IX. Then the Cid went with all his host to Juballa, leaving none but
such as were to collect his rents with his Almoxarife. And Abeniaf cast
about how he might pay the Cid for the corn, and also what else was to
be given him. And he made terms with those who held the Castles round
about Valencia, that they should pay him the tenth of all their fruits
and of all their other rents. Now this was the season for gathering in
the fruit, and he appointed men in every place who should look to it,
and see it valued, and receive the tenth; a Moor and a Christian did he
appoint in every place, who were to receive this, and to gather the
corn also into the granaries: and this was done after such manner that
the Cid had his tribute well paid. At this time came tidings to
Valencia, that the Almoravides were coming again with a great power,
and the Cid devised how he might prevent their coming, or if they came
how he might fight against them. And he sent to tell Abeniaf to forbid
them from coming, for if they should enter the town he could not be
Lord thereof, which it was better he should be, and the Cid would
protect him against all his enemies. Well was Abeniaf pleased at this;
and he held a talk with the Alcayde of Xativa, and with him who held
the Castle of Carchayra; and they agreed to be of one voice. And they
came to Valencia, and the Cid came to his suburb; and they confirmed
love with him in great secrecy. But he who had the Castle of Algezira
would not be in this covenant with them and the Cid sent parties into
his lands, and did him much evil; and the Alcayde of Juballa went
against him, and cut down all his corn and brought it to Juballa, which
the Cid had made a great town with a church and with towers, and it was
a goodly place; and there he had his corn and his other things, and his
rents were all brought thither, and it abounded with all things; and
men held it for a great marvel that in so short time he had made so
great a town, which was so rich and so plentiful. And the Cid thought
to have Valencia if the Almoravides did not come, and for this reason