Chapter 6 Chapter 3 Strong Orcs

Pippin was having nightmares: he seemed to hear his own small voice, crying out in the dark tunnel, "Frodo! Frodo!" But it was not Frodo that answered him, but hundreds of Goblins grinning at him with hideous faces, and hundreds of hands trying to seize him from every side.Where's Merry? He woke up with a cold wind blowing in his face and he was lying on the ground.It was almost evening and the sky was getting darker. He turned around and found that the real world was no better than a nightmare. His wrists, ankles and thighs were all tied with ropes.Merry lay beside him, pale, with a dirty rag tied around her head, and all around them was a great crowd of goblins.

Slowly, Pippin's painful head began to wake up, allowing him to clearly distinguish the gap between reality and fantasy.That's right, he and Merry both ran into the forest at that time, what happened to them afterwards?They ran as fast as they could, shouting as they ran, and he couldn't remember how far he had run, when suddenly he ran into a group of goblins.They seemed to be listening, until Merry and Pippin almost ran into their arms; then, with a cry, many Goblins came running out of the woods.Both Merry and he drew their swords, but the goblins didn't seem to want to fight, just wanted to catch them quickly, and Merry didn't even fight back when Merry cut off the arms of several of them.What a Merry!

Then Boromir rushed out, and he forced his hand, and killed many enemies, and the other Orcs fled. The three of them hadn't run far when they were attacked by at least a hundred orcs. They were very strong and kept shooting arrows at Boromir.Boromir blew his horn so desperately that the forest shook; and at first the Orcs retreated in fear, but when they found only an echo and no reinforcements coming, they struck more violently.Pippin remembered nothing of the next, and the last thing he saw was Boromir leaning against a tree, drawing an arrow, and then all was plunged into darkness. "I think I probably got a blow to the head," he said to himself, "wonder if Merry was hurt the same way? What happened to Boromir? Why didn't the goblins kill us? Where are we and what are we doing?" Where are you going?"

He was completely unable to answer the questions he posed.Pippin felt cold and sad. "I wish Gandalf hadn't persuaded Elrond to let us come," thought he. "Have I been of any help? A burden to all, a passer-by, a baggage! Now I'm stolen luggage again, a burden to the orcs.I really hope that Striker or someone will come and get my luggage!But who am I to say that?Wouldn't that spoil all plans?I wish I could escape! " He struggled in vain for a moment, while a half-orc sitting nearby laughed and murmured to his companions in their language that he did not know what he was talking about. "Rest while you can, little fool!" he then told Pippin in the Common Tongue, his accent making it almost as disgusting as the wicked language. "Take your chance to rest! You'll have to go later! Before we get home, you'll wish Mom didn't have your legs at all."

"If you do my way, you'll wish you were dead by now," said the other Orc. "You rat, I'll make you squeak." He went up to Pippin, Looking at him with yellow fangs, at the same time, he took out a black serrated knife from his waist. "Lie still or I'm going to tickle you with this!" he hissed Said: "Don't disturb other people, or I will forget what my superiors ordered me. Damn Isinger soldiers! Black bone land bagronk sha push-dug Saruman-glob b b bhosh skai" He then used his own Cursing in the same language for a long time, he finally stopped.

Frightened Pippin did not dare to move, though his wrists and ankles ached more and more, and the stone behind him pierced him, but he dared not move; so as to distract himself, he made himself listen to all the sound.There were all kinds of voices all around, and although the goblin's language was full of hatred, Pippin could still hear that they seemed to be caught in an increasingly violent dispute. Much to Pippin's surprise, he understood most of the conversation, and many of the goblins spoke the Common Tongue.Apparently there were a number of Orcs from different tribes present, they couldn't understand each other's Orc dialect, and they were arguing fiercely about what to do next, what to do with these captives, where they should be taken go……

"No time to torture them," said one orc, "no time to enjoy this trip!" "It can't be helped," said another, "but why don't you kill them now? They're such a nuisance and we don't have time to waste time with them. It's getting dark and we have to go!" "We have orders," said a third deep voice, "[kill all, leave the halflings, bring them back alive as soon as possible. This is my order." "What do you want them for?" Several voices asked at the same time: "Why do you want to bring them back alive? Could they provide any special pleasure?"

"No! It is said that they have the key to this great battle. It seems to be something related to elves. No matter what, each of them will be interrogated in detail." "Is that all you know? Why don't you search them now and find out what's going on? Maybe we can find something good." "Well said!" said a voice softer than the others, but more sinister, contemptuously. "Perhaps I have to report this to my superiors. My order is: Do not touch anything on the prisoner!" "Same is my order," said the low voice, "[to remain as it is, and to keep still."]

