The dead were buried, the city was cleansed4 of its many impurities5, and the devastating6 fires which had threatened the destruction of the whole town were at length subdued7.
Of all the religious edifices8 in the city the cathedral alone remained unconsumed by the devouring9 element. Philip had himself superintended the efforts made for its preservation10; streets were pulled down, strong buildings were blown up by gunpowder11, and at length the noble building stood in grand isolation12, but safe from fire.
A strong Spanish garrison13 was placed in possession of St. Quentin; the remainder of the army was under orders to prepare for instant and active service.
The neighbouring towns of Picardy, Catelet, Ham, and Chanley were to be besieged14 forthwith, and the camp was full of zeal16 and animation—for surely fresh spoils awaited the soldiers of Philip, and bright visions of glory and honour filled the minds of the chieftains. In the English camp alone these feelings held no sway. The war had never been popular with them—they felt that they were fighting the battles of King Philip, and not those of their own country.
And now that the main object of the expedition had been won, and the chief town in Picardy captured, the English contingent17 were eager to return home.
In the evening of a fine September day Lord Clinton's three aides-de-camp were reposing18 in their tent after a day's active exertion.
That day a courier had brought them letters from England, and the young men were eagerly discussing home news.
Susan had written to each of them, for she had much to tell.
The fires of Smithfield had burst forth15 anew, to the horror of the people and the grief of all good men. That very day three victims had perished, and the Queen's guards had scarce prevented the London people from attempting forcible rescue.
One condemned19 man had been pardoned by the Cardinal20 Archbishop, and many were said to have been freed by him after brief examination and apparent but doubtful submission22.
Rumours23 were afloat in London, Susan said, that the Cardinal had fallen out of favour at Rome, and that the Pope (Paul IV) had deprived him of his legatine commission and had recalled him to Rome. The Archbishop was in bad health, and on this plea the Queen had refused to give him permission to leave the country.
These things brought great unhappiness to the Queen, and added to them was the increasing malignity24 of her disorder—she was evidently sinking into the grave—and there was none to pity her!
"Alas25, poor Queen," wrote Susan, "unloved by her people, deserted26 by her husband, worried by the Pope, and conscious, above all, that she had failed in the one object of her life, and that her successor, the Princess Elizabeth, would undo27 all her work for the 'conversion28' of England."
Yet Susan had some good news to tell them.
"Sir John was in excellent health, and he had lately received news from their beloved father that he and their dear Vicar were well, and were determined29 to return to England on the day when the Princess should be declared Queen.
"Oh, when will you three dear boys come home?" she wrote. "How I long for that day, how I picture ourselves at the beloved home in Sussex, the sweet old house at Chiddingly!
"I close my eyes, and my mind pictures to me the green woods and the noble sweep of the Sussex downs. I seem to hear the cawing of the rooks in the tall trees and the singing of the birds in the shrubberies. Oh, I grow mad with deep longing30! God send you home quickly, safe and sound."
The boys listened to these words with bated breath—perhaps with moistened eyes—for Susan's passionate31 love for her Sussex home expressed their own deep longings32.
"Here comes Lord Clinton," said Geoffrey suddenly, as he saw their lord's well-known figure approaching the tent.
They rose to receive him; then, as he took a seat, after some pleasant words of greeting, William spoke33—
"We are happy to see you, my Lord; we are anxious to know if our marching orders have been given."
"It is on that very point that I am come to see you. I have my marching orders, but I am not sure that I shall take you with me."
The young "aides" started with surprise; but ere they could seek an explanation of his words Lord Clinton proceeded to say—
"I wish to hold a brief consultation34 with you. Count Mansfeld has just brought me some sinister35 news. He tells me that his reiters have discovered that it was Ralph's poniard which disabled the man who was afterwards hung from the cathedral turret36, and they have sworn to avenge37 his death.
"He has sent them a message that he will sharply punish the perpetrators of any such an attempt, but Mansfeld tells me that his men are in a dangerous humour, and he wished me to warn you to keep to the limits of your own camp, and that even within those limits Ralph should never wander alone."
The young soldiers smiled disdainfully.
"Our swords can guard our heads, my Lord, we have no fear!" said Geoffrey.
"Yes, I know that," cried Clinton, "but I want to make assurance doubly sure.
"Now, listen. By to-day's courier the King has received some disquieting38 news. Guise39 is collecting a great army under King Henry's orders, and Philip has a suspicion that Calais is to be the object of his attack.
