As it turned out, Durnik was fairly easy to manipulate. CeNedras suggestion of a little family reunion, since were all here anyway, brought him over to her side almost immediately. Durnik was too innocent to suspect ulterior motives in others. It was so easy that CeNedra was almost ashamed of herself.
Garion was not nearly so innocent. He had lived with his wilful little Dryad wife for quite a while now, after all. With both Durnik and CeNedra urging the reunion, though, he didnt really have any choice. He did cast a few suspicious looks in CeNedras direction before he sent his thought out to his grandfather, however.
Belgarath and Poledra arrived a day or so later, and the old mans expression when he greeted the Rivan Queen clearly indicated that he knew that she was up to something. That didnt really concern CeNedra very much, though. What she was up to didnt involve Belgarath. She concentrated on Poledra instead.
It was several days before CeNedra had the chance to get her husbands grandmother off to one side for some serious talk, family reunions being what they are and all. Polgaras twins, of course, were the center of everyones attention. The twins enjoyed that, and CeNedra was patient. The right moment would come, she was sure of that, so she simply enjoyed the closeness of the peculiar family into which she had married and bided her time.
There was a strange quality about the tawny-haired Poledra that made CeNedra a little hesitant about approaching her. CeNedra had read Belgaraths story several times, and she was fully aware of Poledras peculiar background. She frequently caught herself studying Belgaraths wife, looking for wolfish traits. They were probably there, but CeNedra was Tolnedran, and wolves are not so common in Tolnedra that shed have recognized the traits even if theyd been more obvious. The thing that disturbed CeNedra the most was the disconcertingly direct way Poledra had of looking at people. Cyradis had called Poledra the Woman who Watches, and the Seeress of Kell had been right on that score. Poledras golden eyes seemed quite capable of seeing through all of CeNedras defences and concealments into that secret place where the Rivan Queen stored her motives. The tiny queen really didnt want anybody snooping around in there.
Finally she screwed up her courage one morning and approached Polgaras golden-eyed mother. Garion, Belgarath, and Durnik were outside, conducting one of their endless surveys of the farmstead, and Polgara was bathing the twins. I need to ask a favor of you, Lady Poledra. CeNedra was not certain of the proper form of address, so she fell back on a somewhat inappropriate usage.
I rather suspected you might, Poledra replied quite calmly. You went to a great deal of trouble to arrange this gathering, and youve been watching me for the last several days. I was fairly certain that youd eventually get to the point. Whats bothering you, child?
Well bother might not be the exact term, CeNedra amended, averting her eyes slightly. Those penetrating golden eyes made her nervous. Theres something I need from Polgara, and shes being stubborn about it. You know how she can be sometimes.
Yes. Its a family trait.
I didnt say that very well, did I? CeNedra apologized. I love her, of course, but
What do you want from her? Dont run in circles, CeNedra. Get to the point.
CeNedra was not accustomed to being addressed so bluntly, but she chose not to take offence. She sidetracked slightly instead. Have you read the history book your husband just finished writing? she asked.
I dont read often, Poledra replied. Its hard on the eyes. Besides, he didnt write it. He spoke it, and it just appeared on paper while he was talking. He cheats sometimes. I heard most of it while he was talking. It wasnt too inaccurate.
Thats what Im getting at. He left quite a bit out, didnt he?
In places, yes.
But your daughter could fill in those places, couldnt she?
Why would she want to do that?
To complete the story.
Stories arent really that important, CeNedra. Ive noticed that men-folk tell stories over their ale-cups to fill in the hours between supper and bedtime. Poledras look was amused. Did you really come all this way just to get a story? Couldnt you find anything better to do have another baby, or something?
CeNedra changed direction again. Oh, the story isnt for me, she lied. Its for my son. Someday hell be the Rivan King.
Yes, so I understand. Ive been told about that custom. Peculiar customs should usually be observed, though.
CeNedra seized that advantage. My son Geran will be a leader someday, and he needs to know where he is and how he got there. The story will tell him that.
Poledra shrugged. Whys it so important? What happened yesterday or a thousand years ago isnt going to change what happens tomorrow, is it?
It might. Belgaraths story hinted at the fact that things were going on that I didnt even know were happening. There are two worlds out there running side by side. If Geran doesnt know about both of them, hell make mistakes. Thats why I need Polgaras story for the sake of my children and hers. CeNedra bit off the term puppies at the last instant. Isnt caring for our children the most important thing we do? Then a thought came to her. You could tell the story, you know.
Wolves dont tell stories, CeNedra. Were too busy being wolves.
Then its going to be up to Polgara. My son will need the rest of the story. The well-being of his people may depend on his knowing. I dont know what Aldur has planned for Polgaras children, but its very likely that theyll need the story as well. CeNedra was quite proud of that little twist. The appeal to Poledras innate sense of pack loyalty might very well be the one thing to turn the trick. Will you help me persuade Polgara?
Poledras golden eyes grew thoughtful. Ill think about it, she said.
That wasnt exactly the firm commitment CeNedrad been hoping for, but Polgara brought out the twins at that point, so the Rivan Queen wasnt able to pursue the matter further.
When CeNedra awoke the following morning, Garion was already gone, as usual. Also, as usual, hed neglected to pile more wood on the fire, and the room was decidedly cold. Shivering, CeNedra got out of bed and went looking for warmth. She reasoned that if Garion was up, Durnik would be as well, so she went directly to Polgaras bedroom and tapped lightly on the door.
Yes, CeNedra, Aunt Pol replied from inside. She always seemed to know who was at her door.
May I come in? CeNedra asked. Garion let the fire go out, and its freezing in our room.
Of course, dear, Aunt Pol replied.
CeNedra opened the door, hurried to the bed, and crawled under the covers with Aunt Pol and the babies. He always does that, she complained. Hes so busy trying to sneak away that he doesnt even think about putting more wood on the fire.
He doesnt want to wake you, dear.