When I was a child, no older than three, my mother offered me to Akephalos, and he responded with the power to see the future, and he is an old god and just god. As I got older and could speak, I warned others of their fates. They kept asking me if I had been blessed by Apollo with such visions.

"No," I would reply. "I was blessed by Akephalos."

"Your parents are cultists and deserve ****!"

I heard this more times than I could even count on my fingers. I warned my parents, and they believed me. We ran from city to city, people up in arms over my blessing. Many a night asleep was spent in a carriage, and my waking moments were spent arguing with my mother.

"Child, do not speak of your gift or who gave it. I am tired of moving town to town because you open your mouth."

"But Mother," I would plea. "I was told by the Headless One to not be ashamed of my gift, 'ere I go blind."

"He would understand if it were for the better. Your father and I are deep in the old gods' ways."

My father would often suggest I try to get the attention to join the Temple of Apollo.

"He blessed with foresight, too. You could join them and no more need of running around."

My father was a coward. The Headless One was angered by him.

"COWARDICE!" the altar would yell at my father.

"I'm tired of hiding! I'm tired of running! This child's mouth runs faster than her-"

The Headless One cut him off. "YOU WILL SUFFER IN SILENCE!"

And from there on, my father lost his gift of voice. I was only 22 when this happened.

Fast forward to my thirties. I was old enough to join the court of Apollo. My mother wished me well and wished me strength.

I arrived at the Temple early, even earlier than the other people. It was still dark, the grass stained in dew. In my traditional Greek dress, I walked around the Temple. The morning was yet young and the stars could still be seen for miles. In my attempt at sneaking inside, I heard a loud, low, booming voice.

"And who is this acolyte that dares enter my court? She is still dirty! I smell the peasant on her!"

I froze, unable to decide on what to say or do.