"From his spies at the French Court he hears that the Bishop21 of Acqs, the French envoy40 to England, has just returned home, and that he passed through Calais en route. He reports that the town is practically defenceless; the garrison is small, the fortifications are in a state of ruin.
"The King is sending swift messengers to Queen Mary to urge her to remedy this condition of things, but he wishes to obtain proof that the Bishop's statements are true. I have offered him your services, if you are willing to undertake the duty. What say you?
"Your mission will be a secret one, and it will be attended with many dangers both by land and sea; but it will bring you much honour if you succeed. From Calais you would proceed direct to Dover, and so to London to lay your report before the Queen."
The boys listened with glistening42 eyes; this was the Heaven-sent fulfilment of their dearest hopes! With one voice they cried—
"We accept!"
"I knew that you would do so," replied Clinton, "and I go to ask the King to give you a letter to be presented to Lord Wentworth, the Governor of Calais. Make your preparations with all possible secrecy43—you will start to-night under cover of darkness. Your route will be to Brussels, and thence to Antwerp, where you will embark44 on a King's ship for Calais.
"I will provide you with three strong horses; at Brussels you will change these for three others, which you will leave at Antwerp. There is no moon to-night, happily; you must start at eight o'clock, and I will be here to give you money and your last instructions. Now I go to the King; commence your preparations at once; I return to you in an hour's time," and therewith Lord Clinton left them.
What joy he left behind him! The three boys flung their caps in the air, they shook each other by the hand, they would have given hearty45 cheers but for the remembrance that secrecy had now become their watchword.
Their preparations would be few, but even for these they required the help of their three faithful serving lads, strong Chiddingly lads of approved courage, who loved their young masters better than their lives.
"Oh, that we might take the lads with us," cried Ralph. "I will follow Lord Clinton and seek his permission," he added.
"That you may not do," said Geoffrey firmly; "do you not remember that you are not to leave the tent alone? If you go we must accompany you.
"But stay; is there not a better way? If Lord Clinton consent, the three lads can ride on our horses, though they are somewhat sorry nags46; we will lay the matter before him when he returns at eight o'clock. Meanwhile, they can help us furbish our weapons and prepare our travelling packs, they can feed the horses and have them ready to set forth, we need not tell them more than is necessary, that we have to ride forth on the King's business to-night will suffice."
So it was decided47.
The lads occupied an adjoining tent; they were at this moment awaiting their masters' summons to prepare their simple evening meal. They were called in, and speedily all things were proceeding48 according to Geoffrey's suggestions.
The shades of night were deepening as they sat down to supper, it was a quarter to eight o'clock. The camp fires were being lit, and the soldiers of the English contingent were gathering49 around them in merry groups.
It was eight o'clock and the young Englishmen had supped, all their preparations were complete.
The flap of the tent lifted silently, and two cloaked figures entered, their features hidden in the folds of their outer garments. These they now cast aside, and by the dim light which illumined the tent the "aides" recognized Lord Clinton, and with him the King!
Instantly the young men knelt on one knee before him and kissed his hand.
Philip gazed intently upon their countenances50: he knew them fairly well, but it seemed as if he wished to reassure51 himself. Then in a low, cold, but distinct voice he said to Lord Clinton—
"They will do; we have met under many different circumstances, and I know them to be brave men."
"Your Majesty52 is right," replied Lord Clinton, "they will do their duty or die in endeavouring to fulfil it."
Then Philip addressed the Englishmen.
Their mission required secrecy, speed, courage and endurance. They were to make close inspection53 of the fortifications, guns, material of war, and the garrison of Calais with Lord Wentworth's help, to whom he had written. This letter, which he now gave them, must never fall into the hands of the enemy, to whom it would reveal all his suspicions and plans. He delivered this letter into the hands of Monsieur de Fynes, as the eldest54 of the three. If danger befell them it were better that the two younger men should perish, so long as the bearer of the letter escaped. If he fell into the hands of the foe55 let him see that the letter was destroyed at all hazards. The perilous56 part of their journey would be the portion of it which lay in French territory, but twelve hours hard riding would carry them into Flanders, after which there would be little danger, yet let them never remit58 their precautions.
The King then handed to each man a heavy purse of gold wherewith to defray expenses, the surplus, if any, would be their own.
"I hear the sound of your horses outside the tent," said the King; "have I made all explicit59, is there any question you would like to ask?"
