It was very quiet in the hotel. The walls, which have been blackened by oil lamps for many years, cast a gloomy light.The dying flames in the fireplace provide barely enough warmth to please anyone who chooses to sit in front of it.This inn is a bit of a bummer for like most inns.In the dark corners, people were talking in low voices, talking about things as unnoticed as possible.A dissatisfied "hum" or a woman's bitter laughter were the only sounds that broke the silence.Most sailors are drawn to a gamble. This is a card game, which is a very popular gambling method in Linlan and Pashawa, which originally belonged to the Cash Empire and now belongs to the western part of the kingdom.A player clutches his five cards, eyes squinted in thought.He was a laid-off soldier, watching out for any signs of trouble at the inn, but unfortunately trouble soon appeared.He pretended to be thinking about his cards while secretly observing the other five players.

The two people sitting on his left are two rough men.The skin is completely tanned, the hand holding the card is calloused, and they are wearing a faded linen shirt and a pair of cotton trousers hanging loosely around their waists, but both of them have strong bodies.As if mocking the coldness of the night, neither was wearing shoes, obviously sailors awaiting a mission.Usually such a man would lose their pay quickly to be thrown back into the sea again, but that was how they spent their nights, and the soldier was pretty sure they were working for the man sitting to his right. The man sat patiently, waiting for the soldier to continue his bet, or pass up this opportunity to continue with three new cards.The soldiers had watched him for a long time: the son of a rich merchant or minor nobleman, a fellow with too much time on his hands but little knowledge.He was very fashionable, in the clothes that had just come into fashion among the young men of Crondor, with stockings pulled over the legs of his shorts, which bulged out at the calf, a simple white shirt trimmed with pearls and lesser gems, and a new jacket. It was a tawdry yellow, with white and silver embroidered bands on the collar and cuffs.He is a typical son-in-law.A Rodiz machete slung from his belt, a dangerous man.This weapon is used only by masters or by death-death--in expert hands it is a fearsome weapon; but to the inexperienced it is suicidal.

This son must have lost a large amount of money before, and now he wants to make up for his loss by paying a thousand.Two of his men would occasionally win a hand or two, but the soldiers knew they were doing so to cover their master's suspicions.He sighed and acted as if it was difficult to decide.The other two players were also patiently waiting for him to play their cards. They were twin brothers, tall—a full six foot two, and handsome.Both carry rapiers, again an expert or fool's choice.In the two decades since Prince Krondor boarded the plane at Arusha, the rapier has grown from a survival weapon to a fashion accessory.But the swords on these two people don't look like toys that are only used for decoration.They were dressed as mercenaries, as if they had just finished their caravan employment.Although they were filthy, like slobs who had been on the road for weeks and couldn't find time to wash themselves, their leather armor and coats were still dusty, and even their auburn hair was stuck together.But they all oiled their armor and waxed their weapons.They seem to trust each other very much, and the soldiers also have a feeling of uneasiness about their unclear family origins: the two men's conversations do not have the usual vulgar language of mercenaries, but they seem to have received a long court education.And they are very young, just passed their teenage years.

The two brothers joined the game ecstatically, drinking beer after cup. Even if they lost money, they were as happy as winning money, but as the bet increased, they became silent now.They exchanged glances again and again, and the soldier knew that the twin brothers had their own way of communication. The soldier shook his head. "I'm not playing," he said as he dropped his cards, inadvertently flipping a card in the air for a split second. "I'll be on duty in an hour, and now I have to go back to the barracks." The soldier knew very well that the conflict was about to break out. If he was still here at that time, he would definitely not be able to catch up with the roll call in the barracks.And the officer on duty would not be kind enough to listen to any explanation from him.

Now the son's eyes turned to the two brothers, "Continue?" When the soldier had just walked to the door of the hotel, he noticed two people standing quietly in the corner.They were wrapped in a cloak, their faces covered by their hoods, in spite of the heat of the night.The two seem to be watching the game intently, but any small movement in the hotel will make them pay attention.They seemed to be his acquaintances, the soldier thought, but he couldn't see them clearly.The way the two stood made the soldiers finally make up their minds to rush back to the barracks early - both of them put on a posture ready to rush out at any time.He opened the door and walked out of the hotel.

