Madan No Ou To Vanadis

Madan no Ou to Vanadis
1 Dream of a Distant Day

eita a!o"e in t#e nig#t$ just %e&ore da!n %ro"e. '#e !as#ed #er &a(e !it# !ater s#e #ad prepared t#e previous nig#t and tied #er )ong$ (#estnut*%ro!n #air a)ong t#e )e&t and rig#t sides o& #er #ead into a t!in*tai) #airst+)e. '#e opened t#e s#utters t#roug#out t#e #ouse and %egan ()eaning t#e "it(#en and dining roo, !it# pra(ti(ed #ands. -&ter donning #er ,aid.s uni&or,$ s#e /ui(")+ prepared %rea"&ast. 01t.s a%out ti,e &or #i, to !a"e up. 2it# t#e ,orning sun no! s#ining t#roug# t#e !indo! into t#e "it(#en$ eita stood %e&ore t#e ,irror !#i)e putting on #er apron and t#oug#t a%out t#e 3ord s#e served. 4atura))+$ s#e %egan to s,i)e. 0*** 5ood ,orning$ igre*sa,a.6 O"a+$ -)) good. eita )i&ted t#e #e, o& #er s"irt as s#e !a)"ed up t#e stairs. '#e #eaded &ro, t#e ,ain area to a roo, deep inside on t#e se(ond &)oor. eita #e)d a strange sense o& dut+ to !a"e up t#is ,an !#o !ou)d s)eep t#roug# t#e entire da+ i& #e did not #ave an+ %usiness to ta"e (are o&. 01& 1 don.t do t#is$ !#o !i)) !a"e igre*sa,a76 igrevur,ud Vorn !as t#e na,e o& t#e 3ord eita served.
1t !as an e9aggerated na,e t#e person in /uestion did not see, to dis)i"e$ %ut &or t#ose inti,ate$ it !as easiest si,p)+ to (a)) #i, igre. :ver sin(e t#e+ ,et !#en t#e+ !ere s,a))$ eita did not stand ,u(# on (ere,on+ and (ontinued to (a)) #i, igre*sa,a. 0;e !as up )ate )ast nig#t$ so #e !i)) pro%a%)+ s)eep unti) ,id* da+... <ut 1 s#ou)d sti)) !a"e #i, up.6 2#i)e ,uttering to #erse)&$ s#e stood %e&ore igre.s roo,. -&ter ta"ing a &e! s,a))$ deep %reat#s$ eita "no("ed on t#e door. Con&ir,ing t#at t#ere !as no rea(tion$ s#e /uiet)+ opened t#e door. - da==)ing s!ord !as pointed at igre as #e s)ept on t#e %ed. 0 igre*sa,a...>6 ;er &a(e turned pa)e as s#e said t#ose !ords. eita /ui(")+ ran over and )oo"ed at t#e person #un(#ed over igre$ as i& e,%ra(ing #i,$ #o)ding t#e )ongs!ord. '#e !ore %)ue ()ot#es and #ad i,pressive si)ver #air !#i(# rea(#ed #er !aist? s#e !as a %eauti&u) gir). '#e )oo"ed do!n at eita in surprise. 0@$ +ou... 2#a$ !#a$ !#at are +ou doing...>6 eita.s voi(e tre,%)ed !it# surprise and anger. #e gir) !it# si)ver #air s#eat#ed #er )ongs!ord in a pani(. 04o$ sorr+. 1 !asn.t intending to t#reaten #i,.6
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0 #en !#at !ere +ou doing> 1n t#e &irst p)a(e$ #o! did +ou even get in #ere76 0Fro, t#ere.6 #e gir) !it# argent #air readi)+ pointed to t#e !indo!$ !#i(# !as (urrent)+ !ide open. '#e &o)ded #er ar,s and %egan to give an e9p)anation. 0;e !ou)dn.t !a"e up no ,atter #o! ,u(# 1 (a))ed #i,$ %ut t#en 1 re,e,%ered #e a!o"e !#en a s!ord !as put in #is ,out#. 1 !ondered i& #e rea(ted !#en a %)ade !as %roug#t ()ose... 2e))$ 1 !as #aving a %it o& &un as !e)).6 '#e #ad %e(o,e inarti(u)ate to!ard t#e end seeing eita g)are at #er$ !#ose #a=e) e+es !ere no %)otted !it# tears. #e gir) !it# si)ver #air %e(a,e e,%arrassed. 01 !asn.t going to #urt #i,$ it !as so,e inno(ent &un.6 0:ven i& +ou didn.t intend to$ +ou (ou)d #ave #urt #i,>6 1t !as a just argu,ent. #e gir) sun" into si)en(e. -t t#at ti,e$ igre %egan to ,ove %eneat# eita. 0... eita76 ;earing a dro!s+ voi(e ti(")e #er ear$ eita #asti)+ parted &ro, #i,. 2it# #is red #air dis#eve)ed$ igre sat up. -&ter g)an(ing at t#e t!o gir)s ga=ing at #i,$ #e )oo"ed to t#e open !indo!.
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-s #e )oo"ed at t#e )ig#t %)ue s"+$ a &res# %ree=e /uiet)+ stro"ed t#e t#ree peop)es. #air. 02#at.s !it# a)) t#e ru("s7 1t.s sti)) ,orning.6 01t is a)read+ ,orning.6 eita &ir,)+ responded !#i)e %)us#ing. igre$ !it#out noti(ing #er appearan(e$ )oo"ed a%out re)u(tant)+ as i& #e #ad no ,ore (#oi(e. #e gir) !it# si)ver #air )oo"ed at #i, in e,%arrass,ent. 02#at.s !rong$ :))en76 04o$ it.s...6 eita e9p)ained t#e situation on :))en.s %e#a)&. On(e s#e &inis#ed$ igre nodded and s,i)ed at :))en !it# a (are&ree )oo". 01t see,s +ou sa! so,et#ing trou%)eso,e.6 0;onest)+.6 0 igre*sa,a>6 eita s#outed$ ,a"ing igre and :))en (o!er on re&)e9. 1t !as a (#i)dis# gesture as s#e s(o)ded t#e t!o )i"e a ,ot#er.
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igre$ eita$ and :))en sat around a ta%)e in t#e dining roo,. -t t#e ta%)e !as r+e %read$ ,i)"$ soup !it# s,o"ed &is#$ t#in)+ s)i(ed ,eat$ and %oi)ed egg. :))en sat at t#e ta%)e as i& it !ere natura). eita !is#ed to sa+ 01 #ave not prepared enoug# &or +ou$6 %ut prudent)+ re,ained si)ent. #oug# s#e did not ta"e !e)) to t#e (ir(u,stan(es$ s#e !as igre.s guest. -s a ,aid$ s#e (ou)d not %e a disgra(e. --- I'll give her some rice while we eat. Anti) toda+$ igre and eita #ad eaten !it# just t#e t!o o& t#e,. '#e !anted to return to t#e da+s %e&ore igre )e&t &or Binant. 0'o +ou eat +our ,ea) !it# +our ,aid.6 2#i)e #o)ding %read in #er #and$ :))en as"ed as i& it !ere une9pe(ted. 0 eita and 1 are t#e on)+ ones )iving #ere. 1t !ou)d %e trou%)eso,e i& !e ate separate$ and it.s %etter &or ta)"ing$ espe(ia))+ sin(e eita ta"es (are o& t#e #ouse#o)d &or ,e.6 0@ou.re a %us+ one.6
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01., used to it.6 :))en g)an(ed at #er ad,ira%)+. eita si,p)+ %o!ed and responded (urt)+. 0<+ t#e !a+$ !#at #appened$ so ear)+ in t#e ,orning76 igre as"ed a&ter sipping #is soup. :))en too" a drin" o& !ine and responded. 01.)) %e )eaving #ere. 1 !anted to #ear +our &uture p)ans.6 0Future$ #u#76 igre &i9ated #is ga=e on t#e ta%)e as #is #ands stopped ,oving. igre !as an aristo(rat o& <rune. ;e #ad )ost #is &at#er t!o +ears ago and su((eeded #is tit)e and t#e )and o& -)sa(e. On t#e %att)e&ie)d o& Binant C)ains$ #e %e(a,e a prisoner o& !ar to one o& D#(ted.s Vanadis$ :)eanora Vi)taria :))en. 2#en to)d Bu"e #enardier$ a po!er&u) no%)e o& <rune$ !ou)d %urn -)sa(e to t#e ground$ #e %orro!ed #er strengt# and returned. #ree da+s ago$ igre de&eated Bu"e #enardier.s &or(es. #at nig#t$ #is peop)e and t#e so)diers !ere into9i(ated in t#e &east o& vi(tor+. #e da+ a&ter t#at t!o da+s ago t#ings #ad (#anged radi(a))+.
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#e dead !ere %uried$ &unera)s !ere #e)d$ and t#ere !ere peop)e !a)"ing around t#e to!n$ re%ui)ding !#at #ad %een %urned do!n. 1t !as not just t#e peop)e o& -)sa(e %ut t#e so)diers under :))en.s (o,,and. #oug# t#e+ ,anaged to sa)vage ,u(# o& t#e %ui)dings$ it too" unti) )ate )ast nig#t to (o,p)ete. oda+$ #e !ou)d #ave to t#in" a%out !#at to do in t#e &uture. --- Duke Thenardier will come since I killed Zaien. #e genera) o& t#e #enardier -r,+ !#i(# atta("ed -)sa(e !as Daien #enardier. ;e !as t#e son o& t#e Bu"e and &uture #eir to #is na,e. Bu"e #enardier !as &ro, an o)d$ distinguis#ed &a,i)+ !#i(# %oasted enoug# po!er t#at it (ou)d not %e ignored. ;e (ou)d easi)+ ,ove ten t#ousand troops$ and$ !it# t#e aid o& #is ,an+ aristo(rati( re)atives$ (ou)d gat#er a &or(e !#i(# easi)+ e9(eeded t#irt+ t#ousand. On t#e ot#er #and$ -)sa(e (ou)d gat#er at ,ost one #undred ,en. #oug# #e (ou)d in(rease t#at nu,%er to t#ree #undred$ #e !ou)d )ose a)) t#e +oung ,en !#o !ere t#e ,ain !or"ers. #e to!ns and vi))ages !ou)d essentia))+ stop &un(tioning. --- At best, ten thousand, at worst, thirty thousand... 1t !as an over!#e),ing di&&eren(e. igre.s &a(e sti&&ened in tension and &ear. How did I get mysel into this trouble! "hat should I do!
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#e an9iet+ !#i(# )ur"ed inside #i, !as t#at #e #ad ,issed Bu"e #enardier.s true intent. 0Bon.t #esitate.6 - #app+ voi(e tou(#ed igre.s ear. 2#en #e )oo"ed up$ #e (ou)d see :))en s,i)ing. '#e stood up as i& s#e !ere going to sa+ so,et#ing to igre %e&ore turning a!a+. 0Be(ide !#at +ou !ant to do %+ t#e ti,e !e ne9t ,eet. 1.)) )eave ,ost o& t#e so)diers #ere. @ou.)) %e !or"ing as 3i,.s aide.6 0-ide76 0 #is )and %e)ongs to ,e no!. Fro, +our standpoint$ +ou.)) %e assisting 3i,.6 :))en put on #er ,ant)e and ga))ant)+ !a)"ed &or!ard. '#e t#re! a /uestion to igre !#o !as sat #er. 0-re +ou going to t#in" a%out !#at to do &ro, no! on76 01.)) ra(" ,+ %rains !it# 3i, so !e !on.t )ose t#is )and.6 2#i)e )istening to :))en.s &ootsteps as s#e !a)"ed a!a+$ igre sig#ed deep)+ and )eaned against t#e %a("rest. -&ter &inis#ing %rea"&ast$ igre !ent to t#e se(ond &)oor. Eat#er t#an going to #is roo,$ #e !ent to a s,a)) roo, at t#e end o& t#e #a))!a+.
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1t !as a narro! enoug# roo, su(# t#at igre$ !#o !as average %ui)d and #eig#t$ (ou)d not )ie do!n. 3eaning on a sp)endid)+ de(orated stand !as a sing)e %)a(" %o!. #e %o! and %o!string !ere %)a("$ as i& t#e+ !ere a (ondensation o& t#e dar"ness. Eat#er t#an %eing d+ed$ t#e ,ateria) itse)& !as %)a(". igre (ou)d not understand its (#ara(ter. 1t !as a &a,i)+ #eir)oo, used %+ an(estors o& t#e Vorn &a,i)+ !#o !ere #unters. ;e used it in t#e Mo)s#ei, C)ains to s#oot do!n
Vi&a)
Daien and #is 2+vern. igre (orre(ted #is posture$ steadied #is %reat#ing$ and grasped #is &ist %e&ore #is (#est. igre #ad greeted t#is %o!$ !#i(# #ad %een passed do!n &ro, generation to generation$ i,,ediate)+ a&ter a&ter #e !o"e up ever+ da+ sin(e #e !as )itt)e. -&ter pus#ing %a(" t#e #enardier -r,+$ #e greeted it a&ter %rea"&ast. ;e needed p#+si(a) strengt#$ energ+$ and (ourage to stand %e&ore t#e %o!. --- This isn't a normal bow. ;e #eard a voi(e e(#o in #is #ead !#en Daien too" &)ig#t on t#e 2+vern. -t t#at ti,e$ #e s#ot do!n t#e 2+vern. #e arro! !as nor,a). 1t s#ou)d %e i,possi%)e to #urt it$ )et a)one penetrate its s(a)es !#i(# (ou)d &end o&& s!ord and spear. ;e "ne! t#at %est.
'uro
2#en #e en(ountered an :art# Bragon in t#e re(esses o& t#e ,ountain t!o +ears ago$ ever+ arro! igre s#ot )e&t it un!ounded. 1t !as not a /uestion o& #is (apa%i)it+.
V+&a)
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;o!ever$ a&ter #earing t#e voi(e on t#e %att)e&ie)d$ #is arro! &)e! and )itera))+ (rus#ed t#e 2+vern. #e e9isten(e o& t#is un(ann+ %o! !eig#ed #eavi)+ in igre.s ,ind a)ongside #is issue !it# #enardier. 'in(e it !as an in#erited &a,i)+ treasure$ #e (ou)d not treat it poor)+$ %ut #e (ou)d not #e)p %ut )oo" at it as i& it !ere a ,onster !#en #e re(a))ed t#e spe(ta()e. 02#at on eart# are +ou76 igre ,uttered %e&ore t#e voi(e. 'ti))$ t#e %o! did not ans!er.
Apon e9iting igre.s ,ansion$ :))en #eaded to t#e te,p)e. #oug# t#e one t#ousand troops :))en #ad )ed to -)sa(e !ere spending t#eir ti,e in t#e p)a=a and va(ant #ouses t#roug#out t#e to!n$ t#ose !#o too" (o,,and$ in()uding :))en.s adjutant$ 3i,)is#a$ sta+ed at t#e te,p)e. <rune and D#(ted %e)ieved in t#e sa,e Cant#eon o& 5ods$ so t#e so)diers !ere not parti(u)ar)+ resistant to t#e idea. #e+ (ou)d )oo" up at t#e statues !#i(# ens#rined t#e 5ods t#e+ )oo"ed up to and re,e,%er t#eir #o,eto!ns.
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1n t#e past t!o da+s$ t#e so)diers #ad spent t#eir ti,e ()eaning t#e to!n o& a)) t#e stones and repaired #ouses !#i(# #ad started (o))apsing. 1t !as !ort#!#i)e spending t#eir ti,e %ui)ding so,et#ing rat#er t#an destro+ing it. #e te,p)e soon (a,e into #er vie!. -s s#e opened t#e door$ 3i,)is#a 3i, (a,e into vie!. :))en (a))ed out to #er$ 3i, noti(ed :))en and returned a sa)ute !it# a grave e9pression. '#e !as a ta))$ %eauti&u) !o,an !it# go)den #air tied on t#e )e&t side o& #er #ead. ;er &a(e did not #o)d a sing)e &rag,ent o& a&&a%i)it+. '#e !ore ()ot#ing t#e sa,e %)ue as :))en.s and #ad a s!ord #e)d at #er !aist. '#e (ou)d %e (a))ed :))en.s rig#t ar,. '#e served as an assistant in %ot# ,i)itar+ and po)iti(a) a&&airs. 0Bo +ou #ave %usiness +ou need to ta"e (are o& rig#t no!76 04o. 1 !as going to visit +ou to as" t#e sa,e$ :)eanora*sa,a.6 04o need to do t#at espe(ia))+. Bid +ou &inis# se)e(ting t#e so)diers76 1t !as a (on&ir,ation rat#er t#an a /uestion. 3i, nodded !it#out %atting an e+e%ro!. 0Euri(" !as ,ade (o,,ander and #e #as (#osen one #undred (ava)r+,en.6 01 )eave t#e rest to +ou. 1 need to return to "eep t#e Fing si)ent. ;e.s in +our (are unti) t#en.6 :))en %egan to )aug# in a (asua) ,anner !#i)e 3i, si,p)+ )oo"ed un#app+. 0:)eanora*sa,a$ +ou see, to trust #i, /uite a %it.6
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01 t#oug#t +ou did as !e)).6 0 #oug# 1 eva)uate #i, to %e re)ia%)e$ 1 do not trust #i,.6 'eeing #er su%ordinate.s stu%%orn attitude$ :))en s#rugged #er s#ou)ders !it# a %itter s,i)e. 01 got it$ 1 got it. -n+!a+$ 1 ., )eaving igre to #e)p +ou.6 #e Vanadis !it# si)ver*!#ite #air !aved #er #and as s#e turned a!a+ !#i)e 3i, sa! #er o&& !it# a %o!. 2#en :))en disappeared &ro, #er sig#t$ s#e )eaned against a near%+ &en(e and )oo"ed up to t#e s"+. #e %rig#tness o& t#e %)ue ,orning s"+ sti)) re,ained. 01 !anted to avoid getting ,ore deep)+ invo)ved... <ut t#ere.s no ot#er !a+.6 :))en ,oved #er ar,+ due to good !i)) to!ard igre. -)sa(e !as a %arrier to prevent t#e spar" o& (ivi) !ar &ro, rea(#ing 3eitMerit=. #e+ needed to (on&ir, Bu"e #enardier.s intent and !ou)d intervene a((ording to t#e turn o& events. --- #till... That battle at $olsheim %lains has changed a lot. #oug# 3i, #ad not seen it #erse)&$ ,an+ so)diers$ in()uding :))en$ #ad. igre.s arro! tore t#roug# t#e at,osp#ere and pier(ed t#roug#
V+&a)
t#e 2+vern !it# a speed and po!er i,possi%)e %+ nor,a) ,eans. 1t dispersed t#e ()ouds and disappeared &ro, vie!. '#e (ou)d not %e)ieve t#e ta)e so sudden)+. #e s(a)es o& a Bragon !ere strong enoug# su(# t#at %)ades o& iron (ou)d not pass t#roug#. Furt#er,ore$ it !ou)d %e i,possi%)e &or an arro! to rea(# t#e 2+vern !#i(# &)e! #ig# a%ove.
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--- &ut 'ord Tigrevurmud (ulled it o . -((ording to :))en$ igre.s %o! see,ed to respond to #er )ong s!ord t#e 'i)ver F)as# -ri&a). #oug# s#e #ad never #eard o&
Vira)t
a !eapon !#i(# (ou)d respond to a Bragoni( oo)$ :))en !as sure s#e #ad not ,ade a ,ista"e. --- )ven i ignoring her attachment to him... it would be best not to (art ways now. 1& anot#er Vanadis )earned o& igre and t#e e9isten(e o& #is %o!$ t#e+ !ou)d a(t to ta"e (ontro) o& #i,. #e+ ,a+ use #i, as an a))+$ or t#e+ ,a+ tr+ to "i)) #i,. --- Thinking along those lines, it is best to hel( him. 1& a person !it# a po!er riva)ing a Vanadis %e(a,e an a))+$ it !ou)d %e eas+ to ,aneuver in t#e &uture. :ven disregarding t#at po!er$ igre.s s"i)) !it# t#e %o! !as unusua)$ and t#ere !as no pro%)e, !it# #is (#ara(ter as !e)). ;o!ever$ a Vanadis pr+ing into a (ivi) !ar in <rune$ espe(ia))+ one !#i(# invo)ved a po!er&u) no%)e$ !ou)d (ause a signi&i(ant (#ange. #oug# 3i, ga=ed at t#e s"+ !#i)e t#in"ing$ s#e )et eventua))+ )et out a s,a)) sig#. 0... #is is &or :)eanora*sa,a. 1 s#ou)d do ,+ %est.6 2#en 3i, visited #is ,ansion$ igre !as p)a(ing #is sadd)e on t#e #orse in t#e &ront garden. -t #is &eet !as a %ag &u)) o& !ater and &ood. 4ear%+$ t#e ,aid !it# (#estnut*%ro!n #air !as )o("ing t#e door.
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0-re +ou going so,e!#ere76 3i, spo"e !it# a tone as i& (ross*e9a,ining t#e t!o. eita.s %od+ s#run" %a(" in surprise as s#e #eard t#e voi(e$ !#i)e igre responded !it# a va(ant e9pression. 02e.)) %e #eading to t#e Vi))age o& ;una!i#r &or a %it. 2e s#ou)d return %+ nig#t&a)) to,orro!.6 0;una!i#r76 3i, !as (on&used? igre ans!ered as #e (#e("ed t#e (ondition o& #is sadd)e. 01t is a vi))age 1 (an rea(# %e&ore da+.s end on #orse. 1t.s to t#e nort#!est$ and Bu"e #enardier !i)) #ave to pass ()ose %+ %e&ore #e (o,es #ere.6 0-re +ou #aving t#e residents ta"e re&uge76 0 #ere are reports t#at t#e+ #ave &)ed to t#e near%+ !oods$ %ut 1 !is# to ,a"e sure.6 1n -)sa(e$ t#ere !ere &our vi))ages in addition to t#e to!n o& Ce)esta? #o!ever$ t#e ot#er t#ree !ere &ar &ro, #enardier.s pat#. 'ti))$ sin(e t#ere !as no ne!s o& it %eing da,aged$ it !as unne(essar+ &or igre to (#e(" i,,ediate)+ it. --- Though it is not as i I do not understand his eelings... #oug# s#e understood$ 3i, (ou)d not #e)p %ut &ee) irritated. #e+ did not #ave t#e ti,e &or su(# )eisure)+ a(tivities sin(e t#e+ !ou)d %e &ig#ting #enardier.s -r,+ &ro, no! on.
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--- Also... igre.s tone and e9pression !ere )a("ing. #is %roug#t 3i,.s e,otions in a negative dire(tion. 0@our ,aid !i)) %e a((o,pan+ing +ou76 3i, as"ed #i, %e(ause t#e sadd)e p)a(ed on t#e #orse !as )arge$ and eita !as not !earing #er ,aid.s dress %ut t#i("$ #e,pen ()ot#ing. 0 eita !i)) &ee) an9ious i& 1., a!a+ &ro, t#e ,ansion &or too )ong.6 --- I do not think he is getting cold eet. The bow in his saddle is not the black bow but his normal one. igre tried to run &ro, t#e 1,peria) Ca)a(e to save t#e peop)e in #is territor+ at t#e ris" o& #is o!n )i&e. 1t is one o& t#e &e! t#ings 3i, eva)uated #i, #ig#)+ on. 01 see. <e&ore +ou return$ 1 !ou)d )i"e to e9a,ine t#e re(ords and do(u,ents re)ated to -)sa(e. 2i)) t#at %e &ine !it# +ou76 Cutting #is ,otive asides$ 3i, as"ed #i, &or per,ission. 'ti))$ !#i)e #er voi(e !as e,pt+$ it (ontained a &e! t#orns. 01 understand. #e+.re in ,+ roo, and t#e stud+. o get t#ere$ +ou***6
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2#i)e e9p)aining t#e )o(ation to 3i,$ igre turned to eita !#o (onsented. #oug# dissatis&ied$ eita #anded t#e "e+ to t#e residen(e to 3i,. 0A,...6 0Bo not !orr+. 1 !i)) not tou(# an+t#ing ot#er t#an t#e do(u,ents and re(ords as pro,ised.6 3i, re)a9ed #er &a(e and s)ig#t)+ s,i)ed at eita. -&ter s#e %o!ed$ s#e ran to igre in a pani(. 02e.re o&&.6 3i, sa! igre and eita o&& as t#e+ rode out o& to!n on t#e #orse$ eita snugg)ed up ()ose)+ against #i,$ %e&ore entering #is residen(e. #e roads )aid !it#in -)sa(e !ere not good. #e !eeds ran ra,pant$ t#e soi) !as not &)at$ and t#e &en(e put up near t#e &orests !as in poor (ondition. eita$ %e#ind igre$ rode sidesadd)e. #oug# s#e !anted to #o)d on to igre$ s#e gripped t#e sadd)e !it# %ot# #ands so as not to %e a #indran(e. 'in(e t#e #orse !as (arr+ing t!o peop)e as !e)) as supp)ies$ it !as not ver+ /ui("$ and sin(e s#e trusted igre.s e/uestrian s"i))s$ eita rode in (o,&ort.
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--- It was a little unreasonable, but I'm glad I asked him or this. 2#en igre said #e !ou)d #ead to ;una!i#r$ eita insisted t#at s#e go !it# #i,. #oug# igre !as (on&used$ #e eventua))+ gave up due to e9#austion. #ere !ere t!o reasons s#e !anted to go. One !as to %e ()ose to igre. -&ter igre )e&t &or Binant$ eita #ad spent ,an+ da+s and nig#ts a)one. ;er an9iet+ !as severe$ espe(ia))+ a&ter )earning o& t#e de&eat o& t#e <rune -r,+. Buring t#at ti,e$ s#e !ent to t#e te,p)e and pra+ed on a regu)ar %asis. :ver+t#ing #appened in an instant. igre #eaded &or t#e %att)e&ie)d !it# t#e D#(ted -r,+. 2#en s#e t#oug#t it possi%)e to ,eet #i, again at )ast$ t#e+ #ad %e(o,e %us+ !it# re(onstru(tion o& t#e to!n$ so t#e+ did not #ave ti,e to spea". '#e &e)t igre.s !ar,t# as s#e )eaned against #is %a(". 0 igre*sa,a.6 02#at is it76 01 don.t "no! !#at +ou are t#in"ing$ or !#at !i)) #appen in t#e &uture$ %ut 1 !i)) &o))o! igre*sa,a ever+!#ere.6
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eita #ad noti(ed igre.s g)oo,+ appearan(e sin(e ear)+ t#at ,o,ent. #at !as anot#er reason s#e &o))o!ed a&ter #i,. --- I it were the usual Tigre-sama, he would say today is a good day or hunting. His e*(ression hasn't changed at all, and he went u(stairs immediately a ter break ast. It must be something di icult to say to me. eita did not understand !#at igre !orried a%out. :ven i& s#e "ne!$ as a si,p)e ,aid$ s#e (ou)d not do an+t#ing to #e)p #i,. 'ti))$ eita !anted to %e !it# igre. 4o ,atter !#at$ eita !ou)d %e #is a))+. 0*** #an" +ou$ eita.6 #e !ords #e returned !ere &u)) o& e,otions. eita !as g)ad t#e usua) igre #ad returned. ;una!i#r !as a s,a)) vi))age !it# &e!er t#an t!o #undred in#a%itants. #e &orests spread out in t#e near%+ vi(init+$ and t#e residents o&ten entered it. -s a (#i)d$ #e #ad p)a+ed in t#e &orest$ and !#en o)der$ #e gat#ered &ire!ood$ nuts$ and ,us#roo,s.
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#oug# t#ere !ere !o)ves and !i)d %oars in t#e vi(init+$ t#e+ !ou)d rare)+ atta(" a group o& peop)e so )ong as t#eir territor+ !as not trespassed. 1t !as a pea(e&u) vi))age. One "o"u #ad passed a&ter ,idda+ %+ t#e ti,e igre and eita arrived at t#e vi))age. #e+ too" so,e ti,e to rest and #ave a ,ea) so t#e+ !ou)d #ave t#e energ+ to (o,p)ete t#eir tas" %e&ore t#e sun set. 2#en &ar,ers !#o (u)tivated t#e &ie)d sa! igre$ t#e+ ran up !it# s#ort steps. igre pu))ed #is #orse to a stop and #e)ped eita a&ter dis,ounting. 0:ver+one$ are +ou sa&e76 0@es$ 3ord$ t#an"s to +ou.6 - ,idd)e*aged ,an #ad #is #and on #is #ead and s,i)ed. #e ot#er &ar,ers$ as !e))$ &o))o!ed suit. 02e #id in t#e &orests )i"e +ou said. #e+ passed %+ /ui(")+.6 0Eea))+$ t#ere !ere ,an+ peop)e running a!a+ t!o da+s ago$ 3ord.6 igre #eard t#e &ar,ers. stories one %+ one %e&ore separating to t#e,. ;e #eaded to t#e vi))age (#ie&.s !#i)e pu))ing #is #orse a)ong. 'oon$ #e sa! t#e vi))age (#ie& !#o !as (u)tivating t#e &ie)ds$ just )i"e t#e ot#er &ar,ers. #e ,an !as in #is ,id*&orties. ;is &igure !as )i"e a %arre) and #is ar,s and )egs !ere start. ;is s"in !as tan and #is &a(e !as red due to a sun%urn as #e spent #is ti,e !or"ing t#e &ie)ds. 2#en #e noti(ed igre$ #e !a)"ed out o& t#e &ie)d.
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0Bid +ou (o,e to #e)p !it# t#e &ie)ds$ 3ord76 0 #oug# 1 (an #e)p$ !on.t +ou just do it a)) again76 #e vi))age (#ie& &eigned ignoran(e as igre )aug#ed and s#rugged #is s#ou)ders. 1n a)) a(tua)it+$ igre #ad gripped t#e #oe on)+ on(e t#e )ast ti,e #e tried to #e)p$ so #is !or" !as terri%)e. 0;a#a$ e9(use ,e.6 #e vi))age (#ie& )aug#ed$ #is %e))+ s#a"ing$ and s,i)ed to eita. igre as"ed a%out t#e da,age to t#e vi))age. 01t.s as +ou see. #e &en(es around t#e vi))age !ere destro+ed$ %ut !e #ave no injured or dead. -&ter sa+ing t#at$ t#e vi))age (#ie& )oo"ed serious. 0<+ t#e !a+$ 1 #eard a ru,or t#at t#e D#(ted -r,+ #as (o,e...6 0 #e+ are a))ies !#o 1 #ave e,p)o+ed. Bon.t !orr+ a%out it.6 #e vi))age (#ie& )oo"ed re)ieved and )aug#ed seeing igre.s (on&ident attitude. #e vi))age (#ie& !anted to (e)e%rate #is vi(tor+ in Mo)s#ei,$ even i& t#e part+ !ou)d %e s,a)). #oug# #e o&&ered a seat to igre$ igre re&used sin(e it !ou)d ta"e p)a(e ear)+ to,orro!. -t da!n$ igre said #is &are!e)) to t#e (#ie& and #eaded to Ce)esta on #orse%a(".
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eita did not t#in" #e )oo"ed !e))$ and$ out o& (onsideration$ spo"e up. 0 igre*sa,a. 2i)) +ou %e ta"ing a nap on t#e !a+76 igre.s )egs )oosened &ro, around t#e #orse as #e #eard t#e une9pe(ted !ords. 01t.s unusua) +ou !ou)d sa+ t#is. Bid +ou not s)eep !e))$ eita76 01 a, sti)) a %it tired...6 eita ans!ered ,odest)+. igre s,i)ed !r+)+$ %ut #e did not reje(t #er. ;e &e)t it !ou)d soon %e ti,e to ta"e a %rea"$ regard)ess. #e sun s#ined %rig#t)+ in t#e %)ue #eavens. #e &ine !eat#er !as no di&&erent &ro, +esterda+.s. 01 !onder i& 1 (an trou%)e t#e,. 1& 1 re,e,%er$ t#ere s#ou)d %e a #ut near%+.6 igre )e&t t#e road and #eaded to!ard a s,a)) #ut at t#e top o& a #i)). 1t !as %ui)t &ro, )ogs$ and igre #ad used it nu,erous ti,es %e&ore. ;e dis,ounted and sa! no one inside. 1n t#e ,idd)e !as a p)ate &u)) o& as#. 1t !as used to %ui)d a &ire$ %ut$ &ro, its (urrent state$ it #ad not %een used &or t#e past severa) da+s. ;e tet#ered t#e #orse outdoors$ !iped its %od+ do!n$ and gave it !ater to drin". eita #e)ped #i, as !e)). -&ter &inis#ing$ t#e t!o entered t#e #ut. eita )a+ on t#e &)oor.
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0 eita$ +ou s#ou)d get so,e rest. 1., sure it.s tireso,e riding t#e #orse a)) t#e ti,e.6 01& 1 do not sta+ up$ !#o !i)) !a"e +ou up$ igre*sa,a76 igre s(rat(#ed #is #ead #earing #er jo"e. 01 got it$ %ut don.t do an+t#ing unreasona%)e.6 ;e spo"e gent)+ and ()osed #is e+es. Cer#aps &atigued %+ (onstant)+ t#in"ing to #i,se)&$ igre &e)) as)eep i,,ediate)+.
#ere !as a ten +ear o)d gir) %e&ore #is e+es. 0*** igre*sa,a.6 '#e spo"e !it# a )isp and #ad (#estnut*%ro!n #air tied on t#e )e&t and rig#t side o& #er #ead. eita.s #a=e) e+es s#ined %ri))iant)+. 0 igre*sa,a$ over #ere.6 eita )aug#ed inno(ent)+ as s#e !a)"ed a)ong$ gripping igre.s #and. igre /uiet)+ &o))o!ed a&ter #er. 'eeing #is #ands$ igre rea)i=ed it !as a drea,. ;e !as t#e sa,e age !#en #e ,et eita.
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#e %o+ and gir) !a)"ed a)ong t#e narro! road as &ie)ds stret(#ed a)ong %ot# sides. <e&ore #e noti(ed$ igre stood %e&ore a (ertain &ie)d. 0 igrevur,ud.6 One ,an !a)"ed t#ere. 1t !as #is &at#er$ Ar= Vorn$ !#o #ad died t!o +ears ago. 0Co,e$ )et.s p)o!.6 igre.s &at#er passed #i, a #oe. --- +ow that I remember, this ha((ened be ore. igre.s t#oug#ts !ere #a=+ as #e #e)d t#e #oe. ;e !as pro%a%)+ 10 +ears o)d at t#e ti,e. ;is &at#er !as inspe(ting t#e vi))age. 1t !as t#e one ti,e #e #ad %een given a #oe. #oug# #e t#oug#t #e (ou)d do it$ #is entire %od+ #urt a&ter on)+ a /uarter "o"u. #e ne9t da+$ t#ere !ere ,an+ %ean*)i"e injuries on #is #ands. eita too" a #and&u) o& %andages and treated #i,. ;aving #e)d t#e #oe$ #is range o& vision #ad (#anged drasti(a))+. igre stood on top o& a #i)) a)ongside #is &at#er. <e&ore #is e+es$ green grape &ie)ds e9tended as &ar as #is e+e (ou)d see.
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0 igrevur,ud.6 #e &at#er spo"e gent)+ to #is son. 0 #e+ (u)tivate t#e &ie)ds ever+ da+. #e+ s(atter t#e seeds$ !ater t#e p)ants$ and drive a!a+ t#e inse(ts and %irds$ and s(are a!a+ t#e #ares and !i)d %oars t#at (o,e to t#e vi))age. #e+ !orr+ a%out droug#ts and &ear stor,s. -&ter #arvesting t#e &ie)ds and ()eaning t#e, up$ t#e+ repeat t#e pro(ess again.6 As a hunter, I am the same. igre ans!ered in t#at !a+. Gust %e&ore$ #e #ad (aug#t a )arge deer. 0@our s"i)) !it# t#e %o! is sp)endid$ espe(ia))+ &or +our age? #o!ever$ it is di&&erent &ro, #unters. 2e do not #unt to )ive.6 igre nodded strong)+ %e(ause #e did not understand !#at it ,eant to )ive. 0:ver+one !or"s t#e &ie)ds to )ive. Bo +ou understand !#+ it is +ou do not do t#is76 &ecause o you, Dad. &ecause I am the 'ord's son. #is ti,e$ igre ans!ered &ir,)+. ;e (ou)d not #e)p %ut %)us# in e,%arrass,ent !#en re(a))ing t#e ,e,or+. ;is &at#er !as not angr+ !it# #is response. 0 #en !#+ do 1 not need to (u)tivate t#e &ie)ds76 &ecause you are great. 2#en #e said t#at$ #is &at#er s)o!)+ s#oo" #is #ead. 03isten$ igrevur,ud. 2e are #ere in (ase t#ere is an e,ergen(+.6
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0:,ergen(+76 0 #at.s rig#t. 2e.re t#ere &or situations !#i(# are di&&i(u)t to so)ve. 3ands)ides$ &)oods$ %andits$ epide,i(s$ poor #arvests$ disputes a,ongst vi))ages$ ()as#es !it# neig#%oring aristo(rats over t#e rivers and ,ountains$ t#ere are ,an+ ot#er t#ings... 1 a, t#ere to tr+ and reso)ve t#ose pro%)e,s. Our !or" is to ensure t#e+ )ive t#eir )ives in pea(e.6 0<ut !#+ do +ou #ave to...6 -gain$ #is &at#er s#oo" #is #ead s)o!)+. 0 #e ,ore peop)e t#ere are$ t#e ,ore trou%)e t#at appears. #oug# -)sa(e ,a+ %e s,a)) and pea(e&u)...6 -t t#at ti,e$ #is !ords stopped. igre.s &at#er p)a(ed #is #and on igre.s #ead. :ven in t#e drea,$ igre (ou)d &ee) t#e !eig#t and !ar,t# o& #is #and. 0Bo not &orget$ igrevur,ud. #is is t#e 3ord.s dut+.6 #e &ee)ing o& t#e #and disappeared. ;is &at#er !a)"ed a!a+ /uiet)+. 2#i)e !at(#ing #is %a("$ igre (ou)d not !a)". :ven i& #e tried to (#ase a&ter #is &at#er$ #is &eet !ou)d not ,ove. 0Bad... Bad Fat#er.6 #en #e a!o"e. ;e sa! t#e (ei)ing o& t#e #ut and #eard t#e (r+ o& %irds outside.
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--- ,ather... How long has it been since I've dreamed o ather! ;e tried to sit up$ %ut &e)t a !eig#t and &aint #eat on #is %od+. igre )oo"ed do!n. eita !as ()inging to #i,$ (a),)+ %reat#ing as s#e s)ept. #oug# it surprised #i,$ igre /ui(")+ regained #is (o,posure. --- Did you bring me to meet my ather! 1n t#e drea,$ it !as t#e +oung eita t#at too" #i, to #is &at#er. 2ar,t# !e))ed &ro, !it#in #is (#est. igre #ugged #er gent)+. -&ter a ti,e$ eita !o"e up. '#e )et out a noise as s#e )oo"ed up at igre$ #a)&*as)eep. ;er e+es !ere un&o(used. eita stood up in a pani( as soon as s#e understood t#e situation. '#e !aved #er #ands a%out$ and #er &a(e !as red. '#e ,ade ,an+ in(o#erent e9(uses. 0 i$ igre*sa,a$ it.s so,et#ing di&&erent. -#$ u,... 1 didn.t !ant to ta"e too ,u(# spa(e in (ase so,eone entered...6
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igre s,i)ed !r+)+ as #e sa! eita.s pani( as #e t#oug#t a%out #is e,otions. ;aving re(a))ed #is &at#er$ #e !as engrossed in senti,enta) &ee)ings and ()ose)+ e,%ra(ed #er. 1n t#e su,,er at,osp#ere in a di, #ut$ eita.s rea(tion (a))ed igre do!n. 0 eita.6 ;earing igre (a)) out to #er in a (a), voi(e$ eita %egan to sett)e do!n. 0 #an" +ou. 1 o!e +ou one. 1t !as /uite re&res#ing.6 'eeing igre )oo" as t#oug# #e !ere a%out to )aug#$ s#e !as re)ieved t#e s#ado! in #is &a(e #ad disappeared. -&ter %orro!ing t#e 3eitMerit= so)diers &ro, :))en$ #e #ad pus#ed t#e #enardier -r,+ %a(" and #ad not gotten an+ rest. -n9iet+ and &ear entered t#e gap it opened in #is #eart. --- I can't sto( now. #ere !ere ,an+ t#ings igre #ad to do. ;e #ad %orro!ed t#e strengt# o& t#e 3eitMerit= -r,+ to &ig#t #enardier.s troops. #oug# #e !as an9ious a%out t#e po!er o& #is %)a(" %o!$ #e )a("ed enoug# ()ues to &ind an+,ore in&or,ation on it. For no!$ #e !ou)d put it aside.
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03et.s go$ eita.6 igre stepped out o& t#e #ut re&res#ed. ;e )oo"ed at t#e ()oud)ess s"+. --- I nothing else, at least the weather is good or hunting. 0 igre*sa,a.6 Fro, %e#ind$ eita spo"e in an angr+ tone. 0-re +ou t#in"ing o& #unting rig#t no!76 0... ;o! did +ou "no!76 01 "no!. ;o! ,an+ +ears do +ou t#in" 1 #ave %een serving +ou76 -&ter ans!ering$ eita s,i)ed #appi)+. Eea)i=ing s#e !as jo"ing just a ,o,ent ago$ igre s,i)ed %itter)+ as #e #e)ped #er ,ount t#e #orse. 2#i)e riding$ igre (a))ed %a(" to eita. 0 eita. 2e.)) %e %us+ !#en !e get %a(" to Ce)esta. Our situation is a %it pro%)e,ati($ so 1 !ant +ou to go to 3ord Massas. p)a(e &or a !#i)e***6 0 igre*sa,a.6 eita #ugged igre &ro, %e#ind. 01 said it +esterda+. 1 !i)) &o))o! +ou ever+!#ere. @ou #ave #e)ped ,e. 1t is ,+ turn to #e)p +ou$ no!.6
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igre gent)+ p)a(ed #is #ands on eita.s. ;er !ords !ere #app+$ t#oug# t#ere !as sadness in t#e,. 2#i)e #e !as %us+ !orr+ing$ s#e #ad )ong sin(e deter,ined #er (ourse o& a(tion. igre )et go o& eita.s #ands and "i("ed t#e #orse.s %e))+. 0;o)d on tig#t.6 -s i& re&)e(ting #is #eart$ t#e #orse &ier(e)+ sped up. #e &aint !ar,t# and !eig#t o& t#e gir) on #is %a(" (o,&orted #i,. igre and eita arrived at Ce)esta a #a)& "o"u &aster t#an s(#edu)ed. On(e #e returned to t#e ,ansion$ #e noti(ed a #orse in t#e sta%)e t#at did not %e)ong to igre. ;e #ad o&ten seen t#is #orse? it !as !#ite !it# a %)a(" ,ane !#i(# ran do!n its %od+. 0 #is #orse is Massas*sa,a.s...76 0@ea#$ no dou%t.6 igre responded to eita.s surprised voi(e. 0 eita$ (an 1 )eave t#is to +ou76 @es. eita nodded and s,i)ed %ri))iant)+. igre ran out o& t#e sta%)es and i,patient)+ opened t#e doors to #is #ouse$ ignoring t#e t#e ,ud on #is )eat#er s#oes.
38
;e &irst !ent to t#e dining roo, %ut &ound no one t#ere. 2#en #e opened t#e door to t#e dra!ing roo,$ #e sa! Massas Eodant sitting in p)a(e. igre s!a))o!ed #is voi(e as #e tried to (a)) out t#e ,an.s na,e. #e roo, !as !rapped in a dangerous at,osp#ere !#i(# !ou)d )i"e)+ ,a"e (#i)dren (r+. Massas and 3i, !ere staring at ea(# ot#er a(ross a s,a)) ta%)e. --- Did they not notice me...! ;e ()osed t#e door and returned to t#e sta%)e. ;e as"ed eita !#at !as &or dinner. ;e t#oug#t it !as t#e %est (ourse o& a(tion. 0*** 'o +ou.re %a("$ igre.6 Massas turned #is #ead to )oo" at igre. ;is s#ort stature and stout %od+ !as !rapped in ()ot#es !it# ,uted ()ot#ing. ;is gra+ %eard gave o&& a dignit+ &itting &or #is age. 0@ou.re sa&e$ a%ove a)) e)se... 1 !anted to #ear !#at #appened &ro, +ou. 2#en 1 (a,e$ 1 sa! a !o,an !#o !as neit#er eita or Cau)a in t#e #ouse. 1sn.t t#is /uite a surprise76 Cau)a !as a #ouse!i&e in #er 50s !#o )ived in t#e area. '#e !or"ed as a ,aid &or igre.s &at#er$ Ar=$ !#en #e !as sti)) a)ive$ and s#e (a,e to #e)p !#en ti,es !ere %us+. #oug# Massas (ontinued spea"ing !it# t#e good*natured s,i)e t#e e)der)+ ,ig#t #ave$ #is e+es !ere not )aug#ing at a)).
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0-nd no! !e #ave a deput+ &ro, D#(ted in -)sa(e. <+ a)) ,eans$ p)ease te)) ,e t#e entire stor+.6 igre )oo"ed !it# #is e+es to!ard 3i,. '#e si)ent)+ sat !it# #er usua) e9pression)ess &a(e. #e ,oving reunion #e i,agined in #is #ead !as no!#ere to %e &ound.
#enardier sa! as #is ar,+ #ad %are)+ arrived in 4e,eta(u, #aving %are)+ es(aped -)sa(e. #e punis#,ent !as severe. #ose !#o !ere guarding Daien$ t#e son and #eir o& t#e #ouse#o)d$ and t#ose assisting #i, in (o,,anding t#e so)diers !ere punis#ed !it# &)oggings. #e ones !#o !#ipped t#e, !ere t#e %ereaved &a,i)ies o& so)diers !#o died in %att)e. #e !#ip !as intended &or use !it# torture. -t ea(# o& t#e ten straps !ere t#orns. #e s"in tore !#enever t#e+ #it t#e %a("$ and t#e &)es# !as s(ooped a!a+. <)ood spra+ed a%out !it# in(reasing &re/uen(+. 'in(e t#e+ !ou)d %e !#ipped ,ore i& t#e+ s(rea,ed$ t#e+ ()en(#ed t#eir teet# and endured t#e pain. #e ot#er so)diers !ere #it #ard in t#e %a(" !it# a rod ,ade o& #eated iron.
41
Bu"e #enardier !at(#ed t#e s(ene in si)en(e as #e poured !ine into a si)ver (#a)i(e. #oug# e9pression)ess$ it !as ()ear to an+one !#o sa! t#at #e !as angr+ &ro, t#e %otto, o& #is #eart. --- Zaien was an unreliable ool or his age. :ven so$ #e !as sti)) an i,portant son. Daien )ed an ar,+ and )ost a due) against igre. Daien.s (orpse san" into a ,ars# in t#e Mo)s#ei, C)ains. --- That damn brat... Zhcted...'#ou)d t#e situation per,it it$ #e !ou)d )ead t#e ar,+ #i,se)& to invade -)sa(e and ta"e igre.s )i&e. #e Bu"e !as 42 t#is +ear. ;is )arge %od+ !as tig#t and &orged$ and #is s"i)) !it# t#e s!ord$ spear$ and #orse !as on par$ i& not superior to$ !it# a Fnig#t.s. ;is distinguis#ed servi(es on t#e %att)e&ie)d !ere ,an+ in nu,%er$ as !e)). #oug# #e #ad !it#dra!n &ro, t#e &ront )ines$ #e sti)) (ontinued training. 2#en t#e punis#,ent ended$ #e !a)"ed indignant)+ do!n t#e (orridors o& #is grand ,ansion. #e Bu"e returned to #is private roo, on #is o!n. #oug# #e #ad e,ptied &our %ott)es o& !ine$ #e !as not drun". ;e !as &i))ed !it# a ,urderous intent? t#e pressure a)one (ou)d su&&o(ate t#ose near%+. #oug# t#e Bu"e.s roo, !as not &an(+ in appearan(e$ an+ !#o sa! it !ou)d %e re)u(tant to enter due to t#e tension.
42
#e (arpet !as &ine)+ e,%roidered$ and t#e des" !as ,ade o& e%on+. #e (and)esti(" !as ,ade o& go)d$ and a)) t#e a((essories !ere ,ade o& si)ver or go)d. ;o!ever$ t#e Bu"e !a)"ed vio)ent)+ into t#e roo, and dragged t#e (#air &ro, t#e des" %e&ore sitting. ;e grasped a %ott)e o& )i/uor &ro, -svarre on #is des" and poured a g)ass %e&ore drin"ing it in a &)as#. 0*** @ou see, out o& sorts.6 #enardier g)ared at t#e une9pe(ted voi(e. - s#ort o)d ,an in a %)a(" ro%e stood in &ront o& t#e open door. ;e !ore a #ood over #is e+es$ (overing #is &a(e. 0Bre"ava(.6 #e Bu"e near)+ spat out t#e )i/uor in #is ,out# and a),ost "no("ed t#e e,pt+ %ott)e over. #e o)d ,an %o!ed as #e #e)d %a(" #is )aug#ter. Bre"ava( #ad served t#e #enardier &a,i)+ as a soot#sa+er &or ,an+ +ears. 1n t#is residen(e$ no$ even t#roug#out a)) o& <rune$ t#e o)d ,an !as t#e on)+ one per,itted to spea" inso)ent)+ to #enardier. 1& a servant #ad done t#e sa,e t#ing$ #e and #is &a,i)+ !ou)d )i"e)+ %e e9e(uted !it#in t#e sa,e da+.
43
01 %e)ieve +ou #ave #eard t#e stories.6 0Daien*sa,a #as died. @ou #ave ,+ (ondo)en(es &ro, t#e %otto, o& ,+ #eart***6 0 #ere is no need to sa+ it. 1 don.t e9pe(t su(# t#ings &ro, +ou.6 #enardier interrupted Bre"ava(.s !ords and stared at t#e e)der)+ person.s &a(e %eneat# t#e #ood. 01 a, grate&u)? #o!ever$ +ou are &ar too )enient in +our punis#,ent$ @our :9(e))en(+.6 01t is regretta%)e$ %ut 1 need t#e so)diers no!. 1 (annot just "i)) t#e, as 1 p)ease.6 1n &a(t$ #e #ad )ost t!o t#ousand so)diers and t!o Bragons. 1t !as an une9pe(ted %)o!. -n un"no!n aristo(rat in a re,ote p)a(e s#ou)d not #ave %een a%)e to do t#at. ;o!ever$ it appears igrevur,ud Vorn appeared !it# t#e D#(ted -r,+ and "i))ed Daien and %ot# Bragons$ and t#ree t#ousand o& #is ,en #ad s(attered. 01gnoring t#e so)diers (o))iding against one anot#er... 2as it t#e %o+ &ro, -)sa(e or t#e Vanadis &ro, D#(ted t#at "i))ed t#e dragon76 Cat(#ing #enardier.s &ier(e e+es$ Bre"ava( s)o!)+ nodded. 01 s#ou)d &irst in&or, +ou. #e seven Vanadis &ro, D#(ted possess
Vira)t
a !eapon "no!n as a Bragoni( oo).6 0... 1 #ave on)+ #eard o& its na,e. 1s t#is Bragoni( oo) tru)+ so po!er&u)76 0 #ere is not#ing t#at (an (o,pare. 1t (an (ut t#roug# a so)dier !it# ease and #as a spe(ia) po!er !#i(# a))o!s it to (rus# a Bragon.6
44
#oug# t#e Bragons tru)+ !ere "i))ed$ #enardier !ou)d si,p)+ )aug# t#ose !ords o&& i& t#e+ (a,e &ro, an+one ot#er t#an Bre"ava(. 02#at is t#e !eapon ,ade o&76 01t is not ,ade o& an+t#ing &ound in t#e eart#.6 #enardier.s %)a(" %eard tre,%)ed #earing Bre"ava(.s response. 01 see. 'o it (an easi)+ (ut t#roug# a Bragon.s s(a)es !#i(# (an easi)+ &end a!a+ stee).6 01t is su(# a !eapon.6 #enardier si,p)+ %e)ieved t#ose !ords !#i(# nor,a))+ !ou)d see, )i"e a jo"e. 01 understand. Can +ou prepare ne! Bragons76 01 (an &inis# it %+ t#e ne! +ear$ t#oug# 1 !i)) need so,e ,one+.6 Bre"ava( %o!ed as #enardier agreed. #oug# #e t#oug#t to as" !#et#er it (ou)d %e done sooner$ #e understood it !ou)d not %e possi%)e an+ sooner due to t#eir )ong asso(iation. #enardier pi("ed up a %rig#t si)ver %e)) on #is des" and rang it. ;e ordered #is attendant to /ui(")+ prepare a %ag t#e si=e o& a #u,an #ead to %e &i))ed !it# go)d.
45
0<+ t#e !a+$ !#at o& :ar) Vorn and t#e Vanadis76 01 !i)) ta"e (are o& it. C)ease #urr+ !it# t#e Bragon.6 #e Bu"e !aved #is t#i(" #and as Bre"ava( sound)ess)+ disappeared. 2#en t#e door ()osed$ t#e Bu"e tapped #is te,p)e !it# #is &inger. ;e !as &ina))+ &ee)ing t#e e&&e(ts o& t#e a)(o#o). 0... 1t (an.t %e #e)ped.6 #enardier ,uttered %itter)+. ;e !anted to "i)) igre !it# #is o!n #and$ %ut #e #ad on)+ one %od+ and (ou)d not prepare an in&inite nu,%er o& so)diers. 0 #oug# it ,a+ see, )i"e using an a9e to s)aug#ter an inse(t$
'eras+u
per#aps 1 !i)) use t#e H'even C#ainsI. -)so***6 ;e rung t#e %e)) again$ su,,oning a se(ond servant. ;e /ui(")+ gave orders and t#en /ui(")+ dran" a (up o& !ater. 0Ase a Fnig#t &or a Fnig#t$ a Bragon &or a Bragon... and a Vanadis &or a Vanadis. 1 suppose 1 (ou)d use t#at (onne(tion.6 2#i)e )oo"ing at #is re&)e(tion in #is si)ver (#a)i(e$ #enardier s)o!)+ ,uttered to #i,se)&. 0'pea"ing o& !#i(#$ 1 %e)ieve 5ane)on a)so #as an asso(iation !it# one o& t#e Vanadis o& D#(ted. 1 !onder !#at t#at ,an is up to...6
46
2 The Two Vanadis

