Chapter 5 Knights of Rohan

The twilight was getting thicker and thicker, the forest under everyone's feet began to be surrounded by mist, and the Anduin River was also thick with water vapor, but the sky was still very clear.The stars leaped into the sky, the waning moon set in the west, and the shadows on the rocks were black.They had come to the foot of the rocky hills, and since the traces left by the other party were no longer obvious, their speed also slowed down.Here the Erminmore Plateau runs from north to south, forming two steep slopes, each steep and difficult on the west side, but fairly gentle on the east side, with many ravines and narrow grabens.The three of them trekked through the rough terrain all night, finally climbed the first section of the highest steep slope, and then continued to the lowlands on the other side.In the cool air before dawn they rested for a short time.The moon has set in the west, the stars are still shining brightly, and the dawn has not yet crossed the dark hills behind and shone on the earth.Now Aragorn was bewildered: the tracks of the Orcs entered the valley, but disappeared there also.

"Which way do you think they'll turn?" Legolas asked. "Will they go north toward Isengard, as you guessed, or toward Fangorn Woods? Or, they'll go south, ready to go. Cross the Shumu River?" Said Aragorn: "Wherever the object may be, they will not go to the river, and unless Rohan is worse than we think, and Saruman's influence is greatly increased, they will still go in the shortest time. through Rohan. Let us go north!" The valley winds between the hills like a stone ditch, and a stream runs between the rocks.To the right of the crowd was a steep rock wall, and to the left was a very dark hillside in the night.They went some distance further north.Aragorn kept his head down and searched, hoping to find some clue in the rough terrain to the west.Legolas went ahead.Suddenly the Elf gave a cry, and the others ran to him.

"It looks like we've caught up with some of the enemy," he said. "Look!" He pointed to the front, and everyone discovered that there were five half-orc corpses piled among the rocks in front of them.They were covered in bruises, and two of them had their heads chopped off.The ground was all covered with their black blood. "That's another mystery!" said Gimli, "but we need bright light to solve it, and we don't have that right now." "However you read it, though, it doesn't look hopeless," said Legolas. "The Orcs' enemies are probably our friends. Are there any inhabitants of these hills?"

"No," said Aragorn, "the men of Rohir seldom come this way, and it is a long way from Minas Tirith. Perhaps a band of Men are here, hunting for reasons we do not understand. But , I think the possibility of this speculation is very small.” "What do you think is the likely scenario?" Kim Li asked. "I think our enemy has drawn the enemy himself," answered Aragorn. "These are northern half-orcs from far away. There weren't any tall orcs with strange badges among the corpses. I suppose they had a quarrel here: it's not uncommon for these fellows. things. Maybe they're arguing over which way to go."

"Maybe it's about how the prisoners were handled," Kimli said. "I hope they don't suffer the same fate." Aragorn searched the ground for several feet, but could find no other sign of a fight.They move on.The eastern sky has begun to brighten, the stars are slowly sinking, and the gray light is slowly emerging.After they traveled further north, they came to a depression.Here, a small stream cuts through the rock and patters into the valley.There are some low shrubs growing in the depression, and many green grasses grow on both sides. "Ah!" said Aragorn with a sigh of relief. "This is the track we have been looking for! Along this waterway, it is the route chosen by the orcs after a dispute."

The pursuers turned around quickly and continued on their way following the new trail.Fresh from the discovery of new clues, a group of men hopped and galloped among the jagged rocks, as if they had rested all night.At last they ran up the gray hills, and a sudden breeze brushed their cloaks and hairlines: a cold wind before dawn.Everyone turned around in unison, looking at the gradually blurred hills in the distance across the river.The sun shines on the earth, and the red-rimmed sun emerges from the dark earth.Before them was the motionless West, where the shadows of night melted away and the land returned to its colors; Rohan was covered again by green waves, and white mist drifted across the valleys, about ninety miles to their left, They are white mountains, shining with a blue-purple light; the sharp and steep peaks reflect the rose-colored morning light, and it is difficult to look at them.

"Gondor, Gondor!" Aragorn couldn't help shouting, expressing his anger: "I don't know when I will see your face! My path still cannot meet your shining river. Gondor!Gondor, the treasure land between the mountains and the deep sea! The west blows, and the light shines in the silver tree, Like shining raindrops, it dripped in the ancient imperial garden. O proud wall!White minaret!The winged crown and the golden throne! Gondor, Gondor!Can man defend the sacred silver tree, Or will the west wind blow between the mountains and the deep sea again? We should go! ’ He turned his eyes from the south to the roads west and north he was about to travel.

The previous steep slope began to decline rapidly, and at a distance of about two hundred feet, the steep slope was suddenly replaced by a steep cliff: this was the eastern wall of Rohan.This is the end of the Eminmore Highlands, and in front of you is the endless green grassland of Hushi Country. "Look!" said Legolas, pointing to the blue sky. "It's that great eagle again! It's flying high, and it seems that this creature is about to leave this land and go back to the north, and it's moving very fast. , look!" "We can't see it, dear Legolas, not even I," said Aragorn resignedly. "It must have flown very high, and if that's what we saw before, we don't know what it is." What kind of mission is being carried out...Look! A more urgent situation is approaching, and something is moving on the grassland!"

"It must have been a lot of creatures," said Legolas. "All I could see was a mass of walking creatures, but I couldn't tell what their race was. They were dozens of miles away, I'd guess at least thirty." More than six miles, the great plain makes it difficult to estimate its distance with certainty." "I think we don't need any footprints to guide us now," Kim Li said. "Let's find a way and get to the plain below as soon as possible." "I doubt very much that we can find any shortcut other than that taken by the Orcs," said Aragorn solemnly, having judged the situation.At this time, they began to follow the enemy in the bright sky, and it seemed that these orcs also ran as fast as they could.From time to time, the trio can find items left behind or deliberately discarded by the side of the road: food bags, remnants of hard gray bread, a torn black cloak, a pair of heavy iron-soled shoes worn out on rocks.The traces left by the other party led them all the way to the top of the steep slope, where there was a gurgling torrent.In the narrow river valley, they found an extremely illegible, crude stone staircase winding all the way down.At the bottom of the road they came out of the rocky terrain into the great meadows of Rohan; such a sudden change was felt by all.This continuous large grassland soaks the Eminmore Highlands like a green sea.The stream is hidden among the knee-high aquatic plants and weeds, and everyone can hear its gurgling sound, continuing to the distant Shumu River Valley.They seemed to have abandoned winter on the higher ground behind them, and the air here was warmer and softer, and seemed to be scented with the characteristic spring grass and flowers.Legolas took a deep breath, enjoying all this like a traveler who has just left the desert, tasting the sweet spring.

