Chapter 8 chapter eight

Jura had correctly concluded that his husband would be using Sol's room as his bedroom, and he looked up at him from behind a desk with a look of wonder as she pushed the door past. "Why did you come here?" he yelled. "Isn't it your order?" she said patiently, "that you sent me and my clothes and utensils here from the women's barracks by your insolent English entourage, and I suppose you wanted me to do my queen's duty... ..." He looked at her for a long time. "I think, I have to keep you," he said, with humility. "Come on, sit here and be quiet." She walked to the table.I saw books and papers scattered on the table.

Jura didn't know whether he had brought these books from England, or from Sol's room or library. What was the use of so many books?She bowed her head to the table to take a closer look. He followed her gaze and asked, "What are you going to do?" His voice was stern. "Look," she replied, and pointing to the map spread out on the table, "it's a mistake here. The boundary of Watters is farther north, and Saul took it when I was a boy A little piece of land in which my father was killed." She turned and sat down on the edge of the bed, and began to undo the garter from her leg.

Ron turned after her. "Ah, you know the boundaries of Vatels?" "It seems to know a little more than you do." He stood up and put the map on the bed where she could see it. "This map was drawn by Ferran twenty years ago. Tell me, what has changed since then? Why did my father go to Vatels? Is it to seize their land?" Jura took off her booties and kept rocking her bare feet. "Half of Vatels' territory is in the mountains, and nothing can grow there, so they came to attack Ariel and steal our food." "My father wanted to stop their attack, so..." Ron thought seriously, "Since the people of Waters are short of food, how will they survive the whole winter?"

"It's hard," said Jura. "What are you asking for, are you trying to arouse my hatred for Wattles?" Ron looked surprised. "How can I hate my own people? Come, show me new frontiers." Leaning on his shoulder, she pointed out to him the smaller territory of Watters with her hand. "They are poor, but they are a sensible people, at least just," she said, "not like the Zenas, or the Ertans. This Vattles..." "Yes, I know," he interjected, "and now you show me the land where Ariel grows corn, and where is it?" "Since you know so much, why ask about the land where the grain is grown?"

Ignoring her sarcasm, he pointed to a piece of the map and said: "If there is no change from before, the cultivated land is here. It is surrounded by three rivers and guards of Ariel. The crops are barley, wheat and barley .In the plains there are sheep and horses. The horses are stolen by the Ariel in night raids on the camps of the Ferens. They pass through the forests of the tribe of Waters and follow the sheep trails until..." "How do you know this?" Jura wondered. "While my uncle's children were playing football in the yard, Old Man Ferran and I hid and learned the languages ​​of Ariel and Ertans. I knew all about it then."

"Ertans?" Zhu Wei was even more surprised, "No one can speak their hodgepodge-like guttural language. It's not actually a language, it's just grunting and moaning." Ron leaned back against the bed, hands under his head. "It can be pronounced like this. For example, the word for woman is 'Terna' in Ertansi; they only pronounce 'Turna'. Generally speaking, they speak very quickly, so it is difficult to understand." Jura pulled back her foot. "They're lazy bastards. All tribes hate the Ertans." "Then the best way is to intermarry among the tribes. The Ertans live in mountainous areas and are isolated from the world. If other tribes intermarry with them, it will not only improve the quality of the population, but also broaden their horizons."

"Your plan to unite all the lands is also out of the question," said Jura. "Who wants to marry an Ertans woman?" There was a look of pleasure in Ron's eyes. "The Zenas man," he said. Jura laughed.Stretch her body out on the bed.When the two of them lay in bed, the map was still between them. "During that game, I had a nightmare about Meera winning," said Ron. "I brought up the fact that the marriage between the tribes is incredible. If they were all like Meera, who would want to be with Zenas?" Women getting married?" "The men of Ferensis may like the women of Zenas. Because most of the Ferens men are short, thin, and short-tempered. Saul used to say that they complained very much about their bodies. If Zenas women married Ferens men , their children will be tall."

