"These goblins have been dead for at least a day." The other gnome ignored his companion's warning and said loudly. "The Dark Elves won't ambush here, that's not their style."

"Slaughtering goblins isn't like their way of doing it," said the dwarf who insisted on communicating with his heart, "and they'd take them back as slaves." ”

"Only if they plan to return directly to Morsoblay will they be left alive as prisoners." The dwarf who spoke first said. He turned to the captain, "Captain Krieger, we must rush back to Brindon Rock City immediately to report this incident!" ”

"The evidence is not sufficient." Krieger replied, "There's a bunch of goblin corpses in the tunnels, and it's not so unusual. ”

"This isn't the first time the Dark Elves have been active in this area." Another said. The facts and wise advice he reminded should not be ignored. Two patrols have recently reported the discovery of monster corpses piling up in the tunnels of the Dark Regions - and all indications are that they are most likely caused by the Dark Elves.

"And, look," he continued, bending down to pick up the waist pouch of a goblin. He opened his pocket and poured out the contents: a handful of gold and silver coins. "What dark elf would be so impatient that they don't even take the loot in front of them?"

"Are you sure it's the Dark Elves?" Krieger asked, though he had no doubt in his own. "Maybe someone else has intruded on our turf. Or maybe some goblin or orc or something happened to pick up a weapon from the dark elves. ”

Dark Elves! Several team members immediately passed on their ideas at the same time.

"The scars are very neat and precise," said one of them, "I've never seen a goblin perform such a sword." Such an efficient way to kill is none other than the dark elves. ”

Captain Krieg walked a few steps along the passage alone, searching the nearby rocks for any traces. Underground gnomes have a unique understanding of stone that no other species of creatures can match. But there was no sign of anything on the rocks. These goblins are killed by weapons, not by the claws of any monster; But they weren't plundered either. The carnage was concentrated in this small space, indicating that the goblins didn't even have time to escape. More than two dozen goblins were quickly dealt with in a short period of time, and it can be seen that the team of dark elves they encountered was not small; But even a small group of dark elves couldn't easily let go of the goblins' belongings.

"Captain, what are we going to do?" A member of the team asks questions behind Krieger. "Continue to explore the reported veins, or return to Stone City to report on the massacre?"

Krieg is a well-informed of the underground gnomes, and thinks he knows everything about the dark regions. He didn't like the mystery, but he couldn't think of any reason for scratching his bald head. Return! He telepathically ordered the present. None of the team members objected. Underground gnomes usually do everything they can to avoid going head-to-head with the Dark Elves.

The patrol immediately shifted into a heavily defended formation and set off towards Brindon Stone.

In the hidden shadow of the stalactite pillars hanging high at the top of the tunnel, Zaknavan? Duchaden's spirit-bound corpse floated in the air, looking down on the dwarfs underground, and remembering their path.

???

King Snitik on the stone throne leaned forward, contemplating the patrol leader's report with a solemn expression. King Snittic's advisors sat around him, curious and nervous, as the report confirmed the previous two reports about the activities of the Dark Elves in the tunnels east of the city.

"Why is the city of Morsoblay provoking at the borders of my city?" When Brick's report was finished, one of the advisors asked, "We don't have any intention of going to war. Of course, if the ruling council of Morsoblay had made some astonishing decision, we would never have been ignorant of it. ”

"That's right." King Snittic agreed, and silenced the whispers in the advisory board. "May I warn you that we have not yet been able to determine that the perpetrators of these massacres are indeed the Dark Elves."

"Your Majesty, I'm sorry, but ......," Krieger began.

"That's right, Captain," King Snitik responded immediately, waving slowly to stop any rebuttal. "You are quite sure of your observations, and I have a great deal of confidence in your judgment. However, I don't make any presets unless I do find any Dark Elf team. ”

"So we can only agree that there are indeed dangerous people who have invaded our eastern realm." Another advisor interjected.

"Yes," replied the king, "we must begin to discover the truth." At present, all prospecting activities in the eastern part of the city will be cancelled. King Snittic waved his hand again to quell the rumblings. I know that quite a few important veins have been discovered there recently - and that will be ours sooner or later. However, as things stand, the eastern, northeastern, and southeastern districts must be put on war alert, and patrols must be doubled to cover all areas that can be reached within three days' march from Burynden Stone. This mystery must be solved as soon as possible!"

"So, what about our eyeliner in Drow City?" The advisor asked, "Should I contact him?"

