The tall Algar, however, did not, in fact go stony-faced and reach for his saber at the mention of the word "Murgo." They had told him about Urgit's real background during the voyage, and his hawklike face became alive with curiosity when Garion rather hesitantly told him of the plan to stop at Rak Urga. “I'll control my instincts, Garion," he promised. "I think I'd really like to meet this Drasnian who's managed to become the King of the Murgos."

Because of the hereditary and by now almost instinctive animosity between Murgos and Alorns, Belgarath advised caution in Rak Urga. "Things are quiet now," he said. "Let's not stir them up. Barak, run up a flag of truce, and when we get to within hailing distance of the wharves, I'll send for Oskatat, Urgit's Seneschal."

"Can he be trusted?" Barak asked dubiously.

"I think so, yes. We won't all trek up to the Drojim, though. Have Seabird and Greldik's ship pull back out into the harbor after we go ashore. Not even the most rabid Murgo sea captain would attack a pair of Cherek war boats in open water. I'll keep in touch with Pol, and we'll send for help if the occasion arises."

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

CHAPTER TWENTY-SEVEN

It took some fairly extensive shouting between ship and shore to persuade a Murgo colonel to send to the Drojim Palace for Oskatat. The colonel's decision may have been tipped in that direction when Barak ordered his catapults loaded. Rak Urga was not a very attractive town, but the colonel quite obviously didn't want it burned to the ground.

"Are you back already?" Oskatat bellowed across the intervening water when at last he arrived on the wharf.

"We were in the vicinity and we thought we'd pay a call," Silk said lightly. "We'd like to speak with his Majesty if possible. We'll control these Alorns if you can keep your Murgos leashed."

Oskatat gave a number of very abrupt commands that were accompanied by some fairly grisly threats, and Garion, Belgarath, and Silk took to Seabird's longboat. They were accompanied by Barak, who had left Unrak in charge, and by Hettar and, Mandorallen.

"How did it go?" Oskatat asked Silk as the party, accompanied by a contingent of King Urgit's black-robed household guard, rode up from the harbor to the Drojim.

"Things turned out rather well," Silk smirked.

"His Majesty should be pleased to hear that."

They entered the garish Drojim Palace, and Oskatat led them down a smoky, torch-lit hall toward the throne room. "His Majesty has been expecting these people," Oskatat said harshly to the guards. "He will see them now. Open the door."

One of the guards seemed to be new. "But they're Alorns, Lord Oskatat," he objected.

"So? Open the door."

"But "

Oskatat coolly drew his heavy sword. "Yes?" he said hi a deceptively mild tone.

"Ah nothing, my Lord Oskatat," the guard repeated. "Nothing at all."

"Why is the door still closed then?"