The young men looked at each other. Then Geoffrey spoke—
"Your Majesty may rely on our carrying out your gracious commands, or we shall perish in the attempt. We have but one thing to suggest, and that is that our three faithful servants may accompany us; they can ride our own horses and they will be of great service to us."
The King and Lord Clinton conversed61 in low tones, then Clinton announced their decision.
"His Majesty agrees to your request," he said; "we think it will attract less observation and suspicion if three gentlemen be accompanied by their serving men than if they travelled alone: it is a wise suggestion on your part."
Then the King and Lord Clinton arose from their seats and prepared to depart. The King extended his hand, which the young men again knelt to kiss, and he bade them farewell. Lord Clinton shook hands warmly with them.
"Adieu! mes braves gens," he said: "God grant you a safe and successful journey. We shall next meet in London, I trust. Farewell, farewell." And so they left the tent.
The young men stood in silence for a moment, then Geoffrey spoke—
"The King has laid a heavy trust upon us," he said, "and therein has conferred on us great honour, for we shall now be doing service to our own dear country as well as to his. Let us ask a greater King than Philip, even our Heavenly Father, to bless our enterprise."
With one impulse the young men knelt, and for a few minutes held silent converse60 with God. Ere they left the tent William spoke.
"In this matter, my brothers, we need a leader whom we swear to obey in all things. I propose that Geoffrey be our captain."
"Nay63," urged Geoffrey; but ere he could proceed further Ralph intervened.
"I consent, and that most heartily," he said.
Geoffrey grasped the hands of his two comrades and said—
"Let it be as you wish, my brothers, and my first word of command is to horse! to horse!"
It was a lovely night, the stars shone brilliantly in the autumnal sky, a light refreshing64 breeze had sprung up.
Outside the tent six horses stood awaiting their riders. Three of these were held by Lord Clinton's grooms65; they were great Flemish war-horses of a renowned66 breed, beside which the three English horses, held by the Sussex lads, looked small and insignificant67. Yet these latter were wiry and strong; happily they were in excellent condition and fit for the long journey before them.
Before they mounted their horses the Englishmen closely inspected every part of the harness, to assure themselves that nothing was amiss. The lads' horses were examined with equal care, and the weapons of their riders underwent Geoffrey's keen scrutiny68. Every man was armed with a brace69 of pistolets and with poniard and dagger70. The inspection was over, and, at the word of command, the six men swung into their saddles.
"Slowly through the camp," said Geoffrey in a low voice.
As they moved forward a camp follower71, apparently72 the worse for drink, lurched heavily against one of the lads' horses and caught at his stirrup to steady himself.
"Where away, comrade?" he hiccuped73 to the lad, who in reply slashed74 at the impudent75 villain76 with his whip.
Geoffrey's quick ear had caught the sound of a voice, and he instantly reined77 up his horse.
"Stop that man," he cried; but it was too late, he had darted78 out of sight in the darkness.
The party went on, the three young masters riding abreast79, the lads following closely behind. They wound their way carefully through the camp, now thronged80 with soldiers, sutlers and followers81 of all kinds.
It was a striking sight. Huge fires burned high at regular intervals82, and around them all the revelry of a camp in time of war was beginning.
At ten o'clock a gun would be fired and all fires would be put out, all strangers turned out of camp, and stillness would come down where pandemonium83 had so lately held sway.
The passing of the travellers through the camp excited no observation nor surprise. Armed couriers were frequently sent out to the outlying posts and the neighbouring towns. These latter were falling daily into the possession of the conquering army.
So the party rode forward unmolestedly and slowly till the confines of the camp were reached. Before them lay the broad trackway which led to Brussels. It was a rough, rugged84 road, but it was sufficiently85 plain to follow, even in the semi-darkness of the night. The late contending armies had passed along it recently, and all wayside inns and even private houses had been ruthlessly plundered86 and, in most cases, burnt. The despoiled87 inhabitants, the peasantry, the woodsmen, the charcoal88 burners, and a host of others had fled into the woods for safety. Desperate and starving, the men had formed themselves into marauding bands, and many a fair chateau89, many a quiet, peaceful farm-house and village hamlet had been plundered by them in turn.
Each night the reddened sky told of some dreadful fire, and for the moment the law was powerless. Woe91 to the unarmed traveller, woe to the wounded straggler who limped behind his regiment92 if they fell into the hands of a furious peasantry!
