THIRTY-ONE - AUTHORITY’S END
Mrs.Coulterwhisperedtotheshadowbesideher:
"Lookhowhehides,Metatron!Hecreepsthroughthedarklikearat..."
Theystoodonaledgehighupinthegreatcavern,watgLordAsrielandthesnowleopardmaketheircarefulwaydown,alongwaybelow.
"Icouldstrikehimnow,"theshadowwhispered.
"Yes,ofcourseyoucould,"shewhisperedback,leaningclose;"butIwanttoseehisface,dearMetatron;IwanthimtoknowIvebetrayedhim.e,letsfollowandcatchhim..."
TheDustfallshonelikeagreatpillaroffaintlightasitdesdedsmoothlyandnever-endinglyintothegulf.Mrs.Coulterhadnoattentiontospareforit,becausetheshadowbesideherwastremblingwith
desire,aokeephimbyherside,underwhattrolsheanage.
Theymoveddown,silent,followingLordAsriel.Thefartherdowntheyclimbed,themoreshefeltagreatwearinessfalloverher.
"What?What?"whisperedtheshadow,feelingheremotions,andsuspiciousatonce.
"Iwasthinking,"shesaidwithasweetmalice,"howgladIamthatthechildwillnevergrowuptoloveandbeloved.IthoughtIlovedherwhenshewasababy;butnow...”
"Therewasregret,"theshadowsaid,"inyourhearttherewasregretthatyouwillnotseehergrowup."
"Oh,Metatron,howlongitissinceyouwereaman!youreallynottellwhatitisImregretting?Itsnotheringofage,butmine.HowbitterlyIregretthatIdidntknowofyouinmyowngirlhood;howpassionatelyIwouldhavedevotedmyselftoyou..."
Sheleaowardtheshadow,asifshecouldnttroltheimpulsesofherownbody,andtheshadowhungrilysniffedaogulpatthestofherflesh.
Theyweremovinglaboriouslyoverthetumbledandbrokenrockstowardthefootoftheslope.Thefartherdowntheywent,themoretheDustlightgaveeverythinganimbusofgoldenmist.Mrs.Coulterkeptreagforwherehishandmighthavebeeniftheshadowhadbeenahumanpanion,andtheorecollectherself,andwhispered:
"Keepbehiatron,waithere,Asrielissuspicious,letmelullhimfirst.Whenhesoffguard,Illcallyou.Buteasashadow,inthissmallform,sohedoesntseeyou,otherwise,helljustletthechildsdaemonflyaway."
TheRegentwasabeingwhoseprofoundintellecthadhadthousandsofyearstodeepenandstreself,andwhoseknowledgeextendedoveramillionuniverses.heless,atthatmomenthewasblindedbyhistwinobsessions:todestroyLyraandtopossesshermother.Henoddedandstayedwherehewas,whilethewomanandthemonkeymovedforwardasquietlyastheycould.
LordAsrielwaswaitingbehindagreatblockofgraofsightoftheRegent.Thesnowleopardheardtheming,andLordAsrielstoodupasMrs.Coultercamearoundtheer.Everything,everysurface,everycubitimeterofair,ermeatedbythefallingDust,whichgaveasoftclaritytoeverytiail;andilightLordAsrielsawthatherfaceithtears,andthatshewasgrittieethsoasnottosob.
Hetookherinhisarms,andthegoldenmonkeyembracedthesnowleopardsnedburiedhisblackfaherfur.
"IsLyrasafe?Hasshefoundherdaemon?"shewhispered.
"Theghostoftheboysfatherisprotegbothofthem."
"Dustisbeautiful...Ineverknew."
"Whatdidyoutellhim?"
"Iliedandlied,Asriel...Letsnotwaittoolong,Itbearit...Wewontlive,ewontsurviveliketheghosts?"
"Notifwefallintotheabyss.WecameheretogiveLyratimetofindherdaemon,aimetoliveandgrowup.IfwetakeMetatroinarisa,shellhavethattime,andifwegowithhim,itdoesntmatter."
"AndLyrawillbesafe?"
"Yes,yes,"hesaidgently.
Hekissedher.ShefeltassoftandlightinhisarmsasshehadwhenLyrawasceivedthirteenyearsbefore.
Shewassobbingquietly.Whenshecouldspeak,shewhispered:
"ItoldhimIwasgoingtobetrayyou,arayLyra,andhebelievedmebecauseIwascorruptand
fullofwiess;helookedsodeepIfeltsurehedseethetruth.ButIliedtoowell.IwaslyingwitheverynerveandfiberahingIdeverdone...Iwantedhimtofindnogoodinme,andhedidnt.ThereisIloveLyra.Wheredidthisloveefrom?Idontknow;itcametomelikeathiefinthenight,andnowIlovehersomuchmyheartisburstingwithit.AllIcouldhopewasthatmycrimesweresomonstrousthatthelovewasnobiggerthanamustardseedintheshadowofthem,andIwishedIdittedeveeroohideitmoredeeplystill...Butthemustardseedhadtakenrootandwasgrowing,alegreenshootlittingmyheartwideopen,andIwassoafraidhedsee..."
Shehadtostoptogatherherself.Hestrokedhershininghair,allsetaboutwithgoldenDust,andwaited.
"Anymomentnowhelllosepatience,"shewhispered."Itoldhimtomakehimselfsmall.Buthesonlyanangel,afterall,evenifhewasonceaman.Andwewrestlewithhimandbringhimtotheedgeofthegulf,andwellbothgodownwithhim..."
Hekissedher,saying,"Yes.Lyrawillbesafe,andtheKingdomwillbepowerlessagainsther.Callhimnow,Marisa,mylove."
Shetookadeepbreathaoutinalong,shudderingsigh.Thenshesmoothedherskirtdownoverherthighsandtuckedthehairbackbehindherears.
"Metatron,"shecalledsoftly."Itstime."
Metatronsshadow-cloakedformappearedoutofthegoldenairandtookinatoening:thetwodaemons,crougandwatchful,thewomanwiththenimbusofDust,andLordAsriel...
Wholeaptathimatonce,seizinghimaroundthewaist,andtriedtohurlhimtotheground.Theangelsarmswerefree,though,andwithfists,palms,elbows,knuckles,forearms,hebatteredLordAsrielsheadandbody:greatpummelingblowsthatforcedthebreathfromhislungsandreboundedfromhisribs,thatcrackedagainsthisskullandshookhissenses.
However,hisarmsencircledtheangelswings,crampiohisside.Andamomentlater,Mrs.CoulterhadleaptupbetweenthosepinionedwingsandseizedMetatronshair.Hisstrengthwasenormous:itwaslikeholdingthemaneofaboltinghorse.Asheshookhisheadfuriously,shewasflungthiswayandthat,athepowerinthegreatfoldedwingsastheystrainedandheavedatthemansarmslockedsotightlyaroundthem.
