The Oracular Servant

Part XI: Aurelia

Time had passed so far. Rome has been living on for many years. And the confusing thing is, I have not looked a day older since that fateful day when the Temple started giving prophecies again.

I was walking down the path to Delphi. The oracle there was well known for being an honest prophetess. I needed someone to finally talk to about this. I believed that a mystic would not respond in shame or abandonment. It was strange, my face and body was still young and slender, but close to 837 years have passed. I had left my former mistresses house when I started to notice that my complexion was not matching my name.

I had to travel much through the Kingdom. The only work I knew was as a handmaiden. I never loved again since Marcus. The pain was too great and too deep. The line of fate was not kind in that period of life for me.

The world was changing. The kingdom in Rome had fallen to a Republic. Then the wars between Octavius and Marc Antony divided the land. The great Emperor Augustus, who was Octavius of Julius Caesar, arose from the ashes of the war. He created the shining Empire of Rome. He made the country immortal. The gods were in their power. Now the reigning Emperor has ruined the Empire. This infernal belief in only one God goes against all I believe in. I had to pretend to believe it before any core believers. It was frightening.

We were nearing a tipping point again. The Empire seemed divided again between the people who believed in the old gods and the new caeles*.

I had now reached the state of Delphi. There was a long line to reach the Oracle. Many people were eager to learn of their fates. I simply wanted someone to talk to. I ran quickly towards the end of line. My eyes were shining, and I was breathless when it was my turn to walk in. Two girls led me in to the temple. The temple was a light color of green. It was simple but pretty.

I sat down on my legs in front of an curtain where I could make out the shape of an old woman. She went to the two sides of curtain and placed a flaming stick on scented wood. It smelled of crocinum**.

The old lady spoke through the curtain, "What is it your desire for meeting with me?"

"I want to know if I shall ever know the feeling of peace," I replied. As I spoke, I heard a sharp intake of breath. The woman placed her hands to her head.

She sat there making no sound for a long time. I was about to get up and leave, when she asked, "What is your name, my dear?"

I usually did not give my real name. But I decided to give it to her. She was a servant of the gods. I had to trust her. "Aurelia"

I started hearing sounds like crying. The dim shape on the other side of the curtain got up, and moved to the edge of the curtain.

A face came around the curtain. It was incredibly familiar. The grey hair, the grey shawl, but those twinkling eyes. It was all so clear. I was looking at a friend from long long ago. It could not be possible that she was alive. The oracle of Delphi was Sibyl of Cumae. Of course she would work her way up! I guess it was only natural.

Sibyl came around to me and wrapped her arms around me. She smelled of herbs. I felt her tears as they spilled from her face unto my shoulder. I started to cry as well. I felt a weight had been lifted. Here kneeling before me was someone so similar to me than anyone will ever know.

Sibyl took me by the hand and led me behind the curtain. She waved to one of her handmaidens, "Tell the people that their telling will have to be done tomorrow. I have an friend I must talk to."

The area behind the curtain was filled with pillows of many covers. And the fragrant smell of saffron was more strong. Sibyl set me down around a small round table and poured a cool drink into a wooden cup. She set it in front of me as she knelt on the other side of the table.

"I did not think you were alive," I said in a soft voice. "I did not think anybody would be alive."

Sibyl laughed. "Yes, I know. You seem very confused. You must have many questions."

"Many."

"Perhaps you should get some rest first."

I moved the fingers of my hand into a ball, "No, I have lived so long with no explanation. I think I finally deserve one."

Sibyl nodded and patted my hand. "That is a wise decision. So let us begin with what you are."

I sat back into my rump. Sibyl had paused for a second. Probably for the drama. She had not changed a bit.

"You are not like most of them," she point out the square opening to see outside the temple. "You are an ambroscus***."

I opened my mouth in surprise. But no words came out. Sibyl gave a soft laugh, which grew till she was clutching her stomach because it hurt.

We talked on and on that night. I learned about us. I learned about the old gladiator, and what he taught Sibyl. It was all very strange, but I felt right at home. When, Sibyl offered to let me stay in the temple. I accepted; this was a place where I could be safe. Forever.

*god; lit.: dweller in heaven

**saffron

***immortal