This was one of the dangers which Philip had in his mind when he told the young men that their chief peril57 would be as they passed through French territory.
"Halt!" cried Geoffrey, as the party entered upon the military road, and all drew rein62 and gathered around him. "It is right, my lads," said he, "that you should know whither we ride to-night, and, as you will share whatever perils93 may befall us, whither we go. We ride on the King's business to Brussels, that is our first halting-place. Before us lies a long journey, perhaps of ten or twelve hours in duration, through the enemy's country. Be wary94, be watchful95, see that your pistols are ready for service and your swords loose in their sheaths. We ride at a hand-gallop, not too fast lest we distress96 our horses too soon. You, Robin97, will be our advance-guard, and you will ride a hundred yards ahead of us. You, Hal, will ride a hundred yards behind us, and you, Tom, will keep close to our rear, we may need you as a messenger. A shrill98 whistle will be the signal that we all unite in one body, that danger is near. The advance-guard will ever be on the alert to see that the road is clear, that no obstacles be placed in our way by the 'gueux' who haunt these devastated99 regions. The rear-guard will see, above all things, that we are not followed by foes100. Now have I made all things clear?"
"Aye, aye, sir," cried the men.
"Then let us ride on, in God's name," said Geoffrey.
Robin galloped101 forward, the four men followed in close order, the rear-guard took up his allotted102 position. The lights from the camp illumined the country in the rear, and for a long time the hum of the warlike multitude filled the air.
Thus half-an-hour passed; they were galloping103 at a fairly easy pace along the rough road, and the great Flemish horses were warming to their work, sometimes neighing gaily104 as they tossed their heavy manes in the air.
Not a sound now broke the solemn silence of the night, save the beating of the horses' hoofs105 on the hard road.
They passed through hamlets once full of happy and industrious106 peasantry, now scenes of black ruin and dire41 desolation.
Sometimes starving dogs would follow them with a fierce howl, and it became necessary to beat off the poor animals with the whip. Sometimes a solitary107 shout, or the shrill scream of a woman's voice reached their ears, and the young men would have halted out of pure compassion108. But it might not be!
"On, on!" cried Geoffrey; "we may not draw rein for man nor woman, for foe nor friend, till we have done the King's business."
The signs of the works of the Prince of Darkness were often visible, and the sky in a dozen places reflected the red glare of lurid109 flames.
Once they came very near to a scene of fierce conflict—men were besieging110 a strong stone mill and the valiant111 miller112 was making a hard fight for his life and homestead.
Ralph was strongly moved at this sight, all his keen soldierly instincts arose in his soul, and he laid his hand on Geoffrey's arm as he cried—
"Oh! may we not make one gallant113 charge on that murderous mob? we should scatter114 them as chaff115 before the wind. Oh! Geoffrey, give leave, I prithee!"
"And lose the King's letter, perhaps. Nay, my brave boy, it must not be," answered Geoffrey, as they galloped on.
On, on into the darkness they rode, their gallant horses neither faltering116 nor failing. As they rode a shrill cry as of some stricken creature in its last agony burst upon their ears; they could not avoid this case of distress, it lay in their very road.
A group of men could be dimly discerned at the roadside. They had heeded117 not the approach of a single horseman as Robin swept past them, but as the central group came thundering on the men leapt into the adjoining wood.
"Halt!" cried Geoffrey, and he blew his signal to the advance-guard.
A man was evidently bound to a tree; at his feet was a half-extinguished fire.
Seizing a firebrand and swinging it into flame, the lad Tom (who had dismounted) held it close to the prisoner's face, then cut his bonds with his dagger. The man was a Jewish peddler, and his mutilated hands showed the cause of his cries of anguish118, three of his fingers had been roughly cut away.
"Speak, man!" cried Geoffrey; "tell us quickly your case, for we may not tarry."
Then the peddler told them, in hurried words, that he had fallen into the hands of robbers, and that they were torturing him until he should tell them where he had concealed119 his pack.
"And where is your pack?" said Geoffrey.
The man hesitated, he cast a suspicious eye on Geoffrey.
"Put aside your fear, man," said Geoffrey; "we are Englishmen on service for King Philip, and we are in hot haste."
"At Busigney, my lord," said the peddler, regaining120 confidence.
Geoffrey consulted with his comrades for a few moments. They would pass Busigney shortly on their route, they could not leave the man to perish; a decision was soon reached.
