Kě'ài - The Warrior Princess

The Oracle

Chapter 3                           

                     An hour ago, the High Priestess came unceremoniously at the Palace gates. She came all the way from the Mountains of Jiǎgǔwén- the Oracle Mountain riding the winged horses of Ohra. The Temple at the mountain does not include modern technology. Her flying horse is really a flesh and blood animal that came from the Province of Ohra in the north. When she arrived at the gates, the guards escorted her in and she immediately requested to be in the presence of His Majesty.                      The news she bore is of great concern to the Royal Family and also to the citizens of the seven realms and not just of Ohrandia. She has lived for many decades but this is the first time she encountered a prophesy this gigantic. The change will be phenomenal and every kingdom in the seven realms will be shaken.                     It has shaken her to the core after hearing the prophesy. The voice of the gods coming out of the young girls' mouth jarred her bones and she still felt it hours after the announcement. The powers of the gods is terrible to behold.                    The prophesy was stored in the silver dish at the altar had been brought to the archives of the gods in the temple. The temple has stood over five thousand years and less than twenty such dish can be seen at altar of the gods in the archive chamber.                    The Oracle manifests once every few centuries. Only when there is an imminent threat or major events in the history of mankind does the Oracle arise. Once the Oracle dies, it does not immediately manifest in any young priestess. And throughout history, the Oracle only appears among those who were subscribed to being a priestess at the temple on Oracle Mountain.                    It's quite mordant to name the place Oracle Mountain when there barely resides an oracle in the temples for hundreds of years. The priestesses of Ohran who inhabits the mountain are mostly women of little or no gifts to speak of. Those gifted who joined the flock usually are the ones who rise to hold important roles.                    Being an Oracle is a title higher  than a king's in the temples of Ohran. They are revered for they are the vessels of messages for the gods. The presence of an oracle will once again place the temple at attention of the seven realms.                    She took a deep calming breath and released her anxiety. She is the High Priestess. No one is supposed to see her agitated. It's time to face the Monarch.                     The Palace is enormous. It's gold and black halls are amazing. Everything looks luxurious and huge. It dwarfs everything around it. She was directed to the throne room. They walked a few elaborate halls before reaching the chamber where the King is receiving audience from all over the realms. She can see a lot of diplomats and Highborns in the room. As she entered, she immediately bowed to the King. King Jianqiang is an imposing man. Every pore off him bleeds nobility and pride. She knows the King also is at heart very ruthless to those who threaten the kingdom and its citizens in any way. On the other hand, he cares deeply for his people and those he loves.                      The Kingdom has enjoyed prosperity and peace under his rule for many years now. That is why he is well-loved by many but also hated by his detractors. They know that the people of Ohrandia will die for their King and none of them can surpass this devotion from the people.                     "High Priestess," the King returned her bow. "What do I owe for this honor?" he asked.                    "I have great news your Majesty. And I beg for you to hear it alone." She asked the King. She knows the gravity of her news will shatter the peace of the universe and not just the Kingdom but she doesn't have the authority to stop the King if he wants to hear it in front of many.               The King looked grave and she can see it unnerved him to have such dire request.                     "Very well, High Priestess! I will listen to your news here whilst I get everybody else to temporarily leave this room." The King said.                    Everyone in the room left without being told. Only the King and the Queen were left together with the wise old man sitting just three steps below the King. Even all the Guards had left. The King is in no danger. The guards are just for protocol. The King and Queen are capable to defend themselves. And they're in no danger with the High Priestess.                    The High Priestess took a long breath before she started. This news can be effect the Royals and she cannot predict their reactions. She can only trust her King not to react harshly. His reputation as a just Monarch and as a wise ruler preceded him after all.                    "Your Majesties, King Jianquin, Queen Mǔqīn, I bring great news and I hope you will bear this with courage and strength." She began. She can see that her words made the King and Queen looked alert. The Queen sat straighter and took a shaky breath. She, after all, has never seen the High Priestess about the Kingdom on ordinary days. The last she has shown herself was on the day of the Prince's dedication at the Moon Temple. She knows the High Priestess won't unnecessarily disrupt the King's schedule without due cause. As she thought about it, she felt dread in her guts. Only years of discipline kept her calm on the outside but deep inside, she is near panic.                     "Earlier today, our Novitiate Priestess Mèimei has entered womanhood. She also came into her powers. She is an Oracle!" the High Priestess declared.he King said.                    Everyone in the room left without being told. Only the King and the Queen were left together with the wise old man sitting just three steps below the King. Even all the Guards had left. The King is in no danger. The guards are just for protocol. The King and Queen are capable to defend themselves. And they're in no danger with the High Priestess.                    The High Priestess took a long breath before she started. This news can be effect the Royals and she cannot predict their reactions. She can only trust her King not to react harshly. His reputation as a just Monarch and as a wise ruler preceded him after all.                    "Your Majesties, King Jianquin, Queen Mǔqīn, I bring great news and I hope you will bear this with courage and strength." She began. She can see that her words made the King and Queen look alert. The Queen sat straighter and took a shaky breath. She, after all, has never seen the High Priestess about the Kingdom on ordinary days. The last she has shown herself was on the day of the Prince's dedication at the Moon Temple. She knows the High Priestess won't unnecessarily disrupt the King's schedule without due cause. As she thought about it, she felt dread in her guts. Only years of discipline kept her calm on the outside but deep inside, she is near panic.                     "Earlier today, our Novitiate Priestess Mèimei has entered womanhood. She also came into her powers. She is an Oracle!" the High Priestess declared.