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Wolf nodded "We'll see you in teeks in Sthiss Tor," he said to Garion

Garion embraced the old man quickly and then turned away so that he wouldn't have to watch the two of the to where Mandorallen stood pensively looking out into the ht said h, isn't it, Mandorallen?" Garion asked

"Thou art a perceptive lad"

"What's been troubling you? You've been acting strangely for the last two days"

"I have discovered a strange feeling within myself, Garion, and I like it not"

"Oh? What is it?"

"Fear," Mandorallen said shortly

"Fear? Of what?"

"The clay men I know not why, but their very existence struck a chill into htened us all, Mandorallen," Garion told him

"I have never been afraid before," Mandorallen said quietly

"Never?"

"Not even as a child The clay men made my very flesh creep, and I wanted most desperately to run away"

"But you didn't," Garion pointed out "You stayed and fought"

"That time yes," Mandorallen admitted "But what of next time? Now that fear has found its way into ht return? In sos in the balance, ht not vile fear lay its cold hand upon naw upon my soul I am sorely asha human? You're too hard on yourself, Mandorallen"

"Thou art kind thus to excuse iveness I have striven for perfection and struck, I think, not too far off the mark; but now that perfection, which was theto accept" He turned, and Garion was startled to see tears standing in his eyes "Wilt thou assist me into mine armor?" he asked

"Of course"

"I feel profoundly the need to be encased in steel It will perchance strengthen my cowardly heart"

"You're not a coward," Garion insisted