"We will take you to Busigney," said Geoffrey; "mount behind me, my horse is strong and will carry two as well as one."
"Heaven bless you, my lord," replied the man, and by the help of the lad Tom he was soon seated behind Geoffrey.
"Forward!" cried Geoffrey, "we have lost valuable time and we must make up for it," and the whole party galloped on at increased speed.
But ere they had gone far the lad in the rear overtook them at a hot pace.
"There is a strong body of cavalry121 coming up behind us, and in a few moments they will over-take us—they are riding furiously."
Geoffrey called all his party together, still riding onward122.
"Which is it, boys," he cried, "fight or flight? The first may be fatal to our mission, the second may fail."
Then the peddler spake—
"If I may venture my advice, gentlemen, you will neither fight nor fly, at least until you know who these men are. A hundred yards ahead there is a deep dell overhung with trees. Under their shelter you may let this band of cavalry pass on, after you have seen them you may take better counsel as to your action."
"Right!" cried Geoffrey; and in a few moments they reached, under the peddler's direction, the place of temporary safety.
They had not long to wait. In two or three minutes a band of from twenty to thirty schwartzreiters came thundering on.
"How did they know of our journey?" whispered Ralph.
"Remember the drunken camp follower ere we left the camp?" replied Geoffrey. "I knew he was a spy."
They had not been perceived in the thick shades of the trees—but what now? It was equally dangerous to advance or retire.
It was at this dread90 and critical moment that a wonderful intervention123 came. There arose in the stillness of the night a great sound like the shock of battle or the fall of an avalanche124.
"Oh, God! it is the barricade125!" cried the peddler; "I passed it half-an-hour ago."
"What barricade?" said Geoffrey eagerly.
"The 'gueux' have filled the road with huge stones, gathered from the quarry126 hard by, it is their favourite trap to catch night travellers, and the reiters have fallen into it."
"And a moment more we should have fallen into it," cried Geoffrey.
"No," said the peddler, "for I was about to tell you of it. But, hark! the 'gueux' are attacking the fallen reiters."
"Come," cried Geoffrey, "we must see what is passing; keep close together, make no noise. If any reiter escapes from the mêlée cut him down with your swords, or we shall be discovered."
The "gueux" possessed127 guns and fowling-pieces, and now they were pouring in a desultory128 fire upon the confused mass of fallen men around the barricade. There seemed to be hundreds of wild figures gathering to the scene of conflict, and fresh bodies of them were pouring from the woods.
Then a hand-to-hand fight ensued, so fierce in character that it was a combat of fiends rather than of men. No quarter was asked or given, it was a fight to the death.
Soon it was evident that the reiters were being overpowered, notwithstanding their superiority in equipment and discipline. Their foes were twenty to one, and many of the Germans were lying in a helpless mass of men and horses amid the great quarry stones. Their battle-cries grew feebler and feebler; Geoffrey saw that the end would soon come.
"But what then?" thought Geoffrey anxiously.
The "gueux" would be as dangerous to them as to the reiters, they would make no distinction between English and Germans, all fought alike for their detested129 enemy King Philip.
Once again the peddler intervened, as he sat behind Geoffrey.
"My lord, my lord," he said in an agitated130 voice, "we must be gone, or we shall likewise perish."
"We cannot pass the gueux," said Geoffrey, "and I cannot return to the camp; what third course is there?"
"Here is the entrance into the woods."
"My lord," said the man, "you saved my life, will you trust yours to me? I know every pathway of these woods, I can take you by a safe road to Busigney if you will take me as your guide; the bypath enters the woods just below here, and once at Busigney you are on the main road again."
For a minute Geoffrey consulted with his comrades, then he turned to the peddler.
"You seem to be an honest man, we will trust you," he said. "Lead on, we accept your services as guide."
The party retraced131 their steps for about a hundred yards.
"Here is the entrance into the woods," said the peddler, as a leafy avenue dimly disclosed itself on the left side of the road.
They turned into it, and now they were gently and noiselessly traversing the woods by a smoothly132 turfed trackway.
"To the right," cried the peddler, as they came to a crossway, and Geoffrey perceived that they were now riding in a parallel track to the road they had quitted.
The roar of battle had quieted down, but the wind brought to their ears the exultant133 shouts of the gueux, the victors in the deadly strife134.
From time to time some dark body would rush across the track or dive into the forest, once indeed a musket-shot was fired at them randomly135. These were marauders hastening to the scene of conflict, eager to participate in the spoils.
