“Return to Sicily and rebuild Inessa.”
He was so disappointed that he left the tripod almost before the Pythoness had finished speaking.
But from that hour misfortune followed Hyllos.
At last he became so frightened that he bestirred himself belatedly to obey the Oracle. He secured a ship and a few people willing to go to Sicily, but still he dreaded the colonizing task. And on the very day of Theria’s betrothal Hyllos reappeared in Delphi, praying to be released from Apollo’s command.
On this occasion the Oracle reproved him roundly.
“The ruins of Inessa disturb the peace of the Delphic god. Yes, and yet more misfortune shall overtake thee unless thou rebuild Inessa on a height where trees invite the birds. Of high choice is the one who goeth with thee.”
Hyllos next morning met Nikander in the Precinct and to him poured out his troubles.
“I cannot rebuild Inessa, O priest,” he said. “Only a few poor shepherds are left there. Our Catanian neighbours in their raid upon us killed all our leading citizens. They carried away our wealth and destroyed everything. Inessa is ruined beyond repair. Oh, no doubt the god means to destroy me also, and takes this way of making me worthy of death.”
Nikander quieted the young man as was his wont, then bade him wait in Delphi until the priests should think and advise with each other over the problem.