"Ah! This smell of greenery!" He said, "I feel so energetic. Let's run!" "Light shoes may go much faster here," said Aragorn. "Perhaps, better than Orcs in iron shoes. Now at last we have a chance of overtaking these fellows!" They lined up, running like dogs on the scent of prey, their eyes gleaming with hunger.The rough steps of the half-orcs trampled the grass to the west and devastated it; the sweet grasslands of Rohan were cut by them with black scars.Suddenly Aragorn gave a cry and ran aside. "Stay here!" he yelled hastily, "don't follow!" He quickly ran to the right, away from the obvious trace, because he found a pair of small footprints without iron shoes rushing in this direction.However, after a short distance, these footprints were overtaken by the footprints of the orcs who came from the same place.The pair of footprints returned to their original path, and were once again covered by the tracks of the orcs.Aragorn stooped at the furthest point where the little footprint appeared, picked up something in the grass, and ran back again.

"That's right," he said, "that's clearly a hobbit's footprint, I think it's Pippin's, he's smaller than the rest. Look at this!" Things, it looks like fresh young leaves on old trees, very beautiful in this place where there are prairies and no forests. "It's the pin of the elven cloak!" Legolas and Gimli yelled in unison. "No leaf of Lórien will fall without cause," said Aragorn thoughtfully. "It is no accident, it is his mark for reinforcements, and I think that is why Pippin came here. .” "Well, at least he's alive," Gimli said, "and it's heartening that he hasn't given up his legs and his little head. Our pursuit wasn't in vain." "We can only hope that he did not pay too dearly for such a brave deed," said Legolas. "Come on! Let us go on! When I think of these young fellows, being treated like beasts It hurts to drive away." The sun climbed into the sky, and then slowly set. Thin clouds floated from the extreme south sea, and were blown away by the breeze.The sun dipped below the horizon, and then the shadows began to spread from the east, and the hunters were still hot on their heels.It has been a day since Boromir passed away, and the half-orcs still kept a considerable distance. See each other's whereabouts. As night fell, Aragorn stopped.During the whole day's trek they rested only twice, and by this time they were thirty-six miles from the cliff from which they had set out at dawn. "Looks like we have another difficult choice to make," he said, "should we rest at night, or keep going while we still have strength?" "If the enemy did not stop to rest, and we did, they would have left us far behind," said Legolas. "Even a half-orc wouldn't work so hard?" Gimli said. "Orcs seldom travel in broad daylight, but they have no scruples now," said Legolas. "Naturally they do not rest, of course." "However, if we drive at night, we won't be able to see their footprints clearly!" Jin Li argued. "The trail they leave is straight, and from what I can see, they don't go left or right," Legolas said. "Perhaps, I can deduce the probable course from the signs, so that everyone will not go astray," said Aragorn; "but if we lose our way, or they turn halfway, at daylight we It can take a lot of time to find a new path, or to retrace your steps." "And don't forget," said Gimli, "that we can only see if there are other tracks leaving in the daytime. If another captive escapes, or if someone is taken east to the Anduin, to Mordor direction, we could all miss the signs and continue on our way blindly." Aragorn: "Indeed, if my guess is correct, the half-orcs with the emblem of the White Hand have won the mastership, and now the entire army is moving to Isengard, and their current direction is the same as I guessed." "However, the current signs are not enough to be completely conclusive. They will not suddenly turn halfway." Gimli said, "What about the escaped prisoners? In the dark, we may miss the footprints that led you to the pin earlier. " "The goblins must have raised their guard since then, and the captives will grow too weary to escape their grasp." Legolas reasoned: "They will never escape unless we help them. I don't know what to do now. I only know that it is best to catch up with them first." "However, even if I am a dwarf who has experienced many journeys and experiences, my physical strength is not inferior, but I can't run all the way to Isengard without resting halfway." Jinli admitted frankly: "I also feel very impatient. I knew it was like this before. I'll start early; but now I've got to rest