Chapter 14 Chapter Fourteen Invasion

The rain in the spring of that year was particularly heavy. The ubiquitous quagmire hindered the progress of the war.The scorching summer heat may not dry out until next month. Duke Balkor of Arbon and Lord Borric stood at the table looking down at the map on the table.Raindrops were beating on the roof of the tent, the middle part of which was the headquarters tent.There are also two small tents connected on both sides, providing a place for two nobles to sleep.The stove and Kulgan's pipe filled the tent with smoke.The mage had become an effective advisor to the duke, and his magic helped.He can predict changes in the weather, and his wizard vision can detect the movements of the Tsurani's army, although avoidance does not always work.Over the years he has read every book he comes across, including accounts of war, making him an excellent scholar of tactics and strategy.

Balko pointed to the latest map on the table. "They've got here, and there's a bunch of them here. Stay here."—he pointed to another point on the map—"despite our pursuit, they're still heading in a straight line, right here. He pointed down and drew a straight line along the east direction of the map, pointing directly to the east of Gray Tower City. "It's the same with the enemy army, but it's impossible to predict their next target." The old duke looked tired.The fighting has been stalemate on and off for two months, with neither side gaining any advantage.

Bolick studied the map.The dots marked in red represent known Tsurani strongholds: ditches, earth fortifications, and a garrison of at least two hundred men.Those places where reinforcements are suspected to have been strengthened are marked with yellow dots.It always comes to aid quickly, sometimes within minutes, after the fight begins.The blue dots mark the locations of the kingdom's outposts, but most of Balko's force is stationed around the hill where the commander's camp stands. Until heavy infantry regiments and engineers from Yaben and Tassog arrived and built permanently strong fortifications, the kingdom was mostly fighting guerrilla warfare, organized into squads by regiments.Lord Carrid agrees with others, "It seems their tactics are the same: take a small force, infiltrate, then occupy. They defend the entrance from our army, but never pursue when we withdraw .It's a strategic play. I've never seen anything like it in my life."

A guard walks in. "My lord, there is an elf asking to see you outside." "Let him in." Balko said. The guards pulled the curtains of the tent aside, and an elf stepped in.His reddish-brown hair clung to his forehead, and dripping water from his cloak wet the tent floor.He bowed slightly to the dukes. "Any news from Evanda?" Bolick asked. "My queen greets you." He turned quickly to the map.He pointed to the place between the south of Gray Tower City and the north of Giant Rock Mountain. Bolik's army was surrounding the end of this passage. "Those from the outside world sent many soldiers through here. They also tried to enter the elf forest, but they couldn't find the entrance. They found it difficult to pass through." He grinned. "We had a lot of good chases in half a day. They're dwarves who are good at running. But they can't take the forest." He turned his attention back to the map. "There is another piece of news from Kared: The cavalry on patrol encountered a little conflict, but nothing happened near the castle. There is still no movement in Gray Tower City, and there is no news from Kais or Turan. They seem content to go this route. Your western armies can't support you, and they can't break the siege just yet."

"How many enemies will appear?" Balko asked. "It's not clear, but I see thousands marching along this route." His fingers pointed out a route along the northern edge of the passage, from the forest of the elves to the camp of the kingdom. "The dwarves of the Rock Mountain are still alone, so the enemy has not been able to infect the south. But the outsiders have trapped them in it too." Borik asked the elf, "Are there any reports of Tsurani cavalry?" "No. All reports refer only to infantry." "Looks like Father Tarry was right in thinking they didn't have horses," said Coulgan.

Balko took a pen and dipped it in ink, and marked the information he got on the map.Kulgan stood behind him and watched. Bolic said to the elf, "After you have rested, send my regards to your queen, and I wish her good health. If you are going to send a messenger west, carry the same message for my son." The elf bowed. "As the Lord desires. I will return to Ivanda immediately." He turned and left the tent. Coulgan said, "I guess I understand that." He pointed to the new red dot on the map.They form roughly an incomplete circle across the channel. "The Tsurani are trying to guard the area. The valley is in the center of the circle. I think they're trying to keep anyone from getting there."

The two dukes looked puzzled."But what was the purpose? There was no military value in that area. Something made them willing to go to great lengths to surround and defend that valley," Bolik said. Suddenly Balko gasped. "That's a bridgehead! Like if the procession were to cross the river. They'd have a foothold on the chasm - that's what the mages called it - this side. That's where their people teleported. They haven't controlled yet There is not enough land to supply supplies, so they need to expand the territory they control to build supply bases before launching a major offensive.

Balkor turned to the mage. "Kulgan, what do you think? You're an expert on this." The mage peered at the map as if trying to read the messages hidden within. "We don't know anything about their magic. We don't know how fast their people and supplies move, and no one has ever seen one. They probably need a large area, like this valley, to supply their Supplies. Maybe they need some sort of time limit on letting troops through." Duke Bolic thought. "There seems to be no choice. We must send a small party into the valley to see what they are doing." Kulgan smiled. "I will, if Your Majesty allows. If magic is involved, your soldiers may not understand what they see."

