They had been right about the bridge, but on spotting the soldiers there, had decided to rest amidst the pine trees until the men had gone. For at first the soldiers had not appeared to be stationed there, but merely refreshing themselves and their horses at the waterfall. But time had passed and the soldiers had shown no signs of moving on. They would take turns getting onto their bellies, reaching down from the bridge and splashing themselves; or sit with their backs against the timber rails, playing dice. Then a fourth man had arrived on horseback, bringing the men to their feet, and had issued instructions to them.
他们的推测是对的，路上有桥，但看到桥上的士兵之后，他们决定在松树下面休息，等那些人离开。因为一开始士兵们似乎不是驻扎在那儿的，只是在瀑布边让人和马休息一会儿。时间慢慢过去，士兵们没有继续前进的迹象。他们会轮流趴下来，从桥上伸手够水，洒在脸上；或者背靠木头栏杆坐着，玩色子。后来，第四个人骑着马来了，其他人站起身来，听他指示。
After a punishing climb for much of the morning, the party had found its way obstructed by a fast-flowing river. So they had made a partial descent through shrouded woodlands in search of the main mountain road, along which, they reasoned, there would surely be a bridge across the water.
大半个上午，这队人都在艰难地爬山，然后发现一条湍急的河流挡住了去路。于是他们回头下山，穿过一片雾气弥漫的林地，寻找山间的主路，他们推测，主路上应该有过河的桥。
Though they did not have as good a view as Edwin's high in his tree, Axl, Beatrice and the warrior had observed well enough all that had passed from behind their cover of greenery, and once the horseman had ridden off again, exchanged questioning looks.
埃克索、比特丽丝和武士没有埃德温在树上那么好的视野，但他们藏在树后，也都看到了发生的事情。看见骑手又骑马走开，三人交换了一下眼色。
"It's desirable we do so by nightfall, sir," said Axl. "We hear the she-dragon Querig roams that country, and only fools would be abroad there in the dark. What manner of soldiers do you suppose them to be?"
“先生，我们最好天黑前赶到，”埃克索说。“我们听说母龙魁瑞格在这个地方游荡，天黑以后只有傻瓜才会待在户外。你认为他们是什么样的士兵呢？”
"They may remain a long time yet," Wistan said. "And you're both anxious to reach the monastery."
“他们可能还要待很久，”维斯坦说。“可你们都急着赶到修道院去。”
"I'm sure that's so," the warrior said, then fell silent for a moment, gazing down at the bridge. The soldiers had seated themselves again and seemed to be resuming their game. "Even so," he went on, "if we're to cross the bridge under their gazes, let me propose this much. Master Axl, you and Mistress Beatrice will lead the way and talk wisely to the men. The boy can bring the mare behind you, and I'll walk beside him, my jaw slack like a fool's, my eyes wandering loosely. You must tell the soldiers I'm a mute and a half-wit, and the boy and I are brothers lent you in place of debts owed you. I'll hide this sword and belt deep in the horse's pack. Should they find it, you must claim it as your own."
“我相信是这样。”武士说完，沉默了一会儿，眼睛望着桥。士兵们又坐了下来，好像在接着玩游戏。“但是，”武士继续说道，“如果我们要在他们的监视之下过桥，请允许我提个建议。埃克索阁下，你和比特丽丝先走，和那些人好好谈谈。这个男孩可以牵着马在后面跟着，我和他并肩走，我会下巴像傻瓜一样耷拉下来，眼神散乱。你们一定要告诉士兵们，我是个哑巴，脑子有点傻，男孩和我是兄弟，别人欠你们钱，所以把我们兄弟俩借给你抵债。我把剑和腰带藏到马背行李最里面。万一他们发现，你们要说是你们的。”
"Not easy at this distance, sir, and I've little knowledge of local dress. But I'd suppose them Britons, and ones loyal to Lord Brennus. Perhaps Mistress Beatrice will correct me."
“这么远的地方很难看清，先生，我对本地装束毫不了解。不过我猜他们应该是不列颠人，忠于布雷纳斯爵爷。也许该请比特丽丝夫人指点一下。”
"It's far for my old eyes," Beatrice said, "but I'd suppose you right, Master Wistan. They have the dark uniforms I've often seen on Lord Brennus's men."
“我眼睛不行，路太远了，”比特丽丝说。“不过，我想你是对的，维斯坦阁下。他们穿着黑色的军装，我常常看到布雷纳斯爵爷的手下是这副打扮。”
"We've nothing to hide from them," Axl said. "If we explain ourselves, they'll let us go by in peace."
“我们没什么好躲的，”埃克索说。“可以解释一下，他们会让我们过去的，不会找麻烦。”
They emerged from the woods still some way from the bridge, but the soldiers saw them immediately and rose to their feet.
他们从树林里出来，离桥还有不少路，但士兵们马上发现了他们，都站起身来。
"No doubt, mistress. But men with arms, far from their commanders, aren't easy to trust. And here I am, a stranger who they may think good sport to mock and challenge. So let's call the boy down off the tree and do as I propose."
“那是当然，夫人。但带着武器的人一旦远离指挥官，便是很难信任的。我呢，是个陌生人，他们也许认为嘲笑或挑衅一下很有趣。我们把男孩从树上喊下来，按照我的提议做吧。”
"Is such a play really necessary, Master Wistan?" Beatrice asked. "These soldiers may often show coarse manners, but we've met many before without incident."
“这样演戏真的有必要吗，维斯坦阁下？”比特丽丝问道。“那些士兵虽然态度常常很粗鲁，但我们以前见过很多，都没什么麻烦。”
"Master Wistan," Beatrice said quietly, "I fear this will not go well. There remains something about you that proclaims you a warrior, no matter what foolish look you wear."
“维斯坦阁下，”比特丽丝低声说，“我担心这事恐怕没这么顺利。你身上还是有某种东西，能让人看出你是名武士，无论你脸上的表情多么愚蠢。”
"I'm no skilled player, mistress. If you can help improve my disguise, I'd hear it gladly."
“我演戏可不熟练，夫人。如果你能帮助我改善伪装，我会很乐意听从你的意见。”
"It's your stride, sir," Beatrice said. "You have a warrior's way of walking. Take instead small steps followed by a large one, the way you might stumble any moment."
“是你走路的步伐，先生，”比特丽丝说。“你走路的样子像武士。先小步走几步，然后迈一大步，就像你随时都会打个趔趄一样。”
"That's good advice, thank you, mistress. Now I should say no more, or they may see I'm no mute. Master Axl, talk us wisely past these fellows."
“这是很好的建议，夫人，谢谢你。现在我不说话了，否则他们就知道我不是哑巴。埃克索阁下，请用机智的话语，让这些家伙放我们过去吧。”
They wore no chainmail or helmets, but their identical dark tunics, with straps crossing from right shoulder to left hip, declared clearly their trade. Their swords were for now sheathed, though two of them were waiting with hands on the hilts. One was small, stocky and muscular; the other, a youth not much older than Edwin, was also short in stature. Both had closely cropped hair. In contrast, the third soldier was tall, with long grey hair, carefully groomed, that touched his shoulders and was held back by a dark string encircling his skull. Not only his appearance, but his manner differed noticeably from that of his companions; for while the latter were standing stiffly to bar the way across the bridge, he had remained several paces behind, leaning languidly against one of the bridge posts, arms folded before him as though listening to a tale beside a night fire.
士兵们没穿锁子甲，没戴头盔，穿着相同的黑色套袍，肩带从右肩斜挎到左臀，明白无误地宣示着他们的身份。他们的剑暂时没有出鞘，但两名士兵手放在剑柄上。一个矮小、粗壮，肌肉结实；另一个是年轻人，比埃德温大不了多少，身材也不高。两人都理着短平头。相比之下，第三位士兵个子很高，留着灰白的长发，梳理得很整齐，披到肩膀上，头上箍着一根黑色的绳子，将头发拢到脑后。不仅外貌，他连姿态也与其他士兵明显不同。其他人僵硬地站在桥头挡住去路，他却在后面，隔着几步远，懒洋洋地靠在一根桥柱上，双手抱胸，好像晚上在篝火旁听故事一样。
As they came closer to the bridge, the noise of the water rushing down the rocks and under the feet of the three awaiting soldiers grew more intense, and to Axl had something ominous about it. He led the way, listening to the horse's steps behind him on the mossy ground, and brought them to a halt when they were within hailing distance of the men.
他们离桥越来越近，水冲下岩石，从三位等待着的士兵脚下流过，水声越来越响，在埃克索听来，似乎是不祥的预兆。他在前面带路，听着身后马蹄踩在苔藓地上的声音，等来到士兵近前，他便让大家停下。
The stocky soldier gave no reply. Uncertainty was crossing his face, and he glared at Axl with a mixture of panic and contempt. He cast a glance back to the young soldier behind him, then finding nothing to enlighten him, returned his gaze to Axl.
粗壮的士兵没有回答。他脸上疑惑不定，瞪着埃克索，既慌乱又鄙夷。他回头看了一眼身后的年轻士兵，没得到什么示意，于是又转过脸盯着埃克索。
The stocky soldier took a step towards them, so it was to him Axl addressed his words. "Good day, sirs. We mean no harm and wish only to proceed in peace."
那位粗壮的士兵向前迈了一步，所以埃克索先对他说话。“你们好，各位。我们没有恶意，只想平平安安过桥。”
It occurred to Axl there had been some confusion: that the soldiers had been expecting another party altogether, and had yet to realise their mistake. So he said: "We're just simple farmers, sir, on our way to our son's village."
埃克索意识到，这里头可能有误会：士兵们在等候另外一拨人，还没意识到自己弄错了。于是他说道：“先生，我们就是普通的农夫，要到儿子的村庄去。”
"Two brothers just come under our care who we must do our best to train. Though as you see, one's still a child, and the other a slow-witted mute, so the relief they bring us may be slender."
“这兄弟俩刚刚归我们管理，我们要想办法训练呢。不过，你们看，这个还只是个孩子，另一个是有点傻的哑巴，看来他们也帮不上我们什么忙。”
The stocky soldier, now collecting himself, replied to Axl in an unnecessarily loud voice. "Who are these you travel with, farmer? Saxons by the look of them."
粗壮的士兵这时定了定神，回答埃克索的话，声音太大了点儿。“农夫，和你一起走路的是什么人？看长相是撒克逊人。”
As Axl said this, the tall grey-haired soldier, as though suddenly reminded of something, took his weight from the bridge post, his head tilting in concentration. Meanwhile, the stocky soldier was staring angrily beyond both Axl and Beatrice. Then, his hand still on the hilt of his sword, he strode past to scrutinise the others. Edwin was holding the mare, and watched the oncoming soldier with expressionless eyes. Wistan, though, was giggling loudly to himself, his eyes roving, mouth wide open.
埃克索说话的时候，那个头发灰白的高个子士兵好像突然想起了什么事一样，站直了身子，侧着脑袋，一副聚精会神的样子。同时，粗壮的士兵愤怒地盯着埃克索和比特丽丝身后。然后，他大步从两人身旁走过，仔细打量另外这两个人，一只手仍旧按在剑柄上。埃德温拉着马，茫然地看着走过来的士兵。维斯坦却一个人咯咯地笑着，眼珠乱转，嘴张得大大的。
The stocky soldier looked from one to the other as though for a clue. Then his frustration seemed to get the better of him. Grabbing Wistan's hair, he tugged it in a rage. "No one cut your hair, Saxon?" he shouted into the warrior's ear, then tugged again as though to bring Wistan to his knees. Wistan stumbled, but managed to stay on his feet, letting out pitiful whimpers.
粗壮的士兵看看这个，又看看那个，好像要寻找线索。然后，他好像再也无法克制自己的烦躁，一把抓住维斯坦的头发，愤怒地拽着。“没人给你剪头发吗，撒克逊人？”他对着武士的耳朵喊道，然后又拽他的头发，似乎是要维斯坦跪下来。维斯坦踉跄了一下，不过没有摔跤，同时发出了可怜的呜咽声。
As his wife spoke, a small movement made Axl turn back to the soldiers still on the bridge. He saw then that the tall grey-haired man had raised an arm; his fingers all but formed a pointing shape before softening and collapsing in an aimless gesture. Finally he let his arm fall altogether, though his eyes went on watching with disapproval. Observing this, Axl suddenly had the feeling he understood, even recognised, what the grey-haired soldier had just gone through: an angry reprimand had all but shaped itself on his lips, but he had remembered in time that he lacked any formal authority over his stocky colleague. Axl was sure he had once had an almost identical experience himself somewhere, but he forced away the thought, and said in a conciliatory tone:
妻子说话的时候，埃克索感觉到身后有细微的动静，于是转身看着仍在桥上的两位士兵。他看到头发灰白的高个子士兵已经举起了一只手臂。他的手指快要做出指点的动作，却突然松弛下来，成了个没有意义的姿势。最后，他这条手臂全放下来了，但他的眼睛还在不满地看着。埃克索看着这一切，突然觉得能够理解头发灰白的士兵刚刚经历的内心感受，甚至有似曾相识之感：愤怒的批评都快到嘴边了，只是他及时想起来，他并没有正式的授权去指责这位粗壮的同事。埃克索肯定，自己在什么地方曾有过几乎相同的经历，不过他努力把这个念头抛开，用缓和的语气说道：
"He doesn't speak, sir," Beatrice said. "As you see, he's simple. He doesn't mind rough treatment, but he's known for a temper we've yet to tame."
