to waver in his assertion this was just her imagining. She had come to him several times before asking for help. He told her to ignore it, it was nothing only an overactive mind, but now he had to believe her. She had even described how Bagâbigna would die. There was nothing in the writings about this, nothing to guide him. He had tried to convince her that they were just thoughts but now he had to accept what she was saying.

When I went to the Festival of Sadeh, Zaosh tried to stop me entering the temple compound. He called me a Daevas and no one ate the food I’d prepared or talked to me. I always thought this was a gift but now I’m so lonely, even some of the women who work with my mother are too scared to talk to me. She wiped tears from her eyes.

The Dasturji nodded. Zaosh believes that only the righteous should enter the compound but he is wrong, Zoroaster’s teachings are for everyone. We have told him to stop talking about you.

What if he doesn’t?

Then we’ll have to punish him. But tell me again, what does Ahura say to you?

He tells me and sometimes he shows me what’s going to happen. Sometimes he tells me things that I’m not to tell anybody else.

What do you do then? the priest asked.

I do as I’m told.

Did Ahura tell you that Bagâbigna would be killed?

Yes, he told me he would be riding a horse and it would stumble. Then he showed him lying under a shroud.

What does Ahura tell you about our teachings? he had to change the subject, this idea of her knowing when someone was going to die was scaring him.

She closed her eyes waited for a few seconds, He just told me that Zoroaster’s teachings will continue to be worshiped until the end of time. Many others will come and go but the teachings will continue.

The priest sat back and smiled, As it should be.

He told me I was chosen for a task, but he wouldn’t tell what it is…and I won’t die until that task is completed. He just showed me a picture of the temple in the future–it’s gone, there’s nothing but a few pillars remaining.

When will this be? the Dasturji suddenly looked very worried.

A long time, several wars will be fought here. Tears worked their way down her cheeks. I won’t be able to stop the wars. Many are going to die. And this town will disappear, only near the end of time will people who hunt for the past find this city and recognise this place as a temple. she stood up and looked over the pond. I’ll still be alive. I will live forever?

Everyone has to die, that is part of our journey.

No, He’s telling me I’ll live for a very long time.

The Dasturji just sat there. What can I tell her? he thought.

I know I have to leave shortly and travel to many lands, she said quietly. I don’t want to go. I don’t want to feel responsible for everything that’s going to happen.

Why would you feel responsible? the priest asked.

I don’t know but I feel there’s a weight that’s trying to crush me, she looked at him. I get flashes, of wars, of people cursing me, people hunting me… And of being responsible for something terrible–really terrible, she sat down and started to sob. Help me Dasturji.

I wish I could child–I wish I understood what is happening to you, he leaned back in his chair perhaps Zaosh was right. Maybe it will be better if she leaves Gerrha. He thought back to the three people who had cornered him demanding he do something about her prophecies.

Chapter 5: Leaving her mother

Arieka, why are you so small? Her mother looked at her daughter; she should have wide hips and a bust, but she was thin, almost boyish. Over the years other women had made comments about her daughter’s figure. A couple even asked if she was a girl.

Ahura has made me stay at this age. It gives me protection from the attentions of men and the troubles of women, she looked at her mother, but, you know I am more than I appear to be.

Yes, you are, her mother thought about the time, not two years ago, when she warned the town about the flood. Many had heeded her warning and sought sanctuary in the hills; they survived while many of those who stayed in the town were swept away.

How do you know these things? She still could not accept their God, Ahura Mazda, was giving her child these messages. She sat in a chair; she was getting to the end of her working life; men were looking for the younger girls. The years had been good to her and unlike most of the other women she had not been bothered by the sailor’s diseases, but now she was tired.

Mother, I am gifted…as you know I will live forever. She stopped and allowed other thoughts to pass through her mind, Or until I decide to die. The others see me as a freak–they call me a ‘brothel-brat’ and ‘stick-legs’ but I am more, much more. In the future, kings will travel great distances to seek my council. I will live until I give a warning to a woman born of the seed of a man who came from the stars, she shook her head trying to understand what she had just said. I will see a great many changes before this deed is done, she thought about this–there was something more, something terribly important, but she could not bring it to her mind.

What do all these words mean Arieka? A puzzled look came over her mother’s face, And all this talk of kings coming to see you. Of a man who came from the stars. What does it all mean? Parviz asked. She stared at her daughter. "Why would kings come to see you?" You’re only a simple daughter of a prostitute, she thought to herself.