igre %roug#t a (#air &ro, anot#er roo, spe(i&i(a))+ to sit ne9t to Massas. ;e #esitated to sit ne9t to 3i,. 0 #e seat ne9t to ,ine is va(ant.6 3i, turned #er ga=e (o)d)+ to!ard #i,. '#e !as sitting on a so&a spa(ious enoug# &or t!o adu)ts to %e seated. O& (ourse$ #er re,ar" !as not one ,ade &ro, good !i)). 0*** igre.6 3eaning on t#e (ou(# !it# #is ar,s &o)ded$ Massas g)ared at 3i,. 01., /uite g)ad +ou.re sa&e. #ere.s %een /uite a )ot pi)ing up t#at 1.ve !anted to ta)" to +ou a%out sin(e Binant$ %ut 1.ve %een /uite an9ious sin(e 1 ,et t#is )itt)e Miss... 1 t#oug#t so,et#ing %ad ,a+ #ave #appened to +ou.6 igre !anted to %ur+ #is #ands in #is #ead. 1n t#e &uture$ t#eir #e)p !ou)d %e indispensa%)e. ;e #ad %een !orr+ing a%out !#at to sa+ even %e&ore t#is ,o,ent. 2#i)e t#in"ing a%out !#at to sa+ &irst$ )ig#t &ootsteps ,i9ed !it# #u,,ing approa(#ed. eita opened t#e door and )oo"ed inside.
47
0Massas*sa,a> @ou (a,e>6 0O#$ eita. 1t see,s +ou.re sa&e.6 Massas s,i)ed &ro, ear to ear upon seeing t#e ,aid !it# (#estnut*%ro!n #air. 1& igre !as so,et#ing )i"e a son to t#e o)d Fnig#t$ eita !ou)d %e )i"e #is daug#ter. #oug# #e #ad #is o!n (#i)dren$ #e sti)) &e)t a strong a&&e(tion &or t#e t!o. 0:ver+one$ )et.s #ave so,e tea.6 2it#out &orgetting a%out 3i,$ eita #e)d t#e edge o& #er s"irt and %o!ed %e&ore po)ite)+ )eaving t#e roo,. #e intense at,osp#ere #ad &ina))+ (a),ed do!n$ granting igre so,e ti,e to re)a9. 03ord Massas$ a))o! ,e to e9p)ain t#e situation &irst. 3i,... 3i,)is#a$ i& +ou &ee) t#e need to give ,ore in&or,ation$ p)ease do so.6 igre des(ri%ed !#at #appened to #i, a&ter #e ,et :))en in Binant. Massas )istened si)ent)+ and nodded$ !#i)e 3i, o((asiona))+ )oo"ed to igre !it#out sa+ing an+t#ing. 2#en #e &inis#ed spea"ing$ eita arrived !it# tea &or t#ree. igre too" a drin" to /uen(# #is par(#ed t#roat and t#an"ed eita. For a !#i)e$ Massas ga=ed at t#e tea in #is (up. 2#en eita )e&t t#e roo,$ #e )oo"ed up to!ard 3i,.
48
;e p)a(ed #is #ands on #is "nees and %o!ed deep)+. 03i,)is#a$ First$ 1 apo)ogi=e &or dou%ting +our !ords.6 01t (ou)d not %e #e)ped. 1 !i)) apo)ogi=e as !e)) &or not greeting +ou proper)+.6 0<e&ore 1 got %a("$ !#at on eart# #appened76 igre !as &ina))+ a%)e to as" a%out !#at #appened %et!een t#e t!o. 03ord Massas arrived !#i)e 1 !as inspe(ting t#e do(u,ents in t#is roo,.6 01 !i)) ad,it$ 1 !as )a("ing in (o,posure. 1 sa! t#e
Dirnitra
<)a(" Bragon F)ag o& D#(ted !aving in t#e to!n. 1 (a,e to +our ,ansion to visit +ou$ and instead$ 1 &ound t#e (o,,ander o& t#e D#(ted -r,+. 1 didn.t see eita #ere$ eit#er.6 0... 1 apo)ogi=e &or t#e trou%)e.6 igre (ou)d do not#ing %ut apo)ogi=e. ;e #ad not &orgotten Massas$ %ut #e did not t#in" #e !ou)d (o,e to visit. 0<+ t#e !a+$ 3i,)is#a$ t#ere !as so,et#ing 1 !anted to as" +ou.6 2#i)e stro"ing #is gra+ %eard$ Massas turned #is dar" e+es to!ard 3i,. 02#+ did +ou... no$ !#+ did t#e 3ord +ou serve$ t#e Vanadis :)eanora Vi)taria$ de(ide to #e)p igre76
48
0:)eanora*sa,a respe(ts #is rig#teousness$ and s#e is a so&t* #earted person.6 igre ,enta))+ in()ined #is #ead$ t#oug# #e re,ained si)ent %e(ause #e (ou)d not den+ #er !ords. 0;o!ever$ is t#at rea))+ enoug# to ,a"e a ,ove76 0'#e a)so respe(t t#e (ontra(t under t#e na,e o& Eadegast.6 Eadegast !as a 5od o& Contra(t (o,,on to t#e &ait# o& D#(ted and <rune. - pro,ise %earing #is na,e !as a ver+ #eav+ t#ing.6 0 #oug# 3ord igrevur,ud #ad %e(o,e :)eanora*sa,a.s (aptive$ #e is a)so :ar) Vorn$ 3ord o& -)sa(e. 1n a((ordan(e to t#e (ontra(t$ #e !i)) #ave our (ooperation and !i)) repa+ us !it# t#is territor+.6 01 see. ;o!ever$ t#e )and o& -)sa(e is pri,ari)+ under igre.s (#arge$ %ut it !as not #is origina))+. #e Fing o& <rune granted #is &a,i)+ t#e territor+ under t#e (ontra(t t#at t#e+ !ou)d prote(t t#e (iti=ens o& <rune? #o!ever$ #e #as no rig#ts to %usiness. 1 %e)ieve t#e Vanadis understands t#is.6 Massas !as i,p)i(it)+ as"ing i& s#e !as going to ,a"e a dea) !it# <rune as a !#o)e. 01& t#at is t#e (ase$ t#en !e !i)) si,p)+ negotiation !it# t#e Fing o& <rune.6
50
0... 'o$ unti) t#at ti,e$ +ou !i)) #e)p igre... :ar) Vorn76 Massas as"ed to (on&ir, t#eir intent$ and 3i, si,p)+ nodded !#i)e giving it so,e t#oug#t in #er ,ind. --- I should see how committed he is. 0 #at is our intention.6 3i, #ad t#oug#t #e !ou)d %e un!i))ing to &ig#t. '#e !anted to #ear igre.s t#oug#ts !#i)e Massas !as present. 0O& (ourse$ t#at depends on 3ord igrevur,ud.s %e#avior. '#ou)d :)eanora*sa,a dee, #is justi(e un!ort#+... !e !i)) si,p)+ ,ove %a(" a(ross t#e Vos+es Mountains.6 01.)) do ,+ %est.6 ;earing igre.s s#ort response and seeing #i, s#rug #is s#ou)ders$ 3i, s(rutini=ed #i, (are&u))+. #oug# s#e did not "no! !#at (aused su(# a rapid (#ange$ s#e sa! an ada,ant !i)) !it#in #is e+es. --- I don't know what ha((ened in these (ast two days... 3i, !as re)ieved. ;er ro)e !as to assist igre$ %ut i& igre did not ,ove &or!ard on #is o!n$ s#e !ou)d %e use)ess. 0<+ t#e !a+$ 3ord Massas. 1 !ou)d )i"e to #ear$ no$ p)ease$ tea(# ,e. 2#at #as %e(o,e o& Bu"e 5ane)on.s so)diers7 ;o! did +ou stop t#e,76
51
Bu"e 5ane)on #ad a)so ,oved #is so)diers$ %ut #e did not atta(" -)sa(e. 1n t#e )etter Massas gave to <atran$ !#i(# a)erted t#e, o& t#e atta(" %+ Bu"e #enardier$ Massas said #e !ou)d dea) !it# Bu"e 5ane)on.s ,en. 0;,$ a%out t#at...6 Massas stro"ed #is gra+ %eard. 01& 1 !ere to sa+ an+t#ing$ 1 !ou)d sa+ 1 !as )u("+. 1 !as %are)+ a%)e to %u+ ti,e.6 Bu"e 5ane)on #ad a,assed t!o t#ousand troops in #is territor+$ 3utetia$ t#ree da+s %e&ore Bu"e #enardier did. #e distan(e to -)sa(e !as not ver+ di&&erent %et!een t#e t!o. 1& t#e 5ane)on -r,+ %egan ,ar(#ing$ t#e+ !ou)d #ave invaded -)sa(e %e&ore #enardier.s -r,+$ and ever+t#ing !ou)d #ave gone s,oot#)+. #e &irst t#ing Massas did to stop 5ane)on.s -r,+ !as to appea) to t#e neig#%oring aristo(rats. #oug# t#e+ !ere si,i)ar !ea" aristo(rats !#o desired neutra)it+ a%ove a)) e)se$ #e !ou)d not give up. o prevent t#e ,ove,ents o& t#e ar,+$ #e #ad to (a)) on su(# peop)e. ;e (ontinued running to various p)a(es$ su,,oning t#e no%)es$ sin(e #e "ne! it !ou)d #e)p igre. ;e #ad ,anaged to gat#er &our peop)e. Massas !is#ed to gat#er ,ore$ %ut #e (ou)d not !it# t#e )i,ited ti,e. #e &ive peop)e$ in()uding #i,se)&$ (a,e in (onta(t !it# t#e 5ane)on -r,+.
52
#e+ prepared a)(o#o) and ,ea)s &or t!o t#ousand so)diers and entertained t#e,. #e+ did a)) t#is so t#e+ (ou)d re/uest a ,eeting !it# t#e (o,,ander as a neutra) part+. 0 #e 5ane)on -r,+ !i)) stop ,ar(#ing$ and !e !i)) re)a+ +our ,essage. #oug#$ as +ou ,a+ e9pe(t$ !e !i)) )i"e)+ on)+ de)a+ our ,ove,ents.6 igre &e)t suspi(ious seeing Massas. g)oo,+ e9pression. 0Bid so,et#ing %ad #appen76 0 #e+ !ere sear(#ing &or in&or,ation on t#e near%+ aristo(rats and re)eased ,an+ s(outs... 1 t#in" t#in" t#e 5ane)on -r,+ used us as an e9(use !#en t#e+ #ad stopped a)read+.6 Massas s#oo" #is #ead as #is stout %od+ (ringed. 0@ou t#in" t#e+ #ad a reason not to atta(" -)sa(e76 01., not e9a(t)+ sure. #e+ stopped ,oving a&ter #earing #enardier #ad prepared t#ree t#ousand ,en and t!o Bragons.6 -&ter &inis#ing #is !ords$ Massas )oo"ed at igre and 3i, s"epti(a))+. 0 igre. 1s it true t#e D#(ted -r,+ "i))ed t#e t!o Bragons7 :ven )iving &or ,ore t#an &i&t+ +ears$ and 1 #ave never seen a Bragon. 4o$ 1 did see a +oung Bragon !#en 1 !as training in a rura) vi))age.6
53
01t is true.6 igre (on&ir,ed it a&ter e9(#anging a g)an(e !it# 3i,. 0 #e Vanadis$ :)eanora*sa,a s)a+ed %ot#.6 Massas &ro!ned and groaned severa) ti,es. ;e )et out a )arge %reat# soon enoug#. 01& it is as +ou sa+$ t#en 1 !i)) not as" an+ &urt#er. -s soon as t#e 5ane)on -r,+ )earned o& t#e e9isten(e o& Bragons$ t#e+ ,ade preparations to !it#dra!. #e+ )e&t %e&ore Bu"e #enardier.s de&eat !as ,ade pu%)i(. Cer#aps t#e+ si,p)+ postponed t#eir atta(".6 Massas /ui(")+ dran" t#e rest o& t#e tea a&ter #e &inis#ed spea"ing. 04o!$ igre. 2#at !i)) +ou %e doing &ro, no! on76 01 !i)) &ig#t Bu"e #enardier.6 Massas #ad as"ed in a so)e,n tone$ %ut igre ans!ered i,,ediate)+ !it#out an+ sign o& dou%t in #is e+es. 0Bo +ou ,ean to join Bu"e 5ane)on76 04o. 1 do not intent to.6 5ane)on !as no di&&erent$ sin(e #e !as atte,pting to atta(" -)sa(e as !e)). 1t !ou)d %e i,possi%)e &or #i, to !or" !it# eit#er. 0... 'o t#is is t#e (on()usion +ou #ave rea(#ed a&ter giving it t#oug#t76
54
Massas ga=ed at igre$ )eaning #is entire %od+ &or!ard. igre )oo"ed #i, straig#t on !it#out &)in(#ing and nodded. 0;onest)+ spea"ing$ it.s &rig#tening and 1.d rat#er run a!a+. -&ter a))$ t#e+.re t#e top t!o aristo(rats$ and 1., just a s,a)) no%)e at t#e %orders o& t#e (ountr+. 2#at (an 1 do7 :ven so***6 igre put strengt# in #is voi(e and (ontinued. 01 #ave su((eeded -)sa(e &ro, Fat#er$ and 1 #ave an o%)igation to de&end t#e peop)e !#o )ive in t#is )and. :ven i& 1 #ad no o%)igation$ 1 !ou)d sti)) desire to de&end t#e,. o prote(t t#e, in ,o,ents o& peri) is ,+ dut+ as 3ord.6 0 igre...6 Massas si)ent)+ !at(#ed t#e +out# !it# red #air. ;e !at(#ed t#e son o& #is %est &riend. 0 #is road !i)) %e steep$ ,ore t#an +ou ,ig#t t#in". Bu"e #enardier !i)) not )et +ou go &or "i))ing #is son$ and +ou %roug#t t#e troops o& D#(ted into our )ands. #ere !i)) %e ,an+ !#o (riti(i=e +ou and ver+ &e! !#o !i)) approve o& +our a(tions.6 1t !as not a t#reat %ut a &a(t. 0 #oug# 1 #esitate to sa+ t#is %e&ore 3i,)is#a$ %ut t#e D#(ted -r,+ is a)so &ig#ting &or t#eir o!n (onvenien(e. :ven t#en$ !i)) +ou a))+ +ourse)& !it# D#(ted and &ig#t76
55
0@ou rea))+ aren.t %eing opti,isti( at a)).6 igre s,i)ed and ans!ered &ran")+. 02e))$ 1.)) ,anage so,e#o!.6 Massas near)+ (ried out indignant)+ #earing igre.s %ad #a%it o& sa+ing t#ose !ords. ;o!ever$ #e noti(ed igre.s e+es !ere &u)) o& sin(erit+. 1nstead$ t#e o)d ,an s!a))o!ed #is !ords and )et out a sig#. 0@ou need to sa+ it ,ore &ir,)+.6 #e sun #ad &a))en. eita %roug#t ,ore tea as t#e+ too" a %rea" %e&ore resu,ing t#eir (onversation. #e setting sun s#ined t#roug# t#e !indo!$ &or,ing a de)i(ate s#ado! in t#e roo,. 0 #ere are t!o possi%i)ities 1 (an t#in" o& at t#e ,o,ent. One is to send a )etter to ;is Majest+$ t#e Fing.6 ;e !ou)d !rite t#at -)sa(e !as un)a!&u))+ atta("ed %+ Bu"e #enardier. 1n order to stop t#e,$ #e %orro!ed t#e strengt# o& t#e D#(ted -r,+. 0'in(e it ,ig#t %e e&&e(tive$ s#ou)d !e do it76 3i,.s %)ue e+es )oo"ed dou%t&u).
56
01 a, unsure o& #o! e&&e(tive t#is !ou)d %e. ;e ,ig#t not do an+t#ing to prote(t t#e status /uo. -)so$ i& #e did so,et#ing a%out Bu"e #enardier$ Bu"e 5ane)on ,ig#t use t#e opportunit+ to atta(". 2#at is t#e ot#er option76 0'ear(# &or a))ies.6 #oug# :))en and t#e D#(ted -r,+ !ere strong$ t#e+ !ou)d sti)) pus# a!a+ ,an+ potentia) a))ies as 3i, stated %e&ore. 0For no!$ !e.re a %it )ig#t.6 #oug# Massas s,i)ed %itter)+$ and igre spo"e serious)+. 03ord Massas. ;o! is t#e situation in <rune no!7 2#at o& t#e &ig#t %et!een Bu"es #enardier and 5ane)on76 0;,. Eig#t...6 Massas (ast #is ga=e to 3i,. 0'#ou)d 1 !ait outside unti) +our #ave &inis#ed +our %usiness76 '#e did not parti(u)ar)+ s#o! an+ dissatis&a(tion as s#e %egan to stand. 04o$ +ou need to %e #ere.6 igre s#oo" #is #ead and turned #is ga=e to Massas. 03ord Massas$ s#e is ,+ a))+. 1& +ou are !i))ing to spea" to ,e$ t#en s#e ,a+ sta+ as !e)).6
57
3i, raised #er o!n (on(ern at t#at ti,e. 01 a, not :)eanora*sa,a. @ou #ave no reason to trust ,e.6 0:))en trusts +ou. 1sn.t t#at !#+ s#e )e&t +ou #ere7 1& so$ t#en 1 trust +ou as !e)). -)so$ t#ere are ,an+ t#ings 1 don.t "no! t#at +ou do.6 - s,a)) s,i)e appeared on igre.s &a(e as #e gave #er an ans!er. 3i,$ !#ose e9pression re,ained un&riend)+$ &e)t a ,i9ture o& gui)t an e,%arrass,ent. 0... 1& +ou are !i))ing to go t#at &ar$ t#en 1 s#a)) re,ain as :)eanora* sa,a.s representative.6 2it# a sig#$ 3i, sat %a(" on t#e so&a. -&ter )oo"ing at igre and 3i,$ Massas p)a(ed a t#i(" &inger on t#e ta%)e and resu,ed t#e (onversation. 0 igre. 3i"e 1 said %e&ore$ ever+one in <rune is !aiting &or t#e up(o,ing (ivi) !ar. #ere are a)so t#ose a&raid o& !#at ,ig#t %e #appening in t#e neig#%oring (ountries... D#(ted$ Muo=ine)$ 'a(#stein$ and -svarre. #e+ are a)so pa+ing ()ose attention.6 0'o t#ere are no po!ers ot#er t#an #enardier and 5ane)on in t#e (ountr+7 1n ot#er !ords$ t#ere are so,e !#o sti)) una&&i)iated...6 #is !as t#e in&or,ation igre !anted ,ore t#an an+t#ing e)se. 0 #at.s true.6
58
Massas %roug#t #is #and to #is (#est as #e nodded. ;e pu))ed out severa) (oins o& si)ver and (opper. 02#en it (o,es to t#e po!er in t#is (ountr+... 3et.s sa+ it a,ounts to one #undred in tota). Bu"es #enardier and 5ane)on !ou)d a,ount to &ort+... no$ t#irt+ ea(#. @ou %e)ong to t#e re,aining &ort+.6 ;e p)a(ed t!o )arge si)ver (oins on t#e ta%)e. 01& t#at.s t#e (ase$ t#ere.s roo, &or opposition.6 3i, )oo"ed dou%t&u) as s#e spo"e. Massas si,p)+ s#oo" #is #ead. 02it#in t#at &ort+$ t#irt+ !ou)d %e ta"en %+ t#e various Fnig#t#oods in t#e (ountr+. #e+ unite to de&end t#e %orders and t#e (apita)s. #e re,aining no%)es !ou)d on)+ represent t#e re,aining ten.6 Massas sta("ed nu,erous (opper (oins on t#e ta%)e. #oug# nu,erous$ t#e+ )oo"ed !ea" in (o,parison to t#e si)ver (oins !#i(# %ri))iant)+ re&)e(ted t#e sun)ig#t (o,ing in &ro, t#e !indo!. 0;o!ever$ igre$ +our situation is di&&erent &ro, t#e ot#er no%)es.6 #e at,osp#ere %e(a,e serious as Massas p)a(ed a s,a)) si)ver (oin on t#e ta%)e. 0@ou #ave t#e Vanadis o& D#(ted as an a))+. #oug# +ou s#ou)dn.t re)+ on t#e, too ,u(#$ i& +ou do t#ings !e))$ +ou (an %ring t#e re,aining aristo(rats to +our side. 1& +ou ignore t#e Fnig#ts !#o !i)) re,ain neutra)$ +ou (ou)d %e(o,e a t#ird &or(e.6 0 #at.s... so,e!#at a,a=ing.6
58
'eeing t#e ,an+ si)ver and (opper (oins on t#e ta%)e$ igre s!a))o!ed #is sa)iva. 1& #e (ou)d ,anage to do t#is$ #e ,ig#t %e a%)e to &ig#t even)+ !it# Bu"e #enardier. 01n t#e end$ t#at is on)+ i& +ou (an do t#is.6 3i, pier(ed t#roug# #i, !it# (o)d !ords. 01n t#e &irst p)a(e$ 3ord igrevur,ud is a re%e) !#o so)d #is territor+ to our (ountr+. 1t is on)+ a ,atter o& ti,e %e&ore a punitive &or(e is organi=ed to su%jugate #i,.6 01t !i)) not (o,e i,,ediate)+.6 Massas denied #er !ords. 3i, ga=ed at #i, e9pe(ting an e9p)anation. 03i,)is#a$ !#at !ou)d +ou do against a &or(e t#at de&eated t#ree t#ousand so)diers and t!o Bragons76 3i, #ad a tenden(+ to )oo" do!n!ard !#i)e s#e t#oug#t a%out so,et#ing. -&ter as"ing$ Massas (ontinued to spea". 01& t#e+ %roug#t t#e sa,e nu,%er$ t#e+ ,a+ )ose again. #e+ !ou)d need to prepare at )east si9 t#ousand ,en$ and t#at !ou)d ta"e ti,e. :ven i& t#e+ re(ruited so)diers &ro, t#e neig#%oring aristo(rats$ t#ere are not ,an+ !#o !ou)d !ant to join.6 0... -)so$ 3ord igrevur,ud is not t#eir on)+ opponent. 'o t#at is !#at +ou ,eant.6 3i, nodded in (onsent. Bu"e #enardier and Bu"e 5ane)on re(ogni=ed ea(# ot#er as t#eir )argest ene,+.
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0;o!ever$ !e do not #ave t#e ti,e to re)a9.6 -&ter staring at t#e si)ver (oins on t#e ta%)e$ igre (o))e(ted #is t#oug#ts. #eir resour(es !ere vast)+ di&&erent. 1n t#e ti,e igre (ou)d organi=e t#ree #undred so)diers$ #enardier !ou)d gat#er ten t#ousand. 0 igre. @ou ,entioned it %e&ore$ %ut !#o !i)) +ou send to %ring +our )etter to ;is Majest+76 01 #ave not ,ade t#e de(ision +et.6 #in"ing a%out t#e (urrent situation$ it !ou)d %e dangerous to #ead to t#e Fing.s Capita). #ere !as t#e possi%i)it+ Bu"e #enardier !ou)d o%stru(t #is a(tions$ as !e))$ and it !as a tas" #e did not intend to )eave to ot#ers. 01 !i)) ta"e it.6 Massas spo"e !it# a )ig#t*#earted tone$ surprising igre. 02a$ !ait. 1 (an.t as" +ou to do t#is$ 3ord Massas...6 02#at no!7 @ou.re )eading t#e ar,+ o& anot#er (ountr+. <esides$ un)i"e +ou$ 1 #ave severa) a(/uaintan(es !or"ing in t#e Eo+a) Ca)a(e. 1t s#ou)d %e ,u(# easier &or ,e to gain an audien(e !it# ;is Majest+.6 #oug# igre #esitated$ Massas !as$ !it#out a dou%t$ t#e ,ost /ua)i&ied person. -&ter !orr+ing &or a !#i)e$ #e %o!ed deep)+. 0... 1n t#at (ase$ t#an" +ou ver+ ,u(#. 1 !i)) prepare t#e )etter %+ to,orro! ,orning.6 Massas nodded$ #is t#i(" %od+ s!a+ing.
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0<+ t#e !a+$ igre. Bo +ou "no! Vis(ount ;ugues -ugre76 igre sear(#ed t#roug# #is ,e,ories #aving a%rupt)+ #eard t#e na,e. ;e re(a))ed #earing it )ong ago. 01& 1 re,e,%er... ;e governs erritoire. Fat#er %roug#t ,e to greet #i, !#en 1 !as s,a)).6 0-ugre is (urrent)+ neutra)$ and #e #as ,an+ a(/uaintan(es. 1.)) !rite a )etter o& introdu(tion$ so +ou s#ou)d go ,eet #i,.6 igre (ou)d not #o)d %a(" #is e,otions. ;e )eaned &or!ard and grasped Massas. #ands tig#t)+. 0... #an" +ou$ 3ord Massas>6 0;onest)+. @ou.re %e&ore a !o,an. Can.t +ou a(t ,ore ga))ant)+76 Massas s,i)ed !r+)+ and )oo"ed at igre (a),)+. ;e gent)+ tapped t#e +oung ,an.s s#ou)der. 0Bon.t !orr+ a%out ,e$ igre. 1., g)ad to %e o& use.6 2#en igre #ad %e(o,e a (aptive in D#(ted$ Massas (ou)d not do an+t#ing$ no ,atter !#at e&&orts #e ,ade. ;e &e)t #o! po!er)ess #e !as and regretted it deep)+ ;e #ad (ontinued to apo)ogi=e to igre.s &at#er$ Ar=. 03i,)is#a$ do +ou #ave an+ /uestions76
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2it# Massas. /uestion$ 3i, turned #er %)ue pupi)s to igre. 03ord igrevur,ud$ 1 !is# to "no! t#e reason +ou are &ig#ting Bu"e #enardier. 1 !ant so,et#ing (on(rete. For e9a,p)e$ do +ou !is# to destro+ t#e entire #ouse#o)d76 Massas stared !ide*e+ed at t#is radi(a) /uestion$ !#i)e igre si,p)+ s#oo" #is #ead in denia). 0M+ purpose is t#e pea(e o& -)sa(e. 1t is &ine i& Bu"e #enardier !ou)d s!ear never to )a+ a #and on it... is !#at 1 !ou)d )i"e to sa+.6 igre p)a+ed !it# #is du)) red #air a&ter sa+ing t#ose !ords. ;o!ever$ even i& #e !as e,%arrassed$ #e !as not trou%)ed. ;e #ad ,ade #is de(ision and #ad t#e reso)ution to &o))o! t#roug# !it# it. 01 (an.t rea))+ as" peop)e to !or" &or ,e !it#out pa+$ so 1 !i)) )i"e)+ end up de,anding ,one+ or territor+.6 -&ter t#e (onversation #ad &inis#ed$ and 3i, )e&t t#e roo,. #e sun #ad a),ost sun" %e)o! t#e #ori=on. '#e !as g)ad t#at igre #ad ,ade #is reso)ve.
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--- %erha(s it's his character. Though lacking in some areas, I .ust have to assist him. 'ti))$ s#e !as re)ieved. 2#en 3i, noti(ed #er &ee)ings$ s#e understood s#e !as #app+ %e(ause it !ou)d %e ,ore (onvenient &or :))en. #oug# 3i, intended to )eave t#e #ouse$ s#e #eaded to t#e dining roo, !#i)e deep in t#oug#t. eita !as %ust)ing a%out t#e "it(#en in preparation &or dinner$ setting t#e ta%)e!are do!n. 0... Bid +ou need so,et#ing76 eita noti(ed 3i, and !a)"ed over (autious)+. 01 #ave a &avor to as" o& +ou.6 3i, a%rupt)+ )i&ted #er ar, and pointed to a s,a)) do)) #ung a)ong t#e !a)). 1t !as s,a)) enoug# to &it in t#e pa), o& #er #and? it !as a %ear do)). 01& +ou do not ,ind$ ,a+ 1 #ave t#at7 A,... 1 #ave a &riend !#o )oves t#e,.6 -s 3i, #ad said to eita %e&ore$ s#e #ad not set &oot in an+ roo, ot#er t#an igre.s roo, and t#e stud+? #o!ever$ !#en s#e passed %+ t#e dining roo,$ s#e noti(ed t#e do)) and #ad %een an9ious sin(e t#en. #e )atter #a)& o& 3i,.s !ords !ere spo"en in an unnatura) tone$ t#oug# eita #ad not noti(ed. ;er )ove)+ &a(e &ro!ned as s#e )oo"ed up at 3i,.
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0<ut isn.t it /uite dirt+76 01 do not ,ind.6 eita )oo"ed at 3i, and t#e do)) !it# a perp)e9ed e9pression. 1t !as a do)) eita ,ade a +ear ago to de(orate t#e e,pt+ !a)). 01& +ou !ant$ 1 (an ,a"e +ou t#e sa,e t#ing %+ t#e end o& to,orro!.6 3i, )eaned &or!ard s!i&t)+ !#i)e re,aining i,passive %e&ore eita (ou)d &inis# spea"ing. eita near)+ )et out a (r+ in surprise. 01s it rea))+ o"a+76 0@$ +es...6 0C)ease$ %+ a)) ,eans.6 #oug# 3i, #ad an e9pression)ess &a(e$ s#e !as desperate)+ suppressing #er jo+ !#i(# ()ear)+ s#o!ed in #er e+es. For eita$ it !as so,et#ing s#e (ou)d ,a"e nor,a))+$ %ut it !as a rare ite, &or 3i,. -&ter sa+ing s#e !ou)d return t#e ne9t da+ to pi(" it up$ 3i, )e&t t#e #ouse in good spirits.
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#e Eo+a) Capita) o& 'i)esia !as )o(ated near t#e (enter o& D#(ted Fingdo,. More t#an one ,i))ion peop)e )ived in t#e (apita). o t#e nort# !as t#e )arge Va)ta Eiver !#i(# passed into t#e sea. Crodu(ts &ro, various (ountries a)so passed t#roug# t#e nu,erous roads entering t#e (it+. Carriages #e)d ite,s &u)) o& %a,%oo &ro, t#e east$ &urs and and oi)s &ro, no,adi( peop)es$ and spi(es$ potter+$ tea$ and si)ver orna,ents &ro, Muo=ine) to t#e sout#. #e (aravans &ro, t#e !est #e)d !#eat$ !ine$ and ,inera)s &ro, <rune and 'a(#stein. F)eets !#i(# ,oved a)ong t#e Va)ta Eiver %roug#t &is# and pear)s (aug#t in t#e seas near -svarre. #ere !ere even &is#es )arger t#an an adu)t. #ere !ere a)so do,esti( goods$ su(# as !oo)$ je!e)s$ and spi(es &ro, t#e seven Bu"edo,s. 1n return &or de&ending D#(ted$ t#e )o(a) &ar,ers a)so %roug#t &res# &ruits$ vegeta%)es$ and egg produ(ts !ere so)d. 1n se)e(t taverns t#roug#out t#e (it+$ D#(ted ,instre)s (ou)d %e #eard stru,,ing t#eir s#a,isen #arps. Gesters &ro, <rune and dan(ers &ro, D#(ted (ou)d a)so %e &ound entertaining t#e peop)e$ and %eauti&u) !o,en served guests a)(o#o). <e&itting t#e Eo+a) Capita)$ 'i)esia$ even at nig#t$ !as &u)) o& )ig#t and energ+.
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01t.s )ive)+ as usua).6 :))en !a)"ed t#roug# on #er #orse #appi)+ as s#e )oo"ed a%out. '#e !as dressed in a natura) )eat#er ar,or and a #e,pen ()oa" )i"e a #u,%)e trave)er. <e(ause -ri&a) stood out$ it !as !rapped in ()ot# and set on #er
Vira)t
!aist. #e Bragoni( oo) !as dissatis&ied$ and$ o((asiona))+$ t#e ()ot# (ou)d %e seen s!e))ing as it !rapped itse)& in !ind. 05oodness. 1.d )i"e to %u+ so,e &ruit and )oo" at so,e o& t#e entertain,ent.6 'ti))$ s#e #ad not gone to t#e (apita) &or su(# a reason. #ere !as no te))ing !#o !as !at(#ing #er or &ro, !#ere. :ventua))+$ s#e arrived at t#e Ca)a(e and too" t#e appropriate posture. 2#en t#e so)diers sa! #er$ t#e+ %o!ed reverent)+. 0:)eanora Vi)taria*sa,a. C)ease a))o! us to see +our Bragoni( oo).6 0@ou "ne! it !as ,e i,,ediate)+.6 02e are !or"ing #ard to "eep t#e Ca)a(e sa&e.6 :))en re,oved t#e ()ot# !rapped a%out -ri&a) as t#e+ )oo"ed at #er in ad,iration. #e )ongs!ord$ #app+ to %e &reed$ )et out a !ind t#at ti(")ed #er argent #air. 0-re t#ere ot#er Vanadis #ere76
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03ud,ira 3urie*sa,a and 'op#ia O%ertas*sa,a #ave arrived.6 :))en returned t#e 'i)ver F)as# to #er !aist and passed %eneat# t#e gate to t#e Eo+a) Ca)a(e. ;er e9pression !as su%t)e. --- #o(hia aside, 'udmira's here... '#e did not get a)ong !e)) !it# 3ud,ira. o %e ,ore pre(ise$ t#e+ #ad a poor re)ations#ip. 02e))$ t#at.s &ine. 1.)) ta"e (are o& t#e trou%)eso,e %usiness &irst.6 :))en !a)"ed %et!een t#e peop)e o& t#e Eo+a) Ca)a(e. ;er argent #air !as de(orated$ and s#e !as !rapped in a si)ver*!#ite dress. ;er s#ou)ders !ere out in t#e open$ %o)d)+ e9posing #er %a(" and #er %oso,. ;er s)eeves and t#e #e, o& #er dress !ere &ine)+ de(orated. #oug# %rig#t$ it )e&t a ()ean i,pression. #oug# 'i)ver F)as# -ri&a) !as (onspi(uous)+ #e)d in #er )e&t #and$ it did not ruin t#e %eaut+ o& t#e Vanadis? rat#er$ it gave #er a strengt# to o&&set #er appearan(e. #e (ourt o&&i(ia)s sitting in t#e ro!s sig#ed$ over!#e),ed %+ #er %eauti&u) &a(e and ga))ant %e#avior. Asua))+$ !#en #aving an audien(e !it# t#e Fing$ it is not per,issi%)e to (arr+ a !eapon. #e on)+ e9(eption !as a Vanadis and #er Bragoni( oo).
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:))en /uiet)+ !a)"ed do!n t#e (ri,son (arpet to t#e t#rone %e&ore stopping #er &eet and "nee)ing. '#e p)a(ed -ri&a) on t#e &)oor %e&ore #er and #ung #er #ead. 0@ou ,a+ raise +our &a(e.6 - dr+ voi(e$ )i"e a !it#ered tree$ (a,e &ro, t#e t#rone a%ove. 1t !as t#e voi(e o& t#e Fing o& D#(ted$ Vi(tor. -((ording to :))en.s ,e,or+$ t#e Fing !as 60 t#is +ear. ;is gra+ #air and %eard !ere (are&u))+ ,aintained$ #is s"in !as dar"ening$ and #is %)ue e+es !ere )a("ing in vita)it+. #oug# #e sat !it# #is spine uprig#t$ t#e #ands e9tending &ro, #is ()ot#ing$ !#i(# !ere not#ing %ut s"in and %ones$ !ere re)a9ed.
Fo,a no Dan"i
0... Master o& t#e H<ri))iant <e#eader o& t#e Fa))en 'piritI$ :)eanora Vi)taria. 1 #ave #eard +ou #ave ,oved +our ar,+ into <rune !it#out re(eiving prior per,ission.6 01t is as ;is Majest+ sa+s.6 0For !#at reason #ave +ou done t#is7 @ou ,a+ re(eive a suita%)e punis#,ent &or t#oug#t)ess %e#avior.6 01 #ave (o,e to o%tain ;is Majest+.s pardon.6 --- I'll de initely get your (ermission. #oug# s#e t#oug#t t#at in #er ,ind$ :))en responded ,ee")+. <e&ore )eaving igre.s ,ansion$ s#e #ad (onsu)ted !it# 3i, a%out a proper e9(use.
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01 !as #ired.6 #e audien(e !as si)ent. Fing Vi(tor !as at a )oss &or !ords. ;is %od+ tre,%)ed as #e stared at :))en. :))en.s so)e,n attitude re,ained. 0:,p)o+ed... %+ !#o,76 0:ar) igrevur,ud Vorn. ;e is an aristo(rat o& <rune and )ord o& -)sa(e. ;e is #iring one t#ousand o& ,+ ,en and ,e as t#eir (o,,ander.6 0 #e Vanadis o& D#(ted is a(ting )i"e a ,er(enar+...6 - groan$ ,i9ed !it# t#e grinding o& teet#$ (a,e &ro, %et!een Vi(tor.s t#in )ips. :))en ignored t#e rea(tion and %egan e9p)aining t#e situation in <rune. '#e spo"e o& t#e ()as# t#at !ou)d inevita%)+ o((ur %et!een Bu"es #enardier and 5ane)on in t#e near &uture. 0 #e territor+ 1 govern$ 3eitMerit=$ is a)ong t#e %order !it# <rune. 1& a (ivi) !ar o((urs$ it ,a+ spar" trou%)e #ere. 2#en :ar) Vorn de(ided to e,p)o+ ,+ servi(es$ 1 t#oug#t to use -)sa(e as a s#ie)d to prevent an+ pro%)e,s o((urring #ere.6 0 o t#in" a spar" ,a+ o((ur #ere is si,p)+ spe(u)ation.6 Fing Vi(tor &ro!ned ,a)i(ious)+. 0 #oug# it ,a+ %e spe(u)ation$ 1 %e)ieve it !i)) o((ur$ @our Majest+. Bu"e #enardier )a!)ess)+ vio)ated #is territor+. 1n t#e (on&usion$ #e (ou)d easi)+ e9pand #is in&)uen(e. For t#at reason$ :ar) Vorn***6
71
Fing Vi(tor interrupted :))en.s !ords !it# a !ave o& #is #and. 0 #is is sti)) an invasion o& <rune. #is is not a pro%)e, o& just 3eitMerit= a)one? it !i)) )ead to a !ar %et!een D#(ted and <rune. 1 #ave no intention o& doing su(# a t#ing.6 2#en :))en %egan to o%je(t$ a !o,an !i))ing)+ advan(ed. 02it# a)) due respe(t$ 1 !is# to spea"$ @our Majest+.6 ;er pa)e go)den #air gent)+ undu)ated$ and #er pupi)s !ere t#e (o)or o& %er+). '#e !as around 20 +ears o)d. ;er gent)e s,i)e gave #er a gra(e&u) at,osp#ere. '#e !as a ta))$ %eauti&u) !o,an !it# a (#ar, di&&ering &ro, :))en.s. ;er !e))* deve)oped %oso, and t#in !aist !ere !rapped in a pa)e green dress !#i(# e9tended do!n to #er &eet$ and s#e #ad sp)endid (urves !#i(# (ou)d en(#ant %ot# ,an and !o,an a)i"e. 2it#in #er #and !as a sta&& !#i(# )et o&& a ,+sterious g)o!. 0... 'op#ia O%ertas76 Fing Vi(tor sig#ed in anno+an(e. #e %eaut+ (a))ed 'op#ia %o!ed gra(e&u))+ and p)a(ed #er sta&& on t#e ground. 0 #roug#out #istor+$ t#ere are nu,erous e9a,p)es o& a &oreign po!er %eing e,p)o+ed to #and)e a do,esti( strugg)e &or supre,a(+. #ere are &ar too ,an+ t#at 1 do not #ave t#e ti,e to )ist t#e, a)). :)eanora #as responded to :ar) Vorn.s re/uest a&ter judging its e&&e(ts on 3eitMerit=. #oug# t#ere is an issue regarding t#e ti,e it too" #er to report to @our Majest+$ t#e %east "no!n as !ar #as a)!a+s va)ued speed a%ove a)) e)se sin(e an(ient ti,es. 1 %e)ieve s#e #ad no ot#er (#oi(e.6
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'op#ia spo"e so&t)+ and ,odest)+. ;er !ords /uiet)+ sun" into #is ears tinged !it# an at,osp#ere t#at !as #ard to reje(t. Fing Vi(tor nodded si)ent)+$ pro,pting #er to (ontinue. 0 #e situation in <rune is e9a(t)+ as s#e #as said. 1 &ee) it un)i"e)+ t#at #er a(tions !i)) ,a"e ne! ene,ies. '#ou)d ot#ers (o,e to )earn o& our intent$ !e need on)+ e9p)ain t#e situation. 1& it s#ou)d (o,e to an atta("$ 1 %e)ieve !e s#ou)d !e)(o,e t#e,.6 4oise erupted %et!een t#e (ourtiers. 'op#ia !as a)so a Vanadis. #e !eig#t o& #er !ords !as di&&erent &ro, t#ose o& ot#ers. 0... @ou !is# to sa+ 1 s#ou)d a))o! :)eanora to do as s#e p)eases76 0An)i"e t#e surrounding (ountries$ !e #ave an e9(use to intervene in t#e (ivi) !ar t#at !i)) o((ur in <rune. 1& +ou punis# :)eanora #ere$ !e !i)) t#ro! a!a+ our rig#t o& do,ination to ot#er (ountries.6 Fing Vi(tor ()osed #is e+es and pressed against t#e, !it# #is &ingers in irritation as #e )et out a sig#. -s Fing o& a (ountr+$ #e (ou)d not easi)+ over)oo" t#is. ;e )oo"ed to :))en in dissatis&a(tion.
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0:)eanora. 2#at is :ar) Vorn.s purpose7 2i)) #e deprive Bu"e #enardier o& a)) #is territories a&ter "i))ing #i,7 1s #is u)ti,ate goa) t#e t#rone76 :))en )oo"ed do!n!ard. 1t !as ne(essar+ to suppress #er )aug#ter. --- / course the 0ing would thing so... &ut it's di icult to imagine Tigre on the throne. 0-((ording to #is !ords$ #is goa) is t#e pea(e o& -)sa(e? #o!ever$ #e !i)) not %e a%)e to a(#ieve t#at unti) Bu"e #enardier dies. ;e !i)) )i"e)+ gain so,e territor+$ t#oug#.6 02#at is t#e (o,pensation &or +our servi(es76 0 #e re!ard (orresponds to t#e /ua)it+ o& our servi(e. ;e !i)) pa+ our ,en$ (o,pensate &or t#e (ost o& !ar$ and re!ard so)diers as appropriate.6 0-nd !#at o& t#e territor+ +ou re(eive76 --- #o it's come down to this, a ter all. #e Fing !as on)+ a&raid t#at :))en ,a+ gain po!er. 01& #e +ie)ds an+ )and$ 1 !i)) not ta"e a sing)e %it o& it. 1 !i)) present it to @our Majest+. -)) peop)e in t#is p)a(e are !itnesses.6 0... Ver+ !e)). 1 !i)) )eave t#e a&&airs o& :ar) Vorn to +ou.6 :))en )et out a so&t %reat# #earing t#ose !ords? s#e !as &ina))+ &reed. 01 #ave no intent in intervening in <rune.s (ivi) !ar. First and &ore,ost$ a(t in D#(ted.s nationa) interests and re&rain &ro, ta"ing ras# a(tions.6
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:))en !a)"ed a!a+ &ro, t#e audien(e and stopped ,oving on(e s#e #ad ta"en so,e distan(e. #oug# t#e )ong (orridor !as not de(orated$ t#e suns#ine entered %et!een t#e (o)u,ns at e/ua) interva)s$ giving it a !ar, at,osp#ere. :))en )et out a %reat# o& re)ie& i,,ediate)+ a&ter es(aping t#e #eav+ air during t#e audien(e. #e ,e,%ers o& t#e audien(e !ou)d de&inite)+ pass %+ t#is (orridor. :))en )eaned against a pi))ar !it# #er ar,s &o)ded$ !aiting &or 'op#ia. :))en )oo"ed %)an")+ at t#e %ureau(rats passing %+ %ut &ro!ned sudden)+ !#en one gir) appeared and !a)"ed straig#t to!ard #er. 0*** -s disgra(e&u) as ever$ :)eanora.6 #e gir) spo"e in a t#orn+ tone and )oo"ed at #er !it# (onte,pt. '#e !as o& s,a)) statue and #ad %)ue #air tri,,ed at #er s#ou)ders. Mat(#ing #er #air !ere ()ot#es ,ade o& %)ue si)" )u9urious)+ de(orated !it# red and go)d. 1n #er #and !as a s#ort spear. #e spear #ad a ,+sterious at,osp#ere and si)ent)+ re)eased (o)d air. -s i& rea(ting to it$ -ri&a) %egan !rapping itse)& in !ind.
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0... 1t see,s +ou #aven.t gro!n at a))$ eit#er$ 3ud,ira.6 Cat(#ing t#e gir).s (ondes(ending ga=e$ :))en s,i)ed poor)+ to!ard t#e gir) na,ed 3ud,ira and p)a(ed #er #and on #er #ead in a &a,i)iar ,anner. 0;,7 Far &ro, gro!ing up$ it see,s +ou.ve s#run". Cer#aps +our (onstant %o!ing and ,odest attitude are t#e reason. 1 s#ou)d tea(# +ou #o! to stand uprig#t so +ou (an )oo" ta))er. 1n(identa))+$ it.)) ,a"e +our %reasts )oo" )arger.6 0... 1t see,s +ou (an spea" %etter. 1 a, surprised t#e e,%odi,ent o& rudeness and un(out# %e#avior$ even i& ()ad in #u,an s"in$ (an tea(# an+t#ing. 1 !onder i& a star !i)) &a)) to,orro!.6 :ven i& s#e !as angr+$ 3ud,ira did not &o))o! :))en.s provo(ations. '#e (a),)+ %rus#ed o&& t#e #and stro"ing #er #ead !it# a (oer(ive attitude. 01 !i)) #ave to re&rain. <e&ore +ou t#in" o& tea(#ing ,e an+t#ing$ +ou s#ou)d )oo" at +ourse)&$ &irst. :ven a /ui(" te,pered and !i)d Bragon )oo"s e)egant (o,pared to +ou.6 0... Eeturning an o&&er o& good !i)) !it# an insu)t. 1sn.t t#at /uite a ()ass+ response76 0@our (ourtes+ is to insu)t a person.s p#+si(a) (#ara(teristi(s. 1t !ou)d %e good to )earn propriet+$ :)eanora.6 0An&ortunate)+$ %e&ore 1 %e(a,e a Vanadis$ ,+ )i&e !as unre)ated to (ourtes+.6
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:))en )aug#ed and s#rugged in a #osti)e ,anner !#i)e 3ud,ira )oo"ed up and ridi(u)ed #er !it# #er e+es. 0Courtes+ and (#ara(ter are so,e o& t#e &e! t#ings possi%)e to a(/uire !it# intent and e&&ort. Fro, +our audien(e a ,o,ent ago$ 1 (ou)d not &ee) an+ inte))e(t or dignit+ as a Vanadis o& D#(ted.6 01., not sure a !o,an !#o (arries a %ott)e o& tea and ja, at #er !aist (an spea" o& dignit+.6 :))en.s !ords &ina))+ tou(#ed a sore spot. 3ud,ira retorted angri)+. 01 do not #ave it toda+. An)i"e +ou$ 1 understand t#ere are appropriate ti,es and p)a(es.6 0 o %egin !it#$ t#is is t#e &irst 1.ve #eard o& dignit+ %eing a re/uire,ent &or a Vanadis. #oug# it.s +our &reedo, to e,%ra(e su(# de)usions$ don.t ta)" as i& it !ere (o,,on sense.6 2it# intense anger in t#eir e+es$ t#e t!o gir)s g)ared at one anot#er. 3anguage !as no )onger ne(essar+. :))en #ad #er #and on #er )ongs!ord$ and 3ud,ira #ad grasped #er s#ort spear. #ere !as a #air*trigger at,osp#ere &)oating in t#e surroundings. An&ortunate)+$ a)) t#e govern,ent o&&i(ia)s #ad to pass %+? t#e+ si,p)+ !a)"ed a!a+$ pretending t#e+ sa! not#ing. 0*** a"e t#at.6 - (ute voi(e sudden)+ sounded %et!een t#e t!o$ as :))en and 3ud,ira !ere #it !it# a #ard t#ing. 02#at...6
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:))en turned in anger$ %ut s!a))o!ed t#e rest o& #er !ords. 'op#ia O%ertas s,i)ed so&t)+ as s#e ga=ed at :))en and 3ud,ira. 0Eea))+. Fig#ting is %ad$ +ou t!o.6 #ere !as not#ing po!er&u) in #er !ords. '#e si,p)+ s,i)ed and spo"e as i& s(o)ding t!o ,is(#ievous (#i)dren. ;o!ever$ :))en and 3ud,ira stood in si)en(e !it# an a!"!ard and anno+ed e9pression respe(tive)+. #e+ noti(ed$ t#roug# t#e t#in s#ie)d t#at !as 'op#ia.s %eauti&u) &a(e$ t#at s#e !as s)ig#t)+ angr+. #oug# t#ose used to seeing #er !ou)d easi)+ ,iss t#e &aint (#ange in #er e9pression$ t#e+ (ou)d easi)+ te)) s#e !as ,ad. #e t!o "ne! &irst#and not to &urt#er o&&end 'op#ia. 0;onest)+... 2#+ is it t#at +ou t!o on)+ /uarre) !#en +ou see one anot#er76 0 #is !o,an***6 On re&)e9$ :))en and 3ud,ira pointed to ea(# ot#er and ans!ered in #ar,on+. <e(ause t#e+ %egan g)aring at ea(# ot#er$ 'op#ia #it t#eir #eads on(e again. 0<+ t#e !a+$ :))en. 2#+ are +ou #ere7 1 t#oug#t +ou !ou)d #ave )e&t t#e Eo+a) Ca)a(e %+ no!.6 -)t#oug# /uestioned %+ 'op#ia$ :))en ,u,%)ed &or a ,o,ent$ o%edient)+ e9pressing #er gratitude.
