Denia © Mark Wade

Now it came to pass that while my Cid was in Zaragoza the days of King Almudafar were fulfilled: and he left his two sons Zulema and Abenalfange, and they divided his dominions between them; and Zulema had the kingdom of Zaragoza, and Abenalfange the kingdom of Denia.

And Zulema put his kingdom under my Cid's protection, and bade all his people obey him even as they would himself.

Now there began to be great enmity between the two brethren, and they made war upon each other.

And King Don Pedro of Aragon, and the Count Don Ramon Berenguer of Barcelona, helped Abenalfange, and they were enemies to the Cid because he defended Zulema.

And my Cid chose out two hundred horsemen and went out by night, and fell upon the lands of Alcaniz; and he remained out three days in this inroad, and brought away great booty.

Great was the talk thereof among the Moors; and they of Monzon and of Huesca were troubled, but they of Zaragoza rejoiced, because they paid tribute to the Cid, and were safe.

And when my Cid returned to Zaragoza he divided the spoil among his companions, and said to them, Ye know, my friends, that for all who live by their arms, as we do, it is not good to remain long in one place.

Let us be off again to-morrow.

So on the morrow they moved to the Puerto de Alucant, and from thence they infested Huesca and Montalban.

Ten days were they out upon this inroad; and the news was sent everywhere how the exile from Castille was handling them, and tidings went to the King of Denia and to the Count of Barcelona, how my Cid was over-running the country.