Chapter 5 Chapter Five: Caspian's Adventure in the Mountains

Since then, Caspian and his teacher had had such secret talks on the top of the tower many times, each time Caspian learned more about ancient Narnia, and as a result, his mind was almost full of The longing and longing for that wonderful world, and the desire to return to Narnia in good times.However, he doesn't have much spare time.Because at this time he has begun to receive formal education, he has learned fencing, horseback riding, swimming and diving, as well as how to use bows and arrows, how to hunt, and also learned cosmology, rhetoric, heraldry, poetic rhythm, Of course, there are history, law, physics, alchemy and astronomy; as for astrology, he only learned some basic theories, because the doctor said that the practical operation should not be taught to the prince. ,

"And I myself," he added, "are only a very immature astrologer, capable of the simplest experiments." He had no sailing lessons, ("a noble and heroic science ’ said the Doctor.) This is because King Miraz objected to mentioning ships and the sea. , With his intelligence, keenness and careful observation, he also learned a lot of other knowledge.When he was a child he had disliked his aunt, Queen Purna Presmir, and now he understood that it was because she disliked him.At the same time, he gradually discovered that Narnia was an unhappy country, Taxes are too heavy, laws are harsh, and Miraz is an extremely cruel king.

Time flies, and a few years have passed in a flash.For a while, the queen seemed to be suffering from some kind of illness. The whole castle was busy and restless because of her.It was early summer, and one night, after lying down for a few hours, Caspian was unexpectedly shaken awake by Dr. Knells. "Shall we have a little astronomy, Doctor?" asked Caspian. "Shh!" whispered the Doctor, "don't talk, you have to trust me and do as I tell you. Put on your clothes, and you're about to go on a long journey." Caspian was very surprised, but now that he had complete confidence in his teacher, he did as he was told.After getting dressed, the doctor handed him something, "I have prepared a travel bag for you here, we will go to the next room immediately, get some food from the dining table, and fill the bag."

"There are my servants there, and they are always inseparable." "They're all asleep, don't worry," said the Doctor. "I'm a mere magician, but I can make people sleepy." They came to the next door together.Sure enough, the two servants leaned back on their chairs, their noses leveled like thunder.Dr. Knells quickly packed up the remaining cold chicken and a few slices of venison, together with bread, an apple and other food, and a small bottle of good wine, put them into the travel bag for the prince to carry on his back. "Have you got the sword?" asked the doctor. "Take it with you."

"Put on this cloak quickly, then, over the sword and the valise. Well, well. Let us now go to the top of the tower, and I have something to say to you." It was already late at night, and the top of the tower was dark and cold, as if shrouded in ominous terror. It was not at all like the night when they came together to watch the meeting between Tawa and Arambil.Dr Knells said, "My dear prince, leave this castle immediately and seek your happiness in the vast world. Here your life is in danger at any time." "Why?" asked Caspian in amazement. "Because you are the true King of Narnia: Caspian X--born son and heir of Caspian IX. Long live your Majesty--" and suddenly the little man dropped on one knee and kissed a touch of his hand, which startled Caspian.

"Doctor, what's the matter with you? I'm confused." "It never seems to have occurred to you," said the Doctor, "why, as King Caspian's son and heir apparent, you are not King of Narnia. Everyone knows Miraz is a usurper but you." Little man. When he began to rule, he did not appear as a king. He called himself the protector of the king. Later, your mother died. She was a wise queen and the only one who treated me kindly Telmarines. Then, all those upright ministers, those who were loyal to your father, also died one by one, or disappeared, and they all died very strangely, and none of them died normally. It is undoubtedly the cruel Mi Roz killed them all. For example, Berisha and Juweirath were killed by arrows in a hunting game, saying that they were accidentally wounded: and he sent all the noble families of Betha Rid to the north. On the battlefield, they fought against the giants until they died one by one. Akon, Arimond and a dozen others were executed by him for unwarranted treason, and the two brothers of Beaver Dam were also imprisoned by him as lunatics. At last, he persuaded the seven lords who were not afraid of the sea among the Telmarines to sail to the other side of the East China Sea to find a new continent. Just as he hoped, they never came back. At last, I can help you There was no one left to speak, and at his beck and call the sycophants asked him to be King of Narnia. Of course, he accepted the request gladly."