Thedaemonshadseizedholdofhim,too.Stelmariahadherteethfirmlyinhisleg,andthegoldenmonkeywastearingatoheedgesofthewing,snappihers,rippingatthevanes,andthisonlyrousedtheaogreaterfury.Withasuddenmassiveeffortheflunghimselfsideways,freeingonewingandcrushingMrs.Coulteragainstarock.
Mrs.Coulterwasstunnedforased,andherhandscameloose.Atoheangelrearedupagaiinghisonefreewingtoflingoffthegoldenmonkey;butLordAsrielsarmswerefirmaroundhimstill,andinfactthemanhadabettergripnowtherewasntsomuchtoenclose.LordAsrielsethimselftocrushingthebreathoutofMetatron,grindinghisribstogether,andtryingtoighesavageblowsthatwerelandingonhisskullandhisneck.
Butthoseblowswerebeginningtotell.AndasLordAsrieltriedtokeephisfootingonthebrokenrocks,somethingshatteringhappehebackofhishead.Whenheflunghimselfsideways,Metatronhadseizedafist-sizedrodnowhebroughtitdownwithbrutalforthepointofLordAsrielsskull.Themahebonesofhisheadmoveagainsteachother,andhekhatanotherblowlikethatwouldkillhimht.Dizzywithpain,painthatwasworseforthepressureofhisheadagainsttheangelsside,hestillgfast,thefingersofhisrighthandcrushingthebonesofhisleft,andstumbledforafootingamongthefracturedrocks.
AndasMetatronraisedthebloodystonehigh,agolden-furredshapespranguplikeaflameleapingtoatreetop,andthemonkeysankhisteethintotheangelshand.Therockcamelooseandclattereddown
towardtheedge,arohisarmtoleftandright,tryingtodislodgethedaemon;butthegoldenmonkeygwithteeth,claws,andtail,andthenMrs.Coultergatheredthegreatwhitebeatingwingtoherselfandsmothereditsmovement.
Metatronered,buthestillwasnthurt.Norwasheheedgeoftheabyss.
AndbynowLordAsrielwasweakening.Hewasholdingfasttohisblood-soakedsciousness,butwitheverymovementalittlemorewaslost.Hecouldfeeltheedgesofthebonesgrindingtogetherinhisskull;hecouldhearthem.Hissensesweredisordered;allheknewwasholdtightanddragdown.
ThenMrs.Coulterfoundtheangelsfaderherhand,andshedugherfingersdeepintohiseyes.
Metatro.Fromfaroffacrossthegreatcavern,echoesanswered,andhisvoiceboundedfromclifftocliff,doublinganddiminishingandcausingthosedistantghoststopauseintheirendlessprocessionandlookup.
AndStelmariathesnow-leoparddaemon,herownsciousnessdimmingwithLordAsriels,madeoeffortafortheahroat.
Metatroohisknees.Mrs.Coulter,fallingwithhim,sawtheblood-filledeyesofLordAsrielgazeather.Andshescrambledup,handoverhand,fthebeatingwingaside,andseizedtheangelshairtowrenchbackhisheadandbarehisthroatforthesnowleopardsteeth.
AndnowLordAsrielwasdragginghim,dragginghimbackward,feetstumblingandrocksfalling,andthegoldenmonkeywasleapingdownwiththem,snappingandscratgandtearing,andtheywerealmostthere,almostattheedge;butMetatronforcedhimselfup,andwithalasteffortspreadbothwingswide,agreatwhiteopythatbeatdownanddownanddown,againandagainandagain,andthenMrs.Coulterhadfallenaway,aronright,andthewiharderandharder,andhewasaloft,hewasleavingtheground,withLordAsrielstillgingtight,butweakeningfast.Thegoldenmonkeysfingerswereentwiheangelshair,andhewouldgo…
Buttheywereovertheedgeoftheabyss.Theywererising.Andiftheyflewhigher,LordAsrielwouldfall,aronwouldescape.
"Marisa!Marisa!"
ThecrywastornfromLordAsriel,andwiththesnowleopardbesideher,witharinherears,Lyrasmotherstoodandfoundherfootingawithallherheart,tohurlherselfagainsttheangelandherdaemonandherdyinglover,ahosebeatingwings,ahemalldowherintotheabyss.
Thecliff-ghastsheardLyrasexclamationofdismay,andtheirflatheadsallsnappedaroundatonce.
Willsprangforwardandslashedthekheofthem.HefeltalittlekihisshoulderasTialysleaptoffandlahecheekofthebiggest,seizingherhairandkighardbelowthejawbeforeshecouldthrowhimoff.Thecreaturehowledandthrashedasshefellintothemud,andtheonelookedstupidlyatthestumpofhisarm,andtheninhorrorathisownankle,whichhissliced-offhandhadseizedasitfell.Asedlatertheknifewasinhisbreast.Willfeltthehandlejumpthreeorfourtimeswiththedyibeats,andpulleditoutbeforethecliff-ghastcouldtwistitawayinfalling.
Heheardtheothersdshriekinhatredastheyfled,andhekhatLyrawasunhurtbesidehim;buthethrewhimselfdowninthemudwithonlyohinginhismind.
"Tialys!Tialys!"hecried,andavoidingthesnappih,hehauledthebiggestcliff-ghastsheadaside.Tialyswasdead,hisspursdeepinherhecreaturewaskigandbitingstill,sohecutoffherheadandrolleditawaybeforeliftingthedeadGallivespianclearoftheleatheryneck.
"Will,"saidLyrabehindhim,"Will,lookatthis..."
Shewasgazingintothecrystallitter.Itwasunbroken,althoughthecrystalwasstainedandsmearedwithmudandthebloodfromwhatthecliff-ghastshadbeeingbeforetheyfoundit.Itlaytiltedcrazilyamongtherocks,andi...
"Oh,Will,hesstillalive!But,thepoorthing..."
Willsawherhandspressingagainstthecrystal,tryingtoreatotheangelandforthim;becausehewassoold,aerrified,glikeababyandcawayintothelowester.
"Hemustbesoold,Iveneverseenanyonesufferinglikethat,oh,Will,twelethimout?"
Willcutthroughthecrystalinonemovementandreachedihea.Dementedandpowerless,theagedbeingcouldonlyweepandmumbleinfearandpainandmisery,andheshrankawayfromwhatseemedlikeyetahreat.
"Itsallright,"Willsaid,"wehelpyouhide,atleast.eohurtyou."
Theshakinghandseizedhisandfeeblyheldon.Theoldonewasutteringawordlessgroaningwhimperthatwentonandon,andgrindinghisteeth,andpulsivelyplugathimselfwithhisfreehand;butasLyrareachedin,too,tohelphimout,hetriedtosmile,andtobow,andhisaeyesdeepintheirwrinklesbliherwithiwonder.
