Chapter 4 Chapter 4 Concerns

Borric kept shaking his head. "Is something bothering you?" Elland asked. Borric said, "What?" "During the few minutes of walking, you kept shaking your head, discussing something to yourself." Borric sighed, "I'm worried about Uncle Jimmy." Erlander turned slightly and moved a few steps away so that he could look at his brother's face.The night sky is a bit dark, and the moon has not risen yet.Warm nights portend a romance.This is what the twin brothers who are going to board the ship are looking for.As they walked toward the moorings, Eland said,

"You don't usually think about other people, leave some people alone like Uncle James." "That's why I worry," Borric said emphatically.He poked Elland's cheek with his finger. "'There's nothing in this world that's more depressing than a man's erection.' He used to say that, didn't he?" Elland smiled and nodded, "Except for Uncle Loki, he has become more and more cunning because of this." "That's the only way to make him lay down his great sword. Besides, he's as benzene as we are." "We're recuperating, except Uncle Jimmy."

"Yes," Borric agreed, "that's my point. There are people who want to share everything with him, and we all know that. But he always keeps them at arm's length, and doesn't make foolish promises. Now that he meets that woman..." He paused, as if forgetting what he wanted to say. "Like magic." "Exactly," said Borric. "Is there any better place to find magic than here?" Erland reached out his hand to block Borric who wanted to continue walking, "Do you think this is a kind of magic? Or a barrier?" "A very special enchantment." A hoarse and deep voice came from the darkness.

The two brothers turned to see a sturdy figure standing in the shadow of a tree not ten steps away from them.Because he remained still, the brothers didn't realize his presence until he spoke.After walking a little, the two saw that it was the old mage Kugan who was speaking. "You mean?" Borric asked, as if his suspicions were confirmed by Kulgan. Kulgan laughed.He stretched out his hand and waited for a while, then waved his hand impatiently, "Don't stand there and look, give the old man a little help, my knees are older than the creation of the world." Eland offered a helping hand.With one hand supported by Ailander and the other leaning on his wooden staff, he continued, "I'll go to the ferry with you, I guess you are looking for trouble, and you always like to circle around trouble at your age."

"The enchantment?" Borric asked anxiously. The old man smiled. "You know, when your grandfather was a little bit older than you are now, he didn't like to wait. If he wanted a result, he wanted it right away. Hell, it took him years to get over that. Your father has this problem too, but he hides it very well. He is the most measured person I have ever met." "He's been great, except when we're involved," Eland said. Kulgan eyed the two brothers with a catastrophic look. "Measure, do you spoiled children know what a measure is? Oh, maybe you still have to use swords to deal with things, but what about your measure?" Strikes his head, "Here, your brains. When you're burdened with a problem that's exhausting you, when you've tried every conceivable solution in your head, and you still can't The conclusion to solve the problem. You will understand the scale I am talking about."

"Father always said you were one of his greatest mentors," Eland said with a laugh. Kugan snorted, "Father Turi, he is a truly dedicated teacher." He stared into the distance, lost in a moment of reminiscence, before continuing, "It's a pity you didn't see him. He died You were babies when you were babies, a terrible loss. He was a man with the best mind beyond my comprehension... after all he was in the priesthood.” He couldn’t bear the sting of his old friend recalling the debate, without this His old rival made him feel sad. Borric said, "Is your enchantment a joke?"

"You are young, Prince," said Kulgan, slapping Borric's leg emphatically. "You don't know half as much about things as they do." "Ow," Borric yelled, jumping reflexively. Eland laughed out loud.Then Coogan tapped his shin as well. "That's just the surface of things." The two brothers cried out at the same time."Now mind you, I'm old and I don't have time to waste repeating what I've said," Coogan said. When the brothers fell silent, Kulgan said, "The enchantment I'm talking about cannot be taught to you. It's not just any kind of spell that comes up at will. The gods only give it to a lucky few. It's a True, meaningful love magic, and nothing can undo what it will do." He looked at the distant horizon, "I am old, and I have a hard time remembering the dreams I had last night. Of course I occasionally Will echo childhood memories as if they just happened." He stared at Borric as if seeing someone he knew in his face.After a while he said, "Your grandfather was a sentimental man, and so was your uncle, and your father. But you don't know what he looked like—he was charmed by your mother almost as soon as he met, but He was so dull that he didn't know it. Your aunt Karin and your uncle Laurie were also married within a few days of meeting."

