Chapter 9 Chapter Nine Mark Morden Cadell

The dwarves stood sentry. Pug and the other Kharidians sat around the campfire and devoured the feast prepared by Dolgan's gang.A pot of stew bubbling by the fire.The crust was crispy and crumbled, revealing a black surface covered with luscious honey and hot toast quickly devoured.The smoked fish brought by the dwarves finally changed the taste of the travelers who had been eating horse meat all day long. Pug looked over to Thomas, who was sitting next to him, fighting over his third loaf of bread and stew.Pug noticed that the dwarves' camp was over.Most of them are gathered outside the hole, and it seems that they are not as sensitive to the cold as humans.Two dwarves tended to the surviving wounded, two others distributed hot meals to the duke's entourage, and one filled beer mugs with frothy brown liquid from a gigantic leather pouch.

With Dolgan there were about forty dwarves.Next to the leader of the dwarves were his sons, Vaelin the eldest, and Udi.They bear a striking resemblance to their father.Although Udell was darker, with auburn hair so dark that they looked very much like their father, the old dwarf who was gesticulating exaggeratedly, with a pipe in one hand and a wine glass in the other, talking to the Duke. . The dwarves said they had been patrolling along the edge of the forest for some time, though Pug found it unusual to be patrolling so far from their village.They had followed the trail of the goblins who had attacked not long ago, and if the night's storm had covered all traces, they would not have been able to find the Duke's company.

"I remember you, Lord Bolic," Dolgan said, taking a sip of his wine, "although you were not much older than a baby when I last visited Kared. I dined with your father. He Had a wonderful banquet." "If you can come to Khared again, Dorgan, I believe you will find my banquet equally perfect." They then discussed the Duke's mission for this trip, and Dorgan was almost silent during the meal, lost. in thoughts.Suddenly he noticed that his pipe was long gone.He sighed and set it down until he noticed Kulgan pulling out his own pipe and puffing.He suddenly cheered up. "Have you any more rich tobacco to share, Master Magic?" he whispered.

Kulgan produced his tobacco pouch and handed it to the dwarf. "As luck would have it," he said, "I always have my tobacco and pouch with me. I can bear to lose everything else, though the two books I've lost hurt me--but I can't imagine losing my what your pipe will feel like." "Yes," said the dwarf approvingly, picking up his own pipe, "you're almost exactly right, except for the autumn beer--and my lovely wife or a good fight, of course, compared to the It's pure fun." He took a deep breath and exhaled a big smoke ring to emphasize his point.A trace of concern flitted across his lined face, and he said, "Now, let us tell you about the news you have brought. It is queer news, but it explains some of the strange things we have been having lately."

"What strange thing?" Bolick asked. Dolgan pointed to the entrance of the cave. "As I told you, we've been patrolling around this area. It's only recently, and for the past few years there's been little trouble with this land - the farms along the border of our mine." He smiled. "Occasionally there will be some daring brigands or dark elves - you call them the Dark Clan - or some goblins who are more stupid than usual. But generally it is relatively peaceful." "But not so long ago, everything changed. About a month ago, or maybe more, we started noticing a mass movement of dark elves and goblins from their villages north of us. We sent some young They went to investigate. They found that the goblin and dark elf villages had been abandoned. Some were looted, but most were just empty and showed no trouble."

"It goes without saying that the migration of those rascals will only mean more trouble for us. Our villages are on the plateau and highlands, so we don't worry about attacks, but they sneak up on our herds in the lowlands along the way - which is Why are we coming down the mountain. Winter is here, and our herds are in the lowest pastures, so we must be on high alert." "The failure of your messenger to reach our village is likely due to the large number of goblins and dark elves scattered in the forest below the mountain. Now at least we have some clues as to what caused this migration."

Bob nodded. "Tsurani." Dorgan pondered for a while, and Arusha said, "Then they gather their troops there." Bolik glanced at his son questioningly, Dolgan chuckled, "You have a clever son, Lord Bolik." He nodded meaningfully, and then said, "Yes, prince. They are there, Gather your forces. Despite those regrettable shortcomings, the Dark Elves are not entirely useless for battle." He fell silent again, lost in thought for a few minutes alone.Then, pouring out the remaining shredded tobacco in his pipe, he said, "The dwarves are definitely not incompetent warriors in the west, but we also lack enough numbers to deal with our troublesome neighbors. And being able to drive them out of your own territory must have Great force, elite troops and equipment." Kulgan said, "I would give anything to know how they got to these mountains."

