Ilithyia's Arc

Chapter 1 of 1

Ilithyia pressed her palm against the cool marble column in the Asclepieion lobby. Her belly shifted under her blue gown as the baby kicked. She wanted to master the ancient art of midwifery, to guide safer deliveries for all women. This temple was where she would learn. She stepped through the archway into the main hall. Divine light streamed through the windows, illuminating golden caduceus symbols on every wall. A waterfall fountain cascaded down the far wall, filling the space with gentle music. The Olympian Asclepieion stretched before her, more beautiful than she had imagined. This was where mothers would come. This was where she would help them bring life into the world. Ilithyia walked past rows of marble benches toward a side chamber. Inside, golden shelves lined the walls from floor to ceiling. Bundles of dried herbs hung from hooks. Clay jars held roots and flowers she needed to learn by name. The herb pantry held everything required for healing remedies. She lifted a bundle of lavender and breathed in the scent. Each plant had a purpose she would master. In the center of the chamber sat a golden sphere on a wooden stand. The sphere caught the light and seemed to glow from within. She wrapped both hands around it and lifted. Heavy, but manageable. She set it down and lifted again, practicing the careful movements she would need during deliveries. The golden ball would teach her body the right way to support mothers in their most difficult moments. Her training had begun.