Balkor demurred, his eyes fixed on the mage's bloated figure.Bolick cut him off. "Don't let his appearance fool you. He rides like a knight." He turned to Kulgan. "You'd better take Pug. If one goes down, the other can bring back the information." Kulgan disapproved of this, but he knew it was wise.The Duke of Alpen said, "If we attack from the north road, and then rush into this valley and hold them there, another small and fast force can rush in from here." Until the trail ends at the south end. Bolik said, "This is a bold plan. We have to deal with the Tsurani long enough to hold them in front. I doubt whether they will cooperate." The mage suggested that they go back and have a good rest for the night. It's been a long day.He closed his eyes briefly before telling the two leaders that the rain would stop and tomorrow would be sunny.

Pug lay on the folded blanket, trying to take a nap.At this moment, Kulgan entered their tent.McMur sat before the fire, preparing supper and keeping an eye out for Fantese's gluttons.The drake found its master a week ago, causing panic among soldiers as it swooped down on the camp.Thanks to Mike Mo's timely order, the archer didn't stick his arrows all over the naughty Charmander's ass.Coulgan was delighted to see his pet, but he had no idea how the animal had found them.The drake had moved into the mage's tent, sleeping contentedly beside Pug, and trying to steal food from Makmoth's watchful eyes.

Pug sat up, and the mage took off his wet cloak. "There will be an expedition deep into Tsurani-held territory, to break through their circular defenses around the small valley, and to find out what they are protecting. You and McMur will join me in this operation. I Hopefully my friends will be by my side." Pug was thrilled with the news.McMur had spent a long time teaching him the use of sword and shield, and the dream of being a warrior had returned. "My sword is at the ready, Kulgan." Makmoth let out a snort of laughter, and the mage gave him a melancholy look. "Very well, Pug. But if we're lucky we won't need to fight. We'll be in small detachments, and the larger force will hold the Tsurani down. And we'll ride fast into their territory and find them hiding What. We shall also bring word back as quickly as we can. Thank the gods that they have no horses, otherwise we shall have no hope of completing this operation at all. We shall ride through them before they find out they are attacked." "Maybe we can take a prisoner," the boy said hopefully. "Maybe an opportunity," McMur said.The Tsurani proved to be very staunch fighters, preferring death to surrender. "Perhaps then we'll find out why they came to Mekemia," said Pug boldly. Kulgan looked thoughtful. "We don't know much about these Tsurani. Where do they come from? How are they able to travel between their world and ours? And as you just pointed out, most annoying, why did they come? Why did they invade Our land?" "Metal." Both Kulgan and Pug looked at McMur, who was concentrating on the stew and keeping one eye on Fanters. "They don't have any metal, so they want ours." When Culgan and Pug stared at him blankly, he shook his head, "I thought you guys would have thought of that, that's why you haven't mentioned it." Come out." He set the stew pot aside, then turned and took a bright red arrow from under his bunk. "A souvenir," he said, picking it up to examine it carefully. "Look at this. Their swords are also made of the same material. It seems to be some kind of wood, as hard as steel. I checked the items on the enemy soldiers, and there is nothing from the Tsurani that is metal." Kulgan was dumbfounded. "Of course! It's as simple as that. They found the way from their world to us, they did scouting, and they discovered continents that contained a lot of metal that they lacked. So they sent the army that has been invading. This also explains why They are to congregate in the high valleys and not in the low forests. That gives them free access to...those dwarven mines!" He jumped up. "I'd better break the news to the Duke at once. We must warn the dwarves that they are invading the mines." Kulgan disappeared into the entrance of the tent, where Pug still sat brooding.After a while he said, "McMur, why don't they try to make a deal?" McMur shook his head. "The