Free The Oracle of Delphi (Greek Myth Fantasy Series) by Elizabeth Rose Page A

set up in the center of the oaks, and a short, squat man with horns on his head sat at the head chair.
    “Princess Andromeda,” he called, rising from his chair.
    It was then that Perseus realized the man stood no taller than his own waist. And the man was not a man at all, but a satyr - half man, half goat. He walked forward to greet them, his hairy legs and hooves of his lower body catching Perseus’s attention.
    The satyr scowled at him, hands at his hips. “Who is your friend with no manners?” he grumbled.
    “It is not polite to stare,” Andromeda whispered to Perseus. “Yrjo has killed for less.”
    “I have never seen a satyr before,” Perseus whispered back to her. “But I sincerely doubt he would be able to hurt a fly.”
    “Don’t bet on it,” was all she said before dismounting and greeting the goat-man.
    Perseus had heard of these creatures before. Dictys never grew tired of telling him tales of the creatures of Greece.
    “This is my friend, Perseus,” Andromeda told him, motioning for Perseus to dismount and join them.
    He did so, half-heartedly giving the reins of his horse to the people of Dodona who quickly tended to his needs.
    “Greetings,” said Perseus, holding out an arm to the satyr.
    Yrjo just snorted and turned his attention to Andromeda. “You will join us for the feast,” he said, not asking, just telling.
    “Of course we will,” agreed Andromeda with a smile, but Perseus had no intention of staying around this place any longer than needed. He’d find out his answer and be on his way.
    “I don’t think we have time for a meal, but thank you just the same.”
    The music stopped suddenly. The entire village grew silent as if they had all heard his answer.
    “It is not wise to reject our hospitality,” Yrjo told him. “I insist you stay for the meal.”
    He was about to disagree, but Andromeda threw him an angered look. He decided a quick meal would be good. She seemed to get testy when her stomach longed for food.
    “Bring on the meal!” he exclaimed, trying to sound jovial. The music started back up, and the hustle and bustle of the crowd continued.
    Perseus followed Andromeda and Yrjo as they chatted like old friends. He took in his surroundings, keeping one hand on the hilt of his sword as he did not feel entirely comfortable.
    Tall, old oak trees towered everywhere, peering down at them as if they were being watched. Small little huts with thatched roofs were interspersed throughout the woods. The only fire burning was that within the main circle of trees. All activities seemed to focus here. The villagers met and lived within this area. Acorns were scattered all over the ground, and Perseus noticed people walking by with huge baskets full of them.
    They sat on either side of Yrjo as requested, and the serving wenches brought forth the most delectable of meals. Bread made from ground acorns instead of wheat filled huge platters on the table. The bowls they ate from were made from the tops of giant acorns, and he found himself not surprised as the size of the trees around them were tenfold of any he had seen before.
    Wine served in cups made from acorn shells, and a salad of green oak leaves accompanied the bread. He had almost laughed when he saw the leg of mutton a wench laid in his bowl, not able to get the image of Yrjo’s legs out of his mind.
    “You are grinning,” snorted Yrjo. “What is it that amuses you?”
    “Yes,” added Andromeda, sitting regally tall upon her chair, more the role of princess than he had ever seen. “Do tell.”
    The bite of mutton seemed to lodge in his throat as every occupant there watched him. The people of Dodona were an odd sort. While human and not much different looking than himself, they all had a strange green glow to their eyes, making them seem magical. They thought and acted like one, a trait he found severely disturbing. He grabbed the acorn cup of wine to wash it down, wondering what sort of odd place this was.
    “I