"I'm more interested in knowing how many of them are here," Duke said. Dolgan refilled his pipe and lit it, gazing thoughtfully into the light.Wei Lin and Yudi nodded to each other, and then Wei Lin said, "Lord Bolic, there are about five thousand of them." Before the Duke had time to react, Dorgan had already woken up from his thoughts.He cursed, "Nearly ten thousand!" He looked at the bewildered Duke, and added, "We have made all kinds of assumptions about the motives of this emigration, civil war, famine, but never thought of the invasion of foreign troops. .”

"From the number of abandoned villages, I would guess that thousands of goblins and dark elves have entered the Green Heart. Some villages are just a few huts that my two sons could easily conquer. But some There are mountain forts with high walls, guarded by a hundred or two hundred warriors. A dozen of these were swept in less than a month. How many men do you think you need to do this, Lord Borlick." For the first time in memory Pug saw fear clearly in the Duke's face.Bolik leaned forward, his arms quietly folded on his knees, and said, "I have fifteen hundred men in Kared, including the troops stationed on the border. Call back eight hundred or a thousand, but that will weaken them. There is at most a thousand more to be taken from the villages and towns, mostly probably veterans of the siege of Keith and first-timers."

Arusha said grimly like his father, "Four thousand and five hundred men are out, with a third unconfirmed against an army of ten thousand men." Yudi looked at his father, then turned to Lord Borik. "My father will not brag about our abilities, nor will he belittle the dark elves, Your Excellency. Whether they are five thousand or ten thousand, they will be in a bitter fight, and we will defend with blood." "I think," said Dolgan, "that you'd better take a message to your elder son and courtiers that they be safe behind the castle walls, while you yourself must reach Kenodo as soon as possible. Bring back Reinforcements from the West to counter the immigrant invasions that come in the spring."

Thomas said suddenly, "Is this really serious?" and found himself interrupting the conversation in embarrassment. "I'm sorry, my king." Bolick waved his hand. "We may weave a picture that doesn't exist with many threads of fear, but a good soldier always prepares for the worst. Dolgan is right, I must ask the prince for help." He looked With Dolgan. "But to raise the armies of the West, I must reach Kenodo." "The southern pass is sealed, and you human navigators are foolish to try to sail through the Dark Straits in winter. But there is another way, a hard way. There are mines under those mountains , the ancient tunnels are entrenched under the Huita City. Most of them were dug by our people when they mined gold and copper. Some were formed naturally, along with the mountains. Some were created when our ancestors first It has existed since the first time I arrived here, and only God knows who dug it. There is a mine that goes through the entire mountain range and leads to the other side of the mountain range. time to pass, and there could be danger there." The dwarf brothers looked at their father, and Vaylin asked, "Father, is that Mark Mordenkadel?" Dorgan nodded. "Yes, mines that were abandoned in my grandfather's father's time," he said to the Duke. "We dug miles of tunnels under the mountains, some of which connected to those ancient tunnels I mentioned. No Few of the dwarves ventured into the ancient mines in search of the fabled riches, and most of them came back. But some disappeared. Once a dwarf walks a path, he never forgets the way back, so they don't Probably got lost in the quest. Something must have happened to them. I must tell you this, because if we are going to go through those tunnels dug by my ancestors, we must take a little risk." "Us, friendly dwarves?" asked the Duke.Dorgan grinned. "I know the way, and you'll be lost in despair in an hour. No, I don't want Rylan Dragon to explain to your king how I lost his best duke. I volunteer to be yours A small fee for the guide, Lord Borric." He finally said with a wink at Pug and Thomas, "say, a