作者序言：这篇文章是fanfiction，armello专区中最长的一篇同人文，接近15万的字符数让它当之无愧成为序章扩写中的豪杰。
翻译中为使语言流畅，可能会对原文进行一定修改，为此会放出原文供对照，如若出现错误或疑问请大胆举出，译者将竭尽全力进行修正或解答
同时由于译者学业渐紧，第二章后更新间隔恐无法保证，请各位谅解，但插楼等行为坚决不可取。
注意：本文亦于bilibili发表，用户名 回收站站主。
Attention：The translation is also updating on bilibili, user name: 回收站站主.

总算能发了

原稿送上
*Chapter 1*:Chapter 1-A Wolf's Hunt
So this is my first try at writing fanfiction.I'm going to attempt to stick to official lore as much as possible,but there'll be plenty of my own headcanon to fill in the gaps.It probably mostly won't gel with the developers' vision,and for that I apologize to Trent Kusters (undisputed lord and master of the world of Armello) but I'll work with what I've got.But what the hell,that's what fanfic's for.
Hope you enjoy.
***
A Wolf's Hunt
Moon shine upon you,Thane.The elders grow restless.A dark scent taints the air.We suspect dark forces at work.We suspect the Rot.A Wolf Clan knight awaits you by the gates of Southbank.He has reported evidence of Rat Clan activity.Perhaps they are behind the taint.We have sent a guide to lead you to the settlement.Though a talkative fellow,he's a seasoned explorer,and will serve you well.May your blade strike true.
Snowstrider Greymane,Den Mother
Thane refolded the letter,his eyes once again scanning the seal;dark blue wax,stamped with a wolf standing rampant.The thin carpet of snow crunched softly under his feet as he strode across the courtyard of Stonehold Castle,grey-white walls and spires rising around him as if to pierce the blue and gold skies.
The castle gates were already open and a small mouse was leading a pair of horses out of the stables.He wore simple clothes under a thick blue and red travel cloak.Most remarkable though was how he was able to stand under the weight of his numerous leather bags and pouches,and other gear including digging tools,a spyglass,and a curved shortsword.
The mouse turned to wave to Thane as the young wolf approached."Hi Thane!Hi!"He called out excitedly,"Did the Den Mother tell you about me?Did she?I know she did!I see her letter."
Thane raised an eyebrow at the lively mouse,"You're my guide?"
"That I am sir!"He snapped off a sharp salute,then extended a hand,"I'm Sil. Sil Treadmore.Expert adventurer,explorer extraordinaire!I've been to just about everywhere,wherever you want to go I can show you the best way to get there."
Thane gingerly shook Sil's hand,"Nice to meet you...I'm headed to Southbank,think you can get me there by tomorrow?"
"Of course sir,let's go.Yay!"With a delighted whoop Sil bounded into the saddle and spurred his horse through the gates at a fast canter.
Thane shook his head and sighed.He unslung his sword belt from his shoulder.Grimfrost,his father's longsword-his sword,Thane reminded himself-felt heavy as he buckled it about his waist;the weight of responsibility a greater burden than mere steel.Satisfied,he mounted his horse and followed Sil out of the gates and away from the castle.
He caught up to Sil in the castle town.Wolves lined the street to either side to see them off,cheering and waving."Southbank is to the north west."The mouse said as Thane drew up alongside him,"It's a lovely trip!This is gonna be great!"
The pair left Stonehold and rode out into the Fleetfoot Hills."It's an honour to work with the Winter Wolf."Sil chattered,"I saw you fight in the tournament at Swiftbridge last year.I never would have thought someone as young as you would hold their ground against a Knight of the Rose."
Thane laughed,"Thank you.Though I think Sir Siegmeir is still more than a match for me."
"You're still one of the best swordsmen in the clan."
"I am now."Thane absentmindedly gripped Grimfrost's pommel.
Sil paused for a moment."I'm sorry for everything that's happened.Your father,your brother...But I'm sure you'll make a fine leader for the Iron Tribe-for the clan.That's why the Den Mother has been giving you jobs like this,to prove yourself."
"I hope you're right."
As the day progressed the rolling hills around the pair rose higher into the foothills of Highvale Peak."Woah!"Sil exclaimed as he stared up at the rocky incline,"Look at those mountains!I mean I've seen bigger.But wow!They'll take ages to cross!"
"We'll have to lead the horses through."Thane muttered,dismounting from his steed.
"Aw,you want me to walk over that?"
Thane grinned,"Sil Treadmore,explorer extraordinaire is scared of a little hike?"
"I didn't say scared...I've just got little legs."
***
Night was falling when Thane crested the peak of the mountain.He turned to watch as his straggling companion arrived a few moments later,puffing loudly."Can we rest?"Sil gasped,"My feet hurt."
"Fine."Thane replied with a chuckle."We may as well camp here for a few hours.But I still want to reach Southbank by dawn."Looking down into the vale on the far side of the mountain he could already see the distant lights of the settlement starting to flicker to life.
After hobbling and feeding the horses near a small spring Sil helped Thane to set up camp from the abundant supplies he carried with him.Before long they were sat beneath a makeshift shelter,a cookfire pushing back the encroaching twilight.
"So what's waiting for us in Southbank?"Sil asked.
"A knight.One of Greymane's agents.Investigating Rat Clan activity."
Sil scoffed,"The rats are always plotting something.It's probably no cause for concern.If it does come to anything then the King is sure to put a stop to it."
"Probably...But if the elders suspicions are true then we can't afford for it to come to anything."
Sil leaned closer,"What's this really about?"
"The Rot."
The mouse spluttered on a mouthful of stew."The wha-?!B-b-but I thought the Rot was sealed away years ago!"
"I know.Father used to tell me stories about the last war.All I can say for sure is that I never want to see that for myself."He leaned back with a sigh,"Well,maybe it'll be nothing after all."
"And what if it is?"
Thane gave the explorer a wry smile,"Then you and I are going to save the kingdom."
