THIRTY-FIVE - OVER THE HILLS AND FAR AWAY
"Dr.Malone,"saidLyrainthem,"Willandmehavegottolookforourdaemons.Whenwevefoundthem,wellknowwhattodo.Butwetbewithoutthemformuger.Sowejustwanttogoandlook."
"Wherewillyougo?"saidMary,heavy-eyedandheadachyafterherdisturbednight.SheandLyrawereontheriverbank,Lyratowash,andMarytolook,surreptitiously,forthemansfootprints.Sofarshehadntfoundany.
"Dontknow,"saidLyra."Buttheyreouttheresomewhere.Assoonaswecamethroughfromthebattle,theyranawayasiftheydidnttrustusanymore.tsayIblamethem,either.Butweknowtheyreinthisworld,ahoughtwesawthemacoupleoftimes,somaybewefindthem."
"Listen,"Marysaidrelutly,andtoldLyraaboutthemanshedseenthenightbefore.
Asshespoke,Willcametojointhem,andbothheandLyralistened,wide-eyedandserious.
"Hesprobablyjustatravelerandhefoundawindowandwahroughfromsomewhereelse,"LyrasaidwhenMaryhadfinished."LikeWillsfatherdid.Theresboundtobeallkindsofopeningsnow.Anyway,ifhejustturnedarounda,hethavemeanttodoanythingbad,he?"
"Idontknow.Ididntlikeit.AndImworriedaboutyougoingoffonyourown,orIwouldbeifIdidntknowyoudalreadydonefarmoredangerousthingsthanthat.Oh,Idontknow.Butpleasebecareful.Pleaselookallaround.Atleastoutontheprairieyouseesomeoneingfromalongwayoff..."
"Ifwedo,weescapestraightawayintoanotherworld,sohewontheabletohurtus,"Willsaid.
Theyweredetermiogo,andMarywasreluttue.
"Atleast,"shesaid,"promisethatyouwontgoinamorees.Ifthatmanisstillaround,hemightbehidinginawroveandyouwouldntseehimioescape."
"Wepromise,"saidLyra.
"Well,Illpaefoodincaseyoureoutallday."
Marytooksomeflatbreadandcheeseandsomesweet,thirst-quengredfruits,edtheminacloth,andtiedacordarounditforohemtocarryoverashoulder.
"Goodhunting,"shesaidastheyleft."Pleasetakecare."
Shewasstillanxious.Shestoodwatgthemallthewaytothefootoftheslope.
"Iwonderwhyshessosad,"WillsaidasheandLyraclimbedtheroadupte.
"Shesprobablywifshellevergohomeagain,"saidLyra."Andifherlaboratoryllstillbeherswhenshedoes.Andmaybeshessadaboutthemanshewasih."
"Mmm,"saidWill."Dyouthinkwellevergohome?"
"Dunno.IdontsupposeIvegotahomeanyway.TheyprobablycouldnthavemebackatJordanCollege,andItlivewiththebearsorthewitches.MaybeIcouldlivewiththegyptians.Iwouldntmindthat,iftheydhaveme."
"WhataboutLordAsrielsworld?Wouldntyouwanttolivethere?"
"Itsgoingtofail,remember,"shesaid.
"Why?"
"Becauseofwhatyourfathersghostsaid,justbeforewecameout.Aboutdaemons,andhowtheylyliveforalongtimeiftheystayintheirownworld.ButprobablyLordAsriel,Imeanmyfather,
couldnthavethoughtaboutthat,becausenooneknewenoughaboutotherworldswhearted...Allthat,"shesaidwly,"allthatbraveryandskill...Allthat,allwasted!Allfornothing!"
Theyclimbedon,findingthegoingeasyontherockroad,aheyreachedthetopoftheridge,theystoppedandlookedback.
"Will,"shesaid,"supposifindthem?"
"Imsurewewill.WhatImwiswhatmydaemonwillbelike."
"Yousawher.AndIpickedherup,"Lyrasaid,blushing,becauseofcourseitwasagrossviolationofmaotouethingsoprivateassomeoneelsesdaemon.Itwasforbiddennotonlybypoliteness,butbysomethihanthat,somethinglikeshame.AquickglaWillswarmcheeksshowedthathekhatjustaswellasshedid.
Theywalkedonsidebyside,suddenlyshywitheachother.ButWill,notputoffbybeingshy,said,"Whendoesyourdaemonstopgingshape?"
"About...Isupposeaboute,orabitolder.Maybemoresometimes.WeusedtotalkaboutPaling,himandme.Weusedtowonderwhathedbe...”
"Dontpeoplehaveanyidea?"
"Notwhentheyreyoung.Asyougrowupyoustartthinkiheymightbethisortheymightbethat...Andusuallytheyendupsomethingthatfits.Imeahinglikeyourrealnature.Likeifyourdaemonsadog,thatmeansyoulikedoingwhatyouretold,andknowingwhosboss,andfollowingorders,andpleasingpeoplewhoareincharge.Alotofservantsarepeoplewhosedaems.Soithelpstoknowwhatyourelikeandtofindwhatyoudbegoodat.Howdopeopleinyourworldknowwhattheyrelike?"
