Ⅲ 冰雨的風(fēng)暴 Chapter78 山姆威爾

SAMWELL

國王很生氣愈案。山姆立刻看出來了。

The king was angry. Sam saw that at once.

史坦尼斯正在吃早餐鹅搪，硬面包站绪、咸牛肉和煮雞蛋，當(dāng)黑衣弟兄逐個(gè)走進(jìn)來跪到面前時(shí)丽柿，他推開食物恢准，冷眼打量他們。旁邊的紅袍女梅莉珊卓似乎覺得這一幕十分有趣甫题。

As the black brothers entered one by one and knelt before him, Stannis shoved away his breakfast of hardbread, salt beef, and boiled eggs, and eyed them coldly. Beside him, the red woman Melisandre looked as if she found the scene amusing.

這兒沒有我的位置馁筐，當(dāng)她的紅眼睛落到山姆身上時(shí)，他不安地想幔睬。我只是幫伊蒙師傅上樓的眯漩。別看我。我只是學(xué)士的事務(wù)官。余人都是熊老職位的競爭者赦抖，除了已退出競選的波文·馬爾錫舱卡，而他也仍是代理城主和總務(wù)長。山姆不明白梅莉珊卓為什么對(duì)他感興趣队萤。

I have no place here, Sam thought anxiously, when her red eyes fell upon him. Someone had to help Maester Aemon up the steps. Don’t look at me, I’m just the maester’s steward. The others were contenders for the Old Bear’s command, all but Bowen Marsh, who had withdrawn from the contest but remained castellan and Lord Steward. Sam did not understand why Melisandre should seem so interested in him.

史坦尼斯國王讓黑衣弟兄們跪了很久轮锥，長得不同尋常∫“起來舍杜。”最后他終于說赵辕。山姆扶著伊蒙學(xué)士既绩，幫他站起來。

King Stannis kept the black brothers on their knees for an extraordinarily long time. “Rise,” he said at last. Sam gave Maester Aemon his shoulder to help him back up.

杰諾斯·史林特大人清清嗓子还惠，打破緊張的沉默饲握。“陛下蚕键，蒙您召喚救欧，我代表大家表達(dá)喜悅之情。當(dāng)我第一次從長城上看見您的旗幟锣光，就知道王國得救了笆怠。‘這個(gè)人沒有忘記自己的職責(zé)誊爹，’我對(duì)好爵士艾里沙說蹬刷，‘一個(gè)堅(jiān)強(qiáng)的人，一個(gè)真正的國王替废」棵’請(qǐng)?jiān)试S我們祝賀您戰(zhàn)勝野蠻人，歌手們會(huì)廣為宣揚(yáng)，是的——”

The sound of Lord Janos Slynt clearing his throat broke the strained silence. “Your Grace, let me say how pleased we are to be summoned here. When I saw your banners from the Wall, I knew the realm was saved. ‘There comes a man who ne’er forgets his duty,’ I said to good Ser Alliser. ‘A strong man, and a true king.’ May I congratulate you on your victory over the savages? The singers will make much of it, I know—”

“歌手們愛干什么就干什么，”史坦尼斯打斷他魔种，“少拍馬屁，杰諾斯冷守，沒用【疲”他站起身拍摇，朝所有人皺眉頭」萁兀“梅莉珊卓女士告訴我充活，你們到現(xiàn)在還沒選出總司令蜂莉，讓我很不愉快。這件蠢事還要拖多久混卵？”

“The singers may do as they like,” Stannis snapped. “Spare me your fawning, Janos, it will not serve you.” He rose to his feet and frowned at them all. “Lady Melisandre tells me that you have not yet chosen a Lord Commander. I am displeased. How much longer must this folly last?”

“陛下映穗，”波文·馬爾錫辯解，“沒人達(dá)到三分之二的多數(shù)幕随，況且選舉也剛持續(xù)十天蚁滋。”

“Sire,” said Bowen Marsh in a defensive tone, “no one has achieved two-thirds of the vote yet. It has only been ten days.”

“已經(jīng)浪費(fèi)了九天赘淮。我有俘虜需要處理辕录，有國家需要統(tǒng)治，有戰(zhàn)爭需要進(jìn)行梢卸。某些關(guān)于長城和守夜人軍團(tuán)的決定得盡快作出走诞，而你們的總司令有權(quán)參與低剔∷俟＃”

“Nine days too long. I have captives to dispose of, a realm to order, a war to fight. Choices must be made, decisions that involve the Wall and the Night’s Watch. By rights your Lord Commander should have a voice in those decisions.”

“是的，沒錯(cuò)襟齿，”杰諾斯·史林特說，“但我們的弟兄不過是些單純的士兵枕赵。士兵猜欺，對(duì)！陛下很清楚拷窜，士兵以服從命令為天職开皿。依我之見，若陛下不吝賜教篮昧，想必他們能從中受益赋荆。請(qǐng)為了王國的未來，幫大家作出明智的選擇吧懊昨≌叮”

“He should, yes,” said Janos Slynt. “But it must be said. We brothers are only simple soldiers. Soldiers, yes! And Your Grace will know that soldiers are most comfortable taking orders. They would benefit from your royal guidance, it seems to me. For the good of the realm. To help them choose wisely.”

這建議惹惱了其他人〗桶洌“你要讓國王給我們揩屁股嗎嫉你？”卡特·派克憤怒地質(zhì)問□锿铮“選擇總司令的權(quán)力屬于且僅屬于誓言效命的黑衣弟兄幽污。”丹尼斯·梅利斯特爵士強(qiáng)調(diào)簿姨【辔螅“如果他們明智的話，就不會(huì)選我了∽继叮”“憂郁的”艾迪嘀咕攘乒。伊蒙學(xué)士一如既往地平靜，“陛下惋鹅，自‘筑城者’布蘭登修建長城以來则酝，守夜人的領(lǐng)袖一直由自己選舉，到杰奧·莫爾蒙為止闰集，已有連續(xù)九百九十七任總司令沽讹，每一位都由他將要領(lǐng)導(dǎo)的人們選出，這是承繼數(shù)千年之久的傳統(tǒng)武鲁∷郏”

The suggestion outraged some of the others. “Do you want the king to wipe our arses for us too?” said Cotter Pyke angrily. “The choice of a Lord Commander belongs to the Sworn Brothers, and to them alone,” insisted Ser Denys Mallister. “If they choose wisely they won’t be choosing me,” moaned Dolorous Edd. Maester Aemon, calm as always, said, “Your Grace, the Night’s Watch has been choosing its own leader since Brandon the Builder raised the Wall. Through Jeor Mormont we have had nine hundred and ninety-seven Lords Commander in unbroken succession, each chosen by the men he would lead, a tradition many thousands of years old.”

史坦尼斯咬緊牙關(guān)，“我無意篡奪你們的權(quán)力和傳統(tǒng)沐鼠。至于‘陛下的賜教’挚瘟，杰諾斯，如果要我強(qiáng)迫弟兄們選你饲梭，就該大膽地說出來乘盖。”

Stannis ground his teeth. “It is not my wish to tamper with your rights and traditions. As to royal guidance, Janos, if you mean that I ought to tell your brothers to choose you, have the courage to say so.”

