madan no ou to vanadis - 02

8/13/2019 Madan No Ou to Vanadis - 02

1/288


2/288


3/288


4/288


5/288


6/288


7/288


8/288

Madan no Ou to Vanadis 8

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 previousnig#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 ,aids uni&or,$ s#e /ui(")+ prepared %rea"&ast.

ts a%out ti,e &or #i, to !a"e up.it# 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 ord s#e served. atura))+$ s#e

%egan to s,i)e.

*** ood ,orning$ igre*sa,a.

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&.

& dont do t#is$ !#o !i)) !a"e igre*sa,a

igrevur,ud Vorn !as t#e na,e o& t#e ord eita served.


9/288

Madan no Ou to Vanadis

t !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.

;e !as up )ate )ast nig#t$ so #e !i)) pro%a%)+ s)eep unti) ,id*

da+...

;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.

@$ +ou... #a$ !#a$ !#at are +ou doing...>

eitas voi(e tre,%)ed !it# surprise and anger. #e gir) !it# si)ver

#air s#eat#ed #er )ongs!ord in a pani(.

o$ sorr+. !asnt intending to t#reaten #i,.


10/288


#en !#at !ere +ou doing> n t#e &irst p)a(e$ #o! did +ou even

get in #ere

Fro, t#ere.

#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.

;e !ou)dnt !a"e up no ,atter #o! ,u(# (a))ed #i,$ %ut t#en

re,e,%ered #e a!o"e !#en a s!ord !as put in #is ,out#.

!ondered i& #e rea(ted !#en a %)ade !as %roug#t ()ose...

e))$ !as #aving a %it o& &un as !e)).

'#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.

!asnt going to #urt #i,$ it !as so,e inno(ent &un.

:ven i& +ou didnt intend to$ +ou (ou)d #ave #urt #i,>

t !as a just argu,ent. #e gir) sun" into si)en(e.

-t t#at ti,e$ igre %egan to ,ove %eneat# eita.... eita

;earing a dro!s+ voi(e ti(")e #er ear$ eita #asti)+ parted &ro,

#i,.

it# #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!.


11/288


12/288


-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.

#ats !it# a)) t#e ru("s ts sti)) ,orning.

t is a)read+ ,orning.

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.

#ats !rong$ :))en

o$ its...

eita e9p)ained t#e situation on :))ens %e#a)&. On(e s#e &inis#ed$igre nodded and s,i)ed at :))en !it# a (are&ree )oo".

t see,s +ou sa! so,et#ing trou%)eso,e.

;onest)+.

igre*sa,a>

eita s#outed$ ,a"ing igre and :))en (o!er on re&)e9. t !as a

(#i)dis# gesture as s#e s(o)ded t#e t!o )i"e a ,ot#er.


13/288


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+

#ave not prepared enoug# &or +ou$ %ut prudent)+ re,ained

si)ent.

#oug# s#e did not ta"e !e)) to t#e (ir(u,stan(es$ s#e !as igres

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.'o +ou eat +our ,ea) !it# +our ,aid.

#i)e #o)ding %read in #er #and$ :))en as"ed as i& it !ere

une9pe(ted.

eita and are t#e on)+ ones )iving #ere. t !ou)d %e trou%)eso,e

i& !e ate separate$ and its %etter &or ta)"ing$ espe(ia))+ sin(e

eita ta"es (are o& t#e #ouse#o)d &or ,e.@oure a %us+ one.


14/288


, used to it.

:))en g)an(ed at #er ad,ira%)+. eita si,p)+ %o!ed and responded

(urt)+.


15/288


#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.

t !as not just t#e peop)e o& -)sa(e %ut t#e so)diers under :))ens

(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...

t !as an over!#e),ing di&&eren(e. igres &a(e sti&&ened in

tension and &ear.

How did I get mysel into this trouble! "hat should I do!


16/288


#e an9iet+ !#i(# )ur"ed inside #i, !as t#at #e #ad ,issed Bu"e

#enardiers true intent.

Bont #esitate.

- #app+ voi(e tou(#ed igres ear. #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+.

Be(ide !#at +ou !ant to do %+ t#e ti,e !e ne9t ,eet. )) )eave

,ost o& t#e so)diers #ere. @ou)) %e !or"ing as i,s aide.

-ide

#is )and %e)ongs to ,e no!. Fro, +our standpoint$ +ou)) %eassisting i,.

:))en put on #er ,ant)e and ga))ant)+ !a)"ed &or!ard. '#e t#re! a

/uestion to igre !#o !as sat #er.

-re +ou going to t#in" a%out !#at to do &ro, no! on

)) ra(" ,+ %rains !it# i, so !e !ont )ose t#is )and.

#i)e )istening to :))ens &ootsteps as s#e !a)"ed a!a+$ igresig#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+.


17/288


t !as a narro! enoug# roo, su(# t#at igre$ !#o !as average

%ui)d and #eig#t$ (ou)d not )ie do!n. eaning 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.

t !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, )ains to s#oot do!n

Daien and #is

Vi&a)

+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

+vern.

-t t#at ti,e$ #e s#ot do!n t#e +vern.

#e arro! !as nor,a). t 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.

#en #e en(ountered an

'uro

: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. t !as not a /uestion o& #is (apa%i)it+.


18/288


;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

V+&a)

+vern.

#e e9isten(e o& t#is un(ann+ %o! !eig#ed #eavi)+ in igres ,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.

#at on eart# are +ou

igre ,uttered %e&ore t#e voi(e.

'ti))$ t#e %o! did not ans!er.

Apon e9iting igres ,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#outt#e to!n$ t#ose !#o too" (o,,and$ in()uding :))ens adjutant$

i,)is#a$ sta+ed at t#e te,p)e.


19/288


n 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. t !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$

i,)is#a i, (a,e into vie!. :))en (a))ed out to #er$

i, 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 :))ens and #ad a

s!ord #e)d at #er !aist.'#e (ou)d %e (a))ed :))ens rig#t ar,. '#e served as an assistant in

%ot# ,i)itar+ and po)iti(a) a&&airs.

Bo +ou #ave %usiness +ou need to ta"e (are o& rig#t no!

o. !as going to visit +ou to as" t#e sa,e$ :)eanora*sa,a.

o need to do t#at espe(ia))+. Bid +ou &inis# se)e(ting t#e

so)dierst !as a (on&ir,ation rat#er t#an a /uestion. i, nodded !it#out

%atting an e+e%ro!.

Euri(" !as ,ade (o,,ander and #e #as (#osen one #undred

(ava)r+,en.

)eave t#e rest to +ou. need to return to "eep t#e ing si)ent.

;es in +our (are unti) t#en.

:))en %egan to )aug# in a (asua) ,anner !#i)e i, si,p)+ )oo"ed

un#app+.

:)eanora*sa,a$ +ou see, to trust #i, /uite a %it.


20/288


t#oug#t +ou did as !e)).

#oug# eva)uate #i, to %e re)ia%)e$ do not trust #i,.

