GuardiansoftheWestDavidEddingsPROLOGUE

PARTONE-THEVALEOFALDUR

CHAPTERONECHAPTERTWOCHAPTERTHREECHAPTERFOURCHAPTERFIVECHAPTERSIXCHAPTERSEVENCHAPTEREIGHT

PARTTWO-RIVA

CHAPTERNINECHAPTERTENCHAPTERELEVENCHAPTERTWELVECHAPTERTHIRTEENCHAPTERFOURTEENCHAPTERFIFTEENCHAPTERSIXTEEN

PARTTHREE-ALORIA

CHAPTERSEVENTEENCHAPTEREIGHTEENCHAPTERNINETEENCHAPTERTWENTYCHAPTERTWENTY-ONECHAPTERTWENTY-TWOCHAPTERTWENTY-THREECHAPTERTWENTY-FOURCHAPTERTWENTY-FIVE

PROLOGUEBeinganAccountthoseEventscametotheThroneofRivaandhowheslewtheAccursedGodTorak.

-fromtheIntroduction,LegendsofAloriaAfterthesevenGodscreatedtheworld,itissaidthattheyandthoseracesofmentheyhadchosendwelttogetherinpeaceandharmony.ButUL,fatheroftheGods,remainedaloof,untilGorim,leaderofthosewhohadnoGod,wentuponahighmountainandimportunedhimmightily.ThentheheartofULmelted,andheliftedupGorimandsworetobehisGodandGodofhispeople,theUlgos.TheGodAldurremainedapart,teachingthepoweroftheWillandtheWordtoBelgarathandotherdisciples.AndatimecamewhenAldurtookupaglobe-shapedstonenolargerthantheheartofchild.MennamedthestonetheOrbofAldur,anditwasfilledwithenormouspower,foritwastheembodimentofaNecessitywhichhadexistedsincethebeginningoftime.Torak,GodoftheAngarakpeoples,covetedlordshipanddominionoverallthings,fortohimhadcomeanopposingNecessity.WhenhelearnedoftheOrb,hewassorelytroubled,fearingthatitwouldcounterhisdestiny.HewentthereforetoAldurtopleadthatthestonebesetaside.WhenAldurwouldnotgiveupthestone,ToraksmotehimandfledwiththeOrb.

ThenAldursummonedhisotherbrothers,andtheywentwithamightyarmyoftheirfollowerstoconfrontTorak.ButTorak,seeingthathisAngaraksmustbedefeated,raisedtheOrbanduseditspowertocracktheworldandbringintheSeaoftheEasttodividehimfromhisenemies.ButtheOrbwasangeredthatTorakshoulduseitthusanditlashedhimwithafirewhoseagonycouldnotbequenched.Torak'slefthandwasburnedaway,hisleftcheekwassearedintheartsofsorceryandcharred,andhislefteyetookflameandwaseverafterfilledwiththefireoftheOrb'swrath.Inagony,TorakledhispeopleintothewastelandsofMallorea,andhispeoplebuilthimacityinCtholMishrak,whichwascalledtheCityofNight,forTorakhiditunderanendlesscloud.There,inatowerofiron,TorakcontendedwiththeOrb,tryinginvaintoquellitshatredforhim.Thusitenduredfortwothousandyears.ThenCherekBear-Shoulders,KingoftheAlorns,wentdowntotheValeofAldurtotellBelgaraththeSorcererthatthenorthernwaywasclear.TogethertheylefttheValewithCherek'sthreemightysons,DrasBull-neck,AlgarFleet-footandRivaIrongrip.Theystolethroughthemarches,withBelgarathtakingtheformofawolftoguidethem,andtheycrossedoverintoMallorea.Bynight,theystoleintoTorak'sirontower.AndwhilethemaimedGodtossedinpain-hauntedslumber,theycrepttotheroomwherehekepttheOrblockedinanironcasket.RivaIrongrip,whoseheartwaswithoutillintent,tookuptheOrb,andtheyleftfortheWest.TorakwakedtofindtheOrbgoneandhepursuedthem.ButRivalifteduptheOrb,anditsangryflamefilledTorakwithfear.ThenthecompanypassedfromMalloreaandreturnedtotheirownlands.BelgarathdividesAloriaintofourkingdoms.OverthreehesetBear-Shoulders,DrasBull-neck,andAlgarFleet-foot.ToRivaIrongripandtohislinehegavetheOrbofAldurandsenthimtotheIsleoftheWinds.Belar,GodoftheAlorns,sentdowntwostars,andfromthemRivaforgeda

mightyswordandplacedtheOrbonitspommel.AndhehungtheswordonthewallofthethroneroomoftheCitadel,whereitmighteverguardtheWestfromTorak.WhenBelgarathreturnedtohishome,hediscoveredthathiswife,Poledra,hadbornehimtwindaughters,butthenhadpassedaway.Inheartsicksorrow,henamedhisdaughtersPolgaraandBeldaran.Andwhentheywereofage,hesentBeldarantoRivaIrongriptobehiswifeandmotheroftheRivanline.ButPolgarahekeptwithhimandinstructedintheartsofsorcery.InrageatthelossoftheOrb,TorakdestroyedtheCityofNightanddividedtheAngaraks.TheMurgos,theNadraks,andtheThullshesenttodwellinthewastelandsalongthewesternshoresoftheSeaoftheEast.TheMalloreanshekepttosubdueallofthecontinentonwhichtheydwelt.Overall,hesethisGrolimprieststowatch,toscourgeanywhofaltered,andtoofferhumansacrificestohim.Manycenturiespassed.ThenZedartheApostate,whoservedTorak,conspiredwithSalmissra,Queenofthesnake-people,tosendemissariestotheIsleoftheWindstoslayGorek,Riva'sdescendant,andallhisfamily.Thiswasdone,thoughsomeclaimedthatalonechildescaped;butnonecouldsayforcertain.EmboldenedbythedeathoftheguardianoftheOrb,TorakgatheredhishostandinvadedtheWest,planningtoenslavethepeoplesandregaintheOrb.AtVoMimbreontheplainsofArendia,thehordesofAngaraksmetthearmiesoftheWestindreadfulslaughter.AndthereBrandtheRivanWarder,bearingtheOrbuponhisshield,metTorakinsinglecombatandstruckdownthemaimedGod.TheAngaraks,seeingthat,weredisheartenedandtheywereoverthrownanddestroyed.Butatnight,astheKingsoftheWestcelebrated,ZedartheApostatetookthebodyofTorakandspiriteditaway.ThentheHighPriestoftheUlgos,namedGorimasallsuchHighPriestshadbeen,revealedthatTorakhadnotbeenkilled,butboundinslumberuntilakingofthelineofRivasatoncemoreonthethroneintheHalloftheRivanKing.TheKingsoftheWestbelievedthatmeantforever,foritwasheldthatthelineofRivahadperishedutterly.ButBelgarathandhisdaughterPolgaraknew

better.ForachildhadescapedtheslaughterofGorek'sfamily,andtheyhadconcealedhimandhisdescendantsinobscurityforgenerations.ButancientpropheciesrevealedtothemthatthetimeforthereturnoftheRivanKingwasnotyetcome.Manymorecenturiespassed.Then,inanamelesscityonthefarsideoftheworld,ZedartheApostatecameuponaninnocentchildandresolvedtotakethechildandgosecretlywithhimtotheIsleoftheWinds.TherehehopedthattheinnocenceofthechildmightenablethatchildtotaketheOrbofAldurfromthepommeloftheswordoftheRivanKing.Itoccurredashewished,andZedarfledwiththechildandtheOrbtowardtheEast.PolgaratheSorceresshadbeenlivingwithayoungboy,whocalledherAuntPol,inobscurityonafarminSendaria.ThisboywasGarion,theorphanedlastdescendantoftheRivanline,buthewasunawareofhisparentage.WhenBelgarathlearnedofthetheftoftheOrb,hehastenedtoSendariatourgehisdaughtertojoinhiminthesearchforZedarandtheOrb.Polgarainsistedthattheboymustaccompanythemonthequest,soGarionaccompaniedhisAuntPolandBelgarath,whomheknewasastorytellerwhosometimesvisitedthefarmandwhomhecalledGrandfather.Durnik,thefarmsmith,insistedongoingwiththem.SoontheywerejoinedbyBarakofCherekandbyKheldarofDrasnia,whommencalledSilk.Intime,theirquestfortheOrbwasjoinedbyothers:Hettar,horse-lordofAlgaria;Mandorallen,theMimbrateknight;andRelg,anUlgozealot.Andseeminglybychance,thePrincessCe'Nedra,havingquarreledwithherfather,EmperorRanBoruneXXIIIofTolnedra,fledhispalaceandbecameoneofthecompanions,thoughsheknewnothingoftheirquest.ThuswascompletedthecompanyforetoldbytheprophecyoftheMrinCodex.TheirsearchledthemtotheWoodoftheDryads,wheretheywereconfrontedbytheMurgoGrolimAsharak,whohadlongspiedsecretlyuponGarion.Then

thevoiceofprophecywithinGarion'smindspoketoGarion,andhestruckAsharakwithhishandandhisWill.AndAsharakwasutterlyconsumedinfire.ThusGarionlearnedthathewaspossessedofthepowerofsorcery.Polgararejoiced,tellinghimthathenceforthheshouldbenamedBelgarion,aswasproperforasorcerer,forsheknewthenthatthecenturiesofwaitingwereoverandthatGarionshouldbetheonetoreclaimtheRivanThrone,asforetold.ZedartheApostatefledfromBelgarathinhaste.Unwisely,heenteredtherealmsofCtuchik,HighPriestofthewesternGrolims.LikeZedar,CtuchikwasadiscipleofTorak,butthetwohadlivedinenmitythroughoutthecenturies.AsZedarcrossedthebarrenmountainsofCtholMurgos,CtuchikwaitedhiminambushandwrestedfromhimtheOrbofAldurandthechildwhoseinnocenceenabledhimtotouchtheOrbandnotdie.BelgarathwentaheadtoseekoutthetrailofZedar,butBeltira,anotherdiscipleofAldur,gavehimthenewsthatCtuchiknowheldthechildandtheOrb.TheothercompanionswentontoNyissa,whereSalmissra,Queenofthesnake-lovingpeople,hadGarionseizedandbroughttoherpalace.ButPolgarafreedhimandturnedSalmissraintoaserpent,toruleoverthesnake-peopleinthatformforever.WhenBelgarathrejoinedhiscompanions,heledthecompanyonadifficultjourneytothedarkcityofRakCthol,whichwasbuiltatopamountaininthedesertofMurgos.TheyaccomplishedthedifficultclimbtoconfrontCtuchik,whoknewoftheircomingandawaitedwiththechildandtheOrb.ThenBelgarathengagedCtuchikinaduelofsorcery.ButCtuchik,hard-pressed,triedaforbiddenspell,anditreboundedonhim,destroyinghimsoutterlythatnotraceofhimremained.TheshockofhisdestructiontumbledRakCtholfromitsmountaintop.WhilethecityoftheGrolimsshudderedintorubble,GarionsnatchedupthetrustingchildwhoboretheOrbandcarriedhimtosafety.Theyfled,withthehordesofTaurUrgas,KingoftheMurgos,pursuingthem.ButwhentheycrossedintothelandsofAlgaria,theAlgarianscameagainsttheMurgosanddefeatedthem.Thenatlast,BelgarathcouldturntowardtheIsleoftheWindstorestoretheOrbtoitsrightfulplace.

ThereintheHalloftheRivanKingatErastide,thechildwhomtheycalledErrandplacedtheOrbofAldurintoGarion'shand,andGarionstoodonthethronetosetitinitsaccustomedplaceonthepommelofthegreatSwordoftheRivanKing.Ashedidso,theOrbleapedintoflame,andtheswordblazedwithcoldbluefire.Bythesesigns,allknewthatGarionwasindeedthetrueheirtothethroneofRivaandtheyacclaimedhimKingofRiva,OverlordoftheWest,andtheKeeperoftheOrb.Soon,inkeepingwiththeAccordssignedaftertheBattleofVoMimbre,theboywhohadcomefromahumblefarminSendariatobecometheRivanKingwasbetrothedtothePrincessCe'Nedra.Butbeforetheweddingcouldtakeplace,thevoiceofprophecythatwaswithinhisheadurgedhimtogototheroomofdocumentsandtheretakedownthecopyoftheMrinCodex.Inthatancientprophecy,hediscoveredthathewasdestinedtotakeupRiva'sswordandgowithittoconfrontthemaimedGodTorakandtoslayorbeslain,therebytodecidethefateoftheworld.ForTorakhadbeguntoendhislongslumberwiththecrowningofGarion,andinthismeetingmustbedeterminedwhichofthetwoopposingNecessitiesorprophecieswouldprevail.GarionknewthathecouldmarshalanarmytoinvadetheEastwithhim.Butthoughhisheartwasfilledwithfear,hedeterminedthathealoneshouldacceptthedanger.OnlyBelgarathandSilkaccompaniedhim.Intheearlymorning,theycreptoutoftheCitadelofRivaandsetoutonthelongnorthernjourneytothedarkruinsoftheCityofNightwhereToraklay.ButthePrincessCe'NedrawenttotheKingsoftheWestandpersuadedthemtojoinherinanefforttodistracttheforcesoftheAngaraks,sothatGarionmightwinthroughsafely.WiththehelpofPolgara,shemarchedthroughSendaria,Arendia,andTolnedra,raisingamightyarmytofollowherandtoengagethehostsoftheEast.TheymetontheplainsurroundingthecityofThullMardu.CaughtbetweentheforcesofEmperor'ZakathofMalloreaandthoseofthemadKingoftheMurgos,TaurUrgas,Ce'Nedra'sarmyfacedannihilation.ButCho-Hag,ChiefoftheClan-ChiefsofAlgaria,slewTaurUrgas;andtheNadrakKingDrostalekThunchangedsides,givingherforcestimetowithdraw.

Ce'Nedra,Polgara,Durnik,andthechildErrand,however,werecapturedandsenttoZakath,whosentthemontotheruinedcityofCtholMishrakforZedartojudge.ZedarslewDurnik,anditwastoseePolgaraweepingoverhisbodythatGarionarrived.Inaduelofsorcery,BelgarathsealedZedarintotherocksfarbelowthesurface.ButbythenTorakhadawakenedfully.ThetwodestinieswhichhadopposedeachothersincetimebeganthusfacedeachotherintheruinedCityofNight.Andthereinthedarkness,Garion,theChildofLight,slewTorak,theChildofDark,withtheflamingswordoftheRivanKing,andthedarkprophecyfledwailingintothevoid.ULandthesixlivingGodscameforthebodyofTorak.AndPolgaraimportunedthemtobringDurnikbacktolife.Reluctantlytheyconsented.ButsinceitwouldnotbemeteforhersofartoexceedDurnik'sabilities,theygavetohimthegiftofsorcery.ThenallreturnedtothecityofRiva.BelgarionmarriedCe'Nedra,andPolgaratookDurnikasherhusband.TheOrbwasagaininitsrightfulplacetoprotecttheWest.AndthewarofGods,kings,andmen,whichhadenduredforseventhousandyears,wasatanend.Orsomenthought.

PARTONE-THEVALEOFALDUR

CHAPTERONEItwaslatespring.Therainshadcomeandpassed,andthefrosthadgoneoutoftheground.Warmedbythesofttouchofthesun,dampbrownfieldslayopentothesky,coveredonlybyafaintgreenblushasthefirsttendershootsemergedfromtheirwinter'ssleep.Quiteearlyonefinemorning,whentheairwasstillcool,buttheskygavepromiseofagoldenday,theboyErrand,alongwithhisfamily,leftaninnlyinginoneofthequieterdistrictsofthebustlingportcityofCamaaronthesouthcoastofthekingdomofSendaria.Errandhadneverhadafamilybefore,andthesenseofbelongingwasnewtohim.Everythingaroundhimseemedcolored,overshadowedalmost,bythefactthathewasnowincludedinasmall,tightlyknitgroupofpeopleboundtogetherbylove.Thepurposeofthejourneyuponwhichtheysetoutthatspringmorningwasatoncesimpleandveryprofound.Theyweregoinghome.Justashehadnothadafamilybefore,Errandhadneverhadahome;and,thoughhehadneverseenthecottageintheValeofAldurwhichwastheirdestination,henonethelessyearnedtowardthatplaceasifitseverystoneandtreeandbushhadbeenimprinteduponhismemoryandimaginationsincethedayhewasborn.AbriefrainsquallhadsweptinofftheSeaoftheWindsaboutmidnightandthenhadpassedasquicklyasithadcome,leavingthegray,cobbledstreetsandtall,tile-roofedbuildingsofCamaarwashedcleantogreetthemorningsun.

AstheyrolledslowlythroughthestreetsinthesturdywagonwhichDurnikthesmith,aftermuchcarefulinspection,hadboughttwodaysearlier,Errand,ridingburrowedamongstthebagsoffoodandequipmentwhichfilledthewagonbed,couldsmellthefaint,salttangoftheharborandseethebluishmorningcastintheshadowsofthered-roofedbuildingstheypassed.Durnik,ofcourse,drovethewagon,hisstrongbrownhandsholdingthereinsinthatcompetentwaywithwhichhedideverything,transmittingsomehowalongthoseleatherstrapstothewagonteamthecomfortingknowledgethathewascompletelyincontrolandknewexactlywhathewasdoing.Thestout,placidmareuponwhichBelgaraththeSorcererrode,however,quiteobviouslydidnotsharethecomfortablesecurityfeltbythewagonhorses.Belgarath,ashesometimesdid,hadstayedlateinthetaproomoftheinnthepreviousnightandherodethismorningslumpedinthesaddle,payinglittleornoheedtowherehewasgoing.Themare,alsorecentlypurchased,hadnotyethadthetimetoaccustomherselftohernewowner'speculiarities,andhisalmostaggressiveinattentionmadehernervous.Sherolledhereyesoften,asiftryingtodetermineifthisimmobilelumpmountedonherbackreallyintendedforhertogoalongwiththewagonornot.Belgarath'sdaughter,knowntotheentireworldasPolgaratheSorceress,viewedherfather'ssemi-comatoseprogressthroughthestreetsofCamaarwithasteadygaze,reservinghercommentsforlater.ShesatbesideDurnik,herhusbandofonlyafewweeks,wearingahoodedcapeandaplaingraywoolendress.Shehadputasidethebluevelvetgownsandjewelsandrich,fur-trimmedcapeswhichshehadcustomarilywornwhiletheyhadbeenatRivaandhadassumedthissimplermodeofdressasifalmostwithrelief.Polgarawasnotaversetowearingfinerywhentheoccasiondemandedit;andwhensodressed,sheappearedmoreregalthananyqueeninalltheworld.Shehad,however,anexquisitesenseoftheappropriateandshehaddressedherselfintheseplaingarmentsalmostwithdelight,sincetheywereappropriatetosomethingshehadwantedtodoforuncountedcenturies.Unlikehisdaughter,Belgarathdressedentirelyforcomfort.Thefactthathisbootsweremismatchedwasneitheranindicationofpovertynorofcarelessness.Itstemmedratherfromconsciouschoice,sincetheleftbootofonepairwas

comfortableuponhisleftfootanditsmatepinchedhistoes,whereashisrightboot-fromanotherpair-wasmostsatisfactory,whileitscompanionchafedhisheel.Itwasmuchthesamewiththerestofhisclothing.Hewasindifferenttothepatchesonthekneesofhishose,unconcernedbythefactthathewasoneofthefewmenintheworldwhousedalengthofsoftropeforabelt,andquitecontenttowearatunicsowrinkledandgravy-spottedthatpersonsofonlymoderatefastidiousnesswouldnotevenhaveconsideredusingitforascrub-rag.ThegreatoakengatesofCamaarstoodopen,forthewarthathadragedontheplainsofMishrakacThull,hundredsofleaguestotheeast,wasover.ThevastarmiesthathadbeenraisedbythePrincessCe'Nedratofightthatwarhadreturnedtotheirhomes,andtherewaspeaceoncemoreintheKingdomsoftheWest.Belgarion,KingofRivaandOverlordoftheWest,satuponthethroneintheHalloftheRivanKingwiththeOrbofAlduronceagaininitsproperplaceabovehisthrone.ThemaimedGodofAngarakwasdead,andhiseons-oldthreattotheWestwasgoneforever.TheguardsatthecitygatepaidscantattentiontoErrand'sfamilyastheypassed,andsotheyleftCamaarandsetoutuponthebroad,straightimperialhighwaythatstretchedeasttowardMurosandthesnow-toppedmountainsthatseparatedSendariafromthelandsofthehorseclansofAlgaria.FlightsofbirdswheeledanddartedintheluminousairasthewagonteamandthepatientmareploddedupthelonghilloutsideCamaar.Thebirdssangandtrilledalmostasifingreetingandhoveredstrangelyonstutteringwingsabovethewagon.Polgararaisedherflawlessfaceintheclear,brightlighttolisten."Whataretheysaying?"Durnikasked.Shesmiledgently."They'rebabbling,"sherepliedinherrichvoice."Birdsdothatagreatdeal.Ingeneralthey'rehappythatit'smorningandthatthesunisshiningandthattheirnestshavebeenbuilt.Mostofthemwanttotalkabouttheireggs.Birdsalwayswanttotalkabouttheireggs.""Andofcoursethey'regladtoseeyou,aren'tthey?""Isupposetheyare."

"Somedaydoyousupposeyoucouldteachmetounderstandwhatthey'resaying?"Shesmiledathim."Ifyouwish.It'snotaverypracticalthingtoknow,however.""Itprobablydoesn'thurttoknowafewthingsthataren'tpractical,"herepliedwithanabsolutelystraightface."Oh,myDurnik."Shelaughed,fondlyputtingherhandoverhis."You'reanabsolutejoy,doyouknowthat?"Errand,ridingjustbehindthemamongthebagsandboxesandthetoolsDurnikhadsocarefullyselectedinCamaar,smiled,feelingthathewasincludedinthedeep,warmaffectiontheyshared.Errandwasnotusedtoaffection.Hehadbeenraised,ifthatistheproperterm,byZedartheApostate-amanwhohadlookedmuchlikeBelgarath.Zedarhadsimplycomeacrossthelittleboyinanarrowalleywayinsomeforgottencityandhadtakenhimalongforaspecificpurpose.Theboyhadbeenfedandclothed,nothingmore,andtheonlywordshisbleak-facedguardianhadeverspokentohimwere,"Ihaveanerrandforyou,boy"'Becausethoseweretheonlywordshehadheard,theonlywordthechildspokewhenhehadbeenfoundbytheseotherswas"Errand."Andsincetheydidnotknowwhatelsetocallhim,thathadbecomehisname.Whentheyreachedthetopofthelonghill,theypausedforafewmomentstoallowthewagonhorsestocatchtheirbreath.Fromhiscomfortableperchinthewagon,Errandlookedoutoverthebroadexpanseofneatlywalledfieldslyingpalegreeninthelong,slantingraysofthemorningsun.ThenheturnedandlookedbacktowardCamaarwithitsredroofsanditssparklingblue-greenharborfilledwiththeshipsofahalf-dozenkingdoms."Areyouwarmenough?"Polgaraaskedhim.Errandnodded."Yes,"hesaid,"thankyou."Thewordswerecomingmoreeasilytohimnow,thoughhestillspokebutrarely.

Belgarathloungedinhissaddle,absentlyrubbingathisshortwhitebeard.Hiseyeswereslightlybleary,andhesquintedasifthemorningsunlightwaspainfultohim."Isortofliketostartoutajourneyinthesunshine,"hesaid."Italwaysseemstobodewellfortherestofthetrip."Thenhegrimaced."Idon'tknowthatitneedstobethisbright,however.""Arewefeelingabitdelicatethismorning,father?"Polgaraaskedhimarchly.Heturnedtoregardhisdaughter,hisfaceset."Whydon'tyougoaheadandsayit,Pol?I'msureyouwon'tbehappyuntilyoudo.""Why,father,"shesaid,hergloriouseyeswidewithfeignedinnocence,"whatmakesyouthinkIwasgoingtosayanything?"Hegrunted."I'msureyourealizebynowallbyyourselfthatyoudrankabittoomuchalelastnight,"shecontinued."Youdon'tneedmetotellyouthat,doyou?""I'mnotreallyinthemoodforanyofthis,Polgara,"hetoldhershortly."Oh,poorolddear,"shesaidinmockcommiseration."Wouldyouliketohavemestirsomethinguptomakeyoufeelbetter?""Thankyou,butno,"hereplied."Theaftertasteofyourconcoctionslingersfordays.IthinkIprefertheheadache.""Ifamedicinedoesn'ttastebad,itisn'tworking,"shetoldhim.Shepushedbackthehoodofthecapeshewore.Herhairwaslong,verydark,andtouchedjustoverherleftbrowwithasinglelockofsnowywhite."Ididwarnyou,father,"shesaidrelentlessly."Polgara,"hesaid,wincing,"doyousupposewecouldskipthe'Itoldyouso?'""Youheardmewarnhim,didn'tyou,Durnik?"Polgaraaskedherhusband.

Durnikwasobviouslytryingnottolaugh.Theoldmansighed,thenreachedinsidehistunicandtookoutasmallflagon.Heuncorkeditwithhisteethandtookalongdrink.."Oh,father,"Polgarasaiddisgustedly,"didn'tyougetenoughlastnight?""Notifthisconversationisgoingtolingeronthisparticularsubject,no."Heheldouttheflagontohisdaughter'shusband."Durnik?"heoffered."Thanksallthesame,Belgarath,"Durnikreplied,"butit'sabitearlyforme.""Pol?"Belgarathsaidthen,offeringadrinktohisdaughter."Don'tbeabsurd.""Asyouwish."Belgarathshrugged,recorkingthebottleandtuckingitawayagain."Shallwemovealongthen?"hesuggested."It'saverylongwaytotheValeofAldur."Andhenudgedhishorseintoawalk.Justbeforethewagonrolleddownonthefarsideofthehill,ErrandlookedbacktowardCamaarandsawadetachmentofmountedmencomingoutthroughthegate.Glintsandflashesofreflectedsunlightsaidquiteclearlythatatleastsomeofthegarmentsthemenworeweremadeofpolishedsteel.Errandconsideredmentioningthefact,butdecidednotto.Hesettledbackagainandlookedupatthedeepblueskydottedwithpuffywhiteclouds.Errandlikedmornings.Inthemorningadaywasalwaysfullofpromise.Thedisappointmentsusuallydidnotstartuntillater.ThesoldierswhohadriddenoutofCamaarcaughtupwiththembeforetheyhadgoneanothermile.Thecommanderofthedetachmentwasasober-facedSendarianofficerwithonlyonearm.Ashistroopsfellinbehindthewagon,herodeupalongside."YourGrace,"hegreetedPolgaraformallywithastifflittlebowfromhissaddle.

"GeneralBrendig,"sherepliedwithabriefnodofacknowledgment."You'reupearly""Soldiersarealmostalwaysupearly,yourGrace.""Brendig,"Belgarathsaidratherirritably,"isthissomekindofcoincidence,orareyoufollowingusonpurpose?""Sendariaisaveryorderlykingdom,AncientOne,"Brendigansweredblandly."Wetrytoarrangethingssothatcoincidencesdon'thappen.""Ithoughtso,"Belgarathsaidsourly."What'sFulrachuptonow?""HisMajestymerelyfeltthatanescortmightbeappropriate.""Iknowtheway,Brendig.I'vemadethetripafewtimesbefore,afterall.""I'msureofit,AncientBelgarath,"Brendigagreedpolitely."Theescorthastodowithfriendshipandrespect.""Itakeitthenthatyou'regoingtoinsist?""Ordersareorders,AncientOne.""Couldweskipthe'Ancient?'"Belgarathaskedplaintively."Myfather'sfeelinghisyearsthismorning,General."Polgarasmiled,"Allseventhousandofthem."Brendigalmostsmiled."Ofcourse,yourGrace.""Justwhyarewebeingsoformalthismorning,myLordBrendig?"sheaskedhim."I'msureweknoweachotherwellenoughtoskipallthatnonsense."Brendiglookedatherquizzically."Yourememberwhenwefirstmet?"heasked.

"AsIrecall,thatwaswhenyouwerearrestingus,wasn'tit?"Durnikaskedwithaslightgrin."Well-"Brendigcougheduncomfortably,"-notexactly,GoodmanDurnik.IwasreallyjustconveyinghisMajesty'sinvitationtoyoutovisithimatthepalace.Atanyrate,LadyPolgara-youresteemedwife-wasposingastheDuchessofErat,youmayremember.""Durniknodded."Ibelieveshewas,yes."IhadoccasionrecentlytolookintosomeoldbooksofheraldryandIdiscoveredsomethingratherremarkable.Wereyouaware,GoodmanDurnik,thatyourwifereallyistheDuchessofErat?"Durnikblinked."Pol?"hesaidincredulously.Polgarashrugged."I'dalmostforgotten,"shesaid."Itwasaverylongtimeago.""Yourtitle,nonetheless,isstillvalid,yourGrace,"Brendigassuredher."EverylandholderintheDistrictofEratpaysasmalltitheeachyearintoanaccountthat'sbeingheldinSendarforyou.""Howtiresome,"shesaid."Waitaminute,Pol,"Belgarathsaidsharply,hiseyessuddenlyveryalert."Brendig,justhowbigisthisaccountofmydaughter's-inroundfigures?""Severalmillion,asIunderstandit,"Brendigreplied."Well,"Belgarathsaid,hiseyesgoingwide."Well,well,well."Polgaragavehimalevelgaze."Whathaveyougotinyourmind,father?"sheaskedhimpointedly."It'sjustthatI'mpleasedforyou,Pol,"hesaidexpansively."Anyfatherwouldbehappytoknowthathischildhasdonesowell."HeturnedbacktoBrendig."Tellme,General,Justwho'smanagingmydaughter'sfortune?"

"It'ssupervisedbythecrown,Belgarath,"Brendigreplied."That'sanawfulburdentolayonpoorFulrach,"Belgarathsaidthoughtfully,"consideringallhisotherresponsibilities.PerhapsIoughtto-""Nevermind,OldWolf,"Polgarasaidfirmly."Ijustthought-""Yes,father.Iknowwhatyouthought.Themoney'sfinerightwhereitis."Belgarathsighed."I'veneverbeenrichbefore,"hesaidwistfully."Thenyouwon'treallymissit,willyou?""You'reahardwoman,Polgara-toleaveyourpooroldfathersunkindeprivationlikethis.""You'velivedwithoutmoneyorpossessionsforthousandsofyears,father.SomehowI'malmostpositivethatyou'llsurvive.""HowdidyougettobetheDuchessofErat?"Durnikaskedhiswife."IdidtheDukeofVoWacuneafavor,"shereplied."Itwassomethingthatnooneelsecoulddo.Hewasverygrateful."Durniklookedstunned."ButVoWacunewasdestroyedthousandsofyearsago,"heprotested."Yes.Iknow.""IthinkI'mgoingtohavetroublegettingusedtoallthis.""YouknewthatIwasn'tlikeotherwomen,"shesaid."Yes,but-"

"DoesitreallymattertoyouhowoldIam?Doesitchangeanything?""No,"hesaidimmediately,"notathing.""Thendon'tworryaboutit."TheymovedineasystagesacrosssouthernSendaria,stoppingeachnightatthesolid,comfortablehostelsoperatedbytheTolnedranlegionnaireswhopatrolledandmaintainedtheimperialhighwayandarrivinginMurosontheafternoonofthethirddayaftertheirdeparturefromCamaar.VastcattleherdsfromAlgariawerealreadyfillingtheacreuponacreofpenslyingtotheeastofthecity,andthecloudofdustraisedbytheirmillinghoovesblottedoutthesky.Muroswasnotacomfortabletownduringtheseasonofthecattledrives.Itwashot,dirty,andnoisy.Belgarathsuggestedthattheypassitupandstopforthenightinthemountainswheretheairwouldbelessdust-cloggedandtheneighborslessrowdy."AreyouplanningtoaccompanyusallthewaytotheVale?"heaskedGeneralBrendigaftertheyhadpassedthecattlepensandweremovingalongtheGreatNorthRoadtowardthemountains."Ah-no,actually,Belgarath,"Brendigreplied,peeringaheadatabandofAlgarhorsemenapproachingalongthehighway."Asamatteroffact,I'llbeturningbackaboutnow."TheleaderoftheAlgarriderswasatall,hawkfacedmaninleatherclothing,witharaven-blackscalplockflowingbehindhim.Whenhereachedthewagon,hereinedinhishorse."GeneralBrendig,"hesaidinaquietvoice,noddingtotheSendarianofficer."MyLordHettar,"Brendigrepliedpleasantly."Whatareyoudoinghere,Hettar?"Belgarathdemanded.Hettar'seyeswentverywide."Ijustbroughtacattleherdacrossthemountains,

Belgarath,"hesaidinnocently."I'llbegoingbacknowandIthoughtyoumightlikesomecompany.""Howstrangethatyoujusthappentobehereatthisparticulartime.""Isn'tit,though?"HettarlookedatBrendigandwinked."Areweplayinggames?"Belgarathaskedthepairofthem."Idon'tneedsupervisionandIdefinitelydon'tneedamilitaryescorteveryplaceIgo.I'mperfectlycapableoftakingcareofmyself."Durnikwenttothewagonandtookacoil."Weallknowthat,Belgarath,"Hettarsaidplacatingly.Helookedatthewagon."It'snicetoseeyouagain,Polgara,"hesaidpleasantly.ThenhegaveDurnikaratherslylook."Marriedlifeagreeswithyou,myfriend,"headded."Ithinkyou'veputonafewpounds.""I'dsaythatyourwifehasbeenaddingafewextraspoonfulstoyourplateaswell."Durnikgrinnedathisfriend."Isitstartingtoshow?"Hettarasked.Durniknoddedgravely."Justabit,"hesaid.HettarmadearuefulfaceandthengaveErrandapeculiarlittlewink.ErrandandHettarhadalwaysgotonwelltogether,probablybecauseneitherofthemfeltanypressingneedtofillupthesilencewithrandomconversation."I'llbeleavingyounow,"Brendigsaid."It'sbeenapleasantjourney."HebowedtoPolgaraandnoddedtoHettar.Andthen,withhisdetachmentoftroopsjinglingalongbehindhim,herodebacktowardMuros."I'mgoingtohavewordswithFulrachaboutthis,"BelgarathsaiddarklytoHettar,"andwithyourfather,too.""It'soneofthepricesofimmortality,Belgarath,"Hettarsaidblandly."People

tendtorespectyou-evenwhenyou'drathertheydidn't.Shallwego?"ThemountainsofeasternSendariawerenotsohighastomaketravelacrossthemunpleasant.Withthefierce-lookingAlgarclansmenridingbothtothefrontandtotherearofthewagon,theytraveledataneasypacealongtheGreatNorthRoadthroughthedeepgreenforestsandbesidemountainstreams.Atonepoint,whentheyhadstoppedtoresttheirhorses,Durniksteppeddownfromthewagonandwalkedtotheedgeoftheroadtogazespeculativelyatadeeppoolatthefootofasmall,churningwaterfall."Areweinanyparticularhurry?"heaskedBelgarath."Notreally.Why?""Ijustthoughtthatthismightbeapleasantplacetostopforournoonmeal,"thesmithsaidartlessly.Belgarathlookedaround."Ifyouwant,Isupposeit'sallright.""Good."Withthatsameslightlyabsentlookonhisface,Durnikwenttothewagonandtookacoilofthin,waxedcordfromoneofthebags.Hecarefullytiedahookdecoratedwithsomebrightlycoloredyarntooneendofthecordandbeganlookingaboutforaslender,springysapling.Fiveminuteslaterhewasstandingonaboulderthatjuttedoutintothepool,makinglongcastsintotheturbulentwaterjustatthefootofthefalls.Erranddrifteddowntotheedgeofthestreamtowatch.Durnikwascastingintothecenterofthemainflowofthecurrentsothattheswiftlymovinggreenwaterpulledhisluredowndeepintothepool.Afteraboutahalfanhour,Polgaracalledtothem."Errand,Durnik,yourlunchisready"'"Yes,dear"'Durnikrepliedabsently."Inamoment."

Errandobedientlywentbackuptothewagon,thoughhiseyesyearnedbacktowardtherushingwater.Polgaragavehimonebrief,understandinglook,thenlaidthemeatandcheeseshehadslicedforhimonapieceofbreadsothathecouldcarryhislunchbacktothestreambank."Thankyou,"hesaidsimply.Durnikcontinuedhisfishing,hisfacestillintent.Polgaracamedowntothewater'sedge."Durnik,"shecalled."Lunch.""Yes,"hereplied,nottakinghiseyesoffthewater."I'mcoming."Hemadeanothercast.Polgarasighed."Oh,well,"shesaid."Isupposeeverymanneedsatleastonevice."Afteraboutanotherhalf-hour,Durniklookedbaffled.Hejumpedfromhisbouldertothestreambankandstoodscratchinghisheadandstaringinperplexityattheswirlingwater."Iknowthey'reinthere,"hesaidtoErrand."Icanalmostfeelthem.""Here,"Errandsaid,pointingdownatthedeep,slowmovingeddynearthebank."Ithinkthey'dbefartherout,Errand,"Durnikreplieddoubtfully."Here,"Errandrepeated,pointingagain.Durnikshrugged."Ifyousayso,"hesaiddubiously,flippinghislureoutintotheeddy."Istillthinkthey'dbeoutinthemaincurrent,though."Andthenhispolebentsharplyintoatense,quiveringbow.Hecaughtfourtroutinrapidsuccession,thick,heavy-bodiedtroutwithsilvery,speckledsidesandcurvedjawsfilledwithneedleliketeeth."Whydidittakeyousolongtofindtherightspot?"Belgarathaskedlaterthatafternoonwhentheywerebackonthehighway.

"Youhavetoworkthatkindofpoolmethodically,Belgarath,"Durnikexplained."Youstartatonesideandworkyourwayacross,castbycast.""Isee.""It'stheonlywaytobereallysureyou'vecovereditall.""Ofcourse.""Iwasfairlysurewheretheywerelying,though.""Naturally.""ItwasjustthatIwantedtodoittherightway.I'msureyouunderstand.""Perfectly,"Belgarathsaidgravely.Aftertheyhadpassedthroughthemountains,theyturnedsouth,ridingthroughthevastgrasslandsoftheAlgarianplainwhereherdsofcattleandhorsesgrazedinthathugegreenseaofgrassthatrippledandswayedunderthesteadyeasterlybreeze.AlthoughHettarstronglyurgedthemtostopbytheStrongholdoftheAlgarclans,Polgaradeclined."TellCho-HagandSilarthatwemayvisitlater,"shesaid,"butwereallyshouldgettotheVale.It'sprobablygoingtotakemostofthesummertomakemymother'shousehabitableagain."HettarnoddedgravelyandthenwavedabriefsaluteasheandhisclansmenturnedeastwardandrodeoffacrosstherollinggrasslandstowardthemountainlikeStrongholdofhisfather,Cho-Hag,ChiefoftheClan-ChiefsofAlgaria.ThecottagethathadbelongedtoPolgara'smotherlayinavalleyamongtherollinghillsmarkingthenorthernedgeoftheValeofAldur.Asparklingstreamflowedthroughtheshelteredhollow,andtherewerewoods,birchintermixedwithcedar,stretchingalongthevalleyfloor.Thecottagewasconstructedoffieldstone,gray,russet,andearthy-brown,allneatlyfittedtogether.Itwasabroad,lowbuilding,considerablylargerthantheword"cottage"suggested.It

hadnotbeenoccupiedforwelloverthreethousandyears,andthethatchingandthedoorsandwindowframeshadlongsincesurrenderedtotheelements,leavingtheshellofthehousestanding,bramble-filledandunroofedtothesky.Therewas,nonetheless,apeculiarsenseofwaitingaboutit,asifPoledra,thewomanwhohadlivedhere,hadinstilledintheverystonestheknowledgethatonedayherdaughterwouldreturn.Theyarrivedinthemiddleofagoldenafternoon,andErrand,lulledbyacreakingwheel,haddriftedintoadoze.Whenthewagonstopped,Polgarashookhimgentlyawake."Errand,"shesaid,"we'rehere."Heopenedhiseyesandlookedforthefirsttimeattheplacehewouldforevercallhome.Hesawtheweatheredshellofthecottagenestledinthetallgreengrass.Hesawthewoodsbeyond,withthewhitetrunksofthebirchtreesstandingoutamongthedarkgreencedars,andhesawthestream.Theplacehadenormouspossibilities.Herealizedthatatonce.Thestream,ofcourse,wasperfectforsailingtoyboats,forskippingstones,and,intheeventoffailinginspiration,forfallinginto.Severalofthetreesappearedtohavebeenspecificallydesignedforclimbing,andonehuge,whiteoldbirchoverhangingthestreampromisedtheexhilaratingcombinationofclimbingatreeandfallingintothewater,allatonetime.Thelanduponwhichtheirwagonhadstoppedwasalonghillslopinggentlydowntowardthecottage.Itwasthekindofahilldownwhichaboycouldrunonadaywhentheskywasadeepbluedottedwithdandelion-puffcloudsracinginthebreeze.Theknee-highgrasswouldbelushinthesun,andtheturfdamplyfirmunderfoot;therushofsweet-smellingairasonerandownthatlongslopewouldbeintoxicating.Andthenhefeltquitekeenlyasenseofdeepsorrow,asorrowwhichhadenduredunchangedforcenturyuponcentury,andheturnedtolookatBelgarath'sweatheredfaceandthesingletearcoursingdowntheoldman'sfurrowedcheek,todisappearinhisclose-croppedwhitebeard.InspiteofBelgarath'ssorrowforhislostwife,Errandlookedoutatthissmall,greenvalleywithitstreesanditsstreamanditslushmeadowwithadeepandabidingcontentment.Hesmiledandsaid,"Home,"tryingthewordandlikingthesoundofit.

Polgaralookedgravelyintohisface.Hereyeswereverylarge,andluminous,andtheircolorchangedwithhermood,rangingfromalightbluesopaleastobevirtuallygraytoadeeplavender."Yes,Errand,"sherepliedinhervibrantvoice."Home."Thensheputherarmsabouthimtoholdhimsoftly,andtherewasinthatgentleembracealltheyearningtowardthisplacewhichhadfilledherdownthroughthewearycenturiesthatsheandherfatherhadlaboredattheirtask.Durnikthesmithlookedthoughtfullyatthehollowspreadbelowinthewarmsunshine,considering,planning,arrangingandrearrangingthingsinhismind."It'sgoingtotakeawhiletogeteverythingthewaywewantit,Pol,"hesaidtohisbride.Wehaveallthetimeintheworld,Durnik,"Polgararepliedwithagentlesmile."I'llhelpyouunloadthewagonandsetupyourtents,"Belgarathsaid,scratchingabsentlyathisbeard."ThentomorrowIsupposeIoughttogoondownintotheVale-haveatalkwithBeldinandthetwins,lookinonmytower-thatsortofthing."Polgaragavehimalong,steadylook."Don'tbeinsuchahurrytoleave,father,"shetoldhim."YoutalkedwithBeldinjustlastmonthatRivaandonanynumberofoccasionsyou'vegonefordecadeswithoutvisitingyourtower.I'venoticedthateverytimethere'sworktobedone,yousuddenlyhavepressingbusinesssomeplaceelse."Belgarath'sfaceassumedanexpressionofinjuredinnocence."Why,Polgara-"hestartedtoprotest."Thatwon'tworkeither,father,"shetoldhimcrisply."Afewweeks-oramonthortwo-ofhelpingDurnikisn'tgoingtoinjureyoupermanently.Ordidyouplantoleaveusabandonedtothewintersnows?"Belgarathlookedwithsomedistasteattheshellofthehousestandingatthefootofthehill,withthehoursoftoilitwasgoingtotaketomakeitlivablestampedalloverit.

"Why,ofcourse,Pol,"hesaidsomewhattooquickly."I'dhappytostayandlendahand.""Iknewwecoulddependonyou,father,"shesaidsweetly.BelgarathlookedcriticallyatDurnik,tryingtoassessthestrengthofthesmith'sconvictions."Ihopeyouweren'tintendingtodoeverythingbyhand,"hesaidtentatively."WhatImeanis-well,wedohavecertainalternativesavailabletous,youknow."Durniklookedalittleuncomfortable,hisplain,honestfacetouchedwiththefaintesthintofadisapprovingexpression."I-uh-Ireallydon'tknow,Belgarath,"hesaiddubiously."Idon'tbelievethatI'dreallyfeelrightaboutthat.IfIdoitbyhand,thenI'llknowthatit'sbeendoneproperly.I'mnotallthatcomfortablewiththisotherwayofdoingthingsyet.Somehowitseemslikecheating-ifyougetwhatImean."Belgarathsighed."SomehowIwasafraidyoumightlookatitthatway."Heshookhisheadandsquaredhisshoulders."Allright,let'sgoondownthereandgetstarted."Ittookaboutamonthtodigtheaccumulateddebrisofthreeeonsoutofthecornersofthehouse,toreframethedoorsandwindowsandtore-beamandthatchtheroof.ItwouldhavetakentwiceaslonghadBelgarathnotcheatedoutrageouslyeachtimeDurnik'sbackwasturned.Allmanneroftedioustaskssomehowperformedthemselveswheneverthesmithwasnotaround.Once,forexample,Durniktookoutthewagontobringinmoretimbers;assoonashewasoutofsight,Belgarathtossedasidetheadzewithwhichhehadbeenlaboriouslysquaringoffabeam,lookedgravelyatErrand,andreachedinsidehisjerkinfortheearthenwarejarofalehehadfilchedfromPolgara'sstores.Hetookalongdrinkandthenhedirectedtheforceofhiswillatthestubbornbeamandreleaseditwithasinglemutteredword.Anabsoluteblizzardofwhitewoodchipswentflyinginalldirections.Whenthe

beamwasneatlysquared,theoldmanlookedatErrandwithaself-satisfiedsmirkandwinkedimpishly.Withaperfectlystraightface,Errandwinkedback.Theboyhadseensorceryperformedbefore.ZedartheApostatehadbeenasorcerer,andsohadCtuchik.Indeed,throughoutalmosthisentirelifetheboyhadbeeninthecareofpeoplewiththatpeculiargift.Notoneoftheothers,however,hadthatairofcasualcompetence,thatverve,withwhichBelgarathperformedhisart.Theoldman'soffhandwayofmakingtheimpossibleseemsoeasythatitwashardlyworthmentioningwasthemarkofthetruevirtuoso.Errandknewhowitwasdone,ofcourse.Noonecanpossiblyspendthatmuchtimewithassortedsorcererswithoutpickingupthetheory,atleast.TheeasewithwhichBelgarathmadethingshappenalmosttemptedhimtotryithimself;butwheneverheconsideredtheidea,herealizedthattherewasn'treallyanythinghewantedtodothatbadly.ThethingstheboylearnedfromDurnik,whilemorecommonplace,werenonethelessverynearlyasprofound.Errandsawalmostimmediatelythattherewasvirtuallynothingthesmithcouldnotdowithhishands.Hewasfamiliarwithalmosteveryknowntool.Hecouldworkinwoodandstoneasreadilyasinironandbrass.Hecouldbuildahouseorachairorabedwithequalfacility.AsErrandwatchedclosely,hepickedupthehundredsoflittletricksandknacksthatseparatedthecraftsmanfromthebumblingamateur.Polgaradealtwithalldomesticmatters.Thetentsinwhichtheysleptwhilethecottagewasbeingreadiedwereasneatlykeptasanyhouse.Thebeddingwasaireddaily,mealswereprepared,andlaundrywashungouttodry.OnoneoccasionBelgarath,whohadcometobegorstealmoreale,lookedcriticallyathisdaughter,whowashummingcontentedlytoherselfasshecutupsomerecentlycooked-downsoap."Pol,"hesaidacidly,"you'rethemostpowerfulwomanintheworld.You'vegotmoretitlesthanyoucancount,andthere'snotakingintheworldwhodoesn'tbowtoyouautomatically.Canyoutellmeexactlywhyyoufinditnecessarytomakesoapthatway?It'shardwork,hotwork,andthesmellisawful."Shelookedcalmlyatherfather."I'vespentthousandsofyearsbeingthemostpowerfulwomanintheworld,OldWolf,"shereplied."Kingshavebeenbowing

tomeforcenturies,andI'velosttrackofallthetitles.Thisis,however,theveryfirsttimeI'veevermarried.YouandIwerealwaystoobusyforthat.I'vewantedtobemarried,though,andI'vespentmywholelifepracticing.IknoweverythingagoodwifeneedstoknowandIcandoeverythingagoodwifeneedstodo.Pleasedon'tcriticizeme,father,andpleasedon'tinterfere.I'veneverbeensohappyinmylife.""Makingsoap?""That'spartofit,yes.""It'ssuchawasteoftime,"hesaid.Hegesturednegligently,andacakeofsoapthathadnotbeentherebeforejoinedtheonesshehadalreadymade."Father!"shesaid,stampingherfoot."Youstopthatthisminute!"Hepickeduptwocakesofsoap,onehisandonehers."Canyoureallytellmethedifferencebetweenthem,Pol?""Minewasmadewithlove;yoursisjustatrick.""It'sstillgoingtogetclothesjustasclean.""Notmine,itwon't,"shesaid,takingthecakeofsoapoutofhishand.Shehelditup,balancedneatlyonherpalm.Thensheblewonitwithaslightpuff,anditinstantlyvanished."That'salittlesilly,Pol,"hetoldher."Beingsillyattimesrunsinmyfamily,Ithink,"sherepliedcalmly."Justgobacktoyourownwork,father,andleavemetomine.""You'realmostasbadasDurnikis,"heaccusedher.Shenoddedwithacontentedsmile."Iknow.That'sprobablywhyImarriedhim."

"Comealong,Errand,"Belgarathsaidtotheboyasheturnedtoleave."Thissortofthingmightbecontagious,andIwouldn'twantyoutocatchit.""Oh,"shesaid."Oneotherthing,father.Stayoutofmystores.Ifyouwantajarofale,askme."Assumingaloftyexpression,Belgarathstrodeawaywithoutanswering.Assoonastheywerearoundthecorner,however,Errandpulledabrownjarfrominsidehistunicandwordlesslygaveittotheoldman."Excellent,myboy."Belgarathgrinned."Youseehoweasyitis,onceyougetthehangofit?"Throughoutthatsummerandwellintothelong,goldenautumnwhichfollowedit,thefourofthemworkedtomakethecottagehabitableandweathertightforthewinter.Erranddidwhathecouldtohelp,thoughmoreoftenthannothishelpconsistedprimarilyofprovidingcompanywhilekeepingoutfromunderfoot.Whenthesnowscame,theentireworldseemedsomehowtochange.Morethaneverbefore,theisolatedcottagebecameawarm,safehaven.Thecentralroom,wheretheytooktheirmealsandwheretheyallsatinthelongevenings,facedahugestonefireplacethatprovidedbothwarmthandlight.Errand,whosetimewasspentoutofdoorsonallbutthemostbitterlycolddays,wasusuallydrowsyduringthosegolden,firelithoursbetweensupperandbedtimeandheoftenlayonafurrugbeforethefireandgazedintothedancingflamesuntilhiseyesslowlyclosed.Andlaterhewakedinthecooldarknessofhisownroomwithwarm,down-filledcoverletstuckedupunderhischinandheknewthatPolgarahadquietlycarriedhiminandputhimtobed.Andhesighedhappilyandwentbacktosleep.Durnikmadehimasled,ofcourse,andthelonghillwhichrandownintothevalleywasperfectforsledding.Thesnowwasnotdeepenoughtomaketherunnersofthesledbogdown,andErrandwasabletocoastamazingdistancesacrossthemeadowatthebottomofthehillbecauseoftheterrificmomentumbuiltupashesliddowntheslope.

Theabsolutecapoftheentiresleddingseasoncamelateonebitinglycoldafternoon,justafterthesunhaddroppedintoabankofpurplecloudsonthewesternhorizonandtheskyhadturnedtoapale,icyturquoise.Errandtrudgedupthehillthroughthefrozensnow,pullinghissledbehindhim.Whenhereachedthetop,hestoppedforamomenttocatchhisbreath.Thethatchedcottagebelownestledinthesurroundingsnowbankswiththelightfromitswindowsgoldenandthecolumnofpalebluesmokerisingfromitschimneyasstraightasanarrowintothedeadcalmair.Errandsmiled,laydownonhissled,andpushedoff.Thecombinationofcircumstanceswasperfectforsledding.Therewasnotevenabreezetoimpedehisrapiddescent,andhegatheredastoundingspeedonhiswaydownthehill.Heflewacrossthemeadowandinamongthetrees.Thewhite-barkedbirchesanddark,shadowycedarsflashedbyashespedthroughthewoods.Hemighthavegoneevenfartherhadthestreamnotbeeninhisway.Andeventhatconclusiontotheridewasfairlyexciting,sincethebankofthestreamwasseveralfeethighandErrandandhissledsailedoutoverthedarkwaterinalong,gracefularcwhichendedabruptlyinaspectacular,icysplash.Polgaraspoketohimatsomelengthwhenhearrivedhome,shiveringandwithicebeginningtoformuponhisclothingandinhishair.Polgara,henoticed,tendedtooverdramatizethings-particularlywhenanopportunitypresenteditselfforhertospeaktosomeoneabouthisshortcomings.Shetookonelonglookathimandimmediatelyfetchedavile-tastingmedicine,whichshespoonedintohimliberally.Thenshebegantopulloffhisfrozenclothing,commentingextensivelyasshedidso.Shehadanexcellentspeakingvoiceandafinecommandoflanguage.Herintonationsandinflectionsaddedwholevolumesofmeaningtohercommentary.Onthewhole,however,Errandwouldhavepreferredashorter,somewhatlessexhaustivediscussionofhismostrecentmisadventure-particularlyinviewofthefactthatBelgarathandDurnikwerebothtryingwithoutmuchsuccesstoconcealbroadgrinsasPolgaraspoketohimwhilesimultaneouslyrubbinghimdownwithalarge,roughtowel.

"Well,"Durnikobserved,"atleasthewon'tneedabaththisweek."Polgarastoppeddryingtheboyandslowlyturnedtogazeatherhusband.Therewasnothingreallythreateninginherexpression,buthereyeswerefrosty."Yousaidsomething?"sheaskedhim."Uh-no,dear,"hehastilyassuredher."Notreally."HelookedatBelgarathabituncomfortably,thenherosetohisfeet."PerhapsI'dbetterbringinsomefirewood,"hesaid.OneofPolgara'seyebrowswentup,andhergazemovedontoherfather."Well?"shesaid.Heblinked,hisfaceastudyintotalinnocence.Herexpressiondidnotchange,butthesilencebecameominous,oppressive."Whydon'tIgiveyouahand,Durnik?"theoldmansuggestedfinally,alsogettingup.Thenthetwoofthemwentoutside,leavingErrandalonewithPolgara.Sheturnedbacktohim."Youslidallthewaydownthehill,"sheaskedquitecalmly,"andclearacrossthemeadow?"Henodded."Andthenthroughthewoods?"Henoddedagain."Andthenoffthebankandintothestream?""Yes,ma'am,"headmitted."Idon'tsupposeitoccurredtoyoutorolloffthesledbeforeitwentovertheedgeandintothewater?"

Errandwasnotreallyaverytalkativeboy,buthefeltthathispositioninthisaffairneededabitofexplanation."Well,"hebegan,"Ididn'treallythinkofrollingoff-butIdon'tthinkIwouldhave,evenifIhadthoughtofit.""I'msurethere'sanexplanationforthat."Helookedatherearnestly."Everythinghadgonesosplendidlyupuntilthenthat-well,itjustwouldn'thaveseemedrighttogetoffjustbecauseafewthingsstartedtogowrong."Therewasalongpause."Isee,"shesaidatlast,herexpressiongrave."Thenitwasinthenatureofamoraldecision-thisridingthesledallthewayintothestream?""Isupposeyoumightsaythat,yes."Shelookedathimsteadilyforamomentandthenslowlysankherfaceintoherhands."I'mnotentirelycertainthatIhavethestrengthtogothroughallofthisagain,"shesaidinatragicvoice."Throughwhat?"heasked,slightlyalarmed."RaisingGarionwasalmostmorethanIcouldbear,"shereplied,"butnotevenhecouldhavecomeupwithamoreillogicalreasonfordoingsomething."Thenshelookedathim,laughedfondly,andputherarms.abouthim."Oh,Errand,"shesaid,pullinghimtightlytoher,andeverythingwasallrightagain.CHAPTERTWOBelgaraththeSorcererwasamanwithmanyflawsinhischaracter.Hehadneverbeenfondofphysicallaborandhewasperhapsabittoofondofdarkbrownale.Hewasoccasionallycarelessaboutthetruthandhadacertaingrandindifferencetosomeofthefinerpointsofpropertyownership.Thecompanyofladiesofquestionablereputationdidnotparticularlyoffendhissensibilities,andhischoiceoflanguageveryfrequentlyleftmuchtobedesired.

PolgaratheSorceresswasawomanofalmostinhumandeterminationandshehadspentseveralthousandyearstryingtoreformhervagrantfather,butwithoutmuchnotablesuccess.Shepersevered,however,inthefaceofoverwhelmingodds.Downthroughthecenturiesshehadfoughtavaliantrearguardactionagainsthisbadhabits.Shehadregretfullysurrenderedonthepointsofindolenceandshabbiness.Shegrudginglygavegroundonswearingandlying.Sheremainedadamant,however,evendespiterepeateddefeats,onthepointsofdrunkenness,thievery,andwenching.Shefeltforsomepeculiarreasonthatitwasherdutytofightonthoseissuestotheverydeath.SinceBelgarathputoffhisreturntohistowerintheValeofAlduruntilthefollowingspring,Errandwasabletowitnessatclosehandthoseendlessandunbelievablyinvolutedskirmishesbetweenfatheranddaughterwithwhichtheyfilledtheperiodicquietspacesintheirlives.Polgara'scommentsaboutthelazyoldman'sloungingaboutinherkitchen,soakinguptheheatfromherfireplaceandthewell-chilledalefromherstoreswithalmostequalfacility,werepointed,andBelgarath'ssmoothevasionsrevealedcenturiesofhighlypolishedskill.Errand,however,sawpastthosewaspishremarksandblandlyflippantreplies.ThebondsbetweenBelgarathandhisdaughterweresoprofoundthattheywentfarbeyondwhatothersmightconceivablyunderstand,andso,overtheendlessyears,theyfounditnecessarytoconcealtheirboundlessloveforeachotherbehindthisendlessfaçadeofcontention.ThisisnottosaythatPolgaramightnothavepreferredamoreupstandingfather,butshewasnotquiteasdisappointedinhimasherobservationssometimesindicated.TheybothknewwhyBelgarathsatoutthewinterinPoledra'scottagewithhisdaughterandherhusband.Thoughnotonewordofthematterhadeverpassedbetweenthem,theyknewthatthememoriestheoldmanhadofthishouseneededtobechanged-noterasedcertainly,fornopoweronearthcoulderaseBelgarath'smemoriesofhiswife,butrathertheyneededtobealteredslightlysothatthisthatchedcottagemightalsoremindtheoldmanofhappyhoursspenthere,aswellasthatbleakandterribledaywhenhehadreturnedtofindthathisbelovedPoledrahaddied.Afterthesnowhadbeencutawaybyaweekofwarmspringrainsandtheskyhadturnedblueonceagain,Belgarathatlastdecidedthatitwastimetotakeup

hisinterruptedjourney."Idon'treallyhaveanythingpressing,"headmitted,"butI'dliketolookinonBeldinandthetwins,anditmightbeagoodtimetotidyupmytower.I'vesortofletthatslideoverthepastfewhundredyears.""Ifyou'dlike,wecouldgoalong,"Polgaraoffered."Afterall,youdidhelpwiththecottage-notenthusiastically,perhaps,butyoudidhelp.Itonlyseemsrightthatwehelpyouwithcleaningyourtower.""Thanksallthesame,Pol,"hedeclinedfirmly,"butyourideaofcleaningtendstobeabittoodrasticformytaste.Thingsthatmightbeimportantlateronhaveawayofwindinguponthedustheapwhenyouclean.Aslongasthere'saclearspacesomewhereinthecenter,aroomiscleanenoughforme.""Oh,father"'shesaid,laughing,"youneverchange.""Ofcoursenot,"hereplied.HelookedthoughtfullyoveratErrand,whowasquietlyeatinghisbreakfast."Ifit'sallright,though,"hesaid,"I'lltaketheboywithme."Shegavehimaquicklook.Belgarathshrugged."He'scompanyandhemightenjoyachangeofscenery.Besides,youandDurnikhaven'treallyhadachancetobealonesinceyourweddingday.Callitabelatedpresentifyouwant."Shelookedathim."Thankyou,father,"shesaidsimply,andhereyesweresuddenlyverywarmandfilledwithaffection.Belgarathlookedaway,almostasifherlookembarrassedhim."Didyouwantyourthings?Fromthetower,Imean.You'veleftquiteafewtrunksandboxesthereatonetimeoranotherovertheyears.""Why,that'sveryniceofyou,father.""Ineedthespacethey'retakingup,"hesaid.Thenhegrinnedather."Youwillwatchtheboy,won'tyou?Iknowyourmindsometimeswanders

whenyoustartputteringaroundinyourtower.""He'llbefinewithme,Pol,"theoldmanassuredher.AndsothefollowingmorningBelgarathmountedhishorse,andDurnikboostedErrandupbehindhim."I'llbringhimhomeinafewweeks,"Belgarathsaid."Oratleastbymidsummer."Heleaneddown,shookDurnik'shand,andthenturnedhismounttowardthesouth.Theairwasstillcool,althoughtheearlyspringsunshinewasverybright.Thescentsofstirringgrowthwereintheair,andErrand,ridingeasilybehindBelgarath,couldfeelAldur'spresenceastheypresseddeeperintotheVale.Hefeltitasacalmandgentlekindofawareness,anditwasdominatedbyanoverpoweringdesiretoknow.ThepresenceoftheGodAldurhereintheValewasnotsomevaguespiritualpermeation,butratherwasquitesharp,ontheveryedgeofbeingpalpable.TheymovedondownintotheVale,ridingataneasypacethroughthetall,winter-brownedgrass.Broadtreesdottedtheopenexpanse,liftingtheircrownstothesky,holdingthetipsoftheirbranches,swollenwiththeurgencyofbuddingleaves,uptoreceivethegentlekissofsun-warmedair."Well,boy?"Belgarathsaidaftertheyhadriddenaleagueormore."Wherearethetowers?"Errandaskedpolitely."Abitfarther.Howdidyouknowaboutthetowers?""YouandPolgaraspokeofthem.""Eavesdroppingisaverybadhabit,Errand.""Wasitaprivateconversation?""No,Isupposenot.""Thenitwasn'teavesdropping,wasit?"

Belgarathturnedsharply,lookingoverhisshoulderattheboyridingbehindhim."That'saprettyfinedistinctionforsomebodyasyoungasyouare.Howdidyouarriveatit?"Errandshrugged."Itjustcametome.Dotheyalwaysgrazeherelikethat?"Hepointedatadozenorsoreddishbrowndeerfeedingcalmlynearby."TheyhavedonesoeversinceIcanremember.There'ssomethingaboutAldur'spresencethatkeepsanimalsfrommolestingeachother."Theypassedapairofgracefultowerslinkedbyapeculiar,almostairybridgearchingbetweenthem,andBelgarathtoldhimthattheybelongedtoBeltiraandBelkira,thetwinsorcererswhosemindsweresocloselylinkedthattheyinevitablycompletedeachother'ssentences.Ashortwhilelatertheyrodebyatowersodelicatelyconstructedofrosequartzthatitseemedalmosttofloatlikeapinkjewelinthelambentair.Thistower,Belgarathtoldhim,belongedtothehunchbackedBeldin,whohadsurroundedhisownuglinesswithabeautysoexquisitethatitsnatchedone'sbreathaway.AtlasttheyreachedBelgarath'sownsquat,functionaltoweranddismounted."Well,"theoldmansaid,"hereweare.Let'sgoup."Theroomatthetopofthetowerwaslarge,round,andincrediblycluttered.Ashelookedaroundatit,Belgarath'seyestookonadefeatedlook."Thisisgoingtotakeweeks,"hemuttered.AgreatmanythingsintheroomattractedErrand'seye,butheknewthat,inBelgarath'spresentmood,theoldmanwouldnotbeinclinedtoshowhimorexplaintohimmuchofanything.Helocatedthefireplace,foundatarnishedbrassscoopandashort-handledbroom,andkneltinfrontofthecavernous,soot-darkenedopening."Whatareyoudoing?"Belgarathasked."Durniksaysthatthefirstthingyoushoulddoinanewplaceisgetaspotreadyforyourfire."

"Oh,hedoes,doeshe?""It'snotusuallyaverybigchore,butitgetsyoustartedandonceyougetstarted,therestofthejobdoesn'tlooksobig.Durnik'sverywiseaboutthingslikethat.Doyouhaveapailoradustbinofsomekind?""You'regoingtoinsistoncleaningthefireplace?""Well-ifyoudon'tmindtoomuch.Itisprettydirty,don'tyouthink?"Belgarathsighed."PolandDurnikhavecorruptedyoualready,boy,"hesaid."Itriedtosaveyou,butabadinfluencelikethatalwayswinsoutintheend.""Isupposeyou'reright,"Errandagreed."Wheredidyousaythatpailwas?"Byeveningtheyhadclearedasemicircularareaaroundthefireplace,findingintheprocessacoupleofcouches,severalchairs,andasturdytable."Idon'tsupposeyouhaveanythingtoeatstoredanyplace?"Errandsaidwistfully.Hisstomachtoldhimthatitwasdefinitelymovingontowardsuppertime.Belgarathlookedupfromaparchmentscrollhehadjustfishedoutfromunderoneofthecouches."What?"heasked."Ohyes.I'dalmostforgotten.We'llgovisitthetwins.They'reboundtohavesomethingonthefire.""Dotheyknowwe'recoming?"Belgarathshrugged."Thatdoesn'treallymatter,Errand.Youmustlearnthatthat'swhatfriendsandfamilyarefor-tobeimposedupon.Oneofthecardinalrules,ifyouwanttogetthroughlifewithoutoverexertingyourself,isthat,whenallelsefails,fallbackonfriendsandrelations."Thetwinsorcerers,BeltiraandBelkira,wereoverjoyedtoseethem,andthe"somethingonthefire"turnedouttobeasavorystewthatwasatleastasgoodasonethatmighthaveemergedfromPolgara'skitchen.

WhenErrandcommentedonthat,Belgarathlookedamused."Whodothinktaughtherhowtocook?"heasked.Itwasnotuntilseveraldayslater,whenthecleaningofBelgarath'stowerhadprogressedtothepointwherethefloorwasreceivingitsfirstscrubbinginadozenormorecenturies,thatBeldinfinallystoppedby."Whatareyoudoing,Belgarath?"thefilthy,misshapenhunchbackdemanded.Beldinwasveryshort,dressedinbatteredrags,andhewasgnarledlikeanoldoakstump.Hishairandbeardwerematted,andtwigsandbitsofstrawclungtohiminvariousplaces."Justalittlecleaning,"Belgarathreplied,lookingalmostembarrassed."Whatfor?"Beldinasked."It'sjustgoingtogetdirtyagain."Helookedatanumberofveryoldboneslyingalongthecurvedwall."Whatyoureallyoughttodoisrenderdownyourfloorforsoupstock.""Didyoucomebytovisitorjusttobedisagreeable?""Isawthesmokefromyourchimney.Iwantedtoseeifanybodywashereorifallthislitterhadjusttakenfirespontaneously."ErrandknewthatBelgarathandBeldinweregenuinelyfondofeachotherandthatthisbanterbetweenthemwasoneoftheirfavoriteformsofentertainment.Hecontinuedwiththeworkhewasdoingevenashelistened."Wouldyoulikesomeale?"Belgarathasked."Notifyoubrewedit,"Beldinrepliedungraciously."You'dthinkthatamanwhodrinksasmuchasyoudohavelearnedhowtomakedecentalebynow.""Thatlastbatchwasn'tsobad,"Belgarathprotested."I'verunacrossstumpwaterthattastedbetter."

"Quitworrying.Iborrowedthiskegfromthetwins.""Didtheyknowyouwereborrowingit?""Whatdifferencedoesthatmake?Weallshareeverythinganyway.OneofBeldin'sshaggyeyebrowsraised."Theysharefoodanddrink,andyoushareyourappetiteandthirst.Isupposethatworksout.""Ofcourseitdoes."Belgarathturnedwithaslightlypainedlook."Errand,doyouhavetodothat?"Errandlookedupfromtheflagstoneshewasindustriouslyscrubbing"Doesitbotheryou?"heasked."Ofcourseitbothersme.Don'tyouknowthatit'sterriblyimpolitetokeepworkinglikethatwhenI'mresting?""I'lltrytorememberthat.Howlongdoyouexpectthatyou'llberesting?""Justputthebrushdown,Errand,"Belgarathtoldhim."Thatpatchoffloorhasbeendirtyforadozencenturiesatleast,anotherdayorsoisn'tgoingtomatterallthatmuch.""He'sagreatdeallikeBelgarionwas,isn'the?"Beldinsaid,sprawlinginoneofthechairsnearthefire."ItprobablyhassomethingtodowithPolgara'sinfluence,"Belgarathagreed,drawingtwotankardsofalefromkeg."Sheleavesmarksoneveryboyshemeets.Itrytomoderatetheeffectsofherprejudicesasmuchaspossible,though."HelookedgravelyatErrand."IthinkthisoneissmarterthanGarionwas,buthedoesn'tseemtohaveGarion'ssenseofadventure-andhe'sjustabittoowellbehaved.""I'msureyou'llbeabletoworkonthat."Belgarathsettledhimselfintoanotherchairandpushedhisfeetouttowardthe

fire."Whathaveyoubeenupto?"heaskedthehunchback."Ihaven'tseenyousinceGarion'swedding.""IthoughtthatsomebodyoughttokeepaneyeontheAngaraks,"Beldinreplied,scratchingvigorouslyatonearmpit."And?""Andwhat?""That'sanirritatinghabityou'vepickedupsomewhere.WhataretheAngaraksdoing?""TheMurgosarestillallinlittlepiecesaboutthedeathofTaurUrgas."Beldinlaughed."Hewascompletelymad,buthekeptthemunified-untilCho-Hagranhissabrethroughhim.HissonUrgitisn'tmuchofaking.He'sbarelyabletogettheirattention.ThewesternGrolimscan'tevenfunctionanymore.Ctuchik'sdead,andTorak'sdead,andaboutalltheGrolimscandonowisstareatthewallsandcounttheirfingers.MyguessisthatMurgosocietyisrightonthevergeofcollapsingentirely.""Good.GettingridoftheMurgoshasbeenoneofmymaingoalsinlife.""Iwouldn'tstartgloatingjustyet,"Beldinsaidsourly."Afterwordreached'ZakaththatBelgarionhadkilledTorak,hethrewoffallpretensesaboutthefictionofAngarakunityandmarchedhisMalloreansonRakGoska.Hedidn'tleavemuchofitstanding."Belgarathshrugged."Itwasn'taveryattractivecityanyway.""It'salotlessattractivenow.'Zakathseemstothinkthatcrucifixionsandimpalingsareeducational.HedecoratedwhatwasleftofthewallsofRakGoskawithobjectlessons.EverytimehegoesanyplaceinCtholMurgos,heleavesatrailofoccupiedcrossesandstakesbehindhim.""IfindthatIcanbearthemisfortunesoftheMurgoswithgreatfortitude,"Belgarathrepliedpiously.

"Ithinkyou'dbettertakeamorerealisticlookatthings,Belgarath,"thehunchbackgrowled."WecouldprobablymatchMurgonumbersifwereallyhadto,butpeopledon'ttalkabouttheuncountablehordesofboundlessMalloreafornothing.'Zakathhasaverybigarmy,andhecommandsmostoftheseaportsontheeastcoast,sohecanshipinasmanymoretroopsashewants.IfhesucceedsinobliteratingtheMurgos,he'sgoingtobecampedonoursoutherndoorstepwithalotofboredsoldiersonhishands.Certainideasareboundtooccurtohimataboutthattime."Belgarathgrunted."I'llworryaboutthatwhenthetimecomes.""Oh,bytheway,"Beldinsaidsuddenlywithanironicgrin,"Ifoundoutwhatthatapostropheisdoinginhisname.""Whosename?""'Zakath's..wouldyoubelievethatitindicatestheword'Kal'?""KalZakath?"Belgarathstaredathimincredulously."Isn'tthatoutrageous?"Beldinchortled."IguessthattheMalloreanemperorshavebeensecretlyyearningtotakethattitlesincejustafterthebattleofVoMimbre,buttheywerealwaysafraidthatTorakmightwakeupandtakeoffenseattheirpresumption.Nowthathe'sdead,afairnumberofMalloreanshavebeguntocalltheirruler'KalZakath'-theoneswhowanttokeeptheirheadsdo,atanyrate.""Whatdoes'Kal'mean?"Errandasked."It'sanAngarakwordthatmeansKingandGod,"Belgarathexplained."Fivehundredyearsago,ToraksetasidetheMalloreanemperorandpersonallyledhishordesagainstthewest.TheAngaraks-allofthem:Murgos,Nedraks,andThulls,aswellastheMalloreans-calledhimKalTorak.""Whathappened?"Errandaskedcuriously."WhenKalTorakinvadedtheWest,Imean?"

Belgarathshrugged."It'saveryoldstory.""Notuntilyou'veheardit,"Errandtoldhim.BeldingaveBelgarathasharplook."Heisquick,isn'the?"BelgarathlookedatErrandthoughtfully."Allright,"hesaid."Puttingitverybriefly,KalToraksmashedDrasnia,laidsiegetotheAlgarianStrongholdforeightyears,andthencrossedUlgolandtotheplainsofArendia.TheKingdomsoftheWestmethimatVoMimbre,andhewasstruckdowninaduelwiththeRivanWarder.""Butnotkilled.""No.Notkilled.TheRivanWarderstruckhimstraightthroughtheheadwithhissword,butTorakwasn'tkilled.HewasonlyboundinslumberuntilakingsatonceagainonthethroneofRiva.""Belgarion,"Errandsaid."Right.Youknowwhathappenedthen.Youwerethere,afterall."Errandsighed."Yes,"hesaidsadly.BelgarathturnedbacktoBeldin."Allright,"hesaid,"what'sgoingoninMallorea?""Thingsareaboutthesameasalways,"Beldinreplied,takingadrinkofaleandbelchingthunderously."Thebureaucracyisstillthegluethatholdseverythingtogether.TherearestillplotsandintriguesinMelceneandMalZeth.KarandaandDarshivaandGandaharareonthevergeofopenrebellion,andtheGrolimsarestillafraidtogonearKell.""TheMalloreanGrolimsarestillafunctioningchurchthen?"Belgarathseemedalittlesurprised."Ithoughtthatthecitizenrymighthavetakensteps-thewaytheydidinMishrakacThull.IunderstandthattheThullsstartedbuildingbonfires

withGrolims.""KalZakathsentafewordersbacktoMalZeth,"Beldintoldhim,"andthearmysteppedintostoptheslaughter.Afterall,ifyouplantobeKingandGod,you'regoingtoneedyourselfachurch.Zakathseemstothinkthatitmightbeeasiertouseonethat'salreadyestablished.""WhatdoesUrvonthinkofthatidea?""He'snotmakingmuchofanissueofitrightnow.Beforethearmymovedin,thepeopleofMalloreawerefindingagreatdealofentertainmentinhangingGrolimsuponironhooks.UrvonisstayinginMalYaskaandkeepingveryquiet.Ithinkhebelievesthatthefactthathe'sstillalivemightjustbeanoversightonthepartofhisexaltedMajesty,KalZakath.Urvonisaslimysnake,buthe'snofool.""I'venevermethim.""Youhaven'tmissedathing,"Beldinsaidsourly.Heheldouthistankard."Youwanttofillthis?""You'redrinkingupallofmyale,Beldin.""Youcanalwaysstealmore.Thetwinsneverlocktheirdoors.Anyway,UrvonwasadiscipleofTorak,thesameasCtuchikandZedar.Hedoesn'thaveanyoftheirgoodqualities,however.""Theydidn'thaveanygoodqualities,"Belgarathsaid,handinghimbacktherefilledtankard."ComparedtoUrvon,theydid.He'sanatural-bornbootlicker,afawning,contemptiblesneak.EvenTorakdespisedhim.But,likeallpeoplewiththosecharmingtraits,assoonashegottheleastlittlebitofpower,hewentabsolutelyberserkwithit.He'snotsatisfiedwithbowsasasignofrespect;hewantspeopletogrovelbeforehim.""Youseemmoderatelyunfondofhim,"Belgarathnoted.

"Iloathethatpiebaldbackstabber.""Piebald?""He'sgotpatchesofskinonhisfaceandhandswithnocoloratall,sohelooksallsplotchy-asifhehadsomegruesomedisease.I'mviewedinsomequartersaspassingugly,butUrvoncouldscareatrollintofits.Anyway,ifKalZakathwantstoturntheGrolimchurchintoastatereligionwithhisfaceonthealtarsinsteadofTorak's,he'sgoingtohavetodealwithUrvonfirst,andUrvonalwaysstaysholedupinMalYaska,completelysurroundedbyGrolimsorcerers.Zakathwon'tbeabletogetnearhim.Ican'tevengetnearhim.Igiveitatryeveryhundredyearsorso,hopingthatsomebodymightgetcarelessorthatImightgetluckyenoughtogetalarge,sharphookintohisguts.WhatI'dreallyliketodo,though,isdraghimfacedownoverred-hotcoalsforafewweeks."Belgarathlookedalittlesurprisedatthelittleman'svehemence."That'sallhe'sdoingthen?StayingundercoverinMalYaska?""Nothardly!Urvonplotsandschemeseveninhissleep.Inthelastyearandahalf-eversinceBelgarionranhisswordthroughTorak-Urvon'sbeenscramblingaround,tryingtopreservewhat'sleftofhischurch.Therearesomeold,moth-eatenprophecies-theGrolimscallthemOracles-fromaplacecalledAshabaintheKarandeseMountains.Urvondustedthemoffandhe'sbeentwistingthemaroundsothattheyseemtosaythatTorakwillreturn-thathe'snotdead,orthathe'llberesurrectedorpossiblyreborn."Belgarathsnorted."Whatnonsense!""Ofcourseitis,buthehadtodosomething.TheGrolimchurchwasconvulsinglikeaheadlesssnake,andZakathwasrightonthevergeofputtinghisfistaroundeverybody'sthroattomakesurethateverytimeanyAngarakbowed,itwouldbetohim.UrvonmadesurethattherewereveryfewcopiesoftheseAshabineOraclesleftlyingaboutandhe'sbeeninventingallsortsofthingsandclaimingthathefoundthemintheprophecies.That'sabouttheonlythingholdingZakathoffrightnowandprobablythatwouldn'tevenwork,iftheemperorweren'tsobusytryingtodecorateeverytreehecomesacrosswitha

Murgoortwo.""DidyouhaveanytroublemovingaroundinMallorea?"Beldinsnortedacrudeobscenity."Ofcoursenot.Nobodyevennoticesthefaceofadeformedman.Mostpeoplecouldn'ttellyouifI'manAlornoraMarag.Theycan'tseepastthehumponmyback."Herosefromhischair,wenttothecask,andrefilledhistankardagain."Belgarath,"hesaidveryseriously,"doesthenameCthragSardiusmeananythingtoyou?""Sardius?Sardonyx,youmean?"Beldinshrugged."TheMalloreanGrolimscallitCthragSardius.What'sthedifference?""Sardonyxisagemstone-sortoforangecoloredwithmilky-whitestripes.It'snotreallyveryrare-orveryattractive.""Thatdoesn'tquitematchupwiththewayIheardtheMalloreanstalkaboutit."Beldinfrowned."FromthewaytheyusethenameCthragSardius,Igatherthatit'sasinglestone-andthatit'sgotacertainkindofimportance.""Whatsortofimportance?""Ican'tsayforsure.AboutallIcouldgatherwasthatjustabouteveryGroliminMalloreawouldtradehissoulforthechancetogethishandsonit.""Itcouldjustbesomekindofinternalsymbol-somethingtodowiththepowerstrugglethat'sgoingonoverthere.""That'spossible,Isuppose,butwhywoulditsnamebeCthragSardiusthen?TheycalledtheOrbofAldur'CthragYaska,'remember?There'dalmosthavetobeaconnectionbetweenCthragSardiusandCthragYaska,wouldn'tthere?Andifthereis,maybeweoughttohavealookintoit."Belgarathgavehimalonglookandthensighed."Ithoughtthat,onceTorakwasdead,wemightgetachancetorest."

"You'vehadayearorso."Beldinshrugged."Muchmorethanthatandyoustarttogetflabby.""You'reaverydisagreeablefellow,doyouknowthat?"Beldingavehimatight,uglygrin."Yes,"heagreed."Ithoughtyoumighthavenoticedthat."ThenextmorningBelgarathbeganmeticulouslysortingthoughamountainousheapofcracklingparchments,tryingtoimposesomekindoforderuponcenturiesofchaos.Errandwatchedtheoldmanquietlyforatime,thendriftedovertothewindowtolookoutatthesun-warmedmeadowsoftheVale.Perhapsamileaway,therewasanothertower,atall,slenderstructurethatlookedsomehowveryserene."DoyoumindifIgooutside?"heaskedBelgarath."What?No,that'sallright.Justdon'twandertoofaraway.""Iwon't,"Errandpromised,goingtothetopofthestairwaythatspiraleddownintothecooldimnessbelow.Theearlymorningsunlightslantedacrossthedewdrenchedmeadow,andskylarkssangandspunthroughthesweet-smellingair.AbrownrabbithoppedoutofthetallgrassandregardedErrandquitecalmly.Thenitsatonitshaunchesandbeganvigorouslytoscratchitslongearswithabusyhindfoot.Errandhadnotcomeoutofthetowerforrandomplay,however,nortowatchrabbits.HehadsomeplacetogoandhesetoutacrossthedewygreenmeadowinthedirectionofthetowerhehadseenfromBelgarath'swindow.Hehadn'treallycountedonthedew,andhisfeetwereuncomfortablywetbythetimehereachedthesolitarytower.Hewalkedaroundthebaseofthestonestructureseveraltimes,hisfeetsquelchingintheirsoddenboots.

"Iwonderedhowlongitwouldtakebeforeyoucameby,"averycalmvoicesaidtohim."IwasbusyhelpingBelgarath,"Errandapologized."Didhereallyneedhelp?""Hewashavingalittletroublegettingstarted.""Wouldyouliketocomeup?""Ifit'sallright.""Thedoor'sonthefarside."Errandwentaroundthetowerandfoundalargestonethathadbeenturnedtorevealadoorway.Hewentintothetowerandonupthestairs.Onetowerroomwasmuchlikeanother,buttherewerecertaindifferencesbetweenthisoneandBelgarath's.AsinBelgarath'stower,therewasafireplaceherewithafireburninginit,butthereappearedtobenothingintheflameshereforthemtofeedupon.Theroomitselfwasstrangelyuncluttered,fortheownerofthistowerstoredhisparchmentscrolls,tools,andimplementsinsomeunimaginableplace,tobesummonedasherequiredthem.Theownerofthetowersatbesidethefire.Hishairandbeardwerewhite,andheworeablue,loose-fittingrobe."Comeovertothefireanddryyourfeet,boy,"hesaidinhisgentlevoice."Thankyou,"Errandreplied."HowisPolgara?""Verywell,"Errandsaid,"Andhappy.Shelikesbeingmarried,Ithink."Heliftedonefootandhelditclosetothefire.

"Don'tburnyourshoes.""I'llbecareful.""Wouldyoulikesomebreakfast?""Thatwouldbenice.Belgarathforgetsthingslikethatsometimes.""Onthetablethere."Errandlookedatthetableandsawasteamingbowlofporridgethathadnotbeentherebefore."Thankyou,"hesaidpolitely,goingtothetableandpullingupachair."Wastheresomethingspecialyouwantedtotalkabout?""Notreally,"Errandreplied,pickingupaspoonandstartingontheporridge."IjustthoughtIshouldcomeby.TheValeisyours,afterall.""Polgara'sbeenteachingyoumanners,Isee."Errandsmiled."Andotherthings,too.""Areyouhappywithher,Errand?"theownerofthetowerasked."Yes,Aldur,Ireallyam,"Errandrepliedandcontinuedtoeathisporridge.CHAPTERTHREEAsthesummerprogressed,ErrandfoundhimselfrathernaturallymoreandmoreinthecompanyofDurnik.Thesmith,hesoondiscovered,wasanextraordinarilypatientmanwhodidthingstheoldway,notsomuchbecauseofsomemoralbiasagainstwhatBelgarathcalled"thealternativewehaveavailabletous,"butratherbecausehetookadeepsatisfactioninworkingwithhishands.ThiswasnottosaythatDurnikdidnotoccasionallytakeshortcuts.Errandnoticedacertain

patterntothesmith'sevasions.DurnikabsolutelywouldnotcheatonanyprojectinvolvingmakingsomethingforPolgaraorfortheirhome.Nomatterhowlaboriousortediousthoseprojectsmightbe,Durnikcompletedthemwithhishandsandhismuscles.Certainoutsideactivities,however,werenotquitesocloselytiedupwithDurnik'ssenseofethics.Twohundredyardsofrailfence,forexample,appearedratherquicklyonemorning.Thefenceneededtobethere;therewasnoquestionofthat,sinceanearbyherdofAlgarcattlehadtobedivertedfromploddingwithbovinestubbornnessacrossPolgara'sgardenontheirwaytowater.Asamatteroffact,thefenceactuallybegantoappearinstantlyjustinfrontofthestartledcows.Theyregardedthefirstfiftyfeetorsoinbafflementthen,afterconsideringtheproblemforseveralminutes,theymovedtogoaroundtheobstruction.Anotherfiftyfeetoffenceappearedintheirpath.Intime,thecowsgrewsurlyaboutthewholethingandeventriedrunning,perhapsthinkingintheirsluggishwaythattheymightbeabletooutracethisphantomfencebuilder.Durnik,however,satplantedonastump,hiseyesintentandhisfacedetermined,extendinghisfencesectionbysectioninfrontoftheincreasinglyirritablecows.Onedarkbrownbull,finallygoadedintoafuryoffrustration,loweredhishead,pawedtheearthafewtimes,andchargedthefencewithagreatbellow.Durnikmadeapeculiartwistinggesturewithonehand,andthebullwassuddenlychargingawayfromthefence,turnedaroundsomehowinmidstridewithoutevenknowingit.Heranforseveralhundredyardsbeforeitoccurredtohimthathishornshadnotyetencounteredanythingsubstantial.Heslowedandraisedhisheadinastonishment.Helookeddubiouslybackoverhisshoulderatthefence,thenturnedaroundandgaveitanothertry.OnceagainDurnikturnedhim,andonceagainhechargedferociouslyoffinthewrongdirection.Thethirdtimehetriedit,hechargedoverthetopofthehillanddisappearedontheotherside.Hedidnotcomeback.DurniklookedgravelyatErrandandthenhewinked.Polgaracameoutofthecottage,dryingherhandsonherapron,andnotedthefencewhichhadsomehowconstructeditselfwhileshehadbeenwashingthebreakfastdishes.Shegaveherhusbandaquizzicallook,andDurnikseemedabitabashedathavingbeencaughtusingsorceryratherthananaxe.

"Verynicefence,dear,"shesaidencouraginglytohim."Wekindofneededonethere,"hesaidapologetically."Thosecows-well,Ihadtodoitinahurry.""Durnik,"shesaidgently,"there'snothingmorallyreprehensibleaboutusingyourtalentforthissortofthingandyoushouldpracticeeverysooften."Shelookedatthezig-zagpatternoftheinterlockingrailfence,andthenherexpressionbecameconcentrated.Oneafteranother,eachofthejuncturesoftherailswassuddenlyboundtightlytogetherwithstoutrosebushesinfullbloom."There,"shesaidcontentedly,pattedherhusband'sshoulder,andwentbackinside."She'saremarkablewoman,doyouknowthat?"DurniksaidtoErrand."Yes,"Errandagreed.Polgarawasnotalwayspleasedwithherhusband'sventuresintothisnewfield,however.Ononeoccasiontowardthehot,dustyendofsummerwhenthevegetablesinhergardenwerebeginningtowilt,Polgaradevotedthebulkofonemorningtolocatingasmall,blackraincloudoverthemountainsinUlgolandandgentlyherdingitssoddenpuffinesstowardtheValeofAldurand,morespecifically,towardherthirstygarden.Errandwasplayingalongthefencewhenthecloudcameinlowoverthehilltothewestandthenstoppeddirectlyoverthecottageandthewaitinggarden.Durnikglancedupfromtheharnesshewasmending,sawtheblond-hairedboyatplayandtheominousblackclouddirectlyoverhishead,andrathernegligentlypulledinhiswill.Hemadeasmallflippinggesturewithonehand."Shoo,"hesaidtothecloud.Thecloudgaveapeculiarsortoftwitch,almostlikeahiccup,thenslowlyflowedoneastward.WhenitwasseveralhundredyardsbeyondPolgara'sparchedgarden,itbegantorain-anice,steady,soakingdownpourthatverysatisfactorilywateredseveralacresofemptygrassland.Durnikwasnotatallpreparedforhiswife'sreaction.Thedoortothecottage

bangedopen,andPolgaraemergedwithhereyesflashing.Shegavethehappilyrainingcloudahardstare,andthesoggy-lookingthinggaveanotherofthosepeculiarhiccupsandactuallymanagedtolookguilty.ThenPolgaraturnedandlookeddirectlyatherhusband,hereyesabitwild."Didyoudothat?"shedemanded,pointingatthecloud."Why-yes,"hereplied."IsupposeIdid,Pol.""Whydidyoudothat?""Errandwasoutthereplaying,"Durniksaid,stillconcentratingmostofhisattentionontheharness."Ididn'tthinkyou'dwanthimtogetwet."Polgaralookedatthecloudwastingallofitsrainongrasssodeeplyrootedthatitcouldhaveeasilysurvivedaten-monthdrought.Thenshelookedathergardenanditsdroopingturniptopsandpatheticbeans.Sheclenchedherteethtightlytogethertokeepincertainwordsandphraseswhichsheknewmightshockherstrait-lacedandproperhusband.Sheraisedherfacetotheskyandliftedherarmsinsupplication."Whyme?"shedemandedinaloud,tragicvoice."Whyme?""Why,dear,"Durniksaidmildly,"whateveriswrong?"Polgaratoldhimwhatwaswrong-atsomelength.DurnikspentthenextweekputtinginanirrigationsystemleadingfromtheupperendoftheirvalleytoPolgara'sgarden,andsheforgavehimforhismistakealmostassoonashehadfinishedit.Thewintercamelatethatyear,andautumnlingeredintheVale.Thetwins,BeltiraandBelkira,camebyjustbeforethesnowssetinandtoldthemthat,afterseveralweeksofdiscussion,bothBelgarathandBeldinhadlefttheVale,andthateachofthemhadgoneawaywiththatseriousexpressiononhisfacethatmeantthattherewastroublesomewhere.

ErrandmissedBelgarath'scompanythatwinter.Tobesure,theoldsorcererhad,moreoftenthannot,managedtogethimintroublewithPolgara,butErrandfeltsomehowthatheshouldn'treallybeexpectedtodevoteeverywakingmomenttostayingoutoftrouble.Whenthesnowcame,hetookupsleddingagain.Aftershehadwatchedhimcomeflyingdownthehillandacrossthemeadowafewtimes,PolgaraprudentlyaskedDurniktoerectabarrieratthestreambanktopreventarecurrenceofthepreviouswinter'smishap.ItwaswhilethesmithwaserectingawovenwattlefencetokeepErrandondrylandthathehappenedtoglancedownintothewater.Becausetheoftenmuddylittlerillsthatemptiedintotheirstreamwerealllockedinicenow,thewaterwaslowandasclearascrystal.Durnikcouldveryclearlyseethelong,narrowshapeshoveringlikeshadowsinthecurrentabovethebedsofgravelthatformedthebottom."Whatacuriousthing,"hemurmured,hiseyestakingonthatpeculiarlyabstractedlook."I'venevernoticedthemtherebefore.""I'veseenthemjumping,"Errandsaid."Butmostofthetime,thewater'stoocloudytoseethemwhenthey'relyingunderwater.""Iimaginethat'sthereasonforit,allright,"Durnikagreed.Hetiedtheendofthewattlefencetoatreeandthoughtfullywalkedthroughthesnowtowardtheshedhehadbuiltatthebackofthecottage.Amomentorsolaterheemergedwiththeskeinofwaxedcordinhishand;fiveminuteslaterhewasfishing.Errandsmiledandturnedtotrudgebackupthelonghill,towinghissledbehindhim.Whenhereachedthetopofthehill,astrange,hoodedyoungwomanawaitedhim."CanIhelpyou?"heaskedpolitely.Theyoungwomanpushedbackherhoodtorevealthefactthatadarkclothwastightlyboundacrosshereyes."ThouarttheonetheycallErrand?"sheasked.Hervoicewaslowandmusical,andtherewasapeculiarlilttoherarchaicspeech."Yes,"Errandreplied,"Iam.Didyouhurtyoureyes?""Nay,gentlechild,"shereplied."Imustneedslookupontheworldbyalight

otherthanthatofthemundanesun.""Wouldyouliketocomedowntoourcottage?"Errandaskedher."Youcouldwarmyourselfbyourfire,andPolgarawouldwelcomecompany.""ThoughIreveretheLadyPolgara,thetimehasnotyetarrivedforustomeet,"theyoungwomansaid,"anditisnotcoldwhereIam."Shepausedandbentforwardslightlyasifshewereinfactpeeringathim,thoughtheclothoverhereyeswasquitethick."Itistrue,then,"shemurmuredsoftly."Wecouldnotbecertainatsuchgreatdistance,butnowthatIamfacetofacewiththee,Iknowthattherecanbenomistake."Shestraightenedthen."Wewillmeetagain,"shetoldhim."Asyouwish,ma'am,"Errandreplied,rememberinghismanners.Shesmiled,andhersmilewassoradiantthatitseemedalmosttobringsunlighttothemurkywinterafternoon."IamCyradis,"shesaid,"andIbeartheefriendship,gentleErrand,eventhoughthetimemaycomewhenImustneedsdecideagainstthee."Andthenshevanished,disappearingsosuddenlythatshewasthereandthengoneinthespaceofasingleheartbeat.Startledabit,Errandglancedatthesnowwhereshehadstoodandsawthattherewerenomarksorfootprints.Hesatdownonhissledtothinkaboutit.Nothingthatthestrangeyoungwomanhadsaidreallyseemedtomakemuchsense,buthewasfairlysurethatatimewouldcomewhenitwould.Afterabitofthought,heconcludedthatthispeculiarvisitwouldupsetPolgaraifsheheardaboutit.SincehewascertainthatthisCyradisposednothreatandmeanthimnoharm,hedecidedthathewouldnotmentiontheincident.Then,becauseitwasgrowingquitechillyatopthehill,hepushedhissledintomotionandcoasteddownthelongslopeandacrossthemeadowandtowithinafewdozenyardsofwhereDurnikwasfishingwithsuchtotalconcentrationthathewasobliviousofallthatwasgoingonaroundhim.PolgarawastolerantaboutDurnik'spastime.Shewasalwayssuitablyimpressedatthelength,weight,andsilverycoloroftheprizeshebroughthomeandshedrewuponallhervastknowledgetofindnewandinterestingwaystofry,bake,

broil,roast,andevenpoachfish.Sheadamantlyinsisted,however,thathecleanthem.Whenspringreturnedonceagain,Belgarathcameby,mountedonaspiritedroanstallion."Whathappenedtoyourmare?"Durnikaskedtheoldmanashedismountedinthedooryardofthecottage.Belgarathmadeasourface."IwashalfwaytoDrasniawhenIdiscoveredthatshewaspregnant.Itradedherforthisenthusiast."Hegavetheprancingroanahardlook."Itlooksasifyoumighthavegottenthebestofthebargain,"Durnikmused,lookingBelgarath'shorseover."Themarewassedateandsensible,"theoldmandisagreed."Thisonedoesn'thaveabraininhishead.Allhewantstodoisshowoff-running,jumping,rearing,andpawingtheairwithhishooves."Heshookhisheadindisgust."Puthiminthebarn,father,"Polgarasuggested,"andwashup.You'rejustintimeforsupper.Youcanhaveabakedfish.Asamatteroffact,youcanhaveseveralbakedfishifyou'dlike."Aftertheyhadeaten,Belgarathturnedhischairaround,leanedback,andpushedhisfeetouttowardthefire.Helookedaroundwithacontentedsmileatthepolishedflagstonefloor,thelimedwhitewallswithpolishedpotsandkettleshangingonpegs,andatthedancinglightandshadowcomingfromthearchedfireplace."It'sgoodtorelaxabit,"hesaid."Idon'tthinkI'vestoppedmovingsinceIleftherelastautumn.""Whatisitthat'ssopressing,father?"Polgaraaskedhimassheclearedawaythesupperdishes."BeldinandIhadquitealongtalk,"theoldmanreplied."TherearesomethingsgoingoninMalloreathatIdon'tquitelike."