“他不会说话，先生，”比特丽丝说。“你能看出来，他是个傻子。对他手脚重一点，他倒无所谓，但大家都知道他有犟脾气，我们还没来得及驯服呢。”
But the stocky soldier was still tormenting Wistan. "He'd be unwise to lose his temper with me!" he bellowed. "Let him do so and taste his price!"
但粗壮的士兵还在折磨维斯坦。“跟我耍犟脾气，可不明智啊，”他吼叫道。“让他耍脾气，看看有什么代价！”
"You must be busy with your duties, gentlemen, and we're sorry to distract you. If you'd let us pass, we'll soon be out of your way."
“先生们，你们肯定有公务要忙，对不起耽误了你们的时间。如果你让我们过桥，我们很快就不会给你们添麻烦啦。”
Then finally he let go of Wistan and strode back to take up his position again on the bridge. He said nothing, looking like an angry man who had completely forgotten why he was angry.
最后，他总算放开了维斯坦，大步回到自己在桥上的位置。他什么也没说，满面怒容，像个生气的人，却完全忘了自己为什么要生气。
The noise of the rushing water seemed only to add to the tense mood, and Axl wondered how the soldiers would react were he to turn and lead the party back towards the woods. But just at that moment, the grey-haired soldier came forward until he was level with the other two and spoke for the first time.
水流的声音似乎只是增加了气氛的紧张感。埃克索心想，如果他转过身，带着大家回到树林，不知道士兵们会怎么样。就在这时候，头发灰白的士兵走上前来，和另外两个人并排，第一次开口说道：
"This bridge has a few planks broken, uncle. Maybe that's why we're standing here, to warn good people like yourselves to cross with care or be down the mountainside tumbling with the tide."
“大叔，桥上有几块木板断了。我们站在这儿，也许就是因为这个，为了提醒像你们这样的好人过桥小心，要不就跟着水流滚下山去了。”
"That's kind of you, sir. We'll go then with caution."
“那你真是好心，先生。我们会小心过桥的。”
"Your horse there, uncle. I thought I saw it limping coming towards us."
“你那边那匹马，大叔，刚才朝这边走的时候，我看到有点跛。”
"Those boards are rotted with the spray, and that's why we're here, though my comrades think there was some further errand must have brought us. So I'll ask you, uncle, if you and your good wife have seen any strangers on your travels."
“这些木板被水溅多了，烂了，所以我们才在这儿，不过我的战友们认为，我们到这儿来可能还有别的任务。所以我要问你一下，大叔，你和你好心的妻子路上看到陌生人了吗？”
"We're strangers here ourselves, sir," Beatrice said, "so wouldn't quickly know another. Though on two days' journey we've seen nothing out of the ordinary."
“先生，在这儿我们自己就是陌生人，”比特丽丝说道，“所以就算看到陌生人，也不能马上认出来。不过，我们在路上走了两天，没看到什么特别的情况。”
"She has a hurt foot, sir, but we hope it's no serious thing, though we don't mount her, as you see."
“一条腿伤了，先生，我们希望不太严重，不过你能看到，我们不骑。”
Noticing Beatrice, the grey-haired soldier's eyes seemed to soften and smile. "A long walk for a woman of your years to make to a son's village, mistress. Wouldn't you rather be living there with him where he can see to your comforts each day, instead of having you walk like this, unsheltered from the road's dangers?"
头发灰白的士兵注意到了比特丽丝，眼睛似乎柔和起来，露出了笑意。“夫人，你这么大年纪的女人，要到儿子的村庄，可走了不少路啊。你和他一起住在那儿，不是很好吗，让他每天能够照顾你的生活？何必让你这样走，路上遇到危险又没人保护？”
The grey-haired soldier went on regarding her gently. "It may be, mistress," he said, "you've not a thing to worry about. I'm myself far from my mother and father, and not seen them in a long while. Perhaps harsh words were said once, who knows? But if they came to find me tomorrow, having walked hard distances as you're doing now, do you doubt I'd receive them with my heart breaking with joy? I don't know the kind of man your son is, mistress, but I'd wager he's not so different to me, and there'll be happy tears no sooner than he first sees you."
头发灰白的士兵继续和善地打量着她。“夫人，”他说，“也许你什么也不用担心。我自己也离父亲母亲很远，很久没见他们了。也许以前曾讲过什么狠话，谁知道呢？但是，如果他们明天来找我，像你们现在这样，跋涉了很远的路程，那我一定会满心欢喜地迎接他们，这你们不会怀疑吧？我不知道你儿子是什么样的人，夫人，不过我敢打赌他和我也没什么大区别，他一看到你们，肯定就会流出幸福的泪水。”
"I wish it right enough, sir, and when we see him, my husband and I will talk to him of it. But then it's a long time since we saw him and we can't help wonder how he'll receive us."
“我希望你说得对，先生，等我们见到他，我和丈夫会跟他谈谈。可是，我们很久没见他了，心里不免有些疑虑，不知道他会怎样对待我们。”
"You're kind to say so, sir," said Beatrice. "I suppose you're right, and my husband and I have often said as much, but it's a comfort to hear it said, and from a son far from home at that."
“能这样说，先生，你真是好心，”比特丽丝说。“我想你说得对，我和丈夫也常常这样说，但是听别人说出来，还是一位远离家乡的儿子，真是令人欣慰。”
"Go on your journey in peace, mistress. And if by chance you come upon my own mother and father on the road, coming the other way, speak gently to them and tell them to press on, for their journey won't be a wasted one." The grey-haired soldier stood aside to let them pass. "And please remember the unsteady boards. Uncle, you'd best lead that mare over yourself. It's no task for children or God's fools."
“平平安安上路吧，夫人。如果你们碰巧在路上遇到我的母亲和父亲从另外那个方向过来，请跟他们说点好心的话，让他们继续赶路，因为他们肯定会不虚此行。”头发灰白的士兵站在一旁，让他们过去。“请记住有些木板不牢固。大叔，最好你自己牵马过去。孩子或傻子可干不了这件事。”
The stocky soldier, who had been watching with a disgruntled air, seemed nevertheless to yield to the natural authority of his colleague. Turning his back to them all, he leaned sulkily over the rail to look at the water. The young soldier hesitated, then came to stand beside the grey-haired man, and they both nodded politely as Axl, thanking them a last time, led the mare over the bridge, shielding her eyes from the drop.
粗壮的士兵一直不满地看着，这时似乎也服从了同事身上那股天然的权威。他转过身，背对着所有人，闷闷不乐地靠在栏杆上看水。年轻的士兵犹豫了一下，然后走过来，站在头发灰白的人身边，两人礼貌地点点头，埃克索又一次感谢他们，牵过马，不让马的眼睛看下面的急流，然后过了桥。
Once the soldiers and the bridge were no longer in sight, Wistan stopped and suggested they leave the main road to follow a narrow path rising up into the woods.
等士兵和桥都消失在视野中，维斯坦停下来，建议大家离开主路，走一条向上通往树林的小路。
"I've always had an instinct for my way through a forest," he said. "And I feel sure this path will allow us to cut a large corner. Besides, we'll be much safer away from a road such as this, well travelled by soldiers and bandits."
“我对树林里的路有很好的直觉，”他说。“我觉得走这条路，能少绕一个大弯。而且，这条路上经常有士兵和强盗，我们离开更加安全。”
For a while after that, it was the warrior who led the party, beating back brambles and bushes with a stick he had found. Edwin, holding the mare by her muzzle, often whispering to her, followed closely behind, so that by the time Axl and Beatrice came in their wake, the path had been made much easier. Even so, the short cut -- if short cut it was -- became increasingly arduous: the trees deepened around them, tangled roots and thistles obliging them to attend to each step. As was the custom, they conversed little as they went, but at one point, when Axl and Beatrice had fallen some way behind, Beatrice called back: "Are you still there, Axl?"
随后一段时间，武士在前面带路；他找了根棍子，拨开荆棘灌木。紧随其后的是埃德温，他拉着马笼头，不时低声和马说话。等埃克索和比特丽丝从后面跟上来，路已经好走多了。不过，这条捷径——如果算是捷径的话——越来越难走，周围的树越来越密，荆棘丛生、树根交错，每一步都要小心。一如既往，他们走路的时候都不说话，不过有一下子，埃克索和比特丽丝已经落后了不少，比特丽丝回头喊道：“你在那儿吗，埃克索？”
"I was just thinking, Axl. Our warrior's not a bad player at that. His disguise might have had me fooled, and never letting up with it, even with that brute tugging his hair."
“埃克索，我刚才在想。我们这位武士演戏可不差啊。他的伪装可能连我都会上当，那个野蛮的家伙拽他的头发，他都没有露出马脚。”
"He performed it well, right enough."
“没错，他演得很好。”
"They'll be missing us, no doubt, princess. But we're not away long, and the pastor understands our wishing to see our own son."
“毫无疑问，公主，他们会想念我们的。但我们离开时间不长，牧师也理解我们希望看到儿子。”
"I hope that's right, Axl. I wouldn't want them saying we're gone just when they have most need of us."
“我希望是这样，埃克索。我可不希望他们说，我们在最需要的时候离开了。”
For a while they continued without talking. Then Beatrice said again: "Are you still there, Axl?"
他们默默地继续走了一会儿。然后比特丽丝又说道：“你还在那儿吗，埃克索？”
"Still here, princess." Indeed, Axl was just a few paces behind. "Don't worry, these woods aren't known for special dangers, and a good way from the Great Plain."
“还在呢，公主。”没错，埃克索就在她身后几步远。“别担心，没听说这儿的树林有什么特别的危险，离大平原也很远。”
"I was thinking, Axl. It'll be a long time we're away from our own village. Don't you think it a wonder they let us go when there's still a lot of planting to do, and fences and gates to be mended? Do you suppose they'll be complaining of our absence when we're needed?"
“埃克索，我刚才在想。我们要离开村庄很长时间。有很多庄稼要种，篱笆和大门需要修理，他们竟然让我们走了，你不觉得奇怪吗？你觉得他们会抱怨我们在需要咱俩的时候走了吗？”
"There'll always be some to say so, but the better of them will understand our need, and would want the same in our place."
“总有人会这么说的，不过大部分人会理解我们的需要，换作他们，也会这么做。”
"I was remembering about it, Axl. And I was thinking maybe it's because of our lack of a candle I first took this pain I now have."
“这事我有点记忆了，埃克索。我在想，我身上痛，一开始也许就是因为没有蜡烛。”
"Go carefully through that blackthorn there. It's not a spot to take a fall."
“那儿有棵李子树，走过去小心一点。这儿可不能摔跤。”
"Do you remember, Axl, there was talk last winter of a sprite seen near our village? We never saw it ourselves, but they said it was one fond of the dark. In all those hours we had of darkness, I'm thinking it might sometimes have been with us without our knowing, in our very chamber, and brought me this trouble."
“去年冬天据说我们村子附近有个小精灵，埃克索，你还记得吗？我们自己没看见过，可他们说这个小精灵喜欢黑暗。我们长时间待在黑暗中，我在想小精灵也许到我们这儿来了，只是我们不知道，就在我们的屋子里，给我带来了这个麻烦。”
"I'm thinking it was maybe the darkness did it."
“我想，也许是因为晚上黑。”
"What's that you're saying, princess? How can that be?"
“你在说什么呢，公主？这怎么可能呢？”
"It wasn't right of them. To take away our candle."
“他们那样是不对的。拿走我们的蜡烛。”
"Still here, princess."
“还在，公主。”
"I'll be careful, Axl, and you do the same."
“我会小心的，埃克索，你也小心点。”
"We would have known had it been with us, princess, dark or not. Even in thick blackness, we would have heard it move or give a sigh."
“如果它到我们这儿来了，无论屋子是不是黑的，我们应该都会知道，公主。就算漆黑一团，我们应该也能听到它在动，或者发出叹息声。”
"How can it be the darkness gave you the pain, princess?"
“你身上痛，为什么会是因为晚上黑呢，公主？”
"Who cares about that now, princess? And the summer coming."
“现在谁在乎呢，公主？而且夏天就快到了。”
"Now I think of it, Axl, I think there were times last winter I woke in the night, you fast asleep beside me, and I was sure it was a strange noise in the room roused me."
“现在既然谈到，埃克索，我想起来了，去年冬天我晚上醒过来，你在旁边睡得很沉，我肯定屋子里有奇怪的声响，把我吵醒了。”
"It wasn't that kind of sound, and it was more than once I thought I heard it. And now I'm thinking of it, it was around the same time the pain first came."