Tsurani? From what I've seen, boy, they've never had the idea of ​​a deal. They're a war-loving bunch. Those bastards fight like six hundred kinds of demons. If they had cavalry, they'd Might drive us back to Ramata long ago, and then maybe burn all the cities they pass. But we can break 'em, like a matador does, keep pressing until they're worn out, and we'll do it again Get rid of them. Just look at what happened to Kersh. It lost half of Bosnia to the kingdom in the north because the alliance fell into rebellion after rebellion in the south and completely brought down the Kersh Empire." After a while, Pug gave up his hope that Kulgan would be back soon, ate dinner by himself, and got ready for bed.McMur silently protected the mage's meals from the dragon beasts, but finally gave up. Pug lay still in the dark, his eyes fixed on the roof of the tent, listening to the sound of the rain and the happy chewing of the drakes.Soon, he fell into a dream, where he dreamed of a dark tunnel and flickering vanishing fires. It was thick and dense, and there was a thick mist hanging in the air, and a small group of people and horses slowly shuttled through the forest.The spies had come and gone a few minutes earlier, looking for an ambush by the Tsurani ahead.The tops of the tall trees joined together to block the sun, and the whole scene was enveloped in a gray-green color, making it difficult to see clearly from a few yards away. At the head of the squad was a young captain of Ramata's army, Vandor, son of El Elder of Ramata.He was also the most promising young officer in Balko's army. They rode in two files, Pug at the side of a soldier, and ahead of them Kulgan and McMur.An order came to stop the team, and Pug reined in and got off his horse.Over the soft leather he wore a well-oiled chain mail.The outermost is the military coat of the Ramata army, with a blue circle embroidered in the center and a gray wolf's head inside.Heavy woolen trousers were tucked into boots.His shield hung from his left arm, and his sword hung from his belt; he felt like a real soldier.The only thing that doesn't fit is his helmet, which makes him look a bit comical by being too big. Captain Wandor rode to the waiting place behind Ku and dismounted. "The spies have found a camp half a mile ahead. They don't think the guards have noticed." The captain pulled out the map. "We are about here. I will lead my men to attack the enemy's position. The cavalry from Zun will support us from the flank. Lieutenant Gores will command the squad that moves with you. You will go through the enemy's camp and then Continue towards the valley. We will try to keep up with you if possible, but if we cannot meet before sunset, you must continue alone." "Keep moving, but only slowly. Hold on to the horses, but keep them alert. You can get rid of these aliens as long as you are on horseback, but on foot I can't guarantee whether you will have a chance of survival. They run like devils." "Once in the mountains, go through the pass. Ride into the valley an hour before dawn. The northern pass will be attacked at dawn, so if you can get into the valley safely, I hope, you will be there on your way to the northern pass Find something. Once you're in the valley, don't stop for anything. If someone falls, he must be left behind. Your mission is to bring the information back to the commander. Now try to rest. It may be you Last chance. We will attack in an hour." He led the horse back to the front of the procession.Kulgan, McMur, and Pug sat in silence.The mage didn't wear armor because he claimed that those things would hinder his spells.But Pug was more inclined to say that there was no armor suitable for his waist size.McMur, like the others, carried a long sword by his side, but he also carried a horsebow as an extra.For combat he preferred the bow and arrow, but it was clear to Pug after his long hours of hands-on instruction that he was definitely a master with the sword, too. An hour passed, and slowly Pug felt a growing excitement, still childishly fascinated by the idea of ​​honor.And he has completely forgotten the fear of fighting the Dark Clan before reaching Gray Tower City. The order came, and they remounted.At first they rode slowly until the Tsurani came into view.They picked up speed as the trees thinned, and