Chapter 12 Chapter 12 Meeting

Pug tossed and turned. He sat up and looked out the window of Krondo Palace.Outside, the snowflakes are flying, as in the past three days.The Duke and Arusha are busy with meetings at the Krondo Palace every day.On the first day, Pug had told the story of how he had discovered the Tsurani ship himself, and then backed off.He remembered the embarrassing meeting. He was amazed at the prince's youth, only in his early thirties, but looked frail and haggard.During the meeting, Pug watched in shock as the prince's words were interrupted by a sudden onslaught of violent coughing.His face was pale and drenched with sweat, and he seemed much weaker than he looked.

He rejected Pug's suggestion to step back for now.Elland of Krondor was a thoughtful man, and he listened patiently to Pug's account, which eased the boy's discomfort in the presence of the king of the kingdom a little.He looked at Pug with comfort and understanding in his eyes.As if the clumsy behavior of the boy standing in front of him was just a normal thing.After Pug had finished speaking, he took a moment to ask Pug trivia about his studies and how he had been lucky enough to rise to the nobility, as if these things meant a lot to him. Pug thought he liked Prince Ellander.The second in command of the kingdom, the most powerful man in the west, Pug found comfort in his friendly and warm concern.

Pug looked around the room, still not used to such a magnificent palace.Even this small room was equally luxurious, with a large canopied bed instead of a couch.It was the first time Pug had slept in a bed like this, and he was uncomfortable on the deep, soft down mattress.In the corner of the room was a storage cabinet full of clothes that he thought he would never wear out in his lifetime.All were woven and cut from precious materials, and they all seemed to fit his size.Kulgan had said these were gifts from the Prince. The silence of the room made Pug think that he had rarely seen Kulgan, and others.Gadan and his soldiers had left that morning, sent by the duke to deliver a dispatch to Prince Lane, while McMur was housed in the palace guard's quarters.Coulgan was invited to the meeting as usual, so Pug had more time to himself.He wished he could be with his book, that at least he could use the time for something useful.He had been doing nothing since arriving in Krondor.

More than once Pug thought how much Thomas would like this novelty of a place-people living in palaces whose exteriors were mostly glass and magic rather than brick.He also thought desperately that perhaps Dolgan hadn't found him at all, but he didn't want to believe it.The pain of losing a friend is blurred now, but still aching.It wasn't until last month that he found himself changing, and he was already looking forward to seeing Thomas right away. Not wanting to sit and wait any longer, Pug opened the door and looked towards the promenade across the east side of the palace.He hurried into the hall, looking for any familiar face to break the monotony.

A guard walked past him, saluted and walked in the other direction.Pug wasn't used to being saluted by every guard as he passed, but as a member of the Duke's entourage, his status as a knight was treated like royalty. He walked to a smaller hallway and decided to explore it.All roads seem the same, he thought.His Royal Highness had personally told him that he could walk around the palace freely, but Pug had always been ashamed to run around alone.Now, boredom drives him to take risks, at least to explore as much as he can. Pug found an alcove with a window that offered a different view of the palace.Pug sat down on the windowsill.Over the high palace walls he could see the port of Krondor lying beneath, like a white toy city.The repeated cooking smoke from the buildings is the only sight that can prove the life of this city.The ships in the harbor are like miniature models, anchored and docked, quietly waiting for a better opportunity to sail.

Pug was fascinated when a small voice behind him interrupted his imagination. "Are you Prince Arusha?" Standing behind him was a girl, about six or seven years old, with big green eyes and long dark reddish-brown hair tied up with a silver net.She was dressed plainly but beautifully, in a red dress with red lace cuffs.Her face is very cute, but the over-focused expression makes people laugh. Pug hesitated, then said, "No, I am Pug. I came with the Prince." The girl made no secret of her disappointment.She shrugged and sat down next to Pug.She looked at him with the same dark expression and said, "I wish you were the Prince, I wish I could see him before you go to Salador."

"Salado," said Pug weakly.He had hoped that the journey would be over when he visited the prince.He had been thinking of Karin a lot lately. "Yes, my father said that you will go to Salador soon, and then take a boat to Rilanlong to meet the king." "Who is your father?" "Of course the prince, fool. Don't you know anything?" "I guess so." Pug looked at the girl and seemed to see another shadow of Karin. "You must be Princess Anita." "Of course. I'm a real princess. Not like a Duke's daughter, but His Royal Highness's daughter. My father would have been king if he wanted to, but he doesn't. If he was king, I'd be queen one day .But I'm not. What about you?"

