The smell of blood caught Dragonbait’s attention a hundred yards before he entered camp.龙饵还在营地百码开外，血腥味便引起了他的警觉。1
He dropped to all fours and crawled forward cautiously.他伏下身子，四肢着地，小心翼翼地向前爬去。2
By the campsite was a huge dark mound.营地旁边有一座巨大的黑色丘状物。3
The massive shape was easily ten times greater than the upended wagon that had shielded the whole party.那庞然巨物轻易便有那辆翻倒的马车十倍之大，而整支队伍先前正是靠那辆马车遮蔽。4
As the lizard drew closer, he heard singing.蜥蜴人又靠近了些，听见了歌声。5
The voice was Ruskettle’s, but it was unusually uneven.那是拉斯凯特尔的声音，却异乎寻常地不稳。6
It rang out strong and sweet for a few lines, then wavered helplessly for a half dozen notes before regaining its tone.有几句唱得清亮甜美、铿锵有力，接着半打音符又无助地颤抖起来，随后才重新找回音准。7
Olive sang the tune Alias had taught her way back in Cormyr, the song about the fall of Myth Drannor.奥利芙唱的是早在科米尔时阿莉亚丝教她的曲子，那首讲述迷斯卓诺陷落的歌。8
Here on the battle-strewn plain, in the dark, with fear so obviously in her heart, the song took on a poignancy Olive might never have been able to give it before a human audience.此时此刻，在这片狼藉的战场上，在黑暗中，心里又分明怀着恐惧，这首歌便有了一种凄楚动人的意味，而奥利芙从前面对人类听众时，或许永远也唱不出这种意味。9
The lizard crept closer still, using the wagon as cover.蜥蜴人借马车作掩护，又悄悄靠近了些。10
Once he was crouched behind the wagonbed, he looked back toward Yulash.他在车厢后面蹲下后，回头望向尤拉什。11
The eastern sky was developing the sickly glow of sunrise through fog, but Dragonbait didn’t need the light to pick out the great hulk of Moander.东方的天空正透过雾气泛起病恹恹的晨光，但龙饵无须借助光亮，也能辨出莫安德那庞大的躯体。12
To the lizard’s sight, the Abomination stood out against the mist-chilled fields, warmed as it was with the fresh blood of its victims.在蜥蜴人的视野中，憎恶体从雾气笼罩的冰冷田野间凸显出来，受害者的新鲜血液令它浑身透着暖意。13
It was heading south toward the Elven Wood.它正向南方的精灵森林而去。14
Dragonbait turned his attention once more to the matter close at hand.龙饵再次把注意力转回眼前的事情上。15
He peeked around the edge of the wagonbed and instantly recognized the monster that crouched like a great cat at the bard’s feet.他从车厢边缘探头望去，一眼便认出了那只像巨猫般蹲伏在吟游诗人脚边的怪物。16
A lair-beast, a very big lair-beast, Dragonbait concluded, ducking back behind the wagon.一只巢穴兽，而且是只非常大的巢穴兽，龙饵断定，同时又缩回了马车后面。17
He sniffed at the air and recognized the monster’s scent.他嗅了嗅空气，认出了那怪物的气味。18
Alias had gone into this creature’s den and brought out the halfling.阿莉亚丝曾进入这生物的巢穴，把那个半身人救了出来。19
Even from the back tunnel, his sensitive nose had been able to pick out the dragon’s scent, and he had rankled at the swordswoman’s order to stay outside while she went in to do battle.即使身处后方的隧道里，他灵敏的鼻子也能辨出那条龙的气味；而女剑士命令他留在外面、自己进去迎战，更让他满心不快。20
Mist’s great tail wrapped around the camp, trapping the halfling in a ring of crimson.米斯特的巨尾环绕着营地，将那半身人困在一圈猩红之中。21
Dragonbait sighed inwardly.龙饵在心里叹了口气。22
This was a very inconvenient time to have to fight a lair-beast, he thought.偏偏在这种时候非得和一只巢穴兽交战，实在太不方便了，他想。23
If he died, there would be no one left to help Alias, but he needed Olive’s help.如果他死了，就再也没人能帮助阿莉亚丝，可他又需要奥利芙的帮助。24
There simply wasn’t time to find new allies.根本没有时间去寻找新的盟友了。25
He climbed to the top of the wagonbed so the halfling would be able to see him without alerting the dragon.他爬到货车车斗顶上，好让半身人能看见他，又不至于惊动那条龙。26
Olive’s voice quivered with exhaustion.奥利芙的声音因疲惫而颤抖。27
It wasn’t easy being so frightened.如此提心吊胆可不是件轻松的事。28
When she spotted Dragonbait, she almost shouted out the next lyric, but years of training stepped in and she was able to repress her excitement before she gave away the lizard’s presence.她发现龙饵时，差点把下一句歌词喊出来，但多年的训练及时发挥了作用，她压下激动，没有暴露那只蜥蜴的踪迹。29
Her voice grew in strength as she sang the final verse.唱到最后一节时，她的声音渐渐有了力量。30
A plan was beginning to form in the back of her head.一个计划开始在她脑海深处成形。31
She had seen the lizard in combat, and he wasn’t bad.她见过那只蜥蜴战斗，他的身手还不赖。32
With her brains and his brawn, she might just have a chance.凭她的头脑加上他的蛮力，她或许真有一线机会。33
