Now the only shadow on Nikander’s joy was his anxiety for Lycophron. Dear gods, where might his son be now? Even if Delphi survived the onslaught of the Persians this sorrow would remain. Nikander could never speak his son Lycophron’s name.
A slave brought their breakfast, and as they ate the figs and bread and milk they began to talk seriously of Delphi’s plans of escape. Many citizens had already carried their household treasures up the mountain to the Korykian cave. And the priests were now urging a further questioning of the god if perchance even yet he might reveal to them some way to save the Holy Place. Dryas entered into the plans with an interest and fearlessness which caused his father to look at him ever and again. What had happened to Dryas? What brave-minded god was thus changing his son?
Such was their conversation when a temple slave came running in at the door past Medon, saying breathlessly:
“The Pythoness, your daughter, is nowhere in the Pythia House. Is she here, Nikander?”
Nikander hid his eyes confusedly a moment.
“Yes,” he said, “yes, she is here; I had forgotten. I will bring her back myself and explain. Tell that to Tuchè. Dryas, dear lad, go you and fetch your sister.”
The slave added with embarrassment: “And, Master, I was to tell you that Tuchè is very angry. They wish to begin the rites at once. Consultants are waiting and the priests are there. Aristonikè is too ill to go upon the tripod and they have no Pythia.”
“Oh, unkind gods,” breathed Nikander. His heart had ached every time his daughter was set upon the terrible high seat of the god. Now how much more would it ache knowing how she had deceived. She must not go there again. Must never again give an oracle. She was no fit subject for the ecstasy. He must find some chance to tell her this. Must command her to resist the trance no matter what rites were practised. But oh, what a terrible fate for the poor child. Back to the Pythia House. Of course she must go back.
He started to meet her before she could come downstairs.
But here Dryas returned with amazed face, and Melantho with him, running down into the forbidden aula because of her anxiety.