Chapter 16 Chapter 16 Raid

The wagon creaked and groaned under the weight of its cargo. Several bulls struggled to drag their load down the road leading to the beach amidst the hoarse shouts of the coachman and the squeaking of the wheels.Arusha, Vannon, and Lion rode ahead of the soldiers protecting the carriage between the castle and the coast.Behind the wagon followed a group of ragged villagers.Many people, carrying heavy packages or pulling carts, followed the duke's sons to the waiting ships. They turned off the town road, and Arusha gazed at the devastation.The once-prosperous town of Kared is now overshadowed by a haze of poignancy and depression.The morning air was filled with the sound of hammering and wood sawing as workers repaired the damage as best they could.

The Tsurani raided here at sunset two days ago and swept away the entire town, and the few guards who were on their posts had no time to resist until terrified women, old people and children sounded the alarm.The aliens had made their way through the town and reached the docks without hesitation, where they set fire to three ships and severely damaged two.The wounded ships had made their way to Keith, while the undamaged ships in the harbor had sailed to their current temporary refuge, north of the Sea Cliffs of Sailor's Lament. The Tsurani threw torches on the buildings near the docks, and although they suffered heavy damage, they were salvageable.The flames stretched all the way to the center of the town, where they did a lot of damage.The Hall of Masters of Trades, two taverns, and dozens of smaller buildings are now nothing but smoldering ruins.Blackened timber, crumbling roof tiles, and charred passstones mark where they once were.A full third of Karid was incinerated before the fire could be brought under control.

Arusha had stood on the wall, watching the hellish flames reflect the clouds above the town like a feast of fire.When the first light ignited and he led the garrison out, he found that the Tsurani had disappeared into the forest. Arusha was still annoyed by those memories.Van Nuoen had advised Lane not to allow the garrison out of the city before daylight—fearing it was a ruse to leave the gates wide open or lure troops into an ambush with heavy troops—and Lane accepted the old swordsman's request.Arusha was sure that these losses could have been avoided had he pursued the defeated Tsurani immediately.

As they made their way down the coast, Arusha was lost in thought.Orders had come the day before for Ryan to leave Khared.The Duke's camp adjutant was dead, and the war was now in its third year this spring, and he wanted Lane to join him at his camp in Alpen.Arusha had no way of knowing the reason. Duke Bolic did not hand over the command to him as expected; instead, he appointed the sword master as the commander-in-chief of the garrison.But, thought the young prince, at least Vanoun would not be prepared to command me directly without Llane at his side.He shook his head slightly trying to drive away his anger.He loves his brother, but he wishes Ryan could be more positive and assertive.Lion has ruled Kharid since the war began, but Vannon has made almost all the decisions.It was now even more natural for Van Nuoen to control everything.

"Something on your mind, little brother?" Ryan had already come to Arusha, who shook his head and smiled indistinctly. "Just jealous of you." Lane gave his brother a warm smile. "I know you'd love to go, but Father's orders are clear. You're needed here." "How can I be needed in a place that ignores my every suggestion?" Ryan's expression was full of comfort. "You are still frustrated by your father's appointment of Vannon to command the garrison." Arusha could hardly look directly at her brother. "I am now the age when my father appointed you as the commander of Kared. My father also became the commander-in-chief and the second knight commander in the west at my age. He was appointed as the guardian of the western kingdom in only four years. Grandfather fully Trust him and give him full power."

"Father is not grandfather, Arusha. Remember, grandfather grew up in a time when Karid was at war, and peace only recently came to the land. He grew up in war. Father wasn't. All his war skills Learned from Dreaming Valley, from fighting Kerrs instead of defending his own homeland like my grandfather did. Times have changed." "They have changed, brother." Arusha said dryly. "Grandfather, like his father before him, would never sit safe behind the walls. It has been two full years since the war began and we have not launched a single major attack on the Tsurani. We cannot continue to let They control the course of the war, or determine that they will win."

Lane watched his brother, concern reflected in his eyes. "Arusha, I know you've been tormented sleeplessly by these enemies, but Vannon was right when he said we wouldn't risk the garrison. We must stay here to protect what we have." Arusha glanced quickly at the ragged villagers following him. "I will tell those who come after us how well they are protected." Ryan looked at Arusha bitterly. "I know you're blaming me, brother. If I take your advice instead of Van Noorn..." Arusha's anger disappeared. "None of your business," he conceded. "Old Vannon is only cautious. His opinion is that of a soldier worth as much as his gray hair. And I'm only a Duke's boy. I'm afraid my opinion will be slighted."

"Control your impatience, young man," he said with mock seriousness. "Perhaps a safer compromise can be found between your boldness and Van Nuoen's caution." Ryan laughed. Arusha grinned uncontrollably, also affected by his brother's laughter. "Perhaps, Ryan," he said with a laugh. They came to the shore where the longboats were waiting to take the refugees off the coast to their ships.The captains were unwilling to return to the port until they were sure that their ship would not be attacked again, so the fleeing citizens had to board the ship across the sea in a longboat.Men and women began wading into the boats, with the baggage and children loaded with the last of their belongings held securely high above their heads.The older children played playfully in the water, turning the escape into a sporting event.But there were also many who were full of tears and pain of parting. Most of the citizens stayed to rebuild their homes or were recruited to join the Duke's army.Women, children, and the elderly flee to the coast of Tulaan—the southernmost town in the duchy, untouched by the Tsurani in the Green Heart or the raging Dark Clan.

Lion and Arusha dismounted as a soldier moved over their mounts.The brothers watched as the soldiers carefully loaded the wooden crates containing the pigeons and hauled them to the longboats ashore.The birds will sail across the Dark Straits to the Duke's barracks.The pigeons had been trained, and they would probably be released by Longbow Martin's trackers and Natalis rangers, to fly back to Kared with the Duke's news.These pigeons have just come out of barracks training this year - they have to be trained to find their way home. Soon, the luggage and refugees were boarded, and it was time for Ryan to leave.Vannon bid him a stiff and formal farewell, but it was evident that the old swordsman was trying to restrain his concern for the Duke's eldest son.Although he was not a relative, Van Nuorn watched their growth like an uncle, personally teaching them swordsmanship, armor maintenance, and tactical theory.He maintains his poise of formal decorum, but both brothers can see the real kinship in it.

