Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen Transactions

Borric rubbed his chin. "I wish people would stop hitting me for jumping to conclusions," he complained. Guda in front of him said, "This is what you should pay me. I can't follow half of the royal guards to find Sabo. Even if I find him, he'd better pay me. This is all yours." Wrong, madman." Borric could only agree that it was tricky when the people of this country were doing everything they could to get rid of him, and he felt he should appear sympathetic, "Look, Gouda, I'll make it up for you." The mercenary turned and unhooked a saddle from one of the horses, slung it over his shoulders, and said, "Oh, really? But how, I pray, is your plan to do it? You're going to give Abe

Baka - a courtesy text message from the residence of the Minister of War for Cash?It said 'Dear sir, please spare my friend.When he bumped into me, he didn't know I had a deadly lawsuit on my head. 'Is that right! " Borric stood there, closing his mouth to make sure his jaw wasn't broken.It hurt there, and the tooth was a little loose on one side, but he was sure it was fine.He looked around the old barn.The farmhouse next door had been burned, either by bandits or just punishment by the Queen's army for whatever reason, but it was just that, giving Borric's squad a chance to rest.Being a well-supplied cavalry force with fodder in the saddlebags, Borric took a little for his mount.Su Li sat weakly on a pile of straw full of rats, tasting the pain of riding a horse.Neko had unsaddled his horse and fed it some of the cleanest straw he could find.He kept humming an unknown ditty.And his smile never faded.

Guda said, "When the horse rests, madman, we're done. I mean, I'll find a way to get back to Frefa, and then I'll find a boat to go to Little Kesh. The power of the empire is beyond reach there, if you understand I mean. Maybe I'll have to live there." Borric said, "Gudda, wait a minute." The big mercenary threw the saddle on the ground and asked, "What are you doing?" Borric took him aside, and whispered, "I'm sorry to involve you in this. But I need you to stay." "You need me, madman? For what? So that you won't die alone? Thanks, I'd rather die in the arms of a whore."

"No, I mean I can't reach Cash City without you." Gu Da sighed to the sky, "Why me?" Borrick said, "Look at that boy, he's looking bad right now, maybe he knows all about Deben, but he only knows so much. And that Isalani... well, I can't Said he was reliable." He pointed a finger to his head, making a familiar gesture. Gu Da glanced at the two companions with apologetic faces, and had to admit, "So you have to be careful. But why should I care about this?" Borric thought for a while, but couldn't find a suitable reason for a while.Wanted tied them together, but there was no real friendship in it.The old mercenary liked things his own way, but not the kind of partnership Borric wanted. "Well, I'm really going to make you a rich man."

"How to do it?" "Take me to Kesh, and after meeting the person I want to see who can help me clear up this mess, I will pay you what you can't earn as a mercenary in your entire life." Guda narrowed his eyes to consider Borric's words, "Didn't you just say that?" Borric shook his head, "I promise." "Where did you get the money you promised?" Guda asked. Borric considered telling him the full story, but couldn't quite trust him.It's one thing for a nobody to get away with a crime that doesn't belong to him, it's quite another for a prince to be hunted down.Even if Borric knew the soldiers wouldn't leave alive anyone in his ranks who guessed his identity, Gooda would have taken the risk.Borric had experience with the mercenaries before, and there was no need to argue their allegiance.

Borric concluded by saying, "I've been accused of murdering the wife of the governor of Derben for official reasons." Goodah didn't even bat an eye at this, and Borric felt he had made it all right; Cash is not impossible. "There are people in Cash City who can help me get rid of all this. What's more, they have the financial resources—sufficient financial resources—they can give it to you"—he quickly converted between the kingdom's currency system and the empire's currency— — "2000 gold crowns." Guda's eyes widened, then he shook his head and said, "Sounds good, madman, but it's no different from a bitch's promise."

Borric said, "Okay, 3000." Trying to push Borric over the cliff, he said, "5000!" "Deal!" replied the prince, spat in the palm of his hand, and held out his hand. Gu Da looked at the outstretched palm. Under this ancient trading method, he knew that he would either accept the deal or be a vow breaker.Finally, he also spat in his palm and shook Borric's hand. "Curse your damn eyes, madman! If this is a hoax, I swear I'll take your guts out with a sword! If I die in a daze, I'll be very sad before I see the goddess of death. Happy to take you on your way."

Borric said, "If we get this deal done, you'll be rich, Gudab." Gu Da lay down on a pile of straws, allowing himself to rest as much as possible, "I would rather you make your request in another way, madman." Borric left the mercenary talking to himself and sat beside Su Li. "Can you do it?" he asked. The boy said, "Of course. I'm just a little sore. But the back of this brute is like a knife and I'm almost split in two." Borric smiled. "It was a bit difficult at first. We will guide you here in this barn before we leave tonight."

