Chapter 2 Chapter 2 The Apprentice

All was silent in the forest. The bright sunlight shines through the dense branches and leaves, bringing a touch of summer warmth to the deserted oak.When the breeze gently caresses the leaves.The birds that always sing loudly at sunrise and evening are also extraordinarily quiet at this time.The air was filled with the salty smell of the sea breeze, the sweet scent of flowers and the smell of decaying leaves. Pug and Thomas took a leisurely walk on the path in the forest.They wandered aimlessly in this peaceful forest, and their mood seemed to become particularly bright.Pug found a rock and sat down, turning to his companion. "You didn't expect your mother to be so easily angered, did you?"

Thomas smiled. "No, she actually knows how to handle things. She's seen the other kids' choice days. Besides, we're more of a mess than a help in the kitchen." Pug nodded, remembering how he'd spilled the entire contents of the jar when he sent honey to Alfan, who was making the cake.And knocked over all the bread slices when taking the dish out of the oven. "Oh, Thomas, I think I screwed everything up again today." Thomas laughed.He is a tall and strong boy with reddish yellow hair and clear blue eyes.Although he can also cause trouble everywhere like a naughty child, perhaps it is this friendly smile that appears on his face all the time that makes him popular in the castle.He was Pug's best friend, and it was for this reason that Pug had a place among the town children, for all the children loved Thomas like a leader.

"Actually, you're not much stupider than me, and you won't forget to hang the bacon high up." Thomas said mockingly. Pug cracked his mouth, "But on the other hand, at least the Duke's hound is very happy." He said, and he couldn't help laughing, "But you really pissed her off, didn't you? " Thomas laughed along with his partner, "She was so angry that the dog only had a chance to take a bite before being thrown away by her. In fact, her anger was more directed at the priest. She said that the selection day was not enough. A lot of old men and craftsmen to pass the day smoking pipes and drinking beer and talking nonsense gossip I don't know where. The so-called choice is just a formality. She said they had already decided which children to choose."

"It's not her own idea, all the women say so," replied Pug, and he smiled at Thomas, "but there's probably nothing wrong with it." Thomas got serious. "She really didn't like it, especially when he wasn't in the kitchen supervising. She was always very irritable. I think she knew it herself, so she kicked us out early in the morning to prevent more Sprinkle a lot of anger on us. At least on you." He showed a sly smile, "I think she likes you the most." Pug laughed again. "Yeah, I guess it's because I seldom get into trouble."

Thomas gave him a heavy arm, "You mean you are rarely caught!" Giggling, Pug drew the slingshot from under his shirt. "It might put her in a better mood if we could bring home some quail or something for dinner." Thomas smiled and nodded in agreement. "Maybe she will." He also took out his slingshot.Both boys were excellent slingshots, Thomas the best of all the boys in town, and Pug only a little less.However, it is almost impossible to shoot a bird flying through the air with a small slingshot. Even if they can find a resting quail, there are many factors that determine whether they can hit the prey.Still, they're happy to find a thing to do to while away the time and forget about selection day for a while.

The two children crawled on the ground quietly and exaggeratedly, playing the role of hunters.Thomas led his companions to the pond not far from here.At this time of day it is almost impossible to hope to find game, unless they are lucky enough to run into a fat, flightless quail.However, if there is such a discovery at all, it will only be near the pond.The forest in the northeast of Kared Town is far less dangerous than the large forest in the south. Years of logging and reclamation make it easy for sunlight to pierce through the sparse canopy and pour into the open space between the forests, bringing bright and warm air into the forest. every corner.And sunlight is simply impossible to find in the deep and dark southern forests.The children of the castle have been coming to play here for ages.With a little imagination, this area can become a land of wonder, a green world full of adventure.Many great legends happened here.The heroic escape, the horrific mission, the life-and-death battle, all of which are witnessed by the eternally silent ancient tree towering here, watching silently and listening to these children who are about to grow up expressing their childhood dreams. dream.Vile creatures, mighty monsters and murderous bushrangers fought and defeated with the might of good, but death always followed the hero when he uttered his last cry , His companion could not help but weep with grief.At last the appointed time came, and they must conclude the fighting, and return at once to the castle for supper.

Thomas looked up, and through the dense trees and shrubs he could already see the edge of the pond.He crawled over, brushed aside the rough-edged bushes with his hands, in order to see better, he was stunned for a moment, and immediately called softly: "Pug, look!" On the bank, stood a tall stag , it raised its head proudly, as if it sensed something, it looked around, looking for the source of its uneasiness.It is a very old animal, the mane on its neck has almost turned white, and the antlers on its head are as huge and luxurious as a king's crown. Pug quickly counted, "There are fourteen forks!"

