While the steeds were being led to the stables an old man, clothed in
a flowing robe as white in color as his beard, bowed before Prince
Marvel and said in a soft voice:
"Follow me!"
The prince stretched his arms, yawned as if tired with his ride, and
then glared upon the old man with an expression of haughty surprise.
"I follow no one!" said he, proudly. "I am Prince Marvel, sirrah, and
if the owner of this castle wishes to see me I shall receive him here,
as befits my rank and station."
The man looked surprised, but only bowed lower than before.
"It is the king's command," he answered.
"The king?"
"Yes; you are in the castle of King Terribus, the lord and ruler of Spor."
"That is different," remarked the prince, lightly. "Still, I will
follow no man. Point out the way and I will go to meet his Majesty."
The old man extended a lean and trembling finger toward an archway.
Prince Marvel strode forward, followed by Nerle, and passing under the
arch he threw open a door at the far end and boldly entered the
throne-room of King Terribus.
8. The Fool-Killer
The room was round, with a dome at the top. The bare walls were of
gray stone, with square, open windows set full twenty feet from the
floor.
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