So with downcast head he sat empty and hopeless, and the little
camp was silent.
In this mournful atmosphere while no one spoke, and no one seemed
to watch, stood, when at last Rodriguez raised his head, with
folded arms before the gate to nowhere, the King of Shadow Valley.
His face was surly, as though the face of a ghost, called from
important work among asteroids needing his care, by the trivial
legerdemain of some foolish novice. Rodriguez, looking into those
angry eyes, wholly forgot it was he that had a grievance. The
silence continued. And then the King of Shadow Valley spoke.
"When have I broken my word?" he said.
Rodriguez did not know. The man was still looking at him, still
standing there with folded arms before the great gate, confronting
him, demanding some kind of answer: and Rodriguez had nothing to
say.
"I came because you promised me the castle," he said at last.
"I did not bid you come here," the man with the folded arms
answered.
"I went where you bade me," said Rodriguez, "and you were not
there."
"In four weeks, I said," answered the King angrily.
And then Alderon spoke. "Have you any castle for my friend?" he
said.
"No," said the King of Shadow Valley.
"You promised him one," said Don Alderon.
The King of Shadow Valley raised with his left hand a horn that
hung below his elbow by a green cord round his body. He made no
answer to Don Alderon, but put the horn against his lips and blew.
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