Thomas nodded in agreement. "It must be the oldest deer in this forest." The buck slowly turned his attention to where the boys were hiding, one ear pricked up slightly.The children lay motionless and quietly on the ground, hiding behind the dense bushes.For a long time, stalemate in silence, the buck opened its nostrils, as if it had sneezed, and finally turned around, stuck its head into the clear lake water, and enjoyed the sweet water peacefully. Thomas jerked Pug's head aside.Following the direction indicated by Thomas, Pug saw a figure silently walking towards the open space by the pond.It was a tall man, wearing a leather jacket and a green cloak that almost blended with the jungle.A longbow was slung across his back, and a hunter's dagger was at his waist.With his green hood tucked behind his back, he was walking towards the beautiful animal, taking every step carefully. "That's Martin."

Thomas whispered. Pug also recognized the Duke's chief hunter, an orphan like Pug, and Martin was known in the town as Martin Longbow, whose mysterious origin was as remarkable as his superb archery.Longbow Martin likes children very much. He is always cold to others in the castle, but no matter what time he will treat every child patiently and friendly.Like every chief hunter, he was also the Duke's ranger, and he would leave the castle every day and go into the forest, not even returning for a week.He followed the animals that had migrated into the forest, the robbers and those who entrenched the vicinity, and anything that might cause other dangers or fires, and kept the land safe. Plex activity.But he always had time for the kids, his dark eyes were always friendly, and he would answer questions from the kids sitting around him or talk about Kari all night long. Various legends of Germany.He always seems to be tolerant and kind, which makes him very different from other guild masters in the castle.

Martin walked up to the buck, touched it lightly and stroked its slender and beautiful neck. The buck raised its head and leaned against Martin's arm, "If you walk over slowly and don't make a sound, it will also Let you stroke it." Martin said softly. Pug and Thomas looked at each other, and then walked out of the bushes where they were hiding. They walked slowly along the edge of the pond. The stag watched them, his head turned slowly following their movement, and his eyes showed vigilance. look.Martin comforted it gently.Thomas and Pug walked up to the hunter, and Martin said softly, "Take it easy, don't scare it."

Thomas stretched out his hand first, and the Buck watched his fingers vigilantly. Pug also stepped forward, and the Buck took a step back.Martin chanted softly to it in a language Pug had never heard, and the animal stood motionless.Pug caressed its back, the soft and warm fur reminded him of the fur coat he had stroked before, but unlike that, under each of his fingers, he could clearly feel a pulse of life . Suddenly, the stag backed sharply, turned, and leaped into the bushes, disappearing into the thicket.Longbow Martin smiled, "That's good, don't make it too friendly to humans, or its head will appear on the wall decoration on a certain stove soon." Thomas whispered, "It's beautiful." Longbow Martin nodded, his eyes still fixed on the area where the stag disappeared, "Indeed, it's beautiful. Thomas." "I thought you were going to kill it, aren't you a hunter? Why—" Pug asked suspiciously. "A true hunter knows what to kill and what not to hurt. Pug, I only hunt animals that are too old to survive. One day, whitebeard , referring to the above stag with the white mane on the neck) will also age, and it will no longer have the ability to gallop like a young stag and compete for a mate, and at that point, I will kill it .But for now, I let it go on with its life, and enjoy its life, until the day comes when my arrow will end it all." He smiled at the boy. "But I don't know if I'll actually shoot that arrow, maybe, maybe not." He put away his smile, as if thinking about the day when Whitemane is really old enough to be worthless In such a scene, an imperceptible sadness flashed across his face. "Now, tell me, boys, what did you come to do in the duke's forest so early in the morning? I think you must