Betweeheyhelpedtheaofdaysoutofhiscrystalcell;itwasnthard,forhewasaslightaspaper,andhewouldhavefollowedthemanywhere,havingnowillofhisown,andrespondingtosimplekindnesslikeaflowertothesun.Butintheopenairtherewasnothingtostopthewindfromdamaginghim,andtotheirdismayhisfantoloosenanddissolve.Onlyafewmomentslaterhehadvanishedpletely,andtheirlastimpressionwasofthoseeyes,blinkinginwonder,andasighofthemostprofoundandexhaustedrelief.
Thenhewasgone:amysterydissolvinginmystery.Ithadalltakehanaminute,andWillturnedbackatohefallenChevalier.Hepickedupthelittlebody,cradlingitinhispalms,andfoundhistearsflowingfast.
ButLyrawassayingsomethingurgently.
"Will,wevegottomove,wevegotto,theLadyhearthosehorsesing...”
Outoftheindigoskyanindigohawkswoopedlow,andLyracriedoutandducked;butSalmakiacriedwithallherstrength,"No,Lyra!No!Standhigh,andholdoutyourfist!"
SoLyraheldstill,supponearmwiththeother,andthebluehawkwheeledandturnedandswoopedagain,toseizeherknucklesinsharpclaws.
Onthehawksbacksatagray-hairedlady,whoseclear-eyedfacelookedfirstatLyra,thenatSalmakiagingtohercollar.
"Madame..."saidSalmakiafaintly,"wehavedone..."
"Youhavedoneallyouneed.Nowwearehere,"saidMadameOxentiel,andtwitchedthereins.
Atohehawkscreamedthreetimes,soloudthatLyrasheadrang.Inrespoheredartedfromtheskyfirstohentwoandthreeandmore,thenhundredsofbrilliantwarrior-bearingdragonflies,allskimmingsofastitseemedtheywereboundtocrashintooher;butthereflexesoftheisandtheskillsoftheirridersweresoacutethatiheyseemedtoweaveatapestryofswiftandsilentneedle-brightcoloroverandaroundthechildren.
"Lyra,"saidtheladyonthehawk,"andWill:followusnow,andweshalltakeyoutoyourdaemons."
Asthehawkspreaditswingsandliftedawayfromonehand,LyrafeltthelittleweightofSalmakiafallintotheother,andknewinamomentthatonlytheLadysstrengthofmindhadkeptheralivethislong.Shecradledherbodyclose,andranwithWilluhecloudoumblingandfallingmorethaholdingtheLadygentlyagainstherheartallthetime.
"Left!Left!"criedthevoithebluehawk,andinthelightning-rivenmurktheyturhatway;andtotheirrightWillsawabodyofmeninlightgrayarmor,helmeted,masked,theirgraywolfdaemonspaddinginstepbesidethem.Astreamonfliesmadeforthematondthemenfaltered.Theirgunswerenouse,andtheGallivespianswereamongtheminamoment,eachwarriingfromhisisback,findingahand,anarm,abarenedplung-:inghisspurinbeforeleapingbacktothe
iasitwheeledandskimmedpastagain.Theyweresoquickitwasalmostimpossibletofollow.Thesoldiersturnedandfledinpanic,theirdisciplitered.
Butthencamehoofbeatsinasuddenthunderfrombehind,andthechildrenturnedindismay:thosehorse-peoplewerebearingdownoagallop,andalreadyowohadsintheirhands,whirlingthemarouheirheadsarappingthedragoosnaptheslikewhipsandflingthebrokesaside.
"Thisway!"cametheLadysvoidthenshesaid,"Duow,getdownlow!"
Theydid,aheearthshakeuhem.Couldthatbehoofbeats?Lyraraisedherheadandwipedthewethairfromhereyes,andsawsomethingquitedifferentfromhorses.
"Iorek!"shecried,joyleapinginherchest."Oh,Iorek!"
Willpulledherdownagainatonce,fornotonlyIorekByrnisonbutaregimentofhisbearsweremakingdirectlyforthem.JustintimeLyratuckedherheaddown,andthenIorekboundedoverthem,rorderstohishearstogoleft,ght,andcrushtheenemybetweenthem.
Lightly,asifhisarmhednomorethanhisfur,thebear-kingspuntofaceWillandLyra,whowerestrugglingupright.
"Iorek,behindyou,theyvegots!"Willcried,becausetheriderswerealmostonthem.
Beforethebearove,aridershissedthroughtheair,andinstantlyIorekwasenvelopedirongcobweb.Heroared,rearinghigh,slashingwithhugepawsattherider.Butthewasstrong,andalthoughthehorsewhinniedandrearedbafear,Iorekcouldntfightfreeofthecoils.
"Iorek!"Willshouted."Keepstill!Dontmove!"
Hescrambledforwardthroughthepuddlesahetussocksastheridertriedtotrolthehorse,andreachedIorekjustatthemomentwhenasedriderarrivedandahissedthroughtheair.
ButWillkepthishead:insteadofslashingwildlyaingiangle,hewatchedtheflowoftheandcutitthroughinamatterofmoments.Theseetfelluselesstotheground,andthenWillleaptatIorek,feelingwithhislefthand,cuttingwithhisright.Thegreatbearstoodmotionlessastheboydartedhereandthereoverhisvastbody,cutting,freeing,clearingtheway.
"Nowgo!"Willyelled,leapingclear,andIorekseemedtoexplodeupwardfullintothechestofthehorse.
Theriderhadraisedhisscimitartosweepdownatthebearsneck,butIorekByrnisoninhisarmhednearlytwotons,andnothingatthatrangecouldwithstandhim.Horseandrider,bothofthemsmashedandshattered,fellharmlesslyaside.Iatheredhisbalance,lookedaroundtoseehowthelandlay,androaredtothechildren:
"Onmybaow!"
Lyraleaptup,andWillfollowed.Pressingthecoldiroweentheirlegs,theyfeltthemassivesurgeofpowerasIorekbegantomove.
Behiherestofthebearswereengagingwiththestrangecavalry,helpedbytheGallivespians,whosestingsehehorses.Theladyonthebluehawkskimmedlowandcalled:"Straightaheadnow!Amoreesinthevalley!"
Iorekreachedthetopofalittleriseinthegroundandpaused.Aheadofthemthebrokengroundslopeddowntroveaboutaquarterofamileaway.Somewherebeyondthatabatteryunswasfiringshellaftershell,howlinghighoverhead,andsomeonewasfiringflares,too,thatburstjustuhecloudsanddrifteddowntowardthetrees,makingthemblazewithcoldgreenlightasafiargetfuns.
AndfightingfortrolofthegroveitselfwereasoreSpecters,beingheldbackbyaraggedbandofghosts.Assoonastheysawthatlittlegroupoftrees,LyraandWillbothkhattheirdaemonswereinthere,andthatiftheydidhemsoon,theywoulddie.MoreSpecterswerearrivingthere
everymireamiheridgefromtheright.WillandLyracouldseethemveryclearlynow.