She finished the song with a flourish.她用一段华丽的收尾结束了这首歌。34
The dragon let out a great contented sigh, steam pouring from her nostrils.那条龙心满意足地长叹一声，鼻孔里喷出滚滚蒸汽。35
“That is a new one.“这首倒是新的。36
You must have learned it since we last parted, or were you keeping this little gem hidden from me when you stayed as my guest?”你一定是自从我们上次分别后才学会的，要不然，就是你在我这里做客时把这颗小宝石藏着，不肯唱给我听？”37
“A good bard is always picking up new pieces for her repertoire,” the halfling replied evenly.“好诗人总会不断为自己的曲目增添新作。”半身人平静地答道。38
She stretched and asked, “So, have you decided to eat me now or wait until you find Alias of Westgate?”她伸了个懒腰，问道：“那么，你决定现在吃掉我，还是等找到西门城的阿莉亚丝以后再吃？”39
“I am of two minds,” Mist answered, standing up to stretch herself.“我还在犹豫。”米斯特回答着，站起身来舒展筋骨。40
She turned around like a cat trying to decide the most comfortable position.她转了个身，就像一只正琢磨哪个姿势最舒服的猫。41
Dragonbait dropped behind the wagon not a moment too soon.龙饵赶紧跳到货车后面，差一点就来不及了。42
When the great wyrm had settled herself back down, in nearly the exact same spot as before, Dragonbait climbed back up the wagon to watch the proceedings.这条巨龙重新卧下，位置几乎和先前一模一样；等她安顿好后，龙饵又爬上货车，观察事情的发展。43
“Two minds,” Mist repeated.“我有两种想法。”米斯特重复道。44
“On one hand, your talent would be a great loss to the world.“一方面，你的才华若从世上消失，实在是莫大的损失。45
On the other hand, artists don’t usually become really famous until after their deaths.另一方面，艺术家通常要等死后才会真正声名大噪。46
I would be doing you a favor by allowing you to satisfy this peckish feeling in my belly.”让你来填补我腹中这点饥饿，也算是帮了你一个忙。”47
“But then I couldn’t help you find Alias,” the halfling pointed out calmly.“可那样一来，我就没法帮你找到阿莉亚丝了。”半身人镇定地指出。48
“No,” the dragon admitted, “but then, neither could you escape to warn the foul-tongued wench.“不，”巨龙承认道，“可那样一来，你也没法逃走，去警告那个满嘴脏话的贱人。49
You see my problem.”你明白我的难处了吧。”50
A long, lolling tongue slid out from between Mist’s jaws and licked at her two protruding upper fangs.一条长长垂荡的舌头从米斯特的双颚间滑出，舔了舔她突出的两颗上獠牙。51
“Yes,” Olive admitted, her eyes riveted to the great, forked organ until it withdrew back into the dragon’s mouth.“是的，”奥利芙承认道，双眼死死盯着那条巨大的分叉舌头，直到它缩回巨龙口中。52
“It sounds as if you’ve already made your decision.”“听起来，你似乎已经拿定主意了。”53
“You’re right,” Mist said as rivers of drool began to slide down her chin hairs.“你说得对，”米斯特说道，一道道口水开始顺着她下巴上的毛淌落。54
“I think a light meal is definitely in order before I resume the hunt.”“我想，在继续狩猎之前，确实该先吃顿便餐。”55
“Sounds appropriate to me,” the halfling agreed, reaching into her shirt as if to scratch an indelicate itch.“我觉得很合适，”半身人赞同道，同时把手伸进衬衫里，仿佛要挠一处不便明说的痒。56
“I guess I have no choice, then.”“那么，我想我是别无选择了。”57
“Not really.”“确实没有。”58
From his perch atop the wagon, Dragonbait crouched forward, ready to leap on the dragon and save the strangely acquiescent bard.龙饵蹲伏在货车顶上，身子前倾，准备扑向巨龙，救下那个顺从得出奇的吟游诗人。59
Olive withdrew her hand from her shirt and presented a small, stoppered bottle.奥利芙从衬衫里抽出手，亮出一只塞着瓶塞的小瓶子。60
“Have you ever heard of peranox?” she asked.“你听说过佩拉诺克斯吗？”她问道。61
“It’s some human poison, isn’t it?“那是人类的一种毒药，对吧？62
It’s supposed to smell like cinnamon, I believe.”我记得它应该闻起来像肉桂。”63
The halfling nodded and unstoppered the bottle.半身人点点头，拔掉了瓶塞。64
The scent of cinnamon immediately drifted to her nostrils.肉桂的气味立刻飘进她的鼻孔。65
Mist sniffed and no doubt caught a whiff of it, too.米斯特嗅了嗅，无疑也闻到了一丝气味。66
“Yes, a human poison.”“没错，是对人类致命的毒药。”67
Olive nodded as beads of perspiration began rising on her forehead and cheeks.奥利芙点了点头，额头和双颊开始渗出汗珠。68
“And a halfling poison as well.“对半身人也一样。69
Fast acting.发作很快。70
Deadly.足以致命。71
What I have here will kill me.我手里这些就能要我的命。72
It may kill you, too.也可能要了你的命。73
Though of course I don’t know the correct dosage for a beast your size.”当然，我不知道对你这么大的野兽来说，正确的剂量是多少。”74
“Such a desperate action.”“真是孤注一掷。”75
“These are desperate times.”“眼下正是走投无路的时候。”76
Olive rose to her feet, using the tiny vial as a shield.奥利芙站起身来，把那只小瓶当作盾牌挡在身前。77
