49Please respect copyright.PENANAm8TOsBsywh
不過現在就算要舉劍也來不及了——劍的長度太長,在這樣的距離無法造成有效傷害。49Please respect copyright.PENANA6FZwQ3NHTT
49Please respect copyright.PENANATCG3Skftst
說時遲那時快,一道尖銳的破空聲迅速接近!49Please respect copyright.PENANA84d1omPWKe
49Please respect copyright.PENANADko4QyquqW
克里斯直覺地偏過頭,寒銳的刀鋒與頸部擦身而過,準確地沒入那怪物的頸項間。49Please respect copyright.PENANAjPbM2a79tZ
49Please respect copyright.PENANACN5m2Oeocl
那東西的動作停頓了一下,給予克里斯喘息的機會。他伸出一腳絆住它的腿,扯住那東西剩下的獨臂猛地用力將它摔出去,恰恰投入凶猛燃燒的火堆之中。49Please respect copyright.PENANA8iP4DSNEAS
49Please respect copyright.PENANAEA8VmNe8xo
像是指甲刮過玻璃的尖銳聲音彷彿被放大無數倍,淒厲又令人毛骨悚然,克里斯摀起耳朵朝方才解圍那一劍的來處看去——49Please respect copyright.PENANAlBlBEzM8uy
49Please respect copyright.PENANAs2yVS8TGwH
他連呼喊出聲的時間都沒有——因為他看見正艱難地奔跑著的熟悉少年身後竟跟著同樣的怪物,只是那東西的身材壯碩、行動也明顯比剛剛葬身火海的那個要來得熟練流暢。49Please respect copyright.PENANAoqp4GKqU6F
49Please respect copyright.PENANAId7R4qJMHO
克里斯完全無暇細想,三、兩步衝了過去,一把將卡萊爾不穩地就要向前倒的身體扯入懷中,右手猛揮劍!49Please respect copyright.PENANAlYKLauFJXK
49Please respect copyright.PENANAv1Bfyxp9Mh
特別打造的劍鋒剛烈地砍在怪物頸項間,那東西的體重和往前衝刺的速度加劇了砍擊的破壞力,克里斯怒吼一聲用全身的力量壓了上去。劍身橫劈開頭不與身體之間的頸子,將其斬成兩段。49Please respect copyright.PENANAs2k2lSiGXT
49Please respect copyright.PENANAyriFVYamYf
被砍下的頭顱斜斜飛出,眼看失去頭部的壯漢身軀就要壓下來,懷中的少年突然將他往下扯。克里斯尚未反應就整個人往後跌,在卡萊爾的拉扯下兩人的身體往旁邊滾了兩滾,停下來時他們都心有餘悸地看著那仍抽動不止的無頭屍體,以及從斷頸處流淌成整片的鮮紅顏色。49Please respect copyright.PENANAmbeTSLIWDG
49Please respect copyright.PENANAWW4SpCFgsg
直到那屍體僵硬不動,兩人才轉過身體,仰躺在地上喘著氣。49Please respect copyright.PENANAARyl2CYhaA
49Please respect copyright.PENANA4ci8N0xKkH
他們現在都沒有心情詢問對方為什麼會在這裡,現在,從危機中逃過一劫的鬆弛感主宰了全身,讓他們一時間除了沉默之外什麼都做不到。49Please respect copyright.PENANA8YM0KKnAsA
49Please respect copyright.PENANA7JnY3Awf9M
但這沉默沒有維持多久。49Please respect copyright.PENANAClakaPexkA
49Please respect copyright.PENANASJdUGPBOCX
卡萊爾很快站起來。花兒拍打翅膀落在他肩膀上,身體依偎在主人頸側,牠已經不再顫抖。而金髮少年環視四周,也沒有發現窺探的人。49Please respect copyright.PENANAKZkqFXfEL1
49Please respect copyright.PENANA8K1vDMjGFX
——離開了嗎?49Please respect copyright.PENANAwfOP0x4OKs
49Please respect copyright.PENANAYqPdlOTyLN
他沉吟一會,然後馬上開始動作。49Please respect copyright.PENANABBW846iHtK
49Please respect copyright.PENANAkpm5hy22WT
他將那顆頭顱踢進火堆裡,接著從已經燃燒起來的馬車殘骸拆下一根著火的木棒,可正要轉身,一隻手卻握住了他,從他手中拿走火把。49Please respect copyright.PENANAUJgEJpZ82A
49Please respect copyright.PENANAQcz3CFvaLc
看著拿過火把的褐髮男人轉身走近屍體,在上面點火。49Please respect copyright.PENANApYHqKXUK9h
49Please respect copyright.PENANAS9qGtllrTT
「還有血——」卡萊爾提醒。49Please respect copyright.PENANA7PNAg1hqVO
49Please respect copyright.PENANAViBGvL0OcP
克里斯轉頭看了他一眼,而後依言將火把丟進在青石地面上蔓延開來的血紅之中。49Please respect copyright.PENANANaPlUbDlvk
49Please respect copyright.PENANAY1IkfLVKEp
做完這一切,兩人還是沒有說話,只看著對方的面孔在火光與陰影裡明滅。49Please respect copyright.PENANAPViPomNsjf
49Please respect copyright.PENANAOkehjIefax
最後,還是男人率先開口,「......你的腳怎麼了。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAwRNuARxw3p
49Please respect copyright.PENANAJtMToDttex
似乎是沒料到克里斯會先問這個,卡萊爾一時間有些忡怔,然後別開頭,轉移話題,「你怎麼會在這裡?我不是跟你說晚上沒事不要亂跑嗎?」49Please respect copyright.PENANADijQS070fB
49Please respect copyright.PENANAQIdkFfimoY
