Chapter 15 Chapter 15 Engagement

It was raining spasmodically and non-stop. Near the mouth of the cave, a small group of dwarves sat huddled together before a small campfire, and the gloom of the weather was reflected in their faces as well.Dolgan puffed on his pipe while the others busied themselves with trimming their armor, patching chipped and torn hides, cleaning and oiling the metal.A pot of sizzling stew hung over the fire. Thomas sat with his back against the cave wall, his sword in his lap.He stared blankly at the others, but his eyes focused on what was far behind them. On several occasions the dwarves of the Gray Towers have fought the invaders boldly, and on several occasions they have inflicted great casualties on their enemies.But in spite of this, the number of Tsurani is no less, while the number of dwarves is getting smaller and smaller. Their lives have cost the enemy a heavy price, but they have also caused great grief to the relatives of Gray Tower City.Long-lived dwarves rarely have children, and the long years do not bring about the prosperity of the population as humans do.And the damage caused by the loss of a dwarf far exceeds human imagination.Every time the dwarves gathered to fight through the mines and into the valley, Thomas always led the way.His golden helm was like a beacon to the dwarves.The golden long sword is swung over the battle, and when it falls, it announces the death of the enemy.In battle the Castle Boy becomes an embodiment of power, a battle hero who awes and fears the Tsurani whenever he appears on the battlefield.No doubt he was driven by the magic of his weapons and armor, which began to exert their power the first time he wore them into battle.

Gathering thirty of the warlike dwarves from Caudel they were about to venture through the mine to the entrance of the occupied valley to the south, but they encountered a small patrol of the Tsurani near the mine.During the battle, Thomas was separated from the dwarves by three Tsurani warriors.As they rushed towards him, holding their long swords high, he felt something controlling him.Arrowing between the two, like some crazy juggler, he killed one with one blow and returned the other.Before the third person understood what was going on, he was knocked down by Thomas who suddenly rushed behind him.After the battle, Thomas felt a great excitement, but at the same time, somehow, a fear.Every time he returns from the battlefield, he always feels full of inexplicable energy.

The armor grants him the same power and skill every time he is on the battlefield.But the excitement got stronger and stronger, and just the first two times, he started hallucinating.Now, for the first time, hallucinations come uninvited.They are clear and transparent, as if one painting is overlaid on top of another.He could see the dwarves through it, and the forest beyond.But above them unfolded a vision of a long-dead man and a place that had faded from the memory of the living.The floor of the hall was decorated with gold, and flames danced on the crystal bases of the tables.An unknown human picked up the goblet and gently raised it to his lips, showing a strange smile.The great kings of races long extinct were present at the feast before his eyes.They are so strange, but also so familiar.Like a human, but with elf-like ears and eyes.Tall as an elf, but with broad shoulders and thick arms.Women are very beautiful, but from a somewhat heterogeneous point of view.Dreams became more real, more vivid than ever.Thomas heard faint laughter that sounded like strange music, and a few words from people.

He is awakened from the vision by Dolgan's voice. "Would you like something to eat, boy?" He could only falter with half-awake willpower as he walked through them to get the bowl full of broth that was being handed him.When he touched the bowl, the illusion disappeared, and he shook his head to wake up. "Are you all right, Thomas?" Thomas sat down slowly and looked at his friend for a moment. "I don't know," he said hesitantly. "There's something about that. I...I'm not sure. I think I'm just tired." Dolgan looked at the boy.The traces of war were branded on his young face.He already looked more like a man than a boy.But besides the grind of war, something else happened to Thomas.Dolgan wasn't sure if the change was good or bad—or that it wasn't possible to think about it under the current conditions.After six months of observation he was unable to draw any conclusions about Thomas.