Now, work up to this slowly, Olive-girl—you can’t afford to miss any steps, she warned herself as she prepared to use the same legal arguments she’d learned from the swordswoman.接下来慢慢把话引到正题上，奥利芙姑娘——一步都不能漏，她一边告诫自己，一边准备搬出从那位女剑士那里学来的同一套法律论据。78
“You don’t think much of me, do you?” she asked the dragon.“你很瞧不起我，对不对？”她问那条龙。79
“Beg pardon?”“你说什么？”80
Mist replied in confusion, her eyes never leaving the bottle in the halfling’s hands.米斯特困惑地答道，双眼始终没有离开半身人手中的瓶子。81
Dragonbait unsheathed his sword, but remained perched on top of the wagon.龙饵拔剑出鞘，却仍蹲踞在货车顶上。82
The poison stand-off could not last long.这场以毒药相要挟的僵局维持不了多久。83
Eventually, the dragon would just decide she wasn’t hungry enough to ingest a poison-laden bard and simply incinerate the halfling.那条龙迟早会认定，自己还没饿到非得吞下一个浑身带毒的吟游诗人不可，然后干脆把半身人烧成灰烬。84
Yet, Dragonbait could sense Olive was preparing some other cunning plan.然而，龙饵能感觉到奥利芙正在酝酿另一个狡猾的计划。85
It might be worth the risk to let the halfling play her hand before trying to battle this lair-beast myself, he decided.在我亲自出手与这头巢穴巨兽搏斗之前，冒险让这半身人先打出手里的牌，或许值得，他心想。86
“Were it Alias the human you found here with me, what would you have done?“如果你发现跟我待在这里的是人类阿莉亚丝，你会怎么做？87
Sat down and demanded four or five songs as you tore apart her favorite horse?”也会坐下来，一边把她最心爱的马撕成碎片，一边点名要听四五首歌吗？”88
“I’m sorry,” Mist said.“对不起，”米斯特说道。89
She nodded toward the remains of Lady Killer.她朝“淑女杀手”的残骸点了点头。90
“Was this a friend of yours?”“这是你的朋友吗？”91
“It was Alias’s horse,” Olive snapped.“那是阿莉亚丝的马。”奥利芙厉声说道。92
“But that’s not my point, is it?“但我要说的不是这个，对吧？93
You wouldn’t have made her grovel before you.”你不会逼她跪在你面前苦苦哀求。”94
“No,” Mist admitted.“不会。”米斯特承认道。95
She thought carefully for a moment.她仔细思忖了片刻。96
“I would have killed her directly, using flame and fangs and claws and every other weapon at my disposal.”“我会直接杀了她，用烈焰、獠牙、利爪，以及我能动用的其他一切武器。”97
“Ex-actly!” the halfling said.“完——全正确！”半身人说道。98
“You wouldn’t waste your time while …”“你才不会浪费时间，任由……”99
Olive caught herself.奥利芙及时刹住了话头。100
She’d been about to say, “while she waited frantically for reinforcements to arrive and rescue her,” but that was too close to her own situation.她差点就要说出“任由她心急如焚地等待援兵赶来救她”，可这话与她自己的处境实在太过相似。101
Mist might sit up and look around, ruining the lizard’s surprise.米斯特说不定会坐起身四下张望，破坏蜥蜴的突袭。102
She gulped and then continued, “while the night passed, demanding more songs like a drunkard at an inn calling for more mead.”她咽了口唾沫，接着说道：“任由夜晚一点点过去，还不停要听更多的歌，就像酒馆里的醉鬼不断嚷着要更多蜂蜜酒。”103
“Well, if you’re offended by my sparing your life, I can correct that.”“好吧，如果我饶你一命反倒冒犯了你，我可以纠正这个错误。”104
The dragon’s smile revealed nothing but sharp teeth, all the way back down her mouth.巨龙咧嘴一笑，从嘴边一直到口腔深处，露出的尽是尖牙。105
“Offended,” Olive mused.“冒犯。”奥利芙沉吟道。106
“Yes, that’s the word.“对，就是这个词。107
Offended.冒犯。108
My honor, small though it be, has been besmirched.我的荣誉虽然微不足道，却受到了玷污。109
I see no remedy but a Feint of Honor.”依我看，除了来一场荣誉佯攻，别无补救之法。”110
“Feint of—” The dragon reared up, accidentally knocking the wagon with her shoulder.“荣誉佯攻——”巨龙猛地直起身，无意间用肩膀撞到了货车。111
The upended wagon overturned, sending Dragonbait sprawling backward.已经翘起的货车顿时翻倒，将龙饵摔得向后扑了出去。112
The lizard landed on all fours and pressed himself tightly against the ground.蜥蜴四肢着地落下，紧紧伏在地面上。113
Meanwhile, Mist rocked back and forth, issuing a loud braying that Olive could only assume was laughter.与此同时，米斯特前仰后合，发出响亮的驴叫声；奥利芙只能认定那是笑声。114
The halfling shifted to the left somewhat to keep the dragon’s attention away from Dragonbait’s position.半身人稍稍向左挪了挪，好让巨龙的注意力避开龙饵所在的位置。115
How did he ever get a stupid name like Dragonbait? the bard wondered as she caught a glimpse of the lizard stalking forward.她瞥见那只蜥蜴正悄然向前逼近时，心里不禁纳闷：他怎么会得了个龙饵这么蠢的名字？116
I just hope its not prophetic.但愿这名字不是什么预兆。117