這話嚇退了杰諾斯大人憔涉。他不知所措地笑笑订框，額頭開始冒汗，但身旁的波文·馬爾錫道：“有誰比曾指揮過金袍衛(wèi)士的他更有資格帶領(lǐng)黑衣軍團(tuán)呢兜叨，陛下穿扳？”

That took Lord Janos aback. He smiled uncertainly and began to sweat, but Bowen Marsh beside him said, “Who better to command the black cloaks than a man who once commanded the gold, sire?”

“你們中任何一個(gè)，甚至那廚子都比他強(qiáng)国旷∶铮”國王冷冷地看著史林特」虻“我保證履羞，杰諾斯不是頭一個(gè)受賄的金袍子，但很可能是頭一個(gè)靠出賣職位和肥缺賺得盆滿缽溢的司令特漩。到最后吧雹，都城守備隊(duì)里半數(shù)軍官都得將自己一部分薪水交給他。是不是這樣涂身，杰諾斯雄卷？”

“Any of you, I would think. Even the cook.” The look the king gave Slynt was cold. “Janos was hardly the first gold cloak ever to take a bribe, I grant you, but he may have been the first commander to fatten his purse by selling places and promotions. By the end he must have had half the officers in the City Watch paying him part of their wages. Isn’t that so, Janos?”

史林特的脖子漲成紫色，“謊言蛤售，全是謊言丁鹉！職位越高樹敵越多妒潭，陛下是知道的，他們?cè)诒澈笄那脑熘{揣钦，全無真憑實(shí)據(jù)雳灾，沒有人敢站出來……”

Slynt’s neck was purpling. “Lies, all lies! A strong man makes enemies, Your Grace knows that, they whisper lies behind your back. Naught was ever proven, not a man came forward …”

“兩個(gè)準(zhǔn)備站出來的人突然在巡邏時(shí)死了》氚迹”史坦尼斯瞇起眼睛谎亩。“別把我當(dāng)傻瓜宇姚，大人匈庭，我見過瓊恩·艾林呈給御前會(huì)議的證據(jù)。如果我是國王浑劳，你失去的就不只是職位了阱持，我保證，但勞勃輕易放過了你的‘小過錯(cuò)’魔熏≈匝剩‘他們?nèi)际切⊥担矣浀盟f蒜绽，‘明目張膽的好歹比藏著掖著的好镶骗，下一個(gè)也許更糟呢∽仪希’哼卖词，毫無疑問，這是培提爾伯爵用我哥哥的嘴巴在說話吏夯，小指頭對(duì)金錢向來敏感，說不定他利用你貪污獲得的利益不比你自己所得的少即横≡肷”

“Two men who were prepared to come forward died suddenly on their rounds.” Stannis narrowed his eyes. “Do not trifle with me, my lord. I saw the proof Jon Arryn laid before the small council. If I had been king you would have lost more than your office, I promise you, but Robert shrugged away your little lapses. ‘They all steal,’ I recall him saying. ‘Better a thief we know than one we don’t, the next man might be worse.’ Lord Petyr’s words in my brother’s mouth, I’ll warrant. Littlefinger had a nose for gold, and I’m certain he arranged matters so the crown profited as much from your corruption as you did yourself.”

史林特伯爵的下巴抖個(gè)不停，他還沒準(zhǔn)備好反駁的措辭东囚，只聽伊蒙學(xué)士說：“陛下跺嗽，依照律法，一個(gè)人發(fā)下誓言页藻，成為守夜人軍團(tuán)的弟兄后桨嫁，以前的錯(cuò)誤與罪行便一筆勾銷了》菡剩”

Lord Slynt’s jowls were quivering, but before he could frame a further protest Maester Aemon said, “Your Grace, by law a man’s past crimes and transgressions are wiped clean when he says his words and becomes a Sworn Brother of the Night’s Watch.”

“這我明白璃吧。假如這位杰諾斯大人碰巧是守夜人最拿得出手的料，我也只能咬牙接受废境。你們選哪個(gè)與我無關(guān)畜挨，只要趕緊作出選擇筒繁。我們有戰(zhàn)爭要打“驮”

“I am aware of that. If it happens that Lord Janos here is the best the Night’s Watch can offer, I shall grit my teeth and choke him down. It is naught to me which man of you is chosen, so long as you make a choice. We have a war to fight.”

“陛下毡咏，”丹尼斯·梅利斯特爵士謹(jǐn)慎而又謙恭地說，“如果您指的是野人……”

“Your Grace,” said Ser Denys Mallister, in tones of wary courtesy. “If you are speaking of the wildlings …”

“當(dāng)然不是逮刨。你很清楚這一點(diǎn)呕缭，爵士先生⌒藜海”

“I am not. And you know that, ser.”

“那么您也應(yīng)該清楚恢总，雖然我們很感激你幫忙對(duì)付曼斯·雷德，但不能為你爭奪王位箩退。守夜人從不參與七大王國的紛爭离熏，八千年來——”

“And you must know that whilst we are thankful for the aid you rendered us against Mance Rayder, we can offer you no help in your contest for the throne. The Night’s Watch takes no part in the wars of the Seven Kingdoms. For eight thousand years—”

“我了解你們的歷史，丹尼斯爵士戴涝，”國王生硬地說滋戳，“我向你保證，不會(huì)要你們起兵對(duì)付那幫讓我頭疼不已的叛徒和篡奪者啥刻，我真心希望你們一如既往地繼續(xù)保衛(wèi)長城奸鸯。”

“I know your history, Ser Denys,” the king said brusquely. “I give you my word, I shall not ask you to lift your swords against any of the rebels and usurpers who plague me. I do expect that you will continue to defend the Wall as you always have.”

“我們會(huì)保衛(wèi)長城直到最后一人可帽÷ι”卡特·派克說。

“We’ll defend the Wall to the last man,” said Cotter Pyke.

“也許那就是我映跟⌒罴穑”“憂郁的”艾迪聽天由命地道。

“Probably me,” said Dolorous Edd, in a resigned tone.

史坦尼斯環(huán)抱雙臂努隙，“但我要些東西球恤，也許你們不會(huì)那么輕易交出來。我要城堡和贈(zèng)地荸镊⊙矢”

Stannis crossed his arms. “I shall require a few other things from you as well. Things that you may not be so quick to give. I want your castles. And I want the Gift.”

這番直言不諱猶如把一罐野火扔進(jìn)了火盆，陡然在黑衣弟兄間炸開來躬存。馬爾錫张惹、梅利斯特和派克同時(shí)試圖發(fā)言，史坦尼斯國王由得他們?nèi)ブv岭洲，等好容易說完后宛逗，才道：“我的人有你們?nèi)吨啵绻敢馇胀郑M可以強(qiáng)行奪取拧额，但我更希望征求你們的同意碑诉，合法地取得〗慕酰”

Those blunt words burst among the black brothers like a pot of wildfire tossed onto a brazier. Marsh, Mallister, and Pyke all tried to speak at once. King Stannis let them talk. When they were done, he said, “I have three times the men you do. I can take the lands if I wish, but I would prefer to do this legally, with your consent.”

“贈(zèng)地被永久贈(zèng)予守夜人进栽，陛下」Э眩”波文·馬爾錫強(qiáng)調(diào)快毛。

“The Gift was given to the Night’s Watch in perpetuity, Your Grace,” Bowen Marsh insisted.