Since donning the armor gifted by the dragon, Thomas has become a warrior of legendary strength.And the boy... no, the young man, put on weight, even when food was always scarce.It's as if something is making him grow until he fits the size of the armor.And his face also had strange features.His nose has become thinner and more angular, more defined than ever.His eyebrows became more arched and his eyes darkened.He is still Thomas, but Thomas's appearance has changed slightly. Except for his expression, he seems to be wearing someone else's mask.Dolgan took a deep draw on his pipe, looking at the white shirt worn by Thomas.After the baptism of several wars, there is no stain.Dust, blood, or every other possible stain is rejected on its surface.And the golden dragon pattern on it was also shimmering like when they first found it.The same goes for the shield strapped to his arm to fight with him.Withstood many blows, but never left a scar.The dwarves took note of this detail, their race having a long history of forging weapons that impart magical powers.But never like this.They will wait and see what it brings until they reach a conclusion.When they had finished their meager meal, a guard who had been standing guard near the camp came out into the clearing in front of the cave. "someone is coming."

Immediately the dwarves rose to their feet, taking up their weapons.But it was not a Tsurani soldier in strange armor, but a Natalis ranger in a dark gray cloak and tunic.He walked towards the center of the clearing and announced in a low voice after several days of walking through the forest, "It's good to see you, Dolgan of Gray Tower City." Dorgan stepped forward. "Nice to meet you, Jimworth of Natalie." Rangers have served as scouts and messengers since the invaders took over the free city of Volinor.The man went to the hole and sat down.He was handed a bowl of broth, and Dorgan asked, "What's the news?" "I'm afraid I have no good news," he said, filling his mouth with broth. "The invaders clung to the front of the valley, and the north-east front was directed towards Ramata. The Voorino extended more armies from their homeland, and it was like a knife between the free city and the kingdom. Between my two Before Zhou left, they had raided the Kingdom's stronghold three times, and perhaps once more now. They also blocked Khared's patrols. I've come to tell you that they will soon be preparing to invade your territory."

Dorgan was a little confused. "Why do the dukes think that? Our spies have seen no sign of enemy activity in the area. Every patrol they send out is attacked by us. If there is any indication, they seem eager to get rid of us." "I I don't know. I heard the wizard Kulgan say that the Tsurani are coming here to rob your mines, but I don't know why. Anyway, that's what the Duke said. They think the entrance to the mine in the valley is going to be invaded. I I come to tell you that new Tsurani forces may be entering the southernmost valleys, and that there has been no major fighting in the north, only minor skirmishes."

"Now you have to make the best decision for yourself," he said, turning his attention back to the bowl. Dorgan thought deeply. "Tell me, Jimworth, what's the news from the elves?" "Very little. We've lost contact since the aliens invaded the southern part of the Elven Forest. The last Elven messenger arrived a week before I left. The last word they got was that they had stopped Kari from crossing the forest. Wildlings on the De River." "There are also some rumors about war beasts kept by aliens. But I don't know much, only some displaced villagers claim to have seen those animals, so I don't pay much attention to what they say. "

"Nevertheless, there is another interesting tidbit. It seems that a patrol from Yaben patrolled the shores of the Lake of Sky uncharacteristically. On the shore they found some southern Tsurani and a small group from the northern lands. Traces left by goblin battles. At least we don't have to worry too much about the northern border. Maybe we can arrange them to kill each other to their advantage." "Or join forces against us," Dorgan said. "But I don't think it's possible. Goblins always kill first and then negotiate." Jimworth chuckled softly. "I don't know what caused these two bloodthirsty races to collide."