great feast at Kared." Bao Jue felt a little more relaxed.He smiled and said, "Deal, and our gratitude, Dorgan." The dwarf turned to his sons. "Yuti, the duke's people are too weak. You take half the team and a mule to Castle Kared. I have ink and quills and rolled parchment in my bag. Find it To the duke, who will give orders to his men. Wellin, take the rest of us back to Caudle, and deliver to the other villages before the winter storm. When spring comes, the dwarves of the Gray Towers will face To war." Dolgan looked at Bolik. "None has ever conquered our villages in the Highlands, at least not in the memory of the Dwarves. But those who try will stir up wrath. The Dwarves will stand with the kingdom, my lord. You have been kind to us long, Dealing fairly and always lending a helping hand when we need it. And we never run from the battlefield when called upon." "And what about the Rock Mountain?" Arusha said. Dolgan smiled. "Thank you, Your Highness, for reminding me. Old Hazen and his tribe will be devastated by the uninvited war. I will send someone to deliver a message to Giant Rock Mountain." Pug and Thomas watched as the duke began writing to Lane and Vannon, before a full stomach and utter exhaustion paralyzed them despite the long sleep they had just had.The dwarves covered them with heavy cloaks and laid them on comfortable beds of branches.Occasionally, Pug rolled over in the night, waking from a deep sleep, and he heard whispers of conversation.More than once he heard the name 'Mark Morden Cadell'. Dorgan led the Duke's team along the foot of the Gray Tower City.They set out with the first ray of dawn, and the son of the dwarf Swazul took their men to his destination.Dolgan went ahead of the duke and son, then Kulgan and the boys.Five Khared soldiers who were still able to continue were led by Sergeant Gadan, followed by two mules.Pug walked behind the panting mage. "Kulgan, ask for a rest. You're exhausted." "No, boy, I'm fine. As long as we enter the mine, the speed will slow down, and we should get there as soon as possible," said the mage. Thomas looked in awe at the strong and sturdy figure of Dorgan, leading the team forward, striding forward with short and thick legs, taking steady steps on the rugged mountain road. "Has he never been tired?" Kulgan shook his head. "The dwarves are famous for their strong physique. At the Battle of Keysberg, when the castle was about to be captured by the Dark Clan, the dwarves of the Rock Mountain and the Gray Tower City were still on their way to rescue the siege. The messenger brought the news that the castle was about to fall , and then the dwarves rushed to the rear of the Dark Clan after running for a day, a night and half a day, and their combat effectiveness did not decrease in any way. The Dark Clan was disintegrated, and it never recovered." He took a few breaths. "There is no need for Dorgan to boast. The dwarves are undoubtedly the best fighters in the west. Although they are not many in number, only the Heidite mountain people can equal them as mountain fighters." Pug and Thomas looked at the striding dwarf with new respect.The pace was alive too, and the food the night before and this morning had restored the tired energy of the boys, who now had no struggle to carry on. They came to the shrubby entrance to the mine.Soldiers cleared a path, revealing wide, low tunnels.Dolgan turned to face the team. "You might have to stoop a little here or there, but many dwarven miners have moved their mules through here. It's still roomy." Pug smiled.The dwarves were taller than he had imagined from the tales and legends, averaging about four or four and a half feet.Except for their short legs and broad shoulders, they looked like everyone else.It was difficult for the Duke and Gadan, but Pug was only a few inches taller than the dwarves, so he should be able to handle it. Gadan lit the torches when the team was ready, and Dolgan led them into the mine.As soon as they entered the dark tunnel, the dwarf reminded, "Be vigilant, only God knows what is in these tunnels. We may not encounter any trouble, but it is best to remain vigilant." Pug walked in, and the darkness