Anexplosionjustovertheridgeshookthegroundandflungstonesandclodsofearthhighintotheair.Lyracriedout,andWillhadtoclutchhischest.
"Holdon,"Irowled,ae.
Aflarebursthighabove,andanotherandanother,driftingslowlydoithamagnesium-brightglare.Anothershellburst,closerthistime,andtheyfelttheshockoftheairandasedortwolaterthestihandstoheirfaces.Iorekdidntfalter,buttheyfoundithardtoholdon.Theycouldntdigtheirfingersintohisfur,theyhadtogripthearmorbetweentheirknees,andhishackwassobroadthatbothofthemkeptslipping.
"Look!"criedLyra,pointingupasanothershellburstnearby.
Adozenwitchesweremakingfortheflares,carryingthick-leaved,bushybranches,andwiththemtheybrushedtheglaringlightsaside,sweepingthemawayintotheskybeyond.Darknessfellroveagain,hidingitfromtheguns.
Andnowthegrovewasonlyafewyardsaway.WillandLyrabothfelttheirmissingselvescloseby,aement,awildhopechilledwithfear,becausetheSpecterswerethickamoreesandtheywouldhavetogoilyamongthem,andtheverysightofthemevokedthatingweaktheheart.
"Theyreafraidoftheknife,"saidavoicebesidethem,andthebear-kingstoppedsosuddenlythatWillandLyratumbledoffhisback.
"Lee!"saidIorek."Lee,myrade,Ihaveneverseenthisbefore.Youaredead,eakingto?"
"Iorek,oldfeller,youdontknowthehalfofit.Welltakeovernow,theSpectersarentafraidofbears.Lyra,Will,ethisway,andholdupthatknife...”
ThebluehawkswoopedoncemoretoLyrasfist,andthegray-hairedladysaid,"Dontwasteased,goinandfindyourdaemonsandescape!Theresmoredangering."
"Thankyou,Lady!Thankyouall!"saidLyra,andthehawktookwing.
WillcouldseeLeeScoresbysghostdimlybesidethem,urgiothegrove,buttheyhadtosayfarewelltoIorekByrnison.
"Iorek,mydear,thereentwords,blessyou,blessyou!"
"Thankyou,KingIorek,"saidWill.
"Notime.Go.Go!"
Hepushedthemawaywithhisarmoredhead.WillpluerLeeScoresbysghostintotheundergrowth,slashingthtawiththekhelightherewasbrokenandmuted,andtheshadowswerethick,tangled,fusing.
"Keepclose,"hecalledtoLyra,andtheasabrambleslicedacrosshischeek.
Allarouherewasmovement,noise,andstruggle.Theshadowsmovedtoandfrolikebranchesinahighwind.Theymighthavebeenghosts:bothchildrehelittledashesofcoldtheyknewsowell.Thentheyheardvoicesallaround:
"Thisway!"
"Overhere!"
"Keepgoing,wereholdingthemoff!"
"Notfarnow!"
AndthencameaavoicethatLyraknewandlovedbetterthananyother:
"Oh,equick!Quick,Lyra!"
"Pan,darling,Imhere...”
Shehurledherselfintothedark,sobbingandshaking,andWilltoredownbranchesandivyandslashedatbramblesales,whileallarouheghost-voicesroseinaclamorofencementandwarning.
ButtheSpectershadfouarget,too,andtheypressedinthroughthesnaggingtangleofbushandbriarandrootandbranch,meetingnomoreresistahansmoke.Adozen,ascoreofthepallidmalignitiesseemedtopourintowardtheterofthegrove,whereJohnParrysghostmarshaledhispanionstofightthemoff.
WillandLyrawerebothtremblingandweakwithfear,exhaustion,nausea,andpain,butgivingupwasinceivable.Lyratoreatthebrambleswithherbarehands,Willslashedandhackedtoleftandright,asarouhebatoftheshadowybeingsbecamemoreandmoresavage.
"There!"criedLee."Seeem?Bythatbigrock...”
Awildcat,twowildcats,spittingandhissingandslashing.Bothweredaemons,andWillfeltthatifthereweretimehedeasilybeabletotellwhichantalaimon;buttherewasnttime,becauseaSpectereasedhorriblyoutofthepatchofshadowandglidedtowardthedaemons.
Willleaptoverthelastobstacle,afallerunk,andpluhekotheuingshimmerintheair.Hefelthisarmgonumb,buthechedhisteethashewasghisfingersarou,andthepaleformseemedtoboilawayabatothedarknessagain.
Almostthere;andthedaemonsweremadwithfear,becausemoreSpectersandstillmorecamepressingthroughthetrees,andonlythevaliantghostswereholdingthemback.
"youcutthrough?"saidJohnParrysghost.
Willhelduptheknife,andhadtostopasaragboutofnauseashookhimfromheadtotoe.Therewasnothiinhisstomadthespasmhurtdreadfully.Lyrabesidehimwasinthesamestate.Leesghost,seeingwhy,leaptforthedaemonsaledwiththepalethingthatwasingthroughtherobehindthem.
"Will,please...”saidLyra,gasping.
Iheknife,along,down,back.LeeScoresbysghostlookedthroughandsawawide,quietprairieunderabrilliantmoon,soverylikehisownhomelandthathethoughthedbeenblessed.
WillleaptacrosstheclearingandseizedthedaemonwhileLyrascoopeduptheother.
Ahathorribleurgency,evenatthatmomentofutmostperil,eachofthemfeltthesamelittleshockofexcitement:forLyrawasholdingWillsdaemon,thenamelesswildcat,andWillwascarryingPantalaimon.
Theytoretheirglanceawayfromeachotherseyes.
"Good-bye,Mr.Scoresby!"Lyracried,lookingaroundforhim."Iwish,oh,thankyou,thankyou,good-bye!"
"Good-bye,mydearchild,good-bye,Will,gowell!"
Lyrascrambledthrough,butWillstoodstillandlookedintotheeyesofhisfathersghost,brilliantintheshadows.Beforehelefthim,therewassomethiosay.
Willsaidtohisfathersghost,"YousaidIwasawarrior.Youtoldmethatwasmynature,andIshouldntarguewithit.Father,youwerewrong.IfoughtbecauseIhadto.Itynature,butIchoosewhatIdo.AndIwillchoose,becausenowImfree."
Hisfatherssmilewasfullofprideandtenderness."Welldone,myboy.Welldoneindeed,"hesaid.
Willcouldntseehimanymore.HeturnedandclimbedthroughafterLyra.
Andnowthattheirpurposewasachieved,nowthechildrenhadfoundtheirdaemonsandescaped,thedeadwarriorsallowedtheiratomstorelaxanddriftapart,atlong,longlast.