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0 #an" +ou$ 'op#ie. @our good !ord saved ,e. #oug# 1 didn.t intend to give up o%edient)+$ it !ou)d #ave ta"en a )ot )onger.6 01 %e)ieve i& it !ere to go on an+ )onger$ +our &au)ts !ou)d %e e9posed.6 03oo"$ it !ou)d not #ave %een a,using at a)) i& t#e dignit+ o& a)) Vanadis !ere to %e %es,ir(#ed %+ +our spee(# and (ondu(t.6 'op#ia 'op#ie s,i)ed %itter)+ as 3ud,ira #u&&ed !it# a (o)d tone. :))en$ !#i)e &idd)ing !it# t#e pear)s se!n into #er dress to (on(ea) #er irritation$ spo"e in a disgrunt)ed ,anner. 01 need to ta)" to 'op#ie. @ou s#ou)d get out o& #ere.6 0For %ot# our sa"e$ 1 !i)) do t#at? #o!ever$ 1 !is# to #ear so,et#ing %e&ore 1 )eave.6 3ud,ira$ !it# ar,s &o)ded$ stared at :))en serious)+. 0*** #is :ar) Vorn$ t#oug# 1 do not "no! !#at "ind o& (ountr+ no%)e #e is$ %ut !#+ !ou)d +ou partner !it# #i, and intervene in t#e (ivi) !ar %re!ing in <rune76 02#+ s#ou)d 1 %ot#er to te)) +ou7 #is #as no re)ation to +ou.6 -ngered !it# #is %eing (a))ed a (ountr+ no%)e$ :))en ans!ered in a voi(e t#at did not #ide #er anger. 01 &ee) sorr+ t#at #e ,et up !it# a Vanadis )i"e +ou.6
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3ud,ira #ad a s,i)e o& pit+ as s#e )e&t !it# #er parting re,ar". '#e /uiet)+ !a)"ed do!n t#e #a)) o& t#e Eo+a) Ca)a(e. #e ne9t ,o,ent$ t#e sound o& pear)s ro))ing on t#e &)oor (ou)d %e #eard as t#e+ &e)) &ro, :))en.s #ands. '#e #ad torn t#e, out o& #er dress !it#out rea)i=ing$ )eaving s,a)) #o)es in #er ()ot#es. 0'op#ie... Bo +ou #ave an+ need)e and t#read76 0 #is !i)) on)+ get !orse i& an a,ateur does t#is. <esides***6 -&ter seeing 3ud,ira.s s,a)) %a(" disappeared$ 'op#ie )ig#t)+ sig#ed. ;er usua) s,i)e !as erased$ seeing as :))en )oo"ed at #er in e,%arrass,ent. 0:))en. @ou... @es. @ou #ave turned 3ud,ira into an ene,+.6 :))en.s e9pression turned to t#at o& a so)dier #earing 'op#ie.s !ords. 0 e)) ,e in detai).6 1n a (orner o& t#e vast Eo+a) Ca)a(e$ t#ere !as a s,a)) garden !it# a &ountain. 2ater !as pu))ed &ro, t#e ,oat and &)o!ed e9(ept &or in !inter !#en t#e &ountain !ou)d &ree=e. 1t !as s#aped )i"e a )arge &is#$ and !it# t#e sound o& t#e &)o!ing !ater$ it provided (over &or %ot# vision and sound. 1t !as &re/uent)+ used &or se(ret ,eetings.
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-&ter gra%%ing so,e &ruit jui(e &ro, t#e "it(#en$ :))en and 'op#ie visited t#e garden and sat at t#e edge o& t#e &ountain. 02#+ !i)) 3ud,ira %e(o,e ,+ ene,+ i& 1 side !it# igre76 01t is si,p)e.6 'op#ie.s pa)e go)den #air ro("ed as s#e too" a drin". 0Mira 3ud,ira #as a )ong asso(iation !it# Bu"e #enardier.6 0 #at gir) and #enardier76 :))en )oo"ed in dis%e)ie&. 01 don.t understand. 1 investigated Bu"e #enardier$ and #e.s not t#e "ind o& person 1 !ou)d !ant to #ave ties !it#. ;e.s t#e t+pe s#e !ou)d #ate. 4o$ 1 don.t "no! !#at s#e t#in"s...6 0-re +ou !orried76 0 #e area s#e governs$ O),ut=$ is near 3eitMerit=.6 :))en.s response #ad %e(o,e so,e!#at perverse. '#e /uiet)+ sipped #er jui(e as s#e stared at 'op#ie. #e Vanadis. Bu"edo,s !ere s(attered a%out D#(ted. Bue to t#e various territories governed %+ t#e Fing$ t#eir )ands !ere never adja(ent.
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#ere !ere t!o Bu"edo,s near 3eitMerit= !#i(# %e)onged to ot#er Vanadis$ one o& !#i(# !as O),ut=. :))en !as not !orried a%out t#e ot#er Bu"edo, ru)ed %+ a Vanadis %e(ause s#e !as$ )i"e 'op#ie$ ()ose !it# its ru)er. 01t is not just #er$ eit#er. Man+ aristo(rats in t#is (ountr+ #ave (onne(tions to Bu"e #enardier or Bu"e 5ane)on in so,e !a+.6 :))en &ro!ned. 'op#ie )oo"ed a%out and eventua))+ set #er e+es on t#e &ountain as s#e !at(#ed t#e !ater &)o!. 0:))en. ;ave +ou #eard o& t#e stor+ H #e Mer(#ant o& Muen=I76 01 #aven.t. 2#o.s t#at76 01t !as a stor+ &ro, %e&ore !e !ere %orn. - ,an na,ed Muen= and #is !i&e #ad a son and daug#ter. :ver+ da+$ #e !as vio)ent to!ards t#e t#ree. #ere !as not a sing)e da+ t#e+ did not #ave a s!o))en &a(e$ t#e+ #ad %ruises a)) over t#eir %od+$ and t#e+ (ried in pain at nig#t.6 0... #is is t#e "ind o& stor+ t#at ,a"es t#e jui(e taste %ad.6 :))en ()ear)+ )oo"ed unp)easant. 0- (ertain da+$ Muen= !as sta%%ed %+ #is son and died. #ere !ere ,an+ peop)e !#o )a,ented #is deat#.6 :))en )oo"ed at 'op#ie$ #earing su(# une9pe(ted !ords. 'op#ie s,i)ed !it# ,i9ed &ee)ings.
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0-s a ,er(#ant$ Muen= !as ,ore #onest and (o,petent t#an an+one e)se. ;e never %ro"e a pro,ise$ #e !as never )ate$ and #is goods !ere a)!a+s o& #ig# /ua)it+.6 0... 'o #enardier is t#e sa,e.6 0@es. Bu"e 5ane)on$ !#o is #osti)e to!ard #i,$ is as !e)). -side &ro, do,esti( a&&airs$ t#e+ do ever+t#ing to represent <rune in su(# a ,anner t#at t#e+ do not %ring s#a,e to t#eir (ountr+. #e+ are &ro, re)ia%)e and distinguis#ed &a,i)ies !#o govern vast$ ri(# )ands$ and t#e+ are !ide)+ adapta%)e... :ven +ou trade !it# peop)e +ou do not get a)ong !it#$ (orre(t76 :))en (ou)d not o%je(t? rat#er$ s#e pouted )i"e a su)"ing (#i)d. 'op#ie (ontinued spea"ing as s#e )oo"ed at :))en !it# (are. 0Bu"e #enardier is no! t#e ene,+ o& %ot# :ar) Vorn and +ou. #ere are %ene&its i& #e !ins$ and it !i)) %e pro%)e,ati( &or ,an+ i& #e )oses. :))en p)a(ed t#e (era,i( g)ass !it# jui(e do!n and )oo"ed at it in disgust. 01 understand !#at +ou.re sa+ing. 'o$ 3ud,ira is one o& t#ose peop)e.6 0 #at is (orre(t. ;o!ever$ :))en$ +our eva)uation o& 3ud,ira is (orre(t. '#e does not )i"e Bu"e #enardier? rat#er$ +ou ,a+ sa+ s#e #ates #i,.6 01n t#at (ase***6
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;er !ords !ere stu(" in #er t#roat. 0Eig#t. H #e Mer(#ant o& Muen=I.6 'op#ie.s go)den #air s!a+ed as s#e s#oo" #er #ead. 0-%ove a))$ t#e+ #ave #ad a )ong re)ations#ip. 1t is so,et#ing t#at #as e9isted sin(e )ong %e&ore t#at gir) !as %orn. 1t is an e9(e))ent (onne(tion !#i(# #as )asted ,an+ de(ades. Bo +ou serious)+ t#in" t#at (#i)d !i)) end it due to #er persona) e,otions76 0Certain)+...6 '#e )et out a &e! !ords. :))en di,)+ ga=ed at t#e !ater &)o!ing out o& t#e &ountain as #er )egs dang)ed. 0*** <+ t#e !a+$ :))en. #ere is so,et#ing 1 !ou)d a)so )i"e to as" +ou.6 02#at76 :))en sat up and g)an(ed at 'op#ie to #er side. 0:ar) Vorn. 2#at "ind o& person is #e t#at +ou !ou)d !i))ing)+ support #i,76 :))en.s rea(tion !as de)a+ed #aving %een ta"en %+ surprise. ;er !ords !ere a ,i9ture o& e,%arrass,ent and (on&usion. 02e))$ u,... ;o! s#ou)d 1 sa+ t#is$ #e.s prett+ (ute.6 /h my. 'op#ie p)a(ed #er #and to #er ,out# as s#e s,i)ed. '#e !as une9pe(ted)+ surprise. #oug# 'op#ie t#oug#t :))en !as #e)ping #i, &or po)iti(a) ,otives$ s#e (ou)d guess a ,ore %ase reason &ro, :))en.s e9pression.
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'#e !as sudden)+ interested in t#e ,an na,ed igre !#o (ou)d ,a"e :))en !ear su(# an e9pression. 'op#ie )eaned &or!ard s)ig#t)+ and repeated :))en.s !ords. 0Cute$ is it7 Can +ou give ,e an e9a,p)e76 'op#ie (ontinued to pursue t#e issue. :))en ,oved a%out in a ti(")is# ,anner. 0Eig#t... #ere are a nu,%er o& t#ings$ %ut i& 1 !ere to ,ention one$ ,a+%e it !ou)d %e #is s)eeping &a(e.6 0M+. @ou #ave a re)ations#ip !#ere +ou (an see #is s)eeping &a(e76 0Bo$ don.t sa+ an+t#ing stupid. ;e.s t#e one t#at a)!a+s s)eep.6 2#i)e 'op#ie !as ()ear)+ %e(o,ing ,ore interested$ :))en denied t#e a((usation$ #er &a(e red ear to ear. 0On a ,ore serious note$ !#i)e #e #as a nu,%er o& &au)ts$ #e is a ,an !#o t#in"s o& #is peop)e and is !i))ing to ris" #is )i&e &or t#e,. igre is a)so ver+ ta)ented !it# t#e %o!. 1.ve never seen an+t#ing )i"e it %e&ore.6 0M+$ :ar) Vorn is &ro, <rune$ rig#t76 'op#ie.s dou%t !as a natura) rea(tion. 1t !as !e)) "no!n to t#e neig#%oring (ountries t#at t#e Fingdo, o& <rune #e)d t#e %o! in (onte,pt.
V+&a)
0 #at gu+$ #e dropped a 2+vern in t#e s"+ !it# a sing)e arro!.6 :))en.s (ri,son e+es s#ined %rig#t)+ )i"e a (#i)d. '#e !as grinning and )aug#ing in satis&a(tion.
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0O# ,+$ #o! a,a=ing.6 'op#ie s,i)ed. 5iven #er e9pression$ s#e t#oug#t o& it as a jo"e. :))en si,p)+ s#rugged #er s#ou)ders$ desperate)+ tr+ing to "eep &ro, )aug#ing in t#e %a(" o& #er ,ind. ;er dis%e)ie& !as a,using rat#er t#an ,orti&+ing. -&ter praising and %e)itt)ing igre &or a !#i)e$ :))en (on()uded t#e (onversation. 0@ou s#ou)d ,eet #i, and spea" to #i, in person &or t#e rest. @ou (an see 3unie t#en as !e))$ rig#t76 3unie !as t#e na,e o& t#e in&ant Bragon "ept in t#e 1,peria) Ca)a(e o& 3eitMerit=. #oug# it !as di&&i(u)t to i,agine &ro, #er gent)e persona)it+$ 'op#ie !as an avid )over o& Bragons. 1t !as %e(ause s#e !anted to see 3unie t#at s#e &re/uent)+ trave)ed to 3eitMerit=$ !#i(# is #o! t#e t!o %e(a,e inti,ate. 1n(identa))+$ (ontrar+ to 'op#ie.s &ee)ings$ 3unie !ou)d a)!a+s tr+ to &)+ a!a+ and es(ape t#e ,o,ent it noti(ed #er presen(e. 01& +ou te)) ,e in advan(e$ 1.)) introdu(e +ou to igre. 1.d )i"e to s#o! +ou #is ar(#er+ %+ a)) ,eans.6 01 )oo" &or!ard to it.6 'op#ie nodded !it# jo+ d+ing #er %er+) e+es.
87
:))en did not ,ention igre.s %)a(" %o! to t#e Fing. #oug# s#e trusted 'op#ie$ s#e judged it %etter not to spea". -&ter &inis#ing t#eir jui(e$ t#e t!o )e&t t#e garden. 0'op#ie$ 1 !ant to as" +ou so,et#ing.6 2#i)e !a)"ing in an unpopu)ated #a))!a+$ :))en spo"e !it# a serious e9pression. 0Bo +ou !ant ,e to investigate into t#e Vanadis and po!er&u) no%)es !it# re)ations !it# Bu"e #enardier and Bu"e 5ane)on76 'op#ie.s s,i)e did not %rea" in t#e s)ig#test as s#e responded$ #er &inger to #er ,out# in t#oug#t. 0-s e9pe(ted o& +ou$ %ut t#ere.s so,et#ing e)se 1.d )i"e +ou to (#e(". 'ee i& t#ere.s an+one !it# (onne(tions to Bu"e #enardier !#o (an train Bragons.6 0Bragon...76 'op#ie )oo"ed at #er !it# !ide e+es. :))en nodded strong)+.
'uro V+&a)
0 #ere !as an :art# Bragon and 2+vern.6 Bespite !#at peop)e ,ig#t t#in" &ro, t#e e)egant dress and gent)e at,osp#ere 'op#ie !ore$ s#e e9(e))ed in (o))e(ting in&or,ation.
88
#oug# t#e Vanadis are superior in ,i)itar+ arts$ :))en eva)uated #er a%i)ities a%ove even t#ose. 0'in(e it is a re/uest &ro, +ou$ t#en 1 s#a)) )oo" into it. 1 a, /uite an9ious #earing t#is as !e)).6 0 #an"s a )ot. 1.)) )et +ou #ug 3unie as ,u(# as +ou !ant ne9t ti,e. 1.)) ,a"e sure #e doesn.t run a!a+.6 :))en ,er(i)ess)+ de(ided t#e +oung Bragon.s &ate. 'op#ie s,i)ed jo+&u))+ in response. 0O# ,+$ 1 !i)) enjo+ t#at.6 0<+ t#e !a+... Gust to %e on t#e sa&e side$ do eit#er +ou or 'as#a #ave a (onne(tion !it# #enardier or 5ane)on76 01 suppose +ou s#ou)d %e #app+$ %ut neit#er 'as#a nor 1 #ave su(# a (onne(tion. 2e !i)) de()are neutra)it+ to!ard +our a(tions.6 #e gate o& t#e Eo+a) Ca)a(e #ad &ina))+ (o,e into vie!. -&ter &inis#ing #er %usiness$ :))en said good%+e to 'op#ie %e&ore )eaving t#e Ca)a(e. '#e )oo"ed up to t#e s"+$ s/uinting as t#e sun)ig#t s#ined do!n. --- I wonder how Tigre is. '#e #ad o%tained per,ission &ro, t#e Fing. For no!$ s#e !ou)d /ui(")+ join igre. 04o! t#en$ )et.s do t#is.6
88
3 Territoire
Dirnitra
#e <)a(" Bragon F)ag !aved in t#e (oo) %ree=e at t#e end o& autu,n. <eside t#e <)a(" Bragon F)ag !ere t!o ot#er %anners. One !as t#e Vorn &a,i)+ (rest !it# a !#ite (res(ent*,oon and ,eteor on a %)ue %a("ground$ and :))en.s &)ag !#i(# #ad a si)ver s!ord on a %)a(" %a("ground. <eneat# t#e re&res#ing$ %)ue$ ()oud)ess s"+$ one #undred (ava)r+ &ro, D#(ted advan(ed do!n t#e road in an order)+ &as#ion to!ard erritoire. - ,an and !o,an igre and 3i, stood at t#e #ead. 0C)ease a((urate)+ state t#e na,e o& ;is Majest+ in our (ountr+.6 0A,$ Vi(ta... no$ it.s di&&erent. Vi(tor -rt#ur.6 igre &ound #i,se)& at a )oss &or !ords$ and #e (ou)d spea" no &urt#er proper)+. 3i,$ !a)"ing a)ongside #i, on #er #orse$ )et out a sig# and )ig#t)+ igre.s #ead !it# a t#in %ran(#. 0Vi(tor -rt#ur Vo)" :stes ur D#(ted. Vi(tor is ;is Majest+.s na,e$ -rt#ur is a na,e passed do!n &ro, #is grand&at#er$ Vo)" is a na,e granted to #i, %+ #is &at#er !#o #oped #e !ou)d gro! up to %e strong )i"e a !o)&$ :stes is #is &a,i)+ na,e$ and ur is granted to ro+a)t+. #is is t#e t#ird ti,e$ no!. C)ease re,e,%er it.6
80
igre )oo"ed )i"e a s(o)ded (#i)d !#o #ad just %een stru(". #e+ #ad )e&t Ce)esta a &e! da+s ago$ and t#e+ #ad (ontinued at t#is rate. Bo=ens o& s#eets o& paper !ere %und)ed toget#er )i"e a te9t%oo" in 3i,.s #and as s#e rode on #orse%a(" in #er ar,or. 2it#out a sing)e gap in t#e !ords$ t#e #istor+ o& D#(ted$ its ,+t#o)og+$ and ,an+ o& its traditiona) events !ere !ritten. 0... Bo 1 rea))+ need to re,e,%er t#is76 03ord igrevur,ud. Bo +ou understand +our position76 igre inadvertent)+ gru,%)ed. 3i, started ga=ing at #i, (o)d)+$ near)+ &ree=ing #is %a("%one. 0@ou are :)eanora*sa,a.s (aptive. 1n t#e &uture$ +ou !i)) #ave &re/uent opportunities to trave) t#roug#out t#e (ountr+$ so +ou ,ust understand t#e situation in our )and.6 1t !as an unp)easant &uture$ t#oug# #e (ou)d not sa+ t#at in &ront o& #er. 0@ou ,ust )earn %asi( "no!)edge so +ou do not e,%arrass :)eanora*sa,a. C)ease )earn t#is as /ui(")+ as possi%)e. --- I know what you want to say... &ut I haven't even had a break since we le t 1elesta. "e've been doing this even on the march. 0@our response76
81
01.)) do ,+ %est$ ea(#er.6 #ere !as no energ+ in igre.s voi(e. 3i, &o)ded up t#e papers and put it a!a+. -t t#e ver+ )east$ t#eir session #ad (o,e to an end. 0<+ t#e !a+$ !#at &estiva) #as %een #e)d sin(e an(ient ti,es to (e)e%rate t#e (o,ing o& spring and t#e end o& !inter76 1t !as an une9pe(ted /uestion? igre stared at 3i, invo)untari)+. Fortunate)+$ #is #ead ,anaged to ,ove so,e#o!$ and$ a&ter a ,o,ent$ t#e ans!er (a,e to #i,.
Mas)enitsa
01 %e)ieve... 1t !as t#e 'o)ar Festiva).6 0Corre(t.6 3i,.s stern e9pression ,e)ted )i"e i(e and gave !a+ to a so&t s,i)e. 0'in(e our !inter is )onger t#an <rune.s$ +ou ,a+ %e a%)e to see it.6 3i, (#anged t#e ,ood !it# #er invitation as s#e turned around. 0 a"e a %rea". 1 !i)) (#e(" on t#e so)diers.6 2at(#ing 3i,.s %a(" as s#e departed$ igre dropped #is s#ou)ders and )et out a sig#. 0C#eers &or t#e #ard !or"$ 3ord igrevur,ud.6 3i, !as rep)a(ed %+ a Fnig#t. ;e !as a +oung ,an in #is 20s and #ad re&ined &eatures. ;is (are&u))+ s#aved #ead !it#out a sing)e #air )e&t a strong i,pression.
82
#e Fnig#t.s na,e !as Euri("$ and #e !as t#e ,ost s"i))ed ar(#er a,ongst :))en.s so)diers. ;e !as a)so on %est ter,s !it# igre. 0@ou s#ou)d #ave (o,e up ear)ier. 1 (ou)d #ave used +our #e)p.6 01& 1 #ad done su(# a t#ing$ Miss 3i,)is#a !ou)d #ave g)ared at ,e. <esides$ it !as /uite p)easing !at(#ing a tea(#er and #er student &ro, a distan(e.6 01t !as )i"e torture &or t#e part+ (on(erned$ t#oug#.6 igre s#oo" #is #ead to re,ove #is &ee)ings o& &atigue and (#anged t#e su%je(t. 0;o! are eita and <atran76 Moving %e#ind t#e D#(ted -r,+ !ere t#e so)diers o& Ce)esta. #e t!o !#o served igre$ eita and <atran$ !ere a,ongst t#e,. #oug# igre opposed eita.s de(ision to &o))o! #i,$ #er !i))&u) de,and !as une9pe(ted)+ supported %+ 3i,. 01t is %est to #ave an attendant ()ose %+ +our side.6 0... -, 1 rea))+ t#at %ad76 0Bo +ou re,e,%er t#e eva)uation :)eanora*sa,a and 1 gave +ou !#en !e )e&t 3eitMerit=76
83
3i, spo"e (o)d)+$ (o,p)ete)+ si)en(ing igre. 1n igre.s #eart$ #e !as a)so re)u(tant to )eave eita a)one in #is ,ansion &or t!o reasons. -&ter #e pus#ed t#e #enardier -r,+ %a("$ igre s(o)ded eita. 01., g)ad &or +our &ee)ings o& !anting to !ait &or ,e$ eita$ %ut it.s use)ess i& +ou don.t es(ape at t#ose ti,es.6 eita apo)ogi=ed !it# tears in #er #a=e) e+es. 1t #ad ,ade igre an9ious. ;is t#oug#ts o& not !anting eita to &ee) )one)+ again eventua))+ )ed to a((epting eita a((o,pan+ing t#e,. 0 #ere are no parti(u)ar pro%)e,s. eita is /uite popu)ar a,ongst t#e so)diers. :ven Miss 3i,)is#a )oo"s at #er gent)+.6 03i,76 Euri(".s !ords !ere une9pe(ted. 0Cer#aps it is %e(ause t#e+ are %ot# &e,a)e. Miss 3i,)is#a gets a)ong !e)) !it# eita.6 igre !as re)ieved to #ear s#e !as )i"ed a,ongst t#e so)diers? i& t#at !ere t#e (ase$ s#e s#ou)d %e &ine.
84
0<atran is a good ta)"er$ and #e is rat#er strong !#en p)a+ing (#ess or (ard ga,es.6 2#en t#e+ ,ade (a,p to rest$ <atran joined in !it# t#e so)diers as t#e+ p)a+ed ga,es to entertain t#e,se)ves. 0<atran !as t#e one !#o taug#t ,e (ard ga,es. -#$ it !as a)!a+s )i"e #e sa! t#roug# ,e.6 0@es$ 1 (an understand +our &ee)ings.6 Euri(" s#rugged #is s#ou)ders. igre #e)d %a(" #is )aug#ter as #e i,agined t#e s(ene. 01t sounds &un. Ma+%e 1 s#ou)d join.6 0*** 2#o s#ou)d join !#at76 Euri(" /ui(")+ s#ut #is ,out# as 3i,.s (o)d voi(e (a,e &ro, %e#ind. 04o$ u,...6 -&ter !at(#ing Euri(" stu,%)e over #is !ords$ igre responded !it# a !ea" tone. 01 t#oug#t it ,ig#t %e &un to join ever+one$ so,et#ing )i"e t#at...6 0Ver+ !e)).6 3i, nodded &ran")+. 0;o!ever$ on)+ i& +ou (an ans!er t#e ten /uestions 1 !i)) sa+ no!. 1& +ou !is# to join t#e troops$ +ou ,ust give +our responses toda+.6
85
igre )et out a sig# o& despair and )eaned un(ere,onious)+ against #is #orse. #e #orse neig#ed and s#oo" in dissatis&a(tion. 1n t#e end$ igre !as not &reed &ro, 3i,.s grasp unti) t#e+ rea(#ed erritoire. #e to!n o& <e)&ort !as in t#e (enter o& erritoire. 2#en t#e+ (ou)d see t#e to!n$ igre sent <atran as a ,essenger to o%tain approva) &or t#e D#(ted -r,+ to enter t#e to!n. 0<atran$ #ave +ou %een to t#is to!n %e&ore76 0@es. Ar=*sa,a... !#en +our &at#er !as a +out#$ 1 (a,e #ere severa) ti,es !it# #i, as an attendant.6 <atran (ontinued to spea" as #e )oo"ed at t#e gent)+ undu)ating ,eado!s %e+ond t#e to!n. 0 erritoire is un)i"e our )and? it #as )ong &ie)ds t#at e9tend a)) t#e !a+ to t#e ,ountains***6 ;e pointed to t#e Vos+es Mountains &ar to t#e sout#. 0 #e peop)e %+ t#e Vos+es Mountains p)ant grape &ie)ds$ and t#e (att)e in t#ese areas gra=e in t#e pastures. Man+ #ere a)so "eep pigeons as pets.6
86
<e&ore )ong$ t#e+ re(eived (onsent to enter t#e to!n. igre entered !it# 3i, and <atran igre #ad as"ed <atran attend as so,eone !#o !as "no!)edgea%)e !it# t#e area. 3i, !as (overed in #er ar,or as !e)) as a #e),et. 2#en igre as"ed !#+$ #er response !as (urt. 0<e(ause a &e,a)e Fnig#t is (onspi(uous.6 <e)&ort !as &ar )arger t#an Ce)esta$ and t#e roads !ere paved !it# stone. ;o!ever$ t#e #ouses t#e,se)ves !ere not so di&&erent. #e+ !ere ,ade !it# !ood$ stone$ and %ri("$ and t#e !a))s !ere p)astered. #ere !ere so,e %ui)dings !it# t#at(#ed roo&s and noti(ea%)e stones sti("ing out. #oug# a &a,i)iar sig#t to <atran and igre$ it !as unusua) &or 3i,. '#e )oo"ed a%out rest)ess)+ in (uriosit+. 03ord igrevur,ud$ !#at are t#ose round stones on t#e roo& &or76 #e stone !as a%out t#e si=e o& an adu)t #ead$ and t#ere !ere a),ost a)!a+s t#ree or &our on a %ui)ding. -t t#at ti,e$ so,et#ing ,oved in igre.s #eart. 1t !as t#e ,is(#ievous nature o& a poor student !#o !as a)!a+s s(o)ded and !anted to tease #is stern tea(#er. 0 #e roo& !i)) &a)) o&& &ro, t#e !ind !it#out t#ose #o)ding it do!n.6
87
01s t#at so76 3i, nodded in ad,iration !it#out s#o!ing an+ sign o& dou%t. 2#i)e igre &e)t gui)t+ &ro, #er o%edient rea(tion$ <atran )aug#ed #earti)+. 01t !as si,p)+ a jo"e? p)ease ignore t#e @oung 3ord. Buring t#e da+ti,e$ it is #eated %+ t#e sun$ and it (an %e used in a variet+ o& !a+s at nig#t.6 0... 1s t#at so76 3i, g)an(ed (o)d)+ to!ard igre. ;er /uiet voi(e &u)) o& anger s#arp)+ pier(ed #i,. 0 #oug# 1 t#oug#t 1 ,a+ #ave %een a )itt)e #ars#$ it see,s +ou sti)) #ave roo, to re)a9. Cer#aps 1 s#a)) in(rease +our !or")oad starting to,orro!.6 0... A,$ (an 1 even give an e9(use76 0C)ease sit uprig#t. @ou are t#e 5enera) o& an ar,+. @our voi(e ,ust re,ain digni&ied? +ou (annot %e so ti,id as to ad,it +our (ri,es so (are)ess)+.6 igre.s entreat+ !as (o)d)+ reje(ted as 3i, (riti(i=ed #i, !it#out ,er(+. #oug# <atran so,e#o! understood t#e situation$ #e (ou)d on)+ s,i)e !r+)+ as #e !at(#ed. #e+ #ad rea(#ed t#e residen(e o& Vis(ount -ugre. 1t !as a)so %ui)t !it# !ood$ stones$ and %ri("$ %ut it !as near)+ dou%)e t#e si=e o& igre.s ,ansion. #ere !as a dove(ote &ound in t#e entran(e o& t#e #ouse#o)d.
88
0Bove(ote76 3i, )oo"ed dou%t&u) as igre gave an #onest e9p)anation. 01t is !#ere pigeons are "ept and &ed. 5iven its si=e$ it )i"e)+ #ouses around one #undred. Bo t#e+ not #ave t#ese in D#(ted76 0 #oug# t#ere are #en #ouses$ 1 #ave never #eard o& a dove(ote. 2e do not eat pigeons...6 -&ter )eaving pu%)i( noti(e and entering t#e ,ansion$ 3i, too" o&& #er #e),et and #e)d it %eneat# #er ar,. 'in(e <atran visited as a ,essenger %e&ore#and$ t#e+ !ere /ui(")+ ta"en to t#e Vis(ount.s roo, a&ter )eaving t#eir ar,s aside. 1t !as a si,p)e roo,$ une9pe(ted &ro, t#e 3ord.s private (#a,%er. #e &urniture !as si,p)e$ and a (r+sta) vase near t#e !indo!$ dre! a ,+sterious pattern o& )ig#t on t#e &)oor. #e o)d$ no*nonsense ,an s,i)ed as #e stood up. ;e !as t#e t#e ,an !#o governed erritoire$ ;ugues -ugre. 0O#$ +ou (a,e$ igre. :9(use ,e$ t#at !as i,po)ite$ :ar) Vorn.6 01t #as %een a )ong ti,e$ Vis(ount -ugre.6
88
igre %o!ed as #e )oo"ed at t#e e)der ,an !it# (are. 0-re +ou un!e))7 1& so$ !e (an (o,e anot#er da+***6 igre t#oug#t #is (ondition ,a+ #ave %een poor and #e !as s)eeping$ %ut t#e o)d Vis(ount si,p)+ s,i)ed and s#oo" #is #ead. 02#at$ 1., just a %it injured? t#ere.s no need to e9aggerate it. 1., sure seeing +ou a&ter +ou.ve (o,e so &ar !i)) do ,+ %od+ so,e good.6 ;e !as not putting on a s#o! o& strengt#$ !#i(# gave igre a sense o& re)ie&. 01t.s so nosta)gi(. @ou (a,e to ,+ #ouse !#en +ou !ere sti)) a s,a)) (#i)d. Bo +ou re,e,%er76 0:#7 A,...6 - (o)d s!eat &)o!ed do!n igre.s %a(". ;e !ondered i& #e #ad %een (are)ess in so,e ,anner? #e #ad no ,e,or+ o& it at a)). 1& #e visited$ it !ou)d #ave %een !#en igre !as sti)) 8 or 8. #e o)d ,an s,i)ed in a,use,ent seeing igre.s ina%i)it+ to respond. ;is t#in %od+ s#oo"$ )itt)e %+ )itt)e. 01 %e)ieve +ou &ound t#e ta)" o& o)d ,en %oring and !ent to e9p)ore t#e #ouse. #e ,aids &ound +ou snoring and droo)ing in %ed.6 1t !as not just 3i,$ !#o stood ne9t to #i,$ %ut <atran as !e))$ !#o turned around and )oo"ed at igre in a,a=e,ent. igre %o!ed deep)+ in si)en(e.
100
0 o t#in" +ou !ou)d ignore an i,portant guest o& +our &at#er$ and no! +ou #ave gro!n up and a))ied +ourse)& !it# t#e D#(ted -r,+. 'o t#is is t#e Vanadis o& D#(ted.6 01 apo)ogi=e &or t#e de)a+ed introdu(tion. '#e is 3i,)is#a$ t#e trusted aide o& t#e Vanadis$ :)eanora Vi)taria.6 3i, si)ent)+ %o!ed to!ard t#e o)d Vis(ount. For #is o!n i,po)iteness$ -ugre a)so returned a greeting. ;e )oo"ed serious as #e returned #is ga=e to igre. 1t !as a (o,p)ete (#ange &ro, a ,o,ent ago. 04o! t#en... 1 roug#)+ understand +our (ir(u,stan(es &ro, Massas. )etter$ %ut 1 !ou)d appre(iate it i& +ou (ou)d te)) ,e t#e entire stor+.6 -&ter -ugre #eard t#e entire stor+ &ro, igre$ #is &a(e #e)d a di&&i(u)t e9pression. 0 o a%andon ,+ stan(e o& neutra)it+ and &ig#t !it# Bu"e #enardier...6 0C)ease$ 1 as" &or +our #e)p.6 01 ,ust as" to %e sure$ %ut +ou are not #iding an+t#ing76 ;e stared at igre !it# an over!#e),ing strengt#. #oug# igre !as a),ost over!#e),ed$ #e &o(used #is %od+ and responded (a),)+.
101
01& 1 #ave done an+t#ing !rong$ 1 !ou)d not %e a%)e to ,ove t#e so)diers in a &ig#t against Bu"e #enardier.6 0;,$ (ertain)+...6 -ugre )oo"ed do!n deep in t#oug#t. igre si)ent)+ !aited &or #is ans!er. 0***:ar) Vorn.6 <e&ore )ong$ -ugre (a))ed igre.s na,e in a )o! voi(e. 01 !i)) te)) +ou #onest)+ t#at 1 ,ust re&use +our re/uest. :ven i& +ou are a(ting just)+$ +ou are po!er)ess %e&ore Bu"e #enardier. #oug# it is #onora%)e to &ig#t &or a just (ause$ 1 (annot possi%)+ %ring ,+ so)diers$ ,+ peop)e$ to !ar !it#out a (#an(e o& vi(tor+.6 <atran &ro!ned #earing #is !ords$ %ut igre raised #is #and to restrain #i,. #e o)d Vis(ount #ad ,ore to sa+. 0;o!ever$ it is not just :ar) Massas %ut t#e D#(ted -r,+ t#at #as %e(o,e +our a))+. 1t see,s +ou #ave t#e ,eans to &ig#t Bu"e 5ane)on and Bu"e #enardier.6 0 #en +ou !i)) )end us +our strengt#76 01 !ou)d )i"e to sa+ +es... %ut t#ere is )itt)e strengt# in t#ese o)d %ones. 1 !i)) #e)p in +our &ig#t i& +ou give ,e +our aid.6
102
02#at do +ou ,ean76 3i, narro!ed #er e+es s)ig#t)+ as s#e sat ne9t to igre$ t#oug# neit#er igre nor -ugre noti(ed due to #o! ,ini,a) t#e (#ange !as. -ugre turned #is ga=e to t#e !indo! and )oo"ed at t#e &)o!ing ,eado!s and Vos+es Mountains in t#e distan(e. 0 #ere is a %and o& t#ieves in t#e Vos+es Mountains. #ose %astards atta(" t#e near%+ vi))age$ %urn t#e )and$ "i)) t#e peop)e$ "idnap t#e !o,en$ and stea) t#eir ,one+ and )ivesto(". 1 (annot si,p)+ )eave it. 1 !ant +ou to )ead +our ar,+ to Vos+es... 1 !ant +ou to get rid o& t#e,.6 ;e spo"e %itter)+ and ()en(#ed #is #and$ una%)e to suppress #is anger. 0Cou)d it %e due to +our injur+76 01 said it a !#i)e ago. 1t is not a serious injur+.6 -ugre )oo"ed %a(" and s,i)ed seeing igre.s an9ious &a(e. 01t s#ou)d #ea) in a &e! da+s$ %ut 1 (annot return to %att)e. #oug# #e.s ,a"ing ,ore trou%)e o& it t#an #e s#ou)d$ it is true 1 (annot )eave ,+ %ed.6 -ugre turned #is entire %od+ to igre.
103
0:ar) Vorn. 1 as" t#is o& +ou. 2i)) +ou #o)d o&& t#is %and o& t#ieves in ,+ p)a(e76 ;e spo"e so)e,n)+ and %o!ed as ,u(# as #e (ou)d. 01 #ave as"ed various aristo(rats in t#e vi(init+ to )end t#eir aid to ,+ son$ %ut it is sti)) unsatis&a(tor+. :ven i& 1 &ind ,ore peop)e$ t#ere is no te))ing !#at !i)) #appen !#en t#e vi))ages are atta("ed. 1 !is# to &or(e t#e, %a(" to suppress t#e da,age t#e+ (ause$ no ,atter !#at.6 0Bo +ou "no! #o! ,an+ t#ere are76 3i, as"ed &ro, t#e side !it# an e9pression and voi(e !#i(# )a("ed an+ intonation. 0-ppro9i,ate)+ t!o #undred.6 igre !as stunned &or a ,o,ent? it !as t!i(e t#e si=e o& t#e D#(ted -r,+ #e !as (urrent)+ )eading. 0Origina))+$ t#e+ !ere a s,a)) group &ro, D#(ted !it# &e!er t#an &ort+$ %ut pirates &ro, -svarre and a ,er(enar+ na,ed Bona)%ein joined t#e$ so t#e+ /ui(")+ gained po!er. #oug# !e #ad t#ree #undred ,en$ !e !ere de&eated.6 igre !as i,pressed %+ t#e strengt# o& t#e un"no!n )eader o& t#ieves. ;e #ad t!o #undred ,en and t#e a%i)it+ to )ead t#e,. #oug# t#e D#(ted so)diers !it# #i, !ere a,ongst t#e e)ite$ it !ou)d %e di&&i(u)t &or t#e, to &ig#t an adversar+ !it# dou%)e t#eir nu,%er.
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--- This can't be le t alone, es(ecially i they are making the 2osyes $ountains their stronghold. Vos+es Mountains e9panded to t#e nort# and sout# and a(ted as a %order %et!een -)sa(e and 3eitMerit=. 1& t#e %andits #eaded nort#$ t#e+ !ou)d rea(# t#e area %et!een t#e t!o territories$ jeopardi=ing t#e pea(e t#ere. Furt#er,ore$ t#e+ !ou)d )i"e)+ inter&ere !it# igre.s ,ove,ents a)ong t#e ,ountains. igre %egan to open #is ,out#$ %ut did not spea" %e&ore g)an(ing at 3i,. 2it# a s#ort (on&ir,ation$ #e turned %a(" to -ugre. 01 understand. 3eave t#is to us.6 <+ t#e ti,e igre and t#e ot#ers )e&t Vis(ount -ugre.s #ouse#o)d$ t#e sun #ad sun" /uite a %it. #e s"+ to t#e !est !as d+ed (ri,son. 1t )oo"ed as i& t#e sun !ere desperate)+ pus#ing %a(" t#e dar"ness as t#e (urtain o& nig#t spread. 1n (ontrast$ t#e eastern s"+ !as dar"$ and t#e ,oon !as &aint)+ visi%)e. 2#en t#e+ )e&t t#e to!n$ t#e D#(ted -r,+ #ad (o,p)eted preparing its (a,p. #e+ ,ade a si,p)e dou%)e &en(e in t#e surroundings$ !#i(# gave it an in(onsistent &ee)ing.
105
0@ou !on.t %e sta+ing in t#e to!n76 Euri(" )oo"ed at #i, (urious)+. ;e #ad t#oug#t igre !ou)d %orro! a roo, in t#e Vis(ount.s #ouse#o)d. 0 #ere are a &e! reasons$ %ut 1 t#oug#t 1.d sta+ #ere !it# ever+one.6 -t t#at ti,e$ eita ran up !it# s#ort steps. '#e !ore #er ,aid uni&or, !it# t#e apron re,oved. 1t see,s s#e ,oved a%out t#e D#(ted (a,p dressed in t#is ,anner. 0 igre*sa,a$ !e)(o,e %a(". Bid ever+t#ing turn out !e))76 02e on)+ ta)"ed. -ren.t +ou tired$ eita76 igre s,i)ed gent)+ and patted eita.s #ead. 0@ou do not need to !orr+. 1 !as #e)ping prepare t#e ,ea)s unti) a ,o,ent ago.6 0Mea)s during a ,ar(# are i,portant$ rig#t7 'oup (an %e ,ade /uite de)i(ious !it# just a s)ig#t (#ange in t#e sa)t...6 eita stret(#ed #er (#est out proud)+ as s#e #eard Euri(".s !ords. igre !as #app+ &or eita. ;e !as uneas+ a%out %ringing #er$ %ut s#e #e)d out in #er o!n !a+. eita #ad &ir,)+ %ui)t #er p)a(e a,ongst t#e,. 0Gust ,a"e sure not to over!or" +ourse)&. <atran$ p)ease #e)p eita.6
106
eita and <atran )e&t !#i)e igre entered a tent !it# Euri(" and 3i,. -&ter #anging t#e )antern$ t#e t#ree sat in a (ir()e. -&ter Euri(" #eard !#at #appened at t#e ,ansion$ igre p)a(ed a pie(e o& paper on t#e ground. ;e %egan to su,,ari=e t#e in&or,ation on t#e %andits given to #i, %+ Vis(ount -ugre. 0-ugre )ed t#ree #undred so)diers to de&eat t#e t#ieves and !as de&eated.6 #e Vis(ount !as invo)ved in an une9pe(ted)+ di&&i(u)t %att)e. :ven t#oug# t#e+ !ere superior in nu,%er$ t#e+ !ere si,p)+ &ie)d !or"ers !#o !ere given ar,or and !eaponr+. #eir ,ora)e !as #ig# sin(e t#e+ sa! t#e (rue) atta("s and %urned vi))ages$ %ut it !as not enoug# to (o,pensate &or t#eir )a(" o& training. Furt#er,ore$ t#e geograp#i(a) advantage %e)onged to t#e %andits. 2#i)e atta("ers !ou)d #ave to invade up t#e ,ountains$ t#e+ (ou)d des(end !it# stones and %o! and arro!. #e+ #ad ,an+ advantages. #e Vis(ount %)o("aded t#e ,ountain pat# in an atte,pt to (on&ine t#e, in t#e ,ountain. ;o!ever$ t#ere !as a ,is(a)(u)ation. 2#en t#e Vis(ount.s ar,+ appeared on &oot$ t#e %andits poun(ed on t#e, in t#e ,ountains. 0 #e+ dis(arded t#eir geograp#i(a) advantage and atta("ed t#e ar,+ in t#e &ie)ds. #e %and o& t#ieves and -ugre.s -r,+ ()as#ed at t#e %ase o& t#e ,ountain. #e+ used #at(#ets$ s!ords$ a9es$ and )eat#er ar,or rein&or(ed !it# iron and &ur to &ig#t.
107
-ugre.s -r,+ %egan to pus# t#e, %a("$ and$ eventua))+$ t#e %andits a%andoned t#e &ie)d and retreated. #e -ugre -r,+ used t#eir ,o,entu, to (#ase a&ter t#ose !#o !ere &)eeing. #e+ )e&t t#e &ie)d and rus#ed to t#e ,ountain pat#. <+ t#e ti,e t#e+ entered t#e ,ountain road$ t#e s"+ #ad dar"ened. 'tones !ere t#ro!n$ arro!s !ere s#ot$ and eart# and sand !ere poured over t#e so)diers )i"e a #ai)stor,. 3ogs !ere dropped as !e))$ (rus#ing ,an+ ,en. #e+ rea)i=ed t#e+ #ad &a))en into a trap$ %ut it !as too )ate. #eir (orpses /ui(")+ pi)ed up on t#e ,ountain pat#. Vis(ount -ugre pu))ed #is so)diers a!a+ to retreat to t#e &ie)ds. <+ t#e ti,e t#e ar,+ pu))ed out o& t#e ,ountains$ do=ens o& peop)e #ad %een sa(ri&i(ed. #e -ugre -r,+ )ost ,an+ ,en in t#e ,ountains. <+ t#e ti,e t#e+ rea(#ed <e)&ort$ t#eir ar,+ o& t#ree #undred #ad de(reased to t!o #undred. #e Vis(ount !as a)so injured$ so #is son$ 5erard$ !as &or(ed to run a%out in #is stead. 0 #is group o& t!o #undred... see,s /uite a di&&i(u)t ene,+.6 Euri(" #ad a serious (ountenan(e upon #earing t#e entire stor+. ;e #it #is %a)d #ead !it# #is %ee&+ #ands !#i(# did not suit t#e ,an.s natura))+ gent)e ,anneris,s.
108
03ord igrevur,ud$ do +ou #ave an+ p)ans76 0Eegretta%)+$ no.6 0;o! a%out t#is. 3ord igrevur,ud$ +ou enter t#e ,ountain !it# &i&t+ arro!s. 2#en t#e+ des(end$ +ou "i)) &i&t+ ,en and retreat... @ou (an repeat t#is &our ti,es.6 0-n interesting proposa). Bo +ou rea))+ t#in" 1 (an &ind and "i)) t#at ,an+ peop)e76 igre #a)&*g)ared at Euri(" &or sa+ing outrageous t#ings. 0 #at !i)) %e our )ast resort.6 #e t!o turned in surprise #earing 3i,.s (urt response. 3i, )oo"ed at t#e paper? it !as not a &ig#t t#at needed too ,u(# p)anning. '#e did not !ant to spend a )ot o& ti,e on it. 02e s#ou)d &inis# t#is /ui(")+. 1 !ou)d rat#er not ta"e too ,u(# ti,e.6 #e ne9t ,orning$ eita and <atran !ere )e&t in t#e to!n$ and igre and 3i, )e&t <e)&ort &o))o!ed %+ one #undred &ro, t#e D#(ted -r,+. 1t !ou)d ta"e just under a da+ on #orse%a(" to rea(# t#e Vos+es Mountains &ro, <e)&ort. 0<+ t#e !a+$ t#ere is so,et#ing 1 !ou)d )i"e +ou to see$ 3ord igrevur,ud.6
108
3i, advan(ed #er #orse ne9t to #is and too" out a &e! s#eets o& paper !#i(# !ere (are&u))+ &o)ded &ro, #er sadd)e. igre too" t#e, and &ro!ned a&ter opening one o& t#e,. 0... 2#at is t#is76 0-&ter !e )e&t -)sa(e$ 1 #ave (a)(u)ated t#e !ar e9penditures unti) toda+. #is is +our %urden.6 igre pee)ed #is e+es a!a+. ;is entire %od+ &ro=e in s#o(" as #e tried to )oo" to t#e s"+$ resu)ting in #i, &a))ing %a(". 3i, used #er s#ie)d to support igre. #e paper #ad t#e e9penses &or too) repair$ (osts in(urred during t#e ,ar(#$ su(# as &ue)$ &ood$ &ire!ood$ #orse &eed$ and ,edi(ine$ and t#e sa)ar+ &or one #undred ,en. #e #and #o)ding t#e paper tre,%)ed as igre t#oug#t a%out t#e a,ount o& ,one+. ;e &e)t )i"e #is %od+ !as %ound !it# invisi%)e (#ains. 1t !as su&&o(ating even t#in"ing a%out it. 0... :ven !#en 1 (o,,anded one #undred so)diers$ it !as never t#is e9pensive. 2#+ so ,u(#76 0 #e (ost o& (ava)r+ is /uite signi&i(ant (o,pared to t#e (ost o& in&antr+.6 3i, (ontinued spea"ing as i& it !ere natura). 0 #e peop)e +ou t+pi(a))+ )ead are vi))agers !#o (u)tivate t#e &ie)ds. @ou are no! )eading so)diers !#o are trained to &ig#t. #eir (apa%i)it+ is #ig#$ and t#e+ are &ig#ting in t#e #arvesting season$ so it is natura) t#eir sa)ar+ re&)e(ts t#at.6
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igre grasped #is du)) red #air and #e)d t#e paper strong enoug# t#at it ,ig#t tear. #oug# it !ou)d %e possi%)e to pa+ !it# #is savings in -)sa(e$ #e !anted to avoid it. 01 !ou)d re(o,,end +ou not pa+ !it# -)sa(e.s savings.6 ;e !as seen t#roug#. igre )oo"ed at 3i, (urious)+$ #earing #er not re(o,,end #e ta"e t#at (ourse o& a(tion. 01 sa! a)) t#e data. 3ord igrevur,ud$ !as t#ere so,et#ing +ou !ere tr+ing to do7 Cer#aps pasturing.6 0... 1t !as a %ig su((ess.6 igre sig#ed deep)+. ;e #ad )earned ,an+ t#ings &ro, #er in 3eitMerit=. 3i, !as /uite adept in su(# aspe(ts. 01t !as ,+ &at#er.s idea. ;e #ad saved )itt)e %+ )itt)e %e&ore 1 su((eeded -)sa(e. Asing t#ose savings$ #e !anted to pur(#ase #orses.6 #e #orse #ad ,an+ uses. Asing t#e,$ -)sa(e (ou)d %e(o,e ,ore prosperous. 01t is a good idea. 1 %e)ieve +ou s#ou)d (ontinue to !or" to!ard t#at goa).6 igre !as g)ad to #ear 3i,.s &ran" approva)$ %ut #e #ad a di&&i(u)t &a(e as !e)). 0<ut 1 #ave no ot#er !a+s o& pa+ing.6
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igre )oo"ed over #is s#ou)der to!ard t#e D#(ted so)diers &o))o!ing t#e,. 0@es$ !#i(# is !#+ !e s#a)) (onsider t#at &ro, no! on.6 #oug# 3i,.s &a(e )a("ed an+ a&&a%i)it+$ igre &e)t s#e !as enjo+ing it in so,e ,anner? #o!ever$ t#at ,a+ #ave %een not#ing %ut an i))usion. 3i, too" t#e paper &ro, igre and (are&u))+ re,oved t#e !rin")es &ro, it. 0<+ t#e !a+ t#is ,u(# is ne(essar+$ even !it# one #undred (ava)r+. #e t!o #undred !#o (ontinue to stea) and p)under ta"e &ar ,ore t#an t#at.6 igre &ina))+ understood !#+ 3i, %roug#t up t#e !ar e9penditures. 0 #e %andits !i)) atta(" a near%+ vi))age soon.6 0 #e ti,e it ta"es &or t#e, to atta(" and pi))age !i)) ta"e a &e! da+s.6 0-n+ ,ore and it !i)) %e i,possi%)e to a&&ord t#e (osts o& re(over+.6 2it# an i,patient$ %ut &o(used$ #eart$ igre strong)+ grasped #is %rid)e. :ar)+ t#e ne9t ,orning$ !it# on)+ a #a)& "o"u ,ar(# to rea(# t#e Vos+es Mountains$ 3i, stopped t#e so)diers. 3i, sp)it t#e one #undred (ava)r+ into t!o$ ,a"ing eig#t+ dis,ount &ro, t#eir #orses. !ent+ so)diers !ere )e&t to de&end t#e #orses !#i)e t#e re,aining eig#t+ (ontinued t#e ,ar(#. #ere !ere on)+ a do=en peop)e riding #orses$ in()uding igre and 3i,.
