Laxus and those sons of Corund walked on an afternoon in Krothering home mead1. The sky above them was hot and coloured of lead, presaging2 thunder. No wind stirred in the trees that were livid-green against that leaden pall3. The noise of mattock and crow-bar came without intermission from the castle. Where gardens had been and arbours of shade and sweetness, was now but wreck4: broken columns and smashed porphyry vases of rare workmanship, mounds6 of earth and rotting vegetation. And those great cedars7, emblems8 of their lord’s estate and pride, lay prostrate9 now with their roots exposed, a tangle10 of sere11 foliage12 and branches broken, withered13 and lifeless. Over this death-bed of ruined loveliness the towers of onyx showed ghastly against the sky.
“Is there not a virtue14 in seven?” said Cargo15. “Last week was the sixth time we thought we had gotten the eel16 by the tail in yon fly-blown hills of Mealand and came empty home. When think’st, Laxus, shall’s run ’em to earth indeed?”
“When egg-pies shall grow on apple-trees,” answered Laxus. “Nay17, the general setteth greater store by his proclamations concerning the young woman (who likely never heareth of them, and assuredly will not be by them ’ticed home again), and by these toys of revenge, than by sound soldiership. Hark! there goeth this day’s work.”
They turned at a shout from the gates, to behold18 the northern of those two golden hippogriffs totter19 and crash down the steeps into the moat, sending up a great smoke from the stones and rubble20 which poured in its wake.
Lord Laxus’s brow was dark. He laid hand on Heming’s arm, saying, “The times need all sage21 counsel we can reach unto, O ye sons of Corund, if our Lord the King shall have indeed from this expedition into Demonland the victory at last of all his evil-willers. Remember, that was a great miss to our strength when the Goblin went.”
“Out upon the viper22!” said Cargo. “Corinius was right in this, not to warrant him the honesty of such slippery cattle. He had not served above a month or two, but that he ran to the enemy.”
“Corinius,” said Laxus, “is yet but green in his estate. Doth he suppose the rest of his reign24 shall be but play and the enjoying of a kingdom? Those left-handed strokes of fortune may yet o’erthrow him, the while that he streameth out his youth in wine and venery and manageth his private spite against this lady. Slipper23 youth must be under-propped with elder counsel, lest all go miss.”
“A most reverend old counsellor art thou!” said Cargo; “of six-and-thirty years of age.”
Said Heming, “We be three. Take command thyself. I and my brother will back thee.”
“I will that thou swallow back those words,” said Laxus, “as though they had never been spoke25. Remember Corsus and Gallandus. Besides, albeit26 he seemeth now rather to be a man straught than one that hath his wits, yet is Corinius in his sober self a valiant27 and puissant28 soldier, a politic29 and provident30 captain as is not found besides in Demonland, no, nor in Witchland neither, and it were not your noble father; and this one in his youthly age.”
“That is true,” said Heming. “Thou hast justly reproved me.”
Now while they were a-talking, came one from the castle and made obeisance31 unto Laxus saying, “You are inquired for, O king, so please you to walk into the north chamber32.”
Said Laxus, “Is it he that was newly ridden from the east country?”
“So it is, so please you,” with a low leg he made answer.
“Hath he not had audience with King Corinius?”
“He hath sought audience,” said the man, “but was denied. The matter presseth, and he urged me therefore seek unto your lordship.”
As they walked toward the castle Heming said in Laxus’s ear, “Knowest thou not this brave new piece of court ceremony? O’ these days, when he hath ’stroyed an hostage to spite the Lady Mevrian, as to-day was ’stroyed the horse-headed eagle, he giveth not audience till sundown. For, the deed of vengeance33 done, a retireth himself to his own chamber and a wench with him, the daintiest and gamesomest he may procure34; and so, for two hours or three drowned in the main sea of his own pleasures, he abateth some little deal for a season the pang35 of love.”
Now when Laxus was come forth36 from talking with the messenger from the east, he fared without delay to Corinius’s chamber. There, thrusting aside the guards, he flung wide the shining doors, and found the Lord Corinius merrily disposed. He was reclined on a couch deep-cushioned with dark green three-pile velvet37. An ivory table inlaid with silver and ebony stood at his elbow bearing a crystal flagon already two parts emptied of the foaming38 wine, and a fair gold goblet39 beside it. He wore a long loose sleeveless gown of white silk edged with a gold fringe; this, fallen open at the neck, left naked his chest and one strong arm that in that moment when Laxus entered reached out to grasp the wine cup. Upon his knee he held a damosel of some seventeen years, fair and fresh as a rose, with whom he was plainly on the point to pass from friendly converse40 to amorous41 privacy. He looked angrily upon Laxus, who without ceremony spoke and said, “The whole east is in a tumult42. The burg is forced which we built astride the Stile. Spitfire hath passed into Breakingdale to victual Galing, and hath overthrown43 our army that sat in siege thereof.”
Corinius drank a draught44 and spat45. “Phrut!” said he. “Much bruit46, little fruit. I would know by what warrant thou troublest me with this tittle-tattle, and I pleasantly disposing myself to mirth and recreation. Could it not wait till supper time?”
Ere Laxus might say more, was a great clatter47 heard without on the stairs, and in came those sons of Corund.
“Am I a king?” said Corinius, gathering48 his robe about him, “and shall I be forced? Avoid the chamber.” Then marking them stand silent with disordered looks, “What’s the matter?” be said. “Are ye ta’en with the swindle or the turn-sickness? Or are ye out of your wits?”
Heming answered and said, “Not mad, my lord. Here’s Didarus that held the Stile-burg for us, ridden from the east as fast as his horse might wallop, and gotten here hard o’ the heels of the former messenger with fresh and more certain advertisement, fresher by four days than that one’s. I pray you hear him.”
“I’ll hear him,” said Corinius, “at supper time. Nought49 sooner, if the roof were afire.”
“The land beneath thy feet’s afire!” cried Heming. “Juss and Brandoch Daha home again, and half the country lost thee ere thou heard’st on’t. These devils are home again! Shall we hear that and still be swill-bowls?”