“不是那种声音，我想我听到这声音也不止一次。现在想一想，我身上大概也就是从那时候开始痛的。”
"Likely a mouse or some creature, princess."
“可能是老鼠之类的东西，公主。”
"Well, if it was the sprite, what of it, princess? Your pain's nothing more than a tiny trouble, the work of a creature more playful than evil, the same way some wicked child once left that rat's head in Mistress Enid's weaving basket just to see her run about in fright."
“哦，如果是小精灵，那又怎么样呢，公主？你身上的痛不过是个小麻烦，这个家伙只是玩闹，没有恶意，类似于有一次某个捣蛋的孩子把老鼠头放在伊尼德夫人的编织篮里，就是为了看她吓得到处乱跑。”
"You're right what you say there, Axl. More playful than evil. I suppose you're right. Even so, husband…" She fell silent while she negotiated her way between two ancient trunks pressing against each other. Then she said: "Even so, when we go back, I want a candle for our nights. I don't want that sprite or any other bringing us something worse."
“你这话说得对，埃克索。只是玩闹，没有恶意。我想你是对的。不过呢，丈夫…”她住了口，慢慢从两棵紧贴在一起的老树干中间走过去。然后她说道：“不过呢，等我们回家，我晚上要点蜡烛。我不想让那个小精灵或者别的东西给我们带来更大的麻烦。”
"We'll see to it, don't worry, princess. We'll talk to the pastor as soon as we return. But the monks at the monastery will give you wise advice about your pain, and there'll be no lasting mischief done."
“我们会想办法的，不要担心，公主。我们一回去，就和牧师谈谈。但修道院的僧侣会给你明智的建议，治好你身上的痛，这点小麻烦也就没有啦。”
It was hard to say if Wistan had been right about his path cutting off a corner, but in any case, shortly after midday, they emerged out of the woods back onto the main road. Here it was wheel-rutted and boggy in parts, but now they could walk more freely, and in time the path grew drier and more level. With a pleasant sun falling through the overhanging branches, they travelled in good spirits.
维斯坦说，他走的路要少绕一个大弯。很难判断他说得对不对，无论怎样，中午刚过，他们就走出了树林，回到了主路上。路上有车轮轧出的沟痕，有的地方有水坑，但他们可以走得更自在了，过了一会儿，路面就更干、更平了。温暖的阳光从低垂的树枝间洒下来，他们心情很好。
"I know it, Axl. It's not a thing to worry me greatly."
“这我知道，埃克索。这件事我也不是很担心。”
As the clearing came more into view, they saw it was of a fair size: perhaps once, in more prosperous times, someone had hoped to build a house here with a surrounding orchard. The path leading off from the main road, though overgrown, had been dug with care, ending in a large circular area, open to the sky except for one huge spreading oak at its centre. From where they now stood, they could see a figure seated in the shadows of the tree, his back against the trunk. He was for the moment in profile to them, and appeared to be in armour: two metal legs stuck out stiffly onto the grass in a childlike way. The face itself was obscured by foliage sprouting from the bark, though they could see he wore no helmet. A saddled horse was grazing contentedly nearby.
等到走近了，他们发现空地很大：也许以前更加繁华的日子里，有人曾打算在这儿建房子，周围再开辟一片果园。从主路通到这儿的小径，虽然杂草丛生，却挖得很用心，小径的尽头处是个巨大的圆形区域，头顶上方没有遮蔽，除了中央一棵茂盛的大橡树。从他们站立的地方，能看到一个人坐在树荫下，背靠着树干。这时他们看到的是他的侧影，似乎穿着盔甲：两条覆盖着铁甲的腿僵硬地在草地上伸着，像孩子一样。那张脸被橡树叶挡住了，看不清楚，不过他们能看到他没戴头盔。一匹上了鞍的马在一旁满足地吃草。
Then Wistan brought them to a halt again and indicated the ground before them. "There's a solitary rider not far before us," he said. And they did not go much further before they saw ahead of them a clearing to the side of their road, and fresh tracks turning into it. Exchanging glances, they stepped forwards cautiously.
然后维斯坦又让大家停下来，指着他们面前的地面。“我们前面不远，有一名孤身一人的骑手，”他说。他们没走多久，便看到前面路旁有一块空地，有新鲜的脚印通过。他们交换个眼色，小心翼翼地向前走。
"Answer him, Master Axl," Wistan whispered. "Let's discover what he's about."
“回答他，埃克索，”维斯坦低声说道。“我们看看他是干什么的。”
"We're simple wayfarers, sir," Axl called back. "We wish only to go by in peace."
“我们就是普通的路人，先生，”埃克索喊道。“我们只希望平安路过。”
"A limping one, sir. Otherwise we are four. My wife and I being elderly Britons, and with us a beardless boy and a half-wit mute lately given us by their Saxon kin."
“一匹跛脚的马，先生。人有四个。我和我妻子是不列颠老人，带着一个还没长胡子的男孩，还有一个有点傻的哑巴，是他们的撒克逊亲戚最近给我们的。”
"Declare who you are!" the man called out from under the tree. "All bandits and thieves I'll rise to meet sword in hand!"
“来人通报身份！”那人从树下喊道。“若是强盗和小偷，我将站起身来持剑相迎。”
"Shall we go to him, Axl?" Beatrice asked.
“我们该到他那儿去吗，埃克索？”比特丽丝问。
"I say we do," Wistan said, before Axl could respond. "He's no danger to us and sounds a man of decent years. All the same, let's perform our drama as before. I'll once more affect a slack jaw and foolish eyes."
“我看去吧，”埃克索还没回答，维斯坦便说道。“他对我们没危险，听起来像年纪不小了。同样，我们还是像之前那样表演。我再假装下巴耷拉着，眼睛傻兮兮的。”
"Then come over to me, friends! I have bread here to share, and you must long for rest, as I do for your company."
“那就到我这儿来吧，朋友们。我有面包可以分享，你们一定渴望休息，我也渴望有你们做个伴。”
"But this man is armoured and armed, sir," Beatrice said. "Are you certain your own weapon is ready enough, packed on a horse amidst blankets and honey pots?"
“但这个人有盔甲、有武器，先生，”比特丽丝说。“你的武器放在马背上，与毯子和蜜罐放在一起，你确定这算是准备好了吗？”
"How many are you? And is that a horse I hear?"
“你们有几个人？那是马的声音吗？”
"It's well my sword's hidden from suspicious eyes, mistress. And I'll find it soon enough when I need it. Young Edwin will hold the rein and see the mare doesn't stray too far from me."
“我的剑藏起来，不引人注意比较好，夫人。需要的时候，我会很快找到的。让年轻人埃德温拉着缰绳，不要让马离我太远。”
They turned into the clearing, and as they approached the oak, Axl saw that indeed, the knight was no threatening figure. He appeared to be very tall, but beneath his armour Axl supposed him thin, if wiry. His armour was frayed and rusted, though no doubt he had done all he could to preserve it. His tunic, once white, showed repeated mending. The face protruding from the armour was kindly and creased; above it, several long strands of snowy hair fluttered from an otherwise bald head. He might have been a sorry sight, fixed to the ground, legs splayed before him, except that the sun falling through the branches above was now dappling him in patterns of light and shade that made him look almost like one enthroned.
他们转弯进入空地，大家走近橡树时，埃克索看到，这位骑士的确不是令人畏惧的人物。他看起来非常高，但埃克索觉得那盔甲下的身体肯定十分瘦削，虽说还挺结实。他的盔甲磨损上锈了，尽管他肯定花了最大的气力予以保护。他的短袍本来是白色的，现在打满了一层层的补丁。盔甲上伸出来的那张脸和善慈祥，长满了皱纹；脑袋上光秃秃的，只有几缕长长的白头发轻轻飘着。他坐在地上不动，双腿叉开，或许会让人觉得可怜，不过这时候阳光从头顶的树枝间洒落下来，在他身上画出光亮和阴影交替的图案，让他看上去如登王座、气象威严。
"Come forth, friends!" the stranger shouted, not adjusting his rigid posture. "No harm will come to you! I'm a knight and a Briton too. Armed, it's true, but come closer and you'll see I'm just a whiskery old fool. This sword and armour I carry only out of duty to my king, the great and beloved Arthur, now many years in heaven, and it's almost as long surely since I drew in anger. My old battlehorse, Horace, you see him there. He's had to suffer the burden of all this metal. Look at him, his legs bowed, back sunk. Oh, I know how much he suffers each time I mount. But he has a great heart, my Horace, and I know he'd have it no other way. We'll travel like this, in full armour, in the name of our great king, and will do so till neither of us can take another step. Come friends, don't fear me!"
“过来吧，朋友们！”陌生人喊道，并没有调整那僵硬的姿势。“你们不会有什么麻烦！我是位骑士，也是不列颠人。带着武器，没错，但是你们走近点，就能看到我只是个上了年纪的老傻子。我带着剑、穿着盔甲，只是出于对我的国王的义务，就是受人爱戴的伟大的亚瑟王，现在已经上天堂很多年了，我几乎也有这么长时间没有愤怒地拔剑啦。那是我的老战马霍拉斯，你们看就在那儿。他一直要承受这金属盔甲的负担。看看他，腿也弯了，背也塌了。唉，我知道，每次我骑上去，他有多受罪。但是他心肠可好呢，我的霍拉斯，我知道他宁愿这样。我们就这样旅行，全副盔甲，以我们伟大国王的名义，一直就这样，直到我们俩都挪不动脚为止。来吧，朋友们，不要害怕我！”
Axl held Beatrice's arm as she lowered herself down onto the gnarled roots of the oak, then he sat down himself between his wife and the old knight. He felt immediately grateful for the mossy bark behind him, the songbirds jostling above, and when the bread was passed, it was soft and fresh. Beatrice leant her head against his shoulder, and her chest rose and fell for a while before she too began to eat with relish.
埃克索扶着比特丽丝的胳膊，让她坐到橡树盘结的树根上，然后他自己在妻子和老骑士中间坐下来。后背一靠上那生苔藓的树皮，他顿时感到舒服多了，会唱歌的鸟儿在树上窸窸窣窣，面包传过来，又软又新鲜。比特丽丝的头靠在他肩膀上，她胸口起伏了一阵子，然后也开始大口吃起来。
"Poor Horace missed his breakfast this morning, for we were on rocky ground when we awoke. Then I was so keen to press on all morning, and I admit it, in an ill temper. I wouldn't let him stop. His steps grew slower, but I know his tricks well enough by now, and would have none of it. I know you're not weary! I told him, and gave him a little spur. These tricks he plays on me, friends, I won't stand for them! But slower and slower he goes, and soft-hearted fool I am, even knowing full well he's laughing to himself, I relent and say, very well, Horace, stop and feed yourself. So here you find me, taken for a fool again. Come, join me, friends." He reached forward, his armour complaining, and removed a loaf from a sack in the grass before him. "This is fresh baked, given to me passing a mill not an hour ago. Come, friends, sit beside me and share it."
“可怜的霍拉斯今天没吃早饭，因为我们是在石头地上醒来的。然后我又一直急着赶路，我承认，我脾气不太好。我不肯让他停下来。他的脚步越来越慢，但他的把戏，我早已经熟悉了，绝不会让他得逞。我知道你不累！我跟他说，然后轻轻踢了他一下。他跟我玩的这些把戏，朋友们，我可不能容忍。但他走得越来越慢，我呢，是个心肠软的傻子，虽然知道他心里其实在笑呢，还是舍不得他，我说，好吧，霍拉斯，别走了，你去吃草吧。所以你们看，我就在这儿啦，又当了一回傻瓜。到我这儿来吧，朋友们。”他伸出手，盔甲吱吱作响，从身前草地上的一个包袱里拿出一块面包。“这是刚烤出来的，经过一家磨坊的时候，人家给我的，还不到一个小时呢。来吧，朋友们，到我旁边坐坐，我们一起吃。”
"You must forgive my not greeting you sooner, sir," she said. "But it's not often we see a knight and I was awe-struck by the thought. I hope you weren't offended."
“先生，我没有及时与你打招呼，请你务必原谅，”她说。“我们可不是经常能看见骑士的，想到能与骑士见面，我有些惶恐。希望你没有不高兴。”
But Wistan had not sat down. After giggling, and otherwise amply displaying his idiocy to the old knight, he had wandered away to where Edwin was standing in the tall grass, holding his mare. Then Beatrice, finishing her bread, sat forward to address the stranger.
但维斯坦没有坐下来。他咯咯笑着，用各种方法向老骑士充分展示了自己的愚蠢，然后晃到了长满长草的地方，和牵着马的埃德温站在一起。比特丽丝吃完了面包，身体向前倾着，开始与陌生人说话。
"Our son's village is another day away now we're come by the mountain road, wishing to visit a wise monk at the monastery in these hills."
“我们儿子的村子还要走一天，我们希望拜见这山中修道院里一位睿智的僧侣，所以走的是山路。”
"Not offended at all, mistress, and glad of your company. Is your journey still a long one?"