have plenty of work to do on a summer's morning." Thomas replied, "My mother kicked us out of the kitchen, I think we got into some trouble there, and, you know, election day..." His voice trailed off suddenly, and he suddenly felt a little Awkward.Martin's mysterious past is that when he first came to Kared, it was the selection day. However, the Duke appointed him as the apprentice and successor of the master hunter without the selection and approval of the master of the guild. .This unconventional approach was immediately opposed by almost everyone, but no one dared to accuse Lord Bolik face to face, so Martin became the target of people's accusations as a matter of course.Although a year later, Martin proved that the choice of Duke Bolic was correct with his excellent archery and intelligence, but many people still expressed dissatisfaction with the special treatment he received.Even today, twelve years later, there are still many people who have distrust towards Longbow Martin. "I'm sorry, Martin," Thomas said dryly. Martin nodded tolerantly, but there was no smile on his face. "I understand, Thomas. Maybe I haven't experienced that kind of anxiety about selection day, but over the years, I have learned about the troubles of many boys before selection day. And in these four years, I have been with other guild masters. We stand together, and I understand your concerns." A thought flashed through Pug's mind, and he blurted out, "But you haven't been with the other guild masters lately!" Martin nodded, with a frowning look on his face, "I think so. Your worries are so obvious that you may not see some obvious things, but you, Pug, are smart." Thomas didn't understand what they were talking about at first, but after a while, he suddenly realized, "You didn't discuss the selection day with other guild masters, that is to say, you are not going to choose any Apprentice?!" Martin put a finger in front of his lips, "Don't tell anyone about it. I'm not going to recruit any new apprentices this year. I already have a dozen followers." Thomas bowed his head in disappointment. His greatest wish was to become a swordsman under the Swordmaster Fannon, but if he was not chosen to be a fighter, he hoped to be with Martin lives in the forest.But now his second wish has been shattered.He thought with disappointment, but soon became happy again, maybe Martin didn't choose the apprentice because he - the best candidate - had already been chosen by Van Nuoen. Seeing his friend contemplating all the possibilities and falling into frustration and joy, Pug turned to Martin, "You've been away from the castle for almost a month, Martin." He clasped the slingshot tightly in his hand, and asked , "Where have you been during this time?" Regarding the boy's question, Martin gave Pug a reproachful look. Although Martin was always friendly, he was the master of the hunter's guild and one of the duke's assistants, and a boy in a castle couldn't ask Pug so rudely. and the whereabouts of a duke's assistant. Regarding the boy's question, Martin gave Pug a reproachful look. Although Martin was always friendly, he was the master of the hunter's guild and one of the duke's assistants, and a boy in a castle couldn't ask Pug so rudely. and the whereabouts of a duke's assistant. Then Martin responded with a forgiving smile to the somewhat disturbed boy, "I went to Elvandar, where Queen Aglaranna ended twenty years of mourning for her dead husband, the Elven King. There was a big banquet there. " Pug looked at him in surprise, just like all the residents of Karid, for them, the elves are a race full of mystery, but Martin spent his childhood there, and is one of the very few people who have crossed the north One of the humans of the elf forest.But there was a reason Martin left there when he was a kid.Pug remembered what Martin had said about his unusual intimacy with the elves.Pug stuttered and asked, "Are you familiar with the Elf Queen?" Martin smiled unnaturally, "Well...in fact, my seat is far away from Her Majesty the Queen, but I am indeed there." Seeing the curious eyes in the children's eyes, he continued. "You know I was brought up by the monks of Silban's Abbey near the Elfwood, when I was a boy I used to play with the Elves' children, and