"That's a relief," Urgit said. "If you find yourself getting edgy, though, be sure to let me know. There are still a dozen or so of my father's generals lurking about the Drojim. Oskatat hasn't found a reason to have them beheaded yet. I'll send for them, and you can settle your nerves. They're just a bother to me anyway." He frowned. "I wish I'd known you were coming," he said. "I’ve wanted to send your father a present for years now."

Hettar looked at him, one eyebrow raised.

"He did me the greatest service any man can ever do for another. He ran his saber through Taur Urgas' guts. You might tell him that I tidied up for him afterward."

"Oh? My father doesn't usually need to be tidied up after."

"Oh, Taur Urgas was dead enough all right," Urgit assured him, "but I didn't want some Grolim to come along and accidentally resurrect him, so I cut his throat before we buried him”

"Cut his throat?" Even Hettar seemed startled by that.

"From ear to ear," Urgit said happily. "I stole a little knife when I was about ten, and I spent the next several years sharpening it. After I slit his weasand, I drove a stake through his heart and buried him seventeen feet deep head down. He looked better than he had in years with just his feet sticking up out of the dirt. I paused to enjoy that sight while I was resting from all the shoveling."

"You buried him yourself?" Barak asked.

"I certainly wasn't going to let anybody else do it. I wanted to be sure of him. After I had him well planted, I stampeded horses across his grave several times to conceal the spot. As you may have guessed, my father and I were not on the best of terms. I take some pleasure in knowing that not a single living Murgo knows exactly where he's buried. Why don't we go join my queen and my mother? Then you can tell me your splendid news whatever it is. Dare I hope that Kal Zakath rests in the arms of Torak?"

"I wouldn't think so."

"Pity," Urgit said.

As soon as they found out that Polgara, Ce'Nedra, and Velvet were still on board Seabird, Queen Prala and Queen Mother Tamazin excused themselves and left the throne room to renew old acquaintances.

"Find seats, gentlemen," Urgit said after they had left. He sprawled on his throne with one leg cocked up over the arm. "What are these things you wanted to tell me, Kheldar?"

Silk sat down on the edge of the dais and reached inside his tunic.

"Please don't do that, Kheldar," Urgit told him, shying away. "I know how many daggers you carry."

"Not a dagger this time, Urgit," Silk assured him. "Only this." He handed over a folded parchment packet.

Urgit opened it and scanned it quickly. "Who's Oldorin of Perivor?" he asked.