“一点儿也没有，夫人，有你们陪着我非常高兴。你们还有很远的路要走吗？”
The knight had said this glancing towards Wistan, only to find the latter walking towards him, the foolish look vanished from his features.
骑士说这话时，朝维斯坦看了一眼，却发现维斯坦正朝他走来，脸上那愚蠢的模样消失了。
"Ah, the holy fathers. I'm sure they'll receive you kindly. They were a great help to Horace last spring when he had a poisoned hoof and I feared he wouldn't be spared. And I myself, recovering some years ago from a fall, found much comfort in their balms. But if you seek a cure for your mute, I fear it's only God himself can bring speech to his lips."
“啊，那些神圣的神父们。我肯定他们会好好招待你们。去年春天他们帮了霍拉斯一个大忙，他一只蹄子化了脓，我还担心他活不了了呢。我自己呢，几年前摔过一跤，休息期间也得到了他们的关照。但是，如果你们是要请人治疗这个哑巴的话，我恐怕只有上帝自己才能让他开口说话。”
"Allow me then to surprise you, sir," he said. "Speech is restored to me."
“先生，那就请允许我给你个意外吧，”他说。“我可以说话啦。”
"Don't blame my friends, sir knight," Wistan said. "They were only doing as I begged them. But now there's no cause to fear you, I would cast off my disguise. Please forgive me."
“骑士阁下，请不要责怪我的朋友们，”维斯坦说。“是我请求他们这么做的。但现在既然不用害怕你了，我就不要这伪装了。请你原谅。”
"Far from home, sir, and these roads should be strange to me. Yet at each turn it's as if another distant memory stirs."
“离家很远，先生，这些道路对我来说应该很陌生，可每个路口，我都觉得好像遥远的记忆复活了。”
The old knight started, then, armour creaking, twisted round to glare enquiringly at Axl.
老骑士吃了一惊，然后扭过身去，身上的盔甲吱吱作响，两眼瞪着埃克索，似乎在质问。
"I don't mind, sir," the old knight said, "for it's as well in this world to be cautious. But tell me now what sort you are that I in turn have no cause to fear you."
“我倒不在意，先生，”老骑士说，“在这个世界上还是小心一点好。但你告诉我，你是什么人，让我也不用害怕你。”
"It must be so, and I heard I was born not in the fens but in a country further west of here. All the more fortunate then to chance upon you, sir, supposing you might be Sir Gawain, from those same western lands, well known to ride in these parts."
“肯定是这样，我听人说过，我不是在沼泽地生的，而是在从这儿往西的某个地方。那能够遇到你就更是幸运了，先生，我想你是高文骑士吧，也是从西边那儿来的，都知道你经常在这块地方。”
"Ah. Far from home indeed."
“啊。那离家真很远啦。”
"The name is Wistan, sir, from the fenlands in the east, travelling these parts on my king's errand."
“我名叫维斯坦，先生，从东方的沼泽地来的，受我的国王差遣，到这个地方来。”
"It must be then, sir, you came this way before."
“先生，那肯定是因为你以前来过。”
"Ask freely."
“随便问吧。”
"If my hours were my own, I'd ride west this very day and breathe the air of that country. But I'm obliged to complete my errand and hurry back with news of it. Yet it's an honour indeed to meet a knight of the great Arthur, and a nephew at that. Saxon though I am, his name is one I hold in esteem."
“如果我的时间自由，那我宁愿今天就往西走，呼吸那个地方的空气。但我要完成任务，快点赶回去报告。不过，能够遇到伟大的亚瑟王的骑士，真的非常荣幸，何况还是他的外甥呢。我虽然是个撒克逊人，却非常敬重他的大名。”
"I'm Gawain, right enough, nephew of the great Arthur who once ruled these lands with such wisdom and justice. I was settled many years in the west, but these days Horace and I travel where we may."
“没错，我就是高文，那位曾以巨大智慧与公正统治这片土地的国王——伟大的亚瑟王——是我的舅舅，我在西方待了很多年，不过这些日子里，我和霍拉斯是走到哪儿算哪儿。”
"This gentleman now sits beside you, he's the good Master Axl, a farmer from a Christian village two days away. A man of familiar years to yourself. Sir Gawain, I ask you now, turn and look carefully at him. Is his face one you've seen before, though a long time ago?"
“现在坐在你身边的这位先生，是好心的埃克索阁下，他是位农夫，来自一个信奉基督教的村庄，离这儿两天的路程。年纪和你差不多。高文爵士，现在我请问你，你转过头来仔细看看他。你以前见过他的脸吗，哪怕是很久以前？”
"Sir Gawain, with my speech so miraculously restored, I would ask a small question of you."
“高文爵士，我既然神奇地恢复了说话的能力，那我就想问你一个小问题。”
"I take pleasure in hearing you say so, sir."
“很高兴听你这么说，先生。”
"Good heavens, Master Wistan!" Beatrice, who Axl thought had fallen asleep, was leaning forward again. "What is this you ask?"
“我的天哪，维斯坦阁下！”埃克索以为比特丽丝已经睡着了，可这时她却再次坐直了身子。“你为什么要这么问？”
Wistan, who had been standing over where they were sitting three abreast beneath the great oak, now crouched down onto his heels. Perhaps he had done so to appear less challenging, but to Axl it was almost as if the warrior was wishing to scrutinise their faces more closely.
维斯坦之前站在那儿，低头面对着三个并肩坐在橡树下的人，这时他蹲下来，屁股坐在脚后跟上。他这样做，或许是要显得谦和一些，但在埃克索看来，这位武士几乎就是要更加仔细地查看他的容貌。
"Master Wistan," Axl said, "I've seen you look strangely at me from time to time since our first meeting, and waited for some account of it. What is it you believe me to be?"
“维斯坦阁下，”埃克索说，“我们第一次见面之后，我看你就不时奇怪地看着我，我也想知道原因。你究竟认为我是谁呢？”
"I mean no harm, mistress. Sir Gawain being from the west country, I fancy he might have glimpsed your husband in days past. What harm's in it?"
“我没有恶意，夫人。高文爵士是从西边来的，我猜他以前也许见过你丈夫。这能有什么坏处呢？”
Sir Gawain gave a chuckle, and moved his torso forward. He seemed eager for amusement, as though indeed he had just been invited to participate in a game. But as he gazed into Axl's face, his expression changed to one of surprise -- even of shock. Instinctively, Axl turned away, just as the old knight appeared almost to push himself backwards into the tree trunk.
高文爵士低声一笑，身体向前倾。他一副急着找乐子的模样，好像有人请他玩游戏一样。但是，他一凝视埃克索的脸，立即就露出了惊讶的表情——甚至是震惊。埃克索本能地转过脸去，与此同时，老骑士的身体又使劲靠回到树干上。
"Let's for now have Sir Gawain do as I ask," Wistan said, "and it's only a small turn of his head needed. See it as a childish game if you will. I beg you, sir, look at this man beside you and say if you've ever seen him in days past."
“我们暂且请高文爵士照我的请求做吧，”维斯坦说，“只需要他稍稍转一下头。如果你愿意，可以看成是个孩子气的游戏。我请求你，先生，看看你身边这个人，告诉我们以前有没有见过他。”
"I don't believe this gentleman and I met till today," said Sir Gawain.
“我想我和这位先生之前没有见过，”高文爵士说。
"Forgive me, mistress. This country awakens so many memories, though each seems like some restless sparrow I know will flee any moment into the breeze. Your husband's face has all day promised me an important remembrance, and if truth be told, that was a reason for my proposing to travel with you, though I sincerely wish to see you both safely through these wild roads."
“请原谅，夫人。这块地方唤醒了很多记忆，都像焦躁不安的麻雀，我知道它们随时可能飞到风里去。我这一天都觉得，你丈夫的脸会唤醒某个重要的记忆。我真诚地希望你们两人安全经过这荒山野路，但是说实话吧，我提出与你们同行，也是有原因的。”
"Well, sir?" Wistan asked, watching with interest.
“怎么样，先生？”维斯坦饶有兴趣地看着，问道。
"Are you sure? The years can be a rich disguise."
“你确定吗？时间能改变相貌啊。”
"But why would you know my husband from the west when he's always lived in country nearby?"
“可是，我丈夫一直住在这附近，你怎么可能在西方见过他呢？”
"That's what it must be, friends!" said Sir Gawain. "Horace and I often mistake a face for one from the past. See there, Horace, I say. That's our old friend Tudur before us on the road, and we thought he fell at Mount Badon. Then we ride closer and Horace will give a snort, as if to say, what a fool you are, Gawain, this fellow's young enough to be his grandson, and with not even a passing likeness!"
“肯定是这样，朋友们！”高文爵士说。“我和霍拉斯常常认错脸，以为是过去某个人。霍拉斯，你看那位，我这样说。路上，在我们前面，那就是我们的老朋友蒂迪尔，我们还以为他在巴顿山之战中死了呢。等走近一看，霍拉斯会哼一声，好像是说，高文呐，你真是个老糊涂，这个人年纪很小，都够当他孙子啦，而且长得一点儿也不像！”
"Master Wistan," Beatrice interrupted, "what is it you search for in my husband's face? Why ask such a thing of this kind knight, until this moment a stranger to us all?"
“维斯坦阁下，”比特丽丝插了句话，“你在我丈夫脸上要找什么呢？为什么要这位好心的骑士做这件事，大家都不过刚刚才认识他？”
"Never mind it, princess. Master Wistan has confused me for someone he once knew."
“不要管它了，公主。维斯坦阁下把我当成他以前认识的什么人了。”
Indeed, Gawain had slumped forward. He now straightened and breathed a sigh. "Well enough, thank you for asking. Yet Horace and I have gone many nights without a soft bed or decent shelter, and we're both weary. That's all there is to it." He raised his hand and caressed a spot on his forehead, though his real purpose, it occurred to Axl, might have been to obscure his view of the face beside him.
没错，这时候高文的身体已经向前耷拉下去。听了这话，他直起身，叹了口气。“还好，谢谢你关心。不过，我和霍拉斯很多个晚上没有柔软的床，没有遮风挡雨的地方，我们两个都累啦。没别的事情。”他抬起一只手，抚摸着额头上一处地方，不过在埃克索看来，他真正的目的也许是要挡住视线，不想看到身旁那张脸。
But Wistan, rocking gently on his heels, was gazing steadily at Axl. "I believe it must be one I loved, mistress. For when we met this morning, my heart leapt for joy. And yet before long…" He went on looking at Axl silently, his eyes almost dreamlike. Then his face darkened, and rising to his feet again, the warrior turned away. "I can't answer you, Mistress Beatrice, for I know not myself. I supposed by travelling beside you the memories would awaken, but they've not yet done so. Sir Gawain, are you well?"
但是，维斯坦屁股坐在脚后跟上，身体轻轻晃动，眼睛却一直盯着埃克索。“夫人，我相信那是我爱的人。因为今天早晨我们见面的时候，我的心高兴得都要跳出来了。然而，不久前…”他默默地看着埃克索，那眼神似乎在做梦一般。接着，这位武士突然脸一沉，站起来，转过身去。“我无法回答你，比特丽丝夫人，因为我也不了解我自己。本来我以为，与你们同行，一些记忆就会苏醒，但现在还没有。高文爵士，你身体还好吧？”
"Master Wistan," Beatrice said, "tell me this much. Does my husband remind you of one you loved as a child? Or is it one you dreaded?"
“维斯坦阁下，”比特丽丝说，“请告诉我。我丈夫让你想到的那个人，你小的时候爱他吗？还是害怕他？”
"Best leave it now, princess."
“现在，最好还是别说了，公主。”
"You may be right, Master Wistan," Axl said. "Yet I saw on the bridge Lord Brennus's guards seemed not to be passing their time idly, but stationed there for a purpose, and if not for the mist clouding their minds, they might have tested you more closely. Can it be, sir, you're some enemy to Lord Brennus?"
“也许你说得对，维斯坦阁下，”埃克索说，“但是，刚才我在桥上看到，布雷纳斯爵爷的士兵似乎不是在随意打发时间，而是有任务，驻守在桥上，要不是迷雾笼罩在他们心头，他们也许会更仔细地盘查你。先生，你有没有可能在与布雷纳斯爵爷为敌？”
"You speak fairly, sir. This country, as you say, is well settled and at peace. Yet here I am a Saxon crossing lands ruled by Britons, and in these parts by the Lord Brennus, whose guards roam boldly to gather their taxes of corn and livestock. I wish no quarrel of the sort may come from a misunderstanding. Hence my disguise, sir, and we'll all of us move more safely for it."
“你的话有道理，先生。正如你所说，这块土地安定和平。但我是个撒克逊人，要穿过不列颠人统治的领域，而且这附近的统治者是布雷纳斯爵爷，他的士兵四处巡查，征收谷物和牲口。我不希望因为误解而引起争吵。所以，我就需要伪装，先生，这样我们大家都更加安全。”
"Master Wistan," Axl said, "since we're now speaking frankly, perhaps I may in turn ask something of you. You say you're in this country on your king's errand. But why so anxious to adopt your disguise travelling through a country long settled in peace? If my wife and that poor boy are to travel beside you, we'd wish to know the full nature of our companion, and who his friends and enemies might be."