Corinius listened with folded arms. His great jaw50 was lifted up. His nostrils51 widened. For a minute he abode52 in silence, his cold blue eyes fixed53 as it were on somewhat afar. Then, “Home again?” said he. “And the east in a hubbub54? And not unlikely. Thank Didarus for his tidings. He shall sweeten mine ears with some more at supper. Till then, leave me, unless ye mean to be stretched.”
But Laxus, with sad and serious brow, stood beside him and said, “My lord, forget not that you are here the vicar and legate of the King. Let the crown upon your head put perils55 in your thoughts, so as you may harken peaceably to them that are willing to lesson you with sound and sage advice. If we take order to-night to march by Switchwater, we may very well shut back this danger and stifle56 it ere it wax to too much bigness. If o’ the contrary we suffer them to enter into these western parts, like enough without let or stay they will overrun the whole country.”
Corinius rolled his eye upon him. “Can nothing,” he said, “prescribe unto thee obedience57? Look to thine own charge. Is the fleet in proper trim? For there’s the strength, ease, and anchor of our power, whether for victualling, or to shift our weight against ’em which way we choose, or to give us sure asylum58 if it were come to that. What ails59 thee? Have we not these four months desired nought better than that these Demons60 should take heart to strike a field with us? If it be true that Juss himself and Brandoch Daha have thrown down the castles and strengths which I had i’ the east and move with an army against us, why then I have them in the forge already, and shall now bring them to the hammer. And be satisfied, I’ll choose mine own ground to fight them.”
“There’s yet matter for haste in this,” said Laxus. “A day’s march, and we oppose ’em not, will bring them before Krothering.”
“That,” answered Corinius, “jumpeth pat with mine own design. I’ll not go a league to bar their way, but receive ’em here where the ground lieth most favourable61 to meet an enemy. Which advantage I’ll employ to the greatest stretch of service, standing62 on Krothering Side, resting my flank against the mountain. The fleet shall ride in Aurwath haven63.”
Laxus stroked his beard and was silent a minute, considering this. Then he looked up and said, “This is sound generalship, I may not gainsay64 it.”
“It is a purpose, my lord,” said Corinius, “I have long had in myself, stored by for the event. Let me alone, therefore, to do that my right is. There’s this good in it, too, as it befalleth: ’twill suffer that dive-dapper to behold his home again afore I kill him. A shall find it a sight for sore eyes, I think, after my tending on’t.”
The third day after these doings, the farmer at Holt stood in his porch that opened westward65 on Tivarandardale. An old man was he, crooked66 like a mountain thorn. But a bright black eye he had, and the hair curled crisp yet above his brow. It was late afternoon and the sky overcast67. Tousle-haired sheep-dogs slept before the door. Swallows gathered in the sky. Near to him sat a damosel, dainty as a meadow-pipit, lithe68 as an antelope69; and she was grinding grain in a hand-mill, singing the while:
Grind, mill, grind,
Corinius grinds us all;
Kinging it in widowed Krothering.
The old man was furbishing a shield and morion-cap, and other tackle of war lay at his feet.
“I wonder thou wilt70 still be busy with thy tackle, O my father,” said she, looking up from her singing and grinding. “If ill tide ill again what should an old man do but grieve and be silent?”
“There shall be time for that hereafter,” said the old man. “But a little while is hand fain of blow.”
“They’ll be for firing the roof-tree, likely, if they come back,” said she, still grinding.
“Thou’rt a disobedient lass. If thou’dst but flit as I bade thee to the shiel-house up the dale, I’d force not a bean for their burnings.”
“Let it burn,” said she, “if he be taken. What avail then for thee or for me to be a-tarrying? Thou that art an old man and full of good days, and I that will not be left so.”
A great dog awoke beside her and shook himself, then drew near and laid his nose in her lap, looking up at her with kind solemn eyes.
The old man said, “Thou’rt a disobedient lass, and but for thee, come sword, come fire, not a straw care I; knowing it shall be but a passing storm, now that my Lord is home again.”
“They took the land from Lord Spitfire,” said she.
“Ay, hinny,” said the old man, “and thou shalt see my Lord shall take it back again.”
“Ay?” said she. And still she ground and still she sang:
Grind, mill, grind,
Corinius grinds us all.
After a time, “Hist!” said the old man, “was not that a horse-tread i’ the lane? Get thee within-doors till I know if all be friendly.” And he stooped painfully to take up his weapon. Woefully it shook in his feeble hand.
But she, as one that knew the step, heeding71 nought else, leapt up with face first red then pale then flushed again, and ran to the gate of the garth. And the sheepdogs bounded before her. There in the gate she was met with a young man riding a weary horse. He was garbed72 like a soldier, and horse and man were so bedraggled with mire73 and dust and all manner of defilement74 they were a sorry sight to see, and so jaded75 both that scarce it seemed they had might to journey another furlong. They halted within the gate, and all those dogs jumped up upon them, whining76 and barking for joy.
Ere the soldier was well down from the saddle he had a sweet armful. “Softly, my heart,” said he, “my shoulder’s somewhat raw. Nay, ’tis nought to speak on. I’ve brought thee all my limbs home.”
“Was there a battle?” said the old man.
“Was there a battle, father?” cried he. “I’ll tell thee, Krothering Side is thicker with dead men slain77 than our garth with sheep i’ the shearing78 time.”
“Alack and alack, ’tis a most horrid79 wound, dear,” said the girl. “Go in, and I’ll wash it and lay to it millefoil pounded with honey; ’tis most sovran against pain and loss of blood, and drieth up the lips of the wound and maketh whole thou’dst no credit how soon. Thou hast bled over-much, thou foolish one. And how couldst thou thrive without thy wife to tend thee?”
The farmer put an arm about him, saying, “Was the field ours, lad?”
“I’ll tell you all orderly, old man,” answered he, “but I must stable him first,” and the horse nuzzled his breast. “And ye must ballast me first. God shield us, ’tis not a tale for an empty man to tell.”
“‘Las, father,” said the damosel, “have we not one sweet sippet i’ the mouth, that we hold him here once more? And, sweet or sour, let him take his time to fetch us the next.”