***
The pair broke camp after a few hours rest.The descent was easier,down from the mountain and into the Onyx Hollow.They remounted the horses and picked their way between the black trunks of the tightly packed trees,their path lit by a lantern that Sil helpfully produced.
Some time later the lights of Southbank appeared through the trees and before long the trunks and underbrush thinned out,and the settlement's walls rose up out of the darkness.
"Here we are sir."Sil said."And in good time too."
"Still some time before dawn.This knight of ours should be waiting near the gates."Thane reined in his horse at the stables.Inside the town he could make out a wide dirt road lit by street lamps,a few townsfolk going to and fro between the buildings.
"There's an inn a little way down the road from here."Sil said as he dismounted,"We'll probably find him there."
There was a sudden commotion from the direction Sil had indicated and a grey robed figure burst out from a knot of people,face hidden by a hood,a blood stained knife clutched in one hand and a satchel slung over a shoulder.The figure made a dash for the gates,leaving a shocked crowd in their wake.A moment later a plump hamster wearing a yellow and black doublet and an iron half helm appeared from the doorway of the inn and gave chase.
The hamster spotted Thane and called out,"Thane!Stop him!"
Thane leaped clear of the saddle,landing in a crouch in front of the fleeing figure who tried to dodge past,clumsily swinging his knife at the wolf's ribs.Thane's left hand flicked out,pushing away the assailant's wrist,his right wrapping around the hilt of his sword.He struck out with Grimfrost's pommel as he half drew the sword,and the robed figure doubled up under the blow with a grunt.Thane scrabbled to grasp his opponent,his fingers closing on the strap of the satchel,but before he could land another attack the robed figure twisted away and pulled free,vanishing into the darkness.Thane was left with sword still half drawn;the satchel hanging from his other hand upended itself,spilling a loosely bound sheaf of paper onto the ground.
The hamster skidded to a halt before Thane,panting,"If only you'd got here sooner!That beast attacked while we waited for you.He killed Sir Heimdall!"
"That's our contact Thane!"Sil whispered.
"He's dead?"Thane asked,aghast.
Heimdall's squire wailed dramatically,"Misery!Tragedy!Woe!How can I go on?"She paused briefly,"Oh well.You looking for a squire?"
Thane gaped at her,"That was...sudden?"
Sil nudged him,"She could come in handy,Thane."
Thane shook himself,"Alright,you can come with us.Consider it a service to Sir Heimdall."
The squire perked up immediately,"I have a new master!Pika Potts at your service,sir.I'll follow you to the ends of the earth!"She stretched and yawned expansively,"Right after a nap.I need sleep."
"And my feet still hurt."Sil agreed.

接上文
***
Thane had spent the remainder of the night in the room that Heimdall had hired at the inn.When the sun rose he went to see off the cart that carried the knight's casket,draped in a Wolf Clan banner-black on blue.The cart was headed for the Ash Tribe's castle town at Highwatch.
"Would you care to say a few words,Lord Thane?"The cart's driver,an old dog,asked him.
Thane placed a hand on the casket,"I regret I couldn't have met you.But I know you served the clan with honour,with valor.Pack strong."
"Sir?"Thane turned to see Pika approaching,carrying a large,overstuffed pack."I gathered up some of my master's supplies.I'm sure they'll be useful."
Thane drew in a deep a breath,glancing at the cart as it pulled away before turning back to the squire."Thank you,Pika."
"Let's get going.You should look through the journals you recovered."
Thane retrieved the papers that the attacker had dropped during the struggle and scanned through the hastily scribbled notes.Mostly it just seemed like the ravings of a madman;including some particularly vivid imagery about a rising tide of worms and clawing,throttling brambles.He flipped to the last few pages.There was some mention of coming into possession of a poppet,a powerful tool of black magic,and suspicions about Heimdall's arrival in Southbank.Finally he found a passage about a camp set up in a stone circle somewhere to the north of town.
"Hey,Sil."Thane waved the mouse over,"Know where this is?"
Sil cocked his head,"Sounds like The Whisperers.We could get there pretty quickly through the Sunken Wetlands."
"Good.We're going after that killer.If we can get our hands on that poppet it could help with the investigation."
"Alright then,let's go.We're crossing a swamp today.Tough walk.We might pick up a scratch or two."
Thane and his companions left Southbank and rode north to the edge of the swamp.Once there they were once again forced to dismount and travel on foot.Sil traversed the marshland with the ease of someone well suited to such terrain.Thane was much less sure footed,tripping over several roots and gashing his thigh in a thicket of brambles.Meanwhile,Pika made it through with no more than being covered in mud from head to toe after stumbling into a pool of stagnant water,from which the others had to drag her.
Thane was thankful when his feet found solid ground once more.He could see the standing stones of The Whisperers ahead,and already he could feel a tingling sensation in the air.The trace of something old,powerful.He glanced down and saw the cut on his leg close before his very eyes,leaving only a patch of blood stained fur.
They continued moving forward slowly until they reached the edge of the stone circle.Thane raised a hand,signalling for the others to wait.Dropping into a crouch he passed between the stones and entered the circle.
It was quiet.All was still.Thane looked around,sensing something was wrong.The circle was tainted;strange runes and sigils marked some of the stones,some roughly carved,others daubed in blood.Several smaller stones,or ones that had fallen over,had been used as alters to display symbols of dark magic.He saw skulls,horns and cracked bones,mounds of worms,some dried out in the sun others still fresh and wriggling,woven wreaths of bramble,thorns speckled with blood,and eviscerated crows,their entrails glistening wetly against the stone.
Thane's eyes narrowed as he heard a constant,low muttering.He slowly rounded another stone,hand reaching for his sword.The robed figure was there,knelt in the middle of a half dismantled camp,mumbling to himself as he frantically stuffed items into a pack.He stopped suddenly,sniffing at the air,and then as if sensing Thane's presence his head snapped around with a snarl.Thane could see the poppet clutched in one of the figure's hands,an unassuming doll made from twigs and tinder.In a split second the figure had swung the pack onto his back and sprinted for the treeline on the opposite side of the circle.