Ron grinned at her. "And what about the Boylens? Who do we marry them to?" "That's not easy," Jura said, thinking it over. "The Boylens believe that ideas are more important than food or entertainment." "Then we'll give them little but vigorous Ferencian women, who will influence the minds of men from books to the pleasures and inclinations of men. What do you think?" Jura stared at him.The candlelight shone on his golden hair, shining a kind of transparent light.He looked so beautiful, so alive, that Jura was so eager to touch him that she even raised her hand.

Ron stepped aside suddenly and got out of bed. "You can sleep here," he said, pointing to a seat against the stone wall, long enough for her. Jura jumped up to protest his absurd arrangement, but then thought it was good, when he was assassinated—and he was going to be—she wouldn't get his blood; There will be children.Although she lived with this man, she was a virgin until she became a widow.Then Geralt becomes king and she can marry Dale and have a baby. She stood up from the bed, looking very calm. "You mean we're going on a trip tomorrow?" He has her back. "Yes, we set out for Vatels, but first we shall dwell in the village of the Ariel, and call their men and women into a council."

"What are you doing in a meeting?" she said, undoing her belt and taking off her baggy trousers. He still has her back. "For marriage..." He interrupted his work because he saw her half-naked body. "Go to bed," he said in a deep tone, "and cover yourself." Jura laughed behind his back and slipped into the sheepskin.She watched him undress, his face turned away from her.He took off his high boots to reveal his brown hairy legs, and his knee-length embroidered robe fell over his head, and Jura saw his muscular body again, and it reminded her of how he felt, Meet his feelings by the river and feelings in the stables.

