Chapter 2 Chapter 2 Manor
The weather has been getting cooler for the past three weeks.
The cooler weather has begun to show its signs in midsummer.The continent's normal winter lasts only six weeks, with only rare icy rains coming to the north.The blue-green leaves still cover the branches of the tree, and autumn flashes by without warning.In the four years that Pug lived in Tsuranuanni, he never saw a sign of changing seasons: no migration of birds, no morning hoarfrost, no freezing rain, no snow and blooming flowers. wildflowers.The whole continent seems to be shrouded in pale yellow summer forever.
At Jiantian at the beginning of the journey, they have been walking on the official road extending from Jiama City, heading north to Sulan-qu City.The Gagajin River is full of boats, and caravans, farm vehicles, and nobles in sedan chairs are also full of official roads.
On the first day, the Lord of Xinsawei set off from the waterway to the Holy City (Holy City) to attend the High Council (High Council).The rest of the people followed leisurely.When Hokanu stopped the caravan and went into town to visit the Lady of the Acoma as they passed Sulanku, Pug and Laurie took the opportunity to chat with some of the new Mekemian slaves.The whole battle was frustrating to hear.It was the same as they had heard before: the impasse remained unbroken.
After arriving at the holy capital, the lord of Sinzawai joined the journey and went with everyone to the Sinzawai Manor on the outskirts of Silmani.At this point, nothing major happened on the way to the north.
The Xinsawai convoy approached their southern estate.Pug and Laurie were free along the way, save for occasional chores: clearing the dishes, cleaning up manure, loading and unloading.Now they were sitting upside down in the van, their legs dangling from the van.Laurie took a bite of a jomach fruit, a green pomegranate-like fruit with watermelon-like flesh.He spat out the seeds and said, "How's the hand?"
said Pug, looking at the red scar across the palm of his right hand. "It's still a bit stiff. I hope it's back to the way it was before."
Laurie took a look. "You'd better give up the idea of being able to wield a sword again." He opened his mouth and smiled.
Pug laughed. "I'm afraid you can't either. Otherwise they'll surely have a place for you in the Imperial Horse Lance."
Laurie spat out a large mouthful of fruit seeds, and it all fell on the nose of the Nidra beast pulling the cart.The six-legged animals snorted, and the coachman quickly greeted them with his whip. "Anyway, the Emperor doesn't have any spearmen, nor any horses, and I don't care about the chance."
Pug smiled mockingly.
"I want you to know, lad," said Laurie, in an aristocratic voice, "that we troubadours are often plagued by guests with tricky tastes, robbers and assassins who want our hard-earned money. If we don't have some The skill of self-defense, it is impossible to make a living, you should understand what I mean."
Pug smiled.He knew that being a bard was inviolable in a town.As long as one is harmed or robbed, word will spread quickly and no bard will ever go to that city again.But on the road it was another matter.He never doubted Laurie's ability to protect himself, and he certainly wouldn't just sit around and wait for death with his current pompous tone.He was about to speak when he was interrupted by shouts from the front of the convoy.The guards ran forward one after another, and Laurie turned to his companions. "Guess what happened there?"
Before he could answer, he jumped out of the car and ran forward.Pug followed.They ran to the head of the convoy, and stayed behind Lord Zinsawwai's litter, when they saw something approaching them.Laurie tugged on Pug's sleeve. "It's cavalry!"
Pug could hardly believe his eyes, but there were indeed people riding down the road from the Hinzawai estate on horseback.As they approached, he saw them more clearly, a human cavalryman and three dark blue-skinned Jojas.
The young Tsurani rider turned and dismounted. He looked taller than anyone else with his brunette hair.Laurie watched him walk forward clumsily, "If they could sit comfortably, they probably wouldn't be fighting any battles. Look there, there's not even a saddle, let alone a rein, and there's only A battered bridle. The poor horse doesn't look like it's been fed properly for at least a month."
The shade of the sedan chair was drawn back as the rider approached.The slaves put down the litter, and Lord Xinsawai stepped out.Hokanu had come from the rear to stand beside his father, and he and the rider greeted each other with a hug.The rider then embraced Lord Zinzaswai.Pug and Laurie distinctly heard him say, "Father! It's good to see you."
Lord Shinsawai said, "Kasumi! My eldest son, it's nice to meet you. When did you come back?"
"About a week ago. I was planning to go to Gemma, but I heard you would be here, so I waited here."
"Very good. What do you call the people next to you?" He pointed to the creatures.
"Here," he said, pointing to the one in front, "is Strike Leader X'calak, who fought a short fellow in the mountains of Mekemia before he came back."
The creature stepped forward and raised its right hand in a humanlike salute, its throaty voice shrill like a flute, "Hello, Kamatsu, Lord of Sinzawai. Glory to the nobles."
Lord Shinsawai bowed slightly. "Hello, Sheiklak. Glory to the nobles. The Choja family will always be honored guests."
The creature stepped back to its original position and stood aside.The lord looked at the horse again. "What was this you were sitting on, my son?"
"It's a horse, my lord father. The barbarians ride it to battle. I told you before. It's a wonderful creature. On its back I can run faster than those jorgas. "
"Then why did you stop?"
The eldest man smiled. "I'm afraid it's a bit difficult. Those savages have tricks, but I haven't learned them yet."
Hokanu smiled. "Looks like we still have to arrange some classes."
Kasumi slapped him on the back playfully. "I asked a few savages before, but unfortunately they all died later."
"I have two alive here."
Kasumi looked behind his brother and found Laurie, who was a full head taller than the surrounding slaves. "I see. Yes, we must ask him. My lord father, please allow me to go home now and make some preparations for your return."
Kamasu gave his son a hug and agreed to let him go.The tall man grabbed the mane and got on the horse.After waving goodbye, he left.
Pug and Laurie hurried back to the van they had been in.Laurie asked, "Have you ever seen such a thing?"
Pug nodded. "Well, the Tsurani call those creatures Joja. They live like ants in huge earth burrows. The Tsurani slaves who lived with me in the labor camps told me that they appeared a long time ago. They are loyal to the Empire, though I recall being told that each of their lairs has its own queen."
Laurie stared ahead of the van with one hand on the awning. "I don't want to meet these guys on the road. Look at the way they run."
Pug was silent.The short guy in the mountains mentioned in the long man's talk just now brought back his memories.If Thomas was still alive, he thought, he would be a grown man.As long as he is alive.
Xinsawai's estate was unexpectedly large.The manor was the largest structure Pug had ever seen besides temples and palaces.It is located on the top of the hill, condescending and has a wide view.The houses here are also square like the one in Jiama City, but they are several times bigger.And the atrium of the main house is easily put into a central garden.Behind it was the side house, the kitchen and the slave quarters.