and run faster tomorrow. If we're going to rest, it's best when it's dark." "I said it was a hard choice," said Aragorn. "How shall we end this debate?" "You are our guide," Jin Li said, "You are also the best at tracking in the wild, and I trust your judgment." "I think we should go on," said Legolas, "but we must act collectively, and I will defer to your decision." "You have found the wrong person!" Aragorn said hesitantly, "every decision I have made since I set out has brought bad luck." He fell silent, and looked north and west under the darkness of night. for a long time. "We'll stop as soon as it's dark," he said at last, "I dare not risk missing our tracks, and if there's enough moonlight we can use it to keep going; unfortunately, the moon will set early today, And it's not bright enough." "It'll be clouded tonight anyway," Gimli murmured to himself. "I wish the Queen had given us the light that Frodo gave!" "I think Frodo will need it more than we do," said Aragorn. "The key of the mission is in him, and our part is but a wave in the tide of history. Perhaps doomed from the beginning, but now There is no room for us to go back on our word. Now that I have made my decision, let's make good use of this time!" He lay down and fell into a deep sleep at once; for the first time since the night at the lake he closed his eyes.He awoke before dawn, and Gimli was still asleep, but Legolas stood motionless as a tree, looking at the dark land to the north. "They are far, far away," he said, turning sadly to Aragorn. "I don't think they stopped to rest at all, and now only the eagle can overtake them!" "Anyway, we must go on," said Aragorn firmly.He bent down and woke the dwarves: "Come on! We must go! Their tracks are starting to grow cold." "But it is not yet dawn," Gimli said. "Even if Pylegolas stood on the top of the mountain, he would not be able to see them until dawn." "I'm afraid I can't see them whether I stand on the mountain or under the ground, or under the moonlight or the sun. They have gone too far!" Legolas said helplessly. "Even if they cannot see, the earth will leave clues," said Aragorn. "Under their accursed feet the earth will howl." It was so long that Jinli thought he had fallen asleep again.At dawn, gray light surrounded the crowd, and at last he stood up, and the companions saw his face: it was pale, thin, and full of worry. "The howling of the earth was very faint and bewildering," he said. "Many miles around us were empty, and the sound of the enemy's footsteps was very distant and faint, but there was always the very distinct sound of the horse's hooves. Then I remembered, In my dream, I have been disturbed by the sound of horseshoes, and the sound of horses galloping towards the west... But now, these horses are still galloping towards the north, getting farther and farther away from us, I don’t know what happened!" "Let us go!" said Legolas. In this way, the third day of the pursuit kicked off.During the whole day of cloud and mist, they hardly stopped; sometimes trotted, sometimes galloped, as if nothing could quench the flame in their breasts.They hardly spoke a word, and the elf cloaks worn by the three of them allowed them to blend perfectly into the grassland in the silence of the four fields; no one except the elves could notice them from a distance.In their hearts, they were infinitely grateful to Queen Lambas who gave them the dry food of the elves; because every bite of these dry food brought them new strength.All day long they pursued straight tracks, as the enemy was on his way to the northwest without stopping.At dusk they came to a treeless slope, and beyond that a succession of rolling hills.The footprints of the orcs headed towards the hilly land in the north, but they also became more blurred; because the land in this area became harder and the grass became shorter. In the far distance, the Shumu River turned a corner and became a green forest. A silver thread on the earth.Aragorn began to wonder why there was no trace of beast or man at all?The principal settlement of men in Rohan was still many miles to the south, under the forests of the White Mountains, which, as far as the eye could see, was now hidden in a white mist.However, these horse herders once grazed many horses and livestock in East Rohan. Even in winter, this place should be full of tents and tents of shepherds who live in search of water and grass. Livestock is right.But now, the place is empty, and there seems to be a tension in the air that is about to rain. In the evening, they stopped again.They were seventy-two miles from