"The point is that when you're more mature, you can feel what you need. No matter how rosy their cheeks or how sweet their speech may be, it won't be satisfying to drink in a tavern with a mender's daughter. , how soft the arms are. And the noble daughters of the embroidered pillows will gradually lose their luster." The two brothers exchanged smiles, and Eland said, "I think that's what's going to happen." Kulgan gave Eland another slap to shut up, "Don't interrupt. I don't care if you're princes or not. I've taught people better and higher than you. Your uncle to the king, he's a poor man. More than once of my students have tasted my slap." He sighed. "Where did I get? Oh, yes, true love. You will grow up to find that you desperately need a real spouse. Your father I found it, Karin found it, your great uncle Martin found it. But the king didn't."

Borric said, "He loves the Queen, I am sure of that." "Oh, listen to him, of course. She's a fine woman, and I don't hear anyone dispute that, but young Lord James found love. You have to guess, he's changed. You see and learn. In this way, in the future, you can understand what you want to know more." Borric sighed, looking down at the ground, "Because I'm going to be king?" Kulgan nodded. "That's right. You're not as dull as I thought. You'd be married to one of the best girls in the country. Oh, no doubt, you've had ample opportunity to get married from all classes who want to marry you." Happiness is found in women. I know at least half a dozen of your cousins ​​who will serve as examples for you. Most of them will not be knighted when their scandals are revealed. But you are not the same thing. "

"James found someone who was God's way to complete his life. Don't say it was a fateful moment, and don't think it was an accident. An event where you acted thoughtlessly and recklessly is actually contained. The esoteric meaning can only be understood by those who know it. So, do you understand now?" "We should have left him alone," Eland said. "Correct answer." Kugan said happily, he smiled and observed the two for a while. "You know what? You're like a pair of street babes. Lessons in blood will teach you, I guess. Now, five minutes after you walk into a tavern to join a game of cards and get pestered by a few maids asking for presents You will forget what I said."

"But fortunately, in times of crisis in your lives, you may remember what I said. It will help you make the choices you must, both of you, for your country." Borric shrugged. "It seems like the last few weeks have been a constant reminder of our responsibilities." "That's how it should be." Kulgan stared at them. "You're sitting on a high seat, Borric, and you're just a little below him, Erlander. You're not expending the full power of your position on your Simple desires and pleasures. These things will cost you dearly for repayment. Your grandfather had it, your uncle had it, and your father too. Many ghosts under your father's command haunted him at night .They each served their king and prince willingly, but their deaths were still a burden on Arusha's heart. Your father was such a man. You will know him better when you grow up." The two brothers said nothing.Finally Kulgan turned to the conspicuous building in Starport Town, "It's getting cold. I'm going to find a fire to warm myself. Go and make trouble as much as you can." After walking a few steps, he stopped and turned around. Said to the two brothers, "Be careful with some of your fellow fisherman here, don't mess with their women, they won't think you are royalty before they draw their sharp knives." He stared at the two for a moment, then added The previous sentence, "Be careful, kids." Borric and Eland watched as the old mage walked towards the entrance of the main building of the academy, and then continued towards the ferry port.When they reached the shore, Eland asked, "What do you think?" Borric