"I think disappointment might be too mild a term," Silk suggested. "I think chagrin might come closer. Couple that with exasperation and a healthy dose of fear, and we'll be looking at somebody who's not going to be thinking too clearly. We're fairly sure there's going to be a fight when we get there, and you've always got an advantage in a fight when the opposing general is distracted."

"It's sound tactical reasoning, Garion," Zakath conceded.

"I'll go along with it," Belgarath said. "If nothing else, it should give me the opportunity to pay Zandramas back for all the times she's upset me. I think I still owe her just a bit for slicing pieces out of the Ashabine Oracles. I'll talk with Captain Kresca early tomorrow morning and find out if there's a beach on the east side of the peak. With a neap tide, our chances should be pretty good. Then we'll work our way up along the side of the peak, staying out of sight. We'll take cover near the cave mouth and wait for Zandramas to put in an appearance. Then we'll step out and surprise her."

"I can add an even bigger advantage," Beldin said. "I'll scout on ahead and let you know when she lands. That way, you'll be ready for her."

"Not as a hawk, though, uncle," Polgara suggested.

"Why not?"

"Zandramas isn't stupid. A hawk wouldn't have any business on that reef. There wouldn't be anything there for him to eat."

"Maybe she'll think the storm blew me out to sea."

"Do you want to risk your tail feathers on a maybe? A seagull, uncle."

"A seagull?" he objected. "But they're so stupid and so dirty."

"You? Worried about dirt?" Silk asked him, looking up. Silk had been busily counting on his fingers.

"Don't push it, Kheldar," Beldin growled ominously.

"What day of the month was Prince Geran born on?" Silk asked Ce'Nedra.

"The seventh, why?"

"We appear to have another one of those things that's setting out to make tomorrow very special. If I’ve counted right, tomorrow will be your son's second birthday."

"It can't be!" she exclaimed. "My baby was born in the wintertime."

"Ce'Nedra," Garion said gently, "Riva's up near the top of the world. This reef is near the bottom. It is winter in Riva right now. Count up the months since Geran was born the time he spent with us before Zandramas stole him, the time we spent marching on Rheon, the trip to Prolgu then to Tol Honeth and on to Nyissa and all those other places where we had to stop. I think if you count rather closely, you'll find that it has been very close to two years."

She frowned, ticking the months off. Finally, her eyes went very wide. "I think he's right!" she exclaimed. "Geran will be two years old tomorrow!"