The Unwilling Apprentice (The Unwilling #2) - The Unwilling, #2

A serious fantasy series that doesn't take itself seriously. Fred's adventures continue as he journeys with his friends to the city of Galaron, home to a king who's crown may be a little too tight.  Their troubles thicken into a mess of hidden intentions, surprise betrothals, some more-than-life-like statues, and armies who are a little hard to kill when they're already dead.  Who will get to Fred first, the armies of darkness or his own untrained abilities as a castor?