The brothers embraced each other as Van Noorn left.Ryan said, "Take care of Vannon." Arusha looked surprised.Lane grinned at him. "I can't imagine what will happen here if Father ignores you again and appoints Orgon as garrison commander." Arusha groaned and laughed with his brother.The equestrian chief, Orgon is the second commander after Van Nuoen.The whole castle loved him and held him in deep respect for his knowledge of horses, though all had to admit that his wisdom was limited to horses.During the past two years of war, he still refused to believe that the invaders were from another world-this made Tari wonder how angry he was.

Ryan stepped into the water, where two soldiers were holding a longboat waiting for him.He called back, "Also, take care of our sister, Arusha." Arusha replied that he would.Lane boarded the longboat and sat next to the precious pigeons as the boat started to pull away from the shore.Arusha watched the longboat slowly shrink into the distance. Arusha walked slowly back to the soldier leading his horse.He stopped and looked down at the beach.In the south, the sea cliff of Sailor's Lament rises high, facing the Celestial in the morning light.Arusha silently cursed the day the Tsurani ships crashed on those rocks. Karin stood on the top of the south tower of the castle, staring into the distance, and the sea breeze wrapped her cloak tightly around her body.She stays at the castle, not wanting to ride to the beach and bids Lane an early farewell.She preferred not to let her fear cloud her joy at joining their father's camp.Many times over the past two years she has blamed herself for thinking this way.They are soldiers, trained for war from childhood.But since her news of the capture of the Pugs in Khared, she has been terrified for them. A soft voice cleared his throat.Karin turned around.It was Lady Guinness, the Princess' companion for four years, smiling and nodding to the newcomer who had appeared on the top of the tower's staircase. Roland appeared at the door.He has grown in the last two years and is now as tall as Arusha.He was still thin, but his childish features had dissolved into a man. He bowed and said, "Your Highness." Karin nodded back to his greeting and gestured for Lady Guinness to leave and leave them alone.Guinness turned and walked down the stairs into the tower. Karin said softly, "Did you ride to the beach with Ryan?" "No, Your Highness." "Did you talk to him before he left?" Roland turned his gaze to the distant horizon. "Yes, Your Highness, although I must admit that I am not happy with his departure." Karin nodded understandingly. "Because you had to stay." He said bitterly, "Yes, Your Highness." Karin said softly, "Why are you so formal, Roland?" Roland looked at the princess, who had just turned seventeen last summer.Instead of the willful little girl who lost her temper, she became a beautiful and introspective teenage girl.Almost everyone in the castle knew how many nights Karin had cried at news of Pug.After nearly a few weeks of being alone, Karin seemed to be a different person, more gentle and less willful.It's really hard to see Karin's inner feelings just from the surface, but Ruoland knows that the wound is still not healed. After a while of silence, Roland said, "Your Highness, when..." He stopped, and then continued, "It's not important." Karin put her hand on his arm. "Roland, no matter what, we've always been friends." "Yes, I am very happy." "Then tell me, why is there a gap between us?" Roland sighed, the usual mischievous humor missing from his answers. "If anything, Karin, it wasn't my fault." Like a spark that caused the girl to explode as before, she said in a voice on the verge of impulsiveness, "It was me, then, that caused the alienation?" Roland's voice was also full of anger. "Yes, Karin!" he continued, running his hand through his wavy brown hair, "do you remember the day I fought Pug? That special day before he left." She tensed up at the mention of Pug's name. "Yes, I remember," she said stiffly. "Well, it was a stupid thing, between the boys, the fight. I told him never to hurt you, I hit him. Did he tell you that?" Tears unexpectedly wet her eyes.She said softly, "No, he never mentioned it." Roland looked at her beautiful face, which she had loved for so many years, and said, "At least I have known my opponent since then." He lowered his voice, and the anger had slipped away. "I always like to think that in the end, we became