"We don't have any orders!" said another voice before, breathlessly. "We came all the way from the mine to kill and avenge our people. I want to kill them quickly and then Go back to the north." "Think about it slowly," said the deep voice, "I am Ebony, I am in command here, and I decided to take a shortcut back to Isinger." "Is Saruman the boss, or is the Lord the Lord?" said the evil voice, "We must go back to Lugbeth at once." "If we can cross the river, we might consider it," said another voice, "but we don't have the strength to cross that bridge."

"I'm coming!" replied the evil voice. "There is a flying Nazgul waiting for us on the east coast." "Perhaps! Then you can fly back with the captives, get all the praise and rewards at Lugbets, and let's walk across this stinking country full of horses. No, we must not disperse, this place is dangerous , full of bloody rebels and bandits!" "That's right, we must act as a group," Wugulu growled, "I don't believe you short idiots, you have no guts once you leave your hometown. If we hadn't come to support you, you might have died a long time ago." Fleeing to the ends of the earth, we are brave orcs who are good at fighting! We are the ones who killed that strong warrior. We are the subordinates of the wise Saruman, who gave us human flesh. Our base is Ai Singer, we brought you here too, and it is up to us to decide which way to go back. I am Ebony, and I have already expressed my opinion."

"Ebony, you've said too much," the evil voice said contemptuously, "I don't know what the bosses in Lugbetz will think? They may think that Ebony's head is too heavy , better take it off your shoulders and relax, they might also question where your idea came from. Maybe Saruman told you? He thought he was something that dared the troops to wear him The ugly white badge? They will definitely agree with me and the idea of ​​the reliable messenger Grisnak. Let me tell you: Saruman is a fool, a fool full of ghosts, and the Eye of the King has begun to pay attention to his Every move." "You call us shorties? You pets raised by filthy stinky wizards, what right do you have to say anything about others? I bet you eat goblin meat." Many orcs began to shout in response to each other's humiliation, and many drew their swords at each other, and for a while fell into a situation of tense tension.Pippin turned carefully, hoping to see what had happened.The guards guarding him couldn't wait to join in the debate.In the dim light he saw a tall black orc, probably Ebony, facing Grisnak, a guy with broad shoulders, short legs, and hands that could almost touch the ground.Many small orcs surrounded the two of them.Pippin guessed that these guys should be half-orcs from the north. They have drawn their weapons, but they dare not attack Ebony Land rashly.Wugulu yelled, and several orcs of the same size as him quickly ran over.Suddenly, without any warning, Wu Gulu leaped forward and cut down two opponents with two swords.Grisnak stepped back and disappeared into the shadows, and the others scattered in all directions. One of them accidentally tripped over Merry who was lying on the ground while retreating; however, this may have saved him instead. One life, because Wugulu's men just jumped over him at this moment, and cut down another opponent, who just happened to be the guard with yellow fangs. His body softened and fell on Pippin, with Still clutching the serrated knife. "Put away your weapons!" Wugulu yelled, "Stop pointless resistance. We will start going due west from here, and then go down the mountain ladder; from then on, we will head directly towards the hilly area Go ahead and follow the creek to the forest. We have to travel day and night, understand?" "Please!" thought Pippin, "let the ugly fellow take a little longer to muster the troops, and I'll have a chance!" He suddenly felt that he had seen the light of hope. The black knife cut his arm and slid between his wrists; he felt the blood flow on his palm, but at the same time he could feel the cold steel pressing against his skin touch.The half-orcs were preparing to go on the road again, but some half-orcs from the north still refused to compromise, and Essinger's soldiers killed