"Whatearthlydifferencecanitmakenow,father?OurinterestinMalloreaendedatCtholMishrakwhenTorakdied.Youwerenotappointedcaretakeroftheworld,youknow.""Iwishitwerethateasy,Pol,"hesaid."Doesthename'theSardion'meananythingtoyou?Or'CthragSardius'perhaps?"Shewaspouringhotwaterfromakettleintothelargepaninwhichshecustomarilywashedthedishes,butshestopped,frowningslightly."IthinkIheardaGrolimsaysomethingabout'CthragSardius'once.HewasdeliriousandbabblinginoldAngarak.""Canyourememberwhathewassaying?"Belgarathaskedintently."I'msorry,father,butIdon'tspeakoldAngarak.Younevergotaroundtoteachingme,remember?"ShelookedatErrandandcrookedonefingerathim.Errandsigheddisconsolately,gotup,andfetchedadishtowel."Don'tmakefaces,Errand,"shetoldhim."Itdoesn'thurtyoutohelpcleanupaftersupper."ShelookedbackatBelgarathasshestartedtowashthedishes."What'sthesignificanceofthe'Sardion'orwhateveryoucallit?""Idon'tknow,"Belgarathreplied,scratchingathisbeardinperplexity."AsBeldinpointedout,though,TorakcalledourMaster'sOrb'CthragYaska.'It'spossible,Isuppose,that'CthragSardius'mightbeconnectedinsomeway.""Ipickedupalotof'possibles'and'supposes'and'mights'inthere,father,"shesaid."Iwonderifyouaren'tchasingaftershadowsoutofhabit-orjusttokeepbusy.""YouknowmewellenoughtoknowthatI'mnotallthatenthusiasticaboutkeepingbusy,Pol,"hesaidwryly."SoI'venoticed.Isanythingelsehappeningintheworld?""Let'ssee,"Belgarathleanedbackandstaredspeculativelyatthelow-beamed

ceiling."TheGrandDukeNoragonatesomethingthatdefinitelydidn'tagreewithhim.""WhoistheGrandDukeNoragon?Andwhyareweinterestedinhisdigestion?"Polgaraasked."TheGrandDukeNoragonwasthecandidateoftheHonethfamilytosucceedRanBoruneontheImperialThroneofTolnedra,"Belgarathsmirked."Hewasacompleteandtotaljackass,andhisascensiontothethronewouldhavebeenanunmitigateddisaster.""Yousaidwas,"Durniknoted."Right.Noragon'sindigestionprovedfatal.ItiswidelysuspectedthatsomesplendidHorbitesympathizerusedcertainexoticcondimentsthatcomefromthejunglesofNyissatoseasontheGrandDuke'slastlunch.Thesymptoms,Iunderstand,werequitespectacular.TheHonethsareintotaldisarray,andtheotherfamiliesaregloatingoutrageously.""Tolnedranpoliticsaredisgusting,"Polgaradeclared."OurPrinceKheldarappearstobewellonhiswaytowardbecomingthewealthiestmanintheworld,"Belgarathcontinued."Silk?"Durniklookedabitamazed."Hashemanagedtostealthatmuchalready?""Igatherthatwhathe'sdoingissortoflegitimatethistime,"Belgarathsaid."HeandthatrascalYarblekhavesomehowmanagedtogaincontroloftheentireNadrakfurharvest.Iwasn'tabletogetallthedetails,butthescreamsofanguishcomingfromthemajorcommercialhousesinBoktorwouldseemtoindicatethatourfriendsaredoingratherwell.""I'mpleasedtohearthat,"Durniksaid."That'sprobablybecauseyouhaven'tbeeninthemarketforafurcapelately"Belgarathchuckled."Thepricehastakenquiteajump,Iunderstand."Theold

manrockedbackinhischair."InCtholMurgos,yourfriendKalZakathismethodicallybutcheringhiswaydowntheeastcoast.He'saddedRakCthanandRakHaggatothelistofcitieshe'scapturedanddepopulated.I'mnottoofondofMurgos,butit'sjustpossiblethatZakathisgoingalittletoofar.""KalZakath?"Polgaraaskedwithoneeyebrowslightlyraised."Anaffectation."Belgarathshrugged."Morelikelyasymptom,"sheobserved."Angarakrulersalwaysseemtobeunstableinonewayoranother."Sheturnedtolookatherfather."Well?""Wellwhat?""HaveyouheardanythingfromRiva?HowareGarionandCe'Nedradoing?""Ihaven'theardasound-oh,afewofficialthings.'TheRivanKingispleasedtoannouncetheappointmentofEarlwhat's-his-nameasRivanambassadortotheKingdomofDrasnia.'Thatsortofthing,butnothingintheleastbitpersonal.""Wearesureheknowshowtowrite,aren'twe?"shedemandedexasperatedly."I'msurethathe'snotsobusythathehasn'thadthetimetowriteatleastoneletterinthelasttwoyears.""Hedid,"Errandsaidquietly.Hemightnothavementionedtheletter,butitseemedveryimportanttoPolgara.Shelookedathimsharply."Whatdidyousay?"sheasked."Belgarionwrotetoyoulastwinter,"Errandsaid."Thelettergotlost,though,whentheshiphismessengerwasaboardsank.""Iftheshipsank,thenhowdoyou-""Pol,"Belgarathsaidinatonethatseemeduncharacteristicallyfirm,"whydon'tyouletmehandlethis?"HeturnedtoErrand."YousaythatGarionwrotealettertoPolgaralastwinter?"

"Yes,"Errandsaid."Butthattheletterwaslostwhenthemessenger'sshipsank?"Errandnodded."Whydidn'thewriteanotheronethen?""Hedoesn'tknowthattheshipsank.""Butyoudo?"Errandnoddedagain."Doyoubyanychanceknowwhatthelettersaid?""Yes.""Doyousupposeyoucouldreciteitforus?""IguessIcould,ifyouwant.Belgarion'sgoingtowriteanotheroneinaweekorso,though."Belgarathgavehimastrangelook."Whydon'tyoutelluswhatthefirstonesaid?Thatwaywewon'tmissanything.""Allright,"Errandagreed.Hefrowned,concentratingveryhard."Hestartedoutbysaying,'DearAuntPolandDurnik.'Ithinkthat'ssortofnice,don'tyou?""Justrecitetheletter,Errand,"Belgarathsaidpatiently."Savethecommentsforlater.""Allright."Errandstaredthoughtfullyintothefire."'I'msorryIhaven'twrittenearlier,"'herecited,"'butI'vebeenterriblybusylearninghowtobeagoodking.It'seasyenoughtobeKing-allyouneedistobe

bornintotherightfamily.Tobeagoodkingisharder,though.Brandhelpsmeasmuchashecan,butIstillhavetomakealotofdecisionsaboutthingsthatIdon'treallyunderstand."Ce'Nedraiswell-atleastIthinkso.We'rehardlytalkingtoeachotheranymore,soit'skindofhardtosayforsure.Brandisabitconcernedthatwehaven'thadanychildrenyet,butIdon'tthinkheneedstoworry.SofarasIcantell,we'renevergoingtohaveanychildren,andmaybeit'sjustaswell.Ireallythinkweshouldhavegottentoknoweachotheralittlebetterbeforewegotmarried.I'msurethatthere'ssomewaythatwecouldhavecalleditoff.Nowit'stoolate.We'lljusthavetomakethebestofit.Ifwedon'tseeeachothertoomuch,wecanusuallymanagetobeciviltoeachother-atleastcivilenoughtokeepupappearances."'BarakcamebyinthatbigWarboatofhislastsummer,andwehadaverygoodvisit.Hetoldmeallabout-'""Justamoment,Errand."Polgarastoppedtherecitation."Doeshesayanymoreaboutthetroublehe'shavingwithCe'Nedra?""No,ma'am,"Errandrepliedafteramomentduringwhichhequicklyranthroughtherestoftheletterinhismind."HewroteaboutBarak'svisitandsomenewshegotfromKingAnhegandaletterfromMandorallen.That'saboutall.Hesaidthathelovesyouandmissesyouverymuch.That'showheendedit."PolgaraandBelgarathexchangedaverylonglook.Errandcouldfeeltheirperplexity,buthewasnotsureexactlyhowtosettheirmindsatrestaboutthematter."You'resurethat'sthewaytheletterwent?"Belgarathaskedhim.Errandnodded."That'swhathewrote.""Andyouknewwhatwasintheletterassoonashewroteit?"

Errandhesitated."Idon'tknowifitwaslikethat,exactly.Itdoesn'treallyworkthatway,youknow.Youhavetosortofthinkaboutit,andIdidn'treallythinkaboutituntilthesubjectcameup-whenPolgarawastalkingaboutitjustnow.""Doesitmatterhowfarawaytheotherpersonis?"Belgarathaskedcuriously."No,"Errandreplied,"Idon'tthinkso.ItjustseemstobetherewhenIwantittobe.""Noonecandothat,father."Polgarasaidtotheoldman."Noonehaseverbeenabletodothat.""Apparentlytheruleshavechanged,"Belgarathsaidthoughtfully."Ithinkwe'llhavetoacceptitasgenuine,don'tyou?"Shenodded."Hedoesn'thaveanyreasontomakeitup.""IthinkyouandIaregoingtohavetohavesomeverylongtalkstogether,Errand,"theoldmansaid."Perhaps,"Polgarasaid,"butnotjustyet."Sheturnedbacktotheboy."CouldyourepeatwhatGarionsaidaboutCe'Nedraforme?"Errandnodded."'Ce'Nedraiswell-atleastIthinkso.We'rehardlytalkingtoeachotheranymore,soit'skindofhardtosayforsure.Brandisabitconcernedthat-'""That'sfine,Errand,"shesaid,raisingonehandslightly.Thenshelookedintotheboy'sface.Afteramoment,oneofhereyebrowsshotup."Tellme,"shesaid,verycarefullychoosingherwords,"doyouknowwhat'swrongbetweenGarionandCe'Nedra?""Yes,"Errandreplied."Wouldyoutellme?""Ifyouwant.Ce'NedradidsomethingthatmadeGarionveryangry,andthenhe

didsomethingthatembarrassedherinpublic,andthatmadeherangry.Shethinksthathedoesn'tpayenoughattentiontoherandthathespendsallhistimeonhisworksothathewon'thavetospendanywithher.Hethinksthatshe'sselfishandspoiledanddoesn'tthinkaboutanybodybutherself.They'rebothwrong,butthey'vehadalotofargumentsaboutitandthey'vehurteachothersomuchwithsomeofthethingsthey'vesaidthatthey'vebothgivenuponbeingmarriedtoeachother.They'reterriblyunhappy.""Thankyou,Errand,"shesaid.ThensheturnedtoDurnik."We'llneedtopackafewthings,"shesaid."Oh?"Helookedabitsurprised."We'regoingtoRiva,"shesaidquitefirmly.CHAPTERFOURAtCamaar,Belgarathranacrossanoldfriendinatavernneartheharbor.Whenhebroughtthebearded,furcladCherektotheinnwheretheywerestaying,Polgaragavetheswayingsailorapenetratinglook."Howlonghaveyoubeendrunk,CaptainGreldik?"sheaskedbluntly."Whatdayisit?"Hisreplywasvague.Shetoldhim."Astonishing."Hebelched."Par'nme,"heapologized."Iappeartohavelosttrackofseveraldayssomewhere.Doyouknowbyanychancewhatweekitis?""Greldik,"shesaid,"doyouabsolutelyhavetogetdrunkeverytimeyou'reinport?"Greldiklookedthoughtfullyattheceiling,scratchingathisbeard."Nowthatyou

mentionit,Polgara,IbelieveIdo.Ihadn'treallythoughtaboutitthatwaybefore,butnowthatyousuggestit-"Shegavehimahardstare,butthelookhereturnedwasdeliberatelyimpudent."Don'twasteyourtime,Polgara,"hesuggested."I'mnotmarried;I'veneverbeenmarried;andI'mnotevergoingtogetmarried.I'mnotruininganywoman'slifebythewayIbehave,andit'sabsolutelycertainthatnowomanisevergoingtoruinmine.Now,BelgarathsaysthatyouwanttogotoRiva.I'llroundupmycrew,andwe'llleaveonthemorningtide.""Willyourcrewbesoberenoughtofindtheirwayoutoftheharbor?"Heshrugged."WemightbumpintoaTolnedranmerchantmanortwoonthewayout,butwe'llfindourwaytotheopenseaeventually.Drunkorsober,mycrewisthebestafloat.We'llputyouonthequayatRivabymidafternoononthedayaftertomorrow-unlesstheseafreezessolidbetweennowandthen,inwhichcaseitmighttakeacouplehourslonger."Hebelchedagain."Par'nme,"hesaid,swayingbackandforthandpeeringatherwithhisblearyeyes."Greldik,"Belgarathsaidadmiringly,"you'rethebravestmanalive.""Theseadoesn'tfrightenme,"Greldikreplied."Iwasn'ttalkingaboutthesea."Aboutnoonofthefollowingday,Greldik'sshipwasrunningbeforeafresheningbreezethroughfoamingwhitecaps.AfewofthelessindisposedmembersofhiscrewlurchedaboutthedecktendingthelinesandkeepingamoreorlessalerteyeonthesternwhereGreldik,puffy-eyedandobviouslysuffering,clungtothetiller."Aren'tyougoingtoshortenyoursail?"Belgarathaskedhim."Whatfor?"

"Becauseifyouleavefullsailupinthiskindofwind,you'lluprootyourmast.""Yousticktoyoursorcery,Belgarath,"Greldiktoldhim,"andleavethesailingtome.We'remakinggoodtime,andthedeck-plankingstartstobuckleuplongbeforethemastisinanydanger.""Howlongbefore?"Greldikshrugged."Almostaminuteorso-mostofthetime."Belgarathstaredathim."IthinkI'llgobelow"'hesaidatlast."That'sagoodidea."Byeveningthewindhadabated,andGreldik'sshipcontinuedacrossaquieterseaasnightfell.Therewereonlyoccasionalglimpsesofthestars,buttheyweresufficient;whenthesunrosethenextmorning,itwas,asthewaywardcaptainhadpredicted,deadastern.Bymidmorning,thedark,rockycragsandjaggedpeaksthatformedthecrestoftheIsleoftheWindswerepokedabovethewesternhorizon,andtheirshipwasonceagainplunginglikeaspiritedhorsethroughthewhitecapsunderacrispbluesky.AbroadgrinsplitGreldik'sbeardedfaceashisshipswoopedandlurchedandshudderedherwaythroughthehammeringseas,throwingoutgreatsheetsofsparklingsprayeachtimesheknifedintoawave."That'saveryunreliableman,"Polgarasaid,givingthecaptainadisapprovingstare."Hereallyseemstobeagoodsailor,Pol,"Durniksaidmildly."That'snotwhatIwastalkingabout,Durnik.""Oh."TheshiptackedsmoothlybetweentworockyheadlandsandintotheshelteredharborofthecityofRiva.Thegraystonebuildingsmountedsteeplyupwardtowardthegrim,menacingbattlementsoftheCitadelwhichbroodedoverthe

cityandtheharborbelow."Thisplacealwayslookssobleak,"Durniknoted."Bleakanduninviting.""Thatwassortoftheideawhentheybuiltit,Durnik,"Belgarathreplied."Theydidn'treallywantmanyvisitors."Then,attheendofastarboardtack,Greldikswunghistillerhardover,andhisship,herprowknifingthroughthedarkwater,randirectlyatthestonequayjuttingoutfromthefootofthecity.Atthelastpossiblemomentheswunghistilleragain.Totheflappingofherpatchedsails,theshipcoastedthelastfewyardsandbumpedgentlyagainstthesalt-crustedstonesofthequay."DoyouthinkanybodysawuscomingandtoldGarion?"Durnikasked."Evidentlyso,"Belgarathreplied,pointingtowardthearchedgatethathadjustswungopentorevealthebroadflightofstonestairsmountingupwardwithinthethick,highwallsprotectingtheseawardsideofRiva.Anumberofofficial-lookingmenwerecomingthroughthegate;inthecenterofthegroupstrodeatallyoungmanwithsandy-coloredhairandaseriousexpressiononhisface."Let'sstepovertotheothersideoftheship,"BelgarathsuggestedtoDurnikandErrand."Iwanttosurprisehim.""WelcometoRiva,CaptainGreldik."ErrandrecognizedGarion'svoice,eventhoughitsoundedolder,moresurenow.Greldiksquintedappraisinglyovertherail."You'vegrown,boy,"hesaidtotheKingofRiva.AmanasfreeasGreldikalmostneverfelttheneedforusingcustomarytermsofrespect."It'sbeengoingaroundlately,"Garionreplieddryly."Almosteverybodymyagehascomedownwithit.""I'vebroughtyousomevisitors,"Greldiktoldhim.Grinning,BelgarathmovedacrossthedecktothequaysiderailingwithDurnik

andErrandclosebehindhim."Grandfather?"Garion'sfacewascompletelyastonished."Whatareyoudoinghere?AndDurnik-andErrand?""Actuallyitwasyouraunt'sidea,"Belgarathtoldhim."IsAuntPolhere,too?""OfcourseIam,"Polgararepliedcalmly,emergingfromthelow-roofedcabinunderthestern."AuntPol!"Garionexclaimed,lookingdumfounded."Don'tstare,Garion,"shetoldhim,adjustingthecollarofherbluecloak."It'simpolite.""But,whydidn'tyouletmeknowyouwerecoming?Whatareyoualldoinghere?""Visiting,dear.Peopledothatfromtimetotime."Whentheyjoinedtheyoungkingonthequay,thereweretheusualembracesandhandshakesandthelonglooksintoeachothers'facesthatgowithreunions.Errand,however,wasmuchmoreinterestedinsomethingelse.AstheystartedtheclimbupthroughthegraycitytowardtheCitadelbroodingaboveit,hetuggedonceatGarion'ssleeve."Horse?"heasked.Garionlookedathim."He'sinthestables,Errand.He'llbehappytoseeyou."Errandsmiledandnodded."Doeshestilltalkthatway?"GarionaskedDurnik."Justonewordatatimelikethat?Ithought-well-""Mostofthetimehespeaksnormally-forhisage,"Durnikreplied,"buthe'sbeenthinkingaboutthecolteversincewelefttheValeandsometimes,whenhe

getsexcited,heslipsbacktotheoldway.""Helistens,though,"Polgaraadded,"whichismorethanIcansayaboutanotherboywhenhewasthatage."Garionlaughed."WasIreallythatdifficult,AuntPol?""Notdifficult,dear.Youjustdidn'tlisten."WhentheyarrivedattheCitadel,theRivanQueengreetedthemunderthehigh,thick-walledarchofthefrontgate.Ce'NedrawasasexquisiteasErrandrememberedher.Hercoppery-coloredhairwascaughtatthebackofherheadbyapairofgoldencombs,andtheringletstumbleddownherbackinaflamingcascade.Hergreeneyeswerelarge.Shewastiny,notmuchtallerthanErrand,butshewaseveryinchaqueen.Shegreetedthemallregally,embracingBelgarathandDurnikandlightlykissingPolgara'scheek.ThensheheldoutbothhandstoErrand,andhetooktheminhisandlookedintohereyes.Therewasabarrierthere,thefaintesthintofthedefensivetighteningwithwhichshekeptthehurtaway.Shedrewhimtoherandkissedhim;eveninthatgesture,hecouldfeeltheunhappytensenessthatshewasprobablynolongerevenawareof.Assheremovedhersoftlipsfromhischeek,Errandonceagainlookeddeeplyintohereyes,lettingalltheloveandhopeandcompassionhefeltforherflowintohisgaze.Then,withouteventhinking,hereachedouthishandandgentlytouchedhercheek.Hereyeswentverywide,andherlipbegantotremble.Thatfainttouchofagate-harddefensivenessaboutherfacebegantocrumble.Twogreattearswelledupinhereyes;then,withabrokenheartedwail,sheturnedandstumbledblindly,herarmsoutstretched."Oh,LadyPolgara!"shecried.Polgaracalmlytookthesobbinglittlequeeninherarmsandheldher.ShelookeddirectlyintoErrand'sface,however,andoneofhereyebrowswasraisedquestioningly.Errandreturnedherlookandgaveheracalm,answeringnod."Well,"Belgarathsaid,slightlyembarrassedbyCe'Nedra'ssuddenweeping.HescratchedathisbeardandlookedaroundtheinnercourtyardoftheCitadelandthebroadgranitestepsleadinguptothemassivedoor."Haveyougotanything

todrinkhandy?"heaskedGarion.Polgara,herarmsstillabouttheweepingCe'Nedra,gavehimalevellook."Isn'titabitearly,father?"sheasked."Oh,Idon'tthinkso,"herepliedblandly."Abitofalehelpstosettlethestomachafteraseavoyage.""There'salwayssomeexcuse,isn'tthere?""Icanusuallymanagetothinkofsomething."Errandspenttheafternoonintheexerciseyardattherearoftheroyalstables.Thechestnut-coloredcoltwasnotreallyacoltanymore,butratherafull-grownyoungstallion.Hisdarkcoatwasglossy,andhismusclesrippledunderthatcoatasheraninawidecircleabouttheyard.Thesinglewhitepatchonhisshoulderseemedalmostincandescentinthebrightsunlight.ThehorsehadknownsomehowthatErrandwascomingandhadbeenrestiveandhigh-strungallmorning.ThestablemancautionedErrandaboutthat."Becarefulofhim,"hesaid."He'sabitflightytodayforsomereason.""He'llbefinenow,"Errandsaid,calmlyunlatchingthedoortotheyounghorse'sstall."Iwouldn'tgo-"thestablemanstartedsharply,halfreachingoutasiftopulltheboyback,butErrandhadalreadyenteredthestallwiththewide-eyedanimal.Thehorsesnortedonceandprancednervously,hishoovesthuddingonthestraw-coveredfloor.HestoppedandstoodquiveringuntilErrandputouthishandandtouchedthatbowedneck.Theneverythingwasallrightbetweenthem.Errandpushedthedoorofthestallopenwiderand,withthehorsecontentedlynuzzlingathisshoulder,ledthewayoutofthestablepasttheastonishedgroom.Forthetimebeing,itwasenoughforthetwoofthemjusttobetogether-tosharethebondwhichwasbetweenthemandhadsomehowexistedevenbeforetheyhadmetand,inapeculiarway,evenbeforeeitherofthemwasborn.Therewouldbemorelater,butfornowthiswasenough.

Whenthepurplehueofeveningbegantocreepuptheeasternsky,Errandfedthehorse,promisedthathewouldcomeagainthefollowingday,andwentbackintotheCitadelinsearchofhisfriends.Hefoundthemseatedinalow-ceilingeddininghall.Thisroomwassmallerthanthegreatmainbanquethallanditwaslessformal.Itwasperhapsasclosetobeinghomeyasanyroominthisbleakfortresscouldbe."Didyouhaveapleasantafternoon?"Polgaraaskedhim.Errandnodded."Andwasthehorsegladtoseeyou?""Yes.""Andnowyou'rehungry,Isuppose?""Well-alittle."Helookedaroundtheroom,notingthattheRivanQueenwasnotpresent."Where'sCe'Nedra?"heasked."She'salittletired,"Polgarareplied."SheandIhadalongtalkthisafternoon."Errandlookedatherandunderstood.Thenhelookedaroundagain."Ireallyamsortofhungry,"hetoldher.Shelaughedawarm,fondlaugh."Allboysarethesame,"shesaid."Wouldyoureallywantustobedifferent?"Garionaskedher."No,"shesaid,"Idon'tsupposeIwould."Thenextmorning,quiteearly,PolgaraandErrandwereinfrontofthefireintheapartmentthathadalwaysbeenhers.Polgarasatinahigh-backedchairwithafragrantcupofteaonthesmalltablebesideher.Sheworeadeepbluevelvetdressinggownandheldalargeivorycomb.Errandsatonacarpet-coveredfootstooldirectlyinfrontofher,enduringapartofthemorningritual.The

washingoftheface,ears,andneckdidnottakeallthatmuchtime,butforsomereasonthecombingofhishairalwaysseemedtofillupthebetterpartofaquarterhour.Errand'spersonaltastesinthearrangementofhishairwerefairlyelemental.Aslongasitwasoutofhiseyes,itwassatisfactory.Polgara,however,seemedtofindagreatdealofentertainmentinpullingacombthroughhissoft,pale-blondcurls.Nowandthenatoddtimesoftheday,hewouldseethatpeculiarsoftnesscomeintohereyesandseeherfingerstwitchingalmostoftheirownwilltowardacombandhewouldknowthat,ifhedidnotimmediatelybecomeverybusywithsomething,hewouldbewordlesslyseatedinachairtohavehishairattendedto.Therewasarespectfultaponthedoor."Yes,Garion?"shereplied."IhopeI'mnottooearly,AuntPol.MayIcomein?""Ofcourse,dear."Garionworeabluedoubletandhoseandsoftleathershoes.Errandhadnoticedthatifhehadanychoiceinthematter,theyoungKingofRivaalmostalwaysworeblue."Goodmorning,dear,"Polgarasaid,herfingersstillbusywiththecomb."Goodmorning,AuntPol,"Garionsaid.AndthenhelookedattheboywhosatfidgetingslightlyonthestoolinfrontofPolgara'schair."Goodmorning,Errand,"hesaidgravely."Belgarion,"Errandsaid,nodding."Holdyourheadstill,Errand,"Polgarasaidcalmly."Wouldyoulikesometea?"sheaskedGarion."No,thankyou."Hedrewupanotherchairandsatdownacrossfromher."Where'sDurnik?"heasked.

"He'stakingawalkaroundtheparapet,"Polgaratoldhim."Durniklikestobeoutsidewhenthesuncomesup.""Yes,"Garionsmiled."IseemtorememberthatfromFaldor'sfarm.Iseverythingallright?Withtherooms,Imean?""I'malwaysverycomfortablehere,"shesaid."InsomewaysitwasalwayswastheclosestthingIhadtoapermanenthome-atleastuntilnow."Shelookedaroundwithsatisfactionatthedeepcrimsonvelvetdrapesandthedarkleatherupholsteryofherchairsandsighedcontentedly."Thesehavebeenyourroomsforalongtime,haven'tthey?""Yes.BeldaransetthemasideformeaftersheandIrongripweremarried.""Whatwashelike?""Irongrip?Verytall-almostastallashisfather-andimmenselystrong."SheturnedherattentionbacktoErrand'shair."WasheastallasBarak?""Taller,butnotquitesothick-bodied.KingCherekhimselfwassevenfeettall,andallofhissonswereverybigmen.DrasBull-neckwaslikeatreetrunk.Heblottedoutthesky.Irongripwasleanerandhehadafierceblackbeardandpiercingblueeyes.BythetimeheandBeldaranweremarried,thereweretouchesofgrayinhishairandbeard;butevenso,therewasakindofinnocenceabouthimthatwecouldallsense.ItwasverymuchliketheinnocenceweallfeelinErrandhere.""Youseemtorememberhimverywell.Forme,he'salwaysbeenjustsomebodyinalegend.Everybodyknowsaboutthethingshedid,butwedon'tknowanythingabouthimasarealman.""I'drememberhimabitmoreacutely,Garion.Afterall,therehadbeenthepossibilitythatImighthavemarriedhim."

"Irongrip?""AldurtoldfathertosendoneofhisdaughterstotheRivanKingtobehiswife.FatherhadtochoosebetweenBeldaranandme.Ithinktheoldwolfmadetherightchoice,butIstilllookedatIrongripinaratherspecialway."Shesighedandthensmiledabitruefully."Idon'tthinkI'dhavemadehimagoodwife,"shesaid."MysisterBeldaranwassweetandgentleandverybeautiful.Iwasneithergentlenorveryattractive.""Butyou'rethemostbeautifulwomanintheworld,AuntPol,"Garionobjectedquickly."It'sniceofyoutosaythat,Garion,butwhenIwassixteen,Iwasn'twhatmostpeoplewouldcallpretty.Iwastallandgangly.Mykneeswerealwaysskinned,andmyfacewasusuallydirty.Yourgrandfatherwasneververyconscientiousaboutlookingaftertheappearanceofhisdaughters.Sometimeswholeweekswouldgobywithoutacombevertouchingmyhair.Ididn'tlikemyhairverymuch,anyway.Beldaran'swassoftandgolden,butminewaslikeahorse'smane,andtherewasthisuglywhitestreak."Sheabsentlytouchedthewhitelockatherleftbrowwiththecomb."Whatcausedthat?"heaskedcuriously."'Yourgrandfathertouchedmetherewithhishandthefirsttimehesawme-whenIwasjustababy.Thelockturnedwhiteinstantly.We'reallmarkedinonewayoranother,youknow.Youhavethemarkonyourpalm;Ihavethiswhitelock;yourgrandfatherhasamarkjustoverhisheart.It'sindifferentplacesoneachofus,butitmeansthesamething.""Whatdoesitmean?""Ithastodowithwhatweare,dear."SheturnedErrandaroundandlookedathim,herlipspursed.Thenshegentlytouchedthecurlsjustoverhisears."Anyway,asIwassaying,IwaswildandwillfulandnotatallprettywhenIwasyoung.TheValeofAldurisn'treallyaverygoodplaceforagirltogrowup,andagroupofcrotchetyoldsorcerersisnotreallyaverygoodsubstitutefora

mother.Theytendtoforgetthatyou'rearound.Yourememberthathuge,ancienttreeinthemiddleoftheVale?"Henodded."IclimbedupintothattreeonceandstayedtherefortwoweeksbeforeanyonenoticedthatIhadn'tbeenunderfootlately.Thatsortofthingcanmakeagirlfeelneglectedandunloved.""Howdidyoufinallyfindout-thatyou'rereallybeautiful,Imean?"Shesmiled."That'sanotherstory,dear."Shelookedathimratherdirectly."Doyousupposewecanstoptiptoeingaroundthesubjectnow?""What?""ThatbusinessinyourletteraboutyouandCe'Nedra.""Oh,that.Iprobablyshouldn'thavebotheredyouwithit,AuntPol.It'smyproblem,afterall."Helookedawayuncomfortably."Garion,"shesaidfirmly,"inourparticularfamilythere'snosuchthingasaprivateproblem.Ithoughtyouknewthatbynow.ExactlywhatisthedifficultywithCe'Nedra?""It'sjustnotworking,AuntPol,"hesaiddisconsolately."TherearethingsthatIabsolutelyhavetoseetobymyself,andshewantsmetospendeverywakingminutewithher-well,atleastsheusedto.Nowwegofordayswithoutseeingeachotheratall.Wedon'tsleepinthesamebedanymore,and-"HelookedsuddenlyatErrandandcougheduncomfortably."There,"PolgarasaidtoErrandasifnothinghadhappened."Iguessyou'representablenow.Whydon'tyouputonthatbrownwoolcapeandgofindDurnik?Thenthetwoofyoucangodowntothestablesandvisitthehorse.""Allright,Polgara,"Errandagreed,slippingdownoffthestoolandgoingtofetchthecape.

"He'saverygoodlittleboy,isn'the?"GarionsaidtoPolgara."Mostofthetime,"shereplied."Ifwecankeephimoutoftheriverbehindmymother'shouse.Forsomereason,heseemstofeelincompleteifhecan'tfallintothewateronceortwiceamonth."ErrandkissedPolgaraandstartedtowardthedoor."TellDurnikthatIsaidthetwoofyoucanenjoyyourselvesthismorning,"shetoldhim.ShegaveGarionadirectlook."IthinkI'mgoingtobebusyhereforafewhours.""Allright,"Errandsaid,andwentoutintothecorridor.HegaveonlythebriefestofthoughtstotheproblemwhichhadmadeGarionandCe'Nedrasounhappy.Polgarahadalreadytakenthematterinhand,andErrandknewthatshewouldfixthings.Theproblemitselfwasnotalargeone,butithadsomehowbeenexplodedintosomethingofmonstrousproportionsbytheargumentsithadcaused.Thesmallestmisunderstanding,Errandrealized,couldsometimesfesterlikeahiddenwound,ifwordsspokeninhasteandinheatwereallowedtostandwithoutapologyorforgiveness.HealsorealizedthatGarionandCe'Nedralovedeachothersomuchthattheywerebothextremelyvulnerabletothosehastyandheatedwords.Eachhadanenormouspowertohurttheother.Oncetheywerebothmadefullyawareofthat,thewholebusinesscouldbeallowedtoblowover.ThecorridorsoftheCitadelofRivawerelightedbytorchesheldinironringsprotrudingfromthestonewalls.Errandwalkeddownabroadhallwayleadingtotheeastsideofthefortressandthestepsleadingtotheparapetandthebattlementsabove.Whenhereachedthethickeastwall,hepausedtolookoutoneofthenarrowwindowsthatadmittedaslenderbandofsteel-graylightfromthedawnsky.TheCitadelwashighabovethecity,andthegraystonebuildingsandnarrow,cobblestonestreetsbelowwerestilllostinshadowsandmorningmist.Hereandthere,lightedwindowsgleamedinthehousesofearlyrisers.Thecleansaltsmellofthesea,carriedbyanonshorebreeze,waftedovertheislandkingdom.ContainedwithintheancientstonesoftheCitadelitselfwasthesenseofdesolationthepeopleofRiva

Irongriphadfeltwhentheyhadfirstglimpsedthisrockyislerisinggrimandstorm-lashedoutofaladensea.AlsowithinthosestoneswasthatsternsenseofdutythathadmadetheRivanswresttheirfortressandtheircitydirectlyfromtherockitself,tostandforeverindefenseoftheOrbofAldur.ErrandclimbedtheflightofstonestairsandfoundDurnikstandingatthebattlements,lookingoutovertheSeaoftheWindsthatwasrollingendlesslyintocrashinlong,mutedcombersagainsttherockyshore."Shefinishedwithyourhair,Isee,"Durniknoted.Errandnodded."Finally,"hesaidwryly.Durniklaughed."Wecanbothputupwithafewthingsiftheypleaseher,can'twe?"hesaid."Yes,"Errandagreed."She'stalkingwithBelgarionrightnow.Ithinkshewantsustostayawayuntilthey'vetalkeditallout."Durniknodded."That'sthebestway,really.PolandGarionareveryclose.He'lltellherthingswhenthey'realonethathewouldn'tsayifwewerearound.IhopeshecangetthingsstraightenedoutbetweenhimandCe'Nedra.""Polgarawillfixit,"Errandassuredhim.Fromsomewhereinameadowhighabovethemwherethemorningsunhadalreadytouchedtheemeraldgrass,ashepherdessliftedhervoicetosingtoherflock.Shesangofloveinapure,unschooledvoicethatroselikebirdsong."That'sthewayloveshouldbe,"Durniksaid."Simpleanduncomplicatedandclear-justlikethatgirl'svoice.""Iknow."Errandsaid."Polgarasaidwecouldgovisitthehorse-wheneveryou'refinisheduphere.""Ofcourse,"Durniksaid,"andwecouldprobablystopbythekitchenandpickupsomebreakfastalongtheway."

"That'sanawfullygoodidea,too,"Errandsaid.Thedaywentverywell.Thesunwaswarmandbright,andthehorsefrolickedintheexerciseyardalmostlikeapuppy."Thekingwon'tletusbreakhim,"oneofthegroomstoldDurnik."Hehasn'tevenbeentrainedtoahalteryet.HisMajestysaidsomethingaboutthisbeingaveryspecialhorse-whichIdon'tunderstandatall.Ahorseisahorse,isn'tit?""Ithastodowithsomethingthathappenedwhenhewasborn,"Durnikexplained."They'reallbornthesame,"thegroomsaid."Youhadtohavebeenthere,"Durniktoldhim.Atsupperthatevening,GarionandCe'Nedrawerelookingrathertentativelyacrossthetableateachother,andPolgarahadamysteriouslittlesmileplayingacrossherlips.Whentheyhadallfinishedeating,Garionstretchedandyawnedsomewhattheatrically."ForsomereasonI'mfeelingverytiredtonight,"hesaid."Therestofyoucansitupandtalkifyou'dlike,butIthinkI'llgotobed.""Thatmightnotbeabadidea,Garion,"Polgaratoldhim.Hegottohisfeet,andErrandcouldfeelhistremblingnervousness.WithanalmostagonizingcasualnessheturnedtoCe'Nedra."Coming,dear?"heasked,puttinganentirepeaceproposalintothosetwowords.Ce'Nedralookedathim,andherheartwasinhereyes."Why-uh-yes,Garion,"shesaidwitharosylittleblush,"IbelieveIwill.Iseemtobeverytired,too.""Goodnight,children,"Polgarasaidtothemintonesofwarmaffection."Sleep

well.""Whatdidyousaytothem?"Belgarathaskedhisdaughterwhentheroyalcouplehadlefttheroomhandinhand."Agreatmanythings,father,"sherepliedsmugly."Oneofthemmusthavedonethetrick,"hesaid."Durnik,beagoodfellowandtopthisoffforme."HepassedhisemptytankardtoDurnik,whosatbesidethealebarrel.Polgarawassopleasedwithhersuccessthatshedidnotevencommentonthat.ItwaswellaftermidnightwhenErrandawokewithaslightstart."You'reaverysoundsleeper,"avoicethatseemedtobeinsidehismindsaidtohim."Iwasdreaming,"Errandreplied."Inoticedthat,"thevoicesaiddrily."Pullonsomeclothes.Ineedyouinthethroneroom."Errandobedientlygotoutofbedandpulledonhistunicandhisshort,softSendarianboots."Bequiet,"thevoicetoldhim."Let'snotwakeupPolgaraandDurnik."Quietlytheylefttheapartmentandwentdownthelong,desertedcorridorstotheHalloftheRivanKing,thevastthroneroomwhere,threeyearsbefore,ErrandhadplacedtheOrbofAldurinGarion'shandandhadforeverchangedtheyoungman'slife.ThehugedoorcreakedslightlyasErrandpulleditopen,andheheardavoiceinsidecallout,"Who'sthere?""It'sonlyme,Belgarion,"Errandtoldhim.

ThegreatHallwasilluminatedbythesoftblueradianceoftheOrbofAldur,standingonthepommelofthehugeswordofRiva,hangingpointdownwardabovethethrone."Whatareyoudoingwanderingaroundsolate,Errand?"Garionaskedhim.TheRivanKingwassprawledonhisthronewithhislegcockedupoveroneofthearms."Iwastoldtocomehere,"Errandreplied.Garionlookedathimstrangely."Told?Whotoldyou?""Youknow."Errandsaid,steppinginsidetheHallandclosingthedoor."Him."Garionblinked."Doeshetalktoyou,too?""Thisisthefirsttime.I'veknownabouthim,though.""Ifhe'snever-"GarionbrokeoffandlookedsharplyupattheOrb,hiseyesstartled.Thesoftbluelightofthestonehadsuddenlychangedtoadeep,angryred.Errandcouldveryclearlyhearastrangesound.ForallofthetimehehadcarriedtheOrb,hisearshadbeenfilledwiththecrystallineshimmerofitssong,butnowthatshimmerseemedtohavetakenonanuglyironovertone,asifthestonehadencounteredsomethingorsomeonethatfilleditwitharaginganger."Beware!"thatvoicewhichtheybothheardquiteclearlysaidtothemintoneswhichcouldnotbeignored."BewareZandramas!"CHAPTERFIVEAssoonasitwasdaylight,thetwoofthemwentinsearchofBelgarath.ErrandcouldsensethatGarionwastroubledandhehimselffeltthatthewarningtheyhadreceivedconcernedamatterofsuchimportancethateverythingelsemustbesetasideinthefaceofit.Theyhadnotreallyspokenmuchaboutitduringthosedark,silenthourswhiletheysattogetherintheHalloftheRivanKing,waitingforthefirstlighttotouchtheeasternhorizon.Instead,theyhadbothwatchedthe

OrbofAldurclosely,butthestone,afterthatonestrangemomentofcrimsonanger,hadreturnedtoitscustomaryazureglow.TheyfoundBelgarathseatedbeforearecentlyrekindledfireinalow-beamedhallclosetotheroyalkitchens.Onthetablenotfarfromwherehesatlayalargechunkofbreadandagenerousslabofcheese.Errandlookedatthebreadandcheese,realizingsuddenlythathewashungryandwonderingifBelgarathmightbewillingtosharesomeofhisbreakfast.Theoldsorcererseemedlostinthoughtashegazedintothedancingflames,andhisstoutgraycloakwasdrawnabouthisshoulders,thoughthehallwasnotcold."Youtwoareupearly."henotedasGarionandErrandenteredandcametojoinhimbythefireside."Soareyou,Grandfather,"Garionsaid."Ihadapeculiardream,"theoldmanreplied."I'vebeentryingtoshakeitoffforseveralhoursnow.ForsomereasonIdreamedthattheOrbhadturnedred.""Itdid,"Errandtoldhimquietly.Belgarathlookedathimsharply."Yes.Webothsawit,Grandfather,"Garionsaid."Wewereinthethroneroomafewhoursago,andtheOrbsuddenlyturnedred.ThenthatvoicethatI'vegotinhere-"Hetappedhisforehead."-saidtobewareofZandramas.""Zandramas?"Belgarathsaidwithapuzzledlook."Isthatanameorathingorwhat?""Idon'treallyknow,Grandfather,"Garionreplied,"butbothErrandandIheardit,didn'twe,Errand?"Errandnodded,hiseyesstillonthebreadandcheese."Whatwerethetwoofyoudoinginthethroneroomatthathour?"Belgarathasked,hiseyesveryintent."Iwasasleep,"Garionanswered.Thenhisfaceflushedslightly."Well,sortof

asleep.Ce'NedraandItalkeduntilquitelate.Wehaven'ttalkedverymuchlately,andsowehadalotofthingstosaytoeachother.Anyway,hetoldmetogetupandgotothethroneroom."BelgarathlookedatErrand."Andyou?""Hewokemeup,"Errandreplied,"andhe-""Holdit,"Belgarathsaidsharply."Whowokeyouup?""ThesameonewhowokeGarion.""Youknowwhoheis?""Yes.""Andyouknowwhatheis?"Errandnodded."Hasheeverspokentoyoubefore?""No.""Butyouknewimmediatelywhoandwhatheis?""Yes.Hetoldmethatheneededmeinthethroneroom,soIgotdressedandwent.WhenIgotthere,theOrbturnedred,andthevoicesaidtobewareofZandramas."Belgarathwasfrowning."You'rebothabsolutelypositivethattheOrbchangedcolor?""Yes,Grandfather,"Garionassuredhim,"anditsoundeddifferent,too.Itusuallymakesthiskindofringingnoise-likethesoundabellmakesafteryoustrikeit.Thiswasaltogetherdifferent."

"Andyou'resurethatitturnedred?Imeanitwasn'tjustadarkershadeofblueorsomething?""No,Grandfather.Itwasdefinitelyred."Belgarathgotupoutofhischair,hisfacesuddenlygrim."Comewithme,"hesaidshortlyandstartedtowardthedoor."Wherearewegoing?"Garionasked."Tothelibrary.Ineedtocheckonsomething.""Onwhat?""Let'swaituntilIreadit.Thisisimportant,andIwanttobesurethatI'vegotitright."Ashepassedthetable,Errandpickedupthepieceofcheeseandbrokeoffpartofit.HetookalargebiteashefollowedBelgarathandGarionfromtheroom.Theywentquicklythroughthedim,torchlitcorridorsandupasteep,echoingflightofnarrowstonesteps.InthepastfewyearsBelgarath'sexpressionhadbecomeratherwhimsicalandtouchedwithasortoflazyself-indulgence.Alltraceofthatwasgonenow,andhiseyeswereintentandveryalert.Whentheyreachedthelibrary,theoldmantookapairofcandlesfromadustytableandlightedthemfromthetorchhanginginanironringjustoutsidethedoor.Thenhecamebackinsideandsetoneofthecandlesdown."Closethedoor,Garion,"hesaid,stillholdingtheothercandle."Wedon'twanttobedisturbed."Wordlessly,Garionshutthesolidoakdoor.Belgarathwentovertothewallliftedhiscandleandbegantorunhiseyesovertherowuponrowofdusty,leather-boundbooksandtheneatlystacked,silk-wrappedscrolls."There,"hesaid,pointingtothetopshelf."Reachthatscrolldownforme,Garion-theonewrappedinbluesilk."Garionstretcheduponhistiptoesandtookdownthescroll.Helookedatitcuriouslybeforehandingittohisgrandfather."Areyousure?"heasked."Thisisn'ttheMrinCodex,youknow."

"No,"Belgarathtoldhim."Itisn't.Don'tgetyourattentionsolockedontotheMrinCodexthatyouignorealltheothers."Hesetdownhiscandleandcarefullyuntiedthesilvertasseledcordbindingthescroll.Hestrippedoffthebluesilkcoverandbegantounrollthecracklingparchment,hiseyesrunningquicklyovertheancientscript."Hereitis,"hesaidatlast."'Behold,'''heread,"'inthedaythatAldur'sOrbburnshotwithcrimsonfireshallthenameoftheChildofDarkberevealed.'""ButTorakwastheChildofDark,"Garionprotested."Whatisthatscroll?""TheDarineCodex,"Belgarathtoldhim."It'snotalwaysasreliableastheMrin,butit'stheonlyonethatmentionsthisparticularevent.""Whatdoesitmean?"Garionaskedhim,lookingperplexed."It'sabitcomplicated,"Belgarathreplied,hislipspursedandhiseyesstillfixedonthepassageinquestion."Rathersimplyput,therearetwoprophecies.""Yes,Iknewthat,butIthoughtthatwhenTorakdied,theotheronejust-well-""Notexactly.Idon'tthinkit'sthatsimple.Thetwohavebeenmeetingintheseconfrontationssincebeforethebeginningofthisworld.Eachtime,there'saChildofLightandaChildofDark.WhenyouandTorakmetatCtholMishrak,youweretheChildofLightandTorakwastheChildofDark.Itwasn'tthefirsttimethetwohadmet.Apparentlyitwasnottobethelast,either.""Youmeanthatit'snotoveryet?"Gariondemandedincredulously."Notaccordingtothis,"Belgarathsaid,tappingtheparchment."Allright,ifthisZandramasistheChildofDark,who'stheChildofLight?""AsfarasIknow,youare.""Me?Still?"

"Untilwehearsomethingtothecontrary.""Whyme?""Haven'twehadthisconversationbefore?"Belgarathaskeddrily.Garion'sshouldersslumped."NowI'vegotthistoworryaboutagain-ontopofeverythingelse.""Oh,stopfeelingsorryforyourself,Garion,"Belgarathtoldhimbluntly."We'realldoingwhatwehavetodo,andsnivelingaboutitwon'tchangeathing.""Iwasn'tsniveling."."Whateveryoucallit,stopitandgettowork.""WhatamIsupposedtodo?"Garion'stonewasjustatriflesullen."Youcanstarthere,"theoldmansaid,wavingonehandtoindicateallthedustybooksandsilk-wrappedscrolls."Thisisperhapsoneoftheworld'sbestcollectionsofprophecy-westernprophecyatleast.Itdoesn'tincludetheOraclesoftheMalloreanGrolims,ofcourse,orthecollectionthatCtuchikhadatRakCtholorthesecretbooksofthosepeopleatKell,butit'saplacetostart.Iwantyoutoreadyourwaythroughthis-allofit-andseeifyoucanfindoutanythingatallaboutthisZandramas.Makeanoteofeveryreferenceto'theChildofDark.'MostofthemwillprobablyhavetodowithTorak,buttheremightbesomethatmeanZandramasinstead."Hefrownedslightly."Whileyou'reatit,keepaneyeoutforanythingthathastodowithsomethingcalled'theSardion'or'CthragSardius.""What'sthat?""Idon'tknow.BeldinranacrosstheterminMallorea.Itmightbeimportant-oritmightnot."Garionlookedaroundthelibrary,hisfaceblanchingslightly."Areyoutellingmethatthisisallprophecy?"

"Ofcoursenot.Alotofit-mostofitprobably-isthecollectedravingsofassortedmadmen,allfaithfullywrittendown.""Whywouldanybodywanttowritedownwhatcrazypeoplesay?""BecausetheMrinCodexispreciselythat,theravingsofalunatic.TheMrinprophetwassocrazythathehadtobechainedup.Alotofveryconscientiouspeoplewentoutafterhediedandwrotedownthegibberishofeverymadmantheycouldfindontheoffchancethattheremightbeprophecyhiddeninitsomewhere.""HowdoItellthedifference?""I'mnotreallysure.Maybeafteryou'vereadthemall,you'llbeabletocomeupwithawaytoseparatethem.Ifyoudo,letusknow.Itcouldsaveusallalotoftime."Garionlookedaroundthelibraryindismay."But,Grandfather,"heprotested,"thiscouldtakeyears!""You'dprobablybettergetstartedthen,hadn'tyou?TrytoconcentrateonthingsthataresupposedtohappenafterthedeathofTorak.We'reallfairlyfamiliarwiththethingsthatleduptothat.""Grandfather,I'mnotreallyascholar.WhatifImisssomething?""Don't,"Belgarathtoldhimfirmly."Likeitornot,Garion,you'reoneofus.Youhavethesameresponsibilitiesthattherestofusdo.Youmightaswellgetusedtotheideathatthewholeworlddependsonyou-andyoualsomightjustaswellforgetthatyoueverheardthewords,'whyme?'That'stheobjectionofachild,andyou'reamannow."ThentheoldmanturnedandlookedveryhardatErrand."Andwhatareyoudoingmixedupinallofthis?"heasked."I'mnotsure,"Errandrepliedcalmly."We'llprobablyhavetowaitandsee,won'twe?"

ThatafternoonErrandwasalonewithPolgarainthewarmcomfortofhersittingroom.Shesatbythefirewithherfavoritebluerobeaboutherandherfeetonacarpetedfootstool.Sheheldanembroideryhoopinherhandsandshewashummingsoftlyasherneedleflashedinthegoldenfirelight.Errandsatintheleather-coveredarmchairoppositehers,nibblingonanappleandwatchingherasshesewed.Oneofthethingshelovedaboutherwasherabilitytoradiateakindofcalmcontentmentwhenshewasengagedinsimpledomestictasks.Atsuchquiettimesherverypresencewassoothing.TheprettyRivangirlwhoservedasPolgara'smaidtappedsoftlyandenteredtheroom."LadyPolgara,"shesaidwithalittlecurtsy,"MyLordBrandasksifhemighthaveawordwithyou.""Ofcourse,dear,"Polgarareplied,layingasideherembroidery."Showhimin,please."ErrandhadnoticedthatPolgaratendedtocallallyoungpeople"dear,"mostofthetimewithoutevenbeingawarethatshewasdoingit.Themaidescortedthetall,gray-hairedRivanWarderintotheroom,curtsiedagain,andthenquietlywithdrew."Polgara,"Brandgreetedherinhisdeepvoice.Hewasalarge,bulkymanwithadeeplylinedfaceandtired,sadeyesandhewasthelastRivanWarder.Duringthecenturies-longinterregnumfollowingthedeathofKingGorekatthehandsofQueenSalmissra'sassassins,theIsleoftheWindsandtheRivanpeoplehadbeenruledbyalineofmenchosenfortheirabilityandtheirabsolutedevotiontoduty.SoselflesshadbeenthatdevotionthateachRivanWarderhadsubmergedhisownpersonalityandhadtakenthenameBrand.NowthatGarionhadcomeatlasttoclaimhisthrone,therewasnofurtherneedforthatcenturies-oldstewardship.Solongashelived,however,thisbig,sad-eyedmanwouldbeabsolutelycommittedtotheroyalline-notperhapssomuchtoGarionhimself,butrathertotheconceptofthelineandtoitsperpetuation.ItwaswiththatthoughtuppermostinhismindthathecamethatquietafternoontothankPolgarafortakingtheestrangementofGarionandhisqueeninhand.

"Howdidtheymanagetogrowsofarapart?"sheaskedhim."Whentheymarried,theyweresoclosethatyoucouldn'tprythemawayfromeachother.""Itallstartedaboutayearago,"Brandrepliedinhisrumblingvoice."Therearetwopowerfulfamiliesonthenorthernendoftheisland.Theyhadalwaysbeenfriendly,butadisputearoseoverapropertyarrangementthatwasinvolvedinaweddingbetweenayoungmanfromonefamilyandagirlfromtheother.PeoplefromonefamilycametotheCitadelandpresentedtheircausetoCe'Nedra,andsheissuedaroyaldecreesupportingthem.""ButsheneglectedtoconsultGarionaboutit?"Polgarasurmised.Brandnodded."Whenhefoundout,hewasfurious.There'snoquestionthatCe'Nedrahadoversteppedherauthority,butGarionrevokedherdecreeinpublic.""Oh,dear,"Polgarasaid."Sothat'swhatallthebitternesswasabout.Icouldn'treallygetastraightansweroutofeitherofthem.""Theywereprobablyalittletooashamedtoadmitit,"Brandsaid."Eachonehadhumiliatedtheotherinpublic,andneitheronewasmatureenoughjusttoforgiveandletitslide.Theykeptwranglingateachotheruntilthewholeaffairgotcompletelyoutofhand.ThereweretimeswhenIwantedtoshakethemboth-ormaybespankthem.""That'saninterestingidea."Shelaughed."Whydidn'tyouwriteandtellmetheywerehavingproblems?""Belgariontoldmenotto,"herepliedhelplessly."Sometimeswehavetodisobeythatkindoforder.""I'msorry,Polgara,butIcan'tdothat.""No,Isupposeyoucouldn't."SheturnedtolookatErrand,whowascloselyexamininganexquisitepieceof

blownglass,acrystalwrenperchedonabuddingtwig."Pleasedon'ttouchit,Errand,"shecautioned."It'sfragileandveryprecious.""Yes,"heagreed,"Iknow."Andtoreassureher,heclaspedhishandsfirmlybehindhisback."Well."SheturnedbacktoBrand."Ihopethefoolishnessisallpastnow.Ithinkwe'verestoredpeacetotheroyalhouseofRiva.""Icertainlyhopeso,"Brandsaidwithatiredsmile."Iwoulddefinitelyliketoseeanoccupantintheroyalnursery.""Thatmighttakeabitlonger.""It'sgettingsortofimportant,Polgara,"hesaidseriously."We'reallabitnervousaboutthelackofanheirtothethrone.It'snotonlyme.AnhegandRhodarandCho-Haghaveallwrittentomeaboutit.AllofAloriaisholdingitsbreathwaitingforCe'Nedratostarthavingchildren.""She'sonlynineteen,Brand.""MostAlorngirlshavehadatleasttwobabiesbythetimethey'renineteen.""Ce'Nedraisn'tanAlorn.She'snotevenentirelyTolnedran.HerheritageisDryad,andtherearesomepeculiaritiesaboutDryadsandthewaytheymature.""That'sgoingtobealittlehardtoexplaintootherAlorns,"Brandreplied."TherehastobeanheirtotheRivanthrone.Thelinemustcontinue.""Givethemalittletime,Brand,"Polgarasaidplacidly."They'llgetaroundtoit.Theimportantthingwastogetthembackintothesamebedroom."Perhapsadayorsolater,whenthesunwassparklingonthewatersoftheSeaoftheWindsandastiffonshorebreezewasfleckingthetopsofthegreenwaveswithfrothywhitecaps,ahugeCherekwarboatmaneuvereditswayponderouslybetweenthetworockyheadlandsembracingtheharboratRiva.Theship'scaptainwasalsomorethanlife-sized.Withhisredbeardstreaminginthewind,

Barak,EarlofTrellheim,stoodathistiller,alookofstudiedconcentrationonhisfaceasheworkedhiswaythroughatrickyeddyjustinsideoneoftheprotectiveheadlandsandthenacrosstheharbortothestonequay.Almostbeforehissailorshadmadetheshipfast,BarakwascomingupthelongflightofgranitestepstotheCitadel.BelgarathandErrandhadbeenontheparapetatopthewallsofthefortressandhadwitnessedthearrivalofBarak'sship.Andso,whenthebigmanreachedtheheavygates,theywerewaitingforhim."Whatareyoudoinghere,Belgarath?"theburlyCherekasked."IthoughtyouwereattheVale."Belgarathshrugged."Wecamebyforavisit."BaraklookedatErrand."Hello,boy,"hesaid."ArePolgaraandDurnikhere,too?""Yes,"Errandreplied."They'reallinthethroneroomwatchingBelgarion.""What'shedoing?""Beingking,"Belgarathsaidshortly."Wesawyoucomeintotheharbor.""Reallyimpressive,wasn'tit?"Baraksaidproudly."Yourshipsteerslikeapregnantwhale,Barak,"Belgarathtoldhimbluntly."Youdon'tseemtohavegraspedtheideathatbiggerisnotnecessarilybetter."Barak'sfacetookonaninjuredexpression."Idon'tmakejokesaboutyourpossessions,Belgarath.""Idon'thaveanypossessions,Barak.WhatbroughtyoutoRiva?""Anhegsentme.IsGariongoingtobemuchlongeratwhateverhe'sdoing?""Wecangofindout,Isuppose."

TheRivanKing,however,hadconcludedtheformalaudienceforthatmorningand,inthecompanyofCe'Nedra,Polgara,andDurnik,hadgonethroughadim,privatepassagewaywhichledfromthegreatHalloftheRivanKingtotheroyalapartments."Barak!"Garionexclaimed,hurryingforwardtogreethisfriendinthecorridoroutsidethedoortotheapartment.Barakgavehimapeculiarlookandbowedrespectfully."What'sthatallabout?"Garionaskedhimwithapuzzledlook."You'restillwearingyourcrown,Garion,"Polgararemindedhim,"andyourstaterobes.Allofthatmakesyoulookratherofficial.""Oh,"Garionsaid,lookingabitabashed,"Iforgot.Let'sgoinside."Hepulledopenthedoorandledthemallintotheroombeyond.Withabroadgrin,BarakenfoldedPolgarainavastbearhug."Barak,"shesaidatriflebreathlessly,"you'dbemuchniceratclosequartersifyou'dremembertowashyourbeardafteryou'vebeeneatingsmokedfish.""Ionlyhadone,"hetoldher."That'susuallyenough."HeturnedthenandputhisbulkyarmsaroundCe'Nedra'stinyshouldersandkissedhersoundly.Thelittlequeenlaughedandcaughthercrownintimetokeepitfromslidingoffherhead."You'reright,LadyPolgara,"shesaid,"hedefinitelyhasacertainfragranceabouthim.""Garion,"Baraksaidplaintively,"I'mabsolutelydyingforadrink.""Didallthealebarrelsonyourshiprundry?"Polgaraaskedhim.

"There'snodrinkingaboardtheSeabird,"Barakreplied."Oh?""Iwantmysailorssober.""Astonishing,"shemurmured."It'samatterofprinciple,"Baraksaidpiously."Theydoneedtheirwitsaboutthem,"Belgarathagreed."Thatbigshipofhisisnotexactlywhatyou'dcallresponsive."Barakgavehimahurtlook.Garionsentforale,removedhiscrownandstaterobeswithobviousrelief,andinvitedthemalltositdown.OnceBarakhadquenchedhismostimmediatethirst,hisexpressionbecameserious.HelookedatGarion."Anhegsentmetowarnyouthatwe'restartingtogetreportsabouttheBear-cultagain.""IthoughttheywereallkilledatThullMardu,"Durniksaid."Grodeg'sunderlingswere,"Baraktoldhim."Unfortunately,Grodegwasn'tthewholecult.""Idon'texactlyfollowyou,"Durniksaid."Itgetsalittlecomplicated.Yousee,theBear-culthasalwaysbeenthere,really.It'safundamentalpartofthereligiouslifeofthemoreremotepartsofCherek,Drasnia,andAlgaria.Everysooften,though,somebodywithmoreambitionthangoodsense-likeGrodeg-gainscontrolandtriestoestablishthecultinthecities.Thecitiesarewherethepoweris,andsomebodylikeGrodegautomaticallytriestousetheculttotakethemover.TheproblemisthattheBear-cultdoesn'tworkinthecities."

Durnik'sfrownbecameevenmoreconfused."Peoplewholiveincitiesarealwayscomingincontactwithnewpeopleandnewideas,"Barakexplained."Outinthecountryside,though,theycangoforgenerationswithouteverencounteringasinglenewthought.TheBear-cultdoesn'tbelieveinnewthoughts,soit'sthenaturalsortofthingtoattractcountrypeople.""Newideasaren'talwaysgoodones,"Durniksaidstiffly,hisownruralbackgroundpainfullyobvious."Granted,"Barakagreed,"butoldonesaren'tnecessarilygoodeither,andtheBear-cult'sbeenworkingonthesameideaforseveralthousandyearsnow.AboutthelastthingBelarsaidtotheAlornsbeforetheGodsdepartedwasthattheyshouldleadtheKingdomsoftheWestagainstthepeopleofTorak.It'sthatword'lead'that'scausedalltheproblems.Itcanmeanmanythings,unfortunately.Bear-cultistshavealwaystakenittomeanthattheirveryfirststepinobeyingBelar'sinstructionsshouldbeacampaigntoforcetheotherWesternKingdomstosubmittoAlorndomination.AgoodBear-cultistisn'tthinkingaboutfightingAngaraks,becauseallofhisattentionisfixedonsubduingSendaria,Arendia,Tolnedra,Nyissa,andMaragor.""Maragordoesn'tevenexistanymore,"Durnikobjected."Thatnewshasn'treachedthecultyet,"Baraksaiddrily."Afterall,it'sonlybeenaboutthreethousandyearsnow.Anyway,that'stherathertiredideabehindtheBear-cult.TheirfirstgoalistoreuniteAloria;theirnextistooverrunandsubjugatealloftheWesternKingdoms;andonlythenwilltheystarttogivesomethoughttoattackingMurgosandMalloreans.""Theyarejustabitbackward,aren'tthey?"Durnikobserved."Someofthemhaven'tevendiscoveredfireyet."Baraksnorted."Idon'treallyseewhyAnhegissoconcerned,Barak,"Belgarathsaid."TheBear-cultdoesn'treallycauseanyproblemsoutthereinthecountryside.Theyjumparoundbonfiresonmidsummer'seveandputonbearskinsandshuffle

aroundinsinglefileinthedeadofwinterandrecitelongprayersinsmokycaves,untiltheygetsodizzythattheycan'tstandup.Where'sthedangerinthat?""I'mgettingtothat,"Baraksaid,pullingathisbeard."Alwaysbefore,theruralBear-cultwasjustareservoirofundirectedstupidityandsuperstition.Butinthelastyearorso,somethingnewhasbeengoingon.""Oh?"Belgarathlookedathimcuriously."There'sanewleaderofthecult-wedon'tevenknowwhoheis.Inthepast,Bear-cultistsfromonevillagedidn'teventrusttheonesfromanother,sotheywereneverorganizedenoughtobeanyproblem.Thisnewleaderoftheirshaschangedallofthat.Forthefirsttimeinhistory,ruralBear-cultistsarealltakingordersfromoneman."Belgarathfrowned."Thatisserious,"headmitted."Thisisveryinteresting,Barak,"Garionsaid,lookingabitperplexed,"butwhydidKingAnhegsendyouallthewayheretowarnme?FromwhatI'vebeentold,theBear-culthasneverbeenabletogetafootholdhereontheIsleoftheWinds.""Anhegwantedmetowarnyoutotakeafewprecautions,sincethisnewcult'santagonismisdirectedprimarilyatyou.""Me?Whatfor?""YoumarriedaTolnedran,"Baraktoldhim."ToaBear-cultistaTolnedranisworsethanaMurgo.""That'sanovelposition,"Ce'Nedrasaidwithatossofhercurls."That'sthewaythosepeoplethink,"Baraktoldher."Mostofthoseblockheadsdon'tevenknowwhatanAngarakis.They'veallseenTolnedransthough-usuallymerchantswhodealquitesharply.Forathousandyears,they'vebeenwaitingforakingtocomeandpickupRiva'sswordandleadthemonaholywar

tocrushalltheKingdomsoftheWestintosubjugation,andwhenhedoesfinallyshowup,theveryfirstthinghedoesismarryanImperialTolnedranPrincess.Thewaytheylookatit,thenextRivanKingisgoingtobeamongrel.Theyhateyoulikepoison,mylittlesweetheart.""Whatanabsoluteabsurdity!"sheexclaimed."Ofcourseitis,"thebigCherekagreed."Butabsurdityhasalwaysbeenacharacteristicoftheminddominatedbyreligion.We'dallbealotbetteroffifBelarhadjustkepthismouthshut.Belgarathlaughedsuddenly."What'ssofunny?"Barakasked."AskingBelartokeephismouthshutwouldprobablyhavebeenthemostfutilethinganyhumanbeingcouldevencontemplate,"theoldsorcerersaid,stilllaughing."Irememberonetimewhenhetalkedforaweekandahalfstraightwithoutstopping.""Whatwashesaying?"Garionaskedcuriously."HewasexplainingtotheearlyAlornswhyitwasn'tagoodideatostartatrekintothefarnorthatthebeginningofwinter.SometimesinthosedaysyoureallyhadtotalktoanAlorntogetanideathroughtohim.""Thathasn'treallychangedallthatmuch,"Ce'Nedrasaidwithanarchlookatherhusband.Thenshelaughedandfondlytouchedhishand.Thenextmorningdawnedclearandsunny,andErrand,asheusuallydid,wenttothewindowassoonasheawoketoseewhatthedaypromised.HelookedoutoverthecityofRivaandsawthebrightmorningsunstandingovertheSeaoftheWindsandsmiled.Therewasnotahintofcloud.Todaywouldbefine.HedressedhimselfinthetunicandhosewhichPolgarahadlaidoutforhimandthenwenttojoinhisfamily.DurnikandPolgarasatintwocomfortable,leather-upholsteredchairs,oneoneachsideofthefire,talking

togetherquietlyandsippingtea.Ashealwaysdid,ErrandwenttoPolgara,puthisarmsaboutherneckandkissedher."Yousleptlate,"shesaid,brushinghistousledhairbackfromhiseyes."Iwasalittletired,"hereplied."Ididn'tgetmuchsleepthenightbeforelast.""SoIheard."Almostabsently,shepulledhimupintoherlapandheldhimnestledagainstthesoftvelvetofherbluerobe."He'sgrowingabitbigforyourlap,"Durniknoted,smilingfondlyatthetwoofthem."Iknow,"Polgaraanswered."That'swhyIholdhimasoftenasIcan.Verysoonhe'lloutgrowlapsandcuddling,soIneedtostoreupasmuchasIcannow.It'sallverywellforthemtogrowup,butImissthecharmofhavingasmalloneabout."Therewasabrieftaponthedoor,andBelgarathentered."Well,goodmorning,father"'Polgaragreetedhim."Pol."Henoddedbriefly."Durnik.""DidyoumanagetogetBarakputtobedlastnight?"Durnikaskedwithagrin."Wepouredhiminaboutmidnight.Brand'ssonshelpeduswithhim.Heseemstobegettingheavierasheputsontheyears.""You'relookingsurprisinglywell,"Polgaraobserved,"consideringthefactthatyouspenttheeveningatGarion'salebarrel.""Ididn'tdrinkallthatmuch,"hetoldher,comingtothefiretowarmhishands.Shelookedathimwithoneraisedeyebrow."I'vegotalotonmymind,"hesaid.Thenhelookeddirectlyather."Is

everythingstraightenedoutbetweenGarionandCe'Nedra?""Ithinkso,yes.""Let'sbesure.Idon'twantthingsheretoflyapartagain.I'mgoingtohavetogetbacktotheVale,butifyouthinkyououghttostayandkeepaneyeonthosetwo,Icangoonahead."Hisvoicewasserious,evendecisive.Errandlookedattheoldman,notingonceagainthatBelgarathseemedsometimestobetwodifferentpeople.Whentherewasnothingofanyurgencygoingon,hereveledinhisleisure,amusinghimselfwithdrink,deception,andpettytheft.Whenaseriousproblemarose,however,hecouldsetallthatasideanddevotealmostunlimitedconcentrationandenergytosolvingit.PolgaraquietlyputErranddownandlookedatherfather."It'sserious,then?""Idon'tknow,Pol,"hesaid,"andIdon'tlikeitwhenthingsaregoingonthatIdon'tknowabout.Ifyou'vefinishedwithwhatyoucameheretodo,Ithinkwe'dbettergetback.AssoonaswecangetBarakonhisfeet,we'llhavehimtakeustoCamaar.Wecanpickuphorsesthere.IneedtotalkwithBeldin-seeifheknowsanythingaboutthisZandramasthing.""We'llbereadywheneveryouwanttoleave,father,"sheassuredhim.LaterthatsamemorningErrandwenttothestablestosaygood-byetothefrolicsomeyounghorse.Hewasabitsadtobeleavingsosoon.HewasgenuinelyfondofGarionandCe'Nedra.TheyoungKingofRivawasinmanywayslikeabrothertoErrand,andCe'Nedrawasdelightful-whenshewasnotgoingoutofherwaytobedifficult.Mostofall,however,hewasgoingtomissthehorse.Erranddidnotthinkofthehorseasabeastofburden.Theywerebothyoungandsharedawholeheartedenthusiasmforeachother'scompany.Theboystoodinthecenteroftheexerciseyardwiththelong-leggedanimalfriskingabouthiminthebrightmorningsunlight.Thenhecaughtamovementoutofthecornerofhiseye,turned,andsawDurnikandGarionapproaching."Goodmorning,Errand,"theRivanKingsaid.

"Belgarion.""Youandthehorseseemtobeenjoyingyourselves.""We'refriends,"Errandsaid."Weliketobetogether."Garionlookedalmostsadlyatthechestnut-huedanimal.Thehorsecametohimandcuriouslynuzzledathisclothing.Garionrubbedthepointedearsandranhishanddownthesmooth,glossyforehead.Thenhesighed."Wouldyouliketohavehimforyourveryown?"heaskedErrand."Youdon'townfriends,Belgarion.""You'reright,"Garionagreed,"butwouldyoulikeitifhewentbacktotheValewithyou?""Buthelikesyou,too.""Icanalwayscomeandvisit,"theRivanKingsaid."Thereisn'treallymuchroomforhimtorunhere,andI'malwayssobusythatIdon'thavethetimetospendwithhimthewayIshould.Ithinkitwouldbebestforhimifhewentwithyou.Whatdoyouthink?"Errandconsideredthat,tryingtothinkonlyofthewellbeingoftheyounganimalandnotofhisownpersonalpreferences.HelookedatGarionandsawhowmuchthisgenerousofferhadcosthisfriend.Whenhefinallyanswered,hisvoicewasquietandveryserious."Ithinkyou'reright,Belgarion.TheValewouldbebetterforhim.Hewouldn'thavetobepennedupthere.""You'llhavetotrainhim,"Garionsaid."He'sneverbeenridden.""HeandIcanworkonthat,"Errandassuredhim."He'llgowithyou,then,"Gariondecided."Thankyou,"Errandsaidsimply.

"You'rewelcome,Errand.""Anddone!"Errandcouldhearthevoiceasclearlyasifithadspokeninhisownmind."What?"Garion'ssilentreplywasstartled."Excellentlydone,Garion.Iwantthesetwotobetogether.Theyhavethingstodothatneedthebothofthem."Thenthevoicewasgone.CHAPTERSIX"Thebestwaytobeginistolayatunicoracoatacrosshisback,"Hettarsaidinhisquietvoice.ThetallAlgarworehisusualblackleatherandhestoodwithErrandinthepasturelyingtothewestofPoledra'scottage."Besurethatit'ssomethingthathasyourscentonit.Youwanthimtogetusedtoyoursmellandtheideathatit'sallrightifsomethingthatsmellslikeyouisonhisback.""HealreadyknowswhatIsmelllike,doesn'the?"Errandasked."Thisisjustalittledifferent,"Hettartoldhim."Youhavetogoatthesethingsslowly.Youdon'twanttofrightenhim.Ifhe'sfrightened,he'lltrytothrowyouoffhisback.""We'refriends,"Errandtriedtoexplain."HeknowsIwon'tdoanythingtohurthim,sowhyshouldhetrytodosomethingtohurtme?"Hettarshookhisheadandlookedoutovertherollinggrassland."JustdoitthewayIexplained,Errand,"hesaidpatiently."Believeme,IknowwhatI'mtalkingabout.""Ifyoureallywantmeto,"Errandreplied,"butIthinkit'sanawfulwasteoftime.""Trustme."

Errandobedientlylaidoneofhisoldtunicsacrossthehorse'sbackseveraltimeswhilethehorselookedathimcuriously,quiteobviouslywonderingwhathewasdoing.ErrandwishedthathecouldmakeHettarunderstand.TheyhadalreadywastedagoodpartofthemorningonthehawkfacedAlgarwarrior'scautiousapproachtohorsetraining.Iftheyhadjustgotrightonwithit,Errandknewthatheandthehorsecouldbegallopingtogetheracrossthefreeopenexpanseofhillsandvalleysstretchedoutbeforethem."Isthatenough?"Errandaskedafterhehadputthetuniconthehorse'sbackseveraltimes."CanIgetonhimnow?"Hettarsighed."Itlooksasifyou'regoingtohavetolearnthehardway."hesaid."Goaheadandclimbon,ifyouwant.Trytofindasoftplacetolandwhenhethrowsyouoff,though.""Hewouldn'tdothat,"Errandrepliedconfidently.Heputhishandonthechestnut'sneckandgentlyledhimovertowhereawhiteboulderstuckupoutoftheturf."Don'tyouthinkyououghttobridlehimfirst?"Hettaraskedhim."Atleastthatgivesyousomethingtohangonto.""Idon'tthinkso,"Errandreplied."Idon'tbelievehe'dlikethatbridle.""It'suptoyou,"Hettarsaid."Doitanywayyoulike.Justtrynottobreakanythingwhenyoufall.""Oh,Idon'tthinkI'llfall.""Tellme,doyouknowwhattheword'wager'means?"Errandlaughedandclimbedupontheboulder."Well,"hesaid,"herewego."Hethrewhislegoverthehorse'sback.

Thecoltflinchedslightlyandstoodtrembling."It'sallright,"Errandassuredhiminacalmvoice.Thehorseturnedandlookedathimwithsoftastonishmentinhislarge,liquideyes."You'dbetterhangon,"Hettarwarned,buthiseyeshadanoddlypuzzledlook,andhisvoicewasnotquiteascertainasthewords."He'sfine."Errandflexedhislegs,notactuallyevenbringinghisheelsincontactwiththechestnut'sflanks.Thehorsetookatentativestepforwardandthenlookedbackenquiringly."That'stheidea,"Errandencouragedhim.Thehorsetookseveralmoresteps,thenstoppedtolookbackoverhisshoulderagain."Good,"Errandsaid,pattinghisneck."Very,verygood."Thehorseprancedaboutenthusiastically."Watchout!"Hettarsaidsharply.Errandleanedforwardandpointedtowardagrassyknollseveralhundredyardsofftothesouthwest."Let'sgoupthere,"hesaidintothesharplyupstandingear.Thehorsegaveasortofdelightedshudder,bunchedhimself,andranforthehilltopashardashecould.When,momentslater,theycrestedtheknoll,heslowedandprancedaboutproudly."Allright,"Errandsaid,laughingwithsheerdelight."Now,whydon'twegotothattreewayoverthereonthatotherhillside?""Itwasunnatural,"HettarsaidmoodilythateveningastheyallsatatthetableinPoledra'scottage,bathedinthegoldenfirelight.

"Theyseemtobedoingallright,"Durniksaidmildly."Buthe'sdoingeverythingwrong,"Hettarprotested."ThathorseshouldhavegoneabsolutelywildwhenErrandjustgotonhimlikethatwithoutanywarning.Andyoudon'ttellahorsewhereyouwanthimtogo.Youhavetosteerhim.That'swhatthereinsarefor.""Errand'sanunusualboy,"Belgarathtoldhim,"andthehorseisanunusualhorse.Aslongastheygetalongandunderstandeachother,whatdifferencedoesitmake?""It'sunnatural,"Hettarsaidagainwithabaffledlook."Ikeptwaitingforthehorsetopanic,buthismindstayedabsolutelycalm.Iknowwhatahorseisthinking,andabouttheonlythingthatcoltwasfeelingwhenErrandgotonhisbackwascuriosity.Curiosity!Hedidn'tdoorthinkanythingthewayheshould."Heshookhisheaddarkly,andhislongblackscalplockswungbackandforthasifinemphasis."It'sunnatural,"hegrowledasifthatweretheonlywordhecouldthinkoftosumupthesituation."Ithinkyou'vealreadysaidthatseveraltimes,Hettar,"Polgaratoldhim."Whydon'twejustdropthesubjectsinceitseemstobotheryousomuchandyoucantellmeaboutAdara'sbabyinstead."AnexpressionoffatuouspleasurecameoverHettar'sfierce,hawk-likeface."He'saboy."hesaidwiththeoverwhelmingprideofanewfather."Wegatheredthat,"Polgarasaidcalmly."Howbigwashewhenhewasborn?""Oh-"Hettarlookedperplexed."Aboutsobig,I'dsay."Heheldhishandshalfayardapart."Noonetookthetroubletomeasurehim?""Theymighthavedonethat,Isuppose.Mymotherandtheotherladiesweredoingallsortsofthingsrightafterhecame.""Andwouldyoucaretoestimatehisweight?"

"Probablyaboutasmuchasafull-grownhare,Isuppose-afairlygood-sizedone-orperhapstheweightofoneofthoseredSendariancheeses.""Isee,perhapsafootandahalflongandeightorninepounds-isthatwhatyou'retryingtosay?"Herlookwassteady."Aboutthat,Isuppose.""Whydidn'tyousayso,then?"shedemandedinexasperation.Helookedather,startled."Isitreallythatimportant?""Yes,Hettar,itreallyisthatimportant.Womenliketoknowthesethings.""I'llhavetorememberthat.AboutallIwasreallyinterestedinwaswhetherhehadtheusualnumberofarms,legs,ears,noses-thingslikethat-thatandmakingsurethathisveryfirstfoodwasmare'smilk,ofcourse.""Ofcourse,"shesaidacidly."It'sveryimportant,Polgara,"heassuredher."EveryAlgar'sfirstdrinkismare'smilk.""Thatmakeshimparthorse,Isuppose."Heblinked."No,ofcoursenot,butitestablishesasortofbond.""Didyoumilkthemareforhim?Ordidyoumakehimcrawloutandfindoneforhimself?""You'retakingallthisveryoddly,Polgara.""Blameitonmyage,"shesaidinadangerousvoice.Hecaughtthattonealmostimmediately."No,Idon'tthinkI'dwanttodothat."

"Wisedecision,"Durnikmurmured."YousaidthatyouweregoingupintothemountainsofUlgoland."Hettarnodded."YouremembertheHrulgin?""Theflesh-eatinghorses?""IhavesortofanideaIwanttotryout.Afull-grownHrulgacan'tbetamed,ofcourse,butmaybeifIcancapturesomeoftheircolts.""That'sverydangerous,Hettar,"Belgarathwarned."Thewholeherdwilldefendtheyoung.""Therearesomewaystoseparatethecoltsfromtherestoftheherd."Polgaralookedathimdisapprovingly."Evenifyousucceed,whatdoyouplantodowiththebeasts?""Tamethem,"Hettarrepliedsimply."Theycan'tbetamed.""Nobody'severtriedit.AndevenifIcan'ttamethem,IperhapsIcanbreedthemwithordinaryhorses."Durniklookedpuzzled."Whywouldyouwanthorseswithfangsandclaws?"Hettarlookedthoughtfullyintothefire."They'refasterandstrongerthanordinaryhorses,"hereplied."Theycanjumpmuchfarther,and-"Hisvoicedriftedoffintosilence."Andbecauseyoucan'tstandtheideaofanythingthatlookslikeahorsethatyoucan'tride,"Belgarathfinishedforhim."Thatmightbeapartofit,"Hettaradmitted."They'dgiveamanatremendousadvantageinabattle,though."

"Hettar,"Durniksaid,"themostimportantthinginAlgariaisthecattle,right?""Yes.""Doyoureallywanttostartraisingabreedofhorsesthatwouldprobablylookatacowassomethingtoeat?"Hettarfrownedandscratchedathischin."Ihadn'tthoughtaboutthat,"headmitted.Nowthathehadthehorse,Errand'srangeincreasedenormously.Theyoungstallion'sstaminawasvirtuallyinexhaustible,andhecouldrunformostofthedaywithouttiring.BecauseErrandwasstillonlyaboy,hisweightwasnotenoughtoburdentheenthusiasticanimal,andtheyranfreelyovertherolling,grass-coveredhillsofsouthernAlgariaanddownintothetree-dottedexpanseoftheValeofAldur.Theboyroseearlyeachmorningandatehisbreakfastimpatiently,knowingthatthechestnutstallionwaswaitingjustoutsidethecottageandthat,assoonasbreakfastwasover,thetwoofthemcouldgallopoutthroughthedewdrenchedgrassglisteninggreenandlushintheslanting,goldenraysofthemorningsunandpoundupthelongslopesofthehillslyingbeforethemwiththecool,sweetmorningairrushingpastthem.Polgara,whoseemedtoknowinstinctivelywhytheybothhadthisneedtorun,saidnothingasErrandwolfeddownhisfood,sittingontheveryedgeofhischairsothatattheveryinstanthisplatewascleanhecouldboltforthedoorandthedaywhichlaybeforehim.Hereyesweregentleasshewatchedhim,andthesmileshegavehimwhenheaskedtobeexcusedwasunderstanding.Onadewy,sun-filledmorninginlatesummerwhenthegrasswasgoldenandheavywithripeseeds,Errandcameoutofthedoorofthecottageandtouchedthebowedneckofhiswaitingfriendwithagentle,caressinghand.Thehorsequiveredwithpleasureandtookafewprancingsteps,eagertobeoff.Errandlaughed,tookahandfulofthestallion'smane,swunghislegandflowedupontothestrong,glossybackinasingle,fluidmove.Thehorsewasrunningalmostbeforetheboywasinplace.Theygallopedupthelonghill,pausedtolookout

overthesun-touchedgrasslandlyingopenbeforethem,andthencircledthesmallvalleywherethethatchedstonecottagelayandheadedsouth,downintotheVale.Thisday'sridewasnot,assomanyothershadbeen,arandomexcursionwithnoparticulargoalorpurpose.Fordaysnow,Errandhadfeltthepresenceofastrange,awarenessemanatingfromtheValethatseemedtobecallingtohimand,ashehademergedfromthecottagedoor,hehadsuddenlyresolvedtofindoutexactlywhatitwasthatseemedtosummonhimsoquietly.AstheymoveddownintothequietVale,pastplacidlygrazingdeerandcuriousrabbits,Errandcouldfeelthatawarenessgrowingstronger.Itwasapeculiarkindofconsciousness,dominatedmorethananythingbyanincrediblepatience-anability,itseemed,towaitforeonsforaresponsetotheseoccasionalquietcalls.Astheycrestedatall,roundedhillafewleaguestothewestofBelgarath'stower,abriefshadowflickeredacrossthebendinggrass.Errandglancedupandsawablue-bandedhawkcirclingonmotionlesswingsonarisingcolumnofsun-warmedair.Evenastheboywatched,thehawktilted,sideslipped,andthenspiraleddowninlong,gracefulcircles.Whenitwasnomorethaninchesabovethegoldentasselsoftheripegrass,itflareditswings,thrustdownwithitstalonedfeetandseemedsomehowtoshimmerinthemorningair.Whenthemomentaryshimmerfaded,thehawkwasgoneandthehunchbackedBeldinstoodwaist-deepinthetallgrass,withoneeyebrowcockedcuriously."Whatareyoudoingallthewaydownhere,boy?"heaskedwithoutanykindofpreamble."Goodmorning,Beldin,"Errandsaidcalmly,leaningbacktoletthehorseknowthathewantedtostopforafewminutes."DoesPolknowhowfarfromhomeyou'vebeengoing?"theuglymandemanded,ignoringErrand'sgesturetowardpoliteness."Probablynotentirely,"Errandadmitted."SheknowsthatI'moutriding,butshemightnotknowhowmuchgroundwecancover.""I'vegotbetterthingstodothanspendeverydaywatchingoveryou,youknow,"theirascibleoldmangrowled.

"Youdon'thavetodothat.""Yes,asamatteroffact,Ido.It'smymonthforit."Errandlookedathim,puzzled."Didn'tyouknowthatoneofuswatchesyoueverytimeyouleavethecottage?""Whywouldyouwanttodothat?""YoudorememberZedar,don'tyou?"Errandsighedsadly."Yes,"hesaid."Don'twasteyoursympathyonhim,"Beldinsaid."Hegotexactlywhathedeserved.""Nobodydeservesthat."Beldingaveasnortofuglylaughter."He'sluckythatitwasBelgarathwhocaughtupwithhim.Ifithadbeenme,I'dhavedonealotmorethanjustsealhimupinsidesolidrock.Butthat'sbesidethepoint.YourememberwhyZedarfoundyouandtookyouwithhim?""TostealtheOrbofAldur.""Right.Sofarasweknow,you'retheonlypersonbesideBelgarionwhocantouchtheOrbandkeeponliving.Otherpeopleknowthat,too,soyoumightaswellgetusedtotheideaofbeingwatched.Wearenotgoingtoletyouwanderaroundalonewheresomebodymightgethishandsonyou.Now,youdidn'tanswermyquestion.""Whichquestion?""WhatareyoudoingallthewaydowninthispartoftheVale?"

"There'ssomethingIneedtosee.""What'sthat?""Idon'tknow.It'supaheadsomewhere.Whatisitthat'soffinthatdirection?""There'snothingouttherebutthetree.""Thatmustbeit,then.Itwantstoseeme.""See?""Maybethat'sthewrongword."Beldinscowledathim."Areyousureit'sthetree?""No.Notreally.AllIknowisthatsomethinginthatdirectionhasbeen-"Errandhesitated."Iwanttosayinvitingmetocomeby.Wouldthatbetheproperword?""It'stalkingtoyou,notme.Pickanywordyoulike.Allright,let'sgothen.""Wouldyouliketoride?"Errandoffered."Horsecancarryusboth.""Haven'tyougivenhimanameyet?""Horseisgoodenough.Hedoesn'tseemtofeelthatheneedsone.Wouldyouliketoride?""WhywouldIwanttoridewhenIcanfly?"Errandfeltasuddencuriosity."What'sitlike?"heasked."Flying,Imean?"Beldin'seyessuddenlychanged,tobecomedistantandalmostsoft."Youcouldn'tevenbegintoimagine,"hesaid."Justkeepyoureyesonme.WhenIgetoverthetree,I'llcircletoshowyouwhereitis."Hestoopedinthetallgrass,curvedouthisarms,andgaveastrongleap.Asheroseintotheair,he

shimmeredintofeathersandswoopedaway.Thetreestoodinsolitaryimmensityinthemiddleofabroadmeadow,itstrunklargerthanahouse,itswide-spreadbranchesshadingentireacres,anditscrownrisinghundredsoffeetintotheair.Itwasincrediblyancient.Itsrootsreacheddownalmostintotheveryheartoftheworld,anditsbranchestouchedthesky.Itstoodaloneandsilent,asifformingalinkbetweenearthandsky,alinkwhosepurposewasbeyondtheunderstandingofman.AsErrandrodeuptothevastshadedareabeneaththetree'sshelter,Beldinswoopedin,hovered,anddropped,almostseemingtostumbleintohisnaturalform."Allright,"hegrowled,"thereitis.Nowwhat?""I'mnotsure."Errandsliddownoffthehorse'sbackandwalkedacrossthesoft,springyturftowardtheimmensetrunk.Thesenseofthetree'sawarenesswasverystrongnow,andErrandapproacheditcuriously,stillunabletodetermineexactlywhatitwantedwithhim.Thenheputouthishandandtouchedtheroughbark;intheinstantthathetouchedit,heunderstood.Hequitesuddenlyknewthewholeofthetree'sexistence.HefoundthathecouldlookbackoveramillionmillionmorningstothetimewhentheworldhadjustemergedoutoftheelementalchaosfromwhichtheGodshadformedit.Allatonce,heknewoftheincrediblelengthoftimethattheearthhadrolledinsilence,awaitingthecomingofman.HesawtheendlessturningoftheseasonsandfeltthefootstepsoftheGodsupontheearth.Andevenasthetreeknew,Errandcametoknowthefallacywhichlaybehindman'sconceptionofthenatureoftime.Manneededtocompartmentalizetime,tobreakitintomanageablepieces-eons,centuries,years,andhours.Thiseternaltree,however,understoodthattimewasallonepiece-thatitwasnotmerelyanendlessrepetitionofthesameevents,butratherthatitmovedfromitsbeginningtowardafinalgoal.Allofthatconvenientsegmentingwhichmenusedtomaketimemoremanageablehadnorealmeaning.Itwastotellhimthissimpletruththatthetreehadsummonedhimhere.Ashegraspedthatfact,thetreeacknowledgedhiminfriendshipandaffection.SlowlyErrandlethisfingertipsslidefromthebark,thenturned,andwalked

backtowhereBeldinstood."That'sit?"thehunchbackedsorcererasked."That'sallitwanted?""Yes.That'sall.Wecangobacknow."Beldingavehimapenetratinglook."Whatdiditsay?""lt'snotthekindofthingyoucanputintowords.""Try."Well-itwassortofsayingthatwepaytoomuchattentiontoyears.""That'senormouslyhelpful,Errand."Errandstruggledwithit,tryingtoformulatewordsthatwouldexpresswhathehadjustlearned."Thingshappenintheirowntime,"hesaidfinally,"Itdoesn'tmakeanydifferencehowmany-orfew-ofwhatwecallyearscomebetweenthings.""Whatthingsarewetalkingabout?""Theimportantones.Doyoureallyhavetofollowmeallthewayhome?""Ineedtokeepaneyeonyou.That'saboutall.Areyougoingbacknow?""Yes.""I'llbeupthere."Beldinmadeagesturetowardthearchingbluedomeofthesky.Heshudderedintotheformofahawkanddrovehimselfintotheairwithstrongthrustsofhiswings.Errandpulledhimselfupontothechestnutstallion'sback.Hispensivemoodwassomehowcommunicatedtotheanimal;insteadofagallop,thehorseturnedandwalkednorth,backtowardthecottagenestlinginitsvalley.

Theboyconsideredthemessageoftheeternaltreeasherodeslowlythroughthegolden,sun-drenchedgrassand,alllostinthought,hepaidbutlittleattentiontohissurroundings.Itwasthusthathewasnotactuallyawareoftherobedandhoodedfigurestandingbeneathabroad-spreadpineuntilhewasalmostontopofit.Itwasthehorsethatwarnedhimwithastartledsnortasthefiguremadeaslightmove."Andsothouarttheone,"itsnarledinavoicewhichseemedscarcelyhuman.Errandcalmedthehorsewithareassuringhandonitsquiveringneckandlookedatthedarkfigurebeforehim.Hecouldfeelthewavesofhatredemanatingfromthatshadowyshapeandheknewthat,ofallthethingshehadeverencountered,thiswasthethingheshouldmostfear.Yet,surprisingevenhimself,heremainedcalmandunafraid.Theshapelaughed,anugly,dustykindofsound."Thouartafool,boy,"itsaid."Fearme,forthedaywillcomewhenIshallsurelydestroythee.""Notsurely,"Errandrepliedcalmly.Hepeeredcloselyattheshadow-shroudedformandsawatoncethat-likethefigureofCyradishehadmetonthesnowyhilltop-thisseeminglysubstantialshapewasnotreallyhere,butsomewhereelse,sendingitsmalevolenthatredacrosstheemptymiles."Besides,"headded,"I'moldenoughnownottobeafraidofshadows.""Wewillmeetintheflesh,boy,"theshadowsnarled,"andinthatmeetingshaltthoudie.""Thathasn'tbeendecidedyet,hasit?"Errandsaid."That'swhywehavetomeet-todecidewhichofuswillstayandwhichmustgo."Thedark-robedshapedrewinitsbreathwithasharphiss."Enjoythyyouth,boy,"itsnarled,"foritisallthelifethouwilthave.Iwillprevail."Thenthedarkshapevanished.ErranddrewinadeepbreathandglancedskywardatthecirclingBeldin.Herealizedthatnoteventhehawk'ssharpeyescouldhavepenetratedthespreading

treelimbstowherethatstrange,cowledfigurehadstood.Beldincouldnotknowofthemeeting.Errandnudgedthestallion'sflanks,andtheymovedawayfromthesolitarytreeataflowingcanter,ridinginthegoldensunlighttowardhome.CHAPTERSEVENTheyearsthatfollowedwerequietyearsatthecottage.BelgarathandBeldinwereoftenawayforlongperiodsoftime,andwhentheyreturned,travel-stainedandweary,theirfacesusuallyworethefrustratedlookofmenwhohavenotfoundwhattheywerelookingfor.AlthoughDurnikwasoftenonthestreambank,bendingallofhisattentiontotheproblemofconvincingsomewarytroutthatathumbnail-sizedbitofpolishedmetalwithafewstrandsofredyarntrailingbehinditinthecurrentwasnotmerelyediblebutirresistiblydelicious,henonethelessmaintainedthecottageanditsimmediatesurroundingsinthatscrupulouslytidyconditionwhichannouncedlouderthanwordsthattheproprietorofanygivenfarmsteadwasaSendar.Althoughrailfences,bytheirverynature,zigzaggedandtendedtomeanderwiththelayoftheground,Durnikfirmlyinsistedthathisfencelinesbeabsolutelystraight.Hewasquiteobviouslyconstitutionallyincapableofgoingaroundanyobstacle.Thus,ifalargerockhappenedtointrudeitselfinthepathofoneofhisfences,heimmediatelystoppedbeingafencebuilderandbecameanexcavator.Polgaraimmersedherselfindomesticity.Theinteriorofhercottagewasimmaculate.Herdoorstepwasnotmerelysweptbutfrequentlyscrubbed.Therowsofbeans,turnips,andcabbagesinhergardenwereasstraightasanyofDurnik'sfences,andweedswereabsolutelyforbidden.Herexpressionasshetoiledattheseseeminglyendlesstaskswasoneofdreamycontentment,andshehummedorsangveryoldsongsassheworked.Theboy,Errand,however,tendedonoccasiontowardvagrancy.Thiswasnottosaythathewasindolent,butmanyofthechoresaroundaruralfarmsteadweretedious,involvingrepeatingthesameseriesofactionsoverandoveragain.StackingfirewoodwasnotoneofErrand'sfavoritepastimes.Weedingthegardenseemedsomehowfutile,sincetheweedsgrewbackovernight.Dryingthedishesseemedanactofutterfolly,since,leftalone,thedisheswoulddry

themselveswithoutanyassistancewhatsoever.HemadesomeefforttoswayPolgaratohispointofviewinthisparticularmatter.Shelistenedgravelytohisimpeccablelogic,noddingheragreementashedemonstratedwithalltheeloquenceathiscommandthatthedishesdidnotreallyneedtobedried.Andwhenhehadfinished,summingupallhisargumentswithadazzlingdisplayofsheerbrilliance,shesmiledandsaid,"Yes,dear,"andimplacablyhandedhimthedishtowel.Errandwashardlyoverburdenedwithunremittingtoil,however.Inpointoffact,notadaywentbywhenhedidnotspendseveralhoursonthebackofthechestnutstallion,roamingthegrasslandssurroundingthecottageasfreelyasthewind.Beyondthetimeless,goldendozeoftheVale,theworldmovedon.Althoughthecottagewasremote,visitorswerenotuncommon.Hettar,ofcourse,rodebyoftenandsometimeshewasaccompaniedbyAdara,histall,lovelywife,andtheirinfantson.Likeherhusband,AdarawasanAlgartoherfingertips,asmuchathomeinthesaddleasshewasonherfeet.Errandwasveryfondofher.Thoughherfacealwaysseemedserious,evengrave,therelurkedjustbeneaththatcalmexterioranironic,penetratingwitthatabsolutelydelightedhim.Itwasmorethanthat,however.Thetall,dark-hairedgirl,withherflawlessfeaturesandalabasterskin,carriedaboutheralight,delicatefragrancethatalwaysseemedtotugattheouteredgesofhisconsciousness.Therewassomethingelusiveyetstrangelycompellingaboutthatscent.Once,whenPolgarawasplayingwiththebaby,AdararodewithErrandtothetopofanearbyhillandthereshetoldhimabouthowtheperfumesheworeoriginated."YoudidknowthatGarionismycousin?"sheaskedhim."Yes.""WehadriddenoutfromtheStrongholdonce-itwasinthewinterwheneverythingwaslockedinfrost.Thegrasswasbrownandlifeless,andalltheleaveshadfallenfromthebushes.Iaskedhimaboutsorcery-whatitwasandwhathecoulddowithit.Ididn'treallybelieveinsorcery-Iwantedto,butIjustcouldn'tbringmyselftobelieve.Hetookupatwigandwrappedsomedrygrassaroundit;thenheturneditintoaflowerrightinfrontofmyeyes."

