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暮靄之城2《霧河之謎》(完結)
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暮靄之城2《霧河之謎》(完結)
Author:
守夜人

ISSUE #5
第四章
45Please respect copyright.PENANA407WnEBABP
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA9l9Sf6zpvH
45Please respect copyright.PENANAEPnTpjEcJF
說時遲那時快,一道尖銳的破空聲迅速接近!45Please respect copyright.PENANA4KGTQjjLA5
45Please respect copyright.PENANAERCCNvi3W6
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAIY2Tr97NXk
45Please respect copyright.PENANA8fHzQZdnph
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANARcvxBRgM3U
45Please respect copyright.PENANAR1sZA0VuKh
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——45Please respect copyright.PENANAB8CDoccT5N
45Please respect copyright.PENANAWtGSQF2bZo
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAldrkUoc8xr
45Please respect copyright.PENANAFEHQxQtl3C
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!45Please respect copyright.PENANASHPYyGYRjj
45Please respect copyright.PENANA6WiOtPBDQ4
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANANAaNjFXApH
45Please respect copyright.PENANAWXRVOaldKm
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAmXzwPYQWyP
45Please respect copyright.PENANAH1OelWkanN
直到那屍體僵硬不動,兩人才轉過身體,仰躺在地上喘著氣。45Please respect copyright.PENANAKyp3WALHNa
45Please respect copyright.PENANALEr6JF3i1P
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAQtnYcu4eMN
45Please respect copyright.PENANAR0fS7FhPXM
但這沉默沒有維持多久。45Please respect copyright.PENANAmyFb9vNAsV
45Please respect copyright.PENANAtE6SlMuEg8
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAL2BpcTppgb
45Please respect copyright.PENANAzyzSbexqRB
——離開了嗎?45Please respect copyright.PENANAAyOdV8mOv3
45Please respect copyright.PENANAC4eosztlwv
他沉吟一會,然後馬上開始動作。45Please respect copyright.PENANAN83bKo2h2i
45Please respect copyright.PENANAoWdYf0MoND
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAoDL54kIFWS
45Please respect copyright.PENANA7EtdNLCQH0
看著拿過火把的褐髮男人轉身走近屍體,在上面點火。45Please respect copyright.PENANAgxG4r5PyIQ
45Please respect copyright.PENANA60V0ujouXj
「還有血——」卡萊爾提醒。45Please respect copyright.PENANAqCur6oxNqi
45Please respect copyright.PENANA81b9A9n1jK
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAiLqSQVUVjY
45Please respect copyright.PENANAuZ89e8g94m
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAUp2eCfdd9L
45Please respect copyright.PENANAfkSzpWf9fT
最後,還是男人率先開口,「......你的腳怎麼了。」45Please respect copyright.PENANAXjSkyOH1Ge
45Please respect copyright.PENANAQ0N5rQAklj
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?」45Please respect copyright.PENANAslbTDkaIs6
45Please respect copyright.PENANAtlpHSawi21
「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。」45Please respect copyright.PENANA5x2fi5CLLu
45Please respect copyright.PENANAqzqoYW3czC
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。」45Please respect copyright.PENANAQrDw8wFSuK
45Please respect copyright.PENANA1DKOXTUw3o
「彼此彼此。」克里斯回答。他走近少年身前,然後蹲下來。45Please respect copyright.PENANAoFUE9NCYfD
45Please respect copyright.PENANAGv5oD60A1E
「嘿!你......」45Please respect copyright.PENANApP6dopG01a
45Please respect copyright.PENANAzJfF4drdT6
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA82BlhxL0sX
45Please respect copyright.PENANA4LZzXtHMng
扭傷的部位已經紅腫,摸起來有些燙。45Please respect copyright.PENANAd9gy0mVgh1
45Please respect copyright.PENANAWLGxxiHLzk
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAVeDbBK7uHV
45Please respect copyright.PENANAd9rkfRj82K
「......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。」45Please respect copyright.PENANAtiWFTqNff2
45Please respect copyright.PENANA6OqTbrdI4K
說完,街童少年轉身就想離開,卻在那剎那被拉住手臂。45Please respect copyright.PENANAIiGwwer5Mm
45Please respect copyright.PENANAJMj3ONBFTa
「——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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAIKW25ALdC4
45Please respect copyright.PENANAIVwzG9fW7Y
「上來,我背你走。」克里斯說。語氣平靜地令人討厭。45Please respect copyright.PENANAhe3v9KRGo3
45Please respect copyright.PENANAHDv33RJkYg
「......我不需要你幫忙。」卡萊爾皺眉,不過也沒有馬上離開。45Please respect copyright.PENANA84ZUcKDZWp
45Please respect copyright.PENANA59s5PkUdTk
蹲在地上的男人稍微回過頭,「別逞強,快點。」45Please respect copyright.PENANAFJg4iJiupM