Without looking at her, he blew out the candle beside the bed, and the room suddenly became dark. "Ron." She whispered his name for the first time in the darkness. "Don't talk to me," he said aloud. "Call me English instead of my first name." Gritting her teeth, Jura cursed the stupid foreigner.Because of his bad temper and irrational character, she estimated that within a week someone would end his life.Then she could get rid of him.Glad to be free, she thought, perhaps Lanconia would be better off without him. She lay there, thinking of Dale.How nice it would be for her to be a virgin when she married Dale in the future. "stand up!" Jura rolled lazily under the warm blanket. It was still dark in the room. Ron stood about five steps away from the ground, already dressed, staring at her. "Are all the Arials as lazy as you?" he said sharply. "The convoy has assembled below." "Are all British men as grumpy as you?" she replied, stretching out under the covers. He deliberately didn't look at her, but said: "Get your clothes and utensils and come down, hurry up!" After saying that, he left the room. It didn't take long for Jura to dress, and then took a few clothes and weapons and walked into the courtyard of the palace.At this time, the courtyard was crowded with jubilant and neighing cavalry and shouting and rioting crowd.She saw Gerald, dressed in black, on a black horse, directing the procession.Dale stopped on his horse.Near him was Cillian. Jura smiled at her friend, but Cirian turned her head away without greeting her.Jura's smile faded.She took the bread and wine from the servants and ate them in silence. Ron was among the crowd, and he rode his horse ready to go.Jura had to admit that he seemed competent to organize the expedition, and the men seemed to recognize him as a leader. Zhu La saw that the convoy was full of goods and food.Lola and her son Philip were in a buggy, next to the driver's seat. "Good morning," she greeted Lola, and handed Philip a piece of bread. "Do all Lanconian warriors eat bread?" Philip asked her seriously, and turned to Lola with a smile, but the Englishwoman just touched the tip of his nose without saying a word.Jura turned away and rode up to Zanti. The brigade set off for an expedition. After walking for a day, I came to a village of the Ariel people. This village is dozens of miles away from the city of Escalan and is the main residential area of ​​the Ariel population.For centuries, due to the killing of each other and constant wars among the tribes, both male and female guards have to be selected from here. After training, they are sent back to the village to monitor the enemy and protect Ariel from invaded.The tens of millions of miles nearby is the only safe place in Ariel.Children play games, women sing, harvest grain, or weave and embroider. Men, women and children live a quiet and comfortable life.But in order to defend this place, thousands of Ariel's guards have been sacrificed. Jura rode beside Zanti for most of the way, and she heard Philip complaining about the jolt of the carriage, so she made a point of galloping into the convoy. "Would you like to ride with me?" she asked the child, waiting for Lola's permission. Lola looked at her and nodded perfunctorily. Philip jumped almost deftly into Jura's arms, and she lifted him onto the saddle in front of her.For the rest of the journey, she told him the old Lanconian myths, about the character of Christ Jesus God, who also fought and quarreled.Philip had never heard so many interesting stories, and he was fascinated by them. "Why are you holding the puppy?" Geralt reprimanded Jura angrily, reining in the horse when he came to her. "You're growing softer with the English." "He's a child," Jura said disapprovingly. "Children grow up." She bored him. "He poses no threat to you, he does not claim your throne." Geralt cast a hostile look at the boy on the horse, and rode away. "I don't like him," said Philip. "Of course, you are right. He will be king of Lanconia." "My uncle Ron is the king, and he's the best king." "We'll see." It was late at night when the travelers reached the village.The convoy crossed the river by ferry, and the horses and men also had to take the ferry. The people welcomed them with torches, and everyone wanted to see the Englishman who called himself king. This is the hometown of Jura.Some of her relatives came to greet her.She was a noble woman, she had won the contest, and she was married to the king. "How is he?" people whispered to Jura, "did he get you pregnant?" "Is he as handsome as Dale?" "Is he as strong as Saul?" The conversation stopped when Ron came behind Laila.Jura saw her aunt's eyes filled with tears, a sign of joy at the family reunion. Jura smiled at them, then turned to Ron. "May I introduce you to my relatives?" she asked him politely. Later, Jura's aunt led them to her house, which gave up a small room with only a bed and no seat. "Are you tired from this trip?" she asked Ron. "No," he answered softly, "it is very well that you care for Philip. I am sure the boy is growing to look up to you. He is a lively, lovely boy, eager to learn. Perhaps he is more Lanconian than I am." He sat down on the edge of the bed and took off his riding boots.He