"Idontknow.Idontknowmuyworld.AllIknowiskeepiandquietandhidden,soIdontknowmuchabout...grownups,andfriends.Orlovers.Ithinkitdbedifficulthavingadaemonbecauseeverybodywouldknowsomuchaboutyoujustbylooking.Iliketokeepsecretandstayoutofsight."
"Thenmaybeyourdaemondbeananimalthatsgoodathiding.Orohoseanimalsthatlookslikeanother,abutterflythatlookslikea,fuise.Theymusthavecreatureslikethatinyourworld,becausewehave,andweresomuchalike."
Theywalkedoherinafriendlysilence.Allarouhewide,clearmlaylimpidintheholloearlyblueinthewarmairabove.Asfarastheeyecouldsee,thegreatsavannarolled,brown,gold,buff-green,shimmeringtowardthehorizon,ay.Theymighthavebeentheonlypeopleintheworld.
"Butitsyreally,"Lyrasaid.
"Youmeanthatman?"
"No.YouknowwhatImean."
"Yes,Ido.Iseeshadowsinthegrass...maybebirds,"Willsaid.
Hewasfollowiledartingmovementshereandthere.Hefounditeasiertoseetheshadowsifhedidntlookatthem.Theyweremorewillingtoshowthemselvestotheersofhiseye,andwhenhesaidsotoLyra,shesaid,"Itsivecapability."
"Whatsthat?"
"ThepoetKeatssaiditfirst.Dr.Maloneknows.ItshowIreadthealethiometer.Itshowyouusetheknife,isntit?"
"Yes,Isupposeitis.ButIwasjustthinkingthattheymightbethedaemons."
"SowasI,but..."
Sheputherfioherlips.Henodded.
"Look,"hesaid,"theresohosefallentrees."
ItwasMarysclimbiheywentuptoitcarefully,keepingahegroveiheroneshouldfall.Inthecalmm,withonlyafaintbreezestirringtheleaves,itseemedimpossiblethatamightythinglikethisshouldevertopple,buthereitwas.
Thevasttrunk,supportedinthegrovebyitstorn-uprootsandoutonthegrassbythemassofbranches,washighabovetheirheads.Someofthosebranches,crushedandbrokehemselvesasbigaroundasthebiggesttreesWillhadeverseen;theofthetree,tight-packedwithboughsthatstilllookedsturdy,leavesthatwerestillgreen,toweredlikearuinedpalatothemildair.
SuddenlyLyragrippedWillsarm.
"Shh,"shewhispered."Dontlook.Imsuretheyreupthere.IsawsomethingmoveandIswearitan..."
Herhandwaswarm.Hewasmoreawareofthatthanofthegreatmassofleavesandbranchesabovethem.Pretendingtogazevatlyatthehorizohisattentionwanderupwardintothefusedmassofgreen,brown,andblue,andthere,shewasright!,therewasasomethingthatwasnotthetree.Andbesideit,another.
"Walkaway,"Willsaidunderhisbreath."Wellgosomewhereelseaheyfollowus."
"Supposetheydont...Butyes,allright,"Lyrawhisperedback.
Theypreteolookallaround;theysettheirhandsohebranchesrestingontheground,asiftheywereintendingtoclimb;theypreteogetheirminds,byshakingtheirheadsandwalkingaway.
"Iwishwecouldlookbehind,"Lyrasaidwhentheywereafewhundredyardsaway.
"Justgoonwalking.Theyseeus,andtheywolost.Theylletouswhentheywantto."
Theysteppedofftheblackroadandintotheknee-highgrass,swishingtheirlegsthroughthestems,watgtheish,darting,fluttering,skimming,hearingthemillion-voicedchoruschirrupandscrape.
"Whatareyougoingtodo,Will?"Lyrasaidquietlyaftertheydwalkedsomewayinsilence.
"Well,Ivegottogohome,"hesaid.
Shethoughthesoundeduhough.Shehopedhesoundedunsure.
"Buttheymightstillbeafteryou,"shesaid."Thosemen."
"Weveseenworsethanthem,afterall."
"Yes,Isuppose...ButIwaoshowyouJordanCollege,andtheFens.Iwao..."
"Yeah,"hesaid,"andIwanted...ItwouldbegoodtogotoCittagazzeagaiwasabeautifulpladiftheSpectersareallgone...Buttheresmymother.Ivegottogobadlookafterher.IjustleftherwithMrs.Cooper,anditsnotfairoherofthem."
"Butitsnotfaironyoutohavetodothat."
"No,"hesaid,"butthatsadifferentsortofnotfair.Thatsjustlikeahquakeorarainstorm.Itmightnotbefair,butoblame.ButifIjustleavemymotherwithanoldladywhoisntverywellherself,thenthatsadifferentkindofnotfair.Thatwouldbewrong.Ivejustgottogohome.Butprobablyitsgoingtobedifficulttogobackaswewere.Probablythesecretsoutnow.IdontsupposeMrs.Cooperwillhavebeeolookafterher,notifmymothersihosetimeswhesfrightehings.Soshesprobablyhadtogethelp,andwhenIgoback,Illbemadetogointosomekindofinstitution."
