The persistence of the callous desert winds was only trumped by the sun’s omnipresence, and Ed had to brave both on his trek through the dry lands. But his skin was tough and will was strong, as he had made these journeys so many times before.

Ed was tall and stout, hardened by the time spent alone in the desert. He had soft green eyes, a rarity in these parts, revealed a sympathetic and light hearted bearing. Ed was orphaned, abandoned by his parents, cast away to fulfill a life of hardships and hard work. With no education or trade, he made a living the only way he could, traveling through the deserts and mountains, trading trinkets and stories along the way. This trek, though, had a more serious purpose. The Oracle had given him a message for a woman in the city to the north.

Eighteen days after Ed left the Oracle, he arrived in the northern city. It was a majestic metropolis. The towers were the largest Ed had ever seen, a hundred feet high, adorn in stones and jewels. The streets were straight and smooth, the people alive and bustling.

This must be the land of kings and queens, Ed thought to himself, mesmerized by the magnificent architecture and culture.

A sudden realization had crept up to Ed by now, how could I possible find a single woman in this huge place?

Unsure of where to begin, he approached a man selling fruit on the street.

“Excuse me, sir, but would you happen to know where I could find Lady Jocasta? I have an urgent message from the Southern Oracle for her.”

“If the Southern Oracle sent you, it must be important. She lives in the very center of the city, in the tallest tower. I must caution you though; she has just lost her husband and is still in mourning.”

Ed thanked the man and went on his way.

Ed approached the tall, copper gates to what he could only describe as the most beautiful, regal building he had ever seen in all his travels. As he made his way into the grandiose tower, led by a guard, he came upon the Lady Jocasta’s room. The guard opened the door and Ed made his way into the room, where she sat, eyes staring out past the edges of the city.

“Excuse me, Lady Jocasta, but I have an urgent message from the Southern Oracle.”

She turned around. Her stunning beauty pierced the black vail over her face, revealing a sensitive face with deep green eyes. She motioned to the guard to leave them.

“What did the Oracle say, my dear messenger.”

Ed recalled the words of the oracle: “In this tragedy, you’d be the Queen.”

If the woman understood the meaning of the revelation, she did not show it.

“And may I ask your name?” Jocasta made her way closer to Ed now, placing his hands in hers.

“My name is Oedipus, but everyone calls me Ed.”