So they washed his hurt and laid kindly80 herbs thereto, and bound it with clean linen81, and put fresh raiment upon him, and made him sit on the bench without the porch and gave him to eat and drink: cakes of barley82 meal and dark heather-honey, and rough white wine of Tivarandardale. The dogs lay close about him as if there was warmth there and safety whereas he was. His young wife held his hand in hers, as if that were enough if it should last for aye. And that old man, eating down his impatience83 like a schoolboy chafing84 for the bell, fingered his partisan85 with trembling hand.
“Thou hadst the word I sent thee, father, after the fight below Galing?”
“Ay. ’Twas good.”
“There was a council held that night,” said the soldier. “All the great men together in the high hall in Galing, so as it was a heaven to see. I was one of their cupbearers, ’cause I’d killed the standard-bearer of the Witches, in that same battle below Galing. Methought ’twas no great thing I did; till after the battle, look you, my Lord’s self standing beside me; and saith he, ‘Arnod’ (ay, by my name, father), ‘Arnod,’ a saith, ‘thou’st done down-the pennon o’ Witchland that ‘gainst our freedom streamed so proud. ’Tis thy like shall best stead Demonland i’ these dog-days,’ saith he. ‘Bear my cup to-night, for thine honour.’ I would, lass, thou’dst seen his eyes that tide. ’Tis a lord to put marrow86 in the sword-arm, our Lord.
“They had forth the great map o’ the world, of this Demonland, to study their business. I was by, pouring the wine, and I heard their disputations. ’Tis a wondrous87 map wrought88 in crystal and bronze, most artificial, with waters a-glistering and mountains standing substantial to the touch. My Lord points with’s sword. ‘Here,’ a saith, ‘standeth Corinius, by all sure tellings, and budgeth not from Krothering. And, by the Gods, ‘a saith, ‘’tis a wise disposition89. For, mark, if we go by Gashterndale, as go we must to come at him, he striketh down on us as hammer on anvil90. And if we will pass by toward the head of Thunderfirth,’ and here a pointeth it out with’s sword, ‘down a cometh on our flank; and every-gate the land’s slope serveth his turn and fighteth against us.’
“I mind me o’ those words,” said the young man, “‘cause my Lord Brandoch Daha laughed and said, ‘Are we grown so strange by our travels, our own land fighteth o’ the opposite party? Let me study it again.’
“I filled his cup. Dear Gods, but I’d fill him a bowl of mine own heart’s blood if he required it of me, after our times together, father. But more o’ that anon. The stoutest91 gentleman and captain without peer.
“But Lord Spitfire, that was this while vaunting up and down the chamber, cried out and said, “Twere folly92 to travel his road prepared us. Take him o’ that side he looketh least to see us: south through the mountains, and upon him in his rear up from Mardardale.’
“‘Ah,’ saith my Lord, ‘and be pressed back into Murkdale Hags if we miss of our first spring. ’Tis too perilous93. `Tis worse than Gashterndale.’
“So went it: a nay for every yea, and nought to please ’em. Till i’ the end my Lord Brandoch Daha, that had been long time busy with the map, said: ‘Now that y’ have threshed the whole stack and found not the needle, I will show you my rede, ‘cause ye shall not say I counselled you rashly.’
“So they bade him say his rede. And he said unto my Lord, ‘Thou and our main power shall go by Switchwater Way. And let the whole land’s face blaze your coming before you. Ye shall lie to-morrow night in some good fighting-stead whither it shall not be to his vantage to move against you: haply in the old shielings above Wrenthwaite, or at any likely spot afore the road dippeth south into Gashterndale. But at point of day strike camp and go by Gashterndale and so up on to the Side to do battle with him. So shall all fall out even as his own hopes and expectations do desire it. But I,’ saith my Lord Brandoch Daha, ‘with seven hundred chosen horse, will have fared by then clean along the mountain ridge94 from Transdale even to Erngate End; so as when he turneth all his battle northward95 down the Side to whelm you, there shall hang above the security of his flank and rear that which he ne’er dreamed on. If he support my charging of his flank at unawares, with you in front to cope him, and he with so small an advantage upon us in strength of men: if he stand that, why then, good-night! the Witches are our masters in arms, and we may off cap to ’em and strive no more to right us.’
“So said my Lord Brandoch Daha. But all called him daft to think on’t. Carry an army a-horseback in so small time ’cross such curst ground? It might not be. ‘Well,’ quoth he, ‘sith you count it not possible, so much the more shall he. Cautious counsels never will serve us this tide. Give me but my pick of man and horse to the number of seven hundred, and I’ll so set this masque you shall not desire a better master of the revels97.’
“So i’ the end he had his way. And past midnight they were at it, I wis, planning and studying.
“At dawn was the whole army marshalled in the meadows below Moonmere, and my Lord spake among them and told us he was minded to march into the west country and exterminate99 the Witches out of Demonland; and he bade any man that deemed be had now his fill of furious war and deemed it a sweeter thing to go home to his own place, say forth his mind without fear, and he would let him go, yea, and give him good gifts thereto, seeing that all had done manful service; but he would have no man in this enterprise who went not to it with his whole heart and mind.”
The damosel said, “I wis there was not a man would take that offer.”
“There went up,” said the soldier, “such a shout, with such a stamping, and such a clashing together of weapons, the land shook with’t, and the echoes rolled in the high corries of the Scarf like thunder, of them shouting ‘Krothering!’ ‘Juss!’ ‘Brandoch Daha!’ ‘Lead us to Krothering!’ Without more ado was the stuff packed up, and ere noon was the whole army gotten over the Stile. While we halted for daymeal hard by Blackwood in Amadardale, came my Lord Brandoch Daha a-riding among the ranks for to take his pick of seven hundred of our ablest horse. Nor a would not commit this to his officer, but himself called on each lad by name whenso he saw a likely one, and speered would a ride with him. I trow he gat never a nay to that speering. My heart was a-cold lest he’d o’erlook me, watching him ride by as jaunty100 as a king. But a reined101 in’s horse and saith, ‘Arnod, ’tis a bonny horse thou ridest. Could he carry thee to a swine-hunt down from Erngate End i’ the morning?’ I saluted102 him and said, ‘Not so far only, Lord, but to burning Hell so thou but lead us.’ ‘Come on,’ saith he. “Tis a better gate I shall lead thee: to Krothering hall ere eventide.’