"No!Likeanorphanage?"
"Ithinkthatswhattheydo.Ijustdontknow.Illhateit."
"Youcouldescapewiththeknife,Will!Youcouldetomyworld!"
"Istillbelongthere,whereIbewithher.WhenImgrownupIllbeabletolookafterherproperly,inmyownhouse.Nooneterferethen."
"Dyouthinkyoullgetmarried?"
Hewasquietforalongtime.Shekhinking,though.
"Itseethatfarahead,"hesaid."Itwouldhavetobesomeonewhouandsabout...Idontthinktheresanyonelikethatinmyworld.Wouldyougetmarried?"
"Metoo,"shesaid."Nottoanyoneinmyworld,Ishouldntthink."
Theywalkedonsteadily,wanderingtowardthehorizon.Theyhadallthetimeintheworld:allthetimetheworldhad.
AfterawhileLyrasaid,"Youwillkeeptheknife,wontyou?Soyoucouldvisitmyworld?"
"Ofcourse.Icertainlywouldntgiveittoanyoneelse,ever."
"Dontlook...”shesaid,notalteringherpace."Theretheyareagain.O."
"Theyarefollowingus,"saidWill,delighted.
"Shh!"
"Ithoughttheywould.Okay,welljustpretendnow,welljustwanderalongasifwerelookingforthem,andwelllookinallsortsofstupidplaces."
Itbecameagame.Theyfoundapondandsearchedamongthereedsandinthemud,sayingloudlythatthedaemonswereboundtobeshapedlikefrogsorwaterbeetless;theypeeledoffthebarkofalong-falleheedgeofastring-woodgrove,pretendingtohaveseewodaemonscreepingunderhitintheforms;Lyramadeagreatfussofanantsheclaimedtohavetroddenon,sympathizingwithitsbruises,sayingitsfacewasjustlikePans,askinginmocksorrowwhyitwasrefusingtospeaktoher.
Butwhehoughttheyweregenuinelyoutofearshot,shesaidearlytoWill,leaningclosetospeakquietly:
"Wehadtoleavethem,didntwe?Wedidnthaveachoicereally?"
"Yes,wehadto.Itwasworseforyouthanforme,butwedidnthaveanychoiceatall.Becauseyoumadeapromiseter,andyouhadtokeepit."
"Andyouhadtospeaktoyourfatheragain..."
"Aoletthemallout."
"Yes,wedid.Imsogladwedid.Panwillbegladoneday,too,whenIdie.Wewontbesplitup.Itwasagoodthingwedid."
Asthesunrosehigherintheskyandtheairbecamewarmer,theybegantolookforshade.Towardnoontheyfoundthemselvesonthesloperisingtowardthesummite,aheydreachedit,Lyrafloppeddownonthegrassandsaid,"Well!Ifwedontfindsomewhereshadysoon..."
Therewasavalleyleadingdownoherside,anditwasthickwithbushes,sotheyguessedtheremightbeastreamaswell.Theytraversedtheslopeoftheridgetillitdippedintotheheadofthevalley,andthere,sureenough,amongfernsandreeds,aspringbubbledoutoftherock.
Theydippedtheirhotfathewaterandswallowedgratefully,aheyfollowedthestreamdownward,seeingitgatherinminiaturewhirlpoolsandpourovertinyledgesofstone,andallthetimegetfullerandwider.
"Howdoesitdothat?"Lyramarveled."Theresnomorewateringintoitfromanywhereelse,buttheressomuchmoreofitherethanupthere."
Will,watgtheshadowsoutoftheerofhiseye,sawthemslipahead,leapihefernstodisappearintothebushesfartherdown.Hepointedsilently.
"Itjustgoesslower,"hesaid."Itdoesntflowasfastasthespringesout,soitgathersinthesepools...Theyvegohere,"hewhispered,indigalittlegroupoftreesatthefootoftheslope.
Theylookedateachother,acuriouslyformalandseriouslook,beforesettingofftofollowthestream.Theundergrowthgotthickerastheywentdownthevalley;thestreamwentintotunnelsofgreenandemergedindappledclearings,onlytotumbleoveralipofstoneandburyitselfinthegreenagain,andtheyhadtofollowitasmuchbyhearingasbysight.
Atthefootofthehill,itranintothelittlewoodofsilver-barkedtrees.
FatherGomezwatchedfromthetopoftheridge.Ithadntbeenhardtofollowthem;despiteMarysfideheopensavanna,therelentyofcealmentinthegrassandtheoccasionalthickets-woodandsap-lacquerbushes.Thetwoyoungpeoplehadspentalotoftimeearlierlookingallaroundasiftheythoughttheywerebeingfollowed.Hehadhadtokeepsomedistanceaway,butasthempassed,theybecamemoreandmoreabsorbedineachotherandpaidlessattentiontothelandscape.
