CHAPTER XXXIII: CONCERNING THE FASHION OF KING-MAKING IN STARK-WALL.
Meanwhile the King spake to the elder, and said: "Now tell me whereof I am become king, and what is the fashion and cause of the king-making; for wondrous it is to me, whereas I am but an alien amidst of mighty men." "Lord," said the old man, "thou art become king of a mighty city, which hath under it many other cities and wide lands, and havens by the sea- side, and which lacketh no wealth which men desire.

Many wise men dwell therein, and of fools not more than in other lands.

A valiant host shall follow thee to battle when needs must thou wend afield; an host not to be withstood, save by the ancient God-folk, if any of them were left upon the earth, as belike none are.

And as to the name of our said city, it hight the City of the Stark-wall, or more shortly, Stark-wall.

Now as to the fashion of our king-making: If our king dieth and leaveth an heir male, begotten of his body, then is he king after him; but if he die and leave no heir, then send we out a great lord, with knights and sergeants, to that pass of the mountain whereto ye came yesterday; and the first man that cometh unto them, they take and lead to the city, as they did with thee, lord.