the crags of Ermin More now, and it was gone in the twilight.The crescent moon floats in the clouds of the sky, unable to bring much light to the earth, and the stars are also dimmed. "One of the things I hate now is rest and pause!" said Legolas. "The Orcs are ahead, as if Sauron's whip were driving them. I fear they may have reached the forest and the gloom among the hills, and now even into the shadowy forest." Jin Li gritted his teeth and said, "If this is the case, all our hopes and efforts will be in vain!" "Perhaps the hope has failed, but our efforts have not been in vain," said Aragorn. "We must not be discouraged at this time, but I feel very disturbed." He turned his eyes back to the way he had come all the way: " I feel that there is some strange force at work here, and this eerie silence makes me uneasy. Even this pale moon is hard to believe, and the stars are disappearing. I have never felt so uneasy before. For a A ranger should not feel so uneasy at all when he has such clear tracks to follow. There is a certain power that empowers our enemies and makes them fly, but places invisible obstacles in front of us. Our wills are exhausted." "You are right!" said Legolas. "I have felt the same since we left Emyn Mawr. The will seemed not behind us, but ahead of us." He pointed west, To Rohan, which looked very lonely under this bright moon. "Saruman!" murmured Aragorn, "we must not allow his will to prevail! But we must rest for a while, for you see even the new moon is in the clouds. But tomorrow morning we will We have to move on to the grasslands in the north.” The next morning, Legolas awoke so early that no one even knew whether he had indeed closed his eyes. "Wake up! Wake up!" he yelled. "It's dawn. Something awaits us at the edge of the forest. I don't know whether it's good or evil, but we must all answer its call. Quick wake up!" Immediately the others jumped to their feet and started running almost immediately.Slowly, the hills got closer and closer, and when they reached the hills, they were still about an hour away from Zhengshi.In the middle of the green slopes were bare ridges, stretching all the way to the north. The ground under their feet was hard and the weeds were rather stubby. All kinds of plants.Looking to the west, they could see a well-trodden meadow on the southernmost slope, and from that area the goblin tracks began to continue north along the edge of the hill.Aragorn stopped and examined the footprints carefully. "They took a break here," he said, "but even the traces of the outer rim have been a while. Legolas, I fear you are right in your suspicions, since the last time the orcs were here It may have been a whole day since they were haunted; if they kept the same pace, they should have reached the edge of Fangorn Forest before sunset yesterday." "Whether I go west or north, all I can see is a stretch of weeds sticking out into the mist," Gimli said. "If we climb up the hill, can we see the forest?" "If I remember correctly," said Aragorn, "the hills are still far away, and these hills are about twenty or thirty miles to the north, and then, after the Shumu River, there are about forty or fifty miles. clearing to the forest.” "Then, let's continue," Kim Li said, "how many miles is not important to my legs, if my heart is not so heavy, they should not be so hard." When they had managed to get over all the hills, the sun began to set.The group of people had been running non-stop for many hours, their footsteps had slowed down, and Jin Li's back had also bent down.The dwarf is as determined as a rock in the face of hard labor and long journeys, but this endless pursuit makes him feel powerless, and even the most important clues are disillusioned.Aragorn led the way without saying a word, with a solemn face, bending down from time to time to examine the traces or footprints on the ground; only Legolas' steps were still light, and he seemed to never step on the grass, leaving no trace . The elf's dry food is enough to provide him with all the nutrients he needs, and his sleeping method is incomprehensible to humans. On the one hand, he opens his eyes to watch the world, and at the same time wanders in the elf's blurred dreams. "Let's climb this green hill first!" he said.The weary party followed him up the long slope to the top.It was a round and bare hill in the far north, which seemed a little lonely.As the sun sets, the night covers the surrounding fields like a curtain. Everyone seems to be in a gray world without any ups and downs. The difference is the gradually darkening shadow in the distance, which