'eeing #er su%ordinates stu%%orn attitude$ :))en s#rugged #er

s#ou)ders !it# a %itter s,i)e.

got it$ got it. -n+!a+$ , )eaving igre to #e)p +ou.

#e Vanadis !it# si)ver*!#ite #air !aved #er #and as s#e turned

a!a+ !#i)e i, sa! #er o&& !it# a %o!. #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.

!anted to avoid getting ,ore deep)+ invo)ved...


21/288


--- &ut ord Tigrevurmud (ulled it o.

-((ording to :))en$ igres %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&

a !eapon !#i(# (ou)d respond to a

Vira)t

Bragoni( oo)$ :))en !assure s#e #ad not ,ade a ,ista"e.

--- )ven i ignoring her attachment to him... it would be best not to

(art ways now.

& 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.

& 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$ igres 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


22/288


-re +ou going so,e!#ere

i, spo"e !it# a tone as i& (ross*e9a,ining t#e t!o. eitas %od+

s#run" %a(" in surprise as s#e #eard t#e voi(e$ !#i)e igre

responded !it# a va(ant e9pression.

e)) %e #eading to t#e Vi))age o& ;una!i#r &or a %it. e s#ou)d

return %+ nig#t&a)) to,orro!.

;una!i#r

i, !as (on&used? igre ans!ered as #e (#e("ed t#e (ondition o&

#is sadd)e.

t is a vi))age (an rea(# %e&ore da+s end on #orse. ts to t#e

nort#!est$ and Bu"e #enardier !i)) #ave to pass ()ose %+%e&ore #e (o,es #ere.

-re +ou #aving t#e residents ta"e re&uge

#ere are reports t#at t#e+ #ave &)ed to t#e near%+ !oods$ %ut

!is# to ,a"e sure.

n -)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, #enardierspat#. '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$ i, (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 #enardiers -r,+ &ro, no! on.


23/288


--- Also...

igres tone and e9pression !ere )a("ing. #is %roug#t i,s

e,otions in a negative dire(tion.

@our ,aid !i)) %e a((o,pan+ing +ou

i, as"ed #i, %e(ause t#e sadd)e p)a(ed on t#e #orse !as )arge$

and eita !as not !earing #er ,aids dress %ut t#i("$ #e,pen

()ot#ing.

eita !i)) &ee) an9ious i& , a!a+ &ro, t#e ,ansion &or too )ong.

--- 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 ,peria) a)a(e to save t#e peop)e in#is territor+ at t#e ris" o& #is o!n )i&e. t is one o& t#e &e!

t#ings i, eva)uated #i, #ig#)+ on.

see.


24/288


#i)e e9p)aining t#e )o(ation to i,$ igre turned to eita !#o

(onsented. #oug# dissatis&ied$ eita #anded t#e "e+ to t#e

residen(e to i,.

A,...

Bo not !orr+. !i)) not tou(# an+t#ing ot#er t#an t#e do(u,ents

and re(ords as pro,ised.

i, 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(.

ere o&&.

i, 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 #isresiden(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)don 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 igres e/uestrian s"i))s$

eita rode in (o,&ort.


25/288


26/288


eita #ad noti(ed igres 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 ater breakast. It must be

something diicult 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.

o ,atter !#at$ eita !ou)d %e #is a))+.

*** #an" +ou$ eita.#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 residentso&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.


27/288


#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. t !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.

#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.

:ver+one$ are +ou sa&e@es$ ord$ t#an"s to +ou.

- ,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.

e #id in t#e &orests )i"e +ou said. #e+ passed %+ /ui(")+.

Eea))+$ t#ere !ere ,an+ peop)e running a!a+ t!o da+s ago$

ord.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.

#en #e noti(ed igre$ #e !a)"ed out o& t#e &ie)d.


28/288


Bid +ou (o,e to #e)p !it# t#e &ie)ds$ ord

#oug# (an #e)p$ !ont +ou just do it a)) again

#e vi))age (#ie& &eigned ignoran(e as igre )aug#ed and s#rugged

#is s#ou)ders. n 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.

;a#a$ e9(use ,e.

#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.

ts 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.


29/288


eita did not t#in" #e )oo"ed !e))$ and$ out o& (onsideration$ spo"e

up.

igre*sa,a. i)) +ou %e ta"ing a nap on t#e !a+

igres )egs )oosened &ro, around t#e #orse as #e #eard t#e

une9pe(ted !ords.

ts unusua) +ou !ou)d sa+ t#is. Bid +ou not s)eep !e))$ eita

a, sti)) a %it tired...

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. !onder i& (an trou%)e t#e,. & re,e,%er$ t#ere s#ou)d %e a

#ut near%+.

igre )e&t t#e road and #eaded to!ard a s,a)) #ut at t#e top o& a

#i)). t !as %ui)t &ro, )ogs$ and igre #ad used it nu,erous

ti,es %e&ore.

;e dis,ounted and sa! no one inside.n t#e ,idd)e !as a p)ate &u)) o& as#. t !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.


30/288


eita$ +ou s#ou)d get so,e rest. , sure its tireso,e riding t#e

#orse a)) t#e ti,e.

& do not sta+ up$ !#o !i)) !a"e +ou up$ igre*sa,a

igre s(rat(#ed #is #ead #earing #er jo"e.

got it$ %ut dont do an+t#ing unreasona%)e.

;e spo"e gent)+ and ()osed #is e+es.

er#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.

*** igre*sa,a.

'#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. eitas #a=e) e+es s#ined %ri))iant)+.

igre*sa,a$ over #ere.

eita )aug#ed inno(ent)+ as s#e !a)"ed a)ong$ gripping igres

#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.


31/288


#e %o+ and gir) !a)"ed a)ong t#e narro! road as &ie)ds stret(#ed

a)ong %ot# sides.


32/288


igrevur,ud.

#e &at#er spo"e gent)+ to #is son.

#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.

As a hunter, I am the same.igre ans!ered in t#at !a+. Gust

%e&ore$ #e #ad (aug#t a )arge deer.

@our s"i)) !it# t#e %o! is sp)endid$ espe(ia))+ &or +our age?

#o!ever$ it is di&&erent &ro, #unters. e do not #unt to )ive.igre nodded strong)+ %e(ause #e did not understand !#at it

,eant to )ive.

:ver+one !or"s t#e &ie)ds to )ive. Bo +ou understand !#+ it is +ou

do not do t#is

&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# ine,%arrass,ent !#en re(a))ing t#e ,e,or+. ;is &at#er !as not

angr+ !it# #is response.

#en !#+ do not need to (u)tivate t#e &ie)ds

&ecause you are great.#en #e said t#at$ #is &at#er s)o!)+ s#oo"

#is #ead.

isten$ igrevur,ud. e are #ere in (ase t#ere is an e,ergen(+.


33/288


:,ergen(+

#ats rig#t. ere t#ere &or situations !#i(# are di&&i(u)t to

so)ve. ands)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...

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.