"We must ride quicker," said Geoffrey; "soon the gueux will know of our presence and we shall be pursued."
"Beware," said the peddler in reply, "sometimes there are fallen trees across the track. We rejoin the main road in a few minutes."
Geoffrey saw the wisdom of this advice, and they rode stealthily forward.
Presently they emerged into a clearing and, to their joy, saw the great military road in front of them. Once upon it they put their horses to their fullest speed, there were no further barricades136 to dread, the peddler told them.
In half-an-hour they were in the little town of Busigney, a town held to be neutral by both the contending armies, for it was the patrimony137 of Mary the Duchess of Burgundy, now the Regent of the Netherlands for Philip. In a few minutes they had drawn138 up in front of a little hotel, "L'Eperon d'Or," and the peddler, dismounting, entered the house. He quickly returned, accompanied by the "maitre d'hotel."
"Here, my lord," he said to Geoffrey, "you can refresh your horses and yourselves also, if you need it, yet I urge you to remember that your foes are near, therefore you may not tarry long."
"We owe you a thousand thanks," said Geoffrey. "Will you not take refreshment139 with us?"
"Nay, my lord, it is well-nigh midnight, and I must seek a chirurgeon this night to set my wounded hand in order."
"Ah! I had forgotten your grievous hurt," said Geoffrey. "You are a brave and gallant man, Mr. Peddler, may I not add a little golden salve to the remedy?" and he produced his purse.
"Nay, nay, my lord," said the man quickly, "you have already given me my reward, it was a life for a life!"
And forthwith he left them.
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1
strenuous
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| adj.奋发的，使劲的；紧张的；热烈的，狂热的 | |
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exertion
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| n.尽力，努力 | |
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conquerors
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| 征服者，占领者( conqueror的名词复数 ) | |
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cleansed
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| 弄干净，清洗( cleanse的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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impurities
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| 不纯( impurity的名词复数 )； 不洁； 淫秽； 杂质 | |
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6
devastating
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| adj.毁灭性的，令人震惊的，强有力的 | |
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subdued
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| adj. 屈服的，柔和的，减弱的 动词subdue的过去式和过去分词 | |
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8
edifices
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| n.大建筑物( edifice的名词复数 ) | |
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devouring
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| 吞没( devour的现在分词 )； 耗尽； 津津有味地看； 狼吞虎咽地吃光 | |
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preservation
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| n.保护，维护，保存，保留，保持 | |
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gunpowder
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| n.火药 | |
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isolation
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| n.隔离，孤立，分解，分离 | |
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garrison
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| n.卫戍部队；驻地，卫戍区；vt.派(兵)驻防 | |
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besieged
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| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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forth
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| adv.向前；向外，往外 | |
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zeal
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| n.热心，热情，热忱 | |
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contingent
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| adj.视条件而定的；n.一组，代表团，分遣队 | |
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reposing
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| v.将（手臂等）靠在某人（某物）上( repose的现在分词 ) | |
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condemned
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| adj. 被责难的, 被宣告有罪的 动词condemn的过去式和过去分词 | |
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cardinal
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| n.(天主教的)红衣主教；adj.首要的，基本的 | |
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bishop
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| n.主教，（国际象棋）象 | |
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submission
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| n.服从，投降；温顺，谦虚；提出 | |
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23
rumours
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| n.传闻( rumour的名词复数 )；风闻；谣言；谣传 | |
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24
malignity
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| n.极度的恶意，恶毒；（病的）恶性 | |
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25
alas
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| int.唉(表示悲伤、忧愁、恐惧等) | |
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26
deserted
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| adj.荒芜的，荒废的，无人的，被遗弃的 | |
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undo
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| vt.解开，松开；取消，撤销 | |
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28
conversion
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| n.转化，转换，转变 | |
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29
determined
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| adj.坚定的；有决心的 | |
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30
longing
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| n.（for）渴望 | |
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31
passionate
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| adj.热情的，热烈的，激昂的，易动情的，易怒的，性情暴躁的 | |
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32
longings
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| 渴望，盼望( longing的名词复数 ) | |
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33
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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34
consultation
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| n.咨询；商量；商议；会议 | |
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35
sinister
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| adj.不吉利的，凶恶的，左边的 | |
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36
turret
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| n.塔楼，角塔 | |
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37
avenge
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| v.为...复仇，为...报仇 | |
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38
disquieting
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| adj.令人不安的，令人不平静的v.使不安，使忧虑，使烦恼( disquiet的现在分词 ) | |
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39
guise
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| n.外表，伪装的姿态 | |
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40
envoy
