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"They all are That's part of the problem"

"I like him," Garion asserted

"So do I, Garion, but that doesn't keepto say soht, I will Don't let friendship get the better of your good sense Arendia's a very dangerous place, and Arends tend to blunder into disasters quite regularly Don't let your exuberant young co that's none of your business" Silk's look was direct, and Garion realized that the little man was quite serious

"I'll be careful," he proravely

"Are youfun of ly Then he laughed and they rode on together through the glooen was about a hway, and it stood in the center of a clearing that extended beyond bowshot in every direction Although it had no wall, it had so out were narrow and covered with iron gratings Strong turrets surate which opened into the central courtyard of the house was ether with iron bands Garion stared at the brooding pile as they approached in the rapidly fading light There was a kind of haughty ugliness about the house, a grim solidity that see sort of place, is it?" he said to Silk

"Asturian architecture's a reflection of their society," Silk replied "A strong house isn't a bad idea in a country where neighborhood disputes soet out of hand"

"Are they all so afraid of each other?"

"Just cautious, Garion Just cautious"

Lelldorin disate and spoke to sorill There was finally a rattling of chains and the grinding sound of heavy, iron-shod bars sliding back

"I wouldn't make any quick moves once we're inside," Silk advised quietly "There'll probably be archers watching us"

Garion looked at hiion," Silk informed him

They rode into a cobblestoned courtyard and disen, when he appeared, was a tall, thin ray hair and beard alked with the aid of a stout cane He wore a rich green doublet and black hose; despite the fact that he was in his own house, he carried a sword at his side He lireet the respectfully

"Nephew," the count replied in polite acknowledgment

"My friends and I found ourselves in the vicinity," Lelldorin stated, "and we thought we ht"

"You're alelcorave formality "Have you dined yet?"

"No, uncle"

"Then you must all take supper with me May I know your friends?"

Mister Wolf pushed back his hood and stepped forward "You and I are already acquainted, Reldegen," he said

The count's eyes widened "Belgarath? Is it realy you?"

Wolf grinned "Oh, yes I' up rasped Wolf's upper arm warmly "Come inside, all of you Let's not stand about in the cold" He turned and li?" Wolf asked hied "The result of an old disagreeet involved in quite a few of those I thought for a while that you intended to go through life with your sword half drawn"

"I was an excitable youth," the count ad the broad door at the top of the steps He led thee blazing fireplace at each end Great curving stone arches supported the ceiling The floor was of polished black stone, scattered with fur rugs, and the walls, arches, and ceiling ashed in glea contrast Heavy, carved chairs of dark broood sat here and there, and a great table with an iron candelabra in its center stood near the fireplace at one end A dozen or so leather-bound books were scattered on its polished surface