is the Misty Mountain and the forest at its foot. "What we see here can't guide the way in the future," Kim Li said. "Okay, we have to stop and rest again, and wait for the night to subside... Why is it getting colder and colder!" "The wind blows this way from the snow in the north," said Aragorn. "The east wind will begin to blow again in the morning," said Legolas, "you'd better rest, and don't give up all hope, for we don't know what changes tomorrow will bring, and as soon as the sun rises there is usually new hope. " "During this chase, the sun has risen three times and we haven't seen any clues!" Gimli complained. The nights turned chilly.Aragorn and Gimli fell into a deep sleep, and when they awoke they would find Legolas pacing up and down, or singing softly in his own tongue; The sky is full of stars.The night slowly receded, and together the three of them watched the dawn emerge from the cloudless sky until finally the sun followed.The sky is very clear, the east wind blows away all the fog, and the land in front of us is shrouded in faint light. They could see the endless plains of Rohan, just like what they saw by the river many days ago.To the northwest was the dark Fangorn Forest, about thirty miles away from our party, and the end of the forest disappeared under the blue sky in the distance.Farther away, there is a Massidras Peak, which seems to be floating above the sea of ​​clouds, which is the last peak of the Misty Mountains.The Shumu River flows out of the forest, and the rapid water cuts a deep gap in the river bank, and the footprints of the orcs turn from the foot of the mountain to the river. Aragorn's piercing eyes followed the trail to the river, and then to the forest, and he saw a shadow moving swiftly on the green far away, and he fell down on the ground at once, and listened carefully.Legolas stood by, blocking the sunlight with his slender fingers and looking into the distance.In his eyes, it was not a black shadow, but a lot of cavalrymen. The spears on the cavalrymen's hands reflected the needle-like light in the sun, and it was impossible for ordinary people to distinguish them so clearly.Farther behind them, black smoke curled up.There was silence all around, and even Jinli could hear the sound of the wind blowing across the grassland. "Cavalry!" shouted Aragorn, jumping up, "many cavalry on fast horses, charging towards us!" "Yes," said Legolas, "there were a hundred and five of them, and they had golden hair and shining spears, and the chief was very tall." Aragorn smiled. "Surely the eyes of the Elves are keen," said he. "Not at all! These knights are only fifteen miles away!" said Legolas. "It doesn't matter if it's one mile or fifteen miles," Gimli said, "we can't escape on this empty plain. Should we wait for them, or keep going?" "Here we wait," said Aragorn. "I am weary, and the pursuit has failed. At least there are others ahead of us. It is evident that these horsemen came from the direction of the Orcs. They have new news over there." "Or taste the tip of the gun..." Jin Li said. "I saw three horses without riders, but no sign of any hobbit," said Legolas. "I did not say that we shall hear any good news, but whether it be good or bad, we must wait here," said Aragorn. The three left the summit, avoiding making themselves a clear target, and walked slowly down the north slope.Not far from the foot of the hill they stopped and sat down wrapped in cloaks.Time passed slowly, the wind was full of doubts, Jin Li felt very uneasy. "What do you know of these knights, Aragorn?" he asked. "Would we be waiting here to die?" "I have lived among them," answered Aragorn; "they were a proud and self-important people, but they were also men of what they said, fair and generous, brave but not cruel, wise but not Read poetry and books; they don't record history in words, but describe everything with heroic songs, just like the original humans in the dark age. But I don't know how they are evolving now, and I don't know how the people of these hussars have changed under the threat of the traitors Saruman and Sauron.There was a long friendship between them and Gondor, but they were not related by blood.They were led by the young Io and left the Northland. Their bloodline is actually closer to the Bard in the valley or the Bion family in the forest.Now you can still see tall and magnificent human beings like the knights of Rohan over there. At least, they will never have anything to do with half-orcs. " "But, Gandalf mentioned, there were rumors of them paying tribute to the Dark Lord," said Gimli. "Borromir does