CHAPTER 13

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The lush, green valley gave way to rocky hills, and the sun was beating down on them.  They were getting tired and thirsty, and their supplies were dwindling.  "We need to find water,"  Ben said, his throat dry and parched.  "I've read about a spring called Castalia, not far from here,"  the pilot said.  "It is said to be the source of inspiration for poets and artists."  "I hope it's also the source of a refreshing drink,"  Jane said, laughing weakly.
They continued to climb the rocky hills, following the pilot's directions. And then, they saw it - a clear, blue pool, nestled in a grotto at the base of a mountain.  "Castalia,"  the pilot said.  They all hurried to the pool, and knelt down to drink from it.  As they did, they felt a tingling sensation, as if their minds were being opened.  "What's happening?"  Jane asked, her eyes wide.  "I feel...inspired,"  the pilot said.
"Me too,"  Ben said. "It's the spring,"  the pilot said.  "It's giving us inspiration."  "We should keep going,"  Jane said.  "We need to find the Oracle."  They climbed higher, following the path that led to the top of the mountain.  And then, they saw it - a magnificent temple, built of white marble, its columns rising into the sky.  "That must be the Temple of Apollo,"  the pilot said, his voice filled with awe.
They approached the temple, and as they did, they saw a woman sitting on a golden throne.  She was draped in a white robe, and she held a golden staff in her hand.  "I am the Oracle,"  she said, her voice echoing in the temple.  "You have come to seek my wisdom.  But first, you must answer a riddle."  "We're ready,"  the pilot said, his voice steady.
"What has a neck, but no head?
Two arms, but no hands?  And it can run, but never walks?"  The three of them thought for a moment, their minds whirring.  "A shirt,"  Ben said, a smile spreading across his face.  "Correct!"  the Oracle said, smiling.  "Now, I will tell you what you need to know.  But first, tell me this - which do you desire more, fame or fortune?"  "I want fame," the pilot said without hesitation.
"Very well.  Here is your task.  You must journey to the city of Corinth, and find the great poet Pindar.  Once you have found him, you must recite one of his poems from memory.  If you succeed, fame will be yours."  "And what of me?"  Jane asked.  "I desire fortune."  "I can help you with that as well,"  the Oracle said.  "You must journey to the city of Argos, and find a man named Jason.

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