Minos Themiste

Priestess of Delphi, by John Collier

Her titles are many: The Moon Incarnate. Moon Being. Most Holy, High Priestess, Seer and Oracle.

And her most secret title: Minos of Kaphtor, which is used only by the fully initiated.

She has magnificent red hair, setting her apart from her countrymen, and she is so beautiful it’s almost scary.

But oracles on Kaphtor (Crete) burn out early, from the smoke, the bull’s blood, the serpent venom and other concoctions they use to see the future.

Lilith, by John Collier

She has not yet chosen her successor. She knows she should. But she puts it off. Her eye keeps turning to Aridela, who is the subject of so many frightening prophecies, and who has caused her many sleepless nights.

Perhaps if she makes Aridela her heir, that will somehow protect the child.

It’s worth a try.