Errandnodded."Yes,that'sthekindofthingGarionwoulddo.Didithelpyoutobelieve?"Shesmiled."Notrightaway-atleastnotaltogether.TherewassomethingelseIwantedhimtodo,buthesaidthathecouldn't.""Whatwasthat?"Sheblushedrosilyandthenlaughed."Itstillembarrassesme,"shesaid."IwantedhimtousehispowertomakeHettarloveme.""Buthedidn'thavetodothat,"Errandsaid,"Hettarlovedyoualready,didn'the?""Well-heneededalittlehelptomakehimrealizeit.ButIwasfeelingverysorryformyselfthatday.WhenwerodebacktotheStronghold,Iforgottheflowerandleftitbehindontheshelteredsideofahill.Ayearorsolater,thewholehillsidewascoveredwithlowbushesandthesebeautifullittlelavenderflowers.Ce'Nedracallstheflower'Adara'srose,'andArianathoughtitmighthavesomemedicinalvalue,eventhoughwe'veneverbeenabletofindanythingitcures.Ilikethefragranceoftheflower,anditismineinasortofspecialway,soIsprinklepetalsinthechestswhereIkeepmyclothes."Shelaughedawickedsortoflittlelaugh."ItmakesHettarveryaffectionate,"sheadded."Idon'tthinkthat'sentirelycausedbytheflower,"Errandsaid."Perhaps,butI'mnotgoingtotakeanychanceswiththat.Ifthescentgivesmeanadvantage,I'mcertainlygoingtouseit.""Thatmakessense,Isuppose.""Oh,Errand,"shelaughed,"you'reanabsolutelydelightfulboy."ThevisitsofHettarandAdarawerenotentirelysocialinnature.Hettar'sfatherwasKingCho-Hag,ChiefoftheClan-ChiefsofAlgaria,andCho-Hag,thenearestoftheAlornmonarchs,feltthatitwashisresponsibilitytokeepPolgara

advisedoftheeventswhichweretakingplaceintheworldbeyondtheboundariesoftheVale.Fromtimetotimehesentreportsoftheprogressofthebloody,endlesswarinsouthernCtholMurgos,whereKalZakath,emperorofMallorea,continuedhisimplacablemarchacrosstheplainsofHaggaandintothegreatsouthernforestinGorut.TheKingsoftheWestwereatalosstoexplainZakath'sseeminglyunreasoninghatredofhisMurgocousins.Therewererumorsofapersonalaffrontatsometimeinthepast,butthathadinvolvedTaurUrgas,andTaurUrgashaddiedattheBattleofThallMardu.Zakath'senmityfortheMurgos,however,hadnotdiedwiththemadmanwhoruledthem,andhenowledhisMalloreansinasavagecampaignevidentlydesignedtoexterminateallofMurgodomandtoerasefromhumanmemoryalltracesofthefactthattheMurgoshadeverevenexisted.InTolnedra,EmperorRanBoruneXXIII,thefatherofQueenCe'NedraofRiva,wasinfailinghealth;andbecausehehadnosontosucceedhimontheImperialThroneatTolHoneth,thegreatfamiliesoftheEmpirewereengagedinaviciousstruggleoverthesuccession.Enormousbribeschangedhands,andassassinscreptthroughthestreetsofTolHonethbynightwithsharpeneddaggersandvialsofthosedeadlypoisonspurchasedinsecretfromthesnakepeopleofNyissa.ThewilyRanBorune,however,muchtothechagrinandoutrageoftheHoneths,theVordues,andtheHorbites,hadappointedGeneralVarana,theDukeofAnadile,ashisregent;andVarana,whosecontrolofthelegionswasverynearlyabsolute,tookfirmstepstocurbtheexcessesofthegreathousesintheirscrambleforthethrone.TheinternecinewarsoftheAngaraksandtheonlyslightlylesssavagestrugglesoftheGrandDukesoftheTolnedranEmpire,however,wereofonlypassinginteresttotheAlornKings.ThemonarchsofthenorthwerefarmoreconcernedwiththetroublesomeresurgenceoftheBear-cultandwiththesadbutundeniablefactthatKingRhodarofDrasniawasquiteobviouslydecliningrapidly.Rhodar,despitehisvastbulk,haddemonstratedanastonishingmilitarygeniusduringthecampaignwhichhadculminatedintheBattleofThullMardu,butCho-HagsadlyreportedthatthecorpulentDrasnianmonarchhadgrownforgetfulandinsomewaysevenchildishinthepastfewyears.Becauseofhishugeweight,hecouldnolongerstandunaidedandhefrequentlyfellasleep,evenduringthemostimportantstatefunctions.Hislovelyyoungqueen,Porenn,didasmuchasshepossiblycouldtorelievetheburdensimposeduponhimbyhiscrown,butit

wasquiteobvioustoallwhoknewhimthatKingRhodarwouldbeunabletoreignmuchlonger.Atlast,towardtheendofaseverewinterthathadlockedthenorthinsnowandicedeeperthananyonecouldremember,QueenPorennsentamessengertotheValetoentreatPolgaratocometoBoktortotryherhealingartsontheDrasnianking.ThemessengerarrivedlateonebitterafternoonasthewansunsankalmostwearilyintoabedofpurplecloudlyingheavyoverthemountainsofUlgo.Hewasthicklywrappedinrichsablefur,buthislong,pointednoseprotrudedfromthewarminteriorofhisdeepcowlandimmediatelyidentifiedhim."Silk!"DurnikexclaimedasthelittleDrasniandismountedinthesnowydooryard."Whatareyoudoingallthewaydownhere?""Freezing,actually."Silkreplied."Ihopeyou'vegotagoodfiregoing.""Pol,lookwho'shere,"Durnikcalled,andPolgaraopenedthedoortolookoutattheirvisitor."Well,PrinceKheldar,"shesaid,smilingattherat-facedlittleman,"haveyousocompletelyplunderedGarogNadrakthatyou'vecomeinsearchofanewtheaterforyourdepredations?""No,"Silktoldher,stampinghishalf-frozenfeetontheground."ImadethemistakeofpassingthroughBoktoronmywaytoValAlorn.Porenndragoonedmeintomakingasidetrip.""Goinside,"Durniktoldhim."I'lltendtoyourhorse."AfterSilkhadremovedhissablecloak,hestoodshiveringinfrontofthearchedfireplacewithhishandsextendedtowardtheflames."I'vebeencoldforthelastweek,"hegrumbled."Where'sBelgarath?""HeandBeldinareoffintheEastsomewhere,"Polgarareplied,mixingthehalf-frozenmanacupofspicedwinetohelpwarmhim."Nomatter,Isuppose.ActuallyIcametoseeyou.You'veheardthatmyuncle

isn'twell?"Shenodded,pickingupaglowing-hotpokerandplungingitintothewinewithabubblinghiss."Hettarbroughtussomenewsaboutthatlastfall.Havehisphysiciansputanametohisillnessyet?""Oldage."Silkshrugged,gratefullytakingthecupfromher."Rhodarisn'treallythatold.""He'scarryingalotofextraweight.Thattiresamanoutafterawhile.Porennisdesperate.Shesentmetoaskyou-no,tobegyou-tocometoBoktorandseewhatyoucando.ShesaystotellyouthatRhodarwon'tseethegeesecomenorthifyoudon'tcome.""Isitreallythatbad?""I'mnotaphysician,"Silkreplied,"buthedoesn'tlookverygood,andhismindseemstobeslipping.He'sevenstartingtolosehisappetite,andthat'sabadsigninamanwhoalwaysatesevenbigmealsaday.""Ofcoursewe'llcome,"Polgarasaidquickly."Justletmegetwarmfirst,"Silksaidinaplaintivetone.TheyweredelayedforseveraldaysjustsouthofAldurfordbyasavageblizzardthatsweptoutofthemountainsofSendariatohowlacrosstheopenplainsofnorthernAlgaria.Asluckhadit,theyreachedtheencampmentofanomadicbandofrovingherdsmenjustasthestormbrokeandsatoutthedaysofshriekingwindanddrivingsnowinthecomfortablewagonsofthehospitableAlgars.Whentheweatherclearedatlast,theypressedontoAldurford,crossedtheriver,andreachedthebroadcausewaythatstretchedacrossthesnowchokedfenstoBoktor.QueenPorenn,stilllovelydespitethedarkcirclesunderhereyesthatspokesoeloquentlyofhersleeplessconcern,greetedthematthegatesofKingRhodar'spalace."Oh,Polgara,"shesaid,overwhelmedwithgratitudeandreliefasshe

embracedthesorceress."DearPorenn,"Polgarasaid,enfoldingthecarewornlittleDrasnianqueeninherarms."We'dhavebeenheresooner,butweencounteredbadweather.How'sRhodar?""Alittleweakereveryday,"Porennrepliedwithakindofhopelessnessinhervoice."EvenKhevatireshimnow.""Yourson?"Porennnodded."ThenextkingofDrasnia.He'sonlysix-muchtooyoungtoascendthethrone.""Well,let'sseewhatwecandotodelaythat."KingRhodar,however,lookedevenworsethanSilk'sassessmentofhisconditionhadledthemtobelieve.ErrandrememberedtheKingofDrasniaasafat,jollymanwithaquickwitandseeminglyinexhaustibleenergy.Nowhewaslistless,andhisgray-huedskinhungonhiminfolds.Hecouldnotrise;perhapsevenmoreseriouswasthefactthathecouldnotliedownwithouthisbreathcominginpainful,chokinggasps.Hisvoice,whichhadoncebeenpowerfulenoughtowakeasleepingarmy,hadbecomeapuny,querulouswheeze.Hesmiledatiredlittlesmileofgreetingwhentheyentered,butafteronlyafewminutesofconversation,hedozedoffagain."IthinkIneedtobealonewithhim,"Polgaratoldtherestoftheminacrisp,efficientvoice,butthequicklooksheexchangedwithSilkcarriedlittlehopefortheailingmonarch'srecovery.WhensheemergedfromRhodar'sroom,herexpressionwasgrave."Well?"Porennasked,hereyesfearful."I'llspeakfrankly,"Polgarasaid."We'veknowneachothertoolongformetohidethetruthfromyou.Icanmakehisbreathingabiteasierandrelievesomeofhisdiscomfort.Therearesomethingsthatwillmakehimmorealert-forshort

periodsoftime-butwehavetousethosesparingly,probablyonlywhentherearesomemajordecisionstobemade.""Butyoucannotcurehim."Porenn'squietvoicehoveredontheveryedgeoftears."It'snotaconditionthat'ssubjecttocure,Porenn.Hisbodyisjustwornout.I'vetoldhimforyearsthathewaseatinghimselftodeath.He'sasheavyasthreenormalmen.Aman'sheartwassimplynotdesignedtocarrythatkindofweight.Hehasn'thadanyrealexerciseinthepastseveralyears,andhisdietisabsolutelytheworsthecouldpossiblyhavecomeupwith.""Couldyouusesorcery?"theDrasnianqueenaskeddesperately."Porenn,I'dhavetorebuildhimfromthegroundup.Nothinghehasreallyfunctionsrightanymore.Sorcerysimplywouldn'twork.I'msorry."TwogreattearswelledupinQueenPorenn'seyes."Howlong?"sheaskedinavoicescarcelymorethanawhisper."Afewmonths-sixatthemost."Porennnodded,andthen,despitehertear-filledeyes,sheliftedherchinbravely."Whenyouthinkhe'sstrongenough,I'dliketohaveyougivehimthosepotionsthatwillclearhismind.HeandIwillhavetotalk.Therearearrangementsthataregoingtohavetobemade-forthesakeofourson,andforDrasnia.""Ofcourse,Porenn."Thebittercoldofthatlong,cruelwinterbrokequitesuddenlyacoupleofdayslater.AwarmwindblewinofftheGulfofCherekduringthenight,bringingwithitagustyrainstormthatturnedthedriftscloggingthebroadavenuesofBoktorintosoddenbrownslush.ErrandandPrinceKheva,theheirtotheDrasnianthrone,foundthemselvesconfinedtothepalacebythesuddenchangeintheweather.CrownPrinceKhevawasasturdylittleboywithdarkhairandaseriousexpression.Likehisfather,theailingKingRhodar,Khevahadamarkedpreferenceforthecolorredandhecustomarilyworeavelvetdoubletandhosein

thathue.ThoughErrandwasperhapsfiveyearsorsoolderthantheprince,thetwoofthembecamefriendsalmostimmediately.Togethertheydiscoveredtheenormousentertainmenttobefoundinrollingabrightlycoloredwoodenballdownalongflightofstonestairs.Afterthebouncingballknockedasilvertrayfromthehandsofthechiefbutler,however,theywereaskedquitefirmlytofindotheramusements.Theywanderedforatimethroughtheechoingmarblehallsofthepalace,KhevainhisbrightredvelvetandErrandinsturdypeasantbrown,untiltheycameatlasttothegrandballroom.Atoneendoftheenormoushall,abroadmarblestaircasewithacrimsoncarpetdownthecenterdescendedfromtheupperfloorsofthepalace,andalongeachsideofthatimposingstairwasasmoothmarblebalustrade.Thetwoboyslookedspeculativelyatthosetwinbanisters,bothofthemimmediatelyrecognizingthetremendouspotentialofallthatslipperymarble.Therewerepolishedchairsalongeachsideoftheballroom,andeachchairwaspaddedwitharedvelvetcushion.Theboyslookedatthebalustrades.Thentheylookedatthecushions.Thentheybothturnedtobesurethatnoguardorpalacefunctionarywasinthevicinityofthelarge,doubledoorsatthebackoftheballroom.Errandprudentlyclosedthedoors;thenheandPrinceKhevawenttowork.Thereweremanychairsandmanyredvelvetcushions.Whenthosecushionswereallpiledintwoheapsatthebottomofthemarblestairrailings,theymadeapairofquiteimposingmountains."Well?"Khevasaidwhenallwasinreadiness."Iguesswemightaswell,"Errandreplied.Togethertheyclimbedthestairsandtheneachofthemmountedoneofthesmooth,coolbanistersdescendinggrandlytowardthewhitemarbleflooroftheballroomfarbelow."Go!"Khevashouted,andthetwoofthemsliddown,gainingtremendousspeedastheywentandlandingwithsoftthumpsintheheapsofcushionsawaiting

them.Laughingwithdelight,thetwoboysranbackupthestairsagainandonceagaintheysliddown.Allinall,theafternoonwentverywell,untilatlastoneofthecushionsburstitsseamsandfilledthequietairofthegrandballroomwithsoftlydriftinggoosedown.Itwas,quitenaturally,atthatprecisemomentthatPolgaracamelookingforthem.Somehowitalwayshappenedthatway.Themomentanythingwasbroken,spilled,ortippedover,someoneinauthoritywouldappear.Therewasneveranopportunitytotidyup,andsosuchsituationsalwayspresentedthemselvesintheworstpossiblelight.Thedoubledoorsatthefarendoftheballroomopened,andPolgara,regallybeautifulinbluevelvet,steppedinside.Herfacewasgraveassheregardedtheguilty-lookingpairlyingatthefootofthestairsintheirpilesofcushions,withapositiveblizzardofgoosedownswirlingaroundthem.Errandwincedandheldhisbreath.Verysoftly,sheclosedthedoorsbehindherandwalkedslowlytowardthem,herheelssoundingominouslyloudonthemarblefloor.Shelookedatthedenudedchairsliningeachsideoftheballroom.Shelookedatthemarblebalustrades.Shelookedattheboyswithfeatherssettlingonthem.Andthen,withoutwarningwhatsoever,shebegantolaugh,arich,warm,vibrantlaughthatabsolutelyfilledtheemptyhall.Errandfeltsomehowbetrayedbyherreaction.HeandKhevahadgoneoutoftheirwaytogetthemselvesintotrouble,andallshedidwaslaughaboutit.Therewasnoscolding,noacidcommentary,nothingbutlaughter.Hedefinitelyfeltthatthislevitywasoutofplace,anindicationthatshewasnottakingthisthingasseriouslyassheought.Hefeltatriflebitteraboutthewholething.Hehadearnedthescoldingshewasdenyinghim."Youboyswillcleanitup,won'tyou?"sheaskedthem."Ofcourse,LadyPolgara,"Khevaassuredherquickly.'"Wewerejustaboutto

dothat.""Splendid,yourHighness,"shesaid,thecornersofhermouthstilltwitching."Dotrytogatherupallthefeathers."Andsheturnedandwalkedoutoftheballroom,leavingthefaintechoofherlaughterhoveringintheairbehindher.Afterthat,theboyswerewatchedratherclosely.Therewasnothingreallyobviousaboutit;itwasjustthattherealwaysseemedtobesomeonearoundtocallahaltbeforethingsgotcompletelyoutofhand.Aboutaweeklater,whentherainshadpassedandtheslushhadmostlymeltedoffthestreets,ErrandandKhevaweresittingonthefloorofacarpetedroom,buildingafortressoutofwoodenblocks.AtatablenearthewindowSilk,splendidlydressedinrichblackvelvet,wascarefullyreadingadispatchhehadreceivedthatmorningfromhispartner,Yarblek,whohadremainedinGarogNadraktotendthebusiness.Aboutmidmorning,aservantcameintotheroomandspokebrieflywiththerat-facedlittleman.Silknodded,rose,andcameovertowheretheboyswereplaying."Whatwouldyougentlemensaytoabreathoffreshair?"heaskedthem."Ofcourse,"Errandreplied,gettingtohisfeet."Andyou,cousin?"SilkaskedKheva."Certainly,yourHighness."Khevasaid.Silklaughed."Mustwebesoformal,Kheva?""MothersaysIshouldalwaysusetheproperformsofaddress,"Khevatoldhimseriously."Iguessit'stohelpmekeepinpracticeorsomething,""Yourmotherisn'there,"Silktoldhimslyly,"soit'sallrighttocheatalittle."Khevalookedaroundnervously."Doyoureallythinkweshould?"hewhispered."I'msureofit,"Silkreplied."Cheatingisgoodforyou.Ithelpsyoutokeepyourperspective."

"Doyoucheatoften?""Me?"Silkwasstilllaughing."Allthetime,cousin.Allthetime.Let'sfetchcloaksandtakeaturnaboutthecity.Ihavetogobytheheadquartersoftheintelligenceservice;andsinceI'vebeenappointedyourkeeperfortheday,thetwoofyouhadbettercomealong."Theairoutsidewascoolanddamp,andthewindwasbriskenoughtowhiptheircloaksabouttheirlegsastheypassedalongthecobbledstreetsofBoktor.TheDrasniancapitalwasoneofthemajorcommercialcentersoftheworld,andthestreetsteemedwithmenofallraces.RichlymantledTolnedransspokeonstreetcornerswithsober-facedSendersinsensiblebrown.FlamboyantlygarbedandrichlyjeweledDarwinianshaggledwithleather-garbedNadraks,andtherewereevenafewblack-robedMurgosstridingalongtheblusterystreets,withtheirbroad-backedThullishporterstrailingbehindthem,carryingheavypacksfilledwithmerchandise.Theporters,ofcourse,werefollowedatadiscreetdistancebytheeverpresentspies."Dear,sneakyoldBoktor,"Silkdeclaimedextravagantly,"whereatleasteveryothermanyoumeetisaspy.""Arethosemenspies?"Khevaasked,lookingatthemwithasurprisedexpression."Ofcoursetheyare,yourHighness."Silklaughedagain."EverybodyinDrasniaisaspy-orwantstobe.It'sournationalindustry.Didn'tyouknowthat?""Well-Iknewthattherearequiteafewspiesinthepalace,butIdidn'tthinkthey'dbeoutinthestreets.""Whyshouldtherebespiesinthepalace?"Errandaskedhimcuriously.Khevashrugged."Everybodywantstoknowwhateverybodyelseisdoing.Themoreimportantyouare,themorespiesyouhavewatchingyou."

"Areanyofthemwatchingyou?""SixthatIknowof.Thereareprobablyafewmorebesides-andofcourse,allthespiesarebeingspiedonbyotherspies.""Whatapeculiarplace,"Errandmurmured.Khevalaughed."Once,whenIwasaboutthreeorso,Ifoundahidingplaceunderastairandfellasleep.Eventually,allthespiesinthepalacejoinedinthesearchforme.You'dbeamazedathowmanytherereallyare."Thistime,Silklaugheduproariously."That'sreallyverybadform,cousin,"hesaid."Membersoftheroyalfamilyaren'tsupposedtohidefromthespies.Itupsetsthemterribly.That'sthebuildingoverthere."Hepointedatalargestonewarehousestandingonaquietsidestreet."Ialwaysthoughtthattheheadquarterswasinthesamebuildingwiththeacademy,"Khevasaid."Thosearetheofficialoffices,cousin.Thisistheplacewheretheworkgetsdone."Theyenteredthewarehouseandwentthroughacavernousroompiledhighwithboxesandbalestoasmall,unobtrusivedoorwithabulky-lookingmaninaworkman'ssmockloungingagainstit.ThemangaveSilkaquicklook,bowed,andopenedthedoorforthem.Beyondthatsomewhatshabby-lookingdoorlayalarge,well-lightedroomwithadozenormoreparchment-litteredtablesstandingalongthewalls.Ateachtablesatfourorfivepeople,allporingoverthedocumentsbeforethem."Whataretheydoing?"Errandaskedcuriously."Sortinginformation,"Silkreplied."Thereprobablyisn'tmuchthathappensintheworldthatdoesn'treachthisroomeventually.Ifwereallywantedtoknow,wecouldprobablyaskaroundandfindoutwhattheKingofArendiahadforbreakfastthismorning.Wewanttogointothatroomoverthere."Hepointed

towardasolid-lookingdooronthefarsideoftheroom.Thechamberbeyondthedoorwasplain,evenbare.Itcontainedatableandfourchairs-nothingmore.Themanseatedatthetableinoneofthechairsworeblackhoseandapearl-graydoublet.Hewasasthinasanoldbone,andevenhere,intheverymidstofhisownpeople,therewasabouthimthesenseofatightlycoiledspring."Silk,"hesaidwithatersenod."Javelin,"Silkreplied."Youwantedtoseeme?"Themanatthetablelookedatthetwoboys.HeinclinedhisheadbrieflytoKheva."YourHighness,"hesaid."MargraveKhendon,"theprincerespondedwithapolitebow.TheseatedmanlookedatSilk,hisidle-appearingfingerstwitchingslightly."Margrave,"Khevasaidalmostapologetically,"mymother'sbeenteachingmethesecretlanguage.Iknowwhatyou'resaying."ThemanSilkcalledJavelinstoppedmovinghisfingerswitharuefulexpression."Caughtbymyowncleverness,Isee,"hesaid.HelookedspeculativelyatErrand."ThisisErrand,theboyPolgaraandDurnikareraising,"Silktoldhim."Ah,"Javelinsaid,"thebeareroftheOrb.""KhevaandIcanwaitoutsideifyouwanttospeakprivately."Errandoffered.Javelinthoughtaboutthat."Thatprobablywon'tbenecessary,"hedecided."Ithinkwecantrustyoubothtobediscreet.Sitdown,gentlemen."Hepointedattheotherthreechairs."I'msortofretired,Javelin,"Silktoldhim."I'vegotenoughotherthingstokeepmebusyjustnow."

"Iwasn'treallygoingtoaskyoutogetpersonallyinvolved,"Javelinreplied."AllIreallywantisforyoutofindroomforacoupleofnewemployeesinoneofyourenterprises."Silkgavehimacuriouslook."You'reshippinggoodsoutofGarogNadrakalongtheNorthernCaravanRoute,"Javelincontinued."Thereareseveralvillagesneartheborderwherethecitizensarehighlysuspiciousofstrangerswithnovalidreasonforpassingthrough.""Andyouwanttousemycaravanstogiveyourmenanexcuseforbeinginthosevillages,"Silkconcluded.Javelinshrugged."It'snotanuncommonpractice.""What'sgoingonineasternDrasniathatyou'resointerestedin?""Thesamethingthat'salwaysgoingonintheoutlyingdistricts.""TheBear-cult?"Silkaskedincredulously."You'regoingtowastetimeonthem?""They'vebeenbehavingpeculiarlylately.Iwanttofindoutwhy."Silklookedathimwithoneeyebrowraised."Justcallitidlecuriosityifyoulike."ThelookSilkgavehimthenwasveryhard."Oh,no.You'renotgoingtocatchmethateasily,myfriend.""Aren'tyoutheleastbitcurious?""No.Asamatteroffact,I'mnot.Noamountofclevertrickeryisgoingtoluremeintoneglectingmyownaffairstogooffonanotheroneofyourfishingexpeditions.I'mtoobusy,Javelin."Hiseyesnarrowedeversoslightly."Why

don'tyousendHunter?""Hunter'sbusysomeplaceelse,Silk,andstoptryingtofindoutwhoHunteris.""Itwasworthatry.ActuallyI'mnotinterestedatall,notintheleast."Hesatbackinhischairwithhisarmsadamantlycrossed.Hislongpointednose,however,wastwitching."Whatdoyoumeanby'behavingpeculiarly?"'heaskedafteramoment."Ithoughtyouweren'tinterested.""I'mnot,"Silkrepeatedhastily."Imostdefinitelyamnot."Hisnose,however,wastwitchingevenmoreviolently.Angrilyhegottohisfeet."Givemethenamesofthemenyouwantmetohire,"hesaidabruptly."I'llseewhatIcando.""Ofcourse,PrinceKheldar,"Javelinsaidblandly."Iappreciateyoursenseofloyaltytoyouroldservice."ErrandrememberedsomethingthatSilkhadsaidinthelargeouterroom."Silksaysthatinformationaboutalmosteverythingisbroughttothisbuilding,"hesaidtoJavelin."Thatmightbeanexaggeration,butwetry.""ThenperhapsyoumighthaveheardsomethingaboutZandramas."Javelinlookedathimblankly."It'ssomethingthatBelgarionandIheardabout,"Errandexplained."AndBelgarathiscuriousaboutit,too.Ithoughtyoumighthaveheardaboutit.""Ican'tsaythatIhave,"Javelinadmitted."Ofcoursewe'realongwayfromDarshiva.""What'sDarshiva?"Errandasked."It'soneoftheprincipalitiesoftheoldMelceneEmpireineasternMallorea.

ZandramasisaDarshivanname.Didn'tyouknowthat?""No.Wedidn't."Therewasalighttaponthedoor."Yes?"Javelinanswered.Thedooropened,andayoungladyofperhapsnineteenortwentycamein.Herhairwasthecolorofhoney,hereyeswereawarm,goldenbrown,andsheworeaplain-lookinggraydress.Herexpressionwasserious,buttherewasjustthehintofadimpleineachofhercheeks."Uncle,"shesaid,andhervoicehadakindofvibrancyaboutitthatmadeitalmostirresistiblycompelling.Javelin'shard,angularfacesoftenednoticeably."Yes,Liselle?"hesaid."IsthislittleLiselle?"Silkexclaimed."Notquitesolittleanymore,"Javelinsaid."ThelasttimeIsawhershewasstillinbraids.""Shecombedoutthebraidsafewyearsago,"Javelinsaiddrily,"andlookwhatwashidingunderthem.""Iamlooking,"Silksaidadmiringly."Thereportsyouwanted,uncle,"thegirlsaid,layingasheafofparchmentonthetable.ThensheturnedtoKhevaandcurtsiedtohimwithincrediblegrace."YourHighness,"shegreetedhim."MargravineLiselle,"thelittleprincerepliedwithapolitebow."AndPrinceKheldar,"thegirlsaidthen."Weweren'tatallsoformalwhenyouwereachild,"Silkprotested.

"Butthen,I'mnotachildanymore,yourHighness."SilklookedoveratJavelin."Whenshewasalittlegirl,sheusedtopullmynose.""Butit'ssuchalong,interestingnose,"Lisellesaid.Andthenshesmiled,andthedimplessuddenlysprangtolife."Liselleishelpingouthere,"Javelinsaid."She'llbeenteringtheacademyinafewmonths.""You'regoingtobeaspy?"Silkaskedherincredulously."It'sthefamilybusiness,PrinceKheldar.Myfatherandmotherwerebothspies.Myunclehereisaspy.Allofmyfriendsarespies.HowcouldIpossiblybeanythingelse?"Silklookedatrifleoff-balance."Itjustdoesn'tseemappropriate,forsomereason.""ThatprobablymeansthatI'llbequitesuccessful,doesn'tit?Youlooklikeaspy,PrinceKheldar.Idon't,soIwon'thavenearlyasmanyproblemsasyou'vehad."Thoughthegirl'sanswerswereclever,evenpert,Errandcouldseesomethinginherwarm,browneyesthatSilkprobablycouldnot.DespitethefactthattheMargravineLisellewasobviouslyagrownwoman,Silkjustasobviouslystillthoughtofherasalittlegirl-onewhohadpulledhisnose.Thelookshegavehim,however,wasnotthelookofalittlegirl,andErrandrealizedthatshehadbeenwaitingforanumberofyearsfortheopportunitytomeetSilkonadultterms.Errandcoveredhismouthwithhishandtohideasmile.ThewilyPrinceKheldarhadsomeveryinterestingtimesaheadofhim.Thedooropenedagain,andanondescriptmancamein,quicklycrossedtothetable,andwhisperedsomethingtoJavelin.Theman'sface,Errandnoticed,waspale,andhishandsweretrembling.

Javelin'sfacegrewset,andhesighed.Hegavenootheroutwardsignofemotion,however.Herosetohisfeetandcamearoundthetable."YourMajesty."hesaidformallytoPrinceKheva,"Ibelievethatyoushouldreturntothepalaceimmediately."SilkandLisellebothcaughtthechangedformofaddressandlookedsharplyattheChiefofDrasnianIntelligence."IbelievethatweshouldallaccompanytheKingbacktothepalace,"Javelinsaidsadly."Wemustofferourcondolencestohismotherandaidherinanywaywecaninherhourofgrief."TheKingofDrasnialookedathisintelligencechief,hiseyesverywideandhisliptrembling.Errandgentlytookthelittleboy'shandinhis."We'dbettergo,Kheva,"hesaid."Yourmotherwillneedyouverymuchrightnow."CHAPTEREIGHTTheKingsofAloriagatheredinBoktorforthefuneralofKingRhodarandthesubsequentcoronationofhisson,Kheva.Suchagathering,ofcourse,wastraditional.Thoughthenationsofthenorthhaddivergedsomewhatoverthecenturies,theAlornsnonethelesshadneverforgottentheiroriginsinthesinglekingdomofKingCherekBear-shouldersfivethousandyearsinthedimpast,andtheycametogetheratsuchtimesinsadnesstoburyabrother.BecauseKingRhodarhadbeenbelovedandrespectedbyothernationsaswell,AnhegofCherek,Cho-HagofAlgaria,andBelgarionofRivawerejoinedbyFulrachofSendaria,KorodullinofArendia,andevenbytheerraticDrostalekThunofGarogNadrak.Inaddition,GeneralVaranawaspresentastherepresentativeofEmperorRanBoruneXXIIIofTolnedra,andSadi,ChiefEunuchofthepalaceofQueenSalmissraofNyissa,wasalsoinattendance.TheburialofanAlornKingwasaseriousmatter,anditinvolvedcertainceremoniesatwhichonlytheotherAlornmonarchswerepresent.Nogathering

ofsomanykingsandhigh-rankingfunctionaries,however,couldeverbeentirelyceremonial.Inevitably,politicswereofmajorconcerninthequietdiscussionswhichtookplaceinthesomberlydrapedcorridorsofthepalace.Errand,soberlydressedandquiet,driftedfromonesmallgatheringtoanotherinthosedaysprecedingthefuneral.TheKingsallknewhim,buttheyseemedforsomereasontotakelittlenoteofhispresence,andsoheheardmanyconversationswhichhemightperhapsnothaveheardhadtheystoppedtoconsiderthefactthathewasnolongerthelittleboytheyhadknownduringthecampaigninMishrakacThull.TheAlornKings-Belgarioninhisusualbluedoubletandhose,andthebrutish-lookingAnheginhisrumpledbluerobeanddentedcrown,andquiet-voicedCho-Haginsilverandblack-stoodtogetherinasable-drapedembrasureinoneofthebroadhallwaysofthepalace."Porennisgoingtohavetoserveasregent,"Garionsaid."Khevaisonlysix,andsomebody'sgoingtohavetorunthingsuntilhe'soldenoughtotakechargehimself.""Awoman?"Anhegsaid,aghast."Anheg,arewegoingtohavethatargumentagain?"Cho-Hagaskedmildly."Idon'tseeanyalternative,Anheg,"Garionsaidinhismostpersuasivemanner."KingDrostaisalmostdroolingattheprospectofaboykingonthethroneofDrasnia.Histroopswillbebitingoffchunksoftheborderlandsbeforetherestofusgethomeunlessweputsomeoneinchargehere.""ButPorennissotiny,"Anhegobjectedirrationally,"andsopretty.Howcanshepossiblyrunakingdom?""Probablyverywell,"Cho-Hagreplied,shiftinghisweightcarefullyonhiscrippledlegs."Rhodarconfidedinhercompletely,andshewasbehindtheschemethateliminatedGrodeg,afterall."

"AbouttheonlyotherpersoninDrasniacompetentenoughtotakechargehereistheMargraveKhendon,"GariontoldtheKingofCherek."TheonetheycallJavelin.DoyouwanttheChiefofDrasnianIntelligencesittingbehindthethronegivingorders?"Anhegshuddered."That'saghastlythought.WhataboutPrinceKheldar?"Garionstaredathim."You'renotserious,Anheg,"hesaidincredulously."Silk?Asregent?""Youmightberight,"Anhegconcededafteramoment'sthought."Heisjustalittleunreliable,isn'the?""Alittle?"Garionlaughed."Areweagreed,then?"Cho-Hagasked."IthastobePorenn,right?"Anheggrumbled,butfinallyagreed.TheAlgarKingturnedtoGarion."You'llprobablyhavetoissueaproclamation.""Me?Idon'thaveanyauthorityinDrasnia.""You'retheOverlordoftheWest,"Cho-Hagremindedhim."JustannouncethatyourecognizePorenn'sregencyanddeclarethatanyonewhoarguesaboutitorviolatesherborderswillhavetoanswertoyou.""ThatshouldbackDrostaoff."Anhegchuckledgrossly."He'salmostmorefrightenedofyouthanheisof'Zakath.Heprobablyhasnightmaresaboutyourflamingswordslidingbetweenhisribs."Inanothercorridor,ErrandcameuponGeneralVaranaandSaditheEunuch.Sadiworethemottled,iridescentsilkrobeoftheNyissans,andthegeneralwasdrapedinasilverTolnedranmantlewithbroadbandsofgold-coloredtrimacrosshisshoulders.

"So,it'sofficial,then?"Sadisaidinhisoddlycontraltovoice,eyeingthegeneral'smantle."What'sthat?"Varanaaskedhim.Thegeneralwasablocky-lookingmanwithiron-grayhairandaslightlyamusedexpression."WehadheardrumorsinSthissTorthatRanBorunehadadoptedyouashisson.""Expediency."Varanashrugged."ThemajorfamiliesoftheEmpireweredismantlingTolnedraintheirscrambleforthethrone.RanBorunehadtotakestepstoquietthingsdown.""Youwilltakethethronewhenhedies,though,won'tyou?""We'llsee,"Varanarepliedevasively."Let'spraythathisMajestywillliveformanyyearsyet.""Ofcourse,"Sadimurmured."Thesilvermantleofthecrownprincedoesbecomeyou,however,mydearGeneral."Herubbedonelong-fingeredhandoverhisshavedscalp."Thankyou,"Varanasaidwithaslightbow."AndhowareaffairsinSalmissra'spalace?"Sadilaughedsardonically."Thesameastheyalwaysare.Weconniveandplotandschemeagainsteachother,andeveryscrapoffoodpreparedinourkitchensistaintedwithpoison.""I'dheardthatwasthecustom,"Varanaremarked."Howdoesonesurviveinsuchalethalatmosphere?""Nervously,"Sadireplied,makingasourface."Weareallonastrictregimen.Weroutinelydoseourselveswitheveryknownantidotetoeveryknownpoison.Someofthepoisonsareactuallyquiteflavorful.Theantidotesalltastefoul,however."

"Thepriceofpower,Isuppose.""Truly.WhatwasthereactionoftheGrandDukesofTolnedrawhentheEmperordesignatedyouhisheir?"Varanalaughed."YoucouldhearthescreamsechoingfromthewoodoftheDryadstotheArendishborder.""Whenthetimecomes,youmayhavetosteponafewnecks.""It'spossible.""Ofcoursethelegionsareallloyaltoyou.""Thelegionsareagreatcomforttome.""IthinkIlikeyou,GeneralVarana,"theshaved-headedNyissansaid."I'mcertainthatyouandIwillbeabletocometosomemutuallyprofitableaccommodations.""Ialwaysliketobeongoodtermswithmyneighbors,Sadi,"Varanaagreedwithaplomb.Inanothercorridor,Errandfoundastrangelyassortedgroup.KingFulrachofSendaria,dressedinsober,businesslikebrown,wasspeakingquietlywiththepurple-garbedKingKorodullinofArendiaandwiththescabrous-lookingDrostalekThun,whoworearichlyjeweleddoubletofanunwholesome-lookingyellow."Haveeitherofyouheardanythingaboutanydecisionsconcerningaregency?"theemaciatedNadrakkingaskedinhisshrillvoice.Drosta'seyesbulged,seemingalmosttostartoutofhispock-markedface,andhefidgetedcontinuously."IwouldimaginethatQueenPorennwillguidetheyoungking,"Fulrachsurmised.

"Theysurelywouldn'tputawomanincharge,"Drostascoffed."IknowAlorns,andtheyalllookatwomenassubhuman.""Porennisnotexactlylikeotherwomen,"theKingofSendarianoted."She'sextraordinarilygifted.""HowcouldawomanpossiblydefendthebordersofsolargeakingdomasDrasnia?""Thyperceptionisawry,yourMajesty,"KorodullintoldtheNadrakwithuncharacteristicbluntness."Inevitably,theotherAlornKingswillsupporther,andmostparticularlyBelgarionofRivawilldefendher.MethinksnomonarchalivewouldbesofoolhardyastocounterthewishesoftheOverlordoftheWest.""Riva'salongwayaway,"Drostasuggested,hiseyesnarrowing."Notsofar,Drosta,"Fulrachtoldhim."Belgarionhasaverylongarm.""Whatnewshastthouheardfromthesouth,yourMajesty?"KorodullinaskedtheKingoftheNadraks.Drostamadeanindelicatesound."KalZakathiswadinginMurgoblood,"hesaiddisgustedly."He'spushedUrgitintothewesternmountainsandhe'sbutcheringeveryMurgohecanlayhishandson.Ikeephopingthatsomeonewillstickanarrowintohim,butyoucan'tdependonaMurgotodoanythingright.""HaveyouconsideredanalliancewithKingGethell?"Fulrachasked."WiththeThulls?You'renotserious,Fulrach.Iwouldn'tsaddlemyselfwiththeThulls,evenifitmeantthatIhadtofacetheMalloreansalone.Gethell'ssoafraidof'Zakaththathewetshimselfatthementionofhisname.AftertheBattleofThullMardu,'ZakathtoldmyThullishcousinthattheverynexttimeGethelldispleasedhim,hewasgoingtohaveGethellcrucified.IfKalZakathdecidestocomenorth,Gethellwillprobablyhidehimselfunderthenearestmanurepile."

"'Zakathisnotoverfondoftheeeither,Iamtold,"Korodullinsaid.Drostalaughedashrill,somehowhysterical-soundinglaugh."Hewantstogrillmeoveraslowfire,"hereplied."Andpossiblyusemyskintomakeapairofshoes.""I'mamazedthatyouAngaraksdidn'tdestroyeachothereonsago."Fulrachsmiled."Toraktoldusnotto."Drostashrugged."AndhetoldhisGrolimstogutanybodywhodisobeyed.WemaynotalwayshavelikedTorak,butwealwaysdidwhathetoldustodo.Onlyanidiotdidotherwise-adeadidiot,usually."Onthefollowingday,BelgaraththeSorcererarrivedfromtheEast,andKingRhodarofDrasniawaslaidtorest.ThesmallblondeQueenPorenn,dressedindeepestblack,stoodbesideyoungKingKhevaduringtheceremony.PrinceKheldarstooddirectlybehindtheyoungkingandhismother,andtherewasastrange,almosthauntedlookinhiseyes.AsErrandlookedathim,hecouldseeveryplainlythatthelittlespyhadlovedhisuncle'stinywifeforyears,butalsothatPorenn,thoughshewasfondofhim,didnotreturnthatlove.Statefunerals,likeallstatefunctions,arelong.BothQueenPorennandheryoungsonwereverypaleduringtheinterminableproceedings,butatnotimedideitherofthemshowanyoutwardsignsofgrief.Immediatelyfollowingthefuneral,Kheva'scoronationtookplace,andthenewlycrownedDrasniankingannouncedinapipingbutfirmvoicethathismotherwouldguidehimthroughthedifficultyearsahead.Attheconclusionoftheceremony,Belgarion,KingofRivaandOverlordoftheWest,aroseandbrieflyaddressedtheassemblednotables.HewelcomedKhevatotheratherexclusivefraternityofreigningmonarchs,complimentedhimonthewisdomofthechoiceoftheQueenMotherasregentandthenadvisedoneandallthathefullysupportedQueenPorennandthatanyoneofferinghertheslightestimpertinencewouldmostsurelyregretit.SincehewasleaningonthemassiveswordofRivaIrongripashemadethatdeclaration,everyoneintheDrasnianthroneroomtookhimveryseriously.

Afewdayslater,thevisitorsalldeparted.SpringhadcometotheplainsofAlgariaasPolgara,Durnik,Errand,andBelgarathrodesouthwardinthecompanyofKingCho-HagandQueenSilar."Asadjourney."Cho-HagsaidtoBelgarathastheyrode."I'mgoingtomissRhodar.""Ithinkweallwill,"Belgarathreplied.HelookedaheadwhereavastherdofcattleunderthewatchfuleyesofabandofAlgarclansmenwasploddingslowlywesttowardthemountainsofSendariaandthegreatcattlefairatMuros."I'malittlesurprisedthatHettaragreedtogobacktoRivawithGarionatthistimeofyear.He'susuallyattheheadofthecattleherds.""Adarapersuadedhim,"QueenSilartoldtheoldman."SheandCe'Nedrawantedtospendsometimetogether,andthere'salmostnothingthatHettarwon'tdoforhiswife."Polgarasmiled."PoorHettar,"shesaid."WithbothAdaraandCe'Nedraworkingonhim,hedidn'tstandachance.That'sapairofverydeterminedyoungladies.""Thechangeofscenerywilldohimgood,"Cho-Hagnoted."Healwaysgetsrestlessinthesummertimeand,nowthatalltheMurgoshaveretreatedtothesouth,hecan'tevenamusehimselfbyhuntingdowntheirraidingparties."WhentheyreachedsouthernAlgaria,Cho-HagandSilarbadethemfarewellandturnedeastwardtowardtheStronghold.TherestoftheridesouthtotheValewasuneventful.Belgarathstayedatthecottageforafewdaysandthenpreparedtoreturntohistower.Almostasanafterthought,heinvitedErrandtoaccompanyhim."Weareabitbehindhere,father,"Polgaratoldhim."Ineedtogetmygardenin,andDurnikhasagreatdealofworkaheadofhimafterthispastwinter."

"Thenit'sprobablybestiftheboyisoutfromunderfoot,isn'tit?"Shegavehimalongsteadylookandthenfinallygaveup."Oh,verywell,father."shesaid."Iknewyou'dseeitmyway,Pol,"hesaid."Justdon'tkeephimallsummer.""Ofcoursenot.IwanttotalkwiththetwinsforawhileandseeifBeldinhascomeback.I'llbeoffagaininamonthorso.I'llbringhimhomethen."AndsoErrandandBelgarathwentondownintotheheartoftheValeagainandoncemoretookupresidenceintheoldman'stower.BeldinhadnotyetreturnedfromMallorea,butBelgarathhadmuchtodiscusswithBeltiraandBelkira,andsoErrandandhischestnutstallionwereleftlargelytofindtheirownamusements.ItwasonabrightsummermorningthattheyturnedtowardthewesternedgeoftheValetoexplorethefoothillsthatmarkedtheboundaryofUlgoland.Theyhadriddenforseveralmilesthroughthoserolling,tree-cladhillsandstoppedinabroad,shallowravinewhereatumblingbrookbabbledovermossygreenstones.Themorningsunwasverywarm,andtheshadeofthetall,fragrantpineswaspleasant.Astheysat,ashe-wolfpaddedquietlyfromoutofthebushesattheedgeofthebrook,stopped,andsatonherhaunchestolookatthem.Therewasabouttheshe-wolfapeculiarbluenimbus,asoftglowthatseemedtoemanatefromherthickfur.Thenormalreactionofahorsetothepresenceoreventhescentofawolfwouldhavebeenblindpanic,butthestallionreturnedthebluewolf'sgazecalmly,withnotevensomuchasahintofatremor.Theboyknewwhothewolfwas,buthewassurprisedtomeetherhere."Goodmorning,"hesaidpolitelytoher.

"It'sapleasantday,isn'tit?"ThewolfseemedtoshimmerinthesamewaythatBeldinshimmeredasheassumedtheshapeofthehawk.Whentheairaroundhercleared,therestoodintheanimal'splaceatawny-hairedwomanwithgoldeneyesandafaintlyamusedsmileonherlips.Thoughhergownwasaplainbrownsuchasonemightseeonanypeasantwoman,sheworeitinaregalmannerwhichanyqueeninjeweledbrocademightenvy."Doyoualwaysgreetwolveswithsuchcourtesy?"sheaskedhim."Ihaven'tmetmanywolves,"hereplied,"butIwasfairlycertainwhoyouwere.""Yes,Isupposeyouwouldhavebeen,atthat."Errandslidownoffthehorse'sback."Doesheknowwhereyouarethismorning?""Belgarath?Probablynot.He'stalkingwithBeltiraandBelkira,sothehorseandIjustcameouttolookatsomeplacenew.""Itwouldbebestperhapsifyoudidn'tgotoomuchfartherintotheUlgomountains,"sheadvised."Therearecreaturesinthesehillsthatarequitesavage."Henodded."I'llkeepthatinmind.""Willyoudosomethingforme?"sheaskedquitedirectly."IfIcan.""Speaktomydaughter.""Ofcourse.""TellPolgarathatthereisagreatevilintheworldandagreatdanger."

"Zandramas?"Errandasked."Zandramasisapartofit,buttheSardionisatthecenteroftheevil.Itmustbedestroyed.TellmyhusbandandmydaughtertowarnBelgarion.Histaskisnotyetfinished.""I'lltellthem,"Errandpromised,"butcouldn'tyoujustaseasilytellPolgarayourself?"Thetawny-hairedwomanlookedoffdowntheshadyravine."No,"sherepliedsadly."ItcauseshertoomuchpainwhenIappeartoher.""Whyisthat?""Itremindsherofallthelostyearsandbringsbackalltheanguishofayounggirlwhohadtogrowupwithouthermothertoguideher.Allofthatcomesbacktohereachtimesheseesme.""You'venevertoldherthen?Ofthesacrificeyouwereaskedtomake?"Shelookedathimpenetratingly."HowisitthatyouknowwhatevenmyhusbandandPolgaradonot?""I'mnotsure,"hereplied."Ido,though-justasIknowthatyoudidnotdie.""AndwillyoutellPolgarathat?""Notifyou'dratherIdidn't."Shesighed."Someday,perhaps,butnotyet.Ithinkit'sbestifsheandherfatheraren'tawareofit.Mytaskstillliesaheadofmeandit'sathingIcanfacebestwithoutanydistractions.""Whateveryouwish,"Errandsaidpolitely."We'llmeetagain,"shetoldhim."WarnthemabouttheSardion.TellthemnottobecomesocaughtupinthesearchforZandramasthattheylosesightofthat.

ItisfromtheSardionthattheevilstems.AndbeatriflewaryofCyradiswhennextyoumeether.Shemeansyounoill,butshehasherowntaskaswellandshewilldowhatshemusttocompleteit.""Iwill,Poledra,"hepromised."Oh,"shesaid,almostasanafterthought,"there'ssomeonewaitingforyoujustupaheadthere."Shegesturedtowardthelongtongueofarock-strewnridgethrustingoutintothegrassyVale."Hecan'tseeyouyet,buthe'swaiting."Thenshesmiled,shimmeredbackintotheformoftheblue-tingedwolf,andlopedawaywithoutabackwardglance.Curiously,Errandremountedandrodeupoutoftheravineandcontinuedonsouthward,skirtingthehigherhillsthatrosetowardtheglisteningwhitepeaksofthelandoftheUlgosasherodetowardtheridge.Then,ashiseyessearchedtherockyslope,hecaughtamomentaryflickerofsunlightreflectedfromsomethingshinyinthemiddleofabrushyoutcrophalfwayuptheslope.Withouthesitation,herodeinthatdirection.Themanwhosatamongthethickbushesworeapeculiarshirtofmail,constructedofoverlappingmetalscales.Hewasshortbuthadpowerfulshoulders,andhiseyeswereveiledwithagauzystripofcloththatwasnotsomuchablindfoldasitwasashieldagainstthebrightsunlight."Isthatyou,Errand?"theveiledmanaskedinaharsh-soundingvoice."Yes,"Errandreplied."Ihaven'tseenyouinalongtime,Relg.""Ineedtotalkwithyou,"theharsh-voicedzealotsaid."Canwegetbackoutofthelight?""Ofcourse."ErrandsliddownoffhishorseandfollowedtheUlgothroughtherustlingbushestoacavemouthrunningbackintothehillside.Relgstoopedslightlyundertheoverhangingrockandwent.inside."IthoughtIrecognizedyou,"hesaidasErrandjoinedhiminthecooldimnesswithinthecave,"butIcouldn'tbesureoutthereinallthatlight."Heuntiedtheclothfromacrosshiseyesandpeeredattheboy."You'vegrown."

Errandsmiled."It'sbeenafewyears.HowisTaiba?""Shehasgivenmeason,"Relgsaid,almostinakindofwonder."Averyspecialson.""I'mgladtohearthat.""WhenIwasyoungerandfilledwiththenotionofmyownsanctity,ULspoketomeinmysoul.HetoldmethatthechildwhowillbethenewGorimwouldcometoUlgothroughme.InmyprideIthoughtthathemeantthatIwastoseekoutthechildandrevealhim.HowcouldIknowthatwhathemeantwasamuchsimplerthing?Itismysonthathespokeof.Themarkisonmyson-myson!"Therewasanawedprideinthezealot'svoice."UL'swaysarenotthewaysofmen.""Howtrulyyouspeak.""Andareyouhappy?""Mylifeisfilled,"Relgsaidsimply."ButnowIhaveanothertask.OuragedGorimhassentmetoseekoutBelgarath.ItisurgentthathecomewithmetoProlgu.""He'snotveryfaraway,"Errandsaid.HelookedatRelgandsawhow,eveninthisdimcave,thezealotkepthiseyessquintedalmostshuttoprotectthemfromthelight."Ihaveahorse,"hesaid."Icangoandbringhimbackhereinafewhours,ifyouwant.Thatwayyouwon'thavetogooutintothesunlight."Relggavehimaquick,gratefullookandthennodded."Tellhimthathemustcome.TheGorimmustspeakwithhim.""Iwill,"Errandpromised.Thenheturnedandleftthecave."Whatdoeshewant?"BelgarathdemandedirritablywhenErrandtoldhimthatRelgwantedtoseehim.

"HewantsyoutogowithhimtoProlgu,"Errandreplied."TheGorimwantstoseeyou-theoldone.""Theoldone?Isthereanewone?"Errandnodded."Relg'sson,"hesaid.BelgarathstaredatErrandforamomentandthenhesuddenlybegantolaugh."What'ssofunny?""ItappearsthatULhasasenseofhumor,"theoldmanchortled."Iwouldn'thavesuspectedthatofhim.""Idon'tquitefollow.""It'saverylongstory"'Belgarathsaid,stilllaughing."Iguessthat,iftheGorimwantstoseeme,we'dbettergo.""Youwantmetogoalong?""PolgarawouldskinmealiveifIleftyouherealone.Let'sgetstarted."ErrandledtheoldmanbackacrosstheValetotheridgelineinthefoothillsandthecavewhereRelgwaited.IttookafewminutestoexplaintotheyounghorsethathewassupposedtogobacktoBelgarath'stoweralone.Errandspokewithhimatsomelength,anditfinallyappearedthattheanimalhadgraspedtheedges,atleast,oftheidea.ThetripthroughthedarkgalleriestoProlgutookseveraldays.Formostoftheway,Errandfeltthattheyweregropingalongblindly;butforRelg,whoseeyeswerevirtuallyuselessinopendaylight,theselightlesspassagewayswerehome,andhissenseofdirectionwasunerring.Andsoitwasthattheycameatlasttothefaintlylightedcavernwithitsshallowglass-clearlakeandtheislandrisinginthecenterwheretheagedGorimawaitedthem.

"Yadho,Belgarath,"thesaintlyoldmaninhiswhiterobecalledwhentheyreachedtheshoreofthesubterraneanlake,"GrojaUL.""Gorim,"Belgarathrepliedwitharespectfulbow,"Yadho,GrojaUL."ThentheycrossedthemarblecausewaytojointheGorim.Belgarathandtheoldmanclaspedeachother'sarmswarmly."It'sbeenafewyears,hasn'tit?"thesorcerersaid."Howareyoubearingup?""Ifeelalmostyoung."TheGorimsmiled."NowthatRelghasfoundmysuccessor.Icanatlastseetheendofmytask.""Found?"Belgarathaskedquizzically."Itamountstothesamething."TheGorimlookedfondlyatRelg."Wehadourdisagreements,didn'twe,myson?"hesaid,"Butasitturnedout,wewereallworkingtowardthesameend.""Ittookmealittlelongertorealizeit,HolyGorim,"Relgrepliedwryly."I'mabitmorestubbornthanmostmen.SometimesI'mamazedthatULdidn'tlosepatiencewithme.Pleaseexcuseme,butImustgotomywifeandson.I'vebeenmanydaysawayfromthem."Heturnedandwentquicklybackacrossthecauseway.Belgarathgrinned."Aremarkablychangedman.""Hiswifeisamarvel,"theGorimagreed."Areyousurethattheirchildisthechosenone?"TheGorimnodded."ULhasconfirmedit.Therewerethosewhoobjected,sinceTaibaisaMaragratherthanadaughterofUlgo,butUL'svoicesilencedthem.""I'msureitdid.UL'svoiceisverypenetrating,I'venoticed.Youwantedtoseeme?"TheGorim'sexpressionbecamegrave.Hegesturedtowardhispyramid-shaped

house."Let'sgoinside.There'samatterofurgencyweneedtodiscuss."Errandfollowedalongbehindthetwooldmenastheyenteredthehouse.Theroominsidewasdimlylightedbyaglowingcrystalglobehangingonachainfromtheceiling,andtherewasatablewithlowstonebenches.Theysatatthetable,andtheoldGorimlookedsolemnlyatBelgarath."Wearenotlikethepeoplewholiveaboveinthelightofthesun,myfriend,"hesaid."Forthem,thereisthesoundofthewindinthetrees,ofrushingstreams,andofbirdsfillingtheairwithsong.Hereinourcaves,however,wehearonlythesoundsoftheearthherself."Belgarathnodded."TheearthandtherocksspeaktothepeopleofUlgoinpeculiarways,"theGorimcontinued."Asoundcancometousfromhalfaroundtheworld.Suchasoundhasbeenmutteringintherocksforsomeyearsnow,growinglouderandmoredistinctwitheachpassingmonth.""Afaultperhaps?"Belgarathsuggested."Someplacewherethestonebedofacontinentisshifting?""Idon'tbelieveso,myfriend,"theGorimdisagreed."Thesoundwehearisnottheshiftingoftherestlessearth.Itisasoundcausedbytheawakeningofasinglestone.""I'mnotsureIfollowyou,"Belgarathsaid,frowning."Thestonewehearisalive,Belgarath."Theoldsorcererlookedathisfriend."There'sonlyonelivingstone,Gorim.""Ihadalwaysbelievedsomyself.IhaveheardthesoundofAldur'sOrbasitmovesabouttheworld,andthisnewsoundisalsothesoundofalivingstone.Itawakens,Belgarath,anditfeelsitspower.Itisevil,myfriend-soevilthatearthherselfgroansunderitsweight.""Howlonghasthissoundbeencomingtoyou?"

"ItbegannotlongafterthedeathofaccursedTorak."Belgarathpursedhislips."We'veknownthatsomethinghasbeenmovingaroundoverinMallorea,"hesaid."Wedidn'tknowitwasquitethisserious,however.Canyoutellmeanythingmoreaboutthisstone?""Onlyitsname,"theGorimreplied."Wehearitwhisperedthroughthecavesandgalleriesandthefissuresofearth.Itiscalled'Sardius."Belgarath'sheadcameup."CthragSardius?TheSardion?""Youhaveheardofit?""BeldinranacrossitinMallorea.ItwasconnectedwithsomethingcalledZandramas."TheGorimgasped,andhisfacewentdeathlypale."Belgarath!"heexclaimedinashockedvoice."What'sthematter?""That'sthemostdreadfulcurseinourlanguage."Belgarathstaredathim."IthoughtIknewmostofthewordsintheUlgotongue.HowisitthatI'veneverheardthatonebefore?""Noonewouldhaverepeatedittoyou.""Ididn'tthinkUlgosevenknewhowtocurse.Whatdoesitmean-ingeneralterms?""Itmeansconfusion-chaos-absolutenegation.It'sahorribleword."Belgarathfrowned."WhywouldanUlgocursewordshowupinDarshivaasthenameofsomeoneorsomething?AndwhyinconnectionwiththeSardion?""Isitpossiblethattheyareusingthetwowordstomeanthesamething?"

"Ihadn'tthoughtofthat,"Belgarathadmitted."Isupposetheycouldbe.Thesenseseemstobesimilar."PolgarahadrathercarefullyinstructedErrandthathemustnotinterruptwhenhiseldersweretalking,butthisseemedsoimportantthathefeltthattheruleneededtobebroken."Theyaren'tthesame,"hetoldthetwooldmen.Belgarathgavehimastrangelook."TheSardionisastone,isn'tit?""Yes,"theGorimreplied."Zandramasisn'tastone.It'saperson.""Howcouldyouknowthat,myboy?""We'vemet,"Errandtoldhimquietly."Notexactlyfacetoface,but-well-"Itwasadifficultthingtoexplain."Itwaskindoflikeashadow-exceptthatthepersonwhowascastingtheshadowwassomeplaceelse.""Aprojection,"BelgarathexplainedtotheGorim."It'safairlysimpletrickthattheGrolimsarefondof."Heturnedbacktotheboy."Didthisshadowsayanythingtoyou?"Errandnodded."Itsaidthatitwasgoingtokillme."Belgarathdrewinhisbreathsharply."DidyoutellPolgara?"hedemanded."No.ShouldI?""Didn'tyouthinkitwasfairlysignificant?""Ithoughtitwasjustathreat-meanttofrightenme."

"Didit?""Frightenme?No,notreally.""Aren'tyoubeingjustalittleblase,Errand?"Belgarathasked."Dopeoplegoaroundthreateningtokillyousooftenthatitboresyouorsomething?""No.Thatwastheonlytime.Itwasonlyashadow,though,andashadowcan'treallyhurtyou,canit?""Haveyourunacrossmanymoreoftheseshadows?""JustCyradis.""AndwhoisCyradis?""I'mnotreallysure.ShetalksthewayMandorallendoes-thee'sandthou'sandallthat-andshewearsablindfoldoverhereyes.""Aseeress."Belgarathgrunted."Andwhatdidshetellyou?""Shesaidthatweweregoingtomeetagainandthatshesortoflikedme.""I'msurethatwascomforting,"Belgarathsaiddrily."Don'tkeepsecretslikethis,Errand.Whensomethingunusualhappens,tellsomebody.""I'msorry,"Errandapologized."Ijustthoughtthat-well-youandPolgaraandDurnikhadotherthingsonyourminds,that'sall.""Wedon'treallymindbeinginterruptedallthatmuch,boy.Sharetheselittleadventureswithus.""Ifyouwantmeto."BelgarathturnedbacktotheGorim."Ithinkwe'restartingtogetsomewhere,"hesaid,"thankstoourreticentyoungfriendhere.WeknowthatZandramas,ifyou'llpardontheword,isaperson-apersonthat'ssomehowconnectedtothis

livingstonethattheAngarakscallCthragSardius.We'vehadwarningsaboutZandramasbefore,soIthinkwe'llhavetoassumethattheSardionisalsoadirectthreat.""Whatmustwedonow,then?"theGorimaskedhim."Ithinkwe'reallgoingtohavetoconcentrateonfindingoutjustexactlywhat'sgoingonoverthereinMallorea-evenifwehavetotaketheplaceapartstonebystone.Upuntilnow,Iwasonlycurious.NowitlooksasifI'dbetterstarttakingthiswholethingseriously.IftheSardionisalivingstone,thenit'sliketheOrb,andIdon'twantsomethingwiththatkindofpowerinthehandsofthewrongperson-andfromeverythingI'vebeenabletogather,thisZandramasismostdefinitelythewrongperson."HeturnedthentolookatErrand,hisexpressionpuzzled."What'syourconnectionwithallofthis,boy?"heasked."Whyisitthateveryoneandeverythinginvolvedinthiswholethingstopsbytopayyouavisit?""Idon'tknow,Belgarath,"Errandrepliedtruthfully."Maybethat'stheplaceweshouldstart.I'vebeenpromisingmyselfthatIwasgoingtohavealongtalkwithyouoneofthesedays.Maybeit'stimewedidjustthat.""Ifyouwish,"Errandsaid."Idon'tknowhowmuchhelpI'llbe,though.""That'swhatweregoingtofindout,Errand.That'swhatwe'regoingtofindout."

PARTTWO-RIVA

CHAPTERNINEBelgarionofRivahadnotactuallybeenpreparedtooccupyathrone.HehadgrownuponafarminSendaria,andhischildhoodhadbeenthatofanordinaryfarmboy.WhenhehadfirstcometothebasaltthroneintheHalloftheRivanKing,hehadknownmuchmoreaboutfarmkitchensandstablesthanhehadaboutthroneroomsandcouncilchambers.Statecrafthadbeenamysterytohim,andhehadknownnomoreofdiplomacythanhehadofalgebra.Fortunately,theIsleoftheWindswasnotadifficultkingdomtorule.TheRivan

peoplewereorderly,sober,andhadastrongregardfordutyandcivicresponsibility.Thishadmadethingsmucheasierfortheirtall,sandy-hairedmonarchduringthetryingearlyyearsofhisreignwhilehewaslearningthedifficultartofrulingwell.Hemademistakes,naturally,buttheconsequencesofthoseearlyslipsandmiscalculationswereneverdire,andhissubjectswerepleasedtonotethatthisearnest,sincereyoungmanwhohadcomesostartlinglytothethronenevermadethesamemistaketwice.Oncehehadsettledinandhadbecomeaccustomedtohisjob,itwasprobablysafetosaythatBelgarion-orGarion,ashepreferredtobecalled-almostneverencounteredmajorproblemsinhiscapacityasKingofRiva.Hehadothertitles,however.Somewerepurelyhonorary,othersnotsomuchso."Godslayer,"forexample,involvedcertaindutieswhichwerenotlikelytocomeupveryoften."LordoftheWesternSea"causedhimalmostnoconcernwhatsoever,sincehehadconcludedquiteearlythatthewavesandtidesneedlittlesupervisionandthatfish,forthemostpart,wereentirelycapableofmanagingtheirowngovernment.MostofGarion'sheadachesstemmeddirectlyfromthegrand-soundingtitle,"OverlordoftheWest."Hehadassumedatfirst-sincethewarwiththeAngarakswasover-thatthistitle,liketheothers,wasmerelysomethinginthenatureofaformality,somethingimpressive,butlargelyempty,whichhadbeentackedontoalltherest,sortoftoroundthemout.Itearnedhim,afterall,notaxrevenue;ithadnospecialcrownorthrone;andtherewasnoadministrativestafftodealwithday-to-dayproblems.Buttohischagrin,hesoondiscoveredthatoneofthepeculiaritiesofhumannaturewasthetendencytowanttotakeproblemstothepersonincharge.HadtherenotbeenanOverlordoftheWest,hewasquitesurethathisfellowmonarchswouldhavefoundwaystodealwithallthoseperplexingdifficultiesbythemselves.Butaslongasheoccupiedthatexaltedposition,theyallseemedtotakeanalmostchildlikedelightinbringinghimthemostdifficult,themostagonizing,andthemostutterlyinsolubleproblemsandthenhappilysittingbackwithtrustingsmilesontheirfaceswhilehestruggledandflounderedwiththem.Asacaseinpoint,therewasthesituationwhicharoseinArendiaduringthesummerofGarion'stwenty-thirdyear.Theyearhadgonefairlywellupuntilthatpoint.ThemisunderstandingwhichhadmarredhisrelationshipwithCe'Nedrahadbeensmoothedover,andGarionandhiscomplicatedlittlewifewereliving

togetherinwhatmightbestbedescribedasdomesticfelicity.ThecampaignofEmperorKalZakathofMallorea,whosepresenceonthiscontinenthadbeenagreatcauseforconcern,hadboggeddowninthemountainsofwesternCtholMurgosandshowedsomepromiseofgrindingonfordecadesfarfromthebordersofanyoftheKingdomsoftheWest.GeneralVarana,theDukeofAnadile,functioningasregentfortheailingEmperorRanBoruneXXIII,hadclampeddownquitefirmlyontheexcessesofthegreatfamiliesofTolnedraintheirunseemlyscramblefortheImperialThrone.Allinall,Garionhadbeenlookingforwardtoaperiodofpeaceandtranquillityuntilthatwarm,earlysummerdaywhentheletterarrivedfromKingKorodullinofArendia.GarionandCe'Nedrahadbeenspendingaquietafternoontogetherinthecomfortableroyalapartment,talkingidlyoflittle,unimportantthings-moreforthepleasureofeachother'scompanythanoutofanyrealconcernforthesubjectsathand.Garionloungedinalarge,bluevelvetarmchairbythewindow,andCe'Nedrasatbeforeagilt-edgedmirror,brushingherlong,copper-coloredhair.GarionwasveryfondofCe'Nedra'shair.Itscolorwasexciting.Itsmelledgood,andtherewasonedelightfullyvagrantcurlthatalwaysseemedtowanttotumbleappealinglydownthesideofhersmooth,whiteneck.WhentheservantbroughttheletterfromtheKingofArendia,tastefullycarriedonasilvertray,Gariontookhiseyesoffhislovelywifealmostregretfully.Hebroketheornatelystampedwaxsealandopenedthecracklingparchment."Whoisitfrom,Garion?"Ce'Nedraasked,stillpullingthebrushthroughherhairandregardingherreflectioninthemirrorwithakindofdreamycontentment."Korodullin,"herepliedandthenbegantoread."TohisMajesty,KingBelgarionofRiva,OverlordoftheWest,greetings:"theletterbegan."Itisourferventhopethatthisfindstheeandthyqueeningoodhealthandtranquilspirits.GladlywouldIpermitmypentheleisuretodwellfulsomelyupontheregardandaffectionmyqueenandIbeartheeandherMajesty,butacrisishatharisenhereinArendia;andbecauseitdothderivedirectlyfromthe

actionsofcertainfriendsofthine,Ihaveresolvedtoseekthyaidinmeetingit."Toourgreatsorrow,ourdearfriendtheBaronofVoEborsuccumbedatlasttothosegrievouswoundswhichhereceiveduponthebattlefieldatThullMardu.HispassingthisspringhathgrievedusmorethanIcantellthee.Hewasagoodandfaithfulknight.Hisheir,sinceheandthebaronessNerinawerechildless,isadistantnephew,oneSirEmbrig,asomewhatrashknightmoreinterested,Ifear,inthetitleandlandsofhisinheritancethaninthefactthathedothintrudehimselfuponthetragicbaroness.Withairsmostunbecomingtooneofgentlebirth,hejourneyedstraightwaytoVoEbortotakepossessionofhisnewestatesandwithhimhebroughtdiverseotherknightsofhisacquaintance,hiscroniesanddrinkingcompanions.WhentheyreachedVoEbor,SirEmbrigandhiscohortsgavethemselvesovertounseemlycarouse,andwhentheywerealldeepintheircups,oneoftheserudeknightsexpressedadmirationforthepersonofthebutrecentlywidowedNerina.Withoutpausingtothinkortoconsiderthelady'sbereavement,SirEmbrigpromptlypromisedherhandtohisdrunkencompanion.NowinArendia,byreasonofcertainofourlaws,SirEmbrighathindeedthisright,thoughnotrueknightwouldsouncivillyinsistonimposinghiswilluponakinswomaninhertimeofgrief."ThenewsofthisoutragewascarriedatoncetoSirMandorallen,themightyBaronofVoMandor,andthatgreatknightwentimmediatelytohorse.WhattranspireduponhisarrivalatVoEborthoucanstwellimagine,givenSirMandorallen'sprowessandthedepthofhisregardfortheBaronessNerina.SirEmbrigandhiscohortsrashlyattemptedtostandinhispath,andtherewere,asIunderstand,somefatalitiesandagreatnumberofgrievousinjuriesasaresult.ThyfriendremovedthebaronesstohisownkeepatVoMandor,whereheholdsherinprotectivecustody.SirEmbrig,who-regrettablyperhaps-willrecoverfromhiswounds,hathdeclaredthatastateofwardothexistbetweenEborandMandorandhehathsummonedtohiscausediversenoblemen.OthernoblemenflocktothebannerofSirMandorallen,andsouthwesternArendiadothstandonthebrinkofgeneralwar.IhaveevenbeeninformedthatLelldorinofWildantor,everarashyouth,hathraisedanarmyofAsturianbowmenandatthismomentdothmarchsouthwardwiththem,intendingtoaidhisoldcomradeinarms."Thusitdothstand.KnowthatIamreluctanttobringthepoweroftheArendish

crowntobearinthismatter,since,shouldIbecompelledtomakeajudgment,IwouldbeforcedbyourlawstodecideinfavorofSirEmbrig."Iappealtothee,KingBelgarion,tocometoArendiaandtousethyinfluencewiththyformercompanionsanddearfriendstobringthembackfromtheprecipiceuponwhichtheynowstand.Onlythyintercession,Ifear,canavertthisimpendingdisaster.Inhopeandfriendship,Korodullin."Garionstaredhelplesslyattheletter."Whyme?"hedemandedwithouteventhinking."Whatdoeshesay,dear?"Ce'Nedraasked,layingasideherbrushandpickingupanivorycomb."Hesaysthat-"Garionbrokeoff."MandorallenandLelldorin-"Hegotupandbegantoswear."Here,"hesaid,thrustingtheletterather."Readit."Hebegantopaceupanddownwithhisfistsclenchedbehindhisback,stillmutteringcursewords.Ce'Nedrareadtheletterashecontinuedpacing."Ohdear."shesaidfinallyindismay."Ohdear.""Thatsumsitupprettywell,I'dsay."Hestartedswearingagain."Garion,pleasedon'tusethatkindoflanguage.Itmakesyousoundlikeapirate.Whatareyougoingtodoaboutthis?""Ihaven'tgotthefaintestidea.""Well,you'regoingtohavetodosomething.""Whyme?"heburstout."Whydotheyalwaysbringthesethingstome?""Becausetheyallknowthatyoucantakecareoftheselittleproblemsbetterthananybodyelse."

"Thanks,"hesaiddrily."Benice,"shetoldhim.Thenshepursedherlipsthoughtfully,tappinghercheekwiththeivorycomb."You'llneedyourcrown,ofcourse-andIthinktheblueandsilverdoubletwouldbenice.""Whatareyoutalkingabout?""You'regoingtohavetogotoArendiatogetthisallstraightenedout,andIthinkyoushouldlookyourverybest-Arendsaresoconsciousofappearances.Whydon'tyougoseeaboutaship?I'llpackafewthingsforyou."Shelookedoutthewindowatthegoldenafternoonsunlight."Doyouthinkitmightbetoowarmforyoutowearyourermine?""Iwon'tbewearingermine,Ce'Nedra.I'llbewearingarmorandmysword.""Oh,don'tbesodramatic,Garion.Allyouhavetodoisgothereandtellthemtostop.""Maybe,butIhavetogettheirattentionfirst.ThisisMandorallenwe'retalkingabout-andLelldorin.We'renotdealingwithsensiblepeople,remember?"Alittlefrowncreasedherforehead."Thatistrue,"sheadmitted.Butthenshegavehimanencouraginglittlesmile."I'msureyoucanfixit,though.Ihaveeveryconfidenceinyou.""You'reasbadasalltherest,"hesaidabitsullenly."Butyoucan,Garion.Everybodysaysso.""IguessI'dbettergotalktoBrand,"hesaidglumly."Therearesomethingsthatneedtobeattendedto,andthisislikelytotakemeafewweeks.""I'lltakecareofthemforyou,dear,"shesaidreassuringly,reachingupandpattinghischeek."Youjustrunalongnow.Icanmanagethingshereverywellwhileyou'regone."

Hestaredatherwithasinkingfeelinginthepitofhisstomach.WhenhearrivedatVoMandoronacloudymorningseveraldayslater,thesituationhaddeterioratedevenfurther.TheforcesofSirEmbrigwereinthefield,encampednotthreeleaguesfromMandorallen'scastle,andMandorallenandLelldorinhadmarchedfromthecitytomeetthem.Garionthundereduptothegatesofhisfriend'sstoutfortressonthewarhorsehehadborrowedfromanaccommodatingbaronuponhisarrivalinArendia.HeworethefullsuitofsteelarmorthathadbeenagiftfromKingKorodullin,andIrongrip'senormousswordrodeinitsscabbardacrosshisback.Thegatesswungwideforhim,andheenteredthecourtyard,swungawkwardlydownfromhissaddle,anddemandedtobetakenimmediatelytotheBaronessNerina.Hefoundherpale-facedanddressedallinblack,standingsomberlyonthebattlements,searchingthecloudyskytotheeastforthetelltalecolumnsofsmokewhichwouldannouncethatthebattlehadbegun."Itdothlieuponme,KingBelgarion,"shedeclaredalmostmorbidly."StrifeanddiscordandanguishhathderivedfrommesincethedayIfirstwedmydeardepartedlord.""There'snoneedtoblameyourself,"Gariontoldher."Mandorallencanusuallygethimselfintotroublewithouthelpfromanyone.WhendidheandLelldorinleave?""Somewhatpastnoonyesterday."shereplied."Methinksthebattlewillbejoined'erelong."Shelookedmournfullydownattheflagstonesofacourtyardlyingfarbelowandsighed."IguessI'dbettergothen,"hesaidgrimly."MaybeifIcangettherebeforetheystart,Icanheadthisoff.""Ihavejusthadamostexcellentthought,yourMajesty,"shedeclared,abrightlittlesmilelightingupherpaleface."Icanmakethytaskmucheasier."

"Ihopesomebodycan,"hesaid."Thewaythingslookrightnow,I'mgoingtobeinforaverybadmorning.""Makehastethen,yourMajesty;tothefieldwhererudewarevennowdothhoveraboveourdearfriends,andadvisethemthatthecauseoftheirimpendingbattlehathdepartedfromthissadworld.""I'mnotsureIfollowthat.""Itismostsimple,yourMajesty.SinceIamthecauseofallthisstrife,itdothlieuponmetoendit."Helookedathersuspiciously."Justwhatarewetalkingabouthere,Nerina?Howdoyouproposetobringallthoseidiotstotheirsenses?"Hersmilebecameactuallyradiant."Ihavebuttohurlmyselffromthisloftybattlement,myLord,andjoinmyhusbandinthesilenceofthegravetoendthisdreadfulbloodshedbeforeithathbegun.Goquickly,myLord.Descendtothatcourtyardfarbelowandtaketohorse.Iwilldescendbythisshorter,happierrouteandawaittheeuponthoserudestonesbelow.Thenmayestthoucarrythenewsofmydeathtothebattlefield.OnceIamdead,noman'sbloodneedbespiltoverme."Sheputonehandontheroughstoneoftheparapet."Oh,stopthat,"hesaidindisgust,"andgetawayfromthere.""Ah,nay,yourMajesty."shesaidquitefirmly."Thisisthebestofallpossibleanswers.AtonestrokeIcanavertthisimpendingbattleandridmyselfofthisburdensomelife.""Nerina,"hesaidinaflatvoice,"I'mnotgoingtoletyoujump,andthat'sallthereistothat.""Surelythouwouldstnotbesorudeastolayhandsuponmypersontopreventme,"shesaidinashockedtoneofvoice."Iwon'thaveto,"hesaid.Helookedatherpale,uncomprehendingfaceandrealizedthatshedidnothavethefaintestideaofwhathewastalkingabout."On

secondthought,maybeit'snotsuchabadideaafterall.Thetripdowntothatcourtyardislikelytotakeyouaboutadayandahalf,soitshouldgiveyoutimetothinkthisallthewaythrough-besides,itmightjustpossiblykeepyououtofmischiefwhileI'mgone."Hereyeswentsuddenlywideaswhathewassayingtoherseepedeversoslowlyintohermind."Thouwouldstnotusesorcerytofoilmymostexcellentsolution,"shegasped."Tryme."Shelookedathimhelplessly,tearscomingtohereyes."Thisismostunchivalrousofthee,myLord,"sheaccusedhim."IwasraisedonafarminSendaria,myLady,"heremindedher."Ididn'thavetheadvantagesofanobleupbringing,soIhavetheselittlelapsesfromtimetotime.I'msureyou'llforgivemefornotlettingyoukillyourself.Now,ifyou'llexcuseme,Ihavetogostopthatnonsenseoutthere."Heturnedandclankedtowardthestairs."Oh,"hesaid,lookingoverhisshoulderather,"don'tgetanyideasaboutjumpingassoonasmyback'sturnedeither.Ihavealongarm,Nerina-averylongarm."Shestaredathim,herliptrembling."That'sbetter,"hesaidandwentondownthestairs.TheservantsinMandorallen'scastletookonelookatGarion'sstormyfaceashestrodeintothecourtyardbelowandprudentlymeltedoutofhispath.Laboriously,hehauledhimselfintothesaddleofthehugeroanwarhorseuponwhichhehadarrived,adjustedthegreatswordoftheRivanKinginitsscabbardacrosshisback,andlookedaround."Somebodybringmealance,"hecommanded.Theybroughthimseveral,stumblingovereachotherintheirhastetocomply.Heselectedoneandthensetoffatathunderinggallop.

ThecitizensofthetownofVoMandor,whichlayjustbeyondthewallsofMandorallen'skeep,wereasprudentastheservantswithinthewallshadbeen.AwidepathwasopenedalongthecobblestonestreetsastheangryKingofRivapassedthrough,andthetowngatesstoodwideopenforhim.Garionknewthathewasgoingtohavetogettheirattention,andArendsonthevergeofbattlearenotoriouslydifficulttoreach.Hewouldneedtostartlethemwithsomething.AshethunderedthroughthegreenArendishcountryside,pastneat,thatch-roofedvillagesandgrovesofbeechandmaple,hecastanappraisingeyetowardthegray,scuddingcloudsoverhead,andthefirstfainthintsofaplanbegantoforminhismind.Whenhearrived,hefoundthetwoarmiesdrawnuponoppositesidesofabroad,openmeadow.Aswastheage-oldArendishcustom,anumberofpersonalchallengeshadbeenissued,andthosematterswereintheprocessofbeingsettledasasortofpreludetothegrandgeneralmeleewhichwouldfollow.Severalarmoredknightsfromeithersideweretiltinginthecenterofthefieldasthetwoarmieslookedonapprovingly.Enthusiastically,thebrainless,steelcladyoungnoblescrashedintoeachother,litteringtheturfwithsplintersfromtheshatteredremainsoftheirlances.Gariontookinthesituationatasingleglance,scarcelypausingbeforeridingdirectlyintothemiddleofthefray.Itmustbeadmittedthathecheatedjustalittleduringtheencounter.ThelancehecarriedlookedthesameasthosewithwhichtheMimbrateknightswereattemptingtokillormaimeachother.Abouttheonlyrealdifferencelayinthefactthathislance,unliketheirs,wouldnotbreak,nomatterwhatitencounteredandwas,moreover,envelopedinakindofnimbusofsheerforce.Garionhadnorealdesiretorunthesharpsteeltipofthatlancethroughanybody.Hemerelywantedthemofftheirhorses.Onhisfirstcoursethroughthecenterofthestartled,millingknights,hehurledthreeofthemfromtheirsaddlesinrapidsuccession.Thenhewheeledhischargerandunhorsedtwomoresoquicklythatthevastclattertheymadeastheyfellmergedintoasinglesound.Itneededabitmore,however,somethingsuitablyspectaculartopenetratethesolidboneArendsusedforheads.

Almostnegligently,Gariondiscardedhisinvinciblelance,reachedbackoverhisshoulderanddrewthemightyswordoftheRivanKing.TheOrbofAldurblazedforthitsdazzlingbluelight,andthesworditselfimmediatelyburstintoflame.Asalways,despiteitsvastsize,theswordinhishandhadnoapparentweight,andhewieldeditwithblindingspeed.Hedrovedirectlyatonestartledknight,choppingtheamazedman'slanceintofoot-longchunksasheworkedhiswayuptheweapon'sshaft.Whenonlythebuttremained,Garionsmashedtheknightfromhissaddlewiththeflatoftheburningsword.Hewheeledthen,choppedanupraisedmaceneatlyintwoandrodethebearerofthemaceintotheground,horseandall.Stunnedbytheferocityofhisattack,thewide-eyedMimbrateknightsdrewback.Itwasnotmerelyhisoverwhelmingprowessinbattle,however,thatmadethemretreat.Frombetweenclenchedteeth,theKingofRivawasswearingsulfurously,andhischoiceofoathsmadestrongmengopale.Helookedaround,hiseyesablaze,thengatheredinhiswill.Heraisedhisflamingswordandpointeditattheroilingskyoverhead."NOW!"hebarkedinavoicelikethecrackingofawhip.Thecloudsshuddered,almostseemingtoflinchasthefullforceofBelgarion'swillsmotethem.Asizzlingboltoflightningasthickasthetrunkofamightytreecrashedtoearthwithadeafeningthunderclapthatshookthegroundformilesineverydirection.Agreat,smokingholeappearedintheturfwherethebolthadstruck.AgainandagainGarioncalleddownthelightning.Thenoiseofthunderrippedandrolledthroughtheair,andthereekofburningsodandsingedearthhunglikeacloudoverthesuddenlyterrifiedarmies.Thenagreat,howlinggalestruck;atthesametime,thecloudsrippedopentoinundatetheopposingforcesinadelugesointensethatmanyknightswereactuallyhurledfromtheirsaddlesbytheimpact.Evenasthegaleshriekedandthedrivingdownpourstruckthem,flickeringboltsoflightningcontinuedtostaggeracrossthefieldwhichseparatedthem,sizzlingdreadfullyandfillingtheairwithsteamandsmoke.Tocrossthatfieldwasunthinkable.Grimly,Garionsathisterrifiedchargerintheverymidstofthatawfuldisplay,

withthelightningdancingaroundhim.Heletitrainonthetwoarmiesforseveralminutesuntilhewascertainthathehadtheirfullattention;then,withanegligentflickofhisflamingsword,heturnedoffthedownpour."Ihavehadenoughofthisstupidity!"heannouncedinavoiceasloudasthethunderhadbeen."Laydownyourweaponsatonce!"Theystaredathimandthendistrustfullyateachother."ATONCE!"Garionroared,emphasizinghiscommandwithyetanotherlightningboltandashatteringthunderclap.Theclatterofsuddenlydiscardedweaponswasenormous."IwanttoseeSirEmbrigandSirMandorallenrighthere,"Garionsaidthen,pointingwithhisswordataspotdirectlyinfrontofhishorse."Immediately!"Slowly,almostlikereluctantschoolboys,thetwosteelcladknightswarilyapproachedhim."Justexactlywhatdothetwoofyouthinkyou'redoing?"Gariondemandedofthem."Minehonorcompelledme,yourMajesty."sirEmbrigdeclaredinafalteringvoice.Hewasastout,florid-facedmanofaboutfortywiththepurple-veinednoseofonewhodrinksheavily."SirMandorallenhathabductedmykinswoman.""Thyconcernfortheladyextendethonlytothyauthorityoverherperson,"Mandorallenretortedhotly."Thouhastusurpedherlandsandchattelswithchurlishdisregardforherfeelings,and-""Allright,"Garionsnapped,"that'senough.YourpersonalsquabblehasbroughthalfofArendiatothebrinkofwar.Isthatwhatyouwanted?Areyousuchapairofchildrenthatyou'rewillingtodestroyyourhomelandjusttogetyourownway?"

"But-"Mandorallentriedtosay."Butnothing."Garionthenproceeded-atsomelength-totellthemexactlywhathethoughtofthem.Histonewasscornful,andhischoiceoflanguagewide-ranging.Thetwofrequentlywentpaleashespoke.ThenhesawLelldorindrawingcautiouslyneartolisten."Andyou!"GarionturnedhisattentiontotheyoungAsturian."WhatareyoudoingdownhereinMimbre?""Me?Well-Mandorallenismyfriend,Garion.""Didheaskforyourhelp?""Well-""Ididn'tthinkso.Youjusttookitonyourself."HethenincludedLelldorininhiscommentary,gesturingoftenwiththeburningswordinhisrighthand.Thethreewatchedthatswordwithacertainwide-eyedanxietyashewaveditintheirfaces."Verywell,then,"Garionsaidafterhehadclearedtheair,"thisiswhatwe'regoingtodo."HelookedbelligerentlyatSirEmbrig."Doyouwanttofightme?"hechallenged,thrustingouthisjawpugnaciously.SirEmbrig'sfacewentapastywhite,andhiseyesstartedfromhishead."Me,yourMajesty?"hegasped."ThouwouldsthavemetakethefieldagainsttheGodslayer?"Hebegantotrembleviolently."Ididn'tthinkso."Gariongrunted."Sincethat'sthecase,you'llimmediatelyrelinquishallclaimofauthorityovertheBaronessNerinatome.""Mostgladly,yourMajesty."Embrig'swordstumbledoverthemselvesastheycameout."Mandorallen,"Garionsaid,"doyouwanttofightme?"

"Thouartmyfriend,Garion,"Mandorallenprotested."IwoulddiebeforeIraisedmyhandagainstthee.""Good.Thenyouwillturnallterritorialclaimsonbehalfofthebaronessovertome-atonce.Iamherprotectornow.""Iagreetothis,"Mandorallenrepliedgravely."SirEmbrig,"Garionsaidthen,"IbestowuponyoutheentiretyoftheBaronyofVoEbor-includingthoselandswhichwouldnormallygotoNerina.Willyouacceptthem?""Iwill,yourMajesty.""SirMandorallen,Iofferyouthehandinmarriageofmyward,NerinaofVoEbor.Willyouaccepther?""Withallmyheart,myLord,"Mandorallenchoked,withtearscomingtohiseyes."Splendid,"Lelldorinsaidadmiringly."Shutup,Lelldorin,"Gariontoldhim."That'sit,then,gentlemen.Yourwarisover.Packupyourarmiesandgohome-andifthisbreaksoutagain,I'llcomeback.ThenexttimeIhavetocomedownhere,I'mgoingtobeveryangry.Doweallunderstandeachother?"Mutelytheynodded.Thatendedthewar.TheBaronessNerina,however,raisedcertainstrenuousobjectionswhenshewasinformedofGarion'sdecisionsuponthereturnofMandorallen'sarmytoVoMandor."AmIsomecommonserfgirltobebestoweduponanymanwhopleasesmylord?"shedemandedwithafineairofhighdrama."Areyouquestioningmyauthorityasyourguardian?"Garionaskedherdirectly.

"Nay,myLord.SirEmbrighathconsentedtothis.Thouartmyguardiannow.Imustdoasthoucommandestme.""DoyouloveMandorallen?"Shelookedquicklyatthegreatknightandthenblushed."Answerme!""Ido,myLord,"sheconfessedinasmallvoice."What'stheproblemthen?You'velovedhimforyears,butwhenIorderyoutomarryhim,youobject.""MyLord,"sherepliedstimy,"therearecertainproprietiestobeobserved.Aladymaynotbesochurlishlydisposedof."Andwiththatsheturnedherbackandstormedaway.Mandorallengroaned,andasobescapedhim."Whatisitnow?"Gariondemanded."MyNerinaandIwillneverbewed,Ifear,"Mandorallendeclaredbrokenly."Nonsense.Lelldorin,doyouunderstandwhatthisisallabout?"Lelldorinfrowned."Ithinkso,Garion.Thereareawholeseriesofratherdelicatenegotiationsandformalitiesthatyou'releapingoverhere.There'sthequestionofthedowry,theformal,writtenconsentoftheguardian-that'syou,ofcourse-andprobablymostimportant,therehastobeaformalproposal-withwitnesses.""She'srefusingovertechnicalities?"Garionaskedincredulously."Technicalitiesareveryimportanttoawoman,Garion."Garionsighedwithresignation.Thiswasgoingtotakelongerthanhehad

thought."Comewithme,"hetoldthem.NerinahadlockedherdoorandrefusedtoanswerGarion'spoliteknock.Finallyhelookedatthestoutoakplanksbarringhisway."Burst!"hesaid,andthedoorblewinward,showeringthestartledladyseatedonthebedwithsplinters."Now."Garionsaid,steppingoverthewreckage,"let'sgetdowntobusiness.Howbigadowrydowethinkwouldbeappropriate?"Mandorallenwaswilling-morethanwilling-toacceptsomemeretoken,butNerinastubbornlyinsisteduponsomethingsignificant.Wincingslightly,Garionmadeanofferacceptabletothelady.Hethencalledforpenandinkandscribbled-withLelldorin'said-asuitabledocumentofconsent."Verywell,"hesaidthentoMandorallen,"askher.""Suchproposaldothnotcustomarilycomewithsuchunseemlyhaste,yourMajesty,"Nerinaprotested."Itisconsideredproperforthecoupletohavesometimetoacquaintthemselveswitheachother.""You'realreadyacquainted,Nerina,"heremindedher."Getonwithit."Mandorallensanktohiskneesbeforehislady,hisarmorclinkingonthefloor."Wiltthouhavemeasthyhusband,Nerina?"heimploredher.Shestaredathimhelplessly."Ihavenot,myLord,hadtimetoframeasuitablereply.""Try'yes',Nerina,"Garionsuggested."Issuchthycommand,myLord?""Ifyouwanttoputitthatway.""Imustobey,then.Iwillhavethee,SirMandorallen-withallmyheart.""Splendid,"Garionsaidbriskly,rubbinghishandstogether."Getup,Mandorallen,andlet'sgodowntoyourchapel.We'llfindapriestandgetthisall

formalizedbysuppertime.""Surelythouartnotproposingsuchhaste,myLord,"Nerinagasped."Asamatteroffact,Iam.IhavetogetbacktoRivaandI'mnotgoingtoleavehereuntilthetwoofyouaresafelymarried.ThingshaveawayofgoingwronginArendiaifsomebodyisn'taroundtowatchthem.""Iamnotsuitablyattired,yourMajesty."Nerinaprotested,lookingdownatherblackdress."Thouwouldstnothavememarriedinagownofsablehue?""AndI,"Mandorallenalsoobjected,"Iamstillunderarms.Amanshouldnotapproachhisweddingcladinsteel.""Idon'thavetheslightestconcernaboutwhateitherofyouiswearing,"Garioninformedthem."It'swhat'sinyourheartsthat'simportant,notwhat'sonyourbacks.""But-"Nerinafaltered."Idonotevenhaveaveil."Gariongaveheralong,steadylook.Thenhecastaquicklookaroundtheroom,pickedupalacedoilyfromanearbytableandsetitneatlyatopthelady'shead."Charming,"hemurmured."Cananyonethinkofanythingelse?""Aring?"Lelldorinsuggestedhesitantly.Garionturnedtostareathim."You,too?"hesaid."Theyreallyoughttohavearing,Garion,"Lelldorinsaiddefensively.Garionconsideredthatforamoment,concentrated,andthenforgedaplaingoldringoutofinsubstantialair."Willthisdo?"heasked,holdingitouttothem."MightInotbeattended?"Nerinaaskedinasmall,tremblingvoice."Itisunseemlyforanoblewomantobewedwithoutthepresenceofsomeladyofsuitableranktosupportandencourageher."

"Gofetchsomebody"'GarionsaidtoLelldorin."WhomshouldIselect?"Lelldorinaskedhelplessly."Idon'tcare.Justbringaladyofnoblebirthtothechapel-evenifyouhavetodragherbythehair."Lelldorinscurriedout."Isthereanythingelse?"GarionaskedMandorallenandNerinaintheslightlydangeroustonethatindicatedthathispatiencewaswearingverythin."Itiscustomaryforabridegroomtobeaccompaniedbyaclosefriend,Garion,"Mandorallenremindedhim."Lelldorinwillbethere,"Garionsaid,"andsowillI.Wewon'tletyoufalldownorfaintorrunaway.""MightInothaveafewsmallflowers?"Nerinaaskedinaplaintivevoice.Garionlookedather."Certainly,"herepliedinadeceptivelymildtone."Holdoutyourhand."Hethenbegantocreatelilies-rapidly-poppingthemoutofemptyairanddepositingthemoneafteranotherinthestartledlady'shand."Aretheytherightcolor,Nerina?"heaskedher."Icanchangethemifyoulike-purple,perhaps,orchartreuse,ormaybebrightbluewouldsuityou."Andthenhefinallydecidedthathewasnotreallygettinganywhere.Theyweregoingtocontinuetoraiseobjectionsforaslongastheypossiblycould.Theywerebothsoaccustomedtolivingintheveryheartoftheircolossaltragedythattheywereunwilling-unableeven-togiveuptheirmournfulentertainment.Thesolution,ofnecessity,wasgoingtobeentirelyuptohim.Knowingthatitwasatrifleoverdramatic,butconsideringthementalcapabilitiesofthetwoinvolved,hedrewhissword."Weareallnowgoingdirectlytothechapel,"heannounced,"andthetwoofyouaregoingtogetmarried."Hepointedatthesplintereddoorwiththesword."Nowmarch!"hecommanded.

Andsoitwasthatoneofthegreattragiclovestoriesofalltimecameatlasttoahappyending.MandorallenandhisNerinaweremarriedthatveryafternoon,withGarionquiteliterallystandingoverthemwithflamingswordtoinsurethatnolast-minutehitchescouldinterrupt.Onthewhole,Garionwasratherpleasedwithhimselfandwiththewayhehadhandledthings.Hismoodwasself-congratulatoryashedepartedthefollowingmorningtoreturntoRiva.CHAPTERTEN"Anyway,"GarionwassayingasheandCe'Nedrarelaxedintheirblue-carpetedsittingroomontheeveningofhisreturntoRiva,"whenwegotbacktoMandorallen'scastleandtoldNerinathatitwasallrightforthemtogetmarried,sheraisedallkindsofobjections.""Ialwaysthoughtshelovedhim,"Ce'Nedrasaid."Shedoes,butshe'sbeenintheverycenterofthisgreattragicsituationforalltheseyears,andshedidn'treallywanttogivethatup.Shehadn'tgotallthatnoblesufferingoutofhersystemyet.""Don'tbesnide,Garion.""Arendsmakemyteethache.Firstsheheldoutforadowry-averybigone.""Thatseemsreasonable.""NotwhenyouconsiderthefactthatIhadtopayit.""You?Whyshouldyouhavetopayit?""I'mherguardian,remember?Forallofherthee'sandthou'sandvaporishairs,shehaggleslikeaDrasnianhorsetrader.Bythetimeshewasdone,mypursewasverylean.Andshehadtohaveaformalletterofconsent-andaveil,aladytoattendher,aring,andflowers.AndIwasgettingmoreirritatedbytheminute."

"Aren'tyouforgettingsomething?""Idon'tthinkso.""Didn'tMandorallenproposetoher?"Ce'Nedraleanedforward,herlittlefaceveryintent."I'mcertainthatshewouldhaveinsistedonthat.""You'reright,Ialmostforgotthatpart."Sheshookherheadalmostsadly."Oh,Garion,"shesaidinadisapprovingtone."Thatcameearlier-rightafterthebusinesswiththedowry.Anyway,heproposed,andImadehersayyes,andthen-""Waitaminute,"Ce'Nedrasaidfirmly,holdinguponelittlehand."Don'trushthroughthatpart.Exactlywhatdidhesaywhenheaskedher?"Garionscratchedhisear."I'mnotsureIremember,"heconfessed."Try."sheurgedhim."Please.""Let'ssee,"hepondered,lookingupattheornatelycarvedwoodenbeamsoftheceiling."Firstsheobjectedtohavingtheproposalcomebeforetheyhadgonethroughallthebusinessof'gettingacquainted,'assheputit.Iguessshemeantallthesneakingaroundsothattheycouldbealonetogetherinsecludedplaces-andthelovepoemsandtheflowersandallthosecalf-eyedlooks."Ce'Nedragavehimahardlittlestare."Youknow,sometimesyoucanbeabsolutelyinfuriating.You'vegotaboutasmuchsensitivityasablockofwood.""What'sthatsupposedtomean?""Nevermind.Justtellmewhathappenednext.""Well,ItoldherstraightoffthatIwasn'thavinganyofthatnonsense.Isaidthattheywerealreadyacquaintedandtogetonwithit."

"You'rejustfullofcharm,aren'tyou?"shesaidsarcastically."Ce'Nedra,whatistheproblemhere?""Nevermind.Justgetonwiththestory.Youalwaysdawdlesowhenyou'retellingmeaboutsomethinglikethis.""Me?You'retheonewhokeepsinterrupting.""Justmovealongwithit,Garion."Heshrugged."Thereisn'tmuchmore.Heaskedher;shesaidyes;andthenImarchedthemdowntothechapel.""Thewords,Garion,"sheinsisted."Thewords.Exactlywhatdidhesay?""Nothingveryearth-shaking.Itwentsortoflike'Wiltthouhavemeasthyhusband,Nerina?""Oh,"Ce'Nedrasaidwithacatchinhervoice.Hewasastonishedtoseetearsinhereyes."What'sthematter?"hedemanded."Nevermind,"shereplied,dabbingathereyeswithawispyscrapofahandkerchief."Whatdidshesaythen?""Shesaidthatshehadn'thadtimetoworkupasuitableanswer,soItoldherjusttosay'yes.'""And?""Shesaid,'Iwillhavethee,SirMandorallen-withallmyheart.'""Oh,"Ce'Nedrasaidagain,herhandkerchiefgoingoncemoretoherbrimmingeyes."That'sjustlovely."

"Ifyousayso,"hesaid."Itseemedalittledrawn-outtome.""Sometimesyou'rehopeless,"shetoldhim.Thenshesighedalittleforlornly."Inevergotaformalproposal,"shesaid."Youmostcertainlydid,"hesaidindignantly."Don'tyourememberallthatceremonywhenyouandtheTolnedranAmbassadorcameintothethroneroom?""Ididtheproposing,Garion,"sheremindedhimwithatossofherflamingcurls."Ipresentedmyselfbeforeyourthroneandaskedyouifyouwouldconsenttotakemetowife.Youagreed,andthat'salltherewastoit.Youneveronceaskedme."Hefrownedandthoughtback."Imusthave.""Notonce.""Well,aslongaswegotmarried,anyway,itdoesn'treallymatterallthatmuch,doesit?"Herexpressionturnedtoice.Hecaughtthatlook."Isitreallythatimportant,Ce'Nedra?"heaskedher."Yes,Garion.Itis."Hesighed."Allrightthen.IguessI'dbetterdoit.""Dowhat?""Propose.Willyoumarryme,Ce'Nedra?""Isthatthebestyoucando?"Hegaveheralong,steadylook.Shewas,hehadtoadmit,veryappealing.She

waswearingapalegreendress,allfrillyandtouchedhereandtherewithlace,andshesatratherprimlyinherchair,lookingpoutyanddiscontented.Hearosefromhischair,crossedtowhereshesat,andsankextravagantlytohisknees.Hetookhersmallhandinbothofhisandlookedimploringlyintoherface,tryingtomatchthelookoffatuousadorationthatMandorallenhadworn."WillherImperialHighnessconsenttohavemeasherhusband?"heaskedher."Icanofferlittlebesidesanhonest,lovingheartandboundlessdevotion.""Areyoumakingfunofme?"sheaskedsuspiciously."No."hesaid."Youwantedaformalproposal,soIjustgaveyouone.Well?""Wellwhat?""Willyouconsenttomarryme?"Shegavehimanarchlook,hereyestwinkling.Thenshereachedoutfondlyandtousledhishair."I'llthinkaboutit,"shereplied."Whatdoyoumean,you'llthinkaboutit?""Whoknows?"shesaidwithasmirk."Imightgetabetteroffer.Dogetup,Garion.You'llmakethekneesofyourhoseallbaggyifyoustaydownonthefloorlikethat."Hegottohisfeet."Women!"hesaidexasperatedly,throwinghisarmsintheair.Shegavehimthattiny,wide-eyedlookthatatonetime,beforehehadcometorecognizeitaspuredeception,hadalwaysmadehiskneesgoweak."Don'tyoulovemeanymore?"sheaskedinthattrembling,dishonest,little-girlvoice."Didn'twedecidethatweweren'tgoingtodothattoeachotheranymore?""Thisisaspecialoccasion,dear,"shereplied.Andthenshelaughed,sprangupfromherchair,andthrewherarmsabouthisneck."Oh,Garion,"shesaid,stilllaughing."Idoloveyou."