when I came here Before that, I had been with Calin, Prince of the Elven Kings, and his cousin Galain." Thomas almost jumped up in surprise, the elves have a special mysterious temptation and curiosity for him, "Do you know Edan, the elf king?" Martin's face darkened, he closed his eyes in displeasure, and his expression became severe.Seeing Martin's expression, Thomas quickly said, "I'm sorry, Martin, did I say something wrong?" Martin shook his head at his apology, "No, it's not your fault, Thomas." He said, his expression gradually softening, "The elves never directly say the names of the dead, and they don't like humans to call the dead directly. The name of the dead, especially one as noble as the Elf King. Because they think that calling the name of the dead will disturb the soul and prevent the dead from rest. I respect their customs." "Well, let me answer you. No, I never saw the King of the Elves. I was only a child when he was slain. But I have heard of his glory, he was the bravest, The most learned king." Martin thought for a while, "It's almost noon, I think we should go back to the castle." He started down the path, the boys following close behind him. "How was the party, Martin?" Thomas asked. Pug listened as the hunter began to tell of the wondrous feast of elves.Pug was also fascinated by the elves' tales, but not as obsessively as Thomas.Thomas could spend a whole evening listening to the tales of elves told by drunkards in taverns until the storyteller got bored, regardless of whether his words were believable or not.Still, Pug thought, they could trust a Master Cong.Martin's voice was deep, and Pug's mind began to wander elsewhere.He was starting to worry about selection day in the afternoon.He kept telling himself that it was pointless to worry, but he was still apprehensive. He found that he was so afraid of the coming afternoon. The boys are standing in the yard.Summer is just over half (midsummer), today is the end of the year and the beginning of the new year.Today everyone in town will be a year older, and for most of the boys here, today is a special day, today is the last day of their childhood, and today – is choice day. Pug adjusted the collar of his new shirt one last time. It wasn't really a new shirt, it was something Thomas had worn, but it was the cleanest and most beautiful of Pug's clothes.Magya, Thomas' mother, gave him these clothes, so that he could stand with dignity before the Duke and his masters of trade.Magya and her husband, Chef Mag, treated him like his biological parents, caring for him when he was sick, caring for him, feeding him, and helping him when he did something wrong. He grabbed his ears hard.They treated him almost as if they were their own child, Thomas' brother. Pug looked around. The other children were also dressed in their best clothes on the most important day of their young lives, and they would stand before the Duke and the masters of the trade and all the Duke's ministers. , they all hope to present themselves in the best possible light in order to obtain an apprenticeship.But in fact, this is just a formality and an old-fashioned tradition. The masters of the industry have already selected their apprentices. They have already spent hours or even days discussing how to assign everyone and who will be selected. , who will lose. Children will be assigned to various industries for training and learning from eight years to thirteen years, in order to develop their skills and development direction, but it is worth noting that, as far as possible, the number of children each year and the conditions of each industry The manpower required is almost equal, but there are always some children who are not selected by any one of the masters of the trade.Because there may be many children vying for a trade apprenticeship, or there may be a trade that is not filled at all because there are no suitable candidates.It's an anxious time for those children who are waiting. Pug looked at his muddy shoes and realized that unlike him, Thomas seemed to have prepared as much as possible, and Pug felt so clumsy and stupid.He looked around, reminding himself that some of the other kids were just as nervous as he was.Some of them pretended to be relaxed and