Unknown Fated

I was only a child when my guide first contacted me. The messages were subtle at first; golden rays of sun breaking through gray clouds to shine before me. Gold was ever present in my dreams, as clothes, decorations or sudden flashes. Though, it wasn’t until the owl appeared that I finally realized who was to be my guide.

There was no sound, yet I woke with an urge to look outside. Perched upon my windowsill was a barn owl, shimmering in the moonlight. It seemed to be beconning me, allowing me to pet its soft feathers. I threw on a jacket and some tennis shoes then quietly left through my window.

It was late spring, though there was still a bite in the air. My eyes fixated on the owl as I was led toward the forest. Though I was only six at the time, I wasn’t afraid of the dark forest. By the age of four, a majority of children had each tale memorized. Our guides were to take us to locations and situations that would help us achieve our potential.

I embraced the night then, as I often still do now. My owl friend hooted excitedly, increasing its speed. For a moment, I felt as though I could fly myself. Chilled air stung my face and whipped my raven hair behind me. A sudden breeze flipped my hair to the front of me, obscuring my sight. My foot caught under a fallen branch, causing me to tumble.

Once I managed to regain my composure, I scanned the sky and surrounding trees. The owl was gone, but something even more dazzling stood before me. A tall building stood before me. Some passionate artists had painted the building to resemble bark, plants seemingly lived on the roof; growing in a way to resemble leaves. The door would’ve been invisible had it not been for the owl carved into it.

I had been told of this place hundreds of times. All the women in my family have gone to this place. We always have to wait to be brought to it, but here I was.

With curiosity and courage, I knocked on the door. A woman with chestnut hair and blue eyes, wearing jeans and a t-shirt with a shield on it opened the door. She greeted me with a smile.

That was fifteen years ago. I was the youngest member to join Athena’s Wisdom Hall. My tutor still teases me about how strange my arrival was. With her gift, she normally knows everything before it happens, but she can’t with me. She called me cloaked, only a few of us are gifted with the unknown. Almost everyone had some glimpse of their destinies or futures; but not the cloaked.

My parents were overjoyed when I discovered my guide. I came from a long line of Athena’s chosen. We’ve been generals, monarchs and everything between. My family is one that upholds the honor and wisdom Athena granted us.

Even though it’s been many years, I still have visits from my owl friend. Sometimes it’ll be flying overhead, or waiting for me outside. A reminder that Athena is always near.

I was educated and trained in all ways that would aid me in my future. I had aspects Athena had either liked or shared with me. Without knowing my future, I desire to achieve a great one. I will take what I’ve learned and forge a better world with it.

Today is my first day as my kingdom’s chief advisor, and as a sign of good luck the owl greeted me on my front porch this morning. With Athena’s blessing I know I will achieve great things.