Outofthelittlegrove,awayfromthebaffledSpecters,outofthevalley,pa松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
"Lookhowhehides,Metatron!Hecreepsthroughthedarklikearat..."
Theystoodonaledgehighupinthegreatcavern,watgLordAsrielandthesnowleopardmaketheircarefulwaydown,alongwaybelow.
"Icouldstrikehimnow,"theshadowwhispered.
"Yes,ofcourseyoucould,"shewhisperedback,leaningclose;"butIwanttoseehisface,dearMetatron;IwanthimtoknowIvebetrayedhim.e,letsfollowandcatchhim..."
TheDustfallshonelikeagreatpillaroffaintlightasitdesdedsmoothlyandnever-endinglyintothegulf.Mrs.Coulterhadnoattentiontospareforit,becausetheshadowbesideherwastremblingwith
desire,aokeephimbyherside,underwhattrolsheanage.
Theymoveddown,silent,followingLordAsriel.Thefartherdowntheyclimbed,themoreshefeltagreatwearinessfalloverher.
"What?What?"whisperedtheshadow,feelingheremotions,andsuspiciousatonce.
"Iwasthinking,"shesaidwithasweetmalice,"howgladIamthatthechildwillnevergrowuptoloveandbeloved.IthoughtIlovedherwhenshewasababy;butnow...”
"Therewasregret,"theshadowsaid,"inyourhearttherewasregretthatyouwillnotseehergrowup."
"Oh,Metatron,howlongitissinceyouwereaman!youreallynottellwhatitisImregretting?Itsnotheringofage,butmine.HowbitterlyIregretthatIdidntknowofyouinmyowngirlhood;howpassionatelyIwouldhavedevotedmyselftoyou..."
Sheleaowardtheshadow,asifshecouldnttroltheimpulsesofherownbody,andtheshadowhungrilysniffedaogulpatthestofherflesh.
Theyweremovinglaboriouslyoverthetumbledandbrokenrockstowardthefootoftheslope.Thefartherdowntheywent,themoretheDustlightgaveeverythinganimbusofgoldenmist.Mrs.Coulterkeptreagforwherehishandmighthavebeeniftheshadowhadbeenahumanpanion,andtheorecollectherself,andwhispered:
"Keepbehiatron,waithere,Asrielissuspicious,letmelullhimfirst.Whenhesoffguard,Illcallyou.Buteasashadow,inthissmallform,sohedoesntseeyou,otherwise,helljustletthechildsdaemonflyaway."
TheRegentwasabeingwhoseprofoundintellecthadhadthousandsofyearstodeepenandstreself,andwhoseknowledgeextendedoveramillionuniverses.heless,atthatmomenthewasblindedbyhistwinobsessions:todestroyLyraandtopossesshermother.Henoddedandstayedwherehewas,whilethewomanandthemonkeymovedforwardasquietlyastheycould.
LordAsrielwaswaitingbehindagreatblockofgraofsightoftheRegent.Thesnowleopardheardtheming,andLordAsrielstoodupasMrs.Coultercamearoundtheer.Everything,everysurface,everycubitimeterofair,ermeatedbythefallingDust,whichgaveasoftclaritytoeverytiail;andilightLordAsrielsawthatherfaceithtears,andthatshewasgrittieethsoasnottosob.
Hetookherinhisarms,andthegoldenmonkeyembracedthesnowleopardsnedburiedhisblackfaherfur.
"IsLyrasafe?Hasshefoundherdaemon?"shewhispered.
"Theghostoftheboysfatherisprotegbothofthem."
"Dustisbeautiful...Ineverknew."
"Whatdidyoutellhim?"
"Iliedandlied,Asriel...Letsnotwaittoolong,Itbearit...Wewontlive,ewontsurviveliketheghosts?"
"Notifwefallintotheabyss.WecameheretogiveLyratimetofindherdaemon,aimetoliveandgrowup.IfwetakeMetatroinarisa,shellhavethattime,andifwegowithhim,itdoesntmatter."
"AndLyrawillbesafe?"
"Yes,yes,"hesaidgently.
Hekissedher.ShefeltassoftandlightinhisarmsasshehadwhenLyrawasceivedthirteenyearsbefore.
Shewassobbingquietly.Whenshecouldspeak,shewhispered:
"ItoldhimIwasgoingtobetrayyou,arayLyra,andhebelievedmebecauseIwascorruptand
fullofwiess;helookedsodeepIfeltsurehedseethetruth.ButIliedtoowell.IwaslyingwitheverynerveandfiberahingIdeverdone...Iwantedhimtofindnogoodinme,andhedidnt.ThereisIloveLyra.Wheredidthisloveefrom?Idontknow;itcametomelikeathiefinthenight,andnowIlovehersomuchmyheartisburstingwithit.AllIcouldhopewasthatmycrimesweresomonstrousthatthelovewasnobiggerthanamustardseedintheshadowofthem,andIwishedIdittedeveeroohideitmoredeeplystill...Butthemustardseedhadtakenrootandwasgrowing,alegreenshootlittingmyheartwideopen,andIwassoafraidhedsee..."
Shehadtostoptogatherherself.Hestrokedhershininghair,allsetaboutwithgoldenDust,andwaited.
"Anymomentnowhelllosepatience,"shewhispered."Itoldhimtomakehimselfsmall.Buthesonlyanangel,afterall,evenifhewasonceaman.Andwewrestlewithhimandbringhimtotheedgeofthegulf,andwellbothgodownwithhim..."
Hekissedher,saying,"Yes.Lyrawillbesafe,andtheKingdomwillbepowerlessagainsther.Callhimnow,Marisa,mylove."
Shetookadeepbreathaoutinalong,shudderingsigh.Thenshesmoothedherskirtdownoverherthighsandtuckedthehairbackbehindherears.
"Metatron,"shecalledsoftly."Itstime."
Metatronsshadow-cloakedformappearedoutofthegoldenairandtookinatoening:thetwodaemons,crougandwatchful,thewomanwiththenimbusofDust,andLordAsriel...
Wholeaptathimatonce,seizinghimaroundthewaist,andtriedtohurlhimtotheground.Theangelsarmswerefree,though,andwithfists,palms,elbows,knuckles,forearms,hebatteredLordAsrielsheadandbody:greatpummelingblowsthatforcedthebreathfromhislungsandreboundedfromhisribs,thatcrackedagainsthisskullandshookhissenses.
However,hisarmsencircledtheangelswings,crampiohisside.Andamomentlater,Mrs.CoulterhadleaptupbetweenthosepinionedwingsandseizedMetatronshair.Hisstrengthwasenormous:itwaslikeholdingthemaneofaboltinghorse.Asheshookhisheadfuriously,shewasflungthiswayandthat,athepowerinthegreatfoldedwingsastheystrainedandheavedatthemansarmslockedsotightlyaroundthem.