The question was so abrupt that Pug was caught off guard.The child's innocent chatter is not annoying, but it also makes him feel bored, and he is more enthusiastic about the scenery outside the window. He hesitated a moment, then said, "I am apprenticed to the Duke's magician." Master Bao's eyes widened, "A real magician?" "The real deal." Her little face brightened up. "Can he turn a man into a toad? Does it mean that a mage can turn a bad man into a toad?" "I don't know. I'll ask when I see him—if I do," he added after a pause.

"Oh, would you? I'd love to know." She looked overjoyed to find out that a legend was true. "Also, can you tell me where I can meet Prince Arusha?" "I don't know. I haven't seen him for two days. Why do you want to see him?" "Mummy said that I will marry him in the future. I want to see if he is a good man." The prospect of the fluffy kid marrying the Duke's young son puzzled Pug for a moment.However, it is not new for the nobles to agree to the marriage of their children before they are underage.More than ten years later she will be a maiden, and the prince is still a young man, a young earl in the kingdom.Pug even found the prospect attractive.

"Do you think you'd like living with an Earl?" the moment the words came out Pug realized what a stupid question it was. she says. "Stupid! I don't even know who Daddy and Mommy want me to marry. How would I know?" The little girl jumped up. "Well, I have to go back. I'm not allowed here. If they catch me leaving my room without permission, I'll be fined. I wish you all the best in your journey to Salador and Relan Dragon." "Thank you." She suddenly showed a worried look, "You won't tell other people that I've been here, will you?"

Pug gave him a tacit smile. "No. I'll keep it a secret." With a comforting look, she glanced at the boy with a smile, turned and ran down the corridor.As she was leaving, Pug said, "He's a good man." Master Bao stopped. "Who?" "Prince. He's a good man. A little silent and melancholy, but a good man." Master Bao frowned and thought for a while, as if he was slowly comprehending the information she had received.Then, with a big smile, she said, "That's great. I don't want to marry a bad guy." She giggled and turned the corner and left. Pug sat for a long time, looking out the window at the snowflakes falling, thinking only of that attentive childish face, and the girl with the big, earnest green eyes. That night, all the members were entertained by the prince.All the nobles of the court and most of the wealthy people in Krondor participated in the celebration.More than four hundred people sat down to dine, and Pug found himself sitting alone with a table of strangers. Except for the luxurious clothes he wore, everything showed that he was attending such a scene for the first time, and he lacked proper etiquette common sense.The Duke and Prince Arusha sat at the head table with Erlander and his wife, Princess Alicia, and with him was the Duke of Delanik, Minister of the Duchy and Knight of Krondor long.Due to Elland's health condition, Krondo's military power is completely in the hands of Delanick and Barry, the Naval Commander of the Rondo Fleet, who is negotiating with him.The other royal ministers sat nearby, and the rest of the guests sat at smaller tables.Pug sits at the table furthest from the royal table.Servants hurried into the hall, bringing platters of food and bottles of wine.Troubadours roamed the halls, singing the latest songs and ditties.Mummers and jugglers performed between the tables, and were neglected by most of the diners, but they did what they could, for they would not be let out unless the host of the party thought they had done their best. The walls are covered with huge and ornate tapestries.The banners of all the major royal houses in the kingdom, from the golden and brown of Kared in the far west, to the white and green of Far Ryan at the far east.Hanging behind the prince's dining table is the flag of the kingdom, a golden lion holding a sword and wearing a crown, standing on the ancient Kangdong seal handle king's throne coat of arms.Next to it hangs the banner of Krondor, an