As they hurried through the garden, Pug craned his neck and looked around, dazzled by the beauty all around him.Steym reprimanded him loudly. "Don't stop."
Pug quickened his pace and soon caught up with Laurie.Just a glimpse, the beauty of the whole garden is unforgettable.Several large trees for shade stand beside the three pools, and the surrounding dwarf trees and flowering vegetation surround the pools in the middle.Scattered stone chairs are prepared for tourists to rest, and cobbled paths are interspersed in the garden.Not far from this small park, a three-story building appeared.There are also balconies on the top two floors, which are connected by several stairs.The figures of servants passing by on the two floors could be clearly seen, but there was not a single servant in the garden, not even passing by.
They stopped before a sliding door, and Steim turned.He said in a stern tone, "You two savages must pay attention to etiquette in front of your masters and gods, and I will keep a close eye on your backs. Remember every word and deed I taught you, or I will make you regret not being punished." Lord Hokanu left to rot in the swamp."
After he finished speaking, he pulled the door aside to announce that the slaves had arrived.After being allowed to enter, Steim motioned the slave beside him to enter.
They soon found themselves in a colorful room.Bright light streams in through the patterned translucent doors.The surrounding walls are covered with carvings, tapestry and paintings, all of which appear small and delicate.Tsurani-style cushions lay on the floor.The lord of Xinsawei, Kamasu, was sitting on one of the largest cushions, opposite him were his two sons.
They all wore well-made tunics, which they wore when they were at rest.Before being questioned, both Pug and Laurie kept their eyes down on the ground.
Hokanu spoke first. "The big blond guy is called Lor-re, and the taller one is called Poog."
Just as Laurie was about to speak, Pug elbowed him back and signaled that it was not time for him to speak.
Seeing this situation, the eldest man asked, "Do you have something to say?"
Laurie raised his head but quickly lowered it.The previous request was clear: never speak without an order.Laurie didn't know whether the rhetorical question just now was an order.
The head of the family said, "Speak up if you have something to say."
Laurie looked up at Kamasu. "My name is Laurie. Not some Rory, and my friends are called Pugs, not Borgs."
Hokanu was puzzled by the sudden correction, while his elder brother nodded and muttered the two names silently until he got it right.He then asked, "Have you ever ridden a horse?"
The two slaves nodded in unison.Kamasu said with satisfaction, "It's really good. Then you should perform well."
Pug lowered his head with dazed eyes, and suddenly something caught his eye.A game board placed beside Lord Xinsawei gave him a feeling of deja vu.Kamasu noticed his expression and said, "Do you know how to play?" After speaking, he put the game board down in front of Pug.
Pug said, "Yes, master, I can play that game. It's called chess in our place."
Hokanu looked at his brother, who was leaning slightly forward. "It's nothing surprising, my lord father, these are just some barbarian gadgets."
His father waved impatiently. "There's a lot of learning in this," he said to Pug again. "Sit down, and show me how to move this little thing up there."
Pug sat still, trying to remember everything Kulgan had taught him.At that time, he was not interested in playing chess, but fortunately he could still take a few moves.
He moved the pawn forward and explained, "The first time this piece is moved, it can move two spaces forward, after that it can only move one space at a time." The head of the family nodded in satisfaction and motioned him to continue. "This one is called a knight, and that's how it moves," Pug went on.
After he demonstrated the movement of several pieces, Lord Shinsawai said, "We call this game shogi (shah). (Just take the name of Japanese shogi - translator) Each piece has its own The name is actually similar to yours. Come, let us kill a game."
Kamasu asked Pug to act first.He started the game in a very traditional way, with Kamasu counting down.Soon Pug, who was not good at chess, was defeated.The people around watched the chess game without saying a word.At the end of the game, the lord said, "Are you good at chess?"
"On the contrary, master. I am the worst bet."
He smiled, wrinkles forming around the corners of his eyes. "I guess your people aren't as savage as you think. We'll have another one later."
He nodded to his eldest son, and Kasumi stood up immediately, bowed to his father, and said to Pug and Laurie, "Come with me."
They got up and bowed to the head of the family and followed Kasumi out of the house.He led them through the house to a small room with a floor and cushions. "You rest here. I live next door to you. You have to be there whenever you are called."
Laurie asked abruptly. "What exactly does the master want us to do?"
Kasumi studied him for a moment. "You savages really can't be slaves. Why do you keep forgetting your status?"
Laurie stammered an apology and was interrupted immediately. "Never mind, it's no big deal. But from now on you're going to teach me how to ride a horse and speak your language, Laurie. I've got to figure out those"—he made a flat nasal sound—"voice What do you mean when you say it?"
The conversation of the three was suddenly interrupted by a bell echoing in the mansion.Kasumi said, "It's the Great One. You can stay here from now on. I'm going to meet him with my father now." After saying that, he left in a hurry, leaving only the two beauties behind. Sitting in the room, the Kemians lamented their fate full of variables.
During the next two days, Pug and Laurie caught sight of the important guest of the Xinsawei family twice.His appearance is very similar to that of Lord Sinsawai, only a little thinner, and he is dressed in black robes as a Tsurani venerable.Pug asked the people here a lot of questions but got little.These Tsurani lords exuded a majesty like Pug and Laurie had never seen before.The venerables seemed to be a group of powerful figures, a social group Pug knew little about, or even how they fit into the social system.At first he thought that these people had more or less ordinary features, although he had been told that the Venerables were "people of the world". (outside the law) Later he learned from a Tsurani slave that the price paid for those venerables who were almost unfettered by society was to serve the empire in obscurity.The slave was annoyed at Pug's ignorance.
What Pug has seen and heard recently has somewhat relieved the feeling of being away from home in his heart.He found a kennel full of wagging and barking dogs behind the fence that surrounded the nidra.They were the only commonality he found between Kelevin and Mekemia, and the dogs gave him an unaccountable pleasure.He immediately ran back to the house and pulled Laurie to the kennel.In a few moments they were sitting among a pack of dogs running and playing.
Laurie laughed as he watched the rambunctious dogs.They looked very different from the Duke's hounds, with long limbs and a more emaciated figure.They have keen ears, and they will immediately stand up alertly when they hear a sound.
"I saw these dogs once in Gulbi. That town is on the Great Northern Trade Route in Kesh. They were called greyhounds and used to chase those Cats and antelope in a meadow near Sun Valley."
At this time, the owner of the kennel, a thin slave with drooping eyelids, came over.His name was Rachmad, and he looked at the two people in front of him suspiciously. "What are you doing here?"
While looking at the gloomy man in front of him, Laurie jokingly patted the nose of a dog beside him. "We haven't seen a dog since we left our homeland, Regomed. Our master is with His Holiness, so we've come to see these good friends of yours."