Dorgan nodded.He hoped Grimisworth was right, but was disturbed that the Northlanders, as the Dwarves called the Northland, were also affected by the war. Jimworth wiped his mouth with the back of his hand. "I can only stay here for one night. I have to hurry to pass their defense line safely. They are sending additional patrols along the coast, and soon they will completely block the connection between Kared and the outside world. I want to stay there A little while, and then make the long trek to the duke's camp." "You want to go back?" Dorgan asked. The Ranger smiled, a smile that looked even more charming against his dark skin. "Perhaps, if the gods help me. If not, one of my brothers will take my place. It may be the big Leon you are about to meet. He was sent to Ivanda. If he is safe, he will take Lady Agraana It will be a good opportunity to learn about the progress of the elves." Hearing the name of the elf queen, Thomas looked up from his trance.Dolgan took a puff of his pipe and nodded.Jimworth turned to Thomas and said to him, "Lord Bolick asked me to bring you news, Thomas." Jimworth had already brought the news from the dwarf to the Duke that Thomas was still alive and well.Thomas had hoped to return to the kingdom's army with Jimworth, but the Natalis Rangers refused to take him with him, claiming that he must travel quickly and stealthily.Jimworth continued his message. "The duke is pleased with your good fortune and health. But he also has to tell you a sad news. Your friend Pug was captured by the Tsurani during a raid on the Tsurani camp. Lord Bolic I am as sorry for this misfortune as you are." Without a word Thomas got up and walked into the depths of the cave.He sat down on the ground, only the rocks surrounded him quietly. After a while, his shoulders trembled slightly.It became violent several times until the whole body began to tremble, and the teeth rattled as if they were cold.Then, uncontrollable tears streamed down his cheeks, and he felt a searing pain rush from his gut into his throat, pressing into his chest.He gasped quietly, and the intense silent sobs made him tremble.As the pain continued to swell to an unbearable level, a cold rage burst out in his heart, replacing the hot pain of sadness.Dolgan Jimworth looked up to see Thomas reappear in the firelight. "Can you tell the Duke that I appreciate his concern for me?" he begged the Ranger.

Jimworth nodded. "Of course I will. Young man. I think it would do you good to go back to Kharad, if you want to go home. I'm sure Prince Lane will use you." Thomas thought about it.It was nice to see home again, but at the castle he was only an apprentice whether he had a weapon or not.They might let him fight while the castle was under attack, but they certainly wouldn't let him join the attack. " "Thank you, Jimworth, but I'm staying. There's more to do here, and more to me. I ask you to tell my parents I'm fine and miss them." He sat down, adding Said, "If I'm destined to go back to Kared, I will go back." Jimworth stared fixedly at Thomas, as if to say something, but he noticed that Dolgan shook his head slightly.Natalis rangers know elves and dwarves better than humans in the west.He knew there must be something here and Dolgan thought it best not to go into it now, and Jimworth obeyed the dwarf's frustrated wisdom. Soon they finished their meal, the guards were in their positions, and the rest were ready to go to bed.As the fire dies down, Thomas can hear a faint, wild music and see shadows dance again.Before sleep captured him, he clearly saw a figure looming above all else, a tall warrior with a grim face and mighty countenance, clad in a white battle robe embroidered with golden dragons. Thomas stood with his back against the cave wall.He smiled, a cruel and terrifying smile.His eyes were open, with a white glow around his pale blue irises.He stood motionless, rigid.His fingers closed and opened on the white-and-gold hilt. The picture in front of his eyes shimmered, a tall, elegant person, riding on the back of a dragon, living in a palace deep in