He watched while Kyphallos came in with Jadgor now and approached the dais. Then, attracted by other trumpets, he turned toward the stair. As before, Naia stood there with Gaya by her side. Yet now she was not the same. Then she had been radiant in gold and purple. Now she stood simply clad in white. White was her robe, edged in silver; white were her sandals and white the plumes which rose above her hair.
Kyphallos and Jadgor waited while the guests took their seats. Lakkon advanced to meet the two women on the stairs, gave his hand to his daughter and turned to descend.
Another figure appeared. It was Magur, the priest, robed in blue, accompanied by two young boys, each bearing a silver goblet on a tray of the same metal. He advanced and met Naia and Lakkon as they reached the foot of the stairs.
"Who comes?" his voice rang out.
"A maid who would pledge herself and her life to a youth, O Prince of Zitu," Lakkon replied.
"The youth is present?" Magur went on with the ritualistic form.
"Aye. He stands yonder with Aphur's king," Lakkon declared.
"Who sponsors this woman at this time?" Magur spoke again.
"I—King of Aphur—brother of her who gave her life," Jadgor's voice boomed forth.
"Come then," Magur said.