Then suddenly she drew him to her and kissed his forehead, saying: "God go with you, Rudolf my knight." Thus she turned away, letting him go.

He walked towards the door; but a sound arrested his steps, and he waited in the middle of the room, his eyes on the door.

Old Sapt flew to the threshold, his sword half-way out of its sheath.

There was a step coming down the passage, and the feet stopped outside the door.
"Is it the king ?" whispered Rudolf.
"I don't know," said Sapt.
"No, it's not the king," came in unhesitating certainty from Queen Flavia.
They waited: a low knock sounded on the door.

Still for a moment they waited.