When Mist had quieted some and fixed her gaze back on the halfling, Olive asked testily, “Are you quite through?”等米斯特稍稍安静下来，重新把目光锁定在半身人身上时，奥利芙不耐烦地问：“你到底笑够了没有？”118
“Dear child,” the dragon chuckled, “do you take me for a fool?“亲爱的孩子，”巨龙轻笑道，“你当我是傻瓜吗？119
Being foiled once this year by a warrior schooled in the old ways is enough.今年被一个精通古老技艺的战士挫败一次，已经够了。120
To be taken in yet again, by a halfling, would be unforgivable.”要是再度上当，而且骗我的还是个半身人，那可就不可原谅了。”121
“There you go insulting me again.”“你又来侮辱我了。”122
Olive thrust out her chest and brought the bottle close to her, determined to spill it on herself.奥利芙挺起胸膛，把瓶子贴近自己，决意要让里面的东西洒到自己身上。123
“I challenge you, O Mistinarperadnacles, to a Feint of Honor!”“米斯蒂纳佩拉德纳克勒斯啊，我向你发起荣誉佯攻的挑战！”124
Again the dragon brayed.巨龙又发出驴叫般的大笑。125
“You have missed your calling, small one.“小家伙，你入错行了。126
Comedy, not music, is your vocation.”喜剧，而非音乐，才是你的天职。”127
“We settle terms next,” Olive persevered despite Mist’s attitude.尽管米斯特态度如此，奥利芙仍坚持说道：“接下来，我们商定规则。128
“I suggest three hits, no flames, no claws, little bitesies.我提议，击中三次，不准喷火，不准用爪子，只能轻轻咬几口。129
Any friends that happen along are welcome to join in the fray.”要是有朋友碰巧赶来，也欢迎加入战斗。”130
Mist rose up on her hind haunches.米斯特用后腿支起了身子。131
Steam began to curl out from between her great fangs.一缕缕蒸汽开始从她巨大的獠牙间冒出。132
“Little fool.“小蠢货。133
There is one small portion of the Feint of Honor of which you are no doubt ignorant.荣誉佯攻有一条小小的规定，你无疑并不知道。134
It must be issued by a good fighter and true.它必须由一名优秀而忠诚的战士发起。135
You are no fighter, you are not good, and I doubt, little bard, that you are true.你不是战士，也不优秀，而且，小小吟游诗人，我怀疑你是否忠诚。136
You are beginning to bore me, and so you must die.”你开始让我厌烦了，所以你必须死。”137
Just then, the sun broke through the mists and the dragon became a great, dark shadow outlined with an aura of light.就在这时，太阳穿透迷雾，巨龙化作一道庞大而幽暗的影子，轮廓笼罩在一圈光晕之中。138
Olive was certain she had met her doom.奥利芙确信自己的大限已至。139
She took a deep breath and closed her eyes tightly.她深吸一口气，紧紧闭上双眼。140
She wondered if her end would be the agony of fire or, should Mist be willing to risk the effects of peranox, the pain of razor-sharp teeth.她不知道自己最终会葬身于烈焰焚烧的痛苦，还是——如果米斯特愿意冒险承受佩拉诺克斯的效力——死于利齿刀锋般的撕咬。141
When several heartbeats had passed without a violent attack on her person, the halfling, still holding her breath, popped open one eye.几次心跳过去，预想中的猛烈袭击却迟迟没有落到她身上；半身人依旧屏着呼吸，猛地睁开一只眼睛。142
She was ready to close it at a moment’s notice should the dragon attack.只要巨龙一发动攻击，她随时准备立刻把眼睛闭上。143
But her view of the dragon was blocked by the body of Dragonbait.可龙饵的身躯挡住了她望向巨龙的视线。144
The lizard stood before Mist, brandishing his toothed, diamond-headed sword.那蜥蜴站在米斯特面前，挥舞着他那把剑刃带齿、剑尖呈菱形的长剑。145
Olive could not believe her eyes.奥利芙简直不敢相信自己的眼睛。146
He’s going to defend me.他要保护我。147
But Dragonbait remained motionless before the dragon.可龙饵站在巨龙面前，一动不动。148
What’s he doing?他在干什么？149
Praying?祈祷吗？150
It’s too late for that, she decided, crouching down and edging away from the lizard.现在才祈祷已经太迟了，她断定，同时蹲下身子，悄悄从那蜥蜴身边挪开。151
Mist ignored her.米斯特没有理会她。152
The dragon’s amber eyes were locked with the lizard’s.巨龙琥珀色的双眼与那蜥蜴的目光紧紧相对。153
Why aren’t they attacking?它们为什么还不动手？154
Olive wondered.奥利芙暗自纳闷。155
Neither creature moved.两个生物都一动不动。156
Her curiosity overwhelmed her good sense, and Olive stood watching the two combatants.好奇心压倒了理智，奥利芙站在那里，注视着这两名对手。157
Banks of steam evaporated off Dragonbait’s neck and chest.一团团蒸汽从龙饵的脖颈和胸膛上蒸腾消散。158
Olive found herself suddenly thinking of baking bread.奥利芙忽然发现，自己竟想起了烤面包。159
Then she realized it wasn’t a stray thought; she smelled hot rolls, fresh from the oven, begging to be smeared with butter and jam.接着她意识到，这并非一个无端冒出的念头；她闻到了刚出炉的热面包卷的香气，仿佛正诱人往上面抹满黄油和果酱。160
The halfling’s mouth watered.半身人馋得直流口水。161
It was, after all, time for breakfast.毕竟，现在正是吃早饭的时候。162
