The caparison and reins of his horse were set with silver and embroidered with red silk.
In his right hand the King held a spear, to the point of which Valeria had fastened four streamers of red and white riband; merrily they fluttered in the morning breeze.
Thus brilliantly arrayed, the King rode through the streets of Taginæ at the head of his horsemen. Earl Thorismuth, Phaza, and Duke Adalgoth, and also Julius, rode in his train. Julius carried no weapons, but he bore a shield forged by Teja.
Never had Totila shone in such beauty! The people greeted him upon his way with shouts of joy. At the northern gate of Taginæ, Aligern came riding towards him.
"I thought that thy place was with the right wing," said the King. "What brings thee here?"
"My cousin Teja has ordered me to remain at thy side and guard thy life."
"My Teja is untiring in his care of me!" cried the King.
Aligern joined the escort.
Earl Thorismuth now undertook the command of the footmen who were hidden in the houses of Taginæ.
Outside the gate, the King rode to the front of his not very numerous troop of horsemen, and disclosed his plan to the captains.