In the dim moonlight, he saw the face of his old teacher.
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Poma sat up in surprise.
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"Sh!" said his teacher. "Don't speak. Get dressed and follow me."
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Hurriedly, Poma put on hid tunic. The other boys were sleeping.
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He stepped quietly past them and followed the old man outside.
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As silent as shadows they crossed the courtyard and entered the great hall.
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Poma's teacher led him towards a small doorway in one corner.
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Messengers did not usually go through it.
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The rooms behind the hall were part of the palace.
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Suddenly, the old man stopped and spoke.
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"Listen, Poma," he said. "You are the youngest messenger in the palace but nobody runs as fast as you. You are not yet seventeen but you are as brave as any man. Now, you have an important task, Come."
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Poma followed the old man through the narrow doorway and along a short passage.
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They entered a large room where lamps burned brightly.
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The golden walls glowed like the evening sun.
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Two men stood near the doorway. They were talking quietly.
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They stopped when they saw Poma.
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Their tunics were fine wool with delicate patterns of gold.
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"These are important people," thought Poma.
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A table stood in the middle of the room with a gold chair next to it .
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There were sliver cups on the table but the chair was empty.
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Poma heard his teacher say, "This is the boy, Prince Urco."
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A tall man appeared from the shadows.
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He wore a heavy cloak over his tunic.
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Bands of gold circled his head and his arms.
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A collar of gold and rare jewels was around his neck.
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He beckoned to Poma and the boy stepped forward.
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The prince looked carefully at Poma for a moment.
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"You are strong," he said, "but you must be clever, too. You must take a message to the king. You must remember every word."
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He leaned forward and spoke clearly. "Repeat" he commanded.
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Poma repeated the message.
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The prince nodded. "Now go," he said, " and do not fail."
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Poma left the room and ran back through the hall.
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He crossed the shadowy courtyard and ran out onto the road.
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Then he ran straight on, out of the city gates and towards the forest.
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"I must not fail," he repeated. "I must not fail."