smiled, as if they didn't care whether they were selected or not.And others, like Pug, stood there blankly, trying not to think about what would happen if they lost the election. If lost, Pug—like the other losers—could leave Solas to find a trade in another city that could take him as an apprentice.If he stayed in Solas, he would have to work like a serf on the Duke's land for a lifetime, or work on a small fishing boat.These were all hopeless endings that Pug didn't want, but what he couldn't even imagine was a life without Solas. Pug remembered that Mag had told him that one night, the old cook told him many troubles after being selected: apprentices still had to study hard and train various skills, but even so, there were only a few A small number of apprentices can further become experienced veterans (journeyman) and obtain the prospect of further development.And most of the apprentices who were eliminated were still unable to get any industry positions in Solas.Mag also cites the many children of fishermen and farmers who give up choosing their own day and inherit their father's work.He doesn't think Choice Day is worth the fuss at all, who cares?But Pug believes that since Mag has such prejudice and unpleasant memories of the selection day, he must have long forgotten the tension and uneasiness when he stood in the square and watched the industry masters standing in front of him, and When the last industry master pronounced the last strange name, he was in a state of bewilderment, and he would not remember the disillusioned feelings of other children who were not selected. Pug tried hard to hide his nervousness. Even if he hadn't been chosen, he wouldn't have run to the cliffs of Solor's Grief and jumped off - although it had been done in the past.However, he really doesn't know how he will face his future if he loses the election. Thomas, standing next to his little clam mate, shot Pug a smile.He knew Pug's uneasiness well, but he couldn't understand or experience it, because his father had assured him that the master swordsman Van Noon would call him first.In addition, the sword master also revealed to him that he will train him well and then find him a position as the Duke's personal guard.For Thomas, this is not only an honor but also a promising prospect. He only needs to serve as a royal guard for fifteen to twenty years before he can have the opportunity to hold an important position in the castle. He lightly bumped Pug's waist with his elbow, and the Duke's herald came out, sternly examining the crowd in the yard.He winked, and a guard immediately stepped forward respectfully, and opened the narrow side door of the main castle's huge arch, which was about one person high. Masters and presidents of various industries walked out slowly, and they respectfully Like the nervous children standing below, they neatly stood on both sides, facing the castle, waiting for the Duke to arrive. The huge wooden gate of the castle slowly opened with a rumbling sound.The Duke's personal guards came out first. Holding golden spears, they walked through the huge door opening and walked to their respective positions with neat steps.Their brown war robes are embroidered with the seagull of Kharid, and there is a small golden crown on it, which indicates their status as the Royal Guard. The herald cleared his throat and announced in a loud voice: "Silence! Honorable Borriccon Doin, third Duke of Kared, Prince of the King, Kared, Carse , Tulan; lord of the west of Warden, leader of the Knights of the Kingdom; future heir of the king of Rillanon—Duke Borric is here!" Duke Bolic, who was over fifty years old, walked out slowly with steady and powerful steps, his majestic gaze made people dare not look directly at him, and his burly body was like a born warrior.Had it not been for the grizzling at the temples of his dark brown hair, he would have looked twenty years younger than he really was.He was dressed in black from head to toe, as he had been for the past seven years.Sorrow over the death of his beloved wife - Catherine - still hasn't diminished in any way.There was a black long sword hanging around his waist, his hand was caressing the silver hilt, and on his middle finger was a ring engraved with the Duke's