is always in thought, seems to have some troubles.The words reached the tip of her tongue, and she wanted to ask him what was on his mind, but she didn't say it.It is best to separate from this man, he is only her temporary husband. "I guess, you probably won't sleep in the same bed with me?" She asked tentatively. "I don't think so. There's a lot of hides here, and I sleep on the floor and you on the bed." Zhu Lapo frowned, lying on the large empty bed.She saw that Ron was indeed sleeping on the floor, covered with animal skins.There seemed to be a tense, discordant atmosphere in the room.She can't sleep. "How bright and lovely the moon is," she whispered. Ron didn't speak, she thought, maybe he fell asleep. "Jura," he said softly. "Yeah." She answered him in the same tone. "Have you ever doubted yourself? You may think you are right in some ways, but deep down have doubts ever occurred?" "Yes." She did feel that way sometimes. He didn't say anything more.After a while, Jura heard him breathing lightly.She thought for a long time, wondering what he was referring to. In the early morning of the next day, all Ariel people woke up early.They wanted to see friends and relatives, and they wanted to see the Englishman.Jura noticed the joy in the faces of the people as Ron passed the crowd, talking to them in their language, without showing any haste, as he had done with her.On the contrary, he was so calm and intelligent that people thought his demeanor was refined and amiable. "You see, he's as smooth as a devil," Gerald said to Jura. "Be careful and keep your wits about you. Somebody might take advantage of this fool's wit and get us into war." Jura drank some apple juice and said, "He doesn't need war. He wants peace." "What a man needs and what he has are two very different things. If we break into Vattles' territory, prepare to fight. Ever since Saul's father killed Brenor's husband, she would have full of hatred." "Perhaps Bretta is a war freak," Jura said. "She may wish to see her son again." Geralt was taken aback. "You want to betray your country for this British man?" "No, absolutely not! He wants to unite the various tribes, let him try and see who will follow him? He means that Ariel and Vatels can intermarry, will the Ariar people agree? I think that before he starts to act have to stop before." Zandi, who was standing close to them, heard what she said to Geralt, and said to him, "Look! He's surrounded by admiring eyes, and they all want to follow him. Be quiet! He wants to talk." Jura turned and watched with great interest as Ron stood on a bench and began to speak.All morning she had heard people talking about Ron opening the door.But she saw that people were showing suspicion. It seemed that they did not accept this man, but were in awe because of the ancient legend. Ron's soft voice and accurate Lanconian were almost lullaby-like.The audience stopped talking, no one coughed, no one fidgeted, and even the standing children listened without moving. Ron talked about the prospects of Lanconia. If the country can be peaceful and stable, then both men and women can ride horses for long distances without danger and without surprise attacks from other tribes.He also said that in the future the various tribes could jointly build roads and conduct trade, exchanging Ariel's textiles for Wattles' gems, or Ferenc's horses.He talked about stopping inter-tribal wars, reducing the innocent deaths of the people, eliminating theft of property and disorder among the tribes, and so on.He paints a picture of splendor and splendor.Finally he spoke of the safe travel of the Arials through the lands of Waters and Ferens in the future, and that the people of Poylens were known for their vast knowledge in medicine, and that the tribes could use Their herbs heal and prevent death.When people heard this, their eyes filled with tears. "We're going to use Poylance's skills?" Geralt protested, but the crowd stared at him disapprovingly. Ron said that there is only one way for Lanconia to achieve peaceful unity and prosperity, and that is that all tribes must unite. "We're going to fight!" said Geralt. "You can't live without fighting!" People booed him.When people quieted down, they all looked at Ron again, expecting him to continue talking. "In short, Lanconia cannot be divided, and should become a unified nation, a peaceful and prosperous country!" Ron said softly.People gradually crowded forward, hoping to hear more clearly and carefully. Ron spoke again about the plan to unite the tribes through marriage. "Then people will ask the question, should brave young men and women die fighting for their tribe or live happily?" He grinned. "What noble heart is willing to sacrifice meaninglessly? Why not To marry a pretty young Watters girl, or a healthy and strong Ariel boy?" The young audience swarmed forward and appeared lively.Jura stood where she had been, deeply moved by Ron's eloquent speech. But Geralt was not, he purposely pushed the crowd forward, approaching the stool where Ron was standing. "Are you willing to send your children to be slaughtered?" he cried aloud. "This Englishman does not understand our living habits, and he will lead you to bleed to death. It is impossible for a