Giogioni Wyvernspur, sitting in the muddy road, cursed his bad luck.乔吉奥尼·飞龙刺坐在泥泞的道路上，咒骂着自己的霉运。1
After all the misfortunes that befell me at Cousin Freffie’s wedding, he complained to himself, you’d think it was time for a little sunshine to fall into my life.在弗雷菲表亲的婚礼上遭了那么多倒霉事，他在心里抱怨道，怎么也该有一点阳光照进我的生活了吧。2
But no. I’ve got a cloud of Tymora’s blackest luck following me.可偏偏没有。我身后跟着一团泰摩拉最黑暗的厄运之云。3
“Daisyeye, come back here!” he shouted as he picked himself off the ground and tried, as best he could, to brush the wet mud from his velvet britches.“雏菊眼，快回来！”他一边喊，一边从地上爬起来，尽力掸去天鹅绒马裤上的湿泥。4
“That’s the problem with really good horses—they spook so damned easily.”“真正的好马就是有这个毛病——太他妈容易受惊了。”5
The mare that had thrown him was now out of sight, having galloped around a bend in the country road.把他摔下来的那匹母马已经绕过乡间道路的一处弯道，疾驰得不见踪影。6
“If it isn’t one thing, it’s another,” Giogi muttered.“真是一波未平，一波又起。”乔吉嘟囔道。7
He began to relate his adventure aloud, rehearsing it for his chums.他开始大声讲述自己的奇遇，权当预先排演一遍，好讲给那些朋友听。8
“First I made a fool of myself at Minda’s behest and did that silly imitation of Azoun.“先是我听明达的话出了洋相，傻乎乎地模仿阿祖恩。9
This caused the bard’s lovely but quite mad sell-sword to attack me with a cake knife.结果那个吟游诗人手下美丽却疯得不轻的佣兵拿着切蛋糕的刀袭击了我。10
Then Darol seized the opportunity to make himself look like a hero in front of Minda and got himself slashed across the face.接着，达罗尔趁机想在明达面前逞英雄，结果脸上挨了一刀。11
Minda positively swooned with admiration when she saw his scar, and she gave the scurrilous cove permission to accompany her carriage to Suzail.明达一看到他的伤疤，简直崇拜得要晕过去，还准许那个无耻的家伙护送她的马车前往苏萨尔。”12
“Naturally, I considered I might play up to Minda’s sympathies as well.“我自然觉得，自己或许也可以博取明达的同情。13
After all, I was the one the lady in blue tried to assassinate.毕竟，那个蓝衣女士想刺杀的人可是我。14
I’m not completely witless.我又不是全无头脑。15
I knew this was not a good time to visit court.我知道这时候不适合去宫廷。16
Aunt Doroth is a horrible gossip and just a little too palsy with His Majesty’s pet wizard, Vangerdahast.多萝丝姑妈是个可怕的长舌妇，而且跟陛下豢养的那位法师范格达海斯特未免也太亲近了些。17
And if Aunt Doroth doesn’t let the whole sordid affair leak out, you can bet Darol will find a way to let His Majesty know all about my remarkable impersonation.就算多萝丝姑妈不把这桩龌龊事泄露出去，也敢打赌，达罗尔一定会想办法让陛下知道我那场精彩绝伦的模仿表演。”18
“So while everyone is riding off to the capitol, I’m forced to travel back to Immersea, all alone, on horseback.“所以，别人全都骑马前往京城，我却不得不孤零零地骑马返回伊默海。19
Though I must say that Dimswart fellow was quite decent, putting me up for an extra two days until I recovered from my shock.不过我得说，迪姆斯沃特那家伙人还相当不错，多留我住了两天，直到我从惊吓中恢复过来。20
I left early in the morning, traveling up the road to Waymoot.我一大早便动身了，沿路前往路口镇。21
I was thanking Chauntea for the nice weather when Daisyeye reared up on her hind quarters and galloped up the road, leaving me in the mud.”我正为这好天气感谢裳提阿，雏菊眼却突然以后腿直立起来，随即沿路疾驰而去，把我丢在了泥里。”22
Suddenly realizing that if he didn’t catch Daisyeye in a hurry he’d never reach Waymoot by nightfall and would be forced to stay in some roadside inn, or worse, a farmer’s bed, Giogi set off after his mount.乔吉忽然意识到，要是不赶紧抓住雏菊眼，他天黑前就绝不可能抵达路口镇，只能投宿某家路边客栈，甚至更糟——睡在农夫的床上，于是便动身追赶自己的坐骑。23
He hummed what he called “that catchy little number” written by that Ruskettle woman for Freffie and Gaylyn.他哼起了那个拉斯凯特尔女人为弗雷菲和盖琳创作的曲子，也就是他所谓的“那首朗朗上口的小调”。24
Rounding the curve in the road, he noticed a clicking noise.绕过道路的弯道时，他听见了一阵咔嗒声。25