The one of the two near the door turned to face his companion, his face only partially illuminated by the oil lamp on the wall, "You'd better go out and get ready, it's about to start here." His companion nodded in agreement.In the twenty years they had been friends, he had learned not to take the time to doubt his companion's sense of the situation.He quickly followed the soldiers out of the hotel. At the table, when it was one of the two brothers' turn to make a decision, he grimaced as if it was difficult to decide on his cards.Brother Gongzi asked again, "Are you following or giving up?"

"Well," replied the young man, "I have a problem." He looked at his brother and said, "Eyland, I can swear to the Lord Chancellor of Asteron that I just saw There is Lady Zhang Lan." "What's the matter?" his brother asked with a smile. "Is that your problem, Borric." "But because I also have Lady Zhang Lan." Onlookers hear this and start to back off, talking about their hands is not a normal situation. "I still don't see the problem," Elland said, "There were two blue ladies in the deck. " "But look," Borric said with a smirk, "this friend of ours," he pointed at the dandy, "he also has a lady in blue, which he just put back in his sleeve."

In an instant, the battle broke out, and the onlookers immediately moved away from there as much as possible.Borric jumped up from the chair and overturned the table in front of him, forcing the young master and his two subordinates to retreat.When Elland drew his slender sword and long dagger, Brother Young Master also drew his scimitar. A sailor fell in a hurry, and when he found himself lying on his stomach just in front of the toe of Borric's shoe, he was kicked in the jaw by Borric's kick and collapsed there.At the same time, Brother Gongzi launched an attack, jumped up and chopped off Eland's head.Erland deftly blocked the blow with his dagger, and at the same time thrust out his rapier, which his opponent narrowly avoided.

Both realized that the other was a worthy opponent.The innkeeper walked up and down the house, using a big stick to "dissuade" those who wanted to continue to expand the commotion.When he was about to reach the store door, the mysterious man with the turban came over at an alarming speed and grabbed his sleeve.With just a few simple words from him, the color of the innkeeper's face changed.The shopkeeper nodded excitedly, and then quickly slipped out the door. Borric had a little trouble with the second sailor, and turned to his brother to see Elland fighting hard against his opponent.

"Ayland, do you want to help?" "No, besides, you always say I need to practice more." "Really," my brother said with a smile, "but don't let him kill you, I have to avenge you." Brother Young Master used a set of combined moves, one up, one down, and then a series of vigorous chops, forcing Ailander to retreat again and again.At this time, there were whistles outside the house. "Elander," Borric called. The younger brother who was being pinned down by the opponent asked, "What?" while dodging another combination attack from the opponent.

"The guard is here, you have to kill him quickly." "I tried," Eland said, "but the guy wasn't very cooperative." But as he spoke, he hit his foot on the beer and fell backward. By the time Borric came, the sword had struck Erlander, his shoulder was pierced, and his ribs were stained red with blood.At the same time, there was a loophole on the left side of Brother Gongzi because of the attack.Elland sat up and thrust his rapier, hitting his opponent in the stomach.Brother Young Master's yellow coat was bursting with red, he panted, and his movements became slow.Then Borric knocked him unconscious with a blow from behind with the hilt of his sword. The voices of people running outside the door were already clearly audible, Borric helped his younger brother up, "We'd better get out of here, there is no doubt that we will make father very upset—" Erlander interjected, "I could have killed him without you hitting him." "Or he kills you, I don't want that to happen, and then go face my father alone. Besides, you don't want to kill him at all, that's in your nature, you want to beat him like a noble—" Borric Looking around, he took a breath, "That's a fool, now let's see how to get out of