immediately enveloped him. He looked straight, and Gadan's vague figure was swaying in the firelight.For a split second he thought of Karin, and Rolande, and marveled at how far away she seemed and how quickly she seemed, and how insignificant she felt about his rival.He shook his head and turned his gaze back to the dark tunnel ahead. The tunnel is damp and cold.Every once in a while they had to cross a tunnel fork that led to one side or the other.Pug checked the others each time he passed, but they were soon swallowed up by darkness.Shadows from the firelight danced on the walls, stretching and contracting as if they were moving away from each other or clinging together, extending to the ceiling or falling down.In some places they had to lower the mule's head to get through, but most of the places they passed were fairly spacious. Pug heard Thomas, who was walking ahead of him, mutter, "I don't want to get lost here, I've lost all sense of direction." Pug didn't say anything, the mine felt a heavy oppression. After some time they entered a cave with several tunnel exits.The procession stopped, and the Duke ordered the guards to stand guard.Torches were set on rocks, and mules were fed water.Pug and Thomas made it to the final guard duty, and Pug made no fewer than a hundred assumptions about the shape of the shadows of the firelight swaying at the cave entrance.At last the other guards came to replace them, and the boys joined the other diners, who were given jerky and some biscuits. "What is this place?" Thomas asked Dorgan. The dwarf blew a smoke ring from his pipe, "This is a utility room, boy. When our men mined here, we built a lot of these places. It can be a lot of iron ingots, gold nuggets, silver ore and Other metals come together and there are many tunnels connected to it. Then the metal can be transported out together, and these caves are similar. There are some naturally formed caves under this that are as big as this one, but they look different. .There are sharp stones rising high on the floor, and some hanging from the ceiling, not like here. You'll see it when we pass by." Thomas looked up. "How high is this going?" Dorgan looked up. "I can't be sure. Maybe a hundred feet, maybe two hundred, three hundred or more. These mountains are still rich in mineral deposits, but when my grandfather's grandfather mined here, there are more mineral deposits here than you can imagine. There are hundreds of tunnels running through these mountains, many levels up and down from here. Through that tunnel"—he pointed to an opening almost parallel to the utility room floor—"a tunnel Followed by one, then another. Keep going and you'll reach Makponingos, another abandoned mineshaft. Dig deeper and you'll find a way to Makonindu, some of my folks will Interested in how you got into their gold mine." He laughed. "Although I doubt you'll ever find the way, unless you're dwarfborn." He puffed out smoke rings from his pipe and checked to see if all the guards had eaten. "Okay, we'd better get on the road," Dorgan said. Thomas looked surprised. "I thought we were going to stay here all night." "Boy, the sun is still high in the sky. There is still half a day before going to bed." "But I thought..." "I know it's easy to lose track of time down here unless you get the hang of it." They were assembled and ready to go again.After a longer walk they entered a series of curved, swirling passages that appeared to be sloping downward.Dolgan explained that was because the mountains to the east were several hundred feet lower than those to the west, and they would have traveled farther down on the trip.Once again they pass through another utility room, slightly smaller than the last one, but still has an impressive number of tunnels leading to it.Dolgan led them into one of the tunnels without hesitation. Soon they heard the sound of water coming from overhead.Dolgan said without turning his head, "You will soon see a scene that no human being has ever seen—not even a dwarf." As they advanced, the sound of the rushing water grew louder.They entered another cave, a naturally formed cave several times larger than the one they first encountered.The