Rachel Andric and Final Death

Chapter 34: The Oracle at Delphi

Rachel was alone in the crowded streets of Delphi. The others had spread out, keeping an eye out for the Editor's men. She had wanted to come by herself, she knew, but not knowing where her friends were was ... uncomfortable. The thought that they could be getting attacked without her knowledge tied her insides up in knots.

But she had made her choice, and she intended to stick with it. Breathing slowly to calm herself, Rachel approached the temple of the oracle. As she went, she caught a quick glimpse of Ewan across the street. Her brother gave her a thumbs-up before disappearing back into the crowd. That small bit of encouragement was all it took for Rachel to enter the temple.

Contrary to the crowded streets of Delphi, the temple was silent as the grave. There was nobody in sight, and the quiet sent chills through Rachel. Where was the oracle? Had the Editor killed the oracle? The thought made Rachel anxious. Was the Editor waiting for her, lying in ambush?

A figure came towards Rachel down the middle of the huge, empty temple. Rachel's hand fell to the hilt of her sword, and the figure raised a slim arm. "Be at ease, Rachel Andric," a surprisingly childish female voice told her. "You have come seeking, have you not?"

Dropping her hand away from the sword, Rachel approached. The oracle was a short, thin girl of about twelve. Her eyes, devoid of any color or emotion, slipped past Rachel, seemingly unable to focus on her. "How do you know who I am?" she asked the oracle.

"I know the names of all those who seek me," the oracle answered. "Though I think your question was more concerned with how I knew who you were when I am blind. The answer remains the same. The lack of my eyes is made up for in other ways of seeing. What have you come for, Rachel Andric?"

"I need to know how to defeat the Editor," Rachel said. "Can you show me how?"

"It may be unpleasant," the oracle warned her. "What you see cannot be undone. It may be easier for you to move on and attempt to formulate your own plan. The desire to change what I will show you will be almost unbearable."

"I have to see it," she replied. "I have no other choice."

The oracle inclined her head. "Then come with me, seeker. What you see could be a shock, and your future is better seen while seated."

Rachel nodded her agreement and followed the oracle into the back of the temple. They were in a comfortable room with two cushy seats, small but homey. Rachel sat in one chair and the oracle sat across from her. "Are you certain you want to do this?" she asked once more.

"I have no choice," Rachel said. "If I don't do this, my brother and everyone I care about will undergo Final Death."

"Very well. Since your need is dire, we shall unveil your prophecy," the oracle responded.

"What will I see first?" Rachel asked, nervous now that the moment had arrived. "A death, the past, or the future?"

The oracle looked impressed. "The past is first, the death is last," she said. "Did you have aid in knowing what is coming?"

"Wendy Darling," Rachel said. "She advised me to come to you, and told me what to expect."

"I see," the oracle said. "Wendy Darling has always been one of my most fervent petitioners. She blames herself for the Editor's actions, you know. Anyhow, let's continue, shall we? Take my hands."

Rachel laid her hands into the oracle's. They were surprisingly cold and slim. "Do not let go, no matter how tempting, until I tell you to do so," the oracle warned her. "You must do everything I tell you, do you understand?"