Vatels to intermarry with an Ariel." , they only have hatred and slaughter!" Ron's three knights knocked Gerald to the ground for instigating a riot.Zanti and two other Lanconian guards also cheered them on. Zhu La watched this scene in panic, and it took him a long time to react.She catches up to Neil by the hair and places her knife to his throat. "Let go of my brother!" she said, piercing his skin with the knife, and blood trickled down his collar.Neil released Geralt and stood up, and the rest of the English knights let go. Crowds gathered to watch the fight. Ron got off the bench angrily, walked up to Jura, and ordered, "Let go of Neil!" "He attacked my brother," said Jura, "and I'll slit his throat!" Neal was so humiliated by a woman, he was too angry to speak. Ron held Jura by the forearm until she released Neil, and then he pushed her against the stone wall of a cabin. "Why did you sabotage my speech?" he asked sternly. "The people are listening to me. You are my wife, my partner, and you obstruct me and oppose me!" "Me?" she gasped. "It's your people who attack my brother. Can I just stand by and let them tear him to pieces?" "I am your king, and whoever opposes me is treason!" he said patiently. "Treason?" she said, eyes widening. "Yes, Sol appointed you to inherit the throne. But Gerald is Sol's son just like you. He has the right to speak, and he can say whatever he wants." "The Arials are going to follow me," said Ron, "but you and your brother are trying to thwart my plan! If I fail to unite the tribes, the people may want your warlike brother to inherit the throne, but I won't If I fail, I want to succeed, so why do you oppose me?" "You are so arrogant and bossy!" she shouted at him. "You say you will succeed and you will not fail. We live here and know better than you that your dreams cannot be realized. That's why the Ariel listen to you." , because you deceived them with your beautiful speeches, and you made it seem like the Arials could really intermarry with the Vattles. But if you rode into Bretta's territory, she would definitely wipe out our people ! And to take our territory, she needs arable land!" "It seems you still don't believe me. I will ride alone to Vattles to negotiate with Bretta." "In that case, she will kidnap you and put you under house arrest. We will redeem you and pay an expensive ransom." Ron moved closer to her, nose almost to nose. "There is no need to pay a ransom for me. If I become a prisoner, you can make your brother king." "Ariel's kingdom is about to become a captive of the Vatels," Jura called to him, "then we shall avenge Shigen and destroy Vatels! We will..." She was about to leave before she finished speaking, because Ron wanted to kiss her.He could think of no other way to quiet her but this one. He took her head in his big hands, and then kissed her lips, kissing her deeply and passionately. "Jura, stop arguing with me," he said, caressing her cheek. "You are my wife and stand with me." She pushed him away. "If I must stand with you because I am your wife, then when you lead us to fight with other tribes, I will die first." Ron straightened his back. "My father on his deathbed entrusted me with a great cause, the unification of Lanconia, which I will accomplish. You think war is the only way to solve this problem, but I think there is another way. I pray that Ai The Rials will have a happy marriage, perhaps even better than I expected." After he finished speaking, he turned to leave. "No!" she said, grabbing his arm. "I beg you, don't go with your plan. You can see in the eyes of people that they believe in you and will follow you, and because of this, I hope you don't lead them to death. This is the only thing I ask of you I am your wife, and maybe one day I will give birth to you. I don't intend to leave my country at your command." Ron was not moved by her advice and resolutely left the house. Jura stood where she was, trying to recover her emotions.This man did not listen to her advice, leaving her helpless.She knew people would heed his call, be at his mercy the way she had met him the first day by the river.He seemed to have an irresistible force.But now that she's in the clear, she can't just worship him blindly, and instead, has work to do to stop him.Thinking this way, she came out of the hut.Someone stood at the door blocking her way. "Cillian?" she said incredulously. "Yes," replied Cirian, "can we talk?" Jura noticed the noise of the crowd outside.Could she stop them from following Ron?I'm afraid it's not easy! "Do you still hate him?" Sirian asked mildly. Still angry, Jura replied angrily, "I think you believe it? You probably thought I wanted him and betrayed my friend to get him. Actually, I don't." "I was wrong," said Cillian, "for I was jealous." Her tone calmed Jura. "Jealous? Do you love him?" "Yes," Sirian said frankly, "I have loved him since I met him. Jura, he is kind, original, far-sighted, and thoughtful. Now he is willing to risk his life to unite the tribes." .He knew that he could be killed for doing it, but he didn't budge." "He went with him with hundreds of Arials," said Jura, "but when Bretta came upon him, noble purpose could not save his life." "What if Bretta doesn't attack? Or God help