“沒錯(cuò)，按照律法番挺，我不能從你們手中占領(lǐng)唠帝、沒收或剝奪，但禮物既能贈(zèng)予玄柏，自然也可再度送出襟衰。”

“Which means it cannot be lawfully seized, attained, or taken from you. But what was given once can be given again.”

“您要拿贈(zèng)地做什么粪摘？”卡特·派克問瀑晒。

“What will you do with the Gift?” demanded Cotter Pyke.

“善加利用。至于城堡徘意，東海望苔悦、黑城堡和影子塔的地位不變，仍由你們安排椎咧，但為了長城防御玖详，必須把其他的交給我，讓我的人來保護(hù)勤讽◇”

“Make better use of it than you have. As to the castles, Eastwatch, Castle Black, and the Shadow Tower shall remain yours. Garrison them as you always have, but I must take the others for my garrisons if we are to hold the Wall.”

“您沒那么多人手〗烹梗”波文·馬爾錫反駁蜈七。

“You do not have the men,” objected Bowen Marsh.

“某些荒廢的城堡不過是廢墟∧＃”首席工匠奧賽爾·亞威克說。

“Some of the abandoned castles are scarce more than ruins,” said Othell Yarwyck, the First Builder.

“廢墟可以重建砂缩∽餮瑁”

“Ruins can be rebuilt.”

“重建？”亞威克道庵芭，“誰來干妹懒？”

“Rebuilt?” Yarwyck said. “But who will do the work?”

“這是我考慮的問題。我只要你們給一個(gè)清單双吆，詳細(xì)列出每座城堡目前的狀況以及重建所需的材料眨唬。一年之內(nèi)会前，我會(huì)讓它們?nèi)狂v上守軍，并在門前點(diǎn)燃夜火匾竿⊥咭耍”

“That is my concern. I shall require a list from you, detailing the present state of every castle and what might be required to restore it. I mean to have them all garrisoned again within the year, and nightfires burning before their gates.”

“夜火？”波文·馬爾錫懷疑地看看梅莉珊卓岭妖，“點(diǎn)燃夜火临庇？”

“Nightfires?” Bowen Marsh gave Melisandre an uncertain look. “We’re to light nightfires now?”

“是的￡腔牛”女人在飛旋的鮮紅絲袍中站起來假夺，明亮的紅銅色長發(fā)披落在肩≌剩“長劍無法抵御黑暗已卷，真主的光芒才能做到。千萬別低估對(duì)方的實(shí)力淳蔼，好爵士們侧蘸，勇敢的弟兄們，我們所要進(jìn)行的戰(zhàn)爭并非為土地或榮耀肖方，而是生與死的差別闺魏。如果失敗，世界將一起消亡俯画∥銮牛”

“You are.” The woman rose in a swirl of scarlet silk, her long copper-bright hair tumbling about her shoulders. “Swords alone cannot hold this darkness back. Only the light of the Lord can do that. Make no mistake, good sers and valiant brothers, the war we’ve come to fight is no petty squabble over lands and honors. Ours is a war for life itself, and should we fail the world dies with us.”

山姆看得出，官員們對(duì)這番話有些莫名其妙艰垂。波文·馬爾錫和奧賽爾·亞威克交換一個(gè)懷疑的眼神泡仗，杰諾斯·史林特怒氣沖沖，而“三指”哈布看起來似乎寧愿回廚房切胡蘿卜猜憎。所有人聽見伊蒙學(xué)士喃喃低語時(shí)都很吃驚娩怎，“你指的是黎明之戰(zhàn)，夫人胰柑，但預(yù)言中的王子在哪里截亦？”

The officers did not know how to take that, Sam could see. Bowen Marsh and Othell Yarwyck exchanged a doubtful look, Janos Slynt was fuming, and Three-Finger Hobb looked as though he would sooner be back chopping carrots. But all of them seemed surprised to hear Maester Aemon murmur, “It is the war for the dawn you speak of, my lady. But where is the prince that was promised?”

“他就站在你面前，”梅莉珊卓宣布柬讨，“你的眼睛卻看不見崩瓤。史坦尼斯·拜拉席恩就是圣焰之子、光明的戰(zhàn)士亞梭爾·亞亥轉(zhuǎn)世重生踩官，預(yù)言在他身上應(yīng)驗(yàn)却桶。天空中紅色的彗星宣告他的到來，而他擁有英雄之紅劍‘光明使者’∮毕担”

“He stands before you,” Melisandre declared, “though you do not have the eyes to see. Stannis Baratheon is Azor Ahai come again, the warrior of fire. In him the prophecies are fulfilled. The red comet blazed across the sky to herald his coming, and he bears Lightbringer, the red sword of heroes.”

山姆發(fā)現(xiàn)嗅剖，紅袍女的話讓國王很不安，史坦尼斯咬緊牙關(guān)嘁扼，“你們求助信粮，而我及時(shí)趕到，大人們偷拔，現(xiàn)在只能接受我蒋院，要么大家一塊完蛋，好好想想莲绰∑劬桑”他簡單地作個(gè)手勢(shì)，“夠了蛤签，學(xué)士留下一會(huì)兒辞友，還有你，塔利震肮，其他人解散称龙。”

Her words seemed to make the king desperately uncomfortable, Sam saw. Stannis ground his teeth, and said, “You called and I came, my lords. Now you must live with me, or die with me. Best get used to that.” He made a brusque gesture. “That’s all. Maester, stay a moment. And you, Tarly. The rest of you may go.”

我戳晌？山姆大吃一驚鲫尊，他要我干什么？弟兄們躬身離開沦偎。

Me? Sam thought, stricken, as his brothers were bowing and making their way out. What does he want with me?

“你就是那個(gè)在大雪中殺死鬼怪的人疫向。”只剩四人后豪嚎，史坦尼斯開口搔驼。

“You are the one that killed the creature in the snow,” King Stannis said, when only the four of them remained.

“‘殺手’山姆〕扪”梅莉珊卓微笑舌涨。

“Sam the Slayer.” Melisandre smiled.

山姆感到自己臉紅了，“不扔字，夫人……陛下囊嘉，我的意思是，是的革为，我是山姆威爾·塔利哗伯，對(duì)∨窠牵”

Sam felt his face turning red. “No, my lady. Your Grace. I mean, I am, yes. I’m Samwell Tarly, yes.”

“你父親是名驍勇善戰(zhàn)的武士，”史坦尼斯國王說系任，“曾在白楊灘擊敗我長兄恳蹲，后來梅斯·提利爾得意洋洋地將榮耀歸于自己虐块，其實(shí)他還沒找到戰(zhàn)場，藍(lán)道伯爵就已奠定了勝局嘉蕾。他用那柄瓦雷利亞巨劍殺死卡伏侖伯爵贺奠，并將頭顱獻(xiàn)給伊里斯〈沓溃”國王以一根手指揉搓下巴儡率。“你不像他兒子以清《眨”

“Your father is an able soldier,” King Stannis said. “He defeated my brother once, at Ashford. Mace Tyrell has been pleased to claim the honors for that victory, but Lord Randyll had decided matters before Tyrell ever found the battlefield. He slew Lord Cafferen with that great Valyrian sword of his and sent his head to Aerys.” The king rubbed his jaw with a finger. “You are not the sort of son I would expect such a man to have.”