eagle soaring above the mountain peak, gilded with silver representing kingship.Only princes and Ruilan dragons can wear this noble color.Both Bolik and Arusha wear red cloaks over their tunics, showing that they are the sovereign of a certain region and belong to a royal family.It was the first time Pug had seen them in formal social attire.There was merry sight and noise everywhere, but Pug could hear softly the conversations at the Prince's table at the far end of the room.During the banquet, Bolik and Eland spent most of the time whispering to each other. Startled by the touch on the shoulder, Pug looked back to see a doll-like face emerging from behind a large curtain two steps behind him.Princess Anita put her finger to her lips and beckoned him to go.Pug saw that everyone else at the table was so focused on the socialites that no one would notice an unknown boy leaving.He got up and walked through the curtain to find himself in a servant's closet.There was another curtain ahead of him, which Pug supposed led to the kitchen, and looking inside it saw a small figure.Pug walked over to where Anita was waiting and saw that it was indeed a long corridor connecting the kitchen to the hall.A long table piled high with cutlery and goblets leans against the wall. Pug said, "What are you doing there?" "Shh!" she hissed loudly. "I'm not allowed here." Pug smiled at the girl. "I don't think you need to worry about being heard by people here, it's too noisy here." "I'm coming to see the prince. Which one is he?" Pug led her into the stick room, and raised the curtain a little.Pointing to the head table, he said, "The one next to your father, the one in the black and silver jacket and red cloak." The girl raised her toes, "I can't see it." Pug held the girl up for a moment.She smiled at him. "I owe you something." "At your service." Pug drew out his voice with mock solemnity. The two laughed loudly. The voice suddenly approaching the curtain startled the princess. "I have to go!" She fled through the second curtain at the back, toward the kitchen. The curtain leading to the hall was flung back, and a servant looked at Pug in surprise.Not knowing what to say, he just nodded.The boy was clearly not supposed to be here, but his clothes showed who he was.Pug looked around uncertainly, and finally said, "I'm trying to find my way back to my room. I think I must be going the wrong way." "Go to the VIP area, please take the first door on the left of the meeting hall, young gentleman. Ah... this road leads to the kitchen. Maybe you need me to guide you?" The valet was obviously unwilling to do so, but Pug also didn't want a wizard. "No, thank you, I can find it," he said. Pug returned to his table, almost unnoticed by the other guests.The ensuing banquet was uneventful, save for occasional odd glances from a footman. Pug had been talking to a merchant's son after the banquet.The two young men met in the crowded room of the Prince's post-dinner reception.They spend most of their time courting each other until the boy's father arrives and drags him away.Pug stood there for a while, ignored by the Prince's other guests, and finally decided to slip back to his room, no one caring about his exit anyway.Besides, he hadn't seen the Prince, Lord Borric, or Kulgan since leaving the table.The reception looked to be entirely royal officials and Princess Alicia - a charming lady who chatted politely with Pug for a moment as he passed her - officiated. When Pug returned to his room, he found Kulgan waiting for him.Kulgan began, "We're leaving at dawn tomorrow, Pug. Prince Erlander is taking us to Ryland Dragon to meet the king." "Why is the Prince sending us there?" said Pug, his voice Zhongman said in a reluctant tone, he was already homesick, Before Kugan could answer, the door slammed open, and Prince Arusha rushed in like a storm.Pug was surprised to see Arusha's angry expression. "Kulgan! Here you are," Arusha said, slamming the door shut. "Do you know what our royal cousins ​​did in the face of the Tsurani invasion?" Without waiting for Kulgan to speak, the prince continued to answer. "Do nothing! Father is not going