the earth.The ear in his head could hear faint music and strange whispers.Called to him by a long-gone race, a mighty race that forged with its own hands the armor that was never intended for human use.More visions followed.Most of the time he could keep his awareness when facing them, but when he felt the desire to fight arise, like now, the picture gained space, color and sound.He tried to listen to the words in it.They were so faint that he could almost make out them. He shook his head, bringing himself back to reality.He looked at the dark tunnel around him, no longer surprised that he could see the darkness clearly.He looked across the staggered tunnels to Dolgan, who stood quietly forty feet from his men waiting and waving to him.On each side of the vast tunnel are six dwarves waiting to trigger the trap.They waited for the small group of dwarves running ahead of the Tsurani army to lead the enemy into a trap.The sound of footsteps running down the tunnel made them vigilant.After a while, the sound of armor colliding joined in.Thomas tensed up.A few dwarves came into view, backing away as they fought.Passing through one side of the tunnel, the fighting dwarves needed no prompting, knowing full well that their kin awaited on the other side. Just as the first Tsurani warrior walked by, Thomas yelled, "Attack!" and he rushed out.Suddenly the tunnel was filled with spinning and slashing figures.The Tsurani are mostly armed with broadswords, which are difficult to reach in tight spaces, while the dwarves wield handaxes and standing hammers with proficiency.Thomas struck hard and immediately brought down several corpses.The out-of-control Tsurani threw torches frantically, dancing black shadows hung high on the tunnel wall, causing chaos in front of them. A cry came from behind the Tsurani troops, and the aliens began to retreat from the tunnel.They place their shields in front of them, forming a shield wall while the swordsman hides behind and can attack.Dwarves can't do enough damage.Whenever the dwarves attacked, a shield wall was erected, and the attacker was answered with a longsword hiding behind the shield.The enemy retreated after a brief assault. Thomas came to the front, taking down two since he moved far enough to strike the shield bearer.But whenever one falls, the other immediately takes its place.Still they retreated methodically under the pressure of the dwarves. The Tsurani retreated through the lowest tunnel to a utility room, and quickly took up their position in the middle of the huge cavern, forming a circle with their shields.The dwarves paused for a moment, then rushed forward.Thomas' eyes caught a faint flicker of movement, and he looked up at the raised rock.It was impossible for him to see everything in the dark mine, but suddenly he felt a warning. "Look up!" he cried. Most of the dwarves had breached the shield wall to pay him any attention, but a few stopped attacking and looked up.A dwarf standing next to Thomas yells, "Up there" Black figures poured in from above, crawling down the rock face.Also, human figures rush out of tunnels high up.Lanterns and torches lit by the Tsurani warriors above illuminate everything. Thomas was stunned.Behind the few Tsurani still surviving in the center of the cave, he could see the creatures pouring in from every high entrance, swarming like ants to avoid them, unlike ants, which swarmed from their bodies. Stand upright above the point, wielding weapons with humanoid arms.Their faces, like those of insects, have huge compound eyes but a humanoid mouth.Moving with unbelievable speed, they dodged and charged at the dwarf, who avoided being startled by them, but fought back without hesitation, and the fight continued.The fight suddenly became difficult, and several times Thomas faced two opponents at the same time, the Tsurani, or the monster, or both.The creatures were clearly intelligent, and they fought with order, their inhuman voices drowning out the chatter of the Tsurani. Thomas looked up after killing another monster and saw more warriors pouring in from above. "Come