King Snitik raised his palms. "Don't be nervous," he explained, "we'll be vigilant, but don't startle just yet." "The Gnome King doesn't want the advisors to know their worries, and in fact, he doesn't think their eyeliner is very reliable in Morsoblay. The informants, though happy to exchange some minor information for the precious gems of the Underground Gnomes, would the forces of Morsoblay intend to carry out any large-scale aggression against Brindon Stone, they would undoubtedly turn their backs on the Underground Gnomes immediately.

"If we hear anything going on in Morsoblay," the Gnome King continued, "or if we find any evidence that the intruders are indeed the Dark Elves, then we will immediately strengthen our communications." Until then, let the patrol actually carry out the mission. ”

King Snittic then disbanded the advisory council, and he wanted to be alone in the throne hall for a while, thinking about the bad news. Less than a week ago, he had heard about Trist's frenzied attack on the petrified lizard siacrum. The rulers of Brynden Stone have heard too much about the "heroic deeds" of the Dark Elves lately.

???

Underground gnome patrols deep into the tunnels east of the city. Even though they returned to Stone City with nothing, they still felt that something was not right, and they felt that the entire dark area was enveloped in an unusual silence, and they could not even hear the slightest commotion that they should normally have. So far, not a single underground gnome has been injured, but no one has wanted to go out of the city to prospect for minerals. They intuitively knew that there was something evil in the tunnels, and that it did not blink an eye when it opened the ring of killing, and it never showed mercy.

A patrol team discovers Trist's old abode, the Mushroom Cave. King Snitik was saddened to learn of the annihilation of the entire clan of the mushrooms, who had always been peaceful, and that even the mushrooms had been destroyed. However, despite the underground gnomes patrolling all the tunnels endlessly, they were unable to find any signs of the enemy. They firmly believe that such a secret and brutal killing is definitely the work of the dark elves.

"And we've now contained a dark elf." At the daily meeting, an advisor reminded King Snittic.

"Did he get into any trouble?" The dwarf king asked.

"Very little." The advisor replied, "And the Honorary Prospecting Captain Belva?" Dyssenger still defended him, letting him live in his own home and treat him like a guest rather than a prisoner. The head of the Honourable Regiment Diesenge was wounded off any guards near his home. ”

"Keep an eye on the Dark Elf," King Snitik ordered after a moment's thought, "but keep your distance. If, as Captain Diesenge believes, he is a friend and foe, he should not have been subjected to such an impudent violation. "So, what about the patrols?" Another advisor asked. He is the representative of the cave area at the entrance to the Stone City, which is inhabited by guards. "My soldiers were tired of it, they could not find any trace of the battle, they did not hear a sound except for their own tired footsteps."

"We must be vigilant," King Snitik reminded him, "if the Dark Elves are gathering ......"

"They didn't," the advisor insisted, "and we didn't find any camps, and we didn't find any signs of camping. The patrols of Morsoblay City, if so, will return to some unknown habitat after the attack, perhaps using magic to locate them. ”

"If the Dark Elves really intend to attack Brindon Stone," another suggested, "would they deliberately leave so many trails?" The first attack, the goblin massacre discovered by Captain Krieger, was a week earlier; The tragedy of the extermination of the mushroom people happened much earlier. I've never heard of a dark elf roaming around an enemy city so early before launching a massive attack, leaving a trail of carnage. ”

The dwarf king pondered the same question. Every time he woke up in the morning to find that Brindon Stone was still intact, the threat of an attack on Morsoblay seemed even more distant. However, despite the reassurance of the advisory group's similar reasons, he could not forget the horror of what the soldiers found in the tunnels east of the city. There was something, probably a dark elf, right there, too close for him to like.

"Let's assume that Morsoblis doesn't intend to wage war against us this time," Snittic asked, "So, why are the Dark Elves so close to our door?" Why can't the dark elves linger in the eastern tunnels of Stone City, which is so far away from home?"

"Expansion?" One adviser proposed.

"Apostasy invasion?" Another speaker. Neither scenario is likely. Then, a third advisor whispered a point. This opinion is so simplistic that everyone ignores it.

"He's looking for something?"

The dwarf king buried his sunken chin heavily between his palms. This is the most likely answer, why did he not think of it before?

"But, what are you looking for?" One of the advisors asked, apparently feeling the same way. "The Dark Elves selves seldom mine, and I must say, they are not mining fodder; They didn't need to go so far away from Morsoblay City to find valuable ores. So what is it that makes the dark elves look so close to Brindon Stone? ”

"What they're missing." The dwarf king replied. He thought of the dark elf who had recently joined them. This is too much of a coincidence. "Or maybe it's a companion." He added. The others immediately understood what he meant.

"Maybe we should invite our elf visitors to the meeting?"