Gooda said, "That's no use, madman. We're going to ditch the saddles. Boys get ready to ride bareback." Naike nodded vigorously, "Yes, it's true. If we sell these horses, we must not let people see that these are army horses." "Sell?" Guda shouted, "Why?" "During the festivities," replied Nekle, "we can get to Cash more easily from the Sani River. By water, we can blend in with the crowd. But the boat costs travel. So we must get some money." Borric considered the money he had left after buying equipment at Frzefa, and knew that Nai was right.They don't have enough money to afford a decent meal alone in a decent hotel.

"Who's going to buy them?" Guda asked. "They're all branded." "Yes," said the Isalani, "but it can still be dealt with. These saddles, alas, are worthless when they are broken." Guda propped himself up with one hand, "Can you change the branding? Do you have a soldering iron in your bag?" "It's even better," he groped in the bag, and then pulled out a small jar, and then he continued to rummage in the bag, and took out a small brush. "Everyone pay attention." He opened the cork of the altar, and put the brush into the altar. "Soldering irons leave holes and are easy to spot. This is, well, art." He walked to the nearest horse. "The branding of these war horses is all icons of the Royal Guard." He began to daub lightly on the horse's waist with a brush.Others could hear a hissing sound, and the horse's hair began to turn black where his pen passed, as if it had been burned. "Hold on to the horses, please," he said to Borric. "It won't hurt them, but the heat will scare them."

Borric came over and grabbed the reins, the steed's ears twitching, wondering if it would let the art go. After a while, Nike said, "Look. This is the pattern of Xing Lai Horse Trader Jong Sut." Borric came over to look.Branding changed, and Nike did it.It looks like it was soldered on with a soldering iron. "Does anyone in Cash City know this Jonsut?" "Impossible, my friend. It's like there is no such person in the world. How can I say that Xinglai may have more than a thousand horse dealers. Who can say that he knows all of them?" Guda, "Very well, then, when you finish this job and are ready to go on the road, wake me up, okay?" He said, and he lay back comfortably on the straw pile. Borric looked at Nekle and said, "When we get to the Sani, it's best for you to leave us." "I don't think so." He grinned, "I'm going to Cash City anyway, the festival makes it easy to make money there. There must be a lot of gambling games there for my little magic to work Heaven and earth. Also, if we walk together, the boy and Guda are in front and behind to scout the way and sweep the tail respectively, it is easier for us not to be caught." "Perhaps," said Borric, "but they know our traits well enough now." "But not me." He chuckled. "No one saw me when the guards stopped the convoy." Borric recalled the scene, remembering that the guards had checked everyone, but Neko was not there. "Yes, you came up with this, how did you do it?" "Secret." A friendly smile, "but that's not important. The only thing that matters is that we have to make some adjustments to your appearance." His sharp eyes looked at Borric's hair, "Your black hair is showing red Roots. So we gotta come up with another look for you, man." Borric shook his head, "Another surprise in your pocket?" Bending down to pick up his pocket, Neko's grin widened, "Of course, buddy." Borric shook Su Li's shoulders vigorously to wake him up.Immediately the boy awoke, and saw that it was night.Guda warned by the door, the sword was unsheathed, and Borric came to him and drew his own weapon. "What?" Borric whispered. Gu Da made a gesture to keep quiet, and listened carefully, "Cavalry." He replied in a low voice.After listening for a while, he put away his sword, "They headed west. This barn is far from the main road, so they don't know how to check here. , they'll be overwhelmed like flies on shit. We'd better hit the road." Borric decided which of the four horses was the most suitable for Suli to ride, and gave him a push.Passed the reins. "Grab the mane with your left hand. We must go. Straighten your legs to keep your balance on the horse's back. Don't pinch the