Goldorran, standing in his royal chariot, looked at the hordes of beasts around him. His chariot was wreathed with crimson ribbon; it had two leashes, which were elaborate contraptions. Each leash consisted of three leads that were attached to the two pullers’ collars. The leads were made of a reddish-brown leather, which was studded with gold. These leads, coming off the puller’s collar, came together in a loop called a paw-loop. These were grasped by Goldorran. One paw held the two paw- loops, the other was raised in a triumphant salute. Goldorran’s aides, Gildfirth and Narrack, stood at either side of the chariot, holding gold-plated spears. Goldorran himself was dressed in a white silk tunic, over which he wore a black silk cloak. It was worn in the popular style of being draped across one shoulder while looped under the opposite armpit. It was anchored at the shoulder with a brooch, and the whole outfit was completed by crimson leather boots and a belt to match. From his belt hung a short, broad, gold-hilted sword, and he also carried a gold shield, encrusted with lapis lazuli, turquoise, jade, moonstone, bloodstone, obsidian, jet, ivory, and pearls. His head was surrmounted by a bronze helmet with a black plume. He was a magnificent figure, all in regal splendor.

Then Gildfirth called out, “Hail Goldorran, King of all Alcitiumon and Milmarad! Lord of the south, protector of this land!” A mighty cheer went up from all but two beasts in the crowd. “Hail! Hail! Hail Goldorraaaaaaaaaan!” The two beasts who hadn’t cheered were the weasels Fripnose and Gilltiph. They were displeased with Goldorran, and thought that he was a stuck-up git. “Huh, King of all Alcitiumon an’ Milmarad,” muttered Fripnose. “Yep,” agreed Gilltiph, “’e’s no good, mate. More like destroyer of all Alcitiumon an’ Milmarad. Pr’tecor my claw!” Fripnose pawed the dagger which hung at his belt as Goldorrran’s chariot began to move. “Should I give it t’ ‘im?” he asked Gilltiph. “Nah, not yet.”