"No," replied King Snitik, "though, perhaps we haven't kept enough of this Trist. Summons to Belva? Disenger, the dark elf must be guarded at all times. And, Ferb," he said to one of his advisors, "now that we've determined that the Dark Elves won't attack anytime soon, contact the Eyeliner in Morsobre and get them to work." Be quick. I don't like the dark elves dangling in front of our house, which would ruin the peaceful relationship between the two races. ”

Advisor Fob, the leader of the Intelligence Security Bureau at Brynden Stone, immediately took the order, though he didn't like it. Intelligence in Morsoblay is not cheap, and often what appears to be truth is false information. Fob hates dealing with anyone or anything who will have a relationship with him, and the Dark Elves are number one on his blacklist

???

Zaknavan's Bound Corpse watched as another group of underground gnomes passed through the winding underground passages. As the chief martial arts officer of Mosoblay City, his strategic wisdom has allowed this undead monster to resist the urge to draw his sword for the past few days. It didn't really understand the significance of the increase in the number of underground gnome patrols, but it felt that if it attacked the patrols, it would put its mission at risk. At the very least, if you attack such an organized enemy, the siren will immediately resound throughout the area, and it will probably alarm Trist.

Equally! The Spirit-Bound Corpse also suppressed the urge to slaughter other creatures, deliberately avoiding conflict with any inhabitants of the area, so much so that the underground gnome patrols had not found anything new in the past few days. The evil of the Mother of Mareth will track Zaknavan and mercilessly hammer its brain, urging it to hurry up for bloody revenge. Every time Zaknavan slaughtered, he temporarily satisfied his hidden intentions. However, the undead monster's strategic consciousness overwhelmed the call of brutality. The little spark of reason that Zaknavan had left made it understand that only Trist? Du Chayden also embarked on the road to eternal sleep, so that it could return to the tranquility of death.

The corpse watched as the underground gnome patrol passed by, its sword unsheathed.

Another group of weary underground gnomes headed west, intending to return to the city. A ray of light flashed through the consciousness of the bound spirit. If these underground gnomes are so conspicuous, then Triste? Du Chaoden should also run into them.

This time, Zaknavi didn't let the underground gnomes out of his view. Sheltered by stalactite pillars on the roof of the cave, it kept a certain distance and followed the patrol. The name of Brynden Stone City emerges in its subtle consciousness, a memory of its past life.

"Brindon Stone." The Spiritbound Corpse tried to make a sound, the first word uttered by the ten-dead monster controlled by the Mother of Mareth. However, it can only emit an unrecognizable roar.

Chapter 10: The Sins of Belva

For the past few days, Trist has been out with Sedig and other new friends. The young underground gnomes, under Belva's instructions, were engaged in quieter games, and were no longer forced to perform the thrill of his fierce battle in the wilderness.

The first few times, Belva was at the door looking at Trist. He didn't distrust Trist, but he knew what the dark elf had endured and what tests he was facing. The barbaric and cruel way of life of the past will not disappear so easily.

However, Belva and the others who were secretly watching Trist soon realized that their fears were clearly unfounded. Trist had settled down, and he was no threat to the underground gnomes of Brindon Stone. Even King Snittic, who spent his days suffering from unusual events outside the city, gradually recognized Trist's kindness.

"You've got a visitor." Early in the morning, Belva said to Trist. Trist followed the mining captain to the door, thinking that Sediger had arrived early today. When the old gnome opened the door, Tristejan couldn't believe what he was seeing. Standing at the doorway is not any underground gnome - it's a black big cat!

"Guanhaifa!" Trist yelled, crouched down, and hugged the panther hard. Guan Haifa patted him affectionately with the soles of his big feet, leaving him overwhelmed with excitement.

When Trist finally let go of his hands around Guan Haifa and simply sat on the ground and continued to "catch up" with the panther, Belva walked up to him and handed him the agate statue. "The consultant in charge of inspecting the statue is sorry to be separated from it," Belva said, "but most importantly, Kanhaifa is your friend." ”

Trist didn't know what to say. In fact, even if Guan Haifa did not return him, the inhabitants of Brindon Stone City were already too good to him, more than he thought he deserved. And now they have returned the agate statue to him, which shows how much they trust him. He couldn't be more moved.

"When you have time, you can go back to the Central Hall, where you were detained when you first arrived," Belva continued, "and get your weapons and armor back. ”

Trist hesitated as he remembered the petrified lizard simulant accident. If he had been fully armed that day, how much trouble would he have caused? What if he was holding a double knife instead of a stick?