34/288


--- 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!

n t#e drea,$ it !as t#e +oung eita t#at too" #i, to #is &at#er.

ar,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.

i$ igre*sa,a$ its so,et#ing di&&erent. -#$ u,... didnt !ant to

ta"e too ,u(# spa(e in (ase so,eone entered...


35/288


36/288


igre s,i)ed !r+)+ as #e sa! eitas 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. n t#e su,,er at,osp#ere

in a di, #ut$ eitas rea(tion (a))ed igre do!n.

eita.

;earing igre (a)) out to #er in a (a), voi(e$ eita %egan to sett)e

do!n.

#an" +ou. o!e +ou one. t !as /uite re&res#ing.

'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 eitMerit= 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 eitMerit= -r,+ to &ig#t#enardiers 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.


37/288


ets go$ eita.

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.

igre*sa,a.

Fro, %e#ind$ eita spo"e in an angr+ tone.

-re +ou t#in"ing o& #unting rig#t no!

... ;o! did +ou "no!

"no!. ;o! ,an+ +ears do +ou t#in" #ave %een serving +ou

-&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 ,ountt#e #orse.

#i)e riding$ igre (a))ed %a(" to eita.

eita. e)) %e %us+ !#en !e get %a(" to Ce)esta. Our situation is

a %it pro%)e,ati($ so !ant +ou to go to ord Massas p)a(e &or

a !#i)e***

igre*sa,a.eita #ugged igre &ro, %e#ind.

said it +esterda+. !i)) &o))o! +ou ever+!#ere. @ou #ave #e)ped

,e. t is ,+ turn to #e)p +ou$ no!.


38/288


igre gent)+ p)a(ed #is #ands on eitas.

;er !ords !ere #app+$ t#oug# t#ere !as sadness in t#e,. #i)e

#e !as %us+ !orr+ing$ s#e #ad )ong sin(e deter,ined #er

(ourse o& a(tion.

igre )et go o& eitas #ands and "i("ed t#e #orses %e))+.

;o)d on tig#t.

-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#ans(#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+.

#is #orse is Massas*sa,as...@ea#$ no dou%t.

igre responded to eitas surprised voi(e.

eita$ (an )eave t#is to +ou

@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.


39/288


;e &irst !ent to t#e dining roo, %ut &ound no one t#ere. #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 ,ans na,e.

#e roo, !as !rapped in a dangerous at,osp#ere !#i(#

!ou)d )i"e)+ ,a"e (#i)dren (r+.

Massas and i, !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.*** 'o +oure %a("$ igre.

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.

@oure sa&e$ a%ove a)) e)se... !anted to #ear !#at #appened

&ro, +ou. #en (a,e$ sa! a !o,an !#o !as neit#er eitaor au)a in t#e #ouse. snt t#is /uite a surprise

au)a !as a #ouse!i&e in #er 50s !#o )ived in t#e area. '#e

!or"ed as a ,aid &or igres &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)).


40/288


-nd no! !e #ave a deput+ &ro, D#(ted in -)sa(e.


41/288


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. Daiens (orpse san"

into a ,ars# in t#e Mo)s#ei, )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 igres )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 nig#ts. ;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.#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"es roo, !as not &an(+ in appearan(e$ an+ !#o

sa! it !ou)d %e re)u(tant to enter due to t#e tension.


42/288


#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#.

*** @ou see, out o& sorts.

#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.Bre"ava(.

#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.n t#is residen(e$ no$ even t#roug#out a)) o&


43/288


%e)ieve +ou #ave #eard t#e stories.

Daien*sa,a #as died. @ou #ave ,+ (ondo)en(es &ro, t#e %otto,

o& ,+ #eart***

#ere is no need to sa+ it. dont e9pe(t su(# t#ings &ro, +ou.

#enardier interrupted Bre"ava(s !ords and stared at t#e e)der)+

persons &a(e %eneat# t#e #ood.

a, grate&u)? #o!ever$ +ou are &ar too )enient in +our

punis#,ent$ @our :9(e))en(+.

t is regretta%)e$ %ut need t#e so)diers no!. (annot just "i))

t#e, as p)ease.

n &a(t$ #e #ad )ost t!o t#ousand so)diers and t!o Bragons. t !asan 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.

gnoring t#e so)diers (o))iding against one anot#er... as it t#e%o+ &ro, -)sa(e or t#e Vanadis &ro, D#(ted t#at "i))ed t#e

dragon

Cat(#ing #enardiers &ier(e e+es$ Bre"ava( s)o!)+ nodded.

s#ou)d &irst in&or, +ou. #e seven Vanadis &ro, D#(ted possess

a !eapon "no!n as a

Vira)t

Bragoni( oo).

... #ave on)+ #eard o& its na,e. s t#is Bragoni( oo) tru)+ sopo!er&u)

#ere is not#ing t#at (an (o,pare. t (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.


44/288


#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(.

#at is t#e !eapon ,ade o&

t is not ,ade o& an+t#ing &ound in t#e eart#.

#enardiers %)a(" %eard tre,%)ed #earing Bre"ava(s response.

see. 'o it (an easi)+ (ut t#roug# a Bragons s(a)es !#i(# (an

easi)+ &end a!a+ stee).

t is su(# a !eapon.

#enardier si,p)+ %e)ieved t#ose !ords !#i(# nor,a))+ !ou)d

see, )i"e a jo"e. understand. Can +ou prepare ne! Bragons

(an &inis# it %+ t#e ne! +ear$ t#oug# !i)) need so,e ,one+.

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.


45/288



46/288


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 i,.#e seat ne9t to ,ine is va(ant.

i, 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)).

*** igre.

eaning on t#e (ou(# !it# #is ar,s &o)ded$ Massas g)ared at i,., /uite g)ad +oure sa&e. #eres %een /uite a )ot pi)ing up t#at

ve !anted to ta)" to +ou a%out sin(e Binant$ %ut ve %een

/uite an9ious sin(e ,et t#is )itt)e Miss... t#oug#t so,et#ing

%ad ,a+ #ave #appened to +ou.

igre !anted to %ur+ #is #ands in #is #ead. n 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.

#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.


47/288


Massas*sa,a> @ou (a,e>

O#$ eita. t see,s +oure sa&e.

Massas s,i)ed &ro, ear to ear upon seeing t#e ,aid !it#

(#estnut*%ro!n #air. & igre !as so,et#ing )i"e a son to t#e

o)d nig#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.

:ver+one$ )ets #ave so,e tea.

it#out &orgetting a%out i,$ 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.ord Massas$ a))o! ,e to e9p)ain t#e situation &irst. i,...

i,)is#a$ i& +ou &ee) t#e need to give ,ore in&or,ation$ p)ease

do so.

igre des(ri%ed !#at #appened to #i, a&ter #e ,et :))en in

Binant. Massas )istened si)ent)+ and nodded$ !#i)e i,

o((asiona))+ )oo"ed to igre !it#out sa+ing an+t#ing.#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. #en eita )e&t t#e

roo,$ #e )oo"ed up to!ard i,.


