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Mister Wolf seeed as well He seldoht in the hostels He spent a great deal of ti by himself with an expression of moody irritability on his face

Finally, on the ninth day after their departure fro the coast beca They topped a hill about h the clouds, and there in the valley below the the sea

The detachate of the city saluted sh, and he returned their salute crisply The broad streets of the city see about importantly as if their errands were the most vital in the world

"Courtiers" Barak, who chanced to be riding beside Garion, snorted with contest them"

"A necessary evil,man "Little jobs require little "

After they had passed through a e square, they e building without on each side of the paved courtyard The entire structure was surhest edifice in the whole city

"Where do you suppose the dungeons are?" Garion whispered to Durnik when they stopped

"I would take it most kindly, Garion," Durnik said with a pained look, "if you would not speak sodis man in an embroidered tunic and feathered cap who came down the wide steps at the front of the palace to uing

"My orders are fro to where they sat "I am commanded to deliver these people directly to him immediately upon our arrival"

"My orders are also fro man said, "and l am commanded to have them made presentable before they are delivered to the throne rooe of them"

"They will remain in my custody, Count Nilden, until they have been delivered to the king hi said coldly

"I will not have your h the halls of the palace, Lord Brendig," the Count replied

"Then ait here, Count Nilden," Brendig said "Be so good as to fetch his Majesty"

"Fetch?" The Count's face was aghast "I a I do not fetch anything or anybody"

Brendig turned as if to remount his horse

"Oh, very well," Count Nilden said petulantly, "if you must have it your oay At least have theet this, Lord Brendig," Nilden threatened