His face, which had been gloomy when he heard 'good friend', suddenly looked better. "I always take good care of these dogs. But I have to keep them locked up because they always attack Joja, and those guys don't like dogs." Suddenly it occurred to Pug that the dogs might have come from America with the horses. Kemia was brought.But when his question came out, Rui Gemaid stared at him as if he saw a madman. "It seems that you are dizzy from the sun. There are dogs here." After saying this, he stopped talking and left in a hurry.
That night, Pug was awakened by Laurie entering the house. "where have you been?"
"Shh. Are you going to wake everyone up? Go back to sleep."
"What the hell have you been doing?" Pug asked in a low voice.
Laurie smiled in the dim light. "I went to find the chef's assistant, um... and chatted for a while."
"Uh. You mean Almorella?"
"Correct answer," a cheerful voice replied. "She's a very nice girl." Laurie had been attracted by the slave girl who worked in the kitchen since the few days she arrived here.
After a moment of silence, Laurie continued, "You should make more friends. Let go of your previous prejudices."
"Maybe," said Pug, with a tinge of sour jealousy in his disapproving tone.
Almorella was a bright and lively girl about Pug's age, with black pupils who always looked cheerful.
"Then go find Katara. I guess she's been keeping an eye on you."
Pug blushed suddenly, grabbed a cushion and threw it at his friend. "Damn it. Shut up and go to sleep."
Laurie almost lost his breath with a smile.He lay back in his shop and left Pug brooding.
There was a strong wind outside, and Pug felt cool standing in the wind.Laurie was now on Kasumi's horse, while the young officer stood watching.Laurie had taught the Tsurani artisans how to make riding saddles and bridles, and now he was demonstrating how to use them.
"It's a war horse," cried Laurie. "It's easy to handle with the rein" - saying he demonstratively swung the rein to one side of the horse's neck, then the other. ——"Of course you can also use your legs to direct it how to turn." He raised his hand to demonstrate the movement to the elder man.
They spent the next three weeks teaching the young nobleman how to ride a horse, and he was very gifted at it.Lowry dismounted and Kasumi took his place.At first the Tsurani rode very strangely, and it seemed that he was not used to the saddle.As he jumped to his feet, Pug yelled, "Master, put your legs on the horse's belly!" The horse seemed to feel the pressure on its belly and broke into a trot.Kasumi looked excited as the speed picked up. "Lower your heels!" cried Pug again.However, Kasumi no longer cared about the command of the two slaves, and kicked the horse's belly vigorously and rode away.
Laurie watched him disappear into the pasture and said, "He's either born to be a rider or he's dying."
Pug nodded. "I think he's got the hang of it. And he's not lacking in courage."
Laurie picked up a stalk of grass and chewed it between his teeth.Then he sat cross-legged on the ground and scratched the back of the ears of a bitch, which was excitedly chasing the horse just now, and now lay quietly at his feet under his caress.It fell to the ground and gently touched his hand.
Laurie turned his attention to Pug. "I should like to know what is going on in our young friend's mind."
Pug shrugged. "what do you mean?"
"Remember when we first came here? I heard that Kasumi was going to do something with his three Choja friends. You see, the three Chojas left early this morning—or else Bethel won't go out for a walk - and I've heard some rumors that the orders given to the eldest son of Xinsawai have been changed. Mix these things with the things we taught him to ride horses and talk these days Think about it together and see what result you can get?"
Pug stretched. "I don't have a clue."
"Actually, I don't know either." Laurie said impatiently. "But there must be a lot of connection between these things." He looked into the distance and said softly, "I just want to travel around the world, sing and tell stories, and I will live with a widow who runs a hotel in the future."
Pug laughed. "I think you will have a chance to find a tavern to continue your boring business. After all, this experience is a good subject."
"Yes, it's quite exciting. You see, I followed a group of militiamen into a Tsurani army. After that, I suffered continuous blows. First, I was abandoned in the big swamp for four months, and then I walked across most of the country on foot. world."
"As far as I know, it should be in a van."
"Absolutely. After running so far, I ended up teaching riding to the eldest son of Xinsawei here. These things can't be spelled into poetry."
Pug smiled wryly. "You didn't stay here for four full years. You're lucky. You don't have to live in fear that you're going to die anytime. At least you won't get caught by Stem when you're wandering around the kitchen at night."
Laurie looked closely at Pug. "I know you're kidding. I mean Stem. He asked me about you a couple of times, Pug. Why don't you talk about what happened before you got caught?"
Pug looked away absently. "I guess that's a habit I picked up in the swamp camp. It's not worth dwelling on your past. I've seen a lot of brave people die because they didn't want to lose their freedom."
Laurie tugged at the dog's ears. "But things are very different here."
"Really? Remember what you said in Garma City. I think the more comfortable you are here, the easier it will be for them to get what they want from you. Lord Xinzawei is not an old fool." Pug Deliberately changed the subject. "You said it's easier to tame animals with whips or favors?"
Laurie looked up sharply. "Needless to say, it's the latter, of course, but there are times when discipline is essential."
Pug nodded. "Actually our situation is no different from Bethel's. We are just slaves. Never forget that."
Laurie stared blankly at the field without saying a word.
A burst of yelling interrupted the contemplation of the two, and the eldest man appeared in sight on a horse.He stopped his horse before them and jumped down. "The horse is going too fast," he said, panting.Kasumi is a bright student, and he made rapid progress in language class.Taking advantage of the language class, he kept asking about the local conditions and customs of Mekemia.It seems that there is nothing in the whole kingdom that he is not interested in.Even the daily trivialities such as the way of trading between businessmen and the various skills in dealing with people are not overlooked.
Kasumi led the horse to the stables while Pug checked the horse's feet for injuries.They had previously made a new pair of shoes for it, elaborately crafted of resin-impregnated wood, and they seemed to work satisfactorily.On the way, Kasumi asked, "I've been thinking about one thing. I don't understand how your king exercises his ruling power, although you mentioned the Congress of Lords before. Let me explain again Bar."
Laurie frowned at Pug.It's just that Pug's understanding of the kingdom's politics is not much better than Laurie's, so he has to do his best to explain."The King is elected by Parliament, though it is only a formality," said Pug.
"form?"
"It's a tradition. In fact, the heir to the throne has already been selected, unless there is no suitable heir. This is also a good way to prevent civil war, because the final decision is in the hands of the parliament." He persuaded the parliament to agree with Prince Krondo The example of setting up his nephew as the heir is explained. "And how is this sort of thing handled here?"