two more People, they finally bowed their heads, and the whole army fell into a state of cursing and confusion.At this time there was no one to guard Pippin, and his legs were bound very tightly, but his arms were bound only at the wrists, and they were bound in front of him;He pushed the half-orc's body aside, not daring to take a breath, and carefully rubbed the rope on his wrist against the blade.The blade itself was sharp, and the dead man held the knife so tightly that at last the rope was cut!Quickly Pippin took hold of the broken rope, untied it as it had been, put it over his hands again, and lay back. "Take these prisoners away!" Ebony yelled, "Don't play tricks on them! If they die when we get back to the base, someone else will die too." One orc carried Pippin like a sack of potatoes, and the other did the same with Merry.The goblin's claws were as tight as steel on Pippin's arm, and the other's nails dug deep into his muscles, and he had to close his eyes and fall into a nightmare. Suddenly, he was thrown onto the rocky ground again.It seemed that it had only been dark for a while, but a crescent moon also began to set towards the west. They were on the edge of a cliff, as if they were facing the sea made of mist, and there was the sound of water flowing nearby. "The scouts are back at last!" said a goblin nearby. "Did you find anything?" Wugulu's voice asked. "There's only one knight, and he's gone west. All is quiet down there." "I think so for now, but for how long? You idiot! The guy should be shot, he'll let the rest of the people know, those damn grooms, we'll know where we are by tomorrow morning. From now on, we've got to Speed ​​up." A shadow blocked Pippin's view.That is Ebony. "Get up!" the orc yelled, "running around with you on my back, my men are tired, we have to climb down, you have to use your own legs. Better not waste our time, Don't shout, don't run away, we have a way to teach you a lesson without causing you any harm." He cut the ropes of Pippin's thighs and ankles, and pulled him up by the hair; Pippin fell, and Ebony pulled him up by the hair again, and several goblins laughed .Wugulu opened his jaws and poured something hot into his mouth; he felt a heat flow through his body, the pain in his ankles and thighs disappeared, and he could stand up now. "Next!" Wugulu shouted.Pippin watched him come up to Merry, and kicked him; Merry wailed, and Ebony grabbed him roughly, made him half sit up, and tore off the bandage from his head, and from a little wooden box he He scooped out a pinch of black stuff and smeared it on the wound. Merry screamed loudly and struggled desperately.The goblins clapped their hands and laughed, "This guy can't enjoy his medicine!" They jeered, "He doesn't know what's good for him. Well, we'll have fun with him later!" However, at this time, Wugulu was not in the mood to accompany them to make a fuss, he had to hurry on his way as soon as possible, and he had to appease those unwilling followers.Therefore, he used the half-orc method to heal Merry, and it did work quickly.After he forced Merry's drink, Merry stood up staggeringly, looking pale, but nothing serious seemed to be wrong.The cut on his forehead doesn't seem to bother him anymore, but the brown scar will stay with him forever. "Hey, Pippin!" he said, "you're coming to this little adventure too? When can we eat and sleep?" Wugulu shouted: "Shut up! Don't be smart! Don't talk nonsense, don't talk to your companions. If you dare to cause trouble, I will report to the officer. Then you will regret it. You will have breakfast and beds You can sleep, but I’m afraid you won’t be able to bear it.” The half-orc team began to advance along the narrow stairway to the misty grassland below.A dozen orcs stood between Merry and Pippin, and they climbed cautiously down with them; and when they reached the bottom, they were at last on the grass, to the delight of both hobbits. "Go straight ahead!" Wugulu yelled, "Go west by north, along this river." "What shall we do at dawn?" asked the Orc from the North. "Keep running," Wugulu replied, "Why don't you sit on the grass and wait for those white-skinned guys to have a picnic?" "But we can't run in the