King Witichis gave his sword to Earl Teja, and rode slowly to meet them. The gate closed behind him.
"He seeks death," whispered Hildebad.
"No," said Teja, "he seeks the salvation of the Goths."
On recognising the solitary horseman, the rebels were amazed. Near the brothers--who marched at the head of the troops--rode the chief of the Avarian archers. He held his hand over his small and twinkling eyes and cried:
"By the horse of the war-god, that is the King himself! Now, my boys, sons of the steppes, aim well, and the war is over!" and he quickly took his bow from his shoulder.
"Stop, Chan Warchun," cried Duke Guntharis, laying his mailed hand upon the other's shoulder. "Thou hast sadly erred twice in the same breath. Thou hast called Earl Witichis the King: that may be forgiven thee. Thou wouldst murder him who comes as a messenger of peace. That may be Avarian, but is not Gothic custom. Away with thee and thy troop out of my camp!"
The Chan started and looked at Guntharis in astonishment.
"Away, at once!" repeated Duke Guntharis.
The Avarian laughed and signed to his horsemen.
"'Tis all one to me. Children, we go to Belisarius. Queer people, these Goths! Giant bodies with children's hearts!"