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0*** 3ord igrevur,ud.6 3i, ,oved ne9t to igre and (a))ed #is na,e. 0 #is ti,e$ +ou are in (#arge o& t#e %att)e. C)ease &o(us on #o! our troops ,ove$ #o! t#e ene,+ ,oves$ and t#e &)o! o& %att)e. 1 !is# &or +ou to gain t#e (apa%i)it+ to (o,,and t#e, as /ui(")+ as possi%)e.6 igre %rooded over #er !ords. 1t !as true #e #ad )itt)e e9perien(e in !ar. Bue to t#eir )ong asso(iation !it# #i,se)& and #is &at#er Ar=$ <atran and #is ,en #ad a strong trust in #i,. ;o!ever$ t#at !as not true &or t#e D#(ted so)diers. #e+ !ere #ere at :))en and 3i,.s %e#est$ and it !ou)d not %e good i& #e too" (o,,and over troops !#o did not parti(u)ar)+ #ave &ait# in #i,. ;e s#ou)d )earn$ even i& on)+ a )itt)e. 01 understand. 1 !i)) tr+.6 2#en t#e sun #ad risen ,ore$ at appro9i,ate)+ ,id*,orning$ t#e eig#t+ D#(ted so)diers rea(#ed t#e &oot o& t#e Vos+es Mountains. -s i& !aiting &or t#e,$ t#ere !ere s#ado!s stea)ing &ro, t#e &ie)ds near t#e ,ountain pat#. #e+ #ad )i"e)+ %een !at(#ing sin(e t#e+ sa! t#e D#(ted -r,+. #is !as ,ost )i"e)+ sin(e t#e+ responded so /ui(")+.
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#e+ stood s#ou)der to s#ou)der. 'o,e !ore )eat#er ar,or$ ot#ers !ere s#irt)ess and #e)d )arge %att)e a9es. 'o,e #ad #e),ets !it#out an+ ot#er ar,or. #ere !as no parti(u)ar order or set !eaponr+. #e t#ieves atta("ed t#e, and gave !#oops o& jo+ as t#e+ #unted t#eir pre+. #e D#(ted -r,+ a)so )et )oose a roar$ despite t#e a,%us#. igre re,ained outside t#e &ie)d o& %att)e so as to "eep a !ide range o& vision. #oug# #e ()ut(#ed t#e #eir)oo, %)a(" %o! and #ad an arro! grasped$ read+ to no("$ igre si,p)+ stared at t#e %att)e&ie)d. #e D#(ted so)diers prevented t#e %andits. ons)aug#t !it# t#eir s#ie)ds !#i)e ot#ers &oug#t %a(" !it# t#eir s#ie)ds uprig#t$ and pier(ed t#roug# t#e gap %et!een t#e, !it# t#eir spears. 'o)diers in t#e rear s#ot t#eir arro!s a)) at on(e. Bo=ens o& arro!s rained do!n ,er(i)ess)+ on t#e t#ieves. --- The battle ield is a lat grassland, and the enemy... does not have two hundred (eo(le. It looks to be about hal that. -s igre si)ent)+ !at(#ed t#e so)diers and t#ieves (o))ide on t#e &ie)d$ so,et#ing (aug#t #is e+e. --- They shouldn't have the money to have that kind o wea(onry. #ere !ere ten peop)e !#o !ere dressed in so)id iron ar,or and !ore #e),ets and s!ords. --- It seems like there are units o ten, so they could be the 1ommanders, but... igre ti)ted #is #ead. ;is t#oug#ts %ro"e o&& t#ere.
114
1n a (ertain area$ t#e &or,ation %egan to (ru,%)e. #e s#ie)ds !ere sp)it %+ %att)e a9es$ and t#e so)diers !ere t#ro!n o&& %a)an(e. igre.s a(tions !ere &ast. -s #e /ui(")+ no("ed #is arro!$ #e advan(ed t#roug# t#e !ave o& so)diers on #is #orse. 2it# &e!er t#an one #undred D#(ted so)diers and t#ieves ()as#ing$ igre !as a%)e to ai, i,,ediate)+. #e %o!string tre,%)ed as #e &ired t#e arro!. 1t pier(ed t#roug# t#e t#roat o& t#e ene,+$ as i& t#e ,an #ad in#a)ed it$ and #e (o))apsed to t#e ground in t#e (on&usion o& t#e &ig#t. igre (ontinuous)+ s#ot arro!s$ &e))ing t#ree ,ore %andits. #e ,o,entu, t#e %andits #ad %ui)t !as )ost in an instant. 1n (ontrast$ t#e D#(ted so)diers %e(a,e ,ore vigorous. #e &or,ation t#at (o))apsed !as reorgani=ed$ and t#e t#ieves !ere pus#ed %a(". 4e9t to igre$ !#o stro"ed #is (#est in re)ie&$ 3i, gave (o,,ands indi&&erent)+. 0*** Eetreat.6 #e D#(ted so)diers #udd)ed toget#er !it# t#eir s#ie)ds up and p)a(ed t#eir s!ords and spears in t#e gap. 2#i)e restraining t#e %andits. ,ove,ents$ t#e+ s)o!)+ pu))ed a!a+. #e resu)ting spa(e (reated in t#eir retreat !as ta"en up %+ t#e t#ieves as t#e+ %randis#ed t#eir !eaponr+. #e %andits !ere energeti( &ro, #aving de&eated Vis(ount -ugre.s ar,+ t#e ot#er da+? #o!ever$ &ig#ting t#e D#(ted -r,+ !#i(# va)ued de&ense$ t#e+ !ere &or(ed to atta(".
115
3i, ordered t#e ,en to retreat even &urt#er. #e D#(ted -r,+ pu))ed %a(" one %e)sta Ja%out one "i)o,eterK %e&ore rejoining t#eir &or,ations. 1n t#e (on&usion$ t#e t#ieves #ad spread out t#in)+. #at is !#en t#e (#ange o((urred. 'udden)+$ (ava)r+ appeared &ro, t#e sout# o& t#e ,eado!$ !rapping %e#ind t#e %andits. #e+ !ere surprised %+ t#e atta(" and retreated in a pani( !#en t#e+ noti(ed t#e+ #ad pu))ed too &ar a!a+ &ro, t#e ,ountains. 3i, did not ,iss t#e (#ange in &)o! and ordered a (ounteratta(" in #er t+pi(a) indi&&erent tone. #e D#(ted so)diers dis(arded t#eir s#ie)ds and !ie)ded t#eir spears$ &ier(e)+ atta("ing t#e %andits. Man+ retreated$ staggering %a("!ards and pus#ing ot#ers aside. Ot#ers stood t#eir ground and &oug#t %a("$ on)+ to %e (ut do!n &ro, a)) sides. Furt#er,ore$ t#e (ava)r+ !#i(# #ad appeared a ,o,ent ago #ad (ut t#eir )ine o& retreat to t#e ,ountains. 2it# t#eir pat# o& retreat (ut o&&$ t#e t#ieves !#o (ou)d not es(ape or surrender !ere "i))ed. #e nu,%er o& %andits "i))ed in t#e &ie)d !ere appro9i,ate)+ si9t+. !ent+ #ad surrendered$ and t#e rest &)ed to t#e ,ountains.
116
On t#e ot#er #and$ t!o ,en &ro, t#e D#(ted -r,+ #ad %een "i))ed. en ot#ers !ere injured. -&ter %ur+ing t#e dead$ t#ose !#o surrendered !ere #anded over to Vis(ount -ugre. #e D#(ted -r,+ issued ten #orse,en to "eep guard as t#e+ ,ade t#eir !a+ to <e)&ort. #e so)diers !it# severe injuries !ere a)so sent %a(". #ose re,aining &orti&ied t#eir position. #e+ %ui)t a !ide and deep tren(# and ,ade a sturd+ &en(e ,ade o& t#i(" %ran(#es &o))o!ing t#e sa,e &unda,enta) stru(ture o& t#e (a,p t#e+ (reated near <e)&ort. On(e t#eir (a,p !as (o,p)ete$ t#e sun #ad set$ and t#e so)diers too" to t#eir ,ea)s. - )arge pot !as &i))ed !it# !ater. Cotatoes !ere (#opped$ and t#e !ater !as sa)ted. urnips and onions !ere added &or s!eetness$ and t#e entire pot !as stirred. 01t s,e))s good. 2#at is it76 Euri(" as"ed igre$ !#o !as %us+ stirring t#e pot. 02e (a)) it &is# soup. 1t.s eaten ever+!#ere in our (ountr+ and "eeps our %od+ !ar,.6 0 #at.s rig#t. <e(ause igre*san is a person &ro, <rune$ #e s#ou)d ta"e (are. #ere ,ig#t %e a %ig &ig#t over t#e &ood.6
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- so)dier ne9t to Euri(" !ar,ed #is #ands %+ t#e &ire as #e )oo"ed up at igre. 0Fig#t76 Euri(" /ui(")+ responded as igre (o("ed #is #ead. 0 #e seasonings are di&&erent &or ever+ #o,e. 1n so,e p)a(es$ gar)i( is added. 1n ot#ers$ a)(o#o) is used.6 0 #is (ou)d (ause a dispute$ so +ou ,ig#t !ant to add so,e gar)i( in it &or ever+one.6 #e so)diers )aug#ed a)ongside igre. -side &ro, t#e &is# soup$ supper in()uded %read and #one+. Bespite t#e deat#s o& t#eir (o,rades$ t#e so)diers. ,ora)e !as #ig#$ and ,an+ sung ,erri)+. igre separated &ro, Euri(" and #eaded to #is tent. igre returned to #is tent and sat around a pan o& soup !it# 3i,. ;e !as an9ious at &irst. 0<e&ore !e )e&t &or t#e &oot o& t#e ,ountain$ did +ou #ave t#e ,en get o&& t#e #orses so t#e (ava)r+ (ou)d ,a"e a detour76 2it# t#e #orses dou%)ing t#e nu,%er o& #u,ans$ t#e (ava)r+ !ou)d #ave a s#arp in(rease in ,o%i)it+. 1t ,ade surprise atta("s possi%)e$ depending on t#e distan(e$ and !it# t#eir s,a)) nu,%er$ it !ou)d %e di&&i(u)t to see &ro, t#e ,ountain. 0 #ere !as anot#er ai,.6
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0... @ou de(reased t#e nu,%er o& troops to invite t#e ene,+76 ;earing igre.s !ords$ 3i, %)in"ed a &e! ti,es and s,i)ed. 01 "ne! i& !e retreated$ t#e+ !ou)d return to t#e ,ountains. 'ti))$ t#e+ sti)) #ad #ig# ,ora)e &ro, t#eir vi(tor+ t#e ot#er da+.6 3i, #ad set a trap. <+ redu(ing t#e nu,%er o& atta("ers$ t#e ene,+ !ou)d %e ,ore )i"e)+ to &a)) &or it. '#e #ad (are&u))+ !at(#ed t#eir ,ove,ents and used t#eir pat# o& retreat against t#e,. 3i, e9p)ained it as i& it !ere not#ing? igre )ea"ed a %reat# o& ad,iration. --- It's no wonder )llen trusts her so dee(ly. 01 !i)) sa+ t#is on)+ on(e.6 2#i)e igre !as (o,p)ete)+ i,pressed !it# #er a%i)ities$ 3i, !as a,a=ed %+ so,et#ing e)se. 0 #is vi(tor+ is t#an"s to +ou$ 3ord igrevur,ud. @ou used +our arro!s to i,,ediate)+ destro+ t#e ene,+.s ,ora)e !#en our troops (o))apsed. 1& +ou #ad %een s)o!er$ !e ,a+ #ave )ost t#e %att)e.6 #oug# it !as a s,a)) %att)e$ igre.s s"i)) !it# t#e %o! and a((urate judg,ent surprised 3i, again. 01., #app+ +ou !ou)d sa+ t#at.6
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#oug# igre !as o%edient)+ p)eased$ #is rea(tion !as so,e!#at dissatis&+ing &or 3i,. --- He should take (ride and boast o his skills a little more. ;o!ever$ 3i, #esitated to sa+ t#at. 1nstead$ s#e spo"e o& so,et#ing e)se. 02#at do +ou t#in" t#e ene,+ !i)) do in t#e &uture76 igre ti)ted #is #ead #earing #er /uestion. 0... #at.s rig#t. #e+ !i)) !it#dra! &ro, t#e ,ountain &or a ti,e and "eep !at(# on us. #e+ ,a+ use &ootpat#s to atta(" near%+ vi))ages in t#e ,eanti,e.6 0 #ere are ot#er ,ountain pat#s76 01t ,ig#t see, a )itt)e sudden$ %ut t#ere !i)) %e ,an+ ani,a) trai)s !#i(# are rare)+ used. 1 #ave )ived in t#e ,ountains &or a )ong ti,e and (an t#in" o& severa) !a+s to ()i,% t#e,. 1& t#e+ #ave t!o #undred ,en$ t#e+ are ver+ )i"e)+ to #ave dis(overed ,an+ su(# roads.6 <e(ause #e #ad e9perien(e !a)"ing t#roug# t#e &orests and ,ountains o& #is #o,eto!n$ igre.s !ords !ere persuasive. 0Eig#t. #e+ sti)) #ave ,ore t#an one #undred ,en re,aining. #e+ (annot survive on)+ on ,ountain #er%s and !i)d ga,e. #e+ !i)) atta(" us &irst$ sin(e !e !i)) #inder t#eir a%i)it+ to p)under t#e vi))ages.6 <e(ause t#e soup #ad &ina))+ &inis#ed (oo"ing$ igre p)a(ed its (ontents onto a p)atter and passed it to 3i, %e&ore preparing #is o!n. 3i, t#an"ed igre and %egan to eat !it# a ,+sti&ied e9pression. 0 #ere.s ,eat.6
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0 #at re,inds ,e$ eita said s#e ,anaged to pro(ure so,e pigeon ,eat.6 -s #e (asua))+ rep)ied$ so,et#ing &)as#ed t#roug# igre.s ,ind. igre )oo"ed va(ant)+ at t#e )ig#t )ea"ing &ro, t#e )a,p in t#e tent$ deep in t#oug#t. 0-re +ou !aiting &or it to (oo)76 <eing (a))ed out %+ 3i,$ igre returned !it# a start. ;e pani("ed and pointed a%out !it# #is spoon as #e to)d #is idea to 3i,. 3i, stopped eating and )oo"ed at #i, /ui==i(a))+ as s#e )istened to #i, spea". 0 #at is /uite a dangerous #and. <esides$ !#o (ou)d possi%)+...6 01 !i)) do it.6 igre ans!ered &ran")+ !it#out an+ sign o& eagerness. 3i, si,p)+ g)ared at #i, !it# a #int o& anger in #er e+es. 0... 1 %e)ieve 1 just said it !ou)d %e dangerous.6 02#i(# is !#+ 1 !i)) do it.6 igre.s dar" e+es )oo"ed straig#t into 3i,.s %)ue pupi)s. 0 #is is ,+ &ig#t. 1& 1 (an.t even ris" ,+ o!n )i&e$ #o! (ou)d 1 possi%)+ as" +ou to #e)p ,e76 0C)ease do not ,ista"e (ourage and re(")essness. @ou #ave s#o!n +our (ourage ,an+ ti,es$ a)read+. 4o! is not t#e ti,e &or +ou to ris" +our )i&e.6 3i, !as un!i))ing to !it#dra!. '#e )eaned &or!ard$ as i& to over!#e), igre !it# #er entire %od+.
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0:)eanora*sa,a #as gone to t#e Fing.s Capita) &or +ou. 1& so,et#ing !ere to #appen to +ou$ a)) !ou)d %e &or not#ing>6 01.)) ,a"e sure not#ing #appens.6 igre ,ade a de()aration. 0-t t#e ver+ )east$ unti) 1 a, assured o& -)sa(e.s pea(e$ 1 !i)) never &a)).6 ;e added #is !ords !it# a s,i)e. 0@ou said +ou !anted to end t#is %att)e /ui(")+. 1 do as !e)).6 3i, !as una%)e to respond. #is !as an unanti(ipated &ig#t. 3i, #ad not +et t#oug#t o& a so)ution t#at (ou)d end t#e t#e&t and destru(tion o& t#e &ie)ds$ espe(ia))+ !it# &e!er t#an one #undred (ava)r+. #e %att)e !ou)d %e )ong i& t#e+ (ontinued as t#e+ !ere$ and it !as ne(essar+ to ,aintain t#e strengt# o& t#e ar,+. Fina))+$ 3i, gave up. '#e (onsented$ so )ong as igre gave priorit+ to #is sa&et+ and ran a!a+ at an+ sign o& danger. -&ter t#e D#(ted -r,+ and t#e %andits ,ade t#eir ,oves$ t#ree da+s #ad &ina))+ passed.
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#e Vos+es Mountains to t#e nort# )a+ %et!een -)sa(e and 3eitMerit=. -,ongst t#e steep ,ountains !as a sing)e ,ountain pat#. #ere !as not ,u(# di&&eren(e to t#e sout#. #ere !as on)+ a sing)e road !#i(# (ou)d %e (a))ed a ,ountain pass$ and it !ound around t#e surrounding #i))s in a sna"e)i"e ,anner$ so &e! used it. -t t#e top o& t#e pat# !as a s,a))$ di)apidated (ast)e &ort. #oug# it !as so,et#ing %ui)t %+ eit#er <rune or D#(ted$ neit#er ()ai,ed rig#ts to it$ so it %e(a,e in#a%ited %+ t#e %andits !#o atta("ed t#e &ie)ds. <e(ause it !as i,possi%)e to #ouse t!o #undred peop)e in it$ t#ere !ere ,an+ (rude #ouses ,ade o& stone in t#e surroundings. #e )eader$ Bona)%ein$ and t#e gir)s t#e+ #ad "idnapped ,onopo)i=ed t#e &ort$ a)ong !it# a &e! peop)e !#o !ere a((epted. Bona)%ein #ad %e(o,e 33 t#is +ear. <eneat# #is s#ort$ %)a(" #air !as a t#i(" &a(e and rugged pupi)s. <e&ore arriving #ere$ #e #ad passed t#roug# nu,erous %att)e&ie)ds as a ,er(enar+. ;e !as a so)dier !#o #ad s)a+ed ,an+ 5enera)s. 'u(# a ,an !as no! (ornered. ;e #ad )ost ,an+ ,en !#en one #undred so)diers (a,e to avenge t#eir previous )oss. #ree da+s #ad sin(e passed.
Dirnitra
#e ar,+ !#i(# &oug#t %eneat# t#e <)a(" Bragon F)ag #ad sett)ed in a %ase at t#e &oot o& t#e ,ountain. --- 'ike I thought, the ood situation here is (oor.
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#ere !as not ,u(# ga,e to #unt in t#e area. 2it#out t#e D#(ted -r,+ ,oving a!a+$ Bona)%ein and #is ,en !ou)d starve. Bona)%ein #ad sent s(outs out ,an+ ti,es and repeated)+ provo"ed t#e,. ;o!ever$ t#e ene,+ did not &o))o! it and re,ained on stand%+. --- I (ossible, I wanted to wait a ew more days. 1& possi%)e$ #e !anted to drag t#e, into t#e ,ountains so #e (ou)d &ig#t in an advantageous situation. -s a ,er(enar+$ #e a)!a+s &oug#t !#en #e (ou)d se(ure a ,ore (ertain position. --- However, we will starve i we don't ight. 3ight now, we're like rats that have .um(ed into a cat's mouth. $y subordinates are screaming or revenge, too. ;e de(ided to ,ove #is ,en$ !#ose ,ora)e !as at its pea". 2#en #e re(eived a report t#at t#e so)diers in <e)&ort returned$ igre stro"ed #is (#est in re)ie& on re&)e9. --- "e made it in time somehow. Anti) no!$ t#e+ #ad not &oug#t !it# t#e %and o& t#ieves? #o!ever$ t#e ene,+ !as s)o!)+ rea(#ing its )i,it. #e+ !ou)d atta(" tonig#t or to,orro!.
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0Bid +ou %ring !#at 1 as"ed &or76 0 #is s#ou)d %e t#e re/uired a,ount.6 01 see. #an"s &or t#e #ard !or".6 igre s#o!ed #is appre(iation to t#e so)dier !#o ans!ered #i,. #e so)dier #ad a s,i)e t#i(" !it# &atigue. -&ter pro,ising #i, a re!ard$ #e to)d t#e ,an to rest. ;e #ad ,oved %a(" and &ort# to <e)&ort over t!o da+s. #e so)diers #ad (o,p)ete)+ ,et #is e9pe(tations. -&ter (#e("ing on t#e situation$ igre entered t#e 5enera).s tent to ta"e a nap. -&ter esta%)is#ing t#eir position$ #e #ad !or"ed in s#i&ts !it# 3i,$ tr+ing to get as ,u(# rest as possi%)e. -s #e %egan to )ie do!n$ #e "i("ed so,et#ing )ig#t)+ !it# #is toes. 1t !as a s,a)) %ag !it# so,et#ing )ig#t inside. igre %ent to #is "nees and pi("ed it up. 0- %ear76 1t !as a %ear do)) t#at &it in t#e pa), o& #is #and. 1t !as so,et#ing #e "ne! on sig#t. 01 %e)ieve t#is !as so,et#ing in our dining roo, %a(" #o,e... <ut t#at !as so,et#ing eita ,ade...6 03ord igrevur,ud$ are +ou sti)) a!a"e***6
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-t t#at ti,e$ 3i, entered t#e tent !#i)e spea"ing. '#e #ad re,oved #er ar,or. ;er s!ord !as at #er !aist$ and s#e !ore a %)ue$ s#ort*s)eeved s#irt and )ong %oots and g)oves. igre )oo"ed %a(" i,,ediate)+. 3i,$ (on&used %+ #is a(tions$ noti(ed !#at !as in igre.s #and i,,ediate)+. For t#e &irst ti,e$ igre sa! 3i,.s &a(e &u)) o& e,otion. ;er e+es !ere !ide open$ and #er &a(e !as &)us#ed red. '#e ran up and rea(#ed &or #is #and at a speed igre !as una%)e to rea(t to. igre tried to avoid #er out o& surprise$ %ut #e &e)) to t#e ground &ro, 3i,.s ,o,entu, and #it t#e %a(" o& #is #ead. 2#i)e #e )et out a groan as t#e pain assau)ted #is #ead$ igre tried to pus# t#e !eig#t t#at #ad &a))en onto #is %od+. 'o,et#ing so&t tou(#ed t#e pa), o& #is #ands. ;e ,o,entari)+ &orgot #is pain. #e !eig#t on top o& #i, !as t#e !eig#t o& a #u,an. - s!eet &ragran(e ,i9ed &aint)+ !it# t#e s,e)) o& s!eat ti(")ed igre.s nose. ;is %od+ t#en to)d #i, #e !as in ()ose (onta(t !it# a #u,an %od+$ and #e %e(a,e a!are o& #er !aist and t#ig#s on top o& #i,. #oug# #er %od+ !as )ean$ tig#t$ and devoid o& e9(ess &)es#$ it !as sti)) ,+sterious)+ so&t. 'o,et#ing !as pu))ed a!a+ &ro, #is grasp and 3i, parted &ro, #is %od+ !it# a speed re,inis(ent o& a %east.
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igre )et out a)) t#e air (o))e(ted in #is )ungs. ;e &e)t re)ie& and se)&* )oat#ing as #e re(a))ed #is e,%arrass,ent &or rea(ting to #er %od+. 0... @ou sa! it.6 ig#t)+ grasping t#e do)) in #er rig#t #and$ 3i, stared at igre and %reat#ed roug#)+. ;er &a(e$ !#i(# rare)+ s#o!ed e,otion$ !as &i))ed !it# anger and e,%arrass,ent. igre understood s#e !as re&erring to t#e %ear do)) in #er #ands. ;e too" t!o deep %reat#s. 1t see,s s#e did not rea)i=e #e #ad tou(#ed #er %reast. ;e turned #is %od+ around and ga=ed at 3i,. #e t!o si)ent)+ !at(#ed ea(# ot#er &or a !#i)e? igre eventua))+ re(overed &ro, t#e previous i,pa(t and opened #is ,out#. 0A,... 1t.s &ine$ isn.t it7 1t.s &ine t#at +ou )i"e %ears. 1 t#in" it.s adora%)e.6 1t !as not a )ie. ;e si,p)+ said !#at &irst (a,e to #is ,ind. 3i, said not#ing and (o)d)+ stared at igre !it# #er %)ue e+es. 2#i)e !ar+ o& t#e &ier(e ani,a) %e&ore #i,$ igre (ontinued to spea". 0Bid eita ,a"e t#at &or +ou76 0... @es. <e&ore !e )e&t Ce)esta.6
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#eir (onversation !as interrupted at t#at ti,e. 2#i)e )oo"ing at t#e )a,p$ igre !as )ost in t#oug#t. Bue to t#e i,pa(t to #is #ead$ #is dro!siness #ad %een %)o!n a!a+. igre &i9ed #is posture and %o!ed to 3i,. 01 apo)ogi=e. #oug# 1 did not intend to$ it did not (#ange t#e &a(t t#at 1 )oo"ed into +our %e)ongings. 3i,$ unusua))+$ sat in p)a(e !it# a poor e9pression. 01 (annot si,p)+ %)a,e +ou in su(# a one sided ,anner. 1 s#ou)d #ave tig#tened t#e string ,ore &ir,)+. @ou #ave seen so,et#ing e,%arrassing? 1 a, sorr+.6 '#e spo"e &aster t#an usua). #oug# t#ere !as a sti&&ness in #er tone and attitude$ t#e at,osp#ere around #er #ad so&tened. igre s,i)ed in re)ie&. ;e did not !ant #er to dis)i"e #i,$ and #e !anted to avoid an+t#ing a!"!ard %e&ore an i,portant %att)e. 0A,...6 3i, #esitant)+ )oo"ed up!ard at #i,. 0-%out t#is$ p)ease do not te)) an+one.6 ;e did not t#in" it !as an+t#ing to %e e,%arrassed a%out. -t t#at ti,e$ igre t#oug#t o& so,et#ing as #e sa! #is %o! in t#e edge o& #is vie!.
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--- )veryone has something like that. 2#en #e !as ta"en %+ #is &at#er to t#e Fing.s Capita)$ #e !as )aug#ed at &or on)+ %eing a%)e to use t#e %o!. #oug# it !as an a,using stor+ no!$ #e !as !orried at t#e ti,e and (onsidered t#ro!ing a!a+ #is %o!. ;e understood t#e pain and &ear o& #aving !#at #e )oved )aug#ed at. 01 understand. 1 pro,ise not to te)) an+one$ %ut***6 ;is !ords ended at on(e as igre t#oug#t a%out %etter !ords to sa+. :ventua))+ #e (ontinued to spea". 0Eegarding !#at +ou )i"e$ 1 t#in" +ou s#ou)d &ind so,eone to ta)" to a%out it. @ou.re &ree to ta)" to ,e a%out it$ %ut 1 t#in" +ou (an ta)" to eita a%out it$ as !e)). O& (ourse$ 1 don.t ,ind i& +ou ta)" to an+one e)se$ eit#er.6 3i,.s &a(e s#o!ed #er (on&usion as s#e ga=ed steadi)+ at igre. ;er (a),$ %)ue e+es s#o!ed signs o& &ear. 03ord igrevur,ud... A,$ do +ou t#in" it.s strange76 01 t#in" it.s surprising.6 igre s#rugged #is s#ou)ders. 0<ut p)ent+ o& peop)e #ave so,e une9pe(ted #o%%ies. For e9a,p)e$ 3ord Massas !as a%sor%ed in divination )ong ago.6 0Bivination76
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01t see,s #e )i"e te))ing &ortunes !it# &)o!ers$ #oros(opes$ (ards$ and %urning %read and ot#er su(# t#ings. M+ &at#er to)d ,e t#is ,an+ ti,es$ sin(e #e &ound it &unn+.6 - &aint s,i)e &)oated to 3i,.s ,out# as s#e #eard #i, spea". '#e (ou)d not i,agine su(# a t#ing &ro, t#e ,an s#e ,et and spo"e to in -)sa(e. 01t see,s #e to)d on)+ ,+ &at#er o& #is #o%%+. 'in(e Fat#er.s deat#$ 3ord Massas #as spo"en o& it on)+ on(e. #oug# t#ere are ,e,ories 1., sure #e !ou)d )i"e to &orget$ #e !ou)d not %e t#e sa,e !it#out t#e,$ so it.s not su(# a %ad t#ing.6 3i, )oo"ed do!n and earnest)+ )istened as s#e gave t#oug#t to igre.s !ords. 2#en #e &inis#ed spea"ing$ s#e /uiet)+ stood up. 0 #an" +ou ver+ ,u(#.6 2it# #er t+pi(a) e9pression)ess &a(e regained$ s#e %o!ed and turned a!a+. -&ter !a)"ing a &e! steps$ s#e turned around. 0- person to ta)" to... For instan(e$ it !ou)d %e &ine to spea" to +ou$ 3ord igrevur,ud76 igre rep)ied to t#e sudden /uestion !it# so,e e,%arrass,ent. 0 #at.s &ine... %ut it.s not )i"e 1 "no! ,u(# a%out stu&&ed ani,a)s$ rig#t76 0<ut i& 1 ta)" to +ou$ no one e)se !i)) "no! t#at 1 )i"e t#e,$ rig#t76
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3i, s,i)ed so&t)+ as s#e spo"e$ !#i(# surprised igre. -s i& reading t#e tension in #is ,ind$ 3i, (ontinued to spea" !it#out (#anging #er e9pression or tone. 0-)so$ 1 !i)) not as" an+ /uestions a%out +our tou(#ing ,+ %od+ t#is ti,e.6 '#e noti(ed. '#e )e&t t#e tent !it#out sa+ing an+ ,ore !#i)e igre stood spee(#)ess. -&ter s#e disappeared$ #e )et out a sig# and )oo"ed at #is rig#t #and. --- It was big... ;is %od+ %egan rea(ting again. igre #it #is #ead !it# #is rig#t #and severa) ti,es to ad,onis# #i,se)&. -&ter!ard$ #e &ina))+ !ent to s)eep.
2#en t#e sun #ad set$ Bona)%ein %urned ,an+ %on&ires near t#e (ast)e &ort. 1n t#e region !rapped in t#e dar"ness o& t#e nig#t$ t#e &)a,es (ou)d %e seen &ro, a distan(e. --- They look na4ve. I should make it look like a do-or-die situation. #e ene,+ at t#e &oot o& t#e ,ountain ,ig#t not %e de(eived. :ven so$ Bona)%ein !ou)d use ever+ tri(" o& t#e trade to raise ever+ possi%i)it+ o& surviva). ;e #ad survived unti) no! %+ doing t#is.
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2#en ,idnig#t arrived$ Bona)%ein ordered #is su%ordinates to )eave t#e %ase !it#out tou(#ing t#e &ires. ;e !as not sure i& it !ou)d )ead to a &ire in t#e &orests. Ander t#e ,oon)ess nig#t s"+$ t#e %and o& t#ieves )e&t t#e ,ountain pat# and !a)"ed &or a #a)& "o"u unti) t#e+ rea(#ed a river. 1t !as a narro! river$ and t#e !ater &)o!ed rapid)+. 1t !as a !inding river !#i(# !ent to t#e %ase o& t#e ,ountains. #e+ /ui(")+ asse,%)ed )ong$ s)ender ra&ts &ro, )ogs t#e+ prepared %e&ore#and and (rossed t#e river. #e+ ,oved around %e#ind t#e D#(ted -r,+ &or a nig#t atta(". --- There were signs o them getting rein orcements and more ood in these (ast three days. Bona)%ein !ent do!n on &oot to (#e(" t#e nu,%er o& peop)e and t#eir !eaponr+. ;e &ound no pro%)e,s. #ere !ere ,an+ %on&ires !avering a%out t#e D#(ted -r,+.s (a,p. Bona)%ein divided #is ,en into t!o. 'i9t+ peop)e$ in()uding #i,se)&$ !ere e/uipped !it# ar,or and s!ords. ;e )e&t a su%ordinate to (o,,and t#e rest. 01.)) atta(" &ro, %e#ind. @ou ta"e t#e &)an".6 #e+ got into position and )et out a (r+ as t#e+ atta("ed t#e D#(ted -r,+$ a)) at on(e. #e+ de,o)is#ed t#e &en(e and got past t#e tren(#es %e&ore ,oving on. ;o!ever$ t#eir ons)aug#t ended i,,ediate)+. 4ot a sing)e so)dier re,ained in t#e D#(ted -r,+ en(a,p,ent. #ere !ere on)+ sa("s &i))ed !it# soi) !it# %ran(#es %ound to t#e,$ giving t#e appearan(e o& so)diers #o)ding spears.
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--- "hat...! ;is suspi(ion %e(a,e an9iet+. Bona)%ein stared at t#e %on&ire$ !ondering !#ere t#e toug# so)diers #ad gone to. ;e &ound t#e ans!er i,,ediate)+. - (r+ !as #eard &ro, t#e dept#s o& t#e dar"ness. -t t#e sa,e ti,e$ do=ens o& arro!s rained do!n on t#e,. --- They have our (ositionBona)%ein /ua"ed in anger as #e ,oved %et!een t#e s#ado!s. #e+ #ad understood #is ,ove,ents per&e(t)+ and too" #i, %+ surprise. #e D#(ted -r,+ &oresa! a nig#tti,e atta(" and )ur"ed a s,a)) distan(e a!a+. -&ter t#e stor, o& arro!s$ da==)ing s!ords approa(#ed t#e,. 0Ca), do!n>6 #e %att)e&ie)d !as !rapped in (#aos. Bona)%ein s#outed and pu))ed out #is s!ord? t#ose ()ose to #i, re(overed &ro, t#eir pani(. #e D#(ted so)diers appeared &ro, t#e dar"ness and (ut #is ,en do!n in a sing)e %)o!. Bona)%ein "i("ed t#e near%+ tor(#? it #ad a)erted t#e ene,+ o& #is position. --- All we can do is esca(e to the mountain.
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Bona)%ein noti(ed t#e ene,+ !as not near t#e Vos+es Mountains %e&ore #is ,en !ere (o,p)ete)+ en()osed. 0 #e ,ountain pat#> 3oo" at t#e )ig#ts a)ong t#e ,ountain> Eetreat to t#e )ig#ts>6 1t !as a si,p)e instru(tion in t#is (#aos. Bona)%ein (rossed s!ords !it# severa) ,ore D#(ted so)diers as #e and #is ,en es(aped in t#e (on&usion. ;e (ou)d sti)) &ig#t i& #e (ou)d reorgani=e. #e narro! ,ountain pat# !ou)d redu(e t#e advantage o& nu,%ers$ and #e (ou)d ,eet t#e ene,+ &ro, a #ig#er vantage point. #e D#(ted so)diers !ou)d %e sure to &o))o!. #e &ires spread as t#e tents %egan to %urn$ and a s,o"e %egan to &)oat a%ove t#e,. Bona)%ein pus#ed on$ roaring and s(o)ding #is ,en. #e+ ,anaged to es(ape? t#e+ (ou)d see t#e ,ountain pat#. 1n t#at ,o,ent$ a &rig#t&u) (r+ !as #eard$ and !ings &)apped a%out t#e,. 1n t#e s#ado! o& t#e ,ountain$ against t#e dar"ness o& t#e nig#t s"+$ innu,era%)e %irds (overed t#e vie! o& Bona)%ein and #is ,en. #e+ (ou)d not understand !#at #appened !it# eit#er t#eir e+es or t#eir ears. Man+ stood petri&ied$ ot#ers (o!ered and )et )oose /ueer sounds. :ven Bona)%ein )oo"ed on !it# !ide e+es.
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;o!ever$ t#e peop)e %e#ind #i, did not stop. #e t!o groups (o))ided$ and s(rea,s !ere #eard in t#e air. #e (on&usion on)+ a((e)erated. :ven !it# t#e ,ountain pat# %e&ore t#eir e+es$ t#eir ,ove,ents !ere (o,p)ete)+ sea)ed. 03et.s use t#e pigeons.6 #ree da+s ago$ igre ,ade t#e proposa) to 3i,. #e+ #ad pro(ured t!o to t#ree #undred pigeons &ro, <e)&ort and tied t#eir ne("s toget#er so t#e+ (ou)d not &)+ a!a+. en so)diers t#en )ur"ed a)ong t#e ,ountain pat#. 2#en t#e t#ieves approa(#ed$ t#e+ !ou)d re)ease t#e strings$ &reeing t#e pigeons. #oug# t#e+ !ou)d &)+ a!a+ in &rig#t i,,ediate)+ due to t#e sounds o& t#e %att)e&ie)d$ t#e+ (ried out &or good ,easure. 2it# on)+ ten so)diers$ t#e+ !ere a%)e to &or(e t#e ene,+ to stop. 2#i)e #undreds o& pigeons &)+ing up a)) at on(e !ou)d /ui(")+ spread out$ it !as a narro! pat# on a ,oon)ess nig#t. #oug# on)+ &or a ,o,ent$ t#e pigeons &)e! a!a+ )i"e a stor,. igre sa! t#e e&&e(t %e&ore #i,. 2#i)e t#e t#ieves !ere petri&ied$ t#e D#(ted so)diers (#arged &or!ard !it# s!ord and spear$ sti("ing t#e, easi)+$ as i& t#e+ !ere si,p)+ ,ud do))s. One %andit a&ter anot#er !as "i))ed or ran a!a+.
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#e s(rea,s !ere )ost in t#e dar"ness o& t#e nig#t. <odies !ere pi)ed upon ea(# ot#er$ and t#e (o)d ground !as (overed in %)ood. 1t !as too one*sided to %e (a))ed (o,%at. -,ongst t#e,$ t#ere !as one s#ado! !#i(# pus#ed t#e D#(ted so)diers a!a+. 1t !as Bona)%ein. Bona)%ein prote(ted #is &a(e !it# %ot# #ands !#i)e running to t#e )e&t and rig#t. #e so)diers &o))o!ed a&ter #i,$ s#ooting arro! a&ter arro!. #e %andit )eader did not &)in(# in t#e s)ig#test and (ontinued ,oving #is )egs. igre /uiet)+ no("ed an arro! and dre! #is %o!. #e %o!string tre,%)ed s#ort)+ a&ter. #e arro! pier(ed t#roug# t#e gap in #is &ingers$ %et!een #is e+es$ and penetrated t#roug# t#e %a(" o& #is #ead. #e so)diers raised a voi(e o& ad,iration seeing t#is &eat in t#e dar"ness. #ose !#o "ne! o& Bona)%ein.s deat# gave up i,,ediate)+. #e+ t#re! a!a+ t#eir ar,s and surrendered on %ended "nees. #e %andits !ere (o,p)ete)+ s!ept a!a+. #e D#(ted -r,+ returned to <e)&ort t!o da+s a&ter anni#i)ating t#e %andits. 1t #ad ta"en ti,e to return t#e "idnapped !o,en and ,one+ to t#e vi))ages.
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#e t#ieves !#o #ad surrendered &o))o!ed %e#ind t#e, in neat ro!s. #e+ !ere de&eated and s(attered$ and t#eir )eader #ad %een )ost. #e+ no )onger possessed t#e energ+ or vio)en(e t#e+ #ad during t#e nig#t raid. #e+ !ere %ut e,pt+ #us"s$ o%edient)+ &o))o!ing dire(tions. <e#ind t#e,$ t#ere !ere ,an+ (arts pi)ed !it# treasure t#e+ #ad sto)en and t#e ar,or t#e+ #ad used. #e residents o& t#e to!n !at(#ed !it# %ated %reat# as t#e+ sa! t#e D#(ted -r,+ ,ar(# t#roug# t#e to!ns. #e streets soon %e(a,e (ro!ded. #e presen(e o& t#e %andits #iding in t#e Vos+es Mountains !as a sour(e o& an9iet+. #e de&eat o& Vis(ount -ugre.s ar,+ &urt#er strengt#ened t#eir unease.
Dirnitra
#e D#(ted -r,+$ under t#e <)a(" Bragon F)ag returned in triu,p#. #e residents !e)(o,ed t#e, !it# roaring app)ause. O& t#e t!o at t#e &ront$ igre s,i)ed !it# a ,i9ture o& tension as #e !aved to t#e (iti=ens. 3i, #id #er &a(e !it#in #er #e),et and advan(ed in si)en(e. 0@ou !on.t !ave$ 3i,7 @ou did ta"e (are o& t#e %andits...6 2#en igre as"ed !#i)e responding to t#e (#eers$ 3i, sig#ed !it#in #er #e),et.
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01 !ou)d rat#er not #ave ,+ &a(e seen #ere$ and t#ere are ,an+ !#o deserve re(ognition. -)so***6 3i, (ontinued !it# a so&ter tone. 0@ou #ave per&or,ed a distinguis#ed servi(e. 1& not &or +our p)an$ t#e &ig#t !ou)d on)+ #ave %e(o,e pro)onged. @ou s#ou)d %e ,ore proud o& +ourse)&.6 2#en t#e+ rea(#ed t#e ,ansion$ igre de)ivered t#e %andits to -ugre. #e+ !ere put in a prison !it# t#e punis#,ent o& )a%or and !ere pro,ised re)ease a&ter enoug# servi(e.6 Eat#er t#an t#e Vis(ount.s roo,$ t#e+ !ere in a )arge #a)). #ere !as a ta%)e in t#e (enter o& t#e roo, !#i(# seated ten and a )arge &irep)a(e in t#e !a)). #e Vis(ount !ore dar" si)" ()ot#ing and greeted igre. 2#en igre and t#e ot#ers sat do!n$ a ,aid entered and poured (o)d !ine in (ups o& si)ver. <e&ore t#e toast$ -ugre %o!ed deep)+ to!ard t!o peop)e. 0:ar) Vorn. 3i,)is#a. -s governor o& erritoire$ 1 !is# to sin(ere)+ e9press ,+ gratitude. #e+ gre! to po!er due to ,+ neg)igen(e. 1 apo)ogi=e &or t#e trou%)e 1 #ave (aused +ou.6 0-%ove a)) e)se$ t#e pea(e o& +our peop)e #as %een prote(ted.6 igre %o!ed #is #ead in assent !it# a s,i)e as #is e)der %o!ed again in gratitude.
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0-s e9pe(ted o& t#e D#(ted -r,+. @ou ,anaged to over(o,e t#e %andits !#o #ad dou%)e t#e nu,%er as !e)) as t#e geograp#i(a) advantage. Eea))+$ :ar) Vorn$ +ou ,ust #ave good &ortune to o%tain su(# re)ia%)e a))ies.6 0... #e vi(tor+ is 3ord igrevur,ud.s a)one. ;e %rave)+ )ed t#e troops. #at is a)) t#ere !as to it.6 3i,.s !ords (o,p)ained s,a)) t#orns. igre )oo"ed a!a+ invo)untari)+. -ugre$ ta"ing noti(e o& #er ,ood$ s,i)ed %itter)+ and !aved #is #ands. 01 see. 1t see,s :ar) Vorn is trusted %+ D#(ted.6 3i, rea)i=ed #er su%(ons(ious irritation #earing t#e o)d Vis(ount.s !ords. 01 apo)ogi=e &or spea"ing out o& #and.6 2#i)e i,,ediate)+ apo)ogi=ing$ 3i, !as pu==)ed in t#e %a(" o& #er ,ind. -ugre.s !ords !ere in no !a+ strange. #oug# a %it e9aggerated$ t#e pro%)e, o& t#e %andits !as not one #e (ou)d so)ve$ no ,atter #o! #e t#oug#t a%out it. 3i,.s (on&usion ended in a ,o,ent as s#e re(a))ed !#+ s#e !as angr+. --- It is because he seemed to be ignoring 'ord Tigrevurmud. igre #ad never &u))+ re)ied on t#e D#(ted -r,+$ and #e !as !i))ing to put #is )i&e at ris" i& need %e. 3i, !as &u))+ a!are o& t#at.
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--- I see... I I think o how things will be or )leanora-sama in the uture, it would be no good i 'ord Tigrevurmud is sim(ly seen as a decoration. #at is !#+ s#e said #er !ords. 3i, (onvin(ed #erse)&. -ugre )oo"ed at 3i,$ as i& #e #ad seen so,et#ing interesting$ as s#e t#oug#t to #erse)& !it# #er t+pi(a) deadpan e9pression. ;e t#en turned around to igre. 0:ar) Vorn. 1& +ou are satis&ied !it# ,+ o)d %ones$ t#en 1 !i)) g)ad)+ )end +ou ,+ strengt#. #e so)diers o& erritoire !i)) &ig#t !it# +ou$ and 1 !i)) do !#at 1 (an to persuade t#e surrounding aristo(rats to a))+ t#e,se)ves !it# +ou. #oug# t#ere are not ,an+ peop)e$ 1 s#ou)d %e a%)e to a(/uire one t#ousand ,en &or +ou.6 igre.s &a(e %rig#tened and #e %o!ed deep)+ in si)en(e. #oug# #e (ou)d sa+ no !ords in #is jo+$ #is gratitude !as &ir,)+ &e)t %+ -ugre. #e o)d Vis(ount s#oo" !it# )aug#ter. 0 #ere is no need &or t#at. #is ,u(# is natura) &or ta"ing (are o& t#e %andits. <esides$ 1 #ave s!orn &ea)t+ to t#e Fing. 1 (annot stand %+ as peop)e su&&er under #enardier and 5ane)on.s ru)e. -s soon as 1 #ave (o,p)eted ,+ preparations$ ,+ son and 1 !i)) ra))+ %eneat# +our &)ag.6 igre %o!ed on(e again to!ard -ugre !#ose s,i)e !as &u)) o& t#e !i)) to &ig#t. ;e #ad &ina))+ o%tained an a))+ ot#er t#an Massas. troops and t#e D#(ted -r,+. -&ter po)ite)+ s#o!ing #is gratitude$ igre and t#e ot#ers resigned &ro, t#e Vis(ount.s roo,.
Dirnitra
141
Ander t#e <)a(" Bragon F)ag$ t#e D#(ted -r,+ ,ar(#ed a)ong t#e road %a(" to -)sa(e. igre rode at t#e &ront !#i)e (#eer&u))+ #u,,ing. 03ord igrevur,ud.6 3i, advan(ed ne9t to #i, and a%rupt)+ #anded a paper to #i,. 0 #oug# it is &ine to %e #app+$ p)ease do not &orget t#is.6 01 understand. #is is a%out t#e !ar e9penditures$ rig#t76 ;aving #is good ,ood distur%ed$ igre &e)t a )itt)e anno+ed. ;e s"i,,ed t#roug# t#e papers and stopped a&ter seeing a (ertain notation. 0... #ree #undred pigeons76 0 #e+ !ere returned to t#e !i)d. 1t is ne(essar+ !e ,a"e a,ends.6 01 suppose t#ere is no dis(ount &or its e&&e(tiveness76 02#en +ou &ig#t !it# t#ousands or tens o& t#ousands o& troops$ su(# t#ings are si,p)+ a trap. 1& 1 !ere to give +ou a dis(ount$ it !ou)d %e a &ai)ure on ,+ part as t#e person in (#arge o& !ar e9penditures.6 3i, spo"e indi&&erent)+. igre drooped #is s#ou)ders and returned t#e papers. 3i, re(eived t#e, and too" a pen &ro, t#e sadd)e.
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0;o!ever... @ou s)a+ed t#e )eader$ Bona)%ein. 1 !i)) not %e a%)e to do t#is in t#e &uture$ so just t#is on(e$ our ar,+ !i)) %ear t#is (ost. 1 !i)) te)) :)eanora*sa,a.6 2#i)e sa+ing t#is$ 3i, p)a(ed a )ine t#roug# t#e notation !it# #er pen. igre )oo"ed at #er in surprise. 01s t#at rea))+ o"a+76 01t !i)) on)+ %e t#is ti,e. 1 t#in" it is good enoug# t#at +ou understand t#e i,portan(e o& t#e pri(e o& !ar and #o! /ui(")+ it %ui)ds up.6 0@ou.ve saved ,e.6 ;e spo"e sin(ere)+. 0*** 4o! t#en$ it is ti,e &or +our )e(tures.6 3e(ture. igre #ad a s,a)) #eada(#e #earing t#e !ord. #e+ !ere no! tea(#er and pupi). 0... 1., going to tea(# +ou a%out t#e %ears 1 #ave in D#(ted.6 ;er voi(e (ontained an out*o&*(#ara(ter s#+ness. igre %)in"ed and t#en )oo"ed intent)+ at 3i,. ;is &a(e #ad turned red. ;e s,i)ed !r+)+ and ,at(#ed 3i,.s ga=e %e&ore nodding. 0C)ease do so$ ea(#er.6
Michelia
143
4 Snow Princess of the Frozen Wave