to send a single finger to Khared's aid until he meets the king. And that will take at least two months." Kulgan raised his hand.Arusha saw that standing in front of him was already his childhood teacher instead of the Duke's advisor.Kulgan, like Tarry, could command the duke's two sons when needed. "Calm down, Arusha." Arusha shook his head and fell back on the chair. "I'm sorry, Cugan. I can't help myself." He noticed Pug's puzzled expression. "Apologies to you too, Pug. You don't know how bad things are here. Maybe..." He looked at Kulgan questioningly. Coulgan pulled out his pipe. "You should tell him he's traveling with us. He'll find out soon enough himself." Arusha tapped his finger on the arm of the chair for a while, then sat forward and said, "These days my father and Eland have been discussing the best way to contact these coming outsiders. The Prince And agree with them that they're coming." He paused. "But he refused to raise the western army without the king's permission." "I don't understand," said Pug, "isn't the western army commanded by the Prince?" "Not anymore," Arusha forced a wry smile. "Less than a year ago, the King decreed that troops could not be ordered to assemble without his permission." Arusha leaned back in his chair, and Kulgan puffed out a puff of smoke. "It's against the custom. The army in the west has never been ordered by anyone except the prince of Krondor, just like the army in the east is only under the orders of the king." Pug still didn't understand the significance of this.Kugan said, "The prince of Krondor is the king's lord in the west of Marsh, and the only one who can command the Duke of Bolic and other knight commanders besides the king himself. If he issues orders, from Melas to Kared All dukes will respond with their troops. King Riddock, for his own reasons, will not allow any army to muster without his consent." Arusha said, "In any case, my father will obey the prince's order, and the other dukes will do the same." Kulgan nodded. "Perhaps that's what the king is worried about. The army in the west belongs to the prince rather than the king. And they respect your father as much as they respect Elland, and they will also obey his orders. And if the king says ' No' word..." He stopped talking. Arusha nodded. "It will cause conflict within the kingdom." Cogan looked at his pipe. "Even civil war." Pug was a little confused by the discussion.Although he has been through a lot recently, he is still a child after all. "Even to defend the kingdom?" Kugan shook his head slowly. "Even so. For some, like the king, what is happening is quite different from what has happened." Kulgan paused. "Duke Bolik wouldn't say that, but he himself has always had some grievances with some dukes in the east, especially his cousin, Guy Dubasta. The troubles between these princes and the king can only add to the east and west tense atmosphere." Pug sat back.He knew it was more serious than he thought, but there were still many blind spots in this matter.Why do you resent the prince and the army for defending the kingdom?Even after Kugan's explanation, he still couldn't understand.And what kind of trouble does Duke Bolic have with the East that he doesn't want to talk about?The magician stood up. "It's time for us to rest early and get up early tomorrow. It's going to be a long journey to Salador, and then another long journey to the Darylan Dragon. When we've visited the King, when the first The ice melts, and we're going back to Kared." Prince Ellander wished a safe journey to the team already seated on horseback in the palace compound.He still looked pale and frail as he greeted them. Young Master Pao stood at the upstairs window waving a small handkerchief at Pug.It reminded Pug of another princess, though he didn't think Anita would grow up to be as bad-tempered as Karin. They rode out of the courtyard escorted by the Krondor Lancers who would escort them all the way to Salado.Expect to be able to ride over the mountains and through the swamplands of the Dark Moor, past the border of Myrath—the point where the western and eastern lands divide—and reach Salado in three