Thedaemonshadseizedholdofhim,too.Stelmariahadherteethfirmlyinhisleg,andthegoldenmonkeywastearingatoheedgesofthewing,snappihers,rippingatthevanes,andthisonlyrousedtheaogreaterfury.Withasuddenmassiveeffortheflunghimselfsideways,freeingonewingandcrushingMrs.Coulteragainstarock.
Mrs.Coulterwasstunnedforased,andherhandscameloose.Atoheangelrearedupagaiinghisonefreewingtoflingoffthegoldenmonkey;butLordAsrielsarmswerefirmaroundhimstill,andinfactthemanhadabettergripnowtherewasntsomuchtoenclose.LordAsrielsethimselftocrushingthebreathoutofMetatron,grindinghisribstogether,andtryingtoighesavageblowsthatwerelandingonhisskullandhisneck.
Butthoseblowswerebeginningtotell.AndasLordAsrieltriedtokeephisfootingonthebrokenrocks,somethingshatteringhappehebackofhishead.Whenheflunghimselfsideways,Metatronhadseizedafist-sizedrodnowhebroughtitdownwithbrutalforthepointofLordAsrielsskull.Themahebonesofhisheadmoveagainsteachother,andhekhatanotherblowlikethatwouldkillhimht.Dizzywithpain,painthatwasworseforthepressureofhisheadagainsttheangelsside,hestillgfast,thefingersofhisrighthandcrushingthebonesofhisleft,andstumbledforafootingamongthefracturedrocks.
AndasMetatronraisedthebloodystonehigh,agolden-furredshapespranguplikeaflameleapingtoatreetop,andthemonkeysankhisteethintotheangelshand.Therockcamelooseandclattereddown
towardtheedge,arohisarmtoleftandright,tryingtodislodgethedaemon;butthegoldenmonkeygwithteeth,claws,andtail,andthenMrs.Coultergatheredthegreatwhitebeatingwingtoherselfandsmothereditsmovement.
Metatronered,buthestillwasnthurt.Norwasheheedgeoftheabyss.
AndbynowLordAsrielwasweakening.Hewasholdingfasttohisblood-soakedsciousness,butwitheverymovementalittlemorewaslost.Hecouldfeeltheedgesofthebonesgrindingtogetherinhisskull;hecouldhearthem.Hissensesweredisordered;allheknewwasholdtightanddragdown.
ThenMrs.Coulterfoundtheangelsfaderherhand,andshedugherfingersdeepintohiseyes.
Metatro.Fromfaroffacrossthegreatcavern,echoesanswered,andhisvoiceboundedfromclifftocliff,doublinganddiminishingandcausingthosedistantghoststopauseintheirendlessprocessionandlookup.
AndStelmariathesnow-leoparddaemon,herownsciousnessdimmingwithLordAsriels,madeoeffortafortheahroat.
Metatroohisknees.Mrs.Coulter,fallingwithhim,sawtheblood-filledeyesofLordAsrielgazeather.Andshescrambledup,handoverhand,fthebeatingwingaside,andseizedtheangelshairtowrenchbackhisheadandbarehisthroatforthesnowleopardsteeth.
AndnowLordAsrielwasdragginghim,dragginghimbackward,feetstumblingandrocksfalling,andthegoldenmonkeywasleapingdownwiththem,snappingandscratgandtearing,andtheywerealmostthere,almostattheedge;butMetatronforcedhimselfup,andwithalasteffortspreadbothwingswide,agreatwhiteopythatbeatdownanddownanddown,againandagainandagain,andthenMrs.Coulterhadfallenaway,aronright,andthewiharderandharder,andhewasaloft,hewasleavingtheground,withLordAsrielstillgingtight,butweakeningfast.Thegoldenmonkeysfingerswereentwiheangelshair,andhewouldgo…
Buttheywereovertheedgeoftheabyss.Theywererising.Andiftheyflewhigher,LordAsrielwouldfall,aronwouldescape.
"Marisa!Marisa!"
ThecrywastornfromLordAsriel,andwiththesnowleopardbesideher,witharinherears,Lyrasmotherstoodandfoundherfootingawithallherheart,tohurlherselfagainsttheangelandherdaemonandherdyinglover,ahosebeatingwings,ahemalldowherintotheabyss.
Thecliff-ghastsheardLyrasexclamationofdismay,andtheirflatheadsallsnappedaroundatonce.
Willsprangforwardandslashedthekheofthem.HefeltalittlekihisshoulderasTialysleaptoffandlahecheekofthebiggest,seizingherhairandkighardbelowthejawbeforeshecouldthrowhimoff.Thecreaturehowledandthrashedasshefellintothemud,andtheonelookedstupidlyatthestumpofhisarm,andtheninhorrorathisownankle,whichhissliced-offhandhadseizedasitfell.Asedlatertheknifewasinhisbreast.Willfeltthehandlejumpthreeorfourtimeswiththedyibeats,andpulleditoutbeforethecliff-ghastcouldtwistitawayinfalling.
Heheardtheothersdshriekinhatredastheyfled,andhekhatLyrawasunhurtbesidehim;buthethrewhimselfdowninthemudwithonlyohinginhismind.
"Tialys!Tialys!"hecried,andavoidingthesnappih,hehauledthebiggestcliff-ghastsheadaside.Tialyswasdead,hisspursdeepinherhecreaturewaskigandbitingstill,sohecutoffherheadandrolleditawaybeforeliftingthedeadGallivespianclearoftheleatheryneck.
"Will,"saidLyrabehindhim,"Will,lookatthis..."
Shewasgazingintothecrystallitter.Itwasunbroken,althoughthecrystalwasstainedandsmearedwithmudandthebloodfromwhatthecliff-ghastshadbeeingbeforetheyfoundit.Itlaytiltedcrazilyamongtherocks,andi...
"Oh,Will,hesstillalive!But,thepoorthing..."
Willsawherhandspressingagainstthecrystal,tryingtoreatotheangelandforthim;becausehewassoold,aerrified,glikeababyandcawayintothelowester.
"Hemustbesoold,Iveneverseenanyonesufferinglikethat,oh,Will,twelethimout?"
Willcutthroughthecrystalinonemovementandreachedihea.Dementedandpowerless,theagedbeingcouldonlyweepandmumbleinfearandpainandmisery,andheshrankawayfromwhatseemedlikeyetahreat.
"Itsallright,"Willsaid,"wehelpyouhide,atleast.eohurtyou."
Theshakinghandseizedhisandfeeblyheldon.Theoldonewasutteringawordlessgroaningwhimperthatwentonandon,andgrindinghisteeth,andpulsivelyplugathimselfwithhisfreehand;butasLyrareachedin,too,tohelphimout,hetriedtosmile,andtobow,andhisaeyesdeepintheirwrinklesbliherwithiwonder.