48/288


;e p)a(ed #is #ands on #is "nees and %o!ed deep)+.

i,)is#a$ First$ apo)ogi=e &or dou%ting +our !ords.

t (ou)d not %e #e)ped. !i)) apo)ogi=e as !e)) &or not greeting

+ou proper)+.


49/288


:)eanora*sa,a respe(ts #is rig#teousness$ and s#e is a so&t*

#earted person.

igre ,enta))+ in()ined #is #ead$ t#oug# #e re,ained si)ent

%e(ause #e (ou)d not den+ #er !ords.

;o!ever$ is t#at rea))+ enoug# to ,a"e a ,ove

'#e a)so respe(t t#e (ontra(t under t#e na,e o& Eadegast.

Eadegast !as a od o& Contra(t (o,,on to t#e &ait# o& D#(ted

and


50/288


... 'o$ unti) t#at ti,e$ +ou !i)) #e)p igre... :ar) Vorn

Massas as"ed to (on&ir, t#eir intent$ and i, si,p)+ nodded

!#i)e giving it so,e t#oug#t in #er ,ind.

--- I should see how committed he is.

#at is our intention.

i, #ad t#oug#t #e !ou)d %e un!i))ing to &ig#t. '#e !anted to

#ear igres t#oug#ts !#i)e Massas !as present.

O& (ourse$ t#at depends on ord igrevur,uds %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.

)) do ,+ %est.;earing igres s#ort response and seeing #i, s#rug #is s#ou)ders$

i, 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...

i, !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.


51/288


Bu"e ane)on #ad a)so ,oved #is so)diers$ %ut #e did not atta("

-)sa(e.

n t#e )etter Massas gave to


52/288


#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+.

#e ane)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.

igre &e)t suspi(ious seeing Massas g)oo,+ e9pression.

Bid so,et#ing %ad #appen

#e+ !ere sear(#ing &or in&or,ation on t#e near%+ aristo(rats

and re)eased ,an+ s(outs... t#in" t#in" t#e ane)on -r,+

used us as an e9(use !#en t#e+ #ad stopped a)read+.Massas s#oo" #is #ead as #is stout %od+ (ringed.

@ou t#in" t#e+ #ad a reason not to atta(" -)sa(e

, not e9a(t)+ sure. #e+ stopped ,oving a&ter #earing

#enardier #ad prepared t#ree t#ousand ,en and t!o

Bragons.

-&ter &inis#ing #is !ords$ Massas )oo"ed at igre and i,s"epti(a))+.

igre. s it true t#e D#(ted -r,+ "i))ed t#e t!o Bragons :ven

)iving &or ,ore t#an &i&t+ +ears$ and #ave never seen a Bragon.

o$ did see a +oung Bragon !#en !as training in a rura)

vi))age.


53/288


t is true.

igre (on&ir,ed it a&ter e9(#anging a g)an(e !it# i,.

#e Vanadis$ :)eanora*sa,a s)a+ed %ot#.

Massas &ro!ned and groaned severa) ti,es. ;e )et out a )arge

%reat# soon enoug#.

& it is as +ou sa+$ t#en !i)) not as" an+ &urt#er. -s soon as t#e

ane)on -r,+ )earned o& t#e e9isten(e o& Bragons$ t#e+ ,ade

preparations to !it#dra!. #e+ )e&t %e&ore Bu"e #enardiers

de&eat !as ,ade pu%)i(. er#aps t#e+ si,p)+ postponed t#eir

atta(".

Massas /ui(")+ dran" t#e rest o& t#e tea a&ter #e &inis#edspea"ing.

o!$ igre. #at !i)) +ou %e doing &ro, no! on

!i)) &ig#t Bu"e #enardier.

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.

Bo +ou ,ean to join Bu"e ane)ono. do not intent to.

ane)on !as no di&&erent$ sin(e #e !as atte,pting to atta("

-)sa(e as !e)).

t !ou)d %e i,possi%)e &or #i, to !or" !it# eit#er.

... 'o t#is is t#e (on()usion +ou #ave rea(#ed a&ter giving it

t#oug#t


54/288


Massas ga=ed at igre$ )eaning #is entire %od+ &or!ard. igre

)oo"ed #i, straig#t on !it#out &)in(#ing and nodded.

;onest)+ spea"ing$ its &rig#tening and d rat#er run a!a+. -&ter

a))$ t#e+re t#e top t!o aristo(rats$ and , just a s,a)) no%)e at

t#e %orders o& t#e (ountr+. #at (an do :ven so***

igre put strengt# in #is voi(e and (ontinued.

#ave su((eeded -)sa(e &ro, Fat#er$ and #ave an o%)igation to

de&end t#e peop)e !#o )ive in t#is )and. :ven i& #ad no

o%)igation$ !ou)d sti)) desire to de&end t#e,. o prote(t t#e,

in ,o,ents o& peri) is ,+ dut+ as ord.

igre...Massas si)ent)+ !at(#ed t#e +out# !it# red #air. ;e !at(#ed t#e

son o& #is %est &riend.

#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& +oura(tions.

t !as not a t#reat %ut a &a(t.

#oug# #esitate to sa+ t#is %e&ore i,)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#t


55/288


@ou rea))+ arent %eing opti,isti( at a)).

igre s,i)ed and ans!ered &ran")+.

e))$ )) ,anage so,e#o!.

Massas near)+ (ried out indignant)+ #earing igres %ad #a%it o&

sa+ing t#ose !ords.

;o!ever$ #e noti(ed igres e+es !ere &u)) o& sin(erit+. nstead$ t#e

o)d ,an s!a))o!ed #is !ords and )et out a sig#.

@ou need to sa+ it ,ore &ir,)+.

#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,.

#ere are t!o possi%i)ities (an t#in" o& at t#e ,o,ent. One is to

send a )etter to ;is Majest+$ t#e ing.

;e !ou)d !rite t#at -)sa(e !as un)a!&u))+ atta("ed %+ Bu"e

#enardier. n order to stop t#e,$ #e %orro!ed t#e strengt# o&t#e D#(ted -r,+.

'in(e it ,ig#t %e e&&e(tive$ s#ou)d !e do it

i,s %)ue e+es )oo"ed dou%t&u).


56/288


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 ane)on ,ig#t use t#e

opportunit+ to atta(". #at is t#e ot#er option

'ear(# &or a))ies.

#oug# :))en and t#e D#(ted -r,+ !ere strong$ t#e+ !ou)d sti))

pus# a!a+ ,an+ potentia) a))ies as i, stated %e&ore.

For no!$ !ere a %it )ig#t.

#oug# Massas s,i)ed %itter)+$ and igre spo"e serious)+.

ord Massas. ;o! is t#e situation in


57/288


i, raised #er o!n (on(ern at t#at ti,e.

a, not :)eanora*sa,a. @ou #ave no reason to trust ,e.

:))en trusts +ou. snt t#at !#+ s#e )e&t +ou #ere & so$ t#en

trust +ou as !e)). -)so$ t#ere are ,an+ t#ings dont "no! t#at

+ou do.