45Please respect copyright.PENANA3OdsiVXyMQ
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA2PUt5Rp2WV
45Please respect copyright.PENANAU1pzwzgKyW
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAsK7G1GcNxg
45Please respect copyright.PENANAIlWPV5XWFB
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAjUeP1B8xhv
45Please respect copyright.PENANAthK3dXWR3m
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAwLmfhPLiwC
45Please respect copyright.PENANAtxIVf0MMtX
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA2XPwtvB8pC
45Please respect copyright.PENANAvJZ1AQKQBB
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAFN9IZaztA8
45Please respect copyright.PENANACtVk02q2lQ
背後的少年沉吟一會,然後提出建議,「不,去我家——」45Please respect copyright.PENANA5kncF2vZ6G
45Please respect copyright.PENANAwPBVBikhnD
「你家?」45Please respect copyright.PENANAfaL4omWgjT
45Please respect copyright.PENANAovnVGYZmt1
「在那裡——」45Please respect copyright.PENANA8gQYPV3yZT
45Please respect copyright.PENANADJoh2z5IQD
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA0lwl0osq4u
45Please respect copyright.PENANA3Pep6pIU2N
「......大鐘樓?」45Please respect copyright.PENANAkM8QX2Gp0l
45Please respect copyright.PENANAboyGCBa1ml
45Please respect copyright.PENANAtaRGggoBdd
45Please respect copyright.PENANA1wJxI9qNEU
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANApDXFooeWud
45Please respect copyright.PENANA8grkk1kv3a
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAbhmud6ls78
45Please respect copyright.PENANAsNGB6vpWyj
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAkTnCLthKRr
45Please respect copyright.PENANAwZDqKNh1v1
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAjbYvOOkDIC
45Please respect copyright.PENANAN7HEZuLXq3
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAz83MdwsCRR
45Please respect copyright.PENANAtFGrIEFsR8
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAiPDZKyS6R2
45Please respect copyright.PENANAHfN5Juu8li
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAMovYijrn4Y
45Please respect copyright.PENANApDPI7wNnh5
克里斯無奈地嘆氣,然後繼續往上走。45Please respect copyright.PENANAKe9dMLlz8p
45Please respect copyright.PENANAtXOaXjX6sN
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAxGJHgIxqVd
45Please respect copyright.PENANADVVlp0TRCH
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA22de0JXUSl
45Please respect copyright.PENANAilY2d4tGBr
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAgGZ7ysYdEt
45Please respect copyright.PENANA5wYWxHsoXW
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAkU64xwyfDX
45Please respect copyright.PENANA6qdZjZpk1A
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANALhf5ev0ezz
45Please respect copyright.PENANA0qaz9ozt9c
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAjwtulWFr4x
45Please respect copyright.PENANAX11RX9m8HK
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAcDPgiCdmQ6
45Please respect copyright.PENANAYx6Ahx6XeC
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAXnYLtRZ0L4
45Please respect copyright.PENANAqtZrj3v3lW
踏進那裡面,就像來到異國神話裡充滿不可思議的夜晚。45Please respect copyright.PENANAPZJVWSEvXH
45Please respect copyright.PENANAAyJ8tYiaqE
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA6Y3n46smul
45Please respect copyright.PENANABBYgLhODVW
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAdsYNM8m1jT
45Please respect copyright.PENANAdMciAU3xbL
「那裡。」肩上的少年拍拍他,將男人從奇異中喚醒。45Please respect copyright.PENANAstIcYgipes
45Please respect copyright.PENANAaiYHTcufgh
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANApx9L1HXX1E
45Please respect copyright.PENANA3cU7mI7NxL
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA8Fjvs369RI
45Please respect copyright.PENANAgf7LiN1vcr
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANALN5nJhqgkV
45Please respect copyright.PENANAnymnRYHUcH
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAL3GoOb3f2K
45Please respect copyright.PENANA3h8sBmc2dM
這裡像是被拋棄物品的樂園。45Please respect copyright.PENANAso025uQTKQ
45Please respect copyright.PENANAK9j0kb0YeN
「有些是我帶回來的,有一些是撿到的。」卡萊爾說。45Please respect copyright.PENANA4E8oQ8ii7X
45Please respect copyright.PENANAuhpzGu5u4G
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAncVx8n76Zy
45Please respect copyright.PENANAWWoslFhaLI
