"Who are you?" asked Robert. "Hurry up and get me out!"

"We won't hurt you!" Calamon said rhetorically.

"Of course you don't. The deep voice seemed amused. "You don't have weapons, I'll give them back to you when the time comes. No one has ever dared to enter the Dark Forest with a weapon, not even the Sorenian Knights. Don't worry, noble knight, I know your sword has a long history. I'll take good care of it. Please forgive this little distrust, but even the great Shuma has to put down the dragon slayer in front of me. ”

"Xiuma!" Stone took a deep breath. "Who the hell are you?"

"I am the king of the forest. When the deep voice sounded, the darkness began to subside. When the scene in front of them became clear, everyone in the team was amazed. The silver moonlight shone on a towering boulder, and a unicorn stood proudly on it. She looked at the crowd calmly, and there seemed to be infinite wisdom in her eyes.

The beauty of a unicorn is enough to shake people's hearts. Tears of emotion flowed from the corners of Scarlet Moon's eyes, and she was forced to close her eyes before her proud light. Her fur was like the silver moonlight, her horns were like shining pearls, and her mane was as white as snow.

She was like a statue made of glittering marble, but neither a dwarf nor a human craftsman could guess that noble and elegant temperament, let alone the graceful lines of her body.

Her legs are strong but not huge, and her hooves are as small as goats. In the days that followed, whenever Scarlet Moon walked on the dark road and felt hopeless and lonely, she often closed her eyes and recalled the moment in order to find peace in her heart.

The unicorn looks up in welcome. Everyone felt that they were dwarfed and didn't know what to do, so they bowed in return. The unicorn left the boulder and ran towards them.

Robert felt as if his magic had been lifted, and began to look around. The bright moonlight shines on the flat grassland, and the trees stand around, guarding the land. The half-elf felt that there was an eternal serenity here, but at the same time there was a hint of sadness.

"Rest well," said the King of the Forest, walking among them. "You're all hungry and tired. Soon, food will be delivered, and clean water will be used to wash yourselves. You don't need to be all the soldiers tonight for a while. It's completely safe, and if there's any place in the world where you can sit back and relax, it's here. ”

Calamon's eyes lit up when he heard the word food, and he put his brother on the ground. Rodrith lay against the tree on the soft grass. His face was pale in the silver-white moonlight, but his breathing was smooth. It doesn't look as exhausted as it was just now. Calamon sat next to him, looking around for food. Then he sighed plaintively.

"More plums, presumably!" the warrior grumbled to Robert. "I want to eat meat to death—roasted venison, a small piece of smoking rabbit meat—"

"Be quiet!" Stone warned softly as he looked at the King of the Forest. "She's going to roast you first!"

The centaur came out of the forest with a white cloth towel and spread it on the ground. The other centaurs placed the glittering crystal cups on the cloth. A bright light illuminated the meadow.

Wade looked at the lights curiously. "These are glowing bugs!"

Each cup contained thousands of small worms, each with two shiny dots on its back, crawling in the cup, apparently reluctant to leave the cup.

Then the centaur brought a basin of water and a white cloth for his companions to wipe their faces and hands. The water washed away their fatigue and the wounds left by the battle. The other centaurs brought in chairs, and Callamon looked at them suspiciously. They were carved from a single piece of wood. It looks very comfortable, but each chair only has one leg!

"You may be seated. The King of the Forest said gracefully.

"I can't sit on it!" protested the fighter. "I'm going to tip over. He stood next to the tablecloth. "Also, the tablecloth was already on the floor, so I could sit on the grass next to it. ”

"And it's close to the food!" Hubble muttered through his beard. Others looked uneasily at the glowing bug lamps, the one-legged chairs, and the centaurs walking back and forth. Only the chief's daughter knew the etiquette of being a guest.

Although outsiders regard them as barbarians, the Scarlet Moon clan still has very strict etiquette rules. She knew that it would be rude for both parties to keep their master waiting.

She sat down gracefully, the one-legged chair swayed a little, and then adjusted to the right height for her, as if it had been made for her.

"Sit next to me, warrior. She said with a straight look, knowing full well that many pairs of eyes were looking at her. River Wind had no expression on his face, and although it was a little funny that his tall body was about to squeeze into the chair, he almost had an admiring smile on his face after sitting down.

