Percy Jackson's New Side (Book 2) - Destruction: The Dawn of the Forgotten

Chapter 11: The Oracle of Delphi

Back in Time

Third POV

Perseus landed at the base of the cliff, a sort of protection preventing him from going any further.  Blackjack was right on his heels, his raven Kata already perched at his shoulder. They both stared up the mountain, Mount Parnassus to be specific. This was where the Oracle of Delphi was located, as this was the city of Delphi. It was insanely protected as Perseus couldn't fly in. Well, he could, but that would alert the Olympian and that was the last thing he needed. He just wanted to get in and out as fast as possible, but someone had to let him in first. He stared up at the city and watched as a young maiden came towards him, living near the base of the mountain. She gave him a kind smile, to which he returned.

"Hello, traveler. How may I help thee?" She said, her voice sweet and soft.

"My name is Heracles. I wish to seek refuge here for a small period of time, if I may?"

The maiden's eyes widened at the mention of Heracles, and she quickly nodded. Chanting a few words nearby a lever, she pulled it back with all of her strength. Wheels started turning. Ropes started moving. The big gate served as outer protection, with a huge door in the middle. Perseus guessed the wall went all around the mountain for outer protection. As soon as the door moved, Perseus could see the girl better. He wanted to go inside, but she wasn't done chanting yet. When she opened her eyes, the shimmering-like appearance of the door went away, and he hastily stepped inside. Kata had already flown up above the wall so she wouldn't see him. Meanwhile, Blackjack had trotted in right after Perseus, neighing at the young girl in thanks. She smiled sweetly at Perseus before chanting again, closing the magical dome. She then pushed the lever forward, Perseus noticing it was harder to close than to open. He rushed over and helped, the doors immediately closing. The girl looked up, her eyes shining with thanks.

"My name is Lyra, kind sire."

"It is a pleasure to meet  thou, Lyra." Perseus smiled again. He then started walking off, up towards the city. He mind-called to Kata to go ahead and fly ahead, knowing it would be better if they didn't waste any time by having to search everywhere for the Oracle. Meanwhile, Lyra caught up with Perseus.

"Kind sire, may I ask why thou have taken refuge in Delphi out of all of Greece?"

"Lyra, I must find the Oracle. Only she can help me."

Lyra looked at him with wonder. Why was the oh-so-great Heracles in need of the Oracle? She dismissed the thought, and nodded at him, though he didn't catch it. 

Suddenly, screams were heard. Perseus and Lyra looked around in alarm. 

"Lyra?" Perseus looked to her for an explanation. After all, she knew this place better.

Perseus. It's Kata.

"What about him?" Perseus whispered to his pegasus.

But someone else's screams answered for him.

"RAVEN! CALL LORD APOLLO!"

Perseus cursed under his breath, recalling the story of Coronis. Apollo had seduced Coronis in Thessaly, and she officially became his lover and became pregnant with Asclepius, Greek god of medicine. When he departed Thessaly, he sent his white-colored raven to check on her and protect, as he had already previously expected for her to remain faithful. 

However, she had slept with a traveler named Ischys. When his raven came to him with the news, Apollo couldn't contain his rage, was mad he didn't stop her, and later felt bad because the tattling bird couldn't keep his mouth shut, and let his rage out on the bird by turning him into a black raven.