here." Eland clutched his injured shoulder and came to the door.Some hooligans crowded in front of the door, blocking their way out.The two brothers drew their swords and pointed at the group of people.Borric said to his brother, "Help me out of them." He picked up a chair and threw it at the French windows facing the street, sending glass and sawdust flying.The two brothers jumped out of the window quickly, Erlander staggered, and Borric caught his arm in time to make him fall. When they adjusted, they saw horses.Then two or more thugs jumped out after them, and Borric struck the first one with the hilt of his sword.The other mob stopped too, as three crossbows were pointed at him.Formed in front of the gate was a heavily armed ten-man City Watch squad, known as the riot squad.But what surprised people was the cavalry standing behind them. From their uniforms, they were the royal guard of King Krondor."Royal guards," a terrified occupant of the inn yells, and a great escape begins like shit squirting out of our asses. The two brothers watched the rider, all weapons drawn for trouble.For the person in the front, the two brothers couldn't be more familiar with each other. "Ah, good evening, sir," Borric said, a smile slowly creeping across his face.The leader of the riot squad saw that there was no one else, and stepped forward to arrest the two young men. At this time, the leader of the royal guard stopped him and said, "They are none of your business, guard, you and your people can go." The captain of the guard did not hesitate, and quickly led his people away. Elland said fearfully, "Lord Locklear, it's a pleasure to meet you." Locklear, the commander of the Knights of Krondor, smiled reluctantly, "Me too." Regardless of his military rank, although he is the elder of these two young people who is almost sixteen years old, from the appearance After all, he was only a year or two older than them.He has blond curly hair and blue eyes, and he is looking at the twins with displeasure. Borric said, "I suppose that means that Lord James also—" Locklear pointed with his finger, "He's standing right behind you." The two brothers turned and saw a man in a cloak standing at the door of the inn.The man lifted his hood, revealing a young face, no one could tell he was 37 years old, only his brown curly hair was slightly mixed with gray.This face makes the two brothers feel very close, because he has taught them since their childhood, and furthermore, he is their good friend.He looked at the two brothers very angrily, "Your father told you to go home directly. I received a report that it was... two days ago that you left from High Castle to enter the gate of this city." The two brothers tried to have fun without their guards, and it was obvious that they had already failed. "Never mind the court meeting your parents held for your return. Forget the three hours they waited. And never mind that your father ordered me and Lord Locklear to spend two days searching the city for you." James said to the two young men, "But I think you will remember what your father told you after tomorrow's rally." The two horses were moved out, and a soldier respectfully handed the reins to the two brothers.Seeing Aland's bleeding shoulder, a second lieutenant of the guard rode his horse up to him and said mockingly, "Does Your Highness need help?" Erlander stepped on the saddle and did not rely on any help. He retorted angrily, "Only my father, Cousin Willie, you are not qualified to teach me a lesson." Second Lieutenant William nodded and said in a low voice, "He told you to go home immediately, Eland." Elland nodded in frustration, "We just want to relax..." William couldn't help laughing at his cousins' predicament.He'd often seen them do it to themselves, and he couldn't understand their penchant for constantly getting punished.He said, "Maybe you can enter the fancy dress contest. I'd be silly to vote for you." Elland shook his head, "I think I will accept your proposal, but after tomorrow's court meeting." William laughed and said, "Come on, you're no worse than your other rags." Baron James, Minister of Klondor and chief assistant to the Duke of Krondor, quickly mounted his mount. "Go to the palace." He ordered.The guards escorted the two princes, Borric and Eland, as they marched