“Is that you, Daisyeye?“是你吗，雏菊眼？26
You naughty girl.你这淘气的姑娘。27
Whatever possessed you to run off like—” Giogioni halted in his tracks, his words constricting in his throat.你怎么会想到像这样跑——”乔吉奥尼猛地停下脚步，话卡在了喉咙里。28
Very cautiously, he took a step backward, then another.他极其小心地后退了一步，又退了一步。29
“Just where do you think you’re going?” an imperious voice demanded.“你以为自己要去哪儿？”一个威严的声音质问道。30
The young Wyvernspur froze, unable to answer the red dragon who had addressed him.飞龙刺家的年轻人僵在原地，面对那条向他问话的红龙，一个字也答不出来。31
Quite aside from the shock of discovering poor Daisyeye serving as the red dragon’s entree—quite a shock since there was blood oozing all over the cobblestone, and Daisyeye’s eyes remained open in death as though accusing him of something—he couldn’t get over the size of the monster.且不说发现可怜的雏菊眼成了红龙的主菜给他带来的震惊——这着实令人震惊，因为鲜血淌得满地石板都是，而雏菊眼死后双眼依然睁着，仿佛在指责他什么——光是那怪物庞大的体形，就已经令他惊骇不已。32
A single one of its paws could block traffic along the road, and Daisyeye looked like a chicken leg next to the beast’s maw.它的一只爪子就足以堵住整条路，而在那巨兽的大嘴旁，雏菊眼看起来就像一根鸡腿。33
“Well?” the dragon asked.“嗯？”红龙问道。34
“I-I-I—”“我——我——我——”35
“Oh dear, a stutterer,” the dragon sighed.“哎呀，是个结巴。”红龙叹了口气。36
“Try to relax.“尽量放松。37
The words will come out more easily.”这样话就容易说出口了。”38
“—don’t want to disturb your meal.“——我不想打扰您用餐。39
I’ll just be moving on.我这就继续赶路。40
Don’t mind me,” Giogioni gasped.不用管我。”乔吉奥尼喘着气说道。41
The dragon swished its big russet tail around so that the scaly appendage made a curl about Giogioni, blocking all avenues of escape.红龙甩动粗大的红褐色尾巴，让那条覆满鳞片的尾巴在乔吉奥尼周围盘成一圈，封死了所有逃路。42
“You’ve been so kind to provide me with lunch,” the monster said, swallowing another gobbet of Daisyeye’s haunch, “the least I can do is offer you a lift.”“你这么好心，给我送来了午餐，”怪物一边说，一边又吞下一块雏菊眼后腿上的肉，“我至少也该捎你一程。”43
“Oh, that’s very kind, but I wouldn’t want to trouble you any.”“哦，您真是太好心了，不过我不想再麻烦您。”44
Giogioni took another step backward.乔吉奥尼又后退了一步。45
“Freeze!” the dragon ordered.“别动！”红龙命令道。46
Giogioni froze.乔吉奥尼顿时一动不动。47
“What’s your name?”“你叫什么名字？”48
“Giogioni Wyvernspur.“乔吉奥尼·飞龙刺。49
Ah, everyone calls me Giogi.”啊，大家都叫我乔吉。”50
“How quaint.”“真别致。”51
The dragon sliced off the straps to Daisyeye’s saddle with a single claw and shoved it over to Giogioni’s feet.巨龙用一根爪子划断了雏菊眼马鞍上的皮带，把马鞍推到乔吉奥尼脚边。52
“Have a seat.”“坐吧。”53
Giogioni collapsed onto the saddle, feeling a little green.乔吉奥尼瘫坐在马鞍上，只觉得一阵恶心。54
I never realized that such a pretty horse could look so awful with her middle slit open, he thought, reaching down into his saddlebag and pulling out the flask of Rivengut he always kept there.我从没想到，这么漂亮的一匹马，肚腹被剖开后竟会如此可怕，他心想，同时伸手探进鞍囊，取出那只他一直放在里面的裂肠酒酒壶。55
Thank Oghma, he prayed silently, it was more than half full.感谢欧格玛，他默默祈祷道，里面还剩大半壶。56
“D-d-do you mind if I pour myself a drink?” he asked the dragon.“你、你、你介意我给自己倒一杯吗？”他问巨龙。57
“Be my guest.”“请便。”58
Giogioni took a long, hard pull on the flask of liquor.乔吉奥尼举起酒壶，狠狠灌了一大口。59
“If I might ask, what shall I call you?”“冒昧问一句，我该怎么称呼你？”60
“Mist.”“米斯特。”61
“Is that all?”“就这样？”62
“That’s all,” the beast snapped and went back to rasping her tongue along Daisyeye’s ribs.“就这样。”那野兽没好气地答道，又回头用粗糙的舌头刮舐起雏菊眼的肋骨。63
Giogioni took another swig of Rivengut.乔吉奥尼又灌了一口裂肠酒。64
If he was going to be dessert, he decided, he didn’t want to feel it.他打定主意，既然自己要成为甜点，那他可不想有什么感觉。65
He wondered idly if he would be served en flambe, so to speak.他漫不经心地想，不知自己是否会被浇上烈酒，点着火端上桌——可以这么说。66
