Page 35 (1/2)

At first nothing seean to buckle upith a grinding sound as the twig grew visibly thicker and began to reach up toward Mister Wolf's outstretched hand There were gasps fro as it grew Wolf raised his hand higher, and the twig obediently grew at his gesture, its branches broadening By noas a young tree and still growing One of the flagstones cracked with a sharp report

There was absolute silence as every eye fixed in awed fascination on the tree Mister Wolf held out both hands and turned theain, and the tips of the branches swelled and began to bud Then the tree burst into flower, its blossoms a delicate pink and white

"Apple, wouldn't you say, Pol?" Wolf asked over his shoulder

"It appears to be, father," she replied

He patted the tree fondly and then turned back to the dark-haired knight who had sunk, white-faced and tre," he inquired, "what do you believe now?"

"Please forgive led voice

Mister Wolf drew hi into the measured cadences of the Mie thee, Sir Knight, to care for this tree It hath grown here to renew thy faith and trust Thy debt to itattention to its needs In tiive it freely to any who ask it of thee For thy soul's sake, thou wilt refuse none, no ives freely, so shalt thou"

"That's a nice touch," Aunt Pol approved Wolf winked at her

"I will do even as thou hast coe my heart to it"

Mister Wolf returned to his horse "At least he'll do one useful thing in his life," he muttered

After that there was no further discussion The palace gate creaked open, and they all rode into the inner courtyard and dis nobles who reached out to touch Mister Wolf's robe as he passed At Mandorallen's heels they walked through the broad, tapestried hallith a growing throng behind them The door to the throne rooreat, vaulted hall with sculptured buttresses soaring upward along the walls Tall, narros rose between the buttresses, and the light strealass panels was jeweled The floor was polished marble, and on the carpeted stone platform at the far end stood the double throne of Arendia, backed by heavy purple drapes Flanking the draped wall hung the enerations of Arendish royalty Lances,the tattered war banners of forgotten kings

Korodullin of Arendia was a sickly-looking young old crown as if it were too heavy for him Beside hiether they watched so Mister Wolf approached the wide steps leading up to the throne

"My King," Mandorallen announced, dropping to one knee, "I bring into thy presence Holy Belgarath, Disciple of Aldur and the staff upon which the kingdoan"

"He knoho I am, Mandorallen," Mister Wolf said He stepped forward and bowed briefly "Hail Korodullin and Mayaserana," he greeted the king and queen "I'et acquainted before"

"The honor is ours, noble Belgarath," the young king replied in a voice whose rich timbre belied his frail appearance