It was old Akeretos who made answer.
“Apollo has spoken to free the girl. It is not usual. But neither is it usual for Apollo to appear in person and hurl mountains upon the enemy. It is a time of portents and wonders. Let the girl be freed, and at once.”
Nikander’s brain whirled as this verdict was pronounced.
But a still further joy awaited him.
Kobon, who had always been his bitterest antagonist, now rose in the Council and proposed to elect Dryas, son of Nikander, to the priesthood, also to give Dryas the crown for the best warrior in yesterday’s battle.
CHAPTER XL
AGAIN HOME
On leaving the Council, Nikander did what no other father in Hellas would have done: He went first to release his daughter before bringing the good news to his son.
He could not bear that Theria should learn her freedom from any but himself. Old Akeretos went with him to confirm his authority in the Pythia House. To tell the truth, they ascended the Precinct with no little trepidation.
If you had asked who ruled the priests in Delphi not one would have answered: “The old peasant woman Tuchè.” Yet such was the case. Tuchè had a tongue of fire. Akeretos knocked faintly, and the authoritative one herself appeared.