sun." "I'll run behind you," Wugulu said. "You better run! Otherwise you'll never see your lovely burrow. By the name of the White Palm, I curse you with these untrained What's the use of the maggots? Bastard, don't run fast! Run fast while it's dark!" Then, the whole procession began to run at the customary pace of the orcs.They didn't have any order or formation, just pushing and rushing, occasionally cursing each other, and each hobbit was guarded by three guards.Pippin was so far behind that he wondered how much longer he could go on like this?He hadn't eaten since that morning, and a guard beside him was still carrying a whip.At least for now, though, the Orc's pick-me-up drink was still in effect, and so was his mind.In his mind, there would often be images of the Freewalker concentrating on observing the footprints on the ground and following them on their way; but even a ranger couldn't distinguish anything unusual from the group of orc footprints.The small footprints of him and Merry had long been completely covered up by the heavy footsteps wearing iron shoes all around. When they ran more than a mile from the cliff, the terrain suddenly became a depression, and the ground became soft and wet.All four fields were shrouded in moonlit mist, and the shadows of the orcs ahead were engulfed in the thick fog. "Hey! Hold on!" Wugulu yelled from behind. Pippin suddenly had an idea, and acted immediately.He swayed to the right, avoiding the guard's hand, and rushed into the fog, immediately lying on the grass. "Stop!" Wugulu yelled. The crowd fell into confusion, and Pippin immediately jumped up and continued to run, but the goblins followed closely, and some even appeared before him mysteriously. "It seems that there is no escape this time!" Pippin thought, "but there is still a chance to make some marks on this wetland for those who come after." Reaching his throat with both hands, he unpinned his cloak; and just as arms reached out to grab him, he dropped the token to the ground. "Perhaps this thing could have just fallen here and never been found!" he thought. "I don't know why I bothered to do it. If the others fled that fight, they would probably follow Frodo." Walk." A whip wrapped around his leg, causing him to cry out involuntarily. "Enough!" Wugulu ran up and shouted, "He still has to run a long way to force the two of them to run together, and remind them well with a whip." "It won't be over," he growled, turning to Pippin. "I won't forget that your punishment is only being left behind. Go!" Neither Pippin nor Merry could remember much of the journey that followed, and they continued to be tormented in a half-dream, half-awake state of trance, with hope becoming more and more elusive.They ran on and on, desperately trying to keep up with the orcs, and the brutal lashes sparing no bones but burning pain.If they staggered or fell over, soldiers dragged them along. The warmth of the invigorating medicine was gone, and Pippin felt cold and sad; then, falling on his knees, he was lifted roughly by a clawed hand, and he was again like a sack of potatoes. Running forward like carrying on his back.It seemed to him that it was getting darker and darker, whether it was the darkness of the sky or his blindness, Pippin could not tell.He vaguely felt that many orcs asked to stop, Wugulu seemed to shout something, he felt that he was thrown to the ground, and just lay down and fell into a dark dream again.But he didn't get out of the pain for too long. Soon, another pair of hands picked him up mercilessly, shaking him dizzyingly. Finally, he finally woke up and found that it was already early morning; He was rudely thrown onto the grass again.He lay for a moment on the grass, desperately trying to wake up.He felt dizzy, but judging from the hotness of his body, he Seems to have been fed a little Orc drink again.A goblin looked down at him, and tossed him a loaf of bread and a stick of jerky, and he devoured the sour gray bread, but discarded the jerky.He was hungry indeed, but not hungry enough to eat the jerky that the goblin threw him; he didn't even dare to think what creature the meat belonged to in the first place.He sat up and looked around, Meri was not