mark—this was the only ornament on his body. The resonant voice of the herald sounded again: "Dear members of the royal family, sons of the duke, knight commanders of the Western Kingdom army, His Royal Highness Ryan Kang Dongyin and His Royal Highness Arusha Kang Dongyin have arrived!" Bao Jue's two sons came up and stood behind their father.They were six and four years younger respectively than the children standing reverently below.The Duke's marriage was short, but his education began early and severely, making his two sons appear much older and more accomplished than their years.They were equally calm and silent. Lane, the Duke's eldest son, stands on his father's right, with a tall, muscular body like his father's, and beautiful blond hair, blue eyes, and a charming smile like his mother.Whenever you look at him, he always has a smiling and friendly expression.He was wearing a light blue shapewear top and yellow pants.The beard on his face was clean-shaven, and his beautiful long golden hair fell to his shoulders. If Ryan represents the warm sunshine during the day, then Arusha is like the cold darkness at night. He is almost as tall as his brother and father, but far from their strong body, slender limbs and slightly thin body. Wearing a brown jacket and russet trousers, with black hair and a clean-shaven face.There is only one impression that Arusha does things—quickly.Lightning-like swordsmanship, lightning-like mind.He is naturally humorless and slightly grim.Unlike Lane, his character and actions are awe-inspiring rather than loving. It seems to be a joke of nature, the duke's two sons inherited their father's respectable side: tolerance, humor, kindness and awesome side: cold, severe, cruel.As a result, their personalities have gone to two extremes, but they are all likely to be future lords-or kings, and the duke's love for the two sons is the same. The herald read loudly again: "Dear members of the royal family, the Duke's daughter—Princess Carline is here!" A smiling, lovely girl stepped out, she was about the same age as the children standing below, but her elegant and beautiful nobility was like the epitome of her mother.The soft and flowing yellow dress and her long black hair fluttered gently in the breeze.Her eyes were as clear and blue as her brother's and her mother's, and when she walked up to her father and took his arm, Ryan greeted him with a smile, and even Arusha gave her sister a rare smile. Most of the boys in the castle have a crush on Princess Karin, and they often try to get the princess' attention by doing all kinds of good moves or flattery, but Karin seems to turn a blind eye to it. Finally, the Duke's judges came out, and Pug and Thomas could now see all the castle officials present, including Kulgan.Pug hadn't seen the mage since that stormy night.Ordinary magicians seldom appear in public, even important gatherings. Therefore, Pug was somewhat surprised to see the appearance of magicians.In fact, Kugan was not officially appointed by the duke, but only occasionally advised the duke, and spent most of his time living in seclusion in forest huts, towers or other hidden places.But that doesn't matter right now. The magician was concentrating on talking to Father Tully, who was the priest of Astalon, the creator of the god of order, and the most senior assistant of the Duke. It's old enough when it's served.Although the old man was too old to be buried, there was no sign of aging in his keen eyes. No child in the castle dared look into those severe, terrible gray eyes. Still alive and well, the gray-haired old priest spewed out words that would make any shrew blush when he was angry, and it is said that he scared away a group of robbers with just one mouth. Those who stood beside him had been tested by the terrible wrath of the old priest, Squire Roland, son of the duke's minister Baron Tolburt, friend of the two princes, and another A nobleman born in the castle.His father had sent him to Kared a year ago to study the administration of the kingdom and the laws of the duke. When all the judges were also seated, the duke began to speak: "Yesterday was the last day of the eleventh year of my King Rhyduk IV. Today is the day of selection. From now on, the boys gathered here will