Thane went down onto all fours,every muscle driving him forward as he gave chase.He rapidly closed the gap,bearing down on his prey.Just as he was about to pounce,the robed figure spun.Thane caught the flash of a blade,and his head whipped sideways,a line of white hot pain burning across his cheek and muzzle.He howled,his body twisting mid-leap,sending him sprawling to the ground.When he raised his head the robed figure was already gone.
"Thane!"Thane turned to see Sil running toward him."He got away!And he took the poppet with him!"
"I'll be honest."Pika said,leading the horses into the circle,"I'm glad we didn't find it.I don't want anything to do with the Rot."She looked around,"Let's set up camp.We can start trying to track him down tomorrow."
"Yeah,you're right."Thane grunted as Sil helped him to his feet.
"Are you alright?"The mouse looked at him worriedly.
Thane pressed a hand to his cheek.The wound stung,and his palm came away slick with blood,but it was only a shallow cut."I'll live."He grinned,"You still think I'm handsome,right?"
Sil sighed,"Just help me clear this place up will you?This stuff gives me the creeps."
***
It was dark when Thane was shaken awake,the stars shining down coldly from the clear sky and the embers of their campfire glowing softly.He sat up as Pika's face swam into view."What is it?"
"I think I saw something,sir.Out there."She pointed out beyond the ring of firelight to the edge of the circle.
Thane rose quietly,retrieving his sword belt from where it lay beside his bedroll.He nudged Sil with his foot,the mouse letting out a little snort before uncurling slowly.
Thane crept to the edge of the circle,one hand on Grimfrost's hilt.As he peered into the darkness a shape appeared and began to take form.A King's Guard emerged from the shadows,armour gleaming in the moonlight,short blue and gold cape billowing behind him.The unnervingly blank hound-face helm,topped with a blue plume,stared eyelessly,directly at Thane.The halberd that he carried on one shoulder swung casually as he planted the haft against the ground.
"Thane of the Wolf Clan!"The voice rang out deep and hollow from the guard's helmet,"Hand over the poppet or be slain by order of the King!"
"This is crazy!"Pika gasped,"We don't even have the poppet!"
The guard remained unmoved,lowering his stance slightly.
"Why are the King's Guard attacking?"Sil asked,"We've done nothing wrong!This is madness."
The guard pounced,the head of his halberd aimed at Thane's neck.Thane stepped forward to meet the attack,deflecting it with Grimfrost as he drew the sword from its sheath.He riposted,bringing his sword down against the guard's pauldron hard enough to leave a dent.The guard pushed the blade away with the haft of his halberd.Thane dodged back away from the hefty oaken shaft as it swung out at him,then sidestepped an overhead strike.He flicked his sword up at the guard's extended arm,his blade finding the gap between pauldron and gauntlet,and biting into the mail there.
The guard grunted and backed away.He still held his weapon ready but the grip had weakened in his right hand,and the point of the halberd dipped and wavered.Thane readied himself to attack again,tightening his grip on hilt and pommel,when his eyes were drawn to a second King's Guard materialising out of the darkness.
The second guard charged at him,halberd lowered.Thane swung his sword low to deflect the attack,then spun on his heel and guarded high to parry the return swing.He slammed the crossguard of his sword against his attacker's helm,ringing it like a bell.He drew his arm back to hack at the guard's gorget,when he felt the haft of the hound's weapon impact against his knee.He staggered,saw the point of the halberd levelled at his chest and thrust his arm out to try and grab at the weapon.
There was a thud and the air was pushed from Thane's lungs in a pained gasp.He looked down to see his hand grasping the halberd just below the axe head.The six inch steel spike that topped the polearm had punched through the side of his brigandine and the mail hauberk beneath,driving itself between his ribs.
He gritted his teeth to keep from screaming,giving ground as the guard put more weight behind the halberd,his grip sliding on the haft as he tried to maintain the distance between himself and the hound.
"Thane!"He heard Pika shriek.The plucky squire ran straight at the guard and kicked him hard in the shin.The guard seemed more annoyed than hurt but the distraction was enough for Thane to pull himself free.His body sagged and was caught by Sil.
"Run!"The mouse cried,supporting the much larger wolf and half dragging him toward the cover of the forest.Pika caught up to them a few moments later.Behind them,one guard supported himself on his halberd,right arm held tight against his chest,the other kicked angrily at the remains of the campfire.
"This isn't good!"Pika murmured as they ran,"We'll have a bounty now!The King's Guard will hunt us down."
"We need to figure out a plan."Sil agreed,"Fast."

第二章 放送开始
久 等 了
A Rat's Tale
Hail Mercurio.Our ears within the royal palace hear of secret plans.Thane seems to think much of his abilities.He hunts for tools of the Rot.The King has laid a trap for him.A bounty will be placed on his head.A bounty which we expect you to claim.Teach him the consequences of meddling with the Rot.Then find those tools for yourself.Nat Fennet,the spymaster,awaits you withing Southbank.Her skills will be of use to you.Good luck.Keep your blade sharp,and your tongue sharper.Remember,destroy this letter.
Festien
Baron Mercurio of Bleakmarsh raised his eyes from the letter,a grin touching his lips.He rose from his desk,crumpling the paper and tossing it into the fireplace where it was quickly consumed.He strode out of his quarters,wrapping a cape around his shoulders as he went,red with gold trim,and fastened with a rose brooch.Finally he buckled on a sword belt;on his hip he wore an elegantly crafted sabre,Rose,behind his back was sheathed a curved dagger,Thorn.
He stepped out of the manor house into the night.Above the doorway,lit by guttering torchlight,was a crimson banner.It bore a black rat balanced with one foot on a small golden sphere,holding out a gold-blooming rose,tail wrapped around the hilt of a golden sword.
Waiting near the stables was an orange and white furred cat with yellow,glowering eyes and a sly grin.He wore a white and purple tunic under a scarlet cape,and a red cap with a purple plume.