“我……我不是他想要的兒子，陛下掷倔∶己ⅲ”

“I … I am not the sort of son he wanted, sire.”

“假如你沒穿上黑衣，倒是有用的人質(zhì)勒葱±送簦”史坦尼斯沉思。

“If you had not taken the black, you would make a useful hostage,” Stannis mused.

“他已經(jīng)穿上了黑衣凛虽，陛下死遭。”伊蒙學(xué)士指出凯旋。

“He has taken the black, sire,” Maester Aemon pointed out.

“我很清楚呀潭，”國王說，“比你想象的更清楚瓦阐，伊蒙·坦格利安蜗侈。”

“I am well aware of that,” the king said. “I am aware of more than you know, Aemon Targaryen.”

老人低頭睡蟋√せ茫“我只是伊蒙，陛下戳杀，學(xué)士立下誓言该面，戴起頸鏈之時(shí)，便須放棄原有的家族姓氏信卡「糇海”

The old man inclined his head. “I am only Aemon, sire. We give up our House names when we forge our maester’s chains.”

國王略略點(diǎn)頭，仿佛表示他明白但不在乎傍菇』常“聽說你用一把黑曜石匕首殺了那怪物。”他對(duì)山姆道牵触。

The king gave that a curt nod, as if to say he knew and did not care. “You slew this creature with an obsidian dagger, I am told,” he said to Sam.

“是淮悼、是的，陛下揽思。是瓊恩·雪諾送的匕首袜腥。”

“Y-yes, Your Grace. Jon Snow gave it to me.”

“龍晶钉汗，”紅袍女的笑聲猶如音樂羹令，“在古瓦雷利亞語里被稱為‘冰凍火’损痰，難怪它對(duì)這幫冰冷的異神之子而言是致命的武器福侈⌒炷疲”

“Dragonglass.” The red woman’s laugh was music. “Frozen fire, in the tongue of old Valyria. Small wonder it is anathema to these cold children of the Other.”

“在龍石島，就是我原來的居城爹袁，火山底古老的坑道里埋藏有許多黑曜石失息，”國王告訴山姆譬淳，“一塊一塊，形成礦層盹兢。記得大部分是黑色邻梆，但也有綠色、紅色绎秒，甚至紫色浦妄。我已傳話給代理城主羅蘭德爵士，要他著手開采见芹。龍石島恐怕守不長剂娄，希望在城堡陷落之前，光之王賜予我們足夠多的‘冰凍火’玄呛，好讓大家武裝起來阅懦，對(duì)抗這些怪物∨锹粒”

“On Dragonstone, where I had my seat, there is much of this obsidian to be seen in the old tunnels beneath the mountain,” the king told Sam. “Chunks of it, boulders, ledges. The great part of it was black, as I recall, but there was some green as well, some red, even purple. I have sent word to Ser Rolland my castellan to begin mining it. I will not hold Dragonstone for very much longer, I fear, but perhaps the Lord of Light shall grant us enough frozen fire to arm ourselves against these creatures, before the castle falls.”

山姆清清嗓子耳胎，“陛惯吕、陛下。那匕首……我用來刺尸鬼時(shí)场晶，它卻碎了混埠。”

Sam cleared his throat. “S-sire. The dagger … the dragonglass only shattered when I tried to stab a wight.”

梅莉珊卓露出微笑诗轻，“這些尸鬼被亡靈邪術(shù)所激活，本身只是已死的血肉揭北。鋼鐵與火焰足以對(duì)付扳炬，而你們稱為‘異鬼’的生物可怕得多∩μ澹”

Melisandre smiled. “Necromancy animates these wights, yet they are still only dead flesh. Steel and fire will serve for them. The ones you call the Others are something more.”

“它是冰雪與寒冷的惡魔恨樟，”史坦尼斯·拜拉席恩道，“古老的宿敵疚俱，真正的對(duì)手劝术。”他又轉(zhuǎn)向山姆呆奕⊙“聽說你跟那女野人從長城底下通過，穿越了一道魔法門梁钾∩”

“Demons made of snow and ice and cold,” said Stannis Baratheon. “The ancient enemy. The only enemy that matters.” He considered Sam again. “I am told that you and this wildling girl passed beneath the Wall, through some magic gate.”

“黑、黑門姆泻，”山姆結(jié)結(jié)巴巴地說零酪，“在長夜堡下∧床”

“The B-black Gate,” Sam stammered. “Below the Nightfort.”

“長夜堡是長城沿線最龐大也最古老的城堡四苇，”國王說，“進(jìn)行這場戰(zhàn)爭時(shí)方咆，我打算以此為居城月腋。到時(shí)候，你得說出門的所在峻呛÷奘郏”

“The Nightfort is the largest and oldest of the castles on the Wall,” the king said. “That is where I intend to make my seat, whilst I fight this war. You will show me this gate.”

“我，”山姆說钩述，“我會(huì)寨躁、會(huì)的，假如……”假如它仍在那里牙勘。假如它會(huì)對(duì)不穿黑衣的人開放职恳。假如……”

“I,” said Sam, “I w-will, if …” If it is still there. If it will open for a man not of the black. If …

“你會(huì)的所禀，”史坦尼斯打斷他，“而我會(huì)告訴你什么時(shí)候說放钦∩牵”

“You will,” snapped Stannis. “I shall tell you when.”

伊蒙學(xué)士微微一笑〔儋鳎“陛下褂策，”他道，“我想颓屑，在我們離開之前斤寂，能否給予一份極大的榮幸，讓我們看看那柄神奇的魔劍揪惦。關(guān)于他遍搞，大家都聽過無數(shù)傳說∑饕福”

Maester Aemon smiled. “Your Grace,” he said, “before we go, I wonder if you would do us the great honor of showing us this wondrous blade we have all heard so very much of.”

“你要看‘光明使者’溪猿？你不是瞎了嗎？”

“You want to see Lightbringer? A blind man?”

“山姆是我的眼睛纫塌≌锵兀”

“Sam shall be my eyes.”

國王皺起眉頭，“其他人都能看护戳，憑什么不給盲人看翎冲？”他的劍帶和劍鞘掛在壁爐邊的勾子上。他下來媳荒，抽出長劍抗悍。只聽鋼鐵摩擦木頭和皮革，然后書房里充滿光芒：金钳枕、橙與紅色的線條閃爍變換缴渊，跳躍的色彩如火焰一般明亮。

The king frowned. “Everyone else has seen the thing, why not a blind man?” His swordbelt and scabbard hung from a peg near the hearth. He took the belt down and drew the longsword out. Steel scraped against wood and leather, and radiance filled the solar; shimmering, shifting, a dance of gold and orange and red light, all the bright colors of fire.

“說鱼炒，山姆威爾衔沼。”伊蒙學(xué)士觸碰他的手臂昔瞧。

“Tell me, Samwell.” Maester Aemon touched his arm.

“它自我發(fā)光指蚁，”山姆壓低聲音，“好似一把沒有焰苗的火炬自晰。鋼鐵的顏色是黃凝化、紅和橙，不停閃耀放射酬荞，比水面上的陽光更漂亮搓劫。真希望你能看見它睦尽，師傅浑侥√究蓿”

“It glows,” said Sam, in a hushed voice. “As if it were on fire. There are no flames, but the steel is yellow and red and orange, all flashing and glimmering, like sunshine on water, but prettier. I wish you could see it, Maester.”