not believe it as much as I do," replied Aragorn. "You will soon know the answer," said Legolas, "these men are approaching." Before long, even Jinli could hear the deafening sound of horseshoes.The cavalry followed the footprints, had turned back from the previous road, and were now close to the hills, and they moved as swiftly as the wind.A clear and powerful shout came along the grassland, and suddenly, this group of people on horses swept like a thunderstorm. The knights in the front led the way, leading the group to gallop along the lowlands to the west of the hill; All of them are extremely strong, wearing shiny chain mail, the scene is very spectacular. Their steeds were tall and strong, their gray fur gleaming in the sun, their shaggy tails blowing in the wind, and their carefully groomed manes dangling from side to side around their necks.The warriors on horseback are even more heroic. They are tall and tall, with blond hair flowing under the light helmets and tied into many thin braids behind their heads, and their faces have a resolute and brave look.They held aspen spears in their hands, multicolored shields hung from their backs, long swords pinned to their belts, and finely crafted chain mail fell to their knees. They were in groups of two, advancing in a tight formation, scanning to the left and right from time to time.However, the knights didn't seem to notice the three strangers who were silently watching them on the grass.It was not until the cavalry had nearly passed that Aragorn stood up suddenly, and cried out: "Hussars of Rohan, what news from the north?" All the knights stopped their horses with lightning-fast movements, turned their heads, and rushed towards the direction of the sound.Soon, the three of them were surrounded by a group of knights, and the circle became smaller and smaller.Aragorn stood silent, and the other two stood beside him motionless, not knowing what was going to happen next. Without warning, the knights stopped.The spears were pointed at the three people in the center of the circle; some knights had bows and arrows in their hands, ready to attack at any time.Then a tall knight rode forward, his helm topped with a flying white tail, and he went on, till the point of his spear was within a foot of Aragorn's chest, and Aragorn did not Unmoved. "Who are you? What do you do in this land?" the knight questioned in the Common Tongue of the West, and his accent had the same Gondorian accent as Boromir's. "I am called the Strider," answered Aragorn; "I come from the North, and I am hunting Goblins." The leading knight jumped off the horse, and he handed over the spear to another companion who jumped off the horse. He drew his sword and looked at Aragorn face to face, with a very surprised expression in his eyes.Finally, he spoke. "At first I thought you were Orcs," he said, "but now I know that's not the case at all. If you want to hunt Orcs with such crude equipment, I'm afraid you don't know much about the enemy. , they are fast, heavily armed, and numerous. If you catch up with them, you may turn from hunters to hunted instead. However, the stalker , you have something different! "His clear eyes scanned the ranger again:" Your name is by no means an ordinary person, and your outfits are also very special. Did you jump out of the grass?How did you evade our detection?Are you elves? " "No," said Aragorn, "we have but one Elf among us, and Legolas is an Elf from far away Mirkwood. But we passed Lothlorien before, and the Queen of Elves gave us her blessing and presents." The knight looked at him with a more surprised expression, but his eyes became colder: "Sure enough, as in the legend, there is a queen in the Golden Forest!" He said: "According to the legend, not many people can escape Live her snare. This is really a time when heresy runs rampant! If she has blessed you as you claim, then you must also be villains and sorcerers weaving snares." His cold eyes glanced at Jin Li and Legolas: "You two who are silent, why do you not speak?" he demanded. Jinli stood up with his arms folded, his right hand slowly moved to the handle of the axe, his dark eyes flashed with anger. "Show your name, knight, and I'll tell you who I am; then, I may have something more to give you," he said. 「说到这个，」骑士低头瞪著矮人说：「陌生来客按照礼仪，应该先报出名号才对，不过，我还是先说出我的称号好了──我是伊欧蒙德之子伊欧墨，骠骑国第三元帅。」 「那么，骠骑国的第三元帅，让矮人葛罗音之子金雳警告你不要随口乱说；你侮蔑的人物高贵圣洁超乎你想像，这种行为只能用愚蠢来形容！」 伊欧墨的双眼闪动著愤怒的光芒，洛汗国的士兵们举起长枪，低语著开始靠近。「矮人先生，如果你够高的话，我会把你连胡子和脑袋一起砍掉。」伊欧墨说。 「还有我在，」勒苟拉斯用人眼无法分辨的速度弯弓搭箭，瞄准对方：「在你挥剑之前，就会被我一箭射死。」 伊欧墨举起剑，如果不是因为亚拉冈举起手，用身体挡住两人，一切可能会以悲剧收尾。 「伊欧墨，请听我一言！」