“No matter how they push you, no matter what rites.”
“No—no.”
Here Eëtíon came over to them, asking, “What is it?” and before they answered knowing what it was.
“But no, no, no, Nikander. Not the Pythia House again,” he pleaded.
Nikander had to take charge with decision.
“It must be, Eëtíon. It must be. Go, Eëtíon, and take Dryas home. I will care for Theria.”
There was no chance for good-bye in what the lovers felt to be the last parting.
As for Nikander, mounting the Sacred Way with his arm about his child, the joy of victory, the safety of Delphi, were lost in bitter heartaches and self-reproach.