"Let's go!"The cat called out,"Time is money,Mercurio."
"Skeeve,if I didn't know you were such a scoundrel I'd think you actually cared about the Order's work."Mercurio chuckled,his voice honey.
"You work for the Order,I fund your little ventures,and I reap a share of the reward.It's called investment."Skeeve mounted his horse,"Well,you read Festien's letter.Let's go find that spymaster."
The pair left Bleakmarsh and rode across the Greenshade Plains,and through Lost Acorn Copse to Emerald Park by the western edge of Southbank.A small tent city had been erected across the plain,perhaps by a traveling circus or some other nomadic group.
Mercurio reined in his horse,"We should camp here for now,blend in among the others.Fennet can wait until the morning."
"Wait!I don't want to stop and rest without knowing where Thane is lurking."
Mercurio shrugged,"The wolf lordling is probably miles away by now.What are you so afraid of?"
"I'd rather not risk you losing your head in your sleep,friend.Keep in mind that I have a stake in your wellbeing now."Skeeve reached into his purse and retrieved a few coins."Here,use this gold to hire rangers.Send them to scout around Duncastle.That's where he was last seen."
"If it makes you feel safer."Mercurio took the money and dismounted.
There was a ranger camp set up on the outskirts of town.As Mercurio approached he spotted a few rangers milling around,wrapped in their distinctive dark green cloaks.A lanky stoat came out to meet him.
"Help you stranger?"The ranger asked.
"I'd like a message sent to the ranger camp at Duncastle."
"That can be done.So long as you've got the coin for it."
"That won't be a problem."Mercurio smiled,pressing Skeeve's money into the ranger's palm.
The stoat glanced once at the gold,tossing a coin into the air and catching it again before pocketing the money."And what would you like this message to say?"
"I'm interested in finding someone.The Winter Wolf.He should be somewhere in the forests around Duncastle."
The ranger raised an eyebrow,"Word is he's not too popular with the King right now.Is there anything else you'd like?"
"No,just find him.Report back to me when you get news."
"Very well,I'll find you."
When Mercurio returned to where he'd left Skeeve he found that the trader had set up a handsome pavilion of white silk,red and purple pennants fluttering in the breeze."Planning to set up shop?"
Skeeve was perched on a crate near the front of the pavilion,flipping through an account book."There's never a bad time to do business."He shut the book with a snap,"Dealt with the rangers?"
"If anyone can find Thane,they will.And you'll see that we have nothing worry about."
"This is quite a gamble Mercurio.If you're going to make an enemy of the Wolf Clan,maybe even the King,you'd best worry or have someone to worry for you."
Mercurio chuckled,settling on another crate,"Skeeve,by the time I'm done no clan,or the King himself,will stand in my way."
******
It was early the next morning when Skeeve woke Mercurio."We have a visitor."
Mercurio grumbled as he rolled to his feet.He stepped outside the pavilion,shrugging into his waistcoat as he went.Outside he found the stoat from the night before."News from Duncastle?"
"Thane was spotted in Duskflight Canopy,wounded and fleeing from the King's Guard.As per your instructions,he was left alone.That's all I have to report."
"Thank you friend."Mercurio shook the ranger's hand,"You've been a great help."
The ranger nodded and turned to leave.He went a few steps,then glanced back,"You may be interested to know,Thane managed to contact the rangers at Duncastle.Apparently he sent a message to some allies in Sprucevale.That's all I know."
Skeeve scratched at his ear,"Sprucevale?What is Thane up to?"
"Who knows?"Mercurio glanced past Skeeve,in the direction of the town gates,"For now,we may have bigger issues."
Skeeve turned to follow the rat's gaze.A column of King's Guards had appeared on the road.As they filed into the town their leader rode out into the tent city."The settlement of Southbank is in lockdown by order of the King.We're looking for accomplices of the traitor Thane."
"Great."Mercurio kicked at the ground,"They locked down the settlement and we're stuck out here.It'll be bad if we draw the Guard's attention."
"No matter.Forget that for now.Thane is exposed.Let's claim that bounty!"
"Last night you were terrified of Thane returning to Southbank,now you're out for his blood."Mercurio shrugged,"It really is fascinating what wonders the promise of a little gold will work."
"Please,this isn't so petty as simple greed.We'll gain prestige in the kingdom by claiming the bounty on Thane's head.And I happen to know a few local crooks who will be happy to do our dirty work."
Mercurio considered for a moment."Very well.You do what you need to.And while you're at it,think of a way inside the town."

接上文
Thane staggered along the mountain path,deeper into the Kingsmount Heights.His breath was heavy,his steps faltering.With his sword belt lost he was forced to carry Grimfrost limply by his side.During their one brief rest since fleeing The Whisperers Pika had bandaged the wound in Thane's side.It still burned with pain,and he now bled from a fresh slash across his sword arm-inflicted during a skirmish in the early hours of the morning.They had not stopped running since that attack,and Thane felt sapped of all strength.Worse yet,they had been forced to abandon their horses and most of their supplies back at their camp in the stone circle.
Their one bit of good fortune had come from an encounter with a group of rangers near Duncastle.Thane had entrusted them with a message to Wolf Clan agents in Sprucevale.Based on the scribbled journal that Thane still carried it seemed that town was his best lead to continuing with his investigation.
Sil stumbled a little,still supporting Thane's weight."So what's our plan now?"
"We have to reach Sprucevale."Thane muttered through gritted teeth."It's a long walk.And I'll need some time to recover my strength."
"Are you sure you're alright?You're pretty badly hurt.Duncastle's not too far,we could head there,maybe try to find an apothecary."
"I'll be fine,trust me."Thane tried to grin,then grunted as another throb of pain shot through him.