igre &e)t nosta)gi( !#en #e sa! t#e to!n o& Ce)esta. 01 !onder i& :))en #as returned.6 2#i)e re(a))ing #er %rig#t s,i)e$ igre spo"e to 3i, !#o rode #er #orse a)ongside #i,. 0'#e is )i"e)+ to #ave returned$ sin(e !e too" ,ore ti,e t#an e9pe(ted.6 -t t#at ti,e$ eita and <atran$ !#o !ere %e#ind t#e,$ #astened t#eir pa(e and approa(#ed igre. 0 igre*sa,a$ ,a+ 1 go a#ead to ,a"e preparations76 01., sure +ou.re tired &ro, t#e )ong journe+. Bon.t !orr+ a%out it toda+.6 #oug# eita.s e+es !ere as &u)) o& )i&e as a)!a+s$ t#e+ !ere s)ig#t)+ pu&&+ and sun"en. ;er &atigue #ad a((u,u)ated as !e)). 0 eita. 1t.s good t#at +ou #ave o&&ered$ %ut +ou don.t need to do an+t#ing unreasona%)e.6 eita &ro!ned in e,%arrass,ent as eita put in #is o!n good !ord. 0<ut !#at !i)) !e do a%out supper tonig#t$ igre*sa,a76 01.)) &inis# o&& !#at 1 #ave.6 0... @ou.re going to eat &ruits and vegeta%)es on)+ again76
144
igre.s response !as %)o("ed as s#e ga=ed at #i, !it# #er #a=e) e+es. '#e #it t#e %u)).s*e+e. 0 eita$ it.s natura) to do t#ese t#ings !#en +ou.re #unting in t#e ,ountains and &orests***6 02e are at a vi))age.6 eita.s !ords !ere /ui(" and %)unt. <atran s,i)ed !r+)+ to #e)p igre. 0 eita$ +ou ,ust return to t#e te,p)e tonig#t &or pra+er. 1.)) !orr+ a%out +ou i& +ou.re out too )ate.6 eita !as !ea" to #er s#rine duties. ;er ,o,entu, /ui(")+ disappeared as s#e )oo"ed do!n in t#oug#t. igre stro"ed #er (#estnut*#air as i& soot#ing a (#i)d. 01t !i)) %e a !#i)e %e&ore !e (an re)a9. o,orro! !i)) %e %us+$ so 1.)) need +our #e)p. Ma"e sure to get so,e rest toda+.6 0... 1 understand. 1 apo)ogi=e &or %eing unreasona%)e$ igre*sa,a.6 eita and <atran ,oved %a(". igre )et out a %reat# o& re)ie&. 0 eita is a good gir).6 3i, e9pressed #er t#oug#ts. 0<ut s#e (an %e trou%)eso,e &ro, ti,e to ti,e.6 igre re,e,%ered !#en Ce)esta !as atta("ed. eita$ in order to !e)(o,e #i, #o,e$ #ad not )e&t t#e #ouse.
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0 #oug# 1., g)ad s#e t#in"s o& ,e$ it.s a %it trou%)eso,e t#at s#e !ou)d put #erse)& in su(# danger.6 01 suppose it is persuasive (o,ing &ro, so,eone !#o tried to run a!a+ &or t#e sa"e o& #is peop)e.6 igre &ro!ned upon #earing 3i,.s (o)d !ords. 01 #ave a dut+ as t#eir 3ord...6 0For #er$ s#e #as #er pride as a ,aid and #er a&&e(tion &or +ou. :ven i& it is dangerous$ even i& it is &oo)is# to ot#ers$ it is sti)) #er o%)igation.6 0;o! di&&i(u)t.6 igre )oo"ed up at t#e s"+ and )et out a sig#. Contrar+ to igre.s e9pe(tations$ :))en #ad sti)) not returned. ;o!ever$ a (ourier !as sent &ro, :))en and a!aited #i, at t#e ,ansion. ;er ,essage !as s#ort. H1.)) ,eet +ou at Fi"i,ora Mansion.I 0Fi"i,ora Mansion76
146
3i, ans!ered igre.s /uestion. 01t is one o& :)eanora*sa,a.s vi))as in t#e Vos+es Mountains.6 0- vi))a.6 igre !as surprised to #ear it$ %ut it !ou)d not %e un&ounded i& s#e !ere to #ave ten or t!ent+ vi))as$ given :))en.s position. #e aristo(rats o& <rune t+pi(a))+ #ad t!o or ,ore vi))as in addition to t#eir o!n ,ansions !it#in t#eir territor+. 'evera) +ears ago$ Massas invited igre and #is &at#er over to #is o!n. #e ne9t ,orning$ igre and 3i, )e&t Ce)esta on #orse%a(" under t#e g)o! o& t#e ear)+ ,orning s"+. #oug# eita )i"e)+ !anted to go !it# t#e,$ s#e ,a+ #ave t#oug#t it a nuisan(e on #er part$ so s#e sa! t#e t!o o&& !it# a s,i)e. Euri(" re,ained on stand%+ !it# t#e one #undred so)diers &ro, D#(ted in Ce)esta. #ere !as a purpose in t#is. 1& aristo(rats ()ose to Bu"e #enardier noti(ed t#e D#(ted -r,+$ t#e+ !ou)d not ,ove i,,ediate)+. #oug# t#e Fnig#ts !ere sti)) !orriso,e$ &or no!$ #e (ou)d on)+ !orr+ a%out Massas !#o #ad #eaded to!ard t#e Eo+a) Capita). --- Zaien called me a traitor. I you consider the current situation in which the Zhcted Army is remaining in Alsace, others will think so as well, however, i we give him an e*(lanation, His $a.esty should understand.
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igre (ou)d do not#ing %ut %e)ieve. -&ter (rossing t#e Vos+es Mountains and entering 3eitMerit=$ 3i, too" t#e )ead. #e+ too" a road separate &ro, t#e #ig#!a+ and ,oved t#roug# a prairie. 0-utu,n #as a)read+ ended.6 #e (o)d !ind %)e! t#e )eaves o&& t#e trees. 3i, ,uttered to #erse)& as s#e returned a #e,pen %ag to t#e sadd)e o& #er #orse. #e ,eado! soon (#anged to a !i)derness$ and t#en into an area &u)) o& grave) and pe%%)es$ in !#i(# !eeds (ou)d #ard)+ gro!. )arge %)a(" %ui)ding stood at t#e top o& a #i)). 0 #is is Fi"i,ora Mansion.6 01n(identa))+$ is Fi"i,ora t#e na,e o& so,et#ing76 01t is said to %e a &air+ &ro, an(ient ti,es t#at grants #ouse#o)ds sa&et+ and prote(tion. An)ess an e)a%orate tit)e is given intentiona))+$ ,ost vi))as are (ro!ned !it# t#is na,e.6 -s t#e+ ()i,%ed up t#e s,a)) in()ine$ t#e s#ape o& t#e vi))a %e(a,e ()ear to see. Fro, top to %otto,$ t#e !a))s !ere p)astered and d+ed %)a(". #e roo& !as red$ and it !as a%out t#e si=e o& igre.s ,ansion in Ce)esta.
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2#en t#e+ arrived at t#e &ront o& t#e #ouse$ 3i, pu))ed #er #ouse to t#e sta%)e to t#e side. igre /uiet)+ &o))o!ed a&ter #er. 1n t#e sta%)e$ t#ere !as a)read+ a #orse tet#ered. #e #orse g)an(ed at igre !it# )arge$ round e+es. -s its interest /ui(")+ disappeared$ it turned a!a+ and snorted. 0 #is is :)eanora*sa,a.s #orse.6 3i, )et out a %reat# o& re)ie& and )oo"ed %a(" to igre. 03ord igrevur,ud$ p)ease go a#ead. 1& +ou (a)) :)eanora*sa,a.s na,e$ 1 %e)ieve s#e !i)) (o,e to +ou.6 01t.s &ine. 2e !on.t start t#e (onversation unti) +ou.re t#ere an+!a+$ so !e s#ou)d ta"e (are o& t#is /ui(")+.6 -&ter un)oading #is )uggage$ #e pu))ed o&& t#e #arness and sadd)e. ;e !iped its %od+ and gave t#e #orse sa)t to )i(" and !ater to drin". 1t !as !or" t#e t!o !ere a((usto,ed to$ so it ended /ui(")+. igre (arried 3i,.s %ag over #is s#ou)der? it !as /uite a (onsidera%)e !eig#t. -&ter igre )e&t t#e sta%)e$ 3i, /ui(")+ &o))o!ed a&ter #i, in (on&usion. 0'in(e it %e)ongs to ,e$ 1 s#ou)d ta"e it.6 01 #ave ,+ t#ings as !e))$ and !e.)) %e t#ere in a ,o,ent$ an+!a+.6 igre )aug#ed and to)d #er not to !orr+. 3i, sig#ed !it# (o,p)i(ated e,otions s#o!ing in #er %)ue e+es.
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'tanding %e&ore t#e &ront door$ 3i, )ig#t)+ "no("ed. Footsteps !ere soon #eard and t#e door opened. :))en appeared !earing #er %)ue (o)ored ()ot#es and t#e 'i)ver F)as# -ri&a) at #er !aist. 0O#$ +ou (a,e.6 ;er da==)ing s,i)e re,inis(ent o& t#e sun %e+ond a ()oud)ess s"+ invited igre and 3i,. #e )ig#t o& a )a,p (ou)d %e seen #ig# on t#e !a))$ i))u,inating t#e t#ree peop)e. 03oo"s prett+ #eav+.6 :))en voi(ed #er ad,iration #aving seen t#e %ag over igre.s s#ou)der. 0 #oug# 1 !ou)d not (a)) it a souvenir$ it is so,et#ing 1 !ant +ou to see %+ a)) ,eans.6 01t !i)) %e ,+ p)easure.6 :))en.s %rig#t red pupi)s s#ined (urious)+ as s#e )istened to 3i,.s !ords. -t t#at ti,e$ t#e air s#oo" %uo+ant)+$ and t#e !ind passed t#roug# igre and 3i,.s #air. 01t see,s t#is &e))o! !ants to sa+ #e))o to +ou as !e)).6 :))en )ig#t)+ and &ond)+ tapped t#e )ongs!ord at #er !aist. 1t !as as i& t#e 'i)ver F)as# !as )aug#ing. 0;,,76 ;er si)ver*!#ite #air !#i(# e9tended to #er !aist s#oo". :))en )oo"ed at igre.s &a(e in interest. 01s t#ere so,et#ing on ,+ &a(e76
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04o$ it.s t#e opposite.6 :))en s,i)ed in satis&a(tion and e9tended #er s)ender ar, to igre.s #ead. '#e %roug#t #is &a(e ()ose enoug# t#at t#e+ (ou)d &ee) ea(# ot#ers. %reat#. Fee)ing #er so&t (#est press against #is o!n$ igre.s &a(e &aint)+ turned (ri,son. :))en (ontinued spea"ing !it#out noti(ing #is rea(tion. 02#en 1 )e&t -)sa(e$ it &e)t )i"e +ou !ere possessed. 1 don.t "no! !#at #appened$ %ut it.s not t#ere no!.6 igre understood t#at #is e9pression !as poor at t#e ti,e. 2#en :))en )e&t$ #e #ad %een o%sessed !it# #is &ear o& Bu"e #enardier. igre )oo"ed %a(" at :))en and returned a %o)d s,i)e. 0:ver+t#ing.s &ine %e(ause it.s ,e.6 0Eig#t. -)so$ doesn.t it see, )i"e +ou and 3i, #ave %e(o,e /uite &riend)+76 #is ti,e$ :))en.s s,i)e #ad a %it o& an edge to it. 0@ou t!o !ere a)one &ro, -)sa(e to #ere. Bid so,et#ing #appen76 0An&ortunate)+$ it !as not#ing )i"e +ou i,agine.6 2#i)e s#rugging #is s#ou)ders$ igre gent)+ re,oved :))en.s ar,s. -&ter t#e+ parted$ #e regretted t#e )oss o& t#e good &ee)ing #e #ad$ %ut #e a)so &e)t it unp)easant and di&&erent &ro, #is true intent. ;e sti)) #ad a )u,p in #is t#roat &ro, t#e nosta)gia o& t#eir reunion$ %ut a&ter so,e ti,e$ it see,ed to re&)e(t poor)+ on #is %e#avior.
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0@ou t!o see, /uite inti,ate no!.6 #oug# :))en.s !ords s#o!ed #er suspi(ion$ s#e did not pursue t#e su%je(t an+ &urt#er. :))en t#en !a)"ed over to 3i, and #ugged #er ()ose)+. 3i, a)so s,i)ed natura))+ as s#e patted :))en.s %a(". 0@ou.ve !or"ed #ard.6 02e #ave not done ,u(#. 1 a, g)ad +ou are !e))$ :)eanora*sa,a.6 0 #at.s natura). 1 just !ent to t#e Fing.s Capita)$ #ad a (#at$ and (a,e #ere. 3et.s re)a9 and #ave a (#at.6 :))en (#eer&u))+ responded as s#e guided t#e t!o t#roug# t#e #a))!a+ to t#e )iving roo,. 0 #is is /uite ()ean. Bo +ou use it o&ten76 igre gave #is i,pression as #e passed t#roug# t#e (orridor. :))en turned around and )oo"ed at #i,. 0-%out a #a)& "o"u on #orse%a("$ t#ere is a s,a)) to!n (a))ed Eodni(". #e residents t#ere ()ean t#is ,ansion regu)ar)+. onig#t$ !e.)) %e sta+ing t#ere.6 #e )iving roo, !as spa(ious and #ad a )arge &irep)a(e a)ong t#e !a)).
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#e (arpet &ro, Muo=ine) #ad geo,etri( patterns se!n into it$ giving it a !ar, appearan(e. On top o& a !a)nut ta%)e in t#e (enter$ t#ere !as a %ott)e o& !ine and a &ruit %as"et. 'udden)+$ igre re(a))ed a stor+ :))en #ad on(e to)d #i,. :ver+one dre! toget#er$ #udd)ing over t#e &irep)a(e$ singing songs$ and eating !ar, potatoes. 3i"e t#at$ peop)e (ou)d over(o,e t#e severe !inter sno!&a)). 0First$ a toast to (e)e%rate our reunion. #e t#ree sat around t#e ta%)e. :))en opened t#e !ine and poured it into t#ree prepared g)asses. #e+ %roug#t t#eir g)asses toget#er and gave toasts in %ot# t#e )anguage o& <rune and D#(ted. 02#+ did +ou (#oose t#is p)a(e as a ,eeting spot76 igre as"ed as #e ad,ired t#e s(ener+ outside t#e !indo!. #ere !as a garden$ and t#e &ie)d spread a!a+ &ro, t#e ,ansion$ giving it an id+))i( at,osp#ere. 0;onest)+$ 1 !asn.t sure !#at !as going on an+!#ere. 1& t#ere !as an issue in -)sa(e$ 1 (ou)d #ead t#ere$ and i& t#ere !ere a pro%)e, in 3eitMerit=$ 1 (ou)d trave) t#ere i,,ediate)+ as !e)). #is p)a(e is roug#)+ t#e ,idpoint %et!een t#e t!o.6 -&ter ans!ering !it# a %rig#t s,i)e$ :))en )oo"ed at t#e t!o serious)+. 01.)) sa+ t#is no!$ 1 ,anaged to o%tain t#e Fing.s per,ission &or t#e ti,e %eing$ %ut t#ere are t!o trou%)eso,e issues. 2#en 1 o%tain an+ territor+$ 1 ,ust o&&er it to t#e Fingdo,.6
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0;o! does t#at di&&er &ro, no!76 igre ti)ted #is #ead$ una%)e to understand :))en.s !ords. 0-)sa(e !i)) %e under t#e dire(t (ontro) o& D#(ted Fingdo,$ not :)eanora*sa,a. -)sa(e !i)) %e under ;is Majest+.s (ontro).6 3i, ans!ered #is /uestion. igre si,p)+ put #is #and to #is (#in in t#oug#t. 0... Boes t#e Fing o& D#(ted not !ant :))en.s territor+ to in(rease76 01t is not just territor+$ even our popu)arit+$ aut#orit+$ and in&)uen(e... #e o)d ,an is a&raid !#enever an+ o& t#ese t#ings in(rease. ;e is a Fing t#at &ears t#e Vanadis. 2e))$ it.s #appened !it# a)) t#e previous Fings.6 3i, (ontinued to spea" &or :))en$ !#o #ad )et out a )arge sig#. 03ord igrevur,ud. -ssu,e +ou are t#e Fing o& a (ountr+... #ere are seven peop)e !it# po!er and aut#orit+ se(ond on)+ to +ourse)&. 2ou)d +ou !ant t#e, to o%tain ,ore )and to (ontro)7 Furt#er,ore$ t#ese seven are popu)ar and e9(e))ent in do,esti( a&&airs.6 01 !ou)d )eave t#e !or" to t#e, and ta"e a nap or go #unt.6 3i, #it igre !it#out #esitation. 01 a, te))ing a ver+ serious stor+$ so p)ease ans!er serious)+.6
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:))en !as )+ing on t#e ta%)e suppressing #er )aug#ter. 0... 2e))$ aren.t t#e+ re)ia%)e76 02ou)d +ou not &ear t#e seven !ou)d turn t#eir %)ade against +ou7 #e+ !ie)d a strengt# greater t#an one t#ousand so)diers. 4o ,atter !#at$ it !ou)d %e i,possi%)e &or +ou to !in.6 01 !ou)d t#in" it %est to #ave an e9(e))ent su%ordinate$ even i& t#e+ !ere stronger t#an ,e$ &or a )ong ti,e.6 ;earing igre.s ridi(u)ous ans!er$ :))en )oo"ed up #appi)+. 0;onest)+$ even 1 !ou)d sa+ +ou !ere a %it too (are&ree. 1 said t#is %e&ore$ %ut t#e Fing is not )i"e t#at. ;e is a ti,id ,an !#o &ears us$ even !#en !e #ave s,a)) ,i)itar+ servi(es. ;e gets angr+ and atte,pts to (on&is(ate an+ e9tra territor+ !e re(eive.6 0*** 'o t#at.s !#+ #e.s sei=ing -)sa(e.6 igre groaned. #e &uture o& -)sa(e #ad %e(o,e ,ore un(ertain. #oug# igre did not "no! #o! :))en governed #er )ands in detai)$ igre stro))ed a%out t#e to!n %eneat# t#e (ast)e !it# #er. #e to!n !as )ive)+$ t#e pea(e !as not %ad$ and t#e peop)e see,ed #app+. ;e (ou)d &ee) at ease )eaving #is )and to #er or 3i,.
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0 #at is a separate issue &or no!$ t#oug#.6 :))en %egan )aug#ing in en(ourage,ent seeing igre.s serious e9pression. 0 #e &ig#t #as just %egun$ and t#e situation (an (#ange drasti(a))+. Gust ,a"e sure +ou "eep t#at in ,ind.6 igre pu))ed #i,se)& toget#er and %o!ed in t#an"s. 0 #e se(ond issue is a %it trou%)eso,e... #e Fing said$ HFirst and &ore,ost$ a(t in D#(ted.s nationa) interests and re&rain &ro, ta"ing ras# a(tionsI.6 01sn.t t#at nor,a)76 igre did not understand !#+ it !as trou%)eso,e. 01t.s a %it di&&i(u)t to e9p)ain sin(e +ou.re #onest to a &au)t.6 :))en )aug#ed as s#e teased igre. 01 do not %e)ieve t#is (ou)d %e avoida%)e$ sin(e 3ord igrevur,ud #as not %e(o,e as perverse as :)eanora*sa,a.6 3i, ta)"ed do!n to #er 3ord !it# a straig#t &a(e? :))en.s ,out# s#arpened in response. 0... 2#at "ind o& !ind is %)o!ing no!7 @ou.re prote(ting igre.6 01 a, si,p)+ ad,onis#ing ,+ superior.6
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-&ter si)en(ing :))en !it# #er pro,pt response$ 3i, turned to igre. 0 #e pro%)e, (o,e &ro, ;is Majest+.s !ords. 2#en t#in"ing o& nationa) interests$ an+ no%)e$ &or instan(e$ t#ose !it# (onne(tions to Bu"e #enardier !#o ,ig#t %ene&it s#ou)d t#e Bu"e reign vi(torious$ (ou)d rus# into a(tion.6 0... 'o it.s )e&t open to interpretation76 igre %egan to ,a"e t#e (onne(tion. 0;e said t#at spe(i&i(a))+ %e(ause it !as open to interpretation.6 :))en spo"e i)) !ords o& t#e Fing o& #er (ountr+ in a %ad ,ood. 0;o!ever$ aristo(rats #ave )itt)e signi&i(an(e. <e)o! t#e Fing$ t#ere are t#e seven Vanadis. #e aristo(rats are even &urt#er %e)o!$ &o))o!ed %+ t#e nor,a) (iti=ens.6 0'o +ou ,ean t#ere !i)) %e pro%)e,s !it# t#e ot#er Vanadis76 igre.s !ords #e)d tension. :))en nodded earnest)+. 0 #ere are Vanadis !it# (onne(tions to #enardier and 5ane)on. Asua))+ &ig#ts %et!een Vanadis are &or%idden$ %ut t#e+ !i)) %e to)erated under t#ese (ir(u,stan(es.6 0Can +ou ,ove in a situation )i"e t#at76 1t !as di&&erent &ro, t#e ti,e s#e #e)ped #i, in -)sa(e. :))en #ad attra(ted attention and (ou)d no )onger va(ate #er territor+ re(")ess)+.
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0 #oug# not a)) Vanadis are a))ies$ t#e+ are not ne(essari)+ ene,ies$ eit#er. For no!$ !e need !at(# on)+ one. 1& possi%)e$ 1 !ou)d )i"e to get rid o& #er %e&ore#and. 1 !ou)d rat#er not !orr+ a%out #aving ,+ ,ove,ents (ut o&& in t#e &uture.6 0 #is sounds serious.6 igre s,i)ed as #e s#rugged #is s#ou)ders. 1t !as a serious situation$ and it !ou)d %e di&&i(u)t to ta"e (are o& t#e ,atter. :))en (a))ed igre to t#e ,ansion and to)d #i, t#e stor+ to (on&ir, #is deter,ination. igre de(ided #e !ou)d re,ain (a), and respond to t#e situation. 1& #e s#o!ed &ear at t#is point in ti,e$ #e #ad no /ua)i&i(ation to %e stand %+ #er side. #e Vanadis o& si)ver*!#ite #air gent)+ ,anipu)ated t#e !ind and s,i)ed jo+&u))+. 01.ve to)d +ou ,+ stor+. 1t.s a%out ti,e +ou te)) ,e +ours.6 igre nodded and to)d #er #e o%tained Massas Eodant and Vis(ount -ugre.s (ooperation$ as !e)) as t#e su%jugation o& t#e %andits. 01 %e)ieve in 3ord Massas. ;e is ,+ &at#er.s %est &riend$ and !#en 1 !as #e)d (aptive$ #e ran a%out tr+ing to #e)p ,e. 1 a)so %e)ieve Vis(ount -ugre is trust!ort#+. 03i,$ !#at do +ou t#in"76
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:))en turned #er %rig#t red pupi)s to #er e9pression)ess adjutant. 01 %e)ieve !e (an trust :ar) Eodant. -s &or Vis(ount -ugre$ so )ong as t#ere is no dis(ord %et!een #i, and 3ord igrevur,ud$ t#ere !i)) %e no pro%)e,s. <+ t#e !a+$ t#ere is so,et#ing 1 !is# &or +ou to see$ :)eanora*sa,a.6 2#en 3i, said t#is$ t#e sound o& a %e)) (ou)d %e #eard &ro, t#e door. 'o,eone !as standing t#ere. 0... 4o%od+ s#ou)d "no! 1., #ere.6 :))en &ro!ned suspi(ious)+. 01 !i)) )oo".6 2#en 3i, stood /uiet)+ and )e&t #er seat$ igre restarted t#e (onversation. ;e p)a(ed t#e (ontents o& t#e #e,pen %ag on t#e &)oor. 1t !as ,eta))i( ar,or. #oug# t#ere !ere various s(rat(#es$ it !as sti)) )i"e ne!. 1t !ou)d %e possi%)e to se)) it i& (are&u))+ po)is#ed. #e %and o& t#ieves in t#e Vos+es Mountains #ad a )ot o& t#is$ t#oug# t#eir #e),ets and gaunt)ets !ere si,i)ar to t#ose used in -)sa(e.6 :))en stood and !a)"ed around t#e ta%)e !#i)e o%serving t#e ar,or. 0*** #ese are ,ade in O),ut=.6
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03i, t#oug#t t#e possi%i)it+ o& t#at is #ig#. 'o it rea))+ is &ro, t#ere76 :))en snorted and pointed to an in(onspi(uous p)a(e inside t#e ar,or$ a)ong t#e &)an". #ere !as a strange pattern sta,ped t#ere. 0 #is is an i,itation to t#e 5od o& 2ar$ rig)av. 4o ,ista"es a%out it.6 :))en re)eased t#e ar,or and s,i)ed sar(asti(a))+ !#i)e &o)ding #er ar,s. 01t.s so,e e9pensive stu&& &ro, O),ut=.6 #e sur&a(e o& t#e ar,or re&)e(ted t#e )ig#t s#ining t#roug# t#e !indo!. 0 #oug# 1 #ate to sa+ it$ s#e.s in our (ountr+ as !e)). #e ,anu&a(turing ,et#od is uni/ue$ and t#e ar,or is #ard and )ig#t. :ven i& it !as !orn out and &u)) o& s(rat(#es$ t#ose t#ieves !ou)d %e penni)ess.6 02#ere is O),ut= in D#(ted76 igre #ad on)+ #eard its na,e &ro, 3i,. ;e "ne! not#ing e)se a%out it. 01t is t#e Bu"edo, to t#e sout# o& 3eitMerit=.6 igre !as surprised to #ear #er i))*te,pered voi(e as :))en responded. '#e i,,ediate)+ dran" t#e !ine in #er g)ass and #it t#e ta%)e vigorous)+. #oug# igre t#oug#t t#e (onversation !ou)d %e unsavor+$ #e "ne! it !as unavoida%)e. 0 #e territor+ is governed %+ a Vanadis76
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0;er na,e is 3ud,ira 3urie... '#e.s (o,p)ete)+ di&&erent &ro, ,e.6 :))en distorted #er %eauti&u) &a(e !it# #er #atred. 0'#e.s a nois+ person !#o a)!a+s ta)"s a%out (#ara(ter and (ourtes+$ and s#e a)!a+s (arries tea and ja, at #er !aist. #at gir).s )i"e a +oung potato.6 #oug# igre (ou)d not possi%)+ understand #er !ords$ #e "ne! s#e !as insu)ting t#e ot#er person. 0*** 1 (annot possi%)+ sta+ si)ent$ no!. 2#o e9a(t)+ is a potato>6 'udden)+$ t#e door !as &)ung open and a gir).s angr+ voi(e e(#oed t#roug#out t#e roo,. igre )oo"ed %a(" and sa! t!o gir)s standing t#ere. One !as 3i,$ !#o appeared tired. #e ot#er !as a strange$ di,inutive gir). '#e !as %reat#ta"ing and !as a %eaut+ di&&erent &ro, :))en. ;er %)ue #air !as tri,,ed around #er s#ou)der$ and s#e !ore a )arge$ !#ite ri%%on. ;er %)ue si)" ()ot#es !rapped a%out #er de)i(ate %od+$ giving #er a )ove)+ appearan(e. ;o!ever$ rat#er t#an #er %eaut+$ it !as #er strengt# t#at appeared ,ost. ;er po!er&u) ga=e re,ained &ir, in #is ,e,or+. igre.s ga=e ,oved &ro, #er (#ar,ing e+es to t#e s#ort spear in #er #and. #e tip )oo"ed to %e ,ade o& t#e #ig#est purit+ o& i(e? it (reated an i))usion o& (o)dness.
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0*** 3i,.6 :))en.s voi(e !as tinged !it# a vio)ent rage t#at rever%erated !it#in igre.s ear. 02#+ did +ou per,it t#is !o,an to step inside t#is %ui)ding76 0'#e is a Vanadis. 1 (annot possi%)+ turn #er a!a+.6 3i"e a )i&e)ess do))$ 3i, responded indi&&erent)+. 0... Vanadis76 #e gir) !it# %)ue #air s#i&ted #er ga=e to igre as #e s/uee=ed !ords out o& #is ,out#. ;er s,i)e !as t#e #eig#t o& arrogan(e$ and s#e stret(#ed #er (#est &or!ard and spo"e #aug#ti)+. 01 a, one o& t#e proud Vanadis o& D#(ted$ t#e Master o& t#e
;aj+a no Den"a"u
H'pear o& :vi) Beat#I$ 3ud,ira 3urie.6 03eave.6 :))en.s voi(e !as (o)d and #e)d no &orgiveness. #e at,osp#ere o& t#e pea(e&u) )iving roo, #ad %e(o,e dangerous in an instant. #e t!o Vanadis ()ear)+ ai,ed t#eir #osti)it+ to!ard ea(# ot#er$ )i"e &ier(e ani,a)s (on&ronting t#eir natura) ene,+. 3ud,ira g)ared at :))en$ #er %)ue e+es &u)) o& (onte,pt. 0@ou are %eing /uite rude to +our guest$ :)eanora.6
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:))en )i&ted t#e (orner o& #er e+e as s#e responded !it# undisguised #osti)it+. 01 !i)) ta"e t#e appropriate attitude to!ard a guest 1 invite. -t t#e ver+ )east$ +ou (ou)d %ring a gi&t$ t#oug# 1 dou%t 1 !ou)d %e o& ,ind to a((ept +ou as a visitor.6 0@ou s#ou)d apo)ogi=e &or insu)ting a)) #u,ans and potatoes.6 0@ou s#ou)d prostrate %e&ore ,e &or #aving eavesdropped on our (onversation.6 igre stood /uiet)+ &ro, #is seat and (are&u))+ stepped a!a+ so as not to attra(t attention. ;e !a)"ed to t#e door!a+ near 3i,. 0:avesdropping7 @our voi(e is &oo)is#)+ )oud.6 01& +ou t#in" t#at !as )oud$ t#en +ou )ive in /uite a s,a)) !or)d. ;o! piti&u).6 0:ven i& 1 )ive in a s,a)) !or)d$ 1 #ave ,an+ t#ings$ un)i"e +ou.6 0Eat#er t#an #aving ,an+ t#ings$ +ou s#ou)d #urr+ up and gain so,e #eig#t and %igger %reasts.6 01 a, 16. #ere is sti)) roo, enoug# to gro!. ;o! a%out +ou$ :)eanora7 -re +ou !or"ing #ard to ,aintain t#e ,ini,u, dignit+ and (ourtes+7 @ou s#ou)d do +our %est &ro, no! unti) +ou gro! o)d and die.6 #e sound o& grinding teet# (ou)d %e #eard$ t#oug# it !as un()ear &ro, !#i(# Vanadis t#e sound originated. #oug# igre )oo"ed to as" 3i, &or #e)p$ 3i, appeared to %e as"ing #i, t#e sa,e t#ing.
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0... -re t#ese t!o a)!a+s )i"e t#is76 01t #as %een t#is !a+ sin(e t#e+ &irst ,et. #e+ e9(#anged ,an+
Vira)t
insu)ts and pointed t#eir HBragoni( oo)I at one anot#er. @ou !ou)d not t#in" t#e+ %e)ong to t#e sa,e (ountr+.6 01 see. 'o #o! do !e stop t#is76 0 #oug# 1 #ave an idea o& !#o (an stop it$ s#e is too &ar a!a+. 2e (an on)+ )eave t#ese t!o unti) t#e+ &inis#.6 3i,.s e9pression ()ear)+ s#o!ed resignation and an unusua) &atigue. igre stirred #is du)) red #air and stee)ed #is reso)ve. --- I'm not sure how easy it will be to get along with this girl. ;o!ever$ #e sti)) #ad so,et#ing to as" 3ud,ira. igre pu))ed out a (#air ()ose to #i,$ purpose)+ ,a"ing a )oud noise. 'ei=ing t#e ,o,ent$ !#i)e t#eir ver%a) !ar !as interrupted$ igre stood %et!een 3ud,ira and :))en. 01 do not %e)ieve 1 #ave introdu(ed ,+se)& +et. M+ na,e is igrevur,ud Vorn.6 #oug# #e s,i)ed a!"!ard)+$ #e presented #is #and to 3ud,ira. 3ud,ira g)an(ed at #is #and and t#en )oo"ed up$ as i& appraising igre.
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0 igre. #is !o,an is not a guest. #ere.s no need to re(eive #er.6 :))en spo"e de&iant)+ %e#ind #i,. igre !as trou%)ed as #is #and sti)) re,ained %e&ore #i,. 0*** 1 suppose so. 1 a, (ertain)+ not a guest.6 '#e ,uttered in a voi(e so s,a))$ even igre (ou)d not #ear it. 3ud,ira turned a!a+ and spo"e over #er s#ou)der. 0C)ease (o,e !it# ,e$ :ar) igrevur,ud Vorn.6 #oug# igre and 3i, !ere surprised %+ #er !ords$ :))en !as t#e one to rea(t ,ost strong)+. '#e stood up angri)+ &ro, #er (#air and pus#ed it over. 02#a... @ou$ !#at do +ou !ant>76 3ud,ira responded (a),)+ seeing :))en.s une9pe(ted)+ red &a(e. 01 #ave (o,e #ere to ,eet t#is ,an. #oug# 1 !as going to -)sa(e$ 1 re,e,%ered +our vi))a and dropped %+.6 02#at %usiness do +ou #ave !it# ,e76 #e (aution in igre.s voi(e !as ,u&&)ed as #e as"ed. 01t is not#ing spe(ta(u)ar. 1 si,p)+ !is# to spea" a )itt)e. 1s t#at a pro%)e,76 0;o)d it.6
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1t !as not igre %ut :))en !#o responded. '#e stood ne9t to igre and sto,ped on t#e &)oor %e&ore g)aring at 3ud,ira. 0 #is gu+.s ,ine. 1 de(ide !#at #e does.6 0O#7 2ere +ou not e,p)o+ed %+ :ar) Vorn76 :))en &ound #erse)& at a )oss &or !ords. #e edge o& #er ,out# #ad (ra,ped up as s#e desperate)+ t#oug#t o& !#at to sa+. igre de(ided to #e)p #er. 0Our re)ations#ip is ()oser to t#at o& e/ua)s. 1 a, s#o!ing ,+ respe(t as #er e,p)o+er.6 3ud,ira a((epted t#e ans!er &or t#e ti,e %eing. '#e t#en turned to!ard :))en and s,i)ed aggressive)+. 0 #oug# +ou said +ou !is#ed to ta)"$ is it not possi%)e to do so #ere76 0-s :)eanora #as said$ 1 a, not a guest. -)so$ 1 !ou)d )i"e to spea" !it#out ot#ers #earing our (onversation$ i& possi%)e.6 igre )oo"ed at :))en. -&ter seeing igre and 3ud,ira !it# a sour &a(e$ :))en sig#ed. 03et.s ,ove t#en. 1t.s a %it %e&ore s(#edu)e$ %ut )et.s go to Eodni(".6
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#e+ )e&t t#e #ouse#o)d and rode t#eir #orses do!n a s)ope. <eneat# t#e e,pt+ s"+ !as a vast$ &)at ,eado!. :))en and 3i, )ed t#e !a+ !it# igre and 3ud,ira &o))o!ing a&ter!ard. 1t !as done t#is !a+ %e(ause :))en and 3ud,ira ()ear)+ did not !ant to %e near ea(# ot#er. 1t !as 3i,.s jo% to (a), :))en do!n$ )eaving igre ne9t to t#e %)ue* #aired Vanadis. 02#at is it +ou !is# to as" o& ,e76 ;aving %een as"ed %)unt)+$ 3ud,ira !as )ost in t#oug#t &or a ,o,ent %e&ore turning to igre. 01 !is# to "no! t#e reason !#+ +ou are &ig#ting Bu"e #enardier.6 igre !as ta"en a%a(". ;e )oo"ed intent)+ at 3ud,ira.s &a(e invo)untari)+? #e did not "no! !#+ #e !as as"ed. -s t#e+ ,oved &or!ard$ igre e9p)ained Bu"e #enardier.s ar,+ atta("ed -)sa(e. 2#en igre pus#ed t#e, %a("$ Daien #ad %een "i))ed. 01 t#in" it a natura) t#ing t#at 1 prote(ted -)sa(e$ %ut 1 don.t t#in" Bu"e #enardier !i)) !it#dra!.6 0Bo +ou #ave a (#an(e o& !inning76 0 #at... 1 don.t "no!.6
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igre !as unsure. :ven !it# :))en$ Massas$ and -ugre %+ #is side$ #e (ou)d not %e (ertain. 01 do not t#in" it possi%)e +ou (ou)d !in against Bu"e #enardier.6 #e p)ains !ere interrupted %+ t#e !i)derness as t#e+ ,oved a!a+ &ro, t#e residen(e. 3ud,ira (ontinued as s#e !at(#ed :))en.s %a(". 0Bu"e #enardier #as ,an+ a))ies %ot# inside and outside t#e (ountr+. 1 a, one o& t#e,.6 0... 2i)) +ou %ring +our ar,+ into <rune )i"e :))en76 01& 1 judge it to %e ne(essar+.6 ;o!ever$ 3ud,ira.s !#ite ri%%on ,oved as s#e s#oo" #er #ead. 0'i,p)+ )eading an ar,+ is not t#e on)+ &or, o& (ooperation. Mone+$ &ood$ ar,or$ in&or,ation... 1 (an #e)p si,p)+ %+ sending t#ose. :ven pu%)i( state,ents ,a+ in&)uen(e pu%)i( opinions. Bo +ou #ave su(# a))ies76 igre (ou)d not ans!er. #oug# #e !as not !it#out a))ies$ t#e di&&eren(e in nu,%ers !as too )arge. 3ud,ira sig#ed ostentatious)+ !#i)e igre re,ained si)ent. '#e )oo"ed up at #i, !it# (onte,pt in #er e+es. --- Those eyes.
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#e+ !ere t#e reason igre (ou)d not get a good i,pression o& t#e Vanadis !it# %)ue #air as s#e /uarre)ed !it# :))en. 0Bo +ou )oo" at ever+one )i"e t#at76 #oug# igre tried to suppress #is &ee)ings as ,u(# as possi%)e$ t#e+ sti)) )ea"ed &ro, #is voi(e. 3ud,ira.s e+es narro!ed /ui(")+$ tinged !it# a (o)d #osti)it+. 0... #oug# in&or,a)$ t#is is t#e &irst ti,e a ,an #as insu)ted ,e on our &irst ,eeting.6 01 #ave a)so never ,et a person !#o #as neg)e(ted #er se)&* introdu(tion &or su(# a )ong ti,e.6 igre responded !it# a jo"e as #e &eigned ignoran(e. ;e &e)t as i& a s!ord or spear !as pointed to #is (#est. igre )oo"ed %a(" at 3ud,ira as a (o)d s!eat !et #is pa),. -&ter a ti,e$ 3ud,ira )oo"ed do!n!ard /uiet)+. 0*** 1 suppose so. 1t is as +ou sa+.6 3ud,ira %o!ed in apo)og+$ surprising igre. #is gir) #ad s#o!n a (oer(ive attitude sin(e s#e &irst appeared in t#e residen(e. '#e !as aggressive and )oo"ed and spo"e to ot#ers in (onte,pt. ;e !ou)d never t#in" s#e !ou)d apo)ogi=e. 01 !i)) sa+ t#is. @ou s#ou)d not (a)) ,e so poor)+. Ca)) ,e 3urie* sa,a.6
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3ud,ira s,i)ed )ig#t)+ as i& it !ere a natura) t#ing. 0... 1s it good to spea" so &or,a))+ so,eone !#o ,ig#t %e(o,e an ene,+76 0@ou s#ou)d (orre(t #o! +ou spea".6 #e Vanadis !it# %)ue #air ,ade t#at de()aration to igre !it# a strong tone. igre &e)t a strong pressure !#i(# ,ade spea"ing di&&i(u)t as s#e stared at #i, !it# #er pupi)s o& &ro=en jasper. 0@ou are an :ar) o& t#is (ountr+$ and 1 a, a Vanadis. Ander nor,a) (ir(u,stan(es$ +ou !ou)d not %e per,itted to ride +our #orse ne9t to ,e.6 igre (ou)d not (on(ea) #is e,%arrass,ent. ;e ti)ted #is #ead and ran #is #and t#roug# #is red #air. #oug# #e did not t#in" s#e !as angr+$ a&ter t#in"ing a%out it$ #e "ne! s#e !as (orre(t. --- The 2anadis kneel only to the 0ing, according to that story. -pp)+ing t#is to <rune Fingdo,$ t#e Vanadis !ou)d (orrespond to t#e po!er&u) aristo(rats )i"e #enardier and 5ane)on$ and individua)s in positions su(# as Cri,e Minister$ 5rand C#a,%er)ain$ and 5enera)s. '#e !as (ertain)+ &ar a%ove a (ountr+ aristo(rat )i"e igre. --- I guess I'm too used to )llen. :))en !as spe(ia). ;e needed to re,e,%er t#at. igre$ seeing 3ud,ira.s sin(ere e9pression$ %o!ed o%edient)+.6 01 apo)ogi=e? #o!ever$ !ou)d +ou pardon ,e i& 1 (a)) +ou 3ud,ira* sa,a7 For so,eone &ro, <rune$ it is ,u(# easier to sa+.6
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1t !as true. 3ud,ira did not ans!er igre i,,ediate)+ and )oo"ed at :))en.s %a(". For an instan(e$ t#ere !as a #int o& env+ and )one)iness in #er pro&i)e. 0... 'o +ou (a)) :)eanora :))en76 Eat#er t#an as"ing #i, a /uestion$ s#e !as ,uttering to #erse)&. 01 !i)) a))o! it sin(e our asso(iation !i)) %e s#ort. -)so$ !#at is it +ou !is#ed to sa+ a%out ,+ e+es76 igre spo"e in&or,a))+ as #e nor,a))+ did %ut (orre(ted #i,se)& in a pani(. 0@ou )oo" do!n on ot#ers.6 1t !as not an assu,ption. ;e (ou)d sa+ t#at !it# (ertaint+. igre #ad %een t#e re(ipient o& su(# e+es on (ount)ess o((asions. #e po!er&u) aristo(rats and t#eir sons$ Daien in()uded$ t#e !o,en o& t#e (ourt$ and t#e Fnig#ts a)) ,ade )ig#t o& t#e %o!. 0Can +ou si,p)+ s,i)e and )oo" &avora%)+ on poor)+ ,ade ,ea)s or terri%)+ dra!n paintings76 3ud,ira spo"e as i& s#e !ere a,used. 0'o +ou t#in" it natura) to despise and #u,i)iate peop)e o& poor (#ara(ter76 0... 1 do. -t )east$ &or t#ose o& #ig# standing.6 3ud,ira )oo"ed a!a+ as s#e gave #i, an ans!er. #e Vanadis !it# t#e spear (ontinued to spea".
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0:ar) Vorn. 1 #ave #eard o& +ou %e&ore. @ou are a person !it# )itt)e s"i)) !it# !eaponr+. <e&ore$ +ou presented +our #and to ,e. 1t !as ()ear)+ not o& so,eone !#o !ie)ds t#e spirit o& eit#er t#e s!ord or t#e spear. #oug# +our %o! ar, ,a+ %e good$ t#e s!ord and spear are !#at is va)ued. @our s"i)) #as no ,eaning in <rune.6 igre s(rat(#ed #is #ead in si)en(e. 1t is true #e )ived a )i&e unre)ated to &a,e or ,i)itar+ servi(es. 0@ou #ave not#ing !ort# ,ention. Bignit+$ (#ar,$ respe(t$ even so,et#ing odd$ 1 #ave &e)t not#ing &ro, +ou. #oug# :)eanora #as %e(o,e +our a))+... 1 (annot understand !#+. 2#at on eart# did +ou sa+ to #er76 igre &ina))+ understood. #is Vanadis !as interested in #i,. 01 !ant +ou to )end ,e +our strengt#. #at is a)) 1 said.6 <e(ause it !as not a )ie$ igre !as a%)e to ans!er natura))+. -)so$ sin(e #e #ad %een insu)ted$ #e de(ided to go on t#e (ounter* o&&ensive a )itt)e. 0:ven i& t#ere !ere so,et#ing e)se$ do +ou t#in" 1 !ou)d te)) so,eone !#o ,ig#t %e(o,e ,+ ene,+7 #is is even ,ore true &or a (#i)dis# gir) !#o (an %are)+ to)erate a s,a)) insu)t and starts an argu,ent in so,eone e)se.s #ouse.6 0@ou (an assu,e t#at is 0... @ou are /uite s"i))&u) !it# +our !ords.6 3ud,ira s,i)ed. 1t !as appro9i,ate)+ 10L praise$ !it# t#e re,ainder %eing (onte,pt. '#e )oo"ed up at igre !it# e+es as o& s#e !ere a%so)ute)+ superior.
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0<+ t#e !a+$ 1 a)so #ad a /uestion 1 !is#ed to as".6 igre spo"e o& t#e %and o& t#ieves t#e+ #ad su%jugated in t#e Vos+es Mountains and ,entioned t#e+ !ore ar,or &ro, O),ut=. 0-((ording to :))en$ +ou are t#e one governing O),ut=.6 0Bo +ou !is# to sa+ t#at 1 organi=ed t#e t#ieves and sent t#e,76 '#e )oo"ed at #i, di&&erent)+ &ro, %e&ore. -n intense anger e,itted &ro, #er petite %od+. --- #he's une*(ectedly tem(eramental. 04o$ t#at.s not /uite rig#t. 1 t#oug#t +ou ,ig#t "no! !#o so)d it$ sin(e t#e ar,or !as so ne!.6 0 #at is i,possi%)e.6 3ud,ira ans!ered in a &it o& anger$ t#ro!ing #i, o&&. 0 #oug# it ta"es ti,e and e&&ort$ !e ,a"e a )arge /uantit+ o& t#e,. <ot# aristo(rats and ,er(#ants pur(#ase t#e,$ as !e)) as peop)e &ro, ot#er (ountries su(# as <rune and Muo=ine)$ and even t#e distant )ands )i"e 'a(#stein and -svarre. @ou s#ou)d not t#in" !e are on t#e sa,e s(a)e as -)sa(e.6 ;er !ords !ere e&&e(tive$ (o,p)ete)+ si)en(ing igre. 'oon a&ter!ard$ igre and t#e ot#ers rea(#ed Eodni(".
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Eodni("$ rat#er t#an a to!n$ gave t#e i,pression o& a )arge vi))age. #ere !as not#ing around t#e to!n %ut !i)derness$ and it !as &ar &ro, t#e ,ain roads. #oug# a )arge river &)o!ed t#roug# t#e (enter o& t#e to!n$ not#ing see,ed out o& t#e ordinar+. #e !a)) surrounding t#e vi))age !as ,ade o& stones pi)ed up to !aist #eig#t$ and t#e &en(e si,p)+ (onsisted o& )ogs o& !ood. #e soi) !as #ardened$ and t#e !eeds !ere re,oved. ',a)) pe%%)es )a+ s(attered a%out t#e street )i"e an+ ot#er road. #e #ouses !ere si,p)e !it# !a))s ,ade o& !ood (overed in p)aster and t#at(#ed roo&s. #oug# t#ere !ere a &e! sta))s a)ong t#e ,ain street$ t#e+ (ou)d easi)+ %e (ounted. 0 #is p)a(e #as not#ing.6 01& +ou t#in" so$ t#en )eave. 1 !i)) g)ad)+ send +ou o&&.6 3ud,ira ,uttered #er i,pression in a %oring ,anner as s#e !a)"ed a)ong !it# #er #orse. :))en responded$ ()ear)+ s#o!ing #er disp)easure. --- It certainly does seem like 'udmira says, but it doesn't eel (oor or deserted. 01s t#ere so,et#ing in t#is to!n76 3eaving t#e t!o Vanadis$ igre spo"e to 3i,.
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02#+ do +ou t#in" so76 01 don.t understand #o! t#e peop)e #ave enoug# to eat. #ere are &e! &ie)ds in t#e surroundings$ and t#e roads are &ar a!a+$ so t#e+ s#ou)dn.t #ave ,u(# %usiness.6 #e #ouse!ives a,used t#e,se)ves %+ gat#ering at t#e sta))s and (#atting$ and t#e s,i)es o& t#e (#i)dren running %et!een #ouses !ere %rig#t and (are&ree. Men a,used t#e,se)ves !it# (#ess in t#e gardens$ and$ t#oug# anti/uated$ t#ere !ere ,an+ (#i)dren sitting on t#eir "nees$ )istening to t#e e)der)+ te)) a stor+. #oug# it !as not &)as#+ or )oud$ ever+one see,ed #app+. 1t !as an at,osp#ere igre enjo+ed. 01t )oo"s )i"e +ou did a good jo% o& noti(ing$ igre. -s e9pe(ted o& ,+ partner !#o di&&ers &ro, a (ertain s,a)) Vanadis.6 ;earing igre.s !ords$ :))en turned around and )aug#ed jo+&u))+. 0 #ere is a #ot spring #ere. #at.s !#+ 1 %roug#t +ou #ere.6 0-ren.t #ot springs in t#e #eart o& t#e ,ountain7 Bon.t +ou o&ten seen deer and ,on"e+s...6 3i, )oo"ed at igre !it# a,a=e,ent and (orre(ted #i,. 0 #e+ are not ne(essari)+ )i,ited to t#e #eart o& t#e ,ountains.6 0For t#is to!n$ t#e+ !ere digging &or a !e)) %ut &ound a #ot spring instead. 1t.s over t#ere.6 :))en pointed to a distant %ui)ding ,ade o& stone. 1ts si=e !as t#e sa,e as :))en.s vi))a$ t#oug# it )i"e)+ e9tended t!i(e as &ar. #e roo& !as &)at and !as parti(u)ar)+ (onspi(uous &or t#e to!n.
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01t.s a pu%)i( %at#. #ere are t#ree areas$ ea(# !it# a #ot !ater pipe to a))o! t#e !ater to &)o! in. -)so...6 -t t#at ti,e$ :))en.s !ords !ere interrupted as s#e turned #er ga=e to a near%+ sta)). #e s,e)) dri&ted to igre.s nose? it !as a sta)) !#i(# so)d !#eat porridge. --- That's right, we haven't eaten anything since this morning, and it's (retty late. 0'#ou)d !e get a %ite to eat76 :))en see,ed to #ave trou%)e ,a"ing t#e proposa)$ so igre spo"e up &or #er. igre !as a)so #ungr+. 0@ea#$ +ou.re rig#t. 3et.s do t#at.6 #oug# :))en nodded and grinned !ide)+ )i"e a (#i)d$ 3ud,ira spo"e s#ri))+ as s#e )oo"ed at :))en in astonis#,ent. 0 #ere is no need. -s a Vanadis$ 1 !i)) not eat a street sta))... :ven so$ 1 a, not #ungr+.6 -s s#e said t#at$ 3ud,ira.s sto,a(# gave o&& a sound. #oug# it !as /uiet$ 4eit#er igre$ :))en$ nor 3i, ,issed it. 3i, )oo"ed a!a+ as i& s#e #ad not #eard it? #o!ever$ :))en.s s#ou)ders s#oo" as s#e #e)d in #er )aug#ter. '#e )oo"ed do!n at 3ud,ira !it# an un%eara%)+ #app+ &a(e. 01 see. #e great Vanadis 3ud,ira*sa,a (ou)d not possi%)+ eat !#eat porridge &ro, a sta)).6
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urning a%out$ :))en %ris")+ !a)"ed to t#e sta)) and paid severa) (opper (oins. '#e returned (a),)+ !it# a !ooden %o!) &u)) o& porridge. Bue to t#e &res# #er%s$ t#e porridge #ad a re&res#ing s(ent !#i(# sti,u)ated igre.s nose. :))en purpose)+ stood in &ront o& 3ud,ira and s)o!)+ %roug#t t#e porridge to #er ,out# !it# #er !ooden spoon. --- #o, #o childish... igre.s i,pression !as &or %ot# :))en and 3ud,ira. 2#i)e #e t#oug#t a%out !#et#er #e s#ou)d separate t#e t!o$ 3ud,ira narro!ed #er e+es and &ro!ned. ;er &a(e !as pa)e in anger. 2it#out ,oving$ s#e tig#t)+ grasped #er &ist and g)ared at :))en. 0:)eanora*sa,a.6 #oug# 3i, &ro!ned and ad,onis#ed :))en$ :))en did not %ot#er to )isten. ;e re,e,%ered t#eir (onversation in t#e ,ansion. #oug# #e understood :))en dis)i"ed 3ud,ira$ it see,ed a %it over t#e top. 0... M+ sto,a(#.s a %it e,pt+. Ma+ 1 %u+ so,e ,ore76 2#en #e as"ed 3i,$ :))en nodded in (on&ir,ation. igre !a)"ed to t#e stand and ordered t!o portions &or 3i, and #i,se)&. 01., prett+ #ungr+. Bo +ou ,ind giving ,e so,e ,ore76
177
igre as"ed t#e ,an as #e passed #i, a &e! (opper (oins. #e porridge in()uded %ird ,eat$ nuts$ and ,an+ s!eet #er%s$ !#i(# great)+ sti,u)ated t#e appetite. Bue to #o! it !as seasoned$ a)ong !it# #is #unger$ #e t#oug#t #e !ou)d %e a%)e to eat a )ot. igre too" t#e %o!) and !a)"ed %a(" to :))en and t#e ot#ers. Fortunate)+$ a &ig#t #ad not +et o((urred. igre presented t#e !ooden %o!) &u)) o& porridge to 3ud,ira. 01& +ou.d )i"e$ !ou)d +ou #ave so,e7 Ma+%e it.s %e(ause 1., ,a)e$ %ut #e gave ,e a %it too ,u(#.6 1& #e did not as" t#is !a+$ t#e gir) pro%a%)+ !ou)d not eat. #oug# #e #ad no o%)igation to do so$ igre !anted to avoid a dangerous at,osp#ere. #oug# #e !as a,a=ed %+ 3ud,ira.s (#i)dis# o%stina(+$ #e t#oug#t it a )itt)e p)easing. 0... 1& t#at is t#e (ase$ 1 !i)) a((ept.6 3ud,ira ti,id)+ e9tended #er #and and too" t#e !ooden %o!). '#e %)e! on t#e porridge to (oo) it do!n. 0... 1t is not %ad.6 0 #at.s good.6 01 !i)) re,e,%er t#is$ :ar) Vorn.6 #ere !as neit#er ,o("er+ nor ridi(u)e. 3ud,ira )oo"ed up at igre !it# a s,a))$ %ut inno(ent s,i)e.
178
04e9t ti,e$ 1 !i)) treat +ou to tea.6 1,,ediate)+ a&ter s#e t#an"ed #i,$ #e %reat#ed in re)ie& in #is ,ind. :))en sudden)+ gripped igre.s (o))ar and dragged #i, a!a+ a&ter #anding #er porridge to 3i,. 02#+ did +ou do t#at76 0 #at.s ,+ )ine.6 :))en g)ared at igre su))en)+. ;e gave #er an aggressive ga=e in return. 01t.s one t#ing i& +ou.re &riends$ %ut +ou t!o ()ear)+ aren.t. ;o! (ou)d 1 possi%)+ !at(# t#at76 0@ou %e)ong to ,e. :ven so***6 :))en raised #er voi(e !#en s#e noti(ed a passing ,ot#er and (#i)d (#i)d. '#e (ou)d #ear t#e peop)e ta)" a%out t#e t!o as i& t#e+ !ere %)ind)+ #aving a passionate )overs. /uarre). :))en.s &a(e &)us#ed red$ and s#e )oo"ed do!n!ard in si)en(e. #oug# igre a)so #eard t#e peop)e$ #e re(ited t#e na,e o& t#e Cant#eon o& 5ods in #is ,ind and desperate)+ (a),ed #i,se)&. 0... ;e+$ :))en.6 <e(ause igre spo"e in a su%dued voi(e$ :))en %e(a,e (a),. 01 "no! t#ere are peop)e +ou (an.t )i"e? it.s t#e sa,e &or ,e. <ut i& +ou "eep up !it# t#is$ +ou.)) on)+ get tired and &or(e +ourse)& into a (orner.6
178
:))en )oo"ed at igre !it# up*turned e+es. 0... -re +ou te))ing ,e to gro! up76 0Gust re)a9 a )itt)e %it. 1t.s %etter to spend +our ti,e )aug#ing t#an %eing angr+. 1& +ou "eep t#is up$ +ou.)) go %a)d ear)+. :))en did not respond to #is poor jo"e. #oug# s#e )oo"ed at igre in &rustration$ t#e irritation radiating &ro, #er %od+ s)o!)+ su%sided. 0... 1 got it.6 <e&ore )ong$ :))en said t#ose !ords !it# a sig#. '#e eventua))+ s,i)ed %rig#t)+ in t#e ,anner igre !as a((usto,ed to seeing. 0@ou.re rig#t. 1 t#in" it.s %est to spend ,+ ti,e s,i)ing. 1.d rat#er not %ot#er !it# 3ud,ira$ and it.s not good to give +ou and 3i, unne(essar+ an9iet+. 'ti))...6 :))en rea(#ed out and )ig#t)+ pin(#ed igre.s nose$ t#oug# it !as )ig#t enoug# t#at #e did not &ee) pain. igre %)in"ed in (on&usion$ sin(e #e did not understand :))en.s intent. :))en g)ared at #i, !it# a ,i9ture o& e,%arrass,ent and e,otiona) dependen(e? it !as a di&&i(u)t e9pression. 0... 3i"e 1 t#oug#t$ 1 (an.t %e #app+ t#at +ou gave t#at !o,an so,e porridge. -t )east )et ,e do t#is ,u(#.6
180
igre !as surprised as t#e+ passed t#roug# t#e entran(e o& t#e %at##ouse. 1t !as not si,p)+ a %at##ouse? t#ere !as a tavern and inn inside as !e)). #e guests a,used t#e,se)ves !it# (ards and (#ess in t#e spa(ious roo,s$ and t#e guests (#atted at t#e %ar a&ter )eaving t#e #ot !ater. #ere !ere sta))s !it# s"e!ers o& ,eet$ ,us#roo,s$ and #er%s$ and ot#ers t#at so)d ,inera) !ater in s,a)) %ott)es. 1t !as over&)o!ing !it# vigor$ #eat$ and e9(ite,ent. igre )oo"ed a%out in %)an" surprise? :))en stood proud)+ as s#e spo"e.. 01t see,s a Vanadis ,an+ generations ago )i"ed t#e #ot springs #ere. ;e e9e,pted t#e, &ro, ta9es so )ong as t#e+ ,aintained t#e %at##ouse$ t#oug# t#e ta9es !eren.t t#at #ig# to %egin !it#.6 01s it possi%)e s#e %ui)t t#e vi))a t#ere so s#e (ou)d easi)+ rea(# t#is to!n76 3ud,ira as"ed :))en$ una%)e to #ide #er a,a=e,ent. 0'in(e t#e Vanadis %ui)t it t#ere$ 1 !ou)d t#in" so. 2e))$ t#at !ou)d not %e reason enoug#. '#e )i"e)+ used it to inspe(t t#e area around t#e Vos+es Mountains.6 3i, &inis#ed (#e("ing in at t#e #ote). o avoid use)ess /uarre)s$ s#e reserved t#ree roo,s &or igre$ :))en and 3i,$ and 3ud,ira.
181
#oug# t#e roo,s !ere s,a)) and #ad a s,a)) !indo! on t#e !a)) and a sing)e %ed$ t#e &)oors !ere ()eaned$ and t#e )inens !ere )aundered. -s soon as #e sett)ed do!n$ igre postponed #is ,ea) and #is trip to t#e %at#s. igre &irst ,aintained #is %o!$ t#oug#$ sin(e it !as read+ to use at on(e$ #e did not#ing spe(ta(u)ar. ;e !iped it t#e dust o&& !it# a (oarse ()ot# and ru%%ed #one+ into it !it# #is s"in. -&ter!ard$ #e (are&u))+ e9a,ined #is )eat#er ar,or and s#oes. :))en "no("ed on t#e door as #e &inis#ed #is !or". 0@ou sti)) #aven.t gone to t#e %at#s +et76 :))en.s &a(e !as strange)+ &)us#ed as s#e as"ed. '#e !as a )itt)e )arge &or t#e ro%e s#e !ore. 'in(e it !as s)eeve)ess$ it !as eas+ to see #er a,p)e %oso,. ;er si)ver*!#ite #air !as sti)) !et$ and a ,+sterious s,e)) dri&ted &ro, #er t#in ar,s e9tending &ro, #er ()ot#es. ;e !as trou%)ed %+ !#ere to )oo". 01.)) s#o! +ou !#ere to go. #oug# t#ere are t#ree %at#s$ one o& t#e, #as %een reserved &or t#e Vanadis. 1t.s so !e (an use it at an+ ti,e.6 igre )oo"ed a!a+ !#i)e pretending to (on(entrate on #is %o!? #o!ever$ s#e #ad (o,p)ete)+ seen t#roug# #i,.
182
0@ou ()ear)+ sa! ,e at t#e 1,peria) Ca)a(e. #ere.s no need to &ee) s#+ no!.6 :))en (#u(")ed as s#e p)a+ed !it# t#e #e, o& #er ro%e. igre )et out a s,a)) %reat# and (o))e(ted #i,se)& %e&ore )eaving t#e roo,. ;e #eaded to!ard t#e %at##ouse %ased on :))en.s dire(tions$ so #e arrived rat#er /ui(")+. #ere !as a di,)+ )it dressing roo, as soon as #e opened t#e door. #e %at#s !ere &urt#er in. --- I wonder i the structure is the same or the other baths. ;e too" #is ()ot#es o&& and p)a(ed t#e, in a rattan %as"et. igre pus#ed t#e door open. ;e invo)untari)+ )et out a groan. #e %at# !as sp)endid)+ ,ade. - t#i(" stea, s#rouded t#e %at#$ !#i(# !as )ined !it# ,ar%)e ti)es o& di&&erent (o)ors. 'tones paved t#e area !it#out a sing)e gap %et!een$ )i"e a (o%%)estone street. -)ong one !a)) !as an i,age o& a pit(#*%)a(" giant dragon. 1t see,ed to represent a Vanadis. ;o!ever$ igre (ou)d #ard)+ see t#e,. One gir) stood in t#e %at#. 1t !as 3ud,ira. '#e !as not !earing an+ stit(# o& ()ot#ing. ;er &air s"in !as &aint)+ d+ed red$ and t#e #ot !ater dripped &ro, t#e tip o& #er %)ue #air. igre !as una%)e to )oo" a!a+ &ro, #er %od+ due to #is s#o(" and astonis#,ent.
184
2#i)e 3ud,ira a)so stood$ as i& s#e !ere ,ade o& stone$ s#e re(overed &irst and pi("ed up #er spear on t#e &)oor. '#ortening t#e distan(e in a ,o,ent$ s#e #ad t#rust t#e spear %e&ore igre.s &a(e. 0... 1 didn.t t#in" peop)e %roug#t !eapons into t#e %at#.6 #ose !ere t#e !ords t#at &ina))+ )e&t igre.s ,out#. #oug# #e tried to turn #is &a(e a!a+ &ro, 3ud,ira.s na"ed %od+$ #er spear ,oved /ui(")+$ preventing #i, &ro, doing so. #oug# #e s#ut #is e+es$ t#e s(ene #e sa! a ,o,ent %e&ore !as %urnt on t#e %a(" o& #is e+e)ids. 0A,$ +ou s#ou)d (over +ourse)&. 1sn.t it e,%arrassing76 01s it e,%arrassing to %e seen %+ a (at or a dog76 1t !as a pro,pt ans!er. ;er /uiet voi(e !as tinged !it# anger. igre (ou)d not o%je(t? i& #e opened #is e+es at t#is ti,e$ t#oug#$ #e !ou)d see t#at #er e+es tre,%)ed !it# anger$ and #er spear s#oo" out o& e,%arrass,ent. --- That's right, )llen had the #ilver ,lash nearby when she bathed.
Vira)t
#e Vanadis a)!a+s #ad t#e HBragoni( oo)I !it#in grasp. 0... 5iven #o! +ou )oo"$ it see,s +ou did not (o,e to #u,i)iate ,e.6 01t !as an a((ident. 1t !as ,+ &au)t &or not (#e("ing to see i& so,eone in #ere$ t#oug#.6 0@our )anguage.6
185
01 apo)ogi=e.6 '#ort)+ a&ter$ t#e air s#oo" and a #ard o%je(t stru(" igre.s #ead. ;e #e)d #is #ead in response to t#e pain. <e(ause igre.s e+es !ere ()osed$ #e !as de&ense)ess? #e &e)) to t#e &)oor in agon+. 3ud,ira gave a snort and %ris")+ !a)"ed a!a+. igre &ina))+ opened #is e+es on(e #e #eard t#e door s!i&t)+ ()ose %e#ind #i,. ears %)otted #is e+es and #e #e)d #is #ead as #e stood up. ;e )oo"ed do!n at #is %od+ !#i(# !as not (overed %+ a ()ot#. 0'een %+ a (at or a dog$ is it...6 1t !as ver+ di&&i(u)t &or igre to (onsider it in t#at ,anner. 1n(identa))+$ it )ater %e(a,e ()ear t#at t#is en(ounter !as set up %+ :))en. 1t !as #er )itt)e %it o& ,is(#ie&$ sin(e it re/uired igre #ead to t#e %at# i,,ediate)+.
#e ne9t ,orning$ igre and t#e ot#ers )e&t Eodni(" and #eaded to t#e ,ain road. #e+ !ou)d rea(# t#e road 1,peria) Ca)a(e %e&ore ,idda+.
186
#e s"+ !as dar"$ and t#i(" gra+ ()ouds (overed t#e s"+$ #era)ding t#e arriva) o& rain. -s igre and t#e ot#ers advan(ed on t#eir #orses$ t#e at,osp#ere re,ained /uiet. 3ud,ira re,ained si)ent)+ as s#e (o)d)+ stared at igre$ !#o (ou)d do not#ing %ut endure? ,ean!#i)e$ :))en si,p)+ s,i)ed !r+)+ as s#e !at(#ed t#e t!o. #oug# 3i, )oo"ed at igre in s+,pat#+$ s#e (ou)d not erase t#e signs o& s#o(" and (onte,pt in #er e+es. 1n(identa))+$ t#e &our "ne! it !as a situation p)anned %+ :))en. #e !i)derness ended as t#e ,eado! spread out %e&ore t#e,. #e+ &o))o!ed a s,a)) road !#i(# !ou)d %e sure to ,eet t#e ,ain #ig#!a+s. 0@ou***6 2#en t#e+ #ad entered t#e !oods$ :))en spo"e to 3ud,ira. 0@ou said +ou (a,e to see !#at "ind o& ,an igre !as. Bid +ou ,anage to a(#ieve +our goa)76 #e &orest gre! t#i("$ and t#e need)es o& t#e (+press trees re,ained t#roug#out t#e !inter. #e !eat#er !as poor as !e))$ ,a"ing t#e &orest see, even dar"er. #e road !as narro! and %u,p+$ !#i(# &urt#er &ue)ed an+ sense o& unease. 0*** @es. 1 understand #i, /uite !e)).6 3ud,ira ans!ered (urt)+ !it# an un&riend)+ tone. 0;e is a !ort#)ess ,an !#o is so,e!#at good !it# !ords. 1 do not "no! !#+ +ou are !it# su(# a ,an... %ut 1 suppose a dog !i)) go !it# a dog$ and a (at !i)) go !it# a (at. 1n t#at !a+$ #e suits +ou /uite !e)).6
187
3ud,ira over #er s#ou)der to!ard igre$ as i& staring at a pie(e o& dirt. igre (aug#t #er g)an(e$ %ut re&rained &ro, &or,ing a re%utta). #oug# it !as a((ording to :))en.s p)an$ it !as #is &au)t &or t#at s#e !as seen. 0*** 1 see. 1 got it.6 :))en s#oo" #er s#ou)ders in )aug#ter. 'eeing t#is$ 3ud,ira &ro!ned. 01 do not re(a)) sa+ing an+t#ing !ort# )aug#ing at.6 04o$ +ou said so,et#ing &unn+ just no!. 1t see,s +ou.re e+es aren.t good enoug# i& +ou (an.t see igre.s ,erits.6 01 did not t#in" t#e da+ !ou)d (o,e !#en 1 pitied +ou.6 3ud,ira (ou)d no )onger &ind an+ !ords to sa+ as s#e s#oo" #er #ead in &atigue. ;er !ords !ere part)+ sar(asti($ !it# t#e rest %eing #er true &ee)ings o& a,a=e,ent. On t#e ot#er #and$ !#i)e :))en tried to returned to #er previous attitude$ #er s,i)e disappeared and s#e spo"e. ;er e9pression %e(a,e serious as s#e pu))ed on t#e reins. 1t !as di&&i(u)t to te)) !#et#er #er instin(t or -ri&a).s !arning !as &aster. 3ud,ira a)so noti(ed it$ s#ort)+ a&ter :))en. igre and 3i,$ %e#ind t#e t!o$ #ad a)so &e)t it.
188
o t#e )e&t and rig#t !ere trees$ and t#ere !ere no s#ado!s in t#e vi(init+. #oug# t#e road !as straig#t and t#e+ (ou)d )oo" &ar a#ead$ t#e+ (ou)d not &ind pedd)ers$ trave)ers$ or even a sing)e #unter. ;o!ever$ t#ere !ere signs. #e+ #ad (are&u))+ approa(#ed )i"e %easts !#i(# &ound t#eir pra+$ #iding in t#e trees under t#e (over o& dar"ness. 0*** 2e.re surrounded.6 0-ssassins.6 :))en ,uttered to #erse)& )eisure)+ !#i)e 3i,.s &a(e tig#tened. 2#i)e igre and 3i, (ou)d not (on(ea) t#eir tension$ :))en and 3ud,ira (a),)+ prepared t#eir !eapons. Cer#aps t#e+ !ere a((usto,ed to it as Vanadis. 01t.s a %it )ate &or t#ieves to %e out #ere. 1 !onder !#o t#e+ are ai,ing &or.6 01t !ou)d %e eit#er +our ,e$ (orre(t76 3ud,ira spo"e as i& it !ere natura). :))en si,p)+ s,i)ed as s#e s#oo" #er #ead. 0 igre.s a !ort#!#i)e target no!$ as !e)). 1& igre dies$ Bu"e #enardier !ou)d ju,p &or jo+$ sin(e 1 !ou)d )eave <rune.6 01.d rat#er +ou not sa+ t#at so easi)+.6 igre e9pressed #is disgust as #e no("ed an arro! to #is %o!. #oug# #e did not !ant to %e)ieve it$ #e t#oug#t it possi%)e &or Bu"e #enardier.
188
--- "hat should I do! The enemy can attack while concealing their identity. I may have no choice but to use the horses as a shield. 0'#a)) !e turn %a("$ :)eanora*sa,a76 0On t#is narro! and roug# road7 #e+.)) de&inite)+ (o,e out$ #o!ever...6 :))en )oo"ed &or!ard and t#en )oo"ed %a(" at igre. 05ive ,e an arro!. Ana%)e to read #er intent$ igre passed #er an arro! &ro, t#e /uiver in #is sadd)e. :))en (asua))+ tossed it in t#e air. #e arro! rotated as it &)e! t#roug# t#e air. 'udden)+$ it sp)it in t!o and &e)) to t#e ground$ ,a"ing a dr+ sound. 0... 1 t#oug#t so.6 02#at !as t#at76 igre (ou)d not understand t#e spe(ta()e %e&ore #is e+es. :))en responded !it# an unp)easant e9pression. 0'tee) !ire. 1& it.s )o!$ it !i)) (ut +our &eet. 1& it.s #ig#$ it !i)) (ut +our ne(". #ere.s de&inite)+ ,ore t#an one.6 01 see.6
180
3ud,ira nodded in ad,iration. 0 #is group ,oved a#ead o& us and !aited &or us to approa(#.6 0 #e+ )i"e)+ set it up a#ead o& ti,e and !ou)d ta"e advantage o& it !#i)e !e ran a#ead to get rid o& t#e,. #e+ ,ust #ave e9p)ored t#is area /uite a %it.6 :))en ga=ed at t#e t#in road a)ong !#i(# ,u)tip)e stee) !ires !ere spread.
Veda
0:)eanora. Ase +our HBragoni( '"i))I and %)o! t#e, a!a+.6 01& t#e ground is destro+ed$ our #orses !i)) %e una%)e to ,ove &or!ard$ and t#e surrounding trees !i)) get (aug#t up in it.6 igre turned to 3i,$ #earing a !ord #e !as una((usto,ed to #earing. 03ord igrevur,ud$ do +ou re,e,%er !#en :)eanora*sa,a "i))ed
'uro
t#e :art# Bragon7 #oug# 1 did not see it$ :)eanora*sa,a did not use nor,a) ,eans to de&eat t#e Bragon. 0-#$ it.s true$ s#e #ad done it !#en s#e (a))ed out
3e+ -d,os
HC)eave t#e 2indI...6 0 #at is t#e na,e o& #er HBragoni( '"i))I6 igre t#an"ed 3i, and !as (a))ed %+ :))en. 0 igre. -n+ ideas7 #is &oo)is# !o,an doesn.t see, to !ant to do an+t#ing trou%)eso,e #erse)&.6 0Bo not te)) )ies. 1 si,p)+ said +ou s#ou)d use +our po!er &irst.6 igre &e)t ad,iration seeing t#e t!o Vanadis g)are at ea(# ot#er !#i)e ignoring t#e assassins in t#e vi(init+. ;e (ou)d not understand #o! t#e+ (ou)d re,ain so (a),.
181
--- They're that used to it! igre )oo"ed do!n t#e road !#ere t#e presen(e &e)t roug# as #e t#oug#t it a)) point)ess. ;e )oo"ed up at t#e s"+ ()ad in gra+ ()ouds and pu))ed out a s,a)) &)as" &ro, #is sadd)e. 2#en #e opened t#e )id o& t#e &)as"$ #e t#re! t#e !ater inside %e&ore #i,. - s,a)) sound o& !ater sp)as#ing on t#e ground a((o,panied t#e %)a(" stain o& !#ere t#e !ater &e)) to. 1n t#e air$ (ount)ess drops o& !ater &)oated$ dra!ing a straig#t )ine as t#e !ater ()ung to t#e stee) !ire. :))en and 3i, )oo"ed at #i, in ad,iration$ and even 3ud,ira (ou)d not #ide #er surprise. 01& t#ere.s )ig#t$ it %e(o,es easier to see t#is !a+... <+ t#e !a+$ !ou)d t#ere %e a trap i& !e !ere to (ut t#ese76 01 dou%t t#e+ (ou)d a&&ord t#e ti,e &or t#at. 2e )e&t Eodni(" toda+$ %ut t#e+ !ou)d need to "no! e9a(t)+ !#i(# pat# !e !ere #eading do!n.6 2#en :))en &inis#ed spea"ing$ a near%+ )ea& s!a+ed? it !as not done %+ t#e !ind. igre noti(ed it$ t#re! a!a+ #is &)as"$ and pro,pt)+ gra%%ed #is %o! and arro!s. ;o!ever$ #e did not no(" #is arro! in ti,e. ;is instin(t$ or per#aps so,et#ing a"in to intuition$ to)d igre o& a si)ent danger. ;e re,oved #is &oot &ro, t#e %rid)e$ &or(i%)+ too" a de&ensive position$ and ju,ped o&& #is #orse.
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1,,ediate)+ a&ter!ard$ an arro! !as re)eased &ro ,t#e dept#s o& t#e &orest at a tre,endous rate$ pier(ing t#e trun" o& a tree just %e+ond igre. 1& #e !as a ,o,ent )ate in ju,ping o&& or did not (rou(# to t#e ground$ it !ou)d #ave gone t#roug# #is (#est. --- There's more to come... 1n t#e %ran(#es and )eaves igre ai,ed at %e&ore$ a s,a)) &igure ju,ped out. #oug# #is stature !as s#ort )i"e a (#i)d.s$ t#e &a(e %e)ong to an adu)t ,a)e. #e ,an #e)d a (+)inder in #is t#in &ingers and turned its tip to igre. - need)e spouted &ro, t#e (+)inder. igre (ou)d not avoid it$ sin(e #is %od+ #ad not +et %een read+ to ,ove. #at ,o,ent$ as i& it s)id a)ong t#e ground$ a gust rus#ed %+. #e need)e tip pointed up!ard and &e)) to t#e ground. 2#en t#e ,an too" out a ne! need)e$ igre no("ed #is arro! and s#ot at a distan(e a need)e !ou)d rea(# #i,. #e arro! pier(ed deep)+ t#roug# t#e ,an.s #ead and stu(" into t#e tree %e#ind #i,. 0'o so.6 :))en s,i)ed to igre on t#e ground &ro, atop #er #orse !it# #er )ong s!ord$ t#e 'i)ver F)as#$ in #er #and. '#e #ad diverted t#e need)e #e !as una%)e to avoid. 0Ee)a9. @ou don.t need to !orr+ a%out arro!s or need)es #itting us as )ong as !e.re #ere.6
0@ou saved ,e. 'ave t#e jo"es &or )ater.6 3ud,ira )oo"ed do!n on t#e assassin.s (orpse !it# (o)d indi&&eren(e and nodded !it# (onvi(tion.
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0 #ese ,en are t#e 'even C#ains.6 0'even C#ains76 3i, as"ed in a parrot*)i"e &as#ion. 3ud,ira responded as i& it !ere a trivia) ,atter. 0 #e+ are a notorious$ seven ,an assassination group. 1t is ,+ &irst ti,e en(ountering t#e,.6 3ud,ira ,oved t#e tip o& t#e spear in #er #and to!ard t#e (orpse. '#e pointed to a tattoo in t#e s#ape o& a (#ain a)ong t#e %od+.s )e&t ar,. 0 #is tattoo is t#eir proo& o& identit+.6 0@ou "no! /uite a %it.6 <ot# igre and :))en )oo"ed at 3ud,ira in ad,iration. Eat#er t#an %oasting$ 3ud,ira responded as i& dis#eartened. 0 #at is natura). 1 #ave "no!)edge a((u,u)ated &ro, generation to generation o& t#e 3urie &a,i)+. 1 a, di&&erent &ro, a Vanadis !#o is &res# o&& t#e &ar,.6 #oug# :))en !as ()ear)+ o&&ended$ s#e did not retort. '#e too" a step or t!o %a(" on #er #orse in order to prote(t igre !#o #ad &ina))+ risen.
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3i, ,oved #er #orse a((ording)+ to prote(t :))en. #e air !igg)ed again as ,ove,ent o((urred in t#e %ran(#es and )eaves. igre and t#e ot#ers esta%)is#ed t#eir ar,s and too" (aution. 'udden)+$ a %)a(" s#ado! &e)) &ro, t#e %ran(#es o& t#e t#rees stret(#ed over 3i,. 1t !as t#e upper %od+ o& a ,an #anging upside do!n$ #anging o&& a %ran(# %+ t#e #is &eet. ;e #ad )ur"ed t#eir and a!aited #is (#an(e. #e assassin approa(#ed 3i, at a &urious speed and tried to sta% #er !it# a dagger? it !as a poisonous &ang t#at !ou)d easi)+ ta"e #er )i&e !it# on)+ a gra=e. 3i, re,ained (a), and (ut t#roug# t#e ,an.s ne(" !it# #er s!ord. Fres# %)ood spouted &ro, #is !ound and t#e assassin &e)) to t#e ground. 3i, )oo"ed do!n to (on&ir, #is deat#. 1n t#at ,o,ent$ #er rea(tion !as de)a+ed. - sna"e &e)) &ro, a%ove and poun(ed on 3i,. 1t !as a t!o*step atta(". 3i, &ai)ed to avoid t#e sna"e. 03i,>6 :))en (ried out? #er &a(e !as pa)e. '#e ,oved out o& instin(t and (ut t#roug# t#e sna"e !it# t#e 'i)ver F)as#. - %)ade o& !ind !as re)eased &ro, #er argent s!ord and t#e sna"e.s #ead !as ()ean)+ %ise(ted.
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0;o! are +ou>76 igre and :))en ran up to 3i,. #oug# s#e opened #er ,out# to spea"$ no !ords (a,e out. igre (aug#t #er in #is ar,s as s#e &e)) o&& #er #orse. 02#at.s !rong>76 #ere !as no ans!er. 3i,.s &a(e !as red !it# a &ever$ and s!eat %)otted #er &ore#ead. --- Is this (oison! igre )oo"ed at t#e (orpse o& t#e sna"e and (on&ir,ed its identit+ t#roug# t#e s(a)es. ;e turned %a(" and )oo"ed at 3i,$ %ut #e (ou)d &ind no injur+ on #er &a(e or ne(". !o s,a)) #o)es !ere )ined up neat)+ on #er rig#t %reast. 0 igre> 2#at #appened>7 2#at.s !rong !it# 3i,>76 :))en.s e9pression and #er tone s#o!ed s#e !as near)+ on t#e verge o& tears$ %ut igre did not )oo" at #er? #e (ou)d not a&&ord to. ;e /uiet)+ )a+ 3i, on t#e ground and tore #er ()ot#es o&&. ;er ri(#$ t!in #i))s %oun(ed &ro, t#e ,o,entu,. ;e put #is ,out# to t#e !ound on #er rig#t (#est and %egan su("ing strong)+. ;e spat out t#e %)ood !#i(# #ad a((u,u)ated on t#e sur&a(e o& #er !ound. 0...>6
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- #eated groan (a,e &ro, 3i,.s ,out# as s#e !as una%)e to %ear t#e sensation. --- It's good I knew what kind o snake that was. Man+ +ears ago$ #e #ad %een taug#t #o! to treat su(# injuries &ro, <atran !#i)e #e #unted in t#e ,ountains. --- I we 5uickly return to 3odnick, we can give her better care. 2#i)e #e t#oug#t t#is$ t!o ,ore sounds #it igre.s ear. - (#i)) ran do!n #is %a("%one. Four s#ado!s dan(ed t#roug# t#e air a%ove #i,. #e #idden assassins #ad ,oved in unison. 1t !as i,possi%)e &or 3i, or #i, to ,ove$ and t#oug# :))en rea(ted$ s#e !as s)o!er t#an usua). --- In a (lace like this...-t t#at ti,e$ s,a)) )egs )anded near igre. 1t !as 3ud,ira. #e assassins did not (o,e to atta(" #er$ and t#e Vanadis !it# %)ue #air !as not even t#e s)ig#test %it upset. 0*** 3avias.6 1t !as t#e na,e o& #er spear. 2#en s#e spun t#e spear in #er #and$ it gre! to 3ud,ira.s #eig#t.
'#ero Da, Fa&a
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0Free=e t#e '"+.6 ;er ()ear$ (o)d voi(e$ re,inis(ent o& i(e !it#out a #int o& i,purit+$ sounded &aint)+ t#roug#out t#e &orest. 3ud,ira pier(ed t#e ground !it# t#e tip o& #er spear. - !#ite )ig#t tinged !it# an i(+ air e,itted &ro, t#e tip as ,an+ (r+sta)s dre! to 3ud,ira. #e (o)d air erupted. igre$ !#o #ad !itnessed t#e spe(ta()e$ (ou)d on)+ e9press it t#at !a+. 3arge (r+sta)s !#i(# &ro=e t#e ver+ at,osp#ere surrounded 3ud,ira$ as i& dra!n to prote(t #er. -n un(ounta%)e o& i(e spears !ere proje(ted. 1t !as a vio)ent )oo"ing po!er? it )oo"ed )i"e a )arge ,onster !it# ,an+ &angs )ined up a)ong its ja!. #e t#orns o& i(e avoided igre and ,o!ed do!n t#e surrounding trees or %)e! up!ard into t#e s"+. #e assassins !ere una%)e to es(ape. #eir &a(es and %odies !ere dri))ed t#roug# %+ s#arp i(i()es$ and t#eir pa)e %odies !ere d+ed red. One ,an.s #ead !as (rus#ed$ "i))ing #i, i,,ediate)+$ and t#ere !as anot#er !#o ree)ed in pain as poison #e possessed rained over #i,? #o!ever$ t#at !as over in an instant as #is #and &ro=e and s#attered. -&ter (on&ir,ing t#e assassins !ere no )onger %reat#ing$ 3ud,ira re,oved #er spear &ro, t#e ground t#i(" !it# i(e. '#e rotated #er spear on(e and stru(" t#e ground )ig#t)+.
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#e i(e %)e! a!a+ !#i)e e,itting a sound as i& g)ass !ere (rus#ed. 1t ,e)ted into t#e air and sprin")ed grains o& !#ite i(e to t#e ground. 0*** 1 a, disappointed.6 #e s#a&t o& t#e spear #ad s#ortened. 3ud,ira vo,ited !ords as i& provo"ing :))en$ #er e+es &i))ed !it# anger and (onte,pt. 0 o )ose +ourse)& over a sing)e vassa). :)eanora$ +ou are not /ua)i&ied to %e a Vanadis. @ou s#ou)d t#ro! aside -ri&a) %e&ore +ou %ring ,is&ortune to +our peop)e. -&ter spitting out t#ose !ords$ 3ud,ira ,ounted #er #orse !it#out )oo"ing a :))en. #oug# igre !as astonis#ed and #ad trou%)e spea"ing$ #e &ina))+ (a))ed out to 3ud,ira. 3ud,ira turned #er #ead s)ig#t)+ to igre. 0 #an"s. For #e)ping.6 #e Vanadis !it# t#e spear o& i(e did not respond. ;er g)an(e ,oved &ro, igre past :))en. #e (o)d at,osp#ere !as %)o!n a!a+ and s(attered do!n t#e road. igre sa! #er o&& and )oo"ed %a(" at 3i,. ;er ri(# (#est s#oo" &ro, #er roug# %reat#ing. -t )ast$ igre (onsidered !#at #e #ad just done. ;er s"in !as &aint)+ (overed in s!eat$ and #er rig#t %reast !as &aint)+ red !#ere igre strong)+ su("ed t#e poison &ro,.
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;e #ad torn a!a+ a)) #er ()ot#es. -&ter (overing #er up$ #e turned %a(" to :))en to apo)ogi=e. #e Vanadis !it# si)ver*!#ite #air )o!ered t#e s!ord in #er #and and si)ent)+ stared at igre. 0;er (ondition76 0<e(ause 3i, is sturd+$ s#e s#ou)d %e &ine. Fro, !#at 1 (an re,e,%er$ on)+ t#e e)der)+ and si(" died &ro, t#e poison &ro, t#is sna"e. 1& !e return to Eodni("$ !e (an treat #er and s#e s#ou)d survive. #e (o,ponents &or t#e ,edi(ine (an %e &ound an+!#ere.6 igre spo"e to en(ourage :))en. #oug# it !as not a )ie t#at t#e on)+ ones to die !ere t#e e)der)+ and t#e i))$ t#ere !as no te))ing !#et#er 3i, !ou)d )ive or not. ;e did not "no! i& t#e assassins ,odi&ied t#e sna"e$ eit#er. Eeassured %+ igre$ :))en.s tense &a(e re)a9ed. 01 got it. igre$ +ou #ead to Eodni(" and (a)) a do(tor. 1.)) (arr+ 3i, on ,+ #orse and (at(# up.6
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<+ t#e ti,e 3i, !o"e up$ t!o da+s #ad passed. #e sun s#ined t#roug# t#e !indo!$ and t#e %irds !ere (#irping. For a !#i)e$ s#e )oo"ed at t#e (ei)ing %)an")+. '#e sudden)+ &e)t a !eig#t around #er %e))+ and (ast #er e+es do!n!ard. 1t !as t#e du)) red #air s#e !as a((usto,ed to seeing. ;e see,ed to %e s)eeping$ sin(e #is &aint %reat#ing (ou)d %e #eard. 3i, tried to pus# #i, a!a+ on re&)e9$ %ut stopped #erse)& to (on&ir, t#e situation. '#e !as in a spa(ious roo, !it# a ta%)e and (#air and t#e %ed s#e s)ept on. 0Eodni("76 1t !as too re(ent to &orget. 3i, sear(#ed #er ,e,or+. 1t !as (ut o&& a&ter s#e "i))ed t#e assassin !#en s#e sa! t#e sna"e. -t t#at ti,e$ t#e door opened and a gir) !it# argent #air do!n to #er !aist s,i)ed %rig#t)+ at t#e sig#t o& 3i,. 0@ou.re a!a"e$ 3i,.6 0:)eanora*sa,a.6 #oug# 3i, %egan to sit up$ :))en s#oo" #er #ead and stopped #er. 03i,$ !e are not in t#e 1,peria) Ca)a(e. 1t.s just t#e t!o o& us? +ou (an (a)) ,e :))en )i"e +ou did in o)d ti,es.6
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0 #at is so,et#ing 1 (annot do.6 #oug# s#e s,i)ed$ reje(tion !as ()ear)+ visi%)e in #er e+es. 3i, (ontinued to spea". 0 #oug# 1 #ave said t#is %e&ore$ 1 a, t#e person ,ost inti,ate !it# +ou$ :)eanora*sa,a. 1 (annot si,p)+ use +our ni("na,e on su(# o((asions.6 0 #an"s to t#at$ #e.s t#e on)+ one ot#er t#an t#e Vanadis !#o (a))s ,e :))en.6 :))en s,i)ed %itter)+ as s#e turned to igre. 0:ven i& +ou to)d #i, to$ to (a)) :)eanora*sa,a %+ #er ni("na,e as a prisoner o& !ar is tru)+ surprising.6 #e t!o s,i)ed as t#e+ )oo"ed at ea(# ot#er. 0... ;o! is +our %od+76 01 a, a )itt)e tired$ %ut t#ere s#ou)d %e no pro%)e,.6 01 see. @ou s#ou)d give +our t#an"s to t#e s)eep+ #ead over t#ere. ;e did so,e e,ergen(+ treat,ent !#en +ou &e)). :))en e9p)ained t#e (ir(u,stan(es as s#e )oo"ed do!n at igre !it# &o)ded ar,s. -&ter de&eating t#e assassins$ igre and :))en /ui(")+ returned to Eodni(". #e t!o (arried 3i, to t#e %ed and too" turns app)+ing t#e ,edi(ine a((ording to t#e do(tor and nurse.s dire(tions.
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01 t#oug#t +ou !ou)d %e &ine at &irst$ %ut t#e do(tor said t#ere !as a (#an(e +ou !ou)d turn &or t#e !orse. 1 !as rea))+ !orried.6 'o as not to a!a"en igre$ :))en /uiet)+ sat do!n %e&ore 3i, and %roug#t #er #and &or!ard "ind)+. 3i, noti(ed t#e dar" (ir()es under :))en.s e+e. 01., rea))+ g)ad +ou.re a)ive.6 01 apo)ogi=e. :ven t#oug# 1 a, to %e +our guard$ 1 &e)) so easi)+.6 02#at are +ou ta)"ing a%out7 @ou did !#at +ou needed to do.6 :))en )aug#ed and )ig#t)+ tou(#ed 3i,.s &ore#ead !it# #er &inger. 3i, a)so s,i)ed. --- Thank goodness. 3i, p)a(ed #er rig#t #and on #er (#est and /uiet)+ rejoi(ed t#at s#e survived. '#e (ou)d sti)) serve :))en$ s#e (ou)d sti)) #e)p #er. '#e !as #app+. 02#at o& t#e assassins76
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0One es(aped. 'in(e t#e H'even C#ainsI a(t in a group o& seven$ t#e+ !eren.t (o,p)ete)+ anni#i)ated$ so !e need to re,ain vigi)ant.6 3i, sudden)+ &ro!ned and stro"e t#e !ound. #ere !ere #er%s ground into it$ and it !as (overed in a ()ean ()ot#$ %ut t#ere !as so,et#ing s#e !orried a%out %e&ore t#at.
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0:)eanora*sa,a. @ou said 3ord igrevur,ud gave ,e e,ergen(+ treat,ent76 0@es. 1 said t#at.6 3i,.s voi(e tre,%)ed. 0-%out t#at... !#at ,et#od did #e used76 0;e su("ed t#e poison &ro, t#e !ound.6 3i, noti(ed t#e jo+&u) nature in :))en.s voi(e. ;er &a(e /ui(")+ %e(a,e red and #ot. #oug# s#e #ad pus#ed reason aside and instin(tive)+ t#oug#t to %eat igre.s #ead$ s#e su((eeded to stop just %e&ore doing so. 01.)) sa+ t#is in #is de&ense. ;e !as desperate to #e)p +ou at t#e ti,e? #e #ad no u)terior ,otives. 1& an+t#ing$ 1 s#ou)d %e t#e one +ou #it.6 #e #and 3i, #ad stopped in ,idair !as pu))ed to :))en.s (#est. 02#en +ou &e))$ 1 (ou)d on)+ stand ,otion)ess. 1 (ou)d not t#in" or do an+t#ing )i"e a (#i)d.6 0<ut +ou !ere t#e one to (arr+ ,e #ere$ :)eanora*sa,a.6 :))en )oo"ed !ist&u))+ at 3i,$ as i& s#e #ad so,et#ing ,ore to sa+$ %ut a)) t#at )e&t t#e ,out# o& t#e Vanadis !it# si)ver*!#ite #air !ere #er t#an"s.
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'#e /uiet)+ grasped 3i,.s #and and )et #er #eart soa" in t#e !ar,t# o& #er )i&e. :))en re)u(tant)+ parted and stood up. 02e.)) (o,e %a(" again. 2e need to )eave and #ead to t#e Ca)a(e toda+.6 :))en !ore #er vigorous and &ear)ess &a(e$ t#e &a(e o& a Vanadis$ on(e again as s#e spo"e. 3i, nodded and )oo"ed do!n at igre.s #ead. 01& possi%)e$ 1 !ou)d )i"e to )et igre rest so,e ,ore$ sin(e #e.s pro%a%)+ tired.6 :))en s,i)ed !r+)+? 3i, nodded in agree,ent. <ut t#e+ did not #ave t#e ti,e to spare. -&ter t#in"ing &or a !#i)e$ 3i, de(ided to !a"e #i, as gent)+ as possi%)e. '#e p)a(ed #er &ingers in igre.s red #air and tried to s#a"e #i, a!a"e. 03ord igrevur,ud. C)ease !a"e up.6 ;o!ever$ igre groaned /uiet)+ and vio)ent)+ %rus#ed 3i,.s #and aside. ;is #and ,oved &urt#er and gra%%ed 3i,.s (#est. #oug# it !as un(ons(ious$ #e !as ,assaging #er /uite vigorous)+. igre !as t#en a!a"ened %+ a vio)ent s)ap.
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!old Snow and Somethin" Warm