Kasumi pondered for a while and said, "Maybe it's the same. It's just that the successive kings are regarded as the incarnation of gods, which is different from your king. He rules the holy capital, but his power is in the spiritual sense. He Protect us from the wrath of the gods."
Laurie then asked, "Then who will exercise real power?"
They went into the stables, and Kasumi took the saddle and bridle off the horse and brushed its mane. "Here is different from your hometown." He still switched to the most familiar Tsurani language. "The incumbent lord of each family has absolute prestige in his territory. Each family belongs to a clan, and the most powerful lord in each clan is called the Warchief. In a clan, every The lords of each family hold more or less power by virtue of their own power. The Xinsawai family belongs to the Kanazawai clan (Kanazawai Clan). We are the second most powerful family in this clan after the Keda family. My father When I was young, I was the commander of the entire clan army, according to your words, I was a general. But the status of each family is constantly rising and falling, so I may not be able to reach the height of my father."
"The lords who lead each clan form the Upper Council. They advise the Warlord. He exercises power in the name of the Emperor, who of course can veto his decisions."
"So did the emperor overrule the general's decision?" Laurie asked.
"there has never been."
"How was the general chosen?" Pug asked.
"It's hard to explain. When the great general is gone, the big men of the clan will meet, and it will be a big party, not only those in the council, but also the heads of every family. They Gather together to discuss matters, and sometimes meet with swords, but in the end a general will be elected."
asked Pug, pushing the hair out of his eyes. "If the family with great generals has too much power, how can we prevent them from gaining power?"
Kasumi looked a bit embarrassed. "This is even more difficult to explain clearly. If you are a Tsurani, you will naturally understand. This is not only a law, but more importantly, it is a tradition. Whether a clan or a certain family in it No matter how powerful it becomes, only one of the lords of five families can be elected as a general. They are Keda, Tonmargu, Minwanabi, Oaxatucan , Zacatecas (Xacatecas). So only these five lords are candidates. The current general is surnamed Oshatukan, and the glory of Kanasawai is fading day by day. And his clan, Omekoan (Omechan) can be said to be in full swing. Only Mingwanabi can compete with them, and now the two parties have formed an alliance for the benefit of the war. This is the only way at present."
Laurie shook his head. "This family-to-clan rivalry really dwarfs our politics."
Kasumi laughed. "It's not even politics. Politics is partisan."
"Partisanship?" asked Laurie, obviously confused.
"We have many parties here. The Blue Wheel, the Golden flower, the Jade Eye (The Blue Wheel, the Golden flower, the Jade Eye), there are parties that take social progress as their mission, and there are parties that focus on war. There are many. Every Each family may belong to a different party to meet its own needs. Even families belonging to the same clan will join different parties. Sometimes they form alliances with each other to get what they need. Sometimes they support both parties at the same time, or even neither party. support."
"Then such a government is too loose and disorderly," Laurie mentioned his opinion.
Kasumi laughed. "But it has been going on like that for more than two hundred years. We have an old saying, 'There is no brother in Parliament.' Remember it and you'll see."
Pug asked the next question cautiously. "Master, you don't seem to have mentioned His Holiness. What kind of group are they?"
Kasumi stopped what she was doing and looked at Pug for a moment, then continued brushing the horse's mane. "They have nothing to do with politics, they are outside the law and do not belong to any clan." He paused and continued. "How did you even remember to ask that?"
"Because they seem to be well respected, and one of them came here recently, I thought you'd give me some answers."
"They are respected because the fate of the Empire rests in their hands. That is their duty. They must sever all ties, and they have no other life to work with magic. They must stay away from their families, and their children are to be Fostering with someone until they reach adulthood. It's a difficult thing to do, and they have to make too many sacrifices."
Pug looked closely at Kasumi.He seemed sad for some reason when he spoke. "My sage who came to see my father used to be part of the family. He was my uncle. Our relationship is awkward now because he has to abide by those constraints and cannot recognize our blood relationship. I think he better not come. All right." His last words were soft.
"Why, master?" Laurie asked quietly.
"Because it embarrasses Hokanu. Before he was my brother, he was the son of the Venerable."
They left the stables after tending the horses.Bessel rushed ahead, and it knew that it was time to eat.When they passed the kennel, Regomed called it to the pack.
No one spoke along the way, and Kasumi didn't say a word to the Mekemian until he entered his room.Sitting in his shop, Pug waited for the call to dinner, but he was thinking about what he had just learned in his mind.Although the Tsurani had some odd habits, they were not much different from Pag's people.He couldn't help feeling both relieved and sad.
Two weeks later, Pug faced another thorny problem.Katara was actually angry at Pug's indifference.It wasn't obvious at first, but it soon became apparent that no matter how hard she tried, he couldn't get his attention.Things came to a head one afternoon when he met her behind the kitchen house.
Laurie and Kasumi were working on a small lute with the assistance of a carpenter in Sinzawei. Kasumi was very interested in the music of the minstrel. During this time, he watched how Laurie persuaded the craftsmen to use a fork saw How to carefully craft musical instruments by sawing down the wood.He couldn't understand why the guts of Nidra were used for the strings instead of other materials.Pug couldn't arouse any interest in this, so he found an excuse to wander outside within a few days.The smell of wood reminded him of the days of chopping trees in the swamp camp, and he felt a little bit of life's joy in chopping trees next to the carpenter's house full of resin pots.
He was lying in the shadows behind the kitchen that afternoon when Katara came around the corner.His stomach twitched when he saw her.He admitted that she was charming, but every time he wanted to talk to her, he couldn't find anything to talk about.I had no choice but to hew and haw a few words and then left in a hurry.Recently he has not even made a sound.Now she was slowly approaching, he smiled easily, and soon she was walking past him.Suddenly she turned and looked at him, almost clinging to him.
"Is there something wrong with me? Am I so ugly that you don't want to look at me?"
Pug opened his mouth and couldn't say a word.She stood for a moment, then kicked his leg. "Stupid guy," she took a deep breath, turned and ran away.
He was sitting in his room now, confused and disturbed by the afternoon's encounter.Laurie was playing the lute.Finally, he put down what he was doing and said, "Trouble, Pug? You look like you're being promoted to foreman and sent back to the swamp."
Pug lay down and looked at the ceiling. "It's all Katara's trouble."
"Oh," Laurie sighed.
"What do you mean by 'oh'?"
"Nothing, just that Almorella told me that girl hasn't been very nice the last two weeks and you've been running around like a raging bull these days. Trouble?"
"I don't know. She just... just... she kicked me today."
Laurie threw back his head and laughed. "Gods, why would she do that?"
"I don't know. She just kicked me."
"Then did you respond?"
"I didn't do anything."
"Ha." Laurie laughed louder. "Big trouble, Pug. All I know is that if a woman hates a man she despises him—as the man despises women."
