--Interlude: Waiting for Wisdom--
 

At dawn, Katherine returned to the temple of the oracle. Stepping through the wall, she reached the candelit chamber which was always dark and flopped onto the blue-gray satin pillow. Sighing, she prayed to the goddess for an audience, and the goddess obliged, appearing before her in all her glory. The two spoke in the sacred speech - the language only used between an oracle and a goddess.

Katherine: When will I have enough wisdom to be free?

Physica: (laughing) time will tell, my impatient Kitty, time will tell.

Katherine: I miss the outside world!

Physica: I know. I know. But have faith. My child, you do know of the legend of the fifth oracle, don't you?

Katherine: Yes, of course.

Physica: As you know, before the fifth oracle died, she made a prophecy. A prophecy straight from my youngest sister.

Katherine: Yes, the prophecy of X.

Physica: Well, the prophecy is coming true. New beginnings are arising. And you, my dear, are a part of it.

Katherine: How so?

Physica: I'm not sure. Not even Cataly is sure. But you have a part to play. That is all that is known. And there will be a summoning. Perhaps you've noticed it too. The need to journey grows stronger than ever.

Katherine: Am I being summoned?

Physica: Yes.

Katherine: But where am I being summoned to. And for what?

Physica: You will know when you find wisdom, my child.

Katherine: But when will that be?

Physica: Soon. You will go to the ashes of holy ground. That is all you can know.

Katherine: And until then?

Physica: You must wait for wisdom. Now get some rest, child. Sleep. You've wandered all night.

Katherine: Please my goddess! Tell me! I must know more!

Physica: Perhaps you already know too much. Goodnight, Kitty, child. Pleasant dreams.