"Icertainlyhopeso,"hesaid,wrappinghisarmsaroundhershouldersandkissingherupturnedlips.ThefollowingmorningGariondressedratherinformallyandthentappedonthedoortoCe'Nedra'sprivatesittingroom."Yes?"sheanswered."It'sGarion,"hesaid."MayIcomein?"HisSendariangoodmannershadbeensodeeplyingrainedinhimthateventhoughhewastheKinghere,healwaysaskedpermissionbeforeopeningthedoortosomeoneelse'sroom."Ofcourse,"shesaid.Heturnedthelatchandenteredherfrillyprivatedomain,aroomallpinkandpale-greenflouncesandwithyardsofrustlingsatinandbrocadedrapery.Ce'Nedra'sfavoritelady-in-waiting,Arell,roseinsomeconfusiontoperformthecustomarycurtsy.ArellwasBrand'sniece,thedaughterofhisyoungestsister,andshewasoneofseveralhighbornRivanladieswhoattendedthequeen.ShewasverynearlythearchetypicalAlornwoman,tall,blond,andbuxom,withgoldenbraidscoiledaboutherhead,deepblueeyesandacomplexionlikenewmilk.SheandCe'Nedrawerevirtuallyinseparable,andthetwospentmuchoftheirtimewiththeirheadstogether,whisperingandgiggling.Forsomereason,ArellalwaysblushedrosilywheneverGarionenteredtheroom.Hedidnotunderstandthatatall,butprivatelysuspectedthatCe'Nedrahadtoldherlady-in-waitingcertainthingsthatreallyshouldhaveremainedprivate-thingsthatbroughtablushtotheRivangirl'scheekswhenevershelookedathim."I'mgoingdownintothecity,"Gariontoldhiswife."Didyouwantanything?""Iprefertodomyownshopping,Garion,"Ce'Nedrareplied,smoothingthefrontofhersatindressinggown."Younevergetthingsrightanyway."Hewasabouttoreplytothat,butdecidedagainstit."Whateveryouwant.I'llsee

youatluncheonthen.""AsmyLordcommands,"Ce'Nedrasaidwithamockinglittlegenuflection."Stopthat."Shemadeafaceathimandthencameoverandkissedhim.GarionturnedtoArell."MyLady,"hesaid,bowingpolitely.Arell'sblueeyeswerefilledwithsuppressedmirth,andtherewasaslightlyspeculativelookinthemaswell.Sheblushedandcurtsiedagain."YourMajesty,"shesaidrespectfully.AsGarionlefttheroyalapartment,hewonderedidlywhatCe'NedrahadtoldArelltocauseallthoseblushesandpeculiarlooks.Hewasgratefultotheblondgirl,however.HerpresenceprovidedCe'Nedrawithcompany,whichlefthimfreetoattendtoothermatters.SinceAuntPolhadintervenedandhealedtheestrangementthathadcausedthembothsomuchanguish,Ce'NedrahadbecomeverypossessiveaboutGarion'ssparetime.Onthewholehefeltthatbeingmarriedwasrathernice,butsometimesCe'Nedratendedtooverdothingsabit.Inthecorridoroutside,Brand'ssecondson,Kail,waswaiting,holdingaparchmentsheetinhishand."Ithinkthisneedsyourimmediateattention,Sire,"hesaidformally.AlthoughKailwasawarrior,tallandbroad-shoulderedlikehisfatherandhisbrothers,hewasnonethelessastudiousman,intelligentanddiscreet,andheknewenoughaboutRivaanditspeopletobeabletosortthroughthevoluminouspetitions,appeals,andproposalsdirectedtothethroneandtoseparatetheimportantfromthetrivial.WhenGarionhadfirstcometothethrone,theneedforsomeonetomanagetheadministrativestaffhadbeenpainfullyclear,andKailhadbeentheobviouschoiceforthatpost.Hewasabouttwenty-fouryearsoldandworeaneatlytrimmedbrownbeard.Thehourshehadspentinstudyhadgivenhimaslightsquintandapermanentfurrowbetweenhiseyebrows.SinceheandGarionspentseveralhoursadaytogether,theyhadsoonbecomefriends,andGariongreatlyrespectedKail'sjudgmentandadvice."Isitserious?"he

asked,takingtheparchmentandglancingatit."Itcouldbe,Sire,"Kailreplied."There'sadisputeovertheownershipofacertainvalley.Thefamiliesinvolvedarebothquitepowerful,andIthinkwe'llwanttosetthematterbeforethingsgoanyfurther.""Isthereanyclear-cutevidenceofownershiponeitherside?"Kailshookhishead."Thetwofamilieshaveusedthelandincommonforcenturies.There'sbeensomefrictionbetweenthemlately,however.""Isee,"Garionsaid.Hethoughtaboutit."NomatterwhatIdecide,onesideortheotherisgoingtobeunhappywithme,right?""Veryprobably,yourMajesty.""Allright,then.We'llletthembothbeunhappy.Writeupsomethingthatsoundssortofofficialdeclaringthatthisvalleyoftheirsnowbelongstome.We'llletthemstewaboutthatforaweekorso,andthenI'lldividethelandrightdownthemiddleandgivehalftoeachofthem.They'llbesoangrywithmethatthey'llforgetthattheydon'tlikeeachother.Idon'twantthisislandturningintoanotherArendia."Kaillaughed."Verypractical,Belgarion,"hesaid.Gariongrinnedathim."IgrewupinSendaria,remember?Oh,keepastripofthevalley-aboutahundredyardswiderightthroughthecenter.Callitcrownlandorsomethingandforbidthemtotrespassonit.Thatshouldkeepthemfrombuttingheadsalongthefenceline."HehandedtheparchmentbacktoKailandwentondownthecorridor,ratherpleasedwithhimself.Hismissioninthecitythatmorningtookhimtotheshopofayoungglassblowerofhisacquaintance,askilledartisannamedJoran.OstensiblythevisitwasforthepurposeofinspectingasetofcrystalgobletshehadcommissionedasapresentforCe'Nedra.Itsrealpurpose,however,wassomewhatmoreserious.Becausehisupbringinghadbeenhumble,Garionwasmoreawarethanmostmonarchsthattheopinionsandproblemsofthecommonpeopleseldomcameto

theattentionofthethrone.Hestronglyfeltthatheneededapairofearsinthecity-nottospyoutunfavorableopinion,butrathertogivehimaclear,unprejudicedawarenessoftherealproblemsofhispeople.Joranhadbeenhischoiceforthattask.Aftertheyhadgonethroughthemotionsoflookingatthegoblets,thetwoofthemwentintoasmall,privateroomatthebackofJoran'sshop."IgotyournoteassoonasIgotbackfromArendia,"Garionsaid."Isthematterreallythatserious?""Ibelieveso,yourMajesty,"Joranreplied."Thetaxwaspoorlythoughtout,Ithink,andit'scausingagreatdealofunfavorablecomment.""Alldirectedatme,Isuppose?""Youaretheking,afterall.""Thanks,"Garionsaiddrily."What'sthemaindissatisfactionwithit?""Alltaxesareodious,"Joranobserved,"butthey'rebearableaslongaseverybodyhastopaythesame.It'stheexclusionthatirritatespeople.""Exclusion?What'sthat?""Thenobilitydoesn'thavetopaycommercialtaxes.Didn'tyouknowthat?""No."Garionsaid."Ididn't.""Thetheorywasthatnobleshaveotherobligations-raisingandsupportingtroopsandsoon.Thatsimplydoesn'tholdtrueanymore.Thecrownraisesitsownarmynow.Ifanoblemangoesintotrade,though,hedoesn'thavetopayanycommercialtaxes.Theonlyrealdifferencebetweenhimandanyothertradesmanisthathehappenstohaveatitle.Hisshopisthesameasmine,andhespendshistimethesamewaythatIdo-butIhavetopaythetax,andhedoesn't."

"Thatdoesn'tseemveryfair,"Garionagreed."WhatmakesitworseisthatIhavetochargehigherpricesinordertopaythetax,butthenoblemancancuthisratesandstealmycustomersawayfromme.""That'sgoingtohavetobefixed,"Garionsaid."We'lleliminatethatexclusion.""Thenobleswon'tlikeit,"Joranwarned."Theydon'thavetolikeit,"Garionsaidflatly."You'reaveryfairking,yourMajesty.""Fairnessdoesn'treallyhaveallthatmuchtodowithit,"Gariondisagreed."Howmanynoblesareinbusinesshereinthecity?"Joranshrugged."Acoupledozen,Isuppose.""Andhowmanyotherbusinessmenarethere?""Hundreds.""I'dratherhavetwodozenpeoplehatemethanseveralhundred.""Ihadn'tthoughtofitthatway,"Joranadmitted."Isortofhaveto,"Garionsaidwryly.ThefollowingweekaseriesofsquallssweptinofftheSeaoftheWinds,rakingtherockyislewithchillgalesandtatteredsheetsofslantingrain.TheweatheratRivawasneverreallywhatonewouldcallpleasantforverylong,andthesesummerstormsweresocommonthattheRivansacceptedthemaspartofthenaturalorderofthings.Ce'Nedra,however,hadbeenraisedfartothesouthintheendlesssunshineatTolHoneth,andthedampchillwhichinvadedtheCitadeleachtimetheskyturnedgrayandsoggydepressedherspiritsandmadeherirritableandoutofsorts.

Shecustomarilyenduredthesespellsofbadweatherbyensconcingherselfinalargegreenvelvetarmchairbythefirewithawarmblanket,acupoftea,andanoversizedbook-usuallyanArendishromancewhichdweltfulsomelyonimpossiblysplendidknightsandsighingladiesperpetuallyonthevergeofdisaster.Prolongedconfinement,however,almostalwaysdroveheratlastfromherbookinsearchofotherdiversions.Onemidmorningwhenthewindwasmoaninginthechimneysandtherainwasslashingatthewindows,sheenteredthestudywhereGarionwascarefullygoingoveranexhaustivereportonwoolproductiononcrownlandsinthenorth.Thelittlequeenworeanermine-trimmedgownofgreenvelvetandadiscontentedexpression."Whatareyoudoing?"sheasked."Readingaboutwool,"hereplied."Why?""IthinkI'msupposedtoknowaboutit.Everybodystandsaroundtalkingaboutwoolwiththesesoberexpressionsontheirfaces.Itseemstobeterriblyimportanttothem.""Doyoureallycarethatmuchaboutit?"Heshrugged."Ithelpstopaythebills."Shedriftedovertothewindowandstaredoutattherain."Willitneverstop?"shedemandedatlast."Eventually,Isuppose.""IthinkI'llsendforArell.Maybewecangodownintothecityandlookaroundtheshops.""It'sprettywetoutthere,Ce'Nedra.""Icanwearacloak,andalittlerainwon'tmakememelt.Wouldyougiveme

somemoney?""IthoughtIgaveyousomejustlastweek.""Ispentit.NowIneedsomemore."Garionputasidethereportandwenttoaheavycabinetstandingagainstthewall.Hetookakeyfromapocketinhisdoublet,unlockedthecabinetandpulledoutthetopdrawer.Ce'Nedracameoverandlookedcuriouslyintothedrawer.Itwasabouthalf-filledwithcoins,gold,silver,andcopper,alljumbledtogether."Wheredidyougetallofthat?"sheexclaimed."Theygiveittomefromtimetotime,"heanswered."IthrowitintherebecauseIdon'twanttocarryitaround.Ithoughtyouknewaboutit.""HowwouldIknowaboutit?Younevertellmeanything.Howmuchhaveyougotinthere?"Heshrugged."Idon'tknow.""Garion!"Hervoicewasshocked."Don'tyouevencountit?""No.ShouldI?""You'reobviouslynotaTolnedran.Thisisn'tthewholeroyaltreasury,isit?""No.Theykeepthatsomeplaceelse.Thisisjustforpersonalexpenses,Ithink.""Ithastobecounted,Garion.""Idon'treallyhavethetime,Ce'Nedra.""Well,Ido.Pullthatdraweroutandbringitovertothetable."Hedidthat,gruntingslightlyattheweight,andthenstoodsmilingfondlyasshe

satdownandhappilystartedcountingmoney.Hehadnotrealizedjusthowmuchsheerpleasureshecouldtakeinhandlingandstackingcoins.Sheactuallyglowedasthemerrytinkleofmoneyfilledherears.Afewofthecoinshadbecometarnished.Shelookedatthosedisapprovinglyandstoppedhercounttopolishthemcarefullyonthehemofhergown."Wereyougoingtogodownintothecity?"heasked,resuminghisseatattheotherendofthetable."Nottoday,Iguess."Shekeptoncounting.Asinglelockofherhairstrayeddownacrossherface,andsheabsentlyblewatitfromtimetotimeassheconcentratedonthetaskathand.Sheduganotherhandfulofjinglingcoinsoutofthedrawerandbegantostackthemcarefullyonthetableinfrontofher.ShelookedsoseriousaboutitthatGarionstartedtolaugh.Shelookedupsharply."What'ssofunny?"shedemanded."Nothing,dear,"hesaidandwentbacktoworktotheclinkingaccompanimentofCe'Nedra'scounting.Asthesummerworeon,thenewsfromthesouthernlatitudescontinuedtobegood.KingUrgitofCtholMurgoshadretreateddeeperintothemountains,andtheadvanceoftheEmperorKalZakathofMalloreaslowedevenmore.TheMalloreanarmyhadsuffereddreadfullossesinitsfirsteffortstopursuetheMurgosinthatcraggywastelandanditnowmovedwithextremecaution.Garionreceivedthenewsofthenear-stalemateinthesouthwithgreatsatisfaction.Towardtheendofsummer,wordarrivedfromAlgariathatGarion'scousinAdarahadjustpresentedHettarwiththeirsecondson.Ce'NedrawentwildwithdelightanddippeddeeplyintothedrawerinGarion'sstudytobuysuitablegiftsforbothmotherandchild.Thenewswhicharrivedinearlyautumn,however,wasnotsojoyous.Inasadlywordedletter,GeneralVaranaadvisedthemthatCe'Nedra'sfather,EmperorRanBoruneXXIII,wassinkingfastandthattheyshouldmakehastetoTolHoneth.Fortunately,theautumnskyremainedclearastheshipwhichcarriedtheRivan

Kingandhisdesperatelyworriedlittlewiferansouthbeforeagoodfollowingbreeze.TheyreachedTolHorbatthebroadmouthoftheNedranewithinaweekandthenbeganrowinguprivertotheImperialCapitalatTolHoneth.Theyhadgonenomorethanafewleagueswhentheirshipwasmetbyaflotillaofwhiteandgoldbarges,whichformeduparoundthemtoescortthemtoTolHoneth.AboardthosebargeswasachorusofyoungTolnedranwomenwhostrewedflowerpetalsonthebroadsurfaceoftheNedraneandcaroledaformalgreetingtotheImperialPrincess.GarionstoodbesideCe'Nedraonthedeckoftheirship,frowningslightlyatthischoralwelcome."Isthataltogetherappropriate?"heasked."It'sthecustom,"shesaid."MembersoftheImperialFamilyarealwaysescortedtothecity."Garionlistenedtothewordsofthesong."Haven'ttheyheardaboutyourweddingyet?"heasked."They'regreetingtheImperialPrincess,nottheRivanQueen.""We'reaprovincialpeople,Garion,"Ce'Nedrasaid."InaTolnedran'seyes,anImperialPrincessismuchmoreimportantthanthequeenofsomeremoteisland."Thesingingcontinuedastheymovedonupriver.AsthegleamingwhitecityofTolHonethcameintoview,ahugebrazenfanfaregreetedthemfromthewalls.Adetachmentofburnishedlegionnaires,theirscarletpennonssnappinginthebreezeandtheplumesontheirhelmetstossing,awaitedthemonthemarblequaytoescortthemthroughthebroadavenuestothegroundsoftheImperialPalace.GeneralVarana,ablocky-lookingprofessionalsoldierwithshort-cropped,curlyhairandanoticeablelimp,metthematthepalacegate.Hisexpressionwassomber."Areweintime,uncle?"Ce'Nedraaskedwithanalmostfrightenednoteinher

voice.Thegeneralnodded,thentookthelittlequeeninhisarms."You'regoingtohavetobebrave,Ce'Nedra,"hetoldher."Yourfatherisvery,veryill.""Isthereanyhopeatall?"sheaskedinasmallvoice."Wecanalwayshope,"Varanareplied,buthistonesaidotherwise."CanIseehimnow?""Ofcourse."ThegenerallookedgravelyatGarion."YourMajesty,"hesaid,nodding."YourHighness,"Garionreplied,rememberingthatCe'Nedra'swilyfatherhad"adopted"Varanaseveralyearsback,andthatthegeneralwasheirapparenttotheImperialThrone.Varanaledthemwithhislimpinggaitthroughthemarblecorridorsofthevastpalacetoaquietwingandadoorflankedbyatoweringpairoflegionnairesinburnishedbreastplates.Astheyapproached,theheavydooropenedquietly,andLordMorin,thebrown-mantledImperialChamberlainemerged.MorinhadagedsinceGarionhadlastseenhim,andhisconcernforhisfailingEmperorwaswrittenclearlyonhisface."DearMorin,"Ce'Nedrasaid,impulsivelyembracingherfather'sclosestfriend."LittleCe'Nedra,"herepliedfondly."I'msogladyouarrivedintime.He'sbeenaskingforyou.Ithinkperhapsthefactyouwerecomingisallhe'sbeenhangingonto.""Isheawake?"Morinnodded."Hedozesagreatdeal,buthe'sstillalertmostofthetime."Ce'Nedradrewherselfup,squaredhershouldersandcarefullyassumedabright,

optimisticsmile."Allright,"shesaid."Let'sgoin."RanBorunelayinavastcanopiedbedbeneathagold-coloredcoverlet.Hehadneverbeenalargeman,andhisillnesshadwastedhimdowntoanear-skeleton.Hiscomplexionwasnotsomuchpaleasitwasgray,andhisbeak-likenosewaspinchedandrosefromhisdrawnfaceliketheprowofaship.Hiseyeswereclosed,andhisthinchestseemedalmosttoflutterashestruggledtobreathe."Father?"Ce'Nedrasaidsosoftlythathervoicewashardlymorethanawhisper.TheEmperoropenedoneeye."Well,"hesaidtestily,"Iseethatyoufinallygothere.""Nothingcouldhavekeptmeaway,"shetoldhim,bendingoverthebedtokisshiswitheredcheek."That'shardlyencouraging,"hegrunted."NowthatI'mhere,we'llhavetoseeaboutgettingyouwellagain.""Don'tpatronizeme,Ce'Nedra.Myphysicianshavegivenupentirely""Whatdotheyknow?WeBorunesareindestructible.""DidsomeonepassthatlawwhileIwasn'tlooking?"TheEmperorlookedpasthisdaughter'sshoulderathisson-in-law."You'relookingwell,Garion,"hesaid."Andpleasedon'twasteyourtimeonplatitudesbytellingmehowwellIlook.Ilookawful,don'tI?""Moderatelyawful,yes,"Garionreplied.RanBoruneflashedhimaquicklittlegrin.Thenheturnedbacktohisdaughter."Well,Ce'Nedra,"hesaidpleasantly,"whatshallwefightabouttoday?""Fight?Whosaidweweregoingtofight?""Wealwaysfight.I'vebeenlookingforwardtoit.Ihaven'thadareallygood

fightsinceyoustolemylegionsthatday.""Borrowed,father,"shecorrectedprimly,almostinspiteofherself."Isthatwhatyoucallit?"HewinkedbroadlyatGarion."Youshouldhavebeenthere,"hechuckled."ShegoadedmeintoafitandthenpinchedmywholearmywhileIwasfrothingatthemouth.""Pinched!"Ce'Nedraexclaimed.RanBorunebegantochuckle,buthislaughterturnedintoatearingcoughthatlefthimgaspingandsoweakthathecouldnotevenraisehishead.HeclosedhiseyesthenanddozedforawhileasCe'Nedrahoveredanxiouslyoverhim.Afteraquarterofanhourorso,LordMorinquietlyenteredwithasmallflaskandasilverspoon."It'stimeforhismedicine,"hesaidsoftlytoCe'Nedra."Idon'tthinkitreallyhelpsverymuch,butwegothroughthemotionsanyway.""Isthatyou,Morin?"theEmperoraskedwithoutopeninghiseyes."Yes,RanBorune.""IsthereanywordfromTolRaneyet?""Yes,yourMajesty.""Whatdidtheysay?""I'mafraidtheseason'soverthere,too.""Therehastobeonetreesomewhereintheworldthat'sstillbearingfruit,"theemaciatedlittlemanintheimperialbedsaidexasperatedly."HisMajestyhasexpressedadesireforsomefreshfruit,"MorintoldCe'NedraandGarion."Notjustanyfruit,Morin,"RanBorunewheezed."Cherries.Iwantcherries.RightnowI'dbestowaGrandDuchyonanymanwhocouldbringmeripe

cherries.""Don'tbesodifficult,father,"Ce'Nedrachidedhim."Theseasonforcherrieswasovermonthsago.Howaboutaniceripepeach?""Idon'twantpeaches.Iwantcherries!""Well,youcan'thavethem.""You'reanundutifuldaughter,Ce'Nedra,"heaccusedher.GarionleanedforwardandspokequietlytoCe'Nedra."I'llberightback,"hetoldherandwentoutoftheroomwithMorin.InthecorridoroutsidetheymetGeneralVarana."Howishe?"thegeneralasked."Peevish,"Garionreplied."Hewantssomecherries.""Iknow,"Varanasaidsourly."He'sbeenaskingforthemforweeks.TrustaBorunetodemandtheimpossible.""Arethereanycherrytreeshereonthepalacegrounds?""Thereareacoupleinhisprivategarden.Why?""IthoughtImighthaveawordwiththem,"Garionsaidinnocently,"explainafewthings,andgivethemabitofencouragement."Varanagavehimalookofprofounddisapproval."It'snotreallyimmoral,"Garionassuredhim.Varanaraisedonehandandturnedhisfaceaway."Please,Belgarion,"hesaidinapainedvoice,"don'ttrytoexplainittome.Idon'tevenwanttohearaboutit.Ifyou'regoingtodoit,justdoitandgetitoverwith,butpleasedon'ttrytoconvincemethatit'sinanywaynaturalorwholesome."

"Allright,"Garionagreed."Whichwaydidyousaythatgardenwas?"Itwasn'treallydifficult,ofcourse.GarionhadseenBelgaraththeSorcererdoitonmanyoccasions.Itwasnomorethantenminuteslaterthathereturnedtothecorridoroutsidethesickroomwithasmallbasketofdarkpurplecherries.Varanalookedsteadilyatthebasket,butsaidnothing.Garionquietlyopenedthedoorandwentinside.RanBorunelayproppedonhispillows,hisdrawnfacesaggingwithexhaustion."Idon'tseewhynot,"hewassayingtoCe'Nedra."Arespectfuldaughterwouldhavepresentedherfatherwithahalf-dozengrandchildrenbynow.""We'llgettoit,father,"shereplied."Whyiseveryonesoworriedaboutit?""Becauseit'simportant,Ce'Nedra.Notevenyoucouldbesosillyasto-"Hebrokeoff,staringincredulouslyatthebasketinGarion'shand."Wheredidyougetthose?"hedemanded."Idon'tthinkyoureallywanttoknow,RanBorune.It'sthekindofthingthatseemstoupsetTolnedransforsomereason.""Youdidn'tjustmakethem,didyou?"theemperoraskedsuspiciously."No.It'smuchharderthatway.Ijustgavethetreesinyourgardenalittleencouragement,that'sall.Theywereveryco-operative.""Whatanabsolutelysplendidfellowyoumarried,Ce'Nedra,"RanBoruneexclaimed,eyeingthecherriesgreedily."Putthoserighthere,myboy."Hepattedthebedathisside.Ce'Nedraflashedherhusbandagratefullittlesmile,tookthebasketfromhim,anddepositeditbyherfather'sside.Almostabsentlyshetookoneofthecherriesandpoppeditintohermouth."Ce'Nedra!Youstopeatingmycherries!"

"Justcheckingtoseeifthey'reripe,father.""Anyidiotcanseethatthey'reripe,"hesaid,clutchingthebasketpossessivelytohisside."Ifyouwantany,gogetyourown."Hecarefullyselectedoneoftheplump,glowingcherriesandputitinhismouth."Marvelous,"hesaid,chewinghappily."Don'tspittheseedsonthefloorlikethat,father,"Ce'Nedrareprovedhim."It'smyfloor,"hetoldher."Mindyourownbusiness.Spittingtheseedsispartofthefun."Heateseveralmorecherries."Wewon'tdiscusshowyoucamebythese,Garion,"hesaidmagnanimously."Technically,it'saviolationofTolnedranlawtopracticesorceryanywhereintheEmpire,butwe'llletitpass-justthisonce.""Thankyou,RanBorune,"Garionsaid."Iappreciatethat."Afterhehadeatenabouthalfofthecherries,theEmperorsmiledandsighedcontentedly."Ifeelbetteralready,"hesaid."Ce'Vanneusedtobringmefreshcherriesinthatsamekindofbasket.""Mymother,"Ce'NedrasaidtoGarion.RanBorune'seyescloudedover."Imissher,"hesaidveryquietly."Shewasimpossibletolivewith,butImisshermoreeveryday.""Iscarcelyrememberher"'Ce'Nedrasaidwistfully."Irememberherverywell,"herfathersaid."I'dgivemywholeEmpireifIcouldseeherfacejustonemoretime."Ce'NedratookhiswastedhandinhersandlookedimploringlyatGarion."Couldyou?"sheasked,twogreattearsstandinginhereyes."I'mnotentirelysure,"herepliedinsomeperplexity."IthinkIknowhowit'sdone,butInevermetyourmother,soI'dhaveto-"Hebrokeoff,stilltryingto

workitoutinhismind."I'msureAuntPolcoulddoit,but-"Hecametothebedside."Wecantry."hesaid.HetookCe'Nedra'sotherhandandthenRanBorune's,linkingthethreeofthemtogether.Itwasextremelydifficult.RanBorune'smemorywascloudedbyageandhislongillness,andCe'Nedra'sremembranceofhermotherwassosketchythatitcouldhardlybesaidtoexistatall.Garionconcentrated,bendingallhiswilluponit.Beadsofperspirationstoodoutonhisforeheadashestruggledtogatherallthosefleetingmemoriesintoonesingleimage.Thelightcominginthroughtheflimsycurtainsatthewindowseemedtodarkenasifacloudhadpassedoverthesun,andtherewasafaint,far-offtinklingsound,asifofsmall,goldenbells.Theroomwassuddenlyfilledwithakindofwoodlandfragrance-asubtlesmellofmossandleavesandgreentrees.Thelightfadedabitmore,andthetinklingandtheodorgrewstronger.Andthentherewasahazy,nebulousluminosityintheairatthefootofthedyingEmperor'sbed.Theglowgrewbrighter,andshewasthere.Ce'Vannehadbeenabittallerthanherdaughter,butGarionsawinstantlywhyRanBorunehadalwayssodotedonhisonlychild.Thehairwaspreciselythesamedeepauburn;thecomplexionwasthatsamegolden-tingedolive;andtheeyeswereofthatexactsamegreen.Thefacewaswillful,certainly,buttheeyeswerefilledwithlove.Thefigurecamesilentlyaroundthebed,reachingoutbrieflyinpassingtotouchCe'Nedra'sfacewithlingering,phantomfingertips.Garioncouldsuddenlyseethesourceofthatsmallbellsound.Ce'Nedra'smotherworethetwogoldenacornearringsofwhichherdaughterwassofond,andthetwotinyclappersinsidethemgaveoffthatfaint,musicaltinklewhenevershemovedherhead.Fornoparticularreason,Garionrememberedthatthosesameearringslayonhiswife'sdressingtablebackatRiva.Ce'Vannereachedoutherhandtoherhusband.RanBorune'sfacewasfilledwithwonder,andhiseyeswithtears."Ce'Vanne,"hesaidinatremblingwhisper,strugglingtoraisehimselffromhispillow.HepulledhisshakinghandfreefromGarion'sgraspandreachedout

towardher.Foramomenttheirhandsseemedtotouch,andthenRanBorunegavealong,quaveringsigh,sankbackonhispillows,anddied.Ce'Nedrasatforalongtimeholdingherfather'shandasthefaint,woodlandsmellandtheechoofthelittlegoldenbellsslowlysubsidedfromtheroomandthelightfromthewindowreturned.Finallysheplacedthewastedhandgentlybackonthecoverlet,rose,andlookedaroundtheroomwithanalmostcasualair."It'sgoingtohavetobeairedout,ofcourse,"shesaidabsently."Maybesomecutflowerstosweetentheair."shesmoothedthecoverletatthesideofthebedandgravelylookedatherfather'sbody.Thensheturned."Oh,Garion,"shewailed,suddenlythrowingherselfintohisarms.Garionheldher,smoothingherhairandfeelingtheshakingofhertinybodyagainsthimandlookingallthewhileatthestill,peacefulfaceoftheEmperorofTolnedra.Itmayhavebeensometrickofthelight,butitalmostseemedthattherewasasmileonRanBorune'slips.CHAPTERELEVENThestatefuneralforEmperorRanBoruneXXIIIoftheThirdBoruneDynastytookplaceafewdayslaterintheTempleofNedra,LionGodoftheEmpire.ThetemplewasahugemarblebuildingnotfarfromtheImperialPalace.Thealtarwasbackedbyavastfanofpure,beatengold,withtheheadofalioninitscenter.DirectlyinfrontofthealtarstoodthesimplemarblebierofCe'Nedra'sfather.ThelateEmperorlayincalmrepose,coveredfromtheneckdownbyaclothofgold.Thecolumn-linedinnerhallofthetemplewasfilledtooverflowingasthemembersofthegreatfamiliesviedwithoneanother,notsomuchtopaytheirrespectstoRanBorune,butrathertodisplaytheopulenceoftheirclothingandthesheerweightoftheirpersonaladornment.GarionandCe'Nedra,bothdressedindeepestmourning,satbesideGeneralVaranaatthefrontofthevasthallastheeulogiesweredelivered.Tolnedranpoliticsdictatedthatarepresentativeofeachofthemajorhousesshouldspeakuponthissadoccasion.Thespeeches,Garionsuspected,hadbeenpreparedlonginadvance.Theywereallquitefloweryandtiresome,andeachoneseemedtobedirectedatthepointthat,althoughRanBorunewasgone,theEmpirelivedon.

Manyofthespeakersseemedquitesmugaboutthat.Whentheeulogieshadatlastbeencompleted,thewhite-robedHighPriestofNedra,apudgy,sweatingmanwithagrosslysensualmouth,aroseandsteppedtothefrontofthealtartoaddhisowncontribution.DrawinguponeventsinthelifeofRanBorune,hedeliveredalengthyhomilyontheadvantagesofhavingwealthandusingitwisely.AtfirstGarionwasshockedbytheHighPriest'schoiceofsubjectmatter,buttheraptfacesofthethronginthetempletoldhimthatasermonaboutmoneywasverymovingtoaTolnedrancongregationandthattheHighPriest,byselectingsuchatopic,wasabletherebytoslipinanynumberoflaudatorycommentsaboutCe'Nedra'sfather.Onceallthetediousspeecheswerecompleted,thelittleEmperorwaslaidtorestbesidehiswifeunderamarbleslabintheBorunesectionofthecatacombsbeneaththetemple.Theso-calledmournersthenreturnedtothemaintemplehalltoexpresstheircondolencestothebereavedfamily.Ce'Nedraboreupwell,thoughshewasverypale.Ononeoccasionsheswayedslightly,andGarion,withoutthinking,reachedouttosupporther."Don'ttouchme!"shewhisperedsharplyunderherbreath,raisingherchinsharply."What?"Garionwasstartled."Wecannotshowanysignofweaknessinthepresenceofourenemies.IwillnotbreakdownfortheentertainmentoftheHonethsortheHorbitesortheVordues.MyfatherwouldrisefromhisgraveindisgustifIdid."Thenoblesofallthegreathousescontinuedtofilepasttooffertheirextensiveandobviouslycounterfeitsympathytothesable-gownedlittleRivanQueen.Garionfoundtheirhalf-concealedsmirkscontemptibleandtheirbarbedjibesdisgusting.Hisfacegrewmoresternanddisapprovingasthemomentspassed.HisthreateningpresencesoondampenedtheenjoymentoftheGrandDukesand

theirladiesandsycophants.TheTolnedransweregenuinelyafraidofthistall,mysteriousAlornmonarchwhohadcomeoutofnowheretoassumeRiva'sthroneandtoshaketheveryearthwithhisfootsteps.EvenastheyapproachedCe'Nedratodelivertheirpoisonousobservations,hiscold,grimfacemadethemfalter,andmanycarefullypreparedimpertinenceswentunsaid.Atlast,disgustedsomuchthatevenhisSendariangoodmannersdesertedhim,heplacedhishandfirmlyonhiswife'selbow."Wewillleavenow"'hesaidtoherinavoicewhichcouldbeclearlyheardbyeveryoneinthevasttemple."Theairinthisplacehasturnedatriflerancid."Ce'Nedracasthimonestartledglance,thenliftedherchininhermostregalandimperiousmanner,laidherhandlightlyonhisarm,andwalkedwithhimtowardthehugebronzedoors.Thesilencewasvastastheymovedwithstatelypacethroughthethrong,andawidepathopenedforthem."Thatwasverynicelydone,dear,"Ce'Nedracomplimentedhimwarmlyastheyrodeinthegold-inlaidimperialcarriagebacktowardthepalace."Itseemedappropriate,"hereplied."I'dreachedthepointwhereIeitherhadtosaysomethingratherpointedorturnthewholelotofthemintotoads.""My,whatanenchantingthought,"sheexclaimed."Wecouldgoback,ifyouwant."WhenVaranaarrivedbackatthepalaceanhourorsolater,hewaspositivelygloating."Belgarion,"hesaidwithabroadgrin,"you'reasplendidyoungfellow,doyouknowthat?WiththatonewordyoumortallyoffendedvirtuallytheentirenobilityofnorthernTolnedra.""Whichwordwasthat?""Rancid.""I'msorryaboutthatone.""Don'tbe.Itperfectlydescribesthem."

"Itisabitcoarse,though.""Notunderthecircumstances.Itdidmanagetomakeyouanynumberoflifelongenemies,however.""That'sallIneed,"Garionrepliedsourly."Givemejustafewmoreyears,andI'llhaveenemiesinallpartsoftheworld.""Akingisn'treallydoinghisjobifhedoesn'tmakeenemies,Belgarion.Anyjackasscangothroughlifewithoutoffendingpeople.""Thanks."TherehadbeensomeuncertaintyaboutwhichcourseVaranawouldfollowonceRanBorunewasgone.His'adoption',bythelateEmperorhadclearlybeenarusewithverylittleinthewayoflegalitytobackitup.Thecandidatesforthethrone,blindedbytheirownlustfortheImperialCrown,hadconvincedthemselvesthathewouldmerelyserveasakindofcaretakeruntilthequestionofthesuccessionhadbeensettledintheusualfashion.Theissueremainedindoubtuntilhisofficialcoronation,whichtookplacetwodaysafterRanBorune'sfuneral.ThegloatingexultationamongthecontendersforthethronewasalmostaudiblewhenthegenerallimpedintotheTempleofNedradressedinhisuniform,ratherthanthetraditionalgoldmantlewhichonlytheEmperorwasallowedtowear.Obviouslythismandidnotintendtotakehiselevationseriously.Itmightcostabittobribehim,butthewaytotheImperialPalacewasstillopen.ThegrinswerebroadasVarana,gleaminginhisgold-inlaidbreastplate,approachedthealtar.ThepudgyHighPriestbentforwardforamomentofwhisperedconsultation.Varanareplied,andtheecclesiast'sfacesuddenlywentdeathlypale.Tremblingviolently,heopenedthegoldandcrystalcaskonthealtarandremovedthejewel-encrustedImperialCrown.Varana'sshort-croppedhairwasanointedwiththetraditionalungent,andtheHighPriestraisedthecrownwithshakinghands."Icrownthee,"hedeclaredinavoicealmostsqueakywithfright."-IcrowntheeEmperorRanBoruneXXIV,LordofallTolnedra."

Ittookamomentforthattosinkin.ThenthetemplewasfilledwithhowlsofanguishedprotestastheTolnedrannobilitygraspedthefactthatbythechoiceofhisimperialname,Varanawasclearlyannouncingthatheintendedtokeepthecrownforhimself.ThosehowlswerecutoffsharplyastheTolnedranlegionnaires,whohadquietlyfiledintoplacealongthecolonnadesurroundingthemaintemplefloor,drewtheirswordswithahuge,steelyrasp.Thegleamingswordsraisedinsalute."HailRanBorune!"thelegionsthundered."HailEmperorofTolnedra!"Andthatwasthat.ThateveningasGarion,Ce'Nedra,andthenewlycrownedEmperorsattogetherinacrimson-drapedprivatechamberfilledwiththegoldenglowofdozensofcandles,Varanaexclaimed."Surpriseisasimportantinpoliticsasitisinmilitarytactics,Belgarion.Ifyouropponentdoesn'tknowwhatyou'regoingtodo,there'snowayhecanpreparecountermeasures."ThegeneralnowopenlyworethegoldmantleoftheEmperor."Thatmakessense,"Garionreplied,sippingatagobletofTolnedranwine."WearingyourbreastplateinsteadoftheImperialMantlekeptthemguessingrightupuntilthelastminute.""Thatwasforamuchmorepracticalreason."Varanalaughed."Manyofthoseyoungnobleshavehadmilitarytraining,andweteachourlegionnaireshowtothrowdaggers.Sincemybackwasgoingtobetowardthem,Iwantedagood,solidlayerofsteelcoveringtheareabetweenmyshoulderblades.""Tolnedranpoliticsareverynervous,aren'tthey?"Varananoddedhisagreement."Fun,though,"headded."Youhaveapeculiarnotionoffun.I'vehadafewdaggersthrownatmeandIdidn'tfinditallthatamusing.""WeAnadileshavealwayshadapeculiarsenseofhumor."

"Borune,uncle,"Ce'Nedracorrectedprimly."Whatwasthat,dear?""You'reaBorunenow,notanAnadile-andyoushouldstartactinglikeone.""Bad-tempered,youmean?That'snotreallyinmynature.""Ce'Nedracouldgiveyoulessons,ifyoulike,"Garionoffered,grinningfondlyathiswife."What?"Ce'Nedraexclaimedindignantly,hervoicegoingupanoctaveorso."Isupposeshecouldatthat,"Varanaagreedblandly."She'salwaysbeenverygoodatit."Ce'Nedrasighedmournfully,eyeingthepairofgrinningmonarchs.Thenherexpressionbecameartfullytragic."What'sapoorlittlegirltodo?"sheaskedinatremblingvoice."HereIam,maltreatedandabusedbybothmyhusbandandmybrother."Varanablinked."Youknow,Ihadn'teventhoughtofthat.Youaremysisternow,aren'tyou?""Perhapsyouaren'tquiteascleverasIthought,brotherdear,"shepurredathim."IknowthatGarion'snotquitebright,butIthoughtbetterofyou."GarionandVaranaexchangedruefulglances."Wouldyougentlemenliketoplaysomemore?"Ce'Nedraaskedthem,hereyestwinklingandasmugsmilehoveringaboutherlips.Therewasalighttaponthedoor."Yes?"Varanasaid."LordMorintoseeyou,yourMajesty"'theguardoutsidethedoorannounced.

"Sendhimin,please."TheImperialChamberlainenteredquietly.Hisfacewasmarkedbythesorrowhefeltatthepassingofthemanhehadservedsolongandfaithfully,buthestillperformedhisdutieswiththequietefficiencythathadalwaysbeenhisoutstandingcharacteristic."Yes,Morin?"Varanasaid."There'ssomeonewaitingoutside,yourMajesty.She'srathernotorious,soIthoughtIshouldspeaktoyouprivatelybeforeIpresentedhertoyou.""Notorious?""It'sthecourtesanBethra,yourMajesty."MorinsaidwithafaintlyembarrassedlookatCe'Nedra."She'sbeen-ah-shallwesay,usefultothecrowninthepast.ShehasaccesstoagreatdealofinformationasaresultofherprofessionalactivitiesandshewasalongtimefriendofRanBorune's.Fromtimetotimeshekepthimadvisedoftheactivitiesofcertainunfriendlynobles.Hemadearrangementsfortheretobeawaybywhichshecouldenterthepalaceunnoticedsothattheycould-ah-talk,amongotherthings.""Why,thatslyoldfox.""Ihaveneverknownherinformationtobeinaccurate,yourMajesty."Morincontinued."Shesaysshehassomethingveryimportanttotellyou.""You'dbetterbringherin,then,Morin,"Varanasaid,"Withyoupermission,ofcourse,dearsister,"headdedtoCe'Nedra."Certainly,"Ce'Nedraagreed,hereyesafirewithcuriosity.WhenMorinbroughtthewomanin,shewaswearingalight,hoodedcloak,butwhen,withonesmooth,roundarm,shereachedupandpushedthehoodback,Garionstartedslightly.Heknewher.HerecalledthatwhenheandAuntPolandtheothershadbeenpassingthroughTolHonethduringtheirpursuitofZedarthe

ApostateandthestolenOrb,thissamewomanhadaccostedSilkforabanteringexchange.Assheunfastenedtheneckofhercloakandletitslidealmostsensuouslyfromhercreamyshoulders,hesawthatshehadnotchangedinthenearlytenyearssincehehadlastseenher.Herlustrous,blue-blackhairwasuntouchedbyanyhintofgray.Herstartlinglybeautifulfacewasstillassmoothasagirl's,andherheavy-liddedeyeswerestillfilledwithasultrywickedness.Hergownwasofpalestlavenderandcutinsuchawayastoenhanceratherthanconcealthelush,almostoverripebodyitenclosed.Itwasthekindofbodythatwasadirectchallengetoeverymanshemet.GarionstaredopenlyatheruntilhecaughtCe'Nedra'sgreeneyes,agate-hard,boringintohim,andhequicklylookedaway."YourMajesty,"BethrasaidinathroatycontraltoasshecurtsiedgracefullytothenewEmperor,"Iwouldhavewaitedatimebeforeintroducingmyself,butI'veheardafewthingsIthoughtyoushouldknowimmediately.""Iappreciateyourfriendship,LadyBethra,"Varanarepliedwithexquisitecourtesy.Shelaughedawarm,wickedlaugh."I'mnotalady,yourMajesty,"shecorrectedhim."Mostdefinitelynotalady."ShemadeasmallcurtsytoCe'Nedra."Princess,"shemurmured."Madame,"Ce'Nedrarespondedwithafaintchillinhervoiceandaveryslightinclinationofherhead."Ah,"Bethrasaidalmostsadly.ThensheturnedbacktoVarana."LatethisafternoonIwasentertainingCountErgonandtheBaronKelboratmyestablishment.""ApairofpowerfulHonethitenobles,"VaranaexplainedtoGarion."ThegentlemenfromthehouseofHonetharelessthanpleasedwithyourMajesty'schoiceofanofficialname,"Bethracontinued."Theyspokehastilyandinsomeheat,butIthinkthatyoumightwanttotakewhattheysaidseriously.Ergonisanunmitigatedass,allblusterandpomposity,butBaronKelborisnot

thesorttobetakenlightly.Atanyrate,theyconcludedthat,withthelegionsallaroundthepalace,itwouldbeunlikelythatanassassincouldreachyou;butthenKelborsaid,'Ifyouwanttokillasnake,youcutoffitstail-justbehindthehead.Wecan'treachVarana,butwecanreachhisson.Withoutanheir,Varana'slinedieswithhim.""Myson?"Varanasaidsharply."Hislifeisindanger,yourMajesty.Ithoughtyoushouldknow.""Thankyou,Bethra,"Varanarepliedgravely.ThenheturnedtoMorin."Sendadetachmentofthethirdlegiontomyson'shouse,"hesaid."NooneistogoinoroutuntilI'vehadtimetomakeotherarrangements.""Atonce,yourMajesty.""IwouldalsoliketospeakwiththetwogentlemenfromtheHouseofHoneth.Sendsometroopstoinvitethemtothepalace.HavethemwaitinthatlittleroomadjoiningthetorturechamberdowninthedungeonsuntilIhavethetimetodiscussthiswiththem.""Youwouldn't,"Ce'Nedragasped."Probablynot,"Varanaadmitted,"buttheydon'thavetoknowthat,dothey?Let'sgivethemanervoushourortwo.""I'llseetoitimmediately,yourMajesty"'Morinsaid.Hebowedandquietlylefttheroom."I'mtoldthatyouknewmyfather,"Ce'Nedrasaidtothelushlycurvedwomanstandinginthecenteroftheroom."Yes,Princess,"Bethraresponded."Quitewell,actually.Wewerefriendsforyears."Ce'Nedra'seyesnarrowed.

"Yourfatherwasavigorousman,Princess,"Bethratoldhercalmly."I'mtoldthatmanypeopleprefernottobelievethatkindofthingabouttheirparents,butitdoeshappennowandagain.IwasquitefondofhimandI'llmisshimverymuch,Ithink.""Idon'tbelieveyou,"Ce'Nedrasaidbluntly."That'suptoyou,ofcourse.""Myfatherwouldnothavedonethat.""Whateveryousay,Princess,"Bethrasaidwithafaintsmile."You'relying!"Ce'Nedrasnapped.AmomentaryglintcameintoBethra'seyes."No,Princess.Idon'tlie.Imightconcealthetruthattimes,butIneverlie.Liesaretooeasilyfoundout.RanBoruneandIwereintimatefriendsandweenjoyedeachother'scompanyinmanyways."Herlookbecamefaintlyamused."Yourupbringinghasshelteredyoufromcertainfacts,PrincessCe'Nedra.TolHonethisanextremelycorruptcity,andIamfullyathomehere.Let'sfaceacertainblunttruth.I'maharlotandImakenoapologyforthatfact.Theworkiseasy-evenpleasantattimes-andthepayisverygood.I'monthebestoftermswithsomeoftherichestandmostpowerfulmenintheworld.Wetalk,andtheyvaluemyconversation,butwhentheycometomyhouse,it'snotthetalkthey'reinterestedin.Thetalkcomeslater.ItwasmuchthesamewhenIvisitedyourfather.Wedidtalk,Princess,butitwasusuallylater."Ce'Nedra'sfacewasflaming,andhereyeswerewidewithshock."Noonehasevertalkedtomethatwaybefore,"shegasped."Thenitwasprobablyoverdue,"Bethrasaidcalmly."You'remuchwisernow-nothappier,perhaps,butwiser.Now,ifyou'llexcuseme,Ishouldprobablyleave.TheHonethshavespieseverywhere,andIthinkitmightnotbeagoodideaforthemtofindoutaboutthisvisit.""Iwanttothankyoufortheinformationyou'vejustbroughtme,Bethra,"Varana

saidtoher."Letmegiveyousomethingforyourtrouble.""Thathasneverbeennecessary,yourMajesty,"sherepliedwithanarchlittlesmile."InformationisnotwhatIsell.I'llgonow-unlessyouwanttotalkbusiness,ofcourse."Shepausedintheactofputtinghercloakbackonandgavehimaverydirectlook."Ah-thismightnotbethebesttime,Bethra,"VaranasaidwithafaintlyregretfulnoteinhisvoiceandaquicksidelongglanceatCe'Nedra."Someothertimethen,perhaps."Shecurtsiedagainandquietlylefttheroom,themuskyfragranceofthescentsheworelingeringintheairbehindher.Ce'Nedrawasstillblushingfuriously,andhereyeswereoutraged.ShespuntofaceGarionandVarana."Don'teitherofyoudaresayanything,"shecommanded."Notonesingleword."ThesadvisittoTolHonethendedafewdayslater,andGarionandCe'NedratookshipagainforthevoyagebacktotheIsleoftheWinds.ThoughCe'Nedraseldomgaveanyoutwardhintsofhergrief,Garionknewherwellenoughtounderstandthatherfather'sdeathhadhurtherdeeply.Becausehelovedherandwassensitivetoheremotions,hetreatedherwithacertainextratendernessandconsiderationforthenextseveralmonths.Inmid-autumnthatyear,theAlornKingsandQueenPorenn,RegentofDrasnia,arrivedatRivaforthetraditionalmeetingoftheAlornCouncil.Themeetinghadnoneoftheurgencywhichhadmarkedthosemeetingspreviously.Torakwasdead,theAngarakswereconvulsedbywar,andakingsatupontheRivanthrone.Theentireaffairwasalmostpurelysocial,thoughthekingsdidmakesomepretenseatholdingbusinesssessionsintheblue-drapedcouncilchamberhighinthesouthtoweroftheCitadel.TheygravelytalkedaboutthestalematedwarinsouthernCtholMurgosandaboutthetroublesVaranawashavingwiththeVorduefamilyofnorthernTolnedra.WarnedperhapsbythefailureoftheHonethsintheirattemptsatassassination,theVorduesdecidedtotrysecession.ShortlyafterVarana'scoronationasRanBoruneXXIV,theVorduefamilydeclaredthattheirGrandDuchywasno

longerapartofTolnedrabutratherwasaseparate,independentkingdom-althoughtheyhadnotyetdecidedwhichoftheirnumberwastoascendthethrone."Varana'sgoingtohavetomovethelegionsagainstthem,"KingAnhegdeclared,wipingthealefoamfromhismouthwithhissleeve."Otherwise,theotherfamilieswillsecedetoo,andTolnedrawillflyapartlikeabrokenspring.""It'snotreallythatsimple,Anheg,"QueenPorenntoldhimsmoothly,turningbackfromthewindowoutofwhichshehadbeenwatchingtheactivityintheharborfarbelow.TheQueenofDrasniastillworedeepmourning,andherblackgownseemedtoenhanceherblondeloveliness."Thelegionswillgladlyfightanyforeignenemy,butVaranacan'taskthemtoattacktheirownpeople."Anhegshrugged."Hecouldbringuplegionsfromthesouth.They'reallBorunesorAnadilesorRanites.Theywouldn'tmindtramplingovertheVordues.""Butthenthenorthernlegionswouldstepintostopthem.Oncethelegionsstartfightingeachother,theEmpirewillreallydisintegrate.""IguessIreallyhadn'tthoughtofitthatway"'Anhegadmitted."Youknow,Porenn,you'reextremelyintelligent-forawoman.""Andyou'reextremelyperceptive-foraman,"sherepliedwithasweetsmile."That'soneforherside,"KingCho-Hagsaidquietly."Werewekeepingscore?"Garionaskedmildly."Ithelpsustokeeptrack,sortof,"theChiefoftheClan-ChiefsofAlgariaansweredwithastraightface.ItwasnotuntilseveraldayslaterthatwordreachedRivaconcerningVarana'srathernovelapproachtohisproblemwiththeVordues.ADrasnianshipsailedintotheharboronemorning,andanagentoftheDrasnianIntelligenceServicebroughtasheafofdispatchestoQueenPorenn.Aftershereadthem,sheenteredthecouncilchamberwithasmuglittlesmile."Ibelievewecansetourmindsat

restaboutVarana'sabilities,gentlemen,"shetoldtheAlornKings."HeappearstohavefoundasolutiontotheVorduequestion.""Oh?"Brandrumbled."Whatisit?""MyinformantsadvisemethathehasmadeasecretarrangementwithKingKorodullinofArendia.Thisso-calledKingdomofVorduehassuddenlybecomeabsolutelyinfestedwithArendishbandits-mostoftheminfullarmor,oddlyenough.""Waitaminute,Porenn,"Anheginterrupted."Ifit'sasecretarrangement,howisitthatyouknowaboutit?"ThelittleblondeQueenofDrasnialoweredhereyelidsdemurely."Why,Anheg,dear,weren'tyouawareofthefactthatIknoweverything?""Anotheroneforherside,"KingCho-HagsaidtoGarion."I'dsayso,yes,"Garionagreed."Atanyrate,"theDrasnianQueencontinued,"therearenowwholebattalionsofbrainlessyoungMimbrateknightsinVordue,allposingasbanditsandplunderingandburningatwill.TheVorduesdon'thavewhatyoucouldcallanarmy,sothey'vebeenscreamingforaidfromthelegions.MypeoplemanagedtogettheirhandsonacopyofVarana'sreply."Sheunfoldedadocument."'TothegovernmentoftheKingdomofVordue,"'sheread,"'Greetings:Yourrecentappealforhelpcameasagreatsurprisetome.SurelytheesteemedgentlemeninTolVorduewouldnotwantmetoviolatethesovereigntyoftheirnewlyestablishedkingdombysendingTolnedranlegionsacrosstheirborderstodealwithafewArendishbrigands.Themaintenanceofpublicorderistheparamountresponsibilityofanygovernment,andIwouldnotdreamofintrudingmyforcesintosofundamentalanarea.Todosowouldraisegravedoubtsinthemindsofreasonablementheworldoverastotheviabilityofyournewstate.Ido,however,sendyoumybestwishesinyoureffortstodealwithwhatis,afterall,astrictlyinternalmatter.'"Anhegbegantolaugh,poundinghisheavyfistonthetableinhisglee."Ithink

thatcallsforadrink,"hechortled."Ithinkitmightcallforseveral,"Garionagreed."WecantoasttheeffortsoftheVorduestomaintainorder.""Itrustyougentlemenwillexcusemethen,"QueenPorennsaid."NomerewomancouldeverhopetocompetewiththeKingsofAloriawhenitcomestoreallyseriousdrinking.""Ofcourse,Porenn,"Anhegagreedmagnanimously."We'llevendrinkyourshareforyou.""You'retookind,"shemurmuredandwithdrew.MuchoftheeveningthatfollowedwaslostinahazyfogofalefumesforGarion.HeseemedtorememberweavingdownacorridorwithAnhegononesideandBrandontheother.Thethreeofthemhadtheirarmsaboutoneanothers'shoulders,andtheystaggeredinapeculiarkindofunison.Healsoseemedtorememberthattheyweresinging.Whenhewassober,Garionneversang.Thatnight,however,itseemedlikethemostnaturalandenjoyablethingintheworld.Hehadnotbeendrunkbefore.AuntPolhadalwaysdisapprovedofdrinking,and,ashedidinmostthings,hehaddeferredtoheropinionsaboutthematter.Thus,hewastotallyunpreparedforthewayhefeltthenextmorning.Ce'Nedrawasunsympathetic,tosaytheveryleast.Likeeverywomanwhohadeverlivedsincethebeginningoftime,shesmuglyenjoyedherhusband'ssuffering."Itoldyouthatyouweredrinkingtoomuch,"sheremindedhim."Pleasedon't,"hesaid,holdinghisheadbetweenhishands."It'syourownfault,"shesmirked."Justleavemealone,"hebegged."I'mtryingtodie.""Oh,Idon'tthinkyou'lldie,Garion.Youmightwishyoucould,butyouwon't."

"Doyouhavetotalksoloud?""Wealljustlovedyoursinging,"shecongratulatedhimbrightly."Iactuallythinkyouinventednotesthatdidn'tevenexistbefore."Gariongroanedandoncemoreburiedhisfacebetweenhistremblinghands.TheAlornCouncillastedforperhapsanotherweek.ItmighthavecontinuedlongerhadnotasavageautumnstormannouncedwithahowlinggalethatitwastimefortheassembledgueststoreturntothemainlandwhiletheSeaoftheWindswasstillnavigable.Nottoomanydayslater,Brand,thetall,agingRivanWarder,requestedaprivateaudiencewithGarion.Itwasraininggustilyoutside,andsheetsofwaterintermittentlyclawedatthewindowsofGarion'sstudyasthetwomensatdownincomfortablechairsacrossthetablefromeachother."MayIspeakfrankly,Belgarion?"thebig,sad-eyedmanasked."Youknowyoudon'thavetoaskthat.""Thematterathandisapersonalone.Idon'twantyoutobeoffended.""Saywhatyouthinkneedstobesaid.Ipromisenottobeoffended."Brandglancedoutthewindowatthegrayskyandthewind-drivenrain."Belgarion,it'sbeenalmosteightyearsnowsinceyoumarriedPrincessCe'Nedra."Garionnodded."I'mnottryingtointrudeonyourprivacy,butthefactthatyourwifehasnotyetproducedanheirtothethroneis,afterall,astatematter."Garionpursedhislips."IknowthatyouandAnhegandtheothersareveryconcerned.Ithinkyourconcernispremature,though."

"Eightyearsisalongtime,Belgarion.Weallknowhowmuchyouloveyourwife.We'reallfondofher."Brandsmiledbriefly."Eventhoughshe'salittledifficultattimes.""You'venoticed.""WefollowedherwillinglytothebattlefieldatThullMardu-andprobablywouldagainifsheaskedusto-butIthinkwe'dbetterfacethepossibilitythatshemaybebarren.""I'mpositivethatshe'snot,"Garionsaidfirmly."Thenwhyisn'tshehavingchildren?"Garioncouldn'tanswerthat."Belgarion,thefateofthiskingdom-andofallAloria-hangsonyourweakestbreath.There'svirtuallynoothertopicofconversationinallthenorthernkingdoms.""Ididn'tknowthat,"Garionadmitted."GrodegandhishenchmenwerevirtuallywipedoutatThullMardu,butthere'sbeenaresurgenceoftheBear-cultinremotepartsofCherek,Drasnia,andAlgaria.Youknewthat,didn'tyou?"Garionnodded."Andeveninthecitiestherearethoseelementsthatsympathizewiththecult'saimsandbeliefs.ThosepeoplewerenothappythatyouchoseaTolnedranprincessforyourwife.RumorsarealreadyabroadthatCe'Nedra'sinabilitytohavechildrenisasignofBelar'sdisapprovalofyourmarriagetoher.""That'ssuperstitiousnonsense,"Garionscoffed."Ofcourseitis,butifthatkindofthinkingbeginstotakehold,it'sultimatelygoingtohavesomeunpleasanteffects.OtherelementsinAlornsociety-friendly

toyou-areveryconcernedaboutit.Toputitbluntly,there'saratherwidelyheldopinionthatthetimehascomeforyoutodivorceCe'Nedra.""What?""Youdohavethatpower,youknow.Thewaytheyallseeit,thebestsolutionmightbeforyoutoputasideyourbarrenTolnedranqueenandtakesomenice,fertileAlorngirl,who'llpresentyouwithbabiesbythedozen.""That'sabsolutelyoutofthequestion,"Garionsaidhotly."Iwon'tdoit.Didn'tthoseidiotseverhearabouttheAccordsofVoMimbre?EvenifIwantedtodivorceCe'Nedra,Icouldn't.Ourmarriagewasagreeduponfivehundredyearsago.""TheBear-cultfeelsthatthearrangementwasforcedontheAlornsbyBelgarathandPolgara,"Brandreplied."SincethosetwoareloyaltoAldur,thecultfeelsthatitmighthavebeendonewithoutBelar'sapproval.""Nonsense,"Garionsnapped."There'salotofnonsenseinanyreligion,Belgarion.Thepointremains,however,thatCe'NedrahasfewfriendsinanypartofAlornsociety.Eventhosewhoarefriendlytoyouaren'tveryfondofher.Bothyourenemiesandyourfriendswouldliketoseeyoudivorceher.Theyallknowhowfondofheryouare,sothey'llprobablyneverapproachyouwiththeidea.They'relikelytotakemoredirectactioninstead.""Suchas?""Sincetheyknowthatyoucan'tbepersuadedtodivorceher,someonemaytrytoremoveherpermanently.""Theywouldn'tdare!""AlornsarealmostasemotionalasArendsare,Belgarion-andsometimesalmostasthick-headed.We'reallawareofit.AnhegandCho-Hagbothurgedmetowarnyouaboutthispossibility,andPorennhasputwholeplatoonsofherspies

toworkonitsothatwe'llatleasthavesomeadvancewarningifsomeonestartsplottingagainstthequeen.""Andjustwheredoyoustandinthis,Brand?"Garionaskedquietly."Belgarion,"thebigmansaidfirmly,"Iloveyouasifyouweremyownson,andCe'NedraisasdeartomeasthedaughterIneverhad.Nothinginthisworldwouldmakemehappierthantoseethefloorofthatnurserynexttoyourbedroomabsolutelylitteredwithchildren.Butit'sbeeneightyears.Thingshavereachedthepointwherewemustdosomething-iffornootherreason,thentoprotectthattiny,bravegirlwebothlove.""Whatcanwedo?"Garionaskedhelplessly."YouandIareonlymen,Garion.Howcanweknowwhyawomandoesordoesnothavechildren?Andthat'sthecruxofthewholesituation.Iimploreyou,Garion-Ibegyou-sendforPolgara.Weneedheradviceandhelp-andweneeditnow."AftertheWarderhadquietlyleft,Garionsatforalongwhilestaringoutattherain.Allinall,hedecidedthatitmightbewisernottotellCe'Nedraabouttheconversation.Hedidnotwanttofrightenherwithtalkofassassinslurkinginthedimcorridors,andanyhintthatpoliticalexpediencymightcompelconsiderationofdivorcewouldnotbewellreceived.Aftercarefulthought,heconcludedthatthebestcoursewouldbejusttokeephismouthshutandsendforAuntPol.Unfortunately,hehadforgottensomethingratherimportant.Whenheenteredthecheery,candlelitroyalapartmentthatevening,heworeacarefullyassumedsmiledesignedtoindicatethatnothinguntowardhadhappenedduringtheday.Thefrostysilencewhichgreetedhimshouldhavewarnedhim;evenhadhemissedthatdangersign,hecertainlyshouldhavenoticedthescarsonthedoorcasingandthebrokenshardsofseveralvasesandassortedporcelainfigurinesthatlayinthecornerswheretheyhadbeenmissedinthehastyclean-upfollowinganexplosionofsomesort.TheRivanKing,however,sometimestendedtobeslightlyunobservant."Goodevening,dear"'hegreetedhisicylittlewifeinacheerfulvoice.

"Really?""Howdidyourdaygo?"Sheturnedtoregardhimwithalookfilledwithdaggers."Howcanyoupossiblyhavethenervetoaskthat?"Garionblinked."Tellme,"shesaid,"justwhenisitthatIamtobeputasidesothatmyLordcanmarrytheblonde-headedbroodsowwho'sgoingtoreplacemeinmyLord'sbedandfilltheentireCitadelwithlittersofrunny-nosedAlornbrats?""How-?""MyLordappearstohaveforgottenthegifthechainedaboutmyneckwhenwewerebetrothed,"shesaid."MyLordalsoappearstohaveforgottenjustexactlywhatBeldaran'samuletcando.""Oh,"Garionsaid,suddenlyremembering."Oh,my.""Unfortunately,theamuletwon'tcomeoff,"Ce'Nedratoldhimbitingly."Youwon'tbeabletogiveittoyournextwife-unlessyouplantohavemyheadcutoffsothatyoucanreclaimit.""Willyoustopthat?""AsmyLordcommandsme.DidyouplantoshipmebacktoTolnedra-oramIjusttobeshovedoutthefrontgateintotherainandlefttofendformyself?""YouheardthediscussionIhadwithBrand,then,Itakeit.""Obviously.""Ifyouheardpartofit,thenI'msureyouhearditall.Brandwasonlyreportingadangertoyoucausedbytheabsurdnotionsofagroupoffrothingfanatics."

"Youshouldnothaveevenlistenedtohim.""Whenhe'stryingtowarnmethatsomebodymightattempttokillyou?Ce'Nedra,beserious.""Thethoughtistherenow,Garion,"shesaidaccusingly."Nowyouknowthatyoucangetridofmeanytimeyouwant.I'veseenyouoglingthoseempty-headedAlorngirlswiththeirlongblondebraidsandtheiroverdevelopedbosoms.Now'syourchance,Garion.Whichonewillyouchoose?""Areyouaboutfinishedwithallofthis?"Hereyesnarrowed."Isee,"shesaid."NowI'mnotmerelybarren,I'malsohysterical.""No,you'rejustalittlesillynowandthen,that'sall.""Silly?""Everybody'ssillyonceinawhile,"headdedquitecalmly."It'spartofbeinghuman.I'mactuallyalittlesurprisedthatyouaren'tthrowingthings."Shethrewaquick,guiltyglanceinthedirectionofsomeofthebrokenfragmentsinthecorner."Oh,"hesaid,catchingtheglance."Youdidthatearlier,Isee.I'mgladImissedthatpart.It'shardtotrytoreasonwithsomebodywhenyou'redodgingflyingcrockeryandtheotherpersonisshriekingcurses."Ce'Nedrablushedslightly."Youdidthattoo?"heaskedmildly."SometimesIwonderwhereyoumanagedtopickupallthosewords.Howdidyoueverfindoutwhattheymean?""Youswearallthetime,"sheaccused."Iknow,"headmitted."It'sterriblyunfair.I'mallowedto,butyou'renot."

"I'dliketoknowwhomadeupthatrule,"shestarted,andthenhereyesnarrowed."You'retryingtochangethesubject,"sheaccusedhim."No,Ce'Nedra,Ialreadydid.Weweren'tgettinganywherewiththeothertopic.Youarenotbarren,andIamnotgoingtodivorceyou,nomatterhowlongsomebodyelse'sbraidsare,orhow-well,nevermind."Shelookedathim."Oh,Garion,whatifIam?"shesaidinasmallvoice."Barren,Imean?""That'sabsurd,Ce'Nedra.Wewon'tevendiscussthat."ThelingeringdoubtintheeyesoftheRivanQueen,however,saidquiteclearlythat,eveniftheydidnotdiscussit,shewouldcontinuetoworryaboutit.CHAPTERTWELVETheseasonmadetheSeaoftheWindsextremelyhazardous,andGarionwasforcedtowaitforafullmonthbeforehecoulddispatchamessengertotheValeofAldur.BythenthelateautumnsnowstormshadcloggedthepassesinthemountainsofeasternSendaria,andtheroyalmessengerwasobligedliterallytowadehiswayacrosstheplainsofAlgaria.Withallthesedelays,itwasverynearlyErastidebythetimeAuntPol,Durnik,andErrandarrivedatthesnowyquayintheharboratRiva.DurnikadmittedtoGarionthatithadonlybeenachancemeetingwiththewaywardCaptainGreldik,whofearednostormthatanyseacouldhurlathim,thathadmadethetrippossibleatall.PolgaraspokebrieflywiththevagabondseamanbeforetheybeganthelongclimbuptotheCitadel,andGarionnotedwithsomesurprisethatGreldikslippedhishawsersimmediatelyandsailedbackouttosea.PolgaraseemedquiteunconcernedaboutthegravityoftheproblemthathadimpelledGariontosendforher.Shespokewithhimonlyacoupleoftimesaboutit,askingafewratherdirectquestionsthatsethisearstoflaming.HerdiscussionswithCe'Nedrawereabitmorelengthy,butonlyslightlyso.

Garionreceivedthedistinctimpressionthatshewaswaitingforsomeoneorsomethingbeforeproceeding.TheErastidecelebrationatRivathatyearwassomewhatsubdued.AlthoughitwasverypleasanttohavePolgara,Durnik,andErrandwiththemtojoininthefestivities,Garion'sconcernovertheproblemBrandhadraiseddampenedhisenjoymentoftheholiday.Severalweeksafterward,GarionenteredtheroyalapartmentonesnowymidafternoontofindPolgaraandCe'Nedraseatedbyacozyfiresippingteaandchattingtogetherquietly.Thecuriositywhichhadbeengrowinginhimsincethearrivalofhisvisitorsfinallyboiledtoahead."AuntPol,"hebegan."Yesdear?""You'vebeenhereforalmostamonthnow.""Hasitbeenthatlong?Thetimecertainlypassesquicklywhenyou'rewithpeopleyoulove.""There'sstillthislittleproblem,youknow,"heremindedher."Yes,Garion,"sherepliedpatiently."I'mawareofthat.""Arewedoinganythingaboutit?""No,"shesaidplacidly,"notyet,anyhow.""It'ssortofimportant,AuntPol.Idon'twanttoseemtobetryingtorushyouoranything,but-"Hebrokeoffhelplessly.Polgararosefromherchair,wenttothewindow,andlookedoutatthesmallprivategardenjustoutside.Thegardenwascloggedwithsnow,andthepairofintertwinedoaktreesCe'NedrahadplantedthereatthetimeofherbetrothaltoGarionwerebowedslightlybeneaththeweightontheirlimbs."Oneofthe

thingsyou'lllearnasyougrowolder,Garion,"shesaidtohim,gravelylookingoutatthesnowygarden,"ispatience.Everythinghasitsproperseason.Thesolutiontoyourproblemisn'tallthatcomplicated,butit'sjustnotthepropertimetocometogripswithityet.""Idon'tunderstandatall,AuntPol.""Thenyou'lljusthavetotrustme,won'tyou?""OfcourseItrustyou,AuntPol.It'sjust-""Justwhat,dear?""Nothing."ItwaslatewinterbeforeCaptainGreldikreturnedfromthesouth.Astormhadsprungoneoftheseamsofhisship,andshewastakingwaterasshewallowedheavilyaroundtheheadlandandmadeforthequay."IthoughtforawhiletherethatImighthavetoswim,"thebeardedCherekgrowledashelimpedacrosstothequay."Where'sthebestplacetobeachthispooroldcowofmine?I'mgoingtohavetochalkherbottom.""Mostsailorsusethatinletthere,"Garionreplied,pointing."Ihatetobeachashipinthewinter,"Greldiksaidbitterly."IstheresomeplacewhereIcangetadrink?""UpattheCitadel,"Garionoffered."Thanks.Oh,IbroughtthatvisitorPolgarawanted.""Visitor?"Greldiksteppedback,squintedathisshiptodeterminethelocationoftheaftcabin,thenwentoverandkickedtheplankingseveraltimes."We'rehere!"hebellowed.HeturnedbacktoGarion."Ireallyhatetosailwithwomenonboard.

I'mnotsuperstitious,butsometimesIreallythinktheydobringbadluck-andyou'vealwaysgottowatchyourmanners.""Youhaveawomanaboard?"Garionaskedcuriously.Greldikgruntedsourly."Prettylittlething,butsheseemstoexpectdeferentialtreatment;andwhenyourwholecrewisbusybailingseawateroutofyourbilges,youdon'thavemuchtimeforthat.""Hello,Garion,"alightvoicesaidfromupondeck."Xera?"Garionstaredupintothesmallfaceofhiswife'scousin."Isthatreallyyou?""Yes,Garion,"thered-hairedDryadrepliedcalmly.Shewasbundleduptotheearsinthick,warmfurs,andherbreathsteamedinthefrostyair."IgothereasquicklyasIcouldwhenIreceivedLadyPolgara'ssummons."Shesmiledsweetlydownatthesour-facedGreldik."Captain,"shesaid,"couldyouhavesomeofyourmenbringthosebalesalongforme?""Dirt,"Greldiksnorted."Isailtwothousandleaguesinthedeadofwintertocarryonesmallgirl,twocasksofwater,andfourbalesofdirt.""Loam,Captain,"Xeracorrectedmeticulously,"loam.There'sadifference,youknow.""I'masailor"'Greldiksaid."Tome,dirtisdirt.""Whateveryouwish,Captain,"Xerasaidwinsomely."NowdobeadearandhavethebalescarrieduptotheCitadelforme-andI'llneedthecasksaswell."Grumbling,CaptainGreldikgavetheorders.Ce'NedrawasecstaticwhenshelearnedthathercousinhadarrivedinRiva.Thetwoofthemflewintoeachother'sarmsanddashedoffimmediatelytofindPolgara.

"They'reveryfondofeachother,aren'tthey?"Durnikobserved.Thesmithwasdressedinfursandworeapairofwell-tarredboots.Shortlyafterhisarrival,despitethefactthatitwasinthedeadofwinter,Durnikhaddiscoveredalarge,swirlingpoolintheriverthatdroppedoutofthemountainsandranjusttothenorthofthecity.Withastoundingself-restraint,hehadactuallystaredatthatice-rimmedpoolforafulltenminutesbeforegoinginsearchofafishingpole.Nowhehappilyspentmostofeachdayprobingthosedark,churningwaterswithawaxedlineandabrightlureinsearchofthesilvery-sidedsalmonthatlurkedbeneaththeturbulentsurface.TheclosestGarionhadeverseenhisAuntPolactuallycometoscoldingherhusbandhadbeenonthedaywhenshehadinterceptedhimonhiswayoutoftheCitadelintotheveryteethofascreamingblizzard,whistling,andwithhisfishingpoleoverhisshoulder."WhatamIsupposedtodowithallofthis?"Greldikdemanded,pointingatthesixburlysailorswhohadcarriedXera'sbalesandcasksupthelongstairwaytothegrimfortressbroodingoverthecity."Oh,"Garionsaid,"justhaveyourmenputthemoverthere."Hepointedtowardacorneroftheantechambertheyhadjustentered."I'llfindoutwhattheladieswantdonewiththemlater."Greldikgrunted."Good."Thenherubbedhishandstogether."Now,aboutthatdrink-"GariondidnothavethefaintestideawhathiswifeandhercousinandPolgarawereupto.Mostofthetime,theirconversationsbrokeoffassoonasheenteredtheroom.Tohisastonishment,thefourbalesofloamandthetwocasksofwhatseemedtobewaterwerestackedratheruntidilyinonecorneroftheroyalbedroom.Ce'Nedraadamantlyrefusedtoexplain,butthelookshegavehimwhenheaskedwhytheyneededtobesoclosetotheroyalbedwasnotonlymysterious,butactuallyfaintlynaughty.ItwasperhapsaweekortwoafterXera'sarrivalthatasuddenbreakintheweatherbroughtthesunout,andthetemperaturesoareduptoalmostfreezing.Shortlybeforenoon,GarionwasinconferencewiththeDrasnianambassadorwhenawide-eyedservanthesitantlyenteredtheroyalstudy."Please,yourMajesty,"thepoormanstammered."Pleaseforgivemeforinterrupting,but

LadyPolgaratoldmetobringyoutoheratonce.Itriedtotellherthatwedon'tbotheryouwhenyou'rebusy,butshe-well,shesortofinsisted.""You'dbettergoseewhatshewants,yourMajesty,"theDrasnianambassadorsuggested."IftheLadyPolgarahadjustsummonedme,I'dberunningtowardherdooralready.""Youdon'treallyhavetobeafraidofher,Margrave,"Gariontoldhim."Shewouldn'tactuallyhurtyou.""That'sachanceI'dprefernottotake,yourMajesty.Wecantalkaboutthematterwewerediscussingsomeothertime."Frowningslightly,GarionwentdownthehalltothedoorofAuntPol'sapartment.Hetappedgentlyandthenwentin."Ah,thereyouare,"shesaidcrisply."Iwasabouttosendanotherservantafteryou."Sheworeafur-linedcloakwithadeephoodpulledupuntilitframedherface.Ce'NedraandXera,similarlygarbed,werestandingjustbehindher."IwantyoutogofindDurnik,"shesaid."He'sprobablyfishing.FindhimandbringhimbacktotheCitadel.GetashovelandapickfromsomeplaceandthenbringDurnikandthetoolstothatlittlegardenjustoutsideyourapartmentwindow."Hestaredather.Shemadeakindofflippingmotionwithonehand."Quickly,quickly,Garion,"shesaid."Thedayiswearingon.""Yes,AuntPol,"hesaidwithouteventhinking.Heturnedandwentbackout,half-running.Hewasnearlytotheendofthehallwaybeforeherememberedthathewasthekinghere,andthatpeopleprobablyshouldn'torderhimaroundlikethat.Durnik,ofcourse,respondedimmediatelytohiswife'ssummons-well,almost

immediately.HedidmakeonelastcastbeforecarefullycoilinguphisfishinglineandfollowingGarionbacktotheCitadel.Whenthetwoofthementeredthesmallprivategardenadjoiningtheroyalapartment,AuntPol,Ce'Nedra,andXerawerealreadythere,standingbeneaththeintertwinedoaktrees."Here'swhatwe'regoingtodo,"AuntPolsaidinabusinesslikefashion."I'dliketohavetheareaaroundthesetreetrunksopeneduptoadepthofabouttwofeet.""Uh-AuntPol,"Garioninterposed,"thegroundissortoffrozen.Diggingisgoingtobealittledifficult.""That'swhatthepickisfor,dear,"shesaidpatiently."Wouldn'titbeeasiertowaituntilthegroundthaws?""Probably,butitneedstobedonenow.Dig,Garion.""I'vegotgardeners,AuntPol.Wecouldsendforacoupleofthem."Heeyedthepickandshoveluncomfortably."It'sprobablybetterifwekeepitinthefamily,dear.Youcanstartdiggingrighthere."Shepointed.Garionsighedandtookupthepick.Whatfollowedmadenosenseatall.GarionandDurnikpickedandspadedatthefrozengrounduntillateafternoon,openinguptheareaAuntPolhadindicated.Thentheydumpedthefourbalesofloamintotheholetheyhadprepared,tampeddownthelooseearth,andwateredthedarksoilliberallywiththewaterfromthetwocasks.Afterthat,AuntPolinstructedthemtocovereverythingbackupagainwithsnow."Didyouunderstandanyofthat?"GarionaskedDurnikasthetwoofthemreturnedtheirtoolstothegardener'sshedinthecourtyardnearthestables."No,"Durnikadmitted,"butI'msuresheknowswhatshe'sdoing."Heglancedattheeveningskyandthensighed."It'sprobablyalittlelatetogobacktothat

pool,"hesaidregretfully.AuntPolandthetwogirlsvisitedthegardendaily,butGarioncouldneverdiscoverexactlywhattheyweredoing,andthefollowingweekhisattentionwasdivertedbythesuddenappearanceofhisgrandfather,BelgaraththeSorcerer.TheyoungkingwassittinginhisstudywithErrandastheboydescribedinsomedetailthetrainingofthehorseGarionhadgivenhimafewyearsbackwhenthedoorbangedunceremoniouslyopenandBelgarath,travel-stainedandwithafacelikeathundercloud,strodein."Grandfather!"Garionexclaimed,startingtohisfeet."Whatare-""Shutupandsitdown!"Belgarathshoutedathim."What?""DoasItellyou.Wearegoingtohaveatalk,Garion-thatis,I'mgoingtotalk,andyou'regoingtolisten."Hepausedasiftogetcontrolofwhatappearedtobeatoweringanger."Doyouhaveanyideaofwhatyou'vedone?"hedemandedatlast."Me?Whatarewetalkingabout,Grandfather?"Garionasked."We'retalkingaboutyourlittledisplayofpyrotechnicsontheplainsofMimbre,"Belgarathrepliedicily."Thatimpromptuthunderstormofyours.""Grandfather."Garionexplainedasmildlyaspossible,"theywererightonthebrinkofwar.AllArendiawouldprobablyhavegotteninvolved.You'vesaidyourselfthatwedidn'twantthattohappen.Ihadtostopthem.""Wearen'ttalkingaboutyourmotives,Garion.We'retalkingaboutyourmethods.Whatpossessedyoutouseathunderstorm?""Itseemedlikethebestwaytogettheirattention.""Youcouldn'tthinkofanythingelse?"

"Theywerealreadycharging,Grandfather.Ididn'thavealotoftimetoconsideralternatives.""Haven'tItoldyouagainandagainthatwedon'ttamperwiththeweather?""Well-itwassortofanemergency.""Ifyouthoughtthatwasanemergency,youshouldhaveseentheblizzardyoutouchedoffintheValewithyourfoolishness-andthehurricanesitspawnedintheSeaoftheEast-nottomentionthedroughtsandtornadoesyoukickedupallovertheworld.Don'tyouhaveanysenseofresponsibilityatall?""Ididn'tknowitwasgoingtodothat."Garionwasaghast."Boy,it'syourbusinesstoknow!"Belgarathsuddenlyroaredathim,hisfacemottledwithrage."It'stakenBeldinandmesixmonthsofconstanttravelandtheGodsonlyknowhowmuchefforttoquietthingsdown.Doyourealizethatwiththatonethoughtlessstormofyoursyoucameveryclosetochangingtheweatherpatternsoftheentireglobe?Andthatchangewouldhavebeenauniversaldisaster!""Onetinylittlestorm?""Yes,onetinylittlestorm,"Belgarathsaidscathingly."Youronetinylittlestormintherightplaceattherighttimecameveryclosetoalteringtheweatherforthenextseveraleons-allovertheworld-youblockhead!""Grandfather,"Garionprotested."Doyouknowwhatthetermiceagemeans?"Garionshookhishead,hisfaceblank."It'satimewhentheaveragetemperaturedrops-justabit.Intheextremenorth,thatmeansthatthesnowdoesn'tmeltinthesummer.Itkeepspilingup,yearafteryear.Itformsglaciers,andtheglaciersstarttomovefartherandfarthersouth.Injustafewcenturies,thatlittledisplayofyourscouldhavehadawallof

icetwohundredfeethighmovingdownacrossthemoorsofDrasnia.You'dhaveburiedBoktorandValAlornundersolidice,youidiot.Isthatwhatyouwanted?""Ofcoursenot.Grandfather,Ihonestlydidn'tknow.Iwouldn'thavestarteditifI'dknown.""Thatwouldhavebeenagreatcomforttothemillionsofpeopleyouverynearlyentombedinice,"Belgarathretortedwithavastsarcasm."Don'teverdothatagain!Don'teventhinkaboutputtingyourhandsonsomethinguntilyou'reabsolutelycertainyouknoweverythingthereistoknowaboutit.Eventhen,it'sbestnottogamble.""But-but-youandAuntPolcalleddowntherainstormintheWoodoftheDryads,"Garionpointedoutdefensively."Weknewwhatweweredoing,"Belgarathalmostscreamed."Therewasnodangerthere."Withanenormouseffort,theoldmangotcontrolofhimself."Don'tevertouchtheweatheragain,Garion-notuntilyou'vehadatleastathousandyearsofstudy.""Athousandyears!""Atleast.Inyourcase,maybetwothousand.Youseemtohavethisextraordinaryluck.Youalwaysmanagetobeinthewrongplaceatthewrongtime.""Iwon'tdoitagain,Grandfather,"Garionpromisedfervently,shudderingatthethoughtoftoweringicewallscreepinginexorablyacrosstheworld.Belgarathgavehimalong,hardlookandthenletthematterdrop.Later,whenhehadregainedhiscomposure,heloungedinachairbythefirewithatankardofaleinonehand.GarionknewhisGrandfatherwellenoughtobeawareofthefactthatalemellowedtheoldman'sdispositionandhehadprudentlysentforsomeassoonastheinitialexplosionhadsubsided."Howareyourstudiesgoing,boy?"theoldsorcererasked.

"I'vebeenalittlepressedfortimelately,Grandfather,"Garionrepliedguiltily.Belgarathgavehimalong,coldstare,andGarioncouldclearlyseethemottlingonhisneckthatindicatedthattheoldman'sinteriortemperaturewasrisingagain."I'msorryGrandfather,"heapologizedquickly."Fromnowon,I'llmakethetimetostudy."Belgarath'seyeswidenedslightly."Don'tdothat,"hesaidquickly."Yougotintoenoughtroublefoolingaroundwiththeweather.Ifyoustartinontime,noteventheGodscouldpredicttheoutcome.""Ididn'texactlymeanitthatway,Grandfather.""Saywhatyoumean,then.Thisisn'tagoodareaformisunderstandings,youknow."HeturnedhisattentionthentoErrand."Whatareyoudoinghere,boy?"heasked."DurnikandPolgaraarehere,"Errandreplied."TheythoughtIoughttocomealong.""Polgara'shere?"Belgarathseemedsurprised."Iaskedhertocome,"Gariontoldhim."There'salittlebitofaproblemshe'sfixingforme-atleastIthinkshe'sfixingit.She'sbeenactingsortofmysterious.""Sheoverdramatizesthingssometimes.Exactlywhatisthisproblemshe'sworkingon?""Uh-"GarionglancedatErrand,whosatwatchingthetwoofthemwithpoliteinterest.Garionflushedslightly."It-uh-hastodowiththe-uh-heirtotheRivanThrone,"heexplaineddelicately."What'stheproblemthere?"Belgarathdemandedobtusely"You'retheheirto

theRivanThrone.""No,Imeanthenextone.""Istilldon'tseeanyproblem.""Grandfather,thereisn'tone-notyet,atleast.""Thereisn't?Whathaveyoubeendoing,boy?""Nevermind,"Garionsaid,givingup.Whenspringarrivedatlast,Polgara'sattentiontothetwoembracingoak-treesbecameall-consuming.Shewenttothegardenatleastadozentimesadaytoexamineeverytwigmeticulouslyforsignsofbudding.Whenatlastthetwigendsbegantoswell,alookofstrangesatisfactionbecameapparentonherface.Onceagainsheandthetwoyoungwomen,Ce'NedraandXera,beganputteringinthegarden.Garionfoundallthesebotanicalpastimesbaffling-evenalittleirritating.Hehad,afterall,askedAuntPoltocometoRivatodealwithamuchmoreseriousproblem.XerareturnedhometotheWoodoftheDryadsatthefirstbreakintheweather.Notlongafterward,AuntPolcalmlyannouncedthatsheandDurnikandErrandwouldalsobeleavingsoon."We'lltakefatherwithus,"shedeclared,lookingdisapprovinglyoverattheoldsorcerer,whowasdrinkingaleandbanteringoutrageouslywithBrand'sniece,theblushingLadyArell."AuntPol,"Garionprotested,"whataboutthatlittle-uh-difficultyCe'NedraandIwerehaving?""Whataboutit,dear?""Aren'tyougoingtodosomethingaboutit?""Idid,Garion,"sherepliedblandly.

"AuntPol,youspentallyourtimeinthatgarden.""Yes,dear.Iknow."Garionbroodedaboutthewholematterforseveralweeksaftertheyhadallleft.HeevenbegantowonderifhehadsomehowfailedtoexplainfullytheproblemorifAuntPolhadsomehowmisunderstood.Whenspringwasinfullflowerandthemeadowsrisingsteeplybehindthecityhadturnedbrightgreen,touchedhereandtherewithvibrantlycoloredpatchesofwildflowers,Ce'Nedrabeganbehavingpeculiarly.Hefrequentlyfoundherseatedintheirgarden,lookingwithanodd,tenderexpressionatheroaktrees,andquiteoftenshewasgonefromtheCitadelentirely,toreturnattheendofthedayinthecompanyofLadyArellallbedeckedwithwildflowers.Beforeeachmeal,shetookasipfromasmall,silverflagonandmadeadreadfulface."What'sthatyou'redrinking?"heaskedhercuriouslyonemorning."It'sasortofatonic,"shereplied,shuddering."Ithasoakbudsinitandittastesabsolutelyvile.""AuntPolmadeitforyou.""Howdidyouknowthat?""Hermedicinesalwaystasteawful.""Mmm,"shesaidabsently.Thenshegavehimalonglook."Areyougoingtobeverybusytoday?""Notreally.Why?""Ithoughtthatwemightstopbythekitchen,pickupsomemeat,bread,andcheese,andthengospendadayoutintheforest."

"Intheforest?Whatfor?""Garion,"shesaidalmostcrossly,"I'vebeencoopedupinthisdrearyoldcastleallwinter.I'dlikesomefreshairandsunshine-andthesmelloftreesandwildflowersaroundmeinsteadofdampstone.""Whydon'tyouaskArelltogowithyou?Iprobablyshouldn'treallybegoneallday."Shegavehimanexasperatedlook."Youjustsaidyoudidn'thaveanythingimportanttodo.""Youneverknow.Somethingmightcomeup.""Itcanwait,"shesaidfrombetweenclenchedteeth.Garionshotheraquickglance,recognizedthedangersignals,andthenrepliedasmildlyashecould,"Isupposeyou'reright,dear.Idon'tseeanyreasonwhyweshouldn'thavealittleoutingtogether.WecouldaskArell-andmaybeKail-ifthey'dliketojoinus.""No.Garion,"shesaidquitefirmly."No?""Definitelynot."Andsoitwasthat,shortlyafterbreakfast,theRivanKing,handinhandwithhislittlequeen,lefttheCitadelwithawell-stockedbasket,crossedthebroadmeadowbehindthecity,andstrolledintothesunlight-dappledshadebeneaththeevergreensthatmountedsteeplytowardtheglistening,snow-cappedpeaksthatformedthespineoftheisland.Oncetheyenteredthewoods,alltracesofdiscontentdroppedawayfromCe'Nedra'sface.Shepickedwildflowersastheywanderedamongthetallpinesandfirsandwovethemintoagarlandforherself.Themorningsunslanteddown

throughthelimbshighoverhead,dapplingthemossyforestfloorwithgoldenlightandblueshadows.Theresinoussmellofthetallevergreenswasaheadyperfume,andbirdsswoopedandspiraledamongthetall,columnliketrunks,carolingtogreetthesun.Afteratime,theyfoundaglade,amossy,openclearingembracedbytrees,whereabrookgurgledandmurmuredovershiningstonestodropintoagleamingforestpoolandwhereasingle,soft-eyeddeerstoodtodrink.Thedeerraisedherheadfromthewaterswirlingaboutherdelicatebrownlegs,lookedatthemquiteunafraid,andthenpickedherwaybackintotheforest,herhoovesclickingonthestonesandhertailflicking."Oh,thisisjustperfect,"Ce'Nedradeclaredwithasoftlittlesmileonherface.Shesatonaroundboulderandbegantounlacehershoes.Garionputdownthebasketandstretched,feelingthecaresofthepastseveralweeksslowlydrainingoutofhim."I'mgladyouthoughtofthis,"hesaid,sprawlingcomfortablyonthesun-warmedmoss."It'sreallyaverygoodidea.""Naturally"'shesaid."Allmyideasaregoodones.""Idon'tknowifI'dgothatfar."Thenathoughtoccurredtohim."Ce'Nedra,"hesaid."'What?""I'vebeenmeaningtoaskyousomething.AlltheDryadshavenamesthatbeginwithanX,don'tthey?Xera,Xantha-likethat.""It'sourcustom,"shereplied,continuingtoworkonhershoelaces."Whydoesn'tyours,then?BeginwithanX,Imean?""Itdoes."Shepulledoffoneofhershoes."Tolnedransjustpronounceitalittledifferently,that'sall.Sotheyspellitthatway.Dryadsdon'treadorwritevery

much,sotheydon'tworrytoomuchaboutspelling.""X'Nedra?""That'sfairlyclose.MaketheXalittlesofter,though.""Youknow,I'vebeenwonderingaboutthatforthelongesttime.""Whydidn'tyouask,then?""Idon'tknow.Ijustnevergotaroundtoit.""There'sareasonforeverything,Garion,"shetoldhim,"butyou'llneverfinditoutifyoudon'task.""NowyousoundjustlikeAuntPol.""Yes,dear.Iknow."Shesmiled,pulledoffherothershoeandwriggledhertoescontentedly."Whybarefoot?"heaskedidly."Ilikethefeelofthemossonmyfeet-andIthinkthatinalittlebitImightgoswimming.""It'stoocold.Thatbrookcomesrightoutofaglacier.""Alittlecoldwaterwon'thurtme."Sheshrugged.Then,almostasifrespondingtoadare,shestoodupandbegantotakeoffherclothes."Ce'Nedra!Whatifsomeonecomesalong?"Shelaughedasilverylaugh."Whatiftheydo?I'mnotgoingtosoakmyclothesjustforthesakeofpropriety.Don'tbesuchaprude,Garion.""It'snotthat.It's-"

"It'swhat?""Nevermind."Sheranonlightfeetintothepool,squealingdelightedlyastheicywatersplasheduparoundher.Withalongcleandive,shedisappearedbeneaththesurfaceofthepool,swamtothefarside,wherealarge,mossylogangleddownintothecrystal-clearwater,andsurfacedwithstreaminghairandanimpishgrin."Well?"shesaidtohim."Wellwhat?""Aren'tyoucomingin?""OfcourseI'mnot.""IsthemightyOverlordoftheWestafraidofcoldwater?""ThemightyOverlordoftheWesthasbettersensethantocatchcoldforthesakeofalittlesplashingaround.""Garion,you'regettingpositivelystodgy.Takeoffyourcrownandrelax.""I'mnotwearingmycrown.""Takeoffsomethingelse,then.""Ce'Nedra!"Shelaughedanothersilverypealoflaughterandbegankickingherbarefeet,sendingupshowersofsparklingwaterdropsthatgleamedlikejewelsinthemidmorningsunlight.Thenshelaybackandherhairspreadlikeadeepcopperfanuponthesurfaceofthepool.Thegarlandofflowersshehadwovenforherselfearlierhadcomeapartasaresultofherswimming,andtheindividualblossomsfloatedonthewater,bobbingintheripples.Garionsatonamossyhummockwithhisbackrestingcomfortablyagainstatree

trunk.Thesunwaswarm,andthesmelloftreesandgrassandwildflowersfilledhisnostrils.Abreezecarryingthesalttangoftheseasighedamongthegreenlimbsofthetallfirtreessurroundingthelittleglade,andgoldensunlightfellinpatchesontheflooroftheforest.Anerrantbutterfly,itspatternedwingsablazeofiridescentblueandgold,flittedoutfromamongthetalltreetrunksintothesunlight.Drawnbycolororscentorsomeother,moremysteriousurge,itwaveredthroughthelucidairtothepoolandtheflowersbobbingthere.Curiouslyitmovedfromflowertofloatingflower,touchingeachofthemlightlywithitswings.WithabreathlessexpressionCe'Nedraslowlysankherheadintothewateruntilonlyherupturnedfacewasabovethesurface.Thebutterflycontinueditscuriousinvestigation,comingcloserandclosertothewaitingqueen.Andthenithoveredoverherface,itssoftwingsbrushingherlipsecstatically."Oh,fine."Garionlaughed."Nowmywifeisconsortingwithbutterflies.""I'lldowhateverittakesinordertogetakiss,"shereplied,givinghimanarchlook."Ifit'skissesyouwant,I'lltakecareofthatforyou,"hesaid."That'saninterestingthought.IthinkI'dlikeonerightnow.Myotherloverseemstohavelostinterest."Shepointedatthebutterfly,whichhadsettledwithquiveringwingsonabushnearthefootofthepool."Comeandkissme,Garion.""You'rerightinthemiddleofthedeepestpartofthepool,"hepointedout."So?""Idon'tsupposeyou'dconsidercomingout.""Youofferedkisses,Garion.Youdidn'tmakeanyconditions."Garionsighed,stoodup,andbegantoremovehisclothing."We'rebothgoingtoregretthis,"hepredicted."Acoldinthesummertimelastsformonths."

"You'renotgoingtocatchcold,Garion.Comealongnow."Hegroanedandthenwadedmanfullyintotheicywater."You'reacruelwoman,Ce'Nedra,"heaccused,wincingattheshockingchill."Don'tbesuchababy.Comeoverhere."Grittinghisteeth,heplowedthroughthewatertowardher,stubbinghistoeonalargerockintheprocess.Whenhereachedher,sheslidhercold,wetlittlearmsaroundhisneckandgluedherlipstohis.Herkisswaslingeringanditpulledhimslightlyoffbalance.Hefeltherlipstightenslightlyasshegrinnedimpishly,eveninthemidstofthekiss,andthenwithoutanywarning,sheliftedherlegs,andherweightpulledhimunder.Hecameupsputteringandswearing."Wasn'tthatfun?"shegiggled."Notreally"'hegrumbled."Drowningisn'toneofmyfavoritesports."Sheignoredthat."Nowthatyou'reallwet,youmightaswellswimwithme."Theyswamtogetherforaboutaquarterofanhourandthenemergedfromthepool,shiveringandwiththeirlipsturningblue."Makeafire,Garion,"Ce'Nedrasaidthroughchatteringteeth."Ididn'tbringanytinder,"hesaid"oraflint.""Doittheotherway,then.""Whatotherway?"heaskedblankly."Youknow-"Shemadeasortofmysteriousgesture."Oh.Iforgotaboutthat."

"Hurry,Garion.I'mfreezing."Hegatheredsometwigsandfallenbranches,clearedaspaceinthemoss,andconcentratedhiswillonthepileofwood.Atfirst,asmalltendrilofsmokearose,thenatongueofbrightorangeflame.Withinafewminutes,agoodlylittlefirewascracklingjustbesidethemoss-coveredhummockuponwhichtheshiveringCe'Nedrawashuddled."Oh,that'smuchbetter,"shesaid,stretchingherhandsouttothefire."You'reausefulpersontohavearound,myLord.""Thankyou,myLady.WouldmyLadyliketoconsiderputtingonsomeclothes?""Notuntilshe'sdry,shewouldn't.Ihatepullingondryclothesoverwetskin.""Let'shopenobodycomesalong,then.We'renotreallydressedforcompany,youknow.""You'resoconventional,Garion.""Isupposeso,"headmitted."Whydon'tyoucomeoverherebesideme?"sheinvited."It'smuchwarmerhere."Hecouldn'treallythinkofanyreasonwhyheshouldn't,sohejoinedheronthewarmmoss."See,"shesaid,puttingherarmsabouthisneck."Isn'tthismuchnicer?"Shekissedhim-aseriouskindofkissthatmadehisbreathcatchinhisthroatandhisheartpound.Whenshefinallyreleasedhergripabouthisneck,helookedaroundthegladenervously.Aflutteringmovementnearthefootofthepoolcaughthiseye.Hecoughed,lookingslightlyembarrassed."What'sthematter?"sheaskedhim.

"Ithinkthatbutterflyiswatching,"hesaidwithaslightflush."That'sallright."shesmiled,slidingherarmsabouthisneckandkissinghimagain.Theworldseemedunusuallyquietasspringgentlyslippedintosummerthatyear.ThesecessionoftheVorduescrumbledundertheonslaughtsofthearmoredMimbrate"brigands",andtheVorduefamilyfinallycapitulated,pleadingwithanalmostgenuinehumilitytobereadmittedtotheEmpire.WhiletheywerenotfondofVarana'staxcollectors,theyallranoutintothestreetstogreethislegionsastheyreturned.ThenewsfromCtholMurgoswassketchyatbest,butitappearedthatthingsinthefarsouthremainedatanimpasse,withKalZakath'sMalloreansholdingtheplainsandUrgit'sMurgosfirmlyentrenchedinthemountains.PeriodicreportsforwardedtoGarionbyDrasnianIntelligenceseemedtoindicatethatthere-emergentBear-cultwasdoinglittlemorethanmillingaroundoutinthecountryside.Garionenjoyedthisrespitefromcrisisand,sincetherewasnoreallypressingbusiness,hetooktosleepinglate,sometimeslyinginbedinakindofluxuriousdozeuntiltwoorthreehourspastsunrise.Ononesuchmorningaboutmidsummer,hewashavinganabsolutelysplendiddream.HeandCe'NedrawereleapingfromtheloftinthebarnatFaldor'sfarmintothesofthaypiledbelow.Hewasawakenedratherrudelyashiswifeboltedfromthebedandranintoanadjoiningchamberwhereshewasviolentlyandnoisilysick."Ce'Nedra!"heexclaimed,jumpingoutofbedtofollowher."Whatareyoudoing?""I'mthrowingup,"shereplied,raisingherpalefacefromthebasinshewasholdingonherknees."Areyousick?"

"No,"shedrawledsarcastically."I'mdoingitforfun.""I'llgetoneofthephysicians,"hesaid,grabbing,uparobe."Nevermind.""Butyou'resick.""OfcourseIam,butIdon'tneedaphysician.""Thatdoesn'tmakeanysense,Ce'Nedra.Ifyou'resick,youneedadoctor.""I'msupposedtobesick,"shetoldhim."What?""Don'tyouknowanything,Garion?I'llprobablygetsickeverymorningforthenextseveralmonths.""Idon'tunderstandyouatall,Ce'Nedra.""You'reimpossiblydense.Peopleinmyconditionalwaysgetsickinthemorning.""Condition?Whatcondition?"Sherolledhereyesupwardalmostindespair."Garion,"shesaidwithexaggeratedpatience,"doyourememberthatlittleproblemwehadlastfall?TheproblemthatmadeussendforLadyPolgara?""Well-yes.""I'msoglad.Well,wedon'thavethatproblemanymore."Hestaredather,slowlycomprehending."Youmean-?"