when they reached the clearing they galloped.Huge earthen fortifications were apparently built to defend against cavalry charges.Across the mud wall Pug could see the helmets of the Tsurani girls rushing out to defend the camp.As the cavalry charged, the sound of Zun's cavalry engaging another camp of Tulani began to echo in the forest. The ground trembled under the hoofs of their horses as they rushed toward the enemy camp, and the air echoed like rolling thunder.The Tsurani soldiers stayed behind the earthworks and fired arrows, but most of them missed.The first wave of cavalry attacked the fortifications, and the second wave turned left and crossed the corner of the camp.A few Tsurani soldiers rushed out of the defense, but were immediately chopped down like wheat under a scythe.Two soldiers brandished two-handed swords and tried to get close to the cavalry, but failed to attack and fell down.McMur, keeping his mount tight with his legs, took aim, and quickly unleashed two arrows to bring them down. Pug heard the neighing of horses from the battle behind him, and suddenly found himself dashing into the bushes, and they were in the forest again.Ride hard, through the bushes, dodging the low branches, and the scenery in front of you is like a tunnel of green and brown. The team rode for nearly half an hour, and then gradually slowed down the pace of the tired horses.Coulgan called Lieutenant Gores, and they took their bearings on the map.If we can move slowly day and night, we can reach the entrance of the pass before dawn. McMur looked over at Kulgan and the lieutenant, who were crouching on the ground. "I know this place. I used to hunt here when I was a boy, when I lived in Hayes." Pug was taken aback.This is the first time McMur has mentioned his past.Pug had thought McMur was from Kharad, and was a little shocked to find him in the Liberty City as a young man.But he still had a hard time imagining what McMur was like as a child. The squire continued. "Here's a road to the top of the mountains, a road that crosses two small peaks. It's narrower than a goat's trail, but if we lead our horses and march day and night, we'll be in the valley before dawn. Were it not for me Knowing where it is, it's very difficult to find the way from this side. From the other side of the valley, it's almost impossible to find it. I bet Tsurani doesn't know." The Commander looked at Kulgan questioningly.The mage looked at McMur, then said, "It's worth a try. We can mark Vandor. If we walk slowly, he might catch us before we reach the valley." "Okay," said the adjutant, "our greatest strength is mobility, so we'll keep going. Where are we going to come out, McMur?" The big man leaned over the adjutant's shoulder and pointed to the southern end of the valley on the map. "Here. If we walk west for half a mile or so, and turn back north, we'll be right in the middle of the valley," he said, gesticulating with his fingers. "The north and south sides of this valley are thick with forest, and in the middle is a large pasture. If they have a camp, it must be there. It is very empty, so if those aliens are not pre-prepared for anything, we can be here. They prevented us from leaving there on horseback before. The risky part is going through the swaths to the north, where they may have stationed troops. But if we can get past them, we can get to the northern pass unimpeded." "Are you all in agreement?" the adjutant asked.When no one said anything, he ordered the horses to go forward, with Makmoth leading the way. An hour before sunset they reached the entrance of the road, which Pug agreed with McMoore's "Goat's Trail."The lieutenant posted guards and ordered everyone to unsaddle their saddlebags.Pug stroked the horse's back and grabbed a handful of grass for it, then unhooked the saddle.Thirty soldiers were busy tending their horses and armor.Pug felt the tension in the air.Marching around the Tsurani camp had the soldiers on their nerves, eager for a fight. McMur showed Pug how to wrap his sword and shield in the soldiers' rag blankets. "We won't be using these bedding tonight, and there shouldn't be a sound of metal clinking in the woods, boy. Except maybe hooves hitting stones." Pug looked at the long leather-wrapped hooves of his horse. Socks, these things are carried in the