I don’t know, but I’m told this, that’s all I know, Arieka stared down at the ground.

Parviz sat in silence for a while. What do you know of your father?

He sought you out to give you his seed.

Why would your father choose me?

Arieka shook her head.

How do you know you’ll live so long?

She shrugged her shoulders. That’s what Ahura tells me. It’s my reason for being.

Will you have children?

No. That’s not in my destiny, also I don’t bleed. Something twigged in her mind, but she let it go. Perhaps she should not say anything about this.

****

In the third month of her eighteenth year, Arieka sat down with her mother under the awnings in the courtyard. Remember I’ve always said that I will have to leave someday? That day is very close; I’ve been waiting for a caravan that will take me to Yarkand. She looked her mother in the eyes, I don’t think we’ll see each other again. Arieka looked down at the wind-blown patterns in the dirt as a tear wound its way down her cheek. I’ll miss you so much. I love you. Now the tears flowed. "Can’t I take her with me? Why do I have to leave I could stay here and get married."

Your mother is no longer part of your journey; there is much for you to do. Your mother would suffer greatly is she were to accompany you. Ahura said to her mind.

Where are you going? Her mother asked, she had always known this day would come, but like all mothers she hoped it would be sometime in the never-ending future. Her eyes were filled with tears as she realised the future was here. She reached out and touched her daughter on the hand.

To a place called Chin, a land near the rising sun. Arieka said wiping the tears from her eyes. She could not look at her mother. Memories of how Zahan cried when his mother died came cascading back. Now she could understand his grief.

But what if....

No man will touch me unless I will it. Again, she looked into her mother’s eyes. I will control them.

But....

Mother, I will be safe. Nothing will happen to me. A tiny doubt crept into her mind, if only she could be sure of that. A lie to keep her mother from worrying was worth the telling. There is a caravan passing through Gerrha in two days, I will leave with it. Now tears flowed again, she had meant to be strong and not show any emotions, but this was her mother. She shook her head to clear the pain. But first I must speak to the council. Will you accompany me? She stood and held out her hand.

Her mother stood and together they walked to the council meeting place.

I am to leave Gerrha in two days, I will travel to China. They stood in front of the council. The darkness gave a sense of coolness. The men in their fine clothes sat on chairs around a table. Before I go, I will give three warnings. Two men will come wearing red coats, you must kill them and burn their bodies before they enter the city; they carry a disease that will kill many. She paused to allow this to sink in. A family with two donkeys will be seen wandering along the riverbank. Invite them to stay, the woman has knowledge that will help the town grow, listen to her. She dropped her head. By the time your children are your age the river will have moved towards the hills, you will then need to move the town. "They won’t believe that," she thought to herself. But you can prevent this. The riverbed is silting up. Clean out the riverbed from the fork to the boulders and then the river will not move.

But how can the river move? one of the older members asked.

Look around for the signs, the rows of palms, it has moved many times, and will move many more times before this land becomes a desert. I can say no more. The warnings have been delivered. With that, she turned and walked to where her mother was standing. Together they left the chambers leaving the council to ponder her prophecies.

Can the river move? her mother asked as they walked back to the brothel.

Yes, it has many times; follow the line of old palms, they all started to grow on the riverbank. While her mind was on the coming journey and the trials she could see coming, her emotions were in upheaval as she thought of leaving, Mum I…. She stopped and looked up at her mother, I’m...I’m going to miss you...I don’t want to but...but I must. There is much to be done. Tears started to roll down her cheeks as her resolve crumbled.

But can’t you stay here and do whatever you have to do? her mother said through her own tears.

No Gerrha is too far away from the place I must be.

Can I come with you? anything would be better than living here, her working days were nearly over.

No... You can’t. Ahura had told her that her mother will die in less than a year, but he had also told her that a far worst fate awaited her if they travelled together. Arieka’s own journey was going to be perilous to say the least.

Chapter 6: Joining the caravan, 75BCE.

There! He’s the one, he’s the chief cameleer, she pointed at an imposing man sitting on a pile of rugs. Cincixri! she shouted as they strode towards him.

The cameleer looked at the girl and then the woman. She could be fun to have along, but the girl’s too skinny, he sighed; the nights were long with no woman to keep him company.

Sensing his thoughts, No, I am travelling alone, the child looked him straight in the eyes, I will pay for safe passage to Yarkand. She held four gold darics in her hand.

