The Hidden Oracle

Inside the grove, the trees are talking in hushed voices, uttering bewildering disconnected phrases and sentences. Some of the trees have distinct personalities and are talking about subjects as unlikely as food processors. Apollo hums “a perfect A 440-hertz tone” to keep his focus on finding Meg (299). He finally locates her at the center of the grove, overwhelmed by the voices of the trees, all of whom want to talk to Demeter’s daughter at once. Afraid the voices may fracture Meg’s mind, Apollo directs her to hang Rhea’s wind chime on the tree’s lowest branch. As the chimes pick up the wind, the grove quietens, and the central tree begins to shake with energy. Meg commands it so speak. The tree delivers a prophecy in a single loud voice. Delivered in the form of a limerick, the puzzling prophecy is about Apollo being forced to swallow madness and death. Apollo can decipher the prophecy only in parts. Surprising Apollo again, Meg releases Apollo from her service. She plans to return to Nero, still bound to him by a sense of loyalty. Meg runs away with Peaches, leaving Apollo alone. An arrow with an oak shaft and green fletching falls at Apollo’s feet, and Apollo deposits it in his quiver.