"You mean he's trying to get rid of me now?" "No doubt about it." "But why wait now? If he wanted to, he could have done it. What did I do to hurt him?" "An event happened two hours ago that completely changed your fate - the queen gave birth to a son."" "I don't see what that has to do with me," said Caspian, puzzled. "Don't get it!" cried the Doctor. "Haven't all the history and politics lessons I gave you made you wiser? Listen, you'll have to inherit the throne when he has no sons of his own." , although he does not love you, he would rather pass the throne to you than to an outsider. Now that he has a son, he naturally hopes that his son will inherit the throne. Then you become in the way, yes Right? Of course he wants to get rid of your obstacle."

"Is he really that bad?" Caspian was shocked. "Is he really going to murder me?" "He has murdered your father!" replied Dr. Knells.Caspian was so distressed that he didn't speak for a long time. "I could tell you the whole story," said the Doctor, "but not now, the time is running out, and you must get out of here." "Will you come with me?" "No, that would put you in greater danger. Two men have a greater purpose than one. Dear Prince, dear King Caspian, be brave! You must go alone, and try to cross the southern frontier at once." , find King Nairn of Archenland. He will receive you kindly.""

"I shall never see you again?" Caspian's voice trembled. "I sincerely hope that we will meet again, my dear king." The doctor also looked sad, "I have no other friends except you to accompany me on this vast land! I know some small spells, but now Speed ​​is everything. Before you go, please accept these two small gifts from me. Here is a small bag of gold - ah, all the treasures in this castle are rightfully yours. Here is a thing that is a hundred times more precious than gold ." So saying, he put something on Caspian's lap.Caspian could not see what it was, but he knew it was a horn by feel.

"It was the most precious and holy thing in Narnia, and I endured horrors and spells many times to find it, when I was young. It was one of Queen Susan's gods The Trumpet, where she stayed before Narnia vanished, is said to bring help from the gods whoever blows it—no one can tell what help it will be, perhaps it will Call back Queen Lucy, King Edmund, Queen Susan, and High King Peter. They will bring justice to our wretched land. Maybe this horn will even call back Aslan. Take it, King Caspian! But remember Do not use it until the most urgent moment.Come on, hurry up!The little door leading to the garden at the bottom of the tower was unlocked, and there we had to part. "