far away from him, they were sitting beside a torrent, the outline of mountains appeared in the distance, the mountains were reflecting the first ray of the sun, and the slope in front of him was black misty A whole forest.There was a heated argument among the half-orcs again. It seemed that the half-orcs in the north had a dispute with the Isinger soldiers again. Some guys pointed to the south, while others pointed to the east. "Okay," Wugulu said, "then let me decide! I told you before that you are not allowed to kill each other again; however, if you would rather give up the reward that you have traveled so far, then just give up! I'll take them in, as usual, and let the warlike orcs take care of everything. If you're afraid of those white guys, go! Run! The forest is over there!" He said, pointing ahead: "Go into the forest! This is your only hope, get out! Better go before I chop off a few heads and bring you back to your senses!" After a lot of commotion and cursing, most of the northerners, numbering about a hundred or so, ran along the creek to the mountains.Those who remained beside the hobbit were at least eighty tall and strong Isinger soldiers, all of them carrying huge bows and holding broadswords; several taller and more courageous northerners also Stay and join them. "Now it's time for us to deal with Grisnak," Ebony said, but even his men began to look south uneasily. "I know what you're thinking," Wugulu growled, "Those damn grooms already know our whereabouts. Snagar, it's all your fault, you and another scout should have their ears cut off .But we're warriors, and there might be horsemeat or better meat to eat." Only then did Pippin understand why some people pointed to the east.There was a hoarse cry from that direction now, and Grisnak reappeared, bringing with him a hundred orcs as long-armed and bent-legged as himself, all with giant red eyes painted on their shields.Wugulu went forward to meet them. "You're back again?" he said. "Finally agree with us, huh?" "I came back to see if you obeyed the order and if the captives were intact." Grisnak replied. "Yes!" Wugulu said, "It's a waste of time. Of course there will be no problems under my jurisdiction. What's your purpose for coming back? You left in a hurry just now, did you forget something?" Transcoding typesetting: Dragon Knight Castle ( "I missed a fool!" Grisnak roared. "But there are many strong soldiers around him. It's a pity to sacrifice like this. I know you will lead them into the muddy water, I to help them." "That's great!" Ebony laughed and said, "But unless you're up for a fight, you're on the wrong track. Lugbeards is where you should be. White guy It’s coming soon, where is your honorable Ringwraith? If the reputation of the Ringwraith is not vain, you may be able to use them by bringing them here.” "Nazzt, Ringwraith!" Grisnak repeated tremblingly, licking his lips, as if the words alone gave him a bitter taste in his mouth. Don't understand how stupid you just acted!" He said, "The Ringwraith! Ah! The reputation is real! One day you'll wish you hadn't said that. Dead monkey!" He yelled angrily, "You should know the Ringwraith! Ling is the favorite general of the Eye of the King, and if he wants to dispatch the winged ring spirits, I am afraid the time has not yet come. He will not let them appear on the other side of the river, they are preparing for the great battle and other important things.” "You seem to know a lot!" Wu Gulu said, "I guess knowing too much may not be good for you, at least Isinger's orcs can finish everyone up this time like before. Don't stand there in a daze Hurry up and get your spirits up! The other short fools have already fled into the forest, you better follow. You can't make it back to the other side of the river alive this time, yes, that's right! Move fast! I will behind you." Isengard's soldiers picked up Merry and Pippin again, and the group set off.They ran non-stop day and night, and only paused for a while when they changed hands to take over.I don't know if it was because of the difference in physical strength and speed, or Grisnak's strategy, Isengard's soldiers slowly surpassed the Orcs of Mordor, so Grisnak's men could only