The God of Clay and Fennel Fire: A Retelling of The Golden Goose

Chapter VII: Poison and Steam

Prometheus couldn't even cry out. The air had been sucked straight out of his lungs. His arms flailed as he descended into the silent darkness.

And then it was over. He was lying on the cold stone ground. He wiggled his arms and legs. They moved without pain. He turned his head; his neck was fine.

He sat up. There were no walls or ceiling. Just pitch black that extended forever. The ground was a large slab of stone. And it glowed, just enough for him to see it.

But he was alone. Except for the voice in his mind.

And the mist.

It circled around him and pulled him towards the back of the room.

Come Prometheus. We have much to discuss.

He tried to raise his arms to fight back, but they were locked against his side. His dug his heels against the floor, but they slid across the ground as if coated in oil.

Come, come. Do not fight me. I am too strong for you. Even the king of the gods cannot withstand my might. For it is not in the physical world that I rule, but in the land of the mind. And you have a weak mind. Yes, it is stronger than most, but it is still weak.

The green mist stopped him in front of a wall of stone. Another large slab that never ended. And then the smoke released him and rushed to the wall, twisting and turning to create a figure. A beautiful woman, tall and strong, with misty hair that whipped around as if caught in a storm.

Green against grey. Like poison.

Ah, she chuckled. There we are. Now you know were to direct your anger.

Prometheus crossed his arms, but he was not angry at being handled like a doll. "Who are you, oracle?"

She sighed, a wind so strong it nearly knocked Prometheus over.

Did not Apollo tell you about me? She chuckled. That little god is so forgetful, but he is dear to my heart. I know he often calls me his oracle, but the truth is he is my god.

I am the mind of the universe. I hold all wisdom and insight. We are alike, you and I. We can see glimmers of the future. Of course, my capabilities are far greater than yours, but we are still alike.

"Did you really have to bring me down this hole?"

No. I usually speak with my visitors just outside the mountain, but you are different. And what I must say to you has great consequences. I do not wish the distance to the surface to affect my words. I do not wish to get anything wrong.

"And what must you say to me?"

She paused, and then said, Please, Prometheus, sit. For your mind must be fully focused on my words. It will not do to have even a grain of your mind occupied with staying upright.

Prometheus sat on the floor and crossed his legs.

Now, you must swear to me that you will listen to my words now and heed their meaning when you emerge back into the world above. I do not speak lightly and I will not waste my wisdom on one who will not take them to heart.

Prometheus nodded. "I swear, o oracle of the universe. My mind is empty and my heart is ready to receive your words of wisdom.

Good. Now, listen closely, for I will not repeat myself.

The figure closed her eyes and the green mist turned blood red.

Your city has been gutted