- s,a)) s,i)e appeared on igres &a(e as #e gave #er an ans!er.

i,$ !#ose e9pression re,ained un&riend)+$ &e)t a ,i9ture o&

gui)t an e,%arrass,ent.

... & +ou are !i))ing to go t#at &ar$ t#en s#a)) re,ain as :)eanora*

sa,as representative.

it# a sig#$ i, sat %a(" on t#e so&a. -&ter )oo"ing at igre andi,$ Massas p)a(ed a t#i(" &inger on t#e ta%)e and resu,ed t#e

(onversation.

igre. i"e said %e&ore$ ever+one in


58/288


Massas %roug#t #is #and to #is (#est as #e nodded. ;e pu))ed out

severa) (oins o& si)ver and (opper.

#en it (o,es to t#e po!er in t#is (ountr+... ets sa+ it a,ounts

to one #undred in tota). Bu"es #enardier and ane)on !ou)d

a,ount to &ort+... no$ t#irt+ ea(#. @ou %e)ong to t#e re,aining

&ort+.

;e p)a(ed t!o )arge si)ver (oins on t#e ta%)e.

& t#ats t#e (ase$ t#eres roo, &or opposition.

i, )oo"ed dou%t&u) as s#e spo"e. Massas si,p)+ s#oo" #is #ead.

it#in t#at &ort+$ t#irt+ !ou)d %e ta"en %+ t#e various

nig#t#oods in t#e (ountr+. #e+ unite to de&end t#e %ordersand t#e (apita)s. #e re,aining no%)es !ou)d on)+ represent

t#e re,aining ten.

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!.;o!ever$ igre$ +our situation is di&&erent &ro, t#e ot#er no%)es.

#e at,osp#ere %e(a,e serious as Massas p)a(ed a s,a)) si)ver

(oin on t#e ta%)e.

@ou #ave t#e Vanadis o& D#(ted as an a))+. #oug# +ou s#ou)dnt

re)+ on t#e, too ,u(#$ i& +ou do t#ings !e))$ +ou (an %ring t#e

re,aining aristo(rats to +our side. & +ou ignore t#e nig#ts

!#o !i)) re,ain neutra)$ +ou (ou)d %e(o,e a t#ird &or(e.

#ats... so,e!#at a,a=ing.


59/288


60/288


;o!ever$ !e do not #ave t#e ti,e to re)a9.

-&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. n t#e ti,e igre (ou)d

organi=e t#ree #undred so)diers$ #enardier !ou)d gat#er ten

t#ousand.

igre. @ou ,entioned it %e&ore$ %ut !#o !i)) +ou send to %ring

+our )etter to ;is Majest+

#ave not ,ade t#e de(ision +et.

#in"ing a%out t#e (urrent situation$ it !ou)d %e dangerous to

#ead to t#e ings 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.

!i)) ta"e it.

Massas spo"e !it# a )ig#t*#earted tone$ surprising igre.

a$ !ait. (ant as" +ou to do t#is$ ord Massas...

#at no! @oure )eading t#e ar,+ o& anot#er (ountr+.


61/288



62/288


it# Massas /uestion$ i, turned #er %)ue pupi)s to igre.

ord igrevur,ud$ !is# to "no! t#e reason +ou are &ig#ting

Bu"e #enardier. !ant so,et#ing (on(rete. For e9a,p)e$ do

+ou !is# to destro+ t#e entire #ouse#o)d

Massas stared !ide*e+ed at t#is radi(a) /uestion$ !#i)e igre

si,p)+ s#oo" #is #ead in denia).

M+ purpose is t#e pea(e o& -)sa(e. t is &ine i& Bu"e #enardier

!ou)d s!ear never to )a+ a #and on it... is !#at !ou)d )i"e to

sa+.

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.

(ant rea))+ as" peop)e to !or" &or ,e !it#out pa+$ so !i)) )i"e)+

end up de,anding ,one+ or territor+.

-&ter t#e (onversation #ad &inis#ed$ and i, )e&t t#e roo,. #esun #ad a),ost sun" %e)o! t#e #ori=on.

'#e !as g)ad t#at igre #ad ,ade #is reso)ve.


63/288


--- %erha(s it's his character. Though lacking in some areas, I ust

have to assist him.

'ti))$ s#e !as re)ieved. #en i, noti(ed #er &ee)ings$ s#e

understood s#e !as #app+ %e(ause it !ou)d %e ,ore

(onvenient &or :))en.

#oug# i, 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.

... Bid +ou need so,et#ing

eita noti(ed i, and !a)"ed over (autious)+.

#ave a &avor to as" o& +ou.i, a%rupt)+ )i&ted #er ar, and pointed to a s,a)) do)) #ung a)ong

t#e !a)). t !as s,a)) enoug# to &it in t#e pa), o& #er #and? it

!as a %ear do)).

& +ou do not ,ind$ ,a+ #ave t#at A,... #ave a &riend !#o

)oves t#e,.

-s i, #ad said to eita %e&ore$ s#e #ad not set &oot in an+ roo,ot#er t#an igres 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& i,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 i,.


64/288



65/288


#e Eo+a) Capita) o& 'i)esia !as )o(ated near t#e (enter o& D#(ted

ingdo,.

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. rodu(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,


66/288


ts )ive)+ as usua).

:))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.


67/288


ud,ira urie*sa,a and 'op#ia O%ertas*sa,a #ave arrived.

:))en returned t#e 'i)ver F)as# to #er !aist and passed %eneat#

t#e gate to t#e Eo+a) a)a(e. ;er e9pression !as su%t)e.

--- #o(hia aside, udmira's here...

'#e did not get a)ong !e)) !it# ud,ira. o %e ,ore pre(ise$ t#e+

#ad a poor re)ations#ip.

e))$ t#ats &ine. )) ta"e (are o& t#e trou%)eso,e %usiness &irst.

:))en !a)"ed %et!een t#e peop)e o& t#e Eo+a) a)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 ing$ it is not

per,issi%)e to (arr+ a !eapon. #e on)+ e9(eption !as a

Vanadis and #er Bragoni( oo).


68/288


:))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.

@ou ,a+ raise +our &a(e.

- dr+ voi(e$ )i"e a !it#ered tree$ (a,e &ro, t#e t#rone a%ove. t

!as t#e voi(e o& t#e ing o& D#(ted$ Vi(tor.

-((ording to :))ens ,e,or+$ t#e ing !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.

... Master o& t#e

o,a no Dan"i

H


69/288


70/288


71/288


ing Vi(tor interrupted :))ens !ords !it# a !ave o& #is #and.

#is is sti)) an invasion o&


72/288


'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.

ing Vi(tor nodded si)ent)+$ pro,pting #er to (ontinue.

#e situation in


73/288


:)eanora. #at is :ar) Vorns purpose i)) #e deprive Bu"e

#enardier o& a)) #is territories a&ter "i))ing #i, s #is u)ti,ate

goa) t#e t#rone

:))en )oo"ed do!n!ard. t !as ne(essar+ to suppress #er )aug#ter.