“维斯坦阁下，”埃克索说，“既然我们现在坦诚地交谈，那么，也许我可以来问问一些事情。你说，你到这方土地，是受你的国王所差。既然如此，在一个和平已久的地方旅行，为什么如此急迫地伪装自己呢？如果我妻子和那个可怜的男孩要与你同行，我们就希望知道同伴的真实身份，知道他可能有什么样的朋友和敌人。”
"Very well, sir," he said, "I'll speak fully. I don't mind doing so before you and this fine knight. We've heard rumours in the east of our fellow Saxons across this land ill used by Britons. My king, worrying for his kin, sent me on this mission to observe the real state of affairs. That's all I am, sir, and was going about my errand peaceably when my horse hurt her foot."
“那好吧，先生，”他说，“我就都说出来。在你和这位好骑士面前，也没有关系。我们东方的人听到传言，说这块土地上，我们的撒克逊同胞正遭受不列颠人的欺凌。我的国王为他的族人担心，就派我前来查探真实的情况。我来就是为了这件事，先生，马脚受伤的时候，我正在和平地履行我的职责。”
For a moment Wistan appeared lost in thought, following with his eyes one of the gnarled roots stretching from the oak's trunk and past where he stood, before burrowing itself into the earth. Eventually he came nearer again, and this time sat down on the stubbled grass.
有一刻，维斯坦似乎陷入了沉思，眼睛看着一根盘结的树根，那树根从橡树的树干伸出，经过他站立的地方，然后慢慢钻入地下。最后，他又回过神来，这次在草茬子上坐下。
"I understand well your position, sir," said Gawain. "Horace and I often find ourselves on Saxon-governed land and feel the same need for caution. Then I wish to be rid of this armour and taken for a humble farmer. But if we left this metal somewhere, how would we ever find it again? And even though it's years since Arthur fell, isn't it our duty still to wear his crest with pride for all to see? So we go on boldly and when men see I'm a knight of Arthur, I'm happy to report they look on us gently."
“先生，我很理解你所处的位置，”高文说。“我和霍拉斯常去撒克逊人掌管的地方，也感到有必要小心行事。这种时候我倒宁愿丢掉盔甲，让人以为是个普通的农夫。可是，我们要是把这盔甲丢在什么地方，以后怎么还能找到呢？而且，虽然亚瑟已经离世多年，我们难道没有责任骄傲地佩戴他的徽记，让所有人都看到吗？于是我们就大胆往前走，我很高兴地告诉你们，大家看到我是亚瑟王的骑士，对我们都很友好。”
"Horace and I find our king's name well received everywhere, sir, even in those countries you mention. For Arthur was one so generous to those he defeated they soon grew to love him as their own."
“先生，我和霍拉斯发现我们国王的名字到处都受到欢迎，也包括你提到的那些地方。因为亚瑟对被他打败的人宽容大度，他们很快就爱上了他，把他当作自己人。”
For some time -- in fact, ever since Arthur's name had first been mentioned -- a nagging, uneasy feeling had been troubling Axl. Now at last, as he listened to Wistan and the old knight talk, a fragment of memory came to him. It was not much, but it nevertheless brought him relief to have something to hold and examine. He remembered standing inside a tent, a large one of the sort an army will erect near a battlefield. It was night, and there was a heavy candle flickering, and the wind outside making the tent's walls suck and billow. There were others in the tent with him. Several others, perhaps, but he could not remember their faces. He, Axl, was angry about something, but he had understood the importance of hiding his anger at least for the time being.
一种焦虑与不安已经在埃克索心中萦绕了有一会儿了——至少从大家提到亚瑟的名字后，他就一直有这种感觉。这时候他听着维斯坦和老骑士的谈话，终于回想起了一些片段。能记起来的不多，不过有点儿东西能够抓住、能够思考，这让他感到欣慰。他想起自己站在一顶帐篷里面，那是一顶大帐篷，军队在战场附近搭建的那种。那是晚上，点着一根大蜡烛，烛光摇曳，外面的风鼓动着帐篷四壁。帐篷里还有其他人。或许有好几个人，但他记不起他们的面孔。他，埃克索，心里正在为什么事情生气，但他明白，隐藏自己的怒火很重要，至少不能马上发作。
"It's no surprise you're welcomed in these parts, Sir Gawain," Wistan said. "But can it really be the same in those countries where Arthur was once such a dreaded enemy?"
“高文爵士，你在这附近受到欢迎，这毫不奇怪，”维斯坦说。“但是，那些地方的人们曾把亚瑟当作可怕的敌人，情况真的也是一样的吗？”
"Master Wistan," Beatrice was saying beside him, "let me tell you in our own village there are several Saxon families among the most respected. And you saw yourself the Saxon village from which we came today. Those people prosper, and though they sometimes suffer at the hands of fiends such as those you so bravely put down, it's not by any Briton."
“维斯坦阁下，”比特丽丝在他身旁说道，“我来跟你说，在我们自己的村子里，有几户撒克逊人家很受尊重。你自己也看到了我们今天离开的那个撒克逊村庄。那些人过得兴旺，虽然有时候要在妖魔手里遭点儿罪，比如你勇敢杀死的那些，但那可不是不列颠人干的。”
"The good mistress speaks truly," Sir Gawain said. "Our beloved Arthur brought lasting peace here between Briton and Saxon, and though we still hear of wars in distant places, here we've long been friends and kin."
“这位好心的女士说的是真话，”高文爵士说。“我们爱着的亚瑟在这儿给不列颠人和撒克逊人带来了持久的和平，虽然我们仍能听到遥远的地方发生战争的消息，但我们这儿，大家长期以来都是朋友和亲人。”
"The question does you credit, sir. My reply is that my uncle was a ruler never thought himself greater than God, and always prayed for guidance. So it was that the conquered, no less than those who fought at his side, saw his fairness and wished him as their king."
“这个问题值得你问，先生。我的回答是，我的舅舅作为统治者，从不认为自己比上帝更伟大，总是祈求指引。所以，被他征服的人，和与他并肩战斗的人一样，看到了他的公正，希望他当他们的国王。”
"All I've seen agree with your words," Wistan said, "and I'm eager to carry back a happy report, though I've yet to see the lands beyond these hills. Sir Gawain, I don't know if ever again I'll be free to ask this of one so wise, so let me do so now. By what strange skill did your great king heal the scars of war in these lands that a traveller can see barely a mark or shadow left of them today?"
“我所见到的一切，与你的话一致，”维斯坦说，“我也急着带一份令人高兴的报告回去，虽然我还要看看山那边的地方。高文爵士，我不知道以后还有没有机会向如此智慧的人提问，那么请允许我现在就问吧。你们伟大的国王用了什么神奇的本领，治愈了这片土地上的战争创伤，以至于今天在这儿旅行的人，几乎看不到任何伤疤或阴影？”
"You touch the heart of it just there, Master Wistan. Slaughter children, you say. And yet Arthur charged us at all times to spare the innocents caught in the clatter of war. More, sir, he commanded us to rescue and give sanctuary when we could to all women, children and elderly, be they Briton or Saxon. On such actions were bonds of trust built, even as battles raged."
“维斯坦阁下，你刚才的话触及了这件事情的核心。你说屠杀孩子。但亚瑟总是告诫我们放过卷入战乱的无辜者。还有，先生，他还命令我们尽最大努力去拯救和保护所有女人、孩子和老人，无论是不列颠人还是撒克逊人。虽然战事激烈，这些行动却打下了相互信任的基础。”
"What you say rings true, and yet it still seems to me a curious wonder," Wistan said. "Master Axl, do you not feel it a remarkable thing, how Arthur has united this country?"
“你的话听起来很有道理，但对我来说，这似乎仍是个难以索解的奇迹，”维斯坦说。“埃克索阁下，你不觉得亚瑟统一这个国家是件神奇的事情吗？”
"Even so, sir, isn't it a strange thing when a man calls another brother who only yesterday slaughtered his children? And yet this is the very thing Arthur appears to have accomplished."
“尽管如此，先生，一个人孩子昨天被人屠杀，今天却称对方为兄弟，这难道不是奇怪的事情吗？而这似乎正是亚瑟完成的伟绩。”
"Master Wistan, once again," Beatrice exclaimed, "who do you take my husband to be? He knows nothing, sir, of the wars!"
“维斯坦阁下，我再说一次，”比特丽丝喊道，“你把我丈夫当成什么人了？先生，他对战争一无所知！”
But suddenly no one was listening any more, for Edwin, who had drifted back to the road, was now shouting, and then came the beating of rapidly approaching hooves. Later when he thought back to it, it occurred to Axl that Wistan must indeed have become preoccupied with his curious speculations about the past, for the usually alert warrior had barely risen to his feet as the rider turned into the clearing, then slowing the horse with admirable control, came trotting towards the great oak.
可是，突然之间，她的话没人听了。埃德温刚才晃到了路上，这时叫喊起来，紧接着传来急促的马蹄声，由远而近。埃克索后来回想起来，觉得维斯坦当时是真的全神贯注，忙着对过去做一些奇怪的猜测，因为骑马的人进入空地时，这位警觉的武士几乎都没站起身来。只见那人以高超的技巧让马放慢速度，小跑着朝大橡树而来。
Axl recognised immediately the tall, grey-haired soldier who had spoken courteously to Beatrice at the bridge. The man still wore a faint smile, but was approaching them with his sword drawn, though pointed downwards, the hilt resting on the edge of the saddle. He came to a halt where just a few more of the animal's strides would have brought him to the tree. "Good day, Sir Gawain," he said, bowing his head a little.
埃克索立即认出了骑马的人，就是那位头发灰白的高个子士兵，在桥上曾礼貌地对比特丽丝说过话。他脸上仍带着淡淡的笑意，但走过来的时候剑已经拔出，不过剑尖朝下，剑柄贴在马鞍边上。就在马再跨几步就会撞到树上的时候，他勒住缰绳。“你好，高文爵士，”他说，同时微微点了点头。
"Forgive me, Sir Gawain. I wish only to question these companions of yours." He looked down at Wistan, who had again let his jaw drop slackly, and was giggling to himself. Without taking his eyes off the warrior, the soldier shouted: "Boy, move that horse no closer!" For indeed, behind him, Edwin had been approaching with Wistan's mare. "Hear me, lad! Let go the rein and come stand here before me beside your idiot brother. I'm waiting, lad."
“请原谅我，高文爵士。我只想问一问和你同行的这几个人。”他低头看着维斯坦，维斯坦下巴又耷拉下来，正一个人咯咯傻笑。那士兵眼睛没离开维斯坦，口里喊道：“小男孩，那匹马不要再靠近了！”没错，在他身后，埃德温正牵着维斯坦的马慢慢走过来。“听我的话，孩子！放开缰绳，过来到我面前站好，和你的傻哥哥一起。我在等着呢，孩子。”
The old knight gazed up contemptuously from where he sat. "What do you mean by this, sir, arriving here sword unsheathed?"
老骑士坐在那儿，鄙夷地看着他。“你这是什么意思，先生，到这儿来拔剑？”
Edwin appeared to comprehend the soldier's wishes, if not his actual words, for he left the mare and came to join Wistan. As he did so, the soldier adjusted slightly the position of his horse. Axl, noticing this, understood immediately that the soldier was maintaining a particular angle and distance between himself and his charges that would give him the greatest advantage in the event of sudden conflict. Before, with Wistan standing where he was, the head and neck of the soldier's own horse would momentarily have obstructed his first swing of the sword, giving Wistan vital time either to unsettle the horse, or run to its blind side, where the sword's reach was diminished in scope and power by having to be brought across the body. But now the small adjusting of the horse had made it practically suicidal for an unarmed man, as Wistan was, to storm the rider. The soldier's new position seemed also to have taken expert account of Wistan's mare, loose some distance behind the soldier's back. Wistan was now unable to run for his horse without describing a wide curve to avoid the sword side of the rider, making it a near-certainty he would be run through from behind before reaching his destination.
就算听不懂士兵的话，埃德温似乎也能够理解他的意思，他放开了马缰绳，走到维斯坦身边。这时候，士兵略微调整了一下马的位置。埃克索注意到了这一点，他立即明白，士兵是要在自己和对方之间保持特定的角度和距离，以便在突然发生冲突的情况下获得最大优势。之前，考虑到维斯坦站立的位置，士兵自己的马头和马脖子会临时阻挡他第一次挥剑，维斯坦就可能获得关键的那一点儿时间，要么去惊扰马，要么跑到马的另一侧，如果是后者，那么士兵的剑要越过马的身体，攻击力量和范围就会减小。现在马的位置略作调整，像维斯坦这样没有武器的人要突袭士兵，几乎等于自杀。士兵的新位置体现了高超技巧，看来同时还考虑到了维斯坦的马，那匹马没人看管，就在他身后不远。现在维斯坦如果要骑上自己的马，就必须绕个大弯子，避开士兵持剑的那一侧，那样他在跑过去之前，几乎肯定会被士兵的马从背后撞上。
Axl noted all this with a sense of admiration for the soldier's strategic skill, as well as dismay at its implications. There had been a time when Axl, too, had once nudged his horse forward, in another small but subtly vital manoeuvre, bringing himself in line with a fellow rider. What had he been doing that day? The two of them, he and the other rider, had been waiting on horseback, staring out across a vast grey moor. Until that moment his companion's horse had been in front, for Axl remembered its tail flicking and swaying before him, and wondering how much of this action was due to the animal's reflexes, and how much to the fierce wind sweeping across the empty land.