friends. Don't worry, I swear I'll never stop trying to convert your heart." Shivering, Karin tightened her duffel, even though it wasn't cold.She felt conflicted emotions inside, confused emotions.She said tremblingly, "Then why did you stop, Roland?" Suddenly anger broke out in Roland's heart again.For the first time he dropped his mask of wit and politeness in front of the princess. "Because I can't compete with a memory, Karin." Her eyes were wide, and tears welled down her cheeks. "I can face any living person, but I can't wrestle with a shadow of the past." Anger erupted in his words. "He's dead, Karin. I hope not; he was my friend, and I lost him, but I let him go. Pug is dead. Whether you admit it or not, that's the truth, and you're living in a In false hope." She covered her mouth with her hands, palms out, and she stared at him silently with negative eyes.Suddenly she turned and ran down the stairs. Alone, Roland rested his elbows on the cold stone wall of the tower.Supporting his head with his hands, he said to himself, "Oh, what a fool I am." "Patrol!" shouted the guard on the wall.Arusha and Roland, who were inspecting the training of the militiamen recruited from remote villages by the soldiers, rushed over. When they came to the city gate, the patrol came in slowly, a dozen dirty and tired horsemen, and Martin Longbow and two other pursuers walked aside.Arusha saluted Chief Cong and said, "What did you find?" He pointed to three men in gray tunics standing in cavalry ranks. "Captive, my lord," answered the huntsman with a bow, Arusha summoned the guards to surround the prisoners and let the tired cavalry leave.Arusha went to where they were waiting, and when he came up to him all three fell to their knees and pushed their foreheads into the dirt. Arusha raised his eyebrows in surprise at the sight. "I've never seen anything like it." Longbow nodded in agreement. "They weren't wearing armor, and when we found them in the swab, they didn't try to fight or run away. They were just like what you see now, just babbling like fisherman's wives afterwards." Arusha said to Roland, "Bring Father Tali. He may understand their language." Roland quickly went to find the priest.Longbow dismissed his two pursuers, who headed straight for the kitchen.One of the guards was sent to find Master Vannon and to tell him about the captives. A few minutes later Roland and Father Tarry returned.As soon as the aged Reverend Astron, in a blue robe so dark that it was almost black, appeared, the three prisoners began chattering in whispers.When Tari looked at them, they all fell silent again at once.Arusha exchanged glances with Longbow in surprise. "What's going on here?" Tari asked. "Captive," said Arusha, "you are the only one here who can speak their language, and I thought you might learn something from them." "I don't remember much about the last time I had spiritual contact with that Tsurani Ormis, but I can try." The pastor stumbled and said a few words, which immediately caused confusion, and the three prisoners spoke almost at the same time .But the man in the middle gave a snort to his companions, who immediately fell silent.He was short but strong, with brown hair and dark skin, but his eyes were a startling green.He spoke slowly to Tari, somehow seeming less respectful than his companions. Terry shook his head. "I'm not sure, but I think he wants to know if I'm the 'Supreme One' of this world." "The Most High?" Arusha asked. "The soldier dying on the plank also called a man 'Supreme' with awe. I think it was a title for someone special. Perhaps Kulgan was right to suspect that these men were Mage or priest control." "Who are these people?" asked the prince. Tarry spoke to them again in stammered words.The man in the middle answered slowly, but Tari cut him off after a while with a wave.He said to Arusha, "These people are slaves." "Slaves?" So far, contact with the Tsurani had been limited to warriors.This is the first time they have been found to have slaves.As is well known in the kingdom, slavery was not common and restricted to felons.In coastal areas, there are almost no slaves.Arusha was very uncomfortable with this.A person's birth may be humble, but even a humble serf has the right and duty to be respected and protected.And slaves were treated as objects, Arusha suddenly felt a little disgusted, "In the name of mercy, tell them to stand up." Tari said a few words, those people stood up slowly, and the two standing