“I heard you singing,” Mist said when there was nothing left of Daisyeye but shattered bones.等雏菊眼只剩下一堆碎骨时，米斯特说道：“我听见你唱歌了。”67
“Catchy little tune.”“小调还挺上口。”68
“Yes, something composed by that new bard, Olive Rus—oh, gods!”“是啊，那是那位新来的吟游诗人奥利芙·拉斯——哦，诸神在上！”69
The man gulped.男人猛咽了一口唾沫。70
“You’re that Mist.”“你就是那个米斯特。”71
Suspicious, Mist cocked an eybrow and asked, “Just what did Mistress Ruskettle have to say about me?”米斯特起了疑心，扬起一边眉毛问道：“拉斯凯特尔小姐究竟是怎么说我的？”72
“Nothing, nothing.“没什么，什么也没说。”73
Er—just that she was your prison—uh—guest.”“呃——只说她曾是你的囚——呃——客人。”74
“She still traveling with that tramp, Alias of Westgate?”“她还在跟西门城的阿莉亚丝那个浪荡女人一起旅行吗？”75
“The red-headed sword-sell, er, I mean, sell-sword?“那个红头发的卖剑……呃，我是说，卖命剑客？76
Maybe.也许吧。77
If she could find—um, I have no idea.”如果她能找到——嗯，我完全不知道。”78
Mist grinned from ear to ear—not an attractive sight with parts of Daisyeye still caught between her teeth.米斯特咧嘴大笑——她牙缝里还塞着雏菊眼的残肉，这副笑容可不怎么好看。79
She rested a claw on Giogioni’s shoulder.她把一只爪子搭在乔吉奥尼的肩上。80
“We musn’t have any secrets, my dear boy.”“我们之间可不能有任何秘密，亲爱的孩子。”81
“I don’t know, really I don’t. She went a little crazy at the wedding, this Alias person, that is, and then she ran off.”“我不知道，我真的不知道。婚礼上她有点发疯了，我是说那个阿莉亚丝，后来她就跑掉了。”82
“Which way did Ruskettle go?”“拉斯凯特尔往哪个方向走了？”83
Mist asked.米斯特问。84
Giogioni gulped.乔吉奥尼咽了口唾沫。85
Only a cad would betray that cute little bard.只有卑鄙小人才会出卖那个可爱的小吟游诗人。86
He was determined not to be a cad.他决心不做卑鄙小人。87
A little steam escaped from Mist’s nostrils, but enough Wyvernspur blood—and Rivengut—pumped through Giogioni’s veins to give him the courage to keep silent.一小股蒸汽从米斯特的鼻孔里冒了出来，但乔吉奥尼的血管里流淌着足够多的飞龙刺家族之血——还有裂肠酒——让他有勇气保持沉默。88
“Very well,” the dragon sighed.“很好，”巨龙叹了口气。89
“If that’s the way it has to be.”“既然非得这样不可。”90
She slipped a claw through the back of the man’s shirt and lifted him from the ground.她把一根爪子从那男人衬衫背后穿了进去，将他提离地面。91
“Oh, gods!” he gasped, sure he was about to follow Daisyeye into heaven.“诸神啊！”他倒抽一口气，确信自己马上就要追随雏菊眼上天堂了。92
Instead of swallowing him, though, the dragon lifted him up, beat her massive wings, and took off from the ground.然而，巨龙并没有吞掉他，而是把他高高提起，拍动巨大的双翼，腾空而起。93
Mist spiralled up over the Cormyrian countryside.米斯特盘旋着升到科米尔人的乡野上空。94
When she reached a cruising altitude of one thousand feet she barked, “Look down, Giogi.”升到一千英尺的巡航高度后，她厉声说道：“往下看，乔吉。”95
“No, please!“不，求你了！96
I’m not very good with heights.”我很怕高。”97
“You’ll be an expert on them in a moment, for all of eight seconds—at which time you’ll hit the ground rather hard—unless you tell me which way Ruskettle went.”“你马上就会成为这方面的专家，足足当上八秒钟——到那时，你会狠狠撞上地面——除非你告诉我拉斯凯特尔往哪个方向走了。”98
“Suzail!”“苏萨尔！”99
Giogioni gasped.乔吉喘着气说道。100
“She headed toward Suzail!“她往苏萨尔去了！101
On a small pony named High Roll.”骑着一匹名叫‘豪赌’的小马。”102
“Such a nice boy.“真是个乖孩子。103
I knew we could come to an understanding.我就知道我们能达成共识。104
Now, I need a message taken to King Azoun.”现在，我需要你给阿祖恩国王捎个口信。”105
“Oh.“哦。106
I’d be happy to, but there’s just a teensy problem.我很乐意，不过有个小小的问题。107
You see, at the moment, I’m not very welcome in court.你瞧，我眼下在宫廷里不太受欢迎。108
I wouldn’t be the best person to represent your interests.”由我来代表您的利益，恐怕不是最佳人选。”109
“That’s too bad, Giogi,” Mist said.“那可太遗憾了，乔吉，”米斯特说道。110
“If you can’t help me out, I don’t have any more use for you, and if I don’t have any more use for you, I may as well just drop you here.”“如果你帮不了我，那你对我就再没什么用处了；既然你没用了，我不如就在这里把你扔下去。”111
