19
Gilded roofs, golden towers and gilt turrets circled the brow of the hill like a splendid crown; from there they blazed sunlight in a boastful message to everyone outside their massive walls. A plaque gracing those walls proclaimed:
“This Citadel, Poor World, was built topped by a crown
to display the wealth within.”
Success brought them right under these walls for the four friends to gaze up in wonder. They had no idea of the splendour inside where each window ledge and door frame was carved in jade. Bulls’ heads, pouncing jaguars and arched scorpions menaced coiled serpents, demons and dragons across the narrow jade-green streets. Way above them, blazoned banners, worked in gold and silver thread, unfurled lazily in the breeze at every pinnacle. Wherever the eye rested in the Cita