"Yes,dear,"shesaidwithapalesmile."You'regoingtobeafather.Now,ifyou'llexcuseme,IthinkI'llthrowupagain."CHAPTERTHIRTEENTheydidnotmatch.NowmatterhowhardGariontwistedandturnedthesenseofthetwopassages,therewasnoapparentwaytomakethemmatch.Despitethefactthattheybothseemedtodescribethesameperiodoftime,theysimplywentoffinoppositedirections.Itwasabright,goldenautumnmorningoutside,butthedustylibraryseemedsomehowdim,chill,anduninviting.GariondidnotthinkofhimselfasascholarandhehadapproachedthetaskthatBelgarathhadlaiduponhimwithsomereluctance.Thesheervolumeofthedocumentshewasobligedtoreadwasintimidating,foronething,andthisgloomylittleroomwithitssmellofancientparchmentandmildewedleatherbindingsalwaysdepressedhim.Hehaddoneunpleasantthingsbefore,however,and,althoughhewasabitgrimaboutit,henonethelessdutifullyspentatleasttwohoursadayconfinedinthisprisonlikecell,strugglingwithancientbooksandscrollswritteninoften-timesdifficultscript.Atleast,hetoldhimself,itwasbetterthanscrubbingpotsinascullery.Hesethisteethtogetherandlaidthetwoscrollssidebysideonthetabletocomparethemagain.Hereadslowlyandaloud,hopingperhapstocatchwithhisearswhathiseyesmightmiss.TheDarineCodexseemedrelativelyclearandstraightforward."Behold,"itsaid,"inthedaythatAldur'sOrbburnshotwithcrimsonfireshallthenameoftheChildofDarkberevealed.GuardwellthesonoftheChildofLightforheshallhavenobrother.Anditshallcometopassthatthosewhichoncewereoneandnowaretwoshallberejoined,andinthatrejoiningshalloneofthembenomore."TheOrbhadturnedcrimson,andthenameoftheChildofDark-Zandramas-hadbeenrevealed.Thatmatchedwhathadtakenplace.TheinformationthatthesonoftheChildofLight-hisson-wouldhavenobrotherhadconcernedGarionabit.AtfirsthehadtakenittomeanthatheandCe'Nedrawouldonlyhaveonechild,butthemorehethoughtaboutthat,themoreherealizedthathisreasoningtherewasflawed.Allitreallysaidwasthattheywouldonlyhaveoneson.Itsaidnothingaboutdaughters.Themorehethoughtaboutit,themorethenotionofa

wholeclusterofchatteringlittlegirlsgatheredabouthiskneeappealedtohim.Thelastpassage,however-theoneaboutthetwowhichoncewereone-didn'treallymakeanysenseyet,buthewasquitecertainthatitwould,eventually.HemovedhishandovertotracethelinesoftheMrinCodex,peeringhardatthemintheflickeringyellowcandlelight.Hereadslowlyandcarefullyoncemore."AndtheChildofLightshallmeetwiththeChildofDarkandshallovercomehim-"ThatobviouslyreferredtothemeetingwithTorak."-andtheDarknessshallflee."TheDarkProphecyhadfledwhenTorakhaddied."Butbehold,thestonewhichliesatthecenterofthelight-"TheOrb,obviously,"-shall-"Onewordseemedtobeblottedatthatpoint.Garionfrowned,tryingtomakeoutwhatwordmightliebeneaththatirregularsplotchofink.Evenashestaredatit,astrangekindofwearinesscameoverhim,asiftheefforttopushasidethatblottoseewhatlaybeneathwereasdifficultasmovingamountain.Heshruggedandwenton,"-andthismeetingwillcometopassinaplacewhichisnomore,andtherewillthechoicebemade."Thatlastfragmentmadehimwanttohowlinfrustration.Howcouldameeting-oranythingelse-happeninaplacewhichisnomore?Andwhatwasthemeaningoftheword"choice"?Whatchoice?Whosechoice?Choicebetweenwhatandwhat?Hesworeandreaditagain.Onceagainhefeltthatpeculiarlassitudewhenhiseyesreachedtheblotonthepage.Heshruggeditoffandwenton.Nomatterwhatthewordundertheblotmightbe,itwasstillonlyoneword,andonesinglewordcouldnotbethatimportant.Irritablyheputthescrollasideandconsideredthediscrepancy.Themostimmediateexplanationwasthatthisspot,likesomanyothers,wasaplacewheretheMrinProphet'swell-knowninsanityhadsimplygotthebestofhim.Anotherpossibilitywasthatthisparticularcopywasnotpreciselyaccurate.Thescribewhohadcopieditoffhadperhapsinadvertentlyskippedalineortwoatthetimewhenhehadblottedthepage.Garionrecalledanoccasionwhenhehaddonethathimself,turningaperfectlyblandproclamationintoahorrendousdeclarationthathewasonthevergeofnaminghimselfmilitarydictatorofallthekingdomslyingonthissideoftheEasternEscarpment.Whenhehadcaughttheblunder,hehadnotjusterasedtheoffendinglines,hehadshudderinglyburnedthewholesheettomakesurethatno

oneeversawit.Hestoodup,stretchingtorelievehiscrampedmusclesandgoingtothesmall,barredwindowofthelibrary.Theautumnskywasacrispblue.Thenightshadturnedchillyinthepastfewweeks,andthehighermeadowslyingabovethecityweretouchedwithfrostwhenthesunarose.Thedays,however,werewarmandgolden.Hecheckedthepositionofthesuntogaugethetime.HehadpromisedtomeetwithCountValgon,theTolnedranambassador,atmiddayandhedidnotwanttobelate.AuntPolhadstressedtheimportanceofpunctuality,andGarionalwaysdidhisbesttobeontime.Heturnedbacktothetableandabsentlyrerolledthetwoscrolls,hismindstillwrestlingwiththeproblemoftheconflictingpassages.Thenheblewoutthecandlesandleftthelibrary,carefullyclosingthedoorbehindhim.Valgon,asalways,wastedious.GarionfeltthattherewasaninnatepomposityintheTolnedrancharacterthatmadeitimpossibleforthemtosaywhattheymeantwithoutextensiveembellishment.Thediscussionthatdayhadtodowith"prioritizing"theunloadingofmerchantvesselsintheharboratRiva.Valgonseemedterriblyfondoftheword"prioritizing,"findingawaytoinsertitintothediscussionatleastonceineveryothersentence.TheessenceofValgon'spresentationseemedtobearequest-orademand-thatTolnedranmerchantmenshouldalwayshavefirstaccesstothesomewhatlimitedwharvesatthefootofthecity."MydearValgon,"Garionbegan,seekingsomediplomaticwaytorefuse,"Iactuallybelievethatthismatterneeds-"Hebrokeoff,lookingupasthegreatcarveddoorstothethroneroomswunginward.Oneofthetowering,gray-cloakedsentrieswhoalwaysstoodguardoutsidewhenGarionwasinthethroneroomsteppedin,clearedhisthroat,andannouncedinavoicethatprobablycouldhavebeenheardontheothersideoftheisland,"HerRoyalMajesty,QueenCe'NedraofRiva,ImperialPrincessoftheTolnedranEmpire,CommanderoftheArmiesoftheWest,andbelovedwifeofhisMajesty,BelgarionofRiva,Godslayer,LordoftheWesternSea,andOverlordoftheWest!"

Ce'Nedra,demureandtiny,enteredonthesentry'sheels,hershouldersunbowedbytheweightofallthosevasttitles.Sheworeateal-greenvelvetgown,gatheredbeneaththebodicetoconcealherexpandingwaistline,andhereyesweresparklingmischievously.Valgonturnedandbowedsmoothly.Ce'Nedratouchedthesentry'sarm,strainedupontiptoe,andwhisperedtohim.Thesentrynodded,turnedbacktowardthethroneatthefrontofthehall,andclearedhisthroatagain."HisHighness,PrinceKheldarofDrasnia,nephewofthebelovedlateKingRhodar,andcousintoKingKheva,LordoftheMarchesoftheNorth!"Garionstartedupfromthethroneinastonishment.Silkenteredgrandly.Hisdoubletwasarichpearlgray,hisfingersglitteredwithrings,andaheavygoldchainwithalargependantsapphirehungabouthisneck."That'sallright,gentlemen,"hesaidtoGarionandCountValgonwithanairywaveofhishand,"youneedn'trise."HeextendedhisarmgrandlytoCe'Nedra,andthetwoofthemcamedownthebroad,carpetedaislepastthethreeglowingfirepitsinthefloor."Silk!"Garionexclaimed."Theverysame,"Silkrepliedwithamockinglittlebow."YourMajestyislookingwell-considering.""Consideringwhat?"Silkwinkedathim."Iamquiteoverwhelmedtomeetsofamousamerchantprinceagain,"Valgonmurmuredpolitely."YourHighnesshasbecomealegendinrecentyears.YourexploitsintheEastaretheabsolutedespairofthegreatcommercialhousesinTolHoneth.""Onehashadcertainmodestsuccess,"Silkresponded,breathingonalargeruby

ringonhislefthandandthenpolishingitonthefrontofhisdoublet."Inyournextreport,pleaseconveymyregardstoyournewEmperor.HishandlingoftheVorduesituationwasmasterly."Valgonpermittedhimselfafaintsmile."I'msurehisImperialMajestywillappreciateyourgoodopinion,PrinceKheldar."HeturnedtoGarion."IknowthatyourMajestyandhisoldfriendwillhavemanythingstodiscuss,"hesaid."Wecantakeupthisothermatteratalaterdate,perhaps."Hebowed."WithyourMajesty'spermission,Iwillwithdraw.""Ofcourse,Valgon,"Garionreplied."Andthankyou."TheTolnedranbowedagainandquietlyleftthethroneroom.Ce'NedracamedowntothefootofthethroneandlinkedherarmaffectionatelywithSilk's."Ihopeyoudidn'tmindbeinginterrupted,Garion,"shesaid."IknowthatyouandValgonwerehavinganabsolutelyfascinatingtalk."Garionmadeaface."Whatwastheideabehindallthatformality?"heaskedcuriously."Thebusinesswithallthosetitles,Imean?"Silkgrinned."Ce'Nedra'sidea.ShefeltthatifweoverwhelmedValgonwithenoughtitles,wecouldpersuadehimtogoaway.Didweinterruptanythingimportant?"Gariongavehimasourlook."HewastalkingabouttheproblemofgettingTolnedranmerchantvesselsunloaded.Ithinkthat,ifhe'dthrowntheword'prioritizing'atmeaboutonemoretime,I'dhavejumpedupandstrangledhim.""Oh?"Ce'Nedrasaid,allwide-eyedandgirlish."Let'scallhimback,then.""Itakeitthatyou'reunfondofhim,"Silksuggested."He'saHonethite,"Ce'Nedrareplied,makinganindelicatelittlesound."IdespisetheHoneths.""Let'sgosomeplacewherewecantalk,"Garionsaid,lookingaroundattheformalthroneroom.

"WhateveryourMajestywishes,"Silksaidwithagrandbow."Oh,stopthat!"Garionsaid,comingdownfromthedaisandleadingthewaytothesidedoor.Whentheyreachedthequiet,sunlitsanctuaryoftheroyalapartment,Garionsighedwithreliefashetookoffhiscrownandshruggedoutofhisformalstaterobes."Youhavenoideahowhotthatthinggets,"hesaid,tossingtherobeinaheaponachairinthecorner."Italsowrinkles,dear,"Ce'Nedraremindedhim,pickinguptherobe,foldingitcarefully,andhangingitoverthechairback."PerhapsIcouldfindoneforyouinMalloreansatin-suitablecolorandinterwovenwithsilverthread,"Silksuggested."Itwouldlookveryrich-tastefullyunderstated-andnotnearlysoheavy.""That'sathought,"Garionsaid."AndI'msureIcouldofferittoyouataveryattractiveprice."Gariongavehimastartledlook,andSilklaughed."Youneverchange,doyou,Silk?"Ce'Nedrasaid."Ofcoursenot,"thelittlethiefreplied,sprawlingunaskedinachair."WhatbringsyoutoRiva?"Garionaskedhim,takingachairacrossthetablefromhisfriend."Affection-atleastmostly.Ihaven'tseenyoutwoforseveralyearsnow."Helookedaround."Idon'tsupposeyou'vegotanythingtodrinkhandy?""Wecouldprobablyfindsomething."Gariongrinnedathim."Wehavearatherpleasantlittlewine,"Ce'Nedraoffered,goingtoadark,

polishedsideboard."We'vebeentryingtokeepGarionhereawayfromale."OneofSilk'seyebrowswentup."Hehasanunfortunatetendencytowanttosingwhenhedrinksale,"theQueenexplained."Iwouldn'treallywanttoputyouthroughthat.""Allright,"Garionsaidtoher."It'snotsomuchhisvoice,"Ce'Nedrawentonrelentlessly."It'sthewayhegoeslookingfortherightnotes-anddoesn'tfindthem.""Doyoumind?"Garionaskedher.Shelaughedashimmeringlaughandfilledtwosilvergobletswithablood-redTolnedranwine."Aren'tyoujoiningus?"Silkasked.Shemadeaface."TheheirtotheRivanThronedoesn'tcaremuchforwine,"shereplied,delicatelyplacingonehandonherswellingabdomen."Orperhapsheenjoysittoomuch.Itmakeshimstartkicking,andI'dratherthathedidn'tbreaktoomanyofmyribs.""Ah,"Silksaiddelicately.Shebroughtthegobletstothetableandsetthemdown."Now,ifyoutwogentlemenwillexcuseme,it'stimeformyvisittothebaths.""Herhobby"'Garionsaid."Shespendsatleasttwohoursofeveryafternoondowninthewomen'sbaths-evenwhensheisn'tdirty."Sheshrugged."Itrelaxesmyback.I'vebeencarryingthisburdenlately."Onceagainshetouchedherabdomen."Anditseemstogetheaviereveryday.""I'mgladthatit'sthewomenwhohavethebabies,"Silksaid."I'msureIwouldn'treallyhavethestrengthforit."

"You'reanastylittleman,Kheldar"'sheretortedtartly."OfcourseIam."Hesmirked.ShegavehimawitheringlookandwentinsearchofLadyArell,herusualcompanioninthebaths."Shelooksabsolutelyblooming,"Silkobserved,"andshe'snotnearlyasbad-temperedasI'dexpected.""Youshouldhavebeenaroundafewmonthsago.""Bad?""Youcan'timagine.""Ithappens,Isuppose-orsoI'vebeentold.""Whathaveyoubeenuptolately?"Garionasked,leaningbackinhischair."Wehaven'theardmuchaboutyou.""I'vebeeninMallorea,"Silkreplied,sippingathiswine."Thefurtradeisn'tverychallenginganymore,andYarblek'sbeenhandlingthatendofthebusiness.WefeltthattherewasagreatdealofmoneytobemadeinMalloreansilks,carpets,anduncutgemstones,soIwentovertoinvestigate.""Isn'titalittledangerousforaWesternmerchantinMallorea?"Silkshrugged."NoworsethanRakGoska-orTolHoneth,forthatmatter.I'vespentmywholelifeindangerousplaces,Garion.""Couldn'tyoujustbuyyourgoodsatYarMarakorThullZelikwhentheycomeofftheMalloreanships?""Thepricesarebetteratthesource.Everytimeanarticlegoesthroughanotherpairofhands,thepricedoubles."

"Thatmakessense,Isuppose."Garionlookedathisfriend,envyingthefreedomthatmadeitpossibleforSilktogoanywhereintheworldhewantedtogo."What'sMalloreareallylike?"heasked."Wehearstories,butIthinkthat'salltheyaremostofthetime.""It'sinturmoiljustnow."Silkrepliedgravely."KalZakath'sofffightinghiswarwiththeMurgos,andtheGrolimswentalltopieceswhentheyheardaboutthedeathofTorak.MalloreansocietyhasalwaysbeendirectedfromeitherMalZethorMalYaska-theemperororthechurch-butnownobodyseemstobeincharge.Thegovernmentbureaucracytriestoholdthingstogether,butMalloreansneedstrongleadershipandrightnowtheydon'thaveit.Allsortsofstrangethingsarebeginningtosurface-rebellions,newreligions,thatkindofthing."AthoughtoccurredtoGarion."HaveyourunacrossthenameZandramas?"beaskedcuriously.Silklookedathimsharply."It'soddyoushouldaskthat,"hesaid."WhenIwasinBoktor,justbeforeRhodardied,IwastalkingwithJavelin.ErrandhappenedtobethereandheaskedJavelinthesamequestion.Javelintoldhimthatit'saDarshivannameandthatwasaboutallheknew.WhenIwentbacktoMallorea,Iaskedinafewplaces,butpeoplegotverytight-lippedandwhite-knuckledeverytimeImentionedit,soIletitdrop.IgatheredthatithassomethingtodowithoneofthosenewreligionsImentionedbefore.""DidyouhappentohearanythingaboutsomethingcalledtheSardion-orCthragSardius,maybe?"Silkfrowned,tappingtherimofhisgobletthoughtfullyagainsthislowerlip."It'sgotafamiliarringtoit,butIcan'tquiteputmyfingeronwhereIheardit.""Ifyouhappentoremember,I'dappreciateyourtellingmeanythingyoucanfindoutaboutit.""Isitimportant?""Ithinkitmightbe.GrandfatherandBeldinhavebeentryingtotrackitdown."

"I'vegotsomecontactsinMalZethandMelcene,"Silknoted."WhenIgetback,I'llseewhatIcanfindout.""You'regoingbacksoon,then?"Silknodded."I'dhavestayedthere,butalittlecrisiscameupinYarNadrak.KingDrostastartedtogetgreedy.We'vebeenpayinghimsomeveryhealthybribestopersuadehimtolooktheotherwayaboutsomeofouractivitiesinhiskingdom.HegotthenotionthatweweremakingagreatdealofmoneyandhewastoyingwiththeideaofexpropriatingourholdingsinGarogNadrak.Ihadtocomebackandtalkhimoutofthatnotion.""Howdidyoumanagethat?I'vealwayshadtheimpressionthatDrostadoesprettymuchwhathewantsinGarogNadrak.""Ithreatenedhim,"Silksaid."IpointedoutthatI'mcloselyrelatedtotheKingofDrasniaandhintedthatIwasonverygoodtermswithKalZakath.TheprospectofaninvasionfromeithertheEastortheWestdidn'tappealtohim,sohedroppedtheidea.""Areyouongoodtermswith'Zakath?""I'venevermethim-butDrostadoesn'tknowthat.""Youlied?Isn'tthatdangerous?"Silklaughed."Lotsofthingsaredangerous,Garion.We'vebothbeenintightspotsbefore.RakCtholwasn'tthesafestplaceintheworld,ifyou'llrecall,andCtholMishrakmademedefinitelyedgy."Gariontoyedwithhisgoblet."Youknowsomething,Silk?"hesaid."Isortofmissallthat.""Allwhat?""Idon'tknow-thedanger,theexcitement.Thingshavesettleddownprettymuch

forme.AbouttheonlyexcitementIgetthesedaysisintryingtomaneuvermywayaroundtheTolnedranambassador.SometimesIwish-"Heleftithangingthere."YoucancometoMalloreawithme,ifyou'dlike,"Silkoffered."Icouldfindinterestingworkforamanofyourtalents.""Idon'tthinkCe'NedrawouldbetoopleasedifIleftjustnow.""That'soneofthereasonsInevermarried,"Silktoldhim."Idon'thavetoworryaboutthingslikethat.""AreyougoingtostopinBoktoronyourwayback?""Briefly,maybe.IvisitedthepeopleIneededtoseeonmywayherefromYarNadrak.Porenn'sdoingverywellwithKheva.He'sprobablygoingtobeagoodkingwhenhegrowsup.AndIstoppedbytoseeJavelin,ofcourse.It'smoreorlessexpected.Helikestogetourimpressionsofforeigncountries-evenwhenwe'renotactinginanyofficialcapacity.""Javelin'sverygood,isn'the?""He'sthebest.""Ialwaysthoughtyouwere.""Notbyalongway,Garion."Silksmiled."I'mtooerratic-brilliant,maybe,buterratic.Igetsidetrackedtooeasily.WhenJavelingoesaftersomething,hedoesn'tletanythingdistracthimuntilhegetsit.Rightnow,he'stryingtogettothebottomofthisBear-cultthing.""Ishehavinganyluck?""Notyet.He'sbeentryingforseveralyearstogetsomebodyintotheinnercouncilsofthecult,buthehasn'tbeenabletomanageit.ItoldhimthatheoughttosendinHunter,buthetoldmethatHunter'sbusywithsomethingelseandtomindmyownbusiness."

"Hunter?Who'sHunter?""Ihavenoidea,"Silkadmitted."It'snotreallyawho,yousee.It'sanamethat'sappliedtothemostsecretofourspies,anditchangesfromtimetotime.OnlyJavelinknowswhoHunterisandhewon'ttellanybody-notevenPorenn.JavelinhimselfwasHunterforatime-aboutfifteenyearsago.It'snotalwaysnecessarilyaDrasnian,though-orevenaman.Itcanbeanybodyintheworld.Itmightevenbesomebodyweknow-Barak,maybe,orRelg-ormaybesomebodyinNyissa.""Mandorallen,perhaps?"Garionsuggested,smiling.Silkconsideredthat."No,Garion,"heconcluded."Idon'tthinkMandorallenhastherightequipment.Itcansurpriseyouthough.Onseveraloccasions,HunterhasevenbeenaMurgo.""AMurgo?HowcouldyoupossiblytrustaMurgo?""Ididn'tsaywealwayshavetotrustHunter."Garionshookhisheadhelplessly."I'llneverunderstandspiesandspying.""It'sagame,"Silktoldhim."Afteryou'veplayedforawhile,thegameitselfgetstobemoreimportantthanwhichsideyou'reon.Ourreasonsfordoingthingssometimesgetprettyobscure.""I'venoticedthat,"Garionsaid."Andaslongasthesubjecthascomeup,what'syourrealreasonforcomingtoRiva?""It'snothingallthatsecret,Garion,"Silkrepliedurbanely,adjustingthecuffsofhisgraydoublet."Irealizedafewyearsagothatatravelingmerchanttendstolosetrackofthings.Ifyouwanttostayontopofalocalsituation,youneedtohaveanagentonthescene-somebodywhocantakeadvantageofopportunitieswhentheyarise.I'velocatedsomemarketsforcertainRivanproducts-glass,goodboots,thosewoolcapes,thatsortofthing-andIdecidedthatitmightnotbeabadideatohavearepresentativehere."

"That'sreallyaverygoodidea,Silk.Thingsarealittlestaticdowninthecity.Wecouldusesomenewbusinessestoliventhingsup."Silkbeamedathim."AndIcanalwaysusetheadditionalrevenue,"Garionadded."What?""Thereareafewtaxes,Silk-nothingtooburdensome,butI'msureyouunderstand.Akingdomisveryexpensivetorun.""Garion!"Silk'svoicewasanguished."It'soneofthefirstthingsIlearned.Peopledon'tmindtaxessomuchifthey'resurethateverybody'spayingthesame.Ican'treallymakeexceptionsatall-notevenforanoldfriend.I'llintroduceyoutoKail.He'smychiefadministrator.He'llsetthingsupforyou.""I'mterriblydisappointedinyou,Garion,"Silksaidwithacrestfallenlook."Asyou'vesaidsomanytimes,businessisbusiness,afterall."Therewasalighttaponthedoor."Yes?"Garionanswered."TheRivanWarder,yourMajesty,"thesentryoutsideannounced."Sendhimin."Thetall,grayingRivanWarderenteredquietly."PrinceKheldar,"hegreetedSilkwithabriefnod,thenturnedtoGarion."Iwouldn'tbotheryou,yourMajesty."heapologized,"butamatterofsomeurgencyhascomeup.""Ofcourse,Brand,"Garionrepliedpolitely."Sitdown."

"Thankyou,Belgarion,"Brandsaidgratefully,sinkingintoachair."Mylegsaren'twhattheyusedtobe.""Isn'titajoytogrowolder?"Silksaid."Themindgetsbetter,buteverythingelsestartstofallapart."Brandsmiledbriefly."There'sbeenabitofasquabbleinthegarrisonhereintheCitadel,Belgarion,"hesaid,gettingdirectlytothepoint."I'lldisciplinethetwoyoungmeninvolvedmyself,butIthoughtthatperhapsifyouspoketothem,itmightheadoffbloodshed.""Bloodshed?""Theywerebickeringoversomethingquiteunimportant,andonethingledtoanother.Theyscuffledabitandknockedafewofeachother'steethloose.Thatshouldhavebeentheendofit,buttheystartedissuingeachotherformalchallenges.Iwasfairlysurethatyouwouldwanttokeeptheswordsoutofit.""Definitely.""Icanorderthemtowithdrawthechallenges,butthere'salwaysthepossibilitythatthey'llsneakoutsomenightandfindaprivateplacetodowaroneachother.Ithinkthatifthekingspokewiththem,wemightbeabletoheadoffthatsortoffoolishness.They'reacoupleoffairlygoodyoungmen,andIdon'tthinkwewanttohavethemchopeachotherintodogmeat."Garionnoddedhisagreement."Sendthepairofthemtomefirstthinginthe-"Themedallionhealwaysworegaveapeculiarlittletwitch,andhebrokeoffwhathewassaying,startledbytheflutteragainsthischest.Theamuletsuddenlyseemedtogrowveryhot,andtherewasastrangehummingsoundinhisears."Whatisit,Garion?"Silkaskedhimcuriously.Garionstartedtoholduponehandashetriedtopinpointthesourceofthehummingsound.Thenhisamuletgaveaviolentlurchthatwasalmostlikea

blowtohischest.Thehummingshattered,andheheardCe'Nedra'svoicecryingtohim."Garion!Helpme!"HesprangtohisfeetasBrandandSilkstaredathiminamazement."Ce'Nedra?"heshouted."Whereareyou?""Helpme,Garion!Thebaths!""Quick!"Garionexclaimedtotheothers."Ce'Nedraneedsus-inthebaths!"andheranfromtheroom,grabbingupaplainswordstandingsheathedinthecornerashepassed."Whatisit?"Silkdemanded,runningalongbehindastheyburstintotheoutercorridor."Idon'tknow,"Garionshouted."Shecalledmeforhelp."Heshookhisswordasheran,tryingtofreeitofitssheath."Something'shappeningdowninthebaths."ItwasalongwaydownseeminglyendlessflightsoftorchlitstairstothebathsinthecellarsoftheCitadel.GarionwentdownthosestairsthreeandfouratatimewithSilkandBrandhotonhisheels.Startledservantsandofficialsjumpedoutoftheirwayastheyrusheddown,facesgrimandwithdrawnweaponsintheirhands.Atthebottomofthelastflightofstairstheyfoundtheheavydoortothewomen'sbathsboltedfromtheinside.Instantlysummoninghiswill,Garionfocuseditandcommanded,"Burst!"Theironbounddoorblastedinwardoffitshinges.Thesceneinsidewasoneofhorror.TheLadyArelllayinacrumpledheaponthetilefloorwiththehiltofadaggerprotrudingfrombetweenhershoulders.Inthecenterofthesteamingpool,atall,rawbonedwomaninadarkcloakwasgrimlyholdingsomethingunderthewater-somethingthatstruggledweakly-andfloatingonthesurfaceabovethatstrugglingformwasagreatfanofcopperyredhair.

"Ce'Nedra!"Garionshouted,leapingfeetfirstintothepoolwithhisswordaloft.Thecloakedwomangavehimonestartledglanceandfled,splashingfranticallyawayfromtheenragedking.Ce'Nedra'stinybodyroselimplytothesurfaceofthepool,andshefloatedfacedownandbobbingslightlyinthewater.Withacryofanguish,Gariondroppedhisswordandstruggledthroughthewarm,waist-deepwater-hisdesperatearmsreachingouttowardthelimpbodyfloatingjustbeyondhisgrasp.Roaringwithrage,Brandranaroundthetiledwalkwaysurroundingthepoolwithhisswordalofttopursuethetallwoman,whowasfleeingthroughanarrowdoorwayonthefarsideofthebath,butSilkwasalreadyaheadofhim,runningswiftlyafterthewomanwithalong-bladeddaggerheldlow.Garioncaughtupthebodyofhiswifeinhisarmsandstruggledtowardtheedgeofthepool.Withhorrorherealizedthatshewasnotbreathing."WhatcanIdo?"hecrieddesperately."AuntPol,whatcanIdo?"ButAuntPolwasnotthere.HelaidCe'Nedraonthetilesontheedgeofthepool.Therewasnosignofmovement,noflutterofbreath,andherfacewasaghastlyblue-graycolor."Somebodyhelpme!"Garioncriedout,catchingthetiny,lifelessforminhisarmsandholdingitveryclosetohim.Somethingthrobbed,sharplyagainsthischest,andhelookedintohiswife'sstillface,desperatelysearchingforsomesignoflife.ButCe'Nedradidnotmove,andherlittlebodywaslimp.Againhecaughthertohim.Onceagainhefeltthatsharpthrob-almostlikeablowagainsthisheart.HeheldCe'Nedraawayfromhimagain,searchingwithtear-filledeyesforthesourceofthatstrange,joltingthrob.Theflickeringlightofoneofthetorchesstuckinironringsaroundthemarblewallsofthepoolseemedtodanceonthepolishedsurfaceofthesilveramuletatherthroat.Couldithavebeen-?Withatremblinghandheputhisfingertipstotheamulet.Hefeltatinglingshockinhisfingers.Startled,hejerkedhishandaway.Thenheclosedhisfistabouttheamulet.He

couldfeelitinhispalm,throbbinglikeasilverheart,beatingwithafalteringrhythm."Ce'Nedra!"hesaidsharply."You'vegottowakeup.Pleasedon'tdie,Ce'Nedra!"Buttherewasnosign,nomovementfromhiswife.Stillholdingtheamulet,Garionbegantoweep."AuntPol,"hecriedbrokenly,"whatcanIdo?""Garion?"ItwasAuntPol'sstartledvoice,comingtohimacrosstheemptymiles."AuntPol,"hesobbed,"helpme!""Whatisit?What'swrong?""It'sCe'Nedra.She-she'sbeendrowned!"Andthefullhorrorofitstruckhimlikesomegreat,overwhelmingblow,andhebegantosobagain,great,tearingsobs."Stopthat!"AuntPol'svoicecrackedlikeawhip."Where?"shedemanded."Whendidthishappen?""Hereinthebaths.She'snotbreathing,AuntPol.Ithinkshe'sdead.""Stopbabbling,Garion!"Hervoicewaslikeaslapintheface."Howlonghasitbeensinceherbreathingstopped?""Afewminutes-Idon'tknow.""Youdon'thaveanytimetolose.Haveyougotheroutofthewater?""Yes-butshe'snotbreathing,andherfaceislikeashes.""Listencarefully.You'vegottoforcethewateroutofherlungs.Putherdownonherfaceandpushonherback.Trytodoitinthesamerhythmasnormalbreathing,andbecarefulnottopushtoohard.Youdon'twanttohurtthebaby.""But-"

"DoasIsay,Garion!"Heturnedhissilentwifeoverandbegantocarefullypushdownonherribs.Anastonishingamountofwatercameoutofthetinygirl'smouth,butsheremainedstillandunmoving.Garionstoppedandtookholdoftheamuletagain."Nothing'shappening,AuntPol.""Don'tstop."HebeganpushingonCe'Nedra'sribsagain.Hewasaboutreadytodespair,butthenshecoughed,andhealmostweptwithrelief.Hecontinuedtopushatherback.Shecoughedagain,andthenshebegantocryweakly.Garionputhishandontheamulet."She'scrying,AuntPol!She'salive!""Good.Youcanstopnow.Whathappened?""Somewomantriedtokillherhereinthebaths.SilkandBrandarechasingthewomannow."Therewasalongsilence."Isee,"AuntPolsaidfinally."Nowlisten,Garion-carefully.Ce'Nedra'slungswillbeveryweakafterthis.Themaindangerrightnowiscongestionandfever.You'vegottokeepherwarmandquiet.Herlife-andthebaby's-dependonthat.Assoonasherbreathingisstronger,getherintobed.I'llbethereassoonasIcan."Garionmovedquickly,gatheringupeverytowelandrobehecouldfindtomakeabedforhisweaklycryingwife.Ashecoveredherwithacloak,Silkreturned,hisfacegrim,andBrand,puffingnoticeably,wasrightbehindhim."Issheallright?"thebigWarderasked,hisfacedesperatelyconcerned."Ithinkso,"Garionsaid."Igotherbreathingstartedagain.Didthewomangetaway?""Notexactly."Silkreplied."Sheranupstairsuntilshereachedthebattlements.

Whenshegotupthere,Iwasrightbehindher.Shesawthattherewasnowaytoescape,soshethrewherselfoff."Garionfeltasurgeofsatisfactionatthat."Good,"hesaidwithoutthinking."No.Notreally.Weneededtoquestionher.Nowwe'llneverfindoutwhosentherheretodothis.""Ihadn'tthoughtofthat."Brandhadgonesadlytothesilentbodyofhisniece."MypoorArell,"hesaid,hisvoicefulloftears.Hekneltbesideherandtookholdofthedaggerprotrudingfromherback."Evenindeath,sheservedherqueen,"hesaidalmostproudly.Garionlookedathim."Thedagger'sstuck,"Brandexplained,tuggingatit."Thewomanwhokilledhercouldn'tgetitout.That'swhyshewastryingtodrownCe'Nedra.Ifshe'dbeenabletousethisknife,we'dhavebeentoolate.""I'mgoingtofindoutwho'sresponsibleforthis,"Gariondeclaredfrombetweenclenchedteeth."IthinkI'llhavehimflayed.""Flayingisgood,"Silkagreed."Orboiling.Boilinghasalwaysbeenmyfavorite.""Garion,"Ce'Nedrasaidweakly,andallthoughtsofvengeancefledfromGarion'smindasheturnedtoher.Whileheheldhiswifeclosetohim,hedimlyheardSilkspeakingquietlytoBrand."Aftersomebodypicksupwhat'sleftofourwould-beassassin,"thelittlemanwassayinginatersevoice,"I'dliketohaveallofherclothingbroughttome.""Herclothing?"

"Right.Thewomanisn'tabletotalkanymore,butherclothingmight.You'dbesurprisedathowmuchyoucanlearnaboutsomeonebylookingathisundergarments.Wewanttofindoutwhowasbehindthis,andthatdeadwomanoutthereisouronlyclue.Iwanttofindoutwhoshewasandwhereshecamefrom.ThequickerIcandothat,thequickerwecanstartheatinguptheoil.""Oil?""I'mgoingtosimmerthemanwhowasbehindthis-slowlyandwithagreatdealofattentiontoeveryexquisitedetail."CHAPTERFOURTEENPolgaraarrivedlatethatsameafternoon.Noonesawfittoraisethequestionofhowshehadcrossedthehundredsofinterveningleaguesinthespaceofhoursinsteadofweeks.Thesentrywhohadbeenstandingwatchatopthebattlementsandwhoescortedhertothesickroom,however,hadaslightlywildlookinhiseyes,asifhehadjustseensomethingaboutwhichhewouldprefernottospeak.Garion,atthemomentshearrived,wasinthemidstofadiscussionwithoneofthecourtphysiciansaboutthetherapeuticvalueofbleeding,andtheconversationhadreachedthepointwherehehadjustpickedupaswordtoconfrontthestartledmedicalmanwhowasapproachingthebedwithlancetinhand."Ifyoutrytoopenmywife'sveinswiththat,"theyoungkingdeclaredfirmly,"I'mgoingtoopenyourswiththis.""Allright,"Polgarasaidcrisply,"thatwilldo,Garion."Sheremovedhercloakandlaiditacrossthebackofachair."AuntPol,"hegaspedwithrelief.Shehadalreadyturnedtofacethefourphysicianswhohadbeentendingthe

littlequeen."Thankyouforyourefforts,gentlemen,"shetoldthem."I'llsendforyouifIneedyou."Thenoteofdismissalinhervoicewasfinal,andthefourquietlyfiledout."LadyPolgara,"Ce'Nedrasaidweaklyfromthebed.Polgaraturnedtoherimmediately."Yes,dear,"shesaid,takingCe'Nedra'stinyhandinhers."Howdoyoufeel?""Mychesthurts,andIcan'tseemtostayawake.""We'llhaveyouupandaboutinnotimeatall,dear,"Polgaraassuredher.Shelookedcriticallyatthebed."IthinkI'mgoingtoneedmorepillows,Garion,"shesaid."Iwanttopropherupintoasittingposition."Garionquicklywentthroughthesittingroomtothedoorleadingtothecorridoroutside."Yes,yourMajesty?"thesentrysaidasGarionopenedthedoor."Doyouwanttogetmeaboutadozenorsopillows?""Ofcourse,yourMajesty."Thesentrystarteddownthecorridor."Onsecondthought,makethattwodozen."Garioncalledafterhim.Thenhewentbacktothebedroom."Imeanit,LadyPolgara,"Ce'Nedrawassayinginaweaklittlevoice."Ifitevergetstothepointwhereyouhavetomakeachoice,savemybaby.Don'teventhinkaboutme.""Isee,"Polgararepliedgravely."Ihopeyou'vepurgedyourselfofthatparticularnonsensenow."Ce'Nedrastaredather."Melodramahasalwaysmademejusteversofaintlynauseous."AslowflushcreptupCe'Nedra'scheeks.

"That'saverygoodsign,"AuntPolencouragedher."Ifyoucanblush,itmeansthatyou'rewellenoughtotakefinalnoteoftrivialthings.""Trivial?""Suchasbeingembarrassedabouthowtrulystupidthatlaststatementofyoursreallywas.Yourbaby'sfine,Ce'Nedra.Infact,he'sbetteroffrightnowthanyouare.He'ssleepingatthemoment."Ce'Nedra'seyeshadgonewide,andherhandswereplacedprotectivelyoverherabdomen."Youcanseehim?"sheaskedincredulously."Seeisn'texactlytherightword,dear,"Polgarasaidasshemixedtwopowderstogetherinaglass."Iknowwhathe'sdoingandwhathe'sthinkingabout."Sheaddedwatertothemixtureintheglassandwatchedcriticallyasthecontentsbubbledandfumed."Here,"sheinstructed,handingtheglasstoherpatient,"Drinkthis."ThensheturnedtoGarion."Buildupthefire,dear.It'sautumn,afterall,andwedon'twanthergettingchilled."BrandandSilkhadrathercarefullyexaminedthebrokenbodyofthewould-beassassinandhadshiftedtheirattentiontoherclothingbythetimeGarionjoinedthemlatethatevening."Haveyoufoundoutanythingyet?"heaskedasheenteredtheroom."WeknowthatshewasanAlorn,"Brandrepliedinhisrumblingvoice."Aboutthirty-fiveyearsold,andshedidn'tworkforaliving.Atleastshedidn'tdoanythingstrenuousenoughtoputcallusesonherhands.""That'snotverymuchtogoon,"Garionsaid."It'sastart,"Silktoldhim,carefullyexaminingthehemofabloodstaineddress."ItsortofpointsattheBear-cultthen,doesn'tit?""Notnecessarily,"Silkreplied,layingasidethedressandpickingupalinen

shift."Whenyou'retryingtohideyouridentity,youpickanassassinfromanothercountry.Ofcourse,thatkindofthinkingmightbealittletoosubtlefortheBear-cult."Hefrowned."Now,wherehaveIseenthisstitchbefore?"hemuttered,stilllookingatthedeadwoman'sundergarment."I'msoverysorryaboutArell,"GarionsaidtoBrand."Wewereallveryfondofher."Itseemedlikesuchaninadequatethingtosay."Shewouldhaveappreciatedthat,Belgarion,"Brandsaidquietly."ShelovedCe'Nedraverymuch."GarionturnedbacktoSilkwithafeelingoffrustrationboilingupinhim."Whatarewegoingtodo?"hedemanded."Ifwecan'tfindoutwhowasbehindthis,he'llprobablyjusttryagain.""Icertainlyhopeso,"Silksaid."Youwhat?""Wecansavealotoftimeifwecancatchsomebodywho'sstillalive.Youcanonlygetsomuchoutofdeadpeople.""Iwishwe'dbeenalittlemorethoroughwhenwewipedouttheBear-cultatThullMardu,"Brandsaid."Iwouldn'tgetmymindtoosetonthenotionthattheBear-cultwasresponsibleforthis,"Silktoldhim."Therearesomeotherpossibilities.""WhoelsewouldwanttohurtCe'Nedra?"Garionasked.Silksprawledinachair,scratchingabsentlyathischeekandwithhisforeheadfurrowedwiththought."Maybeitwasn'tCe'Nedra,"hemused."What?""It'saltogetherpossible,youknow,thattheattemptwasdirectedatthebabyshe'scarrying.Therecouldbepeopleoutthereintheworldwhodonotwant

theretobeanheirtoIrongrip'sthrone.""Who?""TheGrolimscometomindratherquickly,"Silkreplied."OrtheNyissans-orevenafewTolnedrans.Iwanttokeepanopenmindonthematter-untilIfindoutafewmorethings."Heheldupthestainedundergarment."I'mgoingtostartwiththis.Tomorrowmorning,I'mgoingtotakeitdowntothecityandshowittoeverytailorandseamstressIcanfind.Imightbeabletogetsomethingoutoftheweave,andthere'sapeculiarkindofstitchingalongthehem.IfIcanfindsomebodytoidentifyitforme,itmightgiveussomethingtoworkon."Brandlookedthoughtfullyoveratthestill,blanket-drapedformofthewomanwhohadtriedtokillCe'Nedra."ShewouldhavehadtohaveenteredtheCitadelbywayofoneofthegates,"hemused."Thatmeansthatshepassedasentryandthatshehadtohavegivenhimsomekindofexcuseforcomingin.I'llroundupeverymanwho'sbeenonsentrydutyforthepastweekandbringthemalldownheretohavealookather.Onceweknowexactlywhenshegotin,maybewecanstarttobacktrackher.I'dliketofindtheshipshearrivedonandhaveatalkwiththecaptain.""WhatcanIdo?"Garionaskedquickly."ProbablyyoushouldstayclosetoCe'Nedra'sroom,"Silksuggested."AnytimePolgaraleavesforanyreasonatall,yououghttogoinandtakeherplace.Therecouldbeotherattempts,youknow,andIthinkwe'llallfeelbetterifCe'Nedra'sguardedratherclosely."UnderPolgara'swatchfuleyes,Ce'Nedraspentaquietnight,andherbreathingwasmuchstrongerthenextday.Shecomplainedbitterlyaboutthetasteofthemedicinesshewasrequiredtodrink,andPolgaralistenedwithagreatshowofinteresttothequeen'sextensivetirade."Yes,dear,"sheagreedpleasantly."Nowdrinkitalldown.""Doesithavetotastesoawful?"Ce'Nedrasaidwithashudder."Ofcourseitdoes.Ifmedicinetastedgood,sickpeoplemightbetemptedtostay

sicksothattheycouldenjoythemedicine.Theworseittastes,thequickeryougetwell."Latethatafternoon,Silkreturnedwithadisgustedlookonhisface."Ihadn'trealizedhowmanywaysit'spossibletoattachtwopiecesofclothtogether,"hegrumbled."Noluck,Itakeit,"Garionsaid."Notreally,"Silkreplied,throwinghimselfintoachair."Imanagedtopickupallsortsofeducatedguesses,though.""Oh?""OnetailorwaswillingtostakehisreputationonthefactthatthisparticularstitchisusedexclusivelyinNyissa.AseamstresstoldmeveryconfidentlythatthiswasanUlgogarment.Andonehalf-witwentsofarastosaythattheownerofthegarmentwasasailor,sincethisstitchisalwaysusedtorepairtornsails.""Whatareyoutalkingabout,Silk?"PolgaraaskedcuriouslyasshepassedthroughthesittingroomonherwaybacktoCe'Nedra'sbedside."I'vebeentryingtogetsomeonetoidentifythestitchingonthehemofthisthing,"hesaidinadisgustedtone,wavingthebloodstainedshift."Here.Letmeseeit."Silkwordlesslyhandedherthegarment,Sheglancedatitalmostcasually."NortheasternDrasnia,"shetoldhim,"fromsomewherenearthetownofRheon.""Areyousure?"Silkcametohisfeetquickly.Shenodded."Thatkindofstitchingwasdevelopedcenturiesago-backinthedayswhenallthegarmentsupthereweremadefromreindeerskin.""That'sdisgusting,"Silksaid.

"Whatis?""Iranaroundwiththisthingalldaylong-upanddownallthosestairsandinandoutofeverytailorshopinRiva-andallIhadtodotofindoutwhatIwantedtoknowwasshowittoyou.""That'snotmyfault,PrinceKheldar,"shetoldhim,handingbacktheshift."Ifyoudon'tknowenoughtobringtheselittleproblemstomebynow,thenthereprobablyisn'tmuchhopeforyou.""Thanks,Polgara,"hesaiddrily."ThentheassassinwasaDrasnian,"Garionsaid."AnortheasternDrasnian,"Silkcorrected."Thosepeopleupthereareastrangesort-almostworsethantheoneswholiveinthefens.""Strange?""Standoffish,closemouthed,unfriendly,clannish,secretive.EverybodyinnortheastDrasniabehavesasifhehadallthestatesecretsinthekingdomtuckeduphissleeve.""WhywouldtheyhateCe'Nedrasomuch?"Garionaskedwithapuzzledfrown."Iwouldn'tmaketoomuchofthefactthatthisassassinwasaDrasnian,Garion,"Silktoldhim."Peoplewhohireotherpeopletodotheirkillingforthemdon'talwaysgolookingfortheirhirelingsclosetohome-and,althoughtherearealotofassassinsintheworld,veryfewofthemarewomen."Hepursedhislipsthoughtfully."IdothinkthatI'lltakeatripuptoRheonandhavealookaround,however."Asthechillofwintersetin,PolgarafinallydeclaredthatCe'Nedrawasoutofalldanger."IthinkI'llstay,though,"sheadded."DurnikandErrandcanmanageathomeforafewmonths,andI'dprobablynosoonergethomethanI'dhavetoturnaroundandcomeback."

Garionlookedatherblankly."Youdidn'tactuallythinkthatIwasgoingtoletanybodyelsedeliverCe'Nedra'sfirstbaby,didyou?"ItsnowedheavilyjustbeforeErastide,andthesteepstreetsofthecityofRivabecamevirtuallyimpassable.Ce'Nedra'sdispositionsourednoticeably.Herincreasinggirthmadeherawkward,andthedepthofthesnowinthecitystreetshadrathereffectivelyconfinedhertotheCitadel.Polgaratookthelittlequeen'soutburstsandcryingfitscalmly,scarcelychangingexpression,evenattheheightoftheeruptions."Youdowanttohavethisbaby,don'tyou?"sheaskedpointedlyononesuchoccasion."OfcourseIdo,"Ce'Nedrarepliedindignantly."Wellthen,youhavetogothroughthis.It'stheonlywayIknowoftofillthenursery.""Don'ttrytobereasonablewithme,LadyPolgara,"Ce'Nedraflared."I'mnotinthemoodforreasonablenessrightnow."Polgaragaveherafaintlyamusedlook,andCe'Nedra,inspiteofherself,begantolaugh."I'mbeingsilly,aren'tI?""Abit,yes.""It'sjustthatIfeelsohugeandugly.""Thatwillpass,Ce'Nedra.""SometimesIwishIcouldjustlayeggs-thewaybirdsdo.""I'dsticktodoingittheoldway,dear.Idon'tthinkyouhavethedispositionforsittingonanest."

Erastidecameandpassedquietly.Thecelebrationontheislandwaswarm,butsomewhatrestrained.Itseemedasifthewholepopulationwasholdingitsbreath,waitingforamuchlargerreasonforcelebration.Wintergroundonwitheachweekaddingmoresnowtothealreadyhigh-pileddrifts.AmonthorsoafterErastidetherewasabriefthaw,lastingforperhapstwodays,andthenthefrigidchilllockedinagain,turningthesoddensnowbanksintoblocksofice.Theweeksploddedbytediously,andeverybodywaited."Wouldyoujustlookatthat?"Ce'NedrasaidangrilytoGariononemorningshortlyaftertheyhadarisen."Atwhat,dear?"herepliedmildly."Atthat!"Shepointeddisgustedlyatthewindow."It'ssnowingagain."TherewasanoteofaccusationInhervoice."It'snotmyfault,"hesaiddefensively."DidIsaythatitwas?"Sheturnedawkwardlytoglareathim.Hertininessmadeherswollenbellyappearallthelarger,andshesometimesseemedtothrustitoutathimasifitwereentirelyhisdoing."Thisisjustabsolutelyinsupportable,"shedeclared."Whyhaveyoubroughtmetothisfrozen-"Shestoppedinmid-tirade,astrangelookcrossingherface."Areyouallright,dear?"Garionasked."Don't'dear'me,Garion.I-"Shestoppedagain."Oh,my."shesaidbreathlessly."Whatisit?"Hegottohisfeet."Oh,dear,"Ce'Nedrasaid,puttingherhandstothesmallofherback."Ohdear,ohdear,ohdear.""Ce'Nedra,that'snotveryhelpful.What'sthematter?""IthinkperhapsI'dbettergoliedown,"shesaidalmostabsently.Shestarted

acrosstheroom,movingatastatelywaddle.Shestopped."Oh,dear,"shesaidwithmuchmorevehemence.Herfacewaspale,andsheputonehandonachairbacktosupportherself."IthinkthatitmightbeagoodideaifyousentforLadyPolgara,Garion.""Isit-?,Imean,areyou-?""Don'tbabble,Garion,"shesaidtensely."JustopenthedoorandscreamforyourAuntPol.""Areyoutryingtosaythat-?""I'mnottrying,Garion.I'msayingit.Getherinhererightnow."Shewaddledtothebedroomdoorandstoppedagainwithalittlegasp."Oh,mygoodness,"shesaid.Garionstumbledtothedoorandjerkeditopen."GetLadyPolgara!"hesaidtothestartledsentry."Immediately!Run!""Yes,yourMajesty!"themanreplied,droppinghisspearandsprintingdownthehall.GarionslammedthedooranddashedtoCe'Nedra'sside."CanIdoanything?"heasked,wringinghishands."Helpmetobed,"shetoldhim."Bed!"hesaid."Right!"Hegrabbedherarmandbegantotugather."Whatareyoudoing?""Bed,"heblurted,pointingattheroyalfour-poster."Iknowwhatitis,Garion.Helpme.Don'tyankonme.""Oh."Hetookherhand,slippedhisotherarmabouther,andliftedheroffherfeet.Hestumbledtowardthebed,hiseyeswideandhismindcompletelyblank.

"Putmedown,yougreatoaf!""Bed,"heurgedher,tryingwithalltheeloquenceathiscommandtoexplain.Hecarefullysetherbackdownonherfeetandrushedonahead."Nicebed,"hesaid,pattingthecoverletsencouragingly.Ce'Nedraclosedhereyesandsighed."Juststepoutofmyway,Garion,"shesaidwithresignation."But-""Whydon'tyoubuildupthefire?"shesuggested."What?"Hestaredaroundblankly."Thefireplace-thatopeninginthewallwiththeburninglogsinit.Putsomemorewoodinthere.Wewantitniceandwarmforthebaby,don'twe?"Shereachedthebedandleanedagainstit.Gariondashedtothefireplaceandstoodstaringatitstupidly."What'sthematternow?""Wood,"hereplied."Nowood.""Bringsomeinfromtheotherroom."Whatanabsolutelybrilliantsuggestionshehadjustmade!Hestaredathergratefully."Gointotheotherroom,Garion,"shesaid,speakingveryslowlyanddistinctly."Pickupsomewood.Carryitbackinhere.Putitonthefire.Haveyougotallthatsofar?""Right!"hesaidexcitedly.Hedashedintotheotherroom,pickedupastickoffirewood,anddashedbackinwithit.

"Wood,"hesaid,holdingthestickupproudly."Verynice,Garion,"shesaid,climbinglaboriouslyintothebed."Nowputitonthefireandgobackoutandbringinsomemore.""More,"heagreed,flingingthestickintothefireplaceanddashingoutthedooragain.Afterhehademptiedthewoodbininthesittingroom-onestickatatime-hestaredaroundwildly,tryingtodecidewhattodonext.Hepickedupachair.Ifheweretoswingitagainstthewall,hereasoned,itoughttobreakupintomanageablepieces.Thedoortotheapartmentopened,andPolgaracamein.Shestoppedtostareatthewild-eyedGarion."Whatonearthareyoudoingwiththatchair?"shedemanded."Wood,"heexplained,brandishingtheheavypieceoffurniture."Needwood-forthefire."Shegavehimalonglook,smoothingdownthefrontofherwhiteapron."Isee,"shesaid."It'sgoingtobeoneofthose.Putthechairdown,Garion.Where'sCe'Nedra?""Bed,"hereplied,regretfullysettingdownthepolishedchair.Thenhelookedatherbrightly."Baby,"heinformedher.Sherolledhereyestowardtheceiling."Garion,"shesaid,speakingcarefullyasiftoachild,"it'smuchtooearlyforCe'Nedratobetakingtoherbed.Sheneedstowalkaround-keepmoving."Heshookhisheadstubbornly."Bed,"herepeated."Baby."Helookedaroundandpickedupthechairagain.Polgarasighed,openedthedoor,andbeckonedtothesentry."Youngman,"shesaid,"whydon'tyoutakehisMajestyheredowntothatcourtyardjustoutside

thekitchen?There'salargepileoflogsthere.Gethimanaxesothathecancutupsomefirewood."Everybodywasbeingabsolutelybrillianttoday.GarionmarveledatthesuggestionAuntPolhadjustmade.Hesetdownthechairagainanddashedoutwiththebaffledsentryintow.Hechoppedupwhatseemedlikeacordofwoodinthefirsthour,sendingoutapositiveblizzardofchipsasheswungtheaxesofastthatitseemedalmosttoblurintheair.Thenhepaused,pulledoffhisdoublet,andreallygotdowntowork.Aboutnoon,arespectfulcookbroughthimaslaboffreshlyroastedbeef,alargechunkofbread,andsomeale.Garionwolfeddownthreeorfourbites,tookacoupleofgulpsoftheale,andthenpickeduphisaxetoattackanotherlog.ItwasaltogetherpossiblethathemighthavefinishedupwiththewoodpileoutsidethekitchenandthengoneinsearchofmoretreeshadnotBrandinterruptedhimshortlybeforethesunwentdown.Thebig,gray-hairedWarderhadabroadgrinonhisface."Congratulations,Belgarion,"hesaid."Youhaveason."Garionpaused,lookingalmostregretfullyattheremaininglogs.ThenwhatBrandhadjustsaidfinallyseepedintohisawareness.Theaxeslidfromhisfingers."Ason?"hesaid."Whatanamazingthing.Andsoquickly,too."Helookedatthewoodpile."Ionlyjustnowgothere.Ialwaysthoughtthatittookmuchlonger."Brandlookedathimcarefully,thengentlytookhimbythearm."Comealongnow,Belgarion,"hesaid."Let'sgoupandmeetyourson."Garionbentandcarefullypickedupanarmloadofwood."Forthefire."heexplained."Ce'Nedrawantsanicefire.""She'llbeveryproudofyou,Belgarion,"Brandassuredhim.Whentheyreachedtheroyalbedchamber,Garioncarefullyputhisarmloadofwoodonthepolishedtablebythewindowandapproachedthebedontiptoe.

Ce'Nedralookedverytiredandwan,buttherewas,nonetheless,acontentedlittlesmileonherface.Nestledbesideherinasoftblanketwasaverysmallperson.Thenewcomerhadaredfaceandalmostnohair.Heseemedtobeasleep,butasGarionapproached,hiseyesopened.Gravely,thecrownprincelookedathisfather,thensighed,burped,andwentbacktosleep."Oh,isn'thejustbeautiful,Garion?"Ce'Nedrasaidinawonderinglittlevoice."Yes,"Garionrepliedwithagreatlumpcomingupintohisthroat."Andsoareyou."Hekneltbesidethebedandputhisarmsaboutthemboth."Verynice,children,"Polgarasaidfromtheothersideofthebed."Youbothdidjustfine."ThefollowingdayGarionandhisnewbornsonwentthroughaveryancientceremony.WithPolgaraathissideinasplendidblueandsilvergown,hecarriedthebabytotheHalloftheRivanKing,wherethenoblesoftheislandkingdomawaitedthem.AsthethreeofthementeredtheHall,theOrbofAldur,standingonthepommelofIrongrip'ssword,blazedforthwithagreatshimmerofbluelight.Almostbemused,Garionapproachedhisthrone."Thisismyson,Geran,"heannounced-inparttothegatheredthrong,butalso,inapeculiarway,totheOrbitself.Thechoiceofhisson'snamehadnotbeendifficult.Thoughhecouldnotrememberhisfather,Garionhadwantedtohonorhim,andnowayseemedmoreappropriatethattogivehissonhisfather'sname.HecarefullyhandedthebabytoPolgara,reachedup,andtookdownthegreatsword.Holdingitbytheblade,heextendedittowardtheblanket-wrappedinfantinPolgara'sarms.TheshimmeringglowoftheOrbgrewbrighter.Andthen,asifattractedbythatlight,Geranstretchedforthhistinypinkhandandputitontheglowingjewel.Agreatauraofmany-coloredlightburstfromtheOrbattheinfant'stouch,surroundingthethreeofthemwithapulsatingrainbowthatilluminatedtheentireHall.AvastchorusfilledGarion'sears,risingtoanenormouschordthatseemedtoshakethewholeworld."HailGeran!"Brandboomedinagreatvoice,"heirtothethroneofIrongripandkeeperoftheOrbofAldur!"

"HailGeran!"thethrongechoedinathunderousshout."HailGeran,"thedryvoiceinGarion'smindaddedquietly.Polgarasaidnothing.Shedidnotneedtospeak,sincethelookinhereyessaideverythingthatneededsaying.AlthoughitwaswinterandtheSeaoftheWindswaslashedbystorms,theAlornKingsalljourneyedtoRivatocelebratethebirthofGeran.Manyothers,friendsandoldacquaintances,joinedwithAnheg,Cho-Hag,andQueenPorennonthejourneytoRiva.Barakwasthere,ofcourse,accompaniedbyhiswifeMerel.HettarandAdaraarrived.LelldorinandMandorallencameupfromArendiawithArianaandNerina.Garion,nowsomewhatmoresensitivetosuchthings,wasamazedathowmanychildrenhisfriendshadproduced.Nomatterwhichwayheturned,thereseemedtobebabies,andthesoundoflittleboysandgirlsrunningandlaughingfilledthesoberhallsoftheCitadel.Theboy-kingKhevaofDrasniaandBarak'ssonUnraksoonbecametheclosestoffriends.Nerina'sdaughtersrompedwithAdara'ssonsinendlessgamesinvolvingmuchgiggling.Barak'seldestdaughter,Gundred,nowaravishingyounglady,cutabroadtrackthroughtheheartsofwholeplatoonsofyoungRivannobles,allthewhileunderthewatchfuleyeofherhuge,red-beardedfather,whoneveractuallythreatenedanyofhisdaughter'ssuitors,butwhoselookssaidquiteplainlythathewouldtoleratenofoolishness.LittleTerzie,Gundred'syoungersister,hoveredontheverybrinkofwomanhood-rompingonemomentwiththeyoungerchildrenandlookingthenextwithdevastatingeyesatthegroupofadolescentRivanboyswhoalwaysseemedtobearound.KingFulrachandGeneralBrendigsailedoverfromSendariaaboutmidwaythroughthecelebration.QueenLaylasentherfondestcongratulations,butshedidnotmakethetripwithherhusband."Shealmostgotonboardtheship,"Fulrachreported,"butthenagustofwindmadeawavebreakoverthestonesofthequay,andshefainted.Wedecidednottosubjecthertothevoyageatthat

point.""It'sprobablybest,"Garionagreed.DurnikandErrandcameupfromtheVale,naturally,andwiththemcameBelgarath.Thecelebrationwentonforweeks.Therewerebanquetsandformalpresentationsofgifts,bothbythevisitorsandbytheambassadorsofvariousfriendlykingdoms.And,ofcourse,therewerehoursofreminiscencesandafairamountofseriousdrinking.Ce'Nedrawasinherglory,sincesheandherinfantsonweretheabsolutecenterofattention.Garionfoundthatthefestivities,coupledwithhisnormalduties,lefthimalmostnofreetimeatall.HewishedthathecouldfindanhourortwototalkwithBarak,Hettar,Mandorallen,andLelldorin;butnomatterhowhetriedtorearrangehisdays,thetimesimplywasnotthere.Verylateoneevening,however,Belgarathcamelookingforhim.Garionlookedupfromareporthehadbeenreadingastheoldsorcererenteredhisstudy."Ithoughtwemightwanttotalkforabit,"theoldmansaid.Gariontossedasidethereport."Ihaven'tmeanttoneglectyou,Grandfather,"heapologized,"butthey'rekeepingmydaysprettywellfilledup."Belgarathshrugged."Thingsareboundtosettledowninawhile.DidIevergetaroundtocongratulatingyou?""Ithinkso.""Good.That'stakencareof,then.Peoplealwaysmakesuchafussaboutbabies.Idon'treallycarethatmuchforthemmyself.They'reallsquallyandwet,mostofthetime,andit'salmostimpossibletotalktothem.Youdon'tmindifIhelpmyself,doyou?"Hepointedatacrystaldecanterofpalewinestandingonatable."No.Goahead."

"Youwantsome?""Nothanks,Grandfather."BelgarathpouredhimselfagobletofwineandthensettleddowninachairacrossfromGarion's."How'sthekingbusiness?"heasked."Tedious,"Garionrepliedruefully."Actually,that'snotabadthing,youknow.Whenitgetsexciting,thatusuallymeansthatsomethingprettyawfulishappening.""Isupposeyou'reright.""Haveyoubeenstudying?"Garionsatupquickly."I'mgladyoubroughtthatup.Thingshavebeensohecticthatsomethingsortofimportanthadalmostslippedmymind."Oh?""Howcarefulwerepeoplewhentheymadecopiesofthoseprophecies?"Belgarathshrugged."Fairlycareful,Isuppose.Whydoyouask?""IthinkthatsomethinggotleftoutofmycopyoftheMrinCodex.""Whatmakesyouthinkso?""There'sapassageintherethatjustdoesn'tmakesense.""Maybenottoyou,butyouhaven'tbeenstudyingallthatlong.""That'snotwhatImean,Grandfather.I'mnottalkingaboutanobscuremeaning.WhenI'mgettingatisasentencethatstartsoutandthenjuststopswithoutgoinganywhere.Imean,itdoesn'thaveanyendingthewayitshould."

"You'reconcernedaboutgrammar?"Garionscratchedathishead."It'stheonlypassageIfoundintherethatbreaksoffthatway.Itgoes,'Butbehold,thestonewhichliesatthecenterofthelightshall-'Andthenthere'sablot,andittakesupagainwith'-andthismeetingwillcometopassinaplacewhichisnomore,andtherewillthechoicebemade.'"Belgarathfrowned."IthinkIknowthepassage,"hesaid."Thetwojustdon'tfittogether,Grandfather.ThefirstpartistalkingabouttheOrb-atleastthat'sthewayIreadit-andthesecondpartistalkingaboutameeting.Idon'tknowwhatwordisunderthatblot,butIcan'tforthelifeofmefigureouthowthetwopartscouldbehookedtogether.Ithinkthere'ssomethingmissing.That'swhyIwasaskingabouthowtheywentaboutcopyingthesethings.Couldthescribewhowasdoingithaveskippedacoupleoflines?""Idon'tthinkso,Garion,"Belgarathsaid."Thenewcopyisalwayscomparedwiththeoldonebysomebodyotherthanthescribe.Wearefairlycarefulaboutthingslikethat.""Thenwhat'sundertheblot?"Belgarathscratchedhisbeardthoughtfully."Ican'tquiterecall,"headmitted."Anheg'shere.Maybeheremembers-oryoucanaskhimtotranscribethatpartfromhiscopyandsendittoyouwhenhegetsbacktoValAlorn.""That'sagoodidea.""Iwouldn'tworrytoomuchaboutit,Garion.It'sonlypartofonepassage,afterall.""Therearealotofthingsintherethatareonlyonepassage,Grandfather,andtheyturnedouttobesortofimportant.""Ifitbothersyousomuch,chaseitdown.That'sagoodwaytolearn.""Aren'tyoutheleastbitcuriousaboutit?"

"Ihaveotherthingsonmymind.You'retheonewhofoundthisdiscrepancy,soI'llgiveyouallthegloryofexposingittotheworldandworkingoutthesolution.""You'renotbeingverymuchhelp,Grandfather."Belgarathgrinnedathim."I'mnotreallytryingtobe,Garion.You'regrownupenoughnowtosolveyourownproblems."Helookedoveratthedecanter."IbelieveI'llhavejustanotherlittletouchofthat,"hesaid.CHAPTERFIFTEEN"...Andtheyshallnumbertwelve,fortwelveisanumberwhichispleasingtotheGods.Iknowthistobetrue,foraravenoncecametomeinadreamandtoldmeso.Ihavealwayslovedthenumbertwelve,anditisforthisreasonthattheGodshavechosenmetorevealthistruthtoallthenations...."Garionscowledatthemusty-smellingbook.Therehadbeensomehopeintheearlierpages-someobscurereferencestoLightandDarkandatantalizingfragmentwhichhadstatedquiteclearlythat,"Theholiestofthingswillalwaysbethecolorofthesky,saveonlywhenitperceivesgreatevil,andthenwillitburnhotwithscarletflame."Whenhehadfoundthatpassage,hehadreadonavidly,convincedthathehadstumbledacrossagenuineandhithertoundiscoveredprophecy.Therestofthebook,unfortunately,provedtobeabsolutegibberish.ThebriefbiographicalnoteatthebeginningofthebookindicatedthatitsauthorhadbeenaDrasnianmerchantofsomesubstanceduringthethirdmillenniumandthatthesesecretjottingshadbeenfoundonlyafterhisdeath.Garionwonderedhowamanwithsodisturbedamindcouldhaveevenfunctionedinanormalsociety.Heclosedthebookindisgustandaddedittothegrowingpileofravingsthatwasaccumulatingonthetableinfrontofhim.NexthepickedupaslendervolumethathadbeenfoundinadesertedhouseinArendia.ThefirstfewpagesweredevotedtothehouseholdaccountsofaveryminorArendishnobleman.Then,onthefourthpage,themundanebrokeoffquitesuddenly."TheChildofLightshalltakeuptheswordandgoinsearchofthatwhichishidden,"Garion

read.Thiswasimmediatelyfollowedbyatediouslydetailedaccountofthepurchaseofadozenorsopigsfromaneighbor.Thenonceagaintheunknownwriterjumpedintoprophecy."ThequestoftheChildofLightshallbeforonewhosesoulhasbeenreftaway,forastonethatisemptyatitscenterandforthebabewhowillholdtheLightinonehandandtheDarkintheother."Thatdefinitelyseemedtobegettingsomewhere.Garionpulledoneofhisgutteringcandlescloserandhunchedoverthebook,readingeachpagecarefully.Thosetwopassages,however,provedtobetheonlyonesintheentirevolumethatdidnotspeakoftheday-to-daybusinessofthatforgottenfarmsomewhereinArendia.Garionsighed,leanedback,andlookedaroundatthedimlylightedlibrary.Theboundbooksstoodintheirdustyrowsonthedarkshelves,andthelinen-coveredscrollslayalongthetopofeachbookcase.Thelightofhistwocandlesflickered,makingtheroomseemalmosttodance."Therehastobeafasterwaytodothis,"hemuttered."Actuallythereis,"thedryvoiceinhismindsaidtohim."What?""Yousaidthattherehadtobeafasterway.Isaidthatthereis.""Wherehaveyoubeen?""Hereandthere."Garionknewthisotherawarenesswellenoughbynowtobecertainthatitwouldtellhimonlywhatitwantedhimtoknow."Allright,"hesaid,"whatisthisfasterway?""Youdon'thavetoreadeverysinglewordthewayyouhavebeendoing.Openyourmindandjustleafthroughthepages.ThethingsIputineachbookwillsortofleapoutatyou."

"Arethepropheciesalwaysmixedrightinwithallthisothernonsense?""Usually,yes.""Whydidyoudoitthatway?""Severalreasons.MostofthetimeIdidn'twantthemanwhowasdoingtheactualwritingeventoknowwhatIwashidinginhisbook.Then,ofcourse,it'sagoodwaytokeepthingsfromfallingintounfriendlyhands.""Andfriendlyonestoo,forthatmatter.""Didyouwantmetoexplain,orwereyoujustlookingforanexcusetomakecleverremarks?""Allright."Garionsighed,givingup."IthinkI'vetoldyoubeforethatthewordgivesmeaningtotheevent.Thewordhastobethere,butitdoesn'thavetoberightoutintheopenwherejustanybodycanfindit."Garionfrowned."Doyoumeanthatyouputallthesethingsinallthesebooksforjustafewpeopletoread?""Theterm'afew'isn'treallyaccurate.Try'one'instead.""One?Who?""You,obviously.""Me?Whyme?""Arewegoingtogothroughthatagain?""Areyoutryingtosaythatallofthiswassortoflikeapersonalletter-justtome?"

"Inamannerofspeaking,yes.""WhatifIhadn'tgottenaroundtoreadingit?""Whyareyoureadingitnow?""BecauseBelgarathtoldmeto.""WhydoyouthinkBelgarathtoldyouthat?""Because-"Garionbrokeoff.Youtoldhimtosayittome?""Naturally.Hedidn'tknowaboutit,ofcourse,butInudgedhim.AllsortsofpeoplehaveaccesstotheMrinCodex.That'swhyImadeitsocryptic.Thesepersonalinstructionstoyou,however,shouldbefairlyclear-ifyoupayattention.""Whydon'tyoujusttellmewhatI'msupposedtodo?"I'mnotpermittedtodothat.""Permitted?""Wehaveourrules,myoppositeandI.We'reverycarefullybalancedandwehavetostaythatway.Weagreedonlytoactthroughourinstruments,andifIinterveneinperson-withsuchthingsastellingyoudirectlywhatyoumustdo-thenmyoppositewillalsobefreetostepovertheline.That'swhywebothworkthroughwhatarecalledprophecies.""Isn'tthatalittlecomplicated?""Thealternativewouldbeabsolutechaos.MyoppositeandIarelimitless.Ifweconfronteachotherdirectly,wholesunswillbedestroyed."Garionshudderedandswallowedhard."Ididn'trealizethat,"headmitted.Thenanideaoccurredtohim."WouldyoubepermittedtotellmeaboutthatlineintheMrinCodex-theonethat'sgottheblottedwordinthemiddleofit?

"Thatdependsonhowmuchyouwanttoknowaboutit.""What'sthewordundertheblot?""Thereareseveralwordsthere.Ifyoulookatitintherightkindoflight,youshouldbeabletoseethem.Asfortheseotherbooks,tryreadingthemthewayItoldyouto.Ithinkyou'llfindthatitsavesalotoftime-andyoureallydon'thaveallthatmuchtimetospare.""What'sthatsupposedtomean?"Butthevoicewasgone.Thedoortothelibraryopened,andCe'Nedracamein,wearinghernightdressandawarmrobe."Garion,"shesaid,"aren'tyouevercomingtobed?""What?"Helookedup."Oh-yes.Rightaway.""Whowasinherewithyou?""Nobody.Why?""Iheardyoutalkingtosomeone.""Iwasjustreading,that'sall.""Cometobed,Garion,"shesaidfirmly."Youcan'treadthewholelibraryinoneevening.""Yes,dear,"heagreed.Notlongafterthat,whenspringhadbeguntotouchthelowermeadowsoftheslopesbehindtheCitadel,thepromisedletterfromKingAnhegarrived.GarionimmediatelytookthecopyofthatbafflingpassageintheMrinCodextothelibrarytocompareitwithhiscopy.Whenheputthetwosidebyside,hebegantoswear.Anheg'scopywasblottedinexactlythesameplace."Itoldhim!"

Garionfumed."ItoldhimspecificallythatIneededtoseethatparticularspot!Ievenshowedhim!"Swearingangrily,hebegantopaceupanddown,wavingbotharmsintheair.Rathersurprisingly,Ce'Nedratookherhusband'snearobsessionwiththeMrinCodexinstride.Ofcourse,thelittlequeen'sattentionwasalmosttotallyrivetedonhernewson,andGarionwasfairlycertainthatanythinghesaidordidwasonlyontheveryedgeofherawareness.YoungPrinceGeranwasgrosslyovermothered.Ce'Nedraheldhiminherarmsalmosteveryminutethathewasawakeandfrequentlyevenwhenhewasasleep.Hewasagood-naturedbabyandseldomcriedorfussed.Hetookhismother'sconstantattentionquitecalmlyandacceptedallthecuddlingandcooingandimpulsivekisseswithequanimity.Garion,however,feltthatCe'Nedrareallyoverdidthingsjustabit.SincesheinsistedonholdingGeranconstantly,itdefinitelycutintothetimewhenhemightbeabletoholdhisson.Oncehealmostaskedherwhenhisturnwasgoingtocome,butdecidedatthelastminutenotto.ThethingthathereallyfeltwasunfairwasCe'Nedra'ssenseoftiming.WhenevershedidputGeraninhiscradleforafewmomentsandGarionfinallygotthechancetopickhimup,thelittlequeen'shandsseemedalmostautomaticallytogotothebuttonsonthefrontofherdress,andshewouldplacidlyannouncethatitwastimeforGerantonurse.Garioncertainlydidnotbegrudgehissonhislunch,butthebabyreallydidn'tlookallthathungrymostofthetime.Afteratime,however,whenhefinallybecameadjustedtoGeran'sundeniablepresenceintheirlives,thecallofthedim,mustylibrarybegantoreassertitself.Theprocedurethathadbeensuggestedtohimbythedryvoiceworkedsurprisinglywell.Afteralittlepractice,hefoundthathecouldskimrapidlyoverpageafterpageofmundanematerialandthathiseyewouldstopautomaticallyatthepropheticpassagesburiedinthemidstofordinarytext.Hewassurprisedtofindsomanyofthesepassageshiddenawayinthemostunlikelyplaces.Inmostcasesitwasobviousthatthewritershadnotevenbeenawareofwhattheyhadinserted.Asentencewouldfrequentlybreakoff,leapintoprophecy,andthentakeupagainexactlywhereithadstopped.Garionwaspositivethatuponrereadingthetext,theunconsciousprophetwhohadinsertedthematerialwouldnotevenseewhathehadjustwritten.TheMrinCodex,however,andtoalesserdegreetheDarine,remainedthecore

ofthewholething.Passagesfromotherworksclarifiedorexpanded,butthetwomajorpropheciesputitalldowninuncontaminatedform.Garionbegantocrossindexashewentalong,identifyingeachnewpassagewithanumberandthenlinkingthosenumberstotheseriesoflettercodeshehadassignedtotheparagraphsoftheMrinscroll.EachparagraphoftheMrin,hediscovered,usuallyhadthreeorfourcorroboratingorexplanatorylinesgleanedfromotherworks-allexceptthatcrucialblottedpassage."Andhowdidthesearchgotoday,dear?"Ce'Nedraaskedbrightlyoneeveningwhenhereturned,grouchyandoutofsorts,totheroyalapartment.ShewasnursingGeranatthetime,andherfacewasaglowwithtendernessassheheldherbabytoherbreast."I'mjustabouttogiveitallup,"hedeclared,flinginghimselfintoachair."Ithinkitmightbebetterjusttolockupthatlibraryandthrowawaythekey."Shelookedathimfondlyandsmiled."Nowyouknowthatwouldn'tdoanygood,Garion.Youknowthatafteradayorsoyouwouldn'tbeabletostandit,andnodoorissostoutthatyoucan'tbreakitdown.""MaybeIshouldjustburnallthosebooksandscrolls,"hesaidmorosely."Ican'tconcentrateonanythingelseanymore.Iknowthere'ssomethinghiddenunderthatblot,butIcan'tfindasingleclueanywheretowhatitmightbe.""Ifyouburnthatlibrary,Belgarathwillprobablyturnyouintoaradish,"shewarnedwithasmile."He'sveryfondofbooks,youknow.""Itmightbenicetobearadishforawhile,"hereplied."It'sreallyverysimple,Garion,"shesaidwiththatinfuriatingplacidity."Sinceallthecopiesareblotted,whydon'tyougolookattheoriginal?"Hestaredather."Ithastobesomewhere,doesn'tit?""Well-Isupposeso,yes."

"Findoutwhereitis,then,andgolook-orsendforit.""Ineverthoughtofthat.""Obviously.It'smuchmorefuntorantandraveandbeunpleasantaboutit.""Youknow,that'sreallyaverygoodidea,Ce'Nedra.""Naturally.Youmenalwayswanttocomplicatethingssomuch.Nexttimeyouhaveaproblem,dear,justbringittome.I'lltellyouhowtosolveit."Heletthatpass.Thefirstthingthefollowingmorning,GarionwentdownintothecityandcalledontheRivanDeaconintheTempleofBelar.TheRivanDeaconwasasober-faced,gentleman.UnlikethepriestsofBelarinthemajortemplesonthecontinent,whowerefrequentlymoreinvolvedinpoliticsthaninthecareoftheirflocks,theleaderoftheRivanChurchconcernedhimselfalmostexclusivelywiththewell-being-physicalaswellasspiritual-ofthecommonpeople.Garionhadalwaysratherlikedhim."I'veneveractuallyseenitmyself,yourMajesty."theDeaconrepliedinresponsetoGarion'squestion,"butI'vealwaysbeentoldthatit'skeptinthatshrineonthebanksoftheMrinRiver-betweentheedgeofthefensandBoktor.""Shrine?""TheancientDrasnianserecteditonthesitewheretheMrinProphetwaskeptchained,"theDeaconexplained."Afterthepoormandied,KingBull-neckdirectedthatamemorialofsomesortbeputupthere.Theybuilttheshrinedirectlyoverhisgrave.Theoriginalscrolliskeptthereinalargecrystalcase.Agroupofpriestsistheretoprotectit.Mostpeoplewouldn'tbeallowedtotouchit;butconsideringthefactthatyou'retheRivanKing,I'msurethatthey'llmakeanexception.""Thenit'salwaysbeenthere?"

"ExceptduringthetimeoftheAngarakinvasionduringthefourthmillennium.ItwastakenbyshiptoValAlornforsafekeepingjustbeforeBoktorwasburned.Torakwantedtogethishandsonit,soitwasfeltwisertogetitoutofthecountry.""Thatmakessense,"Garionsaid."Thankyoufortheinformation,yourReverence.""Gladtobeofhelp,yourMajesty."Itwasgoingtobehardtogetaway.Thisweekwascompletelyoutofthequestion,sincetherewasthatmeetingwiththeportauthoritiesthedayaftertomorrow.Andnextweekwouldbeevenworse.Therewerealwayssomanyofficialmeetingsandstatefunctions.GarionsighedasheclimbedbackupthelongstairstotheCitadelwithhisinevitableguardathisside.Itsomehowseemedthathewasalmostaprisonerhereonthisisland.Therewerealwayssomanydemandsonhistime.Hecouldrememberatime,notreallythatlongago,whenhestartedeachdayonhorsebackandseldomsleptinthesamebedtwonightsinarow.Uponconsideration,however,hewasforcedtoadmitthateventhenhehadnotbeenfreetodoashewished.Thoughhehadnotknownit,thisburdenofresponsibilityhaddescendeduponhimonthatwindyautumnnightsomanyyearsagowhenhe,AuntPol,Belgarath,andDurnikhadcreptthroughthegateatFaldor'sfarmandoutintothewideworldthatlaybeforethem."Well,"hemutteredunderhisbreath,"thisisimportanttoo.Brandcanmanagehere.They'lljusthavetogetalongwithoutmeforawhile.""Whatwasthat,yourMajesty?"theguardaskedpolitely."Justthinkingoutloud,"Garionreplied,alittleembarrassed.Ce'Nedraseemedmoodyandoutofsortsthatevening.SheheldGeranalmostabstractedly,payingscantattentiontohimasheplayedwiththeamuletatherthroatwithalookofseriousconcentrationonhisface."What'sthematter,dear?"Garionaskedher.

"Justaheadache,that'sall,"sherepliedshortly."Andastrangesortofringinginmyears.""You'retired.""Maybethat'sit."Shearose."IthinkI'llputGeraninhiscradleandgotobed,"shedeclared."Maybeagoodnight'ssleepwillmakemefeelbetter.""Icanputhimtobed,"Garionoffered."No,"shesaidwithastrangelook."Iwanttobesurethathe'ssafelyinhiscradle.""Safe?"Garionlaughed."Ce'Nedra,thisisRiva.It'sthesafestplaceintheworld.""GotellthattoArell,"shetoldhimandwentintothesmallroomadjoiningtheirbedchamberwhereGeran'scradlestood.Garionsatupandreaduntilratherlatethatevening.Ce'Nedra'srestlessmoodinesshadsomehowcommunicateditselftohim,andhedidnotfeelreadyforbed.Finally,heputasidehisbookandwenttothewindowtolookoutacrossthemoon-touchedwatersoftheSeaoftheWindslyingfarbelow.Thelong,slowwavesseemedalmostlikemoltensilverinthepalelight,andtheirstatelypacewasoddlyhypnotic.Finallyheblewoutthecandlesandwentquietlyintothebedroom.Ce'Nedrawastossingrestlesslyinhersleepandmutteringhalf-formedphrases-meaninglesssnatchesoffragmentaryconversation.Garionundressedandslippedintobed,tryingnottodisturbher."No,"shesaidinaperemptorytoneofvoice."Iwon'tletyoudothat."Thenshemoanedandtossedherheadonthepillow.Garionlayinthesoftdarkness,listeningtohiswifetalkinginhersleep.

"Garion!"shegasped,comingsuddenlyawake."Yourfeetarecold!""Oh,"hesaid,"Sorry."Shedriftedalmostimmediatelybackintosleep,andthemutteringresumed.Itwasthesoundofadifferentvoicethatawokehimseveralhourslater.Thevoicewasoddlyfamiliar,andGarionlay,stillalmostasleep,tryingtorememberexactlywherehehadhearditbefore.Itwasawoman'svoice,lowandmusicalandspeakinginapeculiarlysoothingtone.ThenhesuddenlyrealizedthatCe'Nedrawasnotinthebedbesidehimandhecamefullyawakeinstantly."ButIhavetohidehimsothattheycan'tfindhim,"heheardCe'Nedrasayinastrangelynumbvoice.Hetossedbackthecoversandslidoutofbed.Afaintlightgleamedthroughtheopendoortothenursery,andthevoicesseemedtobecomingfromthere.Garionmovedquicklytothatdoor,hisbarefeetmakingnosoundonthecarpet."Uncoveryourbaby,Ce'Nedra,"theotherwomanwassayinginacalm,persuasivevoice."You'llhurthim."Garionlookedthroughthedoorway.Ce'Nedrawasstandingbythecradleinherwhitenightdress,hereyesvacantandstaring,withanotherfigurebesideher.Onthechairatthefootofthecradlewasagreatheapofblanketsandpillows.Dreamily,theRivanQueenwasmethodicallypilingthebedclothesontopofherbaby."Ce'Nedra,"thewomansaidtoher."Stop.Listentome.""Ihavetohidehim,"Ce'Nedrarepliedstubbornly."Theywanttokillhim.""Ce'Nedra.You'llsmotherhim.Nowtakealltheblanketsandpillowsoutagain."

"But-""DoasIsaid,Ce'Nedra,"thewomansaidfirmly."Now."Ce'Nedramadealittlewhimperingsoundandbegantoremovethebeddingfromthecradle."That'sbetter.Nowlistentome.Youmustignorehimwhenhetellsyouthingslikethis.Heisnotyourfriend."Ce'Nedra'sfacegrewpuzzled."Heisn't?""He'syourenemy.HeistheonewhowantstohurtGeran.""Mybaby?""Yourbaby'sallright,Ce'Nedra,butyouhavetofightthisvoicethatcomestoyouinthenight.""Who-"Garionstarted,butthenthewomanturnedtolookathim,andhebrokeoff,hismouthagapewithastonishment.Thewomanhadtawny-coloredhairandwarm,goldeneyes.Herdresswasplainandbrown,almostearth-colored.Garionknewher.HehadmetheroncebeforeonthemoorsofeasternDrasniawhenheandBelgarathandSilkhadbeenontheirwaytothatdreadfulmeetinginthehauntedruinsofCtholMishrak.AuntPol'smothercloselyresembledherdaughter.Herfacehadthatsamecalm,flawlessbeauty,andherheadthatsameproud,erectcarriage.Therewasaboutthistimelessface,however,astrange,almosteternalkindofregretthatcaughtatGarion'sthroat."Poledra!"hegasped."What-"AuntPol'smotherputonefingertoherlips."Don'twakeher,Belgarion,"shecautioned."Let'sgetherbacktobed.""Geran-?"

"He'sallright.Iarrivedintime.Justleadhergentlybacktobed.She'llsleepnowwithoutanymoreoftheseadventures."Garionwenttohiswife'ssideandputhisarmabouthershoulders."Comealongnow,Ce'Nedra,"hesaidgentlytoher.Shenodded,hereyesstillvacant,andobedientlywentwithhimbackintotheroyalbedroom."Couldyoupullbackthatbolsterforme?"hequietlyaskedPoledra.Shelaughed."Asamatteroffact,Ican't,"shesaid."YouforgetthatI'mnotreallyhere,Belgarion.""Oh,"hesaid."I'msorry.Itjustseemed-"Hepushedthebolsteroutoftheway,carefullylaidCe'Nedrainbed,andpulledthecoverletsuparoundherchin.Shesighedandsnuggleddowntosleep."Let'sgointotheotherroom,"Poledrasuggested.Henoddedandquietlyfollowedherintotheadjoiningroomwhichwasstilldimlylightedbytheglowingembersofthedyingfire."Whatwasthatallabout?"heasked,softlyclosingthedoor."There'ssomeonewhohatesandfearsyourson,Belgarion,"shetoldhimgravely."He'sonlyababy,"Garionprotested."Hisenemyfearshimforwhathemaybecome-notforwhatheisnow.It'shappenedthatwaybefore,you'llrecall.""YoumeanwhenAsharakkilledmyparents?"Shenodded."Hewasactuallytryingtogetatyou."

"ButhowcanIprotectGeranfromhisownmother?Imean-ifthismancancometoCe'Nedrainhersleeplikethatandmakeherdothings,howcanIpossibly-?""Itwon'thappenagain,Belgarion.Itookcareofthat.""Buthowcouldyou?Imean,you're-well-""Dead?That'snotaltogetheraccurate,butnomatter.Geranissafeforthemoment,andCe'Nedrawon'tdothisagain.There'ssomethingelseweneedtodiscuss.""Allright.""You'regettingveryclosetosomethingimportant.Ican'ttellyoueverything,butyoudoneedtolookattheMrinCodex-therealone,notoneofthecopies.Youmustseewhat'shiddenthere.""Ican'tleaveCe'Nedra-notnow.""She'sgoingtobeallright,andthisissomethingthatonlyyoucando.GotothatshrineontheRiverMrinandlookattheCodex.It'sdesperatelyimportant."Garionsquaredhisshoulders."Allright,"hesaid."I'llleaveinthemorning.""Oneotherthing.""What?""YoumusttaketheOrbwithyou.""TheOrb?""Youwon'tbeabletoseewhatyouhavetoseewithoutit.""Idon'tquiteunderstand."

"Youwillwhenyougetthere.""Allright,Poledra,"hesaid.Thenhemadearuefulface."Idon'tknowwhyI'mobjecting.I'vebeendoingthingsIdidn'tunderstandallmylifenow.""Everythingwillbecomeclearintime,"sheassuredhim.Thenshelookedathimrathercritically."Garion,"shesaidinatonesolikeAuntPol'sthatheansweredautomatically."Yes?""Youreallyshouldn'trunaroundatnightwithoutarobe,youknow.You'llcatchcold."TheshiphehiredatKotuwassmall,butwelldesignedforrivertravel.Itwasashallow-draft,broad-beamedlittleshipthatsometimesbobbedlikeachipofwood.TheoarsmenweresturdyfellowsandtheymadegoodtimerowingagainstthesluggishcurrentoftheMrinRiverasitmeandereditsslowwaythroughthefens.BynightfalltheyweretenleaguesupriverfromKotu,andthecaptainprudentlymooredhisshiptoadeadsnagwithoneofthetar-smearedhawsers."It'snotagoodideatotrytofindthechannelinthedark,"hetoldGarion."Onewrongturnandwecouldspendthenextmonthwanderingaroundinthefens.""Youknowwhatyou'redoing,Captain,"Gariontoldhim."I'mnotgoingtointerfere.""Wouldyoulikeatankardofale,yourMajesty?"thecaptainoffered."Thatmightnotbeabadidea,"Garionagreed.Later,heleanedagainsttherailingwithhistankardinhand,watchingthedartinglightsofthefirefliesandlisteningtotheendlesschorusofthefrogs.Itwasawarmspringnight,andthedamp,richodorofthefensfilledhisnostrils.Heheardafaintsplash,afishmaybe,orperhapsadivingotter.

"Belgarion?"Itwasastrange,pipingkindofvoice,butitwasquitedistinct.Itwasalsocomingfromtheothersideoftherailing.Garionpeeredoutintothevelvetdarkness."Belgarion?"Thevoicecameagain.Itwassomewherebelowhim."Yes?"Garionansweredcautiously."Ineedtotellyousomething."Therewasanothersmallsplash,andtheshiprockedslightly.Thehawserthatmooredhertothesnagdipped,andascamperingshadowranquicklyupitandslidovertherailinginacuriouslyfluidway.Theshadowstoodup,andGarioncouldclearlyhearthewaterdrippingfromit.Thefigurewasshort,scarcelymorethanfourfeettall,anditmovedtowardGarionwithapeculiarlyshufflinggait."Youareolder,"itsaid."Thathappens,"Garionreplied,peeringattheformashetriedtomakeoutitsface.Thenthemoonslidoutfrombehindacloud,andGarionfoundhimselfstaringdirectlyintothefurry,wide-eyedfaceofafenling."Tupik?"heaskedincredulously."Isthatyou?""Youremember."Thesmall,furrycreatureseemedpleased."OfcourseIremember."Theshiprockedagain,andanotherfurryshadowranupthehawser.Tupikturnedwithirritation."Poppi!"hechitteredangrily."Gohome!""No,"sheansweredquitecalmly."YoumustdoasIsay!"hetoldher,stampinghisfeetonthedeck."Why?"

Tupikstaredatherinobviousfrustration."Aretheyalllikethat?"hedemandedofGarion."Allwhat?""Females."Tupiksaidthewordwithacertaindisgust."Mostofthem,yes."Tupiksighed."HowisVordai?"Garionaskedthem.Poppimadeapeculiarlydisconsolatewhimperingsound."Ourmotherisgone,"shesaidsadly."I'msorry.""Shewasverytired,"Tupiksaid."Wecoveredherwithflowers,"Poppisaid."Andthenweclosedupherhouse.""Shewouldhavelikedthat.""Shesaidthatonedayyouwouldcomeback,"Tupiktoldhim."Shewasverywise.""Yes.""Shesaidthatweshouldwaituntilyoucameandthenweweretogiveyouamessage.""Oh?""Thereisanevilthatmovesagainstyou.""Iwasbeginningtosuspectthat."

"Mothersaidtotellyouthattheevilhasmanyfacesandthatthefacesdonotalwaysagree,butthatwhichisbehinditallhasnofaceandthatitcomesfrommuchfartherthanyouthink.""Idon'tquitefollow.""Itisfrombeyondthestars."Garionstaredathim."Thatiswhatweweretoldtosay,"Poppiassuredhim."Tupiksaiditexactlyasmothertoldittohim.""TellBelgarathaboutmother."Tupiksaidthen."Andtellhimthatshesenthimherthanks.""Iwill.""Good-bye,Belgarion,"thefenlingsaid.Poppimadeasmall,affectionatesoundinherthroat,patteredover,andnuzzledbrieflyatGarion'shand.Andthenthetwoofthemslippedoverthesideandvanishedinthedarkwatersofthefens.CHAPTERSIXTEENItwasadreary-lookingplace.Thevillagehuddledontheriverbankattheedgeofaflat,featurelessplaincoveredwithcoarse,dark-greengrass.Theunderlyingsoilwasalluvialclay,slick,gray,andunwholesomelooking,andjustbeyondthewidebendintheMrinRiverlaytheendlessgreenandbrownexpanseofthefens.Thevillageitselfconsistedofperhapstwodozendun-coloredhouses,huddledalltogetheraboutthesquarestonestructureoftheshrine.Ricketydocks,constructedofbone-whitedriftwood,stuckoutintotheriverlikeskeletalfingers,andfishingnetshungonpoles,dryingandsmellinginthehumid,

mosquito-infestedair.Garion'sshiparrivedaboutnoon,andhewentimmediatelyupfromthecreakingdockalongthemuddy,ruttedstreettotheshrineitself,walkingcarefullytoavoidslipping,andfeelingthecuriousstaresofthedull-eyedvillagersdirectedathimandatthegreatswordoftheRivanKingstrappedtohisback.ThepriestsofBelarwhoguardedtheshrinewereobsequious,almostfawning,whenhearrivedatthetarnishedbronzegatesandrequestedentry.Theyledhimthroughaflagstone-coveredcourtyard,pointingproudlyattherottingkennelandthestout,tar-smearedpostwithitsfragmentofheavy,rustingchainwherethemadprophetofMrinhadspenthislastdays.Withintheshrineitselfstoodthecustomaryaltarwithitsgreatcarved-stonebear-head.Garionnotedthattheinterioroftheshrinestoodinneedofagoodcleaningandthatthepriest-guardiansthemselveswererumpledandunwashed.Oneofthefirstmanifestationsofreligiousenthusiasm,hehadnoted,wasapowerfulaversiontosoapandwater.Holyplaces-andthosewhoattendedthem-alwaysseemedtosmellbad.TherewassomesmallproblemwhentheyreachedthevaultedsanctorumwheretheyellowedparchmentscrolloftheoriginalMrinCodexlayinitscrystalcasewithtwomanhighcandlesflankingit.Oneofthepriests,awild-eyedfanaticwhosehairandbeardresembledawind-ravagedstraw-stack,objectedshrilly-almosthysterically-whenGarionpolitelyrequestedthatthecasebeopened.Therankingpriest,however,wasenoughofapoliticiantorecognizethepre-eminentclaimoftheRivanKing-particularlysinceheboreAldur'sOrb-toexamineanyholyobjecthepleased.Garionrealizedonceagainthat,inapeculiarway,hehimselfwasaholyobjectinthemindsofmanyAlorns.Thefanaticatlastretreated,mutteringtheword"blasphemy',overandoveragain.Thecrystalcasewasopenedwitharustyironkey,andasmalltableandchairwerebroughtintothecircleofcandlelightsothatGarionmightexaminetheCodex.

"IthinkIcanmanagenow,yourReverences,"hetoldthemratherpointedly.Hedidnotlikehavingpeoplereadoverhisshoulderandhefeltnoparticularneedofcompany.Hesatatthetable,puthishandonthescroll,andlookeddirectlyatthelittleclotofpriests."I'llcallifIneedanything,"headded.Theirexpressionsweredisapproving,buttheoverpoweringpresenceoftheRivanKingmadethemtootimidtoprotesthisperemptorydismissal;theyquietlyfiledout,leavinghimalonewiththescroll.Garionwasexcited.Thesolutiontotheproblemthathadplaguedhimforallthesemonthslayatlastinhishands.Withnervousfingers,heuntiedthesilkencordandbegantounrollthecracklingparchment.Thescriptwasarchaic,butgorgeouslydone.Theindividuallettershadnotsomuchbeenwrittenastheyhadbeenmeticulouslydrawn.Heperceivedalmostatoncethatanentirelifetimehadbeendevotedtotheproductionofthissinglemanuscript.Hishandsactuallytremblingwithhiseagerness,Garioncarefullyunrolledthescroll,hiseyesrunningoverthenow-familiarwordsandphrases,searchingforthelinethatwouldonceandforallclearupthemystery.Andthereitwas!Garionstaredatitincredulously,notbelievingwhathesaw.Theblotwasexactlythesameasitwasonallthecopies.Healmostscreamedwithfrustration.Withasickfeelingofdefeat,hereadonceagainthatfatalline:"AndtheChildofLightshallmeetwiththeChildofDarkandshallovercomehim,andtheDarknessshallflee.Butbehold,theStonewhichliesatthecenteroftheLightshall-"Andtherewasthataccursedblotagain.Apeculiarthinghappenedashereaditagain.Anoddsortofindifferenceseemedtocomeoverhim.Whywashemakingsuchafussaboutasingleblottedword?Whatdifferencecouldonewordmake?Healmostrosefromhischairwiththeintentionofputtingthescrollbackinitscaseandleavingthisfoul-smellingplaceforhome.Thenhestoppedquitesuddenly,rememberingallthehourshehadspenttryingtopuzzleoutthemeaningofthatblotonthepage.Perhapsitwouldn'thurttoreaditonemoretime.Hehad,afterall,comeaverylongway.

Hestartedoveragain,buthisdistastebecamesoacutethathecouldhardlystandit.Whywashewastinghistimewiththisnonsense?Hehadtraveledallthiswaytowearouthiseyesonthismolderingscrapofinsanegibberish-thisstinking,half-rottensheetofpoorlytannedsheepskin.HeshovedtheCodexawayindisgust.Thiswassheeridiocy.Hepushedbackthechairandstoodup,shiftingIrongrip'sgreatswordonhisback.Hisshipwouldstillbethere,mooredtothatricketydock.HecouldbehalfwaytoKotubynightfallandbackatRivawithintheweek.Hewouldlockthelibraryonceandforallandtendtohisbusiness.Aking,afterall,didnothavetimeforallthisidle,brainsicklyspeculation.Decisively,heturnedhisbackonthescrollandstartedtowardthedoor.Assoonashewasnolongerlookingatthescroll,however,hestopped.Whatwashedoing?Thepuzzlewasstillthere.Hehadmadenoefforttosolveit.Hehadtofindout.Butasheturnedbackandlookedatthescrollagain,thatsamewaveofinsupportabledisgustalmostoverwhelmedhim.Itwassostrongthatitmadehimfeelfaint.Onceagainheturnedhisback,andonceagainthefeelingvanished.Therewassomethingaboutthescrollitselfthatwastryingtodrivehimaway.Hebegantopaceupanddown,carefullykeepinghiseyesawayfromthescroll.Whathadthedryvoiceinhismindtoldhim?"Thereareseveralwordsthere.Ifyoulookatthemintherightkindoflight,youshouldbeabletoseethem."Whatkindoflight?Thecandlesinthisvaultedroomobviouslyweren'twhatthevoicehadmeant.Sunlight?Thathardlyseemedlikely.Poledrahadsaidthathemustreadthehiddenwords,buthowcouldhe,whentheCodexliterallydrovehimawayeachtimehelookedatit?Thenhestopped.Whatelsehadshesaid?Somethingaboutnotbeingabletoseewithout...Thewaveofdisgustwhichstruckhimwassostrongthathefelthisstomachconstrict.Hespunquicklysothathisbackwastowardthathatefuldocument;ashedidso,thehiltofIrongrip'sswordjabbedhimpainfullyinthesideofthehead.Angrilyhereachedoverhisshouldertograspthehandleandpushitback,butinstead,hishandtouchedtheOrb.Thefeelingofrevulsionevaporatedinstantly,andhismindbecameclear,andhisthoughtslucid.Thelight!Of

course!HehadtoreadtheCodexbythelightoftheOrb!ThatiswhatbothPoledraandthedryvoicehadbeentryingtotellhim.Awkwardly,hereachedupandback,seizingtheOrb."Comeoff,"hemutteredtoit.Withafaintclick,theOrbcamefreeinhishand.Thesuddenweightofthehugeswordstrappedacrosshisbackverynearlydrovehimtohisknees.Inastonishment,herealizedthattheseemingweightlessnessofthegreatweaponhadbeentheworkoftheOrbitself.Strugglingunderthatgrossweight,hefumbledwiththebuckleathischest,unfastenedit,andfelttheenormousbulkslidefree.Irongrip'sswordfelltothefloorwithaloudclatter.HoldingtheOrbinfrontofhim,Garionturnedandlookeddirectlyatthescroll.Hecouldalmosthearanangrysnarlhoveringintheair,buthismindremainedclear.Hesteppedtothetableandpulledthescrollopenwithonehand,holdingtheglowingOrbaboveitwiththeother.Atlasthesawthemeaningoftheblotthathadfrustratedhimforsolong.Itwasnotsomerandomsplotchofspilledink.Themessagewasthere-allofit,butthewordshadallbeenwrittendownontopofoneanother!Theentireprophecylayinthatonesinglespot!Bytheblue,unwaveringlightofAldur'sOrb,hiseyesseemedactuallytoplungedownanddownbeneaththesurfaceoftheparchment,andthewords,hiddenforeons,roselikebubblesoutofthesubstanceofthescroll."ButBehold,"thecrucialpassageread,"theStonewhichliesatthecenteroftheLightshallburnred,andmyvoiceshallspeakuntotheChildofLightandrevealthenameoftheChildofDark.AndtheChildofLightwilltakeuptheGuardian'sswordandgoforthtoseekoutthatwhichishidden.Longwillbehisquest,anditshallbethreefold.AndyeshallknowthatthequesthathbegunwhentheKeeper'sLineisrenewed.GuardwelltheseedoftheKeeper,forthereshallbenoother.Guarditwell,forshouldthatseedfallintothehandsoftheChildofDarkandbetakentotheplacewheretheevildwells,thenblindchoicealonecandecidetheoutcome.ShouldtheKeeper'sseedbereftaway,thenmusttheBelovedandEternalleadtheway.AndheshallfindthepathtotheplacewheretheevildwellsintheMysteries.AndineachMysteryshallliebutapartofthepath,andhemustfindthemall-all-orthepathwillleadawry,andtheDarkshalltriumph.Hastenthereforetothemeetingwherethethreefoldquestwillend.Andthismeetingwillcometopassinaplacewhichisnomore,and

therewillthechoicebemade."Garionreaditagain,andthenathirdtime,feelinganominouschillasthewordsechoedandthunderedthroughhisconsciousness.Finallyheroseandwenttothedoorofthecandlelit,vaultedchamber."I'llneedsomethingtowritewith,"hetoldtheprieststandingjustoutside."Andsendsomeonedowntotheriver.Havehimtellthecaptainofmyshiptogetthingsready.JustassoonasIfinishhere,IhavetoleaveforKotu."Thepriestwasstaringwide-eyedattheincandescentlyglowingOrbinGarion'shand."Don'tjuststandthere,man,move!"Gariontoldhim."Thewholeworld'shangingonthis!"Thepriestblinkedandthenscurriedaway.Thefollowingday,GarionwasinKotu,andaboutadayandahalflater,hereachedAldurfordinnorthernAlgaria.Asluckhadit,aherdofhalf-wildAlgariancattlewasbeingdrivenacrossthatwide,shallowplaceinthemightyriverontheirwaytoMuros,andGarionwentimmediatelyinsearchoftheherdmaster."I'mgoingtoneedtwohorses,"hesaid,skippingthecustomarycourtesies."Thebestyouhave.IhavetobeintheValeofAldurbeforetheweekisout."Theherdmaster,afierce-lookingAlgarwarriorinblackleather,lookedathimspeculatively."Goodhorsesareexpensive,yourMajesty,"heventured,hiseyescomingalight."That'sbesidethepoint.Pleasehavethemreadyinaquarterofanhour-andthrowsomefoodinasaddlebagforme.""Doesn'tyourMajestyevenwanttodiscusstheprice?"Theherdmaster'svoicebetrayedhisprofounddisappointment."Notparticularly,"Gariontoldhim."Justadditallup,andI'llpayit."Theherdmastersighed."Takethemasagift,yourMajesty,"hesaid.ThenhelookedmournfullyattheRivanKing."Youdorealize,ofcourse,thatyou'veabsolutelyruinedmywholeafternoon."