"May I take my Madame Strill?" Caspian was at a loss. "It's all ready, it's waiting for you by the orchard." While walking down the long spiral staircase, Knells whispered a lot of instructions and suggestions.Caspian was terribly upset, but he tried to keep all these words in his mind.Soon, they breathed the fresh air in the garden, and the footsteps of Destroyer's hooves and affectionate neighing sounded from the path, and the old and young finally bid farewell reluctantly.And so Caspian X left his father's castle.When he turned around, he saw countless fireworks rising from the sky, which was celebrating the birth of the new prince. In the land he knew, he raced south all night without stopping.At first he only dared to take the path or sidewalk, and later, when he was sure that there was no ambush, he simply galloped on the road.De Strill was equally thrilled by this extraordinary journey, and Caspian, though he had said good-bye to Dr. Knells with tears, was now full of courage, and even a little happy, that he was really free, And, like those knight-errant knights in the legend, they will overcome obstacles and forge ahead on the road of exploration.At dawn, a light drizzle fell from the sky. Caspian reined in his horse and looked around. He saw strange forests, dense wild chrysanthemums, and blue mountains all around him.Seeing the vastness and magnificence of this world, he felt that he was so small, and he couldn't help feeling a little nervous. " After daylight Caspian turned off the road, and found a meadow in the forest, where he intended to have a good rest.He took off the saddle on Dai Strill and let it graze aside, while he sat down, ate some cold chicken, drank some wine, and then lay comfortably on the grass, and soon fell asleep— - He is very tired.When he woke up, it was almost dusk, he ate something hastily, and then started on the road again, still heading south.After passing through a large barren field, we soon came to a mountainous area.The road here is rough, up and down, and it seems that there are more roads going up than down.With each ridge he climbed, he noticed that the mountains ahead seemed closer and darker.When night fell, he was already walking on the slope of the big mountain.Suddenly, there was a strong wind in the sky, followed by rumbling thunder and heavy rain.De Stryl grew restless.At this moment, they entered a dark, seemingly endless pine forest.Caspian thought suddenly of the stories he had heard.The forest in the story is always very unfriendly to human beings.His family used to cut down trees everywhere, and fought with all the forest families, killing innocent people indiscriminately.Although he himself is different from those Telmarians, how does the tree know this? 8 They really don't know.The wind blew harder and harder, and the storm shook the entire forest, sending out waves of howling.Suddenly there was a loud noise and a big tree fell on the road behind him. "Be quiet, Destrier, be quiet!" Caspian patted the horse's neck, but he trembled uncontrollably.He was glad that he had escaped from death—because the big tree would have killed them all by just a little bit.The lightning in the sky was blinding, and there was a loud thunder that seemed to split the sky in two. Destrier ran like hell. Caspian was a good rider, but he couldn't hold the rein at this moment.He clung tightly to the horse's back, knowing in his heart how dangerous it would be for him to run like this.In the darkness, one big tree after another rushed towards him, and then flashed past him.Suddenly, he felt a slap on the forehead, and he didn't know anything after that. 5 When he awoke, he found himself lying beside a bright and warm campfire with bruised arms and legs and a terrible headache.At this time, a low voice came from beside him. "Now," said a voice, "before he wakes up, we must agree on what to do with him." "Kill him!" said another voice. "We cannot keep him alive, he will betray us." "We should have killed him on the spot, or let him go," said a third voice, "but we brought him back, bandaged his head wound, and tended him well, and now But you want to kill him, what's the matter?" "Gentlemen," said Caspian, in a weak voice, "you will do to me all you want, except that you will be kind to my poor horse." There was a long silence in astonishment. "By the time we found you, the horse had already run away," said the first voice—a voice that was hoarse and thick, and sounded a little strange. "Don't listen to him sweet talk to you," was the second voice, "I'm still sticking to... "Nickbreaker!" cried a third voice. "We must not kill him. Shame on him! What do you say we should do, Trufflehunter?" "Give him some water first." It was the first voice again, perhaps Trufflehunter.A dark figure was coming towards the bed, and Caspian felt an arm lightly resting on his shoulder--I hoped it was a human arm, but it wasn't quite like it.The face bent over him also seemed wrong, a hairy face with a long nose in the center and strange white spots on the cheeks. "It must be a special kind of mask," thought Caspian, "or else I am hallucinating the fever." A cup of something sweet and hot was brought to his mouth, and he drank it down in one gulp.At this moment the fire was kindled a little louder, and Caspian almost cried out, for by the light of the fire he caught a glimpse of the face facing him.That's not alone!That's a pot.Though it was far larger than any he had ever seen, it was friendlier and wiser.And sure enough, it was what had been talking just now.He also saw that he was in a cave, lying on a bed of heather.Beside the fire sat two bearded little men, stubbyer than Dr. Knells, and with thicker, coarser hair.He decided at once that they were dwarfs--true purebred dwarfs.Caspian realized that he had finally discovered