「你還沒有回答我的問題。」克里斯挑眉,頓了下又說:「況且,我沒問你同樣的問題,你不覺得你也不該問嗎。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAZbaBUfcHj9
49Please respect copyright.PENANAfz4ceQHFOV
少年回頭瞪著他,良久才從勉強勾起的唇間吐出話語,「牙尖嘴利。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAQepIDhJrkM
49Please respect copyright.PENANA3B3EFNmniC
「彼此彼此。」克里斯回答。他走近少年身前,然後蹲下來。49Please respect copyright.PENANAMPHKtwKEc4
49Please respect copyright.PENANAHVS1AFHeah
「嘿!你......」49Please respect copyright.PENANAL4HFbElcVH
49Please respect copyright.PENANAg2UTqx9uVr
見他的手朝自己的腳伸來,卡萊爾驚恐的想收回腳,可惜慢了一步。克里斯將他扭傷的那隻腳握在手裡,稍微捲起褲角看了下。49Please respect copyright.PENANAbpDdDEkgtL
49Please respect copyright.PENANAzDXW1ii1oO
扭傷的部位已經紅腫,摸起來有些燙。49Please respect copyright.PENANA5bgHJwlcCI
49Please respect copyright.PENANAGvfdKHmDEt
放開那隻傷腳,蹲下身的男人抬頭望著少年,卡萊爾一時間有些緊張,他看出那雙灰色眼睛裡犀利的詢問。49Please respect copyright.PENANA4wKDNVTqGg
49Please respect copyright.PENANAZhBYowJMUb
「......快走吧。」他在男人開口前搶先提醒,「等一下就會驚動巡夜守衛了。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAVzefku9u2C
49Please respect copyright.PENANAiq9kOEAQvN
說完,街童少年轉身就想離開,卻在那剎那被拉住手臂。49Please respect copyright.PENANAOez8THqfjB
49Please respect copyright.PENANAXKzWaeJfV1
「——你......」本來是想藉著怒氣衝衝的質問逃脫這尷尬場面,可在轉身之後,卡萊爾卻看到男人轉身背對著他,仍然蹲著。49Please respect copyright.PENANA034lxMo17X
49Please respect copyright.PENANAfgsEBVnkfQ
「上來,我背你走。」克里斯說。語氣平靜地令人討厭。49Please respect copyright.PENANAqmXFxdJ3SO
49Please respect copyright.PENANA1t0uTo6wPu
「......我不需要你幫忙。」卡萊爾皺眉,不過也沒有馬上離開。49Please respect copyright.PENANAbPfSogAyRk
49Please respect copyright.PENANAXPa52xbs0D
蹲在地上的男人稍微回過頭,「別逞強,快點。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAMoApC9sZIE
49Please respect copyright.PENANAD3WRuCfNmk
這一次的語氣裡多了分嚴厲。少年不甘心地偏頭咕噥幾聲,還是乖乖趴到男人寬厚的背上。49Please respect copyright.PENANA8AVyL4cOoY
49Please respect copyright.PENANAqXXBO06RSZ
待卡萊爾趴好,克里斯將手臂繞過少年的膝蓋扣穩,然後站起身——卡萊爾因突然的高度改變而雙手環住男人的脖子,他僵硬的動作看起來有些緊張,不過男人強壯的臂膀牢牢托著他的大腿和臀部,他很快就安下心來。49Please respect copyright.PENANAWrmUWdk3WJ
49Please respect copyright.PENANAmzpwoTqkUv
克里斯不費吹灰之力地邁開步伐走進巷子裡,打算盡快遠離事發廣場。即使身上背了一個人,他的腳步也不慢——這一切得歸功於少年的瘦弱——卡萊爾的身材在他這個年紀不算高,但也可稱得上標準,不過他卻非常輕盈,克里斯不由得懷疑他到底有沒有長肌肉。49Please respect copyright.PENANAh3a1iYJuNK
49Please respect copyright.PENANASEr3IENAxX
「你要走去哪?」卡萊爾在男人轉進另外一條更小的巷子時詢問。49Please respect copyright.PENANA9NZgmveyxD
49Please respect copyright.PENANApo8T6TsO35
他已經聽見從廣場方向傳來的吵雜人聲,顯然巡夜的守衛隊已經趕到。49Please respect copyright.PENANABRJh8X1OLT
49Please respect copyright.PENANAqKshrZSuXp
「我家。」克里斯簡單回答,「除非你有更好的主意。」卡萊爾的腳傷並不嚴重,不過還是必須盡快處理,從這個位置要回到自己家,以他的速度也得走一時左右,如果有更好的選擇,他不會捨近求遠。49Please respect copyright.PENANA4Qf6OMjzI6
49Please respect copyright.PENANAPSjuBAJkk2
背後的少年沉吟一會,然後提出建議,「不,去我家——」49Please respect copyright.PENANAwLjGYUUQFQ
49Please respect copyright.PENANA5Bgg19AWzo
「你家?」49Please respect copyright.PENANAYzvxQKRfMO
49Please respect copyright.PENANANAh91L49XY
「在那裡——」49Please respect copyright.PENANA9mtc7Fk9YU
49Please respect copyright.PENANAICCm9zpacp
順著從肩膀上伸出來的手臂看去,在一片低矮的房舍間,那棟建築物鶴立雞群般獨自聳立在夜空中。49Please respect copyright.PENANA1I5WkDvgGf