on both sides looked like frightened children.But the third person was very calm, with only a little frustration in his eyes.Tarry questioned the men again, trying to understand their answers. The man in the middle talked for a long time, and when he had finished, Tarry said, "They were assigned to work in the occupied area near the river. They said their camp was attacked by forest people--I think he may mean elves--and Destruction of some dwarfs." "No doubt, dwarf." Longbow added with a smile. Tally gave him a dry look.The rogue in the forest just continued to smile.Martin was one of the few young men in the castle who was not intimidated by the old priest, even before he became the duke's servant. "As I said," the priest continued, "the elves and dwarves have destroyed their camp. They have fled, fearing they will be killed. They wandered about in the swab for some days until the patrols caught them this morning. " Arusha said, "The man standing in the middle seems to be different from the others. Ask him why." Tarry spoke slowly to the man, whose voice in reply was a little off.When he had finished, Tari said to the others in surprise, "He said his name was Tacha Akka Chakola. He used to be a Tsurani officer!" "It's very lucky. If he cooperates, we can finally understand our enemy," Arusha said. Sword master Vannon appeared from the castle and hurried to Arusha, who was interrogating the prisoner."What do you find?" said the Karid garrison commander. Arusha explained what he had learned about the prisoners, and when he had finished, Van Nuoen said, "Fine, let's move on to the interrogation." Arusha said to Tari, "Ask him how he became a slave." Showing no sign of embarrassment, Tachaakachakola calmly told his story.When he finished, Tarry shook his head. "He was an attacking leader. We'll need time to see what his position equates to in our army, but I presume he's at least the equivalent of a lieutenant-major. He said his men were killed in an early battle. Crushed, and his 'family' lost much honor. He was not allowed to continue serving for a man he called a war leader. He became a slave to atone for the disgrace he had brought to his command." Roland whistled lowly. "His men escaped and he takes full responsibility." Longbow said, "Worse than a Earl commanding chaos when his Duke orders him to march north for the Barons of the Borders." Tarry glared at Martin and Roland with a dark face. "Have you finished?" he went on to Arusha and Van Noon. "From what he said it was clear that he knew everything. He was very useful to us." "It could be a trap," Van Nuoen said. "I don't like the way he looks." The man's head lifted suddenly, and he squinted at Van Nuorn.Martin's jaw nearly dropped. "In Kylian's name! I think he understands what you're saying." Van Nuon stood in front of Tachaakachakora. "You understand what I mean?" "A little bit, master." His accent was vague, and he spoke with an operatic accent. "A lot of kingdom slaves are in Kraven. Know a little kingdom language." "Why didn't you say it before?" Van Nuoen asked. Again he replied without emotion, "No order, the slave obeys. No..." He turned to the tower and said a few words. "He said it's not a place for slaves to be active," Tarry said. Arusha said, "Tari, do you think he's trustworthy??" "I don't know, his story is weird, but they are weird people when we look at them. I saw a lot of things when I connected with the dying warrior. I still can't understand." The Tsurani said to Arusha, "Tachaaka Chakhara told." He spoke passionately, "I am Vedwayao. My family, family name. I am Han Chan clan. Ancient, many honors. Now slaves. No family, no surname, not Tsurani. No honor. Slaves obey." Arusha said, "I think I understand that. What will happen to you if you go back to the Tsurani?" Tachaakachakola said, "Slave, maybe. Killed, maybe. All the same." "What if you stay here?" "Slave, killed?" He shrugged indifferently. Arusha said slowly, "We don't want slaves. What would you do if we set you free?" A look flashed across the slave's face, then he turned to Tari and spoke quickly, and Tari translated, "He said such a thing was impossible in their world, and he asked if you would do it." Arusha nodded and Tachaakachakoala pointed to his companion. "They work. They've been slaves." "What about you?" Arusha said. Tachaakachakora stared fixedly at the prince and continued talking to Tari, but his eyes never left Arusha for a moment.Tari translated, "He was telling