Betweeheyhelpedtheaofdaysoutofhiscrystalcell;itwasnthard,forhewasaslightaspaper,andhewouldhavefollowedthemanywhere,havingnowillofhisown,andrespondingtosimplekindnesslikeaflowertothesun.Butintheopenairtherewasnothingtostopthewindfromdamaginghim,andtotheirdismayhisfantoloosenanddissolve.Onlyafewmomentslaterhehadvanishedpletely,andtheirlastimpressionwasofthoseeyes,blinkinginwonder,andasighofthemostprofoundandexhaustedrelief.
Thenhewasgone:amysterydissolvinginmystery.Ithadalltakehanaminute,andWillturnedbackatohefallenChevalier.Hepickedupthelittlebody,cradlingitinhispalms,andfoundhistearsflowingfast.
ButLyrawassayingsomethingurgently.
"Will,wevegottomove,wevegotto,theLadyhearthosehorsesing...”
Outoftheindigoskyanindigohawkswoopedlow,andLyracriedoutandducked;butSalmakiacriedwithallherstrength,"No,Lyra!No!Standhigh,andholdoutyourfist!"
SoLyraheldstill,supponearmwiththeother,andthebluehawkwheeledandturnedandswoopedagain,toseizeherknucklesinsharpclaws.
Onthehawksbacksatagray-hairedlady,whoseclear-eyedfacelookedfirstatLyra,thenatSalmakiagingtohercollar.
"Madame..."saidSalmakiafaintly,"wehavedone..."
"Youhavedoneallyouneed.Nowwearehere,"saidMadameOxentiel,andtwitchedthereins.
Atohehawkscreamedthreetimes,soloudthatLyrasheadrang.Inrespoheredartedfromtheskyfirstohentwoandthreeandmore,thenhundredsofbrilliantwarrior-bearingdragonflies,allskimmingsofastitseemedtheywereboundtocrashintooher;butthereflexesoftheisandtheskillsoftheirridersweresoacutethatiheyseemedtoweaveatapestryofswiftandsilentneedle-brightcoloroverandaroundthechildren.
"Lyra,"saidtheladyonthehawk,"andWill:followusnow,andweshalltakeyoutoyourdaemons."
Asthehawkspreaditswingsandliftedawayfromonehand,LyrafeltthelittleweightofSalmakiafallintotheother,andknewinamomentthatonlytheLadysstrengthofmindhadkeptheralivethislong.Shecradledherbodyclose,andranwithWilluhecloudoumblingandfallingmorethaholdingtheLadygentlyagainstherheartallthetime.
"Left!Left!"criedthevoithebluehawk,andinthelightning-rivenmurktheyturhatway;andtotheirrightWillsawabodyofmeninlightgrayarmor,helmeted,masked,theirgraywolfdaemonspaddinginstepbesidethem.Astreamonfliesmadeforthematondthemenfaltered.Theirgunswerenouse,andtheGallivespianswereamongtheminamoment,eachwarriingfromhisisback,findingahand,anarm,abarenedplung-:inghisspurinbeforeleapingbacktothe
iasitwheeledandskimmedpastagain.Theyweresoquickitwasalmostimpossibletofollow.Thesoldiersturnedandfledinpanic,theirdisciplitered.
Butthencamehoofbeatsinasuddenthunderfrombehind,andthechildrenturnedindismay:thosehorse-peoplewerebearingdownoagallop,andalreadyowohadsintheirhands,whirlingthemarouheirheadsarappingthedragoosnaptheslikewhipsandflingthebrokesaside.
"Thisway!"cametheLadysvoidthenshesaid,"Duow,getdownlow!"
Theydid,aheearthshakeuhem.Couldthatbehoofbeats?Lyraraisedherheadandwipedthewethairfromhereyes,andsawsomethingquitedifferentfromhorses.
"Iorek!"shecried,joyleapinginherchest."Oh,Iorek!"
Willpulledherdownagainatonce,fornotonlyIorekByrnisonbutaregimentofhisbearsweremakingdirectlyforthem.JustintimeLyratuckedherheaddown,andthenIorekboundedoverthem,rorderstohishearstogoleft,ght,andcrushtheenemybetweenthem.
Lightly,asifhisarmhednomorethanhisfur,thebear-kingspuntofaceWillandLyra,whowerestrugglingupright.
"Iorek,behindyou,theyvegots!"Willcried,becausetheriderswerealmostonthem.
Beforethebearove,aridershissedthroughtheair,andinstantlyIorekwasenvelopedirongcobweb.Heroared,rearinghigh,slashingwithhugepawsattherider.Butthewasstrong,andalthoughthehorsewhinniedandrearedbafear,Iorekcouldntfightfreeofthecoils.
"Iorek!"Willshouted."Keepstill!Dontmove!"
Hescrambledforwardthroughthepuddlesahetussocksastheridertriedtotrolthehorse,andreachedIorekjustatthemomentwhenasedriderarrivedandahissedthroughtheair.
ButWillkepthishead:insteadofslashingwildlyaingiangle,hewatchedtheflowoftheandcutitthroughinamatterofmoments.Theseetfelluselesstotheground,andthenWillleaptatIorek,feelingwithhislefthand,cuttingwithhisright.Thegreatbearstoodmotionlessastheboydartedhereandthereoverhisvastbody,cutting,freeing,clearingtheway.
"Nowgo!"Willyelled,leapingclear,andIorekseemedtoexplodeupwardfullintothechestofthehorse.
Theriderhadraisedhisscimitartosweepdownatthebearsneck,butIorekByrnisoninhisarmhednearlytwotons,andnothingatthatrangecouldwithstandhim.Horseandrider,bothofthemsmashedandshattered,fellharmlesslyaside.Iatheredhisbalance,lookedaroundtoseehowthelandlay,androaredtothechildren:
"Onmybaow!"
Lyraleaptup,andWillfollowed.Pressingthecoldiroweentheirlegs,theyfeltthemassivesurgeofpowerasIorekbegantomove.
Behiherestofthebearswereengagingwiththestrangecavalry,helpedbytheGallivespians,whosestingsehehorses.Theladyonthebluehawkskimmedlowandcalled:"Straightaheadnow!Amoreesinthevalley!"
Iorekreachedthetopofalittleriseinthegroundandpaused.Aheadofthemthebrokengroundslopeddowntroveaboutaquarterofamileaway.Somewherebeyondthatabatteryunswasfiringshellaftershell,howlinghighoverhead,andsomeonewasfiringflares,too,thatburstjustuhecloudsanddrifteddowntowardthetrees,makingthemblazewithcoldgreenlightasafiargetfuns.
AndfightingfortrolofthegroveitselfwereasoreSpecters,beingheldbackbyaraggedbandofghosts.Assoonastheysawthatlittlegroupoftrees,LyraandWillbothkhattheirdaemonswereinthere,andthatiftheydidhemsoon,theywoulddie.MoreSpecterswerearrivingthere
everymireamiheridgefromtheright.WillandLyracouldseethemveryclearlynow.