Theohinghedidntwanttodowashurttheboy.Hehadahorroraniperson.Theonlywaytomakesureofhistargetwastogetcloseenoughtoseeherclearly,whichmeantfollowiothewood.
Quietlyandcautiouslyhemoveddownthecourseofthestream.Hisdaemonthegreen-backedbeetleflewoverhead,tastingtheair;hereyesightwaslessgoodthanhis,buthersenseofsmellwasacute,andshecaughtthestoftheyoungpeoplesfleshveryclearly.Shewouldgoalittleahead,perastemofgrass,andwaitforhim,thenmoveonagain;andasshecaughtthetrailihattheirbodiesleftbehind,FatherGomezfoundhimselfpraisingGodforhismission,becauseitwasclearerthahattheboyandthegirlwerewalkingintomortalsin.
Hewatchedthemgoinamorees.Theyhadntlookedbaihetopoftheridge,buthestillkeptlow,movingdowreamatacrouch,holdingtherifleinonehand,balangwiththeother.
Hewassoclosetosucowthatforthefirsttimehefoundhimselfspeculatingonwhathewoulddoafterward,aherhewouldpleasetheKingdomofHeavenmoingbacktoGenevaorstayingtoevangelizethisworld.Thefirstthingtodoherewouldbetovihefgedcreatures,whoseemedtohavetherudimentsofreason,thattheirhabitofridingonwheelswasabominableandSatanidtrarytothewillofGod.Breakthemofthat,andsalvationwouldfollow.
Hereachedthefootoftheslope,wherethetreesbegan,andlaidtherifledowly.
Hegazedintothesilver-green-goldshadows,andlistened,withbothhandsbehindhisearstocatdfoyquietvoicesthroughtheichirpingarickleofthestream.Yes:theretheywere.Theydstopped.
Hebenttopickuptherifle…
Andfoundhimselfutteringahoarseahlessgasp,assomethingclutchedhisdaemonandpulledherawayfromhim.
Buttherewasnothingthere!Wherewasshe?Thepainwasatrocious.Heheardherg,andcastaboutwildlytoleftandright,lookingforher.
"Keepstill,"saidavoitheair,"andbequiet.Ihaveyourdaemoninmyhand."
"But,whereareyou?Whoareyou?"
"MynameisBalthamos,"saidthevoice.
WillandLyrafollowedthestreamintothewood,walkingcarefully,sayinglittle,untiltheywereintheveryter.
Therewasalittleclearinginthemiddleofthegrove,whichwasflooredwithsoftgrassandmoss-coveredrocks.Thebrancheslacedacrossoverhead,almostshuttingouttheskyaingthroughlittlemovingspanglesandsequinsofsunlight,sothateverythingledwithgoldandsilver.
Anditwasquiet.Onlythetrickleofthestream,andtheoccasionalrustleofleaveshighupinalittlecurlofbreeze,brokethesilence.
Willputdownthepackageoffood;Lyraputdowtlerucksack.Therewasnosignofthedaemonshadowsaheywerepletelyalone.
Theytookofftheirshoesandsodsatdownonthemossyrocksattheedgeofthestream,dippingtheirfeetinthecoldwaterandfeelingtheshockofitinvigoratetheirblood.
"Imhungry,"Willsaid.
"Metoo,"saidLyra,thoughshewasalsofeelingmorethanthat,somethingsubduedandpressingandhalf-happyandhalf-painful,sothatshewasntquitesurewhatitwas.
Theyunfoldedtheclothandatesomebreadandcheese.Forsomereasontheirhandswereslowandclumsy,andtheyhardlytastedthefood,althoughthebreadwasflouryandcrispfromthehotbaking-stones,andthecheesewasflakyandsaltyandveryfresh.
ThenLyratookohoselittleredfruits.Withafast-beati,sheturohimandsaid,"Will..."
Aedthefruitgentlytohismouth.
Shecouldseefromhiseyesthathekoshemeant,andthathewastoojoyfultospeak.Herfingerswerestillathislips,athemtremble,ahisotoholdhersthere,andtheherofthemcouldlook;theywerefused;theywerebrimmingwithhappiness.
Liketwomothsclumsilybumpingtogether,withnomoreweightthanthat,theirlipstouched.Thenbeforetheyknewhoeheyweregingtogether,blindlypressingtheirfacestowardeachother.
"LikeMarysaid,"hewhispered,"youknhtawaywhenyoulikesomeone,whenyouwereasleep,onthemountain,beforeshetookyouaway,ItoldPan...”
"Iheard,"shewhispered,"IwasawakeandIwaellyouthesameandnowIknowwhatImusthavefeltallthetime:Iloveyou,Will,Iloveyou...”
Thewordlovesethisnervesablaze.Allhisbodythrilledwithit,andheansweredherinthesamewords,kissifaceoverandain,drinkinginwithadorationthestofherbodyandherwarm,honey-fragranthairandhersweet,moistmouththattastedofthelittleredfruit.