49Please respect copyright.PENANAFYr5ylYi6B
「......大鐘樓?」49Please respect copyright.PENANA3iUmNMKYBv
49Please respect copyright.PENANAy019CEQL1R
49Please respect copyright.PENANAwvwf3n8pLx
49Please respect copyright.PENANA56sYAwWaES
在踏上那陳舊、沾滿灰塵,每走一步就會咯吱作響的木樓梯時,克里斯只能靠卡萊爾高高舉在他旁邊的燭台提供微弱的照明,才免於隨時可能一腳踏空的危機。49Please respect copyright.PENANA3BZpCCBztA
49Please respect copyright.PENANA9CB47TIm8f
「小心點——那塊木板是鬆的。」卡萊爾及時提醒——在克里斯抬起的腳即將落下的那一刻。49Please respect copyright.PENANAsuN26IBsgp
49Please respect copyright.PENANABWzQ1PHETD
因為他整個人趴在男人身上,所以他能清楚的感覺到克里斯在那瞬間渾身僵硬,然後有些狼狽地收回腳,再次衡量距離之後邁開步。49Please respect copyright.PENANAPoqVZLm0Xt
49Please respect copyright.PENANAreeVqqF1cB
雖然沒聽清楚,但卡萊爾肯定褐髮男人絕對在小聲地咒罵,所以他得意的輕輕笑起來。49Please respect copyright.PENANA3BZxcVXuuP
49Please respect copyright.PENANAivBw43PJMy
當然,彼此貼得如此靠近,克里斯對身後少年的一舉一動也都清晰地如同自己的感覺。他透過背部那具身軀感覺到少年低笑時的頻率,還有他因為好心情而稍微晃動的腿。49Please respect copyright.PENANA2EkkAyBi4W
49Please respect copyright.PENANAKiQkfDVfQB
他知道自己被戲弄了,「下次早點說。」可他也只能做出這樣的反擊。49Please respect copyright.PENANA2Wco9Lfuvq
49Please respect copyright.PENANAAhRpA4YR8g
「嗯哼。」少年低哼一聲,沒有好、或不好的確切回答,不過很明顯地因為自己扳回一城而高興。49Please respect copyright.PENANABc0CTDxytq
49Please respect copyright.PENANACxPy1TXj4o
克里斯無奈地嘆氣,然後繼續往上走。49Please respect copyright.PENANAG3AsIvq2RO
49Please respect copyright.PENANAFWbYcu1FiM
空氣裡木頭陳舊的味道、石塊經大雨沖刷特有的潮溼氣味、燈油與銅油混雜的味道等等,隨著越往上走就越清晰且越分明。狹窄的螺旋通道在這些氣味的襯托下像是無限蔓延的迷宮,不知道會通往哪個異想世界。49Please respect copyright.PENANAfin4F7ZfwK
49Please respect copyright.PENANAuoHZ0uQq3s
克里斯一步步往上,繞過他已經數不清是第幾個彎道,而上面還有許多彎道。49Please respect copyright.PENANAzHBokOt2tQ
49Please respect copyright.PENANATOBIqd0d3d
他走在大鐘樓——這個城市裡僅次於蘭豋塔、第二高的建築物——的裡面,不是敲鐘人平常所走的樓梯,而是再它後方,曾經通往更大、懸掛著更多大鐘的敲鐘室的樓梯。49Please respect copyright.PENANAQ2sc87C6jU
49Please respect copyright.PENANAzrbeJJRTtX
在那些鐘由於新統治者的一聲令下、從二十口音色高低不一的鐘被熔鑄成六口更巨大,但笨重、音色雄渾的鐘之後,原先懸掛它們的空間就被封閉廢棄,連同當時所使用的樓梯一起被人遺忘。49Please respect copyright.PENANAek3taBSQE7
49Please respect copyright.PENANA6u2h0LojXE
而如今,這條寂寞已久的通道在第一個發現它的少年之後,又迎來一個新的訪客。49Please respect copyright.PENANAFp8Nmy7gPo
49Please respect copyright.PENANA59AOxcwH0K
狹窄通道那一側不時自通風口吹進帶著潮溼氣味的風,混著銀色蕩漾的月光,落在地上,彷彿搖晃的湖水清澈。49Please respect copyright.PENANAaktT3l73zZ
49Please respect copyright.PENANAvJjKXvhE76
克里斯的腳踏在上面,彷彿踏入了虛幻之水一樣,輕盈而迷濛。49Please respect copyright.PENANAAEPU4sdJST
49Please respect copyright.PENANABzroxQenhk
而後,在樓梯的盡頭處,他看見那好似霧氣凝成,散發著淡淡銀光的入口。49Please respect copyright.PENANAqtMfgZCYRQ
49Please respect copyright.PENANANtG55cf9QD
踏進那裡面,就像來到異國神話裡充滿不可思議的夜晚。49Please respect copyright.PENANANHkpV8VPB2
49Please respect copyright.PENANA3Ni1slwMJr
殘缺了一角的月亮就像一塊純白的銀片鑲嵌在天鵝絨般的夜幕上,不規則的陰影襯托它光芒的潔白,而分割了天空的隔柱四周像以銀線勾勒邊緣、夜色織就的帷幕一樣。49Please respect copyright.PENANAlQ0dAdBofi
49Please respect copyright.PENANA2W3bLfX9u5
在偌大空間一角,雙面都是牆壁的角落裡,許多說不出來歷、混亂又奇異的雜物堆放在那,它們圍繞著一塊以菱形、方形、圓形和各種捲曲線條組成的寬闊毯子,營造出自己的小小空間。49Please respect copyright.PENANAGVVNJqg72k
49Please respect copyright.PENANAu8UwOCX1a8
「那裡。」肩上的少年拍拍他,將男人從奇異中喚醒。49Please respect copyright.PENANAghdSn5AOnU