埃克索注意到了这一切，他钦佩士兵的战术技巧，也惊讶于其复杂含义。以前某个时候，埃克索也曾催马向前，以与另一位同行骑手并辔而行，这个动作幅度很小，但实际上非常重要。那天他在干什么呢？他们两个人，他自己和另外那位骑手，一直在马背上等待，眼睛望着辽阔的灰色原野。此前，同伴的马一直在前面，因为埃克索记得马尾巴在他眼前摇晃、抖动，当时他心里想，这是因为动物的本能呢，还是因为空阔的土地上刮着狂风？
It took both Axl and Beatrice, one on each arm, to bring the old knight to his feet, but when finally he straightened to his full height in his armour and pulled back his shoulders, he was an impressive sight. But Sir Gawain seemed content to stare moodily at the soldier, and eventually it was Axl who spoke.
埃克索和比特丽丝一起动手，各扶住一条胳膊，才让老骑士站起身来。不过，等他全副盔甲，站直了身子，挺起胸膛，可真是一副威风凛凛的模样。但高文爵士只是闷闷不乐地瞪着那位士兵，仅此而已，最后埃克索先开口说话。
Axl pushed these puzzling thoughts away as he struggled to his feet, then helped up his wife. Sir Gawain remained seated, apparently stuck to the foot of the oak, glowering at the newcomer. Then he said quietly to Axl: "Sir, help me rise."
埃克索抛开这些令人困惑的念头，慢慢起身，然后帮助妻子也站起来。高文爵士仍旧坐着，像是粘在了橡树脚下，愤怒地看着新来的人。随后他低声对埃克索说，“先生，扶我站起来。”
Edwin sulkily returned to Wistan's side and looked enquiringly at the warrior. The latter was still giggling quietly, a line of saliva spilling from one corner of his mouth. His eyes were roaming wildly, but Axl guessed the warrior was in fact taking careful measure of the distance to his own horse, and the proximity of his opponent, and in all probability coming to the same conclusions as Axl's.
埃德温闷闷不乐地回到维斯坦身边，眼睛望着武士，似乎是要问他的意见。武士仍旧傻笑着，但没发出声音，口水从一边嘴角挂下来。他眼珠乱转、东张西望，不过埃克索猜想，实际上武士是在仔细测算他和马之间有多远，还有对手的位置，他得出的结论很可能和埃克索一样。
"Sir Gawain," Axl whispered. "If there's to be trouble now, I beg you assist me to defend my good wife here."
“高文爵士，”埃克索低声说。“要是现在出事情，我请求你帮我保护我的好妻子。”
"I recall you well, uncle," the grey-haired soldier said. "Though when we last met a strange spell had fallen on us guarding the bridge that we forgot our very purpose being there. Only now, my post relieved and riding to our camp, it all suddenly returns to me. Then I thought of you, uncle, and your party slipping past, and turned my horse to hurry after you. Boy! Don't wander, I say! Remain beside your idiot brother!"
“大叔，我清楚地记得你，”灰白头发的士兵说。“尽管刚才见面的时候，我们这些守桥的人遇到了一种奇怪的魔咒，以至于我们都忘记了守桥的目的。现在，我站岗结束，打算骑马到营地，才突然想了起来。后来我想到了你，大叔，以及你们这些人如何溜了过去，就掉转马头，追了上来。孩子！不要晃来晃去，听到没！待在你傻哥哥身边！”
"Why do you come upon us like this, sir, and we but simple wayfarers? Do you not remember how you quizzed us not an hour before by the waterfall?"
“你为什么要这样对待我们呢，先生？我们不过是普通的路人。你刚在瀑布旁边盘问过我们，还不到一个小时，你就不记得了吗？”
"I'll tell you what slipped our mind when we last met, uncle. We'd just received word of a Saxon warrior left a nearby village bringing with him a wounded lad." The soldier nodded at Edwin. "A lad the age of that one there. Now, uncle, I don't know what you and the good woman here are to this matter. I seek only this Saxon and his lad. Speak frankly and no harm will visit you."
“大叔，我告诉你，上次见面的时候我们忘了什么事情。我们之前刚收到消息，一名撒克逊武士离开了附近一个村庄，还带了一名受伤的男孩。”士兵冲埃德温点点头。“和那边那个男孩年纪差不多。好啦，大叔，我不知道你和这位好心的女士与这件事有什么关系。我要找的只是这个撒克逊人和他带的男孩。老老实实说话，你就不会受到伤害。”
Axl nodded gratefully, but now the grey-haired soldier was dismounting. Again Axl found himself admiring the skilful way he did this, so that when finally he stood to face Wistan and the boy, he was once more at exactly the correct distance and angle to them; his sword, moreover, was carried so as not to exhaust his arm, while his horse shielded him from any unexpected assault from the rear.
埃克索点头表示感谢，这时灰白头发的士兵正从马上下来。埃克索又一次发现，自己非常钦佩他下马的技巧，等他站在维斯坦和男孩面前时，他和两人之间的距离和角度刚刚好；而且，他持剑的方法不会累着胳膊，他的马则能挡住身后的突袭。
"There's no warrior here, sir. And we've no quarrel with you, nor with Lord Brennus who I suppose to be your master."
“这儿没有什么武士，先生。我们和你没什么争执，和布雷纳斯爵爷也没有纠葛，我想你的主人是他吧。”
"I'll do so on my honour, sir. Rest assured of it."
“那将是我的荣耀，先生。放心吧。”
"Do you know what you speak of, uncle? Lend a mask to our enemies and you'll answer to us, whatever your years. Who are these you travel with, this mute and this lad?"
“大叔，你知道你这说的是什么话吗？帮我们的敌人遮掩，你就要对我们负责任，无论你年纪多大。和你同行的是什么人——这个哑巴和这个男孩？”
Axl saw that for the first time the soldier had made an error. He had come too close to his opponent, and although it would be a hideous risk, it was now conceivable for Wistan to move very suddenly and seize the arm holding the sword before it could strike. Wistan, however, went on giggling, then smiled foolishly at Edwin beside him. This latest action, however, seemed to arouse Sir Gawain's anger.
埃克索看得出来，士兵第一次犯了个错误。他离对手太近了，现在维斯坦有可能突然行动，在士兵的剑刺出之前，抓住他握剑的那条胳膊，尽管这样做仍然有很大危险。然而，维斯坦继续咯咯笑着，又冲身旁的埃德温傻笑。但是，这次士兵的行为，似乎引起了高文爵士的愤怒。
"As I said before, sir, they're given to us by debtors, in place of corn and tin. They'll work a year to pay their family's debt."
“我已经说过了，先生，他们是欠债的人给我们的，代替谷物和锡块。他们要干一年的活，帮他们家还债。”
The soldier gave this consideration -- Axl's voice had carried unexpected authority -- uncertainty entering his manner. "Sir Gawain," he asked. "What do you know of these people?"
士兵考虑着这句话——埃克索的声音有意想不到的权威——他的样子开始有些犹豫了。“高文爵士，”他问。“对于这些人，你了解多少？”
"They chanced on us as Horace and I rested here. I believe them to be simple creatures."
“我和霍拉斯在这儿休息，他们从这儿经过，和我们碰上了。我相信他们是老实人。”
The soldier once more scrutinised Wistan's features. "A mute fool, is it?" He took two steps forward and raised the sword so the point was aimed at Wistan's throat. "But he surely fears death like the rest of us."
士兵又一次仔细看着维斯坦的面孔。“一个不会说话的傻子，是吗？”他向前走了两步，举起剑，剑尖对着维斯坦的喉咙。“但他一定像我们一样害怕死亡吧。”
"Sure you're not mistaken, uncle?"
“你肯定没弄错吗，大叔？”
"I know not whom you seek, sir, but it wouldn't be these poor Saxons. And while you spend your time with us, your enemies move freely elsewhere."
“我不知道你们要找谁，先生，但肯定不会是这两个可怜的撒克逊人。你把时间花在我们身上，而你的敌人却在别的地方逍遥自在。”
"They may be strangers to me only an hour ago, sir," he boomed. "But I'll not see them treated with rudeness."
“先生，一个小时前我还不认识他们，”他喊道。“但我可不会眼睁睁看着他们受人欺负。”
"Do you dare speak to a knight of Arthur that way, sir?"
“先生，你好大的胆子，敢对亚瑟王的骑士这么说话？”
"Can it be possible," the soldier said, completely ignoring Sir Gawain, "this idiot here is a warrior disguised? With no weapon about him, it makes little difference. Mine's a blade sharp enough whichever he may be."
“这个傻子，”士兵继续说话，完全不理会高文爵士，“会不会是乔装改扮的武士？他手头没有武器，也就没什么区别。无论他是武士还是傻子，我的剑都够锋利。”
"This doesn't concern you, Sir Gawain. I would ask you to remain silent."
“高文爵士，这和你没有关系。我希望你能够保持沉默。”
"How dare he!" Sir Gawain muttered to himself.
“他好大的胆子！”高文爵士自言自语道。
The grey-haired soldier, perhaps suddenly realising his error, took two paces back till he was exactly where he had been before, and lowered the sword to waist height. "Boy," he said. "Step forward to me."
灰白头发的士兵也许突然意识到了自己的错误，往后退了两步，回到了之前站的地方，手里剑的位置也低下来，放到了腰部。“孩子，”他说，“往前走，到我这儿来。”
As Edwin came nearer the soldier reached out with his free hand. A tussle ensued as Edwin tried to fight him off, but the shirt was soon dragged up the boy's torso, and Axl saw, a little way below the ribs, a swollen patch of skin encircled by tiny dots of dried blood. On either side of him, Beatrice and Gawain were now leaning forward to see better, but the soldier himself, reluctant to take his gaze off Wistan, did not glance at the wound for some time. When finally he did so, he was obliged to make a swift turn of his head, and at that very moment, Edwin produced a piercing, high-pitched noise -- not a scream exactly, but something that reminded Axl of a forlorn fox. The soldier was for an instant distracted by it, and Edwin seized the chance to break from his grasp. Only then did Axl realise the noise was coming not from the boy, but from Wistan; and that in response, the warrior's mare, until then languidly munching the ground, had suddenly turned and was charging straight for them.
埃德温走到近前，士兵不拿剑的那只手伸了过来。埃德温想把他推开，两人扭打了一会儿，但随即男孩的上衣被拉起来，埃克索看到，他肋骨下方有一个肿块，周围一圈小点，那是干了的血迹。比特丽丝和高文一人一边，都探着身子去看个仔细，但士兵自己不愿意将目光从维斯坦身上移开。过了好长时间，他决定看看伤口，那就必须快速把脑袋转过来，就在这一刻，埃德温发出一声尖锐、刺耳的叫声——不能算是喊叫，那声音倒让埃克索想起一只绝望的狐狸。士兵愣了一下，埃德温抓住这个机会挣脱开来。这时候，埃克索才意识到，刚才的声音不是男孩发出的，而是维斯坦；武士的马之前在懒洋洋地啃草皮，听到这声音，突然转过头，朝他们冲过来。
"He needn't speak, uncle. Only raise his shirt and we'll know if he's the one left the village with the warrior. Boy, a step closer to me."
“大叔，他不需要说话。只要拉起衣服，我们就知道他是不是和武士一起离开村庄的那个男孩。孩子，再走近一步。”
"He speaks only the Saxon tongue, sir, and a shy boy too," Axl said.
“他只说撒克逊话，先生，又是个害羞的孩子，”埃克索说。
The soldier's own horse had made a panicked motion behind him, causing him further confusion, and by the time he had recovered, Wistan had gone clear of the sword's reach. The mare kept coming at daunting speed, and Wistan, feinting one way, then moving the other, produced another shrill call. The mare slowed to a canter, bringing herself between Wistan and his opponent, enabling the warrior, in an almost leisurely manner, to take up a position several strides from the oak. The mare turned again, moving smartly in pursuit of her master. Axl supposed Wistan's intention was to mount the animal as she came past, for the warrior was now waiting, both arms poised in the air. Axl even saw him reach towards the saddle just before the mare momentarily obscured him from view. But then the horse cantered on riderless towards the spot where so recently she had been enjoying the grass. Wistan had remained standing quite still, but now with a sword in his hand.