"Thank you very much for waiting for us to take a seat. In order to hide the hesitation of the others, Scarlet Moon hurriedly said. "You can all sit down now. ”

"Oh, it's okay," Calamon crossed his arms over his chest. "I didn't have to wait to sit in that weird chair—" Stone slammed his arm into his ribs.

"Thank you, ma'am. Stone sat down with a noble knightly demeanor.

"If they could, I should be able to. Calamon muttered as the centaurs had already begun to deliver food, prompting him to make a decision. He helped his brother to his seat before carefully sitting down to make sure the chair could bear his weight.

The four centaurs stood in the four corners of the table, and they lifted their towels to the height of a normal table before letting go of their hands. The tablecloth floated unsupported, and the table top was as flat as it was in the inn where it finally returned.

"How did they do that?" shouted Wade, peeking curiously under the tablecloth. "There's nothing down there!" he asked, wide-eyed. The centaur laughed so heroically that even the king of the forest couldn't help but smile.

The centaurs then placed the delicately carved and polished wooden plates. In front of each guest is a pair of knives and forks made of antlers. Plates of grilled meat were served, and the air was filled with aroma. Steaming loaves of bread and large bowls of fruit shimmer seductively in the dim light.

Calamon rubbed his hands together after making sure he was seated. Then he smiled happily and picked up the fork in front of him. He took a deep breath of satisfaction as the centaur laid down a plate of roast venison in front of him. Calamon stuck his fork in and sniffed greedily at the fragrant gravy and steam of the venison. Suddenly, he noticed that everyone was staring at him. He paused and looked around.

"What——?" he asked with a wink. Then his gaze fell on the king of the forest, and suddenly he lowered his fork and blushed. "I ...... I'm so sorry. You must know a deer—I mean—it's your people......"

The King of the Forest smiled softly. "Don't be nervous, warrior," she said, "and this deer has fulfilled its mission by providing nourishment to hunters, wolves and hunters. We will not mourn for those who have lost their lives in the accomplishment of their mission. ”

Robert felt that when the King of the Forest spoke, her dark eyes turned to Stone, and there was a deep sadness in her eyes, which made Robert feel a pang of fear. But when he looked closely, he saw that the stunningly beautiful creature was still smiling. "Maybe it's my own imagination!" he thought.

"How do we know, my lord," Robert asked hesitantly. "Has life fulfilled its assigned mission? I know an old man who is living in his prime, but who dies with despair and sorrow. I also know young people who died young, but left behind immortal legends and loves, so that the grief of the past is diluted by the memories of these posterity. ”

"Robert, the half-elf, I can give you far less guidance than your own answers. Your question has answered your own doubts. The King of the Forest said quietly. The criterion for judging life is not to receive, but to give. ”

The half-elf was about to answer, but was interrupted by the king of the forest. "Put your worries aside for now, and enjoy this rare peace while you still have a chance. Time has slowly run out. ”

Robert looked sharply at the King of the Forest, but the heroic creature had turned his attention elsewhere. She looked at the forest in the distance, and sadness hung over her eyes. The half-elf wondered what she was thinking, and fell into deep thought, until a hand touched him softly.

"You should have a good meal. Scarlet Moon said. "The big things you care about aren't going to go away with this meal – if they do, so much the better. ”

Robert smiled at her and began to eat. He took the advice of the King of the Forest and put his worries aside, because Scarlet Moon was right, these things would not go away.

The rest of the group enjoyed the rare calm, at ease with the strange sights around them. Although there was no other drink on the table except water—Hubble was disappointed—the clear, cold liquid washed away the fears and doubts from their hearts as much as the blood, sweat, and dirt from their exteriors. They talked happily, ate and cherished the moments they spent together. The King of the Forest stopped talking to them, just quietly watching everyone.

Stone's pale face was covered with some blood. His food is noble and dignified. Sitting next to Wade, he had to answer the Kander people's endless stream of questions about his hometown. He also quietly put back the knives and forks that had run into Wade's bag at an unknown time. The knight tried to sit away from Calamon and try to ignore the guy.

The stout warrior apparently ate with great pleasure, eating three times as much as the others, three times as fast, and far more noisy than the others. When he stopped talking for a moment, he frothed at Hubble describing a battle with an ogre, holding a freshly chewed bone to demonstrate his offense and defense. Hubble gobbled it up as he said he thought Calamon was the biggest liar in all of Candela.

Rodrith sat beside his brother and ate very little. He took a few bites of the softest meat, ate a few grapes, and soaked the only piece of bread before eating. He listened intently to what others were saying without saying a word, and kept them in his head so that he could use them in the future.