“So now was our strength sundered103, and the main army made ready to march westward down Switchwater Way; with the Lord Zigg to lead the horse, and the Lord Volle and my Lord’s self and his brother the Lord Spitfire faring in the midst amongst ’em all. And with them yonder outland traitor105, Lord Gro; but I do think him more a stick of sugar-paste than a man of war. And many gentlemen of worth went with them: Gismor Gleam of Justdale, Astar of Rettray, and Bremery of Shaws, and many more men of mark. But there abode with my Lord Brandoch, Daha, Arnund of By, and Tharmrod of Kenarvey, Kamerar of Stropardon, Emeron Galt, Hesper Golthring of Elmerstead, Styrkmir of Blackwood, Melchar of Strufey, Quazz’s three sons from Dalney, and Stypmar of Failze: fierce and choleric106 young gentlemen, after his own heart, methinks; great horsemen, not very forecasting of future things afar off but entertainers of fortune by the day; too rash to govern an army, but best of all to obey and follow him in so glorious an enterprise.
“Ere we parted, came my Lord to speak with my Lord Brandoch Daha. And my Lord looked into the lift that was all dark cloud and wind; and quoth he, ‘Fail not at the tryst107, cousin. ’Tis thy word, that thou and I be finger and thumb; and never more surely than to-morrow shall this be seen.’
“‘O friend of my heart, content thee,’ answereth my Lord Brandoch Daha. ‘Didst ever know me neglect my guests? And have I not bidden you to breakfast with me to-morrow mom in Krothering meads?’
“Now we of the seven hundred turned leftward at the watersmeet up Transdale into the mountains. And now came ill weather upon us, the worst that ever I knew. ’Tis soft enow and little road enow in Transdale, as thou knowest, father, and weary work it was with every deer-track turned a water-course and underfoot all slush and mire, and nought for a man to see save white mist and rain above and about him, and soppy bent108 and water under’s horse-hooves. Little there was to tell us we were won at last to the top of the pass, and ’twere not the cloud blew thicker and the wind wilder about us. Every man was wet to the breech, and bare a pint109 o’ water in’s two shoes.
“Whiles we were halted on the Saddle my Lord Brandoch Daha rested not at all, but gave his horse to his man to hold and himself fared back and forth among us. And for every man he had a jest or a merry look, so as ’twas meat and drink but to hear or to behold him. But a little while only would he suffer us to halt; then right we turned, up along the ridge, where the way was yet worse than in the dale had been, with rocks and pits hidden in the heather, and slithery slabs110 of granite111. By my faith, I think no horse that was not born and bred to’t might cross such country, wet or fine; he should be foundered112 or should break his legs and his rider’s neck ere he should be gotten two hours’ journey along those ridges113; but we that rode with my Lord Brandoch Daha to Krothering Side were ten hours riding so, besides our halts to water our horses and longer halts to feed ’em, and the last part o’ the way through murk night, and all the way i’ the wind’s teeth with rain blown on the wind like spray, and hail at whiles. And when the rain was done, the wind veered114 to the north-west and blew the ridges dry. And then the little bits of rotten granite blew in our faces like hailstones on the wind. There was no shelter, not o’ the lee side of the rocks, but everywhere the storm-wind baffled and buffeted115 us, and clapped his wings among the crags like thunder. Dear Heaven, weary we were and like to drop, cold to the marrow, nigh blinded man and horse, yet with a dreadful industry pressed on. And my Lord Brandoch Daha was now in the van now in the rear-guard, cheering men’s hearts who marked with what blithe116 countenance117 himself did suffer the same hardships as his meanest trooper: like to one riding at ease to some great wedding-feast; crying, ‘What, lads, merrily on! These fen-toads of the Druima shall learn too late what way our mountain ponies118 do go like stags upon the mountain.’
“When it began to be morning we came to our last halt, and there was our seven hundred horse hid in the corrie under the tall cliffs of Erngate End. I warrant you we went carefully about it, so as no prying119 swine of Witchland looking up from below should aspy a glimpse of man or horse o’ the skyline. His highness first set his sentinels and let call the muster120, and saw that every man had his morning meal and every horse his feed. Then he took his stand behind a crag of rock whence he could overlook the land below. He had me by him to do his errands. In the first light we looked down westward over the mountain’s edge and saw Krothering and the arms of the sea, not so dark but we might behold their fleet at anchor in Aurwath roads, and their camp like a batch121 of beehives so as a man might think to cast a stone into’t below us. That was the first time I’d e’er gone to the wars with him. Faith, he’s a pretty man to see: leaned forward there on the heather with’s chin on his folded arms, his helm laid aside so they should not see it glint from below; quiet like a cat: half asleep you’d say; but his eyes were awake, looking down on Krothering. ’Twas well seen even from so far away how vilely122 they had used it.
“The great red sun leaped out o’ the eastern cloudbanks. A stir began in their camp below: standards set up, men gathering thereto, ranks forming, bugles123 sounding; then a score of horse galloping124 up the road from Gashterndale into the camp. His highness, without turning his head, beckoned125 with’s hand to me to call his captains. I ran and fetched ’em. He gave ’em swift commands, pointing down where the Witchland swine rolled out their battle; thieves and pirates who robbed his highness’ subjects within his streams; with standard and pennons and glistering naked spears, moving northward from the tents. Then in the quiet came a sound made a man’s heart leap within him: faint out of the far hollows of Gashterndale, the trumpet126 of my Lord Juss’s battle-call.
“My Lord Brandoch Daha paused a minute, looking down. Then a turned him about with face that shone like the morning. ‘Fair lords,’ a saith, ‘now lightly on horseback, for Juss fighteth against his enemies.’ I think he was well content. I think he was sure he would that day get his heart’s syth of every one that had wronged him.
“That was a long ride down from Erngate End. With all our hearts’ blood drumming us to haste, we must yet go warily127, picking our way i’ that tricky128 ground, steep as a roof-slope, uneven129 and with no sure foothold, with sikes in wet moss130 and rocks outcropping and shifting screes. There was nought but leave it to the horses, and bravely they brought us down the steeps. We were not half way down ere we heard and saw how battle was joined. So intent were the Witchlanders on my Lord’s main army, I think we were off the steep ground and forming for the charge ere they were ware96 of us. Our trumpeters sounded his battle challenge, Who meddles131 wi’ Brandoch Daha? and we came down on to Krothering Side like a rock-fall.
