Chapter Seven: The Oracle's Joke
Chorus:
Every city needs an oracle, and every oracle needs a sense of humor. Thebes has both—though whether that's a blessing or a curse depends on who's listening. Today, riddles tumble through the streets like dice, and laughter hides warnings in plain sight. Thebes will learn: sometimes the only way to face fate is with a punchline.
Thebes, mid-morning. The city square is buzzing, but not with the usual commerce or council debates. Instead, a crowd has gathered around a small, brightly colored tent pitched near the fountain. Painted on the canvas in looping letters: "The Oracle Returns! Answers, Warnings, and Jokes—All Free!"
Antheia, Echo, Jocasta, and Agent Gray approach, each with their own brand of skepticism. The last time the oracle visited, someone's goat started speaking in riddles for a week and the bakers baked nothing but round loaves "to honor the wheel of fate."
Echo (eyeing the tent):
Are we ready for another prophecy about bread?
Antheia:
As long as it's not about the goats again.
Agent Gray (checking his notes):
I have a list of questions. And a list of backup questions.
Jocasta (smiling):
Let's hope the oracle has answers.
Scene One: The Oracle's Entrance
A hush falls as the tent flap opens and the oracle emerges. She is draped in scarves of every color, her hair wild, her eyes sparkling with mischief. She carries a staff topped with a carved chicken—rumored to predict the weather, or at least the next market trend.
Oracle (with a theatrical bow):
People of Thebes!
I have returned, bearing wisdom, warnings, and a few excellent knock-knock jokes.
Chorus:
The city waits,
Half in hope, half in dread,
And at least a quarter in confusion.
Scene Two: Riddles and Revelations
The oracle begins with riddles, tossing them out like seeds.
Oracle:
What walks on four legs in the morning, two at noon, and three after a long night at the tavern?
A baker shouts, "My uncle!" The crowd erupts in laughter.
Oracle (grinning):
Close! But beware—sometimes the answer is not the obvious one, and sometimes the obvious one is a little drunk.
She turns to Antheia.
Oracle:
What is the weight of a promise,
The taste of a lie,
And the sound of a city waking?
Antheia (thoughtful):
Heavier than stone,
Sweeter than honey,
And loud enough to shake the walls.
The oracle nods, pleased.
Scene Three: The Warning Wrapped in Wit
The oracle's tone shifts, her jokes growing sharper.
Oracle:
Beware the day the river runs backward—
When friends will quarrel and enemies will toast.
And if you see a goat in a crown,
Don't ask questions. Just bow.
Echo (whispering):
Is she serious?
Agent Gray (scribbling):
I'm noting it down, just in case.
Jocasta:
Is there a way to avert this fate?
Oracle:
Laughter is the best shield,
But truth is the sharpest sword.
Scene Four: The City Responds
The crowd takes turns asking questions—some earnest, some silly.
Child:
Will I be tall when I grow up?
Oracle:
Only if you eat your greens and avoid standing next to very tall people.
Merchant:
Will the caravan stay?
Oracle:
As long as the bread is good and the jokes are better.
Thebes laughs, but listens, too. The oracle's riddles linger, echoing through the city's alleys and council halls.
Scene Five: The Punchline
As the sun sets, the oracle gathers the crowd for one last joke.
Oracle:
Why did Thebes cross the river?
The crowd shouts guesses—"To trade with the caravan!" "To chase a goat!" "To find better olives!"
Oracle (smiling):
To see what was on the other side.
But remember—sometimes, what you find is yourself.
The crowd applauds, some laughing, some thoughtful.
Scene Six: Reflections and Goodbyes
Antheia and Echo walk home, the oracle's words tumbling in their minds.
Echo:
Do you think she was warning us, or just making us laugh?
Antheia:
Both. Sometimes the truth hides in a joke.
Agent Gray (catching up):
I've compiled a list of possible disasters involving goats, rivers, and bread.
Jocasta (smiling):
Then we're ready for anything.
Chorus (closing):
Thebes has heard the oracle's joke—
And now the city must decide
When to laugh,
When to listen,
And when to act.
End of Episode 7.