Scarlet Moon elegantly ate the meal in front of her. The princess of the Quesus tribe had long been accustomed to dining in full view of everyone, and was able to easily converse with everyone. She conversed with Robert, asking him to describe the realm of the elves and the many strange places he had visited.

River Breeze sat beside her, looking very uncomfortable. Although he was not as vicious as Calamon when he ate, it was clear that he was more accustomed to eating unscrupulously with his friends around the campfire than in the inner courtyard of the deep palace.

He clumsily wielded his knife and fork, knowing that he looked shabby beside Scarlet Moon. He didn't say a word, hoping that no one would notice him.

Everyone finally pushed away the plate in front of them and leaned back on the weird chair to enjoy the delicious dessert. Wade began to sing the Kander ballad, much to the delight of the centaur. Suddenly, Rodrith spoke. His soft, hoarse voice pierced through the loud laughter of the crowd.

"Lord of the Forest—" the mage called her name hoarsely—"today we are battling a terrifying monster that we have never seen before on the Candela continent. How much do you know about them?"

The relaxed and celebratory atmosphere was enveloped by an inexplicable pressure, and everyone exchanged glances in a serious manner.

"These monsters walk like people," Calamon followed, "but they look like reptiles. They have claws and wings, and—his voice suddenly lowers—"They turn to stone when they die. ”

The King of the Forest stood up and looked at them sadly, she seemed to have known that this was going to happen.

"I know these monsters," she replied. "A week ago, a few monsters and a team of goblins came to the Dark Forest. They wear hats and cloaks, no doubt to hide their terrifying appearance.

Centaurs secretly follow them, making sure that no other creatures are injured before the necromantic creatures can deal with them. The centaurs reported that the creatures claimed to be dragonmen, and that they belonged to the dragon cult. ”

Rodrith frowned, "Dragon?" he whispered in confusion. "But what kind of monsters are they, and what kind of creatures do they belong to?"

"I don't know. I can only tell you this: they do not belong to people and animals, and they do not belong to any race on the Candela. ”

This passage took everyone a while to absorb. Calamon blinked, "I don't know—" he began.

"She's saying, my brother, they don't belong in this world. Rodlis explained impatiently.

"And where do they come from?" Calamon said in surprise.

"That's the real problem, isn't it?" said Rodrith coldly. "Where did they come from – and for what?"

"I can't answer that question. The King of the Forest shook his head. "The only thing I can tell you is that before the spirit creatures can deal with them, they mention the 'army of the north'"

"I've seen these troops. Robert stood up. "Those campfires—" His words suddenly struck in his throat, for he knew what the King of the Forest was going to say next. "The army! these dragonmen must be in the thousands!" everyone stood up and said in unison.

"Impossible!" said the knight, frowning.

"Who's behind it? Followers? Oh my God. Callamon cursed, "I want to go to Haven and beat them up—"

"If you want to go, go to Sorenia, not to Haven. Stone suggested loudly.

"We should go to Quellingnos. Robert argued. "Elves can—"

"The elves have their own troubles to solve," the King of the Forest interjected, her voice calming everyone down. "Haven's high-ranking followers too. There is no safe place anymore. But I can tell you where you can find the answers you seek. ”

"What do you mean you can tell us where we're going?" said Rodrith stepped forward, his red robe fluttering. "How much do you know about us?" the mage paused, his eyes shining.

"Yes, I am indeed waiting for you. The King of the Forest answered Rodrith's question. "A great, shiny form appeared here one day, and he told me that tonight there would be a procession with blue crystal staff passing through the Dark Forest.

The spirit creature must let the wielder of the blue crystal staff and her companions pass through - though they haven't let any creatures into the forest since the Cataclysm.

I'm going to have to tell the wand bearer: 'You need to fly directly over the East Wall Mountains, and within two days the wand wielder will be able to reach the Dragon's Lair, the border of the Lonely Land.' There, if you can prove yourself, then you will receive the most precious gift in the world. ’”

"The Eastern Wall Mountains!" the dwarf's mouth opened wide. "We do have to fly to get to Shaq Sharos in two days. I'm still shining!ha!"