weeks.There they would take a boat and sail another two weeks to Ruilanlong. The Lancers wore heavy gray cloaks, but the silver and purple Krondor royal tabards were still visible underneath, and their shields bore the Krondor royal crest.The duke was respected by the prince and was escorted by the personal royal guard instead of the ordinary patrols in the city. Snowflakes were falling as soon as they left the city, and Pug only wished he could see spring in Kared again.He sat quietly on his horse and marched eastward, trying in vain to forget the ordeal he had endured the past few weeks, and decided to resign himself to fate. The journey to Salado had taken a full four weeks instead of three, as an unusually terrible storm had battered the mountains of the Dark Wild West.They can only lodge in a wild hotel named after the swamp there.It was a tavern, and they had to spend a few days with drunks and bums.With rough food and tasteless beer, they were all glad to be out of the Darkmoor when the storm finally passed. They were delayed another day in a village harassed by bandits.Seeing the approaching cavalry, the bandits scattered, but the duke ordered the area to be swept to prevent them from returning while the soldiers dismounted to rest.The villagers all opened their doors to meet the Duke, and entertained him with their best food and warm beds.Although the hospitality was pitiful by the duke's standards, he accepted their hospitality, knowing it was the best they had.Pug liked these rough grains and simple villagers very much, and he felt the warmth of home for the first time since leaving Kared. When they continued to ride towards Salado for half a day, they encountered the patrolling city guards.The captain of the guard rode forward.He reined in his horse and called out, "What is the business of the prince's guard coming to Salador?" There was not much friendship between the two cities, and the cavalry of Krondor carried no herald's banner.His voice was harsh, and he glared at visitors as if his territory had been violated. Duke Bolic threw back his hood, revealing his battle robe. "Please send word to your master, Bolic, Duke of Khared, to visit and plead for the generosity of Lord Cruz." The captain of the guard stepped back.Stammered, "I'm sorry, sir. I don't know...no flags..." Arusha said coldly, "We lost it in the forest." The captain of the guard looked a little overwhelmed. "My king?" Bolick said, "Don't worry, Captain. Just take word to your master." The captain of the guard saluted. "Go at once, Your Excellency." He turned his horse's head and signaled a cavalryman to come forward.He confessed a few words to him, and the cavalry rode towards the direction of the city, and quickly disappeared from sight. The captain returned to the Duke. "If there is any need, my men are at your disposal." Bao Jue looked at the tired Krondor cavalry, they seemed to be very happy to see the embarrassing scene of the captain of the guard. "I think these thirty fighters are enough, Captain. The prestige of Salado's city guard makes all the robbers dare not approach the suburbs of the city." The captain of the guard didn't realize that he was being mocked, and looked a little flustered. "Thank you for your compliment, Your Excellency." "You and your men can go on patrol," the Duke said. The captain of the guard saluted again and returned to his ranks.He shouted orders, and the guards walked around the Duke's team and left.As they passed, the captain of the guard saluted again, bowing slightly to the Duke with his spear in his hand.Bolick waved back lazily, until all the guards had passed, before saying, "This guy is an idiot, let's go to Salador." Arusha laughed, "Father, we need such people in the West." Bolick turned and asked, "Oh? Why?" The cavalry also approached, "Wipe our shields and boots." Arusha said. Bao Jue and the cavalry of Crondor laughed together.Western soldiers have always looked down on Eastern soldiers.Since the west opened its doors to the expansion of the kingdom, the long period of peace and tranquility in the east has made the army inexperienced in combat.And the guards of Prince Krondo