saddlebag for this purpose.The sun was sinking slowly, and Pug rested for a while.It was not until the brief spring evening was over that he heard the order to pack his bags.The soldiers began to prepare.When they were packed, they pulled the horses over and lined up. McMur and the adjutant walked through the ranks, instructing the soldiers repeatedly.They could only advance one by one, with McMur in the lead, the lieutenant next, and then the other soldiers lined up one by one until the last man.They ran a rope through each horse's stirrup, and each held his own horse firmly by the reins.When everyone was in position, McMur started to set off. The path became steeper, and in places the horses had to crawl.They moved slowly in the dark, taking great care not to stray from the path.Occasionally McMur stopped the line to check ahead.After several such pauses, the winding road turned into a steep decline and began to descend.When the road opened up an hour later, they stopped to rest.When the tired team sat down on the open space and stretched their cramped legs, McMur took two soldiers to the front to explore the way.Pug recognized that the feeling of fatigue was largely the result of the silent, pent-up tension of the climb, but it didn't make his legs feel any better. After a while, they were on their way again.Pug staggered forward, exhaustion numbing his mind, and everything in the world seemed to be an endless repetition of putting one foot in front of the other.Several times, the horses behind would arch him forward while clutching the rope. Suddenly Pug became aware that the procession had stopped. They were standing on a stream between two hills, looking down into the valley.From here it only takes a few minutes to ride a horse to the slopes. Kulgan stood beside the boy on his mount in the back of the aisle.It seemed that climbing the mountain was not too difficult for the fat wizard, and Pug wondered how the muscles were hidden under the layers of fat. "Are you all right, Pug?" "I think I'll survive, but I think next time I'll ride a horse if possible." They tried to keep their voices down, but the mage couldn't help letting out a giggle. "I totally understand. We're going to be here until daylight. Less than two hours. I think you can take a nap. The horseback ride will be just as hard." Pug nodded, and lay down without a word.He used his shield as a pillow, and fell asleep before the mage left.He would never know that Mike had come to help him untie the horse's wraps. A gentle rocking woke Pug.He felt like he had just closed his eyes.McMur knelt down in front of him and handed him something. "Here, boy. Eat it." Pug took the food.It is soft bread stuffed with nuts.After two bites, he felt much better. "Eat quickly, we'll be on our way in a few minutes," said Makmoth, and walked toward the lieutenant and mage standing by the horses.Pug finished his bread and mounted his horse again.The pain in his legs had gone, and now that he was on top of his mount, all worries seemed to melt away. The ammonia officer turned the horse's head to face the people. "We're going to ride west—and then, as ordered, north. We can't fight unless we're attacked. Our mission is to bring back the information about the Tsurani. We can't stop no matter who is left behind. If you Separated from the others, try to get back together as best you can. Remember as much as you can of what you saw, you may be the only one who can bring news back to the Duke. May God bless us all." A few soldiers made quick prayers to various gods, chiefly Tis, the god of war, and they set off.The small team came down the hillside to the plain in the hinterland of the valley.The sun had risen from behind the mountains, bathing the earth in a rosy light.At the foot of the hill they crossed a stream into a plain of tall grass.There are trees standing in the distance ahead, but from the north, they can be seen at a glance.At the northern end of the valley hazy campfire smoke hangs in the air.The enemy was there, Pug thought, and from the size of the smoke it must be their stronghold.He hoped McMur was right about their defenses being in the plains, where the soldiers of the kingdom would have a good chance of throwing them off. After a while, the adjutant sent an order, and the team turned to the