The others looked at each other uneasily, and finally Robert hesitated and said, "I'm afraid the dwarves are right, Lord of the Forest." The journey to Shaq Sharos is a long one, and we have to pass through an area inhabited by goblins and dragonmen. ”

"Then we will pass through the Great Plains," River Breeze said for the first time since meeting the King of the Forest. "We are wanted there. He pointed to Crimson Moon, "The Quissu are strong warriors, they know the plains inside out, and they are waiting for us at the same time. We will never be able to pass through there safely. He looked at Robert. "And my people hate elves. ”

"And why go to Shaq Sharos?" muttered Calamon, "the most precious gift—what would it be? a sword of Excalibur, a box of copper coins, all of which would help us, but war was brewing in the North, and I did not want to miss it. ”

The King of the Forest nodded in agreement. "I understand your plight," she said, "and I can help you to the best of my ability so that you can reach Shaq Sharos in two days." The question is, are you willing to go?"

Robert turned to look at the group. Stone's face was gloomy, and he looked at Robert and sighed, "The elk led us here," he said slowly, "perhaps to take this advice."

But my heart is to the north, in my hometown. If the armies of the dragonmen are going to go to war, I should be there to unite and fight alongside the knights who fight against them. But, I don't want to leave you, Robert. Or you, ma'am. He nodded to Scarlet Moon and placed his hands on the aching head.

Calamon shrugged. "I'm willing to go anywhere and fight any monster, Robert, you know that. Brother, what do you say?"

But Rodrith looked at the darkness in front of him and was silent.

Scarlet Moon and River Breeze discussed in a low voice, and they nodded to each other, and then Scarlet Moon said to Robert, "We would like to go to Shaq Sharos." Thank you so much for everything you have done for us. ”

"But we won't ask for anyone's help anymore," River Breeze said proudly, "and this is the end of our adventure, just as we started it alone, and we will end it alone." ”

"You're going to die alone!" said Rodrith in a low voice.

Robert said, "Rodleys, I'm going to talk to you. ”

The mage obediently followed Robert to a tangled tree. Darkness enveloped them.

"Just like before," Calamon said, his eyes restless as he followed his brother.

"Look at the trouble we're getting into!" Hubble said, pacing the grass.

"I wonder what they're discussing?" Wade said. For a long time, the Kanders had been trying to eavesdrop on the mage and the half-elves, but Robert had always been caught. "And why can't they talk about it publicly?"

"Because we might dig out Rodrith's heart. Stone replied in a voice full of pain. "I don't care what you think, Calamon, but there is a dark side to your brother, and Robert sees it. I'm thankful to him because he can face this darkness and I can't. ”

Uncharacteristically, Calamon didn't reply. Stone looked at the warrior in surprise. If it had been before, he would have defended his brother resolutely. But now he just sat dumbfounded, with a confused look on his face.

It turned out that Calamon also knew that Rodlis did have a dark side at this moment, and Stone wondered, what had happened in the past five years, and what would cast such a heavy shadow on this always optimistic and naïve warrior? He couldn't help but shudder at the thought of this.

Rodrith walked side by side with Robert. The mage's hands were crossed and hidden in his sleeves, his head bowed in thought. Robert vaguely felt the mage's body heat radiating through his robes, as if there was a fire burning in his body. As usual, having a mage by his side made Robert feel uncomfortable.

But at the moment he is the only one who can give advice.

"How much do you know about Shaq Sharos?"

"There's a temple there, dedicated to the ancient gods," Rodrith whispered, his eyes gleaming strangely in the crimson moonlight. "It was destroyed in the cataclysm, and the inhabitants fled in all directions, convinced that the gods had abandoned them. This thing has been forgotten, and I didn't know it still existed. ”

"What do you see? Robert asked softly after a long pause. "You look into the distance—what do you see?"

"I'm a mage, Robert, not a prophet. ”

"Don't give me this," said Robert at once. "It's been a long time, but it's not that long. I know you don't have the power of foreknowledge. You're just contemplative, not in a daze. You also get the answers you want.

I want to know the answer you came up with, you're smarter than each of us combined, even if you-"

"Even if I'm lustful and my mind is twisted. Rodlis raised his voice, and there was a palpable arrogance in his tone. "Yes, I'm smarter than you - I'm smarter than every one of you. One day, I will prove it to you! One day you—even if you are strong, attractive, and handsome—but you—every one of you will call me Master!"

His hands hidden in his robes clenched into fists, and his eyes gleamed red in the red moonlight. Robert had long been accustomed to this deep grumbling and waited patiently. The mage relaxed, his clenched hand re-released. "But for now, I'll give you advice.