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAAoJW33qRaq
45Please respect copyright.PENANAOCjNpWJPF3
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAUwtpvFfHR3
45Please respect copyright.PENANArGWiDXHLCc
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANARyE1lFSUdo
45Please respect copyright.PENANANneYrxGzpt
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAtrDUnW2J1M
45Please respect copyright.PENANAzbjL8BvnNC
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA6NsiV5mDpU
45Please respect copyright.PENANAGkXqj2RyqM
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAcHmHqLV5s2
45Please respect copyright.PENANADc6lMDUwLS
——反正又不是用在我身上!45Please respect copyright.PENANA4PSS6P51Uf
45Please respect copyright.PENANAbZ5tfHuHeQ
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA23rmE0BGjL
45Please respect copyright.PENANA7LnmoFzM3S
「——喔!嘿!」少年倒抽一口氣,破口大罵,「痛死了!」45Please respect copyright.PENANAFPQgTJB83T
45Please respect copyright.PENANAWkNjtOodsn
「你自己說有用的。」克里斯反駁。45Please respect copyright.PENANADFFI85UZG9
45Please respect copyright.PENANAGbpNald1D2
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA2dBluw8xni
45Please respect copyright.PENANAXFq55Mdeym
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA2ydpgtNYYT
45Please respect copyright.PENANAD8boHqnKFL
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA5y0CD3pzAb
45Please respect copyright.PENANA4BXOwZHUfG
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAYUp0N6FAAg
45Please respect copyright.PENANAfuFyF1Mst3
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAEvThbgAkQ0
45Please respect copyright.PENANAVSMU3whQch
——看來這東西真的有用。他對那氣味頓時改觀不少。45Please respect copyright.PENANAT7sPJZJvNo
45Please respect copyright.PENANAbO1ph5TFqv
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAKc7y1NCP2O
45Please respect copyright.PENANAxnx4nt0CuO
「那東西是什麼?你以前見過?」45Please respect copyright.PENANAXL02vVvRsK
45Please respect copyright.PENANAXUBfhiJXHt
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?」45Please respect copyright.PENANAw1tieNcBGM
45Please respect copyright.PENANArZAf9MdM5j
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAL1Bhpwo5ot
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「你說過不問的。」少年抗議。45Please respect copyright.PENANAgrkh6bBuqS
45Please respect copyright.PENANAk5pJDplkdY
「我說過嗎?」他反駁,「發生了什麼事,卡萊爾。那東西是什麼?」45Please respect copyright.PENANAa86Pgv3Yvi
45Please respect copyright.PENANA1nvdB4EFff
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAWuVvSikYGS
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「那是惡魔。」卡萊爾說:「除此之外,我不會告訴你更多。」45Please respect copyright.PENANApJMasRRWtI
45Please respect copyright.PENANAjPc2yT0rzI
「卡萊爾——」克里斯還想抗議,但少年的眼神讓他閉上嘴。45Please respect copyright.PENANA2kmPI11LIQ
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那是幾近於苛責的眼神。45Please respect copyright.PENANAyxaZJn9Xc5
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「沒有覺悟為真相擔起責任之前,你沒有知道的必要。」45Please respect copyright.PENANA79oG3OxYEK
45Please respect copyright.PENANAoljEYLmJ7N
「走吧,記得。晚上不要上街。」說完,卡萊爾就別過頭去。45Please respect copyright.PENANA7jMvZBtFuw
45Please respect copyright.PENANAnj1jSwHmmO
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAUyESp8ysDy
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那裡已經沒有半個人。45Please respect copyright.PENANAE1NcZT9Di0
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而空氣一如既往的冷凝。45Please respect copyright.PENANAbfS6dfMsOR
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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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA0NFJZirkWa
45Please respect copyright.PENANApo6EDfVE9D
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAYaNtokxwkA
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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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAI57OiHrnKc
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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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAl8sD9fNtlW
45Please respect copyright.PENANA4q0KvqfoPD
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAfjhQrPdjmk
45Please respect copyright.PENANAmpG58sJVgg
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAdSVVWk6vnC