Gariongavehimatight,knowinggrin."IfIhadthetime,goodherdmaster,I'dhagglewithyouforthewholeday-rightdowntothelastpenny-butIhaveurgentbusinessinthesouth."Theherdmastershookhisheadsadly."Don'ttakeitsohard,myfriend,"Gariontoldhim."Ifyoulike,I'llcurseyournametoeveryoneImeetandtellthemallhowbadlyyoucheatedme."Theherdmaster'seyesbrightened."ThatwouldbeextremelykindofyourMajesty,"hesaid.HecaughtGarion'samusedlook."Onedoeshaveacertainreputationtomaintain,afterall.Thehorseswillbereadywheneveryouare.I'llselectthemforyoumyself."Garionmadegoodtimeashegallopedsouth.Hekepthishorsesfreshandstrongbychangingmountseverytwoorthreeleagues.ThelongjourneyinquestoftheOrbhadtaughthimmanywaystoconservethestrengthofagoodhorse,andheutilizedthemall.Whenasteephillstoodinhispath,heslowedtoawalkandmadeupthelosttimeonthelongdownhillslopeontheotherside.Whenhecould,hewentaroundroughterrain.Hestoppedforthenightlateandwasonthemoveagainatfirstlightinthemorning.Steadilyhemovedsouththroughtheknee-highseaofwavingprairiegrasslyinglushandgreenunderthewarmspringsun.Heavoidedtheman-mademountainoftheAlgarianStronghold,knowingthatKingCho-HagandQueenSilar,andcertainlyHettarandAdara,wouldinsistthathestopoverforadayorso.Regretfully,healsopassedaleagueorsotothewestofPoledra'scottage.HehopedthattherewouldbetimelatertovisitAuntPol,Durnik,andErrand.RightnowhehadtogettoBelgarathwiththepassageoftheCodexhehadsocarefullycopiedandwhichnowrodeintheinsidepocketofhisdoublet.WhenatlasthearrivedatBelgarath'ssquat,roundtower,hislegsweresotiredthattheytrembledunderhimasheswungdownfromhislatheredhorse.Hewentimmediatelytothelarge,flat-facedrockthatwasthedoortothetower."Grandfather!"heshoutedatthewindowsabove,"Grandfather,it'sme!"

Therewasnoanswer.Thesquattowerloomedsilentlyupoutofthetallgrass,etchedsharplyagainstthesky.Garionhadnotevenconsideredthepossibilitythattheoldmanmightnotbehere."Grandfather!"hecalledagain.Therewasstillnoanswer.Ared-wingedblackbirdswoopedin,landedatopthetower,andpeeredcuriouslydownatGarion.Thenitbegantopreenitsfeathers.Almostsickwithdisappointment,GarionstaredatthesilentrockthatalwaysswungasideforBelgarath.Althoughheknewthatitwasaseriousbreachofetiquette,hepulledinhisconcentration,lookedattherock,andsaid,"Open."Thestonegaveastartledlittlelurchandswungobedientlyaside.Garionwentinandquicklymountedthestairs,rememberingatthelastinstanttostepupovertheonewheretheloosestonestilllayunrepaired."Grandfather!"hecalledupthestairway."Garion?"theoldman'svoicecomingfromabovesoundedstartled."Isthatyou?""Icalled,"Garionsaid,comingupthecluttered,roundroomatthetopofthestairs."Didn'tyouhearme?""Iwasconcentratingonsomething,"theoldmanreplied."What'sthematter?Whatareyoudoinghere?""Ifinallyfoundthatpassage,"Gariontoldhim."Whatpassage?""TheoneintheMrinCodex-theonethatwasmissing."Belgarath'sexpressiongrewsuddenlytense,evenwary."Whatareyoutalkingabout,boy?There'snomissingpassageintheMrinCodex.""WetalkedaboutitatRiva.Don'tyouremember?It'stheplacewherethere'sablotonthatpage.Ipointeditouttoyou."

Belgarath'slookgrewdisgusted."Youcamehereandinterruptedmeoverthat?"Histonewasscathing.Garionstaredathim.ThiswasnottheBelgarathheknew.Theoldmanhadnevertreatedhimsocoldlybefore."Grandfather,"hesaid,"what'swrongwithyou?Thisisveryimportant.SomebodyhassomehowobscuredapartoftheCodex.Whenyoureadit,there'sapartyoudon'tsee.""Butyoucanseeit?"Belgarathsaidinavoicefilledalmostwithcontempt."You?Aboywhocouldn'tevenreaduntilhewasalmostgrown?TherestofushavebeenstudyingthatCodexforthousandsofyears,andnowyoucomealongandtellusthatwe'vebeenmissingsomething?""Listentome,Grandfather.I'mtryingtoexplain.Whenyoucometothatplace,somethinghappenstoyourmind.Youdon'tpayanyattentiontoitbecause,forsomereason,youdon'twantto.""Nonsense!"Belgarathsnorted."Idon'tneedsomerankbeginnertryingtotellmehowtostudy.""Won'tyouatleastlookatwhatIfound?"Garionbegged,takingtheparchmentoutofhisinsidepocketandholdingitout."No!"Belgarathshouted,slappingtheparchmentaway."Takethatnonsenseawayfromme.Getoutofmytower,Garion!""Grandfather!""Getoutofhere!"Theoldman'sfacewaspalewithanger,andhiseyesflashed.GarionwassohurtbyhisGrandfather'swordsthattearsactuallywelledupinhiseyes.HowcouldBelgarathtalktohimthisway?Theoldmanbecameevenmoreagitated.Hebegantopaceupanddown,mutteringangrilytohimself."Ihavetoworktodo-importantwork-andyoucomeburstinginherewiththiswildtaleaboutsomethingbeingmissing.Howdareyou?Howdareyouinterruptme

withthisidiocy?Don'tyouknowwhoIam?"HegesturedattheparchmentGarionhadpickedupandwasholdingagain."Getthatdisgustingthingoutofmysight!"AndthenGarionsuddenlyunderstood.Whateverorwhoeveritwasthatwastryingtoconcealthewordshiddeninthatstrangeblotofinkwasgrowingdesperate,drivingBelgarathintothisuncharacteristicragetokeephimfromreadingthepassage.Therewasonlyonewaytobreakthatstrangecompulsionnottosee.Garionlaidtheparchmentonatable,thencoldlyanddeliberatelyunbuckledtheheavybeltrunningacrosshischest,removedIrongrip'sswordfromhisback,andstooditagainstthewall.HeputhishandtotheOrbonthepommeloftheswordandsaid,"Comeoff."TheOrbcamefreeinhishand,glowingathistouch."Whatareyoudoing?"Belgarathdemandedofhim."I'mgoingtohavetomakeyouseewhatI'mtalkingabout,Grandfather."Garionsaidunhappily."Idon'twanttohurtyou,butyouhavetolook."HewalkedslowlyanddeliberatelytowardBelgarath,theOrbextendedbeforehim."Garion,"Belgarathsaid,backingawayapprehensively,"Becarefulwiththat.""Gotothetable,Grandfather,"Gariontoldhimgrimly."GotothetableandreadwhatIfound.""Areyouthreateningme?"Belgarathdemandedincredulously."Justdoit,Grandfather.""Wedon'tbehavethiswaytowardeachother,Garion,"theoldmansaid,stillbackingawayfromtheglowingOrb."Thetable,"Garionrepeated."Gooverthereandread."SweatwasstandingoutonBelgarath'sforehead.Reluctantly,almostasifitwerecausinghimsomeobscurekindofpain,hewenttothetableandbentovertheparchmentsheet.Thenheshookhishead."Ican'tseeit,"hedeclared,thougha

burningcandlestoodrightbesidethesheet."It'stoodarkinhere.""Here,"Garionsaid,reachingforthwiththeglowingOrb,"I'lllightitforyou."TheOrbflared,anditsbluelightfellacrossthesheetandfilledtheroom."Readit,Grandfather,"Garionsaidimplacably.Belgarathstaredathimwithanalmostpleadingexpression."Garion-""Readit."Belgarathdroppedhiseyestothepagelyingbeforehim,andsuddenlyhegasped."Where-?Howdidyougetthis?""Itwasunderthatblot.Canyouseeitnow?""OfcourseIcanseeit."ExcitedlyBelgarathpickedupthesheetandreaditagain.Hishandswereactuallytrembling."Areyousurethisisexactlywhatitsaid?""Icopieditwordforword,Grandfather-rightofftheoriginalscroll.""Howwereyouabletoseeit?""Thesamewayyouare-bythelightoftheOrb.Somehowthatmakesitclear.""Astonishing,"theoldmansaid."Iwonder-"Hewentquicklytoacabinetstandingbythewall,rummagedaroundforamoment,andthencamebacktothetablewithascrollinhishands.Hequicklyunrolledit."HoldtheOrbcloser,boy,"hesaid.GarionheldouttheOrbandwatchedwithhisGrandfatherastheburiedwordsslowlyrosetothesurfacejustastheyhadintheshrine."Absolutelyamazing,"Belgarathmarveled."It'sblurred,andsomeofthewordsaren'tclear,butit'sthere.It'sallthere.Howisitpossiblethatnoneofusnoticedthisbefore-andhowdidyoudiscoverit?"

"Ihadhelp,Grandfather.ThevoicetoldmethatIhadtoreaditinacertainkindoflight."Hehesitated,knowinghowmuchpainwhathehadtosaywouldcausetheoldman."Andthen,Poledracametovisitus.""Poledra?"Belgarathspokehiswife'snamewithalittlecatchinhisvoice."SomeonewasmakingCe'Nedradosomethinginhersleep-somethingverydangerous-andPoledracameandstoppedher.ThenshetoldmethatIhadtogototheshrineinDrasniaandreadtheCodexandshespecificallytoldmetotaketheOrbalong.WhenIgotthereandstartedreading,Ialmostleft.Itallseemedsostupidsomehow.ThenIrememberedwhattheyhadtoldmeandIputittogether.AssoonasIstartedreadingbythelightoftheOrb,thatfeelingthatIwaswastingmytimedisappeared.Grandfather,whatcausesthat?Ithoughtitwasonlyme,butitaffectedyou,too."Belgaraththoughtamoment,frowning."Itwasaninterdiction,"heexplainedfinally."Someoneatsometimeputhiswilltothatonespotandmadeitsorepulsivethatnoonecouldevenseeit.""Butit'srightthere-evenonyourcopy.Howisitthatthescribewhocopieditcouldseeitwellenoughtowriteitdown,butwecouldn't?""Manyofthescribesintheolddayswereilliterate,"Belgarathexplained."Youdon'thavetobeabletoreadinordertocopysomething.Allthosescribesweredoingwasdrawingexactduplicatesofthelettersonthepage.""Butthis-whatwasityoucalledit?""Interdiction.It'safancywordforwhathappens.IthinkBeldininventedit.He'sterriblyimpressedbyhisownclevernesssometimes.""Theinterdictionmadethescribespileallthewordsontopofeachother-eventhoughtheydidn'tknowwhatthewordsmeant?"Belgarathgrunted,hiseyeslostinthought."Whoeverdidthisisverystrong-andverysubtle.Ididn'tevensuspectthatsomeonewastamperingwithmymind."

"Whendidithappen?""ProbablyatthesametimetheMrinProphetwasspeakingthewordsoriginally.""Wouldtheinterdictionkeepworkingafterthepersonwhocauseditwasdead?""No.""Then-""Right.He'sstillaroundsomewhere.""CoulditbethisZandramaswekeepbearingabout?""That'spossible,Isuppose."BelgarathpickedupthesheetGarionhadcopied."Icanseeitbyordinarylightnow."hesaid."Apparentlyonceyoubreaktheinterdictionforsomebody,Itstaysbroken."Hecarefullyreadthesheetagain."Thisisreallyimportant,Garion.""Iwasfairlysureitwas,"Garionreplied."Idon'tunderstanditall,though.Thefirstpartisfairlysimple-thepartabouttheOrbturningredandthenameoftheChildofDarkbeingrevealed.ItsortoflooksasifI'mgoingtohavetomakeanotheroneofthosetrips.""Alongone,ifthisisright.""What'sthisnextpartmean?""Well,asnearlyasIcanmakeitout,thisquestofyours-whateveritis-hasalreadystarted.ItbeganwhenGeranwasborn."Theoldmanfrowned."Idon'tlikethispartthatsaysthatblindchoicemightmakethedecision,though.That'sthesortofthingthatmakesmeverynervous.""WhoistheBelovedandEternal?""Probablyme."

Garionlookedathim.Belgarathshrugged."It'salittleostentatious,"headmitted,"butsomepeopledocallme'theEternalMan'andwhenmyMasterchangedmyname,headdedthesyllable'Bel'tomyoldone.Intheoldlanguage'Bel'meant'beloved'.Hesmiledabitsadly."Mymasterhadawaywithwordssometimes.""Whatarethesemysteriesittalksabout?""It'sanarchaicterm.Intheolddaystheyusedtheword'mystery'insteadof'prophecy'.Ascrypticassomeofthemare,itsortofmakessense,Iguess.""Ho!Garion!Belgarath!"Thevoicecametothemfromoutsidethetower."Who'sthat?"Belgarathasked."Didyoutellanybodyyouwerecominghere?""No,"Garionfrowned,"notreally."Hewenttothewindowandlookeddown.Atall,hawkfacedAlgarwithaflowingbackscalplocksatastridealatheredandexhaustedlookinghorse."Hettar!"Garioncalleddowntohim."What'sthematter?""Letmein,Garion,"Hettarreplied."Ihavetotalkwithyou."BelgarathjoinedGarionatthewindow."Thedoor'saroundontheotherside,"hecalleddown."I'llopenitforyou.Becarefulofthestoneonthatfifthstep,"hecautioned,asthetallmanstartedaroundthetower."It'sloose.""Whenareyougoingtofixthat,Grandfather?"Garionasked.Hefeltthefaint,familiarsurgeastheoldmanopenedthedoor."Oh,I'llgettoitoneofthesedays."Hettar'shawk-likefacewasbleakashecameupintotheroundroomatthetopofthetower."What'salltheurgency,Hettar?"Garionasked."I'veneverseenyourideahorseintothegroundlikethat."

Hettartookadeepbreath."You'vegottogobacktoRivaimmediately,Garion,"hesaid."Issomethingwrongthere?"Garionasked,asuddenchillcomingoverhim.Hettarsighed."Ihatetobetheonetohavetotellyouthis,Garion,butCe'NedrasentwordformetogetyouasfastasIpossiblycould.You'vegottogobacktoRivaalonce."Garionsteeledhimself,adozendreadfulpossibilitiesarisinginhisimagination."Why?"heaskedquietly."I'msorry,Garion-moresorrythanIcanpossiblysay-butBrandhasbeenmurdered."

PARTTHREE-ALORIA

CHAPTERSEVENTEENLieutenantBledikwasoneofthosesober-mindedyoungSendarianofficerswhotookeverythingveryseriously.HearrivedattheLionInnintheportcityofCamaarpromptlyontimeandwasescortedupstairsbytheapronedinnkeeper.TheroomsinwhichGarionandtheotherswerestayingwereairyandwellfurnishedandlookedoutovertheharbor.Garionstoodatthewindowholding

asideoneofthegreendrapesandlookingoutasifitmightbepossibletopenetrateallthoseleaguesofopenwaterandseewhatwashappeningatRiva."Yousentforme,yourMajesty?"Bledikaskedwitharespectfulbow."Ah,Lieutenant,comein,"Garionsaid,turningfromthewindow."IhaveanurgentmessageforKingFulrach.HowfastdoyouthinkyoucangettoSendar?"Thelieutenantconsideredit.OnelookathissoberfacetoldGarionthattheyoungmanalwaysconsideredeverything.Bledikpursedhislips,absentlyadjustingthecollarofhisscarletuniform."IfIridestraightthroughandchangehorsesateveryhostelalongtheway,Icanbeatthepalacebylatetomorrowafternoon.""Good,"Garionsaid.HehandedtheyoungofficerthefoldedandsealedlettertotheSendarianking."WhenyouseeKingFulrach,tellhimthatI'vesentLordHettarofAlgariatoalloftheAlornKingstotellthemthatI'mcallingameetingoftheAlornCouncilatRivaandthatI'dliketohavehimthereaswell.""Yes,yourMajesty.""AndtellhimthattheRivanWarderhasbeenmurdered."Bledik'seyeswidened,andhisfacewentpale."No!"hegasped."Whowasresponsible?""Idon'tknowanyofthedetailsyet,but,assoonaswecanhireaship,we'regoingacrosstotheisland.""Garion,dear,"Polgarasaidfromherchairbythewindow,"youexplainedeverythingintheletter.Thelieutenanthasalongwaytogo,andyou'redelayinghim.""You'reprobablyright,AuntPol,"headmitted.HeturnedbacktoBledik."Willyouneedanymoneyoranything?"heasked."No,yourMajesty."

"You'dbettergetstartedthen.""Atonce,yourMajesty."Thelieutenantsalutedandwentout.GarionbegantopaceupanddownonthecostlyMalloreancarpetwhilePolgara,dressedinaplainbluetravelinggown,continuedtomendoneofErrand'stunics,herneedleflashinginthesunlightstreamingthroughthewindow."Howcanyoubesocalm?"hedemandedofher."I'mnot,dear,"shereplied."That'swhyI'msewing.""What'stakingthemsolong?"hefretted."Hiringashiptakestime,Garion.It'snotexactlylikebuyingaloafofbread.""WhocouldpossiblyhavewantedtohurtBrand?"heburstout.HehadaskedthatsamequestionoverandoverintheweekormoresincetheyhadlefttheVale.Thebig,sad-facedWarderhadbeensototallydevotedtoGarionandtheRivanThronethathehadpossessedvirtuallynoseparateidentity.SofarasGarionknew,Brandhadnothadanenemyintheworld."That'soneofthefirstthingswe'llwanttofindoutwhenwegettoRiva,"shesaid."Nowpleasetrytocalmyourself.Pacingaboutdoesn'taccomplishanythingandit'sverydistracting."ItwasalmosteveningwhenBelgarath,Durnik,andErrandreturned,bringingwiththematall,gray-hairedRivanwhoseclothingcarriedthosedistinctivesmellsofsalt-waterandtarthatidentifiedhimasasailor."ThisisCaptainJandra,"Belgarathintroducedhim."He'sagreedtoferryusacrosstotheIsle.""Thankyou,Captain,"Garionsaidsimply."Mypleasure,yourMajesty."Jandrarepliedwithastiffbow.

"HaveyoujustcomeinfromRiva?"Polgaraaskedhim."Yesterdayafternoon,myLady.""Haveyouanyideaatallaboutwhathappenedthere?""Wedidn'tgettoomanydetailsdownattheharbor,myLady.SometimesthepeopleupattheCitadelaresortofsecretive-nooffense,yourMajesty.Thereareallkindsofrumorsgoingaboutthecity,though-mostofthemprettyfarfetched.AboutallIcansayforcertainisthattheWarderwasattackedandkilledbyagroupofChereks."Chereks!"Garionexclaimed."Everyoneagreesonthatpoint,yourMajesty.Somepeoplesaythatalltheassassinswerekilled.Otherssaythatthereweresomesurvivors.Icouldn'treallysayforsure,butIknowthattheydidburysixofthem.""Good,"Belgarathgrunted."Notiftherewereonlysixtobeginwith,father,"Polgaratoldhim."Weneedanswers,notbodies.""Uh-pardonme,yourMajesty."Jandrasaidalittleuncomfortably."Itmightnotbemyplacetosaythis,butsomeoftherumorsinthecitysaythattheCherekswereofficialsofsomekindfromValAlornandthattheyweresentbyKingAnheg.""Anheg?That'sabsurd.""That'swhatsomepeoplearesaying,yourMajesty.Idon'tputmuchstockinitmyself,butitmightjustbethekindoftalkyouwouldn'twantgoingmuchfurther.TheWarderwaswell-likedinRiva,andalotofpeoplehavetakentopolishingtheirswords-ifyoutakemymeaning.""IthinkI'dbettergethomeassoonaspossible,"Garionsaid."HowlongwillittakeustogettoRiva?"

Thecaptainthoughtitover."Myshipisn'tasfastasaCherekwarship,"heapologized."Let'ssaythreedays-iftheweatherholds.Wecanleaveonthemorningtide,ifyoucanbeready.""We'lldothat,then,"Garionsaid.ItwaslatesummerontheSeaoftheWinds,andtheweatherheldclearandsunny.Jandra'sshipplowedsteadilythroughthesparkling,sun-touchedwaves,heelingtoonesideunderaquarteringwind.Garionspentmostofthevoyagepacingmoodilyupanddownthedeck.When,onthethirddayoutfromCamaar,thejaggedshapeoftheIsleoftheWindsappearedlowonthehorizonahead,akindofdesperateimpatiencecameoverhim.Thereweresomanyquestionsthathadtobeansweredandsomanythingsthathadtobedonethateventhehourorsothatitwouldtaketoreachtheharborseemedanintolerabledelay.ItwasmidafternoonwhenJandra'sshiproundedtheheadlandattheharbormouthandmadeforthestonequaysatthefootofthecity."I'mgoingonahead,"Gariontoldtheothers."Followmeassoonasyoucan."Andevenasthesailorsweremakingfastthehawsers,heleapedacrosstothesalt-crustedstonesofthequayandstarteduptowardtheCitadel,takingthestepstwoatatime.Ce'NedrawaswaitingforhimatthemassivemaindoorsoftheCitadel,garbedinablackmourningdress.Herfacewaspale,andhereyesfulloftears."Oh,Garion,"shecriedashereachedher.Shethrewherarmsabouthisneckandbegantosobagainsthischest."Howlongagodidithappen,Ce'Nedra?"heasked,holdingherinhisarms."Hettardidn'thavetoomanydetails.""Itwasaboutthreeweeksago,"shesobbed."PoorBrand.Thatpoor,dearman.""DoyouknowwhereIcanfindKail?""He'sbeenworkingatBrand'sdesk,"shereplied."Idon'tthinkhe'ssleptformorethanafewhoursanynightsinceithappened."

"AuntPolandtheothersshouldbealongshortly.I'mgoingtotalkwithKail.Wouldyoubringthemassoonastheygethere?""Ofcourse,dear."shereplied,wipinghereyeswiththebackofherhand."We'lltalklater,"hesaid."RightnowI'vegottofindoutwhathappened.""Garion,"shesaidgravely,"theywereChereks.""That'swhatI'dheard,"hesaid,"andthat'swhyI'vegottogettothebottomofthisasquicklyaspossible."ThecorridorsoftheCitadelweremutedandoddlysilent.AsGarionstrodetowardthatgroupofroomsinthewestwingfromwhichBrandhadalwaysconductedtheday-to-daybusinessofthekingdom,theservantsandfunctionariesheencounteredbowedsoberlyandstoodasideforhim.Kailwasdressedindeepestblack,andhisfacewasgraywithfatigueanddeepsorrow.TheorderlystacksofdocumentsonthetopofBrand'sheavydesk,however,gaveevidencethatdespitehisgriefhehadbeenworkingnotonlyathisowndutiesbutathisfather'saswell.HelookedupasGarionenteredtheroomandstartedtorise."Don't,"Garionsaid."Wehavetoomuchtodoforformalities."Helookedathiswearyfriend."I'msorry,Kail,"hesaidsadly."I'mmoresorrythanIcanpossiblytellyou.""Thankyou,yourMajesty."Garionsankintothechairacrossthedeskfromhim,hisownwearinesscomingoverhiminawave."Ihaven'tbeenabletogetanydetails,"hesaid."Couldyoutellmeexactlywhathappened?"Kailnoddedandleanedbackinhischair."Itwasaboutamonthago,"hebegan,"notlongafteryouleftforDrasnia.AtradedeputationfromKingAnhegarrived.Alltheircredentialsseemedtobeinorder,buttheywereabitvagueaboutexactlywhatthepurposeoftheirvisitwas.Weextendedthemthe

customarycourtesies,andmostofthetimetheystayedintheroomsweassignedthem.Then,lateonenight,myfatherhadbeendiscussingsomematterswithQueenCe'Nedraandwasonhiswaybacktohisownquarterswhenheencounteredtheminthecorridorleadingtotheroyalapartments.Heaskedifhecouldhelpthem,andtheyattackedhimwithoutanywarningwhatsoever."Kailstopped,andGarioncouldseehisjawstightlyclenched.Hedrewinadeepbreath-andpassedonewearyhandacrosshiseyes."YourMajesty,myfatherwasn'tevenarmed.Hedidhisbesttodefendhimself,andhewasabletocallforhelpbeforetheycuthimdown.MybrothersandIrantohisaidalongwithseveraloftheCitadelguards-andwealldidourbesttocapturetheassassins,buttheyabsolutelyrefusedtosurrender."Hefrowned."Itwasalmostasiftheyweredeliberatelythrowingtheirlivesaway.Wehadnochoicebuttokillthem.""Allofthem?"Garionaskedwithasinkingfeelinginthepitofhisstomach."Allbutone,"Kailreplied."Mybrother,Brin,hithimacrossthebackoftheheadwiththebuttofanaxe.He'sbeenunconsciouseversince.""AuntPol'swithme,"Garionsaid."She'llwakehim-ifanybodycan."Hisfacewentbleak."Andwhenhedoeswakeup,heandIaregoingtohavealittletalk.""Iwantsomeanswers,too,"Kailagreed.Hepaused,hisfacetroubled."Belgarion,theycarriedaletterfromKingAnheg.That'swhyweletthemintotheCitadel.""I'msurethere'salogicalexplanation.""Ihavetheletter.It'soverhissealandhissignature.""I'vecalledameetingoftheAlornCouncil,"Gariontoldhim."AssoonasAnheggetshere,we'llbeabletoclearthisup.""Ifhecomes,"Kailaddedsomberly.Thedooropenedquietly,andCe'Nedraledtheothersintotheroom."Allright,"Belgarathsaidcrisply,"Let'sseeifwecansortthisout.Didanyof

themsurvive?""One,AncientOne,"Kailreplied,"buthe'sunconscious.""Whereishe?"Polgaraasked."Weputhiminaroominthenorthtower,myLady.Thephysicianshavebeentendinghisinjuries,buttheyhaven'tbeenabletorevivehimyet.""I'llgoatonce,"shesaid.ErrandcrossedtheroomtowhereKailsatandwordlesslylaidasympathetichandontheyoungRivan'sshoulder.Kail'sjawsclenchedagain,andtearssuddenlywelledupinhiseyes."TheyhadaletterfromAnheg,Grandfather."Gariontoldtheoldman."That'showtheygotinsidetheCitadel.""Doyouhavetheletteranywhere?"BelgarathaskedKail."Yes,AncientOne.It'srighthere."Kailbegantoleafthroughastackofdocuments."Thatseemstobethebestplacetostart,"theoldmansaid."TheentireAlornallianceishangingonthis,sowe'dbettergetitstraightenedoutfast."ItwaslateeveningbythetimePolgaracompletedherexaminationofthelonesurvivingassassin.Whenshecameintotheroyalapartmentwherethediscussionshadbeencontinuing,herfacewasbleak."I'msorry,butthere'sabsolutelynothingIcandowithhim,"shereported."Theentirebackofhisskullhasbeencrushed.He'sonlybarelyalive;ifItrytowakehim,he'lldieimmediately.""Ineedsomeanswers,AuntPol,"Garionsaid."Howlongdoyouthinkit'sgoingtobeuntilhewakesup?"Sheshookherhead."Idoubtthatheeverwill-andevenifhedoes,it'sunlikely

thathe'sgoingtobeabletosayanythingcoherent.Aboutallthat'sholdinghisbrainstogetherrightnowishisscalp."Helookedatherhelplessly."Couldn'tyou-""No,Garion.There'snothingleftofhismindtoworkwith."Twodayslater,KingCho-Hag,ChiefoftheClan-ChiefsoftheAlgarhorsemen,arrived,accompaniedbyQueenSilarandAdara,Garion'stall,dark-hairedcousin."Averysadoccasion,"Cho-HagsaidtoGarioninhisquietvoiceastheyclaspedhandsonthequay."Itseemslatelythatabouttheonlytimeweallgettogetheristoattendfunerals,"Garionagreed."Where'sHettar?""Ithinkhe'satValAlorn,"Cho-Hagreplied."He'llprobablycomeherewithAnheg.""That'ssomethingwe'regoingtohavetotalkabout,"Garionsaid.Cho-Hagliftedoneeyebrow."ThepeoplewhokilledBrandwereChereks,"Garionexplainedquietly."TheyhadaletterfromAnheg.""Anhegcouldnothavehadanythingtodowithit,"Cho-Hagdeclared."HelovedBrandlikeabrother.Therehadtobesomebodyelsebehindit.""I'msureyou'reright,butthere'sagreatdealofsuspicionhereinRivarightnow.Therearesomepeoplewhoareeventalkingwar."Cho-Hag'sfacewentgrim."That'swhywehavetogettothetruthinahurry."Gariontoldhim."We'vegottoheadthatkindofthinkingoffbeforeitgetscompletelyoutofhand."ThenextdayKingFulrachofSendariaarrivedintheharbor;withhimontheir

stout,broad-beamedshipwastheone-armedGeneralBrendig,theancientbutstill-vigorousEarlofSeline,and,surprisingly,QueenLaylaherself,theladywhosefearofseatravelhadbecomealmostlegendary.Thatsameafternoon,QueenPorenn,stillindeepestmourningforherhusband,disembarkedfromtheblack-paintedDrasnianvesselthathadcarriedherfromBoktor,alongwithherson,theboy-kingKhevaandthebone-thinMargraveKhendon,themanknownasJavelin."Oh,mydearGarion,"Porennsaid,embracinghimatthefootofthegangway."IcannottellyouhowsorryIam.""We'vealllostoneofourdearestfriends,"hereplied.HeturnedtoKheva."YourMajesty,"hesaidwithaformalbow."YourMajesty,"Khevareplied,alsobowing."Weheardthatthere'ssomemysterysurroundingtheassassination,"Porennsaid."Khendonhereisverygoodatclearingupmysteries.""Margrave,"GariongreetedtheDrasnianChiefofIntelligence."YourMajesty,"Javelinresponded.Heturnedandextendedonehandtoayoungwomanwithhoney-blondhairandsoftbrowneyeswhowascomingdownthegangway."Youdoremembermyniece,don'tyou?""MargravineLiselle,"Gariongreetedher."YourMajesty."sherepliedwithaformalcurtsy.Althoughshewasprobablynotevenawareofit,thehintofadimpleineachofhercheeksgaveherexpressionaslightlyimpishcast."Myunclehaspressedmeintoserviceashissecretary.Hepretendsfailingeyesight,butIthinkperhapsit'sjustanexcusetoavoidgivingmeagenuineassignment.Olderrelativestendtobeoverprotectivesometimes,don'tyouthink?"Garionsmiledbriefly."HasanyoneheardfromSilk?"heasked."He'satRheon,"Javelinreplied,"tryingtogatherinformationaboutthe

activitiesoftheBear-cult.We'vesentmessengers,butsometimeshecanbehardtofind.Iexpecthe'llbealongsoon,though.""HasAnhegarrivedyet?"QueenPorennasked.Garionshookhishead."Cho-HagandFulracharehere,butthere'snowordfromAnhegyet.""We'veheardthatsomepeoplesuspecthim,"thelittleblondqueensaid."Itsimplycannotbetrue,Garion.""I'msurehe'llbeabletoexplaineverythingassoonashearrives.""Didanyoftheassassinssurvive?"Javelinasked."One,"Gariontoldhim,"butI'mafraidthathewon'tbemuchhelptous.OneofBrand'ssonsbashedinhishead.Itdoesn'tappearthathe'severgoingtowakeup.""Pity,"Javelinmurmuredbriefly,"butamandoesn'talwayshavetobeabletotalkinordertoprovideinformation.""Ihopeyou'reright,"Garionsaidfervently.Thediscussionsatsupperandlaterthateveningweresubdued.Thoughnoonestateditopenly,theywereallreluctanttospeakofthebleakpossibilitywhichfacedthem.ToraisethatquestionwithoutAnheg'sbeingpresentmighthavesolidifiedthedoubtsandsuspicionsandgiventheentiremeetingatonenoneofthemwerewillingtoassume."WhenisBrand'sfuneraltobeheld?"Porennaskedquietly."AssoonasAnhegarrives,Iguess,"Garionreplied."Haveyoumadeanydecisionsconcerninghisoffice?"Fulrachasked."Idon'tquitefollowyou."

"ThepositionofWarderoriginatedalongtimeagoinordertofillthevacuumthatexistedaftertheNyissansmurderedKingGorekandhisfamily.Nowthatyouoccupythethrone,doyoureallyneedaWarder?""Tobehonestwithyou,Ihadn'treallythoughtaboutit.Brand'salwaysbeenhere.HeseemedaspermanentasthestonesoftheCitadelitself.""Who'sbeendoinghisworksincehewaskilled,yourMajesty?"thesilveryhairedoldEarlofSelineasked."Hissecondson,Kail.""Youhavemanyotherresponsibilities,Belgarion,"theEarlpointedout."Youreallydoneedsomeoneheretomanagetheday-to-daydetails-atleastuntilthepresentcrisishaspassed.Idon'tthink,however,thatanyfinaldecisionaboutthepostofWarderneedstobemadejustnow.I'msurethatifyouaskedhim,Kailwouldcontinuetoperformhisfather'sdutieswithoutaformalappointment.""He'sright,Garion,"Ce'Nedrasaid."Kail'sabsolutelydevotedtoyou.He'lldoanythingyouaskhimtodo.""Ifthisyoungmanisdoinganadequatejob,it'sprobablybesttolethimcontinue,"Selinesuggested.Thenhesmiledbriefly."There'sanoldSendarianadagethatsays,'Ifitisn'tbroken,don'ttrytofixit.'"Thefollowingmorninganungainly-lookingshipwithelaboratestructuresforeandaftwallowedintotheharborunderanobviouslytop-heavyspreadofsail.Garion,whostoodatopthebattlementsoftheCitadeltalkingquietlywithJavelin,frownedashelookeddownatit."Whatkindofshipisthat?"heasked."Idon'trecognizetheconstruction.""It'sArendish,yourMajesty.Theyfeeltheneedtomakeeverythinglooklikeacastle.""Ididn'tknowthattheArendsevenhadanyships."

"Theydon'thaveverymany,"Javelinreplied."Theirvesselshaveatendencytocapsizewhenevertheyencounterastiffbreeze.""Iguesswe'dbettergodownandseewhoitis.""Right,"Javelinagreed.ThepassengersaboardtheclumsyArendishvesselprovedtobeoldfriends.Mandorallen,themightyBaronofVoMandor,stoodattherail,gleaminginfullarmor.AthissidestoodLelldorinofWildantor,andwiththemweretheirwives,NerinaandAriana,bothornatelygownedindark,richbrocades."Wecameinstantlyuponourreceiptofthenewsofthytragedy,Garion,"MandorallenshoutedacrosstheinterveningwaterastheArendishcrewlaboriouslymaneuveredtheirawkwardshiptowardthequayuponwhichGarionandJavelinwaited."Dutyandaffection,bothfortheeandtheyfoullymurderedWarder,impelustoaidtheeinthyrightfulsearchforvengeance.Korodullinhimselfwouldhavejoinedusbutforanillnesswhichhathlaidhimlow.""IsupposeIshouldhaveexpectedthis,"Garionmurmured."Aretheylikelytocomplicatematters?"Javelinaskedquietly.Garionshuddered."Youhavenoidea."ItwasnotuntiltwodayslaterthattheSeabird,withBarakatthetiller,roundedtheheadlandandsailedintotheharbor.TherailswerelinedwithburlyCherekwarriorsinchainmailshirts.Theirfaceswerealert,andtheireyeswerewaryasBaraksteeredhisshipuptothequay.WhenGarionreachedthefootofthelongflightofstonestepsleadingdownfromtheCitadel,asizablecrowdhadgathered.Themoodofthatcrowdwasugly,andmostofthemenwhostoodtherewithgrimfaceshadweaponsattheirsides."Itlooksasifwe'vegotasituationonourhandshere,"GarionsaidquietlytoKail,whohadaccompaniedhim."Ithinkwe'dbettertrytoputthebestfaceon

thismeeting."Kaillookedattheangryfacesofthetownspeoplepressingtowardthewharves."Perhapsyou'reright,Belgarion,"heagreed."We'regoingtohavetoputonashowofcordialitywhenwegreetAnheg.""Youaskagreatdeal,Belgarion.""Ihatetoputitthisway,Kail,butI'mnotasking.ThoseChereksalongtherailareAnheg'spersonalbodyguard.Ifanythingstartshere,there'sgoingtobealotofbloodshed-andprobablythebeginningofawarthatnoneofuswants.Nowsmile,andlet'sgowelcometheKingofCherek."Togiveitthebestpossibleappearance,GarionledKailupthegangwaytothedeckofBarak'sshipsothathismeetingwithKingAnhegcouldtakeplaceinfullviewoftheangrycrowd.Barak,cladinaformalgreendoubletandlookingevenlargerthanhehadthelasttimeGarionhadseenhim,strodedownthedecktomeetthem."Thisisaverybleaktimeforusall,"hedeclaredasheshookhandsfirstwithGarionandthenwithKail."AnhegandHettararebelowwiththeladies.""Ladies?"Garionasked."IslenaandMerel.""You'veheardtherumors?"Garionaskedhim.Baraknodded."That'soneofthereasonswebroughtourwives.""Goodidea,"Garionsaidapprovingly."Amanwho'scomingsomeplacetopickafightdoesn'tusuallybringhiswifealong,andweallwanttogivethisthebestpossibleappearance.""I'llgodownandgetAnheg,"Baraksaid,castingaquickglanceattheuglycrowdgatheredatthefootofhisgangway.

KingAnheg'sbrutish,black-beardedfacewashaggardanddrawnwhenheemergedfrombelowdecksinhisusualbluerobe."Anheg,myfriend,"Garionsaidinavoiceintendedtocarrytothecrowd.HehurriedforwardandcaughttheCherekkinginaroughembrace."Ithinkweshouldsmile,"hewhispered."Wewanttoletthosepeopleknowwe'restillthebestoffriends.""Arewe,Garion?"Anhegaskedinasubduedvoice."Nothinghaschangedatall,Anheg,"Garionsaidfirmly."Let'sgetonwiththis,then."Anhegraisedhisvoice."TheroyalhouseofCherekextendsitscondolencestotheRivanThroneinthishourofgrief,"hedeclaredformally."Hypocrite!"avoicefromthecrowdbellowed.Anheg'sfacewentbleak,butGarionmovedquicklytotherail,hiseyesangry."Anymanwhoinsultsmyfriendinsultsme,"hesaidinadreadfullyquietvoice."Doesanyoneherewanttosayanythingtome?"Thecrowddrewbacknervously.GarionturnedbacktoAnheg."Youlooktired,"hesaid."I'vebeentearingthepalaceapart-andmostofValAlornaswell-eversinceIheardaboutwhathappened,butIhaven'tbeenabletofindasingleclue."Theblack-beardedCherekkingstoppedandlookedstraightintoGarion'sface.Hiseyeshadapleadinglookinthem."Isweartoyou,Garion,uponmylife,thatIhadnothingwhatsoevertodowiththedeathofBrand.""Iknowthat,Anheg,"Garionsaidsimply.Heglancedatthestill-angrycrowd."Maybewe'dbettergetHettarandtheladiesandgouptotheCitadel.Theothersareallthere,andwewanttogetstarted."HeturnedtoKail."Assoonaswegetthere,Iwantyoutosenddownsomementodispersethesepeople.Havethemsealoffthefootofthisquay.Idon'twantanytroublehere."

"Isitthatbad?"Anhegaskedveryquietly."Justaprecaution,"Garionsaid."Iwanttokeepthingsundercontroluntilwegettothebottomofthis."CHAPTEREIGHTEENThefuneralofBrand,theRivanWarder,tookplacethefollowingdayintheHalloftheRivanKing.Garion,dressedallinblack,satonthebasaltthronewithCe'NedraathissideastheRivanDeacondeliveredtheeulogytothecrowdedHall.ThepresenceofKingAnhegofCherekatthatsorrowfulceremonycausedanangryundertoneamongthemembersoftheRivannobility,anditwasonlytheirprofoundrespectforBrandandGarion'sflintygazethatpreventedthewhispersatthebackoftheHallfrombecomingopenaccusations.Anheg,seatedbetweenPorennandCho-Hag,remainedstony-facedthroughouttheservicesandhelefttheHallimmediatelyupontheirconclusion."I'veneverseenhimlikethis,"BaraksaidquietlytoGarionaftertheceremony."Noonehaseveraccusedhimofmurderbefore,andhedoesn'tknowhowtodealwithit.""Noone'saccusinghimnow."Garionrepliedquickly."Turnaroundandlookatthefacesofyoursubjects,Garion,"Baraksaidsadly."There'sanaccusationineverysingleeye."Garionsighed."Idon'thavetolook.Iknowexactlywhatthey'rethinking.""Whendoyouwanttostartthemeetings?""Let'swaitabit,"Gariondecided."Idon'tparticularlywantAnheggoingthroughthecorridorsoftheCitadelwhileallthesemournersaredriftingabout

withdaggersintheirbelts.""Soundthinking,"Barakagreed.Theygatheredaboutmidafternoonintheblue-drapedcouncilchamberinthesouthtower.AssoonasKailhadclosedthedoor,Anhegroseandfacedthem."IwanttostaterightattheoutsetthatIhadabsolutelynothingtodowithwhathappenedhere,"hedeclared."Brandwasalwaysoneofmyclosestfriends,andI'dhavecutoffmyarmbeforeI'dhavehurthim.Youhavemywordforthat-bothasakingandasanAlorn.""Noone'saccusingyouofanything,Anheg,"Cho-Hagsaidquietly."Ha!I'mnotnearlyasstupidasIlook,Cho-Hag-andevenifIwere,Istillhaveears.ThepeoplehereinRivahavedoneeverythingshortofspittinginmyface."Thesilvery-hairedEarlofSelineleanedbackinhischair,"Ithinkperhapsthatallofthesesuspicions-totallyunfounded,ofcourse-stemfromthatlettertheassassinspresentedwhentheycamehere.Mightitnotbethequickestwaytoproceedtobeginbyexaminingthatdocument?""Notabadidea,"Garionsaid.HeturnedtoKail."Couldweseetheletter?""Ah-lAncientBelgarathhasit,Sire,"Kailsaid."Oh-that'sright,"Belgarathsaid."I'dalmostforgotten."Hereachedinsidehisgraytunic,drewoutafoldedparchment,andhandedittotheoldSendariannobleman."Itlooksmoreorlessinorder,"theEarlmusedafterhehadreadit."Letmeseethat,"Anhegdemanded.Heheldthedocumentdistastefully,scowlingasheread."That'smysignature,allright",headmitted,"andmyseal,butIcertainlydidn'twritethis."Garionhadathought."Doyoualwaysreadeverythingtheybringyoutosign?"heasked."Iknowthattherearetimeswhentheybringmewholestacksofthings

tosign,andIjustwritemynameatthebottomofeachone.WhatI'mgettingatis-couldsomeonehaveslippedthisintoapileofotherdocumentssothatyousigneditwithoutknowingwhatitsaid?"Anhegshookhishead."Thathappenedtomeonce,"hesaid."NowIreadeverythingbeforeIsignit.Notonlythat,IdictateeverydocumentIputmynameto.ThatwayIknowitsaysexactlywhatIwantittosay."HethrustthelettertowardGarion."Lookatthis,"hesaid,pointingatthesecondparagraph."Foreasmuchastradeisthelifebloodofbothourkingdoms-'andsoon.Blastit,Garion!I'veneverusedtheword'foreasmuch'inmyentirelife.""Howdowereconcilethis,then?"theEarlofSelineasked."Wehaveauthenticatedthesignatureandseal.KingAnhegdeclaresthathenotonlyreadseverythinghesignsbutthathealsodictateseveryletterandproclamationpersonally.Andyetwefindtextualinconsistenciesinthedocument.""Seline,"Anhegsaidacidly,"didyoueverdabbleinlaw?Yousoundagreatdeallikealawyer."TheEarllaughed."Merelytryingtobeconcise,yourMajesty,"hesaid."Ihatelawyers."Thedamningletterwascentraltothediscussionsfortheremainderoftheday,butnothingwasresolved.Garionwentwearilytobedthatnightasconfusedandfilledwithdoubtsashehadbeenwhentheystarted.Hesleptbadlyandwokelate.Ashelayinthecanopiedroyalbed,stilltryingtosortouthisthoughts,hecouldhearvoicescomingfromtheadjoiningroom.Almostidlyhebegantoidentifythosevoices.Ce'Nedrawasthere,ofcourse,andAuntPol.QueenLayla'sgiddylaughmadehereasilyidentifiable.NerinaandAriana,becauseoftheirMimbratedialect,wereaseasy.Therewereothersaswell,buttheindividualityoftheirvoiceswaslostinthegeneralchatter.Garionslowlysatup,feelingalmostasifhehadnotsleptatall.Hepushedthedown-filledcomforterasideandswunghisfeettothefloor.Hedidnotreallywanttofacethisday.

Hesighedandstoodup.Brieflyhelookedatthesolidblackdoubletandhosehehadwornthedaybefore,thenshookhishead.Tocontinuetodressinmourningmightinsomeobscurewaybetakenasasilentaccusation.Thatmustbeavoidedatallcosts.ThesituationinvolvingKingAnhegwassodelicateatthemomentthattheslightesthintcouldpushitintocrisis.Hecrossedtotheheavywardrobewherehekepthisclothes,selectedoneofhiscustomarybluedoublets,andbegantodress.Theconversationintheadjoiningroombrokeoffsuddenlyatthesoundofaknockonthedoor."AmIwelcomehere?"heheardQueenIslenaaskinasubduedvoice."Ofcourseyouare,"AuntPolreplied."Ihadthoughtthat-"Islenafaltered,thenbeganagain."Consideringeverything,IhadthoughtthatperhapsitmightbebetterifIstayedaway.""Nonsense,"QueenLayladeclared."Docomein,Islena."Therewasageneralmurmurofagreement."Isweartoyouallthatmyhusbandisinnocentofthisatrocity,"Islenasaidinaclearvoice."Nooneissayingthathewasnot,Islena,"AuntPolrepliedquietly."Notopenlyperhaps,butthereareuglysuspicionseverywhere.""I'mcertainthatGarionandtheotherswillgettothebottomofit,"Ce'Nedrasaidfirmly."Theneverythingwillbeclearedup.""MypoorAnhegdidnotsleepatalllastnight,"Islenatoldthemsadly."Iknowthathelooksbrutish,butinsidehe'sreallyverysensitive.Thishashurthimdeeply.Onceheevencried.""Ourlordswillrequitethetearsthyhusbandhathsheduponthebodyofthefoul

villainwholurksbehindthismonstrousact."theBaronessNerinadeclared."Andthefoolishmenwhodoubthistruefidelityshallbecoveredwithshamefortheirlackoftrust,oncethetruthisout.""Icanonlyhopethatyou'reright,"Islenasaid."Thisisamournfultopic,ladies,"Garion'scousinAdaratoldtherestofthem,"andithasnothingtodowiththerealreasonwe'reallhere.""Andwhatreasonisthat,gentleAdara?"Arianaasked."Thebaby,Ariana,"Adarareplied."We'vecometoseeyourbabyagain,Ce'Nedra.I'msurehe'snotstillsleeping,sowhydon'tyoubringhiminheresothatwecanallfussoverhim?"Ce'Nedralaughed."Ithoughtyou'dneverask."Thecouncilmeetingbeganaboutmidmorning.Thekingsandtheiradvisorsgatheredoncemoreinablue-drapedcouncilchamber.Thegoldensunlightofalatesummermorningstreamedinthroughthewindowsandagentleseabreezestirredthedraperies.Therewasnoparticularformalityinthesesessions,andthemonarchsandtheothersloungedcomfortablyinthevelvet-upholsteredchairsscatteredabouttheroom."Ireallydon'tthinkwe'llaccomplishtoomuchbychewingonthatletterforanotherday,"Belgarathbegan."Let'sagreethatit'sobviouslyaforgeryofsomekindandmoveon."HelookedatKail."Didyourfatherhaveanyenemieshereontheisland?"heasked,"SomeonewealthyenoughandpowerfulenoughtohireCherekassassins?"Kailfrowned."Noonecangothroughlifewithoutsteppingonafewtoes,AncientOne,"hereplied,"butIdon'tthinkanybodywasholdingthatkindofgrudge.""Intruth,myfriend,"Mandorallentoldhim,"somemen,whentheyfeelthattheyhavebeenoffended,willnurturetheirrancorinsilenceandwithdissemblingguiseconcealtheirenmityuntilopportunitydothpresentitselfto

revengethemselves.ThehistoryofArendiaisrepletewithstoriesofsuchacts.""It'sapossibility."KingFulrachagreed."Anditmightbebetterifwestartclosetohomebeforewebegintogofurtherafield.""Alistmightbeuseful,"Javelinsuggested."IfwewritedownthenameofeverymanontheIsleoftheWindswhomBrandmightpossiblyhaveoffended,wecanstarteliminatingthem.Oncewehavethelistnarroweddown,wecanstartinvestigating.IfthemanbehindthisisaRivan,he'deitherhavehadtovisitCherekorhadsomecontactwithCherekssometimeintherecentpast."Ittooktheremainderofthemorningtocompilethelist.Kailsentforcertaindocuments,andtheyallconsideredeachofthedecisionsBrandhadmadeduringthepastfiveyears.SincetheWarderhadfunctionedasthekingdom'schief-magistrate,therehadbeenmanydecisionsandusuallyawinnerandaloserineachcase.Afterlunch,theybeganthewinnowingprocess,discardingthenamesofthosemenwithoutsufficientwealthorpowertobeabletoobtaintheservicesofpaidassassins."It'snarrowingdownabit,"Javelinsaidashestruckoffanothername.Heheldupthelist."We'vegotthisdowntoalmostmanageableproportions."Therewasarespectfulknockonthedoor.Oneoftheguardspostedtherespokebrieflywithsomeoneoutside,thencameovertoBarakandmurmuredsomethingtohim.Thebigred-beardedmannodded,rose,andfollowedhimfromtheroom."Howaboutthisone?"JavelinaskedKail,pointingatanothername.Kailscratchedatonecheek."Idon'tthinkso,"hereplied."Itwasadisputeoverland,"Javelinpointedout,"andsomepeoplegetveryintensewherelandisconcerned."

"Itwasonlyapasture,"Kailrecalled,"andnotaverybigone.Themanhasmorelandthanhecankeeptrackofanyway.""Whydidhegotothelaw,then?""Itwastheothermanwhobroughtthemattertomyfather."Barakcamebackintotheroom."Anheg,"hesaidtohiscousin,"Greldik'shere.He'sgotsomethingfairlyimportanttotellyou."Anhegstartedtorise,thenlookedaround."Havehimcomeinhere,"hesaidshortly."Idon'twantanybodythinkingthatI'vegotanysecrets.""We'veallgotsecrets,Anheg,"QueenPorennmurmured."Mysituationissomewhatpeculiar,Porenn."Hepushedhisdentedcrownbackintoplacefromwhereithadslippeddownoveroneear.ThebeardedandfurcladGreldikpushedpasttheguardsandcameintothechamberatthatpoint."You'vegottroubleathome,Anheg,"hegrowledbluntly."Whatkindoftrouble?""IjustcamebackfromJarviksholm,"Greldikreplied."They'reveryunfriendlythere.""There'snothingnewaboutthat.""Theytriedtosinkme,"Greldiksaid."They'velinedthetopsofthecliffsonbothsidesoftheinletleadinguptothecitywithcatapults.Theboulderswerecomingdownlikehailstonesforawhile."Anhegscowled."Whywouldtheydothat?""Probablybecausetheydidn'twantmetoseewhatthey'redoing.""Whatcouldtheybedoingthatthey'dwanttokeepthatsecret?"

"They'rebuildingafleet."Anhegshrugged."LotsofpeoplebuildshipsinCherek.""Ahundredatatime?""Howmany?""Iwasbusydodgingboulders,soIcouldn'tgetanexactcount,buttheentireupperendoftheinletislinedwithyards.Thekeelshaveallbeenlaid,andthey'restartingontheribs.Oh,they'reworkingonthecitywalls,too.""Thewalls?They'realreadyhigherthanthewallsofValAlorn.""They'reevenhighernow."Anhegscowled."Whataretheyupto?""Anheg,whenyoubuildafleetandstartstrengtheningyourfortifications,itusuallymeansthatyou'regettingreadyforawar.Andwhenyoutrytosinktheshipofamanknowntobefriendlytothecrown,thatusuallymeansthatthewarisgoingtobewithyourking.""Hedoeshaveapoint,Anheg,"Baraksaid."Who'sincontrolatJarviksholmrightnow?"Garionaskedcuriously."TheBear-cult,"Anhegsaidindisgust."They'vebeenfilteringintothetownfromalloverCherekforthepasttenyears.""Thisisveryserious,Anheg,"Baraksaid."It'salsototallyoutofcharacter,"Javelinpointedout."Theculthasneverbeeninterestedinconfrontationalpoliticsbefore.""Whatkindofpolitics?"Anhegasked.

"Anotherwayofsayingopenwarwiththecrown,"theDrasnianChiefofIntelligenceexplained."Saywhatyoumean,man.""Anoccupationalpeculiarity,"Javelinshrugged."Alwaysbefore,theculthastriedtoworkfromwithin-tryingtogatherenoughsupporttobeabletocoercethekingsoftheAlornnationstofollowtheirpolicies.Idon'tthinkthey'veeverevenconsideredopenrebellionbefore.""There'safirsttimeforeverything,Iguess,"Hettarsuggested.Javelinwasfrowning."It'snotatalllikethem,"hemused,"andit'sadirectreversalofapolicythey'vefollowedforthepastthreethousandyears.""Peoplechangesometimes,"GeneralBrendigsaid."NottheBear-cult,"Baraktoldhim."Thereisn'troomenoughinacultist'smindformorethanoneidea.""Ithinkyou'dbettergetoffyourbehindandgetbacktoValAlorn,Anheg,"Greldiksuggested."Iftheygetthoseshipsinthewater,they'llcontrolthewholewestcoastofCherek."Anhegshookhishead."Ihavetostayhere,"hedeclared."I'vegotanothermatterthat'smoreimportantrightnow."Greldikshrugged."It'syourkingdom,"hesaid,"atleastforthetimebeing.""Thanks,Greldik,"Anhegsaiddrily."Youhavenoideahowthatnotioncomfortsme.HowlongwillittakeyoutogettoValAlorn?""Three-maybefourdays.ItdependsonhowIcatchthetidesattheBore.""Gothere,"Anhegtoldhim."TellthefleetadmiralsthatIwantthemtomoveoutofValAlornandtakeupstationsofftheHalbergstraits.Ithinkthatwhen

thiscouncilisover,I'llwanttotakealittlejourneyuptoJarviksholm.Itshouldn'ttakemuchtoburnoutthoseshipyards."Greldik'sansweringgrinwaspositivelyvicious.Afterthecounciladjournedfortheevening,KailcaughtupwithGarioninthetorchlitcorridor."Ithinkthere'ssomethingyoushouldconsider,Belgarion,"hesaidquietly."Oh?"."ThismovingoftheCherekfleetconcernsme.""It'sAnheg'sfleet,"Garionreplied,"andhiskingdom.""ThereisonlythisGreldik'sunsupportedwordabouttheshipyardsatJarviksholm,"Kailpointedout."AndtheHalbergstraitsareonlythreedaysfromRiva.""Aren'twebeingoverlysuspicious,Kail?""YourMajesty,IagreecompletelythatKingAnhegdeserveseverybenefitofdoubtconcerningtheassassinationofmyfather,butthiscoincidencethatputstheCherekfleetwithinstrikingdistanceofRivaisanaltogetherdifferentmatter.Ithinkweshouldquietlylooktoourdefenses-justtobeonthesafeside.""I'llthinkaboutit,"Garionsaidshortlyandmovedondownthecorridor.Aboutnoononthefollowingday,Silkarrived.Thelittlemanwasrichlydressedinagrayvelvetdoublet;ashadbecomehiscustomoflate,hisfingersglitteredwithcostlyjewels.Afteronlythebriefestofgreetingstohisfriends,hewentintoprivatediscussionswithJavelin.WhenBelgarathenteredthecouncilchamberthatafternoon,hehadaself-satisfiedsmirkonhisfaceandtheletterfromKingAnheginhishand."Whatisit,father?"Polgaraaskedcuriously."Youlookliketheship'scatona

fishingboat.""I'malwayspleasedwhenIsolveariddle,Pol."Heturnedtotherestofthem."Asitturnsout,Anhegdidwritethisletter."KingAnhegjumpedtohisfeet,hisfacelivid.Belgarathhelduponehand."But,"hecontinued,"whatAnhegwroteisnotwhattheletterseemstosay."Helaidthesheetofparchmentonthetable."Havealook,"heinvitedthem.WhenGarionlookedattheletter,hecouldclearlyseered-coloredletterslyingbehindtheoneswhichspelledoutthemessagethatseemedtoplaceresponsibilityforBrand'sdeathatAnheg'sdoor."Whatisthis,Belgarath?"KingFulrachasked."Actually,it'salettertotheEarlofMaelorg,"theoldmanreplied."IthastodowithAnheg'sdecisiontoraisethetaxesontheherringfishery.""Iwrotethatletterfouryearsago,"Anhegdeclared,abaffledlookcrossinghisface."Exactly,"Belgarathsaid."Andifmemoryservesme,didn'ttheEarlofMaelorgdielastspring?""Yes,"Anhegsaid."Iattendedthefuneral.""Itappearsthat,afterhisdeath,someonegotintohispapersandfilchedthisletter.Thentheywenttoagreatdealoftroubletobleachouttheoriginalmessage-allbutthesignature,ofcourse-andtowriteonethatintroducedthisso-calledtradedeputation.""Whycouldn'tweseeitbefore?"Barakasked."Ihadtotamperwithitabit,"theoldmanadmitted.

"Sorcery?""No.ActuallyIusedasolutionofcertainsalts.Sorcerymighthaveraisedtheoldmessage,butitprobablywouldhaveerasedthenewone,andwemightneedthatlateronforevidence."Barak'sexpressionwasslightlydisappointed."Sorceryisnottheonlywaydothings,Barak.""Howdidyoufindout?"Garionaskedtheoldman,"Thattherewasanothermessage,Imean?""Thebleachthefellowusedleavesaveryfaintodoronthepage."Thesorcerermadeawryface."Itwasn'tuntilthismorningthatIfinallyrealizedwhatIwassmelling."HeturnedtoAnheg."I'msorryittookmesolongtoexonerateyou,"hesaid."That'squiteallright,Belgarath,"Anhegsaidexpansively."Itgavemethechancetofindoutwhomyrealfriendsare."Kailrosetohisfeet,hisfaceastudyinconflictingemotions.HewenttoAnheg'schairanddroppedtooneknee."Forgiveme,yourMajesty,"hesaidsimply."ImustconfessthatIsuspectedyou.""OfcourseIforgiveyou."Anheglaughedsuddenly."Belar'steeth,"hesaid."AfterIreadthatletter,Ievensuspectedmyself.Getup,youngman.Alwaysstandonyourfeet-evenwhenyou'vemadeamistake.""Kail,"Garionsaid,"wouldyouseetoitthatwordofthisdiscoverygetsthewidestpossiblecirculation?Tellthepeopledowninthecitytostopsharpeningtheirswords.""I'llseetoitatonce,yourMajesty.""Thatstillleavesuswithanunsolvedriddle,"theEarlofSelinenoted.,'WeknowthatKingAnhegwasn'tbehindthis,butwhowas?"

"Wealreadyhaveagoodstartonthat,"Lelldorindeclared."We'vegotthatlistofmenwhomighthavehadreasontohateBrand.""Ithinkwe'refollowingthewrongtrackthere,"QueenPorenndisagreed."ThemurderoftheRivanWarderwasonething,buttryingtomakeitlookasifAnheghadbeenresponsibleissomethingelseentirely.""Idon'tquitefollowyou,Porenn,"Anhegadmitted."Ifyouhadaveryclosefriend-youdohaveafewfriends,don'tyou,Anheg,dear?-andifthisfriendofyourswasalsoahigh-rankingofficialinyourgovernment,andthekingofanothercountryhadhimmurdered,whatwouldyoudo?""Mywarshipswouldsailonthenexttide,"hereplied."Exactly.ThemurderofBrandmaynothavebeentheresultofapersonalgrudge.ItmighthavebeenanattempttostartawarbetweenRivaandCherek."Anhegblinked."Porenn,youareanextraordinarywoman.""Why,thankyou,Anheg."Thedooropened,andSilkandJavelinentered."OurmostexcellentPrinceKheldarherehasaveryinterestingreportforus,"Javelinannounced.Silksteppedforwardandbowedgrandiosely."YourMajesties,"hesaid,"anddearfriends.Ican'tsayforcertainjusthowrelevantthisistoyourcurrentdiscussions,butit'samatterthatshouldbebroughttoyourattention,Ithink.""Haveyouevernoticedhowalittleprosperitymakescertainpeopleverypompous?"BarakaskedHettar."Inoticedthat,"Hettaragreedmildly."Ithoughtyoumighthave."

Silkflashedhistwofriendsaquickgrin."Anyway."hecontinuedinamoreconversationaltone."I'vespentthepastseveralmonthsinthetownofRheonontheeasternfrontierofdearolddrearyDrasnia.Interestingtown,Rheon.Verypicturesque-particularlynowthatthey'vedoubledtheheightofthewalls.""Kheldar,"QueenPorennsaid,tappingherfingersimpatientlyonthearmofherchair,"youdoplantogettothepointeventually,don'tyou?""Why,ofcourse,Auntiedear,"herepliedmockingly."Rheonhasalwaysbeenafortifiedtown,largelybecauseofitsproximitytotheNadrakborder.Itisalsofilledwithacitizenrysoarchconservativethatmostofthemdisapproveoftheuseoffire.It'sanaturalbreedinggroundfortheBear-cult.AftertheattemptonCe'Nedra'slifelastsummer,Isortofdriftedintotowntodoabitofsnooping.""That'sanhonestwaytoputit,"Baraksaid."I'mgoingthroughanhonestphase,"Silkshrugged."Enjoyitwhileyoucan,becauseit'sstartingtoboreme.Now,itseemsthattheBear-culthasanewleader-amannamedUlfgar.AfterGrodeggotthatMurgoaxestuckinhisbackatThullMardu,thecultwasprettywelldemoralized.ThenthisUlfgarcomesoutofnowhereandbeginstopullthemalltogether.Thismancanquiteliterallytalkthebirdsoutofthetrees.Alwaysbeforetheleadershipofthecultwasinthehandsofthepriesthood,andalwaysbeforeitwascenteredinCherek.""Tellmesomethingnew,"Anheggrowledsourly."UlfgardoesnotappeartobeapriestofBelar,"Silkcontinued,"andhiscenterofpowerisatRheonineasternDrasnia.""Kheldar,pleasecometothepoint,"Porennsaid."I'mgettingthere,yourMajesty."heassuredher."Inthelastfewmonths,veryquietly,ourfriendUlfgarhasbeencallinginhiscohorts.CultistshavebeendriftingupfromAlgariaandfilteringintoRheonfromalloverDrasnia.Thetownisliterallybulgingwitharmedmen.I'dguessthatUlfgarcurrentlyhasaforceatRheonatleastequaltotheentireDrasnianarmy."Helookedatyoung

KingKheva."Sorry,cousin,"hesaid,"butitratherlooksasifyounowhaveonlythesecondbiggestarmyinDrasnia.""IcancorrectthatifIhaveto,cousin,"Khevarepliedfirmly."You'redoingawonderfuljobwiththisboy,Auntie,"SilkcongratulatedPorenn."Kheldar,"shesaidacidly,"amIgoingtohavetoputyouontheracktopullthisstoryoutofyou?""Why,Auntiedearest,whatashockingthingtosuggest.ThismysteriousUlfgarhasresurrectedanumberofveryancientritualsandceremonies-amongthemapermanentmeansofidentifyingkindredspirits-sotospeak.Athisorders,everycultistinAloriahashadadistinctivemarkbrandedonthesoleofhisrightfoot.ThechancesarerathergoodthatanyoneyouseelimpingisanewconverttotheBear-cult."Barakwinced."Thatwouldreallyhurt,"hesaid."Theywearitratherproudly,"Silktoldhim,"Onceitheals,anyway.""Whatdoesthismarklooklike?"KingCho-Hagasked."It'sasymbolicrepresentationofabearpaw."Silkexplained."It'sshapedsortofliketheletterUwithacoupleofmarksatitsopenendtorepresentclaws.""AfterKheldartoldmethis,"Javelintookupthestory,"wepaidashortvisittothatsurvivingassassin.Hisrightfoothasbeenbrandedwiththatparticularmark.""Sonowweknow,"Hettarsaid."Wedoindeed,"Belgarathreplied."Prithee,"Mandorallensaid,frowninginperplexity,"IhavealwaysbeenadvisedthattheaimofthisobscurereligiousdenominationhathbeenthereunificationofAloria,thattitanicempireofthenorthwhichexistedunderthereignofKing

CherekBear-shoulders,themightiestrulerofantiquity."Itmayverywellstillbe,"Belgarathtoldhim,"butifthisUlfgarhadsucceededinputtingRivaandCherekateachother'sthroats,hemighthavebeenabletotoppleDrasniaandpossiblyAlgariaaswell.WithAnhegandGarionconcentratingondestroyingeachother,itprobablywouldn'thavebeenallthatdifficultforhimtohavetakentheirtwokingdomsaswell.""ParticularlywiththatfleethispeoplearebuildingatJarviksholm,"Anhegadded."Hisstrategyseemsatonceverysimpleandyetverycomplex,"GeneralBrendigmused,"andIthinkitcameveryclosetoworking.""Tooclose,"Polgarasaid."Whatarewegoingtodoaboutthis,father?""Ithinkwe'llhavetotakesteps,"Belgarathreplied."ThisfellowUlfgarstillwantstoreuniteAloria-butwithhimselfasthesuccessortoBear-shoulders.Theculthastriedsubversionforthreemillennia.Nowapparentlythey'regoingtotryopenwar."Garion'sfacegrewbleak."Well,"hesaid,"ifit'sawartheywant,they'vecometotherightplace.""Imightdrinktothat,"Anhegagreed.Hethoughtforamoment."Ifyou'reopentoanysuggestions,IthinkitmightbeagoodideaifwedestroyJarviksholmbeforewemoveonRheon.Wedon'twantthoseCherekcultistscomingupbehindusonthemoorsofeasternDrasniaandwedefinitelydon'twantacultfleetintheSeaoftheWinds.IfevenhalfofwhatGreldiksaysistrue,we'regoingtohavetoburnoutthoseshipyardsbeforetheygettheirwarshipsintothewater.YoucouldmountaverysuccessfulattackonRheon,Garion,andthencomehometofindahostileforceoccupyingRivaitself."Garionconsideredthat."Allright,then,"heagreed."We'llgotoJarviksholmfirst.Thenwe'llgotoRheonandhavealittlechatwiththisUlfgar.Ireallywanttolookatamanwhothinkshe'sbigenoughtofillBear-shoulders'shoes."

CHAPTERNINETEEN"I'msorry,Kail,"GariontoldhisfriendastheysattogetherinGarion'sstudywiththemorningsunstreaminggoldenthroughthewindow,"butIhavetohaveyouandyourbrothershereatRiva.I'mtakingmostofourforceswithme,andsomeonehastostayheretodefendthecityincasesomeofthecultists'shipssliparoundbehindus."Kail'sfacewasangry."That'snottherealreasonisit?"heaccused."Notentirely,no,"Garionadmitted."IknowhowmuchyoualllovedyourfatherandIknowhowmuchyouwantrevengeonthepeopleresponsibleforhismurder.""Isn'tthatonlynatural?""Ofcourseitis,butpeoplecaughtupinthosefeelingsdon'tthinkclearly.Theygetrashanddothingsthatputthemindanger.Yourfamilyhasshedenoughbloodalready-firstyourbrotherOlban,thenArell,andnowyourfather-soI'mnottakinganychanceswiththerestofyou."Kailstoodup,hisfaceredwithsuppressedanger."DoesyourMajestyhaveanyfurtherinstructionsforme?"heaskedstay.Garionsighed."No,Kail,"hesaid,"notatthemoment.Youknowwhattodohere.""Yes,yourMajesty."Kailbowedcurtly,turnedandlefttheroom.BelgarathcameintoGarion'sstudythroughtheotherdoor."Hedidn'tlikeit,"Garionsaid."Ididn'tthinkhewould."Theoldmanshrugged,scratchingatonebeardedcheek."Buthe'stooimportanthereintheCitadelforustoberiskinghislife.He'llbeangryforawhile,buthe'llgetoverit."

"IsAuntPolstayingbehind,too?"Belgarathmadeaface."No.Sheinsistsongoing.Atleasttheotherladieshavesenseenoughtorealizethatabattlefieldisnoplaceforawoman!IthinkweoughttoleaveErrandhere,too.Hehasnosenseofpersonaldanger,andthat'snotagoodtraitwhenthefightingstarts.You'dbetterfinishhere.Themorningtide'sturning,andwe'realmostreadytostart."AstheSeabirdmovedoutoftheharborthatsunnymorningwithaflotillaofstoutRivanshipsfollowingher,Garionandtheothersgatheredinthespacious,low-beamedaftcabin,poringovermapsanddiscussingstrategy."TheinletthatrunsuptoJarviksholmisverynarrow,"Anhegadvisedthem,"andit'sgotmoretwistsandturnstoitthanaTolnedrantradeagreement.It'sgoingtoslowustoacrawl.""Andthenthosecatapultsontopofthecliffswillsinkhalfthefleet,"Barakaddedgloomily."Isthereanywaywecancometothecityfrombehind?"Hettarasked."There'saroadcomingupfromHalberg,"Barakreplied,"butitgoesthroughseveralpassesfifteenleaguesorsotothesouthofthecity.Thosepassesareidealforambushes."GeneralBrendighadbeenstudyingthemap."What'sthisterrainlike?"heasked,pointingataspotonthesouthsideofthemouthoftheinlet."Rough,"Baraksaid,"andsteep.""That'sadescriptionofmostofCherek,"Silkobserved."Isitpassable?"Brendigpersisted."Oh,youcouldclimbit,"Baraksaid,"butyou'dbeinplainviewofthecatapultistsuponthecliffs.There'sbeawholearmywaitingforyoubythetime

yougottothetop.""Notifyoudiditatnight,"Brendigsaid."Atnight?"thebigmanscoffed."Brendig,doyoureallywanttotakeupnighttimemountainclimbingatyourage?"Brendigshrugged."Ifit'stheonlywaytogetthere."Mandorallenhadalsobeenstudyingthemap."Prithee,myLord,"hesaidtoBarak,"isthisslopetothenorthalsogentleenoughtoaffordaccesstotheclifftop?"Barakshookhishead."It'sasheerface.""Thenwemustneedsseekothermeanstoneutralizethecatapultsonthatside."Theknightthoughtamoment,thenhesmiled."Wehavethemeansatourimmediatedisposal,"hedeclared."I'dbeinterestedtoknowwhattheyare,"KingFulrachsaidtohim."Itisthesimplestpossiblesolution,yourMajesty,"Mandorallenbeamed."Toconveysiegeenginesupthesouthslopewouldbetiresome-particularlyduringthehoursofdarkness.Itwould,moreover,betotallyunnecessary,sincethemeansofdestroyingtheenginesonthenorthsidearealreadyinplace.""Idon'tquitefollowwhatyou'resuggesting,"Garionadmitted."Ido,"Hettarsaid."Allwehavetodoisclimbthesouthslopeatnight,capturethecatapultsontopandthenstartlobbingbouldersattheenginesacrosstheinlet.""Andonceyoudistractthosepeople,Icansweepuptheinletwithfireboatsandburnouttheshipyards,"Anhegadded."Butdoesn'tthatstillleavethecityintact?"KingFulrachaskeddubiously.

Garionstoodupandbegantopaceupanddown,thinkinghard."Oncewestartthrowingrocksbackandforthacrosstheinletandthefireboatsstartmovinguptowardtheyards,it'sgoingtoattractquiteabitofattentionfromthecity,wouldn'tyousay?""Icouldalmostguaranteethat,"Brendigreplied."Thenwouldn'tthatbeaperfecttimetomountanattackonthelandwardsideofthetown?Everybody'sgoingtobeliningthefrontwall.Thebacksidewillbeonlylightlydefended.Ifwestrikefastenough,wecouldbeinsidebeforemostofthedefendersknewwewerecoming.""Verygood,Belgarion,"KingCho-Hagmurmured."It'sallgoingtohavetobecarefullytimed,though,"Baraksaidthoughtfully."We'llhavetoworkoutawaytopasssignalsbackandforth.""That'snotreallyaproblem,Barak,"AuntPoltoldthebigman."Wecantakecareofthat.""Youknow,"Anhegsaid,"Ithinkitmightwork.Ifwegetlucky,wecouldtakeJarviksholminasingleday."Inevercaredmuchforlongsiegesanyway,"Silknoted,carefullypolishingoneofhisrings.TwodayslatertheyfoundtheCherekfleetstandingatanchorofftheHalbergstraits,anarrowpassageleadingthroughaclusterofsmall,rockyisletsjuttingupoutofthecoastalwatersofthewestcoastoftheCherekpeninsula.Theisletsweretoppedwithscrubbytreesandtheystoodout,greenagainstthesnowfieldscoveringthehighermountainslyinginland.GarionstoodattherailoftheSeabird,drinkinginthebeautyofthatwildcoast.AlightstepbehindhimandafamiliarfragranceannouncedhisAuntPol'sapproach."It'slovely,isn'tit,Garion?"shesaid.

"Breathtaking,"heagreed."Italwaysseemsthisway."shemused."Somehowit'swhenyou'reonyourwaytosomethingveryuglythatyoucomeacrosstheseglimpsesofbeauty."Shelookedathimgravely."YouwillbecarefulatJarviksholm,won'tyou?""I'malwayscareful,AuntPol.""Really?Iseemtorememberanumberofincidentsnottoomanyyearsago.""Iwasachildthen.""Somethingsneverchange,I'mafraid."Shesuddenlyputherarmsabouthisneckandsighed."Oh,myGarion,"shesaid,"I'vemissedyouinthepastfewyears,doyouknowthat?""I'vemissedyou,too,AuntPol.SometimesIwish-"Heleftithanging."ThatwecouldhavejuststayedatFaldor'sfarm?""Itreallywasn'tsuchabadplace,wasit?""No.Itwasaverygoodplace-forachild.Butyou'regrownnow.Wouldyoureallyhavebeencontentthere?LifewasquiteplacidatFaldor's.""Ifwehadn'tleft,I'dneverhaveknownwhatitwasliketoliveanyotherway.""Butifwehadn'tleft,youneverwouldhavemetCe'Nedra,wouldyou?""IsupposeIhadn'tthoughtaboutthat.""Let'sgobelow,shallwe?"shesuggested."Thatbreezeisreallyratherbrisk."TheyencounteredKingAnhegandBarakinanarrowcompanionwayjustoutsidethemaincabinbelowdecks."Barak,"Anhegwassayingacidly,"you'regettingtobeworsethananold

woman.""Idon'tcarewhatyousay,Anheg,"thered-beardedBarakgrowled."You'renotgoingtotaketheSeabirdupthatinletuntilallthosecatapultshavebeencleared.Ididn'tspendthatmuchmoneyonhertohavesomebodydropbouldersonherdecksfromthosecliffs.Myboat,myrules."Thelean-facedJavelinapproachedfromdownthecompanionway."Istheresomeproblem,myLords?"heasked."IwasjustlayingdownafewrulesforAnheghere,"Barakreplied."He'sgoingtobeinchargeofmyshipwhileI'mgone.""Wereyougoingsomewhere,myLordofTrellheim?""I'llbegoingwithGarionwhenhemountshisattackonthecity."Asyouthinkbest,myLord.Howlongdoyouthinkit'sgoingtotaketoreachthemouthoftheinlet?"Baraktuggedathisluxuriantredbeard."ThoseRivanshipscarryingGarion'stroopsaren'tquiteasfastasourwarships,"hemused."Imakeitaboutadayandahalf.Wouldn'tyouagree,Anheg?""Aboutthat,yes.""Thatshouldputustheretomorrowevening,then?"Javelinasked."Right,"Baraksaid,"andthat'swhenthefunstarts."AuntPolsighed."Alorns!"Afterafewshoutedconferencesfromshiptoship,thecombinedfleetheeledoversharplyinthequickeningbreezeandbeatnorthwardalongtheruggedwestcoastoftheCherekpeninsulatowardJarviksholm.Thefollowingmorning,GarionwentupondeckwithBarakandHettartowatch

thesuncomeupabovetheforestedandsnow-cappedpeaksofCherek.Theshadowsbackinthewoodedvalleyswereakindofmistyblue,andthesunsparkledonthewaves.AmailshirtedChereksailor,whohadbeenostensiblycoilingarope,turnedfromhistask,thensuddenlyplungedadaggerdirectlyatGarion'sunprotectedbackastheKingstoodattherail.TheattackmightwellhaveprovedfatalhadDurniknotshoutedaquickwarning.Garionhalf-turnedintimetoseethedaggergoskitteringacrossthedeck.Atthesametime,heheardastartledexclamationandasplash.Hewheeledabouttoseeadesperatelyclutchinghandsinkbeneaththewavesaboutthirtyyardstoport.HelookedquestioninglyatPolgara,butsheshookherhead."Iforgotaboutthemailshirt,"Durniksaidapologetically,"It'ssortofhardtoswimwithoneofthoseon,isn'tit?""Morethansortof,"Barakassuredhim."You'llwanttoquestionhim,Isuppose,"Durniksaid,"Icanfishhimout,ifyoulike.""Whatdoyouthink,Hettar?"Barakasked.Hettarconsideredthenotionforseveralmoments,lookingoutatthebubblescomingupfromsomewherefarbeneaththesurface."TheseareCherekwaters,aren'tthey?"Baraknodded."ThenIthinkweshouldconsultKingAnhegandgethisopinion.""Anheg'ssleepinglatethismorning,"Baraktoldhim,alsolookingoutatthebubbles."I'dhatetowakehim,"Hettarsaid."He'shadalotonhismindlately,andI'msureheneedshisrest."ThetallAlgarturnedtoDurnikwithanabsolutely

straightface."I'lltellyouwhat,Durnik.TheverymomentKingAnhegwakesup,we'llbringthematterimmediatelytohisattention.""Haveyouevertranslocatedanythingbefore,Durnik?"Polgaraaskedherhusband."No,notreally.Iknewhowitwasdone,ofcourse,butI'veneverhadtheoccasiontotryitmyself.IthrewhimjustalittlefartherthanI'dintended,I'mafraid.""You'llgetbetterwithpractice,dear,"sheassuredhim.ThensheturnedtoGarion."Areyouallright?"sheasked,"I'mfine,AuntPol.Hedidn'tevengetclosetome-thankstoDurnik.""He'salwaysbeenveryusefultohavearound,"shereplied,givingDurnikawarmsmile."Wheredidthefellowcomefrom,Barak?"Hettarasked."ValAlorn,ofallplaces.Healwaysseemedlikeagoodman,too.Hedidhisworkandkepthismouthshut.I'dneverhavesuspectedthathemighthavehadreligiousconvictions."Maybeit'stimeforustoexamineeverybody'sfeet,"Hettarsuggested.Baraklookedathimquizzically."IfSilk'sright,thenalltheBear-cultistshavethatbrandonthesolesoftheirrightfeet.It'sprobablyeasierinthelongruntoexaminefeetratherthanhaveGarionofferhisbacktoeverydaggeraboardyourship.""Youmightberight,"Barakagreed.TheysailedintothewidemouthoftheinletthatwounditswayuptoJarviksholmjustasthesunwassetting.

"Shouldn'twehavewaiteduntilafterdarktocomethisclose?"GarionaskedasheandtheotherkingsstoodontheforedeckoftheSeabird.Anhegshrugged."Theyknewwewerecoming.They'vebeenwatchinguseversincewelefttheHalbergstraits.Besides,nowthattheyknowthatwe'rehere,thosecatapultistsuptherewillconcentrateonwatchingtheships.ThatoughttomakeiteasierforyouandBrendigtoslipupbehindthemwhenthetimecomes.""Thatmakessense,Iguess."Barakcameforwardwiththeone-armedGeneralBrendig."Ascloseaswecanfigureit,weoughttostartaboutmidnight,"hesaid."Garionandtherestofuswillclimbupfirstandcirclearounduntilwe'rebehindthecity.Brendigandhismencanfollowusupandstarttakingoverthecatapults.Assoonasitgetslightenoughtosee,he'sgoingtostartthrowingbouldersacrosstheinlet.""WillthatgiveGariontimeenoughtogetintoposition?"KingFulrachasked."Itshouldbeplentyoftime,yourMajesty,"Brendigassuredhim."LordBaraksaysthatoncewegettothetop,theterrainisfairlyflat.""Therearetrees,too,"Baraktoldthem."Thatshouldgiveusplentyofconcealment.""Howmuchopenspacearewegoingtohavetochargeacrosswhenweattackthecity?"Garionasked."Oh,maybefivehundredyards,"Barakreplied."That'squiteaways.""It'saboutasfarasIwanttorun."Eveningsettledslowlyoverthecalmwatersoftheinlet,purplingthesheercliffsrisingoneitherside.Garionusedthelastbitoflightcarefullytoexamineeveryinchofthesteepslopewhichheandhismenwouldbeclimbinginjustafew

hours.Aflickerofmovementjustoverheadcaughthiseye,andhelookedupintimetoseeaghostlywhiteshapeslidingsilentlythroughthecalm,purpleair.Asinglesoftwhitefeatherslowlysifteddowntosettleonthedecknotfaraway.Gravely,Hettarwentoverandpickeditup.Amomentortwolater,AuntPol,wrappedinherbluecloak,camedownthedeckandjoinedthem."You'regoingtohavetobeverycarefulwhenyouapproachtheshipyards,"shetoldAnheg,whostoodnearbywithBrendig."They'vemovedcatapultsdowntothebeachestotrytoboldyouoff.""Iexpectedthat,"herepliedwithanindifferentshrug."You'dbetterpayattentiontoher,Anheg,"Baraksaidinathreateningtone,"becauseifyougetmyshipsunk,I'llpulloutyourbeardonewhiskeratatime.""Whatanovelwaytoaddressone'sking,"SilkmurmuredtoJavelin."Howheavilyistherearofthecitydefended?"GarionaskedPolgara."Thewallsarehigh,"sheanswered,"andthegatelooksimpressive.Therearen'tverymanymenthere,though.""Good."Hettarsilentlyhandedherthefeather."Why,thankyou,"shesaidtohim."Iwouldhavemissedthat."TheslopeofthehillleadingtotherollingplateauhighabovewasevensteeperthanGarion'sexaminationfromthedeckoftheSeabirdhadledhimtobelieve.Clumpsofbrokenrock,almostinvisibleinthemidnightdarkness,rolledtreacherouslyunderfoot,andthestifflimbsofthescrubbybushesthatchokedthehillsideseemedalmosttopushdeliberatelyathisfaceandchestashestruggledupward.Hismailshirtwasheavy,andhewassoondrippingwithsweat."Roughgoing,"Hettarobservedlaconically.

Apalesliverofamoonhadrisenwhentheyfinallycrestedthatbrutalslope.Astheyreachedthetop,theyfoundthattheplateauabovewascoveredwithadenseforestoffirandsprucetrees."ThismighttakeusalittlelongerthanI'dthought,"Barakmuttered,eyeingthethickundergrowth.Garionpausedtogethisbreath."Let'sstopforamoment,"hetoldhisfriends.Hestaredglumlyattheforestbarringtheirway."Ifallofusstartcrashingthroughthat,we'regoingtoalertthecatapultistsalongthetopofthecliff,"hesaid."Ithinkwe'dbettersendoutsomescoutstoseeifwecanfindapathoratrackofsomekind.""Givemeawhile,"Silktoldhim."You'dbettertakesomemenwithyou.""They'djustslowmedown.I'llbebackbeforelong."Thelittlemanvanishedintothetrees."Heneverchanges,doeshe?"Hettarmurmured.Baraklaughedshortly."Didyoureallythinkhewould?""Howlongthinkestthouitwillbeuntildawn,myLord?",MandorallenaskedthebigCherek."Two-maybethreehours,"Barakreplied."Thathilltookalongtime."Lelldorin,hisbowslungacrosshisback,joinedthemattheedgeofthedarkwood."GeneralBrendig'sstartedup,"hetoldthem."Iwonderhowhe'sgoingtomanagethatclimbwithonlyonearm,"Baraksaid."Idon'tthinkyouneedtoworrytoomuchaboutBrendig,"Hettarreplied."Heusuallydoeswhathesetsouttodo."

"He'sagoodman,"Barakagreed.Theywaitedinthewarmsummerdarknessasthemoonslowlyclimbedtheeasternsky.FromfarbelowGarioncouldheardthecallsofAnheg'smenandtheraspofwindlassesasthesailorsstrovetomakeenoughnoisetocoveranyinadvertentsoundsBrendig'smenmightmakeastheystruggledupthebrushyslope.FinallySilkreturned,appearingsoundlesslyoutofthebushes."There'saroadaboutaquarterofamilesouthofhere,"hereportedquietly."ltseemstogotowardJarviksholm.""Excellent,"Mandorallensaidgaily."Letusproceed,myLords.Thecitydothawaitourcoming.""Ihopenot,"Garionsaid."Thewholeideaistosurprisethem."ThenarrowroadSiIkhadfoundprovedtobeawoodcutter'strackanditmeanderedinamoreorlesseasterlydirection,leadingtheminland.BehindhimGarioncouldhearthejingleofmailshirtsandthesteady,shufflingtreadofhissoldiersastheymovedthroughthetagendofnightinthedeepshadowsofthesurroundingforest.Therewasasenseofinexorablepurposeinvolvedinthis-leadingamassoffacelessmenthroughthedarkness.Atenseexcitementhadbeenbuildinginhimsincetheyhadlefttheships.Hisimpatiencetobegintheattackwassostrongnowthatitwasallhecoulddotokeephimselffrombreakingintoarun.Theyreachedalargeclearedarea.Atthefarsideofthatopenfield,thewhiteribbonofawell-traveledhighwaycutduenorthacrossthemoonlitpasture-land."That'stheHalbergroad,"Baraktoldthem."We'realmostthere.""I'dbetterseehowBrendig'sdoing,"Garionsaid.Hecarefullyreachedout,skirtingthethoughtsofthetroopsmassedathisbackandseekingthefamiliartouchofDurnik'smind."Durnik,"hesaidsilently,"canyouhearme?""Garion?"thesmith'sthoughtcameback.

"Right,"Garionreplied."Haveyoucapturedthecatapultsyet?""We'vestillgotadozenorsototake.Brendig'smovingslowlytokeepdownunnecessarynoise.""Willyouhavethemallbythetimeitstartsgettinglight?""I'msurewewill.""Good.Letmeknowwhenyoucapturethelastone.""Iwill.""Howaretheydoing?"Lelldorinasked.Theyoungbowman'svoicewastightwithexcitement."They'llbereadywhenit'stime,"Garionreplied."Whatthinkestthou,myLord?"MandorallenaskedBarak."Mightitnotbethepropermomenttoselectsomefewstouttreestoserveasramstoreducethecitygates?""I'lldealwiththegate,"Gariontoldthemfirmly.Barakstaredathim."Youmeanthatyou'regoingto-?"Hemadeagesturewithonethick-fingeredhand.Garionnodded."Thathardlyseemsproper,Garion,"Barakobjecteddisapprovingly."Proper?""Therearecertainwaysthatthingsaredone.Citygatesaresupposedtobeknockedinwithbatteringrams.""Whilethepeopleinsidepourboilingpitchdownonthementryingtobreakin?"

"That'spartoftherisk,"Barakexplained."Withoutalittlerisk,abattleisn'tverymuchfun."Hettarlaughedquietly."Ihatetoflyinthefaceoftradition,"Garionsaid,"butI'mnotgoingtoletalotofpeoplegetkilledunnecessarilyjustforthesakeofanoldcustom."Ahazygroundfog,glowinginthemoonlight,laylowonthebroad,openexpansebetweentheedgeoftheforestandthetoweringwallsofJarviksholm.Offtotheeast,thefirstpaleglimmeroftheapproachingdawnstainedthevelvetsky.Therewereruddytorchesalongthetopoftheheavybattlementsofthecity.BytheirlightGarioncouldseeanumberofarmedmen."Howclosedoyouneedtogettobreakinthegate?"SilkwhisperedtoGarion."Thecloserthebetter,"Garionreplied."Allright.We'llhavetomoveupabit,then.Thefogandthetallgrassshouldhelp.""I'llgoalongwithyou,"Baraksaid."Isitlikelytomakemuchnoise?""Probably."Garionsaid.ThebigmanturnedtoHettarandMandorallen."Usethatasyoursignal.WhenGarionknocksthegatedown,youstartthecharge."Hettarnodded.Gariondrewinadeepbreath."Allright,"hesaid,"let'sgo."Crouchedlow,thethreeofthemstartedacrosstheopenfieldtowardthecity.Whentheywerenomorethanahundredyardsfromthegate,theysankdowninthetallgrass."Garion,"Durnik'sthoughtcamefromoutofthegrowinglight,"we'vecapturedallthecatapults."

"Canyouseetheonesonthenorthcliffsyet?""It'sprobablygoingtobejustafewmoreminutes.""TellBrendigtostartjustassoonashecanmakethemout."Theywaitedastheeasternskygrewsteadilylighter.Thenaseriesofsolidthudscamefrombeyondthecity,followedafteranintervalbythesoundofheavyrockscrashingthroughtimbersandbystartledshoutsandcriesofpain."We'vestarted,"Durnikreported."Garion,"Polgara'sthoughtcametohim,"areyouinposition?""Yes,AuntPol.""We'regoingtostartuptheinletnow.""Letmeknowwhenyou'reinsightofthecity.""Becarefully,Garion.""Iwill.""What'shappening?"Barakwhispered,eyeingthemenatopthecitywalls."They'vestarteddroppingrocksonthenorthcliff,"Garionrepliedsoftly,"andAnheg'sgotthefleetmoving."Barakgroundhisteethtogether."Itoldhimtowaituntilallthecatapultswereoutofaction.""Don'tworrysomuchaboutthatshipofyours,"Silkmurmured."It'sveryhardtoaimacatapultwhenyou'redodgingboulders.""Somebodymightgetlucky."

Theywaitedtenselyasthelightslowlygrewstronger.Garioncouldsmellthesalttangoftheseaandtheheavyodorofevergreensashesurveyedthestoutgate."Wecanseethecitynow,Garion,"AuntPolreported.Shoutsofalarmcamefrominsidethecity,andGarionsawthearmedmenatopthewallsrunningalongtheparapet,makingfortheseawardsideofJarviksholm."Areweready?"hewhisperedtohistwofriends."Let'sdoit,"Silksaidtensely.Garionrosetohisfeetandconcentrated.Hefeltsomethingthatwasalmostlikeaninrushingofairashedrewinandconcentratedhiswill.Heseemedtobetinglingalloverastheenormousforcebuiltupinhim.GrimlyhedrewIrongrip'ssword,whichhehadleftsheatheduntilnowinordertoconcealthattelltalebluefire.TheOrbleapedjoyouslyintoflame."Herewego,"hesaidfrombetweenclenchedteeth.Hepointedtheswordatthegate,standingsolidandimpenetrable-lookingahundredyardsinfrontofhim."Burst!"hecommanded,andallhisclenched-inwillsurgedintotheswordandoutthroughitsflamingtip.Theonethingthathehadoverlooked,ofcourse,wastheOrb'sdesiretobehelpful.TheforcewhichstruckthegatesofJarviksholmwas,toputitverymildly,excessive.Thelogsdisappearedentirely,andchunksandsplintersofthattar-smearedgatewerelaterfoundasmuchasfivemilesdistant.Thesolidstonewallinwhichthegatehadbeenmountedalsoblewapart,andmanyofthehuge,rough-hewnblockssailedlikepebblestosplashintotheharborandtheinletfarfromthecity.MostofthebackwallofJarviksholmcrumbledandfellinonitself.Thenoisewasawful."Belar!"Baraksworeinamazementashewatchedthenearlyabsolutedestruction.Therewasastunnedsilenceforamoment,andthenagreatshoutcamefromtheedgeofthewoodsasHettarandMandorallenledthechargeofthemassed

RivansandChereksintothestunnedcity.Itwasnotwhatwarriorscallagoodfight.TheBear-cultwasnotcomposedentirelyofable-bodiedmen.Ithadalsoattractedintoitsranksoldmen,women,andchildren.Becauseoftheragingfanaticismofthecult,thewarriorsenteringthecityfrequentlyfounditnecessarytokillthosewhomightotherwisehavebeenspared.Bylateafternoon,therewereonlyafewsmallpocketsofresistanceremaininginthenorthwestquarterofJarviksholm,andmuchoftherestofthecitywasonfire.Garion,half-sickenedbythesmokeandtheslaughter,stumbledbackthroughtheburningcity,overthatshatteredwall,andoutintotheopenfieldsbeyond.Hewandered,tiredandsick,foratimeuntilhecameacrossSilk,seatedcomfortablyonalargerock,casuallywatchingthedestructionofthecity."Isitjustaboutfinished?"thelittlemanasked."Nearly,"Garionreplied."Theyonlyhaveafewbuildingsleftintheircontrol.""Howwasit?""Unpleasant.Alotofoldpeopleandwomenandchildrengotkilled.""Thathappenssometimes.""DidAnhegsaywhathewasgoingtodowiththesurvivors?Ithinkthere'sbeenenoughkillingalready.""It'shardtosay,"Silkreplied."OurCherekcousinstendsometimestobeabitsavage,though.Somethingsarelikelytohappeninthenextdayorsothatyouprobablywon'twanttowatch-likethat."HepointedtowardtheedgeofthewoodwhereacrowdofCherekswereworkingonsomething.Alongpolewasraisedandsetintotheground.Acrosspiecewasattachedtothetopofthepole,andamanwastiedbyhisoutspreadarmstothatcrosspiece."No!"Garionexclaimed.

"Iwouldn'tinterfere,Garion,"Silkadvised."ItisAnheg'skingdom,afterall,andhecandealwithtraitorsandcriminalsinanywayheseesfit.""That'sbarbaric!""Moderatelyso,yes.AsIsaid,though,Cherekshaveacertaincasualbrutalityintheirnature.""Butshouldn'tweatleastquestiontheprisonersfirst?""Javelin'sattendingtothat."Garionstaredatthecrowdofsoldiersworkinginthelastruddylightofthesettingsun."I'msorry."hesaid,chokinginrevulsion,"butthat'sgoingentirelytoofar.I'mgoingtoputastoptoitrightnow.""I'dstayoutofit,Garion.""Oh,no-notwhenhestartscrucifyingwomen!""He'swhat?"Silkturnedtostareatthesoldiers.Suddenlytheblooddrainedfromthelittleman'sface,andhesprangtohisfeet.WithGarioncloseonhisheels,heranacrosstheinterveningturf."Haveyoulostyourmindentirely?"hedemandedhotlyofthebonyChiefofDrasnianIntelligence,whosatcalmlyataroughtableinthecenterofagroupofsoldiers."Whatseemstobeyourproblem,Kheldar?""Doyouknowwhothatisthatyoujustcrucified?""Naturally.Iquestionedhermyself."Hisfingersmovedalmostidly,butSilkstooddirectlyinfrontofthetable,cuttingoffGarion'sviewofthethinman'shands."Getherdownfromthere!"Silksaid,thoughhisvoiceseemedforsomereasontohavelosttheedgeofitsoutrage.

"Whydon'tyouattendtoyourownbusiness,Kheldar?"Javelinsuggested."Leavemetomine."HeturnedtoaburlyCherekstandingnearby."PrinceKheldarandtheRivanKingwillbeleavingnow."hesaidcoldly."Wouldyouescortthem,please.Ithinkthattheyshouldbesomewhereatleastaquarterofamilefromhere.""I'llkillhim,"SilkfumedasheandGarionwereherdedaway."I'llkillhimwithmyowntwobarehands."AssoonasthesoldiershadledthemtoaspotsomedistancefromJavelinandhadturnedtogobacktotheirgrislywork,however,thelittlemanregainedhiscomposurewithastonishingspeed."Whatwasthatallabout?"Garionasked."Thegirlhejustcrucifiedishisownniece,Liselle,"Silkrepliedquitecalmly."Youcan'tbeserious!""I'veknownhersinceshewasachild.Hepromisedtoexplainlater.Hisexplanationhadbetterbeverygood,though,orI'mgoingtocarveouthistripes."Heremovedalongdaggerfromunderhispearl-graydoubletandtestedtheedgewithhisthumb.ItwasafterdarkwhenJavelincamelookingforthem."Oh,putthataway,Kheldar,"hesaiddisgustedly,lookingatSilk'sdagger."Imayneeditinaminute,"Silkreplied."Starttalking,Javelin,andyou'dbettermakeitveryconvincing,orI'llhaveyourgutsinapilerightbetweenyourfeet.""Youseemupset.""Younoticed.Howcleverofyou.""IdidwhatIdidforaveryspecificreason.""Wonderful.Ithoughtyouwerejustamusingyourself."