亚拉冈大喊著：「如果你了解一切的真相，你会明白为何我的同伴如此愤怒。我们对洛汗国和它的子民都没有恶意，不管是马匹和人类都一样，在你挥剑之前，愿意倾听我们的解释吗？」 「好吧，」伊欧墨放下长剑：「在这个世风日下的时刻，洛汗国境上的陌生人最好不要如此咄咄逼人，先告诉我，你的真名。」 「请先告诉我你效忠什么人，」亚拉冈说：「魔多的黑暗魔君索伦，是你的朋友还是敌人？」 伊欧墨回答道：「我只服侍洛汗国的骠骑王，他是塞哲尔之子希优顿，我们并不听从远方黑暗大地的指挥，但我们也没有和它公开宣战，如果你在躲避他的追捕，最好赶快离开这块土地。我们的边境都处在纷争之中，还受到各种威胁；但我们只希望能够自由自 在的生活，不需要服侍任何外来的君王，管他是善良还是邪恶。在比较平静的日子里面，我们会慷慨地欢迎来客，但在这样的局势中，不请自来的客人将会发现我们毫不留情且冷酷。直说吧！who are you?Who is your master?你是奉谁的命令在我们的领土上猎杀半兽人？ " 「我不听命于任何人，」亚拉冈说：「不管索伦的爪牙逃到什么地方，我都不会放过他们！这世界上没有多少人比我更了解半兽人，我会这样追杀他们是别无选择的；因为他们俘虏了我们的两位朋友，为了救回朋友，我们不惜步行数百哩。当然他们不可能乖乖就缚，我们也会用刀剑来计算敌人的数量，我们并非是手无寸铁的猎人。」 亚拉冈双手一挥，掀开斗篷，精灵制作的剑鞘闪闪发光，当他抽出安都瑞尔圣剑时，彷佛有道白净的火焰流泄而出。「伊兰迪尔万岁！」他大喊道：「我是亚拉松之子亚拉冈，我又被称作伊力萨王、精灵宝石，我是刚铎的埃西铎之直系子孙。这就是传说中断折的圣剑重铸！你要协助我还是阻挠我？赶快作出决定！」 金雳和勒苟拉斯惊讶地看著这位同伴，因为之前没有看过他以这样的气势说话；他的身形似乎突然间暴增，而伊欧墨则是缩小了，他们在他的脸上看见了有如石雕的君王巨像般的威严。在勒苟拉斯的眼中，亚拉冈的眉心闪起了白色的火焰，看起来像是闪闪发光的皇冠一样。 伊欧墨后退了几步，脸上也挂著同样吃惊的表情。他骄傲的眼神低垂：「这可真是怪异的年代啊，」他低声道：「梦幻和传说，竟从草地上凭空出现！」 「告诉我，大人，」他问道：「是什么让你驾临此处？你所说的黑暗预言到底是什么意思？迪耐瑟之子波罗莫花了很长的时间找寻这一切的答案，而我们借给他的骏马却独自跑了回来。你们从北方带来了什么样的末日预兆？」 「我们带来的是是自由选择的机会，」亚拉冈说：「把我的话转述给希优顿：战争即将爆发，他可以选择和索伦并肩作战或是对抗他。世间一切都将改变，人们将不再能够拥有属于自己的事物，但是，这些东西我们可以稍后再谈。如果时机恰当，我会亲自和骠骑王见面。但现在我急需诸位的帮助，至少让我知道目前的状况。你刚刚已经知道，我们在猎杀一群抓走我们朋友的半兽人部队，你有什么情报可以透露给我们？」 「你们不需要再追了，」伊欧墨说：「半兽人已经被我们歼灭了！」 「那我们的朋友呢？」 「我们只有找到半兽人而已。」 「这真是太奇怪了！」亚拉冈说：「你有搜寻那些尸体吗？有没有不属于半兽人的死者？他们的体型比较小，在你们眼中看起来和小孩一样，没有穿鞋子，身上披著灰色的斗篷。」 「我们没发现任何侏儒或是小孩的踪影，」伊欧墨说：「我们清点了所有的死者，将尸首彻底破坏，最后并且依照我们的习俗，把尸体堆积起来烧掉，那里现在还在冒烟呢。」 「我们说的不是小孩或是矮人，」金雳说：「我们的朋友是哈比人。」 「哈比人？」伊欧墨大惑不解的反问，「他们是什么生物？这名字听起来好奇怪。」 「他们的确也蛮奇怪的，」金雳说：「但他们是我们的好朋友。就眼前的状况看来，你们似乎已经听说了米那斯提力斯的谜语，谜语中提到了半身人，这些哈比人就是半身人。」 「半身人！」伊欧墨身边的骑士哈哈大笑：「半身人！这些只是出现在北方童话和儿歌里面的矮家伙罢了，我们到底是活在当下？还是在讨论远古的传说啊？」 「这是有可能同时发生的，」亚拉冈说：「因为只有后人才会将我们的历史化为传说。你觉得应该脚踏实地吗？这块土地将来也会变成人们的传奇的！」 「时间很紧迫了！」其他的骑士假装没听见亚拉冈所说的话：「大人，我们必须赶快往南走。我们别管这些作梦的野人了吧。或者我们也可以绑住他们，带他们到国王面前。」 「别著急，伊欧参！」伊欧墨用自己的语言说道：「先别吵我，命令部队集结在大路上，随时准备赶往树沐河。」 伊欧参喃喃自语地退开了，开始对马队的其他成员下令。很快地，他们就退了开来，让伊欧墨和这三人独处。 「亚拉冈，你所说的每件事情都很奇怪，」他说：「但是，我看得出来你说的是实话。骠骑国的战士不说谎，也不会轻易被欺骗，但你并没有说出全部的真相。你愿意告诉我一切，好让我能够更了解你的任务吗？」 「我是许多天以前从伊姆拉崔出发的，相信你也在那首诗中听过这个地名。」亚拉冈回答道：「波罗莫和我同行，我的任务是和迪耐瑟之子，一起前往米那斯提力斯，协助他们对抗索伦。但是，我们的队伍另有其他的任务，我没办法告诉你；灰袍甘道夫是我们的领队。」 「甘道夫！」伊欧墨倒吸一口冷气：「骠骑国上上下下都听过甘道夫的名号，但是，我必须警告你，他的名字不再获得骠骑王的信赖。自从我们有记忆以来，他曾经在此作客多次；有时间隔数月，有时间隔好几年，他一向都是宣告奇异事件的通报者，现在有人 也把他叫作邪恶的使者。自从他去年夏天来过之后，一切都起了天惊地动的变化，从那时开始，我们和萨鲁曼之间起了猜忌。以前，我们一直把他当作盟友，但甘道夫现身，警告我们艾辛格正在备战。他声称自己被囚禁在艾辛格，好不容易才逃了出来，请求我们援助他，但希优顿王不相信他，因此他离开了。千万别在希优顿的面前提到甘道夫的名字，他会大为震怒的，因为甘道夫取走了他被称为影疾的神驹，那是洛汗国万千马匹中的顶尖之选，是只有骠骑王才能够骑乘的皇家宝马，它是吾祖伊欧能通人语的神驹之直系子孙。七天以前影疾回到我国，但国王的怒气并没有稍歇，因为那匹马现在野性难驯，不愿意让任何人骑乘它。 " 「原来影疾终于从北方回到了它的故乡，」亚拉冈说：「因为甘道夫和它告别了。啊，遗憾的是，甘道夫可能再也无法骑乘这匹神驹了，他已经落入了摩瑞亚的黑暗深渊，再也无法行走在人世间了！」 「这真糟糕！」伊欧墨说：「至少对我和一些人来说是这样的，不过，如果你见到国王，就会知道并不是每个人都这样想。」 「这件事背后所象徵的危险，远远超过世人所能想像，不过，他们可能要在今年稍晚的时候，才会体认到它的恐怖。」亚拉冈说：「当伟人殒落之后，居其下者必须起而代之。从甘道夫牺牲之后，我的任务就是引导队员们从摩瑞亚一路前进，我们穿过了罗瑞安森林，因此，我建议你最好弄清楚真相之后才下断语。接著，我们沿著大河安都因来到了拉洛斯瀑布，波罗莫就是被你们所消灭的那些半兽人所杀。」 「你们所带来的怎么都是不幸的消息！」伊欧墨大惊失色地说：「波罗莫的战死，对于米那斯提力斯有著莫大的伤害，对我们来说也是极大的损失。他是个值得尊敬的好汉，这里每个人都对他极为敬仰。他极少前来洛汗国，因为大部分时间他都在东方边境作战；但我有幸曾经亲睹他的容颜，在我看来，他比较像是伊欧那些热爱自由的子嗣，而不像米那斯提力斯那些肩负重责大任的人们。如果他的时机到来，他将能成为独当一面的将领。不过，刚铎那边为什么没有通知我们这个坏消息呢？他是什么时候阵亡的？」 「四天前，」亚拉冈回答：「从那天傍晚开始，我们就日夜兼程的赶路，没有停歇。」 「徒步追赶？」伊欧墨吃惊地反问。 "That's right." 伊欧墨眼中露出了敬佩的神情：「神行客这个称号，恐怕不及于你实力之万一，」他说：「我觉得你应该叫作疾风之足，你们这三位所创造的奇迹应该让众人传颂不已。不到四天，你们竟然横越了一百三十五哩的大地！伊兰迪尔一族果然名不虚传！大人，您现在有什么吩咐吗？我必须赶快回到希优顿身边，在部下的面前我不敢畅所欲言。我们的确还没有和那块暗黑大地开战，而我王身边却又有佞臣毫不停歇地进献谗言；不过，我也看得出来战争即将到来。我们绝不可以在此刻背弃多年的盟友刚铎，只要他们开战，我们必将和他们并肩抗敌，至少我和身边的人都是这样想的。东洛汗是第三元帅的领地，正是我的管区；我已经下令撤走所有牲口，将它们移居到树沐河之后，在此只留下守军和行动快速的斥候。」 「那，你们并没有对索伦进贡吗？」金雳问道。 「我们不曾这样做，也永远不会！」伊欧墨眼中闪动著光芒：「不过，据传有人刻意在散布这类的谣言。几年以前，暗黑大地的君王希望能够用高价向我们购买马匹，但我们拒绝了他，因为他会将这些骏马运用在邪恶之途上。然后，他派出半兽人来劫掠，抢夺走我们不少的牲口；他们只挑黑色的马匹带走，因此，我族中已经极少有黑色的良马了，因为这样，我们和半兽人之间有著极深的仇怨。 不过，这段时间，我们主要的威胁还是来自于萨鲁曼。他声称这块土地全都是他的管辖范围，我们已经和他陷入了数月之久的拉锯战。他招募半兽人、狼骑士和邪恶的人类加入他的部队，而他也封锁了我国东西两边的隘口，让我们有可能同时受到东西两方的夹击。这样的对手实在非常难缠，他是名诡计多端的巫师，拥有很强的法力和各式的伪装，据说他曾乔装成甘道夫一样的老人四处打探消息。他的间谍可以穿透天罗地网，连飞禽都在他的指挥之下打探我们的情报。我很担心，不知道这将会如何收场，因为，他的盟友 似乎并不只驻扎在艾辛格。如果你们有机会来到我王的皇宫，相信你们会懂我的意思的。你们会来吗？我把你们当作是处于迷惑困境中的援军，难道我误会你们了吗？ " 「只要我们可以抽身，一定会立刻赶过去！」亚拉冈回答道。 「为何不现在就来呢？」伊欧墨坚持道：「在这动汤的年代中，伊兰迪尔的后裔将会给伊欧的子嗣带来极大的帮助。即使在我们说话的当口，西洛汗也正陷入战火之中，我担心战况会对我国极为不利。我这次策马北上并没有得到我王的许可，因为我一离开皇宫，该处就缺少了卫戍的兵力。但此地的斥候回报有一群半兽人在三天之前越过了东墙地区，其中还有一些穿戴著萨鲁曼的白色徽记。我担心那是我最害怕的事情：欧散克塔和邪黑塔之间的联盟；因此，我出动我自己家族的马队，两天前的傍晚在靠近树人林的地方包围了他们，并且在昨天黎明发动了攻击。我竟然在战斗中牺牲了十五名战士和十二匹战马！因为半兽人的数量比我原先所预估的要多上许多。途中有些半兽人越过大河，加入了他们的阵容；你可以在这里往北走一段路的地方，清楚发现他们的足迹，还有其他的半兽人则是从森林中出现加入他们，而且，在他们的队伍中还有高大的半兽人，比其他的半兽人更为骁勇善战和邪恶……不过，我们还是将敌人全都消灭了，但我们已经离开驻地太久，西方和南方都需要我们的驰援。你们愿意一起来吗？我们有多的马匹。圣剑绝对可以帮上我们的忙，而且，金雳的斧头和勒苟拉斯的弓箭也一定可以派上用场，但愿两位可以原谅我对于精灵女皇鲁莽的评论。我的所知和我的同胞们并无二致，我很高兴诸位能够告诉我背后的真相。」 「多谢您的说明，」亚拉冈说：「我也很想要和你一起去，但只要还有希望，我绝不会舍弃我的朋友。」 「我很遗憾必须这么说，但事实上已经没有希望了，」伊欧墨表示：「你们不会在我国的北境找到你们的朋友。」 「但我们的朋友也不在其他的地方。