49Please respect copyright.PENANA8saLVGDTcS
卡萊爾指著那張充滿沙漠異國風情的毯子,示意他帶自己到那裡。49Please respect copyright.PENANAgTtqin25OI
49Please respect copyright.PENANAxoD7xFxbNK
克里斯依言照辦,將少年小心翼翼地放到地毯上幾個破舊但乾淨的靠枕邊。卡萊爾接著將燭台遞給他,指指一邊幾個櫃子上那些高矮胖瘦不一的瓶子。49Please respect copyright.PENANAMeuCMrkKw5
49Please respect copyright.PENANAccREjEuyV9
他走近一看,那些像是頑童將玻璃打碎再重組、毫無規則可循的彩色玻璃瓶子裡都放著蠟燭。將它們一一點燃,原本該是黃色的光線透過那些雜亂的玻璃,在四周投影出斑駁卻瑰麗的七彩光芒。49Please respect copyright.PENANATsbbBD6GRC
49Please respect copyright.PENANAFHKkAxhTi2
它們落在那些雜亂的陰影上,讓那些鑲嵌著天河石、卻缺了蓋子的百寶盒;沒有把手的掐絲琺瑯鏡子;裝滿玻璃珠、但一邊腳斷了一半的紅漆木盒;雕工精細、鎖片卻失蹤的黃金掐絲小櫃;表面光滑柔細、可少了衣邊手的青瓷人偶等等物品,染上最適合它們的顏色。49Please respect copyright.PENANAMlP9hsHdqG
49Please respect copyright.PENANAiZYuaALfft
這裡像是被拋棄物品的樂園。49Please respect copyright.PENANA0ilg9obLAf
49Please respect copyright.PENANAgqEVGnV2H4
「有些是我帶回來的,有一些是撿到的。」卡萊爾說。49Please respect copyright.PENANATkp9DNdjvw
49Please respect copyright.PENANAfOiOPqmj34
克里斯朝他點點頭,把自己的思緒從這些看起來似乎很有故事的東西上移開,走回卡萊爾身邊。49Please respect copyright.PENANAuNfh7OsgqP
49Please respect copyright.PENANAaRRT6r0HQc
「你有藥嗎?」他一邊把少年的傷腳拉向自己、捲起他的褲管,一邊問。49Please respect copyright.PENANAGVF53repKZ
49Please respect copyright.PENANAvmxkLS5pKT
卡萊爾試著幾次把自己的腳收回來,但都徒勞無功,最後他很明智的放棄了。49Please respect copyright.PENANAB98pP8haZN
49Please respect copyright.PENANAJDNX5ESzrt
「在那個櫃子裡,第二個抽屜。」指指一個三層黑檀木小櫃子。它的把柄是金製的,櫃面上應該裝飾著輕薄的彩繪胎瓷,不過有兩面掉了,剩下的那一面左上角也已經剝落。49Please respect copyright.PENANAIZM3gzHic8
49Please respect copyright.PENANAawzg6H8Rvk
克里斯把小櫃子拉過來,打開第二層抽屜,裡面有個圓形的琺瑯盒子。49Please respect copyright.PENANADbf3nzWcy1
49Please respect copyright.PENANAzHC2fjJ73h
打開它,克里斯就聞到一股撲鼻而來的怪藥草味,那簡直就像是薄荷混著胡椒和剛發酵的起司之類的味道,說不出的怪異。他立刻摀起鼻子,疑惑地看向卡萊爾。49Please respect copyright.PENANAomKSKFFWbn
49Please respect copyright.PENANANqAQfOtCPC
「別那副表情,這東西有用得很。」卡萊爾像看笑話似地看他,這讓克里斯有些不平。49Please respect copyright.PENANASG5AV0hcN8
49Please respect copyright.PENANAhnHg6U8BGR
——反正又不是用在我身上!49Please respect copyright.PENANAeuUTe60aLC
49Please respect copyright.PENANAeCUQghPNOt
他恨恨地想著,用刮匙挖了一勺翠綠色的藥膏直接敷在卡萊爾的傷處。49Please respect copyright.PENANACj4gcOXxJd
49Please respect copyright.PENANAEi3U8wUqOv
「——喔!嘿!」少年倒抽一口氣,破口大罵,「痛死了!」49Please respect copyright.PENANAh1SCVgdBgp
49Please respect copyright.PENANAZP2cJjHLY3
「你自己說有用的。」克里斯反駁。49Please respect copyright.PENANAIdNDSmk28j
49Please respect copyright.PENANABRgyI6FdXJ
「有用也要看用法!笨蛋!粗手粗腳!」咒罵起一連串髒話,卡萊爾鐵青著臉色從旁邊抽來一塊布片,按在藥膏上慢慢揉著,間或嘟噥著幾句抱怨,卻理也不理克里斯。49Please respect copyright.PENANAevG14oMiVq
49Please respect copyright.PENANA8ne1SoAj4N
少年因氣憤而漲紅的臉頰和噘起的嘴帶著難得一見的稚嫩,讓克里斯覺得有些好笑。今夜的心情終於輕快起來,決定展現點成年男性的氣度。49Please respect copyright.PENANAQNXzbYLhUX
49Please respect copyright.PENANA4hUEhlur1a
「好了,是我不對。」說著,接過卡萊爾揉著腳的布片,稍微加點力道推揉起來。49Please respect copyright.PENANAsQH1iGwzP5
49Please respect copyright.PENANAMz1zsWULUQ
或許是因為方才的道歉,少年大方地讓他服務,絲毫不見困窘的意思。49Please respect copyright.PENANAMjKNj8uRhs
49Please respect copyright.PENANAiIQQh4DQD3
揉了一會,克里斯掀開布片確認傷處,紅腫已經消了不少,而翠綠色的藥膏大部分已滲入皮膚底下。49Please respect copyright.PENANA58cF3ca8zg
49Please respect copyright.PENANAFoY5sSk87s
