21st Dec 2024
In a time of magic and wonder, Cadmus stood at the shrine of Apollo. "Oh, great oracle, where is my sister?" he called out, his heart racing. The voice echoed back, "Follow the white heifer, and where she lies, build your city." Cadmus nodded bravely, ready to embark on his noble quest.
Descending the mountain, his eyes caught sight of a pure white heifer. "There she is!" he exclaimed, filled with hope. As he followed her through valleys and streams, she stopped in a breathtaking glade, raised her head, and lay down gracefully. "This must be the place!" he said, determination shining in his eyes.
Nearby, thick trees sheltered a cave, the entrance tangled with willows. Curious, Cadmus looked inside. "Is there a spring here?" he wondered aloud, sending his trusted slave in to explore. But when the slave didn’t return, worry creased Cadmus’s brow. "Where could he have gone?" he murmured.
Deciding he must investigate, Cadmus donned a lion's skin, brandished his spear, and entered the cave. Darkness enveloped him; it felt like stepping into another world. Then, two glowing eyes pierced the gloom, radiating a menacing stare. "What beast lurks here?" he whispered, fear mingling with courage as he readied himself.
Emerging from the shadows was a fearsome dragon, its claws draped possessively over something hidden. "I won't let this monster take my slaves!" Cadmus shouted, lifting a stone and throwing it with all his might. But the stone bounced off the dragon’s tough scales, clattering to the ground uselessly.
As the dragon hissed and lunged, Cadmus leaped aside, narrowly escaping its massive jaws. Summoning all his strength, he thrust his lance into the creature's mouth, pinning it against a sturdy oak. "Take that, foul beast!" he proclaimed, a blend of triumph and relief flooding his voice.
With the dragon slain, Cadmus stood panting, surveyed the cave and his slain enemies. Just then, a brilliant figure appeared before him. "Fear not, brave Cadmus!" said a powerful warrior with clear gray eyes. "I am Minerva! You have much to accomplish, and I'm here to guide you." Cadmus felt his spirit rise, wonder and wisdom igniting in their presence.
"Now plough the ground and sow the dragon's teeth!" instructed Minerva. Although it sounded strange, Cadmus obeyed, curious about what magic would come. Soon, the earth trembled, and sharp points began to break through the soil. "What is happening?" he gasped, realizing he had sown something extraordinary.
As the spears and helmets burst forth, armored warriors emerged, eager for battle. Cadmus braced for a fight, heart pounding fast. However, the warriors began to clash with each other, and before long, five remained, looking more puzzled than fierce. "Stop!" Cadmus shouted, hoping to save them from mutual destruction.
To his surprise, the five warriors laid down their arms, shook hands, and united instead. Encouraged by their camaraderie, Cadmus joined them, and together they built the city where the heifer had rested. They named it Thebes, a prosperous city where Cadmus reigned, leading with wisdom and courage.