his lineage, he said he was Tacha Akha Chakora, the attacking leader of Vedwayao, and belonged to the Han Chan clan. His father was an army leader, and his great-grandfather was War leader of the Hanen-chan clan. He fought with honor and only once failed in his mission. Now he is just a slave with no family, no clan, no nation, no honor. He asked if you could grant him back honor." Arusha said, "What would you do if the Tsurani came?" Tachaakachakora pointed to his companion. "These people are slaves. The Tsurani come and they don't do anything. Wait. Go, and..." He and Tari exchanged a brief exchange and Tari offered some words he wished. "...the winner. They will go with the winner." He looked at Arusha, life in his eyes. "You set Tachaakachakola free, Tachaakachakora is yours, king. Your honor is Tachaakachakola's honor. Give your life if you want. Fight the Tsurani if you want." Van Nuone said. "It's like a fairy tale. He's probably a spy." The Tsurani stared at Vannon, then took a sudden step towards the master swordsman, drawing Vannon's knife from his belt before anyone could react. The longbow also drew his own knife in an instant, and Arusha's long sword was also unsheathed.Roland and other soldiers followed closely behind.The Tsurani didn't make any threatening gestures, but simply turned the knife over, pointing the point at his own handle, and handing it to Vannon. "Master thinks Tachaakachakora is an enemy? Master kill. Death to warrior. Return to honor." Arusha sheathed his sword and took the knife from Tachaakachakola.Returning the knife to Gannon, he said, "No, we will not kill you." He said to Tari, "I think this man is useful, so far, I trust him." Van Nuoen's face was very unhappy. "You may be a very clever spy, but you're right. Just keep an eye on you and you won't do any harm. Father Tarry, why don't you take these guys to the Soldiers' Commons and see what you can learn from them .I'll be over soon." Tarry spoke to the three slaves and motioned for them to follow.The two timid slaves immediately followed, but Tachaakachakola fell to his knees before Arusha.He said something quickly in Tsurani; Tari translated. "He just asked you to either kill him or make him yours. He said how can a man who returns to freedom have no family, name or honor, in his world people like that are called gray warriors, there is no honor .” Arusha said, "Our way is different from yours. People here don't belong to any family or surname but still have honor." Tachaakachakhara bowed his head and listened, then nodded.He looked up and said, "Tachaakachakola understands." Then he added with a smile, "Soon, I'm your man. A good king needs a good fighter. Tachaakachakola is a good fighter." "Tari, take them away, and then look at Tachaaka... Tachaaka..." Arusha laughed. "I can't pronounce it in one breath," he said to the slave. "If you're going to do anything here, you need a kingdom name." The slave thought for a moment and then nodded briefly. Longbow said, "Call him Charles. That's the closest name I can think of." From now on, you will be called Charles. " The slave with the new name said, "Tarchus?" He shrugged and nodded.Without another word he stood beside Father Tower, who led the slaves towards the Soldiers' Court. "What do you think about this?" Ruoland asked as he watched the three slaves disappear around the corner. "Time will tell if we've been fooled," Van Nuoen said. Longbow smiled. "I'll keep an eye on Charles, Master Swordsman. He's a nice fellow. He's been friendly when we brought them here. Maybe I'll train him as a tracker." Arusha cut him off. "I'll wait until I'm sure I can put him outside the city wall." Van Nuoen changed the subject and asked Longbow, "Where did you find them?" "On the north side, along the Qingquan branch of the river. We found a large number of troops heading towards the coast." Fanoen thought about it. "Gadan leads another patrol around there. Maybe they'll see them and let us find out what they're up to." He said no more and turned back toward the castle. Martin laughed; Arusha looked at him in surprise. "What's so funny, Chief Cong?" Martin shook his head. "A little thing, Your Highness. It's the Master Swordsman himself. He won't tell anyone, but I daresay he'd give anything if your father came back to command. He's a good fighter, but he doesn't like duty." Arusha watched the sword master's leaving back with concern, and then said, "I think you are right, Martin." He pondered. "It's