towards the palace. Arusha, the prince of Krondor, the commander of the Spanish Knights of the kingdom, and the heir to the throne of Aier, sat there quietly and dealt with state affairs.His figure was as slender as before, not as swollen as most middle-aged people, but his face was a little too thin, and he lost the gentleness he gave when he was young.His hair is still black, but some gray hair has also appeared from two decades of running Krondor and the western part of the kingdom.His reflexes are only slightly worse than in his youth, and he is still one of the kingdom's few master swordsmen, although he has no need to practice his swordsmanship.The way his dark brown eyes narrowed in thought, the way he stared at every detail, impressed many who served him.He is a distinguished military strategist.He made a name for himself during the nine years of the Rift War—before the birth of his twin sons—and after becoming Cority, commander of the garrison of his family's castle, when he was only The two sons are now a little older. He enacted strict but fair laws, accurately fighting crime and maintaining justice, but often made some forgiveness because of his wife Anita's pleas.He manages the western part of the kingdom very responsibly: strict, rational, fair, and benevolent.Praise Adonghua frankly, he is a respectable ruler with a good reputation, and his wife is also a commendable queen Anita sat quietly on her throne, her green eyes looking a little hollow.Her royal protocol makes her look deadpan.Luckily, her husband ordered the children to attend the kingdom's business this morning instead of making them report to their parents' quarters yesterday.Anita forced herself to turn her attention away from her son and listen carefully to a report by a member of the textile guild; it was her duty every time her husband began to deal with the petitions and grievances in the proceedings.The rest of the royal family are not regularly present at the proceedings, but members of the royal family are present at every morning court after the brothers return from the High Castle. Princess Alana stood beside her mother.Her good looks were a fair compromise of her parents, her mother's auburn hair and white skin, and her father's dark, wise eyes.People who are familiar with the royal family think that Borric and Eland are more similar to their uncles, while Alana looks more like her aunt, the Countess of Salard.Moreover, Arusha discovered more than once that the fiery tempers of the two were so similar. Prince Nicholas, the youngest child of Adonghua and Anita, was supposed to stand next to his sister, but instead was placed behind the queen mother's seat on the first steps of the dais.A door blocked the view of the people in the hall to the harem. Years ago, behind that door, their four children played there, eavesdropping on the affairs of their father's kingdom and enjoying the fun of eavesdropping.Nicholas awaited the arrival of his two older brothers. Queen Anita felt that Nicholas was quite aggrieved standing there, and asked him to come closer.Nicholas adored his two older brothers, except of course when they teased him.But the two brothers feel that they have nothing in common with their youngest brother, who is 12 years younger than them. Nicholas limped to his mother, and Anita's heart ached for him every day after his birth.He had a deformed foot, and not even the priest's magic could cure him of the deformity, but only allowed him to walk.Arusha, who was reluctant to see the baby in public, canceled the celebration of displaying the baby - the first opportunity for a member of the royal family to be seen in public, a royal custom that has since been abolished. When Nicholas heard the sound of the door opening, he turned and saw his brother Eland.He smiled as he watched his brother walk cautiously into the hall.Nicky staggered down the steps, eagerly went to meet them, and hugged the two brothers.Elland accepted his younger brother's welcome with some reluctance. Nicky followed his two older brothers back up the steps and stood beside his sister behind the throne.Alana made a playful face at them, making the three brothers try their best to hold back their laughter. They knew that they must not let others know what the princess did just now.The two brothers have