Arouherewasnothingbutsilence,asifalltheworldwereholdingitsbreath.
Balthamoswasterrified.
Hemovedupthestreamandawayfromthewood,holdingthescratg,stinging,bitingidaemon,andtryingtocealhimselfasmuchashecouldfromthemanwhowasstumblingafterthem.
Hemusthimcatchup.HekhatFatherGomezwouldkillhiminamoment.Anangelofhisrankwasnomatahatangelwasstrongahy,andBalthamoswasherofthose;besideswhich,hewascrippledbygriefoverBarudshameathaviedWillbefore.Henolongerevenhadthestrengthtofly.
"Stop,stop,"saidFatherGomez."Pleasekeepstill.Itseeyou,letstalk,please,donthurtmydaemon,Ibegyou...”
Infact,thedaemonwashurtingBalthamos.Theangelcouldseethelittlegreenthingdimlythroughthebacksofhisclaspedhands,andshewassinkingherpowerfuljawsagainandagainintohispalms.Ifheopenedhishandsjustforamoment,shewouldbegone.Balthamoskeptthemclosed.
"Thisway,"hesaid,"followme.eawayfromthewood.Iwanttotalktoyou,andthisisthewrongplace."
"Butwhoareyou?Itseeyou.ecloser,howItellwhatyouaretillIseeyou?Keepstill,dontmovesoquickly!"
Butmovingquicklywastheonlydefehamoshad.Tryingtoighestingingdaemon,hepickedhisthelittlegullywherethestreamran,steppingfromrocktorock.
Thenhemadeamistake:tryingtolookbehindhim,heslippedandputafootintothewater.
"Ah,"cameawhisperofsatisfaasFatherGomezsawthesplash.
Balthamoswithdrewhisfootatondhurriedon,butnorintappearedonthedryrockseachtimeheputhisfootdown.Thepriestsawitaforward,ahebrushoffeathersonhishand.
Hestoppedinastonishment:thewelreverberatedinhismind.Balthamosseizedthemomenttostumblefain,andthepriestfelthimselfdraggedafterhimasanotherbrutalpangwrenchedhisheart.
Balthamossaidoverhisshoulder,"Alittlefarther,justtothetopoftheridge,andweshalltalk,Ipromise."
"Talkhere!Stopwhereyouare,andIswearIshanttouchyou!"
Theangeldidntreply:itwastoohardtotrate.Hehadtosplithisattentionthreeways:behindhimtoavoidthemaoseewherehewasgoing,andonthefuriousdaemontormentinghishands.
Asforthepriest,hismindwaswquickly.Atrulydangerousoppowouldhavekilledhisdaemonatondehematterthereahisantagonistwasafraidtostrike.
Withthatinmihimselfstumble,andutteredlittlemoansofpain,andpleadedowicefortheothertostop,allthetimewatgclosely,movingnearer,estimatinghowbigtheotherwas,howquicklyheove,whichwayhewaslooking.
"Please,"hesaidbrokenly,"youdontknowhowmuchthishurts,Itdoyouanyharm,pleasewestopandtalk?"
Hedidntwanttomoveoutofsightofthewood.Theywerenowatthepoihestreambegan,andhecouldseetheshapeofBalthamossfeetverylightlypressingthegrass.Thepriesthadwatchedeveryinchoftheway,andhewassurenowwheretheangelwasstanding.
Balthamosturnedaround.Thepriestraisedhiseyestotheplacewherehethoughttheangelsfacewouldbe,andsawhimforthefirsttime:justashimmerintheair,buttherewasnomistakingit.
Theangelwasntquitecloseenoughtoreaovement,though,andintruththepullonhisdaemonhadbeenpainfulandweakening.Maybeheshouldtakeaeportwo...
"Sitdown,"saidBalthamos."Sitdownwhereyouare.Notastepcloser."
"Whatdoyouwant?"saidFatherGomez,notmoving.
"WhatdoIwant?Iwanttokillyou,butIhaventgotthestrength."
"Butareyouanangel?"
"Whatdoesitmatter?"
"Youmighthavemadeamistake.Wemightbeonthesameside."
"No,werenot.Ihavebeenfollowingyou.Iknowwhosesideyoureon,no,no,dontmove.Staythere."
"Itsnottoolatetorepent.Evenangelsareallowedtodothat.Letmehearyourfession."
"Oh,Baruch,helpme!"criedBalthamosindespair,turningaway.
Andashecriedout,FatherGomezleaptforhim.Hisshoulderhittheangels,andknockedBalthamosoffbalandinthrowingoutahandtosavehimself,theagooftheidaemoleflewfreeatondFatherGomezfeltasurgeofreliefandstrength.Infact,itwasthatwhichkilledhim,tohisgreatsurprise.Hehurledhimselfsohardatthefaintformoftheangel,andheexpectedsomuchmoreresistahahathecouldntkeephisbalance.Hisfootslipped;hismomentumcarriedhimdowntowardthestream;and;Balthamos,thinkingofwhatBaruchwouldhavedone,kickedasidethepriestshandasheflungitoutforsupport.