What do I see? These armies, Robert, these armies of dragonmen, will conquer the territories of Willow, Haven, and your ancestors. That's why we have to go to Shaq Sharos, and what we find there will give us a chance against these armies. ”

"But why did these troops come from?" asked Robert. "Why would anyone want to control Willow and Haven or the Great Plains of the East?

"Followers!" Rodrith scoffed. "Half-elves, open your eyes and see! someone, or something that has the power to create these monsters—dragonmen—certainly not those stupid followers. No one would go to such lengths to take down two agricultural cities or find a blue crystal staff.

This is a war of conquest, Robert, someone wants to conquer the entire Starfall Continent! In two days, there will be a sea of changes on Candela, and all the forms of life we know will be wiped out. This is the harbinger of the fall of the constellation, which has returned after darkness. We are faced with an enemy who seeks — at least — to enslave us, or even to destroy us completely. ”

"What about your suggestion?" asked Robert reluctantly. He sensed that great change was coming, and like all elves, he hated and resisted change.

Rodris smiled strangely and helplessly at this moment when he could show his superiority, "Let's go to Shaq Sharos at once. If possible, we'd better leave tonight using the methods offered by the King of the Forest. If we don't get the gift within two days, it will fall into the hands of the dragon army. ”

"Guess what this gift is?" Robert guessed out loud. "A sword or a coin, as Calamon said. ”

"My brother is an idiot," Rodrith said coldly. "Neither you nor I believe his speculation. ”

"What's next?" Robert asked.

Rodrith narrowed his eyes. "I've given you advice, and you'd better do it. I have a reason to go, and that's all I can say. But it's going to be very dangerous, Shaq Sharos has been abandoned for three hundred years, and I don't think it's going to be empty. ”

"Definitely. Robert replied, and he stood still for a long time. The mage coughed slightly. "Do you believe we were chosen?" asked Robert.

Without hesitation, the mage said, "Yes, that's why I've been elected to the Tower of the Master, and that's what Pa-Salian told me." ”

"But why?" asked Robert, impatiently. "We're not invincible heroes—but maybe Stone is—"

"Ah!" said Rodris, "but who chose us? and why? Half-elf Robert, think about it!"

The mage bowed mockingly to Robert and turned across the bushes to return to the group.

Chapter 12 Flight in Sleep, Smoke in the East, Dark Memories

"Go to Shaq Sharos. Robert said, "It was my decision." ”

"Is this what the mage suggested?" Ston asked, a little annoyed.

"Yes," Robert replied. "And I agree with his suggestion. If we don't get to Shaq Sharos in two days, the others will go there. And we will forever lose the so-called most precious gift. ”

"The most precious gift!" Wade said, his eyes shining. "Hubble, think about it! priceless jewels! or—"

"A barrel of ale and Otick's fried potatoes," the dwarf muttered. "And a warm campfire. But definitely not – Shaq Sharos!"

"I think that's okay," Robert said. "If you feel that the East needs you, Stone, then of course you-"

"I'll go with you to Shaq Sharos," Stone sighed. "There's no place for me in the north, I'm just deceiving myself. My fellow knights are scattered and trapped in decadent castles, their only enemies but their creditors. ”

The knight's face contorted with pain, and he lowered his head. Robert suddenly felt very tired, his neck ached, his shoulders and back ached, and the muscles in his legs twitched. He was about to say more, but he felt a hand gently tap him on the shoulder. He looked up and saw Scarlet Moon's face, which looked very peaceful and serene in the moonlight.

"You look tired, my friend. "We're all the same." But we're glad you're willing to come along, me and River Breeze. "Her hands are strong. She looked up at everyone in the group. "We're glad that each of you would like to come along. ”

Robert looked at the river breeze, unsure if the tall plainman agreed with her.

"It's just another adventure. Calamon said with a blushing face. "Right, little brother?" he nudged his brother. Rodrith ignored his twin brother and looked directly at the king of the forest.

"We have to leave right away. The mage said coldly. "You said you wanted to help us cross these mountains. ”

"Indeed," replied the King of the Forest, nodding. "I'm glad you made such a decision. I hope you will be satisfied with the help I have provided.

The king of the forest looked up at the sky, and her companions followed hers, and the night sky was still full of bright stars as it looked through the cracks in the trees. Soon, everyone noticed that something was flying in the sky, occasionally blocking out some starlight.

"I must have become a valley dwarf. Hubble said, "Pegasus?!, what's next?"