tunnel took them up a twelve-foot-wide ledge across the right wall of the cave.They looked beyond the cliff, but they could only see endless darkness. The path wound around the cave's stone walls, and as they walked around it, everyone couldn't help but take a deep breath at what they saw.Across the cavern, the falling water flew from a ledge three hundred feet above their heads, poured into the cave at a gallop, smoothed the opposite wall, and disappeared into the dark depths.The echoes filling the entire cave cover the sound of the torrent hitting the bottom of the cave, making it difficult to guess the depth.Fluorescence dances throughout the waterfall, glowing from within.Red, gold, green, blue and yellow flicker in the white foam, falling down the cave wall, radiating light strongly or flashing light when the flowing water hits the wall, painting a fairyland-like picture in the dark .Dolgan cried out, "Many years ago the Vin-Jula River flowed from the Gray Tower into the Bitter Sea. A violent earthquake broke the bed of the river, causing it to flow into this subterranean lake. It washed through the rocks, dug up The minerals that give it its brilliant colors." They stood still for a moment, marveling at the waterfalls at Mark Mordenkadel.It was not until the Duke signaled to continue that they started on the road again.In addition to the spectacle of the waterfall, the cool wind and splashing mist also refreshed them, dispelling the cold and musty smell in the cave.They continued down the mine, through countless tunnels, until Gadan asked if the boy was tired.Despite feeling exhausted, Pug and Thomas responded well. Then they came to another cave, and Dolgan announced that it was time to rest for the night.As more torches were lit the duke said, "I hope we have enough torches to last till the end of our journey. They wear out quickly." "Give me a few men, and I'll find some old wood to kindle the fire. There's plenty there , as long as you know how to find them without banging your head," Dolgan said. Two men followed the dwarf into a side tunnel, while others were busy unloading mules and tying them to stakes.They were fed some water from their skins and a small portion of grain specially prepared for when they could not graze. Bolick sat beside Kulgan. "I had a bad feeling for the last few hours. Is this my hallucination or is there something sinister about this place?" Kulgan nodded to Arusha who joined them. "I felt something too, but it was erratic. I couldn't pinpoint what it was." Arusha sat cross-legged and scratched aimlessly in the dirt with his dagger. "This place took everyone by surprise. Maybe we just felt the same thing: the fear of being in a place that doesn't belong to humans." "I really hope so. This place is not suitable for fighting" - said the Duke , he paused—"Or run away." The boys stood sentry, but, like the others, overheard the conversation, which was excellent in the cave because of the lack of other conversation.Pug said softly, "I'll be glad to get out of the mine, too." Thomas grinned in the firelight, showing a bad face. "Children afraid of the dark?" Pug snorted. "No more than you, you just don't admit it. Do you think you can find your way out by yourself?" Thomas' smile faded.The conversation in the distance was interrupted by the returning Dorgan and his party.They carried a great deal of chopped dead wood.Flames quickly rose from the old dry wood and lit the cavern.The boys were relieved from their vigilante duties to eat their supper.They spread out their cloaks as soon as they had eaten.Pug found the hard floor uncomfortable, but he was so tired that he soon fell into a dream. They led the mules down into the depths of the mine, and the clatter of the animals' hooves on the stones echoed in the dark tunnels.They walked all day, taking only a short break at noon to eat.Now they approached the cave where Dolgan told them they would spend the second night.Pug felt something strange, like a cold memory.He'd felt it several times in the last hour, and couldn't help feeling a little worried.Each time he turned his head to look behind him.Then Gadan said, "I feel it too, child, as if something