"I suggested to him once that he take Nathel instead of me when he went after the Sardion. Now he's saddled himself with that cretin. I'd give a great deal to listen to some of their conversations. If he happens to succeed, he'll make Nathel Over-king of Angarak, and Nathel can't even tie his own shoes."

"You don't actually think Agachak will succeed, do you?"

Queen Praia said, a slight frown creasing her flawless brow. Queen Praia was several months gone with child, and she'd taken to worrying about things lately.

"Win?" Urgit snorted. "He hasn't got a chance. He has to get past Belgarion first not to mention Belgarath and Polgara. They'll incinerate him." He smiled sardonically. "It's so nice to have powerful friends." He stopped, frowning slightly. "We really ought to warn Belgarion, though and Kheldar," he added. He sprawled down into his cushions again. “The last we heard, Belgarion and his friends had left Rak Hagga with Kal Zakath. Our best guess was that they were going to Mal Zeth, either as guests or as prisoners.” He pulled at his long, pointed nose. "I know Belgarion well enough to know that he's not the sort to stay a prisoner for very long, though. Zakath probably knows where he is, however. Oskatat, is there any way we can get a Dagashi to Mal Zeth?"

“We could try, Urgit, but our chances of success wouldn't be too good, and a Dagashi might have some difficulty getting in to see the Emperor, Zakath's got a civil war on his hands, so he's likely to be a bit preoccupied."

"That's true, isn't it?" Urgit tapped his fingers on the arm of his throne. "He's still keeping abreast of what's happening here in Cthol Murgos, though, wouldn't you say?"

"Undoubtedly."

“Why not let him be our messenger to Belgarion then?”

"You're moving a little fast for me, Urgit," Oskatat confessed.

"What's the nearest town occupied by the Malloreans?"

"They still have a reduced garrison at Rak Cthaka. We could overwhelm them in a few hours, but we haven't wanted to give Zakath any reason to return to Cthol Murgos in force."