Pug looked dejected now. "I suppose that's it."
Laurie looked surprised. "Are you kidding me? Don't you like her?"
Pug leaned forward, put his elbows on his knees, and said, "Neither. I like her quite a bit. She's lovely and pretty. It's just . . . "
"Just what?"
Pug took a furtive glance at his friend to see if he was laughing at himself.Laurie was smiling, but not ironically.帕格于是安心地继续说着。 “那是因为……因为我喜欢的另有其人。”
劳瑞惊得闭不了嘴，随后叫道。“是谁？在这个被神遗忘的世界中除了阿尔莫瑞拉，卡塔拉是唯一一个大美人了。”他叹了口气。“说实话，她比阿尔莫瑞拉还漂亮，当然只是一点点而已。除此之外，我从来没看见你和别的女人搭过腔而且你在别人面前总是躲躲藏藏的。”
帕格摇头朝下看着。“不，劳瑞。我是指回家。”
劳瑞又一次张大了嘴，他面朝下倒了下去嘴里念念有词。“回家！我该怎么修理面前的小子？这家伙一定傻掉了！”他用双肘撑起身子说道，“帕格竟然会说这种话？难道这会是那个要我忘记过去的人吗？会是那个一在坚持说怀念过去的生活只会使自己丧命的家伙吗？”
帕格毫不理睬这一连串的问题。“这都不一样。”
“那区别在哪里呢？露茜亚（Ruthia，神）既保护那些流浪汉，醉鬼，也关心游吟诗人，你倒是给我说说有什么区别？看来当你一想到这女孩就会又有千百倍的希望，她到底是谁？”
“说真的，当我一想起卡琳（Carline）就觉得心神平静……”他大声地叹着气。“我们都得有个梦想，劳瑞。”
劳瑞安静地看了一会儿他的年轻朋友。“不错，帕格，我们都需要梦想。但是，”他响亮地转折着语气，“梦想是一回事，一个美丽动人的姑娘又是另外回事了。”看到帕格有些怒意，他连忙转开话题。“卡琳是谁，帕格？”
“是博瑞克公爵的女儿。”
劳瑞瞪大了眼睛。“是卡琳公主？”帕格点头默认。劳瑞的声音显得有些可笑。“是在西方国度之中地位仅次于克朗多亲王之女的那个女孩？想不到你竟然还有这种遭遇！快给我说说她。”
帕格一开始说得很慢，说他如何从孩提时就对她痴迷万分，然后他俩又是如何发展关系的。劳瑞安静地听着，将问题都丢在一边，让帕格一人释放着压抑多年的情感。最后帕格说道，“也许那就是困挠于我和卡塔拉之间的事。有时候卡塔拉就像卡琳一样。她们都有着倔强的脾气，都喜欢表露自己的喜怒哀乐。”
劳瑞一言不发地点点头。帕格也转入沉默，好一会儿才说道，“当我在卡瑞德时，我曾想过也许我爱上卡琳了。但是我难以确定。是不是有点奇怪？”
劳瑞摇了摇头。“不，帕格。爱一个人有很多种方法。有时候我们太渴望爱了，反而变得草率起来。有时候我们将爱视作纯洁神圣之物，那些鄙下的人是永远得不到的。但在大多数时候，爱是一种赞誉，是一个表白'我会珍惜你的一言一行。'的机会。对它不必承担婚姻的责任。这种是对的父母爱，是对家乡国家的爱，是对生命的热爱，是对人民的爱。每一种爱都示意不同。但是请告诉我，你对卡塔拉的感觉与对卡琳的感觉一样子吗？”
帕格耸耸肩膀微笑着。“不，完全不同。我觉得和卡琳在一起时时刻刻都得和她保持一定的距离。只有那样一切才会进展顺利。”
劳瑞小心试探着。“那和卡塔拉在一起呢？”
帕格还是耸耸肩膀。“我不清楚。两者感觉不一样。我觉得不必对她时刻提放着。我有很多话可就是没法开口对她说。在她第一次冲我微笑的时候我就像被噎住一样。当卡琳静下来时，只要她愿意我便能和她聊天。卡塔拉一静下来，我却不知道说什么好。”他停了一会儿，发出一声半叹半吟的呻吟。“一想到卡塔拉就让我心烦意乱啊，劳瑞。”
劳瑞又躺下身子，一阵友善的笑声从他嘴里传出。“啊，很好我知道症结所在了。我得承认你很能吸引女孩的目光。就我看来，卡塔拉是你的猎物。至于卡琳……”
帕格有点急躁地说道，“等一回去我就介绍你们认识。”
劳瑞没理会他。“我不会放弃这种机会的。还有，我看你已经掌握了怎样去找个好女人的诀窍了。”他不无伤感地说道，“我真希望能像你那样。那些野店寡妇，农家女孩，大街上的妓女占据了我的生活。我真不知道该对你从何说起。”
“劳瑞，”帕格说道。劳瑞坐起身子看着眼前的朋友。“我真的不知道……我真的不知道该怎么去做。”
劳瑞紧盯着帕格，随即豁然开朗地甩头大笑。他看见帕格的怒意又上来了，急忙双手道歉似地合实说道。“真对不起，帕格。我不是故意要你难堪的。可那不是我期望听到的回答。”
稍得安慰的帕格继续说着，“我在被抓之前还很年轻，决不超过十六岁。和别的男孩相比我并没什么出众的地方，所以女孩们从来不注意我，直到遇见卡琳。当我成为侍卫之后，她们又害怕同我说话。再后来……该死的，劳瑞你知道。我在沼泽地待了整整四年。我哪儿来的机会去了解女人？”
劳瑞安静地坐着，屋子里紧张的气氛渐渐消散。“帕格，我从没想过会是这样，但是如你所说的，你什么时候才有时间呢？”
“劳瑞，我到底该怎样做？”
“那你准备怎么去做？”劳瑞神情关注地看着帕格。
“我想应该……应该去见她。我不清楚。”
劳瑞摩挲着下颚。“瞧，帕格，我待一会儿说的话是打算留在日后和我的儿子谈的。当然我没有调侃你的意思。但我不得不说。”
他转过脸，敛神说道，“在我十二岁那年父亲将我赶出了家门，谁叫我是家里最大的一个孩子，因为他还要养活另外七张嘴。而且我讨厌整日耕种。于是我和一个邻家孩子一同去了逖尔索格在街头流浪了一年。他作为厨师的跟班加入了佣兵团，后来成为一名士兵。我则跟上了一个旅行剧团。成了一名游吟诗人的学徒，从他那里学习歌曲，传记，民谣，开始了自己旅行的生涯。十三岁正是一个男孩的青春期。在剧团里有个寡妇，她是个歌手，和她同行的还有她的兄弟姐妹。尽管她才二十出头，可在我眼里已经是个不小的岁数了。也就是她教会了我男人和女人之间的那种游戏。”劳瑞停了一会儿，搜寻着脑海中的记忆。随后笑了起来。“差不多过去十五年了，帕格。但是我还没有忘记她的模样。那时候我们都有点迷糊。一切都显得毫无征兆。就发生在旅途中的一个下午。”
“她很温柔。”他看着帕格。“尽管我装得很自信，可她知道我心里很害怕。”他笑着闭上眼睛。“我依然记那日光掠过她的脸庞落在树梢之上，也不会忘记她那混合着野花芳香的气息。”他睁开双眼继续说道，“趁着学唱歌之际，我和她一起待了两年。之后我就离开了剧团。”
“发生了什么事情？”帕格追问道，对他而言这是个从未听过的故事。劳瑞之前也未提过他的童年时光。
“她再婚了。对方是个不错的归宿，他经营着一家旅店，位于马兰科十字（Malac's Cross）城与朵荣谷（Durrony's Vale）之间的大路上。他的妻子死于热病，为他留下两个年幼儿子。她试着为我解释这一切，可我一句话也听不进。那时候我能懂什么？我连十六岁都不到，我的眼中只有一个单纯的世界。”
帕格点点头。 "I understand what you mean."