is near." They entered another large utility room, and Dolgan stopped and raised his arm.All movement stops with the listening dwarf.Pug and Thomas listened nervously, but there was no sound.At last the Dwarf said, "Just now I thought I heard...but I don't think I did. Here we will camp." They moved down the remaining wood and built a bonfire. When Pug and Thomas left their guard posts, they found a quiet gathering by the fire.Dolgan was speaking, "This is the closest part of Mark Mordenkadel to the ancient tunnels in the depths. The next cave we'll go to will have some access to those ancient mines. Once through that cave, we'll quickly To the surface. We'll leave the mine at noon tomorrow." Blick looked around. "You may think this place is nice, dwarf, but I shall be glad to get out of here." Dolgan laughed, his loud and enthusiastic voice echoing from the cave walls. "It's not for me, Lord Borric, but I wish I could. I can easily travel under the mountains, and my people were once miners. But as we choose, I'd rather take care of My herd, or sitting in the long hall with my brothers, drinking beer and singing ballads." "Do you spend a lot of time singing ballads?" Pug asked. Dolgan glanced at him with a smile, his eyes gleaming with fire. "Yes. Winters in the mountains are long and hard. But as long as the herds are safe in the pastures, there is nothing to do, so we sing our songs and drink our sweet beers and wait for the spring to come. Come. It's a good life." Pug nodded. "I really want to visit your village when I get a chance, Dolgan." Dolgan puffed on his pipe. "Perhaps you will one day, boy." At night they went to bed separately.In the dead of night, with the slight crackling of the bonfire, Pug woke up, the cold feeling haunting him, he stood up, dripping with cold sweat, and looking around, he could see the guards still on duty, standing beside them. near the torch.Around him he could see many sleeping figures.The feeling was getting stronger and stronger, as if something terrible was approaching, and just as he was about to wake Thomas up, it suddenly disappeared again, leaving only a feeling of almost collapse.He lay down again and soon fell into dreamless sleep again. Pug woke up cold and stiff.The guards have their mules ready, and soon they can leave.Pug wakes up Thomas who still refuses to leave the dream. "I'm in the kitchen at home with a big plate of bologna and corn cakes dripping with honey that my mother prepared," he said vaguely. Pug tossed him a small biscuit. "That's all we had until we got to Bordeaux." They packed up their luggage and supplies, loaded the mules back, and were ready to go.As they started on the road, Pug began to feel the icy feeling of last night again.It came and went many times.Hours passed, and they came to the last great cavern.Dorgan is here to tell everyone to stop and look into the dark cavern.Pug could hear him muttering, "Wait a minute, I think..." Suddenly, the hair on Pug's neck stood on end, and a cold feeling swept across his body, which was more terrifying than before. "Dorgan, Lord Bolic!" he yelled. "Something terrible happened." Dolgan remained standing still, listening.A faint wail came from another tunnel below. "I feel something too," Kulgan yelled. Suddenly the sound approached repeatedly, a icy wail echoing through the vaulted roofs, making it difficult to hear its origin. "God!" roared the dwarf. "It's the wraiths! Come on! Form a circle, or they'll scatter us and get lost." Gardan pushed the boy forward, and the guards moved the mule into the center of the cave.They quickly tied up the two mules and stood in a circle around the frenzied livestock.Weapon unsheathed.Gardan put the two boys behind him and ordered them to get back to the mule.They all held long swords, but they were not very confident.Thomas could feel his heart pounding, and Pug was drenched in cold sweat.The fear wasn't heightened by Dorgan's name, but it wasn't lessened either. They heard a sharp hiss from the hole and looked to the right.Before the soldiers could make any sound, a figure suddenly burst out of the darkness: a drifting human figure, blacker than the darkness, with only