Chapter 2

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                Ce'Nedra and Poledra, who had both been listening until the voice left, came up with their own idea for finding the sorceress.  They did not bother the men with their idea, for they would surely object, as it had never been done before.  Poledra was to put herself into Ce'Nedra's amulet, then, as she browsed the castle with her ears, Poledra would be able to search the place with her mind as eyes as well.

                Ce'Nedra held up her amulet, unsure of the idea.

                "Are you sure it will work, Lady Poledra?" she asked uncertainly, not wanting to bring about any harm.

                "No.  But how can we know for sure until we try?" Poledra's response was honest, and brought to comfort to Ce'Nedra.  Right before her eyes, the sorceress seemed to shrink and swish into the amulet.

                "Search, Ce'Nedra!" the voice rang clear in her head. 

                The experience was most interesting.  They seemed to be the air itself, swishing through the castle, seeing, knowing, hearing every single thing.  Poledra stopped them suddenly in a dark room.  It seemed to be empty.  Then, quite suddenly, Ce'Nedra found herself back in her bed and Poledra beside her.  Unsure of why they returned, she looked at Poledra for an explanation, only to see her walk over to the men and break their connection.  They didn't seem very happy, but Poledra spoke before they had a chance to voice their objections.

                "Zedar's holding her in Beldaran's old room.  He did something to her."  The words barely left her mouth when Polgara came wandering back.  Relief flooded the faces of all, save Poledra, who's eyes blazed with a fire so intense that only one other being had a gaze so fierce; her daughter.

                Durnik, oblivious to all but that fact that his wife was back, rushed to her side.

                "Where were you, dear?" His voice was thick with concern.

                "Durnik, what on earth are you talking about?  I merely had the sense that Geran and the twins were getting into some trouble, that's all."

                That wasn't it.  Garion could see that she was possessed; it was all betrayed through her eyes.  Her beautiful gray eyes, always alert, always loving save during times when her anger caused then to be steely, were dull, unconcentrating, dead.  He wasn't the only one who noticed; a look with Belgarath and Durnik confirmed that they had also seen the difference.  Poledra walked towards her daughter, her eyes still blazing.  Perhaps it was his imagination, but it seemed that a lock of hair the same place as the white lock in Polgara's hair blazed, just like Polgara.  Ce'Nedra was frowning, trying to find what was so different about her.

                Poledra laid a gentle hand on Polgara, and the life in her eyes was instantly restored.

                "Was it Zedar?  Is he gone?" Belgarath's voice was urgent.

                Poledra's look was baffled, "I don't know.  Whoever it was left as soon as I laid my hand on her head."

                "I feel awful!" Polgara groaned.  "What happened?"

                Perhaps it was unkind, but Garion could not express his relief any other way than through laughing.  Aunt Pol was back, alright.  No doubt about that.  His adventures were over for the day, hopefully, and he could settle back in bed with his wife and continue to admire his newborn.

                A knock on their door interrupted the grins that they all had on their faces, which was quite obviously about to drive Polgara into a rage.  Brand's son, Kail, entered.  Since the death of his father, Kail had done all his duties, and somehow became Garion's schedule manager.

                "You Majesty," he said, bowing, "I apologize for interrupting, and would like to congratulate you on, Princess, um…"

                "Ce'Vesta." Garion supplied.

                "Yes, on Princess Ce'Vesta.  I would also like to remind you that Prince Kheldar's wedding is coming up in 20 days, and it takes 12 days at least to travel to Drasnia, unless your Majesty plans on other traveling methods."

                Garion smacked himself on his head.  "Of course!! Silk's wedding.  How could I have forgotten?  I supposed we should begin packing right away.  Kail, will you be okay here for a month or so?"
                "Of course, your Majesty.  Send my regards to Prince Kheldar."

                "Of course."  Garion grinned suddenly, "I wonder how on earth Velvet ever talked him into it.  I assume she's having quite a difficult time persuading him to stay on his word this close to the ceremony."

                Without another thought, the company went their separate ways to prepare for their journey.

A/n:  Sorry that was short.  Another chapter is already started, and it should be longer and up soon.  I'm still inviting all comments, ideas, and suggestions!