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Polgara seeravity of the problem that had impelled Garion to send for her She spoke with hi a few rather direct questions that set his ears to flathy, but only slightly so

Garion received the distinct i before proceeding

The Erastide celebration at Riva that year was soara, Durnik, and Errand with them to join in the festivities, Garion's concern over the problem Brand had raised dampened his enjoyment of the holiday

Several weeks afterward, Garion entered the royal apartara and Ce'Nedra seated by a cozy fire sipping tea and chatting together quietly The curiosity which had been growing in him since the arrival of his visitors finally boiled to a head

"Aunt Pol," he began

"Yes dear?"

"You've been here for al? The time certainly passes quickly when you're with people you love"

"There's still this little problem, you know," he reminded her

"Yes, Garion," she replied patiently "I' about it?"

"No," she said placidly, "not yet, anyhow"

"It's sort of i to rush you or anything, but- " He broke off helplessly

Polgara rose from her chair, went to the , and looked out at the sed with snow, and the pair of intertwined oak trees Ce'Nedra had planted there at the tihtly beneath the weight on their lirow older, Garion," she said to hiarden, "is patience Everything has its proper season The solution to your problem isn't all that corips with it yet"

"I don't understand at all, Aunt Pol"

"Then you'll just have to trust me, won't you?"

"Of course I trust you, Aunt Pol It's just- "

"Just what, dear?"

"Nothing"

It was late winter before Captain Greldik returned fro one of the sea water as she ed heavily around the headland and ht have to swirowled as he limped across to the quay "Where's the best place to beach this poor old cow ofto have to chalk her bottom"