near me! Come close to me!" he shouted, and the dwarves began to fight their way towards him.When most of the dwarves had gathered, Dorgan could be heard shouting, "Back back, everyone back! There are too many of them." The dwarves began to move slowly towards the tunnel they had just entered, which was relatively quiet. Say it safe.At least there they would have to face far fewer Tsurani and monsters at once, and, they hoped, the enemy might get lost in the mines.Seeing the dwarves retreat, the Tsurani and the monsters pressed on.Thomas saw a horde of monsters inserting themselves between the dwarves and the escape route.He jumped forward to hear an unfamiliar battle cry coming from his mouth, but he didn't even understand the meaning of the words.His golden sword passed by, and with a scream, a monster fell down.Another swung a broadsword at him, and he parried with a shield.A slightly lighter weapon might have been destroyed, but the monster withdrew its attack from the white shield and backed away, then struck again.He parried the blow again, then swung his arm across its neck, nearly decapitating it.It stiffened for a moment, then began to crumble from its feet.He jumped over the fallen corpse of the monster and stood before the three stunned Tsurani warriors.One holds two lanterns and the other two hold weapons.Before the lantern bearers could throw them away, Thomas jumped forward and chopped down the other two.The third died the moment he tried to draw his sword. He slung the shield over his arm and reached down to snatch a lantern.He turned to see the dwarf crawling over the corpse of the monster he had just killed.Several helped the injured compatriots.A handful of dwarves, led by Dolgan, held off the oncoming foes to give the others the better chance of fleeing.The dwarf who was helping the wounded hurried past Thomas.A dwarf who had been in the back of the tunnel during the battle rushed up when his companions apparently retreated.Instead of a weapon, he carried two large skin sacs filled with fluid. The guards at the rear retreated towards the tunnel under pressure, and two soldiers tried to hold them back.They fell under two blows from Thomas.When Dolgan and his warriors stood on top of the monster's corpse, Thomas yelled, "Get ready to jump." He took two heavy skins from the dwarf. "Now!" he shouted.Dorgan and the others moved back, leaving the Tsurani on the other side of the body.Without any hesitation, Thomas threw the skin at the corpse as the dwarves stepped into the tunnel.They have been handled with care and are designed to burst upon impact.Both are filled with naphtha - a liquid that dwarves extract from black lakes deep in the mountains.Unlike oil, it does not require a wick to ignite. Thomas lifted the lantern and slammed it into the center of the oozing liquid.The Tsurani hesitated only for a moment, and rushed forward when the lantern burst open, and the burning naphtha burst into white, scorching tongues of flame.Dazed by the blinding light, the dwarves could only hear the screams of the Tsurani walking into the flames.When they regained their sight, they could see a figure walking into the tunnel.Under the nearly white flame, Thomas was outlined as a black outline. When he came to them, Dolgan said, "As soon as the flames die they will catch up." They quickly retreated through several tunnels towards the exit of the western mountains.After they had walked a short distance, Dolgan stopped the procession.He and the others stood silently, listening to the silent tunnel.A dwarf leaned down and put his ear to the ground, but immediately jumped up again. "They're coming! Judging from the sound, there are hundreds of people, and those monsters. They must be attacking in an all-out way." Dorgan made an inventory.There were one hundred and fifty dwarves when the ambush began; only seventy are still standing here, and twenty of them have been wounded.He could only hope that the others had escaped through other tunnels, but right now they were all in danger. Dorgan made a quick decision. "We must go to