——看來這東西真的有用。他對那氣味頓時改觀不少。49Please respect copyright.PENANAsoIPyEauPZ
49Please respect copyright.PENANAZ93PNCLakC
在少年揮開他的手,檢視自己傷處時,克里斯突然的問題打了卡萊爾一個措手不及。49Please respect copyright.PENANAuWiOap5VOH
49Please respect copyright.PENANAYS5u0EBMIV
「那東西是什麼?你以前見過?」49Please respect copyright.PENANATcXy32DPdh
49Please respect copyright.PENANA3wvpPyl3ou
他注意到金髮少年的動作有那麼一瞬間的停頓,「那東西和霧河裡的屍體有關嗎?」49Please respect copyright.PENANAVRfdcBwFMa
49Please respect copyright.PENANAp11c9Qw5ck
如果說前兩個問題是從卡萊爾要他處理那東西的方式裡得出的結論,最後一個問題就是他的猜測。49Please respect copyright.PENANAatkBb9JCY4
49Please respect copyright.PENANAmwpsh4rBRx
「你說過不問的。」少年抗議。49Please respect copyright.PENANAtZbTrMpGA2
49Please respect copyright.PENANAoqXu9lKtes
「我說過嗎?」他反駁,「發生了什麼事,卡萊爾。那東西是什麼?」49Please respect copyright.PENANAunjZ2gV6kO
49Please respect copyright.PENANAd9vmt0FqUy
克里斯的咄咄逼人讓本就沒想好該怎麼回答的卡萊爾有些慌亂,但他很快鎮定下來,晴空般的藍眸毫不退讓地瞪著男人。而克里斯發現他很難從那雙眼睛裡讀出任何有助於他判斷的情緒,街童之王將一切資訊藏在他的冷漠裡。49Please respect copyright.PENANAKzXejW4Xxv
49Please respect copyright.PENANA32Le3DFifw
「那是惡魔。」卡萊爾說:「除此之外,我不會告訴你更多。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAjJx77YEvBj
49Please respect copyright.PENANADuMjPozSSG
「卡萊爾——」克里斯還想抗議,但少年的眼神讓他閉上嘴。49Please respect copyright.PENANAwz460rFx5v
49Please respect copyright.PENANAzN1CH8midA
那是幾近於苛責的眼神。49Please respect copyright.PENANAYKCIxHQWcw
49Please respect copyright.PENANArUkl3Ki9qp
「沒有覺悟為真相擔起責任之前,你沒有知道的必要。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAKpx4Kozxjh
49Please respect copyright.PENANA2iwLyLL6jz
「走吧,記得。晚上不要上街。」說完,卡萊爾就別過頭去。49Please respect copyright.PENANAMsUJ33uEDq
49Please respect copyright.PENANAmH1JNar3lx
直到沉默中,單獨的腳步聲響起、漸漸遠去,他才回頭看向住所的出口。49Please respect copyright.PENANABozmehIv7J
49Please respect copyright.PENANAAiu5t38hs6
那裡已經沒有半個人。49Please respect copyright.PENANABYHN3rV7qf
49Please respect copyright.PENANAdRmYfD2giW
而空氣一如既往的冷凝。49Please respect copyright.PENANAtOffW04xpM
49Please respect copyright.PENANA4Dj9rsNIp8
卡萊爾扁扁嘴,部份失落的心情湧上,不過很快就消散在沉靜的夜裡。49Please respect copyright.PENANA0Kgoog7BAt
49Please respect copyright.PENANAOcZjfknGio
他站起來,一跛一跛地走到窗台邊坐下。因為傷了一隻腳的關係,少年的動作不像以往那麼靈活,但還是輕而易舉地就坐到了略高的圍牆上。靠著柱子、屈起一條腿,坐在只有成年人手臂粗的牆頭上就像坐在舒適的沙發上一樣自在。49Please respect copyright.PENANAVwIO9G1xG8
49Please respect copyright.PENANAo10GsSawxk
遙望著下面在月光裡朦朧的城市,卡萊爾想起自己回到這裡來的那個時候。49Please respect copyright.PENANAxKUtyN4HKi
49Please respect copyright.PENANAAolQ6q3ykw
他記得,自己回到這個國家的時候,一開始也是隱匿在小巷中。49Please respect copyright.PENANAhwIA7EZ5kQ
49Please respect copyright.PENANAlYvcRe0f3C
一方面,他知道自己是被驅逐的人,當時卡萊爾對英倫一點感情都沒有,也不知道這個國家是否會接納曾經被趕出去過的少年。49Please respect copyright.PENANANaLCturAD3
49Please respect copyright.PENANAjQGTqaHDG7
他穿梭在大街小巷中,運用自己已經學會的那些生存技巧討生活,同時,也探聽著自他離去後的一切。49Please respect copyright.PENANACwbszUsQQK
49Please respect copyright.PENANAc9t6TtFfTw
過去的生活經驗讓卡萊爾清楚,再也沒有什麼消息比街頭的傳言要來的迅速廣泛。49Please respect copyright.PENANAkeil78FX8Q
49Please respect copyright.PENANAMEEWrEkJb9
很快的,他就擁有了屬於自己的小勢力,也開始探索這個城市裡被人遺忘的小小祕密。49Please respect copyright.PENANAVLYfJaM7I7
49Please respect copyright.PENANAkH2oV9YJ9c