“No!“不！”112
No. I’ll do it.“别！我去办。113
Anything.什么都行。114
Just don’t drop me, please!”求求您，别把我扔下去！”115
Mist smiled, and dove toward the earth.米斯特微微一笑，朝地面俯冲而去。116
* * * * ** * * * *117
Azoun IV focused his telescope at a point west of the city walls, on the Fields of the Dead.阿祖恩四世将望远镜对准城墙以西、死者之原上的一处地点。118
“What cheek,” he muttered.“好大的胆子。”他低声说道。119
The dragon, Mist, had taken up a post on Suzail’s burial ground, outside the gates of the city, but near enough to be seen by any of the populace who cared to swarm on top of the walls.巨龙米斯特盘踞在城门外苏萨尔的墓地上，离城又近得很，任何愿意蜂拥爬上城墙的百姓都能看见它。120
And swarm they did, too intrigued by the preening wild beast to fear for their lives.而他们也的确蜂拥而至；那头顾盼自得的野兽令他们太过着迷，以至于连自己的性命都顾不上害怕了。121
No work would get done in the city until the monster left.这头怪物不走，城里就什么活儿也别想干成。122
“If only we still had the Seventh Division in the city,” His Majesty sighed.“要是第七师还在城里就好了。”陛下叹息道。123
Vangerdahast spoke from the doorway, where he awaited reports from his own network of spies.范格达海斯特在门口开口道，他正在那里等候自己那张间谍网传来的情报。124
“I assure you, Your Highness, that Tilverton’s need of them was greater than our own.“我向您保证，陛下，提尔弗顿比我们更需要这支部队。125
Besides, Lord Giogioni said that she would fly off only if attacked, and then her offer will be rescinded.”况且，乔吉奥尼勋爵说过，只有遭到攻击她才会飞走，而一旦如此，她的提议便会作废。”126
“It would have to be a sudden, single deathblow.“必须出其不意，一击致命。127
I don’t suppose any foolhardy adventurers have come forward, offering their services?”我想，应该没有哪个莽撞的冒险者主动站出来，愿意效劳吧？”128
Azoun turned from the window to address his court wizard.阿祖恩从窗前转过身来，对他的宫廷法师说道。129
Vangerdahast shook his head.范格达海斯特摇了摇头。130
“The wyrm has chosen her ground too well.“那头巨龙选的地形对她太有利了。131
There is no cover for a sneak attack, and she will leave before sunset, so we cannot use the darkness to any advantage.那里没有任何掩护可供人偷袭，而且她会在日落前离开，所以我们也无法利用黑暗。132
Mist is too wise to fly over the city and set off the magical wards protecting it.”米斯特精明得很，不会飞越城市，触发保护城市的魔法结界。”133
“Well, I don’t like this.“这个办法我不喜欢。134
Dealing with a creature like that goes against my grain.”跟那样的生物做交易，有违我的本性。”135
“Her offer is quite generous, Your Highness, if she keeps her word and departs the area forever.“陛下，只要她信守诺言，从此永远离开这一带，她提出的条件其实相当优厚。136
In addition to making the merchant caravan routes safe again, there are livestock and Your Highness’s own hunting grounds to consider, both of which Mist has seriously depleted of late.”除了能让商队路线重新变得安全之外，我们还得考虑牲畜和陛下您自己的猎场；近来，米斯特已经让这两者都损失惨重。”137
“I can’t believe I’m hearing this from you, Vangy.“真不敢相信这话会从你嘴里说出来，范吉。138
Naturally I’d expect the merchants to jump at the chance of ridding us of the dragon at the price of a human sacrifice.那些商人自然会迫不及待地抓住这个机会，拿一个活人献祭为代价，替我们除掉那条龙。139
I, however, must consider the safety of all my people, even some poor, little adventuress.”可我必须顾及所有臣民的安危，哪怕只是一个可怜的小女冒险者。”140
“This Alias claimed to be from Westgate, Your Highness,” Vangerdahast said, already putting her in the past tense.“这个阿莉亚丝自称来自西门城，陛下，”范格达海斯特说道，口气里已经把她当成了过去的人。141
“Even worse.“那就更糟了。142
How would it look to the outside world, foreign traders and travelers, if I simply turned over one of their own just to rid my realm of a dragon?”如果我仅仅为了替自己的国土除掉一条龙，就把一名外乡人交出去，外界那些外国商人和旅客会怎么看我？”143