a long list of stories to bug their little sister, and she will have many of the same stories to give back.She would not give her brothers trouble at court meetings. Arusha could see that his twin sons had changed a lot.He glanced at the four children, frowned slightly, and suppressed their latent laughter.He stared at his older son with a sullen look on his face that could only be discerned by those who got close.Soon he turned his attention back to the meeting. A minor nobleman was about to get his new official position. When he felt as if he was at the highest point of his life, the four royal descendants began to feel bored.Arusha tried to refocus his child, but failed. In charge of the Court Council is Gorton, Lord of Krondor.He and his father have played for Arusha for over thirty years.His black skin set off his white beard, and his vigilant eyes made the people in the hall dare not show disrespect to the emperor.Born into a commoner family, Gorton grew up with his abilities and gave up his desire to return home after being discharged from the army. He still served in Arusha, first as a second lieutenant in the Kerriti Garrison, then as a captain of the Royal Guards, and later as a Knight of Krondor regiment commander.When Voloni, the previous lord of Krondor, died unexpectedly after seven years on the throne, Arusha granted him the position.Regardless of how he states the position isn't for him, he's talented enough to dominate. After Gorton recited the nobleman's rank and honor, Arusha handed him a large piece of parchment with lace and stamped on it.The noble returned to the crowd with his honor, flaunting his success to others in a low voice. Gordon nodded to Jerome, the ceremonial officer. The thin man immediately stood up straight. He was Baron Jimmy's childhood rival. This official position is very suitable for him with a strong self-esteem.He's a downright annoying guy, and his enthusiasm for little things makes him a natural fit for his job.His quirks are reflected in the cloak he wears to his office and the beard on his chin, which he spends hours trimming.He declared in high tones, "May his virtue please your nobility, Your Excellency Trumus, Ambassador of the Kesh Empire." The ambassador and his advisors were given to stand on the other side away from the crowd, closer to the royal family.Judging from his clothes, he is of the Kesh Empire blood, because he is bald.He was dressed in a crimson tunic with rounded corners, yellow breeches, and white sandals.He bared his chest, as was the custom of the Keshmen, and a golden choker adorned his neck, and gems and pearls adorned the seams of his garments, each of which was a work of art.Every step he took brought flashes of colored light.He is undoubtedly the biggest bright spot in the hall. "Your Majesty," he said in a flat tone, "my lord, Rexa, Queen of Kesh, wishes you and your family health." "Please convey our warmest wishes to your empress," Arusha replied, "and tell her that I and my family are well." "Thank you very much," said the ambassador, "and now I ask for an answer to my lord's invitation. The seventy-fifth birthday is a festive occasion beyond the empire. Our country will host a celebration that will last for two months. Whether Can your royal family come?" Arusha, like other neighboring countries, has already sent an apology for his inability to attend.The Empire has enjoyed a rare period of peace with its neighbors - the last border conflict was eleven years ago, and no ruler would be foolish enough to provoke a border war against Mekemia's most feared nation .This apologetic refusal was with due consideration.But the Prince and Princess of Krondor being invited was a different matter. The Spanish Kingdom of Ayer is almost a sovereign country. Although the most important policy is also from the court of Rilanon, the ruling power is directly handed over to Krondor.Arusha had negotiated with Kesh's ambassadors on the kingdom's southern frontier and most potential conflicts with the Empire. Arusha looked at his wife, and then said, "We regret that the heavy national affairs make our long-awaited trip impossible, Your Excellency." The ambassador's expression didn't change, but the slight change in his eyes suggested that he took the refusal as an insult bordering on a challenge. "That's