“...it's as empty as a merchant's soul. Sorry, Kheldar, it's just an old expression.""That's all right, Beldin," Silk forgave him grandly. "These little slips of the tongue are common in the very elderly.”

“We're all entitled to a little stupidity now and then. --Beldin”

“I was reading an old text on the exploits of Belgarath the Sorcerer, and I –“ Senji stopped, going very pale, turned, and gaped at Garion’s grandfather.“It’s a terrible letdown, isn’t it?” Beldin said. “We always told him he ought to try to look more impressive.”“You’re in no position to talk,” the old man said.“You’re the one with the earthshaking reputation.” Beldin shrugged. “I’m just a flunky. I’m along for comic relief.” “You’re really enjoying this, aren’t you, Beldin?”“I haven’t had so much fun in years. Wait until I tell Pol.”“You keep your mouth shut, you hear me?”“Yes, O mighty Belgarath,” Beldin said mockingly.”

“Could you penetrate this palace, Prince Kheldar?" King Anheg challenged."I already have, your Majesty," Silk said modestly, "a dozen times or more."Anheg looked at Rhodar with one raised eyebrow.Rhodar coughed slightly. "It was some time ago, Anheg. Nothing serious. I was just curious about something, that's all.""All you had to do was ask," Anheg said in a slightly injured tone."I didn't want to bother you," Rhodar said with a shrug. "Besides, it's more fun to do it the other way.”

“Oh, well," Silk said wryly, "we might as well get it out into the open, I suppose. Gentlemen," he said, "I'm sure you all remember the Margravine Liselle, my fiancee.""Your fiancee?" Barak exclaimed in amazement."We all have to settle down sometime." Silk shrugged.They all gathered around to congratulate him. Velvet, however, did not look pleased."Was something the matter, dear?" Silk asked her, all innocence."Don't you think you've forgotten something, Kheldar?" she asked acidly."Not that I recall.""You neglected to ask me about this first.""Really? Did I actually forget that? You weren't planning to refuse, were you?""Of course not.""Well, then --""You haven't heard the last of this, Kheldar," she said ominously."I seem to be getting off to a bad start here," he observed."Very bad," she agreed.”

“Don't wrench your shoulder out of its socket trying to pat yourself on the back," Beldin said sourly.”

“...I can't abide snakes.""I don't even think of her as a snake.""Ce'Nedra," he said patiently, "she's long and skinny, she wriggles, she doesn't have any arms or legs, and she's poisonous. By definition, she's a snake." "...I'm bitterly disappointed in you, Prince Kheldar. She's a sweet, loving, brave little creature, and you're insulting her." He looked at her for a moment, then rose to his feet and bowed floridly to the earthenware bottle. "I'm dreadfully sorry, dear Zith," he apologized. "I can't think what came over me. Can you possible find it in your cold little green heart to forgive me?"Zith hissed at him, a hiss ending in a curious grunt."She says to leave her alone," Sadi told him."Can you really understand what she's saying?""In a general sort of way, yes. Snakes have a very limited vocabulary, so it's not all that difficult to pick up a few phrases here and there." The eunuch frowned. "She's been swearing a great deal lately, though, and that's not like her. She's usually a very ladylike little snake.""I can't believe I'm actually involved in this conversation," Silk said, shaking his head and going off down the hall toward the back of the house.”