O),ut= !as )o(ated in t#e sout#!est portion o& D#(ted. o t#e nort# !as 3eitMerit=$ !#i(# :))en governed. O t#e !est !ere t#e Vos+es Mountains !#i(# a(ted as a %order to <rune Fingdo,. Muo=ine) Fingdo, !as in vie! %e+ond t#e !i)derness$ )a"es$ and ,ountains to t#e sout#. #e ru)er o& t#is Bu"edo, !#ere ,an and (u)ture o& t#ree (ountries e9isted !as 3ud,ira 3urie.
Mi(#e)ia
'#e !as a Vanadis (a))ed t#e H'no! Crin(ess o& t#e Fro=en 2aveI. -t t#e ,o,ent$ in #er o&&i(e in #er 1,peria) Ca)a(e$ 3ud,ira /uiet)+ too" tea. '#e needed to ()ear up t#e !or" t#at #ad %ui)t up !#i)e s#e visited t#at !o,an &ro, 3eitMerit= in t#e ,ountains. ea !as 3ud,ira.s &avorite dis#$ or per#aps it !ou)d %e %est to (a)) it #er #o%%+. '#e enjo+ed %re!ing it #erse)& and drin"ing it !it# ot#ers. #e ja, s#e ,i9ed into it !as a)so ,ade %+ #erse)&. 3ud,ira stopped #er #ands sudden)+ as s#e )oo"ed at t#e !#ite por(e)ain tea (up. 0... 1 %e)ieve 1 said 1 !ou)d treat #i, to tea.6 <e(ause #er interest #ad disappeared$ s#e a),ost &orgot #is na,e. -&ter pouring ,ore tea$ 3ud,ira &ina))+ re(a))ed it.
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01t !as Vorn$ t#at aristo(rat &ro, <rune. igrevur,ud Vorn.6 1t !as a )ong na,e &or a person &ro, <rune. 3ud,ira #ad no ot#er i,pressions. 0 #oug# s#e to)d ;is Majest+ s#e !as e,p)o+ed... 2ou)d s#e tru)+ #e)p su(# a ,an to de&end 3eitMerit= &ro, !ar76 1& it !as an issue o& )ove as t#e ru,ors #ad said$ it !ou)d si,p)+ %e a %ore. Eat#er$ #er taste in ,ed !ou)d %e poor. --- 6ou are dis5uali ied as a 2anadis i you (lace your emotions be ore your country, )leanora. 3ud,ira 3urie.s ,ot#er !as a Vanadis$ as !as #er grand,ot#er and great grand,ot#er. - person did not (#oose to %e a Vanadis$ so t#ere (an %e no disagree,ent !it# t#e se)e(tion o& t#e Vanadis. #oug# it !as surprising t#e tit)e o& Vanadis passed do!n #er generations$ it !as a p)easant t#ing. 2it# a Vanadis as a tea(#er$ s#e )earned o& !#at !as needed &or #er position. ;o!ever$ it !as not t#at si,p)e. Baug#ters !ere not a)!a+s %orn$ and t#ere !as no guarantee t#e+ !ou)d #ave t#e sa,e %ri))ian(e. :ven i& s#e !ere ta)ented$ t#ere !as no guarantee s#e !ou)d gro! as e9pe(ted. :ven a&ter surpassing su(# di&&i(u)ties$ anot#er person suita%)e to %eing a Vanadis ,a+ appear.
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#oug# ,an+ Vanadis tried to raise t#eir daug#ters to %e(o,e Vanadis$ t#ere !as rare)+ an+ su((ess. #ere !ere ver+ &e! !#o rea)i=ed t#eir desires. #ere !ere &e! enoug# &a,i)+ )ines in !#i(# t#e Vanadis #ad (ontinued t#roug# t#e generations t#at it (ou)d %e (ounted on one #and. #e 3urie &a,i)+ is one su(# rare e9a,p)e. 3ud,ira #ad %een given an edu(ation on #o! to %e a Vanadis &ro, an ear)+ age. '#e !as taug#t #o! to use a spear and #orse$ and s#e !as given t#e "no!)edge ne(essar+ to govern t#e )and o& O),ut=. 3ud,ira !as 14 !#en #er ,ot#er sudden)+ died o& a (o)d !#i(# progressed to pneu,onia. '#e departed t#e !or)d in an unsatis&+ing ,anner a&ter s)eeping &or severa) da+s.
;aj+a no Den"a"u
#e H'pear o& :vi) Beat#I (#ose 3ud,ira as t#e ne! Vanadis. 'uper&i(ia))+$ 3ud,ira did not ,ourn over #er ,ot#er.s deat#. '#e did not #ave t#e ti,e to spare &or it. #oug# no one #oped to %e(o,e t#e Vanadis governing O),ut= ,ore t#an 3ud,ira$ t#ere !ere sti)) peop)e !at(#ing #er. '#e #ad a strong desire to prote(t #er vassa)s and (arr+ out #er duties as a Vanadis$ &o))o!ing #er ,ot#er and grand,ot#er.s &ootsteps. 'o,e ti,e )ater$ 3ud,ira #eard o& a ne! Vanadis (#osen to ta"e over 3eitMerit=.
208
Furt#er,ore$ s#e !as 14$ t#e sa,e age as 3ud,ira. '#e !as interested. #e Vanadis o& O),ut= and t#e Vanadis o& 3eitMerit= #ad a %ad re)ations#ip over ,an+ generations. #oug# it !as natura) t#e+ %e !ar+ o& ea(# ot#er$ #aving territories near ea(# ot#er$ t#e+ #ad ()as#ed ,ore t#an just on(e or t!i(e. 3ud,ira.s ,ot#er !as a)so invo)ved in &re/uent argu,ents. --- This (erson I may ight, I wish to see her with my own eyes. 2#i)e 3ud,ira !as (autious$ s#e #e)d so,e #ope as !e)). --- I we can become riends, then /lmut7 and 'eit$erit7 will see a light o (eace that has not been (resent since ancient times. #e idea (a,e &ro, #er so)itude as a ru)er. #e Vanadis &ro, 3eitMerit= !as di&&erent &ro, #er? s#e !as a trave)er. --- De(ending on the situation, I can teach her many things. 3ud,ira #eaded to 3eitMerit= !it# su(# #ig# #opes !#ere s#e ,et :))en. 4atura))+$ t#e+ did not get a)ong? rat#er$ t#e+ &oug#t. 0@ou are a person &res# out o& t#e (ountr+$ an arrogant %ar%arian !#o #as not a sing)e &rag,ent o& ,odest+ or #u,i)it+.6 #at !as 3ud,ira.s eva)uation o& :))en. Coin(identa))+$ :))en #ad a si,i)ar appraisa) o& 3ud,ira.
208
0'#e.s a (ondes(ending gir) !it# a )arge attitude !#o #as not#ing to %oast o& %ut #er )ineage.6 #oug# a Vanadis$ t#e+ !ere 14 +ear o)d gir)s. Furt#er,ore$ 3ud,ira #ad %een rest)ess$ and :))en !as (on&used$ #aving just %e(o,e a Vanadis. Cer#aps t#is resu)t !as inevita%)e. #oug# t#e+ !anted to ignore ea(# ot#er$ a re)ations#ip !as i,possi%)e due to t#eir territories %eing near one anot#er. 4eit#er !anted to )ose to t#e ot#er$ as !e)). One +ear %e(a,e t!o$ and :))en #ad s#o!n #er ,erit on t#e %att)e&ie)d and in #o! s#e governed 3eitMerit=$ so 3ud,ira #ad no (#oi(e %ut to a("no!)edge #er to so,e e9tent. #at is !#+ s#e #e)d an interest in igre. --- I wonder what value that man has. - "no(" on t#e door restored 3ud,ira to #er surroundings. '#e #ad %een )ost in #er t#oug#ts &or /uite a !#i)e$ as t#e tea in #er !#ite por(e)ain (up #ad gone (o,p)ete)+ (o)d. 0:nter.6 '#e gent)+ spo"e %e&ore an e)der)+ (#a,%er)ain entered$ disp)a+ing a reverent attitude. ;e #ad !or"ed in t#e 1,peria) Ca)a(e sin(e #er ,ot#er.s ti,e and !as one o& 3ud,ira.s trusted su%ordinates. 0- ,essenger representing Bu"e #enardier #as (o,e.6 3ud,ira &ro!ned. ;onest)+$ s#e did not !ant to ,eet #i,.
210
;er asso(iation !it# Bu"e #enardier !as &ro, t#e ti,e o& #er great grand,ot#er. #e Bu"e at t#at ti,e !as "no!n as a ,an o& (#ara(ter. #e #ouse#o)d in t#e present da+ !as "no!n &or t#e t+rann+ it spread a,ongst t#e peop)e under its (#arge. ;o!ever$ #e !as a)!a+s sin(ere !it# #is %usiness outside t#e (ountr+$ and 3ud,ira never &e)t dissatis&a(tion in #er (orresponden(e. --- I am the 'ord o /lmut7. I must not give (riority to my (ersonal emotions. 0... 1 !i)) ,eet #i,.6 3ud,ira responded (a),)+ and stood &ro, #er #air.
:))en intended to ,ove #er so)diers to <rune i,,ediate)+ upon returning to t#e 1,peria) Ca)a(e$ %ut s#e re(eived an une9pe(ted report. 0O),ut= so)diers are gat#ered near t#e %order76 #e so)dier reported t#ere !ere signs o& ,ove,ent in t#e dire(tion o& O),ut=. 0@es. -ppro9i,ate)+ t!o t#ousand troops are training and preparing &or !inter.6 01s 3ud,ira t#ere76 0Man+ o& our s(outs #ave (on&ir,ed #er presen(e.6
211
--- Is this a check! :))en.s &a(e ()ouded over. 3ud,ira said s#e !as siding !it# Bu"e #enardier$ and s#e too" a(tion i,,ediate)+. 1n addition$ a )etter &ro, Vis(ount -ugre !as sent &ro, -)sa(e. H- suspi(ious trave)er !as (aug#t in t#e Vos+es Mountains. ;e #ad a strange )etter !e !anted +ou to see.I -&ter t#e %andits #ad %een s!ept a!a+$ Vis(ount -ugre and #is ,en ,ade nu,erous trips to t#e Vos+es Mountains. ;e !as on t#e )oo"out &or an+ %andits t#at ,a+ #ave re,ained !#en #e (aug#t a trave)er. #e )etter !as addressed &ro, Bu"e #enardier to 3ud,ira. Ee,oving t#e &or,a)ities and (o,p)i,ents in t#e )etter$ it (ou)d %e easi)+ si,p)i&ied. H2#en :)eanora ta"es (o,,and o& #er troops and #eads to <rune$ 1 !ant +ou to i,,ediate)+ atta(" 3eitMerit= as origina))+ p)anned.I igre #eaded to t#e o&&i(e and s#o!ed t#e )etter to :))en and 3i, !#o !ere &ig#ting a pi)e o& papers in &ront o& t#e,. :))en /ui(")+ )oo"ed over t#e )etter and snorted. 0 #oug# t#e son !#o !as "i))ed in Mo)s#ei, !as an idiot$ it see,s #is &at#er is /uite a vi))ain. ;e.s good.6 igre )oo"ed at 3i, !#o arranged do(u,ents ne9t to :))en. '#e responded !it#out )oo"ing a!a+ &ro, t#e papers.
212
03ord igrevur,ud. 2#+ do +ou t#in" t#e Bu"e sent #is ,essengers up t#e Vos+es Mountains7 'in(e Vis(ount -ugre is at odds !it# t#e Bu"e$ is it not too dangerous to use t#at pat#$ even i& it is t#e s#ortest route to O),ut=76 igre &e)t it !as as s#e said. ;e !as surprised. 0 #en... t#e Bu"e is tr+ing to provo"e us %+ )etting t#is )etter &a)) into our #ands76 0 #at is ,ost )i"e)+. o &ig#t a Vanadis$ it is natura) to use anot#er Vanadis.6 :))en spo"e and patted t#e -ri&a).s s#eat#e as it )eaned against t#e !a)). 0<ut #o! did #e "no! Vis(ount -ugre !as our a))+7 1& not &or t#e %andits...6 igre.s !ords ended t#ere. --- I see, so he em(loyed them to attack the ields... ;e rea)i=ed !#+ t#e %andits #ad re,ained in t#e Vos+es Mountains and #o! t#e+ pro(ured t#e ar,or &ro, O),ut=. --- The Duke has connections with /lmut7, so that much should be sim(le or him. He (robably dislikes 2iscount Augre or advocating neutrality, so he has no 5ualms about attacking. 2#en igre stated #is reasoning$ 3i, e9pressed #er approva) !it# )ig#t ()apping.
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0 #e Bu"e )i"e)+ (#anged #is p)ans. 2#en !e de&eated t#e %andits$ erritoire a))ied !it# us$ %ut our re)ation !it# 3ud,ira* sa,a %e(a,e poor. ;e )i"e)+ !anted to use t#is to (rus# :)eanora*sa,a.6 0 #e ,essage 3ud,ira )i"e)+ re(eived !as as"ing #er to ,ove #er so)diers in su(# a !a+ t#at t#e+ !ou)d restrain ,+ ,ove,ents. 5iven t#e )engt# o& t#eir re)ations#ip$ #e pro%a%)+ understands e9a(t)+ #o! ,u(# s#e !i)) do.6 1n order to anno+ :))en$ 3ud,ira ,oved #er so)diers to t#e %order in order to !at(# &or :))en.s departure &ro, 3eitMerit=. :ven i& s#e su((ess&u))+ )e&t #er territor+$ s#e needed to )eave #er so)diers %e#ind in t#e (ase o& an e,ergen(+. 1n order &or #enardier to &ig#t 5ane)on !it#out !orr+ing a%out t#e t#ird &or(e &or,ing %eneat# igre$ #e #ad to (rus# it igre %e&ore :))en regained #er &reedo, o& a(tion. 04o$ i& it.s #er$ s#e ,ig#t atta(" on(e 1 ,ove a!a+...6 0;o!ever$ 3ud,ira*sa,a !i)) gain not#ing i& s#e &ig#ts !it# +ou$ :)eanora*sa,a.6 '#e prote(ts #er asso(iation !it# #enardier. #e pro%)e, is !#ere 3ud,ira.s va)ues )ie. :))en groaned !it# #er ar,s (rossed. '#e )oo"ed out t#e !indo! and ga=ed at t#e s(ener+ as s#e p)anned #er a(tions.
214
<e&ore )ong$ s#e returned t#e )ongs!ord to t#e !a)) and )oo"ed %a(" at igre !it# a s,a)) sig#. 0 igre. @ou de(ide.6 :))en stared at igre !it# #er %rig#t red e+es. igre returned a )oo" o& %e!i)der,ent. 0:ven i& it ,eans &o))o!ing #er provo(ations$ 1 %e)ieve 3ud,ira s#ou)d %e de&eated #ere. 1t !ou)d %e &ine i& s#e si,p)+ ,oved to t#e %order to provo"e +ou into a(tion$ %ut +ou ,ust rid +ourse)& o& an+ an9iet+ +ou ,ig#t #ave in t#e &uture. ;o!ever... 1& +ou !is# to #ead to <rune i,,ediate)+$ 1 !i)) &o))o! a&ter +ou.6 igre did not respond i,,ediate)+. 0... @ou !ou)d )eave su(# an i,portant de(ision to ,e76 #is de(ision !ou)d signi&i(ant)+ i,pa(t t#e &uture. '#e #ad "i))ed t#e assassins$ !#o atta("ed a)) at on(e$ !it#out ,u(# di&&i(u)t+. 1t !ou)d not %e an eas+ %att)e. 1& t#e+ &oug#t 3ud,ira$ t#e+ !ou)d )ose ti,e and so)diers. ;o!ever$ as :))en said$ it !as dangerous to return to <rune !#i)e ignoring #er. 1& 3ud,ira atta("ed 3eitMerit=$ even i& :))en returned i,,ediate)+$ t#e )and !ou)d %e severe)+ da,aged. #enardier !ou)d a)so ,ove in at t#at ti,e and get rid o& igre. igre did not t#in" #e #ad t#e (apa%i)ities to judge t#e situation.
215
;o!ever$ :))en nodded as s#e stared straig#t at igre. 01t is pre(ise)+ %e(ause t#is is i,portant t#at 1 !ant +ou to de(ide.6 :))en spo"e %)unt)+ and turned a!a+. igre stirred #is du)) red #air and /uiet)+ s#ut #is e+es. ;e e9p)ored #is ,e,ories$ )itt)e %+ )itt)e$ o& t#e da+ #e ,et 3ud,ira. ;e )oo"ed at ever+ e9pression and re(a))ed ever+ !ord. --- That's right. There's no need to hesitate. 3ud,ira.s !ords and attitude !ere ()ear. 1& s#e judged it ne(essar+$ s#e !ou)d &ig#t. 1t !as not just 3eitMerit= t#at 3ud,ira !as t#reatening$ %ut erritoire as !e))$ !#i(# )a+ a(ross t#e Vos+es Mountains. ;e (ou)d not )ose t#e a))+ #e #ad just gained. igre opened #is e+es !it# a !i)) to &ig#t and spo"e in a digni&ied ,anner. 02e !i)) send t!o ,essengers to #er. 2e !i)) s#o! #er t#e )etter$ and i& its (ontent is a )ie and s#e tru)+ #as no #osti)it+$ !e !i)) re/uest s#e #ave #er so)diers stand do!n as proo&.6 0-nd i& +ou are reje(ted$ or i& t#ere is a de)a+ in t#e response76 02e !i)) app)+ a ti,e )i,it. 1& s#e (o,p)ains$ !e !i)) re,ove #er %+ &or(e.6 :))en )aug#ed as s#e and 3i, )oo"ed at ea(# ot#er$ #earing igre.s ()ear response.
216
0 #en )et.s do t#at.6 #e ne9t da+$ t#ree t#ousand so)diers$ )ed %+ igre$ :))en$ and 3i,$ ,oved to t#e sout# o& 3eitMerit= and stopped near t#e %order. #e+ sent a ,essenger to 3ud,ira$ appea)ing &or #er retreat. 3ud,ira reje(ted t#e, t!i(e$ so t#e 3eitMerit= -r,+ resu,ed t#eir ,ar(#. #e &ig#t %et!een Vanadis %egan. 3ud,ira 3urie re(eived a report t#at t#e troops o& 3eitMerit= !ere approa(#ing. 3ud,ira %asi(a))+ used t#e sa,e #ousing as t#e so)diers$ and s#e too" t#e sa,e ,ea)s as t#e,. #e on)+ t#ing t#at (ou)d %e (a))ed an e9(eption !as tea. '#e a),ost a)!a+s (arried it$ and !as drin"ing #er tea !#en s#e re(eived t#e report. 01 see. 'o :)eanora #as (o,e.6 #e s(outs #ave (on&ir,ed #er appearan(e. Furt#er,ore$ ne9t to t#e Vanadis*sa,a o& t#e 'i)ver F)as#$ t#ere is a +oung ,an !it# red #air o& t#e sa,e age. Eegard)ess o& !#o t#e 3ord !as$ it !as (usto,ar+ in D#(ted to pa+ #onor to t#e Vanadis.
217
0Eed #air... -#$ igrevur,ud Vorn.6 3ud,ira ,uttered !it#out ,u(# interest. igre !as si,p)+ a %onus a)ongside :))en? #e !as a trivia) e9isten(e. 2#en t#e so)dier &inis#ed t#e report$ 3ud,ira t#an"ed #i, &or #is #ard !or". 0@ou ,ust %e tired. ;ave a (up o& tea.6 '#e too" a s,a)) #eated stone p)a(ed %eside #er (#air and set an iron "ett)e &i))ed !it# #ot !ater atop it. #e so)dier gave #is !ords o& gratitude as 3ud,ira sat %a(" do!n and p)a(ed t!o (r+sta) jars %e&ore t#e,. One #e)d tea )eaves !#i)e t#e ot#er #e)d ja,. #e #ot !ater !as poured into t#e !#ite por(e)ain (ups$ and t#e ja, ,e)ted. 01t is #ot. a"e (are and drin" s)o!)+.6 #e so)dier t#an"ed #er again and too" t#e (up gra(ious)+. 3ud,ira !at(#ed #i, !it# a s,i)e. 1t !as soot#ing &or #er to see so,eone savor t#e tea s#e %re!ed #erse)&. 2#en t#e so)dier )e&t$ #er s,i)e disappeared. 3ud,ira (a))ed &or #er Co,,anders. 01 !i)) #ave :)eanora %roug#t %e&ore ,e. 1 !i)) de&eat #er ,+se)&.6 3ud,ira e9tended #er #and and grasped t#e spear at #er side.
218
#e #and)e o& t#e spear !as s#ort$ and t#e tip !as surrounded %+ (r+sta)s o& i(e.
Vira)t
1t !as t#e Bragoni( oo) !#i(# (o,,ands t#e (o)d$ t#e Fro=en 2ave 3avias. 02e !i)) ,ove as p)anned. 2e !i)) %att)e #er on <ur"ina C)ains and t#en s#ut ourse)ves in t#e atra Mountains. 0... 3urie*sa,a.6 #ere !ere t!o Co,,anders standing %e&ore #er. One !as in #is ,id 30s and #ad a ,u(# ri(#er e9perien(e in (o,%at t#an 3ud,ira$ !#o !as sti)) 16. ;e e9(e))ed !it# s!ords,ans#ip and #orse,ans#ip. ;e ga=ed sad)+ at t#e gir) #e served. 02#at is it76 #oug# 3ud,ira understood !#at #e !is#ed to sa+$ s#e sti)) as"ed. 0Bo +ou tru)+ intend to &ig#t t#e
'i)v&rau
H2ind Crin(ess o& t#e 'i)ver F)as#I76 01 !i)) do so %e(ause it is ne(essar+ to s#o! ,+ )o+a)t+ to t#e Bu"e o& anot#er (ountr+.6 3ud,ira (aug#t t#eir ga=e and responded !it# a gri, voi(e. 0 #e 3urie &a,i)+ #as #ad (onne(tions !it# Bu"e #enardier.s #ouse#o)d &or ,ore t#an eig#t+ +ears. 1 (annot si,p)+ (ut it o&& on ,+ o!n.6 --- I have (ride and dignity. I am di erent rom )leanora...#at t#oug#t supported 3ud,ira as !e)) as %ound #er. 1n a((ordan(e to t#e (o,,ands given %+ t#e Vanadis !it# %)ue #air$ t#e O),ut= -r,+ too" a(tion.
218
1t too" appro9i,ate)+ #a)& a da+ a&ter t#e+ )e&t 3eitMerit=$ passing t#roug# t#e )ands under dire(t (ontro) o& t#e "ingdo,$ &or t#e, to enter O),ut=. #e+ !ere ,et !it# undu)ated grass)ands. #is grass)and$ t#e <ur"ina C)ains$ over)oo"ed t#e atra Mountains to t#e east. 1t !as !rapped in t#e (o)d !ind !#i(# &)e! do!n &ro, t#e ,ountains in t#e autu,n evenings. Buring t#e !inter$ t#ere !as an o((asiona) )ig#t sno!&a)). :))en )ed t#ree t#ousand troops &ro, 3eitMerit=. <+ t#e ti,e t#e+ rea(#ed <ur"ina C)ains$ ever+one !ore a t#i(" ,ant)e. #e s"+ !as (overed in gra+ ()ouds$ #iding t#e ,orning sun. #e dis,a) !eat#er &urt#er (oo)ed t#e air? t#e so)diers. %reat# !as !#ite. 0 #e ene,+ is %e&ore us> #e+ nu,%er t!o t#ousand>6 #e+ &inis#ed preparing$ and t#e so)diers !ere in &or,ation. :))en s,i)ed &ear)ess)+. <e&ore )ong$ a %)a(" ,ass appeared in t#e distan(e$ advan(ing a)ong t#e ground. #e+ #e)d spears o& !ood and iron to t#e
Dirnitra
s"+. #e <)a(" Bragon F)ag (ou)d %e seen at interva)s a)ongside t#e a &)uttering !#ite &)ag !it# a %)ue spear$ t#e %anner o& t#e Vanadis. 2it# a distan(e o& &ive #undred a)sin Jappro9i,ate)+ &ive #undred ,etersK separating t#e ar,ies$ so,et#ing sudden)+ &e)) &ro, t#e s"+. 0... 'no!76
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1t !as un"no!n !#o ,uttered t#ose !ords. #e sno! disappeared %e&ore it #it t#e ground$ and !as &o))o!ed %+ ,ore sno! dri&ting do!n /uiet)+ &ro, t#e s"+. #e #orn o& %ot# ar,ies sounded. -)) interest in t#e sno! disappeared as %ot# ar,ies (#arged. 'evera) t#ousand %o!strings tre,%)ed$ and innu,era%)e arro!s poured do!n over %ot# ar,ies. On(e t#e %att)e sett)ed do!n$ :))en )ed #er ar,+ &or!ard. #e (ava)r+ raised t#eir spears and gave a (r+ %e&ore rus#ing &or!ard. #e+ "i("ed up t#e grass and s#oo" t#e eart#. #e in&antr+ #ardened t#eir %odies on re&)e9. #e t!o ar,ies !#i(# ,utua))+ #e)d t#e <)a(" Bragon F)ag ()as#ed? t#eir spears (rossed and t#eir s#ie)ds (o))ided. 'o,e so)diers (o))apsed &ro, t#e #orses. unstoppa%)e (#arge$ !#i)e ot#ers "no("ed t#e (ava)r+ to t#e ground. #ose #o! #ad &a))en !ere tra,p)ed on or (ut do!n as t#e so)diers s!ar,ed a(ross t#e )and. #e grass !as !et$ and t#e (o)d disappeared as %)ood d+ed t#e eart#. #e #eat rapid)+ es(aped &ro, t#e (orpses as t#e+ &e))$ !#i)e ot#ers !ere /ui(")+ (rus#ed as t#e+ tried to stand again. #oug# t#e (ava)r+ under :))en.s (ontro) !as strong$ t#e so)diers &o))o!ing 3ud,ira stu%%orn)+ resisted. 0First -r,+$ retreat. Move &or!ard$ 'e(ond ea,.6 #e &irst set o& (ava)r+ retreated and !ere ()ose)+ rep)a(ed %+ t#e (ava)r+ (#arging in &ro, %e#ind. #oug# it !as just as energeti( as t#e previous atta("$ it did not %rea" t#roug# 3ud,ira.s #eav+ in&antr+.
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--- +ow then, what should I do... 2#i)e :))en assu,ed )eaders#ip o& t#e 3eitMerit= -r,+$ s#e !at(#ed t#e %att)e (are&u))+ &ro, t#e rear. '#e did not t#in" it possi%)e to %rea" t#e ene,+.s de&ense &ro, t#e &ront$ so s#e gave 3i, t#e order to atta(" &ro, t#e side. -&ter a !#i)e$ a report (a,e. 03i,)is#a*sa,a.s troops !ere pus#ed %a(".6 0... -nd 3i,76 0'#e is a)ive and !e)).6 :))en )et out a %reat# o& re)ie& and #it t#e )ongs!ord at #er !aist. #e !ind strengt#ened$ as i& -ri&a) !as (o,p)aining. 01.)) %e gone &or a ,o,ent.6 igre$ !#o !as ne9t to :))en$ !as a)so (o,,anding t#e troops. ;e advan(ed #is #orse !it# #is %o! in #and. 0Bon.t do t#e i,possi%)e.6 01 !on.t die #ere.6 #e (ava)r+ rus#ed &or!ard again. #is ti,e$ igre did not ta"e (o,,and %ut parti(ipated as a so)dier. On(e #e judged #e !as at an appropriate distan(e$ #e &ired an arro!. #e arro! pier(ed t#e )eg o& an O),ut= so)dier !#o #e)d #is spear up$ read+ to &ig#t t#e 3eitMerit= -r,+. #e so)dier &e)) to #is "nee and groaned.
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02e)) done.6 #e Co,,ander o& t#e (ava)r+ gave s#ort !ords o& praise as #e stood ne9t to igre. 0 #e+ #ave good ar,or.6 igre ans!ered !it# an unp)easant e9pression. #e ar,or !orn %+ t#e O),ut= so)diers #ad ver+ &e! gaps$ and t#e+ #ad a )ong s#ie)d in t#eir )e&t ar,. #is &or(ed igre to ai, at t#eir ar,s and )egs. 0:ven so$ no average so)dier (an ,at(# +our rea(# !it# an arro!.6 1t !as ()ear &ro, t#e rea(tion o& t#e O),ut= so)diers. #e+ #ad ()osed t#e distan(e /ui(")+. #e (ava)r+ (o))ided and pus#ed one anot#er do!n. igre a)so s#ot arro! a&ter arro!$ "no("ing O),ut= so)diers do!n. --- "here's the commander! I need to aim at him. igre o%served t#e ene,+ &or(e and sear(#ed &or t#e person in (#arge. -,ongst t#e s!ar,ing so)diers$ t#e g)ittering s!ord and spears$ and t#e &)+ing arro!s$ #e (ou)d a(t !it#out #esitation? per#aps it !as so,et#ing un(o,,on t#at igre possessed. ;e &ound #i,. igre dis(overed t#e person #e assu,ed too" )ead o& t#e so)diers and &ired #is %o!. ;o!ever$ !#en t#e ene,+ )oo"ed as i& it !ere (o))apsing$ ot#er so)diers rein&or(ed t#eir position and t#e )ine !as repaired.
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#oug# igre de&eated t#ree peop)e !#o a(ted as Co,,ander$ t#e (ava)r+ ,oved to retreat and a%andoned t#eir o&&ense$ so #e !as una%)e to atta(" an+ &urt#er. #e 3eitMerit= gave up its o&&ensive and retreated. #e O),ut= -r,+ a)so &e)) %a(". <+ t#e end o& t#e da+$ not#ing #ad %een sett)ed. :a(# side #ad ,ore t#an one #undred "i))ed in a(tion and &orti&ied t#eir positions &ive %e)sta Jappro9i,ate)+ &ive "i)o,etersK a!a+. #e sno! (overed t#e 3eitMerit= -r,+ a)ong !it# t#e dar"ness o& t#e nig#t. igre #eaded to :))en.s tent !#en t#e sun !as sin"ing. -)ongside 3i,$ :))en #ad ta"en to a &ruga) ,ea) o& !ine and (#eese !#en s#e noti(ed igre. '#e s,i)ed$ %ot# appre(iation and a desire to tease #i, ,i9ed !it#in. 01t see,s +ou &oug#t !e))$ a((ording to t#e reports. ;o! are 3ud,ira.s so)diers76 0'o)id.6 1t !as t#e &irst i,pression #e #ad. :))en )aug#ed and nodded earnest)+. 0 #at.s rig#t. '#e is ridi(u)ous)+ good at de&ense. '#e ,ig#t %e t#e %est a,ongst a)) Vanadis in de&ensive %att)es.6 ;e sat %e&ore t#e t!o. 3i, prepared !ine and (#eese &or #i,. ;e gave #is t#an"s and )oo"ed at :))en !#i)e ni%%)ing at t#e (#eese.
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0:ven i& +ou %rea" t#roug#$ t#e+ re(over /ui(")+ %e&ore t#eir !ound e9pands$ and even i& +ou atta(" &ro, t#e side and &ro, %e#ind$ t#e+ !i)) pus# %a(". #e+ don.t respond to provo(ation. 1n essen(e$ s#e does not ta"e an+ (#an(es +et sti)) re,ains aggressive.6 0;o!ever$ 1 did not see 3ud,ira*sa,a at t#e #ead o& t#e atta(".6 01.d rat#er not see #er i& possi%)e.6 igre re(a))ed #er appearan(e as s#e "i))ed t#e assassins in an instant. ;e )oo"ed do!n!ard serious)+ and t#oug#t a%out t#e %att)e&ie)d. 02#at$ it.s not )i"e 1.)) )ose. 1t.s a &ie)d %att)e. 2e.)) %eat and (rus# #er to,orro!.6 :))en spo"e aggressive)+$ eit#er to en(ourage igre or to inspire #erse)&. 3i, )oo"ed at :))en e9pression)ess)+. 01 %e)ieve !e said it !as point)ess to advan(e against #er.6 0'#e pro%a%)+ #as no ot#er #ands. 3ud,ira.s de&enses are #arder t#an %e&ore. igre too" t#e trou%)e to "i)) so,e o& #er Co,,anders$ so 1 dou%t s#e (an ,a"e t#e %est use o& #er troops no!. 3ud,ira #as no (#oi(e %ut to %e "i))ed.6 0:)eanora*sa,a. ;ave +ou )oo"ed at 3ud,ira*sa,a.s (urrent !ar re(ord76 :))en t#oug#t &or a ,o,ent !it# #er ar,s (rossed %e&ore sitting uprig#t and responding proud)+.
225
0 !o vi(tories$ one de&eat.6 0 #at is not t#e sa,e nu,%er !e #eard !#en !e )ast spo"e to 3ud,ira*sa,a.6 02#at do +ou ,ean76 igre &ro!ned and )oo"ed at 3i,. 3i, too" a drin" !#i)e ans!ering indi&&erent)+. 01t is o& ,+ opinion t#at t#e+ !ere at a tie? #o!ever$ t#e+ %ot# insist it !as t#eir vi(tor+.6 igre sig#ed and )oo"ed at :))en in a,a=e,ent. 0@our re)ations#ip rea))+ is a %ad one.6 01t.s a tradition &or 3eitMerit= and O),ut= to not get a)ong.6 0 radition76 0 #e previous Vanadis and t#e Vanadis &ro, t#e generation %e&ore #ave a)!a+s %een #osti)e to!ard t#e 3urie &a,i)+... #at is$ 3ud,ira.s ,ot#er and grand,ot#er.6 #oug# :))en rep)ied indignant)+$ igre ti)ted #is #ead due to so,et#ing #aving (aug#t #is attention. 03ud,ira.s ,ot#er and grand,ot#er !ere Vanadis76 0;er &a,i)+ )ine is /uite o)d. '#e.s arrogant %e(ause o& t#at.6 0... -re Vanadis #ereditar+ in nature76 igre )oo"ed at :))en !it# a %e!i)dered &a(e. -&ter t#at$ s#e ,uttered /uiet)+$ as t#oug# (onvin(ing #erse)&. 02e))$ it s#ou)d %e &ine to te)) +ou. Bon.t te)) ot#ers$ t#oug#. #e
Vira)t
Vanadis are (#osen %+ t#e Bragoni( oo).6
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igre !as una%)e to rea(t i,,ediate)+$ #aving %een to)d su(# an i,portant t#ing so easi)+. :))en pi("ed up -ri&a) and p)a(ed it over #er s#ou)der. '#e )oo"ed at t#e s#eat#e o& t#e )ongs!ord )oving)+$ t#oug# !it# sar(as, ,i9ed into #er ga=e. 0- )itt)e over t!o +ears ago$ t#is &e))o! (#ose ,e to %e #is Vanadis.6 0... 1 don.t /uite understand.6 igre.s voi(e #ad %e(o,e #oarse. --- The wea(on chooses its wielder. Though I have seen these in myths and airy tales, I did not think they actually e*isted. "ea(ons are wea(ons, a ter all. ;o!ever$ !#i)e igre insisted t#is )oud)+ in #is ,ind$ igre.s ,e,ories o%je(ted. #e )ongs!ord in :))en.s #and o((asiona))+ p)a+&u))+ #it #i, !it# !ind at ti,es. -)so$ t#ere !as t#e %)a(" %o! to #is side. On(e %e&ore$ #is %o! and -ri&a) s#o!ed a strange resonan(e. 1t #ad spo"en to #i,$ and it #ad done so,et#ing %e+ond #u,an "no!)edge. --- $aybe that's why )llen told me. ;e &e)t as t#oug# #e #ad stepped into an un"no!n !or)d in a di&&erent di,ension. igre &e)t a ,o,ent o& dis,a+ !ondered i& #e s#ou)d even #ear t#is stor+.
;o!ever$ igre s#oo" it a!a+ i,,ediate)+. 1t !as so,et#ing #e s#ou)d "no!. One da+$ #e ,a+ %e (on&ronted !it# t#e ,+ster+ o& #is %)a(" %o!. ;e !anted to do ,ore$ to %e a%)e to #e)p :))en ,ore in t#e &uture. :))en )aug#ed #appi)+ seeing igre.s e9pression. 05ood e+es. @ou.re )istening serious)+.6
Vira)t
227
0A,$ #o! does t#e Bragoni( oo) (#oose t#e Vanadis76 01t sudden)+ appears %e&ore t#e se)e(ted person. 1& t#e person ta"es it in #er #and$ !ords &)o! into #er #ead. 1t.s a %it di&&i(u)t to e9p)ain$ %ut it to)d ,e 1 #ad %e(o,e a Vanadis and to #ead t#e 1,peria) Ca)a(e. 2#en 1 !as a Vanadis t#e da+ 1 appeared %e&ore t#e Ca)a(e.6 --- "ords... igre g)an(ed at t#e %)a(" %o! %eside #i,. -&ter (o))e(ting #i,se)&$ #e returned #is e+es to :))en. 02#at %e(a,e o& t#e previous Vanadis76 0'#e retired. #ese gu+s***6 :))en #e)d -ri&a) up. 0 #e+ (#oose a Vanadis !#en t#e previous Vanadis is un!ort#+ o& t#eir position. #at ti,e is judged %+ t#ese t#ings. 1t (ou)d #appen !#en t#e+.re i)) or !#en t#e+ #ave a severe injur+ t#at ,a"es )i&e di&&i(u)t. 1t a)so #appens i& t#e+ %e(o,e in(o,pati%)e or die. 2#en 1 arrived at 3eitMerit=$ ,+ prede(essor.s &unera) #ad just ended. #e 5rand C#a,%er)ain at t#e 1,peria) Ca)a(e si,p)+ %o!ed %e&ore ,e.6
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0... Bid t#e peop)e o& t#e 1,peria) Ca)a(e a((ept it76 #oug# igre #ad su((eeded #is &at#er t!o +ears ago !#en #e %e(a,e an :ar)$ #e understood t#e situation !as (o,p)ete)+ di&&erent. ;e #ad )ived in -)sa(e #is entire (#i)d#ood and "ne! t#e surroundings and peop)e. ;e #ad t#e support o& ever+one t#ere. 0 #oug# t#ere !ere pro%a%)+ so,e !#o didn.t )i"e it$ t#is gu+ (#ose ,e$ so t#e+ (ou)dn.t #e)p %ut a((ept it.6 :))en sar(asti(a))+ )aug#ed as s#e s#rugged #er s#ou)ders. - s!ir) o& !ind surrounded -ri&a)$ as i& it !ere proud o& itse)&. 0-)so t#e peop)e o& 3eitMerit=$ no$ t#e peop)e o& D#(ted$ !ere a)) a((usto,ed to it. #is tradition #as %een in pra(ti(e sin(e
Vira)t
D#(ted !as &irst esta%)is#ed. Eat#er t#an t#e HBragoni( oo)I (#oosing t#e Vanadis$ t#e Vanadis are (#osen %+ so,e ,+sti( &or(e. #at.s #o! ,ost peop)e interpret it.6 2#i)e tra(ing #er &inger a)ong -ri&a).s %)ade$ :))en )oo"ed !it# a disappointed e9pression. 0;o!ever$ t#at.s not ver+ (onvin(ing !it# 3avias. 1t (#ose t#e sa,e %)ood)ine? it even (#ose t#at 3ud,ira. 1 (an on)+ t#in" its e+es are rotten.6 #oug# igre !as a%out to sa+ it #ad no e+es to %e rotten$ #e "ne! t#ere !as so,e "ind o& intent in -ri&a). 1t ,ig#t #ave e+es un"no!n to ,an !#i(# )a+ e)se!#ere.
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0 igre$ !#at do +ou t#in"7 Bo +ou t#in" t#at !o,an !#o %oasts o& #er )ineage is suita%)e to %eing a Vanadis7 1 don.t understand !#+ 3avias !ou)d (#oose so,eone !#o )oo"s do!n on ot#ers.6 0-#$ +ea#...6 ;e re(a))ed 3ud,ira. igre nodded to indi(ate #is agree,ent.6 03ord igrevur,ud. 1 s#ou)d sa+ t#is no!$ %ut p)ease ignore :)eanora*sa,a.s eva)uation o& 3ud,ira*sa,a.6 3i, sig#ed. 0:ven t#eir &irst ,eeting !as terri%)e...6
!o +ears ago$ !#en 3eitMerit= !as (e)e%rating :))en.s arriva) as t#e ne! Vanadis$ 3ud,ira (a,e to visit. :))en !ent out to see !#at s#e !anted just s#ort)+ a&ter s#e %egan )earning proper (ourt eti/uette. #e (ivi) servants !ere at a )oss &or !ords as s#e so,e#o! ,anaged a proper greeting.
230
0O# ,+$ 3eitMerit= is /uite to)erant.6 3ud,ira rea(ted %+ spea"ing !it# an arrogant tone and a #aug#t+ sneer. 01 #ad so,e e9pe(tations o& a Vanadis ,+ age$ t#oug# 1 s#ou)d apo)ogi=e &or doing so !it#out per,ission. 1 suppose it (annot %e #e)ped. @ou are !e)(o,e to (o,e p)a+ in O),ut= i& +ou !is#$ t#oug# +ou ,a+ !ant to )earn +our ,anners &irst. 1 %e)ieve even +ou !ou)d not !ant to %e )aug#ed at.6 3ud,ira %roug#t #er #and to #er ,out# and e)egant)+ )aug#ed? #o!ever$ #er %)ue e+es ()ear)+ )oo"ed do!n on :))en &ro, a superior position. #he was looking at me like I was some kind o a(e, :))en (o,p)ained to 3i, at a )ater date. 0-#$ %ut per#aps 1 (an tea(# +ou. 1& +ou %o! +our #ead do!n to ,e$ 1 (an tea(# +ou an+t#ing$ in()uding ,anners$ o& (ourse.6 0O#7 #at.s rig#t. Can +ou tea(# ,e #o! to %e(o,e ta))er7 Or is t#at possi%)e7 1 suppose i& +ou "ne! o& an+ ,et#ods$ +ou !ou)d #ave tried t#e, out )ong ago.6 3ud,ira !as one #ead s#orter t#an :))en$ and it see,ed to #ave tou(#ed a nerve$ as t#e %)ue*#aired Vanadis &)us#ed red and s#outed (#i)dis#)+. 01$ 1 !as si,p)+ %eing "ind>6
231
0;,. 'o t#ose o& O),ut= i,pose t#eir "indness on ot#ers. 1t doesn.t see, so great.6 3ud,ira &)in(#ed and sta,,ered !#i)e :))en ,er(i)ess)+ (ontinued #er atta(". 02#o !as t#e one to tea(# +ou propriet+7 ;e (ertain)+ ,ust %e a sp)endid person. Ma+%e 1 (ou)d use #i, to ()ean t#e +ard.6 02#a*** 1 !i)) not per,it +ou to insu)t ,+ ,ot#er>6 :))en.s %rig#t red e+es and 3ud,ira.s deep %)ue pupi)s e9p)oded !it# #osti)it+. 01 see$ so it !as +our ,ot#er. 5ood. @ou s#ou)d (o,e !it# #er and 1 (an tea(# +ou %ot# #o! to proper)+ prostrate +ourse)&.6 0@ou... ;o! dare +ou sa+ t#at$ even t#oug# +ou are a Vanadis &res# &ro, t#e (ountr+side>6 #e t!o gir)s ro))ed up t#eir s"irts and s)eeves and poun(ed on ea(# ot#er )i"e !i)d %easts. 01n t#e end$ t#e+ !ere s#outing and &ig#ting. 1t too" ten peop)e in()uding ,e to pu)) t#e, apart. 0 en peop)e...6 igre stared at 3i, in s+,pat#+ as s#e &inis#ed ta)"ing. :))en #ad turned a!a+ ,id!a+ and re,ained si)ent.
232
0-s a t#ird part+$ !#o did +ou t#in" !as at &au)t76 01t !as a (#i)dis# &ig#t$ so it is di&&i(u)t to de(ide.6 igre gave #is ans!er as #e t#oug#t t#roug# t#e stor+ again. 03ud,ira*sa,a.s attitude (ertain)+ !as ,addening to !at(# to ot#ers$ %ut s#e !as not %eing ,a)i(ious? s#e #ad good intentions. #oug# 1 a, unsure o& #o! t#ings are no!...6 0*** -re +ou &inis#ed !it# t#e unp)easant ta)"76 3i, s,i)ed %itter)+ #aving %een interrupted. :))en turned around !it#out (on(ea)ing #er poor ,ood. 03et us return to t#e topi( on #and. -n+!a+$ 3ud,ira and 1 !i)) &ig#t one on one to,orro!. 1 !i)) destro+ #er i,pregna%)e de&enses and tear #er a!a+ &ro, t#e ar,+. #at !a+$ it !on.t %e a repeat o& toda+.6 #oug# 3i, desperate)+ t#oug#t o& !ords o& re%utta)$ s#e "ne! t#e+ (ou)d not spend a signi&i(ant ti,e on t#is. igre %egan to spea". 01& !e destro+ t#e ene,+$ (an +ou pu)) %a(" i,,ediate)+7 :ven i& it is in t#e ,idst o& %att)e76 #oug# igre understood :))en.s strengt#$ 3ud,ira a)so #ad t#e po!er o& a Vanadis. igre understood 3i,.s an9ieties. 1& t#e+ (ou)d not propose an a)ternate p)an$ t#e+ #ad no ot#er (#oi(e %ut to over!#e), t#e ene,+ as /ui(")+ as possi%)e to s#orten t#e duration o& :))en and 3ud,ira.s &ig#t.
233
#oug# :))en )oo"ed %itter$ s#e )oo"ed at igre.s e+es and 3i,.s e9pression and nodded. #e ne9t da+$ <ur"ina C)ains !as (overed in t#e t#i("$ ear)+ ,orning &og !#i(# did not a))o! t#e sun)ig#t to penetrate t#roug#. 1t !as )i"e)+ due to t#e (o)d ,eado! re,aining &ro, t#e da+ %e&ore. 0 #is is %ad...6 Fo))o!ing :))en.s instru(tions$ t#e 3eitMerit= -r,+ retreated t#ree %e)sta Jappro9i,ate)+ t#ree "i)o,etersK %a(". #e &og derai)ed ever+one.s senses. 1n a state in !#i(# t#e !#ite ,ist %)o("ed sig#t just a &e! steps a#ead$ ,an+ !ere su%je(t to t#e i))usion o& s#ado!s. #oug# it !as not i,possi%)e to advan(e !#i)e ta"ing advantage o& t#e &og$ t#e )and !as 3ud,ira.s garden$ so to spea". '#e !as !e)) in&or,ed o& t#e geograp#i(a) &eatures$ so it ne(essitated (aution on :))en.s part. #oug# t#e &og ()eared up !it#in one "o"u$ so,et#ing surprising o((urred. 3ud,ira.s -r,+ #ad disappeared. <ur"ina C)ains !as e,pt+$ even !it# t#e &og gone. #e t!o t#ousand troops &ro, O),ut= )ed %+ 3ud,ira !ere no!#ere to %e &ound.
Dirnitra
234
:))en sent s(outs in a)) dire(tions and &ound #e !#erea%outs soon. 0 #e (o)ors o& t#e <)a(" Bragon F)ag #ave %een &ound in t#e atra Mountains. #ere are ,an+ %arriers set up a)ong t#e ,ountain pat#. 1t see,s 3ud,ira*sa,a is preparing &or a siege.6 :))en #eard t#e report and groaned a&ter sending t#e so)dier a!a+. 02e.ve %een #ad...6 :))en ,uttered to #erse)&. ;earing t#is$ igre &ro!ned. 02as t#is 3ud,ira.s p)an &ro, t#e start76 0 #at.s rig#t. @esterda+.s &ig#t !as to #ave us &o(us on t#is area.6 #e 3eitMerit= -r,+ /ui(")+ ,oved to t#e atra Mountains %e&ore da+.s end. <+ t#e ti,e t#e+ rea(#ed t#e %ase o& t#e ,ountains$ t#e da+ #ad ,ost)+ passed. 0 #is is no )ess steep t#an Vos+es.6 #at !as igre.s &irst i,pression as #e )oo"ed up t#e ,ountain. #oug# it !as no!#ere as )arge as t#e Vos+es Mountain range$ it !as sti)) /uite #ig#. -t t#e end o& t#e s)ope !as a steep ()i&&. Bar" trees (on(ea)ed t#e sur&a(e o& t#e ,ountain. <are ro("s (ou)d %e seen in various p)a(es$ and sno! (overed t#e )and t#i(")+$ giving t#e ,ountain an even ,ore steep appearan(e. #e s(outs &ro, t#e 3eitMerit= -r,+ !ere s#ot at &ro, so)diers in t#e vi))age at t#e &oot o& t#e ,ountain. #e+ !ere &or(ed to give ,an+ si)ver (oins to t#e vi))agers to e9tra(t a((urate in&or,ation on t#e surroundings. <+ t#e ti,e a)) !as done$ it !as )ate in t#e evening.
235
01t see,s atra Fortress is )o(ated at t#e su,,it o& t#e ,ountain$ and it.s surrounded %+ step #i))s to t#e rig#t$ )e&t$ and %e#ind it.6 3i, su,,ari=ed t#e in&or,ation and reported to :))en in t#e tent. 0 #e entire ,ountain is steep$ and !#en t#e )o(a)s go to #unt and &orage &or edi%)e p)ants$ t#e+ rare)+ )eave t#e ,ain pat#. #oug# t#ere are ot#er roads$ t#e+ do not (o,e out near t#e &ortress. #at is a)) t#e+ (an te)) us a%out t#e "no!n pat#s.6 02#at a%out a river )eading deeper76 :))en guessed t#ere !ou)d %e so,e sour(e o& !ater )eading to t#e &ortress. 01t see,s t#ere is a !ater&a)) in t#e (enter...6 --- #o that's useless as well. 2#en 3i,.s report ended$ :))en )e&t t#e tent and ordered #er so)diers to re,ain on stand%+. '#e and igre approa(#ed t#e ,ountains. #e ,ountain pat# !as #eavi)+ &orti&ied as di(tated %+ 3ud,ira. 3arge !a))s !ere %ui)t and !ide tren(#es !ere dug. Fen(es ,ade o& #ardened !ood$ stone$ and soi) !ere ere(ted$ and ar(#ers !ere esta%)is#ed %e#ind t#e,. #ere !ere ,an+ su(# de&ensive positions p)a(ed on t#e road. :))en spo"e to igre !#i)e !at(#ing t#e pat# &ro, a distan(e.
236
0;o! !ou)d +ou atta(" it76 igre o%served t#e de&enses &or a !#i)e and sig#ed. --- )ven i we make the soldiers charge, they will be hit with a storm o arrows while they move (ast the ences and trenches. 01t !ou)d ta"e ti,e$ %ut !#at a%out so,e sort o& %attering ra, or (atapu)t76 0 #at !on.t (ut it !it# #er. 3ud,ira (ou)d &ree=e t#e "e+ )o(ations !it# 3avias$ and #er gate !i)) %e #arder t#an a poor (ast)e gate. Can +ou rea(# t#e ar(#ers !it# +our %o! at t#at #eig#t76 0 #oug# it.s possi%)e$ t#ere !ou)dn.t %e ,u(# point in it.6 Fro, t#at #eig#t$ t#e+ (ou)d si,p)+ o%tain iron s#ie)ds and de&end t#e,se)ves !#i)e s#ooting &ro, t#e gaps. #e+ !ou)d pro%a%)+ #ave rep)a(e,ents &or an+one t#at !as s#ot do!n$ as !e)).
'uro
02#at a%out t#e t#ing +ou used to "i)) t#e :art# Bragon76 3ud,ira #ad a)read+ used 3avias. po!er. #ere !as no reason &or #er not to use #er o!n.
Veda
0:#7 -#... #e HBragoni( '"i))I. 1 (an.t do it.6 2#i)e #o)ding #er si)ver*!#ite #air$ !#i(# #ad %een distur%ed %+ t#e !ind$ :))en s#rugged #er s#ou)ders de&t)+. 0@ou.ve seen it on(e. Bo +ou "no! t#e !ea"ness o& ,+ Bragoni( '"i))76 igre ti)ted #is #ead and )oo"ed up at t#e gra+ s"+ in t#oug#t. ;e t#oug#t a%out #o! t#e Bragoni( '"i)) !#i(# (ou)d o%)iterate a Bragon (ou)d #ave a !ea"ness.
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'eeing igre una%)e to (o,e up !it# an ans!er &or a )ong ti,e$ :))en s,i)ed and pointed at #i, !it# #er &inger. 0 #e &irst !ea"ness is distan(e. 1t !on.t rea(# an ene,+ t#at is too &ar a!a+. 1& !e assu,e 1 use ,+ Bragoni( '"i)) %e&ore a tren(#$ 1 !ou)d destro+ t#e tren(# and %)o! a!a+ t#e &en(es and t#e !a))s? #o!ever$ it !ou)d not rea(# t#e #i)) %e#ind t#e,. -s &or t#e ot#er one***6 :))en put up #er se(ond &inger. 0 #e Bragoni( '"i)) (o))e(ts t#e surrounding !inds. 1n t#at instant$ t#e de&ense 1 #ave &ro, t#e !ind !i)) not %e e&&e(tive. 1& arro!s are s#ot at ,e during t#at ti,e$ 1 (an.t %)o(" t#e,.6 igre &ro!ned. #e )o(ation see,ed to #ave %een %ui)t spe(i&i(a))+ to oppose :))en. :))en noti(ed igre.s &a(e and s#rugged #er s#ou)ders and s,i)ed (+ni(a))+. 01t.s so,et#ing 3ud,ira.s grand,ot#er t#oug#t o&. '#e (a)(u)ated t#at position spe(i&i(a))+ to (ounter -ri&a)$ so it see,s ,+ prede(essors su&&er.6 #e ne9t da+$ t#e 3eitMerit= -r,+ atta("ed t#e ,ountain pat# upon !#i(# sno! dri&ted a%out on (ount)ess o((asions. #e ene,+.s arro!s !ere %)o("ed %+ s#ie)ds$ and t#e (ross%o!s and ar%a)est prepared !ere not as e&&e(tive as t#e+ e9pe(ted.
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:ven i& t#e+ ,anaged to destro+ t#e &en(e$ a ne! one !as insta))ed$ and !it# t#e &ro=en eart# and (o)d air$ &urt#er pursuit !as i,possi%)e. #e O),ut= -r,+ #ad no intent o& )eaving t#eir position to &ig#t. #ose not &ig#ting %roug#t soi) and stones to &urt#er strengt#en t#e !a))s. Furt#er,ore$ t#e+ #ad %ui)t a (atapu)t to t#ro! )arge ro("s and %arre)s &u)) o& eart# and sand. #e 3eitMerit= -r,+ !as &or(ed to retreat. #e 3eitMerit= -r,+ repeated)+ advan(ed and retreated in rest)ess !aves. #e O),ut= -r,+ stood )i"e a )arge stone$ neit#er ,oving &or!ard nor %a("!ard. 1t !as si,p)+ a !aste o& ti,e. #e %att)e #ad si,p)+ %e(o,e a stando&&. -&ter severa) da+s$ :))en #ad %e(o,e i,patient. On t#at da+$ t#eir atta(" #ad ended in a &ai)ure. igre returned !it# t#e !ear+ so)diers and gave !ords o& appre(iation %e&ore #eading to t#e Co,,ander.s tent. On(e it (a,e into vie!$ #e &ro!ned. #ere s#ou)d #ave %een a &e! so)diers standing guard around it$ %ut t#ere !as no one on !at(#.
238
Furt#er,ore$ #e (ou)d #ear /uarre)ing inside. ;is pa(e natura))+ /ui("ened and #e entered t#e tent. 0 #en !#at e)se (an !e do>76 'udden)+$ :))en.s angr+ voi(e roared t#roug#out t#e tent$ ta"ing igre %+ surprise. :))en #ad a passionate attitude as #er %rig#t red e+es g)ared at 3i,. #e adjutant !it# go)den #air stood reso)ute)+ %e&ore t#e pressure e9uded %+ t#e Vanadis. 02#at.s !rong7 1 (an #ear +ou even outside.6 :))en )oo"ed at igre !it# a &ro!n. ;er e9pression /ui(")+ returned to one o& a su)"ing (#i)d %e&ore s#e sto,ped #er !a+ a(ross t#e tent and gra%%ed a %ott)e o& !ine in t#e (orner. '#e /ui(")+ opened t#e %ott)e and dran" its (ontents. 02#at #appened76 ;e did not dare to )o!er #is voi(e !#en #e as"ed 3i,. 3i, responded !it# a re)ieved e9pression. 03ord igrevur,ud$ p)ease stop #er. :)eanora*sa,a !ants to atta(" t#eir de&ensive position a)one.6 igre.s ,out# !as #a)& open in a,a=e,ent. igre )oo"ed at 3i, in %)an" surprise? t#ere !as no !a+ t#e 5enera) o& an ar,+ !ou)d %e a))o!ed to atta(" a)one. 01t (an.t %e #e)ped.6
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2#i)e gripping t#e %ott)e o& !ine$ :))en )oo"ed at igre !it# a su))en &a(e. 01& it.s ,e$ 1 (an &)+ over !it# -ri&a). 1 (an get %e#ind t#eir de&ense and (ut do!n a)) t#e O),ut= so)diers.6 igre )oo"ed at #er unreasona%)+. 4atura))+$ 3i, put a stop to #er !ords. 01t is use)ess.6 0 #en (o,e up !it# anot#er p)an.6 0 #oug# 1 #ave no ot#er proposa)$ 1t is sti)) use)ess.6 #oug# #e t#oug#t it no di&&erent &ro, a (#i)dis# /uarre)$ igre spo"e ,ade #is assertion !it# a strong tone. 03ud,ira.s grand,ot#er t#oug#t o& t#at. @ou said t#at +ourse)&$ rig#t7 1n t#at (ase$ even i& +ou #ave ,an+ so)diers prepared$ it !ou)dn.t %e a si,p)e tas".6 0<ut !e #ave no ot#er (#oi(e> Man+ da+s #ave passed$ and our situation #as not (#anged. @ou s#ou)d #ave &ait# in ,+ s!ords,ans#ip.6 :))en !as not %udging at a)). '#e stared at igre and !a)"ed &or!ard. Asing %ot# #ands$ s#e gra%%ed igre.s #ead$ preventing #i, &ro, ,oving. 0Bid 1 )et +ou go &ree too ,u(#7 igre. 'ure)+ +ou #aven.t &orgotten a)read+. 2#o do +ou %e)ong to76 1t !as an intense at,osp#ere$ and s#e pressed strong)+ against #is s"in. igre %reat#ed s)o!)+ and ans!ered. 01 %e)ong to +ou.6
