"Of course. It was but a question of time before you would complete your threefold task."

"Task?"

"It was but a simple endeavor for one as powerful as thou art, Polgara, but it was a necessary test."

"I don't seem to recall—"

"As I told thee, it was so simple that doubtless thou hast forgotten it."

"Remind us," Beldin said gruffly.

"Of course, gentle Beldin." She smiled. "You have found this place; you have subdued the elements to reach it; and Polgara hath spoken correctly the words that gained you entry."

"More riddles," he said sourly.

"A riddle is sometimes the surest way to make the mind receptive."

He grunted.

"It was necessary for the riddle to be solved and the tasks to be completed ere I could reveal to you that which must be revealed." She rose to her feet. "Let us depart from this place then, and go down even unto Kell. My guide and dear companion will bear the great book that must be delivered into the hands of Ancient Belgarath.''

The mute giant went to a shelf on the far side of the dimly lit room and took down a large book bound in black leather. He tucked it under his arm, took his mistress by the hand, and led them back out of the house.

"Why the secrecy, Cyradis?" Beldin asked the blindfolded girl. "Why do the seers hide up here on the mountain instead of staying at Kell?"

"But this is Kell, gentle Beldin."

"What's that city down in the valley, then?"

"Also Kell." She smiled. "It hath ever been thus among us. Unlike the cities of others, our communities are widespread. This is the place of the seers. There are many other places on this mountain—the place of the wizards, the place of the necromancers, the place of the diviners—and all are a part of Kell."

''Trust a Dal to come up with an unnecessary complication.''

"The cities of others are built for different purposes, Beldin. Some are for commerce. Some are for defense. Our cities are built for study.''

"How can you study if you have to walk all day in order to talk with your colleagues?''

"There is no need for walking, Beldin. We can speak to each other whenever we choose. Is this not the way in which thou and Ancient Belgarath converse?"

"That's different," he growled.

"In what way?"

"Our conversations are private."

"We have no need of privacy. The thoughts of one are the thoughts of all."

It was shortly before noon when they emerged from the cavern into the warm sunlight again. Gently guiding Cyradis, Toth led them back to the gap in the ridge and down the steep path that crossed the high meadows. After about an hour of descent, they entered a cool green forest where birds caroled from the treetops and insects whirled like specks of fire in the slanting columns of sunlight.