north.They rode their horses at a gallop, and now it was time for speed. As they were about to charge into the forest, Pug thought he saw a flash of bright color in the woods ahead, but couldn't be sure.No sooner had they reached the wood than a cry came out of the wood.The adjutant shouted, "Well, they've spotted us. Ride fast and keep up with the group." He rode forward, and soon the whole group was bolting into the woods like lightning.Pug saw the horse in front of him turn left and turned quickly to follow, searching the clearing path in the woods, shouting louder than the first time, his eyes trying to adjust to the darkness in the woods.Only wished his horse could see better than he did, or he might find himself slammed into a tree. His horse was battle-trained and galloping, and the darkness became intermittent, and Pug began to see flashes of color among the branches.The Tsurani soldiers rushed out and tried to intercept the knight, but due to the thick brush, it was impossible to succeed.They were moving across the thick of the mountain faster than Tsurani could react to the warning.Pug knew this surprise advantage would not last; they had already caused too much noise among the enemies who hadn't figured out what was going on. After another frenzied charge, they broke through the rough and entered another clearing, where the Tsurani soldiers were already waiting in line for them.The knights charged forward, and most of the defenders spread out to avoid being trampled under the horses.One person, no matter what, still stood there, waving his blue two-handed sword regardless of the panic written on his face.The horse neighed, and the horse whose right leg was chopped off threw the rider off its back.Pug flashed past him oblivious to the ensuing fight. An arrow flew over Pug's shoulder, buzzing like an angry bee.He leaned his entire body on the horse's back, trying to keep his back as small as possible for the archer's target.Ahead, a soldier leaned back from his saddle, a red arrow pierced his neck. Soon they were out of range of the archers and toward a low parapet that straddled the ancient road to the mines to the south.Hundreds of brightly colored figures scurry behind it.The lieutenant motioned for the knights to go around it and head west. It was soon apparent that they were going around the parapet instead of attacking, and a few Tsurani ran over the wall to intercept the cavalry.As soon as they ran into range, red and blue arrows rushed towards them.Pug heard the horse's cry, but he didn't see the distressed animal or its owner Again he rode out of range of the archers and into another thicket of trees.The adjutant reined in and paused for a moment and shouted, "From here, head north. We're about to get into the pastures, where there's no cover, and speed is all we have. When you get into the north again, keep going." .Our troops will break through the defenses over there to meet them, and if we can get through those trees, we will be safe." Mark Moore had described the swath, which was about two or three miles wide.From there to the northern pass through the mountains was another three miles of wilderness. They walked slowly, trying to give the horses as much rest as possible.They could see the figures of a few Tsurani following, but the horse would gallop again before they could catch up.Ahead Pug could see the shadows of the forest's trees, growing larger with each passing minute.He could feel those eyes there, watching, waiting. "Ride as fast as you can once you're within bow and arrow range," shouted the adjutant.Pug saw the soldiers draw their longswords and bows, and drew his own too.The weapon in his right hand made him feel a little uncomfortable, and he urged his horse to run towards the woods. Suddenly, there was a rain of arrows in the sky.Pug felt an arrow graze his helmet, but it still knocked his head back, tears streaming down his face.He galloped blindly, trying to make his temporarily blind eyes see clearly.Holding the shield in his left hand and the sword in his right hand, he blinked desperately, and finally he could barely see clearly. He found himself in the forest.His steed paced through the forest. A soldier in yellow rushed out from behind a tree and struck the boy.He raised his shield to block the incoming sword, and