As the dragon and lizard engaged in their battle of wills and the daylight grew brighter, Olive became aware of the additional damage Mist had wrought while the halfling slept.巨龙与蜥蜴展开意志较量之际，天色也越来越亮，奥利芙这才发现，自己熟睡时米斯特还造成了多少破坏。163
The ground about the campsite and where the horses had been staked was all torn up, plowed by the dragon’s claws.营地四周以及拴马的地方全被翻了个遍，巨龙的利爪将地面犁得一片狼藉。164
“And I slept through it all,” Olive muttered in a daze.“这么大的动静，我居然全都睡过去了。”奥利芙恍惚地喃喃道。165
Then Mist rumbled, “Well challenged, noble warrior.这时，米斯特低沉地说道：“高贵的勇士，你这挑战下得漂亮。166
What are your terms?”你有什么条件？”167
Olive stared flabbergasted at Dragonbait.奥利芙目瞪口呆地盯着龙饵。168
Mist understands him?米斯特听得懂他？169
After all the foolishness I went through to try to communicate with him, he talks to a dragon first.我费了那么多荒唐的工夫想跟他沟通，他倒先跟一条龙说起话来了。170
That figures.也对。171
They’re both lizards.他们俩都是蜥蜴。172
But even more astonishing to Olive was the polite manner in which Mist accepted the lizard’s challenge.但更令奥利芙吃惊的，是米斯特接受这蜥蜴挑战时那彬彬有礼的态度。173
She treated him with a courtesy she hadn’t bothered to use even when Alias fought her.哪怕阿莉亚丝与她交手时，她都懒得以这般礼数相待。174
Mist continued to watch the lizard, nodding occasionally as though taking in some point or other, though the halfling could not hear a sound from Dragonbait.米斯特继续注视着那蜥蜴，偶尔点点头，仿佛正在领会对方提出的某个要点，可半身人根本听不见龙饵发出任何声音。175
Is he some sort of telepath? she wondered.难道他会心灵感应？她心想。176
No. Then he would have talked to us in our minds.不对。要是会的话，他早就在我们脑海里跟我们说话了。177
Finally, Mist said, “An interesting tale.最后，米斯特说道：“很有意思的故事。178
Yes, agreed.好，就这么定了。179
Maximum damage.以造成最大伤害为限。180
If you win, I’ll help you take on this abomination you describe.如果你赢了，我会帮你对付你所说的这个怪物。181
But after the beast is killed, our deal is ended.但那头野兽一死，我们的约定便到此为止。182
If I win, you shall tell me where to find Alias before I slay you and your ally.”如果我赢了，你必须在我杀死你和你的盟友之前，告诉我去哪里能找到阿莉亚丝。”183
“Brandobis!” cursed the halfling.“布兰多比斯！”半身人咒骂道。184
His ally—that’s me.他的盟友——那不就是我吗。185
Where does he get off forfeiting my life?他凭什么拿我的命来下注？186
She did not take into consideration that there was little else Dragonbait could do if he lost the battle.她却没有想到，如果龙饵输掉这场战斗，他本来也没有别的选择。187
Her first instinct was to flee.她的第一反应是逃跑。188
She reached down for her pack, but as she picked it up, that idea curdled like blood in her mind.她伸手去拿背包，可刚把它提起来，这个念头便像凝结的血一样，在她脑中变得令人作呕。189
The thin platinum coins in her pack clinked together, reminding Olive of her deal with Phalse.背包里的铂金薄币叮当相碰，提醒奥利芙她与法尔斯做过的交易。190
She wore the tracking ring on a chain around her neck, near the ring that detected magic.她把追踪戒指串在链子上，戴在颈间，旁边就是那枚探测魔法的戒指。191
If she abandoned the lizard now, she might not be able to find the warrior woman, and Phalse’s friends would believe she had reneged on her agreement and deal with her accordingly.如果她现在抛下这个蜥蜴人，或许就再也找不到那个女战士了，而法尔斯的朋友们会认为她背弃了约定，并据此处置她。192
But if Dragonbait won, he would take her right to Alias.可要是龙饵赢了，他就会直接带她去找阿莉亚丝。193
How do I get into these messes?我怎么老会卷进这种麻烦里？194
Olive sighed.奥利芙叹了口气。195
She wracked her mind for some means of helping the lizard battle the dragon.她绞尽脑汁，想找出什么办法来帮助蜥蜴人对付巨龙。196
“We start at three,” the dragon explained.“数到三就开始。”巨龙解释道。197
“One …”“一……”198
Dragonbait went into a crouch.龙饵俯身蹲伏下来。199
Olive wondered if she could loft the poison into the beast’s mouth.奥利芙琢磨着，自己能不能把毒药抛进那头巨兽的嘴里。200
“Two …”“二……”201
Mist said, unfurling her wings.米斯特说道，同时舒展开双翼。202
In the sunrise they were the color of human—and halfling—blood.在朝阳下，那双翅膀呈现出人类——以及半身人——鲜血的颜色。203
The dragon flexed her rear legs and leaped into the air, hovering with a massive beat of mighty wings.巨龙后腿一蹬，跃入空中，强健的巨翼猛然一振，庞大的身躯便悬停在那里。204
“Three!”“三！”205
Mist roared, as Dragonbait dodged beneath her.米斯特咆哮道，龙饵则闪身躲到了她下方。206
Mist breathed fire—a short, spitting flame that divoted the earth where Dragonbait had been standing.米斯特喷出火焰——一股短促迸射的烈焰，在龙饵刚才站立之处的地面上轰出一个坑。207