Yarkand, no that is too far, there are beasts there that devour men, however, the gold coins in her open hand made him stop. How does this young girl get so many coins? Does she have any more? Once we are on our way...accidents do happen.

I suggest you rethink that plan Cincixri, you’ll find no more money, the smile conveyed a warning he understood.

The cameleer stopped for a second. What plan? You’re paying for safe passage to Yarkand. He stood and moved closer to her so his bulk stood over her. Who is this child? How does she know my name and what I am thinking?

I’m not impressed by the posturing of men, cameleer, even though she barely came up to his shoulders there was something about her that captivated his full attention.

How many are traveling with you? she asked.

There are sixty; a few more will join us in Ecbatana and Merv.

Are they all merchants? she asked.

No not all. Many are but we carry artisans hoping to find work in the cities we will visit. Also, we have a young man with an entourage who wants to talk with the followers of the one they call the Buddha. He shook his head, all that way just to talk.

When do you leave? Parviz asked.

First light. He turned to look at Parviz; obviously they were mother and daughter. Are you sure you want her to travel alone?

She has been… She has chosen to do this; I cannot stop her. Parviz stood there for several seconds letting him absorb this. Cameleer, beware! She is much more than she appears. Take heed of what she tells you; those who have listened to her have lived, many who ignored her have died.

He scoffed as he looked down at the child. How could she hurt me?

It’s not me who should worry you cameleer, it’s the dangers you will face on this trip, Arieka quipped.

We face dangers every trip, he scoffed.

Yes, but this trip will bring new dangers, Arieka answered.

He stared at her. How would a girl child know of such a thing? He looked back at her mother with a questioning look on his face.

Beware Cameleer, there is much more to Arieka than even I know. Parviz answered.

He looked back at the child standing in front of him and started to shake his head. No, this isn’t looking good. I don’t need any problems. I think I might ref… Arieka looked at him. Yes, I’ll take you. We leave at first light. He put his hand out for the coins. Perhaps she will be late or change her mind. As he watched the two women walk away, he shook his head slightly–why did I change my mind?

The sun was barely over the hills when Arieka and her mother reached the almost packed caravan. She turned to her mother. Don’t worry, I’ll be safe. Without looking back, she walked up to the camel Cincixri was standing by and mounted it with his help. Her carry bag was thrown over the beast. She looked at him and smiled, "No I didn’t change my mind." A quick glance at her mother un-nerved her. I won’t see you again. I love you. She mentally sent to her mother. Her sadness was shattered when the camel unexpectedly lurched forward as it clambered up off its haunches, almost throwing her to the ground. She gripped the horn with both hands as a terrified squeal escaped her lips. The men behind her laughed. Their feelings came to her; none of these men would try to harm her. Arieka, take this to remember me by. Her mother handed her a small cloth wrapped parcel.

With everybody mounted, the camel train began to move forward. She did not dare look back at her mother. It would be too painful for them both.

The motion of the camel was strange; it felt as though she would slide off. She looked down at the well-worn saddle, her hands still tightly gripping the horn. Am I doing the right thing leaving my mother alone? She will not be alive too much longer. Should I have stayed?

No, her death will be pleasant. This is the time for you to leave; things are coming to a critical stage in Chin. If nothing is done to secure the Han Dynasty, Chin will be plunged into a civil war which will change the course of human history. Ahura spoke softly to her mind.

How can I change what is happening there? She asked.

There was no answer.

The view was different from on top of the camel; rather than looking up at people she could now look down at them. They looked less confronting, in some cases rather small. Several times, she saw people she knew. One man she grew up with, a fellow brothel brat, walked by her camel; he wanted to know where she was going and why. He would have made a fine husband, but his mother had forbidden him seeing her by saying her size and lack of a womanly body meant she was sickly and would not be able to have children. She was right in the last part, but for a very different reason.

Arieka gently rocked in the saddle as the camel plodded its way forward. Now outside the city gates she managed to put her memories to one side and think about her life. Why was she like this? She was different to all the others. Why did she say the things she said? Was it really Ahura Mazda who gave her this knowledge? At times, it was almost as though he was in her head or standing right next to her. Why did she have the temerity to tell grown people what to do? Moreover, did she have the right to tell the council to kill the two men in red coats? What gave her the right? Part of her wanted to jump off the camel and run back to her mother but another part knew she had to go forward; this was her destiny.