"Icandowithoutthesarcasm,Silk.YoushouldknowbynowthatIneverdoanythingwithoutareason.YoucanputyourmindatrestaboutLiselle.She'sprobablyalreadybeenreleased.""Released?""Escaped,actually.Therewereadozenofcultistshidinginthosewoods.Youreyesmustbegoingbadonyouifyoudidn'tseethem.Anyway,bynow,everyprisonerwecrucifiedhasbeenreleasedandisonthewaytosafetybackinthemountains.""Exactlywhatisthisallabout,Javelin?""It'sreallyverysimple.We'vebeentryingforyearstogetsomeoneintotheupperechelonsoftheBear-cult.Theyhavejustrescuedagenuineheroine-amartyrtothecause.Liselle'scleverenoughtousethattoworkherwayintotheirhighercouncils.""Howdidshegethereinthefirstplace?"Javelinshrugged."Sheputonamailshirt,andIslippedheronboardTrellheim'sship.Afterthefightingwasnearlyover,Ijustslippedherinwiththeotherprisoners.""Won'ttheotherswhowerejustrescuedsaythatshewasneverinthecity?"Garionasked."No,yourMajesty,Idon'tthinkso,"Javelinreplied."She'sgoingtosaythatshelivedinthenortheastquarterofJarviksholm.Theotherswecrucifiedallcamefromthesouthwestquarter.Jarviksholmisafairlygood-sizedtown.Nobodycouldreallysayforsurethatshewasn'tthereallalong.""Istillcan'tbelievethatyouwouldactuallydothattoher,"Silksaid."Ittookafairamountofconvincingandagreatdealoffasttalkingonherparttopersuademe,"Javelinadmitted.

Silkstaredathim."Oh,yes,"Javelinsaid."Hadn'tyouguessed?Thewholethingwasherideainthefirstplace."SuddenlyGarionheardahollowrushingsound,andamomentlaterCe'Nedra'svoicecametohimquiteclearly."Garion!"shecriedoutinanguish."Garion,comehomeimmediately!Someonehasstolenourbaby!"CHAPTERTWENTYPolgaralookedatGarioncriticallyastheystoodtogetherinahigh,openmeadowabovethestill-burningcityofJarviksholmwhilethepalelightofdawnwashedthestarsoutofthesky."Yourwingfeathersaretooshort,"shetoldhim.Garionmadethefeatherslonger."Muchbetter,"shesaid.Thenherlookbecameintense,andshealsoshimmeredintotheshapeofaspeckledfalcon,"I'veneverlikedthesehardfeathers,"shemurmured,clickingherhookedbeak.ThenshelookedatGarion,hergoldeneyesfierce."TrytoremembereverythingItoldyou,dear.Wewon'tgotoohighonyourfirstflight."Shespreadherwings,tookafewshortstepswithhertalonedfeet,andliftedherselfeffortlesslyintotheair.Gariontriedtoimitatewhatshehadjustdoneanddrovehimselfbeak-firstintotheturf.Sheswoopedbackin."Youhavetouseyourtail,too,Garion,"shesaid."Thewingsgivethepower,butthetailgivesdirection.Tryitagain."Thesecondattemptwasabitsmoother.Heactuallyflewforaboutfiftyyardsbeforehecrashedintoatree."Thatwasverynice,dear.Justtrytowatchwhereyou'regoing."

Garionshookhishead,tryingtocleartheringingfromhisearsandthespecklesoflightfrominfrontofhiseyes."Straightenyourfeathers,dear,andlet'stryitagain.""It'sgoingtotakemonthsformetolearnthis,AuntPol.Wouldn'titjustbefastertosailtoRivaontheSeabird?""No,dear,"shesaidfirmly."Youjustneedabitofpractice,that'sall."Histhirdattemptwassomewhatmoresuccessful.Hewasbeginningtogettheknackofcoordinatinghiswingsand,tail,buthestillfeltclumsyandheseemedtodoagreatdealofclawingineffectuallyattheair."Garion,don'tfightwithit.Letitliftyou."Theycircledthemeadowseveraltimesintheshadowlessluminosityofdawn.Garioncouldseethesmokerisingblackfromthecityandtheburned-outshipyardsintheharborashefollowedPolgarainasteadyupwardspiral.Ashisconfidenceincreased,hebegantofeelafierceexhilaration.Therushofcoolmorningairthroughhisfeatherswasintoxicating,andhefoundthathecouldlifthimselfhigherandhigheralmosteffortlessly.Bythetimethesunwasfullyup,theairwasnolongeranenemy,andhehadbeguntomasterthehundredsofminutemuscularadjustmentsnecessarytogetthegreatestpossibleefficiencyoutofhisfeathers.BelgarathswoopedintojointhemwithDurniknotfarbehind."How'shedoing?"thefierce-lookingfalconaskedPolgara."He'salmostready,father."Good.Lethimpracticeforanotherfifteenminutesorso,andthenwe'llgetstarted.There'sacolumnofwarmairrisingoffthatlakeoverthere.Thatalwaysmakesiteasier."Hetiltedononewingandveeredawayinalong,smootharc."Thisisreallyveryfine,Pol,"Durniksaid."Ishouldhavelearnedhowtodothisyearsago."

Whentheymovedintothecolumnofairrisingfromthesurfaceofthewarmwatersofthelake,Garionlearnedthesecretofeffortlessflight.Withhiswingsspreadandunmoving,helettheairlifthimupandup.Objectsonthefarbelowshrankasherosehigherandhigher.Jarviksholmnowlookedlikeatoyvillage,anditsharborwasthickwithminiatureships.Thehillsandforestswerebrightgreeninthemorningsunshine.Theseawasazure,andthesnowfieldsonthehigherpeaksweresointenselywhitethattheyalmosthurthiseyes."Howhighwouldyousayweare?"heheardDurnikaskBelgarath."Severalthousandfeet.""It'ssortoflikeswimming,isn'tit?Itdoesn'treallymatterhowdeepthewateris,becauseyou'reonlyusingthetopofitanyway.""Ineverreallythoughtofitthatway."BelgarathlookedoveratAuntPol."Thisshouldbehighenough",hesaidintheshrill,falcon'swhistle."Let'sgotoRiva."Thefourofthembeatsteadilysouthwest,leavingtheCherekcoastbehindandflyingoutovertheSeaoftheWinds.Foratime,afollowingbreezeaidedthem,butatthebreezedropped,andtheyhadtoworkforeverymile.Garion'sshouldersached,andtheunaccustomedeffortofflyingmadethemusclesinhischestburn.Grimly,heflewbelowhimhecouldseethemiles-longwavesontheSeaoftheWinds,lookingfromthisheightalmostlikeripplesthesurfaceintheafternoonsunlight.ThesunwaslowoverthewesternhorizonwhentherockycoastoftheIsleoftheWindscameintoview.TheyflewsouthwardalongtheeastcoastandspiraleddownatlasttowardtheupliftedtowersandbattlementsoftheCitadel,grimandgrayoverthecityofRiva.Asentry,leaningidlyonhisspearatopthehighestparapet,startledasthefourspeckledfalconsswoopedintoaroundhim,andhiseyesbulgedwithastonishmentastheyshimmeredintohumanform."Y-yourMajesty,"hestammeredtoGarion,awkwardlytryingtobowandholdontohisspearatthesametime."Whathappenedhere?"Gariondemanded.

"Someonehasabductedyourson,Sire,"thesentryreported."We'vesealedofftheisland,butwehaven'tcaughthimyet.""Let'sgodown,"Garionsaidtotheothers."IwanttotalktoCe'Nedra."Butthat,ofcourse,wasnearlyimpossible.AssoonasGarionenteredtheblue-carpetedroyalapartment,sheflewintohisarmsandcollapsedinastormofhystericalweeping.Hecouldfeelhertinybodytremblingviolentlyagainsthim,andherfingersdugintohisarmsassheclungtohim."Ce'Nedra,"hepleadedwithher,"you'vegottostop.Youhavetotelluswhathappened.""He'sgone,Garion,"shewailed."S-somebodycameintothen-nurseryandt-tookhim!"Shebegantocryagain.Ariana,Lelldorin'sblondMimbratewife,stoodnotfaraway,andthedark-hairedAdarastoodatthewindow,lookingonwithagrievedexpression."Whydon'tyouseewhatyoucando,Pol,"Belgarathsaidquietly."Trytogethercalmeddown.I'llneedtotalktoher-butprobablylater.Rightnow,IthinktherestofusshouldgotalktoKail."Polgarahadgravelyremovedhercloak,foldeditcarefully,andlaiditacrossthebackofachair."Allright,father,"shereplied.ShecameoverandgentlytookthesobbinglittlequeenoutofGarion'sarms."It'sallright,Ce'Nedra,"shesaidsoothingly."We'reherenow.We'lltakecareofeverything."Ce'Nedraclungtoher."Oh,LadyPolgara,"shecried."Haveyougivenheranything?"AuntPolaskedAriana."Nay,myLadyPolgara,"theblondgirlreplied."Ifearedthatinherdistraughtconditionthosepotionswhichmostusuallyhaveacalmingeffectmightdoherinjury.""Letmehavealookatyourmedicinekit."

"Atonce,LadyPolgara.""Comealong,"BelgarathsaidtoGarionandDurnik,asteelyglintcomingintohiseyes."Let'sgofindKailandseeifwecangettothebottomofthis."TheyfoundKailsittingwearilyatatableinhisfather'soffice.Spreadbeforehimwasalargemapoftheisland,andhewaspouringoveritintently."Ithappenedsometimeyesterdaymorning,Belgarion,"hesaidgravelyaftertheyhadexchangedthebriefestofgreetings."Itwasbeforedaybreak.QueenCe'Nedralookedinontheprinceafewhourspastmidnight,andeverythingwasfine.Acoupleofhourslater,hewasgone.""Whathaveyoudonesofar?"Belgarathaskedhim."Iorderedtheislandsealed,"Kailreplied,"andthenwesearchedtheCitadelfromoneendtotheother.Whoevertooktheprincewasnowhereinthefortress,butnoshiphasarrivedordepartedsinceIgavethatorder,andtheharbormasterreportsthatnobodysailedaftermidnightyesterday.SofarasIknow,theabductorhasnotlefttheIsleoftheWinds.""Good,"Garionsaid,asuddenhopewellingupinhim."Atthemoment,Ihavetroopssearchinghousebyhouseinthecity,andshipsarepatrollingeveryinchofthecoastline.Theislandiscompletelysealedoff.""Haveyousearchedtheforestsandmountains?"theoldmanasked."Wewanttofinishthesearchofthecityfirst,"Kailsaid."Thenwe'llsealthecityandmovethetroopsoutintothesurroundingcountryside."Belgarathnodded,staringatthemap."Wewanttomovecarefully,"hesaid."Let'snotbackthischildstealerintoacorner-atleastnotuntilwehavemygreat-grandsonsafelybackwherehebelongs."Kailnoddedhisagreement."Thesafetyoftheprinceisourprimaryconcern,"hesaid.

Polgaraquietlyenteredtheroom."Igavehersomethingthatwillmakehersleep,"shesaid,"andAriana'swatchingher.Idon'tthinkitwoulddoanygoodtotrytoquestionherjustyet,andsleepiswhatsheneedsrightnow.""You'reprobablyright,AuntPol,"Garionsaid,"butI'mnotgoingtosleep-notuntilIfindwhathappenedtomyson."Earlythefollowingmorning,theygatheredagaininKail'sorderlystudytoporeonceagainoverthemap.GarionwasabouttoaskKailaboutthesearchofthecity,buthestoppedashefeltasuddentugofthegreatswordstrappedacrosshisback.Absently,stillstaringattheyellowedparchmentmaponKail'sdesk,headjustedthestrap.Ittuggedathimagain,moreinsistentlythistime."Garion,"Durniksaidcuriously,"doestheOrbsometimesglowlikethatwhenyouaren'tactuallyholdingthesword?"GarionlookedoverhisshoulderattheflaringOrb."What'sitdoingthatfor?"heasked,baffled.Thenexttugnearlyjerkedhimoffhisfeet."Grandfather,"hesaid,abitalarmed.Belgarath'sexpressiongrewcareful."Garion,"hesaidinalevelvoice,"Iwantyoutotaketheswordoutofitsscabbard.IthinktheOrbistryingtotellyousomething."GarionreachedbackoverhisshoulderanddrewIrongrip'sgreatswordfromitssheathwithasteelyslither.Withoutevenstoppingtothinkhowirrationalitmightsound,hespokedirectlytotheglowingstoneonthepommel."I'mawfullybusyrightnow.Can'tthiswait?"Theanswerwasasteadypulltowardthedoor."Whatisitdoing?"Gariondemandedirritably."Let'sjustfollowit,"Belgarathtoldhim.Helplessly,Garionfollowedthepowerfulurgingthroughthedoorandoutinto

thetorchlitcorridor,withtheotherstrailingcuriouslyalongbehindhim.HecouldsensethepeculiarlycrystallineawarenessoftheOrbandfeelitsoverwhelminganger.NotsincethedreadfulnightinCtholMishrakwhenhehadfacedthemaimedGodofAngarakhadhefeltsomuchoutrageemanatingfromthatlivingstone.Theswordcontinuedtopullhimdownthecorridor,movingfasterandfasteruntilhewashalfrunningtokeepup."What'sittryingtodo,father?"Polgaraaskedinapuzzledtone."It'sneverdoneanythinglikethisbefore.""I'mnotsure,"theoldmanreplied."We'lljusthavetofollowitandfindout.Ithinkitmightbeimportant,though."Kailstoppedbrieflyinfrontofasentrypostedinthecorridor."Wouldyougogetmybrothers?"heaskedtheman."Havethemcometotheroyalapartment.""Yessir,"thesentryreplied,withaquicksalute.Garionstoppedatthedark,polisheddoortotheapartment,openedit,andwentinsidewiththeswordstillpullingathim.QueenLaylawasjustintheactofdrawingablanketovertheexhaustedAdara,wholayasleeponthecouch,andshelookedupwithastonishment."Whatonearth-?"shebegan."Hush,Layla,"Polgaratoldher."Something'shappeningthatwedon'tquiteunderstand."Garionsteeledhimselfandwentonintothebedroom.Ce'Nedralayinthebed,tossingandwhimperinginhersleep.AtherbedsidesatQueenIslenaandBarak'swifeMerel.Arianadozedinadeepchairnearthewindow.Hewasonlyabletogivetheladiesattendinghiswifethebriefestofglances,however,beforetheswordpulledhimonintothenursery,wherethesightoftheemptycradlewrenchedathisheart.Thegreatsworddippedoverthecradle,andtheOrbglowed.Thenthestoneflickeredwithapulsatinglightforamoment.

"IthinkI'mstartingtounderstand,"Belgarathsaid."Iwon'tabsolutelysweartothis,butIthinkitwantstofollowGeran'strail.""Canitdothat?"Durnikasked."Itcandoalmostanything,andit'stotallycommittedtotheRivanline.Letitgo,Garion.Let'sseewhereitleadsyou."Inthecorridoroutside,Kail'stwobrothers,VerdanandBrin,metthem.Verdan,theeldestofthethree,wasasburlyasanox,andBrin,theyoungest,onlyslightlylessso.Bothmenworemailshirtsandhelmetsandhadheavybroadswordsbeltedtotheirsides."WethinkthattheOrbmaybetryingtoleadustotheprince,"Kailexplainedterselytothem."Wemightneedyoutwowhenwefindhim."Brinflashedabroad,almostboyishgrin."We'llhavetheabductor'sheadonapolebeforenightfall,then,"hesaid."Let'snotbetoohastyaboutremovingheads,"Belgarathtoldhim."Iwanttheanswerstosomequestionsfirst.""OneofyoustayswithCe'Nedraatalltimes,"AuntPoltoldQueenLayla,whohadcuriouslytrailedalongbehindthem."She'llprobablywakeupsometimethisafternoon.LetArianasleepfornow.Ce'Nedramightneedherwhensheawakens.""Ofcourse,Polgara,"theplumpqueenofSendariareplied."Andyou,"AuntPolsaidfirmlytoErrand,whowasjustcomingdownthehall."IwantyoutostayintheroyalapartmentanddoexactlywhatLaylatellsyoutodo.""But-"hestartedtoprotest."Nobuts,Errand.Whatwehavetodomightbedangerous,andthat'ssomethingyouhaven'tquitelearnedtounderstandyet."

Hesighed."Allright,Polgara,"hesaiddisconsolately.WiththeOrbonthepommelofthemassiveswordpullinghimalong,Garionfollowedtheunseentrackofhisson'sabductoroutthroughoneofthesidegateswiththerestofthemcloseonhisheels."Itseemstowanttogotowardthemountains,"Garionsaid."Ithoughtthetrailwouldleaddownintothecity.""Don'tthink,Garion,"Polgaratoldhim."JustgowheretheOrbleadsyou."ThetrailedacrossthemeadowrisingsteeplybehindtheCitadelandthenintotheforestofdarkfirandsprucewhereGarionandCe'Nedrahadoftenstrolledontheirsummeroutings."Areyousureitknowswhatit'sdoing?"Garionaskedashepushedhiswaythroughatangledpatchofundergrowth."There'snopathhereatall.Idon'tthinkanyonewouldhavecomethisway.""It'sfollowingsomekindoftrail,Garion,"Belgarathassuredhim."Justkeepupwithit."Theystruggledthroughthethickunderbrushforanhourorso.OnceacoveyofgrouseexplodedfromunderGarion'sfeetwithaheart-stoppingthunderofwings."I'llhavetorememberthisplace,"BrinsaidtoKail."Thehuntingheremightbeverygood.""We'rehuntingothergameatthemoment.Keepyourmindonyourwork."Whentheyreachedtheupperedgeoftheforest,Garionstaredupatthesteep,rock-strewnmeadowrisingabovethetimberline."Isthereapassofanykindthroughthesemountains?"heasked."Offtotheleftofthatbigpeak,"Brinreplied,pointing."IuseitwhenIgooutto

huntwildstags,andtheshepherdstaketheirflocksthroughittothepasturesintheinteriorvalleys.""Alsotheshepherdesses,"Verdanaddeddrily."Sometimesthegamemybrotherchasesdoesn'thavehorns."Brinthrewaquick,nervousglanceatPolgara,andaslowblushmountedhischeeks."I'vealwaysbeenratherfondofshepherdesses,"Belgarathnotedblandly."Forthemostpart,they'regentle,understandinggirls-andfrequentlylonely,aren'tthey,Brin?""Thatwilldo,father,"AuntPolsaidprimly.Ittookthebetterpartofthedaytogooverthepassandthroughthegreenmeadowslyinginthehiddenvalleysamongthemountainsbeyond.Thesunhoveredjustabovethegleaming,almostmolten-lookingseaonthewesternsideoftheIslewhentheycrestedaboulder-coveredridgeandstarteddownthelong,rockyslopetowardthecliffsandthefrothysurfpoundingendlesslyagainstthewesterncoast."Couldashiphavelandedonthisside?"GarionaskedKailastheywentdownhill.Kailwaspuffingnoticeablyfromthestrenuoustrekacrosstheislandandhemoppedhisstreamingfacewithhissleeve."Thereareafewplaceswhereit'spossible,Belgarion-ifyouknowwhatyou'redoing.It'sdifficultanddangerous,butitispossible."Garion'sheartsank."Thenhecouldverywellhavegottenaway,"hesaid."Ihadshipsoutthere,Belgarion,"Kailsaidtohim,pointingatthesea."Isentthemoutassoonaswefoundoutthattheprincehadbeentaken.Abouttheonlywaysomeonecouldhavegottenallthewayacrosstheislandtothissideintimetosailawaybeforethoseshipsgotaroundherewouldbeifhecouldfly."

"We'vegothim,then,"theirrepressibleBrinexclaimed,looseninghisswordinitsscabbardandsearchingtheboulder-strewnslopeandthebrinkofthecliffswithahunter'strainedeye."Holditasecond,"Durniksaidsharply.Heliftedhisheadandsniffedattheonshorebreeze."There'ssomebodyupahead.""What?"Garionsaid,asuddenexcitementbuildingupinhim."Ijustcaughtadistinctwhiffofsomebodywhodoesn'tbatheregularly."Belgarath'sfacetookonanintenseexpression."Pol,"hesaid,"whydon'tyoutakeaquicklookdownthere?"Shenoddedtersely,andherforeheadfurrowedwithconcentration.Garionfeltandheardthewhisperedsurgeassheprobedtheempty-lookingterrainahead."Chereks,"shesaidafteramoment."Aboutadozenofthem.They'rehidingbehindthosebouldersattheedgeofthecliffs.They'rewatchingusandplanninganambush.""Chereks?"Brinexclaimed."WhywouldCherekswanttoattackus?""They'reBear-cultists,"shetoldhim,"andnobodyknowswhythosemadmendoanything.""Whatdowedo?"Brinaskedinahalfwhisper."Anambusheralwayshastheadvantage,"Verdanreplied,"unlessthepersonabouttobeambushedknowsthathe'sthere.Thenit'stheotherwayaround."Helookeddowntheslopegrimly,hisbighandonhisswordhilt."Thenwejustgodownthereandspringtheirtrap?"Brinaskedeagerly.KaillookedatBelgarath."Whatdoyouthink,AncientOne?Wehavetheadvantagenow.They'regoingtoexpectustobestartledwhentheyjumpoutatus,butwe'llbereadyforthem.Wecouldhavehalfofthemdownbeforetheyrealizetheirmistake."

Belgarathsquintedatthesettingsun."Normally,I'dsayno,"hesaid."Theselittleincidentalfightsaren'tusuallyveryproductive,butwe'relosingthelight."HeturnedtoAuntPol."IsGerananywhereinthevicinity?""No,"shereplied."There'snosignofhim."Belgarathscratchedathisbeard."IfweleavetheChereksthere,they'regoingtofollowus,andIdon'tthinkIwantthemcreepingalongbehind-particularlyonceitgetsdark."Hislinedoldfacetightenedintoawolfishgrin."Allright,let'sindulgeourselves.""Saveafewofthem,though,father,"Polgarasaid."IhavesomequestionsI'dlikeanswered.Andtrynottogetyourselveshurt,gentlemen.I'malittletiredforsurgerytoday.""Nosurgerytoday,LadyPolgara,"Brinpromisedblithely."Afewfunerals,perhaps,butnosurgery."Sheraisedhereyestowardthesky."Alorns,"shesighed.TheambushdidnotturnoutatallasthehiddenBear-cultistshadanticipated.ThefurcladCherekwholeapedatGarionwasmetinmidairbytheflamingswordoftheRivanKingandwasshearednearlyintwoatthewaistbythegreatblade.Hefelltothesuddenlyblood-drenchedgrass,writhingandsquealing.Kailcoollysplitachargingcultist'sheadwhilehisbrothersfellonthestartledattackersandsavagelybutmethodicallybegantohackthemtopieces.Onecultistleapedatopalargerock,drawingabowwithhisarrowpointeddirectlyatGarion,butBelgarathmadeashortgesturewithhislefthand,andthebowmanwassuddenlyhurledbackwardinalong,gracefularcthatcarriedhimoutovertheedgeofthenearbycliff.Hisarrowwentharmlesslyintotheairashefellshriekingtowardthefoamybreakersfivehundredfeetbelow."Remember,Ineedafewofthemalive!"Polgarasharplyremindedthem,asthecarnagethreatenedtogetcompletelyoutofhand.

Kailgrunted,thenneatlyparriedthethrustofadesperateCherek.HisbigleftfistswunginabroadarcandsmashedsolidlyintothesideoftheCherek'shead,sendinghimspinningtotheturf.Durnikwasusinghisfavoriteweapon,astoutcudgelperhapsthreefeetlong.Expertly,heslappedacultist'sswordoutofhishandandcrackedhimsharplyalongsidethehead.Theman'seyesglazed,andhetumbledlimplytotheground.Belgarathsurveyedthefight,selectedalikelycandidateandthenlevitatedhimaboutfiftyfeetintotheair.Thesuspendedmanwasatfirstapparentlyunawareofhisnewlocationandkeptslashingineffectuallyatthesurroundingemptiness.Thefightwassoonover.Thelastcrimsonraysofthesettingsunmingledwiththescarletbloodstainingthegrassneartheedgeofthecliff,andthegroundwaslitteredwithbrokenswordsandscrapsofbloodybearskin."Forsomereason,thatmakesmefeelbetter,"Gariondeclared,wipinghisswordonthefallenbodyofoneofthecultists.TheOrb,henoted,wasalsoblazingwithakindoffierysatisfaction.Polgarawascoollyinspectingacoupleofunconscioussurvivors."Thesetwowillsleepforawhile,"shenoted,rollingbackaneyelidtoexaminetheglazedeyeunderneath."Bringthatonedown,father,"shesaid,pointingatthemanBelgarathhadsuspendedinmidair,"Inonepiece,ifyoucanmanageit.I'dliketoquestionhim.""Ofcourse,Pol."Theoldman'seyesweresparkling,andhisgrinverynearlysplithisface."Father,"shesaid,"whenareyouevergoingtogrowup?""Why,Polgara,"hesaidmockingly,"whatathingtosay."Thefloatingcultisthadfinallyrealizedhissituationandhaddroppedhissword.Hestoodtremblingontheinsubstantialair,withhiseyesbulginginterrorandhislimbstwitchingviolently.WhenBelgarathgentlyloweredhimtotheground,heimmediatelycollapsedinaquiveringheap.

Theoldmanfirmlygraspedhimbythefrontofhisfurtunicandhauledhimroughlyintoahalf-standingposition."DoyouknowwhoIam?"hedemanded,thrustinghisfaceintothatofthecringingcaptive."You-I-""Doyou?"Belgarath'svoicecrackedlikeawhip."Yes,"themanchoked."Thenyouknowthatifyoutrytorunaway,I'lljusthangyoubackupintheairagainandleaveyouthere.YouknowthatIcandothat,don'tyou?""Yes.""Thatwon'tbenecessary,father,"Polgarasaidcoolly."Thismanisgoingtobeveryco-operative.""Iwillsaynothing,witch-woman,"thecaptivedeclared,thoughhiseyeswerestillabitwild."Ah,no,myfriend,"shetoldhimwithachillylittlesmile."Youwillsayeverything.You'lltalkforweeksifIneedyouto."Shegavehimahardstareandmadeasmallgestureinfrontofhisfacewithherlefthand."Lookclosely,friend,"shesaid."Enjoyeverysingledetail."ThebeardedBear-cultiststaredattheemptyairdirectlyinfrontofhisface,andtheblooddrainedfromhischeeks.Hiseyesstartedfromhisheadinhorror,andheshrieked,staggeringback.Grimly,shemadeasortofhookinggesturewithherstill-extendedhand,andhisretreatstoppedinstantly."Youcan'trunawayfromit,"shesaid,"andunlessyoutalk-rightnow-itwillstandinfrontofyourfaceuntilthedayyoudie.""Takeitaway!"hebeggedinaninsaneshriek."Please,I'lldoanything-anything!""Iwonderwhereshelearnedtodothat,"BelgarathmurmuredtoGarion."Icouldneverdoittoanybody-andI'vetried."

"He'lltellyouwhateverheknowsnow,Garion,"Polgarasaidthen."He'sawareofwhatwillhappenifhedoesn't.""Whathaveyoudonewithmyson?"Gariondemandedoftheterrifiedman.Theprisonerswallowedhard,andthenhestraighteneddefiantly."He'sfarbeyondyourreachnow,KingofRiva."TheragewelledupinGarionagain,and,withoutthinking,hereachedoverhisshoulderforhissword."Garion!"Polgarasaidsharply.Thecultistflinchedback,hisfacegoingpale."Yoursonisalive,"hesaidhastily.Thenasmuglookcrossedhisface."Butthenexttimeyoumeethim,hewillkillyou.""Whatareyoutalkingabout?""Ulfgarhasconsultedtheoracles.YouarenottheRivanKingwehaveawaitedforallthesecenturies.It'sthenextKingofRivawhowilluniteAloriaandleadusagainstthekingdomsofthesouth.Itisyourson,Belgarion,andhewillleadusbecausehewillberaisedtoshareourbeliefs.""Whereismyson?"Garionshoutedathim."Whereyouwillneverfindhim,"theprisonertaunted."Wewillraiseandnurturehiminthetruefaith,asbefitsanAlornmonarch.Andwhenheisgrown,hewillcomeandkillyouandtakehiscrownandhisswordandhisOrbfromyourusurpinghand."Theman'seyeswerebulging,hislimbsshookwithreligiousecstasy,andtherewasfoamonhislips."Youwilldiebyyourownson'shand,BelgarionofRiva,"heshrieked,"andKingGeranwillleadallAlornsagainsttheunbelieversofthesouth,asBelarcommanded.""We'renotgettingtoofarwiththislineofquestioning,"Belgarathsaid."Letmetryforawhile."Heturnedtothewild-eyedcaptive."Howmuchdoyouknow

aboutthisUlfgar?"heasked."UlfgaristheBear-lord,andhehasevenmorepowerthanyou,oldman.""Interestingnotion,"Belgarathmurmured."Haveyouevermetthismastersorcerer-orevenseenhim,forthatmatter?""Well-"thecaptivehedged."Ididn'tthinkso.HowdidyouknowhewantedyoutocomehereandabductBelgarion'sson,then?"Thecaptivebithislip."Answerme!""Hesentamessenger,"themanrepliedsullenly.AsuddenthoughtoccurredtoGarion."WasthisUlfgarofyoursbehindtheattempttokillmywife?"hedemanded."Wife!"Thecultistsneered."NoAlorntakesaTolnedranmongreltowife.You-Irongrip'sheir-shouldknowthatbetterthananyman.NaturallywetriedtokilltheTolnedranwench.ItwastheonlywaytoridAloriaoftheinfectionyoubroughthere.""You'restartingtoirritateme,friend,"Garionsaidbleakly."Don'tdothat.""Let'sgetbacktothismessenger,"Belgarathsaid."Yousaythatthebabyiswherewecan'treachhim,butyou'restillhere,aren'tyou?Coulditjustpossiblybethatitwasthemessengerwhowastheactualabductorandthatyouandyourfriendsaremerelyunderlings?"Thecultist'seyesgrewwild,andhelookedthiswayandthatlikeatrappedanimal.Hislimbsbegantotrembleviolently."Ithinkwe'reapproachingaquestionthatyoudon'twanttoanswer,friend,"

Belgarathsuggested.Itcamealmostlikeablow.Therewasawrenchingkindoffeelingtoit,almostasifsomeonewerereachinginsideaskulltotwistandcrushthebrainwithin.Thecaptiveshrieked,gaveBelgarathonewildlook,thenspun,tookthreequicksteps,andhurledhimselfofftheedgeofthecliffbehindhim."Questionmenow!"heshriekedasheplummeteddownintothetwilightthatwasrisingoutofthedark,angrywaterssurgingabouttherocksatthefootofthecliff.Then,evenashefell,Garionheardpealuponpealofinsanelaughterfadinghorriblyasthefanaticdroppedawayfromthem.AuntPolstartedquicklytowardtheedge,butBelgarathreachedoutandtookherarm."Lethimgo,Pol,"hesaid."Itwouldn'tbeakindnesstosavehimnow.Someoneputsomethinginhismindthatcrushedouthissanityassoonashewasaskedthatcertainquestion.""Whocouldpossiblydothat?"sheasked."Idon'tknow,butI'mcertainlygoingtofindout."Theshriekinglaughter,stillfading,continuedtoechouptowheretheystood.Andthenitendedabruptlyfarbelow.CHAPTERTWENTY-ONEAsuddensummerstormhadcomehowlinginofftheGreatWesternSeatwodaysafterthefightonthecliffsanditrakedtheislandwithshriekingwindsandsheetsofrainthatrattledagainstthewindowsofthecouncilchamberhighinthesouthtower.Thebone-thinJavelin,whohadarrivedwiththeothersaboardtheSeabirdthatmorning,slouchedinhischair,lookingoutattheragingstormandthoughtfullytappinghisfingerstogether."Wheredidthetrailfinallylead?"heasked."Rightdowntothewater'sedgeinasecludedcove,"Garionreplied.

"ThenIthinkwe'llhavetoassumethatthisabductormadeacleanescapewiththeprince.Thetimingmighthavebeenalittletight,butthemenaboardtheshipsthatwerepatrollingthecoastwouldhavebeenconcentratingontheshoreline,andashipthathadgottenwellouttoseabeforetheyarrivedcouldhaveescapedtheirnotice."Barakwaspilinganarmloadoflogsinthecavernousfireplace."Whywerethoseothersleftbehind,then?"heasked."Thatdoesn'tmakeanysenseatall.""We'retalkingaboutBear-cultists,Barak,"Silktoldhim."They'renotsupposedtomakesense.""There'sacertainlogictoit,though,"theEarlofSelinepointedout."Ifwhatthecultistsaidbeforehediedistrue,thisUlfgarhasdeclaredwaronBelgarion.Isn'titentirelypossiblethatthosemenwereleftbehindspecificallytowaylayhim?Onewayoranother,hewascertaintofollowthattrail.""There'sstillsomethingthatdoesn'tquiteringtrue."Javelinfrowned."Letmethinkaboutitforabit.""Wecansortouttheirmotiveslater,"Garionsaid."Theimportantthingrightnowistofindoutwherethey'vetakenmyson.""Rheon,mostlikely,"Anhegsaid."We'vedestroyedJarviksholm.Rheon'stheonlystrongpointthey'vegotleft.""That'snotentirelycertain,Anheg,"QueenPorenndisagreed."ThisschemetoabductPrinceGeranwasobviouslyplannedquitesometimeago,andyoudestroyedJarviksholmonlylastweek.It'sunlikelythattheabductorsevenknewaboutit.Idon'tthinkwecanruleoutthepossibilitythattheprincewastakentoCherek."Anhegroseandbeganpacingupanddown,adarkscowlonhisface."She'sgotapoint,"headmittedfinally."ThesechildstealerswereChereks,afterall.It'squitepossiblethattheytriedtotakehimtoJarviksholm,butwhentheyfoundthecitydestroyed,theyhadtogosomeplaceelse.Wecouldverywellfindthemholedupinafishingvillagesomewhereonthewestcoast."

"Whatdowedonow,then?"Garionaskedhelplessly."Wesplitup,"KingCho-Hagsaidquietly."Anhegturnsoutallhisforces,andtheysearcheveryvillageandfarminCherek.TherestofusgotoRheonanddealwiththosepeoplethere.""There'sonlyonedifficultywiththat,"Anhegsaid."Ababyisababy.HowdomymenrecognizeGarion'ssoniftheydorunacrosshim?""That'snorealproblem,Anheg,"Polgaratoldhimfromherchairbythefirewhereshesatsippingacupoftea."Showthemyourpalm,Garion."GarionhelduphisrighthandtoshowtheKingofCherekthesilverymarkthere."I'dalmostforgottenthat,"Anheggrunted."DoesPrinceGeranhavethesamemark?""AllheirstotheRivanThronehavethatmarkontheirpalms,"shereplied."It'sbeenthatwaysincethebirthofIrongrip'sfirstson.""Allright,"Anhegsaid."Mymenwillknowwhattolookfor,butwilltherestofyouhaveenoughmentotakeRheon?WiththeAlgarandDrasniancultiststhere,Ulfgar'sgotquiteanarmy."GeneralBrendigroseandwentovertoalargemaptackedupononeofthewalls."IfIleaveimmediatelyforSendar,Icanputtogetherasizeablearmyinafewdays.AforcedmarchcouldputusinDarinewithinaweek.""I'llhaveshipswaitingtheretoferryyouandyourmentoBoktor,then,"Anhegpromised."AndI'llgosouthandraisetheclans,"Hettarsaid."We'llridestraightnorthtoRheon."Garionwasalsopeeringatthemap."IfAnheg'sshipstakemeandmytroopstoBoktor,wecanjoinwiththeDrasnianpikementhereandmarchtowardRheonfromthewest,"hesaid."ThentheshipscangobacktoDarineandpickup

Brendig.""Thatwouldsavesometime,"Brendigagreed."WiththeRivansandDrasnians,you'regoingtohaveenoughtroopstoencircleRheon,"Silksaid."Youmightnothaveenoughmentotakethecity,butyouwillhaveenoughtokeepanybodyfromgoinginorout.ThenallyouhavetodoissitandwaitforBrendigandHettar.Oncetheyjoinyou,you'llhaveanoverwhelmingforce.""It'sasoundplan,Garion,"Baraksaidapprovingly.Mandorallenstoodup."AndwhenwearriveatthisfortifiedcityonthemoorsofeasternDrasnia,Iwillundertakewithsiegeenginesanddiverseothermeanstoweakenthewallssothatwemaymoreeasilygainaccesswhenwemakeourfinalassault,"henoted."Rheonwillfall,andwewillbringthismiscreantUlfgartoswiftandterriblejustice.""Nottooswift,Ihope,"Hettarmurmured."Iwasthinkingalongthelinesofsomethingmorelingering.""We'llhavetimetothinkaboutthatafterwecatchhim,"Baraksaid.Thedooropened,andCe'Nedra,paleandwan-lookingandaccompaniedbyQueenLaylaandtheotherladies,entered."Whyareyouallstillhere?"shedemanded."Whyaren'tyoutakingtheworldaparttofindmybaby?""That'shardlyfair,Ce'Nedra,"Garionchidedhergently."I'mnottryingtobefair.Iwantmybaby.""SodoI,butwe'renotgoingtoaccomplishmuchbydashingaroundincircles,arewe?""I'llraiseanarmymyself,ifIhaveto,"shedeclaredhotly."IdiditbeforeandIcancertainlydoitagain."

"Andjustwherewouldyoutakethem,dear?"Polgaraaskedher."Whereveritisthatthey'vegotmybaby.""Andwhereisthat?Ifyouknowsomethingthatwedon't,shouldn'tyoushareitwithus?"Ce'Nedrastaredatherhelplessly,hereyesfillingwithtears.Belgarathhadnotcontributedanythingtothediscussions,butratherhadsatbroodingoutatthestormfromadeep-cushionedchairbythewindow."I'vegotthefeelingthatI'mmissingsomething,"hemutteredasAdaraandNerinaledthedistraughtCe'Nedratoachairnearthecounciltable."Whatdidyousay,Belgarath?"Anhegasked,removinghisdentedcrownandtossingitonthetable."IsaidthatIthinkI'mmissingsomething,"theoldmanreplied."Anheg,justhowextensiveisyourlibrary?"TheCherekKingshrugged,scratchingathishead."Idon'tknowthatIcouldmatchtheuniversitylibraryatTolHoneth,"headmitted,"butI'vegatheredmostofthesignificantbooksintheworld.""Howdoesyourcollectionstackupintheareaofthemysteries?""Ofwhat?""Prophecies-notsomuchtheMrinCodexortheDarine-buttheothers:theGospelsoftheSeersatKell,theGrolimPropheciesofRakCthol,theOraclesofAshaba.""I'vegotthatone,"Anhegtoldhim."theAshabathing.Ipickeditupaboutadozenyearsago.""IthinkI'dbettergotoValAlornandhavealookatit."

"Thisishardlythetimeforsidetrips,Grandfather,"Garionobjected."Garion,weknowthatsomething'shappeningthatgoesbeyondaninsurrectionbyagroupofreligiousfanatics.ThatpassageyoufoundintheMrinCodexwasveryspecific.Itinstructedmetolookintothemysteries,andIthinkthatifIdon'tdoexactlythat,we'realllikelytoregretit."HeturnedtoAnheg."Where'syourcopyoftheAshabineOracles?""Inthelibrary-uponthetopshelf.Icouldn'tmakeanysenseoutofit,soIstuckitupthere.Ialwaysmeanttogetbacktoitoneday."Thenathoughtoccurredtohim."Oh,bytheway,there'sacopyoftheMalloreanGospelsinthemonasteryatMarTerrin."Belgarathblinked."That'soneoftheotherbooksyouwantedtosee,wasn'tit?TheonebytheSeersofKell?""Howcouldyoupossiblyknowwhat'sinthelibraryatMarTerrin?""Iheardaboutitafewyearsback.Ihavepeoplewhokeeptheireyesopenforrarebooks.Anyway,Imadethemonksanofferforit-quitegenerous,Ithought-butthenegotiationsfellthrough.""You'reapositivesinkofinformation,Anheg.Canyouthinkofanythingelse?""Ican'thelpyouwiththeGrolimPropheciesofRakCthol,I'mafraid.TheonlycopyIknowofwasinCtuchik'slibrary,andthatwasprobablyburiedwhenyoublewRakCtholoffitsmountaintop.Youcouldgodigforit,Isuppose.""Thanks,Anheg,"Belgarathsaiddrily."YouhavenoideahowmuchIappreciateyourhelp.""Ican'tbelievethatI'mhearingthis,"Ce'NedrasaidaccusinglytoBelgarath."Someonehasstolenmybaby-yourgreat-grandson-andinsteadoftryingtofindhim,you'replanningtogooffchasingobscuremanuscripts."

"I'mnotabandoningthechild,Ce'Nedra.I'mjustlookingforhiminadifferentplace,that'sall."Helookedatherwithagreatsympathyinhiseyes."You'restillveryyoung,"hesaid,"andallyoucanseeistheonerealitythatyourbabyhasbeentakenfromyou.Therearetwokindsofreality,however.Garionisgoingtofollowyourchildinthisreality.I'mgoingtofollowhimintheother.We'reallafterthesamethingandthiswaywecoverallthepossibilities."Shestaredathimforamoment,andthenshesuddenlycoveredherfacewithherhandsandbegantocry.Garionrose,wenttoher,andputherarmsaroundher."Ce'Nedra,"hesaidsoothingly,"Ce'Nedra,it'sgoingtobeAllright.""NothingwillbeAllright,"shesobbedbrokenly."I'msoafraidformybaby,Garion.Nothingwilleverbeallrightagain."Mandorallenrosetohisfeet,tearsstandinginhiseyes."AsIamthytrueknightandchampion,dearestCe'Nedra,IvowuponmylifethatthevillainUlfgarwillneverseeanothersummer.""Thatsortofgetstothepoint,"Hettarmurmured."Whydon'tweallgotoRheonandnailUlfgartoapostsomeplace-withverylongnails?"AnheglookedatCho-Hag."Yoursonhasaremarkablyfirmgraspoftherealitiesofthissituation,"heobserved."He'sthedelightofmytwilightyears,"Cho-Hagsaidproudly.TheargumentwithCe'Nedrabeganimmediatelyupontheirreturntotheroyalapartment.Gariontriedreasonfirst,thencommands.Finally,heresortedtothreats."Idon'tcarewhatyousay,Garion,IamgoingtoRheon."Youarenot!""Iamso!""I'llhaveyoulockedinthebedroom."

"Andassoonasyouleave,I'llordersomeonetounlockthedoor-orI'llchopitdown-andI'llbeonthenextboatoutoftheharbor.""Ce'Nedra,it'stoodangerous.""SowasThullMardu-andCtholMishrak-andIdidn'tflinchfromeitherone.I'mgoingtoRheon,Garion-eitherwithyouorbymyself.I'mgoingtogetmybabyback-evenifIhavetoteardownthecitywallswithmybarehands.""Ce'Nedra,please.""No!"sheexclaimed,stampingherfoot."I'mgoing,Garion,andnothingyoucansayordoisgoingtostopme!"Garionthrewhisarmsintheair."Women!"hesaidinadespairingtone.Thefleetleftatdawnthefollowingmorning,sailingoutoftheharborintoroughseasandthedirtyscudandwrackofthetail-endofthestorm.GarionstoodontheaftdeckoftheSeabirdbesideBarak,whosethickhandsfirmlygraspedthetiller."Ididn'tthinkIwasevergoingtohavetodothisagain,"hesaidmorosely."Oh,sailinginroughweatherisn'tallthatbad."Barakshruggedasthewindtossedhisredbeard."That'snotwhatImeant.IthoughtthatafterTorakdied,Icouldliveoutmylifeinpeace.""Yougotlucky,"Baraktoldhim."Areyoutryingtobefunny?""Allanybodyevergotoutofpeacewasafatbehindandcobwebsinhishead,"thebigmansaidsagely."Givemeanicefriendlylittlewaranytime."Whentheyweresomeleaguesatsea,adetachmentofshipsseparatedfromthe

fleettosaildueeasttowardSendar,bearingwiththemKingFulrach,GeneralBrendig,theEarlofSeline,andtheheavilysedatedQueenLayla."IhopeBrendiggetstoDarineontime,"Anhegsaid,standingattherail."I'mreallygoingtoneedthoseshipsduringthesearch.""Wheredoyouplantostart?"QueenPorennaskedhim."Thecult'slargelyconcentratedonthewestcoast,"hereplied."IfPrinceGeran'sabductorswenttoCherek,they'dmostlikelyheadforacultstronghold.I'llstartalongthecoastandworkmywayinland.""Thatseemslikesoundstrategy."sheagreed."Deployyourmenandsweepthearea.""Porenn,"hesaidwithapainedlook,"Iloveyoulikeasister,butpleasedon'tusemilitarytermswhenyoutalktome.Itsetsmyteethonedgetohearthatsortoflanguageinawoman'smouth."ThepassagethroughtheCherekBoredelayedthemfortwodays.AlthoughGreldikandafewotherhardysoulswerewilling-eveneager-toattempttheGreatMaelstromintheheavyseasthatweretheaftermathofthestorm,coolerandmoreprudentheadsprevailed."I'msuretheseawillquietdowninabit,"Barakshoutedacrosstohisfriend,"andRheonisn'tgoinganyplace.Let'snotloseanyshipsifwedon'thaveto.""Barak,"Greldikshoutedback,"you'returningintoanoldwoman.""AnhegsaidthesamethingjustbeforeJarviksholm,"Baraknoted."He'sawiseking.""Itisn'thisship."AftertheypassedtheBoreandenteredthecalmerwatersoftheGulfofCherek,KingAnhegtookasizeableportionofthefleetandsailednorthwardtowardVal

Alorn.BeforemakingthetransfertooneofAnheg'sships,Belgarathstoodondeck,talkingquietlywithGarionandPolgara."AssoonasIfinishatValAlorn,I'llgoondowntoMarTerrin,"hetoldthem."IfIdon'tgetbackbeforeyouarriveatRheon,becareful.Thecult'sprettyfanatic,andthiswarthey'vestartedisdirectedatyoupersonally,Garion.""I'llwatchoutforhim,father,"Polgaraassuredhim."Icanmoreorlesstakecareofmyself,AuntPol,"Gariontoldher."I'msureyoucan,dear."shereplied,"butoldhabitsdiehard.""HowoldamIgoingtohavetobebeforeyourealizethatI'mgrownup?""Whydon'tyoucheckbackwithmeinathousandyearsorso?"shesaid."Maybewecantalkaboutitthen."Hesmiled,thensighed."AuntPol,"hesaid,"Iloveyou.""Yes,dear,"shereplied,pattinghischeek,"Iknow,andIloveyou,too."AtKotu,theshipcarryingHettarandhiswifeandparentsturnedsouthtowardAldurford."I'llmeetyouatRheoninaboutthreeweeks,"thehawkfacedAlgarcalledacrosstotheSeabird."Savealittlebitofthefightingforme.""Onlyifyouhurry."Lelldorinshoutedbackblithely."I'mnotsurewhichareworse,"PolgaramurmuredtoCe'Nedra,"ArendsorAlorns.""Couldtheypossiblyberelated?"Ce'Nedraasked.AuntPollaughed,thenwrinkledhernoseasshelookedatthewharvesofKotu."Come,dear,"shesaid,"let'sgobelow.Harborsalwayshavethemostdistressingodorsaboutthem."ThefleetpassedKotuandfiledintothemouthoftheMrinRiver.Thecurrent

wassluggish,andthefenslaygreenandsoggyoneitherside.GarionstoodnearthebowoftheSeabird,idlywatchingthegray-greenreedsandscrubbybushesslidebyastheoarsmenpulledsteadilyupstream."Ah,thereyouare,Garion,"QueenPorennsaid,comingupbehindhim."Ithoughtwemighttalkforafewminutes.""Ofcourse."Hehadaratherspecialfeelingforthissmall,blondewoman,whosecourageanddevotionbespokeatonceanenormousaffectionandaniron-cladresolve."WhenwereachBoktor,IwanttoleaveKhevaatthepalace.Idon'tthinkhe'sgoingtolikeitverymuch,buthe'sjustalittleyoungforbattles.Ifhegetsstubbornaboutit,couldyouorderhimtostaybehind?""Me?""You'retheOverlordoftheWest,Garion,"sheremindedhim."I'monlyhismother.""OverlordoftheWestisanoverratedtitle,I'mafraid."Hetuggedabsentlyatoneear."IwonderifIcouldpossiblypersuadeCe'NedratostayinBoktoraswell,"hemused."Idoubtit,"shesaid."Khevamightacceptyouashissuperior,butCe'Nedralooksuponyouasherhusband.There'sadifference,youknow."Hemadeawryface."You'reprobablyright,"headmitted."It'sworthatry,though.HowfaruptheMrincanwegobyboat?""ThenorthforkrunsintoaseriesofshallowsabouttwentyleaguesaboveBoktor,"shereplied."Isupposewecouldportagearoundthem,butitwouldn'taccomplishverymuch.Tenleaguesfartherupstreamyoucometoanotherstretchofshallows,andthentherearetherapids.Wecouldspendagreatdealoftimepullingtheboatsoutofthewaterandthenputtingthembackinagain.""Thenitwouldbefasterjusttostartmarchingwhenwegettothefirst

shallows?"Shenodded."It'slikelytotakeseveraldaysformygeneralstoassembletheirtroopsandgettheirsuppliestogether,"sheadded."I'llinstructthemtofollowusasquicklyastheycan.Oncetheyjoinus,wecangoontoRheonandlaysiegeuntilBrendigandHettararrive.""Youknow,you'rereallyverygoodatthis,Porenn."Shesmiledsadly."Rhodarwasaverygoodteacher.""Youlovedhimverymuch,didn'tyou?"Shesighed."Morethanyoucanpossiblyimagine,Garion."TheyreachedBoktorthefollowingafternoon,andGarionaccompaniedQueenPorennandherslightlysullensontothepalace,withSilktaggingalongbehind.Assoonastheyarrived,PorennsentamessengertotheheadquartersoftheDrasnianmilitaryforces."Shallwetakesometeawhilewe'rewaiting,gentlemen?"thelittleblondequeenofferedasthethreeofthemsatcomfortablyinalarge,airychamberwithredvelvetdrapesatthewindows."Onlyifyoucan'tfindanythingstronger."Silkrepliedwithanimpudentgrin."Isn'titatrifleearlyinthedayforthat,PrinceKheldar?"sheaskedhimreprovingly."I'manAlorn,Auntiedear.It'snevertooearlyintheday.""Kheldar,pleasedon'tcallmethat.Itmakesmefeelpositivelyantique."Butyouare,Porenn-myaunt,Imean,notantique,ofcourse.""Areyoueverseriousaboutanything?"

"NotifIcanhelpit."Shesighedandthenlaughedawarmtinkleofalaugh.Perhapsaquarterofanhourlater,astockymanwitharedfaceandasomewhatgaudyorangeuniformwasshownintotheroom."YourMajestysentforme?"heasked,bowingrespectfully."Ah,GeneralHaldar,"shereplied."AreyouacquaintedwithhisMajesty,KingBelgarion?""Wemetbriefly,ma'am-atyourlatehusband'sfuneral."HebowedfloridlytoGarion."YourMajesty.""General.""Andofcourseyou'vemetPrinceKheldar.""Ofcourse,"thegeneralreplied."YourHighness.""General."Silklookedathimclosely"Isn'tthatanewdecoration,Haldar?"heasked.Thered-facedgeneraltouchedtheclusterofmedalsonhischestsomewhatdeprecatingly."That'swhatgeneralsdoinpeacetime,PrinceKheldar.Wegiveeachothermedals.""I'mafraidthatthepeacetimeisatanend,GeneralHaldar,"Porennsaidrathercrisply."You'veheardwhathappenedatJarviksholminCherek,Ipresume.""Yes,yourMajesty,"hereplied."Itwasawell-executedcampaign.""WearenowgoingtoproceedagainstRheon.TheBear-culthasabductedKingBelgarion'sson.""Abducted?"Haldar'sexpressionwasincredulous.

"I'mafraidso.Ithinkthetimehascometoeliminatethecultentirely.That'swhywe'removingonRheon.WehaveafleetintheharborloadedwithBelgarion'sRivans.Tomorrow,we'llsailuptotheshallowsanddisembark.We'llmarchoverlandtowardRheon.Iwantyoutomusterthearmyandfollowusasquicklyasyoupossiblycan."Haldarwasfrowningasifsomethinghehadheardhaddistractedhim."AreyousurethattheRivanPrincewasabducted,yourMajesty?"heasked."Hewasnotkilled?""No,"Garionansweredfirmly."Itwasclearlyanabduction."Haldarbegantopaceupanddownagitatedly."Thatdoesn'tmakeanysense,"hemuttered,almosttohimself."Doyouunderstandyourinstructions,General?"Porennaskedhim."What?Ohyes,yourMajesty.I'mtogatherthearmyandcatchupwithKingBelgarion'sRivansbeforetheyreachRheon.""Precisely.We'llbesiegethetownuntiltherestofourforcesarrive.We'llbejoinedatRheonbyAlgarsandelementsoftheSendarianarmy.""I'llstartatonce,yourMajesty,"heassuredher.Hisexpressionwasstillslightlyabstracted,andhisfrownwasworried."Isthereanythingwrong,General?"sheaskedhim."What?Oh,no,yourMajesty.I'llgotoheadquartersandissuethenecessaryordersimmediately""Thankyou,GeneralHaldar.Thatwillbeall.""Hecertainlyheardsomethinghedidn'tlike,"Silkobservedafterthegeneralhadleft."We'veallheardthingslatelythatwehaven'tliked,"Garionsaid.

"Itwasn'tquitethesame,though,"Silkmuttered."Excusemeforabit.IthinkI'mgoingtogoaskafewquestions."Herosefromhischairandquietlylefttheroom.Earlythenextmorning,thefleetweighedanchorandbegantomoveslowlyupstreamfromBoktor.Thoughthedayhaddawnedclearandsunny,bynoonaheavycloudcoverhadsweptinofftheGulfofCherektoturntheDrasniancountrysidegrayanddepressing."Ihopeitdoesn'train,"Barakgrowledfromhisplaceatthetiller."Ihatesloggingthroughmudonmywaytoafight."TheshallowsoftheMrinprovedtobeaverywidestretchofriverwherethewaterrippledovergravelbars."Haveyoueverconsidereddredgingthis?"GarionaskedtheQueenofDrasnia."No,"shereplied."AsamatterofpolicyIdon'twanttheMrinnavigablebeyondthispoint.I'drathernothaveTolnedranmerchantmenbypassingBoktor."ShesmiledsweetlyatCe'Nedra."I'mnottryingtobeoffensive,dear,"shesaid,"butyourcountrymenalwaysseemtowanttoavoidcustoms.Asthingsnowstand,IcontroltheNorthCaravanRouteandIneedthatcustomsrevenue.""Iunderstand,Porenn,"Ce'Nedraassuredher."I'ddoitthatwaymyself."Theybeachedthefleetonthenorthernbankoftheriver,andGarion'sforcesbegantodisembark."You'llleadtheshipsbackdown-riverandacrosstoDarine,then?"BaraksaidtothebeardedGreldik."Right,"Greldiksaid."I'llhaveBrendigandhisSendarsbackherewithinaweek.""Good.TellhimtofollowustoRheonasquicklyashecan.I'veneverbeenhappywiththeideaoflongsieges.""AreyougoingtosendSeabirdbackwithme?"

Barakscratchedathisbeardthoughtfully."No,"hesaidfinally."IthinkI'llleaveherhere.""Believeme,I'mnotgoingtogethersunk,Barak.""Iknow,butIjustfeelbetterabouttheideaofhavingherhereincaseIneedher.WillyoucometoRheonwithBrendig?There'sboundtobesomegoodfighting."Greldik'sfacegrewmournful."No,"hereplied."AnhegorderedmetocomebacktoValAlornwhenIfinishfreightingtheSendarshere.""Oh.That'stoobad."Greldikgruntedsourly."HavefunatRheon,"hesaid,"andtrynottogetyourselfkilled.""I'llmakeaspecialpointofit."Bythetimethetroopsandsupplieshadallbeenunloaded,itwaslateafternoon.Thecloudscontinuedtorollin,thoughtherewasasyetnorain."Ithinkwemayaswellsetupacamphere,"Garionsaidtotheothersastheyallstoodonthegentlyslopingriverbank."Wewouldn'tgettoofarbeforedarkanyway,andifwegetagoodnight'ssleep,wecanstartearlyinthemorning.""Thatmakessense,"Silkagreed."DidyoufindoutanythingaboutHaldar?"QueenPorennaskedtherat-facedlittleman."Iknowtherewassomethingabouthimthatwasbotheringyou.""Nothingreallyveryspecific."Silkshrugged."He'sbeendoingalotoftravelinglately,though.""He'sageneral,Kheldar,andmyChief-of-Staff.Generalsdohavetomakeinspectiontoursfromtimetotime,youknow."

"Butusuallynotalone,"Silkreplied."Whenhemakesthesetrips,hedoesn'teventakehisaidealong.""Ithinkyou'rejustbeingoverlysuspicious.""It'smynaturetobesuspicious,Auntiedear."Shestampedherfoot."Willyoustopcallingmethat?"Helookedathermildly."Doesitreallybotheryou,Porenn?"heasked."I'vetoldyouthatitbothersme.""MaybeIoughttotrytorememberthat,then.""You'reabsolutelyimpossible,doyouknowthat?""OfcourseIdo,Auntiedear."ForthenexttwodaystheRivanarmymarchedsteadilyeastwardacrossthedesolate,gray-greenmoors,awastelandofbarren,sparselyvegetatedhillsinterspersedwithrankpatchesofthornandbramblespringinguparounddarkpoolsofstagnantwater.Theskyremainedgrayandthreatening,buttherewasasyetnorain.Garionrodeattheheadofthecolumnwithableaklydeterminedlookonhisface,speakinginfrequentlyexcepttoissuecommands.Hisscoutsreportedatintervals,announcingthattherewasnosignofcultforcesaheadandwithequalcertaintythattherewasasyetnoevidencethattheDrasnianpikemenunderGeneralHaldarwerecomingupfromtherear.Whentheystoppedforahastymiddaymealonthatsecondday,Polgaraapproachedhimgravely.Herbluecloakseemedtowhisperthroughthetallgrassasshecame,andherfamiliarfragrancecametohimonthevagrantbreeze."Let'swalkabit,Garion,"shesaidquietly."There'ssomethingweneedtodiscuss."

"Allright."Hisreplywasshort,evencurt.Shedidsomethingthenthatshehadrarelydoneinthepastseveralyears.Withakindofsolemnaffection,shelinkedherarminhis,andtogethertheywalkedawayfromthearmyandtherestoftheirfriends,movingupagrassyknoll."You'vegrownverygriminthepastfewweeks,dear,"shesaidastheystoppedatthecrestoftheknoll."IthinkI'vegotreasonenough,AuntPol.""Iknowthatyou'vebeenhurtdeeplybyallofthis,Garion,andthatyou'refilledwithagreatrage;butdon'tletitturnyouintoasavage.""AuntPol,Ididn'tstartthis,"heremindedher."Theytriedtokillmywife.ThentheymurderedoneofmyclosestfriendsandtriedtostartawarbetweenmeandAnheg.Andnowthey'vestolenmyson.Don'tyouthinkthatalittlepunishmentmightbeinorder?""Perhaps,"shereplied,lookingdirectlyintohisface,"butyoumustnotallowyoursenseofoutragetorunawaywithyouandmakeyoudecidetostartwadinginblood.Youhavetremendouspower,Garion,andyoucouldveryeasilyuseittodounspeakablethingstoyourenemies.Ifyoudothat,thepowerwillturnyouintosomethingasvileasTorakwas.You'llbegintotakepleasureinthehorrorsyouinflict.Intime,thatpleasurewillcometoownyou."Hestaredather,startledbytheintensityinhervoiceandbythewaythesinglewhitelockatherbrowseemedtoblazeupsuddenly."It'saveryrealdanger,Garion.Inapeculiarway,you'reinmoreperilrightnowthanyouwerewhenyoufacedTorak.""I'mnotgoingtoletthemgetawaywithwhatthey'vedone,"hesaidstubbornly."I'mnotjustgoingtoletthemgo.""I'mnotsuggestingthat,dear.We'llbeatRheonsoon,andthere'llbefighting.You'reanAlorn,andI'msurethatyou'llbeveryenthusiasticaboutthefighting.I

wantyoutopromisemethatyouwon'tletthatenthusiasmandyoursenseofoutragepushyouoverthelineintowantonslaughter.""Notiftheysurrender,"herepliedstiffly."Andwhatthen?Whatwillyoudowithyourprisoners?"Hefrowned.Hehadn'treallyconsideredthat."Forthemostpart,theBear-cultiscomposedoftheignorantandthemisguided.They'resoobsessedwithasingleideathattheycan'tevencomprehendtheenormityofwhatthey'vedone.Willyoubutcherthemforstupidity?Stupidityisunfortunate,butithardlydeservesthatkindofpunishment.""WhataboutUlfgar?"hedemanded.Shesmiledableaklittlesmile."Nowthat,"shesaid,"isanothermatter."Alarge,blue-bandedhawkspiraleddownoutofthemurkysky."Arewehavingalittlefamilyget-together?"Beldinaskedharshly,evenasheshimmeredintohisownform."Wherehaveyoubeen,uncle?"AuntPolaskedhimquitecalmly."Ileftwordwiththetwinsforyoutocatchupwithus.""IjustgotbackfromMallorea,"hegrunted,scratchingathisstomach."Where'sBelgarath?""AtValAlorn,"shereplied,"andthenhe'sgoingontoMarTerrin.He'stryingtofollowthetrailthat'ssupposedtobehiddeninthemysteries.You'veheardaboutwhat'shappened?""Mostofit,Ithink.ThetwinsshowedmethepassagethatwashiddenintheMrinCodex,andIheardabouttheRivanWarderandBelgarion'sson.You'removingagainstRheon,right?""Naturally."sheanswered."That'sthesourceoftheinfection."

ThehunchbacklookedspeculativelyatGarion."I'msureyou'reanexperttactician,Belgarion,"hesaid,"butyourreasoningescapesmethistime."Garionlookedathimblankly."You'removingtoattackasuperiorforceinafortifiedcity,right?""Isupposeyoucouldputitthatway.""ThenwhyismorethanhalfyourarmycampedattheshallowsoftheMrin,twodaysbehindyou?Don'tyouthinkyoumightneedthem?""Whatareyoutalkingabout,uncle?"AuntPolaskedsharply."IthoughtIwasspeakingquiteplainly.TheDrasnianarmy'scampedattheshallows.Theydon'tshowsignsofplanningtomoveatanytimeinthenearfuture.They'reevenfortifyingtheirpositions.""That'simpossible."Heshrugged."Flybackandhavealookforyourself.""We'dbettergotelltheothers,Garion,"AuntPolsaidgravely."Somethinghasgoneterriblywrongsomewhere."CHAPTERTWENTY-TWO"Whatisthatmanthinkingof?"QueenPorennburstoutinasuddenuncharacteristicfury."Ispecificallyorderedhimtocatchupwithus."Silk'sfacewasbleak."IthinkweshouldhavecheckedtheinestimableGeneralHaldar'sfeetforthattelltalebrand."hesaid."You'renotserious!"Porennexclaimed.

"He'sdeliberatelydisobeyingyourorders,Porenn,andhe'sdoingitinsuchawayastoendangeryouandalltherestofus.""Believeme,I'llgettothebottomofthisassoonasIgetbacktoBoktor.""Unfortunately,we'renotgoinginthatdirectionjustnow.""ThenI'llgobacktotheshallowsalone,"shedeclared."Ifnecessary,I'llrelievehimofhiscommand.""No,"hesaidfirmly,"youwon't."Shestaredathimincredulously."Kheldar,doyourealizetowhomyou'respeaking?""Perfectly,Porenn,butit'stoodangerous.""It'smyduty.""No,"hecorrected."Actually,yourdutyistostayalivelongenoughtoraiseKhevatobeKingofDrasnia."Shebitherlip."That'sunfair,Kheldar.""Lifeishard,Porenn.""He'sright,yourMajesty,"Javelinsaid."GeneralHaldarhasalreadycommittedtreasonbydisobeyingyou.Idon'tthinkhe'dhesitatetoaddyourmurdertothatcrime.""We'regoingtoneedsomemen,"Barakrumbled,"Afewanyway.Otherwisewe'regoingtohavetostopandwaitforBrendig."Silkshookhishead."Haldar'scampedattheshallows.Ifwhatwesuspectistrue,hecankeepBrendigfromeverdisembarkinghistroops.""Well,"Ce'Nedrademandedangrily,"whatdowedonow?"

"Idon'tthinkwe'vegotmuchchoice,"Baraksaid."We'llhavetoturnaroundandgobacktotheshallowsandarrestHaldarfortreason.Thenweturnaroundandcomebackwiththepikemen.""Thatcouldtakealmostaweek,"sheprotested."Whatotheralternativesdowehave?Wehavetohavethosepikemen.""Ithinkyou'reoverlookingsomething,Barak,"Silksaid,"Haveyounoticedaslightchillintheairthelasttwodays?""Alittle-inthemornings.""We'reinnortheasternDrasnia.Wintercomesveryearlyuphere.""Winter?Butit'sonlyearlyautumn.""We'realongwaynorth,myfriend.Wecouldgetthefirstsnowfallatanytimenow."Barakstartedtoswear.SilkmotionedJavelinaside,andthetwoofthemspoketogetherbriefly."It'sallfallingapart,isn'tit,Garion?"Ce'Nedrasaid,herlowerliptrembling."We'llfixit,Ce'Nedra,"hesaid,takingherinhisarms."Buthow?""Ihaven'tquiteworkedthatoutyet.""We'revulnerable,Garion,"Baraksaidseriously."We'remarchingdirectlyintocultterritorywithavastlyinferiorforce.We'rewideopentoambush.""You'llneedsomebodytoscoutonahead,"Beldinsaid,lookingupfromthe

pieceofcoldmeathehadbeentearingwithhisteeth.Hestuffedtherestofthechunkinhismouthandwipedhisfingersonthefrontofhisfilthytunic."IcanbefairlyunobtrusiveifIwanttobe.""I'lltakecareofthat,uncle,"Polgaratoldhim."Hettar'scomingnorthwiththeAlgarclans.Couldyougotohimandtellhimwhat'shappened?Weneedhimasquicklyashecangethere."Hegaveheranappraisinglook,stillchewingonthechunkofmeat."Notabadidea,Pol,"headmitted."Ithoughtthatmarriedlifemighthavemadeyourwitssoft,butitlooksasifit'sonlyyourbehindthat'sgettingflabby.""Doyoumind,uncle?"sheaskedacidly."I'dbettergetstarted,"hesaid.Hecrouched,spreadhisarms,andshimmeredintotheformofahawk."I'llbeawayforafewdays,"Silksaid,comingbacktojointhem."Wemightbeabletosalvagethisyet."Thenheturnedonhisheelandwentdirectlytohishorse."Where'shegoing?"GarionaskedJavelin."Weneedmen,"Javelinreplied."He'sgoingaftersome.""Porenn,"Polgarasaid,tryingtolookbackdownoverhershoulder,"doesitseemtoyouthatI'vebeenputtingonafewextrapoundsinthepastmonths?"Porennsmiledgently."Ofcoursenot,Polgara,"shesaid."Hewasonlyteasingyou."Polgara,however,stillhadaslightlyworriedlookonherfaceassheremovedherbluecloak."I'llgoonahead,"shetoldGarion."Keepyourtroopsmoving,butdon'trun.Idon'twantyoutoblunderintosomethingbeforeIhaveachancetowarnyou."Thensheblurred,andthegreatsnowyowldriftedawayonsoft,noiselesswings.

Garionmovedhisforcescarefullyafterthat,deployingthemintothebestpossibledefensivepostureastheymarched.Hedoubledhisscoutsandrodepersonallytothetopofeveryhillalongthewaytosearchtheterrainahead.Thepaceoftheirmarchslowedtobenomorethanfiveleaguesaday;thoughthedelayfrettedhim,hefeltthathehadnorealchoiceinthematter.Polgarareturnedeachmorningtoreportthatnoapparentdangerslayaheadandthensheflewawayagainonnoiselesswings."Howdoesshemanagethat?"Ce'Nedraasked."Idon'tthinkshe'ssleepingatall.""Polcangoforweekswithoutsleep,"Durniktoldher."She'llbeallright-ifitdoesn'tgoonfortoolong.""Belgarion,"Errandsaidinhislightvoice,pullinghischestnutstallioninbesideGarion'smount,"youdidknowthatwe'rebeingwatched,didn'tyou?""What?""Therearemenwatchingus.""Where?""Severalplaces.They'reawfullywellhidden.Andthereareothermengallopingbackandforthbetweenthattownwe'regoingtoandthearmybackattheriver.""Idon'tlikethatverymuch,"Baraksaid."Itsoundsasifthey'retryingtoco-ordinatesomething."GarionlookedbackoverhisshoulderatQueenPorenn,whorodebesideCe'Nedra."WouldtheDrasnianarmyattackusifHaldarorderedthemto?"heasked."No,"shesaidquitefinally."Thetroopsareabsolutelyloyaltome.They'drefusethatkindoforder."

"Whatiftheythoughttheywererescuingyou?"Errandasked."Rescuing?""That'swhatUlfgarissuggesting,"theyoungmanreplied."Thegeneral'ssupposedtotellhistroopsthatourarmyhereisholdingyouprisoner.""Ithinktheywouldattackunderthosecircumstances,yourMajesty."Javelinsaid,"andifthecultandthearmycatchusbetweenthem,wecouldbeinverydeeptrouble.""Whatelsecangowrong?"Garionfumed."Atleastitisn'tsnowing,"Lelldorinsaid."Notyet,anyway."Thearmyseemedalmosttocrawlacrossthebarrenlandscapeasthecloudscontinuedtorollponderouslyoverhead.Theworldseemedlockedinachill,colorlessgray,andeachmorningthescumoficelyingonthestagnantpoolswasthicker."We'renevergoingtogetthereatthisrate,Garion,"Ce'Nedrasaidimpatientlyonegloomymiddayassherodebesidehim."Ifwegetambushed,wemightnotgetthereatall,Ce'Nedra,"hereplied."Idon'tlikethisanymorethanyoudo,butIdon'tthinkwe'vereallygotmuchchoice.""Iwantmybaby.""SodoI.""Well,dosomethingthen.""I'mopentosuggestions."

"Can'tyou-?"Shemadeavaguesortofgesturewithonehand.Heshookhishead."Youknowthattherearelimitstothatsortofthing,Ce'Nedra.""Whatgoodisitthen?"shedemandedbitterly,pullinghergrayRivancloakmoretightlyaboutheragainstthechill.Thegreatwhiteowlawaitedthemjustoverthenextrise.Shesatonabrokenlimbofadead-whitesnag,observingthemwithherunblinkinggoldeneyes."LadyPolgara,"Ce'Nedragreetedherwithaformalinclinationofherhead.Gravelythewhiteowlreturnedherastifflittlebow.Garionsuddenlylaughed.Theowlblurred,andtheairarounditwaveredbriefly.ThenPolgarawasthere,seatedsedatelyonthelimbwithheranklescrossed."What'ssoamusing,Garion?"sheaskedhim."I'veneverseenabirdbowbefore,"hereplied."Itjuststruckmeasfunny,that'sall.""Trynottoletitoverwhelmyou,dear,"shesaidprimly."Comeoverhereandhelpmedown.""Yes,AuntPol."Afterhehadhelpedhertotheground,shelookedathimsoberly."There'salargecultforcelyinginwaittwoleaguesaheadofyou,"shetoldhim."Howlarge?""Halfagainaslargeasyours.""We'dbettergotelltheothers,"hesaidgrimly,turninghishorse."Isthereanywaywecouldsliparoundthem?"DurnikaskedafterPolgarahad

toldthemallofthecultistslyinginambushahead."Idon'tthinkso,Durnik,"shereplied."Theyknowwe'rehere,andI'msurewe'rebeingwatched.""Wemustneedsattackthem,then,"Mandorallenasserted."Ourcauseisjust,andwemustinevitablyprevail.""That'saninterestingsuperstition,Mandorallen,"Baraktoldhim,"butI'dprefertohavethenumbersonmyside."ThebigmanturnedtoPolgara."Howaretheydeployed?WhatImeanis-""Iknowwhatthewordmeans,Barak."Shescrapedapatchofgroundbarewithherfootandpickedupastick."Thistrailwe'refollowingrunsthrougharavinethatcutsthroughthatlowrangeofhillsjustahead.Ataboutthedeepestpartoftheravine,thereareseveralgulliesrunningupthesides.Therearefourseparategroupsofcultists,eachonehidinginadifferentgully."Shesketchedouttheterrainaheadwithherstick."Theyobviouslyplantoletusmarchrightintothemiddleofthemandthenattackusfromallsidesatonce."Durnikwasfrowningashestudiedhersketch."Wecouldeasilydefeatanyoneofthosegroups,"hesuggested,rubbingthoughtfullyatonecheek."Allwereallyneedissomewaytokeeptheotherthreegroupsoutofthefight.""Thatsortofsumsitup,"Baraksaid,"butIdon'tthinkthey'llstayawayjustbecausetheyweren'tinvited.""No,"thesmithagreed,"sowe'llprobablyhavetoputupsomekindofbarriertopreventtheirjoiningin.""You'vethoughtofsomething,haven'tyou,Durnik?"QueenPorennobserved."Whatmannerofbarriercouldpossiblykeepthevillainsfromrushingtotheaidoftheircomrades?"Mandorallenasked.

Durnikshrugged."Firewouldprobablywork."Javelinshookhisheadandpointedatthelowgorsebushesinthefieldbesidethem."Everythinginthisareaisstillgreen,"hesaid."Idon'tthinkit'sgoingtoburnverywell."Durniksmiled."Itdoesn'thavetobearealfire.""Couldyoudothat,Polgara?"Barakasked,hiseyescomingalight.Sheconsidereditamoment."Notinthreeplacesatonce,"shereplied."Buttherearethreeofus,Pol,"thesmithremindedher."Youcouldblockonegroupwithanillusionoffire;Icouldtakethesecond;andGarionthethird.Wecouldpenallthreegroupsintheirseparategullies,andthen,afterwe'vefinishedwiththefirstgroup,wecouldmoveontothenext."Hefrownedslightly."TheonlyproblemwithitisthatI'mnotsureexactlyhowtogoaboutcreatingtheillusion.""It'snottoodifficult,dear"AuntPolassuredhim."Itshouldn'ttakelongforyouandGariontogettheknackofit.""Whatdoyouthink?"QueenPorennaskedJavelin."It'sdangerous,"hetoldher,"verydangerous.""Dowehaveanychoice?""NotthatIcanthinkofrightoffhand."That'sit,then,"Garionsaid."Iftherestofyouwilltellthetroopswhatwe'regoingtodo,DurnikandIcanstartlearninghowtobuildimaginarybonfires."ItwasperhapsanhourlaterwhentheRivantroopsmovedouttensely,eachmanwalkingthroughthegray-greengorsewithhishandclosetohisweapon.Thelowrangeofhillslaydarkaheadofthem,andtheweedytracktheyfollowedleddirectlyintotheboulder-strewnravinewheretheunseenBear-cultistswaitedin

ambush.Garionsteeledhimselfastheyenteredthatravine,drawinginhiswillandcarefullyrememberingeverythingAuntPolhadtaughthim.Theplanworkedsurprisinglywell.Asthefirstgroupofcultistsdashedfromtheconcealmentoftheirgullywiththeirweaponsaloftandshoutsoftriumphontheirlips,Garion,Durnik,andPolgarainstantlyblockedthemouthsoftheotherthreegullies.Thechargingcultmembersfaltered,theirtriumphchangingtochagrinastheygapedatthesuddenflamesthatpreventedtheircomradesfromjoiningthefray.Garion'sRivansmovedimmediatelytotakeadvantageofthatmomentaryhesitation.Stepbystepthefirstgroupofcultistswerepushedbackintothenarrowconfinesofthegullythathadconcealedthem.Garioncouldpayonlyscantattentiontotheprogressofthefight.HesatastridehishorsewithLelldorinathisside,concentratingentirelyuponprojectingtheimagesofflameandthesenseofheatandthecrackleoffireacrossthemouthofthegullyoppositetheonewherethefightwasinprogress.Dimlythroughtheleapingflames,hecouldseethemembersoftheculttryingtoshieldtheirfacesfromanintenseheatthatwasnotreallythere.Andthentheonethingthathadnotoccurredtoanyofthemhappened.Thetrappedcult-membersinGarion'sgullybegantothrowbucketsfullofwaterhastilydippedfromastagnantpondontheimaginaryflames.Therewas,ofcourse,nohissofsteamnoranyothervisibleeffectofthatattempttoquenchtheillusion.Afterseveralmomentsacultmember,cringingandwincing,steppedthroughthefire."Itisn'treal!"heshoutedbackoverhisshoulder."Thefireisn'treal!""Thisis,though,"Lelldorinmutteredgrimly,sinkinganarrowintotheman'schest.Thecultistthrewuphisarmsandtoppledoverbackwardintothefire-whichhadnoeffectonhislimpbody.That,ofcourse,gavethewholethingaway.FirstafewandthenascoreormorecultmembersrandirectlythroughGarion'sillusion.Lelldorin'shandsblurredasheshotarrowafterarrowintothemillingranksatthemouthofthegully."There'retoomanyofthem,Garion,"heshouted."Ican'tholdthem.We'llhavetofallback.""AuntPol!"Garionyelled."They'rebreakingthrough!"

"Pushthemback,"shecalledtohim."Useyourwill."Heconcentratedevenmoreandpushedasolidbarrierofhiswillatthemenemergingfromthegully.Atfirstitseemedthatitmightevenwork,buttheefforthewasexertingwasenormous,andhesoonbegantotire.Theedgesofhishastilyerectedbarrierbegantofrayandtatter,andthemenhewastryingsodesperatelytoholdbackbegantofindthoseweakspots.Dimly,evenashebentallofhisconcentrationonmaintainingthebarrier,heheardasullenrumble,almostlikedistantthunder."Garion!"Lelldorincried."Horsemen-hundredsofthem!"Indismay,Garionlookedquicklyuptheravineandsawasuddenhordeofriderscomingdownthesteepcutfromtheeast."AuntPol!"heshouted,evenashereachedbackoverhisshouldertodrawIrongrip'sgreatsword.Thewaveofriders,however,veeredsharplyjustastheyreachedhimandcrasheddirectlyintothefrontranksofthecultistswhowereonthevergeofbreakingthroughhisbarrier.Thisnewforcewascomposedoflean,leather-toughmeninblack,andtheireyeshadapeculiarangularitytothem."Nadraks!BytheGods,they'reNadraks!"GarionheardBarakshoutfromsomewhereacrosstheravine."Whataretheydoinghere?"Garionmuttered,halftohimself."Garion!"Lelldorinexclaimed."Thatmaninthemiddleoftheriders-isn'tthatPrinceKheldar?"Thenewtroopschargingintothefuriousmeleequicklyturnedthetideofbattle.Theychargeddirectlyintothefacesofthestartledcultistswhowereemergingfromthemouthsofthegullies,inflictingdreadfulcasualties.Oncehehadcommittedhishorsemen,SilkdroppedbacktojoinGarionandLelldorininthecenteroftheravine.

"Goodday,gentlemen,"hegreetedthemwithaplomb."IhopeIdidn'tkeepyouwaiting.""WheredidyougetalltheNadraks?"Gariondemanded,tremblingwithsuddenrelief."InGarogNadrak,ofcourse.""Whywouldtheywanttohelpus?""BecauseIpaidthem."Silkshrugged."Youowemeagreatdealofmoney,Garion.""Howdidyoufindsomanysofast?"Lelldorinasked."YarblekandIhaveafur-tradingstationjustacrosstheborder.Thetrapperswhobroughtintheirfurslastspringwerejustlyingaround,drinkingandgambling,soIhiredthem.""Yougotherejustintime,"Garionsaid."Inoticedthat.Thosefiresofyourswereanicetouch.""Upuntilthepointwheretheystartedthrowingwateronthem.That'swhenthingsstartedtogettense."Afewhundredofthetrappedcultistsmanagedtoescapethegeneraldestructionbyscramblingupthesteepsidesofthegulliesandfleeingoutontothebarrenmoors;butformostoftheirfellows,therewasnoescape.BarakrodeoutofthegullywheretheRivantroopsweremoppingupthefewsurvivorsoftheinitialcharge."Doyouwanttogivethemthechancetosurrender?"heaskedGarion.GarionrememberedtheconversationheandPolgarahadhadseveraldayspreviously."Isupposeweshould,"hesaidafteramoment'sthought.

"Youdon'thaveto,youknow,"Baraktoldhim."Underthecircumstances,noonewouldblameyouifyouwipedthemouttotheverylastman."No,"Garionsaid,"Idon'tthinkIreallywanttodothat.Telltheonesthatareleftthatwe'llsparetheirlivesiftheythrowdowntheirweapons."Barakshrugged."It'suptoyou.""Silk,youlyinglittlethief!"atallNadrakinafeltcoatandanoutrageousfurhatexclaimed.Hewasroughlysearchingthebodyofaslaincultist."Yousaidthattheyallhadmoneyonthemandthattheywereloadeddownwithgoldchainsandbracelets.Allthisonehasonhimisfleas.""PerhapsIexaggeratedjustatrifle,Yarblek,"Silksaidurbanelytohispartner."Ioughttogutyou,doyouknowthat?""Why,Yarblek,"Silkrepliedwithfeignedastonishment,"isthatanywaytotalktoyourbrother?""Brother!"theNadraksnorted,risingandplantingasolidkickinthesideofthebodythathadsosorelydisappointedhim."That'swhatweagreedwhenwewentintopartnership-thatweweregoingtotreateachotherlikebrothers.""Don'ttwistwordsonme,youlittleweasel.Besides,Istuckaknifeinmybrothertwentyyearsago-forlyingtome."Asthelastofthetrappedandoutnumberedcultiststhrewdowntheirarmsinsurrender,Polgara,Ce'Nedra,andErrandcamecautiouslyuptheravine,accompaniedbythefilthy,hunchbackedBeldin."YourAlgarreinforcementsarestillseveraldaysaway."theuglylittlesorcerertoldGarion."Itriedtohurrythemalong,butthey'reverytenderheartedwiththeirhorses.WheredidyougetalltheNadraks?"

"Silkhiredthem."Beldinnoddedapprovingly."Mercenariesalwaysmakethebestsoldiers,"hesaid.Thecoarse-facedYarblekhadbeenlookingatPolgara,hiseyesalightwithrecognition."You'restillashandsomeasever,girl,"hesaidtoher."Haveyouchangedyourmindaboutlettingmebuyyou?""No,Yarblek,"shereplied."Notyet,anyway.Youarrivedatanexcellenttime.""Onlybecausesomelyinglittlethieftoldmetherewasloottobehad."HeglaredatSilkandthennudgedthebodyhewasstandingoverwithhisfoot."Frankly,I'dmakemoremoneypluckingdeadchickens."BeldinlookedatGarion."Ifyouintendtoseeyoursonagainbeforehehasafullbeard,you'dbettergetmoving,"hesaid."I'vegottomakesomearrangementsabouttheprisoners,"Garionreplied."What'stoarrange?"Yarblekshrugged."Linethemupandchopofftheirheads.""Absolutelynot!""What'sthepointoffightingifyoucan'tbutchertheprisonerswhenit'sover?""Somedaywhenwehavesometime,I'llexplainittoyou,"Silktoldhim."Alorns!"Yarbleksighed,castinghiseyestowardthemurkysky."Yarblek,youmangysonofadog!"Itwasaraven-hairedwomaninleatherbreechesandatight-fittingleathervest.Therewasatonceavastangerandanoverwhelmingphysicalpresenceabouther."Ithoughtyousaidwecouldmakeaprofitbypickingoverthedead.Thesevermindon'thaveathingonthem."

"Weweremisled,Vella,"herepliedsomberly,givingSilkaflintylook."Itoldyounottotrustthatrat-facedlittlesneak.You'renotonlyugly,Yarblek,you'restupidaswell.".Garionhadbeenlookingcuriouslyattheangrywoman."Isn'tthatthegirlwhodancedinthetavernthattimeinGarogNadrak?"heaskedSilk,rememberingthegirl'soverwhelmingsensualitythathadstirredthebloodofeverymaninthatwaysidedrinkingestablishment.Thelittlemannodded."Shemarriedthattrapper-Tekk-buthecameoutsecondbestinanargumentwithabearafewyearsback,andhisbrothersoldhertoYarblek.""WorstmistakeIevermade,"Yarbleksaidmournfully."She'salmostasfastwithherknivesassheiswithhertongue."Hepulledbackonesleeveandshowedthemanangryredscar."AndallIwastryingtodowastobefriendly."Shelaughed."Ha!Youknowtherules,Yarblek.Ifyouwanttokeepyourgutsontheinside,youkeepyourhandstoyourself."Beldin'seyeshadapeculiarexpressioninthemashelookedather."Spiritedwench,isn'tshe?"hemurmuredtoYarblek."Iadmireawomanwithaquickwitandareadytongue."AwildhopesuddenlyflaredinYarblek'seyes."Doyoulikeher?"heaskedeagerly."I'llsellhertoyou,ifyouwant.""Haveyoulostyourmindentirely,Yarblek?"Vellademandedindignantly."Please,Vella,I'mtalkingbusiness.""Thisshabbyoldtrollcouldn'tbuyatankardofcheapale,muchlessme."SheturnedtoBeldin."Haveyouevengottwocoinstorubtogether,youjackass?"shedemanded.

"Nowyou'vegoneandspoiledthewholenegotiation,"Yarblekaccusedherplaintively.Beldin,however,gavethedark-hairedwomanawicked,lopsidedgrin."Youinterestme,girl,"hetoldher,"andnobody'sdonethatforlongerthanIcanremember.Trytoworkonyourthreatsandcursesabit,though.Therhythmisn'tquiteright."HeturnedtoPolgara."IthinkI'llgobackandseewhatthoseDrasnianpikemenareupto.SomehowIdon'tbelievethatwewantthemcreepingupbehindus."Thenhespreadhisarms,crouched,andbecameahawk.Vellastaredincredulouslyafterhimashesoaredaway."Howdidhedothat?"shegasped."He'sverytalented,"Silkreplied."Heisindeed."SheturnedonYarblekwithfireinhereyes."Whydidyouletmetalktohimlikethat?"shedemanded."Youknowhowimportantfirstimpressionsare.Nowhe'llnevermakeadecentofferforme.""Youcantellforyourselfthathedoesn'thaveanymoney.""Thereareotherthingsthanmoney,Yarblek."Yarblekshookhisheadandwalkedawaymutteringtohimself.Ce'Nedra'seyeswereashardasgreenagates."Garion,"shesaidinadeceptivelyquietvoice,"onedayverysoonwe'llwanttotalkaboutthesetavernsyoumentioned-anddancinggirls-andafewothermattersaswell.""Itwasalongtimeago,dear."hesaidquickly."Notnearlylongenough.""Doesanybodyhaveanythingtoeat?"Vellademanded,lookingaround."I'mashungryasabitchwolfwithtenpuppies."

"Icanprobablyfindsomethingforyou,"Polgarareplied.Vellalookedather,andhereyesslowlywidened."AreyouwhoIthinkyouare?"sheaskedinanawedvoice."ThatdependsonwhoyouthinkIam,dear.""Iunderstandthatyoudance,"Ce'Nedrasaidinachillyvoice.Vellashrugged."Allwomendance.I'mjustthebest,that'sall.""Youseemverysureofyourself,MistressVella.""Ijustrecognizefacts."VellalookedcuriouslyatCe'Nedra."My,you'reatinyone,aren'tyou?"sheasked."Areyoureallyfull-grown?""IamtheQueenofRiva,"Ce'Nedrareplied,drawingherselfuptoherfullheight."Goodforyou,girl,"Vellasaidwarmly,clappingherontheshoulder."Ialwaysenjoyseeingawomangetahead."Itwasmidmorningofagray,cloudydaywhenGarioncrestedahillandlookedacrossashallowvalleyattheimposingbulkofRheon.Thetownstoodatopasteephill,anditswallsrearedupsharplyoutoftherankgorsecoveringtheslopes."Well,"BaraksaidquietlyashejoinedGarion,"thereitis.""Ididn'trealizethewallswerequitesohigh,"Garionadmitted."They'vebeenworkingonthem,"Baraksaid,pointing."Youcanseethatnewstoneworkontheparapet."Flyingdefiantlyabovethecity,thescarletbanneroftheBear-cult,ablood-redflagwiththeblackoutlineofashamblingbearinthecenter,snappedinthechill

breeze.ForsomereasonthatflagraisedanalmostirrationalrageinGarion."Iwantthatthingdown,"hesaidfrombetweenclenchedteeth."That'swhywecame,"Baraktoldhim.Mandorallen,burnishedinhisarmor,joinedthem."Thisisn'tgoingtobeeasy,isit?"Garionsaidtothem."Itwon'tbesobad,"Barakreplied,"onceHettargetshere."Mandorallenhadbeenassessingthetown'sfortificationswithaprofessionaleye."Iforeseenoinsurmountabledifficulties,"hedeclaredconfidently."ImmediatelyuponthereturnoftheseveralhundredmenIdispatchedtoprocuretimbersfromtheforestlyingsomeleaguestothenorth,Ishallbegintheconstructionofsiegeengines.""Canyouactuallythrowarockbigenoughtohockaholeinwallsthatthick?"Garionaskeddubiously."'Tisnotthesinglestrokethatreducesthem,Garion,"theknightreplied."'Tistherepetitionofblowafterblow.Iwillringthetownwithenginesandrainstonesupontheirwalls.Idoubtnotthattherewillbeabreachortwo'eremyLordHettararrives.""Won'tthepeopleinsiderepairthemasfastasyoubreakthem?"Garionasked."Notifyou'vegotothercatapultsthrowingburningpitchatthem,"Baraktoldhim."It'sveryhardtoconcentrateonanythingwhenyou'reonfire."Garionwinced."Ihateusingfireonpeople,"hesaid,brieflyrememberingAsharaktheMurgo."It'stheonlyway,Garion,"Baraksaidsoberly."Otherwiseyou'regoingtolosealotofgoodmen."Garionsighed."Allright,"hesaid."Let'sgetstartedthen."

ReinforcedbyYarblek'strappers,theRivansdrewupinawidecirclearoundthefortifiedtown.Thoughtheircombinednumberswerenotyetsufficienttomountasuccessfulassaultonthosehigh,grimwalls,theywerenonethelessenoughtosealthetowneffectively.TheconstructionofMandorallen'ssiegeenginestookbutafewdays;oncetheywerecompletedandmovedintoposition,thesteadytwangoftightlytwistedropesuncoilingwithterrificforceandthesharpcrackofheavyrocksshatteringagainstthewallsofRheonwasalmostcontinual.Garionwatchedfromavantagepointatopanearbyhillasrockafterrockloftedhighintotheairtosmashdownonthoseseeminglyimpregnablewalls."It'sasadthingtowatch,"QueenPorennnotedasshejoinedhim.AstiffbreezetuggedatherblackgownandstirredherflaxenhairasshemoodilywatchedMandorallen'senginespoundrelentlesslyatthewalls."Rheonhasstoodhereforalmostthreethousandyears.It'sbeenlikearockguardingthefrontier.Itseemsverystrangetoattackoneofmyowncities-particularlywhenyouconsiderthefactthathalfofourforcesareNadraks,theverypeopleRheonwasbuilttoholdoffinthefirstplace.""Warsarealwaysalittleabsurd,Porenn,"Garionagreed."Morethanjustalittle.Oh,PolgaraaskedmetotellyouthatBeldinhascomeback.Hehassomethingtotellyou.""Allright.Shallwegobackdown,then?"HeofferedtheQueenofDrasniahisarm.Beldinwasloungingonthegrassnearthetents,gnawingtheshredsofmeatoffasoupboneandexchangingcasualinsultswithVella."You'vegotabitofaproblem,Belgarion,"hetoldGarion."ThoseDrasnianpikemenhavebrokencampandthey'remarchingthisway."Garionfrowned."HowfarawayisHettar?"heasked."Farenoughtoturnitintoarace,"thelittlehunchbackreplied."Iexpectthatthewholeoutcomeisgoingtodependonwhicharmygetsherefirst."

TheDrasnianswouldn'treallyattackus,wouldthey?"Ce'Nedraasked."It'shardtosay,"Porennreplied."IfHaldarhasconvincedthemthatGarionisholdingmeprisoner,theymight.Javelintookahorseandrodebacktoseeifhecouldfindoutexactlywhat'sgoingon."Garionbegantopaceupanddown,gnawingworriedlyononefingernail."Don'tbiteyournails,dear,"Polgaratoldhim."Yes,ma'am,"herepliedautomatically,stilllostinthought."IsHettarcomingasfastashecan?"heaskedBeldin."He'spushinghishorsesaboutashardastheycanbepushed.""Iftherewasonlysomewaytoslowdownthepikemen.""I'vegotacoupleofideas,"Beldinsaid.HelookedatPolgara."Whatdoyousaytoabitofflying,Pol?"heaskedher."Imightneedsomehelpwiththis.""Idon'twantyoutohurtthosemen,"QueenPorennsaidfirmly."They'remypeople-eveniftheyarebeingmisled.""IfwhatI'vegotinmindworks,nobody'sgoingtogethurt,"Beldinassuredher.Herosetohisfeetanddustedoffthebackofhisfilthytunic."I'veenjoyedchattingwithyou,girl,"hesaidtoVella.SheunleashedastringofexpletivesathimthatturnedCe'Nedra'sfacepale."You'regettingbetteratthat,"heapproved."Ithinkyou'restartingtogetthehangofit.Coming,Pol?"Vella'sexpressionwasindecipherableasshewatchedtheblue-bandedhawkandthesnowyowlspiralupward.CHAPTERTWENTY-THREE

Laterthatday,GarionrodeouttocontinuehisobservationsoftheongoingsiegeofthetownofRheonandhefoundBarak,Mandorallen,andDurnikinthemidstofadiscussion."Ithastodowiththewaywallsarebuilt,Mandorallen,"Durnikwastryingtoexplain."Acitywallisputtogethertowithstandexactlywhatyou'retryingtodotothatone."Mandorallenshrugged."Itbecomesatestthen,Goodman,atesttodiscoverwhichisthestronger-theirwallsormineengines.""That'sthekindoftestthatcouldtakemonths,"Durnikpointedout."But,ifinsteadofthrowingrocksattheoutsideofthewall,youlobbedthemallthewayovertohittheinsideofthewallonthefarside,you'dstandaprettyfairchanceoftopplingthemoutward."Mandorallenfrowned,mullingitoverinhismind."Hecouldberight,Mandorallen,"Baraksaid."Citywallsareusuallybuttressedfromtheinside.They'rebuilttokeeppeopleout,notin.Ifyoubangrocksagainsttheinsideofthewalls,youwon'thavethestrengthofthebuttressestocontendwith.Notonlythat-ifthewallsfalloutward,they'llprovideuswithnaturalrampsinthecity.Thatwaywewon'tneedscalingladders."Yarbleksaunteredovertojointhediscussion,hisfurcapatajauntyangle.AfterDurnikhadexplainedhisidea,therangy-lookingNadrak'seyesnarrowedthoughtfully."He'sgotapoint,Arend,"hesaidtoMandorallen."Andafteryou'vepoundedthewallsfromtheinsideforawhile,wecanthrowafewgrapplinghooksoverthetopsofthem.Ifthewallshavealreadybeenweakened,weshouldbeabletopullthemdown.""Imustadmitthefeasibilityofthesemostunorthodoxapproachestotheartofthesiege,"Mandorallensaid."Thoughtheybothdoflyinthefaceoflong-establishedtradition,theyshowpromiseofshorteningthetediousprocedureofreducingthewalls."HelookedcuriouslyatYarblek."Ihadnotpreviouslyconsideredthisnotionofusinggrapplinghooksso."headmitted.Yarbleklaughedcoarsely."That'sprobablybecauseyou'renotaNadrak.We'reanimpatientpeople,sowedon'tbuildverygoodwalls.I'vepulleddownsomeprettystout-lookinghousesinmytime-foronereasonoranother."

"Ithink,though,thatwedon'twanttoyankdownthewallstoosoon,"Barakcautioned."Thepeopleinsideoutnumberusjustnow,andwedon'twanttogivethemanyreasontocomeswarmingoutofthatplace-andifyoupullaman'swallsdown,itusuallymakeshimverygrouchy."ThesiegeofRheoncontinuedfortwomoredaysbeforeJavelinreturnedastrideanexhaustedhorse."Haldar'sputhisownpeopleinmostofthepositionsofauthorityinthearmy,"hereported,oncetheyhadallgatheredinthelarge,dun-coloredtentthatservedastheheadquartersofthebesiegingarmy."They'reallgoingaroundmakingspeechesaboutBelgariontakingQueenPorennprisoner.They'veabouthalfwaypersuadedthetroopsthatthey'recomingtoherrescue.""WasthereanysignofBrendigandtheSendarsyet?"Garionaskedhim."Ididn'tseethempersonally,butHaldarhashistroopsmovingataforcedmarch,andhe'sgotalotofscoutsoutbehindhim.IthinkhebelievesthatBrendig'srightonhisheels.Onthewayback,IranintoLadyPolgaraandthesorcererBeldin.Theyseemtobeplanningsomething,butIdidn'thavetimetogetanydetails."Heslumpedinhischairwithalookofexhaustiononhisface."You'retired,Khendon,"QueenPorennsaid."Whydon'tyougetafewhours'sleep,andwe'llgatherhereagainthisevening.""I'mallright,yourMajesty."hesaidquickly."Gotobed,Javelin,"shesaidfirmly."Yourcontributionstoourdiscussionswon'tbeverycoherentifyoukeepfallingasleepinyourchair.""Youmightaswelldoasshesays,Javelin,"Silkadvised."She'sgoingtomotheryouwhetheryoulikeitornot.""Thatwilldo,Silk,"Porennsaid."Butyouwill,Auntie.You'reknownfarandwideasthelittlemotherofDrasnia.""Isaid,thatwilldo."