士兵自己的马在他身后一阵乱动，让他更加疑惑，等他回过神来，维斯坦已经跑到了攻击范围之外。维斯坦的那匹母马以惊人的速度奔过来，维斯坦做了个朝一边跑的假动作，实际上跑向了另一边，同时又发出了一声尖锐的呼叫。母马放慢脚步，身体挡在维斯坦和他的对手之间，让维斯坦几乎可以悠闲地在离橡树几步远的地方站好位置。母马又转过头，聪明地在后面跟上主人。埃克索以为，维斯坦打算在母马从面前经过的时候骑上去，因为他这时正张开双臂等着。在母马遮住视线之前的那个短暂瞬间，埃克索甚至看到了他的手伸向马鞍。但是，那匹马随后小步跑开，回到了刚才啃草皮的地方，马背上没有人。维斯坦一直静静地站在那儿，不过一只手里多了一把剑。
A small exclamation escaped Beatrice, and Axl, placing an arm around her, drew her closer. On his other side, Gawain made a grunting noise which seemed to signify his appreciation of Wistan's manoeuvre. The old knight had placed a foot up on one of the raised roots of the oak, and was watching with keen interest, a hand on his knee.
比特丽丝不自觉地低声叫喊出来，埃克索一条胳膊揽住她，把她搂在身边。他另一侧的高文爵士嗯了一声，似乎是对维斯坦的动作表示赞赏。老骑士一只脚踩着凸起的橡树根，一只手搭在膝盖上，兴致勃勃地观看着。
"I stand here to protect this good couple, sir. Otherwise, this dispute is not my concern, as you so lately reported. This warrior may be your foe, but he isn't yet mine."
“我站在这儿保护这对好心的夫妇，先生。除此之外，这场争议和我没有关系，你刚才也这么说过。这位武士也许是你的敌人，但目前还不是我的敌人。”
"Sir Gawain," the soldier said, a new note in his voice, "I hear you move at my back. Do you stand with me against this foe?"
“高文爵士，”士兵说话的语调不一样了，“我听见你在我背后走动。你是否和我站在一起，共同对付这个敌人？”
The grey-haired soldier's back was now turned to them: in this, of course, he had had little choice, for he had now to face Wistan. Axl was surprised to see that this soldier, so controlled and expert only a moment ago, had become quite disorientated. He was looking towards his horse -- which had trotted some way away in panic -- as though for reassurance, then raised his sword, the tip just above the level of his shoulder, gripping tightly with both hands. This posture, Axl knew, was premature, and would only exhaust the arm muscles. Wistan, in contrast, looked calm, almost nonchalant, just as he had done the previous night when they had first glimpsed him setting off out of the village. He came slowly towards the soldier, stopping a few steps before him, sword held low in just one hand.
现在，灰白头发的士兵背对着他们：当然，这也是没办法，因为他现在必须面对维斯坦。埃克索惊讶地看到，这位士兵刚才那么娴熟、那么镇定，现在已经有些不知所措了。他朝他的马望去——马受了惊，已经跑到远处了——似乎是想恢复信心，然后他举起剑，双手紧握着剑柄，剑尖略微高出肩膀。埃克索知道，这个姿势欠考虑，只会让胳膊上的肌肉疲乏。相比之下，维斯坦显得镇定，几乎有些漫不经心，就和头天晚上他们一开始看到他动身离开村庄时一样。他慢慢朝士兵走去，在他跟前几步远的地方停下来，一只手拿着剑，剑的位置很低。
"If fifty fierce Vikings fell to him, what difference can one old and weary knight make to the outcome now, sir?"
“先生，如果五十名凶悍的海寇都被他杀死了，多一个虚弱的老骑士，结果又会有什么不同呢？”
"What reason have I to take arms against a man simply for being a stranger? It's you, sir, came into this tranquil place with your rude manners."
“我有什么理由因为他是个陌生人就拿起武器对付他呢？先生，是你粗鲁地闯进了这个宁静的地方。”
"This fellow's a Saxon warrior, Sir Gawain, and here to do us mischief. Help me face him, for though I'm keen to do my duty, if this is the man we seek he's a fearful fellow by all accounts."
“这人是撒克逊武士，高文爵士，到我们这儿来捣乱。帮助我面对他吧。我当然渴望履行职责，但如果他就是我们要找的人，那无论从哪个方面讲，他都是个可怕的家伙。”
There was silence for a while. Then the soldier said to Wistan: "Do you stay mute, sir? Or will you reveal yourself now we face one another!"
一阵沉默。然后，士兵对维斯坦说：“你要一直不说话吗，先生？现在我们俩面对面，你也该露出真实面目了吧！”
"Sir Gawain," the soldier cried, "will you come to the aid of a fellow Briton, I ask you once again. If this is Wistan, it's said more than fifty Norsemen have fallen by his hand alone."
“高文爵士，”士兵喊道，“我再一次请求你，请你帮助你的不列颠同胞。如果这人是维斯坦的话，据说已经有五十多名海寇死在他一个人手里啦。”
"I'm Wistan, sir, a warrior from the east visiting this country. It seems your Lord Brennus would have me hurt, though for what reason I know not since I travel in peace on an errand for my king. And it's my belief you mean to harm that innocent boy, and seeing this I must now frustrate you."
“我名叫维斯坦，先生，是从东方来的武士。你的布雷纳斯爵爷好像要对我不利，究竟是为了什么，我并不知道，我只是和平地旅行，执行国王的任务。我相信你要伤害那个无辜的男孩，我既然看到了，现在就必须阻止你。”
"Name the mischief I bring," Wistan said, "travelling peacefully through your country, a single sword in my pack to defend against wild creatures and bandits. If you can name my crime, do so now, for I'd hear the charge before I strike you."
“我捣了什么乱，你说说看，”维斯坦说。“我和平地在你们国家旅行，包里只有一把剑，那是用来对付野兽和土匪的。如果你能说出我的罪行，现在就说吧，动手之前我愿意先听听你的指责。”
"No charge to name, then, yet you hurry here to slay me."
“这么说，你说不出我做了什么坏事，却急匆匆地追上来要杀我。”
"Sir Gawain, I beg you help me! Fierce as he is, the two of us with careful strategy might overcome him."
“高文爵士，我请求你帮助我！他虽然凶悍，我们两个人，加上谨慎的策略，也许可以打败他。”
"I beg you, do not jest, Sir Gawain. This is a wild fellow, and he'll strike at any moment. I see it in his eye. He's here to do us all mischief, I tell you."
“我请求你，高文爵士，不要开玩笑了。这是个无法无天的家伙，随时都会动手。从他眼睛里，我能看出来。告诉你，他可是到这儿来捣乱的。”
"Sir, let me remind you, I'm a knight of Arthur, no foot soldier of your Lord Brennus. I don't take up arms against strangers on rumour or for their foreign blood. And it seems to me you're unable to give good cause for taking against him."
“先生，我要提醒你，我是亚瑟王的骑士，不是你们布雷纳斯爵爷的走卒。我不会因为谣传或者对方是外国人，就对陌生人动武。在我看来，你拿不出对付他的充足理由。”
"You force me to speak then, sir, though these are confidences to which a man of my humble rank has no right, even if Lord Brennus himself let me hear them. This man is come to this country on a mission to slay the dragon Querig. This is what brings him here!"
“那你是逼我说了，先生。这个消息，是布雷纳斯爵爷自己允许我听的，虽然这样的机密，像我这样职位低的人没有权利知道。这个人到我们国家，是要杀死巨龙魁瑞格。他来这儿，就是这个目的！”
"I'm ignorant of the nature of your mischief, sir, but have faith enough in Lord Brennus's desire to be free of you."
“先生，我不知道你究竟捣了什么乱，但布雷纳斯爵爷要除掉你，我相信他。”
"I've no wish to lie to a knight of Arthur, so let me declare it. Further to my duty reported earlier, I've been charged by my king to slay the she-dragon roams this country. But what objection could there be to such a task? A fierce dragon bringing danger to all alike. Tell me, soldier, why is it such a mission makes me your enemy?"
“我不希望对亚瑟王的骑士撒谎，那就让我直截了当宣布吧。除了之前我说过的职责之外，我的国王还让我杀死那条在这个国家游荡的母龙。但是，这个任务有什么好反对的呢？那是条凶猛的龙，威胁到所有人。士兵，你告诉我，为什么因为这个任务，我就成了你的敌人呢？”
"Slay Querig?" Sir Gawain sounded genuinely dumbfounded. He strode forward from the tree and stared at Wistan as if seeing him for the first time. "Is this true, sir?"
“杀死魁瑞格？”高文爵士似乎真的给搞糊涂了。他从树下大步走过来，瞪着维斯坦，好像是第一次看到他一样。“这是真的吗，先生？”
"Sir Gawain, if you'll not come to my aid, I fear this is my final hour! I implore you, sir, remember the affection Lord Brennus has for Arthur and his memory and take arms against this Saxon!"
“高文爵士，如果你不来助我，恐怕这就是我的末日了！我恳求你啦，先生，想想布雷纳斯爵爷对亚瑟王的敬爱与怀念，拿起武器对付这个撒克逊人！”
"A dispute for some other time, Sir Gawain. Let me first attend to this soldier who would make an enemy of me and my friends when we would go by in peace."
“高文爵士，这件事我们回头再谈。让我先对付这位士兵，我和朋友们本来打算和平地经过这儿，他却要把我们当成敌人。”
"Slay Querig?! You really mean to slay Querig?!" Sir Gawain was now shouting. "But sir, this is a mission entrusted to me! Do you not know this? A mission entrusted to me by Arthur himself!"
“杀死魁瑞格？！你是真的要杀死魁瑞格？！”高文爵士叫了起来。“可是，先生，这可是我的任务！你难道不知道吗？这是亚瑟王亲自授予我的任务！”
"Lay down your sword, sir," Wistan said to the soldier, "and I may spare you yet. Otherwise end your life on this ground."
“先生，放下你的剑，”维斯坦对士兵说，“我还可以放过你。否则，你就要当场丧命了。”
The soldier hesitated, but then said: "I see now I was foolish to suppose myself strong enough to take you alone, sir. I may be punished yet for my vanity. But I won't now lay down my sword like a coward."
士兵犹豫了片刻，然后说道：“之前我以为自己很强大，一个人就能对付你，但现在我看得出来，先生，那是愚蠢的想法。我狂妄自大，可能会因此受惩罚。但是，我绝不会像个懦夫一样放下武器。”
"By what right," Sir Gawain cried, "does your king order you to come from another country and usurp the duties given to a knight of Arthur?"
“你的国王有什么权利，”高文爵士喊道，“命令你从另一个国家跑来，篡夺亚瑟王骑士的任务？”
"It is my duty to slay Querig, Master Wistan! Horace and I have laid careful plans to lure her out and we seek no assistance!"
“维斯坦阁下，杀死魁瑞格，是我的任务！我和霍拉斯已经制订了详尽的计划，要把她引出来，我们不要别人帮助！”
"Why be angry, sir? You know not what you're about! You think it an easy matter to slay Querig? She's as wise as she's fierce! You'll only anger her with your foolishness, and this whole country will need suffer her wrath, where we've hardly heard a thing of her these past several years. It requires the most delicate handling, sir, or a calamity will befall the innocent right across this country! Why do you suppose Horace and I have so bided our time? One misstep will have grave consequences, sir!"
“为什么生气，先生？你根本不知道你在干什么！你以为杀魁瑞格是件容易的事？她不仅凶猛，还聪明着呢！过去这几年，大家几乎都没听说过她的事情了，一旦你鲁莽行事，只会激怒她，整个国家都跟着遭罪。先生，这件事需要巧妙地处理，否则灾难就会降到全国无辜民众的头上！我和霍拉斯等了这么久，你以为就没有原因么？一步走错，就会有严重后果啊，先生！”
"Forgive me, Sir Gawain, but it's many a year you've had to slay Querig, and small children have become grown men in the time. If I can do this country a service and rid it of this scourge, why be angry?"
“请原谅，高文爵士，但是你要杀死魁瑞格已经很多年了，小孩子都长成了大人。如果我能够给这个国家帮个忙，解除这个苦难，为什么要生气呢？”
"Then help me, Sir Gawain," the soldier shouted, now making no effort to hide his fear. "Let's together put out this menace!"
“那就帮助我吧，高文爵士，”士兵喊道，他已经不去遮掩内心的恐惧了。“我们一起解除这个威胁！”
"Sir Gawain, I hang here between life and death as a fly caught in a web. I make my last appeal to you, and though I don't understand the full part of this matter, I beg you consider why he comes to our country if not to do us mischief!"
“高文爵士，现在我的生死存于一线，像落入蜘蛛网的苍蝇。我最后一次求助于你，虽然这件事情我并不完全明白，但我求你考虑一下，如果不是给我们添乱，那他到这个国家来干什么呢？”
"He gives good account of his errand here, sir, and though he angers me with his careless plans, it's hardly reason to join you in arms against him."