"Don't worry sir!"Pika skipped along the path a little way ahead.With Thane in his current condition she had taken it upon herself to fight off any danger that presented itself.She bore what weapons she'd been able to scavenge from Sir Heimdall's supplies before leaving Southbank;a shining steel sword and a scratched,rusted iron shield coated with chipped blue paint."As your trusty squire I'm sworn to protect you,no matter wha-"
An arrow sprouted from Pika's throat and she dropped with a squeak.Thane stopped short,eyes wide,Sil cowering by his side.
"Sorry about that!"A voice called out from behind a rocky outcrop a little way up the path,"Was aiming for the tall one."
A short,orange furred cat carrying a bow hopped over the boulders.He was quickly joined by three others-a mean looking weasel,a fox,and a big,one eyed otter.They all wore leather or quilted armour and worn,faded clothing.
The fox howled with laughter,"Did you see her face?Hah!Priceless."
Thane snarled,"You'll pay for that!"
The weasel stepped forward,"Oh?Who's going to make us?You?You don't look fit to fight a kitten,boy."He laughed.
"Who are you?"Sil stammered,"What do you want?"
The weasel shrugged,"Just think of us as messengers,here on behalf of Baron Mercurio of the Rat Clan."
Sil tugged at Thane's arm,"We have to go!"
"Just stay behind me."Thane pushed himself away from the mouse and raised Grimfrost.
The weasel flashed a cocky grin,"I was hoping you'd put up a fight.Get'im lads!"
Thane moved before the bandits could act,lunging clumsily.The startled weasel barely twisted out of the way in time,and Thane's momentum carried him past his first target and into the midst of the gang.The cat,now face to face with Thane,scrambled to nock another arrow.Thane grabbed at the bow and brought the pommel of his sword down on top of the cat's head with a crack.The cat crumpled into a heap and lay still.
Thane turned,blade slashing at the fox.There was a flash of steel as the bandit drew a rapier,knocking Grimfrost aside.Thane twisted,slamming his elbow into the fox's face,wincing as the blow jarred his injured arm.The otter came at him next,pulling a small battle axe from under his cloak.Thane swept his sword around in a wide arc,blocking the axe as it swung at him.Axe and sword locked together until,with a flick,Grimfrost's hilt slipped from Thane's grasp.The sword spun away,clattered to the ground and skated across the stone before dropping over a cliff.Thane gasped.He quickly backed away,eyes flicking between the stoic otter and the livid fox with his bloodied nose.
"Thane,look out!"Thane heard Sil's warning yell,but too late.An arm wrapped around his neck a second before the weasel plunged a knife into his back,twisting the blade.
"Game over,wolfy."
Thane dropped to his knees.His ears rang.He tasted blood.
"Thane!"Sil dived between Thane and the bandits,sword drawn and clutched in trembling hands."Get away from him!"
"Aw,brave little mouse."The weasel cackled,knife flickering between his fingers,"You'll be fun."
"Sil...run..."Thane forced out.
"But-"
"Go!"Thane put the last of his strength into raising his voice to a commanding tone.
Sil whimpered,gaze passing from Thane to the bandits and back again.Finally he slowly backed away,then turned and fled.
Thane toppled over,rolling onto his back.His vision started to dim.He heard the weasel speak to the other bandits,"Let him go.We got what we came for."He bent over Thane,his face filling the wolf's sight."The Winter Wolf...Hah!I'm almost disappointed.But still,you're going to make ri-"
There was a soft thud.The weasel cut off abruptly and looked away,knife raised,as Thane's vision faded faded to black...

接上文
The sun was high above the tent city when Skeeve approached the table where Mercurio sat.The rat had been killing time playing dice with some other travelers.Spotting Skeeve,he collected his winnings from the table,"Thank you for your time,gentlemen.Maybe we'll play again some time."He scooped his dice into a cup.With just a flick of the wrist they were a familiar weight tucked away in his sleeve,replaced by an identical set.He set the cup back on the table and pushed himself to his feet.
"Anything?"He asked Skeeve once they were out of earshot.
"Still waiting for news."The trader replied.
"What about the other matter we discussed?"Mercurio glanced at the town gates where a pair of guardsmen patrolled."If I have to wait any longer I'm likely to stab my way in."
"Don't attack the King's Guard!We'll end up with a bounty too.I,for one,would rather avoid that."
"You have a better idea?"
"While you were out here playing games I managed to get in contact with some serious underworld figures inside the town.They helped me organise some false orders."The cat held up a roll of paper.It was sealed with gold wax,stamped with what looked very much like the royal lion-head seal.
Mercurio grinned,"You never fail to impress me."
The pair approached the town gates.As they got closer they heard pounding footseps and ragged breath.Mercurio turned to see the source of the commotion."Hm.Interesting..."
He watched as a short mouse pelted past,heading straight for the gates.One of the guards there planted his feet,raising one hand to stop the interloper."Halt!This settlement is under lockdown,no one goes in or out.Royal orders."
The mouse skidded to a halt,wheezing,"It's...it's an...emergency!Th-thane,the Winter Wolf-he's d-dead!"
The guardsmen glanced at each other."You saw this?"
The mouse nodded frantically,"He was attacked...by bandits.They said they were sent sent by a-a...Baron Mercurio."

Mercurio gave Skeeve a sidelong look,"Looks like this is our moment."He sidled up to the guards."That would be me.I claim the bounty on the wolf's head."
The mouse gaped at Mercurio.His hand twitched near the hilt of the shortsword he wore,but he seemed to think better of it,eyes flicking between the rat and the guardsmen.
One of the guards looked back at his companion,who nodded.He turned back to Mercurio,"Thane of the Wolf Clan was an enemy of the kingdom.As such,please accept this reward for his death."The hound produced a small leather bag that clinked as he handed it to Mercurio."You have the King's thanks."
The other guard shifted his grip on his halberd,eyeing the mouse,"You.I'd like to know what you were doing with a traitor to the crown."
Mercurio smoothly stepped between mouse and hound,"I'm sure the lad was just a clueless bystander who witnessed the attack."He gave the mouse a pointed look,"You can go."
The mouse gulped.He took the hint and turned tail,fleeing back the way he had come.
