At last they were heard, and presently there appeared Thorismuth and six horn-blowers; Wisand the bandalarius, carrying the royal blue banner of the Goths; the King, accompanied by Duke Guntharis and Earl Teja; and about ten other leaders, almost all without weapons; only Earl Teja displayed his broad and dreaded axe.
As this procession was on the point of setting forth from the Gothic encampment, to ride through the Metronian Gate into the city, Duke Guntharis felt some one pull his mantle, and looking down, beheld a boy or youth, with short and curly brown hair and blue eyes, standing near his horse, with a shepherd's staff in his hand.
"Art thou the King? No, thou art not he. And that, that is brave Teja, the Black Earl, as the songs call him!"
"What wouldst thou with the King, boy?"
"I would fight for him."
"Thou art still too tender. Go, and return two summers hence. And, meanwhile, guard thy flocks."
"I may be young, but I am no longer weak, and I have guarded the flock long enough. Ha! I see that that is the King!" and he went up to Totila, and bowed gracefully, saying:
"By thy leave, O King!"
And he caught the bridle of the horse to lead it, as if it were a matter of course.
The King looked amused, and smiled at the boy.