"After all," she added, "we must protect the dignity of the throne. You will assume your former duties and your former quarters. We'll think of suitable honors and rewards later." She paused. "I’ve missed you, my Sadi. I don't think anyone can ever know how much." Her head moved slowly around, and she regarded Polgara. "And how did your encounter with Zandramas go, Polgara?" she asked.

"Zandramas is no longer with us, Salmissra."

"Splendid. I never really liked her. And is the universe restored again?"

"It is, Salmissra."

"I think I'm glad of that. Chaos and disruption are irritating to a snake, you know. We're partial to calm and to order."

Garion noticed that a small green snake had slithered out from under Salmissra's throne to approach Sadi's red leather case, which lay open and forgotten on the marble floor. The little snake reared up to regard the earthenware bottle. He was purring seductively.

"And did you recover your son, your Majesty?" Salmissra asked Garion.

“We did, your Majesty.”

"Congratulations. Give my regards to your wife."

"I will, Salmissra."

"We must leave now," Polgara said. "Good-bye, Sadi."

"Good-bye, Lady Polgara." Sadi looked at Garion. "Goodbye, Garion," he said. "It's been a lot of fun, hasn't it?"

"Yes, it has," Garion agreed, shaking the eunuch's hand.

"Say good-bye to the others for me. I rather imagine we'll all see each other from time to time on state business, but it won't be exactly the same, will it?"

"No, probably not." Garion turned to follow Aunt Pol and Issus from the throne room.

"A moment, Polgara," Salmissra said.

"Yes?"

"You’ve changed many things here. At first, I was very angry with you, but now I’ve had time to reconsider. Everything's turned out for the best after all. You have my thanks."

Polgara inclined her head.

"Congratulations on your forthcoming blessing," Salmissra added.

Polgara's face gave no hint of surprise at the Serpent Queen's perception of her condition. "Thank you, Salmissra," she said.

They stopped off in Tol Honeth to deliver Emperor Varana to the palace. The heavy-shouldered professional soldier seemed a bit abstracted, Garion noticed. He spoke briefly with a palace functionary as the group moved toward his quarters, and the official scurried away.

Their farewells were brief, almost abrupt. Varana was, as always, the soul of courtesy, but he obviously had other things on his mind.

Ce'Nedra was fuming as they left the palace. She was, as she almost always was now, carrying her young son and was absently running her fingers through his blond curls. "He was almost rude," she said indignantly.