Demon Lord Of Karanda by David Eddings Read Free Book Online Page A

over what happened. We fought, and I stuck that sword into his chest.’
    ‘And he died?’ Zakath’s face was intent.
    ‘Eventually, yes.’
    ‘Eventually?’
    ‘He vomited fire first and wept flames. Then he cried out.’
    ‘What did he say?’
    ‘“Mother,”’ Garion replied shortly. He didn’t really want to talk about it.
    ‘What an extraordinary thing for him to do. Whatever happened to his body? I had the entire ruin of Cthol Mishrak searched for him.’
    ‘The other Gods came and took it. Do you suppose we could talk about something else? Those particular memories are painful.’
    ‘He was your enemy.’
    Garion sighed. ‘He was also a God, Zakath—and killing a God is a terrible thing to have to do.’
    ‘You’re a strangely gentle man, Belgarion. I think I respect you more for that than I do for your invincible courage.’
    ‘I’d hardly say invincible. I was terrified the whole time—and so was Torak, I think. Was there something you really wanted to talk about?’
    Zakath leaned back in his chair, tapping thoughtfully at his pursed lips. ‘You know that eventually you and I will have to confront each other, don’t you?’
    ‘No,’ Garion disagreed. ‘That’s not absolutely certain.’
    ‘There can only be one King of the World.’
    Garion’s look grew pained. ‘I’ve got enough trouble trying to rule one small island. I’ve never wanted to be King of the World.’
    ‘But I have—and do.’
    Garion sighed. ‘Then we probably will fight at that—sooner or later. I don’t think the world was intended to be ruled by one man. If you try to do that, I’ll have to stop you.’
    ‘I am unstoppable, Belgarion.’
    ‘So was Torak—or at least he thought so.’
    ‘That’s blunt enough.’
    ‘It helps to avoid a lot of misunderstandings later on. I’d say that you’ve got enough trouble at home without trying to invade my kingdom—or those of my friends. That’s not to mention the stalemate here in Cthol Murgos.’
    ‘You’re well informed.’
    ‘Queen Porenn is a close personal friend. She keeps me advised, and Silk picks up a great deal of information during the course of his business dealings.’
    ‘Silk?’
    ‘Excuse me. Prince Kheldar, I mean. Silk’s a nickname of sorts.’
    Zakath looked at him steadily. ‘In some ways we’re very much alike, Belgarion, and in other ways very different, but we still do what necessity compels us to do. Frequently, we’re at the mercy of events over which we have no control.’
    ‘I suppose you’re talking about the two Prophecies?’
    Zakath laughed shortly. ‘I don’t believe in prophecy. I only believe in power. It’s curious though that we’ve both been faced with similar problems of late. You recently had to put down an uprising in Aloria—a group of religious fanatics, I believe. I have something of much the same nature going on in Darshiva. Religion is a constant thorn in the side of any ruler, wouldn’t you say?’
    ‘I’ve been able to work around it—most of the time.’
    ‘You’ve been very lucky then. Torak was neither a good nor a kindly God, and his Grolim priesthood is vile. If I weren’t busy here in Cthol Murgos, I think I might endear myself to the next thousand or so generations by obliterating every Grolim on the face of the earth.’
    Garion grinned at him. ‘What would you say to an alliance with that in mind?’ he suggested.
    Zakath laughed briefly, and then his face grew somber again. ‘Does the name Zandramas mean anything to you?’ he asked.
    Garion edged around that cautiously, not knowing how much information Zakath had about their real reason for being in Cthol Murgos. ‘I’ve heard some rumors,’ he said.
    ‘How about Cthrag Sardius?’
    ‘I’ve heard of it.’
    ‘You’re being evasive, Belgarion.’ Zakath gave him a steady look, then passed his hand wearily across his eyes.
    ‘I think you need some sleep,’ Garion told him.
    ‘Time for that soon enough—when my work is