horse's waist with your knees. Do you understand?" The boy nodded, it was obvious from his expression that riding on horseback was not much better than rushing into a group of soldiers.Borric turned to see Nike walking out of the barn with the saddle on his shoulders. "Where are you going to put them?" "There's a pile of compost in the back. I don't think they're going to search down there," said a beaming Isalani. Borric could only laugh, and a minute later the merry fellow was back at the farmhouse, hopping neatly on his horse with his sack and crutches.Borric smelled him. "Oh, if you're that instance of compost. You're doing the right thing, they're not going to go there anytime soon." Guda, "Come on. Let's get as far away from this avenue as possible before dawn." Borric signaled to go, and the mercenary pushed open the gate of the barn, then jumped on the horse, kicked the horse vigorously, and started galloping, followed by Borric, Su Li, and Nike.Borric put aside his bad feelings - he always felt that someone was lurking on the side of the road, and focused his thoughts on a reality: every minute was leading him to Cash City, his friend and Elland's side. . The town of Pahes is very prosperous, and the bridge in the town connects the road from Frzefa to Ketla on the Sani River.Ferry and canal traffic to the heart of Kesh has caused the large warehouses and floodplains on the south bank of the river to the east of the bridge to expand every year.A few shallow-draft sailboats were sailing westward with the wind, passing from Cash City to other towns on the Jamilayan coast, and sailing upriver had been no problem in recent years except during floods.There are as many ships sailing on the vast lake of Owentepe as there are on the seas of Midakemia. Borric looked around, still feeling silly about his attire.He is wearing a body daha, which is the inhuman traditional clothing of the Yinyu Mountain Banyou.This tunic is composed of many colorful fabrics, with broad shoulders and waist, like a toga.His right arm is bare, like his legs.In place of the boots were a pair of cross-strap loafers.He felt both ridiculous and vulnerable without armor.But the Ban You Fei people are one of the few white-skinned peoples in the remote Kesh.Borric had a crew-shaved head, and Nei had dyed his hair with a foul concoction, and his hair was now a near-white blond; a scented pomade kept it standing up.The Banyafians were also a cold and withdrawn tribe, so no one would suspect his taciturnity; Borric prayed that he would not meet one of their people here, whose language was not the same as that of the other peoples of Kesh. Borric knew nothing about any connection.But he found an interpreter, and Suli said he knew a little about the Baenrifi's root language, so Borric learned some phrases from him. Borric hadn't thought anything of it when Nike found him the Outland costume, as everything the little man did would surprise people.Nike fulfilled Borric's most basic wish and bought him a thin sword in this medium-sized town that he couldn't find in big cities.Somehow, he read Borric's every thought. Su Li was dressed as a boy from Banna Sherui, the largest tribe in the Zhapu Desert, and he also carried a sword by his side.Dressed in long robes and a turban covering his head showing only his eyes, if he had remembered to walk in a straight line, he would have been mistaken for a short adult.The boy would not let go of his familiar rags until Guda threatened to cut his clothes off with a sword.Guda had lost his patience since knowing they were wanted, and Borric wondered if this was just another mercenary joke. Gu Da sold his old leather armor and bought a good set of equipment.An almost new piece of steel armor and a pair of wrist armor.His broken helmet was also replaced by the style worn by dog ​​soldiers. There was a spike on the top of the metal tank helmet, a circle of black animal skin was trimmed around the brim, and the metal chain armor protecting the back of the neck hung from his shoulders.This chain armor can cover the face, and now Guda only has a pair of eyes exposed. Nekle had finally left behind his faded robes, and was now wearing a peach-colored robe that was arguably ugly, only marginally better