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"It all sounds very cos usually are"

Zakath went to the door of the tent and spoke briefly with one of the guards posted there Then he came back "I've sent for Atesca and Brador," he said He smiled a bit ruefully "I wouldn't be surprised if they objected rather violently to this whole thing"

"Don't give them time to object," Garion advised

"They're both Melcenes, Garion," Zakath pointed out "Melcenes object to things out of habit" He frowned "Speaking of that, why did you go to Melcena? Wasn't it a bit out of your way?"

"We were following Zandrao there?"

"She had to pick up your cousin, Archduke Otrath"

"That silly ass? What for?"

"She took him to Hemil and crowned hied

"She needs an Angarak king with her when she gets to the Place Which Is No More As I understand it, the coronation cereet my hands on Otrath, it won't!" Zakath's face was scarlet with anger

" There was another reason for our going to Melcena-- although we didn't know it at the tiarath said "There was an unmutilated copy of the Ashabine Oracles there I had to read that in order to find out that our next step is the trip to Kell I' a trail that was laid down for o" '

Atesca and Brador entered "You sent for us, your Majesty?" Atesca said with a crisp salute

"Yes," Zakath replied He looked at the two of them speculatively "Please listen carefully," he instructed, "and try not to argue with me" Oddly he said it not so much in the tone of i to two old friends "There's been a change of plans," he went on "Certain information has come into my possession, and it's absolutely iarion and his friends Their mission is vital to the security of Mallorea"

Brador's eyes caht with curiosity "Shouldn't I perhaps be briefed on this matter, your Imperial Majesty?" he asked "State security is my responsibility, after all"‘

"Ah--no, Brador," Zakath said regretfully, "I'reat an adjust You're not ready for that As a arion and these others absolutely ," he added "I'll be going with them"

Atesca stared incredulously at his Eot himself under control "I'll notify the commander of the Imperial Guard, your Majesty," he said stiffly "They'll be ready to leave within the hour"

"Don't bother," Zakath told hiarion alone"

"Alone?" Atesca exclaimed "Your Majesty, that's unheard of"