Sunlight peered through the small window as the chariot of Apollo ascended. Then the cell's door flung open, awaking Psyche from her troubled sleep. The priestesses came to escort her out as Venus had summoned her for another trail.
They brought her to the grove flanked by the river. Its banks extended into the distance and its low-lying bushes dotted around the stream. There were sheep wandering and grazing unguarded, and their fleeces sprouted with the glory of pure gold.
Venus stood on the hill in all her finery. When Psyche came, the goddess greeted her with a pretentious smile. And the mortal princess wondered what new misfortune awaited her. The goddess motioned for Psyche to stand by her side.
"Do you see the grove there?" she asked, pointing down with her glorious hand. "I order
