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Astolpho immediately sent word to the king that he had returned to Abincort.
Then Jara helped him regain a more presentable appearance by cutting his long, matted hair and trimming his beard close to his face.
He looked like the king’s prophet again.
But several more hours passed before a messenger brought the private invitation Astolpho expected.
He wondered if King Carleman’s attitude toward him had changed in the year he had been away. In the past, the king always seemed eager to speak with Astolpho, to hear of his prophecies, and to heed his wise advice.
The wise advice he intended to offer King Carleman now might mean salvation for Astolpho’s friends.
But there was no hastening the process. King Carleman would call for him when he wished.
In the meantime, Michaela still la
