Pawn of Prophecy

dealings with her husband's political enemies."
    Islena's eyes widened. "Does Anheg know?" she asked in a stricken voice.
    "I wouldn't be suprised," Aunt Pol said. "He's much more clever than he looks, you know. You'rewalking very close to the edge of treason. You ought to have a few babies. They'd give you something useful to do with your time and keep you out of trouble. That's only a suggestion, of course, but you might think it over. I've enjoyed our visit, dear. Thank you for your hospitality." And with that she turned and walked away.
    Silk whistled softly. That explains a few things," he said.
    "Explains what?" Garion asked.
    "The High Priest of Belar's been dabbling in Cherek politics lately. He's obviously gone a bit further than I'd thought in penetrating the palace."
    "The queen?" Garion asked, startled.
    "Islena's obsessed with the idea of magic," Silk said. "The Bear-cultists dabble in certain kinds of rituals that might look sort of mystical to someone as gullible as she is." He looked quickly toward where King Rhodar was speaking with the other kings and Mister Wolf. Then he drew a deep breath. "Let's go talk to Porenn," he said and led the way across the wharf to where the tiny blond Queen of Drasnia stood looking out at the icy sea.
    "Highness," Silk said deferentially.
    "Dear Kheldar," she said, smiling at him.
    "Could you give some information to my uncle for me?" he asked.
    "Of course."
    "It seems that Queen Islena's been a bit indiscreet," Silk said. "She's been involved with the Bear-cult here in Cherek."
    "Oh dear," Porenn said. "Does Anheg know?"
    "It's hard to say," Silk told her. "I doubt if he'd admit it if he did. Garion and I happened to hear Polgara tell her to stop it."
    "I hope that puts an end to it," Porenn said. "If it went too far, Anheg would have to take steps. That could be tragic."
    "Polgara was quite firm," Silk said. "I think Islena will do as she was told, but advise my uncle. He likes to be kept aware of this kind of thing."
    "I'll tell him about it," she said.
    "You might also suggest that he keep his eyes on the local chapters of the cult in Boktor and Kotu," Silk suggested. "This kind of thing isn't usually isolated. It's been about 50 years since the last time the cult had to be suppressed."
    Queen Porenn nodded gravely. "I'll see to it that he knows," she said. "I've got some of my own people planted in the Bear-cult. As soon as we get back to Boktor, I'll talk with them and see what's afoot."
    "Your people? Have you gone that far already?" Silk asked in a bantering tone. "You're maturing rapidly, my Queen. It won't be long until you're as corrupt as the rest of us."
    "Boktor is full of intrigue, Kheldar," the queen said primly. "It isn't just the Bear-cult, you know. Merchants from all over the world gather in our city, and at least half of them are spies. I have to protect myself - and my husband."
    "Does Rhodar know what you're up to?" Silk asked slyly.
    "Of course he does," she said. "He gave me my first dozen spies himself - as a wedding present.
    "How typically Drasnian," Silk said.
    "It's only practical, after all," she said. "My husband's concerned with matters involving other kingdoms. I try to keep an eye on things at home to leave his mind free for that kind of thing. My operations are a bit more modest than his, but I manage to stay aware of things." She looked at him slyly from beneath her eyelashes. "If you ever decide to come home to Boktor and settle down I might just be able to find work for you."
    Silk laughed. "The whole world seems to be full of opportunities lately," he said.
    The queen looked at him seriously. "When are you coming home, Kheldar?" she asked. "When will you stop being this vagabond, Silk, and come back where you belong? My husband misses you very much, and you could serve Drasnia more by becoming his chief advisor than all this flitting about the world."
    Silk looked away, squinting into the bright wintry sun. "Not just yet, your Highness," he said. "Belgarath needs me too, and this is a very important thing we're doing just now. Besides, I'm not ready to settle down yet. The game is still entertaining. Perhaps someday when we're all much older it won't be anymore - who knows?"
    She sighed. "I miss you too Kheldar," she said gently.
    "Poor, lonely little queen," Silk said, half-mockingly.
    "You're impossible," she said, stamping her tiny foot.
    "One does one's best." He grinned.
    Hettar had embraced his father and mother and leaped