劳瑞接着说，“你看，我给你说这些那是因为我理解你的问题。我能够解释如何去处理这些事……”
帕格说道，“我知道，我可不是被僧侣带大的人。”
“但你的确不知道该如何去做。”帕格点了点头，两人不约而同地笑起来。“我想你应该去女孩那儿，交流一下彼此的感觉，”劳瑞说道。
“仅仅是和她谈话？”
“当然。爱情和大多数事情一样，都是要用脑子的。把蛮力都留到需要的事上吧。现在就去她哪儿。”
“现在？”帕格显得有些惊慌。
“你就不能再快点？”
帕格点点头安静地走了。他穿出漆黑幽静的走廊，来到奴隶区外，径直走向她的住处。他举起手敲了几下门，当门打开时他正安静地站着盘算该说些什么。阿尔莫瑞拉站在门口，身上披着一件袍子，头发零乱地散在肩上。“噢，”她轻轻叫着，“我还以为是劳瑞。请等一会儿。”她说着消失在屋子里，很快又抱着一大摞东西出现了。她拍了拍帕格的手臂然后径直跑去劳瑞的住处。站在门口的帕格慢慢走进屋子。他看见卡塔拉正躺在铺子上。他慢慢走上前去在她身边蹲坐下来。
他轻触着她的肩头唤着她的名字。她苏醒过来，猛地坐起身子，用毯子将自己裹起来说道，“你到这里来干吗？”
“我……我只是想和你谈谈。”他一开口，后面的话就像连珠炮一般。“如果我以前有什么地方得罪你了，请你原谅。我是指劳瑞曾经跟我说'你要是没有按照别人所期望的那样做'往往结果和过分热心一样糟糕。你看。我真不知道自己那儿做错了。”她掩着嘴咯咯笑着，尽管周围很黑可她还是看见他挺难过的。“我的意思是……我想说很对不起，为我已经做过抑或还未做的事道歉……”
她连忙用指尖遮住他的嘴。将手臂缠绕在他的脖子上，把他的头向下拉着。她轻吻一下说道，“傻小子。去把门关上。”
他俩躺在一起，卡塔拉的手臂横在帕格胸膛上，他则看着天花板。她还打着哈欠，他的手穿过她那浓密的头发放在她柔嫩的肩上。
“怎么了？”她困倦地问道。
“我只是想自从成为公爵的手下之后还没如此高兴过。”
“那很好啊。”她似乎有点清醒了。“公爵是什么玩意儿？”
帕格沉思了一会儿。“和这里的领主是一个意思，没多大差别。我的主人是国王的堂弟。是整个王国之中第三个有权势的人物。”
她紧紧地依偎住他。“那你在他手下一定也很重要。”
“不全对，我为他服务并领取酬劳。”他不打算在这里提到卡琳的名字。不知何故以往对公主的种种幻想在今晚都显得那么幼稚。
卡塔拉侧翻过身子，用一只手撑将抬起的头撑住，手臂弯曲成三角形。“我希望每样事物都能有所不同。”
“为什么，亲爱的？”
“我的父亲在图瑞（Thuril）是个农民。哪儿是凯勒温的最后一个自由之地。如果我们能够到那里，说不定你能在考德拉（Coaldra）谋到一个席位，它是个战士委员会。他们一直需要足智多谋的人。而我们俩则能永远在一起。”
“我们现在不就是在一起吗？”
卡塔拉轻轻地吻她一下。“不错，亲爱的帕格，我们是在一起。但是我们没有自由我们能够永远在一起吗？”
帕格坐了起来。“我一直逼自己不去想这个问题。”
她将他抱进怀中，就像抱了个孩子。“沼泽地的生活一定很糟糕。我们只听到过传闻，没有人知道那里的真相，”她柔声地说道。
“一切都很好，你不必担心什么。”
她热吻着帕格，很快两人再次沉浸在忘我的境界之中，将一切痛苦和烦恼都抛之脑后。接下来的时光中他们享受着彼此间的欢娱，探索着对方每一份新鲜的感觉。帕格即不知道也不想过问她之前是否还认识别的男人。这对于他并不重要。现在唯一重要的就是能和她在一起。他正遭受着一波波激情的浪头。他难以描述现在的感觉，唯一的疑问就是他竟觉得卡塔拉是如此的真实，灿烂的卡琳带给他的则是那种可望不可及的感觉。
几周之后，帕格发现自己的生活渐渐走上正轨。有时在晚上他会陪辛萨崴领主下象棋——或是将棋，这是它在这里的称呼——他们之间的谈话让他进一步了解了簇朗尼人的生活。他不再将这些人视为异类，因为他发现这些人的生活和他儿时的所见所闻极其相似。当然也有让人惊奇的差别，比如对于荣誉信条的执著，但这些差别微不足道。
卡塔拉现在成了他生活的重心。只要是能够待在一起的时间他俩决不错过，吃饭时，传达命令时，乃至晚上。帕格清楚别的奴隶知道他们夜晚的幽会，但是簇朗尼人之间紧密相邻的生活养成了他们对别人的私生活漠不关心的态度，没有人会去关心一对进进出出的奴隶。