are all experienced veterans, as early as when Salado's guards were still busy practicing the queue. Soon they were close to the city, and they could see large fields, villages, roadside inns and mules laden with goods.By sunset, they could already see the walls of Salador. When they entered the city, the Duke of Cruz's own royal guard lined up the streets leading to the palace to welcome them.Just like Krondor, there is no castle here, and the development of civilization no longer requires them to keep a defensive fortress in the city. Riding through the city, Pug realized what a small, remote town Kharid was.If it weren't for Duke Bolic's political status, he would be just the lord of a border town. Along the streets the townsfolk gazed eagerly at the duke who had come from the wildest and wildest coasts of the west.Some cheered as if it were a parade, but many more just stood quietly, disappointed that the Duke and his party were nothing more than ordinary people, not the bloody savages one had expected. When they reached the courtyard of the palace, the servants of the court ran out and led their horses.A royal guard led the warriors from Krondor to the soldiers' barracks, where they could rest before returning to the Prince's city.Another man with a captain's rank in his coat led the duke's party up the palace stairs. Pug looked around in amazement, this palace was much bigger than that of Prince Krondor.They passed through several outhouses and came to an inner courtyard.There are trees in the garden and a fountain in the center.All this, Pug realized, was but a small part of the Duke's mansion.He marveled at how Lord Cruise could have so many houses and so many servants. They walked through the garden courtyard and down a series of stairs to the reception committee which stood in front of the central palace gate.For the first time, the building revealed that it had once served as a base to guard the surrounding city, but Pug couldn't imagine how long ago that had been. Years of repairs and refurbishments had transformed this ancient fortress into a shining building. Splendid buildings of marble and glass. Steward of the Duke of Cruise, a wiry man with piercing eyes, in whose eyes all nobles—from the southern borders of Kerrs to the north of Tassog—were worthless.His memory of faces and facts has saved Duke Cruise from embarrassing situations on several occasions.As Bolick walked up the grand staircase from the courtyard, the steward had given Cruise some examples of Duke Bolick and his assessment of how much flattery he needed. Duke Cruise held Bolic's hand, "Ah, Lord Bolic, I am honored by your sudden visit. If you can tell me in advance that you will be coming, I will definitely prepare the most grand welcome ceremony for you. " They entered the anteroom of the palace, the dukes at the head.Bolik said, "I'm sorry to disturb you, Lord Cruise, but I'm afraid my mission requires me to be as fast as possible, so I have to put aside those complicated court etiquette. I must meet you across the sea as fast as possible." king." "Of course, Lord Bolic, but surely you would like to rest here for a short period of time, a week or two?" "I can't. I'd like to go to sea to-night if I could." "That's really bad news. How I wish you'd stayed with us a little longer to let me do my lordship." When the procession reached the duke's reception hall, the steward gave instructions to a party of servants, who rose at once to prepare the rooms for the guests.Stepping into the vast hall, with its high vaults, massive chandelier, and huge arched windows, Pug felt as if he had become a dwarf.It was the largest room he had ever seen, bigger than Prince Krondor's Great Hall. A huge table has been filled with fruit and wine to welcome the travelers.Pug sat down softly, his whole body aching.He and the horseman had briefly learned the art of sitting in the saddle for a long time, but his tired muscles were too taxed. While Lord Cruise asked the Duke about the reason for such a hasty trip, he stuffed his mouth with fruit and poured wine, and Bolik briefly explained what happened in the previous three months.When he