Page 13 of Orpheus
I traipsed through the dirt roads of Paestum, hugging along the coast of the Tyrrhenian Sea. Even through the darkness, I could tell these waters were not as crystal blue as the ones I was used to, like the cerulean Aegean. They were indigo and opaque. Their depths were mysterious, leading me to wonder how many ships were lost beneath this reticent sea.
As I continued to amble about the town, I realized just how plain it was, mostly comprised of stone homes and only two tall temples on the east side of the city, opposite to the beach. But there was one spot that stood out to me more than any other. The villagers were coming and going out of the lit-up structure, with torches hung by onyx sconces, surrounding the building. Bright lights emerged from the windows that exposed the inside. I could see vivacious men clamoring and laughing, holding their foamy, dripping mugs in the air before bringing it to their lips to chug. Women with intricately curled, yet knotty-looking hair, dripping with faded cheap jewelry and rusted gemstones, sat on some of these men’s laps. Others were dancing about, having a merry time. This must be the tavern Apollo had envisioned. So, this was the spot and the people I would be performing for.
I had to admit; I was not impressed with the place. But this is what I imagined a typical inn and tavern would look like, just as I learned about from the descriptions of the tales I have heard over the years. I entered the establishment, now realizing just how loud and frivolous the occupants were. I wondered how my vocals and the calming sounds from my lyre could be heard over this drunk caterwauling.
Moving to the center of the tavern, I went unnoticed by everyone who was there. But once I pulled out my gold, glimmering lyre I had concealed beneath my tunic, that was when all eyes were brought over to me. I began plucking at its strings, starting with singing a verse to a song I had been preparing during the trek here to Paestum.
Were you expecting the melodic story from a boring bard?
With a voice so scratchy it would leave your ears charred.
Well, I have news for you, I’m not that weak-skilled.
For my musical talents will leave your hearts fulfilled.
My name is Orpheus, son of a king and muse.
And no, I promise you, this is not some type of ruse.
I have been sent to this town, directly by the God of the sun.
The first stop of many. My journey has just begun.
My talents range far and wide. I can play for hours.
Making dance the animals, the fish, the trees, and even the flowers.
My music will soothe just about anything that lies in my path.
Even the most volatile of creatures will no longer invoke wrath.
But alas, there is a reason I have come to this inn.
I am in search of a person, who possesses a unique, glimmering skin.
It is someone who has found a rare treasure, known as the Golden Fleece.
Please make your presence known to me, for I come in peace.
Our meeting was foretold, by Apollo and the Fates.
So, there is no point in ignoring their visions and keeping them wait.
For us finally coming together is a mark of destiny.
You are said to be my lock and I am to serve as your key.
I opened my eyes, observing the entire room, which was filled with complete silence. I was unsure how the people here would respond to such a performance. But before I could even read their expressions, I felt a splash of cold beer strike my face. A stupor man threw his mug at me. The rest of the tavern laughed at his action, much to my chagrin.
“This is a tavern, you silly bard!” he yelled to me. “Save that music for the temples. We want none of that garbage here!” I could smell the lingering alcohol from his breath drift through the air and waft into my nostrils. It left me with a queasy feeling.
I was completely humiliated, still receiving the pointed fingers and jokes directed at me from the other drunken patrons. Clenching my fists in anger, I marched out of the tavern and back out to the streets.
Once I was in the clear and away from that odious place, I patted my tunic down and squeezed the beer from it. The alcohol on me reeked. I needed to get rid of the disgusting smell as quickly as possible. I could already sense the vomit building up in my throat from the putrid smell of it. The only place that offered a means of bath was the sea. Thus, I sprinted there, removing my tunic from my body so that I was stripped nude. I softly placed my lyre in a dry spot on the ground, not wanting it to get damaged by the waves. My tunic, I carried with me as I trudged through the rough river rocks that lined the shore and dove into the dark waters with it.
After a few dunks of my head and rinsing my body off, while washing my clothing too, I returned to the shore, still completely naked. But much to my surprise, two men stood facing me. I prayed that they weren’t bandits or drunken fools from the tavern who followed me out here, wanting to pick a fight.
As I approached them, I quickly wrapped my tunic around me, covering my exposure. Its cold dampness against my skin sent a chill up my spine, causing me to shiver.