than Borric's.But the Isalani thought his outfit was perfect, and Borric didn't want to argue with him about it. Nike is confident that they will reach Cash City safely.The four of them could completely blend in with the passengers. Soldiers were everywhere, as Borric thought.They try not to draw attention, but there are too many of them, checking every passerby's face, making it feel like they're here for a reason. Turning a street corner, Borrick and Suli, who were a few steps ahead of Guda and Nike, walked towards an inn near the pier.The next boat will leave in two hours.They were to pretend to be a few strangers who happened to get together and came to pass their time together. Su Li staggered as he walked through an open door.He whispered, "Master, I recognize that voice." Borric pushed the boy to the door next to him, motioning for Guda and Nike to move on. "What did you say?" Borric asked. Su Li pointed to the door behind him, "Although I only heard a few words, I have heard that person's voice." "Whose voice?" "I don't know, if I listen to it again, maybe I can remember." The boy turned and walked through the gate, paused on the other side, then turned back to the corner, looking around as if waiting for someone.He acted a little longer, then turned to Borric and shrugged.When he walked through the gate, he returned to Borric's side as quickly as possible, "This is the voice of the man who wanted to kill you that I overheard at the Governor's Mansion in Deben City that day!" Borric froze.If they walked through that door again, it would attract attention, but he wanted to know what the hound looked like. "Wait here," Borric said. "See who comes out. Then go back to the inn and tell us." Borric left the boy behind and hurried to the inn where his companions were waiting for him.The other two were already drinking there, and he stopped by their table, "Someone in this town may recognize me." Then he turned and sat at a table next to him. It was not long before the boy came and sat down beside Borric. "It is the man in the black cloak. He still wears it, master. That is his voice," the boy whispered. "Did you see his face?" "I can recognize him." "Very good." Borric said, knowing that Guda and Nike at the other table were also listening to the boy's speech. "Next time you meet him, let us know." "Master, there is one more thing." "what?" "I confirm that he is true blood." Borric nodded, "I know that." "But not quite. When he opened his cloak, I saw a golden collar around his neck." "What does that mean?" This time Guda answered him, hissing angrily, "This means, you muddled lunatic, that True Blood is not just a True Blood, he is also a member of the Cash Royal Family! They are the only Whoever wears a gold collar is allowed! He may be a distant relative of the Queen, but the Queen will still send him her present at his birth! What the hell kind of trouble are you getting us into?" The grim-faced handmaiden approached, but Borric remained silent.When the maid left, he anxiously ordered two glasses of ale, and then he half-turned to Guda and said, "This is a deep and twisted story, my friend. As I said, this is a political incident." As the maid brought them ale and left, Gooda said, "My dear dead mother wants me to do the business of honor, grave robbery. Did I hear? No. A killer like your Uncle Gesta Like Wo, she said again. Did I notice? No. To be a necromancer's apprentice—" Borric wanted to appreciate the dark humor, but found himself savoring the clue he had just gotten.Who is trying to kill himself and Elland?Why?Clearly the conspiracy came from the highest echelons of the empire, but the royal family?Sighing, he continued to sip his ale, trying to relax while he waited until it was time to board. The cries of boarding echoed through the docks, and Borric and his companions, along with a dozen others in the inn, stood up, packed their bags, and swarmed through the gate.Outside, Borric saw a line of royal guards standing on the bank's slope, watching every passenger who came aboard.These soldiers are the Legion of Internal Affairs, and they control Kesh's heart.They wore metal helmets and breastplates enameled black.Black tutus, black greaves and black guards give them a menacing