不過在收集有關宮廷的消息過程中,有個名字特別吸引他的注意力。49Please respect copyright.PENANAL2Q5asugEL
49Please respect copyright.PENANAlV0BGBonR2
阿諾德。49Please respect copyright.PENANAkGMEwzJOAh
49Please respect copyright.PENANAaKwqtaFDwM
這個聽起來既不像名字又有點饒口的稱號,幾次之後,卡萊爾就確定這只是個代稱。但這個代稱後所隱藏的人卻令他感到好奇。除了這個名字的流傳之廣,他在許多消息網都曾聽過,另外還有,即便經過了好幾年的時間,有些人依然記得這個名字,甚至記得這個人曾經說過的一些話、做過的事情。49Please respect copyright.PENANA4q9tB9a308
49Please respect copyright.PENANALAr3mhIwbX
街頭是個無情的地方。49Please respect copyright.PENANAMCj4Nx9YpI
49Please respect copyright.PENANANRbXRD2GI5
許多人來來去去,也許下一秒,在這裡活過的痕跡就會被其他更張狂的痕跡抹蓋。49Please respect copyright.PENANA3Wnb097w7Q
49Please respect copyright.PENANA7EORYOpcNA
究竟是誰能夠讓自己的名號在這樣的地方流傳?卡萊爾對此好奇不已。49Please respect copyright.PENANAXxSKjazADg
49Please respect copyright.PENANA9PLvsFQsgk
——也許當事人知道這些事情後會訝異不已。49Please respect copyright.PENANAY36v79XqBW
49Please respect copyright.PENANA56bG0EE5U5
他想。恐怕克里斯多福從不知道,其實有那麼多人都還記得他吧。49Please respect copyright.PENANAggVDkfuglY
49Please respect copyright.PENANALF7y8a3bGu
知道那個讓他有些在意的代稱究竟是什麼身分,是在卡萊爾與親姊姊見面、決定成為她在民間的暗探之後,第一次造訪祕密情報機關的事情。他在那裡第一次聽見克里斯多福.杜邦這個名字,也第一次知道阿諾德就是這位年輕伯爵的稱號。49Please respect copyright.PENANAzSwg5wGSWI
49Please respect copyright.PENANAjcqc9Dtsrj
以當年克里斯的自尊,他不允許自己使用假名,但在民間活動需要一個更不引人注意的名字。於是他採用大部分平民都不會知道的爵位稱號來代表自己。但只要對宮廷稍加了解的人,都能立刻聽出這個代稱指的是誰,這就是克里斯當時還不甚成熟的狂妄。49Please respect copyright.PENANAq39c1hNFHY
49Please respect copyright.PENANAQ2O0Ble4ZH
在那之後,卡萊爾總是有意無意地打聽關於這位杜邦伯爵的事情,然後從那些事情拼湊出的真相裡,他覺得這個人和自己很相像。49Please respect copyright.PENANAFr0uPWuq14
49Please respect copyright.PENANADktLdB0qq4
他們都被曾依賴的一切拋棄,而後孓然一身。49Please respect copyright.PENANA9blxa4KW0Z
49Please respect copyright.PENANAf9jGUFax8X
可是當時卡萊爾能失去的還很少,他能夠很快站起來,開始接納已經產生巨變的生活。49Please respect copyright.PENANAsZik7sOCez
49Please respect copyright.PENANAXpfUBmdzz6
克里斯不同,他所失去的太多又太巨大,幾乎佔據了他整個人的全部身心,抽離那一切,就等於將靈魂也抽離。49Please respect copyright.PENANAsuc1m4t4iW
49Please respect copyright.PENANAwDZYQmiuXr
那段時間,卡萊爾有時候會特地在聽取情報、和姊姊會面之後繞到財務部去,看一眼跟他有著同樣際遇的男人,然後有些失落的發現他依然一蹶不振的模樣。49Please respect copyright.PENANAwHUSBAHC1X
49Please respect copyright.PENANAKXTnXjrns7
其實他也不知道自己希望看到些什麼,不過,就是有些失望。49Please respect copyright.PENANAKgtnCbUbmN
49Please respect copyright.PENANAnrkIayO0dd
當克里斯為了其友人之死,而主動找上門來的時候,他才重新感到期待起來,並為此雀躍。49Please respect copyright.PENANAVtyvLpuAUa
49Please respect copyright.PENANAlIBmvc6QSW
而後,他才發覺自己期待的更多也更模糊......49Please respect copyright.PENANAIhFpl3UWuJ
49Please respect copyright.PENANAGSQFbFuyyS
不過那個人是否能給予他回應?卡萊爾沒有自信,畢竟他所期待的答案,連他自己也不知道相應的問題。49Please respect copyright.PENANAlzhAu71o3F
49Please respect copyright.PENANAjsKKPlDMRY
而他對這樣沒有自信的自己感到相當迷惘。49Please respect copyright.PENANAShTrzIrh3X
49Please respect copyright.PENANAy55NgHNMzw
可這樣的惆悵並沒有持續多久,從空中畫過一道弧線、直朝自己而來的黑影讓卡萊爾立刻將那些有些感傷的緬懷拋在身後。49Please respect copyright.PENANAdVHHTjjDJS
49Please respect copyright.PENANAWWueemt7cO
小影安靜、迅速地落在主人伸出來的手上,牠輕柔地啄啄少年修長的手指,發出親暱的聲音,向主人傳達自己成功完成任務的驕傲。49Please respect copyright.PENANAkYPDL6D8FJ
49Please respect copyright.PENANA2uTIFBwqW5