the forest." He led the others into a trot. Thomas ran effortlessly, but his consciousness was haunted by visions.At the climax of the fight they came upon him suddenly, and the picture became clearer and more vivid than ever.He could see the enemies he killed, and they didn't look like Tsurani.He could taste the blood that flowed, the mystical power that poured over him as if he had drunk from their wounds in a triumphal celebration.He shook his head to shake off the visions.What celebration?He was surprised.Dolgan was talking, and Thomas forced his attention to the dwarf's words. "We must find another stronghold," he said, running. "Perhaps try Rock Mountain. Our village is safe here, but we have no bases for fighting, and I think the Tsurani will soon master these mines. Those creatures are good at fighting in the dark, and if they A lot, and they can drive us out of the deeper tunnel." Thomas nodded, speechless.Inside he burned, a cold flame of hatred for the Tsurani.They had ravaged his homeland, and had taken his brotherly friends, and now, because of them, many of his dwarven friends lay dead beneath the mountains.His face was grim, and he secretly vowed to completely destroy these invaders no matter the cost. They walked carefully across the swab, looking at the Tsurani.In six days they had met three skirmishes, and now there were only fifty-two dwarves left.Most of the badly wounded dwarves had been sent back to the safety of villages in the highlands—where the Tsurani were reluctant to set foot.Now they approached the southern part of the Elvenwood.At first they tried to head east toward the Pass, looking for a way to the Rock Mountain.But that line was so crowded with Tsurani camps and patrols that they turned north now and then.In the end they decided to try to go to Ivanda, where they could find a temporary rest in the constant pursuit. A scout came back from twenty yards ahead and said softly, "A camp, in the shallows." Dolgan thought about it.Dwarves can't swim, so they need to walk through shallows.But it seems the Tsurani hold all the shallows here.They might find an unguarded place, if a living dwarf persisted there. Thomas looked around.Dusk was approaching, and darkness would be the best cover if they could slip across the river under the Tsurani line.Thomas whispered the thought to Dolgan, who nodded.He signaled the guards to avoid the discovered camp to the west and find a better hiding place.After a while, the pathfinder came back and said that there was a cave behind a bush, where he could wait until night fell.Going there quickly, they saw a huge granite rock jutting out of the ground, maybe twelve feet high, and twenty-five or thirty feet wide at the base.When they broke through the bushes, they found a cave just enough for them to shelter.It was only twelve feet wide, but after that it was at least forty feet deep, extending downwards.When they were all safely inside, Dolgan commented, "This must have been the bottom of the river before—look at how smooth the rocks are down there. It's a little narrow, but at least it keeps us safe." Thomas barely heard, and once again he was wrestling with visions, lucid dreams, he thought of them.He closed his eyes, and with the faint sound of music, the illusion reappeared. The victory came cleanly, but Gray-Shag was lost in thought.Something troubled the ruler of the Eagles.His lips are still stained with the blood of Orgon Kokun, the tyrant of the Nausicaä, whose consort is now Gray Shag's as well.But something was missing. He eyed the dancers, dancing perfectly to the music for his entertainment.It is because of this.No, that lack soaked deep within Ash-Shag. Arangwan—as the Elves called their princess—was his latest new love, and sat on the floor by his throne, awaiting his favor.He almost ignored her lovely face and soft body, and the smooth coat that covered her body was not so much to emphasize her beauty as to conceal it. "Master, do you have something on your mind?" She asked softly, her fear of him was as hard to hide as her body. He glanced at her.She had