such a pity, Your Majesty. My empress attaches so much importance to the meaning of your presence, I can explain that it is an expression of friendship and friendliness." This reason did not make Arusha back down, "We consider the empire's Friendship and kindness, but if we can't send an attendant who doesn't represent the royal family of Ayr..." The ambassador's eyes turned immediately to the twins, "Prince Borric, heir to the throne of Ayr, is fit to attend the ceremony of our country The candidate." Borric suddenly became the focus of the entire hall, which made him feel very nervous and at a loss. "And, his brother, Prince Elander will accompany him." The ambassador continued. The two brothers exchanged glances, both startled. "Kash," Eland whispered, almost screaming in surprise. The ambassador looked sideways at the two princes, "Very suitable candidates, Your Majesty, my empress will be very happy to meet them." Arusha scanned the hall.When Ambassador Cash took a few steps back politely, he stood up from his throne, "We still have a lot of things to deal with, and the meeting will be held again at ten o'clock tomorrow." He extended his hand to his wife, and the queen also Then stand up.Then he whispered to Borric, "You and Eland, come to my study in five minutes." After their parents left, the four royal descendants also followed in order. Borric glanced at Elland, and the faces of the two brothers were full of surprise.The two brothers walked out of the hall slowly, Elland suddenly turned around and grabbed Alana, hugged her and started spinning around in place, while Borric punched her hard in the back. "Brother Badass." Alana exclaimed.She then hugged her two older brothers, "I hate to say it, but I'm glad you're home. It's no fun here when you're gone." Elland laughed, "It's not like what I heard, my little sister." Then he put his arms around Borric's neck, and whispered mischievously, "This is getting more and more attention. The two princesses' guards have been arguing for a month, and the reason is who can be my sister to attend the Ba Feast of Napith." Alana rolled her eyes at her two brothers, "I have nothing to do with this idiot quarreling." Then she said happily, "Besides, I've been spending time with Baron Laurie's son Tom recently." Both brothers laughed. "We've heard of this one too," said Borric. "Your reputation reaches the frontier, and you're not yet sixteen." Alana lifted her long skirt and glanced at her brother, "I'm almost the age when my mother met my father for the first time. By the way, when you mention your father, if you fail to meet his requirements, he will send you Make it for breakfast." Then she ran off like the wind, sticking her tongue out at her brother in the distance. That's when Eland noticed Nikki was very close, "Ha, so, what's this?" Borric glanced over Nicky like a show. "What did you say? I didn't see anything." It hurt Nicky's heart, "Borric," he called, almost crying. Borric looked down, "This, this is..." He turned to Eland, "What is this?" Erlander walked around Nicky slowly, "I'm not sure, it's too small for a goblin, it's too big for a monkey—but maybe it's a tall monkey." "Not a dwarf--shoulders not so broad, not dressed like a waif--" Nicky cried. "You promised," he whimpered, and he looked up to see his brothers laughing down at him, kicking Borric in tears, turning and limping away. Borric rubbed his ankle. "This kid can kick." He asked Elland "What did we promise?" Elland blinked, "Don't tease him anymore." He sighed forcefully, "He'll go to mother and sue us, then mother will tell father, and then..." Borric frightened. "And then there will be another reprimand." The two remembered their father's summoning and hurried to Arusha's bedroom.The guards saw the approaching prince and immediately opened the gate for them. At first sight they saw their father sitting in his favorite old wooden chair, with Lord James and Locklear standing to his left.A Donghua, "You two come in." The two walked up to their father and stood up.Eland looked a little unnatural, as if his injured part had stiffened. "What's wrong?" Arusha asked. The two smiled guiltily."He was supposed to parry a frontal shot when he came back, but the guy broke through him," Borrick said. Arusha said coldly, "It's causing trouble