Their first night was spent bedded down a little way up the coast of what would eventually be called the Persian Gulf. The days were cool so they were travelling through the day but Cincixri had warned the further north they went; the hotter the days would be become so they would travel at night.

The morning came with her still trying to find a comfortable sleeping position. You can sleep on the camel. Just don’t fall off. One of the women said as she rolled up her sleeping mat. She laughed, You’ll get used to it.

I don’t know. I hardly slept all night. As she rolled up her mat, the parcel her mother had given her dropped to the ground. She picked it up slowly unwrapping it. Inside was a beautifully carved Faravahar, the winged symbol of her god Ahura Mazda. Oh, Mum I miss you already, she thought standing there clutching the necklace.

As the days wore on other thoughts crossed her mind. What made her so dispassionate about things? Was it growing up in a brothel or was there something else? As a brothel-brat, she had often fended off the advances of drunken men. No, it was not that, there was something else. Was it that, like her mother, she had lost the respect for men, especially those returning from war and the cruel, vicious ways they used the women’s bodies to exorcise the demons they carried? She remembered the fight that broke in the brothel courtyard where three men were killed. Even though the men were all from the Parthia army, their minds were so torn and twisted; the slightest provocation resulted in a brutal outburst. No, it was something else. Perhaps she did not feel part of the people; her prophetic ability and the suspicion it raised in the others had driven a wall between her and them. She looked down at her body, she should be an adult by now, bleeding like the other women and probably working next to her mother or married having some man’s children.

The rocking motion changed as the animal started downhill, pushing her forward in the saddle. The ground was covered with grass and the occasional spindly tree. Sheep and goats wandered about tended by shepherds. Slowly a peace came over her as her body relaxed to the rhythm of the caravan. She began to think about the last Festival of Sadeh. There was something special about it. Something she did not recognise until several days after talking to the priest. The fire seemed to be talking to her, telling her it would be her last festival and telling her she had to leave Gerrha. Perhaps Zaosh was right, perhaps she was not meant to be part of the temple. He thought she was not good enough but – perhaps she was chosen to do other things – the things Ahura kept alluding to. Ahura had told her she was going to Chin and there was something about the Han Dynasty. How could she save Chin from a civil war?

The camel train slowly worked its way north. After several days, it came to the Euphrates River, and travelled along this until it came to a ruined city. Here they camped for a couple of days in the ruins of what had once been a very large caravanserai, to give the men and camels time to rest.

Arieka, this is the city of Ur. This was the first time Cincixri had talked or even approached her since he told her about travelling at night.

It looks as though it’s been abandoned for a long time. Arieka answered. Ahura had told her this had been an important place for Thoth and his people but when she asked who Thoth was and why this town was so important, she received no answer.

There are still a few fishermen and farmers working nearby fields near the river, but the days of its glory have long passed. Cincixri answered.

Let’s have a look. She said as she looked at the nearest building. As she walked through the shattered walls the buildings seemed to come alive. Ahura was showing her them in their former glory. Why did the people move away? she said softly so Cincixri, who was a short distance behind her, could not hear.

The river moved when the seasons changed and other people no longer needed to trade with the people of Ur. Ahura answered.

He looked down at her. Child who are you? Cincixri asked as he walked closer to her.

My name is Arieka.

Yes, I know that is the name you told me, but who are you really? No child of your age travels alone and no one travels from Gerrha to the land of the Chin, he studied her. Was she someone important, but if she was, she would be travelling with an escort? What are you?

Cincixri I am… Ahura, what do I tell him?

No answer.

I asked around and they told me you have the power of prophecy. Is that so?

Yes, it is. My god Ahura Mazda tells me what to say. He tells–warns me of things to come.

Will he warn you of things that will happen on this trading trip?

She nodded.

Why do you visit the land of the Chin?

Ahura told me I must go there…I’m not told why.

You must have some reason. He’s not going to sell you? he walked closer.

This startled her, she could not feel any danger from him, but her years in the brothel had taught her to stay at least an arm’s length away from men. No.

Why did your mother tell I should take heed of what you say? You’re a child.

Cincixri I am almost nineteen summers old. She looked down at her chest and then back at him. My body has not grown because Ahura willed it so. I know things that are about to happen. Many years ago, Gerrha was about to be flooded and I warned the people. Most moved to the hills and were saved, but a few disregarded what I said and were drowned. She walked further into the ruins but suddenly stopped. Cincixri, there’s a small child hiding over by those pillars. His father is to the right behind the broken statue. Come this way. He has a bow and arrow and it considering shooting you.