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0 #at.s rig#t. 1n t#at (ase$ +ou s#ou)d %e)ieve in ,e and )et ,e do t#is$ rig#t76 #e passion in #er red e+es near)+ su&&o(ated igre. 2#at :))en said$ !#i)e !orriso,e$ !as reasona%)e. ;o!ever$ s#e !as t#e 5enera) o& t#e ar,+. :ven i& t#e possi%i)it+ o& &ai)ure !as s,a))$ s#e (ou)d not %e re(")ess)+ e9posed to danger. --- )ven i I told her to sto(, she wouldn't. &ut we don't have any other (lan, so what can I do! ;e #esitated$ %ut a&ter !orr+ing$ igre e9tended #is #ands. ;e s#ut #is e+es and sand!i(#ed :))en.s &a(e !it# #is #ands as s#e #ad done to #i,. 2it# :))en.s ,ove,ents stopped &or a ,o,ent$ #e /uiet)+ %roug#t #is #ead &or!ard to #ers. 1t !as not an a(tion #e t#oug#t a%out$ %ut so,et#ing done natura))+. 02#a$ :#...6 :))en !as surprised$ (on&used$ pani("ed. ;e (ou)d &ee) it in #er voi(e t#roug# #is pa),. igre )et out a %reat# o& re)ie& in #is ,ind %e(ause #e did not &ee) anger &ro, :))en. --- #ince I did this so suddenly, I was (re(ared to get hit. :ven !it# su(# an a%rupt rea(tion$ #e !as not reje(ted? s#e trusted #i,. -)) t#at re,ained !as &or #i, to &or(e #is !ords out t#roug# t#e tension. ;e !ou)d proper)+ (o,,uni(ate #is &ee)ings.
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0@ou are i,portant to ,e. :ven i& 1 !ere not +ours$ 1 don.t t#in" an+t#ing !ou)d (#ange. 1t !as ,+ de(ision t#at pu))ed +ou to t#e %att)e&ie)d$ so 1 "no! 1., %eing se)&is#$ %ut 1 don.t !ant +ou to do an+t#ing re(")ess.6 'i)en(e &e)) upon t#e tent. 'in(e igre.s e+es !ere ()osed$ #e (ou)d not understand :))en.s rea(tion. <e&ore )ong$ :))en.s #ands parted &ro, igre. 0... Eea))+.6 1t !as a s,a))$ tre,%)ing voi(e !#i(# rea(#ed igre.s ear. 0Bo +ou rea))+ (#eris# ,e76 0O& (ourse.6 0Bo +ou (#eris# ,e t#e ,ost76 ;e &ound #i,se)& at a )oss &or !ords. 0... 2#at did +ou just t#in" o& rig#t no!76 #oug# it !as not visi%)e to igre$ 3i, !as g)aring at #i, &ro, a distan(e. igre responded #onest)+ in t#e dangerous at,osp#ere. 0-)sa(e.6 ;e #eard a sig#. #e t!o parted and :))en too" a step %a(". igre opened #is e+es a&ter )osing t#e &ee) o& #er on #is #and and sa! :))en s,i)ing %itter)+ !it# #er #ands on #er !aist.
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0@ou.re a ,an !it# a strong )ove &or #is #o,e. 2e))$ t#at.s &ine. -)sa(e is ,ine as !e)).6 Gust a ,o,ent ago$ s#e !as in su(# a %ad ,ood t#at #e !ou)d #esitate to (a)) out to #er$ %ut it #ad vanis#ed. ;er (#eer&u) s,i)e and %rig#t red e+es returned. #e :))en igre and 3i, !ere a((usto,ed to seeing stood %e&ore t#e,. 0<+ t#e !a+$ i& +ou #ad said a !o,an.s na,e$ +ou !ou)d %e one #ead s#orter. @ou.ve e9er(ised +our !isdo, !e)). 1.)) praise +ou &or t#at.6 igre s#rugged #is s#ou)ders si)ent)+$ t#oug# #e !as (urious in t#e %a(" o& #is ,ind. :))en !as a )itt)e red and spo"e ,ore rapid)+ t#an usua). igre !as a pu%es(ent ,an o& ,arriagea%)e age$ so #e ,a+ #ave %een a!are o& :))en as a ,e,%er o& t#e opposite se9. ;o!ever$ t#ere !ere ot#er t#ings to do &irst. ;e needed to tie up a)) )oose ends. 0<+ t#e !a+$ 1 #ad a &avor 1 !anted to as" o& +ou.6
:a(# ti,e #e too" a step &or!ard$ a #eav+ sound e(#oed &ro, %e)o!. #e s"+ #ad not (#anged at a))$ and an a),ost pure* !#ite sno! (overed t#e ground. O((asiona))+$ #is &eet s)id against i(e rat#er t#an sno!.
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;is %od+ !as !rapped in a &ur ,ant)e as #e !a)"ed a)ong t#e &ro=en sur&a(e. igre vague)+ t#oug#t t#e &ur !as dou%)e )a+ered to "eep t#e (o)d a!a+. #e !#ite %reat# #e e9pe))ed !as near)+ invisi%)e against t#e sno!. ;is #at !as ,ade &ro, t#e #ead o& a %ear. o %e ,ore e9a(t$ t#e entire #eadpie(e !as &as#ioned to a(t as #eadgear. ;o)es !ere p)a(ed in t#e e+es and ears to a))o! #i, to see and spea"$ and t#e ,out# !as open so #e (ou)d spea". 1t !as so,et#ing 3i, )ent to #i,. 0 #is is !#at 1 %roug#t as prote(tion against t#e (o)d.6 '#e to)d igre t#is as s#e (overed #is #ead. #oug# it !as a )itt)e tig#t$ #e (ou)d %are)+ &ee) t#e (o)d seeping up &ro, #is ne(". ;e (are&u))+ progressed to!ard a tree not %uried in sno!. ;e )eaned against it to rest !#en #e rea(#ed it and !as te,pted to sit do!n. ;e too" a &)as" &ro, #is !aist and dran" so,e !ater. --- This is the third day. #at !as #o! )ong it #ad %een sin(e igre entered t#e atra Mountains. ;e as"ed :))en to a))o! #i, to sear(# &or a ,ountain pat# t#at !ou)d #ead to t#e top o& t#e ,ountain.
245
02eren.t +ou just tr+ing to prevent ,e &ro, a(ting a)one76 :))en spo"e sar(asti(a))+$ t#oug# #er tone !as s)ig#t)+ peevis#. :ventua))+ s#e (onsented. 0;o!ever... 2i)) +ou rea))+ %e &ine76 '#e g)an(ed at #i, an9ious)+. igre si,p)+ stru(" #is (#est proud)+ to reassure #er. 1t !as not a )ie. ;e !as a((usto,ed to ()i,%ing steep ,ountains in -)sa(e. :ven i& #e !as &ound %+ t#e ene,+$ #e (ou)d evade t#e, %+ a(ting as a #unter. ;is &or, !as t#at o& a #unter$ and #e #ad "no!)edge as a #unter #i,se)&. ;e #ad (on&ir,ed t#ere !ere sno! )eopards t#roug#out t#e ,ountains %+ as"ing t#e peop)e in t#e vi))age. ;e !as sudden)+ #it %+ a %out o& dro!siness$ and #is %od+ )eaned over. igre put strengt# to #is )egs and #it #is #ead to a!a"en #i,se)&. #e (o)d #ad sapped #is sta,ina$ and t#e !eig#t o& t#e sno! on)+ ,ade #i, ,ore &atigued. --- I don't have much ood. There's enough water, since I ound a river... ;e !as an9ious as !e)). -&ter )eaving -)sa(e$ ,an+ da+s #ad passed$ and Bu"e #enardier !ou)d soon %egin #is ,ove,ents. --- &ut I came here o my own accord. 2#en )oo"ing do!n &ro, a ()i&& over#ead$ igre #ad )earned #e #ad (o,e /uite a !a+s up t#e ,ountain.
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--- I have one day le t at most... -&ter &inis#ing #is rest$ igre resu,ed #is !a)" t#roug# t#e sno!. ;e sa! a &o9 &ar a!a+. 1t !as a%out &ive (#et Jappro9i,ate)+ &i&t+ (enti,etersK in si=e. Cer#aps it #ad %een distra(ted %+ so,et#ing$ as it #ad stopped in its p)a(e. -&ter se(ret)+ #iding #is %od+$ !it# a near%+ tree$ igre /ui(")+ no("ed an arro!. 1& #e "i))ed it$ it !ou)d give #i, a su&&i(ient a,ount o& &ood. #e distan(e to t#e &o9 !as t!o #undred a)sin Jappro9i,ate)+ t!o #undred ,etersK. 1t !ou)d %e no pro%)e,$ even i& it !as s)ig#t)+ #ig#er on t#e gent)e s)ope. ;e %ent #is %o!string and s#ot t#e arro!. <+ t#e ti,e #is %o!string stopped vi%rating$ t#e arro! #ad pier(ed t#e &o9.s #ead. 0... 2#at76 igre ti)ted #is #ead. #e &o9 (o))apsed in an odd !a+. -t an+ rate$ igre (ontinued to !a)" to!ard it !#i)e pa+ing (are&u) attention to #is steps. 2#en #e #ad !a)"ed #a)& t#e distan(e$ #e noti(ed a s,a)) s#ado! appear near !#ere t#e &o9 &e)). 1t !as a petite gir). --- 'udmira...-!
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'#e !as a stern gir) #e #ad ,et in Eodni(" and !as no! #is ene,+$ t#e %)ue*#aired Vanadis. #oug# it !as odd to see a (asua))+ dressed gir) in t#e sno!*(overed ,ountains$ #e (ou)d a((ept it i& it !ere #er. igre stopped #is &eet and intent)+ o%serve #er. 3ud,ira noti(ed #i, and re,ained !#ere s#e stood. --- Is she waiting or me! #oug# #e t#oug#t o& running a!a+$ #e !ou)d on)+ see, suspi(ious. --- $y ace is hidden, and I'm disguised as a hunter as we (lanned. ;e !as tru)+ grate&u) to 3i, &or t#e %ear #eadgear and !is#ed to t#an" #er &ro, t#e %otto, o& #is #eart. #e sno! sounded noisi)+ as igre ()i,%ed t#e s)ope. 3i"e #e t#oug#t$ it !as 3ud,ira. '#e !ore t#e sa,e %)ue ()ot#es de(orated !it# red and go)d. 1n #er #and !as a (o,,onp)a(e %o!. ;er spear o& i(e !as t#rust vio)ent)+ into t#e near%+ ground. '#e s,i)ed in a (are&ree ,anner$ !it#out ,a)i(e or #osti)it+. '#e see,ed not to #ave noti(ed t#at it !as igre. 0Bid +ou s#oot t#is arro!76 3ud,ira spo"e in a tone ,an+ !ou)d (onsider #aug#t+ as s#e pointed to t#e &o9. #e &o9 #ad an arro! t#roug# its #ead and in t#e s(ru&& o& its ne(". ;er &inger pointed to t#e arro! in its #ead.
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--- #o that's how it is. 3ud,ira !as "eeping an e+e on t#is &o9 as !e)). #eir arro!s #ad #it at near)+ t#e sa,e ti,e. #oug# unusua)$ it !as not uni/ue. igre ti)ted #is /uiver to s#o! #is arro!s. 1t !as ()ear to understand seeing t#e &)et(#ing on #is arro!s. --- )ven so... igre spo"e$ #is voi(e ()ear)+ s#o!ing #is !orr+. 0A,... -ren.t +ou (o)d76 #oug# s#e !ore ()ot#es !it# )u9urious de(orations$ #er ar,s$ )egs$ and a%do,en !ere e9posed. 1t !as not suita%)e &or !a)"ing t#roug# t#e sno!+ ,ountains. 01 a, &ine$ %e(ause 1 a, a spe(ia) e9isten(e.6 3ud,ira pus#ed #er (#est &or!ard s)ig#t)+ and ans!ered proud)+. igre !as ta"en a%a(" as s#e )oo"ed at #i, !it# s#ining e+es t#e (o)or o& t#e deep sea. 0<+ t#e !a+$ +ou see,ed to !a)" a &air distan(e. 2#ere did +ou #it t#is %east &ro,76 igre )oo"ed %a(" to !#ere #e !a)"ed &ro, and pointed at t#e tree !#ere #e #id and too" ai, at t#e &o9. 3ud,ira.s e9pression rapid)+ %e(a,e s#arp. 0'top )+ing$ (o,,oner. #at is %e+ond t!o #undred a)sin$ is it not7 -nd su(# s,a)) ga,e...6
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igre s#rugged #is s#ou)ders and retrieved an arro! &ro, #is /uiver. ;e "ne! at ti,es )i"e t#is t#at it !ou)d %e %est to s#o! #er dire(t)+. #e %o!string tre,%)ed as #e &ired t#e arro!. ;e stru(" t#e tree as intended$ s#a"ing t#e sno! !#i(# #ad a((u,u)ated on t#e %ran(#es. -s #e )oo"ed %a("$ #e &e)t a (#i)dis# sense o& satis&a(tion. 3ud,ira stared at t#e arro! !it# #er ,out# #a)& open. <e&ore )ong$ 3ud,ira turned %a(" and apo)ogi=ed to igre in an a!"!ard ,anner. 0... 1$ 1 apo)ogi=e. 1 dou%ted +our !ords.6 --- 'ike I thought, this girl can admit her own errors. igre !as g)ad to #ave )earned o& #er ,erits$ i& on)+ a )itt)e %it. 0<+ t#e !a+$ #o! s#ou)d !e divide t#is7 '#a)) !e divide it in t!o76 3ud,ira pointed to t#e &o9 !it# t#e %o! in #er #and. ;er arro! !as stu(" in t#e &o9.s ne(". 0... 1 suppose !e !ou)d divide it even)+ in t#is situation.6 0 #at is &ine !it# ,e. -#$ 1 !i)) give t#e ,eat to +ou$ sin(e it is unne(essar+. 1 si,p)+ !ant t#e &ur.6 0 #en +ou ,a+ #ave t#e &ur. 1 !i)) ta"e t#e rest.6 ;e (ou)d eat t#e ,eat and entrai)s and (ut t#e %ones do!n into arro!#eads. #ere !ere ot#er uses as !e)). #oug# #e !ou)d )i"e t#e &ur$ it !as not a pro%)e, i& #e did not #ave it.
250
0Ver+ !e)).6 3ud,ira s,i)ed %rig#t)+ and #e)d out #er #and. igre grasped it tig#t)+ as #e re(a))ed :))en.s (#eer&u) s,i)e. ;e re,oved t#e &o9 ,eat$ (#opped it up$ and (oo"ed it in a s,a)) pan. #e+ #ad ,oved a s#ort distan(e &ro, !#ere t#e+ ,et$ ()oser to t#e river. #e t!o de(ided to ta"e a rest !#i)e igre too" (are o& t#e &o9. #oug# it too" ti,e to ignite t#e &ire!ood in t#e sno!$ #e #ad ,anaged to get it started. 1n t#e ,ountains$ a&ter t#e sun #ad passed its =enit# and %egan to des(end$ t#e t!o surrounded t#e pan. 02#+ is it t#at +ou do not ta"e o&& +our #eadgear7 @ou s#ou)d #ave no pro%)e, !it# t#e sno! or (o)d !#en +ou are near ,e.6 3ud,ira as"ed igre (urious)+ as #e s"inned t#e &o9. -s s#e #ad said$ t#e+ !ere &ree &ro, t#e (o)d$ unre)ated to t#e &ire.
2iralt
--- $ost likely, this is the (ower o her Dragonic Tool . 1t !as a spear t#at ,anipu)ated t#e (o)d and t#e reason 3ud,ira (ou)d !a)" around t#e sno!+ ,ountains in su(# )ig#t ()ot#ing.
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0Cou)d it %e... +ou are a Vanadis76 1t !ou)d see, unnatura) not to /uestion 3ud,ira.s !ords$ so igre (are&u))+ as"ed #er. '#e )oo"ed at igre in dissatis&a(tion. 0 #oug# +ou are rig#t... @ou #ave no sense o& #u,i)it+$ rea))+.6 igre #esitated and t#oug#t a%out !#at #e s#ou)d do. ;e t#oug#t it ,a+ #ave %een %est to prostrate #i,se)& %e&ore #er. 04o ,atter. 1 !i)) pardon it out o& respe(t &or +our s"i)) !it# t#e %o!. 1 s#a)) &orgive +our rudeness.6 igre )et out a %reat# o& re)ie& and %o!ed s)ig#t)+. -&ter t#at$ #e noti(ed 3ud,ira.s g)an(e and p)a(ed #is &inger to #is #eadgear. 01n ,+ vi))age$ !e are not to ta"e t#is o&& !#i)e #unting in t#e ,ountains.6 1t !as an o)d stor+ #e #eard &ro, #is &at#er. igre gave an appropriate response using t#e in&or,ation #e (ou)d re,e,%er. 01 see. ;o! regretta%)e. 1 !ou)d )i"e to see +our &a(e.6 3ud,ira spo"e earnest)+. igre re,ained si)ent$ %ut #e !as s!eating %eneat# t#e ,as". 1& s#e )earned o& #is identit+$ #e !ou)d not es(ape t#e ,ountain a)ive. :ven i& s#e too" ,er(+ on #i, on a !#i,$ s#e !ou)d (ertain)+ (on&ine #i, in t#e (ast)e dungeon. --- #he really hasn't noticed. '#e si,p)+ t#oug#t o& #i, as a si,p)e #unter and stopped pursuing t#e ,atter. #e on)+ t#ing %et!een t#e t!o !as a s,a)) pan.
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1& s#e !ere &urt#er &ro, t#e spear and #e (aug#t #er o&& guard$ #e (ou)d pin #er do!n. -s soon as #e t#oug#t t#at &ar$ #o!ever$ igre s#oo" t#e t#oug#t out o& #is #ead. ;is (#an(es o& vi(tor+ !as too s)i,$ and #e (ou)d not easi)+ a,%us# t#is gir) !#o spo"e to #i, sin(ere)+ and "ind)+. 3ud,ira sudden)+ (a))ed out to igre. 02#at is +our na,e76 0... Ar=.6 igre used #is &at#er.s na,e. 01 see. Ar=. 'erve ,e.6 3ud,ira spo"e as i& it !ere a ,atter o& (ourse. 0@our s"i)) !it# t#e %o! is !onder&u). #at a)one is va)ua%)e enoug# to a))o! +ou to serve ,e.6 0... 1 a, not a #unter &ro, near%+. 1 (a,e &ro, &ar a!a+.6 ;e spo"e in interva)s$ %ut igre !as a%)e to s/uee=e out #is !ords. 01 see. 1t !ou)d %e strange not to #ave #eard o& +ou i& +ou !ere a ,an &ro, O),ut=.6 01 #ave no p)ans o& )eaving ,+ #o,e.6 igre !as a%)e to spea" #is true &ee)ings !it#out te))ing a )ie.
253
igre &e)t gui)t+ using #is &at#er.s na,e to )ie to 3ud,ira. --- This girl, her attitude aside, she rankly acce(ted me. 3ud,ira.s !ords (ontained no )ies. Cer#aps %e(ause s#e t#oug#t o& igre as a (o,,oner$ s#e !as$ in #er o!n !a+$ re(eiving #i, on e/ua) &ooting. --- I she looked down on commoners, I would have (robably been made to leave 5uickly without the o*. +o, it would be (ossible she would have orced me to carry it to the ortress. 1& an aristo(rat in <rune !ere greed+$ su(# as Bu"e #enardier$ #e ,a+ #ave %een punis#ed &or da,aging t#e &o9. :ventua))+$ igre &inis#ed dis,ant)ing t#e &o9. #oug# #e !as tired and (ut (orners on o((asion$ 70L o& t#e s"in sti)) re,ained. igre e9p)ained t#e (ir(u,stan(es to 3ud,ira. 0For t#e &ine detai)s$ p)ease give it to a spe(ia)ist to #and)e.6 01 understand. #an" +ou &or +our !or".6 -&ter t#at$ igre and 3ud,ira ate a )itt)e o& t#e &o9 ,eat. ;e !as#ed a!a+ t#e %)ood and seasoned it !it# sa)t. 3ud,ira did not parti(u)ar)+ (o,p)ain. #e pan !as easi)+ !as#ed !it# ,e)ted sno! %e&ore %eing p)a(ed in #is %ag. #e e9tra ,eat and o&&a) !ere %uried in a #o)e. 1n t#e ,eanti,e$ 3ud,ira put a ne! pot to %oi) a&ter !as#ing it out !it# !ater.
254
--- Is she drinking hot water! #oug# igre t#oug#t t#at$ #e &e)t it !as so,et#ing di&&erent a&ter a ti,e. 3ud,ira opened t!o (r+sta) %ott)es #e)d at #er !ist and p)a(ed !#at appeared to %e dr+$ %)a(" seeds into a (up. 2#en s#e poured t#e #ot !ater into it$ t#e !ater %e(a,e s)ig#t)+ red. '#e t#en s(ooped ja, &ro, t#e ot#er %ott)e and p)a(ed it in t#e #ot red !ater and !aited &or it to ,e)t a!a+. 0;ave a drin".6 igre re(eived t#e stea,ing (up. Cer#aps it !as due to t#e natura) at,osp#ere$ or per#aps it !as #er attitude$ &or so,e reason$ #e !as una%)e to re&use. 01t is tea. 1t !i)) !ar, +our %od+ and +our ,ind.6 igre too" (are not to %urn #i,se)& and ginger)+ sipped t#e tea. - ,+sterious s,e)) sti,u)ated #is nasa) (avit+. #e %itterness and s!eetness spread to #is tongue. #e &atigue (o))e(ted in #is %od+ see,ed to disappear a)) at on(e. 0... 1t.s de)i(ious.6 2it#out t#in"ing$ #e ,uttered t#ose !ords. 3ud,ira.s &a(e /ui(")+ g)o!ed !it# jo+. 01t is$ rig#t7 1& +ou !ant anot#er drin"$ 1 !i)) espe(ia))+ pour it &or +ou.6 3ud,ira.s (#est pu&&ed out !it# pride as s#e s,i)ed inno(ent)+. igre as"ed &or anot#er (up upon #er insisten(e.
256
--- #o she can smile like this as well. 2#enever #e too" a sip$ #is %od+ !as !ar,ed &ro, t#e inside. 3ud,ira !at(#ed igre drin" t#e tea !it# an e)ated e9pression. -&ter t#e+ #ad &ina))+ rested$ 3ud,ira turned )oo"ed at igre !it# interest. 0Ar=. 2#+ are +ou #ere7 @ou s#ou)d #ave so,e idea o& !#at is going on. #ere are ,an+ so)diers !a)"ing a%out t#e ,ountain pat#s$ and it is ()ear t#is is a %att)e&ie)d.6 0-t t#ese ti,es$ t#ere are %easts t#at )ur" a%out t#e ,ountains.6 01 a, a,a=ed. 1 did not t#in" a person !ou)d (o,e to su(# a p)a(e. 1 !i)) #ave to ret#in" t#ings.6 #oug# dangerous !ords !ere a%out to (o,e out o& #is ,out#$ #e s!a))o!ed t#e, %a(" do!n. 02#+ is a Vanadis #ere7 2#+ !ou)d +ou (o,e #ere !it#out +our attendants76 0... 1t is an e9(eption.6 3ud,ira$ !#o #ad a)!a+s #e)d a #ig#*#anded attitude$ s#o!ed a !ea" e9pression &or t#e &irst ti,e. ;er s#ort %)ue #air s#oo" as s#e ga=ed into t#e distan(e. 01 just !anted to re)a9.6 0... 1& +ou are satis&ied !it# ,e$ 1 !i)) )isten.6
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-&ter #esitating$ igre said t#ose !ords. 1& #e !ere to %id &are!e))$ #e !ou)d #ave to )eave /ui(")+. ;e (ou)d not over)oo" 3ud,ira.s )one)+ pro&i)e. 3ud,ira )oo"ed at igre in surprise. 01& +ou (an.t spea"$ t#en vent into t#e #o))o! o& a tree. 1t is an o)d sa+ing.6 0*** @ou are /uite gent)e &or a %ear.6 3ud,ira #e)d #er "nees and ga=ed up!ard at igre. 1t !as a gesture ,at(#ing a nor,a) +oung gir). <e&ore )ong$ 3ud,ira gradua))+ spo"e. '#e #ad pride as a Vanadis t#at su((eeded do!n t#e generations o& #er &a,i)+. <e(ause o& #er position$ s#e #ad su%dued #er o!n e,otions to ,aintain re)ations !it# a person s#e #ated. 1n parti(u)ar$ 3ud,ira vented #er anger )i"e a raging &ire !#en s#e spo"e o& Bu"e #enardier #anding out t#e ar,or &ro, #er territor+ to t#e %andits. 01 !as a%)e to #unt a)one toda+... 1 t#in" t#e so)diers !i)) &orgive ,e. 1 need at )east a )itt)e ti,e to re)a9 and distra(t ,+se)&.6 #oug# t#ere !ere p)a(es igre appeared in #er stor+$ #e never spo"e up. ;e si,p)+ nodded and responded to #er o((asiona) /uestion.
:ven i& it !as &or #is o!n sa&et+$ #e #id #is identit+ &ro, #er. 'pea"ing an+ ,ore si,p)+ see,ed (o!ard)+.
258
0Ar=. 1 !i)) re,e,%er +our na,e. @ou are a)!a+s !e)(o,e to (o,e to t#e 1,peria) Ca)a(e in O),ut=.6 3ud,ira )e&t #i, !it# t#ose !ords as t#e t!o separated. '#e #e)d t#e &o9 !it# #er spear and !a)"ed a!a+ at a )ig#t pa(e a)ong t#e sno!+ ground. --- Is that also the (ower o the s(ear! #he can walk so easily on this snow-covered mountain. -&ter #er &igure #ad %e(o,e distant$ igre (#anged #is t#oug#t pro(ess and %egan to &o))o! #er &ootsteps. 3ud,ira !ou)d not )i"e)+ noti(e at t#is distan(e$ %ut #e sti)) re,ained (autious as #e s)o!)+ advan(ed. #e sun #ad #idden itse)& on t#e ot#er side o& t#e ,ountain. On)+ its a&terg)o! i))u,inated t#e #i)). --- +ot good. /nce the sun sets, I won't be able to ollow her. 2#i)e &ig#ting #is i,patien(e$ igre "ept #is pa(e and advan(ed$ )itt)e %+ )itt)e. #is !as #is )ast (#an(e. ;is )egs )a("ed strengt#$ and #is %reat# !as &ro=en.
258
<+ t#e ti,e t#e sun set$ igre stood atop a ()i&&. #ere !as a &ortress %eneat# #is e+es. ;e /uiet)+ spent t#e nig#t in t#e ,ountains and des(ended in t#e ,orning. 0@ou #ave a terri%)e &a(e.6 #e+ !ere t#e !ords :))en greeted igre !it# !#en #e returned. igre.s !ords !ere not nor,a)$ eit#er. 0C)ease )et ,e s)eep &or #a)& a da+.6 ;e #ad put o&& s#aving$ eating$ and (#anging #is ()ot#es. igre (o))apsed t#e ,o,ent #e entered t#e tent and s)ept as #e !as. #e position o& t#e 3eitMerit= -r,+ #ad not (#anged !#i)e igre !as ()i,%ing t#e ,ountain. #oug# t#e+ #ad not (#anged t#eir ,et#od o& atta("ing t#e ,ountain pat#$ t#e+ #ad not a(#ieved an+ signi&i(ant resu)ts. #e+ #ad not even ,ade t#eir !a+ past t#e &irst de&ensive )ine. 'ti))$ :))en and 3i, (ontinued to atta(" to provide as ,u(# support as possi%)e &or igre !#i)e #e surve+ed t#e ,ountain. #e sun #ad set$ and t#e atta(" t#at da+ #ad ended in a point)ess ,anner. igre &ina))+ a!o"e. ;e /ui(")+ ate &is# soup a)one and s#aved #i,se)&$ )eaving a &e! s(rat(#es a)ong #is ja!. 2#en igre !as &ina))+ &inis#ed$ #e returned to t#e tent and sat in a (ir()e !it# :))en and 3i,.
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0... 1., %a(".6 :))en teased #i, !it# #er ga=e at t#is )ate #our and )istened to #i, serious)+. 0@ou s)ept and ate /uite !e)). 'o #o! did it go7 Bid +ou &ind an+t#ing76 0 !o #undred... no$ one #undred peop)e (an %e ta"en up to t#e (ast)e. #en !e need to ta"e t#e gate do!n.6 Cer#aps %e(ause t#e de&ense o& t#e ,ountain pat# !as not per&e(t$ t#e de&ense o& t#e &ort itse)& !as not parti(u)ar)+ spe(ia). #e de&enses !#i(# #ad p)agued :))en !ere not insta))ed around t#e &ort$ nor !ere t#ere ,an+ so)diers standing guard at t#e gate or patro))ing t#e !a))s. :ven !it#out siege !eapons )i"e %attering ra,s$ t#e+ (ou)d pass t#e !a)) %+ using a #oo" and a rope )adder a((ording to igre.s judg,ent. 02e)) done>6 -&ter #earing #is stor+$ :))en gave #er eva)uation and #it igre.s s#ou)der. '#e t#en (#eer&u))+ spo"e #er instru(tions to 3i,. 0... 1s it &ine7 2it# on)+ one #undred peop)e76 01t !i)) %e enoug#. #e+ #ave t!o t#ousand troops$ and at )east #a)& o& t#e, are on t#e ,ountain pat#$ )eaving &e!er t#an one t#ousand !it#in t#e &ortress. #e+ are )i"e)+ guarding t#e ot#er ,ountain pat#s on s#i&ts. #is s#ou)d not (#ange i& !e (ontinue our atta("s #ere. -t t#at ti,e***6
261
:))en s#ut one e+e$ %ut #er ot#er e+e #ad enoug# spirit to &i)) %ot#. 02#en t#e ti,e (o,es$ 1 !i)) prove to +ou t#at 1 (an #o)d do!n 3ud,ira and #er one t#ousand ,en. 1 !i)) s#o! +ou t#e strengt# o& t#e Vanadis.6 0;o! re)ia%)e.6 :))en.s ,ood )i&ted !#en it (a,e to a &ig#t. igre noti(ed it #ad #appened to #i, %e&ore #e !as a!are o& it. -&ter t#at$ igre to)d t#e, #e ,et 3ud,ira. 02ere +ou noti(ed76 01 o!e it to t#is #eadpie(e.6 2#i)e #e rep)ied jo"ing)+$ 3i, )oo"ed do!n in si)en(e !it# a red &a(e. igre s,i)ed !r+)+ seeing #er rea(tion and returned to t#e (onversation. ;e did not spe(i&i(a))+ spea" o& t#eir (onversation$ %ut to)d t#e, #e #ad %een treated to tea. #oug# :))en ()ear)+ &ro!ned$ s#e did not (o,p)ain? #o!ever$ s#e did spea" up at t#e end. 0Carr+ing tea and ja, at a ti,e )i"e t#at. '#e rea))+ is &unn+.6 igre !as a)so in agree,ent.
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#e+ /ui(")+ ,ade preparations. :ar)+ t#e ne9t ,orning one #undred 3eitMerit= (ava)r+$ )ed %+ igre and :))en$ used t#e ,orning ,ist to approa(# t#e &oot o& t#e atra Mountains. 3i, too" (o,,and o& t#e re,aining so)diers and atta("ed t#e ,ountain pat#. #oug# dissatis&a(tion ()ear)+ s#o!ed in #er %)ue pupi)s$ s#e &o))o!ed dire(tions !#i)e ,aintaining #er e9pression)ess &a(ade. #oug# t#ere !ere on)+ one #undred (ava)r+$ it !as di&&i(u)t to trave) a)ong t#e ,ountain !it#out a road. #e so)diers did not !ear ar,or %ut a (o,%ination o& &ur and )eat#er. #ere !ere ,an+ !#o !ere injured as t#eir &eet s)ipped and t#e ro("s &e)) on top o& t#e,. #e+ tied t#eir %odies toget#er !it# rope as t#e+ advan(ed up t#e s)opes !#i(# #ad %een (overed in i(e #a)&!a+ up. :))en en(ouraged t#e so)diers$ and igre dire(ted t#e !or". ')o!)+$ t#e 3eitMerit= so)diers ,oved a(ross t#e sno!*(overed ,ountain. 2#en t#e eastern s"+ !as d+ed indigo and t#e s"+ invaded t#e !estern s"+$ t#e+ #ad rea(#ed !#ere igre stood severa) da+s ago. #e+ )oo"ed do!n at t#e (ast)e &ort %e&ore t#eir e+es. ;o!ever$ so,et#ing une9pe(ted o((urred. 0... igre$ +ou said t#e se(urit+ !asn.t tig#t.6 2#en igre #ad )oo"ed at t#e gate on t#e ot#er side o& t#e &ortress da+s ago$ t#ere !as no one in sig#t.
263
;o!ever$ a de&ensive )ine #ad %een (onstru(ted %e&ore t#e gate. #oug# t#ere !ere no #i))s$ and t#e tren(#es !ere not deep$ t#e t#reat it provided sti)) re,ained. 1n addition$ t#e nu,%er o& so)diers on t#e ra,part #ad in(reased. 'o,e re,ained stationar+ !it# %o! in #and. 0'trange. #ere !as not#ing )i"e t#at %e&ore.6 03ud,ira pro%a%)+ (a,e up !it# t#e idea !#en s#e ,et +ou.6 :))en )oo"ed do!n at t#e &ortress !it# a gri, e9pression. #oug# #e #ad a superior s"i)) as a #unter$ #e !as a &ree person !#o !as not a Vanadis. -)) a)one$ #e #ad ,anaged to ()i,% t#e ,ountain on a sno!*(overed pat#. 'eeing t#is$ 3ud,ira #ad (#anged #er de&enses. 1t !as not a ,+ster+ at a)). 02#at s#ou)d !e do7 5ive up and return76 igre (are&u))+ as"ed #er. :))en &o)ded #er ar,s and s#oo" re&used #i, strong)+. 01& !e turn %a(" #ere$ a)) our e&&orts !ou)d (o,e to !aste. 1 a%so)ute)+ do not !ant t#at.6 igre ga=ed at :))en in surprise #aving #eard #er ,a"e su(# a &ran" de()aration. :))en )oo"ed %a(" and spo"e on(e again. 01 !i)) destro+ t#e gate.6 01t is too dangerous. #e+ !i)) #it +ou !it# arro!s &ro, t#e ra,parts.6
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igre gripped :))en.s s#ou)der and stared at #er. 02#at$ it.s not )i"e 1.)) %e injured.6 :))en !aved #er #and as i& pus#ing t#e ,atter aside. '#e grasped igre.s ne(" and dre! #i, ()oser as igre tried to argue again. :))en )ig#t)+ pressed #er &ore#ead against #is. 0@ou need to give ,e t#e (#an(e to )oo" good on o((asion.6 '#e !#ispered and s,i)ed %rig#t)+ as s#e re,oved #er #and &ro, igre. 02at(#$ igre. 1 !i)) destro+ ever+t#ing %e&ore t#e (ast)e gate in a sing)e %)o!. 1 !i)) ta"e (are o& t#e gate !it# ,+ se(ond atta(".6 Certain)+$ under t#e present (ir(u,stan(es$ t#ere !as no ot#er #and t#e+ (ou)d p)a+. igre %it do!n on #is )ips$ strong enoug# t#at %)ood %egan to &)o!$ and g)ared at t#e %)a(" %o! in #is #and. --- "hat do I need to do to get you to hel( me again! ;e understood it !as a se)&is# !is# to as" o& so,et#ing #e &eared. igre !anted to do so,et#ing &or :))en. 'oon$ t#e sun san" (o,p)ete)+. Ander t#e (over o& dar"ness$ t#e 3eitMerit= troops (are&u))+ ,oved do!n t#e steep s)ope. #e+ used rope to prevent t#e,se)ves &ro, &a))ing and (overed t#eir s!ords in dirt to (over t#eir s#ine.
265
2#en a)) ,e,%ers !ere set and t#eir nu,%ers (on&ir,ed %+ :))en and igre$ :))en spo"e to #er so)diers in #er t+pi(a) tone. 01 !i)) !ren(# t#e gate open. @ou !i)) rus# in at t#at ti,e.6 ;er !ords !ere s#ort$ and t#ere !as no ot#er &easi%)e p)an. #e so)diers did not o%je(t$ nor did t#e+ s#o! an+ dou%t. #e+ #ad
'i)v&rau
(o,p)ete &ait# in :))en$ t#e 2ind Crin(ess o& t#e 'i)ver F)as#. 0Ma+ t#e Bragon %ring us vi(tor+.6 -&ter (o,p)eting #er instru(tions$ :))en turned to t#e (ast)e gate. '#e ,ade #er so)diers stand aside and /uiet)+ !a)"ed &or!ard a)one. 1n t#e )ig#t o& t#e %on&ire near t#e gates$ t#e O),ut= so)diers noti(ed :))en. -s t#e+ %egan to (a)) out and prepare t#eir !eapons$ :))en ran )ig#t)+ a(ross t#e sno! and &ro=en ground and uns#eat#ed t#e )ongs!ord at #er !aist. 0*** -ri&a).6 Fo))o!ing #er (r+$ t#e %)ade o& t#e )ongs!ord g)o!ed !it# a pa)e )ig#t. #e &ro=en air !as sto)en &ro, t#e ,ountains and surrounded t#e s!ord. - )oud groan !as #eard$ and t#e )ig#t g)o!ed dre! a %ri))iant traje(tor+ in t#e dar"ness.
3e+ -d,os
0C)eave t#e 2ind>6 #e !ind (ondensed to a point and turned into an invisi%)e iron #a,,er t#at !as t#ro!n &or!ard. #e eart# and sand !as %)o!n a!a+$ t#e tren(#es !ere %uried in dirt$ and t#e &en(es !ere s#attered. -s t#e !ind ()osed in on t#e (it+ gate$ it s(attered in a)) dire(tions$ )osing its po!er.
266
0 #e ene,+>6 Man+ s#outs !ere #eard on t#e ra,parts as t#e+ s#ot t#eir arro!s at :))en. :))en did not ,ove &ro, #er position as s#e prote(ted #er #ead !it# #er e,pt+ )e&t ar,. '#e did not use t#e !ind to de&end #erse)& as s#e (ontinued to (o))e(t t#e !ind !it# #er )ongs!ord. 'evera) arro!s gra=ed #er ar,s and )egs as t#e+ &e)) &ro, a%ove. 0:))en>6 Mud !as t#ro!n aside as igre ran and ju,ped at :))en &ro, %e#ind. ;e pus#ed #er do!n to provide (over &or #er. -n arro! g)an(ed o&& #is s#ou)der as #e &e)). 1nside t#e torrent o& arro!s$ igre gra%%ed :))en.s %od+ and dragged #er to a distan(e t#e arro!s !ou)d not rea(#. 02#at are +ou doing$ igre. M+ se(ond atta("***6 :))en %egan protesting in &rustration %ut !as si)en(ed %+ igre.s voi(e. 02#+ did +ou )ie to ,e76 0... 1 just didn.t te)) +ou.6 :))en )oo"ed )i"e a su)"ing (#i)d as s#e turned a!a+$ (ausing igre to spea" in irritation.
Veda
0@our Bragoni( '"i))$ +ou (an.t use it (ontinuous)+76
267
:))en &ro!ned and ()osed #er ,out#$ %ut$ pressured %+ igre.s g)an(e$ s#e re)u(tant)+ ans!ered #i,. 01 need a%out a ten (ount...6 igre #ad to &or(e do!n t#e anger !e))ing &ro, t#e %otto, o& #is #eart. 1& #e did not$ #e ,a+ #ave #it :))en. 02#+ didn.t +ou te)) ,e76 02e don.t #ave an+ ti,e.6 igre s#ut #is ,out# and #is anger disappeared in an instant. 1t !as not :))en t#at )a("ed ti,e$ %ut igre. :))en did so,et#ing unreasona%)e &or igre and resorted to "eeping it a se(ret. or(#es (ou)d %e seen dotting t#e ra,parts as so)diers %egan gat#ering. --- "hat should I do! I need to do something. igre grasped #is %o! tig#t)+$ enoug# to &ee) pain in #is #and. ;is #and !as stained red &ro, t#e %)ood t#at &)o!ed do!n &ro, #is s#ou)der. ;e !anted to repa+ #er "indness$ %ut #e needed po!er. ;e needed t#e sa,e strengt# s#e used !#en s#e &e))ed t#e Bragon. ;e needed t#e strengt# #e #ad !#en t#e+ "i))ed t#e Bragon toget#er. -t t#at ,o,ent$ igre stopped %reat#ing. --- $aybe I can.
268
igre re,oved #is ga=e &ro, :))en and )oo"ed at t#e 'i)ver F)as# in #er #and. 01., as"ing +ou. @our po!er. C)ease )end it to ,e.6 igre desperate)+ appea)ed to t#e )ongs!ord. 0@our Master is :))en. #oug# +our re)ation !it# :))en is good$ t#ere is no dire(t (onne(tion %et!een us? #o!ever$ 1 "no! +ou #ave +our o!n !i)). 1., as"ing +ou. @ou ,a+ not %e a%)e to #ear !#at 1 sa+$ +ou ,a+ not !ant to #ear***6 -t t#at ti,e$ a %ree=e stro"ed igre.s du)) red #air. igre t#oug#t it !as t#e 'i)ver F)as#.s ans!er. 0Can +ou stand76 2#i)e supporting :))en.s %od+$ igre stared at t#e (ast)e gate. :))en see,ed pu==)ed as s#e )oo"ed %et!een igre and t#e s!ord in #er #and. -&ter ta"ing a %reat#$ :))en &ir,)+ stood and s,i)ed at igre. 01 !as rig#t to (ooperate !it# +ou.6 '#e pointed t#e 'i)ver F)as# at t#e (ast)e gate.
Veda
0-t t#is distan(e$ ,+ Bragoni( '"i)) !on.t rea(#$ %ut t#at s#ou)d %e &ine.6 #e ne9t atta(" !ou)d not %e #er Bragoni( '"i)). -t )east$ it !ou)d not %e done %+ :))en.
268
0-ri&a). 1., disappointed at #o! &)irtatious +ou.re %eing... 2e))$ it.s &ine i& it.s just t#is gu+.6 ;er %rig#t red e+es g)ittered !it# deter,ination. #e )ong s!ord (a))ed t#e 'i)ver F)as# )et )oose a pa)e %)ue )ig#t on(e again. igre and :))en stood %eside one anot#er and stared at t#e (ast)e gate. One no("ed an arro! to #is %o! and dre! t#e %o!string %a(". #e ot#er e9tended #er #and !#i(# #e)d a s#ining s!ord. #eir ai, !as t#e t#i(" iron gate. #e so)diers on t#e ra,part stopped &iring as t#e+ )oo"ed (urious)+ at igre. #e+ "ne! t#e po!er o& t#e 'i)ver F)as# !ou)d not rea(# t#e,$ )et a)one a %o! and arro!. #e ne9t ,o,ent$ t#e+ stood ag#ast as i& t#e+ #ad seen a nig#t,are. - !ind &)o!ed &ro, t#e 'i)ver F)as# to t#e arro! no("ed in igre.s %o!. - g)o!ing air (urrent surrounded t#e arro!? t#e )ig#t pu)sated$ spreading radia))+ &ro, t#e arro!#ead. --- I didn't hear a voice this time, but... 1t !as enoug#. igre &ir,)+ %e)ieved in #is %o! and arro!. #e arro! !as si)ent t#e ,o,ent #e re)eased it.
270
#e )ig#t (#anged &ro, a (ir()e to a )ine as it &o))o!ed t#e speeding arro!. - s#ri)) sound tore t#roug# t#e at,osp#ere as it (ut a(ross t#e air. #e de%ris o& t#e &en(es and !a))s !ere torn aside !it#out a sound$ and a deep groove !as %orn. #e ground !as sp)it$ and an arro! pier(ed t#e (enter o& t#e (ast)e gate. #ere !as a jarring ,eta))i( sound as a )ig#t vi%ration !as &e)t a(ross t#e ra,part. 'evera) so)diers )oo"ed at t#e !a))s suspi(ious)+. #ere !as no a%nor,a)it+ in t#e (ast)e gate$ t#oug# it !as on)+ &or a sing)e instant. 'udden)+$ a (ir(u)ar )ig#t spread &ro, t#e arro!. -s i& &o))o!ing a&ter t#e )ig#t$ t#e iron gate %e(a,e #o))o!. #e %o)ts supporting it &ro, t#e inside !ere ()ean)+ (ut. #e iron door #ad #o))o!ed out and !as ()ean)+ divided %et!een t#e t!o doors. #e+ &rag,ents &e)) to t#e ground$ s#a"ing t#e eart# in t#e pro(ess. #e so)diers )oo"ed in s#o(" as t#e+ )oo"ed at t#e (ir(u)ar #o)e in t#e gate. #eir t#oug#ts stopped? no one (ou)d ta"e a(tion. #e gate !as ,ade o& t#ree iron s#eets sand!i(#ed %et!een t#i(" oa" p)an"s. :ven t#en$ it #ad a #o)e in it$ as i& it !ere (ut %+ a (oo"ie (utter. #e #o)e !as )arge enoug# t#at a !agon (ou)d pass t#roug# !it# roo, to spare. #e &ree=ing !ind easi)+ %)e! inside. :))en !as t#e &irst to (o))e(t #erse)&. '#e did not ,iss t#e pause in t#e ene,+.s ,ove,ents and )i&ted t#e 'i)ver F)as# to t#e s"+ !#i)e giving a (r+.
0C#arge>6 4e9t to #er$ igre no("ed a ne! arro!. One #undred (ava)r+ &o))o!ed t#e t!o inside. #e nig#t %att)e in t#e atra Mountains #ad just %egun.
271
One ,an !at(#ed t#e dog&ig#t !it# a g)oo,+ e9pression &ro, %e#ind. ;o!ever$ #is target !as not #er %ut t#e ,an !it# du)) red #air. 'i9 o& #is (o,panions !ere gone. ;e !as no! a)one. :ven so$ t#e ,an &o(used #is ,ind on t#e enor,ous pre+$ t#e Vanadis. -)ong t#e ,an.s )e&t ar, !as a tattoo o& a )arge (#ain.
3ud,ira !as surprised !#en s#e re(eived t#e report t#at :))en appeared in t#e (ast)e interior? #o!ever$ s#e !as rendered spee(#)ess !#en s#e &ound #o! t#e+ #ad passed t#e (ast)e gate. '#e stood stunned &or a s#ort ti,e.
272
--- "hat is the meaning o this! )leanora should not have been able to break through so soon...;o!ever$ t#ere !as no ti,e to %e surprised$ nor !as t#ere roo, to t#in". 3ud,ira /ui(")+ das#ed out o& t#e (o,,and roo, !#i)e gripping t#e Fro=en 2ave. '#e ran at &u)) speed to!ard t#e %att)e&ie)d. :)se!#ere$ t#e O),ut= so)diers near t#e gates too" appropriate a(tion on(e t#e+ re(overed &ro, t#eir surprise. 1n ot#er !ords$ t#e+ a%andoned t#e gates. :ven i& t#e+ )e&t t#e (ast)e gate$ t#ere !as a (ana) t#roug# !#i(# t#e river passed. #ere !as a %ridge over t#e (ana)? t#e+ !ou)d &end o&& t#e ene,+ t#ere. ;o!ever$ i& it (a,e to an e9(#ange o& s!ord and spear$ t#e 3eitMerit= so)diers !ou)d %e stronger. #e+ did not t#in" t#e+ (ou)d &ig#t t#is nu,%er so easi)+$ so t#ere !as a #int o& distress. :a(# #ad %e(o,e a &ero(ious %east as t#e+ vio)ent)+ atta("ed t#e ene,+. #e+ %attered t#e ene,+.s #e),et or pier(ed t#roug# t#e, !it# a spear. :ven i& t#eir s!ords !ere %ro"en$ t#e+ &oug#t on !it# !#at )itt)e %)ade re,ained or %randis#ed !eapons t#e+ too" &ro, t#e surrounding (orpses. #e O),ut= so)diers !ou)d not %a(" a!a+ eit#er. #e+ #ad %een invaded$ so t#e+ (ou)d not possi%)+ retreat. #e+ (rus#ed t#e ene,+ !it# %att)e a9es and s)a,,ed into t#e, !it# %ro"en s#ie)ds. Corpses &ro, %ot# sides dropped one a&ter anot#er into t#e ,oat. 1t !ou)d soon %e (o,p)ete)+ &u)). ;o!ever$ t#e %att)e !as not even.
273
#oug# t#e O),ut= troops &oug#t %a("$ t#e+ !ere &or(ed to retreat repeated)+. #e 3eitMerit= so)diers !ere energeti( %e(ause :))en$ t#e 'i)ver F)as#$ #ad ta"en )ead. ;er #air o& si)ver !#ite &)uttered t#roug# t#e air and %ri))iant)+ re&)e(ted t#e )ig#t. O),ut= so)diers &e)) one a&ter t#e ot#er as #er )ongs!ord g)ittered. ;er ,ove,ents !ere )i"e a dan(e. :ver+ person (ou)d see t#e %eaut+ in #er g#ast)+ a(tions. igre stood ne9t to :))en$ s#ooting arro!s. :ver+ ti,e #is %o!string sounded$ a so)dier or Co,,ander &ro, t#e rear !as sent to #is deat#. ;is a((ura(+ !as &rig#tening. 1n t#e dar"ness o& t#e nig#t$ !it# on)+ t#e di, )ig#t o& t#e surrounding tor(#es$ igre.s arro!s %roug#t a guaranteed s)aug#ter to t#e so)diers in t#e %a(". igre.s arro!s "i))ed !it# (ertaint+. #ere !ere so,e !#o noti(ed igre.s e9isten(e. #oug# so,e tried to s#oot #i,$ t#eir arro!s &e)) s#ort or !ere de&)e(ted into t#e ,oat$ )eaving on)+ a ,odest sound as t#e+ &e)) into t#e !ater. Ane9pe(ted)+$ t#e O),ut= so)diers divided to t#e rig#t and )e&t$ &or,ing a narro! road. 0:)eanora>6 1t !as a s#out o& anger. 3avias !as #e)d up!ard as 3ud,ira (#arged &or!ard on #er #orse. #e )ongs!ord ()as#ed !it# t#e spear. - s(ree(#ing sound sp)it t#e at,osp#ere$ and a &)as# %urned t#e so)diers. e+es. 0Fa)) %a(">6
274
4o one "ne! !#et#er :)eanora or 3ud,ira said t#e !ords. Cer#aps t#e+ #ad given t#e order si,u)taneous)+. #e so)diers stopped &ig#ting and spread out$ &or,ing a ring. #e+ !ou)d not inter&ere !it# t#e due) %et!een t#eir 3ords. #oug# igre #ad stopped$ #e did not ,ove a!a+ &ro, t#e %ridge. #oug# ()oser t#an an+one e)se$ #e (ou)d not &o))o! t#e &ig#t. 0 o t#in" +ou !ou)d s#o! up persona))+$ and !it# su(# an ungra(e&u) appearan(e$ as !e))76 01 (a,e to give ,+ t#an"s. 1., inde%ted to +ou &or t#at ti,e.6 2#i)e ,easuring t#e distan(e$ :))en responded !it# a serious e9pression. -&ter (on&ir,ing 3ud,ira.s suspi(ious e9pression$ t#e Vanadis !it# si)ver*!#ite #air s,i)ed auda(ious)+. 0<+ t#e !a+$ 1.ve %roug#t +ou a present. C)ease a((ept +our de&eat gra(e&u))+.6 0*** 1 !i)) re&use. 1 !i)) send +ou %a(" to 3eitMerit= en(ased in i(e>6 -gain t#e t!o ()as#ed. - %)inding )ig#t !as re)eased !it# ever+ e9(#ange o& %)o!s. #e s!ord and spear dre! !#ite ar(s in t#e dar"ness. #e pressure (aused !ounds$ and t#e (o))isions dea&ened t#e ear. #e e9(#ange o& o&&ense and de&ense (ontinued. ;eat and )ig#t !ere e,itted %+ t#e t!o$ and t#e (o)d air !as su("ed into t#e dar"ness o& t#e nig#t. --- Has there ever been a (erson to ight with )llen or so long! igre #e)d #is %reat# as #e !at(#ed t#e %att)e %et!een t#e t!o Vanadis. 2#en #e &oug#t in t#e &ortress$ and !#en #e &oug#t against t#e #enardier -r,+$ t#ere !as never a person !#o #ad e9(#anged %)o!s !it# :))en ,ore t#an ten ti,es.
275
3ud,ira s"i))&u))+ ,anipu)ated #er s#ort spear$ vio)ent)+ t#rust #er !eapon %e&ore #er$ ()as#ing !it# :))en.s o!n atta(".
Vira)t
-&ter t#e une9pe(ted (o))ision %et!een Bragoni( oo)s$ :))en and 3ud,ira ju,ped %a(" si,u)taneous)+. - &ear)ess s,i)e &)oated to :))en.s )ips.
3e+ -d,os
0C)eave t#e 2ind>6 -ri&a) in#a)ed t#e !inds in t#e surroundings and &or,ed a %ruta) %)ade t#at s#ot &or!ard? #o!ever$ it !as not ai,ed to!ard 3ud,ira. #e %ridge !as (rus#ed$ and de%ris &e)) into t#e !ater %e)o!. #e %ridge #ad %een torn in #a)&. 1gnoring t#e disastrous s(ene %e&ore #er$ 3ud,ira %egan to run. :ven !it# t#e gap %e&ore #er$ s#e s#o!ed no sign o& #esitation.
'#ero Da, Fa&a
0Free=e t#e '"+>6 #e air &ro=e in an instant and )arge %)o("s o& i(e (onne(ted to &or, a %ridge. Eat#er t#an sta+ing put$ :))en stepped &or!ard and ,oved a)ong t#e i(e %ridge %e&ore #er. 'evera) spears o& i(e &or,ed and atta("ed #er !#i)e 3ud,ira s)id a)ong t#e i(e and approa(#ed :))en$ #er spear t#rust %e&ore #er. :))en.s &eet )e&t t#e %ridge and !as !rapped in !ind. '#e avoided t#e spear o& i(e and gripped 3ud,ira.s s)eeve as s#e passed to t#e side$ dragging #er do!n &ro, t#e %ridge.
276
3ud,ira ga=ed at t#e !ater as #er %od+ approa(#ed t#e sur&a(e. '#e %roug#t t#e tip o& #er spear &or(e&u))+ into t#e sur&a(e o& t#e !ater !#ere it stu(".
-i=%i)"
0*** 'i)ent 2or)d6 <eginning at t#e tip o& 3avias$ t#e !ater &ro=e at a &rig#tening speed. Asing #er spear as a &u)(ru,$ 3ud,ira t!isted #er %od+ and )anded on t#e i(+ s(a&&o)d. 0-s a)!a+s$ +ou &ig#t in su(# an unre&ined ,anner.6 3ud,ira )oo"ed at :))en !it# i(+ e+es. :))en %roug#t #er )ongs!ord to #er s#ou)der and responded (a),)+. 01 &ig#t to !ind. 1 don.t %ot#er (#oosing a spe(i&i( ,et#od$ nor a, 1 %urdened %+ su(# use)ess t#ings. Eegard)ess***6 '#e )aug#ed s(orn&u))+ as s#e )oo"ed do!n at 3ud,ira. 0-s so,eone !#o a)!a+s )oo"s do!n on ot#ers$ #o! does it &ee) to %e )oo"ed do!n upon7 4o$ 1 suppose i& +ou (onsider our #eig#ts$ t#is is t#e sa,e as a)!a+s.6 0*** 3avias>6 3ud,ira responded !it# &ur+ and grasped t#e #and)e o& #er spear. '#e disappeared in an instant as t#e #and)e o& #er spear gre!$ rising a%ove t#e %ridge !it# surprising s!i&tness. '#e dan(ed #ig# a%ove in t#e air.
277
2#i)e in ,idair$ t#e spear s#a&t returned to its &or,er s#ort )engt#. 3ud,ira +e))ed a)oud as s#e &e)) to!ard :))en$ using t#e ,o,entu, o& #er &a)) to aid #er. 3avias &ro=e t#e surrounding air. 1n an instant$ a #uge %)ade o& i(e appeared at t#e tip o& t#e spear. :))en t#oug#t to avoid it and #e)d t#e 'i)ver F)as# to!ard 3ud,ira in anti(ipation. ;o!ever$ :))en.s energ+ #ad %een /uite spent$ so s#e de(ided not to dodge. -ri&a) in#a)ed t#e !ind$ ()ot#ing its argent %)ade in nu,erous s!ir)s. - )arge %)ade o& !ind in no !a+ in&erior to 3avias !as &or,ed. --- This is the end--- I will take victory-ri&a)
0Cut and 'ever$ 'i)ver F)as#>6