only now that I've discovered Van Nuoen's recent eccentricity. I've forgotten some facts. He never asked for this appointment." Lowering his voice, Martin said, "I have a suggestion, Arusha." Arusha nodded, and Martin pointed to Fannon. "If anything happens to Vannon, appoint another Master Swordsman at once; don't wait for your father's approval. If you wait, Orgen may take command, but he's a fool." Arusha put on a straight face about Mr. Cong's assumption, while Roland kept trying to shut Martin up with warning eyes.Arusha said coldly, "I thought you were a friend of the head equestrian." Martin smiled, with a wacky humor in his eyes. "Ah yes, I am, like everyone in the castle. But like you'd ask everyone and you'd get the same answer: Take his horse, Orgen's just a little thinker." Annoyed by Martin's attitude, Arusha said, "Then who will take his place? Chief Cong?" Martin laughed, his voice cheerful, obviously just for fun, and Arusha found himself less angry at his suggestion. "Me?" Chief Cong said. "Your Highness, I'm just an ordinary hunter, that's all. No, if necessary, appoint Gardan. He is probably the most suitable soldier for Kared." Arusha understood that Martin was right, but still spoke impatiently. "Enough is enough. Van Nuorn is fine, and I'm sure it will always be." Martin nodded. "May God bless him... and all of us. Please forgive me, I am just a little worried. Now, please allow me to step back, Your Highness, I have not had a hot meal for a week." Arusha signaled that he could go, and Martin immediately turned and walked towards the kitchen.Roland said, "He was wrong about one thing, Arusha." Arms folded across his chest, Arusha watched the longbow disappear around the corner. "What do you mean, Roland?" "That man was not just the simple hunter he pretended to be." Arusha was silent for a while. "Of course he isn't. Martin Longbow gets on my nerves sometimes, though I can't find fault with him." Roland laughed, and Arusha said, "What makes you laugh now, Roland?" Roland shrugged. "It's just that many people think you are very similar to him." Arusha glared at Roland with a sullen face, who shook his head and said, "As the saying goes, what we see ourselves is always very different from what others see. That's true, Arusha. Your humor Both are sharp, mocking, and none of you can tolerate being fooled." Roland's voice became serious. "It's not new, I think, you're very much like your father, and Martin has no family, so he's following the example of the Duke." Arusha suddenly became thoughtful. "Perhaps you're right, but there's something else that bothers me about this man." He turned back toward the castle with unsuccessful thoughts. Roland followed closely beside the brooding prince and began to wonder if he had said something out of the ordinary. Thunder rumbled that night.Angry lightning shattered the darkness, and dark clouds rolled across the western sky.Roland stood on the south tower and watched the spectacle.His mood since supper has been as gloomy as the western sky.This day is not going well.First he was disturbed by the conversation with Arusha at the city gate.Second, Karin had been cold and silent to him at dinner, and had been since the meeting in the Tower two weeks earlier.Karin seemed softer, but Roland could feel her anger pricking him every time he laid eyes on her.Roland could still see the pain in the princess' eyes, too. "What an ignorant fool I am," he exclaimed. "You're not a fool, Roland." Karin stood a few steps away, watching the approaching storm.She tightened the shawl around her shoulders, despite the mild weather.The thunder covered her steps, and Roland said, "This is not a night for climbing the tower, my lady." She stood beside him and said, "Is it going to rain? These hot nights are always thunder and lightning Overwhelming, but very little rain." "It will rain. Where is your maid?" She pointed to the tower gate. "On the stairs. They are afraid of lightning, and besides, I wish to speak with you alone." Roland said nothing, and Karin was silent for a while.The night was suddenly torn apart by the energy across the sky, followed by rumbling thunder. "When I was little," she said finally, "my father used to say that nights like this are because the gods walk in the air." Roland gazed at her face, illuminated by a lone lantern hanging on the wall. "My father told me they were at war." she laughed. "Roland, you were right the day Ryan left. I've lost myself