“我明白了俗批，山姆，一把充滿陽光的劍秘蛔，可愛而悅目陨亡。”老人僵硬地頷首深员，“陛下数苫。夫人。非常感謝您們的慷慨辨液。”

“I see it now, Sam. A sword full of sunlight. So lovely to behold.” The old man bowed stiffly. “Your Grace. My lady. This was most kind of you.”

等史坦尼斯國王收劍入鞘箱残，房間似乎變得十分黑暗滔迈，盡管陽光仍舊從窗戶流瀉而進(jìn)”患“很好燎悍，你既然看過了，就回去履行職責(zé)吧盼理。記住我的話谈山，你的弟兄們必須在今晚選出總司令，否則我會(huì)讓他們后悔的宏怔∽嗦罚”

When King Stannis sheathed the shining sword, the room seemed to grow very dark, despite the sunlight streaming through the window. “Very well, you’ve seen it. You may return to your duties now. And remember what I said. Your brothers will choose a Lord Commander tonight, or I shall make them wish they had.”

山姆扶伊蒙學(xué)士走下狹窄的樓梯時(shí)，對(duì)方完全迷失在思緒中臊诊，直到穿越庭院期間鸽粉，才突然道，“我沒感覺到熱量抓艳，你呢触机，山姆？”

Maester Aemon was lost in thought as Sam helped him down the narrow turnpike stair. But as they were crossing the yard, he said, “I felt no heat. Did you, Sam?”

“熱量玷或？從那柄劍上儡首？”他努力回想，“它周圍的空氣跟著變換發(fā)光偏友，似乎位于滾燙的火盆邊蔬胯，感應(yīng)到四射的熱力≡继福”

“Heat? From the sword?” He thought back. “The air around it was shimmering, the way it does above a hot brazier.”

“然而你卻沒感覺到熱量笔宿，對(duì)不對(duì)犁钟？這把劍的劍鞘是木頭和皮革做的，對(duì)嗎泼橘？陛下拔劍時(shí)我聽見聲音涝动。皮革有沒有焦灼的痕跡，山姆炬灭？木頭有沒有焚燒或變黑醋粟？”

“Yet you felt no heat, did you? And the scabbard that held this sword, it is wood and leather, yes? I heard the sound when His Grace drew out the blade. Was the leather scorched, Sam? Did the wood seem burnt or blackened?”

“沒，”山姆承認(rèn)重归，“我沒看到米愿。”

“No,” Sam admitted. “Not that I could see.”

伊蒙學(xué)士點(diǎn)點(diǎn)頭鼻吮∮叮回房之后，他讓山姆生火椎木，并扶自己坐到爐邊椅子上违柏。“變這么老真是辛苦香椎，”他一邊嘆氣一邊坐上墊子漱竖，“眼睛瞎了就更辛苦。我想念太陽畜伐、書籍馍惹。對(duì)，我最想念書籍玛界⊥蚍”伊蒙擺擺手〗抛校“投票之前勤众，你可以休息了±鹪啵”

Maester Aemon nodded. Back in his own chambers, he asked Sam to set a fire and help him to his chair beside the hearth. “It is hard to be so old,” he sighed as he settled onto the cushion. “And harder still to be so blind. I miss the sun. And books. I miss books most of all.” Aemon waved a hand. “I shall have no more need of you till the choosing.”

“投票……師傅们颜，你難道沒什么可做的嗎？國王說猎醇，杰諾斯大人是……”

“The choosing … Maester, isn’t there something you could do? What the king said of Lord Janos …”

“我明白窥突，”伊蒙學(xué)士道，“可山姆你別忘了硫嘶，我作為學(xué)士阻问，戴起頸鏈，發(fā)下誓言沦疾。我的職責(zé)是給總司令提供諫言称近，不管他是誰第队，此時(shí)此刻，我要是顯出偏向性刨秆，那就太不合適了凳谦。”

“I recall,” Maester Aemon said, “but Sam, I am a maester, chained and sworn. My duty is to counsel the Lord Commander, whoever he might be. It would not be proper for me to be seen to favor one contender over another.”

“我不是學(xué)士衡未，”山姆說尸执，“我能做什么？”

“I’m not a maester,” said Sam. “Could I do something?”

伊蒙抬起白色盲眼缓醋，轉(zhuǎn)向山姆的臉如失，淡淡地微笑，“噢送粱，我不知道褪贵，山姆威爾。你能做什么抗俄？”

Aemon turned his blind white eyes toward Sam’s face, and smiled softy. “Why, I don’t know, Samwell. Could you?”

我能做竭鞍，山姆心想，我必須做橄镜。而且得馬上行動(dòng)，若猶豫不決冯乘，就會(huì)失去勇氣洽胶。我是守夜人的漢子，他一邊提醒自己一邊快步穿過庭院裆馒。我是守夜人的漢子姊氓，我能做。從前喷好，只要面對(duì)莫爾蒙大人翔横，他就會(huì)顫抖尖叫，但那是過去的山姆梗搅，在先民拳峰和卡斯特的堡壘之前禾唁，在尸鬼和“冷手”之前，在騎死馬的異鬼出現(xiàn)之前无切。他現(xiàn)在更勇敢荡短。吉莉讓我更勇敢，他告訴過瓊恩哆键。那是事實(shí)掘托。那是事實(shí)。

I could, Sam thought. I have to. He had to do it right away, too. If he hesitated he was certain to lose his courage. I am a man of the Night’s Watch, he reminded himself as he hurried across the yard. I am. I can do this. There had been a time when he had quaked and squeaked if Lord Mormont so much as looked at him, but that was the old Sam, before the Fist of the First Men and Craster’s Keep, before the wights and Coldhands and the Other on his dead horse. He was braver now. Gilly made me braver, he’d told Jon. It was true. It had to be true.

卡特·派克是兩名指揮官中較可怕的一個(gè)籍嘹，因此山姆趁自己的勇氣仍然熱切闪盔，決定先去他那邊弯院。他在古老的盾牌廳里找到了他，正跟三個(gè)東海望的人賭骰子泪掀，還有一個(gè)從龍石島來追隨史坦尼斯的紅發(fā)士官听绳。

Cotter Pyke was the scarier of the two commanders, so Sam went to him first, while his courage was still hot. He found him in the old Shieldhall, dicing with three of his Eastwatch men and a red-headed sergeant who had come from Dragonstone with Stannis.

當(dāng)山姆請(qǐng)求說話，派克一聲喝令族淮，其他人便收起骰子和硬幣離開辫红。

When Sam begged leave to speak with him, though, Pyke barked an order, and the others took the dice and coins and left them.

卡特·派克穿著鑲釘軟甲和粗布馬褲，身體精瘦結(jié)實(shí)而強(qiáng)硬祝辣，但絲毫談不上英俊贴妻。他的小眼睛靠得太近，鼻子斷裂蝙斜，額頭細(xì)得像長矛尖名惩。麻疹完全毀了他的臉，為了掩蓋所蓄起的胡子則稀疏零亂孕荠。

No man would ever call Cotter Pyke handsome, though the body under his studded brigantine and roughspun breeches was lean and hard and wiry strong. His eyes were small and close-set, his nose broken, his widow’s peak as sharply pointed as the head of a spear. The pox had ravaged his face badly, and the beard he’d grown to hide the scars was thin and scraggly.