finished, Cruise looked worried. "This is terrible news, Lord Borric. The truth is unpredictable. I think the Prince must have told you that there has been some trouble since you were last in the East." "Yes, he did. But only briefly and reluctantly out of politeness. You know, it's been thirteen years since I was last in the capital, at Riddock's coronation, when I just recovered The status of a retainer. He seems to be a smart young man with the ability to learn how to govern the country. But from what I heard in Krondor, there seems to be some changes." Cruise glanced around the room and waved his servant away.Then he looked sharply at Bolick's entourage, raising his eyebrows suspiciously. "These are the people I absolutely trust," Lord Bolic said. Cruise nodded.He said aloud, "If you would like to stretch your legs before you rest, perhaps you would like to visit my garden?" Borik frowned slightly and was about to say something when Arusha took his father's arm and nodded to him. "Sounds like a good idea. I'll take a little walk to avoid the cold." Bojue instructed Cugan and McMur to stay, but Lord Cruise signaled that Pug could come together.This surprised Bolick a little, but he also nodded in agreement.They went through the little door on the left into the garden, and once outside Cruise murmured, "Having the boy come with us will reduce suspicion. I don't even trust my own servants. The king's spies are everywhere." Bolik seemed a little angry. "The king has spies among your retainers?" "Yes, Lord Bolic, our king has changed a lot. I know Ellander hasn't told you the full story, but you must." Bao Jue and his party looked at the disturbed Duke Cruise.He cleared his throat and glanced around the snow-covered garden.In the light scattered from the windows of the palace and the moonlight cast by the bright moon in the sky, the garden is like a winter scene covered by a piece of white and blue crystal, peaceful and peaceful. Pointing to some footprints in the snow, Cruise said, "I left them when I came here this afternoon and thought about how I could talk to you safely." Anyone eavesdrop on their conversation, and move on. "When Riddock III died, everyone expected Ellander to be crowned. After the state funeral, Eshap's priests summoned all eligible heirs to propose and exercise their powers. You were among those invited. " Bolick nodded. "I am aware of the tradition. I got there very late. I could be disqualified at any time for any eventuality, so my absence is irrelevant." Cruise nodded. "History might have been different if you'd been there, Bolick." He lowered his voice. "At the risk of losing my head, I say this, but many people, even those of us in the East, would strongly recommend you to be crowned." Bolick didn't look happy to hear that, but Cruise ignored it. "By the time you arrived, those behind-the-scenes political arrangements had been made - most of the lords had asked for Arland's crown - but it was tense and there were some suspicious rumors. I don't know why old Rhett Ke didn't name his heir. But when the priests ruled out those distant relatives who weren't really royal, there were three people left, Eland, Little Reduk, and Guy Dubasta. The priest checked their declarations Both Eland and Ridduk are undoubtedly entitled to succession, while Guy Dubasta is more like a formal decoration, taking your place." Arusha interjected coldly, "The purpose of the coronation at mourning is to ensure that no western lord can become king." Bolick shot his son a disapproving look, but Cruise said, "Not quite. Arusha, if there's been any injustice in the succession ceremony, the priest will stop the ceremony until your father arrives. But it's done before then." gone." He looked at Bolick and lowered his voice. "As I said, they wanted Ellander to be crowned. But when the crown was offered to him, he refused, ceding the throne to Riddock. No one knew about Ellander's health problems at the time, so most of the The lord thought it was a generous abdication because he was the king's only son. And Guy Dubasta also supported the boy, and the participants in the lord's council approved his succession. Then