in my grief and I can't see the truth. Pug also told me that nothing lasts forever. Being obsessed with the past is Stupid and will take away our future." She bowed her head slightly. "Maybe my father should understand too. He never fully recovered from my mother's death. I was very young, but I still remember how he was. Before she died, he used to laugh a lot. Back then he was more like Lane, but after that... yeah, he became more like Arusha. He laughed too, but it was all angular and bitter." "Like sarcasm?" She nodded thoughtfully. "Yes, sarcasm. Why do you say that?" "I just thought of something...something I pointed out to your brother today. About Martin Longbow." she sighed. "Yes, I understand. So is the longbow." Roland said softly, "But you didn't come here just to talk to me about your brother or Martin?" “不，我来是为我过去的所为而道歉的。两个星期前，我对你发火，但是我错了。你只是说出了实事。而我对你那么不好。” 若兰德吃惊不已。“你并没有对我不好，卡琳。是我表现得很粗鲁。” “不，你只是像朋友一样地对待我，若兰德。你告诉我事实，尽避不是我所想听的。这一定很难……考虑到你的感受。”她望向逼近的风暴。“当我第一次听到帕格被俘的消息，我觉得整个世界都结束了。” 试图表示理解，若兰德引用道，“'初恋总是艰难的。'” 卡琳对这谚语报以一笑。“那是他们的说法。你认为呢？” 若兰德做出一副轻松的样子。“我就是这样看的，公主。” 她用手挽住他的手臂。“无论如何我们都是关心对方的，若兰德。” 他的微笑变得悲哀。“那是事实，卡琳。” “你将永远是我的好朋友吗？” 她话语中真正的暗示触动着若兰德。她试图摆对他们之间的关系，只是不是像她小时候经常耍弄的那种诡计。她正在努力地试图避免伤害他而将他们之间的关系变为彻底的友谊。“我会的，卡琳。我将永远是你的好朋友。” 她投入他的怀中而他紧紧将他搂住，她的头紧贴他的胸膛，柔声道，“塔里神父说，有时爱就像不请自来的海风，而有时则会在友谊的种子中生根发芽。” “我将期望那样的收获，卡琳。但即使它永远不会到来，我依然是你的好朋友。” 他们彼此相拥静静地站了一会，以不同的理由慰籍着彼此，这种亲密已经两年不曾又过了。现在他们迷失在了对彼此的亲近而感到的安慰之中，而他们谁也没有注意到，在电闪雷鸣照亮天际的瞬间，在地平线上，被浪花拍打着的海港，一艘船正在驶来。 随着狂风鞭打着城墙上的旗帜，雨点开始落下。雨水集成水洼，在城堡昏黄的灯光下映射出两个站在城墙上模糊的身影。 一道闪电照亮的海面，一个士兵喊道，“那！殿下，您看到了吗？守卫礁那里有三个黑点。”他伸出胳膊，指着那个方向。 阿鲁沙凝视着黑暗，他的眉头紧皱。“太黑了，我什么都看不见。那里简直比Guis-wan 牧师的灵魂还要黑。”听到提及杀戮之神的名字那士兵做了个保佑的标记。“灯塔那里有信号吗？” “没有，殿下。没有任何灯光或是信号。” 另一道闪电照亮了夜空，阿鲁沙看到一条船出现在远方的地平线上。他咒骂道，“它需要灯塔的信号指引来安全进港。”没有再说一个字，他跑下通往城院的楼梯。在城门旁指示一名士兵牵过他的马来，另有两名骑兵将和他一起。正当他等待的时候，大雨过去了，只剩下晴朗而湿热的夜空。不一会儿，凡诺恩从兵营的方向出现。“这出什么事了？要去兜风嘛？” “一艘船朝港口来了，但是灯塔没有任何信号。” 随着一个马夫带来了阿鲁沙的坐骑，后面跟随着两名骑兵，凡诺恩说道，“那么你最好去看看，然后告诉灯塔的那些懒鬼干完活儿后我有话要和他们讲。” 阿鲁沙本来预期要与凡诺恩争论一番而却轻易获得了同意不由倍感轻松。他翻身上马，城门打开了，他们骑马奔出城去，顺路而下。 刚才短暂的暴雨让夜空中充满了清爽而丰富的气味：沿途路边的野花，来自大海的盐味，但随着他们接近小镇，这些味道很快被残破建筑上燃烧过的木头所发出的辛辣气味所掩盖。 他们走过寂静的小镇，顺路朝海港前进。两个驻守在码头附近的守卫见到王子飞驰而过慌乱地起身行礼。那些门窗紧闭寂静无声的建筑在令人讨厌地暗示在那场突袭后就被废弃了。 他们离开了小镇骑马继续朝灯塔前进，紧随着弯曲的小路。在离小镇不远的另一端他们终于看到了灯塔，坐落于一座自然形成的礁岩海岛之上，由石头垒砌而成的长堤相连，表面是以泥土砌成的土路。随着他们来到高塔下，马蹄敲击着地面留下一串足迹。一道闪电照亮了天空，三个骑者可以看到那船正全速驶向港口。 阿鲁沙对其他人大喊道，“没有灯塔指路他们会撞上礁石的。” 一个守卫大声回应道，“看，殿下。有人在发信号！” 他们拉住缰绳并看到高塔脚下有一些人影。一个穿着黑色的男人正在将一个带百叶窗的灯笼快速地打开合拢。它可以清楚地被船上的人看到，但却不会被城堡城墙上的人发觉。在微弱的光亮下，阿鲁沙可以看到躺在地上的卡瑞德士兵。四个人，同样都穿着黑色服装和黑色的头盖遮挡住了他们的面孔，他们跑到骑马者面前，三个从背后的剑鞘中抽出长剑，第四个则举起了弓箭。阿鲁沙右边的士兵随着箭失射入胸膛而惨叫着掉落马下。阿鲁沙策马冲向三个正围拢过来的敌人，挥舞利剑砍倒两人，随即举剑砍过第三人的面庞。那人连哼都没哼一声就倒了下去。 王子调转马头，看到他的同伴也没闲着，正将那弓箭手砍翻在地。然而更多的黑衣人冲出塔中，默不作声地围拢过来。 阿鲁沙的马发出一声嘶鸣。他可以看到一支箭射入了它的脖子。就在这可怜的畜生在他身下瘫倒之际，他抽出马镫中的左脚并将左腿从垂死的马儿颈上横过，在马躺倒的同时跳下了地面。他撞到了地上打了个滚，在一个矮小并双手过顶高举长剑的黑衣人面前站起身来。长剑如闪电般猛然砍下，阿鲁沙向他的左侧跳去，同时刺出他自己的剑。他刺入了那人的胸膛，紧接着他抽了回剑来。和先前的那几个人一样，黑衣人不吭一声地倒了下去。 另一道闪电照亮了正从塔中冲向阿鲁沙的人群。阿鲁沙转身命令幸存的骑兵回城去警告城堡，但他的命令还没说出口就咽了回去，他眼看着一群黑衣人将他的同伴从马鞍上拉落在地。阿鲁沙闪过朝他来的跑在最前面的敌人，又将跟在后面的三个吃惊不已的家伙抛在了身后。他以剑柄砸在了第四个人的脸上，试图将那人撞到一旁。他只有一个念头：杀出一条路来他就可以逃跑并去警告城堡。被扁的家伙蹒跚着向后倒去，阿鲁沙则准备从他身上跳过。倒地的家伙伸出一只手来一把将他揪住，他抓住了正欲跳起的阿鲁沙的腿。 阿鲁沙一头跌倒在岩石上并感到一双手疯狂地抱住了他的右脚。他用左脚以靴子向后猛踢那人的咽喉。随着一声气管破碎的声音那人痉挛颤抖起来。 阿鲁沙爬起身而另一个攻击者也已来到了身前，其他人也只有几步之遥。阿鲁沙向后跳了一步，试图拉开一些距离。他的脚后跟撞在了一块岩石上，紧接着，整个世界突然疯狂地倾斜过来。在那一瞬间他发现自己腾空而起，接着他从堤道边缘弹起肩膀撞在了岩石上。他撞上了更多的石头，然后冰冷的海水包裹住他。 水浪的冲击让他意识不清。目眩，他本能地摒住呼吸，但是仍然呛进了一些海水。不假思索，他拨开水浪从海面探出头来，发出一声响亮而刺耳的喘息。虽然依然感到头晕眼花，他残余的一点理智让他立刻又一个猛子扎进水中，与此同时几支箭射在了他身旁的水面上。除了浓稠黑暗的海水他无法看到任何东西，他紧扒住岩石，牢牢地稳住身体。他顺着河堤的底部超灯塔那边前进，希望袭击者会以为他去了另一边。 他轻轻地探出水面，眼中因咸涩的海水而模糊不清。小心地绕到一块巨大的礁石后，他看到那些黑色的人影正在搜索着黑暗的海面。阿鲁沙轻轻地移动，爬出水面到礁石上。青紫的肌肉和关节让他几乎无法行动，但似乎并没有大的损害。 另一道闪电照亮了海港。阿鲁沙可以看到那船平稳地驶入卡瑞德港。这是艘商船，但是已被改造得速度和装备都如战舰一般。无论是谁在驾驶这艘船，都是个疯狂的天才，他在缺乏足够指引和视线的情况下成功绕开了礁石，直驶入海港半圆形的堤道。阿鲁沙可以看到拉动绳索的人，疯狂地边行驶边收起风帆。甲板上站满了身着黑色铠甲武器在手的战士。 阿鲁沙将他的注意力转回到堤道上的人，其中一人沉默地向其他人做了个手势。他们迅速朝镇子的方向跑去。不顾身上的疼痛，阿鲁沙向上爬去，沿着光滑的礁石重新回到堤道的土路上。有些蹒跚地，他站起身朝镇子的方向望去，一切都是那么的平静，但他明白，这只是危险爆发前的最后一丝宁静了。 阿鲁沙跌跌撞撞地跑向灯塔，强撑着爬上楼梯。有两次他都险些向后摔倒下去，但是他最终还是到达了塔顶。他看到在标示灯旁冰冷的尸体。油染的木头被罩子盖住，寒冷的海风从塔顶四面相同的窗口穿堂而过。 阿鲁沙从死去岗哨身上的小袋中拿出火石、铁块和火绒。他打开金属罩子旁侧的小门，用身体挡住强烈的海风。火花碰触在木柴上，立刻迸发出一小鄙火焰。那一小鄙火焰很快变为熊熊烈火，阿鲁沙拽动锁链将罩子升起。随着炉罩吱呀升起，火随风势，苗焰直达房顶。 在墙边立着一罐由库甘配置的紧急时刻使用的粉末。阿鲁沙强忍住头晕弯腰抽出别在死去守卫皮带上的刀子。他用它打开罐子的盖子并将它倒在火中。 火焰立刻变成了妹戳的暗红色，一种决不会与普通光芒搞混的警告烟火。阿鲁沙朝城堡望去，站在窗口旁以防挡住火光。随着火焰越来越妹戳阿鲁沙的意识也在逐渐远去。很长的一段时间，夜色宁静无声，然后，突然警钟的声音从城堡中传出。阿鲁沙这才松了一口气。红色的塔灯暴露了海港的袭击者，让城堡可以做好应对的准备。凡诺恩可能会谨慎于是否追击躲在夜色拭粗中的簇朗尼人，但是一艘停在他港口的海盗船会帮他做出决定的。 阿鲁沙沿楼梯走下塔去，他停下来靠在门槛旁。他的整个身体都受了伤，几近晕厥。他深深地吸了一口气然后朝着镇子的方向走去。当他来到他的死马所躺的地方，寻找起他的剑，然后想起他带着它一起掉入了海中。他被一名和他一起来的骑兵的尸体绊了一下，旁边躺着的是一个黑甲弓箭手。阿鲁沙弯下身拾起死去士兵的剑，直起腰时感觉几乎晕倒。