An hour after noon
On the morrow , therefore , they proceeded on their journey . Nicæus had procured a litter for Iduna , for which her delicate health was an excuse to Alexina and her sisters , and they were attended by a small body of well-armed cavalry , for , according to the accounts which Nicæus had received , the country was still disturbed . They departed at break of day , Nicæus riding by the side of the litter , and occasionally making the most anxious inquiries after the well-being of his fair charge . An hour after noon they rested at a well , surrounded by olive-trees , until the extreme heat was somewhat allayed ; and then remounting , proceeded in the direction of an undulating ridge of green hills , that partially intersected the wide plain . Towards sunset the Prince of Athens withdrew the curtains of the litter , and called the attention of Iduna to a very fair castle , rising on a fertile eminence and sparkling in the quivering beams of dying light . `` I fear , '' said Nicæus , `` that my friend Justinian will scarcely have returned , but we are old comrades , and he desired me to act as his Seneschal . For your sake I am sorry , Iduna , for I feel convinced that he would please you . ''