“‘殺手’山姆娩鹉！”他以自己的方式打招呼，“你肯定自己刺的是異鬼稚伍，不是孩子的雪騎士弯予？”

“Sam the Slayer!” he said, by way of greeting. “Are you sure you stabbed an Other, and not some child’s snow knight?”

開局不妙「鍪铮“是龍晶殺死它的锈嫩，大人】寻幔”山姆無力地解釋呼寸。

This isn’t starting well. “It was the dragonglass that killed it, my lord,” Sam explained feebly.

“啊，毫無疑問猴贰。好啦对雪，快說吧，殺手米绕。學(xué)士派你來的嗎瑟捣？”

“Aye, no doubt. Well, out with it, Slayer. Did the maester send you to me?”

“學(xué)士？”山姆咽口口水栅干，“我……我剛從他那兒離開蝶柿，大人》峭裕”這不是謊言交汤，派克選擇錯(cuò)誤的解讀是他自己的事，這樣他會(huì)更愿意聽下去。山姆深吸一口氣芙扎，說出計(jì)劃星岗。

“The maester?” Sam swallowed. “I … I just left him, my lord.” That wasn’t truly a lie, but if Pyke chose to read it wrong, it might make him more inclined to listen. Sam took a deep breath and launched into his plea.

不料才說不到二十個(gè)字，便被派克打斷戒洼∏伍伲“你要我跪下來親吻梅利斯特那件漂亮斗篷的褶邊，是嗎圈浇？我早該猜到寥掐，你們這幫貴族老爺會(huì)像綿羊一樣聚攏。很好磷蜀，告訴伊蒙召耘，他在浪費(fèi)你我的時(shí)間。如果有人退出褐隆，應(yīng)該是梅利斯特污它。媽的，那家伙坐這個(gè)位置實(shí)在太老了庶弃，你去對(duì)他說衫贬，如果我們選他，很可能不到一年工夫歇攻，就又要回來重新選人固惯。”

Pyke cut him off before he’d said twenty words. “You want me to kneel down and kiss the hem of Mallister’s pretty cloak, is that it? I might have known. You lordlings all flock like sheep. Well, tell Aemon that he’s wasted your breath and my time. If anyone withdraws it should be Mallister. The man’s too bloody old for the job, maybe you ought to go tell him that. We choose him, and we’re like to be back here in a year, choosing someone else.”

“他老是老缴守，”山姆承認(rèn)缝呕，“但經(jīng)驗(yàn)豐富「ⅲ”

“He’s old,” Sam agreed, “but he’s well ex-experienced.”

“坐在塔樓里翻地圖的經(jīng)驗(yàn)？當(dāng)了總司令摊聋，他打算怎么做鸡捐？給尸鬼們寫信嗎？他是個(gè)好騎士麻裁，不折不扣箍镜，但并非戰(zhàn)士，我他媽才不在乎五十年前他在哪個(gè)愚蠢的比武會(huì)里把誰撞下了馬煎源，瞎眼老頭都知道色迂，仗全是‘?dāng)嗾啤嫠虻摹，F(xiàn)在有這該死的國王騎在頭上手销，我們比以往更需要戰(zhàn)士的領(lǐng)導(dǎo)歇僧。今天索要廢墟和空地，不折不扣，誰知道明天陛下想要什么诈悍？你以為梅利斯特有膽子站起來反對(duì)史坦尼斯·拜拉席恩和那紅袍婊子嗎祸轮？”他哈哈大笑〗那“我不這么想适袜。”

“At sitting in his tower and fussing over maps, maybe. What does he plan to do, write letters to the wights? He’s a knight, well and good, but he’s not a fighter, and I don’t give a kettle of piss who he unhorsed in some fool tourney fifty years ago. The Halfhand fought all his battles, even an old blind man should see that. And we need a fighter more than ever with this bloody king on top of us. Today it’s ruins and empty fields, well and good, but what will His Grace want come the morrow? You think Mallister has the belly to stand up to Stannis Baratheon and that red bitch?” He laughed. “I don’t.”

“你不會(huì)支持他舷夺？”山姆沮喪地總結(jié)苦酱。

“You won’t support him, then?” said Sam, dismayed.

“你是‘殺手’山姆還是‘聾子’迪克？不给猾，我當(dāng)然不會(huì)支持他疫萤。”派克拿一根手指點(diǎn)著臉耙册「“搞清楚，小子详拙，我不想要這該死的職位帝际，從沒想過。我習(xí)慣踩著甲板戰(zhàn)斗饶辙，不想騎馬蹲诀，而黑城堡離海太遠(yuǎn)了。但我寧愿用火紅滾燙的劍操屁眼也不愿把守夜人軍團(tuán)交給影子塔那只愛打扮的鷹弃揽，老人家問起的話脯爪，只管這么說】笪ⅲ”他站起身痕慢。“趕快從我眼前消失涌矢∫淳伲”

“Are you Sam the Slayer or Deaf Dick? No, I won’t support him.” Pyke jabbed a finger at his face. “Understand this, boy. I don’t want the bloody job, and never did. I fight best with a deck beneath me, not a horse, and Castle Black is too far from the sea. But I’ll be buggered with a red-hot sword before I turn the Night’s Watch over to that preening eagle from the Shadow Tower. And you can run back to the old man and tell him I said so, if he asks.” He stood. “Get out of my sight.”

山姆鼓起所有剩余的勇氣，“如娜庇、如果是別人呢塔次？你能支、支持別人嗎名秀？”

It took all the courage Sam had left in him to say, “W-what if there was someone else? Could you s-support someone else?”

“別人励负？誰？波文·馬爾錫匕得？這只會(huì)數(shù)勺子的家伙继榆？奧賽爾習(xí)慣服從，別人要他干什么他就干什么，雖然干得出色裕照，但僅此而已攒发。史林特……嗯，他那伙人喜歡他晋南，這我承認(rèn)惠猿，我還真想把他塞進(jìn)國王胃里，看看史坦尼斯會(huì)不會(huì)打嗝……但是不行负间，那家伙渾身都有君臨的味道偶妖，媽的，癩蛤蟆長翅膀就以為自己是龍了嗎政溃？”派克哈哈大笑趾访。“還剩下誰董虱？哈布扼鞋？我們可以選他，不過到時(shí)候誰來給你煮羊肉呢愤诱，殺手云头？媽的，你這樣子應(yīng)該喜歡他該死的羊肉淫半±；保”

“Who? Bowen Marsh? The man counts spoons. Othell’s a follower, does what he’s told and does it well, but no more’n that. Slynt … well, his men like him, I’ll grant you, and it would almost be worth it to stick him down the royal craw and see if Stannis gagged, but no. There’s too much of King’s Landing in that one. A toad grows wings and thinks he’s a bloody dragon.” Pyke laughed. “Who does that leave, Hobb? We could pick him, I suppose, only then who’s going to boil your mutton, Slayer? You look like a man who likes his bloody mutton.”