again. I should have thought of it, as James said. Has anyone been killed?" James, "No, but a shipowner's son who was influential in the town was nearly killed." Arusha slowly stood up from the chair, his face full of anger.It is extremely rare for a person to be able to control his emotional outbursts. Those who know A Donghua know better that this is an expression of displeasure.He walked up to the two sons, and for a moment he wanted to beat up the two bastards.After he regained control of his emotions, he said word by word, "I don't know what you are all thinking?" Eland said, "It was self-defense, Father. That man tried to stab me." Borric chimed in, "That man cheated, he had another Lady in Blue tucked up his sleeve." Arusha almost spat, "I don't care that he has a whole deck of cards up his sleeve, you're not ordinary soldiers, damn it, you're my sons." Arusha moved around them, as if inspecting his horses or inspecting his soldiers.The two boys endured the close scrutiny, knowing that anything unreasonable would irritate their father. Finally, Arusha shook his hands as if giving up, "They are not my sons." He walked past the two children and stood in front of the two barons. "They should be Lyme's children," he said.His older brother was known for his violent temper and good-natured quarrels in his youth. "In any case, Anita and I became partners, but gave birth to these two nasty boys." James could only nod in agreement, "This must be a fate that I can't understand." Returning attention to the boys, Arusha said, "If your grandfather had lived, he would have caught you on a bucket with a whip in his hand, regardless of your size or age. You acted like a child, so you should be treated like a child." He walked up behind the boy and raised his voice, "I gave you an order to go home immediately. But did you carry it out? No, on the contrary, you didn't go straight to the palace, but disappeared in the inferior garrison. Two days later, when You were arguing in an inn when Lord James found you," he paused, and then burst into shouting, "You were almost killed." Borik excused himself, "If that file..." "Enough," Arusha yelled, unable to hold back his emotions, he grabbed Borric's coat and pulled him closer, "You can't fool this with a joke or a smile Go over. This is the last time you dare to do this to me." He pushed hard, and Borric staggered into Erland's body, not having much patience with his son's rude Arusha, "I didn't call You come back because the court can get rid of your nonsense. I think a year or two of frontier life will hold you back a bit, but I have no other choice. You have a duty as princes and now you will fulfill it." Borric and Eland exchanged smiles.Arusha's mood was an old topic for them, including how to bear his anger and what to use to defend himself, but this time there was something different.Borric said, "Sorry, Father, we didn't see it was about our obligation to get us home." "Because I don't expect you to see anything, I expect you to obey an order." His father roared back, and he had obviously lost his patience. "I won't talk to you now. I must calm down for the afternoon. Considerations on Ambassador Cash's business. Sir James will finish my conversation with you." At the door, he paused, and said to James, "Whatever you want to do, do. But I hope to speak with these two in the afternoon It'll be more attractive to them when a bastard talks." He closed the door without waiting for an answer. James and Locklear walked across from the two princes, "If possible, Your Highness may come with us." Borric and Eland smiled at the two barons at the same time, their mentors or uncles, and then exchanged smiles with each other, both of them had a vague idea of ​​what was going to happen next.Their father never whipped or fisted them once to reassure their mother, but there was an indelible punishment, "combat training," which came when the boys disobeyed. Captain William has been waiting outside.As the prince and baron entered the Great Hall, William quickly opened the doors to the Arusha Training Grounds, a vast space where members of the royal family practice swordplay, daggers and hand-to-hand combat. James led the team down the hall.William once again opened the door to the training ground for them. Although he is the cousin