FatherGomezfellhard.Hisheadcrackedagainstastone,andhefellstuhhisfathewater.Thecoldshockwokehimatoashechokedariedtorise,Balthamos,desperate,ighedaemonstinginghisfadhiseyesandhismouth,andusedallthelittleweighthehadtoholdthemansheaddownier,aitthere,athere,athere.
Whenthedaemonsuddenlyvanished,Balthamosletgo.Themanwasdead.Assoonashewassure,Balthamoshauledthebodyoutofthestreamandlaiditcarefullyonthegrass,foldingthepriestshandsoverhisbreastandclosinghiseyes.
ThenBalthamosstoodup,sidwearyandfullofpain.
"Baruch,"hesaid,"oh,Baruch,mydear,Iore.Willandthegirlaresafe,ahingwillbewell,butthisistheendforme,thoughtrulyIdiedwhenyoudid,Baruch,mybeloved."
Amomentlater,hewasgone.
Inthebeanfield,drowsyieafternoo,MaryheardAtalsvoidshecouldnttellexcitementfromalarm:hadareefallen?Hadthemanwiththerifleappeared?
Look!Look!Atalwassaying,nudgingMaryspocketwithhertrunk,soMarytookthespyglassanddidasherfriendsaid,pointingituptothesky.
Tellmewhatitsdoing!saidAtal.Ifeelitisdifferent,butItsee.
TheterriblefloodofDustintheskyhadstoppedflowing.Itwasntstill,byanymeans;Marysedthewholeskywiththeamberlens,seeingacurrenthere,ahere,avortexfartheroff;iterpetualmovement,butitwasntflowingawayanymore.Infact,ifanything,itwasfallinglikesnowflakes.
Shethoughtofthewheeltrees:theflowersthatopenedupwardwouldbedrinkinginthisgoldenrain.Marycouldalmostfeelthemwelingitintheirpoorparchedthroats,whichweresoperfectlyshapedforit,andwhichhadbeenstarvedforsolong.
Theyoungones,saidAtal.
Maryturned,spyglassinhand,toseeWillandLyrareturning.Theyweresomewayoff;theywerenthurrying.Theywereholdinghands,talkingtogether,headsclose,o松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
"Wherewillyougo?"saidMary,heavy-eyedandheadachyafterherdisturbednight.SheandLyrawereontheriverbank,Lyratowash,andMarytolook,surreptitiously,forthemansfootprints.Sofarshehadntfoundany.
"Dontknow,"saidLyra."Buttheyreouttheresomewhere.Assoonaswecamethroughfromthebattle,theyranawayasiftheydidnttrustusanymore.tsayIblamethem,either.Butweknowtheyreinthisworld,ahoughtwesawthemacoupleoftimes,somaybewefindthem."
"Listen,"Marysaidrelutly,andtoldLyraaboutthemanshedseenthenightbefore.
Asshespoke,Willcametojointhem,andbothheandLyralistened,wide-eyedandserious.
"Hesprobablyjustatravelerandhefoundawindowandwahroughfromsomewhereelse,"LyrasaidwhenMaryhadfinished."LikeWillsfatherdid.Theresboundtobeallkindsofopeningsnow.Anyway,ifhejustturnedarounda,hethavemeanttodoanythingbad,he?"
"Idontknow.Ididntlikeit.AndImworriedaboutyougoingoffonyourown,orIwouldbeifIdidntknowyoudalreadydonefarmoredangerousthingsthanthat.Oh,Idontknow.Butpleasebecareful.Pleaselookallaround.Atleastoutontheprairieyouseesomeoneingfromalongwayoff..."
"Ifwedo,weescapestraightawayintoanotherworld,sohewontheabletohurtus,"Willsaid.
Theyweredetermiogo,andMarywasreluttue.
"Atleast,"shesaid,"promisethatyouwontgoinamorees.Ifthatmanisstillaround,hemightbehidinginawroveandyouwouldntseehimioescape."
"Wepromise,"saidLyra.
"Well,Illpaefoodincaseyoureoutallday."
Marytooksomeflatbreadandcheeseandsomesweet,thirst-quengredfruits,edtheminacloth,andtiedacordarounditforohemtocarryoverashoulder.
"Goodhunting,"shesaidastheyleft."Pleasetakecare."
Shewasstillanxious.Shestoodwatgthemallthewaytothefootoftheslope.
"Iwonderwhyshessosad,"WillsaidasheandLyraclimbedtheroadupte.
"Shesprobablywifshellevergohomeagain,"saidLyra."Andifherlaboratoryllstillbeherswhenshedoes.Andmaybeshessadaboutthemanshewasih."
"Mmm,"saidWill."Dyouthinkwellevergohome?"
"Dunno.IdontsupposeIvegotahomeanyway.TheyprobablycouldnthavemebackatJordanCollege,andItlivewiththebearsorthewitches.MaybeIcouldlivewiththegyptians.Iwouldntmindthat,iftheydhaveme."