他站稳一动不动等一会，深怕自己一动就会失去知觉，并等待他嗡嗡做响的脑袋安静下来。他慢慢地伸手揉了揉额头。有一块地方特别的疼，一个小小的肿块告诉他在摔下堤道的时候他至少有一次撞到脑袋。他的手指离开粘黏的血块。 阿鲁沙开始朝镇子走去，随着他的移动，他脑袋里的铃声也又开始了。他蹒跚着，试图奔跑，但只跌跌撞撞地迈出几步就不得不又恢复了行走的速度。他尽可能地快速，顺着弯曲的小路直到城镇进入他的视野。他听到了微弱的打斗声。远处，他可以看到火焰冲天的红光，建筑好像火把一样被点燃。阿鲁沙几乎可以听到男人和女人的尖叫无声地回荡 他强迫自己奔跑起来，随着他靠近镇子，没有预期的激战，而他却感到更加不安。他转身向港口方向；沿海的建筑在燃烧，亮如白昼，但是视野所及却空无一人。袭击者的船依然停靠在码头，一条舷梯搭在礁石上。阿鲁沙安静地靠近，害怕还有卫兵在守卫它。他靠近舷梯，一切都很安静。战斗的声音很远，好像所有的攻击者都已经深入到了镇中。 正当他准备离开，一声喊叫从船中传出，“仁慈的诸神呀！那里有人嘛？”声音低沉而有力，但却充满了惊恐。 阿鲁沙急忙跑过舷梯，长剑在手。当他来到尽头停了下来。从前方的舱口他可以看到妹戳的火焰在甲板下舞动。他四处寻找着：目光所及到处是躺在地上的死在自己的血泊之中的水手。 从船的后方那个声音喊道，“你，伙计。如果你是个畏惧诸神的王国子民，请过来帮我一把。” 阿鲁沙穿过遍地的死尸，发现一个男人靠坐在右舷围栏上。 他身材魁梧，宽宽的肩膀，和厚实的胸膛。他年龄大概在二十到四十岁之间，他右手紧紧捂着腹部，血从他的指缝中不停地涌出。长而卷曲的黑发用一个细头绳扎在脑后，留着黑色的短须。他勉强做出一个虚弱的微笑指了指躺在他身旁的黑衣人尸体。“这些兔崽子杀了我的船员并抢了我的船。但他犯了个错误，他没有在第一次攻击中杀死我。”他指了指压在腿上倒塌的桅杆说，“我没法同时堵住伤口并搬动那该死的桅杆。如果你能把它稍微抬起一点，我想我就能挣脱出来。” 阿鲁沙估量了一下：那人被桅杆的尾端压住，杂乱的碎片和绳索纠结在一起。他紧紧抓住末端用力向上抬起，桅杆仅仅向上移动了几英寸，但已经足够了。 受伤的人呻吟着拉出他的腿，“我觉得我的腿还没有折，伙计。拉我一把我们就知道了。” 阿鲁沙伸出手来，当壮实的水手挣扎着站起身他险些一个不稳摔倒在地。“这，现在。”受伤的壮汉说道。“你好象也伤的不轻呀，你还好吧？” “我会没事的，”阿鲁沙说，他不得不扶住那人才能在突然袭来的眩晕中站稳。 水手拉起阿鲁沙。“我们最好快点，火势正在蔓延。”在阿鲁沙的帮助下，他蹒跚地穿过舷梯。当他们到达码头，已是气喘吁吁，心跳剧烈。受伤的海员喘息道，“继续走！” 阿鲁沙点点头并将水手的手臂达在自己的肩膀上。他们走下码头，跌跌撞撞好像镇子里醉酒的海员。 突然随着一声爆响，两人双双向前扑到在地。阿鲁沙晃了晃眩晕的脑袋然后回头望去。在他身后是一股巨大火柱直冲云霄。整条船已经变成了令人目眩的黄白色烈焰中心一个模糊的黑影。热浪滚滚袭来，好像他们是站在一座巨大的熔炉大门前。 阿鲁沙嘶哑地问道，“那是什么？” 他的同伴回以同样虚弱的声音：“两百桶奎甘火油。” 阿鲁沙不信任地说道。“你刚才居然没告诉过我这船里面装满了火油。” “我可不希望你兴奋过渡。你看上已经半死了。反正我们要不挺过来要不就完蛋。” 阿鲁沙试图站起身，但又倒了下去。突然他感到躺在冰凉的石头上是如此的舒适。他注视着，眼前的火焰逐渐暗淡下去，然后一切都归于了黑暗。 阿鲁沙睁开他的双眼，看到几个模糊的身影站在他周围。他感到有些目眩然后画面清晰了起来。卡琳正在盘起他床铺上的卷帘，担忧地看着塔里神父为他做检查。在卡琳身后，凡诺恩也在注视着，他身旁站着一个陌生人。接着，阿鲁沙想起来了。“那个船上的人。” 那人列嘴一笑。“阿莫斯泰斯克，原西顿尼的主人知道那些畜生——请殿下原谅——那些该诅咒的土老鼠将它付之一炬。再次感谢您，殿下 塔里打断进来。 "how do you feel?" 阿鲁沙坐起身，感到全身酸痛。卡琳将一个软垫放在他身后。“我好像被敲碎了，不过我会没事的。”他感到有些眼花。“我就是有一点头晕。” 塔里从他的鼻子上面俯视着阿鲁沙的头颅。“小伤。你摔的够呛。你会接连好几天感觉目眩的，不过我想这并不严重。” 阿鲁沙望着剑术长。 "how long it has been?" 凡诺恩说，“一个巡逻队昨天晚上将你带回来的。现在是早上了。” “那些偷袭者？” 凡诺恩沮丧地摇了摇头。“城市守住了。我们把他们全部消灭，但是卡瑞德也已经没有一座完整的建筑耸立了。除了最南边海港尽头的渔村没有被触及，其他的一切都毁了。” 卡琳在阿鲁沙身旁忙来忙去，不时拉拉被子或调整一下他的软垫。“你应该休息。” “好了，我饿了。”他说。 她端过一碗热腾腾的肉汤。阿鲁沙顺从地接受了这碗缺乏固体食物的肉汤，但是坚决拒绝让她喂他。他边吃边说，“告诉我发生了什么。” 凡诺恩看上去心烦意乱。“是簇朗尼人。” 阿鲁沙挥手打断他，汤勺停在了嘴和碗之间。“簇朗尼人？我觉得他们是海盗，从日落岛来的。” “一开始我们也这么想，但是当后来我们和这位特洛斯船长谈过之后，还有和我们一起的簇朗尼奴隶， 塔里简要讲述了一下。“从奴隶的故事中，那些人是特殊的被选中之人。他们被称作敢死队。他们被选中来进入城镇，尽可能地摧毁更多的东西，然后毫无畏惧第死去。他们烧掉船正是他们破釜沉舟誓死一战的表现。我从他们的叙述中推测这在他们来看是荣耀的。” 阿鲁沙看了看阿莫斯.泰斯克。“他们是如何掠夺你的船的，船长？” “哦，这是一个令人心痛的故事，殿下。”他稍微向右倾斜了一下，阿鲁沙想起他还受了伤。 “你的腰怎么样了？” 泰斯克咧嘴一笑，他的黑眼睛充满快乐。“糟糕的伤口，不过并不严重。这位好新的神父已经让它复原如新了，殿下。” 塔里嘲笑道。“这个人本应该躺在床上的。他比你伤的严重的多。但他不愿意在看到你一切都好之前离开。” 泰斯克不理睬塔里。“我受过更糟的。我们曾经与驾驶奎尔干战船的海盗战斗过，还——嗯，那是另外一个故事了。你问我关于我的船。”他一瘸一拐地走近阿鲁沙的床榻。“我们从帕兰昆运送武器和火油到国外。考虑到这里的情形，我们想找一条更好的销路。我们很早就出发了，偷偷超过其他的船，至少我们这样期望。” “但是我们提前出航让我们付出了代价。一场可怕的风暴从南方吹来，我门在风暴中行驶了一个星期。当它结束，我们朝东，停靠在一个海岸。我想我们可以轻易地从地貌中判断出我们的位置。但当我们看到陆地后，没有一个人认识那里。我们中的每个人都经常来往于卡瑞德北部，我们很快明白我们到了比我们所想象的更远的地方了。” “我们停靠了一天，直到夜幕降临，我不能冒搁浅或撞上暗礁的危险。在夜里簇朗尼人来了，他们从海岸好像海豚一般游泳过来。他们从两边爬上船。当我从甲板上的暴乱声中醒过来，那里已经有半打那些该死的畜生了——请殿下原谅我——那些簇朗尼人涌向我们。他们只用了几分钟就抢了我的船。”他的肩膀稍微耷拉下来一点。“失去一条船对我是最沉痛的打击，殿下。” 他面露痛苦的神情，塔里走上前，让泰斯克坐在阿鲁沙身边的椅子上。泰斯克继续他的故事。“我们不能明白他们说些什么；他们的语言更象是猴子而不是人——我自己也会说几门外语并且会一打以上的手语。但是如我所说的，我们不能明白他们的胡言乱语。，但是他们的意图非常清楚。” “他们仔细研究了我的航海图。”回想到此他不由咧嘴一笑。“我是从德尔滨一名退休的老船长手中买下它们的。那些图表上凝聚了五十年的航海经验，从那里，从卡瑞德一直到遥远的克氏联邦海岸，他们把所有那些破旧的帆布都扔出了我的船舱，直到他们找到他们想要的。他们中间有些海员，并且很快认出了那些图表，他们让我知道了他们的计划。” “诅咒我是个愚蠢的渔夫，我们靠岸在你们灯塔上方只有几里路的陆地。如果我们行驶的稍微远一点，我们就能在两天后安全地到达卡瑞德的海港。” 阿鲁沙和其他人什么话也没有说。特洛斯继续道，“他们检查了我的船货然后开始把所有的东西扔下船。超过五百把上好的奎甘阔剑，都扔了出去。长矛，标枪，弓箭，所有的一切——我猜都不可能运达卡瑞德了。但他们不知道该拿那些奎甘火油怎么办——那些大桶需要一个港口上的起落架才能拉出货舱——所以他们只能把它留下了。除了他们手中以外没有任何一把武泼呆在船上。后来其中一些土老鼠穿上了他们的黑斗蓬，游上岸，开始沿海岸超那灯塔去了。当他们离去，剩下的人开始祈祷，除了那些手持弓箭看守我们全体船员的人，其他人双膝跪不停地叩首跪拜。然后，大概在日落前三小时，突然他们站起身并踢开我的人，指向地图上的海港。” “我们开始顺海岸航行。剩下的您都知道了。我猜他们认为你不会预料他们从海路进攻。” 凡诺恩说，“他们是对的。自从上次他们奇袭后，我们加派了重兵在森林巡逻。他们不可能一天之内到达卡瑞德而不让我们发觉。这条路让我们毫无察觉。”老剑术长的声音即疲惫又痛苦。“现在城镇都被摧毁了，我们的院子里又塞满了惊恐不已的村民。” 泰斯克的声音同样痛苦。“他们派遣大部分人迅速登陆，但是留下了两打人来屠杀我的船员。”一道刻骨铭心的伤痛浮现在他的脸上。“他们确实不是完美的人，我的殿下，但总的来说他们都是好人。我们并不知道发生了什么直到我的孩子们开始从桅杆上坠落下来，身上插着簇朗尼人的箭，他们坠入水中激起一片浪花好像一个个旗帜。我想他们开始反抗想从新夺回船。我的孩子们都立刻投入了战斗，我敢打赌。但是他们还不够迅速。枪鱼刺和缆绳针无法对抗拿着长剑和弓的人。 泰斯克深深地叹了口气，他的故事给他带来的痛苦和他的伤口一样剧烈。“三十五个人。他们或许都是些鼠辈，凶手，谋杀犯，但他们是我的人。我是唯一有权力杀死他们的人。我打碎了第一个找上我的簇朗尼人的脑壳，抢了他的剑，然后又杀了另一个。但是第三个人打落了我手中的剑然后撞向我。”他发出一声短促刺耳的笑声。“我拧断了他的脖子。我昏过去了一会。他们一定认为我死了。后来我所知道的就是着火了，我开始呼救。然后我看到你爬上舷梯。” 阿鲁沙说，“你是个勇敢的人，阿莫斯泰斯克。” 一丝深深的痛苦掠过高大男人的面庞。“还不够勇敢到守住我的船，殿下。现在的我就像一个海滩上的水手一样一无所有。” “够了，阿鲁沙，你需要休息。”塔利说着将他的手放在阿莫斯泰斯克的肩膀上。“船长，你真是把他当作好榜样了。你的伤势比你所承认的要严重的多。我带你到能让你休息的房间去。” 船长准备起身，阿鲁沙说道，“泰斯克船长。” “是的，殿下？” “我们需要能干的人留在卡瑞德。” 一个幽默的笑容浮现在水手脸上。“我感谢你，殿下。但没有船，我不知道我还能做些什么。” 阿鲁沙道，“交给我和凡诺恩，我们会给你找到足够你忙的事情。” 男子微微鞠躬，受限制于身侧的创伤。他和塔利一起离开了。卡琳亲吻着阿鲁沙的脸颊，说道：“现在休息吧。”她收拾起肉汤在凡诺恩护送下离开。在大门再次关闭前，阿鲁沙已经进入了梦乡。