noticed his hesitation; that would have resulted in her death, but he could kill her later.After satisfying the desires of the flesh, he gets the double pleasure of being in bed and killing at the same time.Now he thought about his inexplicable feeling, that ethereal emotion so foreign.Ash-Shag raised his hand, and the dancer fell to the floor, forehead pressed against the rock.The musicians stopped too, and it was like, a cave of silence.He waved them away, and the latter escaped from the majestic hall, passing the mighty golden dragon, Sha Ruoge, who was waiting patiently for its master... "Thomas," came the voice. Thomas snapped his eyes open.Dolgan grabbed the young man's arm. "It's time. It's night. You're asleep, boy." Thomas shook his head to clear his head, and the lingering image slipped away.Tomas felt his stomach churning as the sight of a warrior in gold and silver standing over the bloodstained corpse of an elf princess flickered away. Watching the others, he climbed out of the cave, and they headed toward the river again.The forest is silent, and even the birds of the night are careful to hide their tracks. They made it safely to the river, where they fell to the ground and dodged a passing Tsurani patrol.They followed the river, a scout running ahead.A few minutes later, the scout returned. "There's a bank of sand across the river." Dolgan nodded; the dwarves waded into the water in a silent file.Thomas and Dolgan waited for others to get through.As the last of the dwarves entered the water, a cry of inquiry came from the embankment not far away.The dwarves stopped abruptly.Thomas rushed forward, surprising a Tsurani guard who was trying to peer through the darkness.The man fell screaming, and the shouting stopped short. Thomas saw the lights approaching him quickly, spinning and running.He noticed Dolgan waiting on the embankment, shouting, "Run away! They found us." When Thomas and Dolgan walked into the river, the dwarves still stood hesitantly.The river is cold and rushes over the sand bank.Thomas walked steadily through them.The torrent only reached his waist, but it barely reached the dwarf's chin.They simply cannot fight in water. When the first Tsurani guards chased into the river, Thomas turned to block them to give the dwarves a better chance of escaping.Two Tsurani attacked and he chopped them down together.More jumped into the river, and he only had a chance to glance at the dwarves.They had almost reached the embankment on the opposite bank, and then he noticed Dolgan, despair and frustration evident on his face in the light of the Tsurani lights. Thomas attacked the Tsurani soldiers.Four or five people tried to surround him, but he always cornered them.But every time he kills one, he only gets himself into another fight. A voice was telling him that it was only a matter of time before he was knocked down.But he vowed to make them pay dearly and struck one, blowing his shield up to the arm, and the man fell screaming. As he blocked the blow with his shield, Thomas heard a gust of wind passing by his ears, and a Tsurani guard fell screaming, a long arrow protruding from his chest.The air was immediately filled with arrows.More Tsurani fell, and the rest began to retreat.But all the soldiers in the water collapsed before reaching the shore. A voice said, "Hurry up, humans. They will respond in the same way." As if to justify the warning, an arrow slid across Thomas' cheek from the other direction.He hurried towards the safety of the opposite bank.A Tsurani arrow hit his helmet, and he staggered.Just as he steadied himself, another arrow hit his leg.He fell forward and felt the sand on the bank beneath him.A hand reached out and pulled him up effortlessly. A wave of dizziness swept over him, and then he heard a voice say, "They poisoned the arrows. We must..." The rest slipped into darkness. Thomas opened his eyes.For a moment he couldn't know where he was.He felt his head lighten and his lips dry.A face leaned toward him, and a hand lifted his head while dabbing water on his lips.He took a deep swig and