the real cold war began until your dead wife's uncle is named regent to the king." Bolick nodded.He remembered who would be nominated as regent for the then boy king at the end of the battle.His pompous cousin Guy nearly got the spot, but Borric and his supporter, Caldric of Ryland Dragon, arrived in time, along with his supporters Duke Balkur of Arbon and Prince Eland , he won far more votes in Parliament than Gai. "For the next five years there were only a few minor border disputes in Rickels. It all settled down. Eight years later" -- Cruise paused to look around again, "Reddock developed a plan to improve public spaces plan, he summoned manpower, built roads and bridges, built dykes, etc. At first the people could bear it, but then he began to increase the taxes of peasants and freemen year by year, even a small number of nobles, and killed opponents. King He has been expanding his plans until now, and he is rebuilding the entire capital, which he says will be the greatest city in human history. Two years ago, a small group of representatives of the royal family asked him to stop this extravagant construction and alleviate A burden to the people. The king was furious, and executed those careless nobles for treason." Bolick's eyes widened.He turned sharply, crushed snow crunching beneath his feet. "But in the West we haven't heard anything!" "When Eland heard the news, he immediately went to meet the king and asked him to restore the honor of the executed nobles and reduce taxes. And the king—maybe it was just a rumor—was ready to arrest his uncle, but was A few of his still trusted cronies stopped him. They warned His Majesty that such a thing had never happened in the history of the kingdom, and that if he did, it would undoubtedly cause the western lords to attack." Bolik looked gloomy. “他们是对的。如果那男孩处死了艾兰德，王国将会不可挽回地面临分裂。” “自从那以后，亲王再也没有踏足瑞兰龙，王国的事务全部交给了副官，两人彼此也再不说一个字。” 鲍爵仰望夜空，声音变得不安。“这比我所听到的更糟。艾兰德告诉我是因为他拒绝在西部强加税收。他说国王同意在需要时提供西部和北部驻军。” 克鲁斯慢慢地摇了摇头。“国王同意的只是当地精的大军涌入北部大陆并洗劫王国的城市时增援。” “艾兰德说他和他的侄子之间关系紧张，但是即使明确了我所带来的消息，也没有说出陛下的这些作为。” 克鲁斯深深地吸了一口气踱步道。“博利克，我花费了太多的时间在国王的皇宫中溜须拍马，我都忘记了西部的你更惯于直来直去。”克鲁斯沉默了一会，然后说，“我们的国王已经不再是过去的那个男人了。有时候他看起来要比他自己成熟得多，开朗坦陈，充满了对王国的雄心壮志；但有的时候他……好像是换了一个人，好像是黑暗的精灵占据了他的心田。” “小心，博利克，你是仅次于艾兰德而接近王位的人。我们的国王清楚这一点——即使你从未想过——小心注意浸毒的匕首。” 一阵长时间的沉默，帕格清楚地看到博利克露出不安之色。克鲁斯继续道。“瑞度克害怕他人觊觎他的皇冠。那是可能的，但是不是那些国王所怀疑的人。除了国王外只有四个姓康东印的男人，而他们都是值得敬重的人。”听到这赞誉的话语博利克微微倾了倾脑袋。“但是还有一打或更多的人能够篡夺王位，通过国王的母亲和她的人民。都是东部的领主，大部分都在等待时机直到在领主大会上提出他们的要求。” 博利克一脸愤怒。“你是说谋反。” “如果还没有开始行动，谋反之念也已存于人们心中了……” “东部发生这么多事情，为何我们在西部却一无所闻？” 克鲁斯点点头，这时他们已经走到了花园的尽头。“艾兰德是一个可敬的人，他绝对不会向他的国民散布无根据的传言，甚至是对你。就像你自己说过的，自你上次来瑞兰龙已经十三年了。从国王而来的所有凭证和信件都要通过亲王的皇宫。你怎么能知道？” “我恐怕国王因为听信身边小人谗言而将我们这些信仰并誓死维护国家的荣誉与幸福者至于死地只是个时间问题了。” 博利克说。“如此来说，你告诉我这些可是冒了很大的风险。” 克鲁斯公爵耸耸肩，示意他们可以回到宫殿去了。“我并不是个经常讲出我的想法的人，博利克公爵，但那是不同的。如果是其他人经过，这里只会有一场礼仪上的会谈。但你不一样，自从亲王和他的侄子疏远后，你是王国中唯一有能力影响国王的人了。但我并不羡慕你的重要地位，我的朋友。” “在瑞度克三世为王时，我曾是东部最有势力的贵族，但是我在瑞度克四世的宫廷中所能施展的影响就象是个一无所有的光脚者。”克鲁斯停顿了一下。“你那黑心的堂兄盖现在是国王的亲信，而我和霸斯泰瑞公爵也没有多少交情。我们彼此厌恶的原因并不像你那种私人原因。而随着他吉星高照，我是每况愈下。” 克鲁斯拍了一下手掌，好像被寒冷叮了一口。“但也有点好消息。盖对他监护人的职责很冷漠，这使得国王可以自己对事态做出判断。”克鲁斯握紧博利克的手臂。“你要尽你所有的影响力阻止国王鲁莽的本性，博利克公爵，为了你所说的那场入侵，我们必须团结一至。一场漫长的的战争会耗尽我们所有的一切，这对王国来说是一次考验，我不知道它是否能经受得住。” 博利克什么都没有说，克鲁斯的话语远超过他离开亲王时所作最坏的担忧。萨拉多的公爵说道，“还有最后一件事，博利克。十三年前艾兰德拒绝了王位，传言说他的健康情况很差，很多领主大会的代表都希望你能领导他们。只要你领导，很多人都会跟随，甚至是我们这些东部的人。” 博利克冷言道，“你是说内战？” 克鲁斯摆了摆手，脸上露出痛苦的表情。他的双眼似乎湿润了，泪水几乎夺眶而出。“我永远忠于国王，博利克，但是如果那些东西真的到来，王国必须获胜。没有哪个人能比王国更重要。” 博利克斩钉截铁地说，“国王就是王国。” “你不愿承认你自己。但我希望你能够引导国王的精力到西部所要面临的麻烦中去，王国处于危急之中，而你是唯一有次能力之人。”克鲁斯说。 当他们踏上离开花园的阶梯，博利克的语气软了下来。“我知道你是一番好意，克鲁斯领主，你的心中充满对王国的热爱。坚持你的信念并祈祷吧，我将会誓死保护王国。” 克鲁斯背靠返回宫殿的大门前。“我恐怕我们都将陷入深水，我的博利克领主。我希望你说得那场入侵不会再掀起大浪将我们淹死。无论如何我能够帮助你，我也会帮助你。”他转向被仆人打开的大门。大声说，“今晚我会让你们睡个好觉，我看得出你们都很累了。” 当博利克、阿鲁沙和帕格走进去，房间中气氛也变得紧张压抑，好像公爵的暗淡的情绪映射了出来。仆人走上前来带领客人去他们的房间，帕格跟着一个和他年龄相仿穿着公爵侍从衣着的男孩。当他们离开大厅时帕格回头看到公爵和他的儿子站在一起正在和库甘小声地交谈。 帕格被带到一间很小但装修优雅的房间，他毫不在乎色彩艳丽的床单，穿着衣服一头栽倒到床上。“您需要我帮您宽衣吗，爵士？”男孩仆人说。 帕格震惊地一坐而起双眼瞪着男孩，惊讶的表情让男孩后退了一步。“如果您没有什么需要了的话，爵士？”他显得忐忑而不安。 帕格大笑了起来。男孩犹豫地站了一会，然后鞠躬并匆忙离开了房间。帕格脱下他的衣服，对东部的贵族居然要仆人帮助他们脱衣而感到惊奇。他太累了，懒得叠起他的衣服，就将它们随手一堆丢在了地上。 吹熄了旁边的蜡烛，帕格在黑暗中躺了一会，为晚上的谈话而不安。对宫廷阴谋他一无所知，但是他清楚的看到无论公爵是多么高尚，克鲁斯也对在陌生人面前谈起这些而提心吊胆。 帕格回想着这几个月来发生的一切，现在他明懊此：自己曾梦想的凯旋版获得国王支援回应而扬起卡瑞德旗帜的想法只不过是另一个被残酷现实所打碎的幼稚幻想。