“I scarce know what way the battle went, father. ’Twas like a meeting of streams in spate132. I think they opened to us right and left to ease the shock. They that were before us went down like standing corn under a hailstorm. We wheeled both ways, some ’gainst their right that was thrown back toward the camp, the more part with my Lord Brandoch Daha to our own right. I was with these in the main battle. His highness rode a hot stirring horse very fierce and dogged; knee to knee with him went Styrkmir of Blackwood o’ the one side and Tharmrod o’ the other. Neither man nor horse might stand up before ’em, and they faring as in a maze133 now this way now that, amid the thrumbling and thrasting o’ the footmen, heads and arms smitten134 off, men hewn in sunder104 from crown to belly135, ay, to the saddle, riderless horses maddened, blood splashed up from the ground like the slush from a marsh98.
“So for a time, till we had spent the vantage of our onset136 and felt for the first time the weight of their strength. For Corinius, as it appeareth, was now himself ridden from the vanward where he had beat back for a time our main army, and set on against my Lord Brandoch Daha with horsemen and spearmen; and commanded his sling-casters besides to let freely at us and drive us toward the camp.
“And now in the great swing of the battle were we carried back to the camp again; and there was a sweet devils’ holiday: horses and men tripping over tent-ropes, tents torn down, crashes of broken crockery, and King Laxus come thither137 with sailors from the fleet, hamstringing our horses while Corinius charged us from the north and east. That Corinius beareth him in battle more like a devil from Hell than a mortal man. I’ the first two strokes of’s sword he overthrew138 two of our best captains, Romenard of Dalney and Emeron Galt. Styrkmir, that stood in’s way to stop him, a flung down with’s spear, horse and man. They say he met twice with my Lord Brandoch Daha that day, but each time were they parted in the press ere they might rightly square together.
“I have stood in some goodly battles, father, as well thou knowest: first following my Lord and my Lord Goldry Bluszco in foreign parts, and last year in the great rout139 at Crossby Outsikes, and again with my Lord Spitfire when he smote140 the Witches on Brima Rapes141, and in the murthering great battle under Thremnir’s Heugh. But never was I in fight like to this of yesterday.
“Never saw I such feats142 of arms. As witness Kamerar of Stropardon, who with a great two-handed sword hewed143 off his enemy’s leg close to the hip5, so huge a blow the blade sheared144 through leg and saddle and horse and all. And Styrkmir of Blackwood, rising like a devil out of a heap of slain men, and though’s helm was lossen and a was bleeding from three or four great wounds a held off a dozen o’ the Witches with’s deadly thrusts and sword-strokes, till they had enough and gave back before him: twelve before one, and he given over for dead a while before. But all great deeds seemed trash beside the deeds of my Lord Brandoch Daha. In one short while had he three times a horse slain stark145 dead under him, yet gat never a wound himself, which was a marvel146. For without care he rode through and about, smiting147 down their champions. I mind me of him once, with’s horse ripped and killed under him, and one of those Witchland lords that tilted148 at him on the ground as he leaped to’s feet again; how a caught the spear with’s two hands and by main strength yerked his enemy out o’ the saddle. Prince Cargo it was, youngest of Corund’s sons. Long may the Witchland ladies strain their dear eyes, they’ll ne’er see yon hendy lad come sailing home again. His highness swapt him such a swipe o’ the neck-bone as he pitched to earth, the head of him flew i’ the air like a tennis ball. And i’ the twinkling of an eye was my Lord Brandoch Daha horsed again on’s enemy’s horse, and turned to charge ’em anew. You’d say his arm must fail at last for weariness, of a man so lithe and jimp to look on. Yet I think his last stroke i’ that battle was not lighter149 than the first. And stones and spears and sword-strokes seemed to come upon him with no more impression than blows with a straw would give to an adamant150.
‘I know not how long was that fight among the tents. Only ’twas the best fight I ever was at, and the bloodiest151. And by all tellings ’twas as great work o’ the other part, where my Lord and his folk fought their way up on to the Side. But of that we knew nothing. Yet certain it is we had all been dead men had my Lord not there prevailed, as certain ’tis he had never so prevailed but for our charging of their flank when they first advanced against him. But in that last hour all we that fought among the tents thought each man only of this, how he might slay152 yet one more Witch, and yet again one more, afore he should die. For Corinius in that hour put forth his might to crush us; and for every enemy there felled to earth two more seemed to be raised up against us. And our own folk fell fast, and the tents that were so white were one gore153 of blood.
“When I was a little tiny boy, father, we had a sport, swimming in the deep pools of Tivarandarwater, that one boy would catch ’tother and hold him under till he could no more for want of breath. Methinks there’s no longing154 i’ the world so sore as the longing for air when he that is stronger than thou grippeth thee still under the water, nor no gladness j’ the world like the bonny sweet air i’ thy lungs again when a letteth thee shoot up to the free daylight. ’Twas right so with us, who had now said adieu to hope and saw all lost save life itself, and that not like to tarry long; when we heard suddenly the thunder of my Lord’s trumpet sounding to the charge. And ere our startled wits might rightly think what that portended155, was the whole surging battle whipped and scattered156 like the water of a lake caught up in a white squall; and that massed strength of the enemy which had invested us round with so great a stream of shot and steel reeled first forward then backward then forward again upon us, confounded in a vast confusion. I trow new strength came to our arms; I trow our swords opened their mouths. For northward we beheld157 the ensign of Galing streaming like a blazing star; and my Lord’s self in a moment, high advanced above the rout, and Zigg, and Astar, and hundreds of our horse, hewing158 their way toward us whiles we hewed towards them. And now was reaping time for us, and time of payment for all those weary bloody159 hours we had held on to life with our teeth among the tents on Krothering Side, while they o’ the other part, my Lord and his, had with all the odds160 of the ground against them painfully and yard by yard fought out the fight to victory. And now, ere we well wist of it, the day was won, and the victory ours, and the enemy broken and put to so great a rout as hath not been seen by living man.
“That false king Corinius, after he had tarried to see the end of the battle, fled with a few of his men out of the great slaughter161, and as it later appeared gat him ashipboard in Aurwath harbour and with three ships or four escaped to sea. But the most of their fleet was burned there in the harbour to save it from our hands.