Ron, because God helped him push the gate." "What?" Jura gasped, "God doesn't protect a bad leader. Sirian, you can't trust Bretta, she won't let him take hundreds of Arials across her borders to She greets... as long as you set foot on the territory of Vatels, there is no way out but with swords and bows!" "Not necessarily. I've decided to go with him," said Celian. "I heard him shouting to you that he wanted to go to Bretta alone. So I went with him. You know, I used to Having been a captive of Vattles, and having spent three years there, I know the path through the forest that will lead him into the city where Bretta lives." "Then you too will be killed," Jura whispered. "Don't worry about me. Because what he wants to do is correct, and I am not afraid of danger. Jura, he once faced Brokanen alone and asked the other party to leave the child to him, and Brokanen complied with his request. He Didn't bring a single soldier, but came back safely. It seems that God put a protective cloak on him. Are you turning a blind eye to this?" Jura shook her head. "I don't think he intends to learn our way of life, but he insists that we learn from him." "That's not true. He understands our language and our history, and even dresses like us..." "The clothes he's wearing now, my mother used to make for Sol." Cirian took a step closer to Jura. "Please listen to me, give King Ron a chance, maybe he can really unite the tribes. Think about it, he talked about business, exchanging goods, eradicating theft, building roads..." Her voice was full of admiration and sympathy. "If Ariel can really trade with foreign countries, we will wear silk one day, like his sister Lola..." "That!……" "Jura, please..." Celian said almost beggingly. "What can I do to help him?" "let's go together!" "What?" Jura exclaimed. "Should I sneak somewhere I've never been, even sacrifice my life to fulfill the stupid dream of a British man? I don't even like this guy." "Yes," said Celian, "this is the only chance we have. If he can negotiate with Bretta, I think she will agree to his terms. The man seems to have a kn Talking to a mule and horse can also make it obey." Jura leaned against the stone wall and thought secretly.If she agreed to go with him, it meant her death.No one had ever been able to sneak into the city where Bretta lived without being caught. But what if he can emerge victorious?Perhaps fate has enabled him to find Bretta, and she agrees with his proposal? "Can Ron convince Bretta to allow the young men and women of Watters to marry the Arials?" "To consider, we are very strong," Cillian said. "If we could unite the two tribes of the Aires and the Waters, we would be twice as powerful as any tribe." Jura considered it carefully, and finally said: "Don't tell Geralt about this just now." She didn't want her brother to know, or it would cause trouble, as if he was not loyal to her brother. "Have you told Ron yet? Who else is going but the three of us?" "And Darler, of course," said Cillian. "Bretta must want to see her son. She won't hurt him." "Unless Bretta thinks he doesn't look like an Ariel. Who else?" "Enough," said Cillian. "We don't need a lot of people, the fewer the better, the easier it is to move. Shall we tell Ron now? That is, he can get support from women. Maybe it's not a bad thing that I'm not married, I think, I can restrain myself jealousy." Jura looked into the distance, the sun was shining on Ron's golden hair.At this time he was surrounded by young girls.She thought he probably needed help from the women. "A bunch of silly girls," Jura whispered. "Okay, let me tell him we're going to Vatels with him." They took Ron to Aunt Jura's house, away from the noisy crowd. Ron's blue eyes turned almost black when he heard what Cillian and Jura were up to. "Should I, accompanied by two women and my wife's ex-fiancé, sneak into Bretta's tent?" he said, shaking his head. "Then the sky will darken and the woods will wither and turn black..." "Ron," said Cillian, "you don't underestimate us. I know the path through the woods, and Dalle is Bretta's son, and Jura is strong and quick, and..." "A woman!" he shouted. "Don't you Lanconians understand the difference between men and women? Women don't fight!" "Didn't I win the game? Even a stick game will bleed!" Zhu La stared at him, "We are not afraid of bloodshed, we can also fight!" "Be careful, you are a woman and should speak a woman's language," he snapped, and looked back at Cillian. "I'm going with my own people. I know them and they obey my orders. You just give us a map. Of course Dale can go, if I don't worry about getting stabbed in the back." "Are you accusing Dale?..." Jura argued unconvinced.Celian stopped her. "I don't have to draw a map. The topography of Watters is all in my head. The secret meeting with Bretta is your only chance to win her, and I will lead you to her. Dale must go, because Bretta is His mother." "My wife stays, then!" said Ron conclusively. "No," said Cirian, "Jura will go with me, just as you work with men, and it will be better to have Jura and me." Jura leaned back in her chair, her back against the wall.She knew she would win because Cillian was what Ron needed, and as long as she insisted, he would have to say yes.