follow closely rear.Soon, they also overtook the northern half-orcs in front of them, and the forest was getting closer.Pippin was bruised all over, and he felt a splitting headache, and the stench and hard armor of the orcs rubbed against him mercilessly. All he could see in front of him was a pair of legs that were constantly swinging, as if they were made of steel, they would not get tired at all, and they kept shaking in this nightmarish scene. By the end of the day, Wugulu's troops had completely overtaken the orcs in the north. The group lowered their heads and did not dare to face the setting sun in winter, and their tongues were still weakly sticking out of their mouths. "Inferior creatures!" Essinger's soldiers teased: "You are about to be roasted! Those white-skinned guys will catch up with you and eat you up. They are about to appear!" Grisnak's cry from behind proved that this was not a joke, the knight galloping at an extremely fast speed had indeed appeared in everyone's sight.Although they were still far away, they were slowly catching up, and seemed to swallow them mercilessly like quicksand.Isengard's men surprised Pippin by striding and galloping with greater speed, and it seemed to him the final sprint of a long race.Then, he noticed that the sun had gradually set and set behind the Misty Mountains. The soldiers of Mordor looked up and saw this scene, and immediately quickened their pace.The dark forest is very close, everyone has passed the outer edge of the forest, and the terrain has begun to rise slowly and become steeper, but the half-orc's footsteps have no intention of slowing down in the slightest.Both Wugulu and Grisnak kept shouting, urging their subordinates to charge forward. "They're fast enough, they'll get away!" thought Pippin.Then, he reluctantly turned his head and looked at the scene behind him with one eye. After a glance, he found that the knights chasing closely to the east had been on a par with the orcs, and the terrain of the plain was no hindrance to their galloping.The afterglow of the setting sun was on the spears and helmets, and on their white-blond hair; they were driving the orcs from scattering, and wasting their strength along the river, hoping to reduce their last resistance. .He began to think about what kind of race these people were. He really hoped that he would read more books in Rivendell and read those maps and historical materials carefully.However, in those days, it seemed that someone more powerful was in charge of planning the journey. He never thought that he would lose Gandalf, or even break up with the Strider, let alone Frodo was no longer with him. .His only memory of Rohan was that Gandalf's horse, Shadowfair, had come from here, and at least that sounded promising. "But how are we going to show them we're not goblins?" he thought. "I don't think they've ever heard of hobbits here. I'd be glad to see goblins all wiped out, but I'm also very happy." Hope I survive." The truth was, there was a good chance he and Merry would be killed before the men of Rohir found them.There seemed to be a few archers in the cavalry, who were very good at shooting from galloping horses.They would approach quickly and shoot those who fell behind; then, the knights would retreat out of the range of each other as quickly as they had come;This was repeated several times, and just as an arrow shot into the ranks of Isinger's soldiers, a half-orc fell down in front of Pippin's eyes, and never got up again. As the night slowly fell, the knight still did not take a decisive attack posture.Many goblins had died in battle, but there were about two hundred goblins on the scene.Soon after, the Orcs came to a high place, and the edge of the forest was very close, perhaps not a mile, but they could not come any closer.The knights had closed the encirclement, and a small group of half-orcs did not listen to Ebony Land's orders and rushed into the forest. In the end, only three of them came back alive. "Well, we've come to this point," Grisnuck said contemptuously, "how wise! I hope Ebony can lead us out of this crisis." "Put those halflings down!" Ebony ignored Grisnak's mockery: "You, Lugda, send two men to guard them, and