“My Lord gave command to take up the wounded and tend ’em, friend and foe162 alike. Among them was King Laxus ta’en up, stunned163 with a mace-blow or some such. So they brought him before the lords where they rested a little way down the Side above the home meads of Krothering.
“He looked ’em all in the eye, most proud and soldier-like. Then a saith unto my Lord, ‘It may be pain, but no shame to us to be vanquished164 after so equal and so great a fight. Herein only do I blame my ill luck, that it denied me fall in battle. Thou mayst now, O Juss, strike off my head for the treason I wrought you three years ago. And since I know thee of a courteous165 and noble nature, I’ll not scorn to ask of thee this courtesy, not to tarry but take it now.’
“My Lord stood there like a war-horse after a breather. He took him by the hand. ‘O Laxus,’ saith he, ‘I give thee not thy head only, but thy sword;’ and here a gave it him hilt-foremost. ‘For thy dealings with us in the battle of Kartadza, let time that hath an art to make dust of all things so do with the memory of these. Since then, thou hast shown thyself still our noble enemy; and so shall we account thee still.’
“Therewith my Lord commanded bring King Laxus down to the sea, and ship him aboard of a boat, for Corinius still held off the land with his ships, waiting no doubt to see if he or any other of his folk could yet be saved.
“But as King Laxus was upon parting, my Lord Brandoch Daha, speaking with great show of carelessness as of some trifling166 matter a had by chance called to mind, ‘My lord,’ saith he, ‘I ne’er ask favour of any man. Only in a manner of return of courtesies, methought thou mightest be willing to hear my salutations to Corinius, sith I’ve no other messenger.’
“Laxus answereth he would freely do it. Then saith his highness, ‘Say to him I will not blame him that he abode us not i’ the field after the battle was lost, for that had been a simple part, flatly ’gainst all maxims167 of right soldiership, and but to cast his life away. But freakish Fortune I blame, that twined us one from the other when we should have dealt together this day. He hath borne him in my halls, I am let to know, more i’ the fashion of a swine or a beastly ape than a man. Pray him come ashore168 ere you sail home, that I and he, with no man else to make betwixt us, may cast up our account. We swear him peace and grith and a safe conduct back to’s ships if he prevail against me or if I so use him that he cry for mercy. If he’ll not take this offer, then is he a dastard169; and the whole world shall so acclaim170 him.’
“‘Sir,’ saith Laxus, ‘I’ll punctually discharge thy message.’
“Whether he did so or no, father, I know not. But if he did, it seemeth it was little to Corinius’s liking171. For no sooner had his ship ta’en Laxus aboard, than she hoised sail and put out into the deep, and so good-bye.”
The young man ceased, and they were all three silent awhile. A faint breeze rippled172 the foliage of the oakwoods of Tivarandardale. The sun was down behind the stately Thornbacks, and the whole sky from bourne to bourne was alight with the sunset glory. Dappled clouds, with sky showing here and there between, covered the heavens, save in the west where a great archway of clear air opened between clouds and earth: air of an azure173 that seemed to burn, so pure it was, so deep, so charged with warmth: not the harsh blue of noon-day nor the sumptuous174 deep eastern blue of approaching night, but a bright heavenly blue bordering on green, deep, tender, and delicate as the spirit of evening. Athwart the midst of that window of the west a blade of cloud, hard-edged and jagged with teeth coloured as of live coals and dead, fiery175 and iron-dark in turn, stretched like a battered176 sword. The clouds above the arch were pale rose: the zenith like black opal, dark blue and thunderous gray dappled with fire.
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1
mead
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| n.蜂蜜酒 | |
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2
presaging
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| v.预示，预兆( presage的现在分词 ) | |
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3
pall
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| v.覆盖，使平淡无味；n.柩衣，棺罩；棺材；帷幕 | |
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4
wreck
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| n.失事，遇难；沉船；vt.(船等)失事，遇难 | |
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5
hip
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| n.臀部，髋；屋脊 | |
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mounds
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| 土堆，土丘( mound的名词复数 )； 一大堆 | |
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7
cedars
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| 雪松，西洋杉( cedar的名词复数 ) | |
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emblems
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| n.象征，标记( emblem的名词复数 ) | |
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prostrate
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| v.拜倒，平卧，衰竭；adj.拜倒的，平卧的，衰竭的 | |
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10
tangle
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| n.纠缠；缠结；混乱；v.(使)缠绕；变乱 | |
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11
sere
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| adj.干枯的；n.演替系列 | |
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12
foliage
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| n.叶子，树叶，簇叶 | |
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13
withered
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| adj. 枯萎的，干瘪的，（人身体的部分器官）因病萎缩的或未发育良好的 动词wither的过去式和过去分词形式 | |
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14
virtue
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| n.德行，美德；贞操；优点；功效，效力 | |
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15
cargo
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| n.(一只船或一架飞机运载的)货物 | |
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16
eel
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| n.鳗鲡 | |
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17
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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18
behold
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| v.看，注视，看到 | |
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19
totter
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| v.蹒跚， 摇摇欲坠；n.蹒跚的步子 | |
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20
rubble
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| n.（一堆）碎石，瓦砾 | |
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21
sage
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| n.圣人，哲人；adj.贤明的，明智的 | |
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22
viper
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| n.毒蛇；危险的人 | |
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slipper
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| n.拖鞋 | |
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reign
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| n.统治时期，统治，支配，盛行；v.占优势 | |
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25
spoke
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| n.（车轮的）辐条；轮辐；破坏某人的计划；阻挠某人的行动 v.讲，谈（speak的过去式）；说；演说；从某种观点来说 | |
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albeit
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| conj.即使；纵使；虽然 | |
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27
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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28
puissant
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| adj.强有力的 | |
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politic
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| adj.有智虑的；精明的；v.从政 | |
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provident
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| adj.为将来做准备的，有先见之明的 | |
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obeisance
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| n.鞠躬，敬礼 | |
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chamber
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| n.房间，寝室；会议厅；议院；会所 | |
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vengeance
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| n.报复，报仇，复仇 | |
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procure
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| vt.获得，取得，促成；vi.拉皮条 | |
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pang
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| n.剧痛，悲痛，苦闷 | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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velvet
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| n.丝绒，天鹅绒；adj.丝绒制的，柔软的 | |
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foaming
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| adj.布满泡沫的；发泡 | |
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goblet
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| n.高脚酒杯 | |
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40
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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41
amorous
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| adj.多情的；有关爱情的 | |
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42
tumult
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| n.喧哗；激动，混乱；吵闹 | |
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43
overthrown
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| adj. 打翻的，推倒的，倾覆的 动词overthrow的过去分词 | |
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44
draught