look.The officer is distinguished by a red plume on the helmet that hangs down behind him.Borric said, "Be quiet and show that you have nothing to hide." He gave Suli a slight nudge and let him go alone. K dragged back, watching. The soldiers checked each of them against a piece of parchment, which might be the wanted characteristic of the three of them.They let Su Li go without any questioning.Guda was stopped and asked some questions.But somehow his answer coaxed them, and the soldier waved him through. Borric felt a chill in his heart when he saw Niko turn and point to himself in the crowd to speak to the soldiers.The soldier said something, nodded, and told another soldier.The three soldiers left the ramp and walked straight towards him, and Borric felt his mouth go dry.Deciding to make room for him to unfold himself, he pretended to be nonchalant and walked towards Xiepo. When he tried to stay out of the way of the soldiers, one of the soldiers grabbed his arm, "Wait a minute, Ben Youfei." There was no reason for that. Borric made himself as anxious and haughty as possible.He glanced at the officer standing on the slope watching the situation. "What are you doing?" He tried his best not to change the tone of his voice. "We heard about the battle you had at Hatara when you hit the road. Maybe the caravan guards couldn't get you out of the way, but there are six legionnaires on this ship. If you want the same trouble, we'll throw you in the river go." Borric glared at the soldier, cursed vaguely, and then said a phrase that Suli had taught him.He broke away from the soldier's palm, and the three soldiers reached for their sword hilts at the same time.Borric laid his sword down, palms out, to show he meant no trouble. Turning to leave them, he tried his best to maintain the appearance of a violent and unreasonable mountain man, hoping that his legs would not shake.He was the last passenger to climb the ramp to board, and took a seat facing his three companions.Six soldiers boarded the boat last and gathered in the stern to chat.Quietly, Borric swore silently that he would happily strangle that little Isalani when he got to Cash. A day and a half later, after three stops along the way, the outline of Cash City came into view.Borric recovered from the shock that Isalani had given him, and began to worry about no results.The current situation looked hopeless, but he had to go on anyway.As his father had taught him and Elland when they were young, failure was guaranteed in their lives, but success required risk.He still couldn't really understand what his father had said to him and Ellander—they were of royal blood, there was nothing they couldn't really do, but their status held them back. Now that Borric understood more of what his father was trying to explain, the stakes in this adventure were himself, his brother, and perhaps the entire kingdom. As their ship approached the docks upstream from Kesh, Borric saw several bands of soldiers from the ship disembark.They may be to open the channel to the upper reaches or Owen Tip, or they may be ordinary soldiers in this city, but they may also be checkpoints for searching for landing passengers, and obstacles for him to meet Eland. The ship began to dock, and Borric walked back towards the few legionnaires.The soldiers were getting ready to go ashore, and when the gang touched the dock, Borric walked up to the soldier who had spoken to him before boarding.After the soldier glanced at him, he turned and moved away. The first passengers disembarked, and Borric did nothing, but when he saw everyone being questioned, he knew he couldn't just get by this time.So he turned and said to the soldier again in a blunt tone, "I spoke foul language to you in Pahes, soldier." The soldier narrowed his eyes, "I know, but I won't pay attention to your nonsense." Borric followed him, "I'm here to see the ceremony, and to pay homage to the temple of Teth Onaka." He saw that the soldiers were wearing mail armor with the double face of the god of war. , "I don't want to bleed with soldiers on this holy occasion. That Isalani lied to me while playing cards with me, so I am very angry. Can you accept my apology." The soldier said, "No one will take an insult to the