"WhataboutLordAsrielsworld?Wouldntyouwanttolivethere?"
"Itsgoingtofail,remember,"shesaid.
"Why?"
"Becauseofwhatyourfathersghostsaid,justbeforewecameout.Aboutdaemons,andhowtheylyliveforalongtimeiftheystayintheirownworld.ButprobablyLordAsriel,Imeanmyfather,
couldnthavethoughtaboutthat,becausenooneknewenoughaboutotherworldswhearted...Allthat,"shesaidwly,"allthatbraveryandskill...Allthat,allwasted!Allfornothing!"
Theyclimbedon,findingthegoingeasyontherockroad,aheyreachedthetopoftheridge,theystoppedandlookedback.
"Will,"shesaid,"supposifindthem?"
"Imsurewewill.WhatImwiswhatmydaemonwillbelike."
"Yousawher.AndIpickedherup,"Lyrasaid,blushing,becauseofcourseitwasagrossviolationofmaotouethingsoprivateassomeoneelsesdaemon.Itwasforbiddennotonlybypoliteness,butbysomethihanthat,somethinglikeshame.AquickglaWillswarmcheeksshowedthathekhatjustaswellasshedid.
Theywalkedonsidebyside,suddenlyshywitheachother.ButWill,notputoffbybeingshy,said,"Whendoesyourdaemonstopgingshape?"
"About...Isupposeaboute,orabitolder.Maybemoresometimes.WeusedtotalkaboutPaling,himandme.Weusedtowonderwhathedbe...”
"Dontpeoplehaveanyidea?"
"Notwhentheyreyoung.Asyougrowupyoustartthinkiheymightbethisortheymightbethat...Andusuallytheyendupsomethingthatfits.Imeahinglikeyourrealnature.Likeifyourdaemonsadog,thatmeansyoulikedoingwhatyouretold,andknowingwhosboss,andfollowingorders,andpleasingpeoplewhoareincharge.Alotofservantsarepeoplewhosedaems.Soithelpstoknowwhatyourelikeandtofindwhatyoudbegoodat.Howdopeopleinyourworldknowwhattheyrelike?"
"Idontknow.Idontknowmuyworld.AllIknowiskeepiandquietandhidden,soIdontknowmuchabout...grownups,andfriends.Orlovers.Ithinkitdbedifficulthavingadaemonbecauseeverybodywouldknowsomuchaboutyoujustbylooking.Iliketokeepsecretandstayoutofsight."
"Thenmaybeyourdaemondbeananimalthatsgoodathiding.Orohoseanimalsthatlookslikeanother,abutterflythatlookslikea,fuise.Theymusthavecreatureslikethatinyourworld,becausewehave,andweresomuchalike."
Theywalkedoherinafriendlysilence.Allarouhewide,clearmlaylimpidintheholloearlyblueinthewarmairabove.Asfarastheeyecouldsee,thegreatsavannarolled,brown,gold,buff-green,shimmeringtowardthehorizon,ay.Theymighthavebeentheonlypeopleintheworld.
"Butitsyreally,"Lyrasaid.
"Youmeanthatman?"
"No.YouknowwhatImean."
"Yes,Ido.Iseeshadowsinthegrass...maybebirds,"Willsaid.
Hewasfollowiledartingmovementshereandthere.Hefounditeasiertoseetheshadowsifhedidntlookatthem.Theyweremorewillingtoshowthemselvestotheersofhiseye,andwhenhesaidsotoLyra,shesaid,"Itsivecapability."
"Whatsthat?"
"ThepoetKeatssaiditfirst.Dr.Maloneknows.ItshowIreadthealethiometer.Itshowyouusetheknife,isntit?"
"Yes,Isupposeitis.ButIwasjustthinkingthattheymightbethedaemons."
"SowasI,but..."
Sheputherfioherlips.Henodded.
"Look,"hesaid,"theresohosefallentrees."
ItwasMarysclimbiheywentuptoitcarefully,keepingahegroveiheroneshouldfall.Inthecalmm,withonlyafaintbreezestirringtheleaves,itseemedimpossiblethatamightythinglikethisshouldevertopple,buthereitwas.
Thevasttrunk,supportedinthegrovebyitstorn-uprootsandoutonthegrassbythemassofbranches,washighabovetheirheads.Someofthosebranches,crushedandbrokehemselvesasbigaroundasthebiggesttreesWillhadeverseen;theofthetree,tight-packedwithboughsthatstilllookedsturdy,leavesthatwerestillgreen,toweredlikearuinedpalatothemildair.
SuddenlyLyragrippedWillsarm.
"Shh,"shewhispered."Dontlook.Imsuretheyreupthere.IsawsomethingmoveandIswearitan..."
Herhandwaswarm.Hewasmoreawareofthatthanofthegreatmassofleavesandbranchesabovethem.Pretendingtogazevatlyatthehorizohisattentionwanderupwardintothefusedmassofgreen,brown,andblue,andthere,shewasright!,therewasasomethingthatwasnotthetree.Andbesideit,another.