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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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAlhiGXpOx2x
45Please respect copyright.PENANA85lnsKVrQs
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAH7xumoYJmN
45Please respect copyright.PENANAqgT3uHUrgO
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAXRm5Cr3BGl
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阿諾德。45Please respect copyright.PENANAg4aRw6TLq9
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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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAArGEYqMwZg
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街頭是個無情的地方。45Please respect copyright.PENANAVrYltbfU2T
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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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAM0Kc8X300C
45Please respect copyright.PENANAlhJxR8o34b
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANANFOaWt8FDz
45Please respect copyright.PENANAGrv3ebC5Qj
——也許當事人知道這些事情後會訝異不已。45Please respect copyright.PENANAEpl4c9wu8E
45Please respect copyright.PENANAVGFNArBwzl
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAGPUDE2MSun
45Please respect copyright.PENANAyEpFvAiZ4U
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAjLn9c9EynD
45Please respect copyright.PENANANeCXBBgTrf
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA6cm2rgbvhn
45Please respect copyright.PENANAma8Wo7b7kQ
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAiJyE8YegPX
45Please respect copyright.PENANAb6eeMFqgng
他們都被曾依賴的一切拋棄,而後孓然一身。45Please respect copyright.PENANANkYQbrE8Wk
45Please respect copyright.PENANAKglyR7PUBi
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAAtySfNt9Ex
45Please respect copyright.PENANAtkr9SBNY0I
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAoM4rxaCGKC
45Please respect copyright.PENANAQnxkP62BPu
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAjwmQ3s4ole
45Please respect copyright.PENANAl4dEEOccTp
其實他也不知道自己希望看到些什麼,不過,就是有些失望。45Please respect copyright.PENANA8gAOpHHznD
45Please respect copyright.PENANAHoo76w49xZ
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA5cAvzZEYZq
45Please respect copyright.PENANA4FFMTjLqjT
而後,他才發覺自己期待的更多也更模糊......45Please respect copyright.PENANAcdFXbSiuL0
45Please respect copyright.PENANABrYUIYBbcA
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAlYTJGu2Toe
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而他對這樣沒有自信的自己感到相當迷惘。45Please respect copyright.PENANA1srNWJ2Lui
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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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA7k1hwqiHvd
45Please respect copyright.PENANArgWWPaLEz0
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA2xAFYxnWsn
45Please respect copyright.PENANA6t8S1WTmkG
——無論如何,今晚終究不虛此行。45Please respect copyright.PENANA5ykPTDb9MP
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卡萊爾想著。45Please respect copyright.PENANAC7SVh6perA
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女人走在長廊上。45Please respect copyright.PENANA8OG4gHBRky
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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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAP24eHZijWa
45Please respect copyright.PENANAxUy4FiPnhD
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA1dHHYlXMXx
45Please respect copyright.PENANAKLLvfwfujX
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA2ueqaqzE9o
45Please respect copyright.PENANAIMV7MP59Wg
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAAUz3mYiEo0
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尤其是在這樣幽暗、星光月光都掩沒在雲層後的夜晚裡。45Please respect copyright.PENANAKS05CjLYmv
45Please respect copyright.PENANAXaocNgGpRX
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——45Please respect copyright.PENANAoANAOefMnN
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本該是如此的。45Please respect copyright.PENANASfvwZAszH2
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「......夫人。」一道輕柔的聲音從夜晚裡傳來。45Please respect copyright.PENANACzfWzPNQs2
