Love is Always Write Anthology Volume 1

Why should I believe that now they would answer me?"
    "Because you have no other choice," Adelpha said softly as she wrung her hands together, her eyes worriedly watching him.
    Eleftherios allowed some of the anger to drain away. Adelpha was right in reminding him that he had no choice. All that he could do now was concentrate on restoring Nikandros and Vasilios to normal, and he could only do that if he knew what had happened.
    He raised his eyes to his aunt, who nodded at his expression. She had always had the ability to know what he was thinking. "When it is first light, you must set sail to Delphi. Apollo will guide you to the way to free yourself from this and to free your lovers."
    "And what will happen to Nikandros and Vasilios until I return?"
    "We will go now to the healer and have him look at them. Galen is worthy of our trust, and he knows of your mother. He shall help to tell those who come to the house that Nikandros and Vasilios are not fit for company until you return. May the gods quicken your steps." Eleftherios felt the doubt creep in but shook it off. His aunt's suggestion was the only thing he could do. All he could hope for was that he would be able to break the curse.
    ****
    The day went by quickly while Eleftherios waited somewhat impatiently in the line. He had arrived at Delphi at dawn but had to wait his turn on the queue for those who wanted to speak with the Pythia. The world ruled by the gods was constantly in trouble, and it would seem that everyone had come to Delphi to receive words from Apollo himself. As he considered turning around and walking away from it all, his aunt's words echoed in his head and the sight of his frozen lovers swam in front of his eyes. Because of them, he was willing to wait.
    Finally, he was able to move forward. He kept his gaze forward unlike others with him who looked and pointed at the gold and jewels placed in houses that kings and those who commanded armies had left in gratitude to the gods, Apollo inclusive. That was not the reason why he had come, and the only thing that would fill him with any gratitude to the gods would be a favorable answer to his questions— answers that would return everything to the way it once was.
    He paid no attention to the exclamations over the words attributed to Apollo or the nods the people gave to the words they read on the walls. He had always known who he was and rarely allowed for excesses in his life. Apollo, if indeed he was the one who wrote the words, merely spoke of things that sense should have gifted to a man.
    The way led him upwards until he got to level ground. Before him were rows upon rows of columns, and beyond them, the doors to the temple.
    It was finally Eleftherios' turn. He entered through the large doors and they closed behind him. He glanced back, questions about how the door could have closed without someone touching it echoing through his head. Regardless, he shrugged and continued on his way. It was not his business how temple doors closed. He had other things with which to concern himself.
    All around the room were women who were tending fires. The warmth seeped into his body, and he closed his eyes as his senses were assaulted with the fragrance of the pine trees. He shook off the feeling of home that wanted to settle on him and moved down the steps, being careful to watch where he placed his feet lest he fall.
    As he got to his destination, he dusted his clothes and raised his head only to be met with the gold statue of Phoibos Apollon. Beside him lay the stone that proclaimed to all that Delphi was the centre of the world. Eleftherios knew that others that passed would have bowed in respect to the figures. He did neither as he walked passed them towards the adytum where he knew the Pythia, Apollo's Priestess, sat.
    He got to the boundary that had been set to prevent others from entering the inner sanctum, his eyes observed the maiden who sat upon a three-legged seat, and he spoke. "My lovers have been turned to stone. I come before the gods to ask how they can be restored."
    Eleftherios observed as the fumes rose, sliding into the Pythia's nose. Her eyes whitened, and her mouth went slack as the words poured out of her with a voice that was clearly not hers. "To break the curse, return to the source. Only she would have the answers."
    As Eleftherios observed the Pythia, who was now breathing normally whose eyes were restored, he considered the words. Just like he had expected, Apollo had