--- / course the 0ing would thing so... &ut it's diicult to imagine

Tigre on the throne.

-((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#.

#at is t#e (o,pensation &or +our servi(es

#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.

-nd !#at o& t#e territor+ +ou re(eive

--- #o it's come down to this, ater all.

#e ing !as on)+ a&raid t#at :))en ,a+ gain po!er.

& #e +ie)ds an+ )and$ !i)) not ta"e a sing)e %it o& it. !i)) presentit to @our Majest+. -)) peop)e in t#is p)a(e are !itnesses.

... Ver+ !e)). !i)) )eave t#e a&&airs o& :ar) Vorn to +ou.

:))en )et out a so&t %reat# #earing t#ose !ords? s#e !as &ina))+

&reed.

#ave no intent in intervening in


74/288


:))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.

*** -s disgra(e&u) as ever$ :)eanora.

#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. n #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.


75/288


... t see,s +ou #avent gro!n at a))$ eit#er$ ud,ira.

Cat(#ing t#e gir)s (ondes(ending ga=e$ :))en s,i)ed poor)+ to!ard

t#e gir) na,ed ud,ira and p)a(ed #er #and on #er #ead in a

&a,i)iar ,anner.

;, Far &ro, gro!ing up$ it see,s +ouve s#run". er#aps +our

(onstant %o!ing and ,odest attitude are t#e reason. s#ou)d

tea(# +ou #o! to stand uprig#t so +ou (an )oo" ta))er.

n(identa))+$ it)) ,a"e +our %reasts )oo" )arger.

... t see,s +ou (an spea" %etter. 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. !onder i& a star !i)) &a)) to,orro!.:ven i& s#e !as angr+$ ud,ira did not &o))o! :))ens provo(ations.

'#e (a),)+ %rus#ed o&& t#e #and stro"ing #er #ead !it# a

(oer(ive attitude.

!i)) #ave to re&rain.


76/288


:))en )aug#ed and s#rugged in a #osti)e ,anner !#i)e ud,ira

)oo"ed up and ridi(u)ed #er !it# #er e+es.

Courtes+ 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$ (ou)d not &ee) an+ inte))e(t or dignit+ as a Vanadis o&

D#(ted.

, not sure a !o,an !#o (arries a %ott)e o& tea and ja, at #er

!aist (an spea" o& dignit+.

:))ens !ords &ina))+ tou(#ed a sore spot. ud,ira retorted angri)+.

do not #ave it toda+. An)i"e +ou$ understand t#ere are

appropriate ti,es and p)a(es.o %egin !it#$ t#is is t#e &irst ve #eard o& dignit+ %eing a

re/uire,ent &or a Vanadis. #oug# its +our &reedo, to

e,%ra(e su(# de)usions$ dont ta)" as i& it !ere (o,,on

sense.

it# intense anger in t#eir e+es$ t#e t!o gir)s g)ared at one

anot#er. anguage !as no )onger ne(essar+. :))en #ad #er #andon #er )ongs!ord$ and ud,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.

*** a"e t#at.

- (ute voi(e sudden)+ sounded %et!een t#e t!o$ as :))en and

ud,ira !ere #it !it# a #ard t#ing.

#at...


77/288


:))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 ud,ira.

Eea))+. Fig#ting is %ad$ +ou t!o.

#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 ud,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#ias %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.

;onest)+... #+ is it t#at +ou t!o on)+ /uarre) !#en +ou see one

anot#er

#is !o,an***

On re&)e9$ :))en and ud,ira pointed to ea(# ot#er and ans!ered

in #ar,on+.


78/288


#an" +ou$ 'op#ie. @our good !ord saved ,e. #oug# didnt

intend to give up o%edient)+$ it !ou)d #ave ta"en a )ot )onger.

%e)ieve i& it !ere to go on an+ )onger$ +our &au)ts !ou)d %e

e9posed.

oo"$ 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.

'op#ia 'op#ie s,i)ed %itter)+ as ud,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.

need to ta)" to 'op#ie. @ou s#ou)d get out o& #ere.For %ot# our sa"e$ !i)) do t#at? #o!ever$ !is# to #ear

so,et#ing %e&ore )eave.

ud,ira$ !it# ar,s &o)ded$ stared at :))en serious)+.

*** #is :ar) Vorn$ t#oug# 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


79/288


80/288


ud,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) a)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, :))ens #ands. '#e #ad torn t#e, out

o& #er dress !it#out rea)i=ing$ )eaving s,a)) #o)es in #er

()ot#es.

'op#ie... Bo +ou #ave an+ need)e and t#read

#is !i)) on)+ get !orse i& an a,ateur does t#is.


81/288


-&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.

#+ !i)) ud,ira %e(o,e ,+ ene,+ i& side !it# igre

t is si,p)e.

'op#ies pa)e go)den #air ro("ed as s#e too" a drin".

Mira ud,ira #as a )ong asso(iation !it# Bu"e #enardier.

#at gir) and #enardier

:))en )oo"ed in dis%e)ie&.

dont understand. investigated Bu"e #enardier$ and #es not

t#e "ind o& person !ou)d !ant to #ave ties !it#. ;es t#e t+pe

s#e !ou)d #ate. o$ dont "no! !#at s#e t#in"s...-re +ou !orried

#e area s#e governs$ O),ut=$ is near eitMerit=.

:))ens 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 ing$ t#eir )ands !ere neveradja(ent.


82/288


#ere !ere t!o Bu"edo,s near eitMerit= !#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.

t is not just #er$ eit#er. Man+ aristo(rats in t#is (ountr+ #ave

(onne(tions to Bu"e #enardier or Bu"e ane)on in so,e

!a+.

:))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!.

:))en. ;ave +ou #eard o& t#e stor+ H#e Mer(#ant o& Muen=I

#avent. #os t#att !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.

... #is is t#e "ind o& stor+ t#at ,a"es t#e jui(e taste %ad.:))en ()ear)+ )oo"ed unp)easant.

- (ertain da+$ Muen= !as sta%%ed %+ #is son and died. #ere

!ere ,an+ peop)e !#o )a,ented #is deat#.

:))en )oo"ed at 'op#ie$ #earing su(# une9pe(ted !ords. 'op#ie

s,i)ed !it# ,i9ed &ee)ings.


83/288


-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+.

... 'o #enardier is t#e sa,e.

@es. Bu"e ane)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


84/288


;er !ords !ere stu(" in #er t#roat.

Eig#t. H#e Mer(#ant o& Muen=I.

'op#ies go)den #air s!a+ed as s#e s#oo" #er #ead.

-%ove a))$ t#e+ #ave #ad a )ong re)ations#ip. t is so,et#ing t#at

#as e9isted sin(e )ong %e&ore t#at gir) !as %orn. t 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,otions

Certain)+...

'#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.***


85/288


'#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 :))ens !ords.

Cute$ is it Can +ou give ,e an e9a,p)e

'op#ie (ontinued to pursue t#e issue. :))en ,oved a%out in a

ti(")is# ,anner.