沒什么好多說的了。山姆被徹底挫敗科吭，他結(jié)結(jié)巴巴地道謝昏滴，然后離開。在丹尼斯爵士那邊我能做得更好对人，穿過城堡時(shí)谣殊，他試圖寬慰自己。丹尼斯爵士是騎士牺弄，出身高貴姻几，談吐斯文，當(dāng)初他在路上發(fā)現(xiàn)山姆和吉莉猖闪，待他們謙恭有禮。丹尼斯爵士會(huì)聽我的話肌厨，一定會(huì)的培慌。

There was nothing more to say. Defeated, Sam could only stammer out his thanks and take his leave. I will do better with Ser Denys, he tried to tell himself as he walked through the castle. Ser Denys was a knight, highborn and well-spoken, and he had treated Sam most courteously when he’d found him and Gilly on the road. Ser Denys will listen to me, he has to.

影子塔的指揮官出生于海疆城的洪鐘塔下，是個(gè)徹頭徹尾的梅利斯特柑爸。他那黑天鵝絨上衣的領(lǐng)子和袖口都鑲貂皮吵护，披風(fēng)被一只銀鷹的爪子扣住。他胡須雪白，頭發(fā)大部分脫落馅而，臉上刻著深深的皺紋祥诽，但行動(dòng)仍然敏捷，嘴里還有牙齒瓮恭，年月并未暗淡其藍(lán)灰色的眼睛雄坪，也未減損他高貴的氣質(zhì)。

The commander of the Shadow Tower had been born beneath the Booming Tower of Seagard, and looked every inch a Mallister. Sable trimmed his collar and accented the sleeves of his black velvet doublet. A silver eagle fastened its claws in the gathered folds of his cloak. His beard was white as snow, his hair was largely gone, and his face was deeply lined, it was true. Yet he still had grace in his movements and teeth in his mouth, and the years had dimmed neither his blue-grey eyes nor his courtesy.

“塔利大人屯蹦，”當(dāng)他的事務(wù)官將山姆帶進(jìn)影子塔的人所居住的長槍塔维哈，他立刻招呼道，“很高興看到你身體康復(fù)登澜。要不要杯葡萄酒阔挠？我記得，你母親大人出自佛羅倫家脑蠕，什么時(shí)候咱們可以聊聊购撼，我曾在同一場比武大會(huì)上將你祖父和外公打落下馬。但不是今天谴仙，我知道我們有更緊迫的事情迂求。你一定是從伊蒙師傅那兒來的，他有什么諫言給我嗎狞甚？”

“My lord of Tarly,” he said, when his steward brought Sam to him in the Lance, where the Shadow Tower men were staying. “I am pleased to see that you’ve recovered from your ordeal. Might I offer you a cup of wine? Your lady mother is a Florent, I recall. One day I must tell you about the time I unhorsed both of your grandfathers in the same tourney. Not today, though, I know we have more pressing concerns. You come from Maester Aemon, to be sure. Does he have counsel to offer me?”

山姆啜了口酒锁摔，小心地斟酌詞句，“學(xué)士戴起頸鏈哼审，發(fā)下誓言……此時(shí)此刻谐腰，他要是顯出偏向性，那就太不合適了……”

Sam took a sip of wine, and chose his words with care. “A maester chained and sworn … it would not be proper for him to be seen as having influenced the choice of Lord Commander …”

老爵士微微一笑涩盾，“是的十气，所以他不能親自前來，我理解春霍，山姆威爾砸西。伊蒙和我都是老人，在這種事上會(huì)考慮周到址儒。就請(qǐng)你說出此行目的吧芹枷。”

The old knight smiled. “Which is why he has not come to me himself. Yes, I quite understand, Samwell. Aemon and I are both old men, and wise in such matters. Say what you came to say.”

酒液甜美莲趣，而丹尼斯爵士跟卡特·派克不同鸳慈，他嚴(yán)肅認(rèn)真地聽完山姆的計(jì)劃，但最后仍搖搖頭喧伞∽哂螅“我承認(rèn)绩郎，假如讓國王來指定總司令，那將是守夜人歷史上黑暗的一天翁逞。尤其是這個(gè)國王肋杖，他不可能長久地保住王冠。但是真的挖函，山姆威爾状植，退出的應(yīng)該是派克。我的票數(shù)比他多挪圾，而且比他更合適浅萧。”

The wine was sweet, and Ser Denys listened to Sam’s plea with grave courtesy, unlike Cotter Pyke. But when he was done, the old knight shook his head. “I agree that it would be a dark day in our history if a king were to name our Lord Commander. This king especially. He is not like to keep his crown for long. But truly, Samwell, it ought to be Pyke who withdraws. I have more support than he does, and I am better suited to the office.”

“沒錯(cuò)哲思，”山姆承認(rèn)洼畅，“但卡特·派克或許勉強(qiáng)能勝任。據(jù)說他常在戰(zhàn)斗中證明自己棚赔〉鄞兀”他不想因贊揚(yáng)對(duì)手而冒犯丹尼斯爵士，可除此之外還能怎么說呢靠益？

“You are,” Sam agreed, “but Cotter Pyke might serve. It’s said he has oft proved himself in battle.” He did not mean to offend Ser Denys by praising his rival, but how else could he convince him to withdraw?

“許多弟兄在戰(zhàn)斗中證明了自己丧肴，那是不夠的，有些事無法靠斧頭解決胧后，伊蒙師傅了解芋浮，但卡特·派克不明白。守夜人軍團(tuán)的總司令必須是領(lǐng)袖壳快，必須具備跟其他貴族……以及國王打交道的能力纸巷。他必須贏得別人尊重】籼担”丹尼斯爵士傾身向前瘤旨。“你我都是諸侯的子嗣竖伯，我們都清楚出身存哲、血統(tǒng)以及早期教育的重要性，那是練武所無法替代的七婴。我十二歲成為侍從祟偷，十八歲當(dāng)上騎士，二十二歲贏得比武大會(huì)的冠軍打厘，而指揮影子塔業(yè)已三十三年修肠。血統(tǒng)、出身和教育使我具備跟國王打交道的能力婚惫。派克……唉氛赐，你記得今天早晨他說的話嗎，‘你要讓國王給我們揩屁股嗎’先舷？山姆威爾艰管，非議弟兄并非我的習(xí)慣，但讓我們坦白說吧……鐵民是海盜與竊賊的民族蒋川，卡特·派克從小干的就是奸淫殺戮之事牲芋，多年以來，連讀寫信件都全部交由哈慕恩師傅負(fù)責(zé)捺球。不缸浦，雖然不想讓伊蒙師傅失望，但我無法說服自己為東海望的派克讓路氮兵×阎穑”

“Many of my brothers have proved themselves in battle. It is not enough. Some matters cannot be settled with a battleaxe. Maester Aemon will understand that, though Cotter Pyke does not. The Lord Commander of the Night’s Watch is a lord, first and foremost. He must be able to treat with other lords … and with kings as well. He must be a man worthy of respect.” Ser Denys leaned forward. “We are the sons of great lords, you and I. We know the importance of birth, blood, and that early training that can ne’er be replaced. I was a squire at twelve, a knight at eighteen, a champion at two-and-twenty. I have been the commander at the Shadow Tower for thirty-three years. Blood, birth, and training have fitted me to deal with kings. Pyke … well, did you hear him this morning, asking if His Grace would wipe his bottom? Samwell, it is not my habit to speak unkindly of my brothers, but let us be frank … the ironborn are a race of pirates and thieves, and Cotter Pyke was raping and murdering when he was still half a boy. Maester Harmune reads and writes his letters, and has for years. No, loath as I am to disappoint Maester Aemon, I could not in honor stand aside for Pyke of Eastwatch.”

