"I was traveling alone through this forest," Arell replied, "and I thought I smelled the smoke of a campfire. I went to investigate and I found a tent set up beside a little stream. I looked inside the tent, and there was Prince Geran. There was no one else around, so I picked him up and came looking for you."

Ce'Nedra's mind was still trying to scream at her, but she was too deliriously happy to pay any attention. She held her baby, rocking back and forth and crooning to him.

"Where is King Belgarion?" Arell asked.

"Back there someplace." Ce'Nedra gestured vaguely.

"You should go to him and let him know that his son is safe."

"Yes. He'll be very happy."

"I have something that I really have to attend to, Ce'Nedra," Arell said. "Do you think you'll be able to find your way back alone?"

"Oh, I'm sure I could, but couldn't you come along? His Majesty is sure to want to reward you for restoring our son to us."

Arell smiled. "The happiness on your face is all the reward I need, and this matter I must take care of is extremely important. I may be able to join you later, however. Which way will you be traveling?''

"South, I think," Ce'Nedra replied. "We have to get to the seacoast."

"Oh?"

"Yes. We're going to an island—Perivor, I think the name is."

"There's supposed to be a meeting of some kind very soon, isn't there? Is Perivor the place where it's going to happen?"

"Oh, no." Ce'Nedra laughed, still cuddling her baby. "We're just going to Perivor to get some more information about it. We'll be going on from there."

'' I may not be able to join you at Perivor,'' Arell said, frowning slightly. "Perhaps you could tell me where the meeting's supposed to take place. I'm sure I'll be able to meet you there."

"Let me see," Ce'Nedra pondered. "What did they call it? Oh, now I remember. It's someplace that's called Korim."

"Korim?" Arell exclaimed in astonishment.

"Yes. Belgarath seemed dreadfully upset when he first found out about it, but Cyradis told him that everything would be all right. That's why we have to go to Perivor. Cyradis says that there's something there that will make everything clear. It seems to me that she said something about a chart or something.'' She laughed a bit giddily. "To be honest with you, Arell, I’ve been so sleepy for the last few days that I can barely keep track of what the people around me are saying."

"Of course," Arell said absently, her face creased in thought. "Why would Perivor be the key?'' she mused to herself.' 'What could possibly be there to explain an absurdity? Are you absolutely certain the word was Korim? Perhaps you misunderstood."