Magic signs © Mark Wade

That night the Cid took counsel with Alvar Fanez, who departed not from his side, and with the other honourable men who were of his council, concerning what should be done: for now that his people were all rich, he feared lest they should return into their own country, for my Cid saw that if they might go they would.

And Minaya advised him that he should cause proclamation to be made through the city, that no man should depart without permission of the Cid, and if any one went who had not dispeeded himself and kist his hand, if he were overtaken he should lose all that he had, and moreover be fixed upon a stake.

And that they might be more certain, he said unto Minaya that he would take account of all the people who were with him, both horsemen and foot, and Pero Bermudez and Martin Antolinez made the roll; and there were found a thousand knights of lineage, and five hundred and fifty other horsemen, and of foot soldiers four thousand, besides boys and others; thus many were the people of my Cid, he of Bivar.

And his heart rejoiced, and he smiled and said, Thanks be to God, Minaya, and to Holy Mary Mother!...we had a smaller company when we left the house of Bivar! XII