The lizard was beneath the dragon, but Mist lashed out with her tail, batting him forward, once again in her sight.蜥蜴人就在巨龙下方，但米斯特甩尾抽向他，将他扫到前方，再次落入自己的视野。208
She’s playing with him, the halfling realized and began desperately searching through her pockets for something to help.她是在戏弄他，半身人恍然大悟，开始拼命翻找自己的口袋，想找出能帮上忙的东西。209
The poison?毒药？210
No, she might need that for her own use later.不，她以后或许还得留着自己用。211
Besides, she’d never get it up that high.再说，她根本不可能把毒药送到那么高的地方。212
The coins weren’t enough to bribe a dragon.她那点钱还不足以收买一条龙。213
Her halfling short sword and daggers would be useless against that great hulk.她的半身人短剑和匕首对付不了那个庞然大物。214
The blow of the dragon’s whiplike tail separated Dragonbait from his weapon.巨龙那鞭子般的尾巴一扫，便将龙饵从武器旁打飞了。215
He dodged another small spit of flame and leaped on the lost sword.他躲过巨龙又喷出的一小口火焰，纵身扑向掉落的剑。216
As he did so, the hovering dragon swooped, snagging his shirt.就在这时，悬在空中的巨龙俯冲下来，一把勾住了他的衬衫。217
The shirt ties were already torn off though, and the lizard managed to slip out of the garment.不过，衬衫的系带早已被扯掉，蜥蜴人设法从衣服里滑脱了出来。218
He fell to the ground with a thud, rolling back toward his weapon.他砰的一声摔在地上，翻滚着再次靠近自己的武器。219
Mist landed with her paw on top of his leg before he could reach his blade.还没等他够到剑，米斯特便落了下来，一只爪子踩住了他的腿。220
She moved her head very close to him and smiled broadly, gloating.她把头凑到他面前，得意扬扬地咧嘴一笑。221
“What’s this, little dragon-warrior?” the dragon mocked her prey.“这是怎么回事，小龙战士？”巨龙嘲弄着自己的猎物。222
“I think I’ve seen these markings before on your mistress.“我好像在你的女主人身上见过这些印记。223
Are you a matched set?你们是一对配套的吗？224
A pity to break you up.”要把你们拆散，还真是可惜。”225
The bard gasped.吟游诗人倒吸了一口气。226
Dragonbait was branded with the same blue sigils as Alias.龙饵身上也烙着和阿莉亚丝一样的蓝色符印。227
Only his were set in a ring.只不过他的符印排列成了一圈。228
A ring!一圈！229
Olive thought excitedly.奥利芙激动地想。230
Brands just like Alias!和阿莉亚丝一样的烙印！231
Olive pulled the chain out from beneath her shirt and slipped on the magical detection ring.奥利芙从衬衫下拉出链子，戴上了那枚魔法侦测戒指。232
She ran toward the battle, twisting the ring and pointing her finger at Dragonbait.她朝战场跑去，一边转动戒指，一边用手指指着龙饵。233
The azure sigils that marked Dragonbait’s chest exploded with a satisfyingly brilliant light.烙印在龙饵胸前的蔚蓝符印骤然迸发出令人称心的灿烂光芒。234
Mist pitched backward as the sapphire fireworks exploded in her face.宝蓝色的焰火在米斯特面前炸开，令她猛地向后仰去。235
Reflexively, the dragon raised her front paws to her eyes, tossing her prisoner through the air.巨龙本能地抬起前爪捂住双眼，将她的俘虏抛向空中。236
Dragonbait spun about like a trained acrobat, landed on his feet, and ran toward the dragon’s rear haunches.龙饵像训练有素的杂技演员一样凌空翻身，双脚落地，随即朝巨龙的后胯奔去。237
As Mist pawed at the motes of light dancing before her eyes, she flapped her wings desperately, churning up clouds of dust.米斯特挥爪拍打着眼前飞舞的光点，同时拼命扇动双翼，卷起团团尘云。238
The mighty breeze caused blankets and cloaks to flutter about like theater spirits and sent equipment packs rolling over, scattering their contents through the camp.强劲的风吹得毯子和斗篷如戏台上的幽灵般四下翻飞，还把装备包吹得满地翻滚，里面的东西散落得营地到处都是。239
Mist roared, and steam gushed from her mouth.米斯特怒吼一声，蒸汽从她口中喷涌而出。240
Dragonbait swung his sword two-handed, biting deep into the monster’s thigh.龙饵双手挥剑，剑刃深深咬进怪物的大腿。241
Mist gave a shout and pitched forward.米斯特惨叫一声，向前栽倒。242
Olive sidestepped just in time to avoid being struck by the dragon’s jaw as it hit the ground.巨龙的下颌砸向地面时，奥利芙及时侧身闪开，才没被撞中。243
Raising her neck, the dragon fired blindly, torching the overturned wagon.巨龙抬起脖颈，盲目地喷出烈焰，将那辆倾覆的马车烧了起来。244
Her neck snaked, spreading the flames in a wide swath.她的长颈如蛇般扭动，让火焰横扫过一大片地方。245
But Dragonbait had dodged beneath her head, preparing to attack her opposite flank.但龙饵已经闪到她头颅下方，准备攻击她另一侧的腰腹。246
The dragon began batting her wings again, trying to take off.巨龙再次开始拍打双翼，试图腾空而起。247