3avias
0Cier(e$ Fro=en 2ave>6 #e torrent o& !ind (rus#ed a)) in its !a"e? t#e )arge (r+sta)s dri))ed into a)) t#at !as tou(#ed. #e stor, prevented t#e i(e &ro, pier(ing :))en$ !#i)e t#e %)o("s o& i(e prevented t#e stor, &ro, atta("ing 3ud,ira. #e t!o #uge %easts tore at ea(# ot#ers. &)es#. #e %easts !ere e9#austed at t#e sa,e ,o,ent.
278
#e air e9panded$ and a sound$ si,i)ar to a t#understor,$ %urst t#roug# t#e air. :))en !as %)o!n a!a+ and &e)) to #er "nee. 3ud,ira )anded on t#e %ridge in a si,i)ar pose. #oug# igre stepped &or!ard to #e)p :))en stand$ t#e Vanadis !it# argent #air s#outed$ sensing #is ,ove,ents. 0'ta+ a!a+$ igre.6 igre stopped ,oving. 0Ee)a9. 1t.s over a)read+.6 :))en stood up unsteadi)+ and ga=ed at 3ud,ira. 3ud,ira used #er spear to support #er as s#e rose. '#e (ontro))ed #er su%ordinates !it# #er #and as t#e+ rus#ed to #e)p #er. #e t!o dragged t#eir injured %odies !it#in distan(e. #eir ar,s tre,%)ed in e9#austion. -t t#at ti,e$ one ,an ran out &ro, a,ongst t#e 3eitMerit= so)diers !#o !at(#ed t#e %att)e in si)en(e. #oug# #e !ore so)dier$ #e (arried a dagger soa"ed in poison? #e !as ()ear)+ not a so)dier. 3ud,ira noti(ed t#e ,an.s e9isten(e %e&ore :))en. #e Vanadis !it# %)ue #air$ !it#out an+ #esitation$ su,,oned a)) #er strengt# and ran to :))en.s side. '#e stood %e#ind :))en$ prote(ting #er %a(". Cries o& grie& and despair !ere #eard &ro, so)diers o& %ot# ar,ies.
280
:ven i& 3ud,ira inter&ered$ t#e ,an !ou)d not #esitate. #e %)ade in #is #and g)ittered as #e posed to sta% 3ud,ira. #e ne9t ,o,ent$ t#e ,an.s %od+ &)e! side!a+s. ;e s,as#ed into t#e %ridge !it# an arro! pier(ed t#roug# #is #ead %e&ore &a))ing into t#e ,oat. 3ud,ira sa! t#e s#ape o& t#e &eat#ers. --- 8ust now... 3ud,ira turned #er ga=e to !#ere t#e arro! !as s#ot &ro,. One +oung ,an !it# du)) red #air stood posed$ a %)a(" %o! in #is #and. 0 #at !as ()ose$ igre.6 :))en.s !ords (ontained jo+. 3ud,ira )oo"ed at igre !it# a va(ant &a(e %e&ore turning %a(" to :))en. 02#at.s !it# t#at &a(e7 Bon.t te)) ,e +ou &orgot !#at igre )oo"ed )i"e.6 3ud,ira did not )isten to :))en.s !ords to t#e end. '#e !a)"ed up to igre and )oo"ed up #i, !it# anger ()ear)+ visi%)e in #er e+es t#e (o)or o& t#e deep sea. 0@ou )ied to ,e$ Ar=.6 igre turned pa)e and !as at a )oss &or !ords seeing 3ud,ira.s e9pression. 3ud,ira /uiet)+ (ontinued to spea".
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01 sa! t#e arro!s.6 0... 'orr+.6 3ud,ira ,er(i)ess)+ %eat igre as #e %o!ed. 02#+ are +ou apo)ogi=ing7 2#+ did +ou #e)p ,e #ere7 2it# +our %o! ar,$ +ou (ou)d #ave easi)+ !aited &or ,e to die %e&ore "i))ing t#e assassin. 2#+ did +ou #e)p ,e76 '#e )oo"ed at #i, s#arp)+. igre (#urned #is du)) red #air !it# a so,%er e9pression. 01t !as a s#o! o& ,+ gratitude$ 1 guess.6 05ratitude76 3ud,ira &ro!ned. igre (ontinued spea"ing a&ter #e gave #is pre&a(e. 0*** #e tea !as de)i(ious. 1t isn.t si,p)e &)atter+. 1t rea))+ !as good.6 igre !as tired$ and 3ud,ira !as good at %re!ing tea. ;o!ever$ ,ore t#an an+t#ing$ 3ud,ira #ad spo"en to igre as a gir)$ not as a Vanadis. #at is !#+ t#e tea !as so de)i(ious. 3ud,ira /uiet)+ )oo"ed at igre.s &a(e &or a ti,e. '#e !ou)d not over)oo" an+ (#ange in #is e,otions.
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:ventua))+$ s#e sig#ed as #er %od+ )ost strengt#. 0:ar) Vorn. 2#at is it +ou re/uest o& ,e76 3ud,ira !as not as"ing in an arrogant ,anner %ut !it# a (#ara(ter %e&itting a gra(e&u) prin(ess. 0Bo +ou !is# &or ,e to &ig#t Bu"e #enardier !it# +ou76 igre s#oo" #is #ead. 0Be()are +our neutra)it+ and do not ,ove. #ere is not#ing ,ore 1 desire.6 0... On)+ t#at76 3ud,ira &ro!ned %eauti&u))+$ #earing an un(onvin(ing ans!er. 0Bo +ou not need a))ies76 01 do? #o!ever$ t#ere is not#ing %ene&i(ia) i& +ou !ere to &ig#t a)ongside ,e. 1 (ou)d not possi%)+ as" t#is o& +ou !#en +ou #ave not#ing to gain.6 01n ot#er !ords$ +ou do not #ave an+ intent to &ig#t &or +our persona) gain76 0;onest)+$ even -)sa(e is too !ide &or ,e. 1., &ine so )ong as it is pea(e&u).6 3ud,ira )oo"ed surprised. -&ter staring intent)+ at igre &or a ti,e$ 3ud,ira s,i)ed %itter)+. 0-re +ou serious)+ sa+ing t#at76 0O& (ourse.6
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;e gave an i,,ediate response. 3ud,ira )oo"ed do!n. ;er s#ou)ders s#oo"$ )itt)e %+ )itt)e$ unti) s#e %urst into )aug#ter. #e so)diers$ :))en$ and igre !at(#ed in astonis#,ent. -&ter a s#ort period o& ti,e$ 3ud,ira &inis#ed )aug#ing. '#e )oo"ed up !it# an e9pression as s#arp and (o)d as #er spear. 0:ar) Vorn. 'in(erit+ is i,portant$ %ut it does not !or" in ever+ situation.6 #oug# igre did not s#o! it on #is &a(e$ #e !as &i))ed !it# %itter e,otions. ;e t#oug#t a%out !#et#er it !as use)ess. 2#i)e deep in t#oug#t$ 3ud,ira s,i)ed !i)d)+ at igre. 0;o!ever$ +our sin(erit+ is enoug# t#is ti,e. For t#is (ivi) !ar in <rune$ 1 !i)) de()are neutra)it+ &ro, t#is ,o,ent &or!ard and !i)) not (ooperate !it# an+ po!er is t#at enoug#76 igre &e)t re)ieved. 2#i)e #e %egan to give #is t#an"s$ :))en stood %e&ore igre$ pus#ing 3ud,ira aside. 02ait$ igre. Bon.t de(ide !it#out ta)"ing to ,e &irst.6 ;er #ands !ere at #er !aist and s#e !as ()ear)+ dissatis&ied. 4o dou%t$ it !as resent,ent t#at (a,e &ro, #is neg)e(t at t#e ,o,ent? #o!ever$ 3ud,ira dete(ted a (ertain e,otion !it#in #er !ords. 0O#7 Cou)d +ou %e jea)ous$ :)eanora76 01.)) "no(" +ou do!n$ s#ort+.6
284
2it# anot#er ()as# %et!een t#e t!o a%out to un&o)d$ igre %ro"e into a pani( and stood %et!een t#e,. ;e &e)t as t#oug# #e stood %et!een a !o)& and a )eopard. 03ud,ira$ 1 !ou)d )i"e to sa+ one ,ore t#ing.6 igre spo"e #asti)+$ !#i(# so&tened t#e dangerous at,osp#ere. Fee)ing re)ie&$ igre turned to t#e Vanadis !it# %)ue #air and %o!ed !it# a s,i)e. 0 #an" +ou. For prote(ting :))en.6 0...>6 3ud,ira !as a!are o& t#e a(tion s#e #ad per&or,ed %e&ore. '#e %)us#ed$ and #er e+es !andered a%out t#e surroundings. :))en !a)"ed in &ront o& :))en !it# an indes(ri%a%)+ a!"!ard e9pression. 0... #$ #an" +ou.6 #oug# s#e sta,,ered$ s#e sti)) gave t#an"s. 3ud,ira overrea(ted and (ried out !it# enoug# vigor t#at sa)iva &)e! t#roug# t#e air. 01$ 1 do not need +ou to t#an" ,e>6 #e !ar #ad &ina))+ ended.
285
#$ilo"%e
3ud,ira %ore a)) da,ages &ro, t#e %att)e. 3ud,ira #ad ,ade a pro,ise !it# igre to de()are #er neutra)it+. #is #ad a po!er&u) e&&e(t in %ot# <rune and D#(ted. Bu"e #enardier #ad )ost a po!er&u) a))+. 02e !i)) ,eet again.6 -t t#e %order %et!een 3eitMerit= and O),ut=$ igre and :))en s#oo" #ands !it# 3ud,ira %e&ore separating. 01 #ave ,an+ t#ings 1 ,ust apo)ogi=e &or.6 0 #ere.s no need to !orr+. 1 spo"e poor)+ a nu,%er o& ti,es as !e)).6 igre )aug#ed and spo"e in a jo"ing tone. 0:ar) Vorn. 2#en +our &ig#t ends$ p)ease stop %+ O),ut=. 1 !i)) serve +ou an even ,ore de)i(ious tea.6 0An&ortunate)+$ igre !i)) never %e going to O),ut= again. ;o! regretta%)e.6
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2it#out #iding #er anno+an(e$ :))en pu))ed on igre.s s)eeve as s#e ,oved &or!ard on #er #orse. 2#en #e )oo"ed %a(" at 3ud,ira$ a%out ten steps a!a+$ #e sa! 3ud,ira g)aring at #er !it# #er tongue stu(" out. igre !as a,a=ed to see #er &ar*too*(#i)dis# gesture. ;e #eard 3ud,ira spea"? #o!ever$ t#e !ords !ere dire(ted ,ore to!ard :))en t#an igre. 01& +ou get tired o& t#at !o,an$ 1 !i)) a)!a+s !e)(o,e +ou.6 0 igre is ,ine>6 :))en.s +e)) !as #eard ()ear)+ in t#e !inter air and ,e)ted into t#e s"+ a%ove. 3i"e t#at$ t#e+ returned to 3eitMerit=. <+ t#e ti,e igrevur,ud Vorn returned to -)sa(e$ one ,ont# #ad passed. ;e returned a)ongside &ive t#ousand troops &ig#ting %eneat# t#e
Dirnitra
<)a(" Bragon F)ag$ )ed %+ :))en. 1n -)sa(e$ #e ,et !it# Vis(ount -ugre !#o rode !it# one t#ousand ,en. 0 #oug# it is a pat(#!or" ar,+$ +ou ,a+ use t#e, as +ou p)ease.6 #e previous autu,n$ #e !as a +oung ,an !#o (ou)d )ead one #undred (ava)r+ at %est? no! #e #ad si9t+ ti,es t#is nu,%er and !ou)d seen atte,pt to &a(e #is ene,+.
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#ere !ere ,an+ t#ings #e &e)t uneas+ a%out. #ere !as not +et a response &ro, t#e Fing.s Capita). Massas. sa&et+ !as a)so a (on(ern$ &or #e !as ,a"ing #is appea) to ;is Majest+$ t#e Fing. igre ,ar(#ed to t#e !est o& erritoire to!ard 4e,eta(u,$ t#e )and Bu"e #enardier governed. - )ig#t sno! dri&ted do!n &ro, t#e as#*gra+ s"+. 2inter #ad &ina))+ %egun.

Madan No Ou To Vanadis - 02

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Madan No Ou To Vanadis - 02

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1 Dream of a Distant Day

2 The Two Vanadis

4 Snow Princess of the Frozen Wave

!old Snow and Somethin" Warm

Vanadis are (#osen %+ t#e Bragoni( oo).6

0@our Bragoni( '"i))$ +ou (an.t use it (ontinuous)+76

0Cut and 'ever$ 'i)ver F)as#>6

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