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| n.使节，使者，代表，公使 | |
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41
dire
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| adj.可怕的，悲惨的，阴惨的，极端的 | |
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42
glistening
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| adj.闪耀的，反光的v.湿物闪耀，闪亮( glisten的现在分词 ) | |
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43
secrecy
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| n.秘密，保密，隐蔽 | |
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44
embark
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| vi.乘船，着手，从事，上飞机 | |
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45
hearty
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| adj.热情友好的；衷心的；尽情的，纵情的 | |
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46
nags
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| n.不断地挑剔或批评（某人）( nag的名词复数 )；不断地烦扰或伤害（某人）；无休止地抱怨；不断指责v.不断地挑剔或批评（某人）( nag的第三人称单数 )；不断地烦扰或伤害（某人）；无休止地抱怨；不断指责 | |
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47
decided
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| adj.决定了的，坚决的；明显的，明确的 | |
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48
proceeding
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| n.行动，进行，(pl.)会议录，学报 | |
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49
gathering
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| n.集会，聚会，聚集 | |
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50
countenances
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| n.面容( countenance的名词复数 )；表情；镇静；道义支持 | |
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51
reassure
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| v.使放心，使消除疑虑 | |
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52
majesty
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| n.雄伟，壮丽，庄严，威严；最高权威，王权 | |
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53
inspection
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| n.检查，审查，检阅 | |
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54
eldest
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| adj.最年长的，最年老的 | |
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55
foe
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| n.敌人，仇敌 | |
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56
perilous
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| adj.危险的，冒险的 | |
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57
peril
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| n.(严重的)危险；危险的事物 | |
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58
remit
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| v.汇款，汇寄；豁免（债务），免除（处罚等） | |
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59
explicit
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| adj.详述的，明确的；坦率的；显然的 | |
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60
converse
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| vi.谈话，谈天，闲聊；adv.相反的，相反 | |
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61
conversed
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| v.交谈，谈话( converse的过去式 ) | |
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62
rein
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| n.疆绳，统治，支配；vt.以僵绳控制，统治 | |
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63
nay
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| adv.不；n.反对票，投反对票者 | |
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64
refreshing
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| adj.使精神振作的，使人清爽的，使人喜欢的 | |
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65
grooms
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| n.新郎( groom的名词复数 )；马夫v.照料或梳洗（马等）( groom的第三人称单数 )；使做好准备；训练；（给动物）擦洗 | |
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66
renowned
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| adj.著名的，有名望的，声誉鹊起的 | |
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67
insignificant
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| adj.无关紧要的，可忽略的，无意义的 | |
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68
scrutiny
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| n.详细检查，仔细观察 | |
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69
brace
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| n. 支柱,曲柄,大括号; v. 绷紧,顶住,(为困难或坏事)做准备 | |
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70
dagger
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| n.匕首，短剑，剑号 | |
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71
follower
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| n.跟随者；随员；门徒；信徒 | |
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72
apparently
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| adv.显然地；表面上，似乎 | |
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73
hiccuped
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| v.嗝( hiccup的过去式和过去分词 )；连续地打嗝；暂时性的小问题；短暂的停顿 | |
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74
slashed
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| v.挥砍( slash的过去式和过去分词 )；鞭打；割破；削减 | |
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75
impudent
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| adj.鲁莽的，卑鄙的，厚颜无耻的 | |
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76
villain
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| n.反派演员，反面人物；恶棍；问题的起因 | |
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77
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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78
darted
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| v.投掷，投射( dart的过去式和过去分词 )；向前冲，飞奔 | |
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79
abreast
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| adv.并排地；跟上(时代)的步伐，与…并进地 | |
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80
thronged
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| v.成群，挤满( throng的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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81
followers
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| 追随者( follower的名词复数 )； 用户； 契据的附面； 从动件 | |
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82
intervals
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| n.[军事]间隔( interval的名词复数 )；间隔时间；[数学]区间；（戏剧、电影或音乐会的）幕间休息 | |
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83
pandemonium
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| n.喧嚣，大混乱 | |
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84
rugged
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| adj.高低不平的，粗糙的，粗壮的，强健的 | |
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85
sufficiently
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| adv.足够地，充分地 | |
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86
plundered
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| 掠夺，抢劫( plunder的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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87
despoiled
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| v.掠夺，抢劫( despoil的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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88
charcoal
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| n.炭，木炭，生物炭 | |
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89
chateau
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| n.城堡，别墅 | |