"We'll put them away and keep them safe," Belwa said, as if understanding his concerns. "You can access it whenever you need it."

"I owe you a favor," Trist replied, "and all of Brynden Stone." ”

"We don't treat friendship as a human favor." The head of the prospecting group blinked. He turned and entered the inner room, leaving two old friends he hadn't seen in a long time to catch up.

On that day, Trist brought Guan Haifa as a playmate, and Sedig and the new guy were having a good time. Watching the big cats and gnomes frolicking, Trist couldn't help but think of that tragic day ten years ago, when Guan Haifa was instigated by Masogi to hunt down Belva's fugitive team. It is clear that Guan Haifa has forgotten that cruel memory, and he spends his days frolicking with the underground gnomes.

Trist wished he could dispel his past mistakes so easily.

???

"Honored Prospecting Regiment Leader." A few days later, while Belva and Trist were enjoying breakfast, someone greeted them at the door. Belva stood still, sitting motionless. Trist didn't ignore the dark gloom that swept over the old gnome's angular face. Trist knew the underground gnome well, and when Belva's long eagle nose flicked, there was no doubt that it was leaking his pain.

"The king has reopened the passage to the east," the voice continued, "and I have heard that there are abundant veins at the point of the day's journey. Can we have this honor to invite Belva? Does Diesenge act as our guide? ”

Trist had an expectant smile on his face, but not because he wanted to go out on an adventure, but because he noticed that in this open Snibli society, Belva was a hermit.

"That's Captain Blake's prospecting team," Belva explained coldly to Trist, ignoring his overflowing excitement. "Some prospecting captains come and ask me to join before every expedition. He is one of them. ”

"But you never said yes." Trist replied.

Belva shrugged. "It's just a polite invitation, not a real one." His nose twitched, and the front teeth in the upper and lower rows creaked.

"Because you're not qualified to join their ranks?" Trist said sarcastically. At the very least, he believed he had discovered the source of the old gnome's frustration.

Again, Belva just shrugged.

Trist sank his face. "I've seen you work with those Mithril hands," he said, "and you're no less than anyone else, in fact, even better!" Are you going to give up on yourself so soon and become a real cripple? ”

Belva slammed NB343's executioner into the table, shattering the table in half. "I cut rocks much faster than most people!" "In case any monster dares to attack," the prospecting leader roared, "in case any monster dares to attack...... and he raised his hoe and swung it fiercely, Trist had no doubt that the stout underground dwarf would not be able to make the most of his two tools.

"I wish you a pleasant visit, Honorary Prospecting Leader!" A final greeting came from outside the door. "As always, we respect your decision; However, we are also saddened by your absence. ”

Trist stared curiously at Belva. "So, why?" He finally asked, "If you're as strong as everybody, including yourself, why do you keep hiding here?" I know underground gnomes are quite fond of prospecting, but you're not interested in it at all. You also never tell the story of your adventures. Is it because I'm here, so you're on a leash? You have to stay here and watch me? ”

"No!" Belva replied, his voice rumbling through the room, echoing in Trist's keen ears. "Dark Elves, you've been allowed to retrieve your own weapon, don't doubt our trust."

"But......" Trist tried to argue, but then stopped, and suddenly understood the real reason for the old dwarf's seclusion. That battle. He said softly with great apologies, "That evil day more than ten years ago. ”

Belva's nose twitched deeply, and he quickly turned away.

"You blame yourself for the tragic death of your people," Trist continued, his voice growing as his confidence in his reasoning grew. However, the Dark Elves weren't quite sure what they were thinking.

But when Belva turned to him, tears rolled in the eyes of the prospecting chief. Trist got to the point where he really hurt.

Trist scratched at his thick gray hair, unsure of how to face Belva's problem. He himself had led a patrol of dark elves against the prospecting team of the underground gnomes, and he knew that none of the underground gnomes could be blamed for all these casualties. But how would he explain it to make Belva understand?

"I remember that day, the day of fate," Trist said hesitantly, "and everything is still vivid, as if that day had frozen in my mind and never faded away. ”

"It's the same for me." The head of the prospecting group said in a low voice.

Trisette nodded. "However, I also find that the guilt that clings to me haunts you as well."

Belva looked at him curiously, not looking very understanding.

"I'm leading the Dark Elf patrol," Trist explained, "and I've spotted your team wishfully seeing you as marauders attempting to attack Morsoblay. ”

"Even if it's not you, there will be other elves leading the way." Belva replied.

"But no one but me can lead the patrol," Trist said. "Outside--" he stared at the doorway, "I know the wilderness, it's my territory." ”

Belva listened intently, as Trist had hoped.