his left arm felt numb for a while.He swung his arms and hit the soldier, who jumped aside to avoid it.Before the soldier was ready to attack again, Pug rode off at a gallop.All around him, the forest echoed with the sound of battle.He could barely make out the other cavalry in the woods. Several times he rode over the Tsurani soldiers who tried to block his passage.One time a guy actually jumped on the horse and tried to take the horse, but Pug gave him a hard blow from the jug-like helmet and he was completely unrecognizable.To Pug they seemed to be engaged in some kind of crazy game--hide, hunt, search, infantry jumping out from behind every tree. Suddenly Pug felt a sharp stabbing pain in his right cheek.He rushed through the bushes, felt back with his sword hand, felt sticky, and when he withdrew his hand, could see blood on his knuckles.He felt a little strange that he didn't hear the sound of the arrow scraping him. Twice he rode into the enemy soldiers on horseback, and the horses scattered them.Suddenly he rushed out of the forest, and a colorful landscape appeared in front of him like a kaleidoscope.He reined in and paused for a moment to take in what he was seeing.Not a hundred yards west of the woodland from which he had just left, stood a gigantic contraption, several hundred feet long, terminated on either side by poles twenty feet high.Several people clustered around it, and for the first time Pug saw the Tsurani without armor.These people wore black robes without any protective gear.Between the poles flashed a mist of gray light, like the one they had seen in Kulgan's room, unable to see beyond.Out of the mist a four-wheeled carriage was pulled out by two gray, squat six-legged beasts herded by two soldiers in red armor. Wild animals were grazed around the wagon. In the distance of the strange device, a huge camp occupied the entire pasture, and there were so many tents that Pug couldn't count.Flags of unfamiliar colors fluttered above them, and the smoke from the campfires in the air made his nose acrid, as if full of unburned sparks. Bao Duo's cavalry passed through the thicket, and Pug rode forward, bypassing the strange device.The six-legged beast raised its head and slowly avoided the oncoming horse, but it seemed that the little distance they moved was not enough to avoid the horse's path. A man in black ran towards the cavalry.He stopped as the cavalry passed him.Pug caught a glimpse of his face, clean and white, muttering words, eyes studying something behind the boy.Pug heard a shout, looked back and saw a cavalryman, his horse was firmly nailed to the ground like a statue, and several guards rushed to the trapped man at once, and the boy turned his head. Look again, keep going...Looking past the unfamiliar contraption, he could see a string of huge, brightly colored tents to the left.Further on, the road is smooth and unobstructed. Pug saw Kulgan, and immediately took the reins and drew closer to the mage.Thirty yards to the right, Pug could see the other knights.As they ran past, Kulgan yelled something to the boy but he couldn't make out.The mage pointed to his cheek, then to Pug, and he realized that the mage was asking if he was all right.Pug waved his sword and smiled, and the mage smiled back. Suddenly, about a hundred yards ahead, the air was filled with a huge buzzing sound, and a man in black robe appeared out of nowhere as if he had melted out of the air.Kulgan's horse charged straight at him, but the man held an odd contraption in his hand and pointed it at the mage. Energy scorched the air hissing.Kulgan's steed neighed and fell as if it had been chopped down.The fat mage flew off the horse's head, hitting the ground hard on the shoulder.Then the mage turned over with incredible agility and jumped like a wooden ball to hit the man in black. Pughera took the reins and kept running.He turned his horse around and rushed back, and found the mage sitting on the little clam man's chest, clasping his wrists with both hands.Pug could see their eyes locked on each other, a battle of wills.Kulgan had explained this strange psychic power to Pug once.This is a way for mages to twist the will of others with their own.This requires great concentration and is also very dangerous.Pug dismounted and ran to the two entangled men.He crossed the sword with his backhand, and slammed the black-robed man's temple with the hilt.The man passed out immediately. Kulgan staggered to his feet. “谢谢你，帕格。