“If it please Your Highness, there is something more you should know about this poor, little adventuress.“陛下若准许，还有一件关于这个可怜的小女冒险者的事，您应当知道。144
Something to indicate a more sinister nature.”这件事表明，她的本性或许要阴险得多。”145
Azoun tapped his foot impatiently.阿祖恩不耐烦地用脚点着地。146
“Well?”“说吧？”147
“Perhaps you should hear it from a firsthand witness,” Vangerdahast suggested, nodding toward the young man who stood in a corner, working hard at steadying his nerves with large snifters of brandy.“或许您该听一位亲眼目睹此事的人来说。”范格达海斯特建议道，同时朝站在角落里的年轻人点了点头；那年轻人正一大杯接一大杯地喝着白兰地，拼命让自己镇定下来。148
“Giogioni!”“乔吉奥尼！”149
Azoun snapped.阿祖恩厉声喝道。150
“What do you know about this Alias of Westgate?”“关于这个西门城的阿莉亚丝，你都知道些什么？”151
“Me?”“我？”152
Giogioni squeaked, turning toward Azoun.乔吉奥尼尖声叫道，转向阿祖恩。153
“You,” the wizard insisted.“就是你，”法师坚持道。154
“It would be best if His Highness heard it in your own words.”“最好由你亲口把事情告诉殿下。”155
“I suppose so,” Giogioni whispered, though he didn’t suppose so at all.“大概是吧，”乔吉奥尼低声说道，尽管他心里完全不这么认为。156
“Spit it out, boy,” Azoun ordered.“说出来，小子，”阿祖恩命令道。157
“She was at the wedding, Freffie’s, uh, Lord Frefford’s. She attacked me.“她当时在婚礼上，就是弗雷菲的，呃，弗雷福德勋爵的婚礼。她袭击了我。158
Tried to kill me.想杀了我。159
Would have succeeded, too, if the crowd hadn’t gotten in her way.”要不是人群挡了她的路，她还真就得手了。”160
“What was this lady killer doing at the wedding of Lord Frefford and Sage Dimswart’s daughter?”“这个女杀手跑到弗雷福德勋爵和迪姆斯沃特贤者的女儿的婚礼上做什么？”161
Azoun asked.阿祖恩问道。162
“Dimswart said he was doing some research for her because she was under some curse,” Giogioni blurted.“迪姆斯沃特说她中了某种诅咒，他正在替她做些研究，”乔吉奥尼脱口而出。163
“Dimswart would have to come up with an excuse,” Vangerdahast said.“迪姆斯沃特当然得编个借口，”范格达海斯特说道。164
Azoun wrinkled his brow in confusion.阿祖恩困惑地皱起眉头。165
“Why would this woman try to kill you?”“这个女人为什么要杀你？”166
“She thought I was you,” Giogioni answered with a gulp.“她把我当成您了，”乔吉奥尼咽了口唾沫，答道。167
“What nonsense.“胡说八道。168
You don’t look anything like me.”你长得一点儿也不像我。”169
“No, Your Highness,” Giogioni agreed.“是的，殿下，”乔吉奥尼附和道。170
“He does, however, do a remarkable impression of Your Highness’s voice,” Vangerdahast explained.“不过，他模仿殿下的声音倒是惟妙惟肖，”范格达海斯特解释道。171
“He does?“是吗？172
You do?”你会？”173
Giogioni nodded weakly.乔吉奥尼有气无力地点了点头。174
“Well, let’s hear it,” Azoun said.“好吧，那就说来听听。”阿祖恩说道。175
Giogioni’s jaw dropped, and his face went pale.乔吉奥尼惊得下巴都掉了下来，脸色煞白。176
“Come on, boy,” Azoun prompted him.“说吧，小子。”阿祖恩催促道。177
“If you please, Your Highness,” the Wyvernspur nobleman gulped, “I would rather n—”“恕我冒昧，陛下，”飞龙刺家的贵族咽了口唾沫，“我宁可不——”178
“That’s an order!”“这是命令！”179
Giogioni gulped.乔吉奥尼咽了口唾沫。180
“M-m-my Cormytes,” he began.“我、我、我的科米尔臣民们，”他开口道。181
“My people, as your king, as King Azoun, and as King Azoun IV, I must say that the need to raise your taxes is a result of the depravations of-of-of th-this d-dragon.”“我的子民们，作为你们的国王，作为阿祖恩国王，也作为阿祖恩四世，我必须说，提高你们的税赋，是、是、是这、这条龙的暴、暴行所致。”182
“I don’t sound like that,” Azoun said, scowling.“我说话才不是这样。”阿祖恩皱眉说道。183
“With respect, Your Highness,” Vangerdahast intervened, “you do.”“恕我直言，陛下，”范格达海斯特插话道，“您就是这样。”184
“I don’t stutter like that,” Azoun objected.“我才不会那样结巴。”阿祖恩反驳道。185
“No, Your Highness.“是的，陛下，您不会。186
Lord Giogioni’s stutter is a consequence of the shock he’s had.乔吉奥尼勋爵结巴，是因为受到了惊吓。187
Ordinarily, his impression of you would be much better.通常情况下，他模仿您会模仿得好得多。188
Apparently, he was giving a performance at the wedding when he was attacked.”显然，他遇袭时正在婚礼上表演。”189