be the The men and citizens of Reed are no longer children, but apprentices or free men. This special day gives me the duty and the right to ask every child here who is about to become a citizen of Reid, whether any of you Does anyone wish to be released from duty to serve the Principality. Do any of you wish to do so?" It is part of tradition, a necessary formal question, one that is not expected to be answered, and that few really want to Leave Kared.But, this time, a boy came out. The herald shouted, "Who is begging to be released from his duties?" The boy lowered his head, visibly disturbed. He cleared his throat and replied with a trembling, "I'm Robert, Hugh's son." Pug knew him, but not.He was a fisherman's son, a country boy, and he was seldom with the castle boys.Pug played with him a few times and found him an easy friend.It was rare to ask for relief from obligation, and Pug wondered why he did so. "Tell me your reasons, Robert—son of the Hugues," said the duke in a kindly and dignified voice. "Your Excellency, my father has been unable to allow me to inherit his trade and skill. My four older brothers have succeeded my father as masters and apprentices in the trade. Like many other fisherman's sons, my youngest The eldest brother is married and has children of his own, and unless I leave them to earn a living elsewhere, there will soon be insufficient land and housing to support my family. I beg you to allow me to leave, and I am ready Go be a sailor." Bourges said that Robert was not the first boy who asked to go to sea to find his way of life. "Have you found a master who is willing to take you in and teach you the art of sailing?" "Yes, sir. Captain Gregson, master of the Dark Green from Margrave, will take me in." "I know this man," the Duke smiled. "He is a man of justice. I wish you well and wish you a smooth journey. Whenever you and your ship return, Kared will always welcome you." Robert bowed deeply, and left with slightly stiff steps. He made a choice.Pug was struck by Robert's risky choice, in the fraction of a minute he had given up his family and home to become a citizen of a country he had never seen.According to sailor custom, a seaman owes his allegiance to the city where the port where his ship is anchored.The port of Margrave belongs to Natal, the capital of freedom, and is located in the bitter sea. Now, it is Robert's home. Bao Jue signaled the herald to continue. The herald called out the first master of the trade, the master sailmaker, Holm, who stepped forward and called aloud the names of the three boys, who obeyed with no sign of disapproval.The selection went on, and not a single boy refused to choose their master of the trade.The selected boys all stepped out and stood beside their teacher. As the afternoon wore on and the number of boys waiting dwindled, Pug grew more and more uncomfortable.Soon there were only the two boys standing beside Pug, and Thomas stood in the middle of the yard.Almost all the masters of the industry have already selected their apprentices, only the two duke's retainers and the master of swordsmanship have not yet come out.Pug looked up to the stage, the two princes were staring at him, Lai Jianchuang showed a friendly smile, Arusha looked up and down sullenly, and Princess Karin was tired of the whole ceremony long ago, with a smile on her face. A trace of unbearable pain.She whispered a few words to Roland who was standing beside her, and the princess' court teacher, Marna, gave a reproachful look. The equestrian master Ogan stepped forward, wearing a battle robe inlaid with gold and brown stripes, and a delicate horse head logo was displayed on his left chest.The equestrian master read aloud the name of Dick's son, Rufo, and the groom's pudgy son immediately walked up behind his teacher.When he turned, he gave Pug a wicked smile.这两个男孩从来没有和平共处过，这个满脸雀斑的男孩总是会花费很多时间去想办法羞辱帕格。当他们一起在迪克的马厩里干活的时候，只要马夫一不注意，他的儿子就会想办法陷害帕格，而可怜的孤儿总是不得不忍受这些刁难。对帕格来说，那是一段可怕的记忆，他发誓哪怕是拒绝行业大师的邀请也绝对不能忍受下半辈子和茹佛一起工作。 马术大师叫了另外一个男孩的名字，格弗瑞。院子里只剩下帕格和汤玛士孤零零的站着了。紧接着，剑术大师凡诺恩大步走上前，帕格感觉自己的心都要停止跳动了，直到听到老战士高声喊道：“玛格之子——汤玛士。” 紧接着是一阵让人窒息的沉默，帕格等待着听到自己的名字，但是凡诺恩转身退了回去，汤玛士紧跟其后，留下帕格独自一人。帕格感觉自己在被众多的目光注视下变得格外渺小，整个院子从来没有像现在这样空旷过，他感觉自己是如此的羞耻和寒酸。他的心慢慢沉了下去，逐渐意识到已经没有任何行业大师还没有挑选学徒了。他是唯一一个没有被选中的男孩。