"If that's all then please return to the tent city.Southbank will remain in lockdown until our investigation here is complete."
"Actually,as luck would have it we were sent here from the capital to pass a message on to your squad."Mercurio waved Skeeve forward.The trader handed the letter he carried to one of the guards.
The hound glanced at the seal before breaking it and unfurling the paper."Thank you,citizens."He quickly scanned the letter,then turned to his companion,"Wolf Clan agents were spotted leaving the town under cover of darkness.Apparently they were headed for Grimwatch Peak.Spread the word,we're moving out."
The other guard nodded,and they both turned and marched through the gates.
"Worked like a charm."Skeeve grinned.
"Yes,everything seems to be coming up just fine."They entered the bustling town,spotting a few guards begin to assemble as they prepared to leave."I was hoping for a body,but this works too."

致敬。墨丘利奥，我们安插在皇宫的耳目探听到了他们的秘密计划。塞恩似乎看高了他的能力而搜索起腐化工具来。国王则为他设下了埋伏，给他项上狼头加了一份赏金。而我们期待着你去领取这份赏金。教教他擅自触动腐化的后果，然后为你自己寻得那些工具。间谍大师纳特·芬尼特正在南岸等你，她的技能会给予你莫大的帮助。保持好你刀刃的极致锋度，和你口齿间比刀刃更胜一筹的尖刻锐利。谨记，阅后即焚。
菲斯汀
漠泽男爵墨丘利奥的眼睛从信上抬起来，一抹狞笑漫上嘴角。他从书桌前起身，随手把纸揉了几下撇进了壁橱里，让它在那里被火焰迅速吞噬。他大步走出住处，一边走一边裹上他红底金边的斗篷，别上玫瑰形的胸针，最后扣上他的剑带。在他臀旁是一把制作精美而雅致的佩剑，名为罗斯，背后插在鞘中的是一把有些弧度的短剑，称作索尔。
他走出他的领主宅邸进入一片夜色当中。门廊上被摇曳不定的火光照亮的，是一面深红色的旗帜，旗上是一只黑色的老鼠，在一颗小金球上单脚保持着平衡，手握一枝金玫瑰，尾巴绕在一把金剑的柄上。
马厩旁等着他的是一只有着凶狠目光和狡黠笑容的白肚子橘猫。身穿紫白相间无袖衣，上盖血色绯红短披肩，头顶一只小红帽，还插着紫羽毛。
“走吧！”猫大喊道，“时间就是金钱，墨丘利奥。”
“斯基夫，要不是我知道你是这么一个恶棍我还真会觉得你会在乎骑士团派下来的工作。”墨丘利奥咧嘴笑了一下，他的声音一如既往地好听。
“你给你的骑士团干活儿，我给你的小项目打点钱，然后我再分你报酬里的一杯羹。这叫投资。”斯基夫一把上马，“得，你也看过菲斯汀的信了，我们去找那个间谍大师吧。”
于是这一对离开漠泽骑行穿越绿影平原、遗失橡果灌木林到了南岸西侧的翡翠公园，一座小小的帐篷城横跨在平原上，大概是被一个巡回马戏团或一群游牧民建立起来的。
墨丘利奥勒住缰绳让马停了下来，“我们应该现在这儿扎个营跟他们混在一起，芬尼特的事儿可以等到明天早上再说。”
“等会儿！不知道塞恩在哪儿我是不会停下来休息的。”
墨丘利奥耸了下肩，“那只小狼少爷现在离我们可能有百八十里呢你慌什么？”
“我可不想让你有半夜睡着觉把头丢了的风险，朋友。别忘了你现在享受的日子里也有我的一份呢。”斯基夫伸进他的钱包里取出来几枚金币，“给，拿这些钱去招一队游骑兵，派他们到邓恩城堡附近侦查一下，最后一次见到他就是在那儿了。”
“要这样你会觉得安全些的话。”墨丘利奥拿上钱下了马。
市郊有一个游骑兵营。墨丘利奥靠近之后他发现几名游骑兵正在四处兜着圈子，个个裹着深绿色的斗篷，非常显眼。出来见他的是一只瘦高个儿白鼬。
“能帮你点儿什么，陌生人？”游骑兵问。
“我想给邓恩城堡的游骑兵营传个信。”
“好办，有钱就行。”
“钱不是问题。”墨丘利奥笑眯眯地把斯基夫的钱拍在游骑兵的手掌上。
白鼬看了一眼这枚金子，把它弹到空中再抓住后才把它揣进了自己的口袋。“所以你想带句什么话呢？”
“我对某位有点儿兴趣。那位冬狼。他应该在邓恩城堡附近的某个树林子里。”
游骑兵扬了一下一边眉毛，“听说他现在不怎么招国王待见，还有什么要带的话吗？”
“没了，找到他就行，有消息回来告诉我。”
“成，我会来找你的。”
等到墨丘利奥回到他离开的地方的时候，他发现这个小贩子已经用白丝绸搭好了挺漂亮一帐篷，红色和紫色的三角旗在微风中飘动。“摆摊儿呢准备？”
斯基夫坐在帐篷前的木箱上翻着账本，“做生意可从来没有什么坏时候。”他啪的一声把本合上，“跟游骑兵们谈妥了？”
“要说有谁能找到塞恩的话也就只有他们了，回来你就知道我们其实没什么好担心的了。”
“这可是场豪赌啊墨丘利奥。如果你想与狼族，乃至与国王为敌的话，你最好自己，或者说能有别的谁能担心一下你。”
墨丘利奥咧嘴一笑坐在另一个木箱子上。“斯基夫，等我们完活儿了之后就不会有任何一个部族能够阻挡我了，哪怕是国王，都不行，”
******
第二天一大早斯基夫把墨丘利奥叫起来，"来客了咱们。"
墨丘利奥骂骂咧咧地滚起来裹上马甲出了帐篷，到了外面他发现了昨天晚上的那只白鼬。"邓恩城堡那边的消息？"
"在黄昏飞行树冠地区发现了塞恩，被国王卫队击伤后正在逃窜。依照你的指示我们未对其采取任何行动，以上即报告全部内容。"
"谢了朋友，"墨丘利奥握住游骑兵的手，"帮大忙了。"
游骑兵点了点头转身离开。他向外走了几步又回过头来，"还有一件事你可能会感兴趣，塞恩设法联系了邓恩城堡的游骑兵，看样子是在给他云杉谷一带的盟友报信。我知道的也就这么多了。"
斯基夫挠了挠他的耳朵，"云杉谷？塞恩这是在干什么呢"
"那谁知道，"墨丘利奥越过斯基夫看向了小镇的出入口，"不过现在，我们好像有了点更大的麻烦。"
斯基夫顺着老鼠的时间也回过头，一个纵列的国王卫兵出现在了路上，领头的骑着马逆着接连不断涌入城中的队伍来到帐篷城外。"南岸聚落现依国王命进行封锁，我们正在搜查叛徒塞恩的同党。"
"太棒了，"墨丘利奥一脚踹在地上，"他们把聚落锁了搞的我们被困在这儿了，要引起了国王卫队的注意那可就坏了事儿了。"
"害，先不管它了，塞恩已经暴露了，我们去领赏金吧！"
"昨儿晚上你还害怕塞恩跑回南岸，今儿你就想见红了？"墨丘利奥耸耸肩，"一点黄金的承诺能起的作用还真是迷人。"，这可不像单纯的贪似的那么小气。领取塞恩头上的赏金可以让我们在这个王国里获得威望。我呢正好认识几个当地的骗子，他们会很乐意帮我们干这种脏活儿的。"
墨丘利奥思考了一阵子。"行，那你就去做你要做的事儿吧。顺道儿，想个法儿进城。"

码住！

虽然这两章已经写完了但是一直没想起来发,
接下来几楼是第三章的原文,熟肉将随后放出.
非常抱歉来晚了!
*Chapter 3*:A Rat's Scheme
He awoke to pain.A dull,searing pain that pierced his chest,his back,his arm.Pain was good.It meant he wasn't dead yet.Thane groaned and slowly opened his eyes.From what he could make out of his surroundings,he appeared to be lying on the ground inside a dimly lit cave.If he raised his head he could see the mouth of the cave,but outside was too dark to see anything.He was lying on a bedroll and wrapped in a thick blanket.Pushing the blanket aside,he saw fresh dressings on his wounds.
"You're finally awake."
