Part 1, Chapter 21 Summary

Orual spends ten days in Phars, marveling at Redival's decline in beauty and constant talks about her children, the second of whom, Daaran, will succeed Orual as King of Glome. Journeying westward into Essur, they spend three nights in the King's house, he being slavish-courteous to Orual and the Queen being terrified by Orual's veil and stories about her. Orual allows a detour to a natural hot spring 15 miles further west on a hot autumnal day, when the world rests from labor, making Orual think about cutting back on her work load and allowing Bardia to rest, as well. She sees the wisdom of old age beginning.

While camp is being set up, Orual hears a temple bell, walks toward the sound, and finds a small Greek-style temple. Inside it is cool, fresh-smelling, clean, empty, and silent, much more pleasant than...