warrior when he enters the temple of the military division." Walking up the slope, before the soldiers who watched other travelers, the two twisted their right forearms together and shook, "Let your There is no enemy behind." Borric said, "May your song of victory be hummed forever, soldier." Like two old friends saying goodbye, the two shook arms again, and Borric turned and walked past two soldiers on the docks.One watched the farewell, wanted to stop Borric for some questions, but then focused on another passing passenger, a queer little Isalani from Xing Lai . Borric stopped across the street to see what was happening behind him.Neko and the soldier seemed to be involved in some kind of argument, and the attention of the other soldiers was also drawn there.Gu Da suddenly appeared by his side, seemingly out of the chaos.After a while, Su Li also came over.Now there is a circle of soldiers around Nike, and one of them is pointing at the pocket that he has been carrying on his back. Finally, both sides relaxed a bit, and Isalani handed the bag to the first soldier, who rummaged through the bag.After turning around for a while, the soldier turned the pocket upside down and tried to pour out the contents.But obviously the pockets are empty. Guda whistled, "How did he do it?" Borric, "Maybe all his magic is more than just a lottery." Guda, "Okay, madman, we're in town, where are we going now?" Glancing around, Borric said, "Turn right and walk down the pier. Turn right again at the third street, and continue until you see the first inn. We'll meet there." Da nodded and left. "Su Li." Borric whispered, "Wait here for Nike to tell him where to meet." "Yes, master," replied the boy.Borric left him and followed Guda. This inn is a dilapidated facility on the bank of a river, but the name of the inn is magnificently called the Emperor's Banner and Jeweled Crown.Borric didn't know where in Cash's history the strange name came from, but at least he saw that the establishment had nothing to do with royalty and gems.This is like the hundreds of hotels in the hundreds of cities of Midakemia.Though the language and customs may differ, the clientele is a mix of robbers, thieves, throat slitters of every idiosyncratic variety, gamblers, whores, and drunks.Borric felt at home in Cash for the first time. Looking around, Borric felt that this place respected individual privacy as much as the kingdom.Casually, he glanced down at his glass, "We're guessing there's at least one of Cash's spies or informers among the customers here." Gu Da took off his helmet, scratched his head, sweating made him feel itchy, "This is a safe bet." "We can't stay here." Borric said. "Of course," Guda said, "but I'd like to have a drink here before I find a sojourn." Borric agreed, and Gooda summoned a waiter, who brought four glasses of ice ale.Borric took a sip of his drink. "I'm surprised it's cold ale." Gu Da stretched his waist, "If you turn north next time you go out, madman, you will see a small hill called Guangcone Mountain. The reason why this mountain range is called this is because its highest peak is covered by Covered in snow and ice. If the conditions are right, the sunlight reflected there makes for an unforgettable spectacle. That's why the ice trade thrives in the city. The Ice Pickers Guild is one of the wealthiest in Kesh." "Live and learn," Borric said. Nike, "I don't like this. The wine should be hot. It gives me a headache." Borric smiled.Guda asked, "Okay, so, we've arrived at Kesh, now how do we get to your friend's place?" Borric's voice dropped an octave, "I..." Naiko narrowed his eyes, "What's the matter now?" "I know where they are. But I'm not sure how to get there." Guda's eyes shot angrily, "Where is it?" "They're in the palace." "Turn back!" Gu Da was furious, causing many customers in the store to turn around and watch.Lowering his voice, Gu Da was still very angry, "Are you joking? Please tell me you are joking." Borric shook his head.Gu Da stood up, inserted the long dagger, and put on his helmet. "Where are you going?" Borric asked. "Anywhere without you, madman." Borric, "You promised!" Looking down at Borric, Guda said, "I told you to take you to Cash City. Here you are. You never said