Eig#t... #ere are a nu,%er o& t#ings$ %ut i& !ere to ,ention

one$ ,a+%e it !ou)d %e #is s)eeping &a(e.

M+. @ou #ave a re)ations#ip !#ere +ou (an see #is s)eeping

&a(e

Bo$ dont sa+ an+t#ing stupid. ;es t#e one t#at a)!a+s s)eep.#i)e 'op#ie !as ()ear)+ %e(o,ing ,ore interested$ :))en denied

t#e a((usation$ #er &a(e red ear to ear.

On 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!. ve never seen

an+t#ing )i"e it %e&ore.M+$ :ar) Vorn is &ro,


86/288


O# ,+$ #o! a,a=ing.

'op#ie s,i)ed. iven #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.

@ou s#ou)d ,eet #i, and spea" to #i, in person &or t#e rest. @ou

(an see unie t#en as !e))$ rig#t

unie !as t#e na,e o& t#e in&ant Bragon "ept in t#e ,peria)

a)a(e o& eitMerit=.#oug# it !as di&&i(u)t to i,agine &ro, #er gent)e persona)it+$

'op#ie !as an avid )over o& Bragons. t !as %e(ause s#e

!anted to see unie t#at s#e &re/uent)+ trave)ed to eitMerit=$

!#i(# is #o! t#e t!o %e(a,e inti,ate.

n(identa))+$ (ontrar+ to 'op#ies &ee)ings$ unie !ou)d a)!a+s tr+

to &)+ a!a+ and es(ape t#e ,o,ent it noti(ed #er presen(e.& +ou te)) ,e in advan(e$ )) introdu(e +ou to igre. d )i"e to

s#o! +ou #is ar(#er+ %+ a)) ,eans.

)oo" &or!ard to it.

'op#ie nodded !it# jo+ d+ing #er %er+) e+es.


87/288


:))en did not ,ention igres %)a(" %o! to t#e ing. #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.

'op#ie$ !ant to as" +ou so,et#ing.

#i)e !a)"ing in an unpopu)ated #a))!a+$ :))en spo"e !it# a

serious e9pression.

Bo +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

ane)on

'op#ies 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.-s e9pe(ted o& +ou$ %ut t#eres so,et#ing e)se d )i"e +ou to

(#e(". 'ee i& t#eres an+one !it# (onne(tions to Bu"e

#enardier !#o (an train Bragons.

Bragon...

'op#ie )oo"ed at #er !it# !ide e+es. :))en nodded strong)+.

#ere !as an

'uro

:art# Bragon and

V+&a)

+vern.

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.


88/288


#oug# t#e Vanadis are superior in ,i)itar+ arts$ :))en eva)uated

#er a%i)ities a%ove even t#ose.

'in(e it is a re/uest &ro, +ou$ t#en s#a)) )oo" into it. a, /uite

an9ious #earing t#is as !e)).

#an"s a )ot. )) )et +ou #ug unie as ,u(# as +ou !ant ne9t ti,e.

)) ,a"e sure #e doesnt run a!a+.

:))en ,er(i)ess)+ de(ided t#e +oung Bragons &ate. 'op#ie s,i)ed

jo+&u))+ in response.

O# ,+$ !i)) enjo+ t#at.


89/288


3 Territoire

#e

Dirnitra


90/288


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 i,s #and as s#e rode on #orse%a(" in #er ar,or. it#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.

... Bo rea))+ need to re,e,%er t#is

ord igrevur,ud. Bo +ou understand +our position

igre inadvertent)+ gru,%)ed. i, started ga=ing at #i, (o)d)+$

near)+ &ree=ing #is %a("%one.@ou are :)eanora*sa,as (aptive. n 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.

t !as an unp)easant &uture$ t#oug# #e (ou)d not sa+ t#at in &ront

o& #er.

@ou ,ust )earn %asi( "no!)edge so +ou do not e,%arrass:)eanora*sa,a. )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 let 1elesta. "e've been doing this even on the march.

@our response


91/288


)) do ,+ %est$ ea(#er.

#ere !as no energ+ in igres voi(e. i, &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.


92/288


#e nig#ts na,e !as Euri("$ and #e !as t#e ,ost s"i))ed ar(#er

a,ongst :))ens so)diers. ;e !as a)so on %est ter,s !it# igre.

@ou s#ou)d #ave (o,e up ear)ier. (ou)d #ave used +our #e)p.

& #ad done su(# a t#ing$ Miss i,)is#a !ou)d #ave g)ared at ,e.


93/288


94/288



95/288


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.

n t#e end$ igre !as not &reed &ro, i,s grasp unti) t#e+ rea(#ed

erritoire.

#e to!n o&


96/288



97/288


s t#at so

i, nodded in ad,iration !it#out s#o!ing an+ sign o& dou%t.

#i)e igre &e)t gui)t+ &ro, #er o%edient rea(tion$


98/288


Bove(ote

i, )oo"ed dou%t&u) as igre gave an #onest e9p)anation.

t is !#ere pigeons are "ept and &ed. iven its si=e$ it )i"e)+ #ouses

around one #undred. Bo t#e+ not #ave t#ese in D#(ted

#oug# t#ere are #en #ouses$ #ave never #eard o& a dove(ote.

e do not eat pigeons...

-&ter )eaving pu%)i( noti(e and entering t#e ,ansion$ i, too" o&&

#er #e),et and #e)d it %eneat# #er ar,.

'in(e


99/288

Madan no Ou to Vanadis

igre %o!ed as #e )oo"ed at t#e e)der ,an !it# (are.

-re +ou un!e)) & so$ !e (an (o,e anot#er da+***

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.

#at$ , just a %it injured? t#eres no need to e9aggerate it. ,

sure seeing +ou a&ter +ouve (o,e so &ar !i)) do ,+ %od+ so,e

good.

;e !as not putting on a s#o! o& strengt#$ !#i(# gave igre a

sense o& re)ie&.

ts so nosta)gi(. @ou (a,e to ,+ #ouse !#en +ou !ere sti)) as,a)) (#i)d. Bo +ou re,e,%er

:# A,...

- (o)d s!eat &)o!ed do!n igres %a(". ;e !ondered i& #e #ad

%een (are)ess in so,e ,anner? #e #ad no ,e,or+ o& it at a)). &

#e visited$ it !ou)d #ave %een !#en igre !as sti)) 8 or .

#e o)d ,an s,i)ed in a,use,ent seeing igres ina%i)it+ torespond. ;is t#in %od+ s#oo"$ )itt)e %+ )itt)e.

%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.

t !as not just i,$ !#o stood ne9t to #i,$ %ut


100/288


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.

apo)ogi=e &or t#e de)a+ed introdu(tion. '#e is i,)is#a$ t#e

trusted aide o& t#e Vanadis$ :)eanora Vi)taria.

i, 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. t !as a

(o,p)ete (#ange &ro, a ,o,ent ago.

o! t#en... roug#)+ understand +our (ir(u,stan(es &ro,

Massas )etter$ %ut !ou)d appre(iate it i& +ou (ou)d te)) ,e t#eentire stor+.

