the crystal space go many meteors up and down all squealing in the
dark, which greatly perplex all travellers. And, if he may see though
the gleaming of the meteors and in spite of their uproar come safely
through, he shall come to the star Omrund at the edge of the Track of
Stars. And from star to star along the Track of Stars the soul of a man
may travel with more ease, and there the journey lies no more straight
forward, but curves to the right."

Then said King Ebalon:

"Of this beggar whom my horse smote down thou hast spoken much, but I
sought to know by what road a King should go when he taketh his last
royal journey, and what princes and what people should meet him upon
another shore."

Then answered Monith:

"All knowledge is with the King. It hath been doomed by the gods, who
speak not in jest, that thou shalt follow the soul that thou didst send
alone upon its journey, that that soul go not unattended up the crystal
steps.

"Moreover, as this beggar went upon his lonely journey he dared to
curse the King, and his curses lie like a red mist along the valleys
and hollows wherever he uttered them. By these red mists, O King, thou
shalt track him as a man follows a river by night until thou shalt fare
at last to the land wherein he hath blessed thee (repenting of anger at
last), and thou shalt see his blessing lie over the land like a blaze
of golden sunshine illumining fields and gardens."