anything about the palace." Pointing the questioning finger at the prince, "You will pay my 5000 Ecu, I haven't even seen the tenth." Borric, "You'll get that money. I promise. But I've got to find my friends." "In the palace." Gu Da scolded. "Sit down, someone is watching you." Guda said, "Let them see. I will take the first boat I can find to Kerry, and then take a boat at Kathloo to the east of the kingdom. I will travel in a caravan while enjoying exotic scenery. Live the rest of my life, but I can survive, which is much better than going to the palace as you said." Borric smiled. "I know a trick or two. Will that make you stay with us?" Gooda couldn't believe that Borric was speaking seriously.After a while, he said, "10,000 ecu." Borric, "Deal." "Ha!" Gu Da gritted his teeth and said, "When we will die quietly in a day or two, you can easily promise anything." Borric turned to Su Li and said, "We need to contact a few people." Su Li blinked blankly, "What, master?" Borric whispered. , "Thieves' Guild. Tricksters. Beggars. Whatever else this city calls it." Su Li nodded understandingly, but his expression told Borric that he had no clue about it, "How to do it, master?" Borric, "What kind of street beggar are you?" Su Li shrugged, "A beggar from a city without such an organization, master." Borric shook his head again and again. "Look, go out here and find the nearest market. Then find a beggar—you know how to do this, don't you?" Su Li nodded. "Give him a penny, and tell him there are some travelers who are in a hurry to speak to someone, and it's worth the time of those who walk the city. Got it?" "Yes, master." "If the beggar asks a question, just say..." Borric tried to recall some of the stories James told himself about his dealings with the Krondor thieves as a child, and then he added, "...there was a man who didn't want to make trouble, but wanted to Make a deal that benefits both parties. Can you do it?" Su Li repeated what Borric had taught him.Satisfied that the boy remembered them, Borric let the boy go.Then the three drank silently with their own thoughts, until Borric saw Nike take some cheese and bread from his pocket.Staring at the Isalani, Borric said, "Hey, wait a minute. This pocket was empty when the soldier checked it." "Right," said Neko, his white teeth looking out of place with his face. "How did you do it?" Guda asked. "It's a little trick," replied the little man, smiling, as if that answer explained it all. As the sun went down, Suli came back, sat down beside Borric and said, "Master, it took a while, but I finally found the one you asked me to find. I gave him a coin to teach you I told him what I had said. This man asked many questions, but I just repeated what you said, and refused to answer the rest. He told me to wait there and disappeared. While I was getting a little scared from waiting, he came back. He told me that the people you wished to meet wanted to meet with us and told me when and where." "When and where?" Guda asked. Su Li said to Borric, "The time is when the bell rings the second time after sunset. The meeting place is a little walk away. He asked me to recite the directions repeatedly so I know how to get there. But we have to start from the market, I didn't tell the beggars Where do we end up?" "Very well," said Borric. "We've been here long enough. Let's go." They got up and left, followed Su Li to find the nearest market area.Once again Borric was amazed by the crowds and the diversity of nationalities.Even if he acted like a fool, no one would pay any attention to this fake Banrufi.There were a multitude of customers and the wares they needed, and he saw that the capital city of Cash was as diverse as Frefa.The blackest complexion gleamed in the afternoon sun, and the lion hunters of the green plains passed by, and there were also some fair-skinned men here, who showed that they had been the inhabitants of the kingdom.There were also many yellow-skinned people with small eyes like Nike, but they were dressed in a different style from Nike—some in silk jackets and knee-length breeches, others in armor, and others in monk's garb. robe.Women's clothing comes from all over, from the most fashionable to nearly naked, but unless she is a stunning