two burning eyes shining blood red. "Stay tight, everyone, and guard the one next to you. You can't kill it, but they don't like the feel of cold metal either. Don't let it touch you, it will suck the life out of your body. They Feed on this." It approached them slowly, seemingly in no hurry.It paused and waited for a moment, seemingly checking the defenses in front of it. The wraith let out a low, long howl, like the sound of all the fear and despair in the world gathered together.Suddenly a guard rushed forward, slashing at Wraith.The creature let out a piercing wail as the sword struck, cool blue flames dancing from the blade.The creature backed away, then suddenly sprinted towards the guard.A black shadow like an arm protruded from its body, and the guard collapsed screaming. The mule broke free from the bridle, maddened by the appearance of the wraith.The guard was kicked to the ground, and the situation was chaotic.Pug ignored the wraith for a while, paying more attention to the out-of-control livestock.The mule kicked wildly, and Pug found himself safe from the chaos of the field.He heard Kulgan's voice behind him and saw the mage standing beside Prince Arusha. "Close together," the mage ordered.Pug obediently moved closer to Kulgan and the others as another guard's scream rang through the cavern.Soon a huge cloud of white smoke emanated from Kulgan's body and surrounded them. "We must abandon those mules," said the mage. "Undead cannot pass through smoke, but I can't hold it for long. We must flee now!" Dolgan pointed towards a tunnel, opposite the opening from which they had entered the cave. "We have to go that way." The team started to move towards the tunnel as close as possible. There was a startled donkey bray, and the body fell heavily on the ground: two mules had followed in the footsteps of two guards.Falling and flickering torches create a hellish scene.The black figure approached the team, approaching the edge of the smoke, tentatively tentatively touching it, as if it were a sharp blade, unable to enter the white smoke. Pug looked over at the creature behind him, feeling his stomach cramp. Thomas stood clearly in the light, torch in hand, behind the creature.He had no hope of crossing the wraith to keep up with the fleeing team. "Thomas!" Pug whimpered as his throat went numb. The team stopped briefly, "We can't stop. It will cost us all for that boy. We must continue." Dorgan said.A strong arm grabbed Pug's shoulder before he ran to his friend's aid.He looked back and saw Gadan. "We must leave him, Pug," said a cruel look on his dark face. "Thomas is a fighter. He'll understand." Pug tried helplessly to break free.He watched the wraith follow for a moment, then stopped and turned to Thomas. Whether alerted by Pug's cry or an evil perception, the undead creature began to turn towards Thomas, slowly approaching him.The boy hesitated, then turned and ran to another tunnel.The wraith followed closely behind, screaming.Pug watched as the light from Thomas' torch disappeared into the tunnel, then passed out into the darkness. Thomas saw the look of pain on Pug's face as Gadan held his friend back.When the mule broke free, he dodged from the others and soon found himself alone.He tried to find a way around the wraith, but it stood between him and the team, leaving no room for it.As Kulgan and the others began to flee towards the tunnel, Thomas saw the wraith turn towards him.It began to approach, and he hesitated only for a moment before running towards the other opening. Thomas ran into the tunnel, light and shadow dancing wildly on the cave walls, footsteps echoing in the darkness.He holds the torch firmly in his left hand and the sword in his right.Looking back, I saw two fiery red eyes following closely behind, but they hadn't caught up yet.If it catches him, he thought grimly, it will catch the fastest man in all of Kared.He took a long stride and ran in a deliberate stride, maintaining his strength and adjusting his breathing.He knew he was doomed if he had to face the creature.The initial fear had faded, and now his mind was cool and composed, and he knew it was hopeless to wrestle with it.He poured all his