“But he still doesn’t look like me.”“但他还是长得不像我。”190
“No, but perhaps this Alias woman thought you were in disguise.“是的，但也许那个叫阿莉亚丝的女人以为您乔装打扮了。191
You have been known to travel incognito.您素来有微服出行的习惯。192
Any good assassin would know that.任何高明的刺客都会知道这一点。193
If she did indeed come from Westgate, there can be little question exactly who sent her.”如果她确实来自西门城，那是谁派她来的，几乎毫无疑问。”194
“No,” Azoun agreed, remembering the numerous threats made by the Fire Knives when he banished them from his kingdom.“没错。”阿祖恩表示赞同，同时想起自己将火焰刀逐出王国时，他们曾发出过无数威胁。195
Their new headquarters was in Westgate.他们的新总部就在西门城。196
There was a knock on the tower room door, and Vangerdahast left to answer it.塔楼房间的门上传来敲门声，范格达海斯特起身前去应门。197
Azoun looked at Giogioni, who swayed slightly.阿祖恩看着身子微微摇晃的乔吉奥尼。198
Wyvernspur blood must be getting thin for one little dragon to upset him so, the king thought.飞龙刺家的血脉准是越来越稀薄了，区区一条小龙就把他吓成这样，国王心想。199
“Better sit down, boy,” he said kindly.“还是坐下吧，孩子。”他和蔼地说道。200
“Not there, that’s my chair,” Azoun corrected him before the young man sank onto His Majesty’s own royal, purple cushion.“别坐那儿，那是我的椅子。”阿祖恩及时纠正道，没让年轻人一屁股坐到陛下御座那尊贵的紫色软垫上。201
Vangerdahast returned to the conference table.范格达海斯特回到了议事桌旁。202
In his wake was a portly, balding man in a tavernkeeper’s apron.跟在他身后的是一个身材肥胖、头顶微秃的男人，身上系着酒馆老板的围裙。203
“Who’s this?”“这是谁？”204
Azoun asked.阿祖恩问道。205
The man bowed his head.那人低头行礼。206
“Phocius Green, Your Highness.“福修斯·格林，殿下。207
Owner of the inn and tavern The Hidden Lady.”隐秘女士旅店兼酒馆的老板。”208
Azoun shot a questioning glance over the barkeep’s head to Vangerdahast.阿祖恩越过酒馆老板的头顶，疑惑地瞥了范格达海斯特一眼。209
“The woman Alias stayed several evenings in The Hidden Lady,” the wizard explained.“那个叫阿莉亚丝的女人曾在隐秘女士住过几个晚上。”法师解释道。210
“Oh.“哦。211
You came to tell us about her?”你是来告诉我们她的事的？”212
Azoun asked the barkeep.阿祖恩问酒馆老板。213
“Begging Your Majesty’s pardon, but I was summoned.”“请陛下恕罪，可我是奉召而来的。”214
“Oh?”“哦？”215
Azoun looked surprised.阿祖恩显得很惊讶。216
Vangerdahast explained further.范格达海斯特进一步解释道。217
“Since I have been unable to track this Alias woman by magical means, a suspicious circumstance in and of itself, I summoned Goodman Green here.“我一直无法用魔法手段追踪这个叫阿莉亚丝的女人，这件事本身就很可疑，所以我把格林先生召到了这里。218
I knew the woman had stayed at his inn, because one of Your Majesty’s citizens reported her last week to the town guard.我知道那女人曾在他的旅店住过，因为陛下的一名臣民上周向城镇卫兵举报了她。219
Apparently, he thought she was a Rashemen witch.”显然，他以为她是个拉舍曼女巫。”220
“Mitcher Trollslayer,” the barkeep muttered.“米彻·巨魔杀手。”酒馆老板嘟囔道。221
“What made the man think that?”“那人为什么会那么想？”222
Azoun asked.阿祖恩问道。223
“She was branded with a bizarre tattoo,” the wizard explained.“她身上烙着一个古怪的纹身，”法师解释道。224
“A member of the Council of Mages went to the inn to register her, but the woman was unconscious, so the councilman let her be.”“魔法师议会的一名成员去旅店给她登记，但那女人昏迷不醒，所以那名议员便没再管她。”225
“Please, Your Highness,” the barkeep interrupted.“殿下，请听我说，”旅店老板插嘴道。226
“She was no witch, just a sell-sword.“她不是什么女巫，只是个佣兵。227
She came in with so much iron on her she wouldn’t’ve been able to cast a light even if she were magic.”她浑身上下带了那么多铁家伙，就算她会魔法，也连照明术都施展不出来。”228
“Where is she now?”“她现在在哪里？”229
His Majesty asked.国王陛下问道。230
The barkeep shrugged.旅店老板耸了耸肩。231
“She left nearly a ride ago, Your Highness.”“她差不多一旬前就走了，殿下。”232
“When exactly?”“确切来说是哪天？”233
Vangerdahast asked.范格达海斯特问道。234
The barkeep thought for a moment.旅店老板想了片刻。235
