Disclaimer: All the characters in this fanfic are owned by the one and only Tamora Pierce. I own only the storyline.
Chapter 5 - Eternal Oracle
Light hit the eastern wall of the palace marking the arrival of dawn with its first rays.
The light hit Thayet's eyes, blinding her and at the same time penetrating her depression. She sighed and unfolded her self from the couch in her and Jon's chambers where she had spent the rest of the night. Life is so complicated, she thought. Suddenly, someone knocked on the door. Thayet groaned wanting more than to stay in solitude for the moment.
She sighed once more before opening the door to reveal a sleepy Gary. It just occurred to her that Jonathon hadn't returned last night.
"Have you seen Jonathon?"
She shook her head.
"Oh, God's above! I've looked everywhere. And then I re-looked everywhere!" he exclaimed rubbing his blood-shot eyes.
"Give it a rest before you collapse." Thayet stepped out of the way to admit him.
Gary gladly walked in and fell onto the couch. After a while of silence he spoke. "Something needs to be done. Jon's blown it this time for her to resign. Now that I come to think of it, I haven't seen Alanna either during my search."
"I don't think you would. I saw her ride out about half an hour after the incident in the hall."
He swore. "Great, well you can really patch things up with the two of them in two different places." he said attempting to be sarcastic.
"Didn't you see Raoul? He knew that she'd left."
"No, I didn't."
"How long have you been looking?"
"Um.. a couple of hours. Gods, you'd think I'd find him after spending hours looking for him." he sighed.
"Go to sleep for a bit. You need it; the white around your eyes have turned bright red." Gary smiled faintly, sighed and promptly fell asleep.
Sunset saw everyone in the banquet hall once more. The King acted as though nothing had happened yesterday, which only angered Kel. Schooling her face, she showed none of the emotions she felt; else her friends surrounding her would find out what she thought of the King, Roald among them.
On the other side of hall, Thayet, Gary, Raoul and Buri were talking amongst themselves, the King occasionally throwing them looks of contempt at their congregation. They were discussing who to mend the rift between Alanna and Jon for the good of the country. They had just decided that Thayet and Gary would deal and with Jon, and Raoul and Buri with Alanna, when a bright light erupting from the middle of the room broke through their conversation. Jon leapt to his feet.
The white light grew as the people closest to it backed away. The light began to fade and the outline of a figure could be seen. Clearer and clearer the image grew until a beautiful maiden could be seen surrounded by the light that was now bearable to most eyes. The beautiful maiden wore a emerald green flowing dress. Black curly hair cascaded down her back to her waist, adorned with little white flowers, while sky blue eyes light her perfect face.
Neal pinched Roald's arm, "That's the lady on the mare from last night."
"I know." Roald whispered, rubbing his arm.
All in the room were stunned by the maiden's beauty. Melodies played on her voice as she spoke the words of prophecy.
"Hail ye all,
I, the Eternal Oracle,
Stand before you now,
Today is the day,
The beginning of the end,
And the end of the beginning.
Hearts have been broken,
But one in particular,
Away has gone the saviour.
Peace reigns a while,
But the falcon is needed.
Fire will reach the sky
Cities will be destroyed
The falcon will perish.
From the ashes of the dead
Hope will be re-kindled.
Fire encased in stone
Will mark its beginning.
Despair not,
The Saviour will return."
When the Oracle finished, the light intensified and grew. When it receded, the Oracle was gone, but silence remained. Everyone looked around nervously unsure what the prophecy meant. With everyone in a state of nervousness, the banquet ended.