I can’t see either of them.

No, they remain hidden. She turned towards the father’s position, We are traders. Put your weapon down, we are unarmed.

The man carries a dagger, came out from behind the statue.

As do all men. We know not who we will meet along our journey, Cincixri shouted out.

The girl, I will have her. She will fetch a good price.

"Do I step back and spare my life or do I protect her?" Cincixri thought to himself. The decision came to him. She is under my protection, he shouted out.

A couple of seconds later the man appeared. He was carrying a bow and arrow in one hand. He seemed to be shaking his head. Then go, I will not attack you.

Come Arieka, we must leave his place. Cincixri said as he turned to leave the befuddled man still standing by the broken statue. It was halfway back to the caravanserai when it dawned on him that she had manipulated them both. He turned to see her smile back at him.

Would you have allowed him to shoot me?

Again, she simply smiled.

Cincixri looked back over the stone covered ground. The man and child were gone.

Chapter 7: Seleucia, Silk Road

Arieka, come ride next to me. Cincixri shouted back along the line of camels and donkeys. It had been six days since they left the ruins of Ur. Many times, she had wondered if it had been the wisest action to tell him about herself. However, it would have come out eventually.

She dug her heals into her beast’s flank. It snorted and continued to plod along at its own pace. This time she lifted her feet in the air and brought them down hard against the animal’s flank. It snorted but it decided to do as instructed, but only at a pace slightly quicker than before. Slowly it passed the other animals and would have kept going had Arieka not pulled back on the reigns as they breasted Cincixri’s camel.

Are they always so stubborn? she asked him as she pulled back on the reigns once more to slow the beast.

The gods gave them a strong back and long legs but forgot to give them brains, he laughed, but his face turned serious. "Why would a girl child of a trull be making her way to Yarkand?" he thought as he looked to scan the horizon, and then back to her. Who are you running away from? he chuckled, hoping this was not the case. Who did you kill?

What could she tell him? Her mother had already warned him about her prophecies, I am instructed by Ahura Mazda to go to China. That is all.

Ahura? So, you follow the teachings of Zoroaster?

Yes. It is Ahura who talks to me.

How does he do that? Does he walk up to you or… he scanned the horizon again.

He talks to me in my head. she looked at him, and no I am not mad. She smiled.

He still was not sure; could she be dangerous? I’ll ask the other two who joined me in Gerrha, he thought to himself as he looked ahead.

You do that Cincixri; they will tell you I am not dangerous.

He looked back at her; she reads my thoughts!

She smiled at him and pulled back on the camel’s reigns and went back to her original position in the line.

She now noticed that Cincixri kept his distance. She cursed herself for telling him so much. The other men and the three women were also now keeping their distance. The old, familiar feeling of isolation came back. Even the dogs were keeping their distance. Up until her conversation with Cincixri the men had been friendly and often joked with her about camel train life, the younger lad was even getting interested, but now, even he was staying clear.

Each night as they sat around the cooking fire one of the women kept looking at her and on a couple of occasions started to move towards her but always changed her mind. It was not until the twelfth night that she approached her. Arieka, if you can see the past and future, can you tell me why I can’t become with child. My husband and I have been trying for three years but…. the sadness showed on her face. My husband’s family are trying to get him to divorce me and marry another; the family needs a male heir.

"Ahura what is the problem?"

"The man is infertile."

"Can you change that?"

"Yes, but only for a short time. Tell them to couple tonight."

Take your husband away from the camp tonight.

Will I become with child? the woman was almost holding her breath.

I’m told you will.

Cincixri, if you turn left around the mountains rather than use your normal route you will miss the flood that has trapped two other caravans at the crossing.

But that will add another six days to our journey.

Yes, but it will save you many more days as you will need to wait for the flood to clear through the gorge. One of the overhanging sides will break off further blocking the river.

He frowned at her, How do you know this child?

I’m a prophetess—remember?

I will think on it.

Arieka shook her head and slowed her camel down until it resumed its place in the line. She knew he would not do what she suggested. She could make him, but she needed him to trust her. She could see things in the future and his trust would be vital if they were to get through them.

They had been travelling along a dried riverbed that slowly turned into a valley. The further they travelled the steeper and higher the walls became. At several points, rockslides had narrowed the trail to the degree where only a single camel could pass through. Cincixri had sent horsemen up ahead to check for rock