“The fifteenth, Your Lordship.”“十五日，大人。”236
“Eight days.“八天。237
Do you know which way she was heading?” the wizard asked.你知道她往哪个方向去了吗？”法师问道。238
The barkeep stiffened.旅店老板顿时绷紧了身子。239
He turned to address his answer to the king.他转向国王作答。240
“Please, Your Highness, you aren’t going to tell the dragon where she is, are you?“殿下，求您了，您不会把她的下落告诉那条龙吧？241
She hasn’t done any harm.她没伤害过任何人。242
She’s just an adventuress with some bad luck.”她只是个运气不太好的女冒险者。”243
“What makes you think she has something to do with the dragon?”“你为什么觉得她和那条龙有关？”244
Azoun asked.阿祖恩问道。245
“Well, she fought it, now didn’t she?” the barkeep said.“这个嘛，她和那条龙打了一场，不是吗？”酒馆老板说道。246
“Freed Olive Ruskettle, the famous bard.“还救出了著名的吟游诗人奥利芙·拉斯凯特尔。247
The bard herself told me.”是那位吟游诗人亲口告诉我的。”248
“That’s right,” Giogioni piped up from his chair.“没错，”乔吉坐在椅子上插嘴道。249
“She told us all about it at the wedding party.“她在婚宴上把整件事都讲给我们听了。250
Ruskettle told us, that is.我是说，是拉斯凯特尔讲的。251
Wonderful bard.”真是位了不起的吟游诗人。”252
Having confirmed the barkeep’s story, Giogi went back to slurping His Majesty’s brandy and humming snatches of Ruskettle’s wedding song.证实了酒馆老板的话后，乔吉又继续啜饮国王陛下的白兰地，嘴里哼着拉斯凯特尔婚礼颂歌的片段。253
“Did you know about that, Vangy?”“这件事你知道吗，范吉？”254
Azoun asked.阿祖恩问道。255
The royal wizard colored slightly.皇家法师的脸微微红了。256
“No, Your Highness.”“不知道，殿下。”257
Azoun turned to the barkeep.阿祖恩转向酒馆老板。258
“For the time being we need to know where this Alias is.“眼下，我们得知道这个阿莉亚丝在哪里。259
She may be nothing more than a sell-sword, but she could be something much more dangerous.她或许不过是个雇佣剑士，但也可能是个危险得多的人物。260
We must know all about her.我们必须查清她的一切。261
Now, which way was she heading?”那么，她是往哪个方向走的？”262
The barkeep sighed.酒馆老板叹了口气。263
“She and the bard and the Turmish mage said something about going to Westgate, then they said something about going to Yulash.”“她、那位吟游诗人，还有那个图米什法师，先是说要去西门城，后来又说要去尤拉什。”264
“Yulash?”“尤拉什？”265
Azoun exclaimed.阿祖恩惊呼道。266
“How bizarre.”“真是古怪。”267
“The two towns are in opposite directions,” the wizard pointed out.“这两座城镇的方向截然相反，”法师指出。268
“Which way did they decide to go?”“他们最后决定往哪边走？”269
The barkeep thought for a moment again.酒馆老板又想了一会儿。270
He remembered the Turmish mage listing all the reasons for going to Westgate.他记得那位图米什法师列举了种种前往西门城的理由。271
The barkeep was a loyal subject to his king, but he didn’t quite trust the wizard Vangerdahast.酒馆老板是国王的忠臣，却不太信任范格达海斯特法师。272
To him, Alias would always be the hidden lady and hence, like the name of his inn, good luck.在他心里，阿莉亚丝永远是那位“隐秘女士”，也因此像他旅店的名字一样，代表着好运。273
She had looked so miserable the last night she’d stayed at his hostel.她上次在他的旅店过夜时，看起来是那么痛苦。274
The barkeep was not keen on turning her over to the undoubtedly less than tender ministrations of the royal wizard.酒馆老板可不想把她交给王家法师，任其以无疑绝不温柔的手段处置。275
“The lady wanted to go to Yulash,” he told Vangerdahast.“那位女士想去尤拉什。”他告诉范格达海斯特。276
“Thank you for your cooperation, Goodman Green,” the wizard replied.“感谢你的配合，格林先生。”法师答道。277
“You may leave now.”“你现在可以离开了。”278
The barkeep bowed his head to the king and left the tower room.酒馆老板向国王低头行礼，随后离开了塔楼房间。279
Vangerdahast’s eyes followed him thoughtfully.范格达海斯特若有所思地目送他离去。280
“I don’t know many assassins who rescue bards in distress,” Azoun said to his wizard.“我可不认识多少会搭救落难吟游诗人的刺客。”阿祖恩对他的法师说道。281
“But many make deals with dragons, Your Highness, and as is the way with their kind, they often cheat on their agreements.“但很多刺客会与巨龙做交易，殿下，而且正如他们这类人的一贯作风，他们常常会违背约定。282
