This particular morning the goddess Hera, queen of the gods and wife of Zeus, was holding council with her husband. They had been talking of their mortal children and the trials they had to go through.
"Look at poor Hercules", said Hera, "the boy has suffered so much trying to prove his worth."
"Yes, I see that dear", replied Zeus, "but if he had not struggled as he had, he would never have made it as far in the world as he has. With his fame, he will soon find himself a beautiful and powerful woman.
"Yes, yes, I know". Hera ran her hand through her hair as she thought. Then, out of a clear sky, she said, "Zeus, you know how heroes and heroes-to-be often consult me when they have questions? I have noticed that they have utterly ignored me lately. Why is that? I thought they would have difficulty making it in Ithaca without me. Who fills their heads with advice now?"
Zeus couldn't contain his laughter as he said, "Hera, darling, all of their questions are answered by the Oracle, a young woman who lives at the other end of the island. She, unlike you, is always received and her advice is, of late, considered far more reliable than your own. Dear, you need to go and talk to this girl and hear what she has to say."
Zeus had been there the previous week when the Oracle had replied to the small group at a campfire, assuring them that they would find what they were looking for soon. He nodded at Hera, who then understood. "How delightful! I shall go and see this Oracle today. Bye dear, enjoy your hunting trip."
You weren't sure if you believed these things, but as you left the cave you remembered that this was where the god of inspiration, Apollo, had given the Oracle her name. Being a god, he had considered you to be an excellent listener and devotee of the arts.
In the early afternoon, you set out from the cave and slowly made your way towards the Oracle's house. As your dog padded along beside you crunching through the undergrowth, you thought about what you would say to the woman.
You wondered how close Zeus had been to the Oracle when he had chosen her name. You were visited by the Oracle fairly regularly. You had said nice things here and there, convincing various heroes that they were close to a breakthrough or victory.
Sometimes you said negative things to them, hoping to force them to make catastrophic mistakes. Mostly you just lied, telling the heroes that they were on the way to success, just to satisfy their yearning for a victory, or tell them anything else you thought would be of interest to them.
You loved the reactions; the sadness, the surprise on the heroes' faces when they realized you had been lying. It filled your heart with joy. Sometimes you almost felt sorry, but you knew the consequences would be devastating if the Oracle wasn't believed.
As you reached a small clearing in the forest, you watched as the Oracle emerged from her house and began to walk towards you. You were relieved to see that she was alone, you had hoped that it would be so.
"Oracle, here I am", you called, slowing your pace to a short walk. The Oracle, who seemed to be walking on automatic, paused for a moment and then continued forward. On closer inspection you saw that she was holding a small bowl of water.
"Spirit, please, dearest spirit, may I ask what brought you to visit me today?", you asked, approaching the Oracle tentatively. The Oracle turned to face you as she cleared her throat.
"I have been drinking water this morning, and thought it fitting to offer you some".
You were taken aback. You hadn't seen this side of the Oracle before. The Oracle was usually told what the heroes needed to know.
"Of course, but about that, you know what I am like, I wish to know the answer to a question I have. I.. If that is possible, of course."
The Oracle smiled at you and nodded her head slowly.
"You may ask me my question, please ask."
"The question is, Oracle, that I really need to know what is going to happen next. Can you tell me those things, those wondrous, amazing things that will be written into history?"
"Yes, your question is quite precise. Of course I can tell you that."
You noticed that the Oracle was now looking very close to tears. "That is lovely. Sometimes the knowledge is too much to ask for, although good or bad, it is what makes you, you."
The Oracle paused for a moment and lowered her head. "Consider everything I say as a warning. Do not be led astray, do not indulge yourself in these pleasures." She gestured towards the dog, which was lying on the ground.