——無論如何,今晚終究不虛此行。49Please respect copyright.PENANA6Fb4CZHtih
49Please respect copyright.PENANABNsMWDTHU7
卡萊爾想著。49Please respect copyright.PENANA4rfglkSAHE
49Please respect copyright.PENANAgs720zUVFz
49Please respect copyright.PENANAaa3nZNWwks
49Please respect copyright.PENANAWEAvsYxAZr
49Please respect copyright.PENANAipW0Y53fhY
49Please respect copyright.PENANA3MPVxcLFsD
49Please respect copyright.PENANAGGVD18wI8b
49Please respect copyright.PENANAgCnrhlJYis
49Please respect copyright.PENANAPqF4dWfmid
49Please respect copyright.PENANA68PVdfaX1c
女人走在長廊上。49Please respect copyright.PENANAVvciXG1ZkF
49Please respect copyright.PENANAcAc5S9qlL4
燭台微弱的光芒吞噬了她身邊的黑暗,她的腳步很輕,落在羊毛地毯上就像一抹幽魂,燭光帶來的紅潤反而讓那張精緻臉蛋更顯蒼白,與那頭閃耀著黃金般光芒的金髮大相逕庭。49Please respect copyright.PENANAq4Tz7AI2il
49Please respect copyright.PENANADK4LLfxdiZ
她灰藍色的眼睛死氣沉沉,如同被風暴籠罩的陰雨天空,燭火帶來的溫暖沒有一點進入她眼眸深處。49Please respect copyright.PENANAgMZrgt606p
49Please respect copyright.PENANA0jCrDSeGcO
那穿著白色絲綢睡衣的身影像幽靈一樣穿過走廊,下了樓,來到後門。49Please respect copyright.PENANAsAWAJ5D8Cx
49Please respect copyright.PENANAWko5L9pd8A
僕人都已經睡了,外面值夜的守夜人若非有動靜,否則不會刻意來到僕人用的小門邊。49Please respect copyright.PENANAfWHDhjYDj0
49Please respect copyright.PENANAMrxLjnUqBI
尤其是在這樣幽暗、星光月光都掩沒在雲層後的夜晚裡。49Please respect copyright.PENANAxZCkmoVdNK
49Please respect copyright.PENANAvUu2F90mkm
女人伸出她修長白皙、如同藝術品般的手,扭開門把。她沒有出聲,只是靜靜站在開了一人寬大小的門後,目光透過重重濃霧,注視著空無一人的後院——49Please respect copyright.PENANAAqoGjcfp16
49Please respect copyright.PENANAgQt27vSC0F
本該是如此的。49Please respect copyright.PENANAN4evgkTgOg
49Please respect copyright.PENANAdZCAzahGij
「......夫人。」一道輕柔的聲音從夜晚裡傳來。49Please respect copyright.PENANAKa2cviD31s
49Please respect copyright.PENANARtSPt4uJhH
聽起來有些沙啞,極輕,就像雲絮落在風裡,卻清楚地讓女人聽見。49Please respect copyright.PENANAX9Xyq0gZvM
49Please respect copyright.PENANA97ZYbnAATe
而那聲音也相信對方聽到自己所說得,沒有等她回答,繼續完成它傳達消息的任務。49Please respect copyright.PENANAW44z03LPlS
49Please respect copyright.PENANAMip3GUyciK
「今晚遇到了點麻煩,街上起了些騷動,寵物們已經被發現了——我們想,是杜邦家的人。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAvNEwaWX1BG
49Please respect copyright.PENANAjLBW4JFWzi
「......杜邦?」女人深深嘆氣,「看來被拔去犬牙的狗,嗅覺還是很靈敏。」49Please respect copyright.PENANA4CMqHSan6Y
49Please respect copyright.PENANAORvHjvqZcj
「公爵向您轉達他的關切之意,希望夫人能再小心一些,他還需要幾天時間才會抵達。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAEyGcWwbiBn
49Please respect copyright.PENANAAPoFhYlziD
「——告訴我。我哥哥他知道今晚所發生的事情嗎?」49Please respect copyright.PENANAnM22q5DgMY
49Please respect copyright.PENANAwAoVWVtHi6
「不,還來不及通知。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAZCPl1nOcpP
49Please respect copyright.PENANAUOyOK9u62S
「那麼別告訴他,事情我會解決,別讓我哥哥再操心,他已經夠煩的了。」49Please respect copyright.PENANA9oKJ4KevUj
49Please respect copyright.PENANA0wQ0RGzcNb
「......是的,夫人。」49Please respect copyright.PENANA2FebQIIYwc
49Please respect copyright.PENANAZiWuCNL3vd
「很好。」女人滿意地點點頭,「回到你的崗位上去吧,小心點,我們現在得步步為營。」49Please respect copyright.PENANALxX4F5Psyo
49Please respect copyright.PENANAKVED7wcBZt
夜色裡沒有其他聲音傳來,女人關上了門,就像它一直都牢牢地緊閉著、沒有打開過一樣。而後她轉身走回樓上,來到最大、最豪華的主臥室前,靜靜地開門進去。49Please respect copyright.PENANAKmInNnezNN