The voice made Thane look up.Through his blurry vision a face swam into focus;a grey and white furred wolf.She wore scaled armour of red leather under a blue cloak with a thick,white fur collar.The brooch that fastened the cloak was shaped like the eight-pointed star of the Iron Tribe that Thane wore on his brigantine,though he knew she wasn't Iron born.
"You...You're...River?"He remembered now.The daughter of the Snow Tribe's Chieftain,River the Howling Arrow.They had met a few times,often at tournaments.Whereas Thane excelled at dueling,River had taken to archery and was a champion renowned for her aim.
"Good of you to remember."
"What are you doing here?"Thane looked back down at his body,then quickly pulled the blanket back over himself,"And where are my clothes?"
River rolled her eyes and turned away."I was in Sprucevale when your letter arrived.It sounded like you were in trouble so I came looking for you.You're lucky I found you when I did."
"Thank you."Thane mumbled.
River rounded on him again,"How could you be so reckless?You're the only heir to your tribe,Thane,you could succeed your father as High Chieftain of the entire clan!What if you'd been killed?What are the High Council going to think?"
Thane sighed,"It was supposed to be an easy job.Go to Southbank,meet Heimdall,investigate the Rat Clan."
"So what in the Wyld's name went wrong?"
"We were attacked by the King's Guard."
River blinked,taken aback,"...What?Why?"
"I..."Thane shook his head,"I don't know.But apparently I've been branded a traitor."
"I don't understand,the King wouldn't order something like that."
Thane shrugged,"There's something more going on here.Snowstrider was right,something is very wrong."
"Well,let's ask her about it.I'm taking you back to Stonehold.Do you think you can walk?"
"Yeah."Thane pushed himself up into a sitting position with a grunt,"I'll be fine."
"Good.Get ready."River dropped Thane's belonging's in a pile by his side and walked toward the mouth of the cave.
Thane stood,a little unsteadily,and quickly dressed.He pulled his hauberk over his head,letting the long mail shirt drop onto his shoulders,followed by his brigantine.Finally he buckled on his sword belt,one hand lingering on the empty sheath at his hip.
"My sword?"He asked.
River turned back to face him again,shaking her head."I didn't find it where you were attacked.Sorry."
Thane snarled,his fist lashed out and struck against the rough stone wall,"Damn it!I couldn't even keep that safe."He shook his head dejectedly,"The elders are right,I'm not fit to lead the Iron Tribe,let alone the Clan."
River sighed and grasped the fur at the back of Thane's neck,her harsh grip almost painful."Thane,normally I'd agree.However,I came out here expecting to help the son of the late High Chieftain,and now I learn that I'm harbouring a fugitive from the King.I don't know why,and neither do you,but what I do know is that we can not stay here much longer.So please stop feeling sorry for yourself and come along or I'm leaving you here to die."
Thane stared into her eyes.She held his gaze,unblinking.Eventually he relented,"Alright,let's move."He shrugged off her hand and walked to the mouth of the cave.Behind him River hurriedly packed up their small camp and doused the fire.

Mercurio strode down the stairs into the tavern,yawning expansively.He located Nat and Skeeve and dropped into a chair by their table."Would you care to tell me why you've woken me at this hour?"
Nat sat back,eyes closed,"Thane's alive."She said casually.
Mercurio immediately rounded on Skeeve,glaring.
The trader recoiled slightly,then straightened and slammed a fist on the table."I'm telling you,that's not possible!"
"Then maybe you can explain why he was spotted heading back to Stonehold in the company of a Snow Tribe huntress."