我想我实在没有能力胜过他。我从来没有遇到过这么强大的精神力。”库甘看了看他躺在地上的战马。 “它完了。”他转向帕格说，“听好了，你必须传话给博利克公爵。以那些马车穿过裂隙的速度来看，我估计他们一天就能运送数百人，可能更多。告诉公爵试图摧毁那机器无疑为自杀，他们的法师太强大了。而且我不认为我们能在他们保持裂隙开放时摧毁机器。如果我有时间能研究一下的话……他必须去向克朗多求援，或者是东部。” 帕格搀扶起库甘的手臂。“我没法记住这么多。我们一起骑。” 库甘表示抗议，但他太虚弱了无法拒绝男孩将他拽向他的战马。不顾库甘的抗议，他将他的大师推上马鞍。帕格犹豫了一会，打量着疲惫的坐骑，然后下定了决心。“他没办法带我们两个人走，库甘，”他拍打着坐骑的臀部赶它起步。“我会找到另一匹的。” 马儿驮着库甘迅速离开了，帕格巡视着四周。一匹无主的牲口在不到二十尺远处徘徊，但是他刚一接近，那动物就跑开了。该死的，帕格转身看到那黑袍簇朗尼人已经醒了过来蹒跚站起。那人虚弱而迷茫，帕格再次冲向他。脑中只有一个念头：抓一个俘虏，而一个簇朗尼法师是最容易下手的。帕格将还没搞清状况的法师再次撞倒在地。 帕格威胁地举起手中的剑，法师惊恐地向后爬去。那人将他的手举向身前向帕格做出投降的姿态，男孩犹豫了一下。突然一阵剧痛笼罩了他，让他险些站立不稳。他蹒跚着，透过极大的痛苦似乎看到一个熟悉的身影骑马向他跑来，喊叫着他的名字。 帕格摇了摇头，突然痛苦消失了。麦克莫朝他奔来，帕格明白只要他能看住那簇朗尼人就可以让麦克莫将他带给公爵。想到此，所有的痛苦都随之而去，他再一次逼向仰坐在地上的簇朗尼人。当他看到男孩再一次走向自己，法师的脸上露出震惊的神色。帕格听到麦克莫呼喊他名字的声音从后面传来，但他没有将目光从簇朗尼人身上移开。 几个簇朗尼士兵跑过牧场，来援助他们倒地的法师，但是帕格离法师只有几步远，而麦克莫也即将赶到。 法师跳了起来，手伸进他的袍子里。他拿出一个小小的装置然后摆弄着。那东西发出一阵巨大的嗡嗡声。帕格冲向那人，决心无论是什么都要将那装置抢过来。装置发出的嗡嗡声越来越响亮，帕格撞向法师，他的肩膀狠狠地撞在了那人的腹部，隐约中似乎听到麦克莫再一次地呼喊他的名字。 突然世界被白色和蓝色的闪电所打破了，帕格感觉自己穿透一片五彩斑斓的光芒坠入了黑暗的深渊。 帕格睁开双眼。他花费了一些时间来对准视距，眼中所看到的一切都闪烁不定。他完全清醒了过来并且意识到已经是晚上了，闪烁的光芒来自于离自己所躺的地方不远处的营火。他试图坐起来却发现自己的双手被捆在了身后。一声呻吟从旁边传来。在昏暗的光线下他认出了一个拉玛塔人骑兵躺在离他几步远的地方。他同样被捆着。他的面色憔悴，一条脏兮兮的伤口从发髻一直延伸到颧骨，沾满了凝固的血块。 帕格听到身后传来低语声。他转过头看到两个身着蓝甲的簇朗尼守卫在站岗。还有更多的犯人躺在男孩和两个异族人之间的地上，那两个人正在用他们陌生、悦耳的语言低声交谈。其中一个注意到帕格的动静并对另一个说了些什么，后者点点头然后迅速离开了。 不一会他和另一个士兵一起回来了，后者身穿红甲，头盔上戴着一个巨大的顶冠装饰，他指挥两名守卫让帕格站起来。帕格勉强站了起来，新来的人站到他身前对他进行搜查。这个人有着黑色的头发，宽宽的双眼和帕格以前看过的簇朗尼人尸体一样，颧骨平坦，两道浓眉几乎和浓密的黑发连成一片。在昏暗的火光下，他的皮肤似乎是金色的。 除了他们矮小的身材外，大部分簇朗尼士兵可以被看作是美凯米亚上的很多民族，但是这些金色的人，对他们帕格这样认为，有点类似帕格曾见过的很多年前曾到过卡瑞德的克尔士商人，从非常遥远的陕恩莱城来做生易的那些家伙。 那个头目搜查完了男孩的衣服。他接着蹲下来搜查男孩脚上的靴子。他站起身吼叫着命令那个带他来的士兵，后者行礼然后转向帕格。他抓住被捆绑的男孩带他离开，曲折蜿蜒地穿过簇朗尼的帐篷。 在营地中央，很多巨大的旗帜悬挂在竖立的旗杆上，在一座大帐篷旁围成一圈。全部都以醒目的颜色标示着陌生的图案，形态怪异的生物。还有一些不知名的语言文字在上面。帕格被半推半拽地来到这个地方，穿过数百名安静地坐在地上擦拭他们皮甲修理武器的簇朗尼士兵。当他通过时有几个人抬头看了看他，但是这个营地里没有帕格在自己军队营地所熟悉的那种喧闹。这比那些色彩鲜艳的陌生旗帜更让帕格感到这里是属于不同的世界。帕格试图注意所有的细节，如果他能够逃脱的话，就可以将有用的消息告诉博利克公爵了，但是他发现自己无法记下这么多不同寻常的景物。他不知道在他所看到的东西中那些才是重要的。 在大帐篷的入口，带帕格来的守卫被两个穿着黑橙相见颜色盔甲的人拦住。帐篷内很快传出话来，帕格被推了进去。他一头载进帐篷扑倒在垫子上。从他躺着的地方，帕格可以看到更多的旗帜挂在营帐的墙上。整个帐篷被丝绸帘幕，厚厚的地毯和垫子布置得异常华丽。 一双手粗鲁地将他拽了起来，他可以看到几个人正注视着他。所有人都站着，是穿着华而不实的铠甲和装饰有顶冠头盔的簇朗尼军官，只有两个人例外，他们坐在刻有浮雕盖以软垫的台子上。第一个身穿朴素的黑色长袍，兜帽后翻着，露出消瘦，苍白的面孔和光秃的头顶：一个簇朗尼法师。另一个穿着华丽的橙色和黑色相间的袍子，但只到膝盖和肘部，这使他的穿着看起来有些古怪。从他显露出的钢铁般的肌肉和几道伤疤来看，帕格假定他是一名在晚上脱去了盔甲的战士。 黑袍人以尖利的声音、吟唱般的语言向其他人说了些什么。没有任何人说话，但是穿橙色袍子的人点了点头。整个大帐只有一个火盆放在两个穿袍子的人所坐的地方附近。黑袍人向前欠身，火光向上照射在他的脸上，使他的样子突然变得异常可怖。他说话结结巴巴，并带着重重的口音。 “我知道只有……一点点……你们的语音。你明白？” 帕格点点头，当他的头脑飞快转动时他的内心狂跳不止。库甘曾训练他如何做，让自己冷静下来，驱散掩盖理智的迷雾。然后他专注于所有的感官，自动地抓住每一条可利用的信息，寻找任何能够帮他提供生存机会的信息。门口附近的士兵看上去非常放松，他的左臂放在头向后靠在一大堆堆起的软垫上，他心不在焉地看着俘虏。但是帕格注意到他的另一只手从没有离开别在皮带上一把外形邪恶的匕首超过一英寸。一道微弱的反光显示出另一把匕首从穿橙色袍的人右肘垫子下露出的刀柄。 黑衣人慢慢地说，“听着，我告诉你一些事。然后你被问。如果你说谎，你死。慢慢来。明白？”帕格毫不犹豫地点点头。 “这个人，”穿黑袍的家伙说，指了指穿着桔黄色短袍的人，“这是一个……伟大的人。他是……高大的男人。他是……”那人用了一个帕格不能理解的词。当帕格摇头，那个法师说，“他是伟大的家族……闽丸诺比。他是第二……”他寻找着合适的词组，然后他用手画了一个圈，好像是表示帐篷中所有的人，为他们荣耀而服务的人，“……领导的人。” 帕格点点头轻声说，“你们的领主？” 法师眯起眼睛，好像要对帕格所说的表示反对，但是他只是停顿了一会，然后说，“是的，战争之主。我们在这里为他的意志。这是一个仅次于战争之主。”他指了指穿桔黄色的人，后者面无表情。“对这个人你什么都不是。”很明显这人对自己在试图表达自己意思方面的努力感到挫败。而这个领主也不同于他们所说的领主，那人的翻译试图向帕格解释这一点。 领主打断了翻译，说了些什么，然后朝帕格点点头。秃头法师微微低头表示同意，接着重新将注意力转向帕格。“你是领主？” 帕格一脸震惊，然后结结巴巴地表示否定。法师点点头，做了翻译，接着听候领主的指示。他再次转向帕格。“你窜的衣服像领主，事实？” Pug nodded.他的衬衫是远比普通士兵高级多的针织品。他试着解释他是公爵皇家成员。在经过一番努力沟通后他只能听天由命地假设他们明懊此他是有高地位的下人。 法师拿出一个小小的装置递给帕格。男孩犹豫了一下，然后接了过来。它看上去像是由水晶切割成的立方体，通体贯穿着粉红色的纹理。它在他的手中不一会就发出了柔和粉红色的光芒。橙色袍子的人命令着，法师翻译。“这个领主说，多少人穿过通道……”他结结巴巴指手画脚。 帕格不知道他在哪里，或是他所指的是什么方向。“我不知道我在哪里。”他说。“我是在昏迷的情况下被带到这里的。” 法师思嗣此一会，然后站了起来。“那边，”他说，指了指他刚才所指方向的右边角落，“是高山，比其它都大。那边，”他手稍微移动了一点，“空中，是五火，像这样。”他双手花出一个轮廓。过了一会帕格才明白过来。男人指的是巨岩山和被称作五宝石的星座。他还在他们奇袭的山谷中。通道是指他们逃跑的路线。 “我……真的，我不知道有多少。” 法师注视着帕格手中的立方体。它继续放出柔和的粉红色光芒。“好，你说的是实话。” 帕格现在才明白他拿着某种能辨别他们的俘虏是否欺骗他们的装置。他感到一阵绝望席卷而来。他明白他幸存的希望可能只有出卖背叛他的祖国。 法师又问了一些关于山谷外军队的问题。大多数都无法得到回答，帕格从没有接触过军机要政，问题变得更简单一些了，大部分是关于美凯米亚的一些风土民俗，而簇朗尼人似乎相当着迷于此。 审问持续了几个小时。在这强制的审问下帕格好几次险些因精疲力竭而昏倒。每当这时他就被灌以某种饮料，让他暂时恢复精力却感觉头晕眼花。 他回答了每一个问题。好几次为了躲避测谎装置他只回答必要的信息，而不涉及到其他。在这些时候，他只告诉法师和领主那些无关痛痒的事情和不完整的回答。最后领主表示会见结束，帕格被拽到了外面，法师跟随着。 在帐篷外，法师站到帕格身前。“我的领主说，'我认为这个仆人'”——他指了指帕格的胸口“'他是……'”他思索着用词。“'他是聪明的。'我的领主不介意聪明的仆人，他们工作的好。但是他认为你太聪妹此。他要你小心，你现在是奴隶。聪明的奴隶可以活很久。太聪明的奴隶死得快——如果……”他在一次停下来。然后法师的脸上露出微笑。“如果他够幸遇……幸运。对……是这个词。”他将这个词在嘴边又念叨了几遍，好像在反复品味。“幸运。” 帕格被带回到关押的地方，被留下一个人沉思。他环视周围，其他几个俘虏也醒过来了。大部分看上去迷茫而又沮丧。其中一个开始哭泣。帕格望向天空，看到东方山脉的边缘升起粉红色的光芒，预示着黎明即将到来。