在他那晚初会卡塔拉后又过了数周，帕格正陪着卡苏米散步，而劳瑞却和一个快为他做完琵琶的木匠争执不休着，那人认为劳瑞对为琵琶漆上的黄紫色的反对有点不可理喻，在他看来将原木完全暴露在外是毫无价值的可言的。帕格和卡苏米径直走开，留下歌手一人为工匠解释着木材对于音质的影响，只是那架势更像是用声音压倒对方而不是用道理。
他们朝畜圈走去。辛萨崴领主的下属又买了好几匹马送到了庄园，在帕格眼中这只是耗费大量金钱的政治手段。每次和奴隶在一起，卡苏米总是使用通用语（King's Tongue），并且一再强调他们要直呼他的名字。看来他学习语言的速度就和他学骑马一样的快。
“那位劳瑞朋友。”长男说道，“用簇朗尼人的眼光看他始终不是个合格的奴隶。他不会欣赏我们的艺术。”
帕格现在还听得到从木匠屋传来的争吵声。“我想他更加乐意陶醉在自己的艺术之中吧。”
他们来到畜栏外看见一匹灰色种马因为他俩的到来而躁动嘶鸣着。这匹马是一周前被送到这里的，刚来时它被好几条缰绳拴在货车上，而且总是企图攻击靠近的人。
“你为什么认为这家伙是件棘手的事情，帕格？”
帕格看见这头健壮的生物在圈里绕着圈子，不让别的马接近人类。当母马和别的马都显出臣服的姿态之后，灰毛远远地待在一边，扭过身子警惕地看着来人。
“我不确定，它只是脾气有点坏，要么是以前受到虐待的缘故，否则它就是匹受过特殊训练的战马。我们那里的战马经训练后对战斗毫不畏惧，即能随时保持安静，又能迅速对骑手的命令做出反应。还有少数马是专门为贵族头领准备的，它们只会服从自己主人的命令，而且它们既是武器也是交通工具，它们懂得如何做出攻击。眼前这匹马也许就是其中之一。”
卡苏米趁它扒地晃头之际凑近观察起来。“总有一天我会骑上它的，”他说道。“无论如何，它会有一群健壮的后代。我们现在已有五匹母马，并且父亲又找到五匹。几周后它们就会抵达，我们会搜遍帝国的每一片土地去找更多的马。”卡苏米朝远处望了一眼沉思道，“当我第一次到你们那个世界时，帕格，说真的我很讨厌看见马。它们踢踏着我们，我们的士兵在它们的脚下死去。但现在它们在我的眼中竟是如此高贵的生物。我在你们的世界时听到一些囚犯说有些贵族养的马很值得称道。日后辛萨崴家族的战马将是帝国中最好的。”
“看情况，你们有个不错的开头，赎我寡闻，我想你们需要大量的饲料才行。”
“我们会准备充分的。”
“卡苏米，你们的领导人难道不想让它们在战斗中发挥作用吗？你应该很清楚尽快建立一只骑兵部队增强你们的战力。”
卡苏米的表情突然变得很沮丧。“我们的那些头领大部分都是食古不化的家伙，帕格。他们拒绝接受训练骑兵所带来的好处。他们简直愚蠢至极。你们的那些骑兵践踏过我们战士的身躯，他们却声称不能向你们这群野蛮人学习。我有一次攻打你家乡的一座城池，那些防御者给我好好上了一堂战争课。说这些话足以给我打上叛国的烙印，事实上我们的军事优势仅在于人数。而你们的那些将军却很有技巧。知道想方设法保住每个士兵的生命远胜于让他们白白送死，真让人茅塞顿开。”
“不，其实领导我们战斗的正是——”帕格忽然停住口，他意识到所说的话会为自己带来危险。“其实，”他改口道，“我们只不过是你所说的那种不知好歹的家伙。”
他盯着帕格的脸看了好一会儿，继而笑道。“在我们刚开始捕捉这些马的第一年，大将军手下的尊者研究起这些生物，用以确定它们是否和乔迦一样都是聪明的盟友，或仅仅是畜生而已。当时有个非常滑稽的场面。大将军一再强调骑上马的第一人只能是他。我估价他当时选的马和眼前这匹灰毛一样，他刚一靠近就被马攻击了。他怎么丢的起这种面子。我想他以后对骑任何动物都心有顾忌了。我们的大将军，奥尔米寇（Almecho）可是个极其刚愎自用的人，整个簇朗尼帝国中无出其右者。”
帕格说道，“那您的父亲为何依然悬赏捕捉马匹？而您也不顾禁令继续骑马？”
卡苏米笑得更欢了。“我的父亲在议会之中可是个有影响力的人物。借助我们特殊的政治体系，即使是来自大将军甚至是来自上议会的命令我们都能想办法规避，当然皇帝的命令除外。事实上最重要的一点还是这些马在我们手里，而不是在大将军那儿。”他笑道。“大将军权力再大也有鞭长莫及的地方。在这片庄园，我父亲的命令是不容置疑的。”
自从来到辛萨崴庄园之后，卡苏米和他父亲那些不可告人的举动让帕格感到心烦。他确信他们卷入了某桩簇朗尼政治阴谋，但他却拿不出证据。但这对如此有权势的父子花那么大的精力决不会为是一时兴起。尽管如此，帕格知道自己与其庸人自扰不如顺其自然。他换了个话题说道。“卡苏米，我想打听些事。”
"What is it?"