Yes,mother.""Ithinkyou'rewalkingonverythinice,Silk,"Yarbleksaid."Ialwayswalkonthinice.Itgivesmylifeacertainzest."ThegloomydayswereslowlysettlingintoanevengloomiereveningasGarionandhisfriendsgatheredoncemoreinthelargetentnearthecenteroftheencampment.Yarblekhadbroughtanumberofrolled-uprugswithhimandseveralironbraziers,andthesecontributionstotheirheadquartersaddedcertaingarish,evenbarbaric,touchestotheinteriorofthetent."Where'sSilk?"Garionasked,lookingaroundastheyallseatedthemselvesaroundtheglowingbraziers."Ithinkhe'soutsnooping,"Barakreplied.Garionmadeaface."Iwishthatjustoncehe'dbewherehe'ssupposedtobe."Javelinlookedmuchmorealertafterhisfewhours'sleep.Hisexpression,however,wasgrave."We'restartingtorunoutoftime,"hetoldthem."We'vegotthreearmiesconvergingonthisplace.LordHettariscomingupfromthesouth,andGeneralBrendigiscominginfromthewest.Unfortunately,theDrasnianpikemenareverylikelytogetherefirst.""UnlessPolandBeldincanslowthemdown,"Durnikadded."IhaveeveryconfidenceinLadyPolgaraandMasterBeldin,"Javelinsaid,"butIthinkweshoulddecidewhatwe'regoingtodointheeventthattheyaren'tsuccessful.It'salwaysbesttopreparefortheworst.""Wiselyspoken,myLord,"Mandorallenmurmured."Now"theChiefofDrasnianIntelligencecontinued,"wedon'ttrulywanttofightthepikemen.Firstofall,theyaren'treallyourenemies;secondly,abattlewiththemisgoingtoweakenourforcestothepointthatasortieinforcefrom

thecitycouldconceivablydefeatus.""Whatareyouleadingupto,Javelin?"Porennaskedhim."Ithinkwe'regoingtohavetogetintothecity.""Wehaven'tgotenoughmen,"Baraksaidflatly."Anditwilltakeseveralmoredaystoreducethewalls,"Mandorallenadded.Javelinhelduponehand."Ifweconcentratethesiegeenginesononesectionofwall,weshouldbeabletobringitdownwithinoneday."hedeclared."Butthatjustannounceswhichquarterwe'llattackfrom,"Lelldorinprotested."Theforcesinthecitywillbeconcentratedtheretorepelus.""Notiftherestofthecity'sonfire,"Javelinreplied."Absolutelyoutofthequestion,"Garionsaidflatly."Mysoncouldbeinthattown,andI'mnotgoingtoriskhislifesettingthewholeplaceonfire.""Istillsaythatwehaven'tgotenoughmentotakethecity."Barakmaintained."Wedon'thavetotakethewholecity,myLordofTrellheim,"Javelinsaid."Allweneedtodoisgetourmeninside.Ifwetakeonequarterofthetownandfortifyit,wecanholdoffthecultfromtheinsideandHaldarfromtheoutside.ThenwesimplysittightandwaitforLordHettarandGeneralBrendig.""It'sgotsomepossibilities,"Yarbleksaid."Thewaythingsstandrightnow,we'recaughtinanutcracker.Ifthosepikemengetherefirst,aboutallyourfriendsaregoingtobeabletodowhentheyarriveistopickupthepieces.""Nofire,"Gariondeclaredadamantly."Idofearmethathoweverweproceed,wemaynotgainentryintothecity'erethewallsarebreached,"Mandorallenobserved.

"Thewallsaren'treallyanyproblem,"Durniksaidquietly."Nowallisanybetterthanitsfoundation.""Itisquiteimpossible,Goodman,"Mandorallentoldhim."Awall'sfoundationhaththeentireweightrestinguponit.Noengineintheworldcanmovesuchamass.""Iwasn'ttalkingaboutanengine,"Durniksaid."Whathaveyougotinmind,Durnik?"Garionaskedhim."It'snotreallygoingtobethathard,Garion,"Durniksaid."Ididabitoflookingaround.Thewall'saren'trestingonrock.They'rerestingonpackeddirt.Allwehavetodoissoftenthatdirtabit.There'splentyofundergroundwaterinthisregion.Ifweputourheadstogether,youandIoughttobeabletobringitupunderonesectionofwallwithoutanybodyinsidethecityknowingwhatwe'vedone.Oncethegroundissoftenough,afewdozenofYarblek'sgrapplinghooksoughttobeenoughtotoppleit.""Canitbedone,Garion?"Lelldorinaskeddoubtfully.Garionthoughtitthrough."It'spossible,"heconceded."It'sverypossible.""Andifwediditatnight,wecouldbeinpositiontorushintothecityjustassoonasthewallfalls,"Baraksaid."Wecouldgetinsidewithoutlosingasingleman.""It'sanovelsolution,"Silkobservedfromthedoorwayofthetent."Alittleunethical,perhaps,butnovelallthesame.""Wherehaveyoubeen,youlittlesneak?"Yarblekdemanded."InRheon,actually,"Silkreplied."Youwereinsidethecity?"Barakaskedinsurprise.Silkshrugged."Ofcourse.Ithoughitmightbeappropriatetogetafriendofours

outoftherebeforewetooktheplaceapart."Hesteppedasidewithamockinglittlebowtoadmitthehoney-blondeMargravineLiselle."Nowthatisasplendid-lookingyoungwoman,"Yarblekbreathedinadmiration.Lisellesmiledathim,thedimplesdancinginhercheeks."Howdidyougetinside?"Garionaskedtherat-facedlittleman."Youreallywouldn'twanttoknow,Garion,"Silktoldhim."There'salwaysawayinoroutofacity,ifyou'rereallyseriousaboutit.""Youtwodon'tsmelltoogood,"Yarbleknoted."Ithastodowiththeroutewetook,"Lisellereplied,wrinklinghernose."You'relookingwell,"Javelinsaidconversationallytohisniece,"allthingsconsidered.""Thankyou,uncle,"shereplied.ThensheturnedtoGarion."Aretherumorsgoingaboutthecitytrue,yourMajesty?"sheasked."Hasyoursonbeenabducted?"Garionnoddedgrimly."IthappenedjustafterwetookJarviksholm.That'swhywe'rehere.""ButPrinceGerandoesn'tseemtobeinRheon,"shetoldhim."Areyousure?"Ce'Nedrademanded."Ithinkso,yourMajesty.Thecultistsinsidethecityarebaffled.Theyseemtohavenoideawhotookyourson."Ulfgarmaybekeepingitsecret,"Javelinsaid."Onlyasmallgroupmayknow.""Perhaps,butitdoesn'tlookthatway.Iwasn'tabletogetcloseenoughtohimtomakesure,buthehasthelookofamanwhoseplanshavegoneallawry.Idon't

thinkheexpectedthisattackonRheon.Hisfortificationsarenotnearlyascompleteastheymightappearfromtheoutside.Thenorthwallinparticularisratherflimsy.Hisreinforcementofthewallsseemsadesperationmove.Hewasnotexpectingasiege.Ifhe'dbeenbehindtheabduction,hewouldhavebeenpreparedfortheattack-unlesshethoughtyoucouldnevertraceittohim.""Thisismostexcellentnews,myLady,"Mandorallenpraisedher."Sinceweknowoftheweaknessofthenorthfortifications,wecanconcentrateoureffortsthere.IfGoodmanDurnik'splanprovesworkable,aweakeningofthefoundationsofthenorthwallshouldbringitdownmostspeedily.""Whatcan'tyoutellusaboutUlfgar?"Barakaskedthegirl."Ionlysawhimbrieflyatadistance.Hespendsmostofhistimeinsidehishouse,andonlyhisclosestcohortsareallowednearhim.Hemadeaspeech,though,justbeforehesenthisforcestoattackyou.Hespeaksverypassionatelyandhehadthecrowdabsolutelyunderhiscontrol.Icantellyouonethingabouthim,though.He'snotanAlorn.""He'snot?"Baraklookeddumfounded."Hisfacedoesn'tgiveawayhisnationality,buthisspeechisnotthatofanAlorn.""Whywouldthecultacceptanoutsiderastheirleader?"Gariondemanded."Theyaren'tawareofthefactthatheisanoutsider.Hemispronouncesafewwords-justacouple,actually,andonlyatrainedearwouldcatchthem.IfI'dbeenabletogetclosertohim,Imighthavebeenabletosteerhimtowardthosewordsthatwouldhavebetrayedhisorigins.I'msorrythatIcan'tbeofmorehelp.""Howstrongishisgriponthecult?"Javelinasked."It'sabsolute,"shereplied."They'lldoanythinghetellsthemtodo.TheylookuponhimassomethingveryakintoaGod."

"We'regoingtohavetotakehimalive,"Garionsaidgrimly."Ihavetohavesomeanswers.""Thatmaybeextremelydifficult,yourMajesty,"shesaidgravely."It'swidelybelievedinRheonthathe'sasorcerer.Ididn'tactuallyseeanyevidenceofitmyself,butItalkedwithanumberofpeoplewhohave,oratleastwhoclaimedtheyhavedoneso.""Youhaveperformedagreatserviceforus,Margravine,"QueenPorennsaidgratefully."Itshallnotbeforgotten.""Thankyou,yourMajesty,"Lisellerepliedsimply,withaformallittlecurtsy.ThensheturnedbacktoGarion."WhatinformationIwasabletogleansaysquitestronglythatthecultforceswithinthewallsarenotnearlysoformidableaswewereledtobelieve.Theirnumbersareimpressive,buttheyincludeagreatmanyyoungboysandoldmen.Theyappeartobecountingratherdesperatelyonaforcethat'smarchingtowardthecityunderthecommandofahiddencult-member.""Haldar,"Baraksaid.Shenodded."Andthatbringsusrightbacktotheabsolutenecessityofgettinginsidethosewalls,"Javelintoldthem.HelookedatDurnik."Howlongdoyouestimatethatit'sgoingtotakeforthegroundunderthenorthwalltosoftenenoughtotopplethestructure?"Durniksatback,staringthoughtfullyattheceilingofthetent."Wewanttotakethembysurprise,"hesaid,"soIdon'tthinkwewantthewatertocomegushingout-notatfirst,anyway.Agradualseepagewouldbefarlessnoticeable.It'sgoingtotakeawhiletosaturatetheground.""Andwe'regoingtohavetobeverycareful,"Garionadded."IfthisUlfgarreallyisasorcerer,he'llhearusifwemaketoomuchnoise.""There'llbeplentyofnoisewhenthewallcomesdown,"Baraksaid."Whydon't

youjustblowitapartthewayyoudidthebackwallofJarviksholm?"Garionshookhishead."Thereareacoupleofmomentsafteryouunleashyourwillwhenyou'reabsolutelyvulnerabletoattackbyanybodywhohasthesamekindoftalent.I'dsortofliketobealiveandsanewhenIfindmyson.""Howlongwillittaketosoakthegroundunderthewall?"Javelinasked.Durnikscratchedathischeek."Tonight,"hereplied,"andalldaytomorrow.Bymidnighttomorrow,thewalloughttobesufficientlyundermined.Then,justbeforeweGarionandIcanspeeduptheflowofwaterandwashoutmostofthedirt.It'sgoingtobeverywetandsoftalready,andagoodstreamofwateroughttocutitrightoutfromunderthewall.Ifwelobstonesatitfromthefarsideandgetafewdozengrapplinghooksintoit,weshouldbeabletopullitdowninshortorder.""Youmightwanttopickupthepacewithyourengines,"YarbleksaidtoMandorallen."Givethemtimetogetusedtotheideaofrockscomingoutofthesky.Thatwaytheywon'tpayanyattentionwhenyoustartpoundingontheirwallstomorrownight.""Midnighttomorrow,then?"Baraksaid."Right,"Garionsaidfirmly.Javelinlookedathisniece."Doyouhavethelayoutofthenorthquarterofthecityfairlywellinmind?"heasked.Shenodded."Makeasketchforus.We'llneedtoknowwheretosetupourdefensesoncewegetinside.""RightafterIbathe,uncle.""Weneedthatsketch,Liselle."

"NotnearlyasbadlyasIneedabath.""Youtoo,Kheldar,"QueenPorennsaidfirmly.SilkgaveLiselleaspeculativelook."Nevermind,Kheldar,"shesaid."Icanwashmyownback,thankyou.""Let'sgofindsomewater,Durnik,"Garionsaid,gettingtohisfeet."Underground,Imean.""Right,"thesmithreplied.Therewasnomoon,ofcourse.Thecloudsthathadhoveredovertheareaforthepastweekandmoreobscuredthesky.ThenightairwaschillasGarionandDurnikmovedcarefullyacrosstheshallowvalleytowardthebesiegedcity"Coldnight,"Durnikmurmuredastheywalkedthroughtherankgorse."Mmm,"Garionagreed."Howdeepdoyouthinkthewatermightbelying?""Nottoodeep,"Durnikreplied."IaskedLisellehowdeepthewellsareinRheon.Shesaidthattheywereallfairlyshallow.Ithinkwe'llhitwateratabouttwenty-fivefeet.""Whatgaveyouthisidea,anyway?"Durnikchuckledsoftlyinthedarkness."WhenIwasmuchyounger,Iworkedforafarmerwhogavehimselfgreatairs.Hethoughtitmightimpresshisneighborsifhehadawellrightinsidehishouse.Weworkedatitallonewinterandfinallytappedintoanartesianflow.Threedayslater,hishousecollapsed.Hewasveryupsetaboutit.""Icanimagine."Durniklookedupattheloomingwalls."Idon'tknowthatweneedtogetanycloser,"hesaid."Itmightbehardtoconcentrateiftheyseeusandstartshooting

arrowsatus.Let'sworkaroundtothenorthside.""Right."Theymovedevenmorecarefullynow,tryingtoavoidmakinganysoundintherustlinggorse."Thisshoulddoit,"Durnikwhispered."Let'sseewhat'sdownthere."Garionlethisthoughtssinkquietlydownthroughthehard-packedearthunderthenorthwallofthecity.Thefirstfewfeetweredifficult,sincehekeptencounteringmolesandearthworms.Anangrychitteringtoldhimthathehadbrieflydisturbedabadger.Thenhehitalayerofrockandprobedhisthoughtalongitsflatsurface,lookingforfissures."Justtoyourleft,"Durnikmurmured."Isn'tthatacrack?"Garionfounditandwormedhiswaydownward.Thefissureseemedtogrowdamperanddamperthedeeperhewent."It'swet-downthere,"hewhispered,"butthecrack'ssonarrowthatthewater'sbarelyseepingup.""Let'swidenthecrack-butnottoomuch.Justenoughtoletatricklecomeup."GarionbenthiswillandfeltDurnik'swilljoinwithhis.Togethertheyshoulderedthecrackintherockabitwider.Thewaterlyingbeneaththerocklayergushedupward.Togethertheypulledbackandfeltthewaterbegintoerodethehard-packeddirtunderthewall,seepingandspreadinginthedarknessbeneaththesurface."Let'smoveon,"Durnikwhispered."Weoughttoopenupsixoreightplacesunderthewallinordertosoakthegroundthoroughly.Thentomorrownightwecanpushthecrackswideopen.""Won'tthatwashoutthiswholehillside?"Garionasked,alsowhispering."Probably."

"That'sgoingtomakeitalittlehardforourtroopswhentheyrushthisplace.""There'snotmuchquestionaboutthefactthatthey'regoingtogettheirfeetwet,"Durniksaid,"butthat'sbetterthantryingtoscaleawallwithsomebodypouringboilingoilonyourhead,wouldn'tyousay?""Much,muchbetter,"Garionagreed.Theymovedonthroughthechillnight.ThensomethingbrushedGarion'scheek.Atfirstheignoredit,butitcameagain-softandcoldanddamp.Hisheartsank."Durnik,"hewhispered,"it'sstartingtosnow.""Ithoughtthat'swhatitwas.Ithinkthisisgoingtoturnveryunpleasantonus."Thesnowcontinuedtofallthroughtheremainderofthenightandonintothenextmorning.Thoughtherewereoccasionalflurriesthatswirledaroundthebleakfortress,thesnowfallforthemostpartwasintermittent.Itwasawet,soddenkindofsnowthatturnedtoslushalmostassoonasittouchedtheground.Shortlybeforenoon,GarionandLelldorindonnedheavywoolcloaksandstoutbootsandwentoutofthesnow-cloggedencampmenttowardthenorthwallofRheon.Whentheywereperhapstwohundredpacesfromthebaseofthehilluponwhichthecityrested,theysaunteredalongwithagreatshowofcasualness,tryingtolooklikenothingmoredangerousthanapairofsoldiersonpatrol.AsGarionlookedatthefortresscity,hesawtheredandblackbear-flagoncemore,andonceagainthatbannerraisedanirrationalrageinhim."Areyousurethatyou'llbeabletorecognizeyourarrowsinthedark?"heaskedhisfriend."Therearealotofarrowsstickinginthegroundoutthere,youknow."Lelldorindrewhisbowandshotanarrowinalongarctowardthecity.Thefeatheredshaftrosehighintheairandthendroppedtosinkintothesnow-coveredturfaboutfiftypacesfromthebeginningoftheslope."Imadethearrowsmyself,Garion,"hesaid,takinganothershaftfromthequiverathisback."Believeme,Icanrecognizeoneofthemassoonasmyfingerstouchit."Heleanedbackandbenthisbowagain."Isthegroundgettingsoftunderthewall?"

Garionsentouthisthoughttowardtheslopeofthehillandfeltthechill,mustydampnessofthesoillyingunderthesnow."Slowly,"hereplied,"it'sstillprettyfirm,though.""It'salmostnoon,Garion,"Lelldorinsaidseriously,reachingforanotherarrow."IknowhowthoroughlyGoodmanDurnikthinksthingsthrough,butisthisreallyworking?""Ittakesawhile,"Gariontoldhim."Youhavetosoakthelowerlayersofearthfirst.Thenthewaterstartstoriseandsaturatethedirtdirectlyunderthewallitself.Ittakestime;butifthewaterstartedgushingoutofrabbitholes,thepeopleontopofthewallwouldknowthatsomething'swrong.""Thinkofhowtherabbitswouldfeel."Lelldoringrinnedandshotanotherarrow.TheymovedonasLelldorincontinuedtomarkthejumping-offlineofthecomingnight'sassaultwithdeceptivecasualness."Allright,"Garionsaid."Iknowthatyoucanrecognizeyourownarrows,buthowabouttherestofus?Onearrowfeelsjustlikeanothertome.""It'ssimple,"theyoungbowmanreplied."Ijustcreepup,findmyarrowsandstringthemalltogetherwithtwine.Whenyouhitthatstring,youstopandwaitforthewalltotopple.Thenyoucharge.We'vebeenmakingnightassaultsonMimbratehousesinAsturiaforcenturiesthisway."Throughouttheremainderofthatsnowyday,GarionandDurnikperiodicallycheckedthelevelofmoistureinthesoilofthenorthslopeofthesteepknolluponwhichthecityofRheonstood."It'sgettingveryclosetothesaturationpoint,Garion,"Durnikreportedasduskbegantofall."Thereareafewplacesonthelowerslopewherethewater'sstartingtoseepthroughthesnow.""It'sagoodthingit'sgettingdark,"Garionsaid,shiftingtheweightofhismailshirtnervously.Armorofanykindalwaysmadehimuncomfortable,andtheprospectoftheupcomingassaultonthecityfilledhimwithapeculiaremotion,partanxiety,andpartanticipation.

Durnik,hisoldestfriend,lookedathimwithanunderstandingthatpiercedanypossibleconcealment.Hegrinnedabitwryly."WhatareapairofsensibleSendarianfarmboysdoingfightingawarinthesnowineasternDrasnia?"heasked."Winning-Ihope.""We'llwin,Garion,"Durnikassuredhim,layinganaffectionatehandontheyoungerman'sshoulder."Sendarsalwayswin-eventually."Aboutanhourbeforemidnight,Mandorallenbegantomovehissiegeengines,leavingonlyenoughofthemontheeasternandwesternsidestocontinuetheintermittentbarragethatwastomasktheirrealpurpose.Asthehourworeon,Garion,Lelldorin,Durnik,andSilkcreptforwardatahalfcrouchtowardtheinvisiblelineofarrowsstickingupoutofthesnow."Here'sone,"Durnikwhisperedashisoutstretchedhandsencounteredtheshaftofanarrow."Here,"Lelldorinmurmured,"letmefeelit."Hejoinedthesmith,thebothofthemontheirkneesintheslush."Yes,it'soneofmine,Garion,"hesaidveryquietly."Theyshouldbeabouttenpacesapart."Silkmovedquicklytowherethetwoofthemcrouchedoverthearrow."Showmehowyourecognizethem,"hebreathed."It'sinthefletching,"Lelldorinreplied."Ialwaysusetwistedguttoattachthefeathers."Silkfeltthefeatheredendofthearrow."Allright,"hesaid."Icanpickthemoutnow.""Areyousure?"Lelldorinasked."Ifmyfingertipscanfindthespotsonapairofdice,theycancertainlytellthedifferencebetweengutandlinentwine,"Silkreplied.

"Allright.We'llstarthere."Lelldorinattachedoneendofaballoftwinetothearrow."I'llgothisway,andyougothat.""Right."Silktiedtheendofhisballofstringtothesameshaft.HeturnedtoGarionandDurnik."Don'toverdoitwiththewater,youtwo,"hesaid."Idon'tparticularlywanttogetburiedinamudslideouthere."Thenhemovedoff,crouchedlowandgropingforthenextarrow.LelldorintouchedGarion'sshoulderbriefly,thendisappearedintheoppositedirection."Theground'scompletelysoakednow,"Durnikmurmured."Ifweopenthosefissuresaboutafootwide,it'sgoingtoflushmostofthesupportoutfromunderthewall.""Good."Again,theysenttheirprobingthoughtsoutthroughthesoddenearthofthehillside,locatedthelayerofrock,andthensweptbackandforthalongitsirregularuppersideuntiltheylocatedthefirstfissure.Garionfeltapeculiarsensationashebegantowormhisthoughtdownthatnarrowcrackwherethewatercamewellingupfromfarbelow,almostasifhewereextendingsomeincrediblylongthoughinvisiblearmwithslender,supplefingersatitsendtoreachdownintothefissure."Haveyougotit?"hewhisperedtoDurnik."Ithinkso.""Let'spullitapartthen,"Garionsaid,bracinghiswill.Slowly,withaneffortthatmadethebeadsofsweatstandoutontheirforeheads,thetwoofthemforcedthefissureopen.Asharp,muffledcrackreverberatedupfrombeneaththesoddenslopeofthehillsideastherockbrokeundertheforceoftheircombinedwills."Who'sthere?"avoicedemandedfromatopthecitywall."Isitopenwideenough?"Garionwhispered,ignoringthatalarmedchallenge."Thewater'scomingupmuchfaster,"Durnikrepliedafteramoment'sprobing.

"There'salotofpressureunderthatlayerofrock.Let'smoveontothenextplace."Aheavytwangcamefromsomewherebehindthem,andapeculiarslitheringwhistlepassedoverheadasthelinefromoneofYarblek'scatapult-launchedgrapplinghooksarchedupandoverthenorthwall.Thehookmadeasteelyclinkasitslappedagainsttheinsideofthewall,andthentherewasagratingsoundasthepointsdugin.Crouchedlow,GarionandDurnikmovedcarefullyontotheirleft,tryingtominimizethesoggysquelchingsoundtheirfeetmadeintheslushandprobingbeneaththeearthforthenextfissure.WhenLelldorincamebacktorejointhem,theyhadalreadyopenedtwomoreofthosehiddencrackslyingbeneaththesaturatedslope;behindandabovethem,therewasagurglingsoundasthesoupymudoozedoutofthehillsidetocascadeinabrownflooddownthesnowyslope."Igotallthewaytotheendofthelineofarrows,"Lelldorinreported."Thestring'sinplaceonthisside.""Good,"Garionsaid,pantingslightlyfromhisexertions."GobackandtellBaraktostartmovingthetroopsintoplace.""Right."Lelldorinturnedandwentoffintotheswirlofasuddensnowflurry."We'llhavetobecarefulwiththisone,"Durnikmurmured,searchingalongunderthesoil."Therearealotoffracturesintherockhere.Ifwepullittoofarapart,we'llbreakupthewholelayerandturnlooseariver."Gariongruntedhisagreementashesenttheprobingfingersofhiswillouttowardthefissure.Whentheyreachedthelastoftheirsubterraneanwellsprings,Silkcameoutofthedarkbehindthem,hisnimblefeetmakingnosoundashemovedthroughtheslush."Whatkeptyou?"Durnikwhisperedtothelittleman."Youonlyhadaboutahundredyardstogo.""Iwascheckingtheslope,"Silkreplied."Thewholeisstartingtooozethrough

thesnowlikecoldgravy.ThenIwentupandpushedmyfootagainstoneofthestonesofthewall.Itwobbledlikealoosetooth.""Well,"Durniksaidinatoneofself-satisfaction,"itworkedafterall."Therewasapauseinthesnowydarkness."Youmeanyouweren'tactuallysure?"Silkaskedinastrangledvoice."Thetheorywassound,"thesmithansweredinanoffhandsortofway."Butyoucanneverbeactuallypositiveaboutatheoryuntilyoutryit.""Durnik,I'mgettingtoooldforthis."Anothergrapplinghooksailedoverhead."We'vegotonemoretoopen,"Garionmurmured."Barak'smovingthetroopsintoplace.DoyouwanttogobackandtellYarblektosendupthesignaltoMandorallen?""Mypleasure,"Silkreplied."Iwanttogetoutofherebeforewe'reallhip-deepinmudanyway."Heturnedandwentoffintothedark.Perhapstenminuteslater,whenthelastfissurehadbeenopenedandtheentirenorthslopeofthehillhadturnedintoaslitheringmassofoozingmudandfreelyrunningwater,anorangeballofblazingpitcharchedhighintheairoverthecity.Inresponsetothatprearrangedsignal,Mandorallen'senginesemplacedtothesouthbeganacontinuousbarrage,loftingtheirheavystoneshighovertherooftopsofRheontoslamagainsttheinsideofthenorthwall.Atthesametime,thelinesonYarblek'sgrapplinghookstautenedastheNadrakmercenariesbegantomovetheirteamsofhorsesawayfromthewall.Therewasanominouscreakingandgrindingalongthetopofthehillastheweakenedwallbegantosway."Howmuchlongerdoyouthinkit'sgoingtostand?"BarakaskedashecameoutofthedarknesswithLelldorinathissidetojointhem."Notvery."Durnikreplied."Theground'sstartingtogivewayunderit."Thegroaningcreakabovethemgrewlouder,punctuatedbythecontinualsharp

crashesalongtheinsideasMandorallen'scatapultssteppedupthepaceoftheirdeadlyrain.Then,withasoundlikeanavalanche,asectionofthewallcollapsedwithapeculiarlysinuousmotionastheupperportiontoppledoutwardandthelowersankintothesoddenearth.Therewasagreat,splashingrumbleastheheavycascadedintotheslushandmudofthehillside."Amanshouldnevertrytoputupstoneworkrestingonlyondirt,"Durnikobservedcritically."Underthecircumstances,I'mgladtheydid,"Baraktoldhim."Well,yes,"Durnikadmitted,"buttherearerightwaystodothings."ThebigCherekchuckled."Durnik,you'reanabsolutetreasure,doyouknowthat?"Anothersectionofthewalltoppledoutwardtosplashontotheslope.Shoutsofalarmandtheclangingofbellsbegantoechothroughthestreetsofthefortifiedtown."Youwantmetomovethemenout?"BarakaskedGarion,hisvoicetensewithexcitement."Let'swaituntilthewholewallcomesdown,"Garionreplied."Idon'twantthemchargingupthehillwithallthosebuildingstonesfallingontopofthem.""Thereitgoes."Lelldorinlaughedgleefully,pointingtowardthelast,topplingsectionofthewall."Startthemen,"Garionsaidtersely,reachingoverhisshoulderforthegreatswordstrappedtohisback.Barakdrewinadeepbreath."Charge!"heroaredinavastvoice.Withaconcertedshout,theRivansandtheirNadrakalliesplungedupthroughtheslushandmudandbeganclamberingoverthefallenruinsofthenorthwallandonintothecity,"Let'sgo!"Barakshouted."We'llmissallthefightingifwe

don'thurry!"CHAPTERTWENTY-FOURThefightwasshortandinmanycasesveryugly.EachelementofGarion'sarmyhadbeenthoroughlybriefedbyJavelinandhisniece,andtheyhadallbeengivenspecificassignments.Unerringly,theymovedthroughthesnowy,firelitstreetstooccupydesignatedhouses.Otherelements,anglinginfromtheedgesofthebreachinthenorthwall,circledthedefensiveperimeterJavelinhaddrawnonLiselle'smaptopulldownthehousesandfillthestreetswithobstructingrubble.Thefirstcounterattackcamejustbeforedawn.HowlingBear-cultistscladinshaggyfursswarmedoutofthenarrowstreetsbeyondtheperimetertoswarmupovertherubbleofthecollapsedhouses,onlytorundirectlyintoawitheringrainofarrowsfromtherooftopsandupperwindows.Afterdreadfullosses,theyfellback.Asdawnbrokepaleandgrayalongthesnowyeasternhorizon,thelastfewpocketsofresistanceinsidetheperimetercrumbled,andthenorthquarterofRheonwassecure.Garionstoodsomberlyatabrokenupperwindowofahouseoverlookingtheclearedareathatmarkedtheouterlimitsofthatpartofthetownthatwasunderhiscontrol.Thebodiesofthecultistswhohadmountedthecounterattacklaysprawledintwisted,grotesqueheaps,alreadylightlydustedwithsnow."Notabadlittlefight,"Barakdeclared,comingintotheroomwithhisbloodstainedswordstillinhishand.Hedroppedhisdentedshieldinacornerandcameovertothewindow."Ididn'tcaremuchforit,"Garionreplied,pointingatthewindrowsofthedeadlyingbelow."Killingpeopleisaverypoorwayofchangingtheirminds.""Theystartedthiswar,Garion.Youdidn't.""No,"Garioncorrected."Ulfgarstartedit.He'stheoneIactuallywant."

"Thenwe'llhavetogogethimforyou,"Baraksaid,carefullywipinghisswordwithabitoftatteredcloth.Duringthecourseoftheday,therewereseveralmorefuriouscounterattacksfrominsidethecity,buttheresultsweremuchthesameashadbeenthecasewiththefirst.Garion'spositionsweretoosecureandtoowellcoveredbyarcherstofalltothesesporadicsorties."Theydon'tactuallyfightwellingroups,dothey?"Durniksaidfromthevantagepointoftheupperstoryofthathalf-ruinedhouse."Theydon'thavethatkindofdiscipline,"Silkreplied.Thelittlemanwassprawledonabrokencouchinonecorneroftheroom,carefullypeelinganapplewithasmall,sharpknife."Individually,they'reasbraveaslions,buttheconceptofunifiedactionhasn'tquiteseepedintotheirheadsyet.""Thatwasanawfullygoodshot,"BarakcongratulatedLelldorin,whohadjustloosedanarrowthroughtheshatteredwindow.Lelldorinshrugged."Child'splay.Now,thatfellowcreepingalongtheroof-lineofthehouseseveralstreetsback-that'sabitmorechallenging."Henockedanotherarrow,drew,andreleasedallinonesmoothmotion."Yougothim,"Baraksaid."Naturally"Aseveningapproached,PolgaraandBeldinreturnedtothecampoutsidethecity."Well,"thegnarledsorcerersaidwithacertainsatisfaction,"youwon'thavetoworryaboutthepikemenforawhile."HeheldouthistwistedhandstooneofYarblek'sglowingbraziers."Youdidn'thurtthem,didyou?"Porennaskedquickly."No."Hegrinned."Wejustboggedthemdown.Theyweregoingthroughamarshyvalley,andwedivertedariverintoit.Thewholeplaceisaquagmire

now.They'reperchedonhummocksandinthebranchesoftreeswaitingforthewatertosubside.""Won'tthatstallBrendigaswell?"Garionasked."Brendig'smarchingaroundthatvalley."Polgaraassuredhim,sittingnearoneofthebrazierswithacupoftea."Heshouldbehereinafewdays."ShelookedatVella."Thisteaisreallyexcellent,"shesaid."Thankyou,LadyPolgara,"thedark-haireddancerreplied.HereyeswerefixedonCe'Nedra'scoppercurls,radiantinthegoldencandlelight.Shesighedenviously."IfIhadhairlikethat,Yarblekcouldsellmefordoubletheprice.""I'dsettleforhalf,"Yarblekmuttered,"justtoavoidallthoseincidentalknifings.""Don'tbesuchababy,Yarblek,"shetoldhim."Ididn'treallyhurtyouallthatmuch.""Youweren'ttheonewhowasdoingthebleeding.""Haveyoubeenpracticingyourcurses,Vella?"Beldinasked.Shedemonstrated-atsomelength."You'regettingbetter,"hecongratulatedher.Forthenexttwodays,Garion'sforcesworkedtoheapobstructionsalongtherubble-chokedperimeterofthenorthquarterofRheontopreventacounterattackinforcefromcrossingthatinterveningspace.Garionandhisfriendsobservedtheprocessfromalargewindowhighupinthehousewhichtheyhadconvertedintoaheadquarters."Whoever'sinchargeovertheredoesn'tseemtohaveaverygoodgraspofbasicstrategy,"Yarbleknoted."He'snotmakinganyefforttoblockoffhissideofthatopenspacetokeepusoutoftherestofhiscity."Barakfrowned."Youknow,Yarblek,you'reright.Thatshouldhavebeenhisfirstmoveafterwesecuredthis

partoftown.""Maybehe'stooarroganttobelievethatwecantakemoreofhishouses,"Lelldorinsuggested."Eitherthatorhe'slayingtrapsforusbackoutofsight,"Durnikadded."That'spossible,too,"Barakagreed."Morethanpossible.Maybeweoughttodoalittleplanningbeforewestartanymoreattacks."Beforewecanplananything,wehavetoknowexactlywhatkindoftrapsUlfgarhaswaitingforus,"Javelinsaid.Silksighedandmadeawryface."Allright.AfterdarkI'llgohavealook.""Iwasn'treallysuggestingthat,Kheldar.""Ofcourseyouweren't."It'saverygoodidea,though.I'mgladyouthoughtofit."ItwassometimeaftermidnightwhenSilkreturnedtothelarge,firelitroominGarion'sheadquarters."It'saveryunpleasantnightoutthere,"thelittlemansaid,shiveringandrubbinghishandstogether.Hewentovertostandinfrontofthefire."Well,aretheyplanninganysurprisesforus?"Barakaskedhim,liftingacoppertankard."Oh,yes,"Silkreplied."They'rebuildingwallsacrossthestreetsseveralhousesbackfromourperimeterandthey'reputtingthemjustaroundcornerssoyouwon'tseethemuntilyou'rerightontopofthem.""Witharchersandtubsofboilingpitchinallthehousesnearby?"Barakaskedglumly."Probably."Silkshrugged."Doyouhaveanymoreofthatale?I'mchilledtothe

bone.""We'llhavetoworkonthisabit,"Javelinmused."Goodluck,"Baraksaidsourly,goingtothealekeg."Ihatefightingintowns.Givemeaniceopenfieldanytime.""Butthetownsarewhereallthelootis,"Yarbleksaidtohim."Isthatallyoueverthinkabout?""We'reinthislifetomakeaprofit,myfriend,"therawbonedNadrakrepliedwithashrug."YousoundjustlikeSilk.""Iknow.That'swhywewentintopartnership."Itcontinuedtosnowlightlythroughoutthefollowingday.ThecitizensofRheonmadeafewmoreprobingattacksonGarion'sdefensiveperimeter,butforthemostparttheycontentedthemselveswithmerelyshootingarrowsatanythingthatmoved.Aboutmidmorningthenextday,ErrandpickedhiswayovertherubbleofthefallennorthwallandwentdirectlytothehousefromwhichGarionwasdirectingoperations.Whenheentered,hisyoungfacewastightwithexhilaration,andhewaspantingnoticeably."That'sexciting,"hesaid."Whatis?"Garionaskedhim."Dodgingarrows.""DoesAuntPolknowyou'rehere?""Idon'tthinkso.Iwantedtoseethecity,soIjustcame."

"You'regoingtogetusbothintrouble,doyouknowthat?"Errandshrugged."Ascoldingdoesn'thurtallthatmuch.Oh,IthoughtyououghttoknowthatHettar'shere-orhewillbeinanhourorso.He'sjustafewmilestothesouth.""Finally!"Garionsaidwithanexplosivereleaseofhisbreath."Howdidyoufindout?""HorseandIwentoutforaride.Hegetsrestlesswhenhe'spennedup.Anyway,wewereuponthatbighilltothesouth,andIsawtheAlgarscoming.""Well,let'sgomeetthem.""Whydon'twe?"WhenGarionandhisyoungfriendreachedthetopofthehillsouthofRheon,theysawwaveuponwaveofAlgarclansmenflowingoverthesnowymoorsatabriskcanter.Asinglehorsemandetachedhimselffromthefrontrankofthatseaofhorsesandmenandpoundedupthehill,hislongblackscalplockflowingbehindhim."Goodmorning,Garion,"Hettarsaidcasuallyashereinedin."You'vebeenwell,Itrust?""Moderately"Gariongrinnedathim."You'vegotsnowuphere."Garionlookedaroundinfeignedastonishment."Why,Idobelieveyou'reright.Ihadn'tevennoticedthat."Anotherridercameupthehill,amaninashabby,hoodedcloak."Where'syourAunt,Garion?"themancalledwhenhewashalfwayupthehill."Grandfather?"Garionexclaimedwithsurprise."IthoughtyouweregoingtoMarTerrin."

Belgarathmadeanindelicatesound."Idid,"herepliedashereinedinhishorse,"anditwasanabsolutelywastedtrip.I'lltellyouaboutitlater.What'sbeengoingonhere?"BrieflyGarionfilledtheminontheeventsofthepastseveralweeks."You'vebeenbusy,"Hettarnoted."Thetimegoesfasterwhenyoukeepoccupied.""IsPolinsidethecity,then?"Belgarathaskedhim."No.SheandCe'Nedraandtheotherladiesarestayinginthecampwebuiltwhenwefirstgothere.Thecultistshavebeencounterattackingagainstourpositionsinside,soIdidn'tthinkitwasentirelysafeforthemtobethere.""Thatmakessense.Whydon'tyouroundupeverybodyandbringthemtothecamp.Ithinkweneedtotalkaboutafewthings.""Allright,Grandfather."ItwasshortlyafternoonwhentheygatheredinthemaintentintheRivanencampmentoutsidethecity."Wereyouabletofindanythinguseful,father?"PolgaraaskedBelgarathastheoldmanenteredthetent.Belgarathsprawledinachair."Sometantalizinghintswasaboutall,"hereplied."IgetthefeelingthatAnheg'scopyoftheAshabineOracleshasbeenrathercarefullyprunedsomewherealongtheway-ormorelikelyattheverybeginning.Themodificationsseemtobeapartoftheoriginaltext.""Prophetsdon'tusuallytamperwiththeirownprophecies,"Polgaranoted."Thisonewouldhave-particularlyifpartsoftheprophecysaidthingshedidn'twanttobelieve."

"Whowasit?""Torak.Irecognizedhistoneandhispeculiarturnofphrasealmostimmediately.""Torak?"Garionexclaimed,feelingasuddenchill.Belgarathnodded."There'sanoldMalloreanlegendthatsaysthatafterhedestroyedCtholMishrak,TorakhadacastlebuiltatAshabaintheKarandeseMountains.Oncehemovedin,anecstasycameoverhim,andhecomposedtheAshabineOracles.Anyway,thelegendgoesontosaythataftertheecstasyhadpassed,Torakfellintoagreatrage.Apparentlytherewerethingsintheprophecythathedidn'tlike.ThatcouldverywellaccountforthetamperingIdetected.We'vealwaysbeentoldthatthewordgivesmeaningtotheevent.""Canyoudothat?""No.ButTorakwassoarrogantthathemayhavebelievedhecould.""Butthatputsusatadeadend,doesn'tit?"Garionaskedwithasinkingfeeling."Imean-theMrinCodexsaidthatyouhadtolookatallthemysteries,andiftheAshabineOraclesaren'tcorrect-"Heliftedhishandshelplessly."There'satruecopysomewhere,"Belgarathrepliedconfidently."Therehastobe-otherwisetheCodexwouldhavegivenmedifferentinstructions.""You'reoperatingonpurefaith,Belgarath,"Ce'Nedraaccusedhim."Iknow,"headmitted."IdothatwhenIdon'thaveanythingelsetofallbackon.""WhatdidyoufindatMarTerrin?"Polgaraasked.Belgarathmadeavulgarsound."ThemonkstheremaybeverygoodatcomfortingthespiritsofallthoseslaughteredMarags,butthey'reverybadatprotectingmanuscripts.Theroofleaksintheirlibrary,andthecopyoftheMalloreanGospels,naturally,wasonashelfrightundertheleak.Itwasso

soggythatIcouldbarelygettheleavesapart,andtheinkhadrunandsmearedalloverthepages.Itwasalmosttotallyillegible.Ispokewiththemonksatsomelengthaboutthat."Hescratchedatonebeardedcheek."ItlooksasifI'mgoingtohavetogoabitfurtherafieldtogetwhatweneed.""Youfoundnothingatall,then?"Beldinasked.Belgarathgrunted."TherewasonepassageintheOraclesthatsaidthattheDarkGodwillcomeagain."Garionfeltasuddenchillgriphisstomach."Torak?"hesaid."Isthatpossible?""Isupposeyoucouldtakeittomeanthat,butifthat'swhatitreallymeans,thenwhywouldTorakhavegonetothetroubleofdestroyingsomanyoftheotherpassages?IftheentirepurposeoftheOracleswastopredicthisownreturn,Iexpectthathe'dhavebeenoverjoyedtokeepthemintact.""You'reassumingthatoldburnt-facewasrational,"BeIdingrowled."Inevernoticedthatqualityinhimveryoften.""Oh,no,"Belgarathdisagreed."EverythingTorakdidwasperfectlyrational-aslongasyouacceptedhisbasicnotionthathewasthesolereasonforcreation.No,Ithinkthepassagemeanssomethingelse.""CouldyoureadanypartoftheMalloreanGospelsatfather?"AuntPolaskedhim."Justonelittlefragment.ItsaidsomethingaboutachoicebetweentheLightandtheDark."Beldinsnorted."Nowthatwouldbesomethingveryunusual,"hesaid."TheSeersatKellhaven'tmadeadescisionaboutanythingsincetheworldwasmade.They'vebeensittingonthefenceformillennia."Latethefollowingafternoon,theSendarianarmycameintoviewonthesnowyhilltopstothewest.Garionfeltapeculiartwingeofprideasthesolid,steadymenhehadalwaysthoughtofashiscountrymenmarchedpurposefullythrough

thesnowtowardthenow-doomedcityofRheon."Imighthavegottenheresooner,"GeneralBrendigapologizedasherodeup,"butwehadtomarcharoundthatquagmirewheretheDrasnianpikemenareboggeddown.""Aretheyallright?"QueenPorennaskedhimquickly."Perfectly,yourMajesty,"theone-armedmanreplied."Theyjustcan'tgoanywhere,that'sall.""Howmuchrestwillyourtroopsneedbeforethey'llbereadytojointheassault,Brendig?"Belgarathaskedhim.Brendigshrugged."Adayoughttodoit,AncientOne.""Thatwillgiveustimeenoughtomakeourplans,"theoldmansaid."Let'sgetyourmenbivouackedandfed,andthenGarioncanbriefyouonthewaythingsstandhere."Inthestrategymeetinginthegarishlycarpetedmaintentthatevening,theysmoothedouttheroughedgesoftheirrelativelysimpleplanofattack.Mandorallen'ssiegeengineswouldcontinuetopoundthecitythroughoutthenextdayandonintothefollowingnight.Onthenextmorning,afeignedassaultwouldbemountedagainstthesouthgatetodrawasmanycultistsaspossibleawayfromthehastilyerectedfortificationinsidethecity.AnotherforcewouldmarchoutofthesecureenclaveinthenorthquarterofRheontobeginthehouse-by-houseoccupationofthebuildingsfacingtheperimeter.Yetanotherforce,actingonaninspirednotionofGeneralBrendig's,wouldusescalingladdersasbridgestogoacrossthehousetopsanddropinbehindthenewlyerectedwallsinsidethecity."ThemostimportantthingistotakeUlfgaralive,"Garioncautioned."Wehavetogetsomeanswersfromhim.IneedtoknowjustwhatpartheplayedintheabductionofmysonandwhereGeranis,ifheknows.""AndIwanttoknowjusthowmanyoftheofficersinmyarmyhe'ssubverted,"

QueenPorennadded."Itlooksasifhe'sgoingtobedoingalotoftalking,"Yarbleksaidwithanevilgrin."InGarogNadrakwehaveanumberofveryentertainingwaysoflooseningpeople'stongues.""Polwillhandlethat,"Belgarathtoldhimfirmly."Shecangettheanswersweneedwithoutresortingtothatsortofthing.""Areyougettingsoft,Belgarath?"Barakasked."Notlikely,"theoldmanreplied,"butifYarblekheregetscarriedaway,itmightgoalittletoofar,andyoucan'tgetanswersoutofadeadman.""Butafterward?"Yarblekaskedeagerly."Idon'treallycarewhatyoudowithhimafterward."Thenextday,Garionwasinasmall,curtained-offareainthemaintentgoingoverhismapsandhiscarefullyorganizedlists,tryingtodetermineiftherewasanythinghehadoverlooked.Hehadbegunoflatetofeelasiftheentirearmywererestingdirectlyonhisshoulders."Garion,"Ce'Nedrasaid,enteringhiscubicle,"somefriendshavearrived."Helookedup."Brand'sthreesons,"shetoldhim,"andthatglassblowerJoran."Garionfrowned."Whataretheydoinghere?"heasked."ItoldthemalltostayatRiva."Theysaythatthey'vegotsomethingimportanttotellyou."Hesighed."You'dbetterhavethemcomein,then."Brand'sthreegray-cloakedsonsandtheserious-facedJoranenteredandbowed.Theirclothesweremud-spattered,andtheirfacesweary."Wearenotdeliberatelydisobeyingyourorders,Belgarion,"Kailassuredhimquickly,"but

wediscoveredsomethingveryimportantthatyouhavetoknow.""Oh?What'sthat?""AfteryouleftRivawiththearmy,yourMajesty,"Kail'solderbrotherVerdanexplained,"wedecidedtogooverthewestcoastoftheislandinchbyinch.Wethoughttheremightbesomecluesthatweoverlookedinourfirstsearch.""Besides,"Brinadded,"wedidn'thaveanythingelsetodo.""Anyway,"Verdancontinued,"wefinallyfoundtheshipthoseCherekshadusedtocometotheisland."Theirship?"Garionasked,suddenlysittingup."Ithoughtthatwhoeveritwaswhoabductedmysonusedittogetofftheisland."Verdanshookhishead."Theshiphadbeendeliberatelysunk,yourMajesty.Theyfilleditwithrocksandthenchoppedholesinthebottom.Wesailedrightoveritfivetimesuntilacalmdaywhentherewasn'tanysurf.Itwaslyingonthebottominaboutthirtyfeetofwater.""Howdidtheabductorgetofftheisland,then?""Wehadthatsamethought,Belgarion,"Joransaid."Itoccurredtousthat,inspiteofeverything,theabductormightstillbeontheIsleoftheWinds.Westartedsearching.That'swhenwefoundtheshepherd.""Shepherd?""He'dbeenalonewithhisflockupinthemeadowsonthewesternsideoftheIsle,"Kailexplained."Hewascompletelyunawareofwhathadhappenedinthecity.Anyway,weaskedhimifhehadseenanythingunusualataboutthetimePrinceGeranwastakenfromtheCitadel,andhesaidthathehadseenashipsailintoacoveontheWestcoastataboutthattimeandthatsomebodycarryingsomethingwrappedinablanketgotonboard.Thentheshipputouttosea,leavingtheothersbehind.Belgarion,itwasthesamecovewherethetrailtheOrbwasfollowingended."

"Whichwaydidtheshipgo?""South,""There'soneotherthing,Belgarion,"Joranadded."TheshepherdwaspositivethattheshipwasNyissan.""Nyissan?""Hewasabsolutelycertain.Heevendescribedthesnakebannershewasflying."Gariongotquicklytohisfeet."Waithere,"hetoldthem.Thenhewenttotheflapinthepartition."Grandfather,AuntPol,couldyoustepinhereforamoment?""Whatisit,dear?"PolgaraaskedassheandtheoldsorcerercameintoGarion'smakeshiftoffice,withSilktrailingcuriouslybehind."Tellthem,"GarionsaidtoKail.Quickly,Brand'ssecondsonrepeatedwhattheyhadjusttoldGarion."Salmissra?"Polgarasuggestedtoherfather."Notnecessarily,Pol.Nyissaisfullofintrigue,andtheQueenisn'tbehinditall-particularlyafterwhatyoudidtoher."Hefrowned."WhywouldaCherekabandononeofhisownboatstorideaboardaNyissanscow?Thatdoesn'tmakesense.""That'sanotherquestionwe'llhavetoaskUlfgar,oncewegetourhandsonhim,"Silksaid.Atdawnthenextmorning,alargebodyoftroopscomprisedofelementsfromalltheforcesgatheredforthesiegebegantomarchacrossthevalleytothesouthofthecitytowardthesteephillandRheon.Theycarriedscalingladdersandbatteringramsinplainsighttomakethedefendersbelievethatthiswasamajor

assault.InthequarterofthecityoccupiedbyGarion'stroops,however,Silkledasizeabledetachmentofmenthroughthedawnmurkacrosstherooftopstoclearawaythecultarchersandthesmearedmenwiththeirboilingpitchpotsoccupyingthosehousesoneithersideofthehastilybuiltwallserectedtobarentranceintotherestofthecity.Garion,flankedbyBarakandMandorallen,waitedinasnowystreetneartheperimeteroftheoccupiedquarter."ThisisthepartIhate,"hesaidtensely."Thewaiting.""ImustconfesstotheethatImyselffindthislulljustbeforeabattleunpleasant,"Mandorallenreplied."IthoughtArendslovedabattle."Barakgrinnedathisfriend."Itisourfavoritepastime,"thegreatknightadmitted,checkingoneofthebucklesunderhisarmor."Thisinterimjust'erewejoinwiththeenemy,however,isirksome.Sober,evenmelancholy,thoughtsdistractthemindfromthemainpurposeathand.""Mandorallen,"Baraklaughed."I'vemissedyou."TheshadowyformofYarblekcameupthestreettojointhem.Hehadputasidehisfeltovercoatandnowworeaheavysteelbreastplateandcarriedawicked-lookingaxe."Everything'sready,"hetoldthemquietly."Wecanstartjustassoonasthelittlethiefgivesusthesignal.""Areyousureyourmencanpulldownthosewalls?"Barakaskedhim.Yarbleknodded."Thosepeopledidn'thavetimeenoughtosetthestonesinmortar,"hesaid."Ourgrapplinghookscanjerkdownthewallsinafewminutes."

"Youseemveryfondofthatparticulartool,"Barakobserved.Yarblekshrugged."I'vealwaysfoundthatthebestwaytogetthroughawallistoyankitdown.""InArendia,ourpreferenceisthebatteringram,"Mandorallensaid."Thosearegood,too,"Yarblekagreed,"butthetroublewitharamisthatyou'rerightunderthewallwhenitfalls.I'veneverparticularlyenjoyedhavingbuildingstonesbouncingoffthetopofmyhead."Theywaited."HasanybodyseenLelldorin?"Garionasked."HewentwithSilk,"Barakreplied."Heseemedtothinkthathecouldfindmoretargetsfromuponaroof.""Hewaseveranenthusiast."Mandorallensmiled."Iconfess,however,thatIhaveneverseenhisequalwiththelongbow.""Thereitis,"Baraksaid,pointingataflamingarrowarchinghighabovetherooftops."That'sthesignal."Gariondrewinadeepbreathandsquaredhisshoulders."Allright.Soundyourhorn,Mandorallen,andlet'sgetstarted."ThebrazennoteofMandorallen'shornshatteredthestillness.Fromeverystreetandalleyway,Garion'sarmypouredouttobeginthefinalassaultonRheon.Rivans,Algars,Nadraks,andthesolidmenofSendariacrunchedthroughthesnowtowardtheperimeterwiththeirweaponsintheirhands.ThreescoreofYarblek'sleather-cladmercenariesranonahead,theirgrapplinghooksswingingfromtheirhands.WithBarakathisside,Garionclamberedoverthetreacherous,slidingrubbleofthehousesthathadbeenpulleddowntoformtheperimeterandoverthehalf-

frozenbodiesofarrow-stitchedcultistswhohadfallenearlier.Afew-thoughnotmany-cultistshadescapedthehastyfloor-by-floorsearchofSilk'smeninthehousesfacingtheperimeterandtheydesperatelyshoweredtheadvancingtroopswitharrows.AtBrendig'ssharpcommand,detachmentsofSendarsveeredandbrokeintoeachhousetoneutralizethoseremainingdefendersefficiently.Thescenebeyondtheperimeterwasoneofenormousconfusion.Advancingbehindawallofshields,Garion'sarmysweptthestreetsclearofthenow-desperatecultists.Theairwasthickwitharrowsandcurses,andseveralhouseswerealreadyshootingflamesoutthroughtheirroofs.TruetoYarblek'sprediction,thelooselystackedwallsblockingthestreetssomewayintothecityfelleasilytothedozensofgrapplinghooksthatsailedupovertheirtroopstobiteintotheothersides.Thegrimadvancecontinued,andtheairrangwiththesteelyclangofswordagainstsword.Somehow,inalltheconfusion,GarionbecameseparatedfromBarakandfoundhimselffightingshouldertoshoulderbesideDurnikinanarrowalleyway.Thesmithcarriednoswordoraxe,butfoughtinsteadwithalarge,heavyclub."Ijustdon'tlikechoppingintopeople,"heapologized,fellingaburlyopponentwithonesolidblow."Ifyouhitsomebodywithaclub,there'safairchancethathewon'tdie,andthereisn'tallthatblood."Theypusheddeeperintothecity,drivingthedemoralizedinhabitantsbeforethem.ThesoundsofheavyfightingatthesouthernendoftowngavenoticethatSilkandhismenhadreachedthesouthwallandopenedthegatestoadmitthemassedtroopswhosefeignedattackhadfatallydividedthecultforces.AndthenGarionandDurnikburstoutofthenarrowalleywayintothebroad,snowycentralsquareofRheon.Fightingragedalloverthesquare;butontheeastside,athickknotofcultistswastightlypackedaboutahigh-wheeledcart.Atopthecartstoodablack-beardedmaninarust-coloredbrocadedoublet.AleanNadrakwithaslenderspearinhishandarchedback,tookaim,andhurledhisweapondirectlyatthemanonthecart.Theblack-beardedmanraisedonehandinapeculiargesture,andtheNadrakspearsuddenlysheeredofftotherighttoclatterharmlesslyonthesnow-slickcobblestones.Garionclearlyheard

andfelttherushingsurgethatcouldonlymeanonething."Durnik!"heshouted."Themanonthecart.That'sUlfgar!"Durnik'seyesnarrowed."Let'stakehim,Garion,"hesaid.Garion'sangeratthisstrangerwhowasthecauseofallthiswarfareandcarnageanddestructionsuddenlyswelledintolerably,andhisragecommunicateditselftotheOrbonthepommelofhissword.TheOrbflared,andIrongrip'sburningswordsuddenlyflamedoutinsearingbluefire."There!It'stheRivanKing!"theblack-beardedmanonthecartscreamed."Killhim!"MomentarilyGarion'seyeslockedontheeyesofthemanonthecart.Therewashatethereand,atthesametime,anaweandadesperatefear.But,blindlyobedienttotheirleader'scommand,adozencultistsranthroughtheslushtowardGarionwiththeirswordsaloft.Suddenlytheybegantotumbleintotwitchingheapsinthesoddensnowinthesquareasarrowafterarrowlacedintotheirranks."Ho,Garion!"Lelldorinshoutedgleefullyfromanearbyhousetop,hishandsblurringasheloosedhisarrowsatthechargingcultists."Ho,Lelldorin!"Garioncalledhisreply,evenasheraninamongstthefurcladmen,flailingabouthimwithhisburningsword.TheattentionofthegrouparoundthecartwasrivetedentirelyonthehorrifyingspectacleoftheenragedKingofRivaandhisfabledsword.Theydidnot,therefore,seeDurnikthesmithmovinginacatlikecrouchalongthewallofanearbyhouse.Themanonthecartraisedonehandaloft,seizedaballofpurefire,andhurleditdesperatelyatGarion.Garionflickedthefireballasidewithhisflamingbladeandcontinuedhisgrimadvance,swingingdreadfulstrokesatthedesperatemengarbedinbearskinsinfrontofhimwithoutevertakinghiseyesoffofthepasty-facedmanintheblackbeard.Hisexpressiongrowingpanicky,Ulfgarraisedhishandagain,butsuddenlyseemedalmosttolungeforwardoffthecartintothebrownslushasDurnik'scudgelcrackedsharplyacrossthebackofhishead.

Therewasagreatcryofchagrinasthecult-leaderfell.Severalofhismentrieddesperatelytolifthisinertbody,butDurnik'sclub,whistlingandthuddingsolidly,felledthemintheirtracks.OtherstriedtoformawallwiththeirbodiesinanefforttokeepGarionfromreachingthebodylyingfacedowninthesnow,butLelldorin'ssteadyrainofarrowsmeltedthecenterofthatfurcladwall.Garion,feelingstrangelyremoteandunaffectedbytheslaughter,marchedintotheverymidstofthedisorganizedsurvivors,swinginghishugeswordingreat,sweepingarcs.Hebarelyfeltthesickeningshearashisswordcutthroughboneandflesh.Afterhehadcutdownahalfadozenorso,therestbrokeandran."Ishestillalive?"Garionpantedatthesmith.DurnikrolledtheinertUlfgaroverandprofessionallypeeledbackoneofhiseyelidstohavealook."He'sstillwithus,"hesaid."Ihithimrathercarefully.""Good,"Garionsaid."Let'stiehimup-andblindfoldhim.""Whyblindfold?""Webothsawhimusesorcery,sowe'veansweredthatparticularquestion,butIthinkitmightbealittlehardtodothatsortofthingifyoucan'tseewhatyou'reaimingat."Durnikthoughaboutitforamomentashetiedtheunconsciousman'shands."Youknow,Ibelieveyou'reright.Itwouldbedifficult,wouldn'tit?"CHAPTERTWENTY-FIVEWiththefallofUlfgar,thecult'swilltoresistbroke.Thoughafewofthemorerabidcontinuedtofight,mostthrewdowntheirweaponsinsurrender.Grimly,Garion'sarmyroundedthemupandherdedthemthroughthesnowy,bloodstainedstreetsintothetown'scentralsquare.SilkandJavelinbrieflyquestionedasullencaptivewithabloodybandagewrappedaroundhishead,thenjoinedGarionandDurnik,whostoodwatchovertheirstill-unconsciousprisoner."Isthathim?"Silkaskedcuriously,absently

polishingoneofhisringsonthefrontofhisgraydoublet.Garionnodded."Hedoesn'tlookallthatimpressive,doeshe?""Thelargestonehouseoverthereishis,"Javelinsaid,pointingatasquarebuildingwithredtilesonitsroof."Notanymore,"Garionreplied."It'sminenow."Javelinsmiledbriefly."We'llwanttosearchitratherthoroughly,"hesaid."Peoplesometimesforgettodestroyimportantthings.""WemightaswelltakeUlfgarinthere,too,"Garionsaid."Weneedtoquestionhim,andthathouseisasgoodasany.""I'llgogettheothers,"Durnikoffered,pullingoffhispot-shapedhelmet."Doyouthinkit'ssafeenoughtobringPolandtheotherladiesintothecityyet?""Itshouldbe,"Javelinreplied."Whatlittleresistancethereisleftisinthesoutheastquarterofthecity."Durniknoddedandwentonacrossthesquare,hismailshirtjingling.Garion,Silk,andJavelinpickedupthelimpformoftheblack-beardedmanandcarriedhimtowardthestatelyhousewiththebannerofabearflyingfromastaffinfrontofit.Astheystartedupthestairs,GarionglancedataRivansoldierstandingguardoversomedemoralizedprisonershuddledmiserablyintheslush."Wouldyoudomeafavor?"heaskedthegray-cloakedman."Ofcourse,yourMajesty,"thesoldiersaid,saluting."Chopthatthingdown."Garionindicatedtheflagstaffwithathrustofhisjaw.

"Atonce,yourMajesty."Thesoldiergrinned."Ishouldhavethoughtofitmyself."TheycarriedUlfgarintothehouseandthroughapolisheddoor.Theroombeyondthedoorwasluxuriouslyfurnished,butthechairsweremostlyoverturned,andthereweresheetsofparchmenteverywhere.Acrumpledheapofthemhadbeenstuffedintoalargestonefireplacebuiltintothebackwall,butthefireplacewascold."Good,"Javelinmuttered."Hewasinterruptedbeforehecouldburnanything."Silklookedaroundattheroom.Rich,dark-coloredtapestrieshungonthewalls,andthegreencarpetingwasthickandsoft.Thechairswereallupholsteredinscarletvelvet,andunlightedcandlesstoodinsilversconcesalongthewall."Hemanagedtolivefairlywell,didn'the?"thelittlemanmurmuredastheyunceremoniouslydumpedtheprisonerintherust-coloreddoubletinonecorner."Let'sgatherupthesedocuments,"Javelinsaid."Iwanttogooverthem."Garionunstrappedhissword,droppedhishelmetonthefloorandshruggedhimselfoutofhisheavymailshirt.Thenhesankwearilyontoasoftcouch."I'mabsolutelyexhausted,"hesaid."IfeelasifIhaven'tsleptforaweek."Silkshrugged."Oneoftheprivilegesofcommand."Thedooropened,andBelgarathcameintotheroom."DurniksaidIcouldfindyouhere,"hesaid,pushingbackthehoodofhisshabbyoldcloak.Hecrossedtheroomandnudgedthelimpforminthecorner."Heisn'tdead,ishe?""No,"Garionreplied."Durnikputhimtosleepwithaclubisall.""Whytheblindfold?"theoldmanasked,indicatingthestripofblueclothtiedacrossthecaptive'sface."Hewasusingsorcerybeforewecapturedhim.Ithoughtitmightnotbeabadideatocoverhiseyes."

"Thatdependsonhowgoodheis.DurniksentsoldiersouttorounduptheothersandthenhewentovertotheencampmenttogetPolandtheotherladies.""Canyouwakehimup?"Silkasked."Let'shavePoldoit.Hertouchisalittlelighterthanmine,andIdon'twanttobreakanythingaccidentally."Itwasperhapsthree-quartersofanhourlaterwhentheyallfinallygatheredinthegreen-carpetedroom.Belgarathlookedaround,thenstraddledastraight-backedchairinfrontofthecaptive."Allright,Pol,"hesaidbleakly."Wakehimup."Polgaraunfastenedherbluecloak,kneltbesidetheprisonerandputonehandoneachsideofhishead.Garionheardawhisperedrushingsoundandfeltagentlesurge.Ulfgargroaned."Givehimafewminutes,"shesaid,risingtoherfeet."Thenyoucanstartquestioninghim.""He'sprobablygoingtobestubbornaboutit,"Brinpredictedwithabroadgrin."I'llbeterriblydisappointedinhimifheisn't,"Silksaidasherifledthroughadrawerinalarge,polishedcabinet."Haveyoubarbariansblindedme?"Ulfgarsaidinaweakvoiceashestruggledintoasittingposition."No,"Polgaratoldhim."Youreyesarecoveredtokeepyououtofmischief.""Aremycaptorswomen,then?"Therewascontemptintheblack-beardedman'svoice."Thisoneofthemis,"Ce'Nedrasaid,pushingherdarkgreencloakslightlytooneside.ItwasthenoteinhervoicethatwarnedGarionandsavedtheprisoner'slife.Withblazingeyes,shesnatchedoneofthedaggersfromVella'sbeltand

flewattheblindfoldedmanwiththegleamingbladeheldaloft.Atthelastinstant,Garioncaughtherupraisedarmandwrestedtheknifefromhergrasp."Givemethat!"shecried."No,Ce'Nedra.""Hestolemybaby!"shescreamed."I'llkillhim!""No,youwon't.Wecan'tgetanyanswersoutofhimifyoucuthisthroat."Withonearmstillabouther,hehandedthedaggerbacktoVella."Wehaveafewquestionsforyou,Ulfgar,"Belgarathsaidtothecaptive."You'regoingtohavetowaitalongtimefortheanswers.""I'msogladhesaidthat,"Hettarmurmured."Whowantstostartcuttingonhim?""Dowhateveryouwish,"Ulfgarsneered."Mybodyisofnoconcerntome.""We'lldoeverythingwecantochangeyourmindaboutthat,"Vellasaidinachillinglysweetvoiceasshetestedtheedgeofherdaggerwithherthumb."Justwhatwasityouwantedtoknow,Belgarath?"Errandasked,turningfromhiscuriousexaminationofabronzestatuestandinginthecorner."Icangiveyoutheanswers,ifyouwant."Belgarathlookedattheblondboysharply."Doyouknowwhat'sinhismind?"heasked,startled."Moreorless,yes.""Where'smyson?"Garionaskedquickly."That'sonethinghedoesn'tknow,"Errandreplied."Hehadnothingtodowith

theabduction.""Whodiditthen?""He'snotsure,buthethinksitwasZandramas.""Zandramas?""Thatnamekeepscroppingup,doesn'tit?"Silksaid."DoesheknowwhoZandramasis?""Notreally.It'sjustanamehe'sheardfromhisMaster.""WhoishisMaster?""He'safraidtoeventhinkthename,"Errandsaid."It'samanwithasplotchyface,though."Theprisonerwasstrugglingdesperately,tryingtofreehimselffromtheropeswhichboundhim."Lies!"hescreamed."Alllies!""ThismanwassentherebyhisMastertomakesurethatyouandCe'Nedradidn'thaveanychildren,"Errandcontinuedignoringthescreamingcaptive,"ortoseetoitthat,ifyoudid,thechildrendidn'tlive.Hecouldn'thavebeenbehindtheabduction,Belgarion.IfhehadbeentheonewhocreptintothenurseryatRiva,hewouldhavekilledyourson,nottakenhimaway.""Wheredoeshecomefrom?"Liselleaskedcuriouslyassheremovedherscarletcloak."Ican'tquiteplacehisaccent.""That'sprobablybecausehe'snotreallyaman,"Errandtoldher."Atleastnotentirely.Heremembersbeingananimalofsomesort."TheyallstaredattheboyandthenatUlfgar.Atthatpointthedooropenedagain,andthehunchbackedBeldincameintothe

room.Hewasabouttosaysomething,butstopped,staringattheboundandblindfoldedprisoner.Hestumpedacrossthefloor,bent,andrippedtheblueclothawayfromtheman'seyestostareintohisface."Well,dog",hesaid."Whatbringsyououtofyourkennel?""You!"Ulfgargasped,hisfacegrowingsuddenlypale."Urvonwillhaveyourheartforbreakfastwhenhefindsouthowbadlyyou'vebotchedthings,"Beldinsaidpleasantly."Doyouknowthisman?"Garionaskedsharply."HeandIhaveknowneachotherforalong,longtime,haven'twe,Harakan?"Theprisonerspatathim."Iseeyouwillneedalittlebitofhousebreaking."Beldingrinned."Whoishe?"Gariondemanded."HisnameisHarakan.He'saMalloreanGrolim-oneofUrvon'sdogs.ThelasttimeIsawhim,hewaswhiningandfawningalloverUrvon'sfeet."Then,quitesuddenly,thecaptivevanished.Beldinunleashedastringoffoulcurses.Thenhe,tooflickeredoutofsight."Whathappened?"Ce'Nedragasped."Wheredidtheygo?""MaybeBeldinisn'tassmartasIthought,"Belgarathsaid."Heshouldhaveleftthatblindfoldalone.Ourprisonertranslocatedhimselfoutsidethebuilding.""Canyoudothat?"Garionaskedincredulously."Withoutbeingabletoseewhatyou'redoing,Imean?""It'svery,verydangerous,butHarakanseemstohavebeendesperate.Beldin'sfollowinghim."

"He'llcatchhim,won'the?""It'shardtosay.""Istillhavequestionsthathavetobeanswered."Icananswerthemforyou,Belgarion,"Errandtoldhimquitecalmly."Youmeanthatyoustillknowwhat'sinhismind-eventhoughhe'snothereanymore?"Errandnodded."Whydon'tyoustartatthebeginning,Errand?"Polgarasuggested."Allright.ThisHarakan,Iguesshisrealnameis,cameherebecausehisMaster,theoneBeldincalledUrvon,senthimheretomakesurethatBelgarionandCe'Nedraneverhadanychildren.HarakancamehereandgainedcontroloftheBear-cult.AtfirsthestirredupallkindsoftalkagainstCe'Nedra,hopingthathecouldforceBelgariontosetherasideandmarrysomeoneelse.Then,whenheheardthatshewasgoingtohaveababy,hesentsomeonetotrytokillher.Thatdidn'twork,ofcourse,andhestartedtogetdesperate.HewasterriblyafraidofwhatUrvonwoulddotohimifhefailed.HetriedtogaincontrolofCe'Nedrawhenshewasasleeponce,tomakehersmotherthebaby,butsomeone-hedoesn'tknowwho-steppedinandstoppedhim.""ItwasPoledra,"Garionmurmured."Iwastherethatnight.""IsthatwhenhecameupwiththeideaofmurderingBrandandlayingtheblameatKingAnheg'sdoor?"GeneralBrendigasked.Errandfrownedslightly."KillingBrandwasanaccident,"hereplied."AscloselyasHarakancouldworkitout,BrandjusthappenedalongandcaughtthecultistsinthathallwaywhentheywereabouttodowhathereallysentthemtoRivatodo."

"Andwhatwasthat?"Ce'Nedraaskedhim."Theywereontheirwaytotheroyalapartmentstokillyouandyourbaby."Herfacepaled."Andthentheyweresupposedtokillthemselves.ThatwaswhatwassupposedtostartthewarbetweenBelgarionandKingAnheg.Anyway,somethingwentwrong.Brandgotkilledinsteadofyouandyourbaby,andwefoundoutthatthecultwasresponsibleinsteadofAnheg.Hedidn'tdaregobacktoUrvonandadmitthathehadfailed.ThenZandramastookyourbabyandgotawayfromtheIsleoftheWindswithhim.Harakancouldn'tfollowbecauseBelgarionwasalreadymarchingonRheonbythetimehefoundoutaboutit.Hewastrappedhere,andZandramaswasgettingawaywithyourbaby.""ThatNyissanship!"Kailexclaimed."Zandramasstoleyourson,Belgarion,andthensailedofftothesouthandleftusallflounderingaroundhereinDrasnia.""WhataboutthestorywegotfromthatCherekcultistrightaftertheabduction?"Brinasked."ABear-cultistisn'tusuallyverybright,"Kailreplied."Idon'tthinkthisZandramaswouldhavehadtoomuchdifficultyinpersuadingthoseChereksthattheabductionwasonHarakan'sorders,andallthatgibberishabouttheprincebeingraisedinthecultsothatonedayhecouldclaimtheRivanthroneisjustkindofbrainsicknonsensemenlikethatwouldbelieve.""That'swhytheywereleftbehind,then,"Garionsaid."WeweresupposedtocaptureatleastoneofthemandgetthecarefullypreparedstorythatsentusoffheretoRheon,whileZandramassailedawaytothesouthwithmyson.""Itlooksasifwe'veallbeenverycarefullymanipulated,"Javelinsaid,sortingthroughsomeparchmentsheetshehadstackedonapolishedtable."Harakanaswellastherestofus.""Wecanbeclever,too,"Belgarathsaid."Idon'tthinkZandramasrealizesthattheOrbwillfollowGeran'strail.Ifwemovefastenough,wecansneakupfrom

behindandtakethisclevermanipulatorbysurprise.""Itwon'tworkacrosswater."thedryvoiceinGarion'smindsaidlaconically."What?""TheOrbcan'tfollowyourson'strailoverwater.Thegroundstaysinoneplace.Waterkeepsmovingaround-wind,tides,thatsortofthing."Areyousure?"Butthevoicewasgone."There'saproblem,Grandfather,"Garionsaid."TheOrbcan'tfindatrailonwater.""Howdoyouknowthat?"Gariontappedhisforehead."Hejusttoldme.""Thatcomplicatesthingsabit.""Nottoomuch,"Silkdisagreed."ThereareveryfewplaceswhereaNyissanshipcanlandwithoutbeingsearchedfromkeeltotopmast.Mostmonarchsdon'tcaremuchfortheideaofhavingdrugsandpoisonsslippedintotheirkingdoms.ZandramaswoulddefinitelynotwanttosailintosomeportandgetcaughtwiththeheirtotheRivanThroneaboardship.""TherearemanyhiddencovesalongthecoastofArendia,"Lelldorinsuggested.Silkshookhishead."Idon'tthinkso,"hesaid."Ithinktheshipwouldhavejuststayedouttosea.I'msureZandramaswantedtogetasfarawayfromtheAlornkingdomsaspossible-andasquicklyaspossible.IfthisrusethatsentusheretoRheonhadn'tworked,GarionwouldhavehadeverymanandeveryshipintheWestoutlookingforhisson.""HowaboutsouthernCtholMurgos?"GeneralBrendigsuggested.

Javelinfrowned."No,"hesaid."There'sawargoingondownthereandthewholewestcoastisbeingpatrolledbyMurgoships.TheonlysafeplaceforaNyissanshiptolandisinNyissaitself.""AndthatbringsusbacktoSalmissra,doesn'tit?"Polgarasaid."Ithinkthatiftherehadbeenanykindofofficialinvolvementinthis,mypeoplewouldhavefoundoutaboutit,LadyPolgara,"Javelinsaid."I'vegotSalmissra'spalacethoroughlycovered.TheactualorderswouldhavehadtocomefromSadi,Salmissra'sChief-Eunuch,andwewatchhimallthetime.Idon'tthinkthiscameoutofthepalace."ThedooropenedandBeldin,hisfaceasdarkasathundercloud,entered."BytheGods!"heswore."Ilosthim!""Losthim?"Belgarathasked."How?""Whenhegottothestreet,heturnedhimselfintoahawk.Iwasrightonhistail,buthewentintothecloudsandchangedformonmeagain.Whenhecameout,hewasmixedupinthemiddleofaflockofgeeseflyingsouth.Naturally,whenthegeesesawme,theyflewoffsquawkinginalldirections.Icouldn'ttellwhichoneofthemhewas.""Youmustbegettingold.""Whydon'tyoushutup,Belgarath?""He'snotimportantanymore,anyway."Belgarathshrugged."Wegotwhatweneededoutofhim.""IthinkI'dpreferitifheweresafelydead.Ifnothingelse,thelossofoneofhisfavoritedogswouldirritateUrvon,andI'llgooutofmywaytodothatanydayintheweek.""Whydoyoukeepcallinghimadog?"Hettaraskedcuriously.

"Becausehe'soneoftheChandim-andthat'swhattheyare-theHoundsofTorak.""Wouldyouliketoexplainthat?"QueenPorennaskedhim.Beldintookadeepbreathtogethisirritationundercontrol."It'snottoocomplicated,"hesaid."WhentheybuiltCtholMishrakinMallorea,ToraksetcertainGrolimsthetaskofguardingthecity.Inordertodothat,theybecamehounds."Garionshuddered,thememoryofthehugedog-shapestheyhadencounteredintheCityofNightcomingbacktohimwithpainfulclarity."Anyway."Beldincontinued,"aftertheBattleofVoMimbrewhenTorakwasputtosleepforallthosecenturies,Urvonwentintotheforbiddenareaaroundtheruinsandmanagedtopersuadeapartofthepackofhoundsthathewasactingonbehalfofoldburnt-face.HetookthembacktoMalYaskawithhimandgraduallychangedthembackintoGrolims,eventhoughhehadtokillabouthalfofthemintheprocess.Anyhow,theycallthemselvestheChandim-asortofsecretorderwithintheGrolimchurch.They'reabsolutelyloyaltoUrvon.They'reprettyfairsorcerersandtheydabbleabitinmagicaswell.Underneathitall,though,they'restilldogs-veryobedientandmuchmoredangerousinpacksthantheyareasindividuals.""Whatafascinatinglittlesidelight,"Silkobserved,lookingupfromaparchmentscrollhehadfoundinoneofthecabinets."Youhaveaveryclevermouth,Kheldar,"Beldinsaidtestily."Howwouldyouliketohavemebrickitupforyou?""No,that'squiteallright,Beldin.""Well,whatnow,Belgarath?"QueenPorennasked."Now?NowwegoafterZandramas,ofcourse.Thishoaxwiththeculthasputusalongwaybehind,butwe'llcatchup."

"Youcancountonthat,"Garionsaid."IdealtwiththeChildofDarkoncebeforeandIcandoitagainifIhaveto."HeturnedbacktoErrand."DoyouhaveanyideaofwhyUrvonwantsmysonkilled?""It'ssomethinghefoundinabookofsomekind.ThebooksaysthatifyoursoneverfallsintothehandsofZandramas,thenZandramaswillbeabletousehimtodosomething.Whateveritis,Urvonwouldbewillingtodestroytheworldtopreventit.""WhatisitthatZandramaswouldbeabletodo?"Belgarathasked,hiseyesintent."Harakandoesn'tknow.Allheknowsisthathe'sfailedinthetaskUrvonsethim."Belgarathsmiledslowly,acold,winterykindofsmile."Idon'tthinkweneedtowasteanytimechasingdownHarakan,"hesaid."Notchasehim?"Ce'Nedraexclaimed,"Afterallhe'sdonetous?""UrvonwilltakecareofhimforusandUrvonwilldothingstohimthatwecouldn'tevenbegintothinkof.""WhoisthisUrvon?"GeneralBrendigasked."Torak'sthirddisciple,"Belgarathreplied."Thereusedtobethreeofthem-Ctuchik,Zedar,andUrvon.Buthe'stheonlyoneleft.""Westilldon'tknowanythingaboutZandramas,"Silksaid."Weknowafewthings.WeknowthatZandramasisnowtheChildofDark,forexample.""Thatdoesn'tfittogether,Belgarath,"Barakrumbled."WhywouldUrvonwanttointerferewiththeChildofDark?They'reonthesameside,aren'tthey?""Apparentlynot.Itbeginstolookasifthere'salittledissensionintherankson

theotherside.""That'salwayshelpful.""I'dliketoknowabitmorebeforeIstartgloating,though."ItwasmidafternoonbeforethelastfanaticresistancecollapsedinthesoutheasternquarterofRheonandthedemoralizedprisonerswereherdedthroughthestreetsoftheburningtowntojointheothersinthetownsquare.GarionandGeneralBrendigstoodonthesecondfloorbalconyofthehousewheretheyhadtakenHarakan,talkingquietlywiththesmall,black-gownedQueenofDrasnia."Whatwillyoudowiththemnow,yourMajesty?"GeneralBrendigaskedher,lookingdownatthefrightenedprisonersinthesquare."I'mgoingtotellthemthetruthandletthemgo,Brendig.""Letthemgo?""Ofcourse.""I'mafraidIdon'tquitefollowyou.""They'regoingtobejustalittleupsetwhenItellthemthatthey'vebeendupedintobetrayingAloriabyaMalloreanGrolim.""Idon'tthinkthey'llbelieveyou.""Enoughofthemwill,"sherepliedplacidly,adjustingthecollarofherblackdress."I'llmanagetoconvinceatleastsomeofthemofthetruth,andthey'llspreadtheword.OnceitbecomesgeneralknowledgethatthecultfellunderthedominationofthisGrolimHarakan,it'sgoingtobemoredifficultforthemtogainnewconverts,don'tyouthink?"Brendigconsideredthat."Isupposeyou'reright,"headmitted."Butwillyoupunishtheoneswhowon'tlisten?"

"Thatwouldbetyranny,General,andoneshouldalwaystrytoavoidtheappearanceoftyranny-particularlywhenit'sunnecessary.Oncewordofthisgetsaround,IthinkthatanyonewhostartsbabblingaboutthedivinemissionofAloriatosubjugatethesouthernkingdomsisgoingtobegreetedwithabarrageofstones.""Allright,then,whatareyougoingtodoaboutGeneralHaldar?"heaskedseriously."You'renotjustgoingtolethimgo,too,areyou?""Haldar'squiteanothermatter,"shereplied."He'satraitor,andthatsortofthingoughttobediscouraged.""Whenhefindsoutwhathappenedhere,he'llprobablytrytorun.""Appearancescanbedeceiving,GeneralBrendig,"shetoldhimwithachillsmile."Imaylooklikeahelplesswoman,butIhaveaverylongarm.Haldarcan'trunfarenoughorfastenoughtoescapeme.Andwhenmypeoplecatchhim,he'llbebroughtbacktoBoktorinchainstostandtrial.Ithinktheoutcomeofthattrialwillbefairlypredictable.""Wouldyouexcuseme?"Garionaskedpolitely."Ineedtogotalkwithmygrandfather.""Ofcourse,Garion,"QueenPorennsaidwithawarmlittlesmile.HewentbackdownstairsandfoundSilkandJavelinstillransackingthechestsandcabinetsinthegreen-carpetedroom."Areyoufindinganythinguseful?"heasked."Well,quiteabit,actually."Javelinreplied."Iexpectthatbythetimewe'refinished,we'llhavethenameofeverycultmemberinAloria.""ItjustprovessomethingI'vealwayssaid,"Silknotedashecontinuedtoread."Amanshouldneverputanythingdowninwriting.""HaveeitherofyouanyideawhereIcanfindBelgarath?"

"Youmighttrythekitchensatthebackofthehouse,"Silkreplied."Hesaidsomethingaboutbeinghungry.IthinkBeldinwentwithhim."ThekitcheninHarakan'shousehadescapedthegeneralransackingbyYarblek'smen,whoappearedtobemoreinterestedinlootthanfood,andthetwooldsorcererssatcomfortablyatatablenearalow,archedwindowpickingattheremainsofaroastedchicken."Ah,Garion,myboy,"Belgarathsaidexpansively."Comeinandjoinus.""Doyousupposethere'sanythingtodrinkaroundhere?"Beldinasked,wipinghisfingersonthefrontofhistunic."Thereshouldbe,"Belgarathreplied."It'sakitchen,afterall.Whydon'tyoulookinthatpantry?"Beldinroseandcrossedthekitchenfloortowardthepantry.Garionbentslightlytolookoutthelowwindowatthehousesburningonestreetover."It'sstartingtosnowagain,"heobserved.Belgarathgrunted."Ithinkwe'llwanttogetoutofhereasquicklyaswecan,"hesaid."Idon'treallywanttospendthewinterhere."Ah,ha!"Beldinsaidfromthepantry.Heemergedwithatriumphantgrincarryingasmallwoodencask."You'dbettertasteitfirst,"Belgarathtoldhim."Itmightbevinegar."Beldinsetthecaskonthefloorandbashedinitstopwithhisfist.Thenhelickedhisfingersandsmackedhislips."No,"hesaid,"it'sdefinitelynotvinegar."Herummagedthroughanearbycupboardandproducedthreeearthenwarecups."Well,brother,"Belgarathsaid,"whatareyourplans?"Beldindippedintothecaskwithoneofthecups."IthinkI'llseeifIcantrackdownHarakan.I'dliketofinishhimoffbeforeIgobacktoMallorea.He'snotthekindyouwantlurkinginalleysbehindyouasyougoby."

"You'regoingtoMallorea,then?"Belgarathtoreawingoffthechickenlyingonthetable."That'spossiblytheonlyplacewherewecangetanysolidinformationaboutthisZandramas."Beldinbelched."Javelinsaysthathethinksit'saDarshivanname,"Gariontoldhim.Beldingrunted."Thatcouldhelpalittle.ThistimeI'llstartthere.Icouldn'tgetanythingatallatMalZeth,andthosehalf-witsinKarandafelloverinadeadfainteverytimeImentionedthename.""DidyoutryMalYaska?"Belgarathaskedhim."Hardly.Urvon'sgotmydescriptionpostedoneverywallinthatplace.Forsomereason,he'safraidthatsomedayImightshowupandyankoutseveralyardsofhisguts.""Iwonderwhy.""Itoldhimso,that'swhy.""You'llbeinDarshiva,then?""Forthetimebeing-atleast,IwillafterI'vegotHarakansafelyundertheground.IfIfindoutanythingaboutZandramas,I'llgetwordtoyou.""KeepyoureyesopenforclearcopiesoftheMalloreanGospelsandtheAshabineOracles,too,"Belgarathtoldhim."AccordingtotheCodex,I'msupposedtofindcluesinthem.""Andwhatareyougoingtodo?""Ithinkwe'llgoondowntoNyissaandseeiftheOrbcanpickupthetrailofmygreat-grandson.""ThefactthatsomeRivanshepherdsawaNyissanshipisaprettyslenderlead,

Belgarath.""Iknow,butatthemomentit'stheonlyonewe'vegot."Garionabsentlypulledafewfragmentsoffthepicked-overchickenandputtheminhismouth.Hesuddenlyrealizedthathewasravenouslyhungry."AreyougoingtotakePolgarawithyou?"Beldinasked."Idon'tthinkso.GarionandIarelikelytobeoutoftouch,andwe'llneedsomebodyhereinthenorthtokeepaneyeonthings.TheAlornsarefeelingmuscularatthemomentandthey'regoingtoneedafirmhandtokeepthemoutofmischief.""That'sanormalconditionforAlorns.YourealizethatPolgara'snotgoingtobehappywhenyoutellhershehastostaybehind,don'tyou?""Iknow,"Belgarathrepliedwithagloomylook."MaybeI'lljustleaveheranote.Thatworkedprettywelllasttime.""Justtrytomakesureshe'snotinthevicinityofanythingbreakablewhenshegetsthenote."Beldinlaughed."Likelargecitiesandmountainranges.Iheardwhathappenedwhenshegotthelastnoteyouleft."Thedooropened,andBarakstuckhisheadintothekitchen."Oh,"hesaid."Thereyouare.Thereareacouplepeopleoutherewhowanttoseeyou.Mandorallenfoundthemontheoutskirtsoftown-averystrangepair.""Howdoyoumeanstrange?"Garionasked."Theman'sasbigasahouse.He'sgotarmsliketreetrunks,buthecan'ttalk.Thegirl'sprettyenough,butshe'sblind."BelgarathandBeldinexchangedaquicklook."Howdoyouknowshe'sblind?"Belgarathasked."She'sgotaclothtiedacrosshereyes."Barakshrugged."Ijustassumedthatwas

whatitmeant.""Iguesswe'dbettergotalktoher."Beldinsaid,risingfromhisseat."Aseeresswouldn'tbeinthispartoftheworldunlessitwasprettyimportant.""Aseeress?"Garionasked."OneofthosepeoplefromKell,"Belgarathexplained."They'realwaysblindfolded,andtheirguidesarealwaysmutes.Let'sgoseewhatshehastosay."Whentheyenteredthelargemainroom,theyfoundtheotherscuriouslyeyeingthetwostrangers.Theblindfoldedseeresswasaslightgirlinawhiterobe.Shehaddarkblondhair,andaserenesmiletouchedherlips.Shestoodquietlyinthecenteroftheroom,patientlywaiting.BesideherstoodoneofthelargestmenGarionhadeverseen.Heworeakindofsleevelesskirtleofcoarse,undyedclothbeltedatthewaist,andhecarriednoweaponexceptforastout,polishedstaff.HetoweredaboveevenHettar,andhisbarearmswereawesomelymuscled.Inacuriousway,heseemedalmosttohoveroverhisslendermistress,hiseyeswatchfulandprotective."Hasshesaidwhosheis?"BelgarathquietlyaskedPolgaraastheyjoinedtheothers."No,"shereplied."AllthatshesaysisthatshehastospeakwithyouandGarion.""HernameisCyradis,"Errandsaidfromnearby."Doyouknowher?"Garionaskedhim."Wemetonce-intheVale.Shewantedtofindoutsomethingaboutme,soshecamethere,andwetalked.""Whatdidshewanttofindout?""Shedidn'tsay."

"Didn'tyouaskher?""Ithinkthatifshe'dwantedmetoknow,she'dhavetoldme.""Iwouldspeakwiththee,AncientBelgarath,"theseeresssaidtheninalight,clearvoice,"andwiththee,also,Belgarion."Theydrewcloser."Iampermittedashorttimeheretotelltheecertaintruths.First,knowthatyourtasksarenotyetcompleted.NecessitydothcommandyetonemoremeetingbetweentheChildofLightandtheChildofDark;andmarkmewell-thismeetingshallbethelast,foritisduringthismeetingthatthefinalchoicebetweentheLightandtheDarkshallbemade.""Andwherewillthismeetingtakeplace,Cyradis?"Belgarathaskedher,hisfaceintent."InthepresenceoftheSardion-intheplacewhichisnomore.""Andwhereisthat?""Thepathtothatdreadplaceliesinthemysteries,AncientOne.Thoumustseekitthere."SheturnedherfacetowardGarion,half-reachingouttohimwithoneslenderhand."Thyheartissore,Belgarion,"shesaidwithagreatsympathyinhervoice,"forZandramas,theChildofDark,hathreftawaythysonandevennowdothfleewithhimtowardtheSardion.ItliesupontheetobarthepathofZandramastothatstone-forthestarsandthevoicesoftheearthproclaimthatthepoweroftheDarkdothresideintheSardion,evenasthepoweroftheLightdothresideintheOrbofAldur.ShouldZandramasreachtheDarkStonewiththebabe,theDarkshalltriumph,anditstriumphshallbeeternal.""Ismybabyallright?"Ce'Nedrademanded,herfacepaleandadreadfulfearinhereyes.

"Thychildissafeandwell,Ce'Nedra,"Cyradistoldher."Zandramaswillprotecthimfromallharm-notoutoflove,butoutofNecessity."Theseeress'facegrewstill."Thoumuststeelthyheart,however,"shecontinued,"forshouldtherebenootherwaytopreventZandramasfromreachingtheSardionwiththineinfantson,itfallstothee-ortothyhusband-toslaythechild.""Slay?"Ce'Nedraexclaimed,"Never!""ThentheDarkshallprevail,"Cyradissaidsimply.SheturnedbacktoGarion."Mytimegrowsshort,"shesaidtohim."HeedwhatIsay.ThychoiceofcompanionstoaidtheeinthistaskofthinemustbeguidedbyNecessityandnotthineownpreference.Shouldstthouchooseawry,thenshaltthoufailthytask,andZandramaswilldefeatthee.Thysonshallbelosttotheeforever,andtheworldasthouknowestitshallbenomore."Garion'sfacewasbleak."Goahead,"hetoldhershortly."Saytherestofwhatyouhavetosay."HersuggestionthateitherheorCe'Nedracouldeverunderanycircumstanceskilltheirownchildhadfilledhimwithasuddenanger."ThouwiltleavethisplaceinthecompanyofAncientBelgarathandhismostrevereddaughter.ThoumustalsotakewiththeetheBeareroftheOrbandthywife.""Absurd!"heburstout."I'mnotgoingtoexposeCe'Nedra-orErrand-tothatkindofdanger.""Thenthouwiltsurelyfail."Helookedatherhelplessly."ThoumusthavewiththeeaswelltheGuideandtheManwithTwoLives-andoneotherwhomIwillrevealtothee.Thouwiltbejoinedatsomelatertimesbyothers-theHuntress,theManWhoIsNoMan,theEmptyOne,andbytheWomanWhoWatches.""That'sfairlytypicalseergibberish,"Beldinmutteredsourly."Thewordsarenotmine,gentleBeldin,"shetoldhim.

"Thesearethenamesastheyarewritteninthestars-andintheprophecies.TheincidentalandworldlynameswhichweregiventhematthetimeoftheirbirthsareofnomomentinthetimelessrealmofthetwoNecessitieswhichcontendwitheachotheratthecenterofallthatisoreverwillbe.Eachofthesecompanionshathacertaintask,andalltasksmustbecompleted'erethemeetingwhichistocome,elsetheProphecywhichhathguidedthystepssincetimebeganwillfail.""Andwhatismytask,Cyradis?"Polgaraaskedhercoolly.""Itisasithatheverbeen,HolyPolgara.Thoumustguide,andnurture,andprotect,forthouartthemother-evenasAncientBelgarathisthefather."Thefaintestofsmilestouchedtheblindfoldedgirl'slips."Otherswillaidtheeinthyquestfromtimetotime,Belgarion,"shecontinued,"butthoseIhavenamedmustbewiththeeatthatfinalmeeting.""Whataboutus?"Barakdemanded,"HettarandMandorallenandLelldorinandme?""Thetasksofeachofyouarecomplete,mostDreadfulBear,andtheresponsibilityforthemhathdescendedtoyoursons.ShouldstthouortheBowmanortheHorseLordortheKnightProtectorseektojoinwithBelgarioninthisquest,thypresencewillcausehimtofail.""Ridiculous!"thebigmansputtered."I'mcertainlynotstayingbehind.""Thatchoiceisnotthinetomake."SheturnedbacktoGarion,layingherhandonthemassivearmofhermuteprotector."ThisisToth,"shesaid,slumpingasifagreatwearinesswereabouttoovercomeher."HehathguidedmyfalteringstepssincethedaythatothersightcameuponmeandIboundupmineeyesthatImightbettersee.Thoughitdothrendmysoul,heandImustnowpartforalittlewhile.Ihaveinstructedhimtoaidtheeinthysearch.Inthestars,heiscalledtheSilentMan,anditishisdestinytobeoneofthycompanions."Shebegantotrembleasifinexhaustion."Onelastwordforthee,Belgarion,"shesaidinaquaveringvoice."Thyquestwillbefraughtwithgreatperil,andoneofthycompanionsshalllosehislifeinthecourseofit.Preparethineheart

therefore,forwhenthismischanceoccurs,thoumustnotfalter,butmustpressontothecompletionofthetaskwhichhathbeenlaiduponthee.""Who?"hesaidquickly."Whichoneofthemisgoingtodie?""Thathathnotbeenrevealedtome,"shesaid.Andthenwithanobviouseffort,shestraightened."Rememberme,"shesaid,"forweshallmeetanon."Withthatshevanished."Wheredidshego?"GeneralBrendigexclaimed."Shewasneverreallyhere,"Errandreplied."Itwasaprojection,Brendig,"Belgarathsaid."Buttheman-Toth-issolid.Nowhowdidtheyworkthat?Doyouknow,Errand?"Errandshrugged."Ican'ttell,Belgarath.ButittookthecombinedpowerofalltheSeersatKell.""Whatabsolutenonsense!"Barakburstoutangrily,poundingonehugefistonthetable."Nothinginthisworldcouldmakemestaybehind!""Mandorallen,Hettar,andLelldorinvehementlynoddedtheiragreement.GarionlookedatPolgara."Couldshepossiblyhavebeenlying?"heasked."Cyradis?No.Aseeressisn'tcapableoflying.Shemayhaveconcealedafewthings,butshecouldneverhavelied.Whatshetolduswaswhatshesawinthestars.""Howcansheseethestarswiththatblindfoldoverhereyes?"Lelldorinobjected.Polgaraspreadherhands."Idon'tknow.Theseersperceivethingsinwayswedon'tentirelyunderstand.""Maybeshereadthemwrong,"Hettarsuggested.

"TheSeersatKellareusuallyright,"Beldingrowled,"soIwouldn'tnecessarilywanttobetmylifeonthat.""Thatbringsusrighttothepoint,"Garionsaid."I'mgoingtohavetogoalone.""Alone?"Ce'Nedragasped."Youheardwhatshesaid.Somebodywhogoeswithmeisgoingtogetkilled.""Thathatheverbeenapossibility,Garion,"Mandorallensaidsoberly."Butneveracertainty.""Iwon'tletyougobyyourself,"Barakdeclared.Garionfeltapeculiarwrench,almostasifhehadbeenrudelypushedaside.Hewaspowerlessasavoicewhichwasnothiscamefromhislips."Willyoupeoplestopallthisbabbling?"itdemanded."You'vebeengivenyourinstructions.Nowfollowthem."TheyallstaredatGarioninamazement.Hespreadhishandshelplessly,tryingtoletthemknowthathehadnocontroloverthewordscomingfromhismouth.Belgarathblinked."Thismustbeimportant,ifitcanmakeyoutakeahanddirectly,"hesaidtotheawarenessthathadsuddenlyusurpedGarion'svoice."Youdon'thavetimetositarounddebatingtheissue,Belgarath.Youhaveaverylongwaytogoandonlysomuchtime.""ThenwhatCyradissaidwastrue?"Polgaraasked."Asfarasitwent.She'sstillnottakingsides,though.""Thenwhydidshecomeatall?"Beldinasked."Shehasherowntask,andthiswaspartofthat.ShemustalsogiveinstructionstoZandramas."

"Idon'tsupposeyoucouldgiveusahintortwoaboutthisplacewe'resupposedtofind?"Belgarathaskedhopefully."Belgarath,don'tdothat.Youknowbetter.YouhavetostopatProlguonyourwaysouth.""Prolgu?""Somethingthathastooccurisgoingtohappenthere.Timeisrunningoutonyou,Belgarath,sostopwastingit."Youkeeptalkingabouttime.Couldyoubeabitmorespecific?""He'sgone,Grandfather,"Garionsaid,regainingcontrolofhisvoice."Healwaysdoesthat,"Belgarathcomplained."Justwhentheconversationgetsinteresting,heleaves.""Youknowwhyhedoesit,Belgarath,"Beldinsaid.Belgarathsighed."Yes,IsupposeIdo."Heturnedtotheothers."That'sit,then,"hesaid."IguesswedoexactlywhatCyradistoldustodo.""You'resurelynotgoingtotakeCe'Nedrawithyou,"Porennobjected."OfcourseI'mgoing,Porenn,"Ce'Nedradeclaredwithalittletossofherhead."I'dhavegoneanyway-nomatterIwhatthatblindgirlsaid.""ButshesaidthatoneofGarion'scompanionswoulddie."I'mnothiscompanion,Porenn.I'mhiswife."TherewereactualtearsinBarak'seyes."Isn'tthereanythingIcansaytopersuadeyoutochangeyourmind?"hepleaded.Garionfeltthetearsalsowellingupinhisowneyes.Barakhadalwaysbeenone

ofthesolidrocksinhislife,andthethoughtofbeginningthissearchwithoutthebigred-beardedmanathissideleftagreatemptinessinsidehim."I'mafraidwedon'thaveanychoice,Barak,"hesaidverysadly."Ifitwereuptome-"Heleftithanging,unabletogoon."Thishathrentmineheart,dearestCe'Nedra,"Mandorallensaid,kneelingbeforethequeen."Iamthytrueknight,thychampionandprotector,andyetIamforbiddentoaccompanytheeonthyperilousquest."Great,glisteningtearssuddenlystreameddownCe'Nedra'scheeks.Sheputherarmsaboutthegreatknight'sneck."Dear,dearMandorallen,"shesaidbrokenly,kissinghischeek."I'vegotsomepeopleworkingonafewthingsinMallorea,"SilksaidtoYarblek."I'llgiveyoualettertothemsothattheycankeepyouadvised.Don'tmakeanyhastydecisions,butdon'tpassupanyopportunities,either.""Iknowhowtorunthebusiness,Silk,"Yarblekretorted."Atleastaswellasyoudo.""Ofcourseyoudo,butyougetexcited.AllI'msayingisthatyoushouldtrytokeepyourhead."Thelittlemanlookeddownrathersadlyathisvelvetdoubletandallthejewelshewaswearing.Hesighed."Oh,well,I'velivedwithoutallthisbefore,Isuppose."HeturnedtoDurnik."Iguessweshouldstartpacking,"hesaid.Garionlookedathiminperplexity."Weren'tyoulistening,Garion?"thelittlemanaskedhim."Cyradistoldyouwhomyouweresupposedtotakealong.Durnik'stheManwithTwoLives,ErrandistheBeareroftheOrb,andincaseyou'veforgotten,I'mtheGuide."Garion'seyeswidened."NaturallyI'mgoingwithyou,"Silksaidwithanimpudentgrin."You'dprobablygetlostifIweren'talongtoshowyoutheway."

.

HereendsBookIofTheMalloreon.BookII,KingoftheMurgosbeginsthequestforGarion'ssonacrossstrangenewlandstotheplacethatisnomoreandaconflictofopposingdestiniesthatwilldecidethefateofallmankind.