他努力地忍住泪水，等待公爵宣布仪式的结束。 鲍爵微微张了张嘴，准备结束沉长的仪式，他看了看院内孤零零的瘦弱身影，脸上流露出对没选男孩的同情。这时，一个洪亮的声音打断了他。“阁下，请您原谅。” 所有的眼睛都转向慢步走向前来的魔法师库甘身上。“我需要一个学徒，他的名字叫帕格，是城堡里打杂的孤儿。” 一阵嘈杂的交头接耳的议论在各个行业大师中爆发出来。有一部分明显是指责法师是不能参与这个庄严的仪式的。公爵以严厉的眼神示意大家安静，他的面色凝重。没有一个行业大师胆敢挑战公爵的权威——王国的第三代王室贵族，注视着男孩。慢慢的，所有的目光都集中在了帕格身上。 “既然库甘被公认为魔法大师，他就有权力做出选择。帕格——城堡的孤儿，你是否接受？”公爵严肃的说。帕格僵硬德站着，他曾经想象过成为一名骑士长，带领国王的军队在战场上厮杀，或者某一天被发现自己是某个王室丢失的孩子。在他童年的幻想中，他想象过驾船飘洋过海，与可怕的怪兽搏斗，挽救整个国家。在某些平静的时候，他也想过用自己的一生去建造船只，或是制造陶器，或是学习经商，思索将会在这些行业中取得如何辉煌的成就。但是，只有一件事是他从来没有想过的，甚至是做梦也不曾梦到，那就是成为一个魔法师。 帕格逐渐从震惊中恢复过来，这才注意到公爵正在耐心的等待他的回答。他望了望他身后一张张关注的面孔。塔里神父给了他一个难得的微笑，王子莱恩、阿鲁沙也投来鼓励的目光，玛格意味深长的注视着他。一丝担忧的神色闪过法师的面容。突然，帕格做出了决定。或许这并不是他所期待的，但是有一个职业总比一个没有强。帕格走上前，却紧张得后脚不小心踩到了前脚后跟，一头摔倒在地上，他赶紧爬起来，灰头土脸、半爬半跑的来到法师身边。公爵忍不住大笑起来。帕格红着脸困窘的站在法师身后。他向四周望去，发现公爵正在注视着他，对满脸通红的帕格情切的微微点头。公爵从新转向那些等待仪式结束的人们。 “我宣布所有的男孩们都已经找到了他们的行业，他们将在王国法律的制度下完全服从他们的老师，他们将被证明是一个正直无愧于卡瑞德的公民。让学徒们跟随老师学习。我祝大家在今晚的宴会愉快。”他转过身，向他的女儿伸出左臂，她轻轻挽住案亲，穿过恭敬的站在两侧的朝臣们走进主堡。两位王子跟在后面，然后是其他的官员。帕格看到汤玛士跟在大师凡诺恩的身后向守卫的兵舍走去。 他将目光回到似乎有些失神的库甘身上。过了一会，魔法师说：“我相信我们今天没有做错什么。” “先生？”帕格问道，不明白法师的意思。库甘心不在焉地摆了摆手，宽松的黄白色长袍泛起一阵海浪似的波纹。“这并不重要，孩子。该做的就必须去做，让我们尽力而为吧。” 他将手放在男孩的肩上，“来，让我们去我住饼的高塔，那里有一个属于我的小房间会很适合你的。我本来想在那里搞点试验或其他什么的，不过一直找不出时间去收拾。” 帕格敬畏的站住，“给我一个房间？”他从来没听说过一个学徒会有这样的待遇。大部分的学徒只能睡在他们老师的工作间里，或者牲畜房等等类似的地方。只有当一个学徒成为了见习生才可能拥有自己私人的住所。 库甘抬了抬浓密的眉毛，“当然，你总不能一天到晚在我身边走来走去，那我就什么事都做不成了。另外，魔法需要你独自领悟、冥想。你或许比我更需要一个不被打扰的空间。”他从袍子里上解下细长的烟管，又从一个口袋中掏出烟草将其装满。 “我们不要烦心讨论这些所谓规矩和责任的问题了，孩子。事实上我还没有准备好该如何开始，而且，在短时间之内我还有事要做。在那之后，我们可以在互相深入的了解一下对方。你同意嘛？”帕格有些惊愕。他对魔法师唯一的了解就是一个星期前在库甘家度过的那一夜。但是，这绝不是他所了解的任何一个行业大师的风格，没有那个行业大师会去询问学徒是否同意自己的计划。帕格一时不知道该如何回答，只能点点头。 “好极了，那么，”库甘说，“让我们先去高塔给你找几件新衣服，然后我们去参加新年节日晚宴。在这之后，我们在花些时间学习如何做一个大师和一个学徒。他给了男孩一个微笑，转身带着帕格离开了。 傍晚时分，天空依旧晴朗妹戳，柔和凉爽的海风吹散了夏季的燥热。整个卡瑞德的每一座城堡和小镇都沉浸在为庆祝班纳普斯节的忙碌与兴奋的气氛中。 版纳普斯是一个古老的节日，起源于几乎已经被人遗忘的古老年代。它开始于每年的中夏日。这一天即不属于已经逝去的去年也不属于即将来到的来年。班纳普斯，在其他的民族和风俗中有着不同的名字，如同一个传奇被整个米德克米尔所欢庆。它被认为是从精灵或矮人那里流传而来的，这些长寿的种族对班纳普斯的记忆可以一直追述到他们种族的起源传说。但大部分人对这种毫无根据的断言表示质疑。不可能有人类从矮人或者精灵那里带回任何东西。而在北方的大陆也流传着另一种谣传，鬼怪和黑暗之途兄弟会的一些团体也庆祝班纳普斯，尽避从来没有人亲眼目睹过。 庭院内热闹非凡，准备了长达一个星期的各种美味已经塞满了巨大的象木餐桌。从巨岩山运来的一桶桶矮人麦酒被劳工们从地窖内抬了出来，堆积如山。疲惫的苦力们聚集过来，很快就出现了几个空酒桶。马格走出厨房愤怒的大吼着驱赶人群，“都给我滚开！否则晚宴大家就只能喝白水了！还有很多事情等着你们做呢！” 堡人们抱怨着散开。马格走上前去给自己倒了满满一大杯麦酒，检查酒是否被保持在了合适的温度。他一饮而尽，满意地打了个响嗝。一切都很好，他心满意足的回到厨房。 晚宴从来不拘泥于任何礼仪和教条，古老的传统，兴奋的人群，美味的食物，甜美的葡萄酒和香醇的麦酒，所有这一切融合到一起立刻变成了节日狂欢的盛宴。 怕格跑过厨房，他的房间在最北面被称作法师之塔的高塔。他飞快地穿过厨房，并且以更快的速度通过城堡的正门，穿着崭新的上衣和裤子如飞箭似的穿过庭院。他从来没有穿过这么好的衣服，更没有如此急于见到他的好友汤玛士。 他看到汤玛士几乎和他一样匆忙地离开士兵营地，当他们相遇时，两人几乎同时开口。 “看我的新衣服——”帕格兴奋地说。 “看我的战士铠甲——”汤玛士自豪地大喊。 然后两个人同时停下来并开始放声大笑。 “这些衣服真棒！帕格。”汤玛士率先说，他用手指小心地摸了摸帕格红色长衫的昂贵衣料。“颜色也很适合你！” 帕格对汤玛士棕、金双色相间的崭新锁甲回敬了同样的恭维，尽避它与汤玛士身上质朴的上衣和裤子显得格格不入；只有当他成为一个真正的战士之后剑术大师凡诺恩才会发给他战士特有的战袍。 两个伙伴在一张张巨大而沉重的橡木餐桌间闲逛，空气中充斥着各种美味的浓郁芳香，帕格的口水都要流出来了。他们走到一张丰盛的餐桌前，上面堆满了刚端出来的肉排。 焦脆的表皮散发出香辣的热气，辛辣刺鼻的干酪和热气腾腾的面包。一个年轻的厨师学徒站在桌子旁，手持驱蝇杖，他的工作就是保护食物免于害虫的危害，当然，不仅仅是普通的昆虫，也包括了一种异常饥饿狡猾的学徒虫子。一般能担任这种任务的男孩大多是严格遵守传统规章的古板学徒，缺乏礼貌，经常恐吓赶走那些好奇而还未到可以参加晚宴年龄的孩子。因此，利用一点小小的计谋、速度和偷窃技巧从其眼皮底下获取食物在大部分其他孩子看来是很公平的。 帕格和汤玛士饶有兴趣地打量着这个名叫乔的男孩，年轻的学徒打了个手势，帕格朝远离桌子的另一端走去，进入到乔的视野范围。守卫的男孩警惕地盯着他。帕格突然假装走向餐桌，乔立刻转向他，汤玛士则趁机以闪电般的速度从桌上抓起一大块肉排并在驱蝇杖落下之前远远的跑开了。他们飞快地逃离餐桌。汤玛士和帕格可以听到身后被他们抢劫的桌子传来男孩愤怒的咒骂声。 当他们逃到了安全的地方，汤玛士将一半肉排递给帕格，两个小学徒放声大笑起来：“我敢打赌，你是整个城堡中动作最迅速的人了！” “或许是他把全部的注意力都放在你身上了。” 他们再次笑了起来，帕格将他的一半肉排塞进嘴里，香嫩的猪肉由甜美焦脆的面包屑包裹着，真是美味极了。 伴随着优美的管弦乐曲和欢庆的鼓声，公爵的乐队走进庭院。当他们环绕在城堡四周站好后，如同有一道无声的命令穿过人群，厨房里忙碌的学徒们取出一个个木制餐盘，将食物装满，一杯杯麦酒和葡萄酒被从酒桶中倒出。 男孩们冲开一条路，直线跑向离他们最近的餐桌。帕格和汤玛士利用他们身材和速度的优势，如同射出的弹丸一般穿过人群。餐桌上每一道佳肴和每一杯充满泡沫的麦酒都在呼唤他们。 他们找了一个相对安静的桌子角落坐下，帕格第一次品尝了一大口麦酒，强烈的味道让他吃惊，带着淡淡的苦味，很快，他觉得整个身子似乎都燃烧了起来，经过再一次试验似的品尝，帕格确定自己真的喜欢上了这个。 帕格可以看到公爵和他的家人们已经出现在了人群中，而其他的官员们则站在餐桌后面一字排开。在这个下午，这里没有任何礼节，仪式或者是阶级之分。甚至大部分奴隶也都进入到欢庆的人群中。中夏日是一个平等分享收获的日子。 帕格瞟了公主一眼，立刻感到胸口一紧，她看上去是如此的光彩照人，庭院里几乎所有的男孩都争先上前问候。她穿着一条美丽的深蓝色长裙，戴着一顶同样颜色的朴素宽沿帽。她优雅的谢过恭维的男孩们，用她那黑宝石一般的双眸和天使般的微笑将迷恋的男孩们抛在身后。 变戏法的艺人和小丑们也走进庭院，很多流浪的艺人都为了参加庆祝班纳普斯而不远万里赶来。他们搭起巨大方形的舞台，准备在晚上献出最精彩的演出。盛宴将一直进行到第二天的早上。帕格知道很多男孩早在几天前就为今晚的狂欢而兴奋得无法专心干活，他相信即使在节日过后这种兴奋也会再持续几天。 帕格仰望夜空，根据传统，现在年轻的学徒要去问候其他人，获得祝贺并痛饮麦酒。同时，这也是结识镇上女孩的最佳时机。在班纳普斯节，父母们不会过分约束孩子们。男孩们已经确立了自己的职业，他们现在看起来不再象过去那个到处惹麻烦的淘气虫而更象是法律上的继承人。另一方面，父母们也不会去严厉的对待以天生资质吸引年轻男友的女孩们。帕格是一个身材较矮小且时分年轻的学徒，他很少引起女孩们的注意，而汤玛士则正相反，他魁梧的身材和成熟英俊的面庞使他格外受到女孩们的亲睬。很快，帕格就发现他的朋友已经被一个又一个前来道贺的女孩们缠住了。帕格还很年轻并且认为这一切真的是十分愚蠢，但他也到了对这一切感到一种迷惑的向往的年龄。 帕格嘴中塞满了食物四处张望，城堡和镇上的人们来来往往，向年轻的学徒们道贺并祝新年快乐。帕格感觉自己对周围的一切事物都有了一种全新的感觉。他现在是一名学徒了，尽避他还不清楚自己将从库甘老师那里学到些什么，但他已经很满足了，甚至对未来感到一丝兴奋。更重要的是，他和朋友们在一起，生命中没有什么比这更重要了，他想。