Demon Lord of Karanda by David Eddings Read Free Book Online

single oil lamp.
    "You wanted to see me, Zakath?" Garion asked as he entered the room.
    "Ah, yes, Belgarion," Zakath said, pushing aside the parchments. "So good of you to come. I understand that your wife is recovering."
    Garion nodded. "Thank you again for sending Andel. Her aid was very helpful."
    "My pleasure, Belgarion." Zakath reached out and lowered the wick in the lamp until the corners of the room filled with shadows. "I thought we might talk a little," he said.
    "Isn't it sort of late?"
    "I don't sleep very much, Belgarion. A man can lose a third of his life in sleep. The day is filled with bright lights and distractions; the night is dim and quiet and allows much greater concentration. Please, sit down."
    Garion unbuckled his sword and leaned it against a bookcase.
    "I'm not really all that dangerous, you know," the Emperor said, looking pointedly at the great weapon.
    Garion smiled slightly, settling into a chair by the fire. "I didn't bring it because of you, Zakath. It's just a habit. It's not the kind of sword you want to leave lying around."
    "I don't think anyone would steal it, Belgarion."
    "It can't be stolen. I just don't want anybody getting hurt by accidentally touching it."
    "Do you mean to say that it's that sword?"
    Garion nodded. "I'm sort of obliged to take care of it.
    It's a nuisance most of the time, but there've been a few occasions when I was glad I had it with me."
    "What really happened at Cthol Mishrak?" Zakath asked suddenly. "I've heard all sorts of stories."
    Garion nodded wryly. "So have I. Most of them get the names right, but not very much else. Neither Torak nor I had very much control 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 information 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