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90
dread
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| vt.担忧，忧虑；惧怕，不敢；n.担忧，畏惧 | |
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91
woe
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| n.悲哀，苦痛，不幸，困难；int.用来表达悲伤或惊慌 | |
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92
regiment
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| n.团，多数，管理；v.组织，编成团，统制 | |
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93
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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94
wary
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| adj.谨慎的，机警的，小心的 | |
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95
watchful
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| adj.注意的，警惕的 | |
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96
distress
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| n.苦恼，痛苦，不舒适；不幸；vt.使悲痛 | |
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97
robin
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| n.知更鸟，红襟鸟 | |
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98
shrill
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| adj.尖声的；刺耳的；v尖叫 | |
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99
devastated
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| v.彻底破坏( devastate的过去式和过去分词)；摧毁；毁灭；在感情上（精神上、财务上等）压垮adj.毁坏的；极为震惊的 | |
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100
foes
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| 敌人，仇敌( foe的名词复数 ) | |
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101
galloped
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| （使马）飞奔，奔驰( gallop的过去式和过去分词 )； 快速做[说]某事 | |
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102
allotted
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| 分配，拨给，摊派( allot的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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103
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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104
gaily
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| adv.欢乐地，高兴地 | |
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105
hoofs
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| n.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的名词复数 )v.（兽的）蹄，马蹄( hoof的第三人称单数 ) | |
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106
industrious
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| adj.勤劳的，刻苦的，奋发的 | |
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107
solitary
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| adj.孤独的，独立的，荒凉的；n.隐士 | |
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108
compassion
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| n.同情，怜悯 | |
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109
lurid
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| adj.可怕的；血红的；苍白的 | |
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110
besieging
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| 包围，围困，围攻( besiege的现在分词 ) | |
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111
valiant
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| adj.勇敢的，英勇的；n.勇士，勇敢的人 | |
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112
miller
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| n.磨坊主 | |
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113
gallant
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| adj.英勇的，豪侠的；(向女人)献殷勤的 | |
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114
scatter
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| vt.撒，驱散，散开；散布/播；vi.分散，消散 | |
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115
chaff
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| v.取笑，嘲笑；n.谷壳 | |
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116
faltering
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| 犹豫的，支吾的，蹒跚的 | |
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117
heeded
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| v.听某人的劝告，听从( heed的过去式和过去分词 )；变平，使（某物）变平( flatten的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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118
anguish
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| n.(尤指心灵上的)极度痛苦，烦恼 | |
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119
concealed
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| a.隐藏的，隐蔽的 | |
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120
regaining
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| 复得( regain的现在分词 )； 赢回； 重回； 复至某地 | |
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121
cavalry
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| n.骑兵；轻装甲部队 | |
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122
onward
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| adj.向前的，前进的；adv.向前，前进，在先 | |
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123
intervention
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| n.介入，干涉，干预 | |
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124
avalanche
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| n.雪崩，大量涌来 | |
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125
barricade
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| n.路障，栅栏，障碍；vt.设路障挡住 | |
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126
quarry
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| n.采石场；v.采石；费力地找 | |
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127
possessed
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| adj.疯狂的；拥有的，占有的 | |
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128
desultory
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| adj.散漫的，无方法的 | |
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129
detested
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| v.憎恶，嫌恶，痛恨( detest的过去式和过去分词 ) | |
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130
agitated
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| adj.被鼓动的，不安的 | |
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131
retraced
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| v.折回( retrace的过去式和过去分词 )；回忆；回顾；追溯 | |
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132
smoothly
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| adv.平滑地，顺利地，流利地，流畅地 | |
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133
exultant
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| adj.欢腾的，狂欢的，大喜的 | |
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134
strife
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| n.争吵，冲突，倾轧，竞争 | |
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135
randomly
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| adv.随便地，未加计划地 | |
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136
barricades
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| 路障，障碍物( barricade的名词复数 ) | |
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137
patrimony
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| n.世袭财产，继承物 | |
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138
drawn
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| v.拖，拉，拔出；adj.憔悴的，紧张的 | |
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139
refreshment
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| n.恢复，精神爽快，提神之事物；（复数）refreshments:点心，茶点 | |
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