felt better.He turned slightly to see two people sitting next to him.At first he feared he was being captured, but then he saw the dark green leather jackets the men were wearing. "You are weak," said the man who gave him water.Thomas recognized these people at once as elves. "Dorgan?" he hissed. "The dwarf has been invited to our queen's council. We cannot move you, fearing the poison. We know nothing of the venoms of the Outer Worlds, they kill quickly. We can only do what we can with it, but those deadly wounds unusual." He felt his strength slowly returning. "how long it has been?" "Three days. You've been lingering at the gates of hell since we picked you up from the river. We moved you as far away as we could." Thomas looked around and saw him lying naked under a screen made of branches, a blanket covering him.He smelled the aroma of food being cooked on the campfire and saw the delicious aroma wafting from the pot.His master noticed and motioned for a bowl to be filled for him. Thomas sat up, his head dizzy for a while.He took a large piece of bread and stirred it in the bowl like a spoon.The food was delicious and every bite seemed to breathe new life into him.As he ate, he looked at the others sitting nearby.Two silent elves watched him expressionlessly.Only the man who spoke showed a hint of hospitality. Thomas looked at him and said, "Where's the enemy?" The elf smiled. "The Outerworlders still dare not cross the river. Here our magic is stronger, and they will lose themselves. No Outerworlder can reach our shore and return. Thomas nodded.When he's done eating, he feels surprisingly good.He tried to stand up and found himself only slightly unsteady.After taking a few steps, he felt the power fill his limbs again, and his leg had been healed.He spent a few minutes stretching his body, stiff from three days' sleep on the ground, before getting dressed. "You are Prince Celeon. I remember meeting you at the duke's meeting." Calle turned around and smiled. "I remember you too, Thomas of Carrid, although you have changed amazingly in a year. Those two are Grain and Ogwynn. If you feel better, we can take you to the Queen's Palace to meet your friends." Thomas smiled, "Take me there." They cleared the makeshift camp and set off.At first, they moved slowly, giving Thomas enough time to recover.But after a while it became apparent that he had fully recovered from his death. Soon, the four of them were running through the rough.Thomas, ignoring his heavy armor, didn't take a breath.His guides exchanged suspicious glances. They ran almost all afternoon before stopping.Thomas looked at the surrounding forest and said, "It's a wonderful place." 榜雷恩道，“大部分你的族人并不同意，人类。他们认为森林令人恐惧，充满陌生的身影和骇人的声响。” 汤玛士大笑。“大部分人类缺乏想象力，要不就是太多了。森林是安静而平和的。比我所知的大部分地方都要平静。” 精灵们什么也没说，但是凯勒恩的面庞闪过一丝惊讶。“我们最好继续，如果我们想要在天黑前到达伊万达。” 随着黄昏将至，他们来到了一片巨大的空地。汤玛士停下来被眼前的景象所惊呆了。穿过空地一座庞大的树城拔地而起。巨型的树木挺立在一起，让任何一片橡拭粗都自愧不如。它们被优雅的树枝拱桥所接连，平坦穿插过顶冠，可以让精灵们从一棵树干穿到另一棵去。汤玛士抬头仰望升起的树干直到它们消失在枝杈和树叶的海洋中。树叶程深绿色，但是在这或那总会看到一棵树长有金色，银色，或是白色的枝叶；闪耀着光芒。整个地方都渗透着一股柔和的微光，汤玛士相信这里是没有真正的黑暗的。 凯勒恩将手放在汤玛士的肩膀上简单地说，“伊万达。” 他们快步穿过空地，汤玛是可以看到精灵们的树城要远比他一开始所想象的大得多。它向四方延伸至少有一里长。汤玛士感觉为这个神奇的地方而惊奇的发抖，又兴奋异常。 他们来到一座楼梯前，在一棵树的侧面雕么而成以便攀爬而上，直至枝丛之中。他们开始登上台阶，汤玛士再一次感到了喜悦的感动，好像是战斗时充满他全身的狂怒摇身变成了和颜悦色的优雅绅士。 他们向上攀登，当他们经过一座巨大的枝杈时路边几个精灵行礼致意，汤玛士可以看到精灵男女都站在一边。很多人象他的引路人一样穿着战斗用的皮甲，但是还有很多人穿着长长，优美的袍子或是鲜艳色彩的妹戳上衣。女人都非常漂亮，他们的头发长而飘逸，而不象公爵宫中的小姐们。当他们经过时，女人发间的珠宝闪耀着光芒。她们都是那么的高挑而优美。 他们来到楼梯左边的一座粗大树枝前。凯勒恩开始警告他不要朝下看，他知道人类不太习惯走很高的路，但是汤玛士站在树枝边缘，向下望去却丝毫不见晕眩或不适。 “这是个不可思议的地方，”他说。三个精灵交换了一下怀疑的眼神，但时没有说一个字。 他们再次动身，当他们来到两条交叉的树枝前，两个精灵转身离开道路，剩下汤玛士和凯勒恩单独前往。他们不断朝深处走去，汤玛士如同精灵一般安然地在树间行进，知道他们到达一片开阔地带。这里是由一圈大树围成的精灵女王的中央会厅。数百条枝杈交叉并入一座巨大的平台。阿格拉安娜就坐在木制王座上，被她的朝臣们所围绕着。一个人类，灰色头发的纳塔里斯游骑兵，站在女王身边，他黑色的皮肤闪动着黑夜的光芒。他是汤玛士所见过的最高的人，而这个从卡瑞德来的年轻人知道那一定是大个儿里昂，游骑兵吉穆沃斯曾经说起过的那个人。 凯勒恩带着汤玛士走进空地的中央，将他引见给阿格拉安娜女王。当她看到这个穿着白金相间的年轻人时脸上露出一丝惊讶，但是她几乎立刻就又恢复了常态。以她充满磁性的声音欢迎汤玛士来到伊万达，并告诉他愿意呆多久都可以。 会议被延期了，道尔甘走到汤玛士站的地方。“好小子，我真高兴看到你恢复。当我离开你的时候还不知道你能否活下来呢。我真不想这样。但我需要得到巨岩山附近战事的消息。” 汤玛士点点头。“我明白。有什么消息？” Dorgan shook his head. “我恐怕是坏消息。我们与我们同胞的联系被切断了。我想我们将要在精灵族这里呆一段时间，可我一点也不喜欢这里的高度。” 汤玛士大笑起来，道尔甘微笑着，这是自从男孩得到龙的铠甲后他第一次听到这样的声音。