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| n.拉，牵引，拖；一网（饮，吸，阵)；顿服药量，通风；v.起草，设计 | |
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45
spat
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| n.口角，掌击；v.发出呼噜呼噜声 | |
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46
bruit
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| v.散布；n.（听诊时所听到的）杂音；吵闹 | |
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47
clatter
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| v./n.(使)发出连续而清脆的撞击声 | |
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48
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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49
nought
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| n.／adj.无，零 | |
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50
jaw
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| n.颚，颌，说教，流言蜚语；v.喋喋不休，教训 | |
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51
nostrils
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| 鼻孔( nostril的名词复数 ) | |
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52
abode
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| n.住处，住所 | |
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53
fixed
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| adj.固定的，不变的，准备好的；(计算机)固定的 | |
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54
hubbub
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| n.嘈杂；骚乱 | |
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55
perils
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| 极大危险( peril的名词复数 )； 危险的事（或环境） | |
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56
stifle
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| vt.使窒息；闷死；扼杀；抑止，阻止 | |
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57
obedience
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| n.服从，顺从 | |
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58
asylum
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| n.避难所，庇护所，避难 | |
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59
ails
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| v.生病( ail的第三人称单数 )；感到不舒服；处境困难；境况不佳 | |
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60
demons
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| n.恶人( demon的名词复数 )；恶魔；精力过人的人；邪念 | |
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61
favourable
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| adj.赞成的，称赞的，有利的，良好的，顺利的 | |
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62
standing
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| n.持续，地位；adj.永久的，不动的，直立的，不流动的 | |
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haven
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| n.安全的地方，避难所，庇护所 | |
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64
gainsay
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| v.否认，反驳 | |
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65
westward
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| n.西方，西部；adj.西方的，向西的；adv.向西 | |
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66
crooked
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| adj.弯曲的；不诚实的，狡猾的，不正当的 | |
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67
overcast
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| adj.阴天的，阴暗的，愁闷的；v.遮盖，（使）变暗，包边缝；n.覆盖，阴天 | |
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68
lithe
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| adj.(指人、身体)柔软的，易弯的 | |
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69
antelope
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| n.羚羊；羚羊皮 | |
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70
wilt
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| v.(使)植物凋谢或枯萎；(指人)疲倦，衰弱 | |
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71
heeding
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的现在分词 ) | |
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72
garbed
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| v.（尤指某类人穿的特定）服装，衣服，制服( garb的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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73
mire
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| n.泥沼，泥泞；v.使...陷于泥泞，使...陷入困境 | |
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74
defilement
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| n.弄脏，污辱，污秽 | |
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75
jaded
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| adj.精疲力竭的；厌倦的；（因过饱或过多而）腻烦的；迟钝的 | |
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76
whining
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| n. 抱怨，牢骚 v. 哭诉，发牢骚 | |
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77
slain
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| 杀死，宰杀，杀戮( slay的过去分词 )； (slay的过去分词) | |
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78
shearing
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| n.剪羊毛，剪取的羊毛v.剪羊毛( shear的现在分词 )；切断；剪切 | |
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79
horrid
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| adj.可怕的；令人惊恐的；恐怖的；极讨厌的 | |
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80
kindly
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| adj.和蔼的，温和的，爽快的；adv.温和地，亲切地 | |
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81
linen
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| n.亚麻布，亚麻线，亚麻制品；adj.亚麻布制的，亚麻的 | |
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82
barley
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| n.大麦，大麦粒 | |
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83
impatience
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| n.不耐烦，急躁 | |
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84
chafing
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| n.皮肤发炎v.擦热（尤指皮肤）( chafe的现在分词 )；擦痛；发怒；惹怒 | |
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85
partisan
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| adj.党派性的；游击队的；n.游击队员；党徒 | |
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86
marrow
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| n.骨髓；精华；活力 | |
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87
wondrous
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| adj.令人惊奇的，奇妙的；adv.惊人地；异乎寻常地；令人惊叹地 | |
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88
wrought
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| v.引起；以…原料制作；运转；adj.制造的 | |
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89
disposition
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| n.性情，性格；意向，倾向；排列，部署 | |
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90
anvil
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| n.铁钻 | |
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91
stoutest
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| 粗壮的( stout的最高级 )； 结实的； 坚固的； 坚定的 | |
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92
folly
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| n.愚笨，愚蠢，蠢事，蠢行，傻话 | |
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93
perilous
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| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
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94
ridge
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| n.山脊；鼻梁；分水岭 | |
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95
northward
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| adv.向北；n.北方的地区 | |
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96
ware
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| n.(常用复数)商品，货物 | |
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97
revels
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| n.作乐( revel的名词复数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉v.作乐( revel的第三人称单数 )；狂欢；着迷；陶醉 | |
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98
marsh
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| n.沼泽，湿地 | |
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99
exterminate
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| v.扑灭，消灭，根绝 | |
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100
jaunty
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| adj．愉快的，满足的；adv.心满意足地，洋洋得意地；n.心满意足；洋洋得意 | |
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101
reined
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| 勒缰绳使（马）停步( rein的过去式和过去分词 )； 驾驭； 严格控制； 加强管理 | |
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102
saluted
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| v.欢迎，致敬( salute的过去式和过去分词 )；赞扬，赞颂 | |
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103
sundered
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| v.隔开，分开( sunder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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104
sunder
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| v.分开；隔离；n.分离，分开 | |
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105
traitor
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| n.叛徒，卖国贼 | |
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106
choleric
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| adj.易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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107
tryst
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| n.约会；v.与…幽会 | |
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108
bent
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| n.爱好，癖好；adj.弯的；决心的，一心的 | |
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109
pint
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| n.品脱 | |
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110
slabs
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| n.厚板，平板，厚片( slab的名词复数 )；厚胶片 | |
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111
granite