Dragonbait jabbed his sword into her left wing.龙饵将剑刺进她的左翼。248
The backward curved teeth caught in the flesh and tore a huge, flapping gash in the membrane.向后弯曲的锯齿钩住血肉，在翼膜上撕开一道巨大而翻卷的裂口。249
The red dragon crashed to the ground once again.红龙再次轰然坠地。250
Olive had been waiting for this chance, and she ran toward the huge head.奥利芙一直在等待这个机会，立刻朝那颗巨大的头颅跑去。251
Her sight now cleared, Mist opened her mouth, preparing to bite the brave but foolish halfling into two tidbits.米斯特的视野此时已经恢复清晰，她张开大嘴，准备把这个勇敢却愚蠢的半身人咬成两口点心。252
The bard turned and dodged away from the beast’s maw, but not before she managed to toss in, at point-blank range, the opened bottle of peranox.吟游诗人转身躲开巨兽的大嘴，但在闪避之前，她还是设法在近得不能再近的距离，将那瓶已经打开的佩拉诺克斯扔了进去。253
The bottle cracked beneath the snapping jaws, sending shards of poisoned crystal deep into the dragon’s mouth.瓶子在猛然咬合的巨颚间碎裂，带毒的水晶碎片深深扎进巨龙口中。254
Dragonbait struck Mist again, opening a third wound along her belly.龙饵再次击中米斯特，在她腹部划开了第三道伤口。255
The dragon spat and flamed, trying to drive the poison from her mouth.巨龙又啐又喷火，试图把毒物从嘴里驱出去。256
Mist rolled over in the dust like a flea-bitten dog tormented by insignificant invaders.米斯特在尘土里翻滚，像一条被微不足道的侵扰者折磨得发狂的癞皮狗。257
She flamed at the sky until nothing but heated air escaped her innards.她朝天空不断喷火，直到腹中只能喷出灼热的空气。258
Dragonbait made one last gash in her neck, then dashed away, scooping Olive up in his arm and running from the camp—ten, twenty, thirty yards before he stopped.龙饵最后又在她颈上划开一道伤口，随即飞奔离去，一把将奥利芙抄进臂弯，冲出营地——十码、二十码、三十码，才停下脚步。259
Then he turned to watch the dragon as it tossed and twisted in agony.随后，他转过身，看着那条巨龙痛苦地翻腾扭动。260
After five minutes, the thrashing stopped and the huge, crimson monster lay still in the dirt.五分钟后，挣扎停止了，那头庞大的绯红怪物一动不动地躺在泥地上。261
Dragonbait pushed Olive to the ground and pointed as though he were ordering her to stay.龙饵把奥利芙放到地上，指着她，仿佛在命令她待在原地。262
He crept warily back toward the dragon.他小心翼翼地朝巨龙走了回去。263
Unwilling to miss this historic moment, Olive followed disobediently after him.奥利芙不愿错过这个历史性的时刻，便不听话地跟在他身后。264
They halted a few feet from Mist’s head.他们在离米斯特头部几英尺的地方停了下来。265
She was still breathing.她还在呼吸。266
Drooling sweat ran from the corners of Dragonbait’s mouth, and Olive had a stitch in her side from her short attack-run.汗水如涎液般从龙饵的嘴角淌下，奥利芙也因为刚才那段短暂的冲锋而岔了气。267
Still, there was no doubt they had won.尽管如此，毫无疑问，他们已经赢了。268
She wondered if Mist would really obey Dragonbait now or try to deceive him the way she had Alias.她不知道米斯特现在是否真的会服从龙饵，还是会像欺骗阿莉亚丝那样试图欺骗他。269
She turned to the lizard, touching his scaly arm shyly.她转向蜥蜴人，羞怯地碰了碰他覆满鳞片的手臂。270
“Thank you for saving me,” she said.“谢谢你救了我。”她说。271
Dragonbait bowed his head politely.龙饵彬彬有礼地低下头。272
“You can talk, can’t you?”“你会说话，对不对？”273
Olive asked.奥利芙问道。274
The lizard felt for his belt pockets, where he had put the talis deck Olive had given him.蜥蜴人伸手摸向腰带上的口袋；他把奥利芙送给他的那副塔利斯牌放在了那里。275
But the pouch he reached in was torn along the bottom seam and now completely empty.可他摸到的那只袋子底部接缝已经裂开，如今里面空空如也。276
Dragonbait shrugged.龙饵耸了耸肩。277
“Boogers,” Olive said.“见鬼。”奥利芙说。278
“You know what happened to Alias, but you can’t tell anyone.”“你知道阿莉亚丝出了什么事，却没法告诉任何人。”279
“Nonsense.“胡说。280
He’s told me already,” Mist said, popping one eye open, but remaining otherwise immobile.他早就告诉我了。”米斯特说着，猛地睁开一只眼睛，身体其余部分却依旧一动不动。281
Dragonbait raised his sword, and Olive caught a strong whiff of tar.龙饵举起剑，奥利芙顿时闻到一股浓烈的焦油味。282
Mist’s eye closed and she whispered, “Yes, I surrender, dragonling.米斯特闭上眼睛，低声说道：“好吧，我投降，小龙。283
I apologize for judging you by your raiment.我不该以貌取人，向你道歉。284
You win.你赢了。285
I will honor our agreement.”我会履行我们的约定。”286
The dragon sighed and opened her eyes.巨龙叹了口气，睁开双眼。287
“Bard, you don’t have any more of that putrid-tasting potion, do you?”“诗人，那种味道恶心得要命的药水，你没有了吧？”288