of the two princes, he is only a noble soldier.Borric entered the hall first, Erlander followed, and finally the two barons. As soon as he arrived in the house, Borric turned around and stepped back, putting his hands in a boxing position, "We are much older and stronger now, Uncle Jimmy. You can't hit me behind the ear like you did last time." Erlander moved to the left, and he took a staggered step with an exaggerated grip on his shoulder, "It's faster too, Uncle Loki." Without prompting, he delivered a blow to Locklear's head.The Baron, the warrior who has been in his state for almost twenty years, dodges to the side and makes Elland lose his balance. Then he drags Elland by one arm to make him turn around, and pushes him to the corner of the training ground. central. The two barons stood up, and the two brothers also took positions, considering how to fight.With a sarcastic grin, James stretched out his palm, "You are much younger and faster than us." The sarcastic words did not let the two brothers relax their vigilance. "We have to keep our heads above water these days, and I think we're excited to see how far you've come in the past two years." He gave a thumbs up to the far corner behind him, "Personally. That's your opponent." Two soldiers in only their underpants stood there.Both have thick arms and impressive muscular chests.Lord James waved them closer.The two brothers couldn't help laughing bitterly. The two soldiers advanced at an unsteady pace, like submissive thoroughbreds, but with power in them.两人看起来都像是石头雕出的一般。博瑞克低声道，“他们不是人。”艾兰德不由一笑，他们的巨大颚骨让他们像极了山地巨魔。 “这两位来在你伯父莱姆的军中，”洛克莱尔说，“上星期我们有个关于皇家拳术冠军的示范表演，他们在这多待了几天。”两个士兵开始移动，把两兄弟围在中间，让他们背对背的站着。 詹姆斯说，“棕头发的是欧布瑞格恩士官，他来自罗第兹。” 洛克莱尔接道，“他是两百磅重量以下级别的冠军，艾兰德是你的学生。欧布瑞格恩，他的侧面受了伤，对他注意点。” “——另一位”詹姆斯继续，“是帕勒末士官，来自拜斯泰拉。” 博瑞格的双眼眯起来研究这个靠近的对手，“我猜，他是两百磅重量以上级别的冠军。” “是的。”詹姆斯回答伴随了一个邪恶的微笑。 突然，博如克的视线被一个打来的拳头占据，他急忙移动试图躲开它，却发现另一个拳头已找上了他的脑袋。然后他开始思考是谁更换了训练厅天花板上的壁画。他真想问问是谁。 他摇着头慢慢的站起来，他听到詹姆斯说，“你们的父亲想让我们提醒你们明天的事情将会有多重要。” “那会是什么，”博瑞克说，同意帕勒末来帮助他起身。但士官没有放过博瑞克伸来的右手，紧握住它打在了博瑞克的腹部。这一击好像将博瑞克的肺中的空气全部压榨了出来，威廉姆看着博瑞克紧闭双眼倒在地上，不由倒吸一口冷气。艾兰德谨慎的移动，拉开与另一位拳师的距离。 “这没有引起你的注意吗，你的伯父在他儿子蓝朵夫死后只有女儿。”博瑞克挥手拒绝了帕勒末伸来的手，“谢谢，我自己站起来。”当他跪起一条腿时，他说，“我现在很难考虑我表兄的死，但我很在意这个。”当他站起身时，他猛地给了帕勒末的腹部一拳。 战士平稳的站在那里，这一击让他不得不调整一下呼吸。他满意的一笑，“这招不错，殿下。” 博瑞克回了个白眼，“谢谢。”然后又一只拳头占据了他的视线，让他再一次欣赏到天花板上那杰出的艺术作品。为什么以前他没有机会注意它？he asked himself. 艾兰德无望的试图拉开与对手的距离。突然，年轻人不再后退，而是冲上前施以暴风似的攻击。士官所做的要比单纯的后退恰当，他用胳臂护住头，任凭艾兰德的攻击打在他的双臂和肩膀上。“我们不是不知道我们伯父空缺了继承者，吉米叔叔。”经过一场徒劳的攻击艾兰德的双臂开始疲劳。一瞬间，士官冲破了艾兰德的防御，给年轻人的侧面狠狠的一击。艾兰德脸色全无，眼神错乱无法聚焦。 看到他的反应，欧布瑞格恩说，“对不起，殿下。下次我会打你没受伤的一侧。” 艾兰德喘息着低声道，“那真太感谢了。” 博瑞克摇着脑袋让他的头脑保持清醒，他向后翻滚，站起身来准备战斗，“那么，这是有关我们家皇室继承权的问题。” “事实上如此。”詹姆斯同意道，“没有男性的子嗣，克朗多的亲王将是王位继承者。” 艾兰德的回话伴随了一个快窒息的喘息声，“克朗多亲王永远成为了皇室继承者。” “并且你们父亲就是克朗多亲王。”洛克莱尔说。 博瑞克向左做出一个聪明的假动作，在帕勒末犹豫的一瞬间从右侧击中了他的颚部。接着的一击又击中了对手的身体把军官逼退。博瑞克的信心大增，准备完成结束的一击，但突然间整个世界完全颠倒了。 当博瑞克的身体悬在空中时，他的视觉由黄转红经历了很长一段，然后地板狠狠的迎接了他的后脑。黑暗充斥了他的视觉，他恍惚看到有一圈面孔正注视着跌入深井中的他。他们看起来很友善，他想他应该知道他们都是谁，但当他正舒服的沉入清凉的井水中时，他觉得这些都不用放在心上了。看着一张张面孔，博瑞克突然想知道他们中是否有人知道谁是天花板壁画的作者。 他的双眼被打肿了，威廉姆倒了一小桶水在博瑞克的脸上。双胞胎的老大又恢复了意识，开始从嘴里吐水。 詹姆斯男爵单腿跪着帮博瑞克坐起来，“你还活着吗？” 博瑞克晃着他的脑袋，把他的双眼重新聚焦，“我想是的。”他大口喘气。 “很好，你父亲是王座的继承者，你这个皇室小鬼，”他打了一下博瑞克的后脑好让后面的话更能唤起他注意，“你也是皇位的继承人。”但詹姆斯的话仍未能奏效，博瑞克转过脸盯住詹姆斯的面孔，“这有什么？” “这有什么，笨蛋，这可不像我们的好国王。你的伯父，会在最后传位给你们的父亲，他将成为国王。”詹姆斯伸手帮博瑞克站起来，“就像被幸运女神祝福了一样。”他开玩笑的拍了一下博瑞克一边的脸，“你们几乎可以说是你们父亲生命的延续，这意味着，有一天你会成为国王。” “也许只有上天才能阻止。”洛克莱尔说。 博瑞克向四周看去，两个军官已退到后面，好像已忘记了这个所谓的拳术训练，“国王？” “是的，你这个铁定成王的笨蛋。”洛克莱尔说，“如果我们那时仍还活着，我们就不得不跪在你面前，虚假的称你很清楚自己在做什么。” “所以，”詹姆斯继续道，“你们的父亲认为是该把你们的举止从一个宠坏了的有钱佣兵儿子变成艾而未来国王的时候了。” 艾兰德走到了博瑞克的身边，仔细的打量着他，“为什么不搞得简单点？”他扭着再次受伤的一侧，“告诉我们怎么了？” 詹姆斯说，“我让你们父亲信服需要有这样一次教训能……唤起你们的重视。”他观察着两位王子，“你们是受过教育的。你们的父亲雇请最棒的专家教授你们。你们可以说6……什么7种语言。你们会数学，你们有音乐和绘画的技能，你们深知宫廷礼仪。你们学过剑术，”他看了一眼两个拳师，“也稍微学过了拳术。”他走开了点“但在你们生下来后的19年时间里，你们的每一丝迹象都表明你们仅是个宠坏的任性的孩子，除此之外什么也不是。不是王子。”他生气的提高了声调，“我们会把你们从一个宠坏的小孩变为王子的。” 博瑞克垂头丧气的站着，“宠坏的孩子？” 艾兰德嘲笑着哥哥的烦恼，“这就是了，不是吗？你和父亲会很高兴看到博瑞克变成你们想要的那样。” 詹姆斯转向艾兰德恶作剧似的露齿笑着，“你也一样，宝贝。因为如果这个要登上王位的傻孩子被凯许宫廷里一位女士的丈夫干掉后，你将会在某一天戴上康东印的皇冠。即使不是这样，你仍是皇位继承者直到你的哥哥有了子嗣为止。直到这样，你也会成为一名某地的公爵。所以你们两个都需要开始学习。” 博瑞克说，“好了，我知道了。明天的首要事情。现在让我们歇会儿吧。”但博瑞克却发现一个制止的手势拦在他胸前。 “没那么快。”詹姆斯说，“你们还没有完成课程。” “啊，吉米叔叔——”艾兰德插道。 “你们达到你们目的了——”博瑞克不悦的说。 “我不这么认为，”男爵回答，“你们仍是些未开化的野地。”他转身对两位少尉，“谢谢你们，如果可以了，请继续。” 詹姆斯男爵给了洛克莱尔一个一起离开的信号，留下了两个将要接受一场职业管理训练的年轻人。当他们快走出训练厅时，詹姆斯唤威廉姆走近，“当他们受够了后，带他们回去。让他们休息进食，然后让他们过了午时准备去见他们父亲。” 威廉姆向男爵致礼然后转身继续观看两位王子再次被有关壁画的问题所折磨。他摇了摇头，这里的情景可真不好看。