said, "About what he said? I think he's an old man with a lot of whims." Elland nodded in agreement.They signaled to the boatman that they hoped to go to the other side where the lights were shining. The wind blows gently.James and Jamina walked by the lake, enjoying this quiet night.James felt both excited and tired.In his 37 years no one has been able to break into his personal life.While his privacy was important, he discovered that Jamina could break his previous indestructible self-protection.No, no, he changed his mind.Jamina didn't break anything, she just found a door waiting for her to open. The breeze from the south carried a scent like the meadows and fruit trees in the Valley of Dreams.The midnight moon rose in the east like a bronze disc.He marveled at the curve of her neck, her nearly white blond hair that seemed to be floating over her shoulders and cheeks, the rainy white tinged with the smoky gray of morning twilight.She noticed him and gave him a sweet smile that made him swoon. "I love you," she said. "I love you too," he said, unable to hide the joy in his heart, "but I have to leave you." She turned and looked at the moon for a long moment, and then her voice rang in his head: "No, my love. My life here is over. I will go with you to Kesh." James took her in his arms. "That's dangerous. It's as dangerous as that flaw in your talent." He kissed her neck and felt her tremble slightly. "You're safe here, and I'll feel at ease." "Would you?" she asked. "I wonder..." She stepped away a little to study James' face in the dim light. "I'm afraid you're holding back, Jimmy. After a while you'll convince yourself of that." We're just a delusion here, and it's going to get in the way of our love and hurt us. You'll find a reason to go back to Krondor, and you'll have plenty of excuses to put off your return to Starport. Sometime you'll convince yourself Come see me here as soon as you can, but there will be one reason after another that won't make it. After a while, you'll stop caring about this place and forget about it all. James looked stung.There was a new sense of frenzy, his usual relaxed confidence gone.He has never looked more like a child, bothered by a woman who cares about love. "Is that how you see me?" Touching his cheek, she smiled, her fiery eyes scanning him, driving away his fear like so many times today.By the lake, Jamina has read James' heart and soul, and at the same time let James share all of her, including body and mind.Trusting James was still a reluctant compromise, although she had access to aspects of him that no one else knew. "No, love. I don't underestimate you, but I don't underestimate fear either. My powers are different from those known on the island. I can heal the wounds of the heart and soul. I can also share the lost The pain of souls or people with sick thoughts and help them, sometimes I can listen to people's dreams. I've seen what fear does. You're afraid of separation like that between you and your mother." James knew she was right.As she spoke, he felt again the terrible feeling of that night, the six or seven-year-old he quietly walked out of his mother's cabin, her blood stuck to the floor, and the horror made him give up completely.Tears couldn't stop streaming from his eyes.Gamina took him in her arms and let him pour out his pain. "You won't feel alone anymore." Her thoughts came into his head. He stood still, holding her in his arms, as if she was the only thing he cared about in his life.The pain is over, followed by a feeling of being tired but revived again.It was as if a sore that had festered for many years had been punctured, and the fester of fear and loneliness was completely discharged.This wound won't heal in a day or a few days, but it will heal in time to make James a better man.Her voice sounded in his head again: "This is what I said about fear, it will be fine, suspicion will make us