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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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA0Ajwn8DUnB
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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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA9E2257xDBu
45Please respect copyright.PENANArP8V9iuG81
「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。」45Please respect copyright.PENANAEdUuzr45Tl
45Please respect copyright.PENANAKCAmAfvayq
「......杜邦?」女人深深嘆氣,「看來被拔去犬牙的狗,嗅覺還是很靈敏。」45Please respect copyright.PENANAwQTKEq64g4
45Please respect copyright.PENANAGFH7turmUU
「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。」45Please respect copyright.PENANAKd589bASWu
45Please respect copyright.PENANAcoMyN6Og8H
「——告訴我。我哥哥他知道今晚所發生的事情嗎?」45Please respect copyright.PENANApgf1mK01ts
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「不,還來不及通知。」45Please respect copyright.PENANATFCA5Q9lDp
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「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。」45Please respect copyright.PENANAHkBzKEqKFK
45Please respect copyright.PENANAbB88aRmOJ1
「......是的,夫人。」45Please respect copyright.PENANAQYzQtfT21T
45Please respect copyright.PENANAVnKtBaySDj
「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。」45Please respect copyright.PENANA6Llkn2aGhJ
45Please respect copyright.PENANAhfA9XiiJKk
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANASF98OSCHhj
45Please respect copyright.PENANA18Zbx35Nag
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAtlezjrHkZo
45Please respect copyright.PENANAwZNH0xuIZ3
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAHGlwZTEwJp
45Please respect copyright.PENANAyVxQ6YbuON
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAnxiI5oiQPO
45Please respect copyright.PENANA28ISVsHjvQ
被單下面傳來窸窸窣窣的聲音,和虛弱又扭曲的呻吟。45Please respect copyright.PENANAAK6REtyiij
45Please respect copyright.PENANAsjvJo4iGw5
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAyLtslYKUV3
45Please respect copyright.PENANAv48BttPwrY
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAaXFTsVMLZE
45Please respect copyright.PENANAatsIFAlSq9
「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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA0Ts3x8GpI4
45Please respect copyright.PENANATxRf2Jr0zN
「......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......」45Please respect copyright.PENANAvGxhsf9HFL
45Please respect copyright.PENANAztKRijTzri
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAX7xyfK3rIY
45Please respect copyright.PENANAqoR7cDCGcb
她扶著他坐起來,將銀杯靠在他唇邊。45Please respect copyright.PENANABzCj4pWe55
45Please respect copyright.PENANAC0uarUc9LJ
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANA6p573X5pKV
45Please respect copyright.PENANARGDt6cgnXo
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。」45Please respect copyright.PENANADCfYBer31A
45Please respect copyright.PENANA5d0LDD7ioy
「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......」45Please respect copyright.PENANAXN2FOylmER
45Please respect copyright.PENANA7dVhCW2une
「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......」45Please respect copyright.PENANAO1D3zAjps7
45Please respect copyright.PENANAVXysFXvDoS
「啊......是的......當然,這是得記得、得記得......」45Please respect copyright.PENANAEl7T9mhzEY
45Please respect copyright.PENANAGE6AlHAzsf
「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......」45Please respect copyright.PENANAuRIlIDodyz
45Please respect copyright.PENANA61cUl6NF6O
「嗯......當然、當然......」老人發出感嘆,「啊......露薏絲......妳真是我的天使......」45Please respect copyright.PENANAPkkaON0dU8
45Please respect copyright.PENANAMP3ifL0ibS
「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。」45Please respect copyright.PENANAuDrrvA05uF
45Please respect copyright.PENANA0w20KDt3oM
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAVEPTSDBrKB
45Please respect copyright.PENANAAWOXZVImOi
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。45Please respect copyright.PENANAj5MQLrGUjW
45Please respect copyright.PENANALEHVRdKCDr
燭光將她的影子拉長,直到扭曲。45Please respect copyright.PENANAS2QlPvLZhI
45Please respect copyright.PENANAYfXQDvP044
就像已在今夜裡無聲瀰漫開來的詭計......ns3.139.61.71da2
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