The Stolen Heritages | #Wattys2016

Chapter 7 - Hunters and Oracles

Eirene's POV

Two bright lights flashes in the hall and when they faded, 2 people were standing next to the podium. Everyone immediately bowed and the confused first years followed suite. It turns out they were the twin gods, Artemis and Apollo (though they looked nothing alike!).

"I'd like to welcome the first years to Iroides Academy and offer them a place in the Hunters of Artemis," said the goddess of the moon. "To be a hunter, you will have to swear off men in your entire life and pledge a sacred oath to the sisterhood. You will also get to stay immortal, that is, unless you get killed in battle. Would anyone like to be one? Please consider it. If you're sure, I invite you to come up here. Remember the offer is only open right now," she continued.

There was a moment of silence until the first girl came up to the front where Artemis, Apollo and Headmistress Polymatheia was standing. I recognize her as a daughter of Aphrodite from the Amethyst dorm. Then another girl (from the Garnet dorm) also went up. Not long after, Evangeline Bianca also stood up and went to the front of the hall.

Another moment of silence spread through the hall. "Only three? Very well then," she said as she clasped her hands. Three silvery cards appeares in the 3 girls' hands. "Read the oath clearly please," she requested. "I, [their name and who they are the daughter of], pledge myself to the goddess Artemis. I turn my back off the company of men, accept eternal maidenhood, and join the Hunt," the stated clearly. "I accept your pledge. From now on, you are an immortal huntress. You may return to your seats. Now, my brother have an important announcement concerning the Delphic Oracle" she said.

"Yes that's right. Congratulations to the new hunters, by the way," Apollo called to the retreating girls. "Now for the announcement. I have chosen a new Oracle of Delphi. Me and my sister's grandmother, the titaness of prophecy Phoebe had blessed a certain girl with the power of prophecy. My own daughter, Madeline Thalia, please come up here," he continued

Everyone craned their necks to our table while Maddie looked up at him in surprise and wearily approached him. "No need to be afraid. I believe you will be able to maintain this post," Apollo said with a smile once Maddie faced him. He muttered a few incantations and Maddie was lifted off the ground a few inches. Apollo continued to mutter more words and Maddie was surrounded by green smoke and a reptilian hissing sound.

After he finished muttering, Maddie returned to her normal state but fainted. Artemis quickly caught her as she fell before she hit the ground. Apollo approached her and placed his hand on top of her forehead. She then started to regain consciousness and stood up with the help of Artemis. "Iroides Academy, I present you your new Oracle of Delphi, Madeline Thalia!" Apolli declared while everyone else applauded and Maddie smiled weakly.

Artemis helped her return to her seat and returned to the podium. "Well, we should leave now. Enjoy your evening!" Apollo called as he and his sister disappeared in flashes of bright light just like how they appeared.

After they disappeared, Headmistress Polymatheia stood behind the podium again. "Well, we now have a new Oracle and if you ever need guidence for a quest, you could simply ask her. She then made a hand movement and cards appeared in front of each student. This is your books list for Godly Talents class and your dorm's entrance password, DO NOT tell anyone outside your dorm what it is," she warned. "Now, as you noticed, the plates in front of you are empty. Just say what you'd like to eat and it will serve you the food. Don't forget to sacrifice a portion of your meal to the gods. Let the feast begin!" She declared and spread her arms.

As she said those words, a fiery goblet apeared at the edge of each table (for sacrifices, I guess) and everyone helped themselves with food. It felt weird to be speaking at silverware but nevertheless I did so. "Pepperoni cheese fusilli, french fries, and iced strawberry milkshake," I said quietly. A dish just as I requested was served on the plate and glass infront of me. I then poured a portion of my food into the fiery goblet as the other girls did so.

After we were all done eating, Headmistress Polymatheia returned to the podium. "Now that all of us has eaten and drunk, I suggest you all return to your dorms and get to know each other, as well as shower and unpack your belongings. But on 10 p.m. you must all prepare for bedtime. Remember, term starts in 2 days. You have a full free day tomorrow to purchase your school books and materials. Breakfast starts at 8 a.m. tomorrow. Enjoy your first night!" She greeted and left the hall in a flash of light.

"So, what should we do now?" Daphne asked. "Let's go to our dorm. We can unpack then chat and get to know each more," Catherine suggested. A couple of sures and yeahs came from the others. "C'mon then," Kinzie said and we exit the dining hall, heading to our dorm.