“Oh,” the halfling lied, “about six or seven more jars.“哦，”半身人撒谎道，“大概还有六七罐。289
Large jars.都是大罐的。290
Why?”怎么了？”291
The dragon closed her eyes.巨龙闭上了眼睛。292
Dragonbait snarled, and the eyes opened again.龙饵低吼一声，那双眼睛又睁开了。293
“I said I give up.“我说了，我认输。294
You win.你赢了。295
Just keep that peranox away from me.只要别让那种佩拉诺克斯靠近我。296
I think I’m going to be sick.”我觉得我要吐了。”297
Ruskettle suddenly realized she was shaking, though whether from aftershock of the battle or the thought of a violently ill dragon, she did not know.拉斯凯特尔突然意识到自己正在发抖，却不知道究竟是因为战斗后的余悸，还是因为想到一条可能会狂吐不止的巨龙。298
Slowly, like a drunk recovering from her first hangover, Mist reared up her head, flexing the damaged leg and torn wing.米斯特慢慢抬起头来，像个正从人生第一次宿醉中缓过劲来的醉鬼，同时活动着受伤的腿和撕裂的翅膀。299
“That tears it,” she said.“这下可真是撕破了，”她说道。300
“Literally.“就是字面意思。301
I won’t be able to fly for a year.我一年之内都飞不了了。302
Sorry, but I can’t very well help you if I’m damaged.抱歉，可我伤成这样，实在没法帮你们。303
What say I just let you go and I trek my way home?”要不我就放你们走，自己徒步回家，怎么样？”304
Dragonbait snarled again.龙饵又低吼了一声。305
“Only a suggestion,” Mist muttered, laying her head back down on the ground.“只是个提议而已，”米斯特嘟囔着，把头重新搁回地上。306
The lizard moved back toward the torn wing, grabbed a handful of it on both sides of the tear, and pulled it toward him like a seaman about to mend sailcloth.蜥蜴人回到破损的翅膀旁，在裂口两边各抓住一把翼膜，像个准备缝补帆布的水手一样，把它们拉向自己。307
He ran his fingers along the tear, and the torn webbing began to mesh.他的手指沿裂口划过，撕裂的翼膜便开始交织愈合。308
A faint, yellow glow emanated from the wound as it healed.伤口愈合时，泛起了淡淡的黄光。309
Olive caught the scent of woodsmoke.奥利芙闻到了一股柴火烟味。310
Dragonbait restored about half the damage along the trailing edge of the wing, leaving a few spotty holes.龙饵修复了翅膀后缘约一半的损伤，只留下几个零星的小洞。311
“Thank you,” Mist sighed without lifting her head, obviously relieved of some pain.“谢谢。”米斯特头也没抬，叹息着说道，显然疼痛减轻了些。312
Ruskettle looked at the lizard in confusion.拉斯凯特尔困惑地看着蜥蜴人。313
“How did you do that?” she demanded.“你是怎么做到的？”她追问道。314
“Where is Alias?“阿莉亚丝在哪里？315
And who are you, anyway?”还有，你究竟是谁？”316
Dragonbait jerked his head from Mist to Olive.龙饵猛地把头从米斯特转向奥利芙。317
Mist appeared to concentrate on the small lizard for a few moments and then began to “translate” his silence.米斯特似乎凝神感受了那只小蜥蜴片刻，随后开始“翻译”他的沉默。318
As the dragon spoke for the opponent who had defeated her in combat, Olive’s eyes widened and her jaw dropped.当这条龙替那个在战斗中击败了她的对手开口时，奥利芙瞪大双眼，惊得下巴都掉了下来。319
“I don’t believe you,” she told Mist.“我不相信你。”她对米斯特说。320
“You’re making this all up.“这些全是你编出来的。321
It’s impossible!”这不可能！”322
“No one could make up so improbable a tale,” Mist sniffed.“谁也编不出这么匪夷所思的故事。”米斯特哼了一声。323
“Not even you, bard.”“就连你也不行，吟游诗人。”324
Olive fixed her attention on Dragonbait.奥利芙把全部注意力都放在了龙饵身上。325
The lizard was already gathering the party’s belongings that were still salvageable from the destruction Mist had wreaked on them.蜥蜴人已经开始收拢一行人的物品，把那些经米斯特一番摧残后仍可抢救的东西捡起来。326
Olive planted herself firmly before him and demanded to know.奥利芙稳稳挡在他面前，非要问个明白。327
“It’s not true what she said, is it?“她说的不是真的，对不对？328
You can’t be what she said.你不可能是她说的那种东西。329
You’re a lizard!”你是只蜥蜴！”330
Dragonbait looked down at the halfling without expression, holding her eyes with his own unblinking ones.龙饵面无表情地低头看着这个半身人，用那双一眨不眨的眼睛盯住她的双眼。331
Olive grew nervous beneath his gaze because she realized Mist had told her the truth.在他的注视下，奥利芙紧张起来，因为她意识到米斯特对她说的是真话。332
He really was one of them.他真的是他们中的一员。333
Though he hadn’t seemed like one of them before, there was no other explanation for all his actions.虽然他之前看起来并不像他们中的一员，但除此之外，他的种种行为再无别的解释。334
“It’s true.” she squeaked.“是真的。”她尖声说道。335
Dragonbait nodded.龙饵点了点头。336
Boogers!见鬼！337
Olive swore silently.奥利芙在心里骂道。338
How do I get into these messes?我怎么总会陷进这种烂摊子里？339
More importantly, how do I get out of this one?更重要的是，这次我该怎么脱身？340
点句末的编号，从那一句开始听