“先生，他到这儿来的任务，他已经解释清楚了。虽然他计划草率、让我生气，但我不能因为这一点，就拿起武器和你一起对付他。”
Sir Gawain looked at the soldier with a puzzled air, as if he had forgotten for the moment who he was. Then he said in a calmer voice: "I'll not aid you, sir. I'm no friend of your master, for I fear his dark motives. I fear too the harm you intend to these others here, who must be innocents in whatever intrigue enfolds us."
高文爵士疑惑地看着士兵，好像一下子忘了自己是谁一样。然后他语调更为平和地说：“我不会帮助你，先生。我不是你主人的朋友，因为我害怕他有邪恶动机。我也害怕你会伤害这儿的其他人，无论我们陷入了什么阴谋，他们都是无辜的。”
"Fight now, soldier," Wistan said, his tone almost conciliatory. "Fight and be done with it."
“战斗吧，士兵，”维斯坦用近乎和解的口吻说道，“战斗吧，把这事给了结了。”
"Will it do harm, Master Wistan," Beatrice said suddenly, "to let this soldier surrender his sword and ride away? He spoke kindly to me before on the bridge and he's perhaps not a bad man."
“维斯坦阁下，”比特丽丝突然说道，“让这位士兵放下剑，骑马离开，会有什么坏处吗？之前在桥上他跟我说话很和气，他可能不是坏人。”
"I thank you once more, mistress. But this is no time for me to soften my heart with such thoughts. Fortune may favour me yet in this contest, no matter this man's reputation, and then you may regret you ever wished me kindness."
“我再次感谢你，夫人。但这时候我不能让这种念头令自己心软。这个人名气很响，但在这场决斗中，命运仍然有可能眷顾我，到那时候，你也许会后悔曾为我发善心。”
"Your kindness touches me, mistress," the grey-haired soldier intervened, never taking his eyes off Wistan. "But I'm no scoundrel and won't take rude advantage of it. What the Saxon says is true. Spare me and I'll do just as he says, for duty allows me no other course. Yet I thank you for your gentle words, and if these are to be my last moments, then I'll leave this world a little more peacefully for them."
“你的仁慈让我感动，夫人，”灰白头发的士兵接过话头，但眼睛仍旧盯着维斯坦。“但我不是恶棍，不会卑鄙地利用别人的好心。撒克逊人说得没错。放我走，我就会像他说的那样做，因为这是职责所在，我没有别的选择。但我感谢你说了这些好话，如果这是我生命最后的时刻，那么我离开这个世界时，心里也会因为你的话而更加平静。”
"Perhaps he would willingly swear an oath not to betray us."
“也许他愿意发个誓，不会出卖我们。”
"What's more, sir," Beatrice said, "I've not forgotten your earlier request, concerning your mother and father. You made it then in jest, I know, and it's not likely we'll encounter them. But if ever we do so, they'll know of how you waited with longing to see them again."
“还有，先生，”比特丽丝说，“你之前提出的关于你父母的请求，我并没有忘记。那时候你是开玩笑的，我知道，而且我们也不大可能碰到他们。但是，如果我们真的碰上了，我会让他们知道，你一直热切渴望与他们相见。”
"If I do as you ask, Mistress Beatrice, he'll take news back of us and surely return before long with thirty or more soldiers. There'll be little mercy shown then. And mark you, he means sinister harm to the boy."
“如果我按你说的做，比特丽丝夫人，他会把我们的消息告诉别人，肯定很快就会带着三十名士兵回来，甚至更多。那时候恐怕就不会有什么仁慈了。而且，请你注意，他要伤害那个男孩。”
"Pardon me, mistress," Wistan said, "but I would the boy witness all that unfolds, just as I was often made to do at his age. I know he'll not flinch or retch to witness the ways of warriors." He now spoke several sentences in Saxon, and Edwin, who had been standing by himself a short way away, walked over to the tree and stood beside Axl and Beatrice. His eyes, watchful, seemed never to blink.
“请原谅，夫人，”维斯坦说，“但我宁愿让男孩亲眼看着事情的进程，我那么大的时候，他们常常让我看。我知道他亲眼目睹武士们的战斗时不会退缩畏惧。”这时他用撒克逊语说了几句话，埃德温刚才在不远处独自站着，这时走到树旁，站到埃克索和比特丽丝身边。他目光警觉，似乎从不眨眼。
"Most likely so," Beatrice said and sighed. "Then Master Wistan, you must do your best for us. I'll look away, for I take no pleasure in slaughter. And I bid you tell young Master Edwin do the same, for I'm sure he'll only heed if you command it."
“很有可能，”比特丽丝说着，叹了口气。“那么，维斯坦阁下，你要为我们尽力啊。我要转过脸去，杀人我可不喜欢。小先生埃德温最好也不要看，请你跟他说一下，我相信只有你下命令他才会当回事。”
Axl could hear the grey-haired soldier's breathing, more audible now because the man was releasing a low growl with each breath. When he charged forward he did so with his sword high above his head in what seemed an unsophisticated, even suicidal attack; but just before he reached Wistan, he abruptly altered his trajectory, and feinted to his left, his sword lowered to his hip. The grey-haired soldier, Axl understood with a twinge of pity, knowing he stood little chance should the combat mature, had wagered everything on this one desperate ploy. But Wistan had anticipated it, or perhaps it was that his instincts were enough. The Saxon side-stepped neatly, and drew his own sword across the oncoming man in a single simple movement. The soldier let out a sound such as a bucket makes when, dropped into a well, it first strikes the water; he then fell forward onto the ground. Sir Gawain muttered a prayer, and Beatrice asked: "Is it done now, Axl?"
埃克索能听到灰发士兵的呼吸声，现在声音更响了，因为每次呼气，他都会发出一声低吼。向前冲时，他将剑高高举过头顶，这种攻击方式看起来简单草率，甚至是自寻死路；但是，到维斯坦跟前的那一刹那，他突然改变了路线，做出向左进攻的假动作，剑也放下来，和臀部一般高。埃克索心中一阵怜悯的刺痛，意识到这灰发士兵自己也明白，如果战斗持续，他根本没什么机会，所以把一切都压在这个近乎绝望的策略上。但维斯坦已经预料到了，或许他的本能使他足以察觉。撒克逊人侧身避开，拔出剑横着迎上冲过来的士兵，动作干净利落。士兵发出一声像水桶丢到井里撞击水面的声音，然后俯身跌倒在地。高文爵士低声祈祷，比特丽丝问：“现在结束了吗，埃克索？”
Edwin was staring at the fallen man, his expression barely changed from before. Following the boy's gaze, Axl saw that a serpent, disturbed in the grass by the soldier's fall, was now sliding out from under the body. Though dark, the creature was mottled with yellows and whites, and as it revealed more of itself, travelling swiftly across the ground, Axl caught the powerful odour of a man's insides. He instinctively stepped to one side, moving Beatrice with him, in case the creature should come searching for their feet. Still it kept coming their way, parting in two around a clump of thistle, as a stream might part around a rock, before becoming one again and continuing ever closer.
埃德温盯着倒在地上的人，表情和之前几乎没有变化。埃克索顺着男孩的目光望去，看到草丛里一条被倒地的士兵惊动的蛇正从他的身体下方滑出来。蛇是黑色的，但有黄色、白色的斑点，它灵巧地爬过去，慢慢露出整个身体，这时埃克索闻到了一股人的内脏的浓烈气息。他本能地搂着比特丽丝往旁边跨了一步，以免那东西跑到他们脚下。但那东西仍旧朝他们这边滑过来，遇到一丛蓟草时一分为二，像溪水遇到岩石分流一样，然后又合二为一，继续越滑越近。
"It's done, princess."
“结束了，公主。”
"Come away, princess," Axl said, leading her. "It's done, and it's as well. This man meant us harm, though the reason's still not clear."
“走远点，公主，”埃克索一边说，一边带着她走开。“结束了，这样也好。这个人要伤害我们，尽管原因还不清楚。”
"Let me enlighten you as far as I can, Master Axl," Wistan said. He had been cleaning his sword on the ground, but now rose and came towards them. "It's true our Saxon kin in this country live in good harmony with your people. But we've reports at home of Lord Brennus's ambitions to conquer this land for himself and make war on all Saxons now living on it."
“埃克索阁下，让我尽量来跟你说明白是怎么回事吧，”维斯坦说道。他刚刚在地上擦剑，现在站起身，朝他们走过来。“没错，在这个国家，我们的撒克逊同胞与你们和谐相处。但我们在家里听到消息，说布雷纳斯爵爷要征服这片土地，据为己有，然后向居住在这儿的所有撒克逊人开战。”
"If I'm aghast, sir, it's because there's a sound ring to your words. When I was a young man, I once faced a dragon in an opposing army, and a fearful thing it was. My comrades, hungry for victory the moment before, froze for fear at the sight, and this a creature not half the equal of Querig in might or cunning. If Querig is made a servant of Lord Brennus, it will surely tempt new wars. Yet it's my hope she's too wild to be tamed by any man." He paused, looked towards the fallen soldier and shook his head.
“先生，如果我很震惊，那是因为你说的话还真有些依据。我年轻的时候，有一次我要面对对方军队里的一条龙，那可是个可怕的东西。我的战友们之前都渴望胜利，那一刻看到龙的样子，都吓得不能动弹，论力气和机智，那条龙还比不上魁瑞格一半。如果魁瑞格成了布雷纳斯爵爷的仆役，那她肯定会挑起新的战争。可我希望没人能驯服这条凶悍的龙。”他停下来，朝倒地的士兵那边望望，又摇了摇头。
"We at home hear more, sir," said Wistan. "That Brennus entertains in his castle a dangerous guest. A Norseman said to possess the wisdom to tame dragons. It's my king's fear Lord Brennus means to capture Querig to fight in the ranks of his army. This she-dragon would make a fierce soldier indeed, and Brennus would then rightly harbour ambition. It's for this I'm sent to destroy the dragon before her savagery turns on all who oppose Lord Brennus. Sir Gawain, you look aghast, but I speak sincerely."
“我们在家里还听说了别的，先生，”维斯坦说。“说布雷纳斯的城堡里有一位危险的客人。一个挪威人，据说有驯龙的本领。我的国王担心布雷纳斯爵爷要抓住魁瑞格，放到军队里帮他打仗。这条母龙要是上了战场，那可是个凶猛的士兵啊，真要那样的话，布雷纳斯肯定会有所企图。所以国王派我来杀死这条龙，以免她的凶残发泄到所有反对布雷纳斯爵爷的人头上。高文爵士，你似乎很震惊，但我说的都是实话。”
"I hear the same reports, sir," Sir Gawain said. "It was another reason I wouldn't side with this wretch now gutted like a trout. I fear this Lord Brennus is one who would undo the great peace won by Arthur."
“我也听到了同样的消息，先生，”高文爵士说。“这可怜虫，此刻像鳟鱼一样被开了膛，刚才我不肯站到他那一边，这也是个原因。我担心布雷纳斯爵爷要破坏亚瑟王缔造的伟大和平。”
Wistan strode over to where Edwin was standing, and grasping the boy by the arm, began gently to lead him towards the corpse. Then for a little while the two of them stood side by side over the soldier, Wistan talking quietly, pointing occasionally, and looking into Edwin's face to check the response. At one stage, Axl saw Wistan's finger trace a smooth line through the air, as perhaps he explained to the boy the journey made by his blade. All the while, Edwin went on gazing blankly at the fallen man.
维斯坦大步走到埃德温站立的地方，抓住他一条胳膊，慢慢领着他朝尸体走去。两人肩并肩在尸体旁站了一会儿，维斯坦低声说着话，不时用手指着，又盯着埃德温的脸，查看他的反应。有一下，埃克索看见维斯坦的指头在空中划出一条线，他可能在跟男孩解释剑刃的运动路线。在此过程中，埃德温一直眼神空洞地盯着倒在地上的人。
Sir Gawain, appearing now at Axl's side, said: "It's a great sadness this tranquil spot, surely a gift from God to all weary travellers, is now polluted by blood. Let's bury this man quickly, before anyone else comes this way, and I'll take his horse to Lord Brennus's camp, together with news of how I came upon him attacked by bandits, and where his friends may find his grave. Meanwhile, sir"-- he turned to address Wistan --"I urge you return straight away east. Think no more of Querig, for you can be assured Horace and I, hearing all we have today, will redouble our efforts to slay her. Now come, friends, let's put this man in the earth that he may return to his maker peacefully."
这时高文爵士来到埃克索身边，说道：“这个安静的地方，肯定是上帝赐给所有疲惫旅行者的礼物，现在被血污染了，真让人伤心啊。我们尽快把这个人埋了吧，不久别的人就会到这边来，我把他的马带到布雷纳斯爵爷的兵营去，跟他们说，我遇到他的时候，他被强盗攻击了，并且把坟墓的位置告诉他的朋友们。与此同时，先生——”他转脸对维斯坦说道——“我敦促你立即回到东方。不要去想魁瑞格了，你放心吧，听到今天的这些情况之后，我和霍拉斯会加倍努力，把她杀死。来吧，朋友们，我们将这个人入土，让他平静地回归造物主吧。”