Anexplosionjustovertheridgeshookthegroundandflungstonesandclodsofearthhighintotheair.Lyracriedout,andWillhadtoclutchhischest.
"Holdon,"Irowled,ae.
Aflarebursthighabove,andanotherandanother,driftingslowlydoithamagnesium-brightglare.Anothershellburst,closerthistime,andtheyfelttheshockoftheairandasedortwolaterthestihandstoheirfaces.Iorekdidntfalter,buttheyfoundithardtoholdon.Theycouldntdigtheirfingersintohisfur,theyhadtogripthearmorbetweentheirknees,andhishackwassobroadthatbothofthemkeptslipping.
"Look!"criedLyra,pointingupasanothershellburstnearby.
Adozenwitchesweremakingfortheflares,carryingthick-leaved,bushybranches,andwiththemtheybrushedtheglaringlightsaside,sweepingthemawayintotheskybeyond.Darknessfellroveagain,hidingitfromtheguns.
Andnowthegrovewasonlyafewyardsaway.WillandLyrabothfelttheirmissingselvescloseby,aement,awildhopechilledwithfear,becausetheSpecterswerethickamoreesandtheywouldhavetogoilyamongthem,andtheverysightofthemevokedthatingweaktheheart.
"Theyreafraidoftheknife,"saidavoicebesidethem,andthebear-kingstoppedsosuddenlythatWillandLyratumbledoffhisback.
"Lee!"saidIorek."Lee,myrade,Ihaveneverseenthisbefore.Youaredead,eakingto?"
"Iorek,oldfeller,youdontknowthehalfofit.Welltakeovernow,theSpectersarentafraidofbears.Lyra,Will,ethisway,andholdupthatknife...”
ThebluehawkswoopedoncemoretoLyrasfist,andthegray-hairedladysaid,"Dontwasteased,goinandfindyourdaemonsandescape!Theresmoredangering."
"Thankyou,Lady!Thankyouall!"saidLyra,andthehawktookwing.
WillcouldseeLeeScoresbysghostdimlybesidethem,urgiothegrove,buttheyhadtosayfarewelltoIorekByrnison.
"Iorek,mydear,thereentwords,blessyou,blessyou!"
"Thankyou,KingIorek,"saidWill.
"Notime.Go.Go!"
Hepushedthemawaywithhisarmoredhead.WillpluerLeeScoresbysghostintotheundergrowth,slashingthtawiththekhelightherewasbrokenandmuted,andtheshadowswerethick,tangled,fusing.
"Keepclose,"hecalledtoLyra,andtheasabrambleslicedacrosshischeek.
Allarouherewasmovement,noise,andstruggle.Theshadowsmovedtoandfrolikebranchesinahighwind.Theymighthavebeenghosts:bothchildrehelittledashesofcoldtheyknewsowell.Thentheyheardvoicesallaround:
"Thisway!"
"Overhere!"
"Keepgoing,wereholdingthemoff!"
"Notfarnow!"
AndthencameaavoicethatLyraknewandlovedbetterthananyother:
"Oh,equick!Quick,Lyra!"
"Pan,darling,Imhere...”
Shehurledherselfintothedark,sobbingandshaking,andWilltoredownbranchesandivyandslashedatbramblesales,whileallarouheghost-voicesroseinaclamorofencementandwarning.
ButtheSpectershadfouarget,too,andtheypressedinthroughthesnaggingtangleofbushandbriarandrootandbranch,meetingnomoreresistahansmoke.Adozen,ascoreofthepallidmalignitiesseemedtopourintowardtheterofthegrove,whereJohnParrysghostmarshaledhispanionstofightthemoff.
WillandLyrawerebothtremblingandweakwithfear,exhaustion,nausea,andpain,butgivingupwasinceivable.Lyratoreatthebrambleswithherbarehands,Willslashedandhackedtoleftandright,asarouhebatoftheshadowybeingsbecamemoreandmoresavage.
"There!"criedLee."Seeem?Bythatbigrock...”
Awildcat,twowildcats,spittingandhissingandslashing.Bothweredaemons,andWillfeltthatifthereweretimehedeasilybeabletotellwhichantalaimon;buttherewasnttime,becauseaSpectereasedhorriblyoutofthepatchofshadowandglidedtowardthedaemons.
Willleaptoverthelastobstacle,afallerunk,andpluhekotheuingshimmerintheair.Hefelthisarmgonumb,buthechedhisteethashewasghisfingersarou,andthepaleformseemedtoboilawayabatothedarknessagain.
Almostthere;andthedaemonsweremadwithfear,becausemoreSpectersandstillmorecamepressingthroughthetrees,andonlythevaliantghostswereholdingthemback.
"youcutthrough?"saidJohnParrysghost.
Willhelduptheknife,andhadtostopasaragboutofnauseashookhimfromheadtotoe.Therewasnothiinhisstomadthespasmhurtdreadfully.Lyrabesidehimwasinthesamestate.Leesghost,seeingwhy,leaptforthedaemonsaledwiththepalethingthatwasingthroughtherobehindthem.
"Will,please...”saidLyra,gasping.
Iheknife,along,down,back.LeeScoresbysghostlookedthroughandsawawide,quietprairieunderabrilliantmoon,soverylikehisownhomelandthathethoughthedbeenblessed.
WillleaptacrosstheclearingandseizedthedaemonwhileLyrascoopeduptheother.
Ahathorribleurgency,evenatthatmomentofutmostperil,eachofthemfeltthesamelittleshockofexcitement:forLyrawasholdingWillsdaemon,thenamelesswildcat,andWillwascarryingPantalaimon.
Theytoretheirglanceawayfromeachotherseyes.
"Good-bye,Mr.Scoresby!"Lyracried,lookingaroundforhim."Iwish,oh,thankyou,thankyou,good-bye!"
"Good-bye,mydearchild,good-bye,Will,gowell!"
Lyrascrambledthrough,butWillstoodstillandlookedintotheeyesofhisfathersghost,brilliantintheshadows.Beforehelefthim,therewassomethiosay.
Willsaidtohisfathersghost,"YousaidIwasawarrior.Youtoldmethatwasmynature,andIshouldntarguewithit.Father,youwerewrong.IfoughtbecauseIhadto.Itynature,butIchoosewhatIdo.AndIwillchoose,becausenowImfree."
Hisfatherssmilewasfullofprideandtenderness."Welldone,myboy.Welldoneindeed,"hesaid.
Willcouldntseehimanymore.HeturnedandclimbedthroughafterLyra.
Andnowthattheirpurposewasachieved,nowthechildrenhadfoundtheirdaemonsandescaped,thedeadwarriorsallowedtheiratomstorelaxanddriftapart,atlong,longlast.
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