The Oracle Child chapter 3

Temple Priestess Calistia Morian was at a loss on what to do. The child in their care was obviously frightened and upset, but nothing they did seemed to be helping. Calistia had only recently been appointed duty at the Heart Chamber, guarding over Sibyl along with six others. Her kind blue eyes looked at the child who fitfully twitched within her confinements, part of her wishing she could take her out to hold her and soothe her. But that was not allowed outside of specific rituals that would take time and effort to do, and the next one was not due until after a fortnight. But they had to do something! Whatever the poor girl saw or heard, it obviously caused her great distress, and clouded her prophetic mind to anything else.
Calistia sighed, pouring over the transcripts of what Sibyl had said. The same words repeated themselves over and over again.
“He is coming.”
It made no sense to her. Who was coming? And why? Why did it scare the poor child so much? She spoke quietly with the other guardians, then took the transcripts with her to see the High Priest. If anyone could make sense of it, it would be him.

Her bare feet barely made a sound on the polished floors of the hallways, and she barely acknowledged the priests, novices and Temple Guards that she passed along the way. Her magenta and silver robes whispered against the floor as she made haste towards the sacred chambers of the High Priest, tapping reverently upon the big, ornate, bronze door.
“High Father? Are you present?”
She waited for what seemed like a minor eternity before the reply came, allowing her to enter.
The door swung open slowly by unseen mechanics, and she hurried inside, head bowed respectfully. The chambers were spacious, and like the door, the marble walls were covered with ornate carvings of bronze, depicting saints and monsters locked in eternal battle. The heavy curtains were a deep magenta colour, and the heavy desk carved out of a single block of black wood. The chair behind it was crafted from the same black wood as the desk, cushioned with magenta and silver upholstery. Floor to ceiling bookshelves covered an entire wall, crafted also from black wood, and covered with religious texts and relics. Through another bronze door which was slightly ajar, she could see a glimpse of an ornately carved bed, covered with silver grey pillows and covers.

The High Priest was a kind looking elderly man with a bushy white beard, brows to match, and wispy white hair ghosting around his scalp. He had ancient, gentle eyes of a deep green colour, and his magenta robes had silver embroideries of saints, monsters, and holy quotes from their bible. He offered her a gentle smile, gesturing for her to take a seat on the opposite side of the desk.
“What can I help you with, Sister Calistia?” he asked, in his rumbling, deep voice. He always reminded her of a great, soothing beast of burden, with his broad shoulders and chest which had only just recently begun to be marked of age.
“I am concerned, High Father. The Child is restless and frightened, and she keeps repeating the same words over and over again. We have tried everything. Chanting, singing, reciting holy texts. But we cannot soothe her mind, nor guess the meaning of her words. I hope you may have better luck, and may know more about the significance.”
She placed the transcripts upon the table and pushed them over to him, folding her hands in her lap once he had taken them.
For a moment, the room was silent while his eyes scanned the documents.
Then his eyes darkened and he looked up at her.
“Speak none of this to anyone but your sisters and brothers within the Heart Chamber. We do not wish for unnecessary panic to spread. Keep the child soothed as best you can, and report her words only to me. I have heard horrible rumours, but I need confirmation before I take further precautions. Have faith, Sister, and tend to your duties as diligently as always. Once I know more, I shall summon you.”
She bowed her head and stood up, not liking the furrow of his brow. He knew more than he wished to say at this point, but she trusted him, knowing he would do as promised. She would know more when he deemed the time was right. Not a moment sooner.

She made her way back to the Heart Chamber, passing on the needed information to the others. They returned to their tasks, trying to soothe Sibyl with songs and chanted prayers to bring her troubled mind a glimpse of peace, adding a bit of a soothing drug to the nutrient gel surrounding her. Just enough to allow her a respite from the screaming voices inside her mind, and allow her to sleep.

“He is coming” the voices whispered in Sibyl's mind as she drifted into silence.
“He is coming....”