49Please respect copyright.PENANAAtIuCkC7Sj
房間裡只有她帶進來的燭台光芒,而那張靠著牆壁正中央擺放的四柱大床,如同蟄伏的黑暗一樣佔據了最大片的陰影,在薄被包裹下扭曲的人形狀似吐絲的幼蟲般蜷縮其上。49Please respect copyright.PENANA7pv4395rcU
49Please respect copyright.PENANAk4seglCJsb
女人瞥了那東西一眼,端麗的唇角勾起似笑非笑的優雅弧度。49Please respect copyright.PENANAicvVzx77Gx
49Please respect copyright.PENANAjf7NuY7RtU
她注意到那東西動了動,於是走過去,將燭台放在床邊的櫃子上。49Please respect copyright.PENANAzeRjjGLL1Z
49Please respect copyright.PENANAhhL7Bf3oqa
被單下面傳來窸窸窣窣的聲音,和虛弱又扭曲的呻吟。49Please respect copyright.PENANAZsrPX4knlL
49Please respect copyright.PENANAXeg76FV83o
從那裡面像是掙扎地破繭而出的頭顱,是有著一頭白髮,微微發福的臉。49Please respect copyright.PENANAWn8y6ZwRX1
49Please respect copyright.PENANANm9JjrpeUE
「啊......露薏絲......」老主教顫抖著嘴唇,從他艱難撐開一條縫的眼皮下依稀可見混濁的目光,和他看起來紅潤健康的臉龐完全不搭調。49Please respect copyright.PENANAwwgikTfIZ1
49Please respect copyright.PENANA1mu5hpx0P0
「是的,主教閣下。」露薏絲坐過去,湊近朗費羅身邊,低下頭聆聽他的需要。49Please respect copyright.PENANA1jGoJJoo9V
49Please respect copyright.PENANA4eaZ9v9rY8
「......我口渴,親愛的......」他朝她扯出一個扭曲的微笑,「給我一點那種飲料......那真是好東西......」49Please respect copyright.PENANAUhU2WugkAg
49Please respect copyright.PENANAabMrvVOifH
金髮女性露出樂於遵從的甜美微笑,轉身從床邊櫃子上的水瓶裡,倒了一杯有著鮮豔粉紅色的飲料,端給老主教。49Please respect copyright.PENANApVnMIl8zX6
49Please respect copyright.PENANAWKgjWFFdRF
她扶著他坐起來,將銀杯靠在他唇邊。49Please respect copyright.PENANA71i4lJyBwi
49Please respect copyright.PENANAw6CbvHHCAL
彷彿被睡眠吸乾了生命力的老人,靠在年輕美貌的女子胸前,這景象突兀地令人毛骨悚然。可再這只有兩人的房間內,沒有人......或者說是部會有人注意到這氣氛的詭譎。49Please respect copyright.PENANAhKWlWyOe0O
49Please respect copyright.PENANA1d6CQI8oru
看著朗費羅將飲料喝下,露薏絲拿開杯子,扶他再次躺下。「睡一覺吧,主教閣下,您得多休息,明天還有許多事情得忙。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAGzy8mzjx6l
49Please respect copyright.PENANAfZczF62Di4
「啊......當然、當然......親愛的。」朗費羅顫巍巍地閉上眼睛,顫抖的嘴唇仍在呢喃,「還有許多事情得忙......啊......許多事情......是什麼事情呢......」49Please respect copyright.PENANALD0dpZWbKa
49Please respect copyright.PENANAK6XKfk6Gfh
「不是和杜邦家有關嗎?主教閣下。」露薏絲以輕柔地像是惡魔般的誘哄語氣說:「你有很多問題得問......像是那枚金幣......」49Please respect copyright.PENANA3xqsMVlSmN
49Please respect copyright.PENANAVhJUNKjsuj
「啊......是的......當然,這是得記得、得記得......」49Please respect copyright.PENANAKQN75zecU3
49Please respect copyright.PENANAw4At3LzWeE
「您得把它牢牢記在心裡,而且杜邦家的小子很狡猾......您得私下和他談談......」49Please respect copyright.PENANAeNwiPVFiqq
49Please respect copyright.PENANATqDaSp7arp
「嗯......當然、當然......」老人發出感嘆,「啊......露薏絲......妳真是我的天使......」49Please respect copyright.PENANAEh92gqFUVI
49Please respect copyright.PENANA8VCjNc6WKo
「當然,主教閣下。」她笑得更加甜美,「我是來帶領你前往主的國度的。」49Please respect copyright.PENANAuy1nyQFPZO
49Please respect copyright.PENANA6l39ba4aYI
她說,但已經昏沉睡去的老人是否能聽得出那天籟聲音之後的惡魔契約,似乎於現在,已經不重要了。49Please respect copyright.PENANAL58CgE87Oy
49Please respect copyright.PENANA37jEMqJGX3
從床邊直起身的女性,灰藍色眼睛像是盯著滿意的寵物似地盯著老人。49Please respect copyright.PENANAV6sBaz58Hp
49Please respect copyright.PENANAMwf8zyLy8R
燭光將她的影子拉長,直到扭曲。49Please respect copyright.PENANAvmJivJgH72
49Please respect copyright.PENANAsaDwVKpxIE
就像已在今夜裡無聲瀰漫開來的詭計......ns18.221.161.189da2