don't kill them unless those damned white skins break in. Understand Is it? I have to keep them here as long as I live. But you can't make them scream, and you can't let them be rescued. Bind their legs!" The legs of the two were bound mercilessly like this, but at least Pippin found this time that he could finally get close to Merry.The goblins made a great noise, some howling, some tapping their weapons, and the hobbits seized the opportunity to talk in whispers. "I don't think there's much hope," Merry said. "I'm about to collapse, and even if I break free from these restraints, I'm afraid I won't have the strength to climb very far." "Don't forget [HTH] Rambas [HT]!" whispered Pippin. "I've got some, and you? I think they'll just take our short swords." "Yeah, I still have one in my pocket," Merry replied, "but it must all be smashed, I can't put my mouth in my pocket!" "You don't need it. I've—" Pippin was kicked, and he realized that the goblins had quieted down, and the guards began to turn their attention back to them. It was a cold and windy night, and the orcs gathered around the highland, and the knights lit many campfires around them, illuminating the surrounding area brightly.These flames were within the range of the longbow, but the knights did not show up. The orcs wasted a lot of arrows shooting at these flames, and it was not until Ebony Land stopped them.The knights were silent, and after the moonlight got rid of the entanglement of the mist, they could see these knights patrolling under the moonlight unremittingly. "Damn, they're waiting for the sun to come out!" A guard cursed in a low voice, "Why don't we rush out together? What the hell is Ebony thinking?" "I don't think you can understand," Wugulu came out quietly from behind, "Do you think I have no brain? You bastard, how can you be as stupid as those lowly creatures! It's unrealistic to rush out with them Thinking, these guys will scream and run around and get confused, and these grooms can easily sweep us on the flat ground.” "The only thing those lower creatures can do is to see the enemy in the dark. But, as far as I know, these white-skinned grooms have better night vision than ordinary humans, and don't forget the horses they ride. It is said that these creatures can I saw the night wind blowing! However, these guys don't know that Mao He and his subordinates are in the forest, and they may come out at any time." Obviously, Wugulu's guarantee is enough to satisfy these Isinger's soldiers; however, the other half-orcs are very demoralized and are very unwilling to obey orders.They didn't arrange any sentries, and most of them lay comfortably on the ground to sleep.As the moon also went behind the mountains, it became so dark that Pippin could not see for a few feet, and the fires below did not shed any light on the heights.However, the knights didn't just wait for the dawn so that the enemy could recharge their batteries. A sudden shout from the east of the highland let them know that something was wrong.It seemed that some humans rode close, slipped off their horses, sneaked into the camp, killed a few goblins, and then slipped away without a sound.Wugulu rushed to the place in a hurry to appease the half-orcs who were about to riot.Pippin and Merry sat up, and the Isengard soldiers who guarded them left, but the hobbit's hope of escape was quickly dashed.A large, hairy hand grabbed their necks and pulled them closer.In the dim light, they could vaguely see Grisnuck's big ugly face, and his foul breath was blowing on their necks.He began to grope around the two hobbits in front of him, and Pippin shivered as his cold fingers touched Pippin's back. "Okay, kids!" Grisnak whispered, "Is it comfortable? Still not comfortable enough? Maybe the position is not good? With a sword on one side and a whip on the other, it might not be pleasant to sleep! The little guy still It's better not to meddle in your lord's affairs too often." He continued to stroke with his fingers, and there seemed to be a white-hot light in his eyes. Pippin understood suddenly, as if the idea had come directly from the mind of his enemy. "Grisnak knows about the Lord of the Rings! He's going to take the Lord of the Rings for himself when Ebony can't get away." Pippin felt a chill, but at the same time he was thinking about what to do. Use Grisnak's Greed. "I don't think you can find it like this," he replied in a low voice, "such things are hard to find." "Looking for what?" said Grisnuck, his fingers now on Pippin's shoulders. "Looking for what? What are you talking about, little one?" 