energies into fleeing.He was going to shake off the creature as best he could. He turned abruptly into a side corridor, sprinting along, and checked to see if the wraith followed.Those fiery red eyes appeared at the entrance of the tunnel he had just turned into, and followed.The distance seemed to be getting closer again, and waves of fear hit him, numbing his mind.The power of the resentful soul lies in the desperate terror it exudes. Another corridor and another corner.The resentful soul is still in hot pursuit.Thomas burst into a large cavern, and immediately found himself back in the hall where the original party had been attacked by the wraith.He looked around and ran toward another tunnel.Passing through the cave, he saw the corpses of mules and guards lying aside.He paused for a moment, picked up a brand new torch, lit it, and replaced a nearly burnt flame in his hand. He looked back, saw the undead creature approaching quickly, immediately got up and continued to run.他的心中再次燃起希望之光，如果他能进入正确的通道，他就可能追上其他人。道尔甘说过从这个洞穴到地面只有很短的路程。他跑进自认为是正确的通道，尽避他连方向也无法分清。 怨魂对再次逃跑的猎物发出一声狂怒的哀号，并紧跟上去。汤玛士感到他正大步跑离那恐惧的波及，奔向自由的前方。他保持着稳定的呼吸和步伐。感到过去从来没有跑的这么好过，但是过去他也从未有过如此疯狂的动力。 眼看就要跑到尽头之时，他却发现自己来到了一连串紧密相接的分叉隧道之前。希望随之破灭了，这肯定不是矮人提起过的那条通道。但没有时间考虑，他随便走进一个隧道并立刻发现了更多的隧道随口。他尽可能快速转拐，穿过迷宫似的隧道，不假思索地闪过无数洞口。当第二次闪入某个环绕着墙壁雕刻的隧道时，他停了下来，大口地喘着粗气。他倾听了一会，但却只能听到自己的心跳声。他在身后寻找着但找不到怨魂的踪影。 突然一声微弱尖利的嚎叫在走廊中回荡开来，声音似乎来自汤玛士脚下远处的地方，他感到自己的身体瘫软了下来。另一声尖叫回荡在更加遥远之处，汤玛士可以确定怨魂已经失去了他的踪迹并朝另一个方向去了。 绷紧的神经终于松弛了下来，他几乎大笑起来。但很快他就意识到了自己的处境。他坐下来检查着自己的装备。如果他能找到回去的路，回到死去的动物那里，他至少还能有些水和食物。但当他站起身，他就意识到自己根本不知道该走那条路。在刚才他穿过重重隧道岔路的时候他根本没有留意，他试图回忆起他所走的大概路线。他基本都是向右拐的，他提醒自己，所以如果他向左转回，他就可能找到通往那杂物室的道路了。慎重地检查了第一个拐角后，汤玛士起身踏上了寻找穿过迷宫隧道之路的旅程。 不知过了多久，汤玛士停了下来望向四周，这是自从他甩掉怨魂后走过的第二个洞穴了。很像第一个，这个洞穴也没有骡子和人的尸体以及期盼的食物和水。汤玛士打开他的口袋掏出一些小饼干，这本来是他预备在行军中边走边吃的。至少这能暂时缓解他的饥饿。 吃完后，他又上路了，试图找到一些指向出去之路的蛛丝马迹。他清楚在火把燃尽之前他的时间已经不多，但他不想就这样简单地坐在这里等待着在黑暗中默默死去。 饼了一会，汤玛时可以听到隧道中回荡着的水声。干渴难忍的他冲向前去，进入一个巨大的洞穴，是至今所遇最大的，广阔的难以形容。远处，隐约可以听到马克魔登卡戴尔瀑布的怒吼，但是无法确定方向。再高处的黑暗中躺着那条两天前他们曾经经过的隧道。汤玛士感到他的心沉了下去，他进入到了更深的地下而不是向上。 起落不平的道路开阔起来，直通到一座巨大的湖泊，永恒不变的水流敲打着洞穴的石壁，微弱地回荡。汤玛士跪倒下来痛饮着湖水。湖水尝起来充满矿石的味道，但依然清澈甘甜。 他从新直起腰，检查着所在的位置。这是一个由泥土和砂石所堆砌的码头而非自然风化的杰作。汤玛士猜想或许矮人会经常坐船穿过这地下湖泊，但对岸又是什么呢？接着一个令人沮丧的想法打击着他，或许是某些其他的生物坐船穿过这湖泊，他再次感到了恐惧。 在他的左边他发现了一堆高高垒起的木头，安置在码头和洞壁之间。穿过它，他拖出几块来生起了一小堆篝火。大部分木头都是劈砍成型的木材，但也有一些树枝混杂在里面。它们肯定是在河流进入山脉的时候随着瀑布掉落下来的，他想。在木堆下面，生长着一些纤细的植被。能在这不见天日的地方生长植物让汤玛士有些惊奇，但男孩依然感激万分，他用剑砍下草枝，他可以把它们捆在木头上做成火把。他不忍地放弃了他的剑鞘，用他的剑带将它们扎好。他想：至少我又有了一些光，可以有更多的时间探索寻找更舒适的地方了。 他丢了几块大点的木料到篝火中，很快它烧得更旺盛了。山洞间猛然亮堂起来，汤玛士环顾着四周。整个山洞都闪耀着光芒，好像是一些矿石，或是水晶，被光线照射并再次反射开来。它那闪烁着，五彩缤纷的光照耀着整个墙壁和石顶，使得整个洞穴如仙境一般地眩目多彩。 汤玛士敬畏地站起身来，愣了一会儿，眼花缭乱的景物是他在世间从未见过的。另一个想法打击着他：他可能是唯一一个见过此景的人类。 在这光荣的景象面前让他泪水难忍，但是汤玛士还是强迫自己在这眩目的光景中检查他所在的位置。这里除了码头别无它物，但是他注意到左边远处还有另一条隧道，在沙滩的尽头。 他收拾起他的火把沿着码头走去。随着他到达那隧道口处，篝火也慢慢写灭，干枯的木头很快燃烧殆尽。但宝石般的墙壁和拱顶依然放射着耀眼的光芒。他再次停下来静观这奇异的景象。慢慢地光芒暗淡了下来，最终洞穴再次被黑暗所笼罩，只有他的火把还闪烁着红色的火光。他进入了另一个隧道，既没有丢掉剑或火把，也没有弄湿鞋子。离开了洞穴，他继续他的旅程。 他走了几个小时，火把渐渐暗淡下来。他不得不点燃一个新的，并发现这些自制的新火把效果令人满意。他依然感到害怕，但也为自己能够在这样的情况下报住小命而感觉良好，即使是剑术大师凡诺恩也会对他的表现满意的。 又走了一会，他来到了一个十字交叉路口。他看到一具不知名的动物骸鼻静静地躺在尘土中，他还注意到另一些小型动物的踪迹，但是看得出已经有历史了。不过还有什么比一条明显标示的路更需要，汤玛士毫不犹豫地跟了上去。但很快，它们也消失在尘埃之中。 他已经完全丧失了时间感，想必现在已经是晚上了，在这些隧道中时间似乎都凝固了，他感觉自己永远也恢复不了时间感了。理性的意识如同恐惧的萌芽，他继续走着，努力将思绪集中在令人愉快的家的记忆中，还有未来的梦想。他会找到一条出去的路，然后他将成为即将到来的战争中的伟大英雄。还有最美好的一个梦想，他要到伊万达去，并再次见到美丽的精灵女士。 他跟着隧道向下行进。这个地方看起来和其他的洞穴隧道不一样，样式风格都与众不同。他想或许道尔甘会告诉他这是那里，是谁建造的。 他走进另一个洞穴并环视着四周。有些通往这洞穴的隧道高度只够一个人类勉强直立通过。另一些却宽大得足够十个人扛着长矛并排穿过。汤玛士希望这表示矮人喜欢小一些的隧道，他可以从那通往上，回到地面上去。 他还找到了一块可以在上面休息的突起而平坦的岩石，半悬在岩壁之上。他将长剑和捆好的火把扔上去，然后再小心地将自己手中点燃的火把掷上去，以防火把熄灭，最后自己爬了上去。这里的大小足够放心睡觉而不必担心翻身的时候掉下去。在墙上四尺高处有一个小洞，直径三尺左右。向里望去，汤玛士能看到里面很快就展开到足够站立的空间并一直延伸到黑暗之中。 至少目前没有什么东西在他上面埋伏着，如果有任何东西从下面过来的话会立刻惊醒他的，汤玛士拉撤起斗蓬裹住身子，将头枕在手臂上，火把被放在一旁。他仍然害怕，但是一整天精疲力竭的经历很快将他拖进了睡梦之中。他断断续续地做着梦：一双火红的眼睛将他一直追赶到黑暗走廊的尽头，恐惧席卷全身。他不停地跑，直到来到一片绿色的地方才得以休息，感觉到了安全，在一位有着金红色头发和淡兰色双的眼美丽女人的注视下。 他在某种莫名的呼唤中惊醒。不清楚自己已经睡了多久，但是他感觉已经足够让他的身体再次奔跑起来了，如果需要的话。他在黑暗中摸索着他的火把，并从他的口袋中掏出火石和铁块。碰撞出的火花落在了火把上捆的软棉料上，激起一小块火光。他迅速将火把拿近过来，对着火星吹气直到爆发出热情的火焰。四周望去，洞中毫无变化。只有他自己的声音微弱地回荡在空气中。 他清楚自己唯一可能生存的方法就是继续行进并找到一条出去的路。但正当他准备从岩壁上爬下去的时候，一个轻微的响声从他头上的洞穴中传出。 他再次向里面望去但是什么也看不见。接着又是一声微响，汤玛士的心猛然紧绷了起来。虽然他还不能肯定，但那很像是脚步声。他差点喊了出来，可又忍住了，还不能肯定那是他的朋友回来找他。他想到了很多种其他的可能，都是令人不愉快的。 他思嗣此一下，然后下定决心。无论这声响会将他引向何处，哪怕只是有一点踪迹也得跟随。而且目前也没有更好的选择了。他转身钻入那个小小的洞口，进入了一条新的隧道。