“法律中有关于奴隶结婚的条文吗？”
卡苏米似乎对这个问题并不感到惊讶。“奴隶当然可以结婚，前提是得到主人的允许。只是获得这种许可的机会不大。一旦结婚，夫妻两人不能再分开，当父母在世时他们的子女也不会被卖到远方。这都是法律规定的。假如一对夫妇活得够长，他们的后代将会变成庄园的负担，所以很少有获得同意结婚的奴隶。但也有偶尔开恩的时候。你怎么想到娶卡塔拉了？”
帕格刹时惊呆了。“你全知道了？”
卡苏米放下傲慢的架子说道，“在这里没有任何事情能够从我父亲眼皮底下溜走的，他全部告诉我了。这对我是莫大的荣誉。”
帕格深沉地点点头。“我还没决定，我的确很喜欢她，但是我总觉得有股无形的阻力。它就像是……”他耸耸肩膀不说话了。
卡苏米近近地审视了他一会儿，说道，“这是我父亲的意思，他怎么说你就得怎么做。”卡苏米刚说完，帕格就痛苦地觉得在两人之间有着莫大的隔阂，一人是有着至上权力的领主的儿子，另一个只不过是领主的一份微不足道的财产，一名奴隶而已。虚有其表的友谊很快就破裂了，帕格再次记起他生活在沼泽地时学到的：奴隶的命一钱不值，只要眼前这人和他的父亲那天不高兴了，帕格也就离死亡不远了。
似乎是看穿了帕格的心思卡苏米说道，“记住，帕格，律法是严厉的。是奴隶就永远别想获得自由。无论是在沼泽地，还是在这里都一样。而且对生活在簇朗阮尼的我们而言，你们那个国度的人总显得那么烦躁。”
帕格知道卡苏米是想告诉他一些事，或许还是些重要的事。虽然卡苏米有时显得很坦诚，但很快就会恢复成那种簇朗尼式的傲慢态度，这往往让帕格摸不着头脑。听得出卡苏米的语气中有种莫名的压力，帕格自忖还是不要点破的好。于是他又换了个话题说道，“战事发展的怎么样了，卡苏米？”
卡苏米叹息道，“两边都很糟糕。”他看着那匹灰马。“我们依靠着稳固的防线战斗，这三年来都是这样。我们最近的两次进攻都受挫了，但是你们的军队也没有得益多少。最近几周没什么大战事。只是你的同胞偷袭了我们的一块飞地，当然我们随即还之颜色。结果是除了撒溅出更多的鲜血之外毫无建树。这种无意义的争斗即使赢了也毫无荣誉可言。”
帕格对他的话惊讶万分。他对簇朗尼人的了解全来自于多年前梅克汉姆（Meecham）对他们的观察，那时的簇朗尼人就似一个好战的民族。他在这座庄园的任何地方都能看见士兵。庄园的两位少主人也是军人，他们的父亲在年轻时同样也是军人。霍卡努已成为他父亲驻军之中的斥候的统领，因为他是辛萨崴领主的次子，除此之外处理沼泽营地工头的手段也显示出霍卡努的冷酷无情，帕格知道这并不值得惊呀。因为他是簇朗尼人，而且簇朗尼的信条从小就扎根于他心中，永远不会磨灭。
卡苏米感到对方正看着他于是说道，“和你们这种人待得那么久恐怕我已变得心软了，帕格。”他顿了一下。“过来，给我多说些你们那儿的人以及……。”卡苏米突然不说话了。他一把抓住帕格的手，朝他身后看去。不一会儿他就叫道，“不，不可能！”他急忙挥起手臂畅声喊道，“有偷袭！是瑟乌族！”
帕格侧耳倾听不远处传来轻微的隆隆声，就像有一群马奔驰在草原上。他爬到畜圈的横木上向远处观望。整片牧场自畜圈后向外延伸出去直到远处依稀可见的树林。当身后响起警报的时候，他看见有东西从林木线那儿出现。
帕格着迷地看着那些被称为瑟乌的生物朝庄园急驰而来。它们的身形随着逼近帕格的所在地而变得清晰可见。它们身形高大，乍看之下似是半人马一般，远看还以为是有人骑在马上。与其说像马，不如说它们有着像鹿一般的下身和人类一样的上体，但是它们却有着一张长有猪嘴的猿脸。除了那张脸，它们通体长着灰白夹杂的短毛。每个都带着狼牙棒或是用坚石和木棍制成的石斧。
霍卡努和守卫们跑出兵营在畜圈周围就位。弓箭手们个个拉满手中的弓，剑士们则横着队列，准备冲锋。
忽然劳瑞出现在帕格身边，手里正握着那个半成的琵琶。
"What's wrong?"
“瑟乌族来偷袭了！”
劳瑞和帕格一样对眼前的情况甚是着迷。他竟然丢下手中的琵琶也爬上了畜圈。“你这是在干吗？”帕格叫道。
游吟诗人灵巧地避开那匹灰马，跳到另外一匹马的背上，那是匹领头的母马。“我是要让它们更安全啊。”
帕格点头赞同随即打开圈门。劳瑞骑着马冲了出去，但是灰毛却阻止别的马匹跟进，将它们又领回畜圈。帕格犹豫了片刻，自语道，“阿尔贡（Algon），希望你教的那些有用。”他安静地走向那匹种马，默默地尝试着传达出命令。当种马摆着耳朵冲他喷鼻息时，帕格发出命令，“别动！”
随着命令的发出马的耳朵立即竖了起来，它似乎有点犹豫不决。帕格清楚时间紧迫不容他有所停顿。当他靠近时那匹马注视着他，帕格又叫了一声，“别动！”就在那马快闪开时，他迅速抓住马的鬃毛翻上马背。
也许是巧合也许是运气，这匹战马将帕格的命令当成了它以前那位主人的命令。或许受到是周围嘈杂战斗声的影响，暂且就不管是什么原因了，灰毛在帕格双腿的拍打下猛地越门而出。帕格使劲地抱住它的脖子不让自己落马，当灰毛冲出圈门时，帕格嚷道，“劳瑞，快把别的马都带走！”就在种马向左转向时，帕格趁机向身后瞄了一眼，只见剩下的马都跟着劳瑞骑的头马跑出了畜圈。
帕格看见卡苏米端着一副马鞍从仓库里跑了出来，于是他吆喝着让马停下来，“遏！”。在没马鞍的马背上他尽量让自己坐直了。
种马停下脚步，帕格又命令道，“安静！”灰毛却跃跃欲试地用蹄子锤着地面。越来越近的卡苏米叫道，“别让马匹加入战斗。这会是一场血战，那些瑟乌不死光是不会罢休的。”他又招呼劳瑞停下，从胡乱转悠的一小群马中拉出一匹马为它套上鞍具。
帕格和劳瑞分别骑着各自的马，引领着剩下的四匹马奔向庄园的另一边。他俩尽量将马匹赶作一团不让瑟乌的视线所能及。
一名士兵带着武器从屋角跑出来。他跑到帕格和劳瑞的身边叫道，“卡苏米主人命令你们必须用生命保护这些马。”说着他为两名奴隶各发了一柄剑和一副盾牌，之后又跑回战团之中。
帕格掂量着手中奇异的剑和盾牌，它们比他曾经所触及过的武器来得更轻便。一声尖锐的惊叫打断了他的思考，只见卡苏米正骑马绕着房子与一个瑟乌战士且行且战。辛萨崴家的长男马术并不逊色，尽管他没有经过多少马背上的战斗训练，但是他精湛剑术足以弥补不足。
他的经验不足正如瑟乌战士对马的不了解，两者相互抵消，因为此时并不是一对一的战斗，他的坐骑也参与了战斗，对手的胸部脸面都受到马的攻击。一闻到瑟乌身上的那股气味，帕格骑着的灰毛蹬起后身差点将他甩下马背。他急忙紧紧揪住马鬃双腿牢牢夹住马肚。别的马也不安地嘶鸣起来，帕格尽力将跨下的马安抚下来。劳瑞叫道，“看来它们讨厌那些家伙的气味。看，卡苏米的马也不这么对劲。”
突然另一个瑟乌战士闯进他们的视野，劳