vulnerable." "I have no doubts," he replied simply.She smiled and hugged him tightly again. The sound of leather boots sounded, and from the voice of speaking, it was Locklear who came. "Sorry to bother you. But Pug wants to see you, James." He smiled apologetically. "And your mother told you to go into the kitchen, Jamina." "Thank you," Jamina replied.She gave James a kiss. "I'll see you at dinner." He kissed her back, and watched her walk toward the kitchen.James and Locklear went to Pug's study together.Locklear cleared his throat suggestively. James said, "Whatever comes to your mind, say it." Locklear blurted it out. "Look, we've known each other for... 22 years? I didn't know you were interested in women in those 20 years—" James' glare made him immediately correct his speech, "I mean Married. Now, as everyone knows, you walk in and announce to everyone that you're getting married. I mean, she's gorgeous, she's almost white blond, but you know—” "I know Gamina better than anyone and anything I know." He interrupted Locklear, blocking Locklear's path with his hand, "I don't know if anyone can understand me like you, Locklear Kei, but she sees the depths of my heart. She sees all of me, the bad things I do and the bad feelings I have. I only ever mention them to you, but she still loves me no matter what I do. She loves me anyway." He took a deep breath, "You never know what that means." He moved on, and Locklear followed after hesitation, "What do you mean by 'like me'." James stopped again, "Look, you're my best friend—maybe the only real friend—that I've ever had. But when the question is about women... you're just... unthinking. You're charismatic Radiant, you are eye-catching, you are always full of energy. But when a woman who wants to ask a question gets up from your bed, you run. Why no girl's brother or father comes after you with a sword, for you When it comes to women, Loki, you're not very faithful." "Then are you?" "I am now," James replied, "unswervingly loyal." Locklear said, "Okay, okay, we'll see what Arusha is going to say about this marriage. Remember, we need his permission to get married." "I know." "Well, you will meet the mage alone," Locklear said when they reached the gate of the academy. "I think he would also like to have a few words with you about your haunting thoughts about his daughter." He leaves, leaving James standing there alone. James walked into the academy and walked along the corridor to the center of the tower, where Pug's study was on the top floor.He climbed up the spiral staircase until he saw the door to the study.When he was about to knock on the door, the door opened suddenly.Walking through the door, he wasn't surprised that Pug was alone in the study.He walked into the study, and the door behind him closed automatically. "We need to talk." He stood up and beckoned James to a huge window.Looking out, he pointed to the scattered lights on the far shore, "People." James shrugged.He knew Pug hadn't called him to discuss these superficial matters. "When we came here twenty years ago, it was just a wasteland in the middle of a lake. It was a hospitable land, but the valleys over there were the scene of wars between kingdoms and empires, sometimes between border lords, sometimes About a band of renegade bands. Raids by slavers in Deben and harassment by some gang of petty bandits was more like locusts," he recalled with a sigh, "and people live in peace now. Oh, and there are occasional problems here too, But most of the time, Xinghu Lake is calm." "What made this change?" he asked James. James said, "Your accomplishments by showing up don't make you a god, Pug." Pug turned around, "Jimmy, when we first met, I was just a teenager and you were a kid. But since then, I have experienced things that many people cannot experience in a few lifetimes." He simply He waved his hand, creating a cloud less than two inches in diameter