這回山姆作好了準(zhǔn)備，“您會(huì)不會(huì)支持其他人泣栈？某個(gè)更合適的人卜高？”

This time Sam was ready. “Might you for someone else? If it was someone more suitable?”

丹尼斯考慮片刻，“我從不貪圖榮耀南片。上次選舉掺涛，當(dāng)莫爾蒙大人的名字被提出來，我心悅誠服地放棄疼进，在此之前薪缆，也曾為科格爾大人讓路。只要守夜人軍團(tuán)操在可靠的人手中伞广，我就心滿意足拣帽。但波文·馬爾錫和奧賽爾·亞威克都不是那樣的人，而這所謂的赫倫堡伯爵乃屠夫之子赔癌，蘭尼斯特家提拔的跳梁小丑诞外，難怪如此墮落腐化≡制保”

Ser Denys considered a moment. “I have never desired the honor for its own sake. At the last choosing, I stepped aside gratefully when Lord Mormont’s name was offered, just as I had for Lord Qorgyle at the choosing before that. So long as the Night’s Watch remains in good hands, I am content. But Bowen Marsh is not equal to the task, no more than Othell Yarwyck. And this so-called Lord of Harrenhal is a butcher’s whelp unjumped by the Lannisters. Small wonder he is venal and corrupt.”

“還有一個(gè)人峡谊，”山姆脫口而出，“莫爾蒙總司令信任他刊苍，唐納·諾伊和‘?dāng)嗾啤屏忠残湃嗡让恰１M管他身份不若你高貴，卻也有古老的血統(tǒng)正什。他在城堡里出生啥纸，在城堡里長大，他跟騎士學(xué)習(xí)劍術(shù)與長槍婴氮，向?qū)W士討教文字和知識(shí)斯棒。他的父親是公爵盾致，他的兄弟乃是國王∪倌海”

“There’s another man,” Sam blurted out. “Lord Commander Mormont trusted him. So did Donal Noye and Qhorin Halfhand. Though he’s not as highly born as you, he comes from old blood. He was castle-born and castle-raised, and he learned sword and lance from a knight and letters from a maester of the Citadel. His father was a lord, and his brother a king.”

丹尼斯爵士撫摸長長的白胡子庭惜。“也許穗酥，”過了許久护赊，他道，“他很年輕砾跃，但……也許骏啰，也許可以勝任，我承認(rèn)抽高。然而毫無疑問判耕，我更合適，我是更明智的選擇翘骂∑盹酰”

Ser Denys stroked his long white beard. “Mayhaps,” he said, after a long moment. “He is very young, but … mayhaps. He might serve, I grant you, though I would be more suitable. I have no doubt of that. I would be the wiser choice.”

瓊恩說，謊言能否不失榮譽(yù)雏胃，取決于內(nèi)容與目的请毛。于是山姆道，“如果我們今晚不選出一個(gè)總司令瞭亮，史坦尼斯國王打算指定卡特·派克方仿。他今天早上跟伊蒙學(xué)士這么說的，在你們離開之后统翩∠裳粒”

Jon said there could be honor in a lie, if it were told for the right reason. Sam said, “If we do not choose a Lord Commander tonight, King Stannis means to name Cotter Pyke. He said as much to Maester Aemon this morning, after all of you had left.”

“我明白了，明白了厂汗，”丹尼斯爵士站起身委粉，“我考慮一下。謝謝你娶桦，山姆威爾贾节，請(qǐng)向伊蒙師傅表達(dá)我的謝意≈云瑁”

“I see.” Ser Denys rose. “I must think on this. Thank you, Samwell. And give my thanks to Maester Aemon as well.”

山姆離開長槍塔時(shí)栗涂，渾身顫抖。我干了什么祈争？他心想斤程，我說了什么？如果被他們發(fā)現(xiàn)菩混，會(huì)……怎樣忿墅？送我上長城站崗扁藕？掏出我的腸子？把我變成尸鬼疚脐？突然之間纹磺，一切顯得如此荒唐，見過烏鴉啄食小保羅的臉的他亮曹，還怕什么卡特·派克和丹尼斯·梅利斯特爵士呢？

Sam was trembling by the time he left the Lance. What have I done? he thought. What have I said? If they caught him in his lie, they would … what? Send me to the Wall? Rip my entrails out? Turn me into a wight? Suddenly it all seemed absurd. How could he be so frightened of Cotter Pyke and Ser Denys Mallister, when he had seen a raven eating Small Paul’s face?

派克見他回來很不高興秘症≌肇裕“又是你？有屁快放乡摹，別把我惹火了役耕。”

Pyke was not pleased by his return. “You again? Make it quick, you are starting to annoy me.”

“只占用一點(diǎn)點(diǎn)時(shí)間聪廉，”山姆承諾瞬痘，“你說自己不愿為丹尼斯爵士退出，也許會(huì)為別人板熊】蛉”

“I only need a moment more,” Sam promised. “You won’t withdraw for Ser Denys, you said, but you might for someone else.”

“這次是誰，殺手干签？你自己嗎津辩？”

“Who is it this time, Slayer? You?”

“不。一個(gè)真正的戰(zhàn)士容劳。當(dāng)野人來襲時(shí)喘沿，唐納·諾伊將長城交給他，他還是熊老的侍從竭贩。唯一的問題是蚜印，他是個(gè)私生子×袅浚”

“No. A fighter. Donal Noye gave him the Wall when the wildlings came, and he was the Old Bear’s squire. The only thing is, he’s bastard-born.”

卡特·派克哈哈大笑窄赋，“七層地獄，真他媽該死楼熄，就像往梅利斯特的屁眼里捅進(jìn)一根長矛一樣寝凌，不是嗎？僅僅為這個(gè)孝赫，也許就值得做较木，那男孩還能壞到哪里去？”他哼了一聲青柄》フ“但我比他更好预侯，我才是需要的人，哪個(gè)笨蛋都看得出來峰锁∥冢”

Cotter Pyke laughed. “Bloody hell. That would shove a spear up Mallister’s arse, wouldn’t it? Might be worth it just for that. How bad could the boy be?” He snorted. “I’d be better, though. I’m what’s needed, any fool can see that.”

“哪個(gè)笨蛋，”山姆贊同虹蒋，“包括我糜芳。但是……好吧，有些話本來不該講魄衅，但……但假如今晚選不出一個(gè)人來峭竣，史坦尼斯國王打算強(qiáng)迫我們接受丹尼斯爵士。他今天早上跟伊蒙學(xué)士這么說的晃虫，在你們離開之后皆撩。”

“Any fool,” Sam agreed, “even me. But … well, I shouldn’t be telling you, but … King Stannis means to force Ser Denys on us, if we do not choose a man tonight. I heard him tell Maester Aemon that, after the rest of you were sent away.”