ancient Narnia.Amid the excitement, he felt dizzy again. In the next few days Caspian grew to know their names: the oldest and most honest man, called Trufflehunter, and a very bad-tempered black dwarf who had proposed to kill him, and his His hair and beard were black, thick and bristly like a horse's mane, and his name was Nickbreaker: the other was a red dwarf with hair as fiery as a fox, and his name was Trumpkin. "At any rate," said Nickbrik to his companions, on the first evening when Caspian was able to sit up and talk, "we shall agree upon a method of disposing of this man. You two hold me back from killing him." He thought he had done a great deed. I think the end result of this matter is that we have to imprison him for life. I will never let him leave here alive-to return to his kind and put us All the secrets are leaked." "Hey, hey, hey! Nick Brick!" said Trumpkin, frowning. "Why are you talking so rough? The guy hit his head on a tree outside our cave, but it wasn't his fault. I don't think he's a spy." "Before you decide whether or not to let me go," said Caspian, "you should first find out whether I want to go. To be honest, I don't intend to leave here. I want to be with you, if you will allow me." I've been looking for you all these years." "Well said!" growled Nick Blake. "You're a Telmarine, a part of humanity, aren't you? Why wouldn't you want to go back to your kind?" "But I couldn't go back, even if I wanted to," said Caspian sadly. "I ran into your tree trying to run for my life. The king wants to kill me, and if you do, then Just did him a good job." "With us," said Trufflehunter soothingly, "you needn't be afraid!" "Huh?" Trumpkin asked very interestedly, "What did you say? What wrong did you do to become Miraz's enemy at such a young age?" "He is my uncle," said Caspian, before Nickbrik sprang up, his sword in his right hand. "Wow!" he cried, "not just a Telmarine, but the nephew and heir of our greatest enemy. Are you still stupid? Do you want to keep this guy alive?" Thanks to Guan and Dulu Putin stopped him just in time, and pushed him back into his seat, otherwise Caspian might have been stabbed to death on the spot. + "I'll warn you for the last time, Nick Brick," said Trumpkin, through gritted teeth, "and Trufflehunter and I will punish you if you continue to be dishonest!" Nick Blake sat down resentfully.So the other two began to demand that Caspian tell the whole story of him.When Caspian finished his story, there was a moment of silence in the cave. "I've never heard anything like it," Trumpkin said. "I don't like the story," said Nick Brick, "I can't believe there are so many legends about us among humans. In fact, the less they know, the better. That talkative old nurse should tie her Tongue! And that doctor who messed things up, damn half-breed dwarves! I hate them! I hate them more than those humans! You mark my words, these people will bring us endless troubles !" "Stop pretending you don't know, Nickbreaker," said Trufflehunter. "You dwarves are as forgetful and unpredictable as humans are. I'm an animal, just a cane. We never go off and on, always the same. I think it's going to be good for us as things go. Ahead of us Narnia is the true sovereign, a true king. He has returned to the true Narnia, and though you dwarves have forgotten, we animals remember: only the son of Adam is king, Narnia to have peace." "Hey, Truffle Hunter!" Trumpkin sneered, "you want to hand over this country to mankind?" "I didn't mean that," Guan replied, "this is not a country of men (I know that better than anyone), but it is a country to be ruled by men. We have enough memory to Remember that, don't you? God bless, isn't the High King Peter a man?" "Do you really believe in those old legends?" asked Trumpkin. "Tell you, we animals have faith, we animals!" said Trufflehunter, raising his voice. "We have not forgotten the past, and we believe in Peter the High King who ruled Narnia at Cair Paravel, and several others, Just as we believe in Aslan, never waver!" "With all due respect," said Trumpkin sharply, "I'm afraid you are the only one in the world who believes in Aslan!" "I believe it too," put in Caspian excitedly. "Perhaps I was half-believed before, but I believe it now. Those who laughed at Aslan also never believed in the tales of talking animals and dwarfs. Sometimes, I do wonder if there is such an Aslan in the world, if there are creatures like you. See You are here. ", "True," said Trufflehunter, "truly, King Caspian, you are my King if you remain true to old Narnia, and whatever else may be said, live your Majesty the King!" "You make me feel sick, Guan," snorted Nickbrik. "Yes, the Supreme King Peter and his brothers and sisters are human beings, but they are different kinds of human beings, and we have a cursed platform before us." The Erma. They used to hunt and kill us as a game. Honestly, have you ever?" He turned sharply on Caspian. ! "Well, to tell you the truth, I did," said Caspian honestly, "but those were quite ordinary non-talking animals." "It's all the same anyway," said Nickbrik. "No, no, no," argued Trufflehunter, "that's not the same, as you well know, sir! The animals that now live in Narnia are different from us. Irrational creatures. Such animals are not difficult to find in Calormen and Telmar, and in various parts of the world. They are smaller in size, different in appearance and color, and the gap between them and us is smaller than that of mixed blood The gap between dwarves and you is really huge." In this way they argued for a long time, and at last it was decided that Caspian should stay.They even promised to take him to meet his "others" as soon as he fully recovered.Apparently, the old residents of Narnia are still living in hiding in this barren mountain and wild forest. '