in the middle of the house.A cloud hole appeared in the shimmering clouds, through which James could see an unfamiliar hall.It hangs in the air, with only a few short steps leading to the various entrances.Between that portal is true nothingness, compared only to night. "The Hall of Worlds," said Pug, "through which I have ventured where no one has seen and where no one would take a second look. I have visited ancient civilizations, observed The emergence of a new race. I counted the stars and the grains of sand, and found the universe to be so unimaginably vast that perhaps even a god could not contain it." Pug waved his hand, and the image disappeared. "It's easy to overlook the tiny inhabitants of such a tiny place." James puts his hand in and says, "It's trivial compared to that." Pug shook his head. "Not for the people who live here." James sat down. "I know that's your point, Pug." Pug sat back in his chair behind the desk. "Yes, that's the point. Katara is dying." This unthinkable news shocked James, "I think she has a bad face, but die..." "We can do a lot here, James, but there is a limit. No magic, potion, talisman, or prayer will ever increase the effect on my wife. Soon she will be traveling through the Rift to her homeland, Sara of Karawin. Riel Plateau. She hasn't seen her relatives for nearly thirty years, and will die there, too." James shook his head, speechless.Finally he asked, "What about Jamina?" "I've watched my wife age, James, and there's no age in me that has to bear that burden. I'll stay the same in your life, and my strength keeps me alive. I don't want to remain what I am now and watch my children and grandchildren grow old and die." "I'll be leaving the starport within hours of Atala's death. William chose his soldier's path and gave up his magical gifts. It's not what I wished for, but like most fathers, I must Accepting the reality that my dreams do not determine my son's path. Jamina has a power that is not limited to magic but is arguably a development of a unique mind ability. Her heart language is both innate and magical , but her perception, mind reading and psychokinesis are all innate." James nodded. "No need to argue. Her thinking...is extraordinary." Pug said, "I agree. I have studied my daughter's powers and know the extent of her abilities and her limits. Before I met you, she decided to stay here and take Katara's place here. ——In fact, Katara is the true leader of our group. I hope to relieve her of the burden.She carried a lot of grief and pain when she was a child - I think just like you. " James nodded slightly, "We have shared some past events..." "There is no need to question it," Pug forced a smile, "This should have happened between lovers or husbands and wives. I will lose Atala and feel the pain she can't imagine." For a moment, Pug revealed his true feelings to James , the young Baron saw a man who was isolated by the burden of the unknown, and the man who could share his responsibility and make him feel at ease and warm was slowly leaving him.For a brief moment Pug had shown James his great distress, and then he had regained his masked face. "After she leaves, I will consider my important decision. Behind this 'travel' is related to the star port, the valley and even the kingdom." "But I hope that the people I love can live stably and their children are safe, as they hope, without quarrels and disturbances. At the very least, I hope they can live happily. Jamina told me what she thought What is it, it is you. I wish to bless you both." James breathed a sigh of relief, "I hope Arusha is as understanding as you are. My marriage must be approved by him." "It's not difficult." Pug created a gray, smoking sphere in the air.In the ball, the image slowly began to appear, and then James suddenly saw Arusha sitting in Krondor's study, like a window set in the wall between the two rooms, Arusha was also surprised to see