Peninah arrived at the oracle’s place. The oracle was expecting her visit and therefore was ready for her. As the oracle was welcoming her, she could not tame the fear she had within herself. Her life had become an unsolved mystery because of what was going on. More so, she could not help but fear the words that she was about to hear from the oracle’s mouth.
The oracle however, could see this fear engraved on her face like the Ten Commandments on the stone tablets. He knew that, such news could not be easy on her, especially, the part about breaking taboo. In fact, the laws of their land and this anathema worried Peninah most. That is what had brought her to the oracle.
She could understand what she had already heard from her mother about the oracle, her future, the gods and the prophecy. She also had little faith that the gods were doing their part. What she could not comprehend was how the gods would protect her from the people’s wrath after breaking the taboo. She was not entirely sure that the laws could change as easily as they described to her.
All these questions she had and was interested in getting answers to them first hand. Shortly after the welcome and a while of dead silence, the oracle began to speak at last.
“My daughter, the gods are with you. It is good that you have come as soon as you have heard about your future and what it holds,” the oracle said.
“Thank you your holiness. As you can see, I have come this quickly for I surely am in total confusion,” Peninah replied.
“I know that my daughter. I can see it written on your face. I shall end that fear and confusion right away,” the oracle added.
“Now, holy one, I do not know of where to start off but, at least, let me know about this man and the proscription.”
“We shall come to that in a while. Your mother must have told you about your past, right?”
“Of course your holiness but, I wish not to hear this again but that which I know not about.”
“I do not intend to keep you waiting my daughter. As your mother told you, the gods were with you since the very first day that you were conceived. To this day, the prophecy has come true. You were chosen by the gods to save us from the bondage of these unlawful traditions.”
“Your holiness, as much as you people tell me that I am your Savior, I deny not but, how is this to be? Since the traditions were there even before me, how do I change them?”
“My daughter, you should fear not for, the gods are with you. They will not have you change these traditions but others who can. Yours is to marry this Prince.”
“Ehe… oracle… That is it. Just keep talking. I like the direction you are headed.”
“This Prince and you are the saviors of this land from these traditions and from people like Rimberia. Though he may be in support of you, do not mistake this for caring. It is by the gods' doing that things are like that. Just play along with his plan.”
“How will this Rimberia come in and how am I supposed to know?”
“As we speak, he has started to play his part. He is about to change the laws of the land with the help of other elders. You should also know that, he should tell this Prince that he is responsible for your hook-up. When this happens, just do your part with this man and let Rimberia be. The gods shall have a prize for him eventually. For this Prince, do not ignore his flirting again upon meeting. All shall be well. Love him back and allow you to be loved by him, as it was said and written. That will be all for now. May the gods guide you my child, and fear not!”
“As much as I shall fear not your holiness, I hope not to be punished for breaking the proscribed. This, I fear the most. I hope that the gods will protect me from the people’s wrath.”
“Do as I say to you my daughter and, you shall live. It is not by my word but the will of the gods this is to be. This I promise. You may leave now.”
“I will be on my way your holiness.”
“Have a safe passage my daughter. May the gods guide and protect you as you take this journey.”
She left the oracles place with additional courage and answers to the questions she had in mind. Though having been assured of not a problem, she could not erase her fear downright. She still had trepidation, if not for the punishment from the people, apprehension of what was to come.
On Rimberia's end, he could not alleviate the overwhelming joy. He was particularly happy now that his plans were about to give birth and money was at his reach. He had succeeded in beating the challenge between him and this success, which was, to convince Makubu to help in the changing of the laws. He surely knew that with Makubu’s hand, none from the council could say otherwise.
Meanwhile, he sent out a message to the Prince to let him know that it was not yet time for him to visit again. Although the Prince headed the project, he was not required to be at the site always. He could stay and visit occasionally. Again, he wanted his next visit to bare fruits by Peninah giving him time for them to talk.