The Oracle of Delphi (Greek Myth Fantasy Series) by Elizabeth Rose Page B

to help her.”
    The priest handed the bag to Perseus. He took it but could not examine it with Andromeda in his grasp. “What is it?” he asked.
    “Special herbs to bring back her strength. Infuse them in hot water and have her drink it. The salve you are to spread on her temples. She is a strong princess and will recover quickly. Go now. Take her far away from here where the oracle will not tempt her again.”
    The priestess swayed back and forth, two priests hurrying to her side to keep her from falling.
    “You must rest,” said one. “You are weak.”
    “Wait!” Perseus called. “Priestess, I need to know where to find the Gorgon, Medusa.”
    “She cannot answer your questions,” warned a priest. “She is very weak.”
    They guided her away from him, disappearing once again behind the rocks and through a door. He stood alone, feeling the sting of defeat as he held an unconscious Andromeda in his arms. He needed to know where to find the Gorgons, and nobody could seem to produce an answer for him. He’d never be able to accomplish the task and get back to Seriphus in time at this rate. He started up the stairs that led out of the cave when a priest hailed him and came scurrying towards him.
    “Are you Perseus, son of Zeus?” he asked.
    “Aye,” he answered.
    Perseus realized it was the same priest who had run to get his scroll when Andromeda climbed into the oracle’s chair.
    “Your presence here has been foretold by the oracle many times throughout the years. I have found a scroll that states the information you need to find the Gorgon, Medusa.”
    Finally, Perseus would get his answer. Mayhap his trip here was not for naught after all.
    “Tell me. What is the answer?”
    The priest unrolled his scroll, searching with his finger on the page until he found what he wanted.
    “It says Perseus, son of Zeus, must seek the land where men eat not Demeter’s golden grain but only acorns.”
    “What?” Perseus shifted Andromeda in his arms, feeling his sense of hope diminishing. “Where is that?” he asked. “I am not familiar with any lands except for those of the island of Seriphus.”
    “It says nothing more,” the priest answered, searching over the scroll quickly. “I’m sorry, but I don’t know what it means. I only record the oracle’s words, not interpret them.”
    “I see. Is there anyone else who might know where this land of acorns exists?”
    The priest looked down to Andromeda and nodded.
    “The Princess is well traveled. Her family has been many places in Greece. She would know what this means. She could give you your answer.”
    Perseus exhaled through his mouth. Once again, he found his success depending upon the princess. It had been foretold she could help him reach his goal. And if she ever awoke from her slumber, mayhap he would have his answer.

Six
     
     
    Andromeda floated on a breeze as carefree as the wispy clouds basking in the summer sun. Her body vibrated, the essence of life strong within her. Her temples surged with ecstasy, warm and vibrant, circles of pleasure whirling through her mind. The vision of the demi-god Perseus lingered upon her thoughts. His dark hair glistening in the sunshine, his golden hawk-like eyes focused upon her, she saw him step from a pool of water, naked, making his way toward her.
    She ran to him, opening her arms to embrace him, realizing she, too, was void of clothes. Their lips met, and limbs entangled, as they fell upon the soft grass rubbing their bodies together. He entered her, making her cry forth his name as his essence mingled with hers in a most delicious manner.
    “Andromeda. Andromeda, I am here.”
    The sound of his voice woke her, bringing her back to reality. Her eyes fluttered open, and there before her was Perseus, leaning over her prone body with his fingers making small, sensuous circles upon her temples.
    “Perseus?” she asked, looking around and wondering where he’d brought her.
    “You cried forth my name, your