在距离东墙地区不远的地方，我们发现了一个线索，可以证明当时我们的朋友至少还有一人活著。不过，在该处和丘陵之间，我们就没有发现任何进一步的线索，但半兽人的前进方向也没有任何的改变，除非我的寻迹技巧已经退步了。」 「那么你认为他们的下场是什么？」 「我不知道，他们可能和半兽人一起被杀，尸体也被焚毁了。但既然你保证绝不可能，我也不会往这个方向担忧。我只能猜测，他们可能在战斗开始前，或是在被你们包围前，就已经被带入森林中。你确定没有任何人溜出你的包围吗？」 「我可以发誓，没有任何的半兽人逃出我们的包围！」伊欧墨说：「我们在他们之前赶到森林外形成围圈，如果在那之后还有任何生物脱逃，那么他们绝对不是半兽人，而是拥有精灵力量的生物！」 「我们的朋友和我们有著同样的打扮，」亚拉冈说：「而你们在光天化日之下，丝毫没有察觉到我们的存在。」 「我都忘记这回事了，」伊欧墨回答道：「在见识了这么多奇迹之后，实在很难斩钉截铁地作出任何判断，整个世界似乎都被颠覆了。精灵和矮人大白天走在我国的土地上，竟然有人能够活著赞扬精灵女皇的行谊，在我们远古的祖先加入马队之前断折的圣剑，竟然又重回人世间！凡夫俗子要如何在这种情境下，作出正确的判断？」 「像你平常一样的作出判断吧，」亚拉冈回答：「善恶的界线并没有改变，衡量它的标准在精灵、矮人和人类之间也没有任何的不同。作出最后决定的还是你自己，不管在黄金森林或是你家的屋檐下，都没有例外。」 「你说的很对，」伊欧墨说：「我对你并没有丝毫的怀疑，也很确定我自己该做些什么，但是，我必须受到家国规范的约束。除非我王恩准，否则按照我国的律法，是不能听任陌生人在国土上漫游的；在这段动汤的日子中，这项律法变得更为严苛。我已经恳求过诸位和我一起回宫，但你们拒绝了，我又不愿意以百人之力对抗你们三位。」 「我不认为你们的律法是针对这样的状况而定的，」亚拉冈说：「我也不是什么陌生人，因为我曾经多次来过此地，更曾经和骠骑国的骏马一起驰骋在这块草原上，只不过我当初所用的是别的名号和容貌。我之前没看过你，因为你的年纪还很轻；但我曾经和你父亲见过面，也见过希优顿。要是在从前洛汗国绝不会有任何君主逼迫我放弃这样的任务，至少我的目标很明显，就是继续往前走。伊欧墨，该是你作出决定的时候了！帮助我们，或至少让我们离开，不然，你只能选择执行洛汗国的律法了。如果你这么做，我只能保证你的战力将会大为削弱。」 伊欧墨沉默了片刻，最后开口道：「我们都不能再耽搁了！」他说：「我的部队必须立刻开拔，而时间拖得越久，你的希望也越渺茫。我决定了，你们可以离开，不只如此，我还会借给你们可以奔驰千里的骏马。我只要求一件事：当你们的任务完成，或是希望落空的时候，骑著这些马匹越过树渡口前往梅度西，来希优顿皇宫的所在地伊多拉斯谒见我王，这样，你们才能够向他证明我没有看错人。我相信诸位，因此我赌上了自己的人格，甚至是我的生命，别让我失望！」 「我不会的！」亚拉冈斩钉截铁地说。 当伊欧墨下令把马匹借给这些陌生人时，他的部属议论纷纷，都感到十分吃惊；不过，只有伊欧参敢公然劝诫元帅。 「或许把马匹借给这位自称是刚铎子孙的大人不算过份，」他说：「可是，有谁听说过把骏马借给矮人一族？」 「的确没有过，」金雳回答：「也不劳你担心，这件事情不会发生。我宁愿步行，也不想要坐在这么自由自在的尊贵生物背上，还必须承受他人的嫉妒。」 「你一定得骑马才行，否则你会拖累我们的！」亚拉冈说。 「来吧，金雳好友，你可以坐在我背后，」勒苟拉斯即时伸出援手：「这样就没问题啦，你也不需要借马或是担心别人的眼光。」 亚拉冈获得的是一匹高大的暗灰色骏马，当他翻身上马时，伊欧墨说道：「它的名字叫作哈苏风，愿它能够带来比他的前任主人加鲁夫更好的运势！」 勒苟拉斯则是获得一匹体格较小、但看来性格刚烈的马匹，它的名字叫作阿罗德。勒苟拉斯接著要求他们替他解下马鞍和缰绳。「我不需要这些东西，」他身轻如燕地一跃跳上马背，出乎众人意料的，阿罗德乖乖地让他骑在背上，任凭他发号施令， 精灵一向是这样和善良的牲畜打交道的。金雳坐在他身后，死命地抱著勒苟拉斯，模样看起来并不会比小船上的山姆轻松。「再会了，愿你们能够找到所寻找的目标！」伊欧墨大喊道。「希望你们能够赶快回来，让我们的刀剑一同在战场上闪出火花！」 「我会的，」亚拉冈说。 金雳说：「我也会的，我们还没解决凯兰崔尔女皇的事情，我还想要教你说话的礼仪呢。」 「到时我们就知道了，」伊欧墨说：「我今天见识了这么多的奇迹，如果将来可以在矮人的斧头底下学习对精灵女皇的尊敬，也不算是什么奇怪的事情。再会了！」 众人随即策马离开，洛汗国的骏马果然名不虚传，过不了多久，金雳回头一看，发现伊欧墨的马队已经距离他们十分遥远了。亚拉冈并没有回头，他一边急驰，一边低头贴近哈苏风的颈边，观察著地面的足迹。不久之后，他们就来到了树沐河边，也发现了伊欧墨之前所说的，从东方沃德出现的足迹。亚拉冈跳下马，仔细地观察地面，然后再度上马，继续往东骑了一段距离，小心翼翼地不践踏到这道痕迹。然后又下马检查四方，来回走著以便确定这些人的去向。 「这里没什么特别线索，」他回来之后表示：「主要的足迹，已经被这些马队回来时给践踏破坏了。他们之前的路径一定比较靠近河边，但这条往东的足迹十分清晰，我找不到任何回头往安都因河走的脚印。我们现在必须慢慢来，确定两旁没有任何不引人注意的脚印。从这里开始，半兽人一定已经发现了追兵，他们可能会试著在被追上之前带走俘虏。」 在继续赶路的时候，天色渐渐灰暗，灰色云朵笼罩著四野，一阵迷雾将太阳的光芒遮掩。法贡森林长满树木的斜坡越来越靠近，西沈的太阳无力地照在黑暗森林上。他们并没有发现任何脚印脱离行军路线，却时常发现半兽人的尸体倒卧在地上，背上或咽喉被灰色羽箭刺穿。快到傍晚，他们来到了法贡森林的边缘；在树林附近的草地上，他们找到了焚烧尸体的火堆遗迹，灰烬依旧冒著热气，在火堆旁则是一大堆的头盔和盔甲、破碎的盾牌和断折的刀剑，以及各种武器和装备。在正中央则是一根木桩，上面插著一颗半兽人的脑袋，破碎的头盔上还可以看见白色的徽记；在距离树沐河流出森林的不远处有一座土丘，那是新起的坟，四周的草地还看得出刚挖过的痕迹，上面插著十五根长枪。 亚拉冈和同伴在这块战场上四处搜寻，但是夜色毫不留情地落下，让众人身处于光芒微弱、迷蒙的暮色中。一直到天黑为止，他们都没有发现梅里和皮聘的踪迹。 「我们已经尽力了，」金雳哀伤地说：「自从离开湖边之后，我们已经解决了许多难解的谜团，但眼前的问题让人无法理解；我认为哈比人的尸骨，可能已经和半兽人混在一起了。如果佛罗多还活著，这对他来说会是最坏的消息；我担心在瑞文戴尔等候的那个老哈比人也会哀伤欲绝；爱隆当初就反对他们跟著一起来。」 「但甘道夫并未反对，」勒苟拉斯说。 金雳回答道：「甘道夫不也是跟著来了，并且是第一个牺牲的人，他这一回真是走眼了！」 「甘道夫的建议，并不是以个人的安危为优先考量的，」亚拉冈说：「有些事情即使最后的结局并不好，还是必须要有人去做。我认为现在还不能够离开这个地方，不论如何，我们都该等到第二天天亮。」 他们在距离战场不远的一株树下扎营，那树看起来像是栗子树，但树上却留著许多去年的褐色枯叶，在晚风中哀伤地摇动著。 金雳打了个寒颤，他们每个人只有带来一条毯子。「我们可以生火吗？」他说：「我已经不在乎危险了，就让那些半兽人如同飞蛾扑火一样迎向我的斧刃吧！」 「如果那些不幸的哈比人身处在森林中，火焰也可以吸引他们过来，」勒苟拉斯说。 「火焰可能吸引的，可能不是半兽人也不是哈比人，」亚拉冈说：「我们现在十分靠近萨鲁曼这个叛徒的领土，而且，这里也是法贡森林的边缘，据说在这边伤害树木会有可怕的下场。 " 「但是洛汗国的军队昨天才在这边燃起大火，」金雳反驳道：「你也看得出来，他们还砍了一些树木，他们昨晚还不是睡了个好！」 「他们人多势众，」亚拉冈说：「而且他们极少前来这里，因此不了解法贡森林的恐怖之处，况且他们也不需要进入森林。但我们的道路可能必须踏入森林中，我们一定得小心，绝对不能砍倒任何活著的树木！」 「其实根本不需要，」金雳说：「骑士们留下了很多的残枝断叶，附近也有很多枯木。」他立刻去收集柴火，并且为了生火而忙得不可开交。亚拉冈依旧靠著大树，沉默地思考著；勒苟拉斯则是看著森林，彷佛正倾听著远方传来的特殊声响。 当矮人好不容易升起火之后，三人走到火堆边休息。勒苟拉斯猛然抬起头，指著身边晃动的树干。 「你们看！」他说：「这些树木看到火焰也很兴奋！」 或许这是光影愚弄了众人的眼睛，但在三人的眼中，这些树木似乎真的伸出枝枒，想要靠近火焰。高处的枝枒低下来，原先枯萎的褐色树叶也靠近火焰晃动著，彷佛像是流浪汉对著火堆揉搓双手一样。 众人一时间都陷入了沉默之中，因为原先遥远的威胁，突然间在他们面前露出了真面目，没有人清楚它的真正用意到底是什么。不久之后，勒苟拉斯开口了。 「赛勒鹏警告过我们不要太深入法贡森林，」他说：「亚拉冈，你知道原因吗？波罗莫所说的传说到底是什么？」 「我在刚铎和其他的地方听过许多传说，」亚拉冈接口道：「但如果不是赛勒鹏的警告，我只会把这当成是人类在真相消逝之后所编造出来的梦幻，我本来想要问你这件事情的真相。如果连和森林朝夕相处的精灵都不知道，人类又怎么可能有资格回答呢？」 「你的见识比我广得多，」勒苟拉斯说：「我的土地上并没有这类事物，只有在我们的歌曲中描述了欧乐金，人类口中的树人许久以前居住在此地。法贡森林是个非常古老的地方，连精灵也不敢小看这里。」 「没错，这里的确非常古老，」亚拉冈说：「和古墓岗的森林一样古老，范围还大得多。爱隆说这两座森林之间有些关连，是远古森林的最后保留之处，当时精灵四处游历，人类还在沈睡之中。但是，我认为法贡森林还隐藏著某些自己的秘密，我却无法明白到底是什么。」 金雳说：「我也不想要知道！千万别因为我，而打搅了法贡森林的居民！」 最后，他们决定抽签排出守夜的顺序，金雳抽到第一个，其他人躺了下来，几乎立刻就睡著了。「金雳！」亚拉冈睡意浓重地大喊：「记住，在法贡森林里面千万不要伤害任何树木，也别为了收集枯木而深入这座森林，让火自己熄灭就好！有需要的时候随时叫我！」 话一说完他就睡了。勒苟拉斯此时已经双手交叠在胸前，闭上眼陷入了沈睡。金雳瑟缩在营火旁，若有所思地抚摸著斧头。树木摇晃著，除此之外没有任何其他的声响。 突然间金雳抬起头，他在营火光芒的边缘看见了一名弯腰驼背，倚著手杖、披著厚重斗篷的老人；他的宽边帽子拉得十分低，遮住了全部的面孔。金雳站了起来，吃惊地说不出话来，但随即想到这可能是萨鲁曼的伪装。亚拉冈和勒苟拉斯，都因为他突如其来的举动而坐了起来，看著同样的方向。那名老人一言不发，没有任何的动作。 「老先生，有什么我们可以帮忙的地方吗？」亚拉冈跳起来，友善地问道：「如果你觉得冷，不妨过来烤烤火！」他走向前，但那老人已经消失了。四周完全找不到他的任何蛛丝马迹，众人也不敢冒险再往外找。月亮此时已经落下，四野一片昏暗。突然间勒苟拉斯惊呼出声：「马儿！马儿不见了！」 马匹全都失踪了，它们挣脱了束缚，消失得无影无踪。三名伙伴沉默不语地站著，对于眼前的厄运感到不知所措。他们身在法贡森林的边缘，距离洛汗国的马队又十分遥远，而那还