The dragon might only be interested in collecting an unpaid debt.”那条龙或许只是想讨回一笔未偿的债。”283
“But why would the bard lie about her rescue?”“可那个吟游诗人为什么要对她获救的事撒谎？”284
“This Olive Ruskettle is a halfling.“这个奥利芙·拉斯凯特尔是个半身人。285
She may not be a bard.”她未必真是吟游诗人。”286
Giogioni rose from his chair.乔吉奥尼从椅子上站了起来。287
“Now, hold on just a moment,” he said.“喂，先等一下。”他说。288
“She’s a fine bard.“她是个出色的吟游诗人。289
What gives you the right to slander people just because they’re short?”你凭什么仅仅因为人家个子矮，就诋毁人家？”290
Vangerdahast fixed the noble with a cold stare.范格达海斯特冷冷地盯着这位贵族。291
“Well, I thought she was good,” Giogioni muttered, sitting back down.“反正我觉得她很不错。”乔吉奥尼嘟囔着，重新坐了下来。292
King Azoun struggled with his conscience and his reason.阿祖恩国王的良知与理智激烈交战。293
On one hand, if this woman were an assassin, he wasn’t troubled by letting the dragon take care of her.一方面，如果这个女人是个刺客，让那条龙去收拾她，他并不会于心不安。294
On the other hand, if she were some innocent victim of a curse, he wasn’t going to sleep well that night.另一方面，如果她只是某个诅咒的无辜受害者，那他今晚可就睡不安稳了。295
Still, it was a long road to Yulash.不过，前往尤拉什路途遥远。296
The dragon might not find her, he reasoned, and Alias had defeated it once already.他心想，那条龙未必找得到她，而且阿莉亚丝已经打败过它一次了。297
Ridding Cormyr of a dragon was no small accomplishment for a king.对一位国王而言，替科米尔除掉一条龙可不是小小的功绩。298
He nodded his assent to Vangerdahast’s plan.他点头同意了范格达海斯特的计划。299
“Lord Giogioni,” the wizard said.“乔吉奥尼勋爵，”法师说道。300
“Upon receiving the dragon’s promise to leave and never return to Cormyr, you will inform the creature that Alias of Westgate left Suzail eight days ago.“等那条龙答应离开科米尔、永不再回来之后，你就告诉它，西门城的阿莉亚丝八天前已经离开了苏萨尔。301
To the best of your knowledge, the adventuress was headed toward Yulash.”据你所知，那名女冒险者正前往尤拉什。”302
Giogioni rose to his feet with a sigh, bowed his head, and left on his mission.乔吉奥尼叹了口气，站起身来，低头行了一礼，便出发执行任务了。303
“Perhaps now that he’s served as Your Majesty’s messenger, he might consider rendering you some other service.”“既然他如今已经当过陛下的信使，或许会愿意再为您效些别的力。”304
“Such as?”“比如？”305
“Investigating Westgate,” the wizard suggested.“调查西门城。”法师提议道。306
Azoun’s brow furrowed in anger.阿祖恩愤怒地皱起眉头。307
“You mean that barkeep was lying!“你是说，那个酒馆老板撒了谎！308
Why didn’t you tell me?”你为什么不告诉我？”309
Vangerdahast shook his head.范格达海斯特摇了摇头。310
“No, Goodman Green was telling the truth, though perhaps not all of it.“不，格林老板说的是实话，只不过或许没有把一切都说出来。311
The woman and her companions were seen leaving by the Eastgate, which leads to the road north.”有人看见那个女人和她的同伴从东门离开，而东门通往北上的道路。”312
“So, why send Giogi to Westgate?”“那为什么要派乔吉去西门城？”313
“The barkeep may have been mistaken.“那个酒馆老板也许弄错了。314
Alias could make it to Yulash and back to Westgate without the dragon finding her.阿莉亚丝完全可能赶到尤拉什，再返回西门城，而始终不被那条龙找到。315
Someone who knows her appearance and holds your interests to heart should be sent there, just in case.”应该派一个认得她的长相、又真心为您着想的人去那里，以防万一。”316
Azoun nodded.阿祖恩点了点头。317
He turned back to the window and peered over the western wall again.他转身回到窗前，再次眺望西边的城墙。318
“You remember, Vangy, when I was your pupil and you used to give me those tests in ethics?”“范吉，你还记得吗？当年我还是你的学生时，你总给我出那些伦理方面的考题。”319
“Yes, Your Highness.”“记得，殿下。”320
“I always hated them.“我一直都讨厌那些考题。321
Still do.”现在也一样。”322
“Only now, Your Highness,” Vangerdahast replied softly, “they are no longer tests.”“只是如今，殿下，”范格达海斯特轻声答道，“它们已经不再是考题了。”323
点句末的编号，从那一句开始听