"My contacts-"
"Dead."
"How?"Mercurio growled.
Nat shrugged,"Snow Tribe huntress."
Mercurio took a deep breath and exhaled slowly."What now?"
The spymaster opened her eyes and leaned forward,planting both elbows on the table and steepling her fingers under her chin,"Thane's alive,but not unscathed.He'll hole up in his fortress and lick his wounds.Once he's recovered he'll resume making his way to the Winterhorn Mountains."
Skeeve scratched his ear,"I'm inclined to interfere with his plans.But it'll be difficult while he's on the move."
"That's no problem.We simply act where we know he'll be."
"Fine."Skeeve nodded,folding his arms,"I have a few other contacts in town-"
Nat held up a hand,"No.I know some mercenaries we can hire,men who'll actually get the job done."She shot a pointed look at Skeeve."They can lie in wait in the Fleetfoot Hills.That'll cut Thane off from the mountains."
"Well,it ought to slow him down at least."Skeeve muttered.
Mercurio nodded,"Take care of it.And as for our own plans,"He glanced between the cat and fox,"I trust you have something."
Nat grinned,"I've heard whispers."She lowered her voice,leaning closer,"I know where we must go.This Rot tool,the one Thane's been chasing after,I've managed to track the thief who stole it.He was last seen climbing Winterhorn."
"That explains Thane's interest in that area."Mercurio mused,"We need to get there before he does."
"I have a source in Sprucevale,a miner.She knows those peaks well."
"Then we'd best leave at once."
"I thought the same thing."Skeeve tapped his temple,then produced a map and unfurled it on the table."While you were sleeping I went to speak with a local strategist.For a few leos he was more than happy to mark a route that'll get us to Sprucevale before dawn."
Mercurio studied the map,tracing the marked route with one finger."Well done Skeeve.It seems you may still have your uses after all."
"I'm hurt that you'd ever doubt me."Skeeve stood with a slight bow,"By your leave,Baron."
***
The trio left Southbank and entered the Onyx Hollow,travelling between the still trunks and on into The Shadowglen.The eastern horizon was beginning to brighten as they rode out from the forest and onto Moss Meadow.Sprucevale loomed ahead of them,a dark shadow sprawling at the foot of the Winterhorn Mountains,the lights atop the walls burning low.
Skeeve pulled up alongside Mercurio,"Remember,Thane may have set a trap up ahead.We'll be walking right into it,but there's no other option."
They continued on to the town,reigned in their horses at the stable and entered.
Mercurio adjusted his sword belt as he looked around,"Nat,take the lead.Skeeve,keep an eye out for trouble."
Nat led them off the main road and down a shady alley into a network of narrow back streets."It seems this town's under curfew.It'd be best if we weren't spotted roaming the streets."
They passed by a few others in the twilight of Sprucevale's alleyways,loitering in ones or twos,or in ragged groups.Many had their faces shrouded by hoods,those who didn't wore bitter,worn looks,haunted eyes watching from the shadows.Most shrank away from the sight of the three newcomers,others stood straighter,tense,but none tried to impede them.
They were passing by one such cluster of miscreants when a motion caught Mercurio's eye.Among the faces he spotted a scrawny black and white cat dressed in dull coloured and loose fitting clothes.He slowed his pace,eyes narrowing,watching.The cat held his gaze,pale eyes flashing.Then a flicker of movement as the cat rushed straight for him.Mercurio barely had time to react,reaching for the hilt of his sword.The cat ducked under his sword arm before he could draw the sabre.He felt a tug at his belt and spun on his heel,steel flashing as his dagger whipped around,slicing the air.The cat somersaulted backwards,dodging the strike,and danced away.She fled into another alley and,with a single glance back over her shoulder,climbed straight up,bouncing from wall to wall until she disappeared over a parapet and vanished.
Skeeve ran a few paces after the thief before turning back,scowling,"She stole your adventurer's kit.I had my lunch in there!"
Mercurio rammed Thorn back into its sheath and grabbed the trader by his tunic."That doesn't matter!Just let it go!"He shoved Skeeve away and rounded on Nat,"These setbacks are starting to agitate me.This miner had better be worth it."
Nat held up her hands,"It's not far from here,lower your voice and follow me."
Mercurio looked around to see that they were now alone,the bystanders having melted away into the darkness.He snorted and nodded,indicating Nat to lead on.
A few minutes later Nat led them out onto the corner of a wider street.She pointed to the other side of the road."That's the place."
"Alright,let's go."Skeeve stepped out into the road.Mercurio quickly grabbed his arm and pulled him back into the shadows.
"Wait!"The rat pointed down the street to where a King's Guard was patrolling."I'll handle this."
"She'll be expecting you."Nat whispered,"Knock twice by the handle,wait three seconds,then once by the top hinge."
Mercurio nodded and crouched low,eyeing the guard as he made his slow approach.Just as the hound was about to pass by their hiding spot,Mercurio burst from cover,softly pattering across the cobbles,just out of sight.He skimmed past the guard's back,close enough to touch,and was across the street.
He knocked on the door of the miner's house as Nat had instructed.A few seconds of silence passed,followed by the sound of a bolt being drawn back and then the door swung open.Inside stood a grey haired goat,tall and burly,dressed in a roughspun green cloak.She glanced up and down the street,then stepped back.Mercurio turned and waved for the others to follow.They hurried across the road and into the house.The rat followed,pulling the door shut behind him.
They found themselves in a small,stone walled kitchen.There was a simple wooden table in one corner,and comfy chairs surrounded the stove.
Nat gestured to the goat,"Mercurio,meet Ulak Bal.She's been one of my top informants in this region for several years now."
Ulak clasped Mercurio's hand,"Pleasure t'meet ya,m'lord.Any friend o'Nat is welcome here.I hear ya need t'know'bout tha mountains.I know that place better'n anyone else round these parts.Anythin'ya need,jus'ask."
Nat dropped into one of the chairs by the fire,"Now we plan our next move."