Atondido Stories
By late afternoon they had crossed the last mountain, had left
behind them the last stretch of dark forest, and they saw loom-
ing up ahead of them the Iron Castle.
Just as the sun sank the prince and his followers crossed the
drawbridge and entered the courtyard gate. Instantly the draw-
bridge lifted and the gate clanged shut.
They went through the courtyard and the prince put his
horse in the stable, where he found a place all in readiness. Then
the four of them marched boldly into the castle.
Everywhere—in the courtyard, in the stables, and now in the
various rooms of the castle—they saw great numbers of richly
clad men all of whom, masters and servants alike, had been
turned to stone.
They went on from one room to another until they reached
the banquet hall. This was brilliantly lighted and the table, with
food and drink in abundance, was set for four persons. They
waited, expecting some one to appear, but no one came. At last,
overpowered by hunger, they sat down and ate and drank most
heartily.
After supper they began to look about for a place to sleep. It
was then without warning that the doors burst open and the ma-
gician appeared. He was a bent old man with a bald head and a
gray beard that reached to his knees. He was dressed in a long
black robe and he had, instead of a belt, three iron bands about
his waist.
He led in a beautiful lady dressed in white with a silver gir-
dle and a crown of pearls. Her face was deathly pale and as sad
as the grave. The prince recognized her instantly and sprang for-
ward to meet her. Before he could speak, the magician raised his
hand and said:
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