them , he said, half rising, "Is that you, Pug?" Pug said, "Yes, Your Majesty. I'm sorry to offend you. But I have a nice question to ask you." Arusha sat back on his chair rationally and friendly, put down the quill in his hand, "What can I do for you?" "Do you remember my daughter Jamina?" "yes, I remember." "I want her to marry... a knight who serves you." Arusha looked at Pug, noticing James' slight move, and his eyes shone with rare pleasure. "I think we'll arrange a kingdom wedding to celebrate this happy young man, Pug. Have you chosen?" "Baron James is the right man." James could have sworn at that moment that Arusha was grinning. He had never seen the Prince grin like that. "Totally agree," he said, trying to restrain himself in a serious tone, when he turned his attention to Pug again, "if he doesn't get killed for his quick temper or banished by the king of Salt Marsh Isle one day he'll be a duke A wife was the rein that pulled him back from trouble, I had given up on the notion that he would start a family, glad I was wrong. At his age I have been married for ten years." Arusha froze for a moment , remembering how he felt about his wife when he was young, and then he looked over Pug at James with the depth of a look he rarely had.Then he returned his familiar deep manner, "Well, if he agrees, I allow him to marry." Pug smiled and said, "Don't worry, he's agreed. He and my daughter are pretty much in favor of it." Arusha sat back in his chair with a half-smile on his face, "I understand. I still remember how I felt when I first met Anita, it was good, after his mission to Cash we returned A kingdom wedding will be held for them as soon as possible." "Actually, I think something is quite coincidental. She wished to accompany him to Cash." Arusha's face became a little gloomy, "I don't approve of this. James hasn't told you about the dangers—" "I'm well aware of the dangers, Arusha," Pug put in, "but I don't think you know about my daughter's powers, and I know a lot about what happened to Cash. Helping missions when they are in trouble." Arusha thought for a while, then nodded, "You are the girl's father, I think she has the ability to find a safe place to stay in difficult times." "Fine, let's do something more. Get them married as soon as you see fit, and then when they return, we'll have another kingdom wedding and celebration for them. My wife and daughter won't be offended by my apologies." Forgive me for letting them lose a chance to wear a dress. We will have another wedding." James looked surprised. "Kingdom Wedding?" Arusha nodded emphatically and said, "Jamina is an adopted royal - you may have forgotten - the Pug family is all royal. Our Willy will be the Duke of Star Lake. You are stepping into this family door." He sighed somewhat speculatively at James, "although the idea would only bring me the most disappointing consolation." "Thank you very much, Arusha," said Pug in a playful tone. "You're welcome, Pug. And...Jimmy." Arusha smiled sincerely. "Yes, Arusha." James smiled back. "You will feel the bliss of being married, just like I felt back then." James nods.Arusha had never been one to express himself openly, and James remembered years ago when Anita was dying, and how Arusha endured the pain.Besides, there are very few scenes that tell James that Arusha is so deeply in love with his princess. "I think we will." "Then I have a present for you, an early wedding present." He opened a small case on his desk and took out a scroll of parchment, "I will give this to you when you return, but as a present— —” Pug interjected, "I can bring this to him now, if you wish." Even though the Prince was taken aback by the request, he didn't show it.He simply said, "Thank you then." Pug shook his hands, closed his eyes, and in a moment the document suddenly disappeared from Arusha's hand and appeared in the mage's hand.Arusha's eyes widened slightly, his