beauty, it rarely attracts attention. Two Ashanta plainsmen strolled by, each holding a chain with women in their hands—several women walked naked with their heads bowed.A group of heat-resistant and strong red-haired and brown-haired men in animal skins and armor passed by, and the two sides cursed at each other with insulting words. Borric turned to Guda, "Who are those people?" "The Brianes--sea-men from Brijane, whose towns dot the coast below Mount Horror. They are men who toil in their long sailing ships between the Kingdom's East and Kesh Marauders and travelers - even sometimes they cross the Great Sea depending on the story. They are proud and tyrannical, and they worship the spirit of their dead mother. Every Briann woman is a seer or priestess, man Believing their ghosts to guide their sailing ships, all women are sacred. The Ashantas treat their women like dogs. If it were not for the queen's ban in the city, they would surely fight each other." 博瑞克，“太妙了。凯许有许多这样的怨仇吗？” 古达，“这只是通常而已。一百左右的样子，每一次特定的节日里都会有所体现。这就是为什么御前守卫和内务兵团屯兵于此的原因。兵团的控制范围遍布帝国核心欧文蒂普周围，不超出母亲河源头光锥山、守护者山脉和怖石山脉组成的环带。出了这个范围，领主的兵马控制一切。只有在帝国国道上和类似的节日才强忍着保持和平。其它时候”——他做了个抹脖子的动作——“有一方会变成喂狗用的碎肉。” 凯许对博瑞克来说是个奇妙的地方。街上的人群既很熟悉有是那么的陌生。他熟悉这里的许多事物，但这是一个覆盖在不同的文化下的城市。 当他们看到市场，博瑞克叹道，“这个市场真是棒极了。” 古达哼了一声，“这是一个当地市场，狂人。大的市场在穿过竞技场的街上，那才是旅行者常去的地方。” 博瑞克摇头。打量四周，他问苏力，“我们什么时候出发？” “我们还有时间，主人。”男孩说，这时钟声响起，太阳正在落下地平线。“第二次钟响，所以还要等一个小时。” “好吧，那么让我们来找点东西吃。” 他们都同意这个提议，开始在路边找寻一个不太贵的摊位。 当天黑后的第二遍钟声响起，他们走入了小巷。“这边走，主人。”苏力压低声音说。 虽然现在刚刚入夜，但小巷里已空无一人。狭窄的走道被被垃圾和废物搞得乱糟糟的，臭气冲天。尽量不让自己刚下肚的面包和烤肉吐出来，博瑞克说，“一个朋友告诉我盗贼经常放置一些垃圾”——他移开自己踏在一只死狗身上的脚，然后继续道——“和其它的东西在自己脱身的路线上，为了阻碍有人追击。” 小巷尽头是一扇木门，上面有一把金属锁头。博瑞克拨弄了一下，发现它被锁死了。然后身后传来一个声音，“晚上好。” 博瑞克和古达转身，把苏力和耐可挤到自己身后去。六个有武器的人走向他们。古达嘶声道，“我有个很不好的感觉，狂人。” 博瑞克，“晚上好。你是那个我想见的人吗？” “因事而异。”领头的回答，这个瘦子的笑容裂得很开，脸上长满了麻子，在昏暗的灯光下就像是被人毁过容一样。身后的其他人只是几团黑影。 "what is your purpose?" “我需要进入宫殿。” 好几个人笑了。“那很简单。”首领回答，“被捕，他们会把你带到最高保民官那里给你治罪。去杀一个守卫——那个每次都会有效。” “我需要潜入。” “这不可能。另外，我们为什么要帮你？你也许是我们知道的帝国密探寻找的人。你说话不像是个班惴非人，虽然你穿着他们的衣服。城市里布满了密探——我们不知道他们在找谁，你可能就是那个人，但不管怎样”他说着抽出了长剑，“你有十秒钟的时间来给我们一个不直接杀人取货的理由。” 博瑞克和古达放低自己的武器，“首先，在我知道入口的位置后我会答应给你1000黄金埃居做报酬，然后如果你把我们带到那里报酬将加倍。” 首领用剑比划了一下，他的手下展开，如一面墙一样封住了小巷去路。 "What else?" “还有我带来了克朗多至上者的问候。” 首领愣了一下，然后说，“有意思。” 博瑞克不由松了口气。首领接着道，“很有意思。因为至上者已经死了七年了，现在领导欺骗者的是美德先生（virtuous man）。你的自我介绍真是太落伍了，探子。”向他的人发话，“杀了他们。” 这个小巷太窄了，古达无法在这使用他的宽刃剑，他抽出两柄长匕首和宝剑出鞘的博瑞克短剑在手的苏力站到一起迎敌。博瑞克问身后的耐可，“你能打开那道锁吗？” 伊萨兰尼回答，“那会花上点时间。”攻击者发动了进攻。 当博瑞克的细身剑刺入了一个攻击者的喉咙时，古达正忙着用匕首应付对手的长剑。苏力是第一次用剑，但他乱舞一气的刀子让他的对手感到难以应付。 失去一个同伴，让攻击者后退一步。他们都不愿迎上博瑞克的剑尖。没有人敢在这个小巷中冒险，只有等待时机。攻击者可以后退，消耗博瑞克一伙的体力，因为他们没有退路可言。所以盗贼们甘愿打车轮战，进攻、后退，再进攻、再后退。 耐可翻弄着他的口袋，终于找到了他要找的东西。博瑞克用余光看到耐可打开了一个罐子，问道，“什么……”但马上他就不得不把自己的注意力转回去，因为对手的阔剑差点砍断了他的左臂。他用匕首格开对手的武器，接着回刺。第二个人退出了战斗，他的右臂被自己的剑刃砍伤。 耐可把一些白色的粉末倒在左手中，然后盖回盖子。他跪在门前，用嘴吹手中的粉末。一条细直的粉末线钻入锁孔中，锁头中不断发出喀嗒喀嗒的响动。耐可站起来，脸上露出满意的微笑，丢开自己的罐子，推开木门。“我们可以走了。”他平静的宣布道。 马上，古达把他推进了门中，自己也跟着进屋，博瑞克发起一套组合攻击把盗贼逼退，让男孩趁机跟在佣兵身后脱身。接着博瑞克冲入屋中，古达迅速把门关上。耐可拎来把大椅子，博瑞克用它来顶住门把，这能撑住一会儿。 博瑞克转身，突然意识到两个问题：一扇门中一个几乎是全裸的姑娘正用一种她的年龄不应该拥有的眼神看着自己，等待着会有人进屋。另外空气中弥漫着一股味道，不会有错，他曾经闻到过这种气味。这是鸦片的味道，混合了薄荷草、大麻和香油气味。他们闯入了一家妓院的后门。 不出博瑞克所料，在他们闯入没多久，三个大块头——娱乐场所的保安——腰别刀子、宝剑，手持棍棒，在走廊中出现。“这怎么了，人渣？”带头的人喊道，他的眼中闪烁着渴望流血的光芒。博瑞克马上意识到无论他说什么，这个家伙都会和他动手。 博瑞克推开古达，用手按住佣兵的长匕首暗示他不要惹麻烦上身。用余光扫了眼身后，他说，“城镇守卫！他们想闯进来。” “这群狗娘养的！”第一个大汉说道，“这个月我们交过钱了。” 博瑞克友好的把那个大汉向门边推了推，“这些贪婪的人渣想要从你那分更多的钱。”第二个大汉想要拦住博瑞克的去路，博瑞克抓住他的手臂把他带到第一个人的身旁，“有十个人在外面，都带着家伙！他们认为为了大典还应向你们追加些收费。” 此时，许多妓院的顾客都打开屋门，察看外面出了什么事。当看到有人拿着武器站在外面，许多门都马上关闭，接着传来一声女子的尖叫声，慌乱开始。 第三个壮汉喊道，“你站住。”手中的棍棒向博瑞克打去。 博瑞克勉强及时抬起自己的左臂，用手臂上的护带挡住这一击，但这一棍让他的左臂完全麻木了。一时想不出更好的办法，王子憋足力气喊道，“抢劫！”，所有的房门都敞开了。第三个壮汉还想追击博瑞克，但古达冲过来在他耳后用匕首柄全力揍了下去，把他打晕了。 博瑞克艰难的把大汉的身体推向一边，大汉向一个正忙着穿衣服的胖商人那里摔去。博瑞克向那个商人喊道，“他是那个姑娘的父亲！他是来杀你的！” 男人睁大惊恐的眼睛，飞快的冲出了大门，光着身子跑了。一个一脸睡相的中年女人站在一边，奇怪的问道，“我父亲？” 这时，苏力用尽全力喊道，“城镇守卫！” 接着后门被盗贼撞开。闯入的盗贼和赤身裸体的男女、克了药的吸毒者、还有两个无比愤怒的大汉绞在了一起。走廊的骚乱又引来了另一对壮汉，他们出现在走廊的另一头，来查询这里发生了什么事。博瑞克喊道，“宗教狂！他们想释放你们的女奴和男奴。你们的人在后面受到了攻击，去帮帮他们！” 不管怎样，古达、耐可和苏力最终从乱作一团的走廊中得以脱身，来到正门口。在大街上裸奔的商人让城镇守卫蒙羞，当博瑞克打开大门时迎面正碰上了两个和平卫士。他随即说道，“哦，先生们！太可怕了！奴隶暴动杀死了她们的顾客。麻药让她们发疯，力大无穷。这里需要帮助！” 一个士兵抽出宝剑冲了进去，另一个吹响了他的哨子。几秒钟后，十几个士兵赶来，冲入屋中。 两个街区外，一个阴暗的客栈内，博瑞克和他的同伴坐在桌边。古达摘下他的头盔，用力的摔在桌子上，头盔几乎在这力道下弹到地上。用手指着博瑞克，他说，“我没有现在就敲掉你脑袋的唯一原因就是我们本该但还没有蹲在大牢里。” “那为什么你还想揍我？” “因为你一直在做蠢事，那差点要了我的命，狂人！” 耐可插嘴道，“那太有趣了。” 古达和博瑞克惊讶的盯着耐可，“有趣？”古达问。 “今晚是我这些年里最刺激的一次经历。”小个子咧嘴笑着说。 苏力看起来累坏了。“主人，现在我们做什么？” 博瑞克想了一阵，摇头说道，“我不知道。”