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| adj.花岗岩，花岗石 | |
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112
foundered
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| v.创始人( founder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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113
ridges
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| n.脊( ridge的名词复数 )；山脊；脊状突起；大气层的)高压脊 | |
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114
veered
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| v.（尤指交通工具）改变方向或路线( veer的过去式和过去分词 )；（指谈话内容、人的行为或观点）突然改变；（指风） （在北半球按顺时针方向、在南半球按逆时针方向）逐渐转向；风向顺时针转 | |
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115
buffeted
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| 反复敲打( buffet的过去式和过去分词 )； 连续猛击； 打来打去； 推来搡去 | |
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116
blithe
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| adj.快乐的，无忧无虑的 | |
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117
countenance
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| n.脸色，面容；面部表情；vt.支持，赞同 | |
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118
ponies
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| 矮种马，小型马( pony的名词复数 )； ￡25 25 英镑 | |
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119
prying
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| adj.爱打听的v.打听，刺探（他人的私事）( pry的现在分词 )；撬开 | |
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120
muster
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| v.集合，收集，鼓起，激起；n.集合，检阅，集合人员，点名册 | |
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121
batch
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| n.一批(组，群)；一批生产量 | |
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122
vilely
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| adv.讨厌地，卑劣地 | |
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123
bugles
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| 妙脆角，一种类似薯片但做成尖角或喇叭状的零食； 号角( bugle的名词复数 )； 喇叭； 匍匐筋骨草； （装饰女服用的）柱状玻璃（或塑料）小珠 | |
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124
galloping
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| adj. 飞驰的, 急性的 动词gallop的现在分词形式 | |
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125
beckoned
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| v.（用头或手的动作）示意，召唤( beckon的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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126
trumpet
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| n.喇叭，喇叭声；v.吹喇叭，吹嘘 | |
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127
warily
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| adv.留心地 | |
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128
tricky
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| adj.狡猾的，奸诈的；(工作等)棘手的，微妙的 | |
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129
uneven
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| adj.不平坦的，不规则的，不均匀的 | |
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130
moss
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| n.苔，藓，地衣 | |
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131
meddles
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| v.干涉，干预（他人事务）( meddle的第三人称单数 ) | |
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132
spate
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| n.泛滥，洪水，突然的一阵 | |
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133
maze
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| n.迷宫，八阵图，混乱，迷惑 | |
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134
smitten
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| 猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去分词 ) | |
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135
belly
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| n.肚子，腹部；(像肚子一样)鼓起的部分，膛 | |
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136
onset
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| n.进攻，袭击，开始，突然开始 | |
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137
thither
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| adv.向那里；adj.在那边的，对岸的 | |
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138
overthrew
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| overthrow的过去式 | |
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139
rout
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| n.溃退，溃败；v.击溃，打垮 | |
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140
smote
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的过去式 ) | |
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141
rapes
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| n.芸苔( rape的名词复数 )；强奸罪；强奸案；肆意损坏v.以暴力夺取，强夺( rape的第三人称单数 )；强奸 | |
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142
feats
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| 功绩，伟业，技艺( feat的名词复数 ) | |
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143
hewed
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| v.（用斧、刀等）砍、劈( hew的过去式和过去分词 )；砍成；劈出；开辟 | |
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144
sheared
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| v.剪羊毛( shear的过去式和过去分词 )；切断；剪切 | |
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145
stark
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| adj.荒凉的；严酷的；完全的；adv.完全地 | |
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146
marvel
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| vi.(at)惊叹vt.感到惊异；n.令人惊异的事 | |
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147
smiting
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| v.猛打，重击，打击( smite的现在分词 ) | |
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148
tilted
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| v. 倾斜的 | |
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149
lighter
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| n.打火机，点火器；驳船；v.用驳船运送；light的比较级 | |
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150
adamant
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| adj.坚硬的，固执的 | |
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151
bloodiest
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| adj.血污的( bloody的最高级 )；流血的；屠杀的；残忍的 | |
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152
slay
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| v.杀死，宰杀，杀戮 | |
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153
gore
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| n.凝血，血污；v.（动物）用角撞伤，用牙刺破；缝以补裆；顶 | |
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154
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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155
portended
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| v.预示( portend的过去式和过去分词 )；预兆；给…以警告；预告 | |
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156
scattered
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| adj.分散的，稀疏的；散步的；疏疏落落的 | |
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157
beheld
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| v.看，注视( behold的过去式和过去分词 )；瞧；看呀；（叙述中用于引出某人意外的出现）哎哟 | |
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158
hewing
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| v.（用斧、刀等）砍、劈( hew的现在分词 )；砍成；劈出；开辟 | |
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159
bloody
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| adj.非常的的；流血的；残忍的；adv.很；vt.血染 | |
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160
odds
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| n.让步，机率，可能性，比率；胜败优劣之别 | |
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161
slaughter
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| n.屠杀，屠宰；vt.屠杀，宰杀 | |
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162
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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163
stunned
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| adj. 震惊的，惊讶的 动词stun的过去式和过去分词 | |
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164
vanquished
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| v.征服( vanquish的过去式和过去分词 )；战胜；克服；抑制 | |
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165
courteous
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| adj.彬彬有礼的，客气的 | |
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166
trifling
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| adj.微不足道的；没什么价值的 | |
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167
maxims
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| n.格言，座右铭( maxim的名词复数 ) | |
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168
ashore
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| adv.在(向)岸上，上岸 | |
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169
dastard
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| n.卑怯之人，懦夫；adj.怯懦的，畏缩的 | |
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170
acclaim
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| v.向…欢呼，公认；n.欢呼，喝彩，称赞 | |
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171
liking
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| n.爱好；嗜好；喜欢 | |
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172
rippled
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| 使泛起涟漪（ripple的过去式与过去分词形式） | |
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173
azure
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| adj.天蓝色的，蔚蓝色的 | |
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174
sumptuous
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| adj.豪华的，奢侈的，华丽的 | |
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175
fiery
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| adj.燃烧着的，火红的；暴躁的；激烈的 | |
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176
battered
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| adj.磨损的；v.连续猛击；磨损 | |
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