-&ter -ugre #eard t#e entire stor+ &ro, igre$ #is &a(e #e)d a

di&&i(u)t e9pression.

o a%andon ,+ stan(e o& neutra)it+ and &ig#t !it# Bu"e

#enardier...)ease$ as" &or +our #e)p.

,ust as" to %e sure$ %ut +ou are not #iding an+t#ing

;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),)+.


101/288


& #ave done an+t#ing !rong$ !ou)d not %e a%)e to ,ove t#e

so)diers in a &ig#t against Bu"e #enardier.

;,$ (ertain)+...

-ugre )oo"ed do!n deep in t#oug#t. igre si)ent)+ !aited &or #is

ans!er.

***:ar) Vorn.


102/288


#at do +ou ,ean

i, 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.

#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(". (annot si,p)+ )eave it. !ant +ou to )ead +our ar,+

to Vos+es... !ant +ou to get rid o& t#e,.;e spo"e %itter)+ and ()en(#ed #is #and$ una%)e to suppress #is

anger.

Cou)d it %e due to +our injur+

said it a !#i)e ago. t is not a serious injur+.

-ugre )oo"ed %a(" and s,i)ed seeing igres an9ious &a(e.

t s#ou)d #ea) in a &e! da+s$ %ut (annot return to %att)e. #oug##es ,a"ing ,ore trou%)e o& it t#an #e s#ou)d$ it is true

(annot )eave ,+ %ed.

-ugre turned #is entire %od+ to igre.


103/288


:ar) Vorn. as" t#is o& +ou. i)) +ou #o)d o&& t#is %and o& t#ieves

in ,+ p)a(e

;e spo"e so)e,n)+ and %o!ed as ,u(# as #e (ou)d.

#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& &ind ,ore peop)e$

t#ere is no te))ing !#at !i)) #appen !#en t#e vi))ages are

atta("ed. !is# to &or(e t#e, %a(" to suppress t#e da,age

t#e+ (ause$ no ,atter !#at.

Bo +ou "no! #o! ,an+ t#ere are

i, as"ed &ro, t#e side !it# an e9pression and voi(e !#i(# )a("ed

an+ intonation.-ppro9i,ate)+ t!o #undred.

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.

Origina))+$ 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.

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.


104/288


--- This can't be let 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 eitMerit=.

& 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# igres ,ove,ents

a)ong t#e ,ountains.

igre %egan to open #is ,out#$ %ut did not spea" %e&ore g)an(ing

at i,. it# a s#ort (on&ir,ation$ #e turned %a(" to -ugre.

understand. eave t#is to us.


105/288


@ou !ont %e sta+ing in t#e to!n

Euri(" )oo"ed at #i, (urious)+. ;e #ad t#oug#t igre !ou)d

%orro! a roo, in t#e Vis(ounts #ouse#o)d.

#ere are a &e! reasons$ %ut t#oug#t d sta+ #ere !it#

ever+one.

-t t#at ti,e$ eita ran up !it# s#ort steps. '#e !ore #er ,aid

uni&or, !it# t#e apron re,oved. t see,s s#e ,oved a%out

t#e D#(ted (a,p dressed in t#is ,anner.

igre*sa,a$ !e)(o,e %a(". Bid ever+t#ing turn out !e))

e on)+ ta)"ed. -rent +ou tired$ eita

igre s,i)ed gent)+ and patted eitas #ead.@ou do not need to !orr+. !as #e)ping prepare t#e ,ea)s unti) a

,o,ent ago.

Mea)s during a ,ar(# are i,portant$ rig#t 'oup (an %e ,ade

/uite de)i(ious !it# just a s)ig#t (#ange in t#e sa)t...

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$ %uts#e #e)d out in #er o!n !a+. eita #ad &ir,)+ %ui)t #er p)a(e

a,ongst t#e,.

Gust ,a"e sure not to over!or" +ourse)&.


106/288


eita and


107/288


-ugres -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#.


108/288


ord igrevur,ud$ do +ou #ave an+ p)ans

Eegretta%)+$ no.

;o! a%out t#is. ord igrevur,ud$ +ou enter t#e ,ountain !it#

&i&t+ arro!s. #en t#e+ des(end$ +ou "i)) &i&t+ ,en and

retreat... @ou (an repeat t#is &our ti,es.

-n interesting proposa). Bo +ou rea))+ t#in" (an &ind and "i)) t#at

,an+ peop)e

igre #a)&*g)ared at Euri(" &or sa+ing outrageous t#ings.

#at !i)) %e our )ast resort.

#e t!o turned in surprise #earing i,s (urt response. i, )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.

e s#ou)d &inis# t#is /ui(")+. !ou)d rat#er not ta"e too ,u(#

ti,e.

#e ne9t ,orning$ eita and


109/288


i, 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,.

... #at is t#is

-&ter !e )e&t -)sa(e$ #ave (a)(u)ated t#e !ar e9penditures unti)

toda+. #is is +our %urden.

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(". i, 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. t !as su&&o(ating even t#in"ing a%out it.

... :ven !#en (o,,anded one #undred so)diers$ it !as never

t#is e9pensive. #+ so ,u(##e (ost o& (ava)r+ is /uite signi&i(ant (o,pared to t#e (ost o&

in&antr+.

i, (ontinued spea"ing as i& it !ere natura).

#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.


110/288


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.

!ou)d re(o,,end +ou not pa+ !it# -)sa(es savings.

;e !as seen t#roug#.

igre )oo"ed at i, (urious)+$ #earing #er not re(o,,end #e ta"e

t#at (ourse o& a(tion.

sa! a)) t#e data. ord igrevur,ud$ !as t#ere so,et#ing +ou

!ere tr+ing to do er#aps pasturing.

... t !as a %ig su((ess.

igre sig#ed deep)+. ;e #ad )earned ,an+ t#ings &ro, #er ineitMerit=. i, !as /uite adept in su(# aspe(ts.

t !as ,+ &at#ers idea. ;e #ad saved )itt)e %+ )itt)e %e&ore

su((eeded -)sa(e. Asing t#ose savings$ #e !anted to pur(#ase

#orses.

#e #orse #ad ,an+ uses. Asing t#e,$ -)sa(e (ou)d %e(o,e ,ore

prosperous.t is a good idea. %e)ieve +ou s#ou)d (ontinue to !or" to!ard

t#at goa).

igre !as g)ad to #ear i,s &ran" approva)$ %ut #e #ad a di&&i(u)t

&a(e as !e)).


111/288


igre )oo"ed over #is s#ou)der to!ard t#e D#(ted so)diers

&o))o!ing t#e,.

@es$ !#i(# is !#+ !e s#a)) (onsider t#at &ro, no! on.

#oug# i,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.

i, too" t#e paper &ro, igre and (are&u))+ re,oved t#e !rin")es

&ro, it.


112/288


113/288


#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#

madan no ou to vanadis - 02

Documents