only reaction was that the mage had such ability to move the document so far in an instant. Pug handed it to James. "Here you are." James opened the file, his eyes suddenly widened, "This is an official appointment, Earl, Minister of the Kingdom." "Actually, I'm going to hand it over to you when you come back. You won the position, James. We'll discuss your salary and your property rights when you come back. Also, you will replace Gorton after he left as Wang Guoxi. It is the duty of the Prime Minister." James smiled happily, reminding Pug and Arusha of the thief boy back then. "Thank you, my lord." "Now, I'm going to work," Arusha said. Pug said, "Goodbye, Your Majesty." "Good-bye, my duke and count." Pug waved his hands, and the image of the prince disappeared. "Amazing," James said, "such a method."—he looked at the parchment in his hand—"if so...an army." "That's something we'll talk about outside of your wedding, James." Pug walked over to a table and pulled out a bottle of wine.James puts on two goblets.When he poured the wine, Pug sat down and beckoned James to do the same, "Starport will not become a tool of any country, and I will try my best to prevent this from happening." "My son won't take the title of Duke of Starport. I think he'd rather be a great soldier. Those two guys you met on the shore, Vatum and Kosh, and another guy who wasn't chosen Will rule the island after I leave, and this council of three will decide what is good for the inhabitants of the island. They will expand this council in due course. But Lyme will not always sit on the throne of the kingdom, And I'm not going to hand over the power of the Starport to someone like Rorick the Mad King. I've seen him, and it's because of him that the mages are called here, and the whole world trembles for it. I still remember the huge disaster." "No, Starport has always stayed out of politics." James stood up, "As a nobleman of the kingdom, I fear you will be treasonous." He took a few steps forward and opened the window, looking out. "But as someone who learned early on how to think about himself, I admire your wisdom." "Then you will understand why I trust you to maintain a sane speech among the lords of Congres." James said, "A very small word of advice, but working hard for your benefit." Then he added, "I'm still trying to make it clear to other people. But you know that those people would have had it if it weren't for you being of the kingdom." The royal family would have regarded you as an enemy long ago." Pug just nodded, "Now, let's talk about other things. We'll get a priest in the town on the opposite bank—there isn't a single temple on this island, and none of us have any connection to this god-given magic, so we'll have a priest." That, as we always say, is utterly comforting." James laughed. "You've invaded their territory." Pug sighed, "A lot of people think so. The priests I've met are either dead or live far away. I fear that as our power grows here, in the temples of Kesh and Rilanon There will be the same doubts." Then he said with relief, "But Father Marias, who lives in the Kellyanne Church in the village, would be a suitable candidate. He will agree to officiate the wedding." Pug smiled relaxedly, " To be more precise, he wanted to attend the wedding reception very much." James laughed out loud, cringing and delighting at the thought of his wedding to Carmina.Then Pug said, "I don't expect you to know what I mean. But sometimes it's on my behalf to say, 'The ultimate truth is there's no magic there.'" "I don't understand," James said. "I said I don't expect you to understand. If you understood what it means, you wouldn't travel to Kesh; I'll try my best to persuade Arusha to keep you. Remember that." Pug surveyed his future son-in-law. "Go find my daughter and tell her we're having a ceremony the day after tomorrow. There's no reason to waste another four days until the next sixth - we've already broken enough traditions." James smiled and put down the half glass of red wine left, and walked out of the house.Then there was a rush of footsteps on the stairs outside the Archmage's house, and Pug turned to look out the window, "We need this potion of joy, too many dark days are coming." Most of the residents in Xinggang Town stood around the fat priest, forming a circle.Father Marias beckoned James and Carmina to stand before him.His cheeks were flushed like a newborn baby's, but his thinning hair was silver-gray.He was dressed in green robes and a gold duffel coat, which had been washed and torn, but which he wore with the pride of a lord.His eyes were lit by the joy of the wedding.His followers are mainly fishermen and farmers, and his usual job is to preside over their funerals.Weddings and baptisms for newborns are jobs that take great joy in him. "Come here, boys," he said as he saw James and Carmina walking slowly.James was wearing the clothes he would wear to meet the Queen, a light blue coat, dark blue leggings and black shoes.Over this was a white coat with gold trim, and on his head a fashionable beret hat, hanging almost to his shoulder on the left side, was emblazoned with his coat of arms and a white owl's feather. Locklear stood beside him, similarly dressed, but with a more fashionable and expensive look in the russet and gold hues of his clothing.He looked around, convinced that there was something absurd about his fashion, but no one noticed, all eyes were on the bride. Carmina wore a simple gown of lavender, with a special pearl necklace around the neck, and a belt with twin pearls and silver buttons at the waist.额头上戴着一只花冠，传统的“新娘皇冠”。 “现在。”马瑞亚斯说道，他说话的腔调让他现出原型，他出生在王国之海的南部海湾，靠近引者之首的地方。“你们站在我面前将成为一对终生伴侣，有些事我想对你们讲。”他指示詹姆斯握住嘉米娜的右手然后他把自己肥短的手掌放在最上面，“凯莉安，我信奉的女神，她眷顾着这世间的男女，众人之上，观察着出身于在各地的他们。男人和女人向天国眺望，向他们的孤独呐喊。倾听他们，怜悯他们，绿色宁静的歌者，讲过，也正在说，'你们无需忍受这孤独。'她创造了婚姻，将男人和女人结合在一起的契约。这是灵魂、思想与心灵的合并。将二人合为一体。你们明白这些吗？”他注视着两人的双眼，嘉米娜和詹姆斯都点头。 对集合在这里的人群，他说，“克朗多的詹姆斯，亲王宫廷中的伯爵和嘉米娜，帕格公爵和卡塔拉公爵夫人的女儿，他们来到这里将发誓结为夫妇。我们是这个誓言的见证人，如果有人认为他们不能结合请现在提出否则请永远保持沉默。”即使这里有人想提出反对，马瑞亚斯也没给他时间。他沉醉于自己的演说，“詹姆斯和嘉米娜，你们要明白从现在起，你们将成为对方的一部分。不再是单独个人，你们现在结为整体。” “詹姆斯，这位女士希望和你共度一生。你会选择她作你的配偶和妻子吗，只对她一人，抛开其他的女人，直到你的终结。” 詹姆斯点头说，“我会。” 马瑞亚斯挥手指示洛克莱尔交给詹姆斯一枚金戒指，“把它戴在新娘的手上。”詹姆斯照他说的，把戒指戴在她的左手无名指上。 “嘉米娜，这位男士希望和你共度一生，你会选择他作你的配偶和丈夫吗，只对他一人，抛开其他的男人，直到你的终结。” 嘉米娜微笑着回答，“我会。” 马瑞亚斯指导嘉米娜将戒指戴在詹姆斯的手上。 “在詹姆斯和嘉米娜的誓言下，在众神和人们的眼中，我们都是见证。” 人群也重复道，“我们都是见证。” 随着一声大笑，脸颊通红的神父说，“好了，完成了。你们成婚了。” 詹姆斯打量着四周，“这样就完成了？” 马瑞亚斯笑了，“我们把它简化了，大人。吻你的妻子，然后我们开始庆祝。” 詹姆斯笑了，搂住嘉米娜，吻她。人群欢呼着，无数只帽子抛向空中。 在人群的边缘，两个人仅是看着庆典没有欢呼。瘦的那个留着三天没刮的胡子，用肘轻敲旁边那人，两人离开人群走到远处。两个人的穿着破旧，和其他人都保持着一段敏感的安全距离。看到没有人能听到他们的讲话，前面的人说，“克朗多的詹姆斯伯爵和洛克莱尔男爵，这就是说那两个红发小子就是阿鲁沙的儿子。” 另一个人，矮小结实，宽肩膀，很明显被他同伴敏锐的观察力所打动。他天真的脸上写满了无知，“我都没有看到王子在那里，拉夫。” “你是个笨蛋，瑞斯。”那人用低哑的声音说，“有人会为这个情报出个好价钱。去沙漠边的十二椅子旅店——几乎敢肯定他们会是这个路线。你知道去找谁。告诉我们的凯许朋友，克朗多的王子和他的一行将从星港出发，不是公务方式而是秘密的行进。他们人数不多。在旅店里等着我。不要把他给的钱全花在喝酒上，否则我就切掉你吃饭的东西。” 瑞斯看着他的同伴好像刚才那是他不经思考的口是心非。 拉夫继续说，“我会从这跟踪他们看他们是否改变路线，如果有我将发出消息。他们想必为女皇带着黄金和礼物。只是一支刚过二十人的武装小队，当强盗切断他们的喉咙分给我们财物后，我们就发财了。” 看着空空的湖岸，瑞斯问，“那我怎么去那呀？船夫都参加婚礼了。” 满口发黑的烂牙让他发出嘶嘶的声音，高个的男人说，“去偷一条船，笨蛋。” 瑞斯高兴的眨着眼，“好的。我去弄点吃的，然后——” “现在就走。”他的同伴命令道，然后推着他疾走到岸边无人看守的船只前。“你能在镇上偷些东西。在全镇人被邀请时，你会很容易得手。但也许会有些人逗留在家，所以要谨慎点。”瑞斯转身挥了挥手跑向岸边，寻找一条适合自己的小船。 两位王子安静的坐在晚宴的桌边，已经忘却了关于今日新人的那份欣喜，两人都意图跑出去找自己的乐子。他们离开时詹姆斯正应接不暇的接待着客人。但洛克莱尔料到了他们不会在这待很长时间，他们不会在意在最后两天会发生什么意想不到的事情。 即使双胞胎兄弟为他们的导师突然被爱情所击倒而感到吃惊，他们也就不会为他们父亲匆忙的允许詹姆斯结婚和那快速的婚礼而感到惊异。在他们的生活里没有什么要经过允许才能去做。 两位王子所生活的世界是无法想象的，片刻的宁静随时都会被打破。战争、自然灾难、饥荒、疾病都只是不变的威胁，他们年轻时的大部分时间都住在宫殿里，观看他们的父亲是怎样处理这些事务。从大到边境与凯许的纠纷小至公会的交易权限，他们的父亲总是不断的处理着这些麻烦。 但当他们在一旁观看父亲工作时，他们的心情没有一刻被父亲的事业而感到激动。而受罪的感觉要更多一点。 博瑞克喝了一大口果酒后问，“这就是他们最好的吗？” 艾兰德点头，“我想是的。以我看，果酒不是他们的主要饮品。让我们去村里看看有什么更好的东西吧。”两人站起身离开他们的座位，向正转回来的新婚夫妇鞠躬。 当他们经过其它的桌子时，博瑞克问，“你要去哪？” 艾兰德说，“我不知道。周围吧。想必许多渔夫的女儿在这附近。我看到了几张漂亮的脸蛋儿，但没一个适合成为伴侣。”他尽量轻声的补充道。 博瑞克的心情看起来更加郁闷了，“我真想马上离开这个变戏法的发源地。” 艾兰德把手搭在哥哥的肩上无声的同意了他的话。接受过同样的关于责任的教育，他们体会到了自制，两人都热切想知道有什么东西会将是与那一时刻相似，改变，和可能遇到的奇遇。生活与他们所想要的相比是太平静了一点。