皮聘沉默了片刻，突然间，他从喉咙中挤出了咕鲁、咕鲁的声音：「没什么，我的宝贝。」 皮聘感觉到葛力斯那克的手指一紧。「呵呵！」半兽人低声说道：「原来你是这个意思啊？呵呵，小家伙，这很危险的。」 「或许吧，」梅里现在也明白了皮聘的猜测：「但危险的不只是我们，你应该知道得最清楚。你到底想不想要？又愿意拿什么东西来换？」 「我想不想要？我想不想要？」葛力斯那克彷佛十分困惑地回答，但他的手臂依旧颤抖著：「我愿意拿什么东西来换？你这是什么意思？」 「我们的意思是，」皮聘小心翼翼地字斟句酌，不想被对方看出破绽：「在黑暗中瞎摸是没有用的，我们可以帮你省掉很多时间和麻烦。但你必须先松开我们的腿，否则我们绝对不会配合，也什么都不会说。」 「我亲爱的小蠢蛋，」葛力斯那克低语道：「你所拥有的一切，所知道的一切，不久之后都会变成我的，一切的一切！你会希望自己有更多事情可以告诉拷问者，是的，很快你就会知道了，我们不需要催促拷问大师，呵呵，不需要的！不然你以为为什么会让你们活命？我亲爱的小家伙，请相信我这不是出自于同情，连乌骨陆都不会犯下这样的错误。」 「我当然知道，」梅里说：「但是你还没把这猎物运回家呢。不管发生什么事情，看来都不会像你想像的那么顺利。如果我们到了艾辛格，获得奖赏的就不会是伟大的葛力斯那克，萨鲁曼会拿走所有他找到的东西。如果你还想要替自己留下一些好处，现在是交易的好时机。」 葛力斯那克按耐不住自己的脾气了，萨鲁曼的名号似乎特别让他生气。时间很紧迫，他好不容易把握的这一团混乱也渐渐的平息了，乌骨陆或是艾辛格的士兵随时有可能会回来。「你们有任何一个人把它带在身上吗？」他大喊著。 「[咕鲁！咕鲁！」皮聘只是这样回答。 「松开我们的腿！」梅里说。 他们可以感觉到半兽人的手开始剧烈颤抖。「该死，你们这些浑帐！」他低声说：「松开你们的腿？我会把你们大卸八块。难道你以为我不能够把你从头到尾仔细地搜一遍吗？搜身！哼，我会把你们碎尸万段，我不需要你们的双腿就可以把你们带走，你们全都是我的！」 突然间他将两人抱起，他细长的手臂和肩膀却拥有惊人的怪力，他一边夹著一个哈比人，用力地将他们箝住，同时还用手掌将他们的嘴堵住；然后他弯著腰，快速冲向前，悄悄地来到高地的边缘。在这边，他从哨兵之间挑了个空隙，如同邪恶的黑影一样融入夜色中，沿著斜坡往西跑向流出森林的河流。在那个方向洛汗人似乎只有点燃一座篝火，因此露出了很大的空隙。 走了几十码之后，他停下来四处张望著。他什么也没有发现，于是继续弯腰前行，几乎都快趴到地面了，然后，他又停下来侧耳倾听；接著，他猛然站起身，准备迈步狂奔，就在那一瞬间，一名骑士的黑影出现在他面前，马匹发出嘶鸣声，一名男子的叫喊声跟著传来。 葛力斯那克立刻趴在地上，将哈比人跟著一起拉倒；然后，他拔出了剑，毫无疑问是准备杀死这两名俘虏，不想让他们被救走或是逃脱，但这也给他带来了厄运。那把长剑在黑暗中反射出他左方篝火的光芒，一支羽箭从黑暗中呼啸而至，不知是命运的安排还是对方的神技使然，这支箭正中他的右手。他惨叫著丢下剑，急促的马啼声随即赶到，正当葛力斯那克站起来准备逃跑的时候，一柄长枪应声刺穿了他的身躯，他狂嚎一声倒在地上。 哈比人在葛力斯那克离开之后，依旧躺在地上一动也不动，另一名骑士飞快的骑来协助同伴。不知道是由于骏马锐利的眼光还是其他什么原因，这两匹马竟然都从两人身上跃过，让他们毫发无伤。骑士们则完全没有发现这两个吓得不能动弹、裹著精灵斗篷蜷缩在草地上的身影。 好不容易，梅里才动了一下身体，轻声耳语道：「至少到目前为止都很顺利，但我们要怎么躲开敌人的视线？」 答案很快就出现了，葛力斯那克的惨叫声惊醒了半兽人，从高地上发出的吵杂声来看，他们的失踪已经被发现了，乌骨陆搞不好正在找人发泄他的怒气。然后，突然间，半兽人回应的呼喊声从右方包围圈之外传来，约莫是在山脉和森林的方向；很明显的，毛赫终于赶到了，现在正在攻击洛汗国的部队。随即传来的是急驰的马蹄声，骑士们冒著半兽人的箭矢缩小包围圈，避免有人趁机突围，另一队骑士则出面对付这些攻击者。在一阵兵荒马乱之后，皮聘和梅里才意识到他们竟然已经脱离了包围圈，已经没有任何力量可以阻止他们逃出这场战斗了。 「就是现在！」梅里说：「如果我们手脚可以恢复自由，就可以逃出去了！可是我碰不到绳结，我也咬不到他们。」 「不需要试了，」皮聘说。「我正准备告诉你，我已经挣脱了。我手上的绳圈只是伪装用的。你最好先吃几口兰巴斯恢复力气。」 他挣脱了手腕上的绳子，掏出一块精灵的乾粮，这块乾粮虽然已经被压碎了，但它的叶子包装还完好如初。哈比人吃了几口，这味道立刻让他们回忆起那些美丽的面孔和笑语，以及许多天前所吃过的山珍海味。他们坐在黑暗中，若有所思地吃著，身边的战斗和惨呼似乎都与他们无关，皮聘是第一个恢复镇定的人。 「我们必须立刻出发了，」他说：「等等！」葛力斯那克的长剑虽然就在他们脚边，但却沈重得让他们拿不动。因此，他悄悄地爬向前，找到半兽人腰间的一把锋利小刀；藉著这柄工具的帮助，他俐落地割断了两人身上的束缚。「时候到了！」他说：「在我们身体暖活一点之后，或许我们可以站起来走动。不过，目前我们最好还是先开始爬离这里。」 他们就这样开始在草地上匍匐前进。这块草地的植物长得很高，正好帮助他们隐藏行迹，但这样爬起来似乎永远都爬不完似的。他们尽量远离四周的篝火，一寸一寸地往外爬，直到他们来到河边，可以听见黑暗中潺潺的水声为止，他们这才敢回头打量。之前的斯杀声都已经停止了，显然毛赫的部下们不是被杀光，就是被赶走了，骑士们又重新回到岗位上。看来这不会持续太久了，天色已经快要亮了，东方已经微微露出鱼肚白来 . 「我们必须赶快找掩护，」皮聘说：「否则就会被发现了。就算那些骑士在我们死后发现我们不是半兽人，也已经太晚了。」他站起来用力跺脚：「这些绳子弄死人了，幸好我现在脚又有感觉了，我现在应该可以走路，梅里，你呢？」 梅里站了起来。「还好，」他说：「我应该还撑得住。兰巴斯真的有让人心旷神怡的奇效，比半兽人喝的提神饮料要让人舒服多了。不知道那是什么东西酿的？我想还是最好不要深究了，我们赶快喝口水，洗掉那种味道吧！」 「不能在这边喝，这里太陡了，」皮聘说：「往前走吧！」 他们转过身，慢慢肩并肩地走到河边，看见东方的天空逐渐变亮。当他们行走的时候，两名哈比人彼此若无其事的交换著被俘之后的记忆，旁观者从他们的腔调和表情来看，绝对猜不出他们吃了多少苦，在绝望的处境中打过滚，甚至在鬼门关前走了一遭。即使是现 在，这两人也明白自己不太可能再遇到朋友，一起过著安详的生活。 「皮聘先生，你看来似乎表现得不错嘛！」梅里说：「只要我能够活著去向他报告，搞不好你可以在老比尔博的书里面留下辉煌的一章喔。你干的真是漂亮，特别是玩弄那个多毛怪物的那段，真是把他给惹毛了，不过，我怀疑以后到底会不会有人跟著你的足迹找到那别针。我可不想弄丢自己的别针，但我想你的可能永远找不回来了！」 「如果我想和你平起平坐，当然得要很努力罗，这才是在下我好好表现的机会。我猜你大概不知道我们身在何处，幸好我在瑞文戴尔的时候相当用功。我们正沿著树沐河前进，眼前是迷雾山脉的尾端，还有法贡森林。」 他话还没说完，森林的灰暗边缘无声无息地出现在他眼前。夜色似乎躲进了树下，不想和即将到来的曙光打交道。 「带路吧！梅里先生！」皮聘说：「或者是回头！我们之前曾经听人说过不该接近法贡森林，希望这位博学多闻的大人没有忘记这件事情。」 「我可没忘记，」梅里回答：「但这座森林看起来没什么问题，总比回头闯进一场大战中要好吧。」 他带著头走进森林浓密的枝枒间，看起来这些树木似乎苍老得超乎想像，每一棵巨木四周都被厚重的苔藓所围绕，看来像是老人的美髯一般。哈比人在阴影中窥探著，看著斜坡上下的情景；对于外人来说，他们两人就像是精灵的小孩，在史前时代漫游于古老的森林中一样。 距离大河极远的地方，在广阔的草地上，火红的黎明终于降临了。狩猎的号角声伴随著响起，洛汗国的骠骑在草原上驰骋，一声又一声的号角彼此呼应著。两人在这冷冽的空气中听见了战马的嘶鸣声，听见了人类雄壮的歌声，太阳的光芒如同火红的巨臂一般挥舞过大地，骠骑们从东方策马冲杀，甲胄和枪尖上都反射著血红的光辉。半兽人狂嚎著射出所有剩余的箭矢，哈比人看见几名骑士倒下了，但他们冲锋的阵形依旧紧密地掩杀过高地，接著又调转马头再度冲刺。侥幸存活的半兽人们四散奔逃，最后都遭到长枪破体而过的命运；但是，依旧有一群半兽人保持队形，持续的冲向森林，他们沿著斜坡直接杀向看守该处的骠骑。在梅里和皮聘的眼中，这些半兽人似乎会杀出重围，已经有三名挡路的骑士遭到他们杀害。 「我们已经耽搁太久了，」梅里说：「你看，带队的是乌骨陆！我可不想要再遇见他。」 哈比人转过身，逃进森林的阴影中。 因此，他们并没有看见这场恶斗的结局，乌骨陆的小队在法贡森林的边缘又再度被包围，洛汗国的第三元帅伊欧墨下马亲自与他对决，最后终于将他斩杀于剑下。平原上残存尚有力气奔逃的半兽人，则在骠骑的锐利目光下无所遁形，被一个接一个的刺死在长枪或是马匹的践踏下。随后，骠骑们将战死的伙伴集中，吟唱他们的丰功伟业；最后，他们升起了熊熊烈火，把敌人的骨灰散布在大地上。这场半兽人的突击就这么结束了，没有任何人活著将消息带回魔多或是艾辛格；但是，这场大火的浓烟飘入高空，也飘进了许多人的眼中。