"Walkaway,"Willsaidunderhisbreath."Wellgosomewhereelseaheyfollowus."
"Supposetheydont...Butyes,allright,"Lyrawhisperedback.
Theypreteolookallaround;theysettheirhandsohebranchesrestingontheground,asiftheywereintendingtoclimb;theypreteogetheirminds,byshakingtheirheadsandwalkingaway.
"Iwishwecouldlookbehind,"Lyrasaidwhentheywereafewhundredyardsaway.
"Justgoonwalking.Theyseeus,andtheywolost.Theylletouswhentheywantto."
Theysteppedofftheblackroadandintotheknee-highgrass,swishingtheirlegsthroughthestems,watgtheish,darting,fluttering,skimming,hearingthemillion-voicedchoruschirrupandscrape.
"Whatareyougoingtodo,Will?"Lyrasaidquietlyaftertheydwalkedsomewayinsilence.
"Well,Ivegottogohome,"hesaid.
Shethoughthesoundeduhough.Shehopedhesoundedunsure.
"Buttheymightstillbeafteryou,"shesaid."Thosemen."
"Weveseenworsethanthem,afterall."
"Yes,Isuppose...ButIwaoshowyouJordanCollege,andtheFens.Iwao..."
"Yeah,"hesaid,"andIwanted...ItwouldbegoodtogotoCittagazzeagaiwasabeautifulpladiftheSpectersareallgone...Buttheresmymother.Ivegottogobadlookafterher.IjustleftherwithMrs.Cooper,anditsnotfairoherofthem."
"Butitsnotfaironyoutohavetodothat."
"No,"hesaid,"butthatsadifferentsortofnotfair.Thatsjustlikeahquakeorarainstorm.Itmightnotbefair,butoblame.ButifIjustleavemymotherwithanoldladywhoisntverywellherself,thenthatsadifferentkindofnotfair.Thatwouldbewrong.Ivejustgottogohome.Butprobablyitsgoingtobedifficulttogobackaswewere.Probablythesecretsoutnow.IdontsupposeMrs.Cooperwillhavebeeolookafterher,notifmymothersihosetimeswhesfrightehings.Soshesprobablyhadtogethelp,andwhenIgoback,Illbemadetogointosomekindofinstitution."
"No!Likeanorphanage?"
"Ithinkthatswhattheydo.Ijustdontknow.Illhateit."
"Youcouldescapewiththeknife,Will!Youcouldetomyworld!"
"Istillbelongthere,whereIbewithher.WhenImgrownupIllbeabletolookafterherproperly,inmyownhouse.Nooneterferethen."
"Dyouthinkyoullgetmarried?"
Hewasquietforalongtime.Shekhinking,though.
"Itseethatfarahead,"hesaid."Itwouldhavetobesomeonewhouandsabout...Idontthinktheresanyonelikethatinmyworld.Wouldyougetmarried?"
"Metoo,"shesaid."Nottoanyoneinmyworld,Ishouldntthink."
Theywalkedonsteadily,wanderingtowardthehorizon.Theyhadallthetimeintheworld:allthetimetheworldhad.
AfterawhileLyrasaid,"Youwillkeeptheknife,wontyou?Soyoucouldvisitmyworld?"
"Ofcourse.Icertainlywouldntgiveittoanyoneelse,ever."
"Dontlook...”shesaid,notalteringherpace."Theretheyareagain.O."
"Theyarefollowingus,"saidWill,delighted.
"Shh!"
"Ithoughttheywould.Okay,welljustpretendnow,welljustwanderalongasifwerelookingforthem,andwelllookinallsortsofstupidplaces."
Itbecameagame.Theyfoundapondandsearchedamongthereedsandinthemud,sayingloudlythatthedaemonswereboundtobeshapedlikefrogsorwaterbeetless;theypeeledoffthebarkofalong-falleheedgeofastring-woodgrove,pretendingtohaveseewodaemonscreepingunderhitintheforms;Lyramadeagreatfussofanantsheclaimedtohavetroddenon,sympathizingwithitsbruises,sayingitsfacewasjustlikePans,askinginmocksorrowwhyitwasrefusingtospeaktoher.
Butwhehoughttheyweregenuinelyoutofearshot,shesaidearlytoWill,leaningclosetospeakquietly:
"Wehadtoleavethem,didntwe?Wedidnthaveachoicereally?"
"Yes,wehadto.Itwasworseforyouthanforme,butwedidnthaveanychoiceatall.Becauseyoumadeapromiseter,andyouhadtokeepit."
"Andyouhadtospeaktoyourfatheragain..."
"Aoletthemallout."
"Yes,wedid.Imsogladwedid.Panwillbegladoneday,too,whenIdie.Wewontbesplitup.Itwasagoodthingwedid."
Asthesunrosehigherintheskyandtheairbecamewarmer,theybegantolookforshade.Towardnoontheyfoundthemselvesonthesloperisingtowardthesummite,aheydreachedit,Lyrafloppeddownonthegrassandsaid,"Well!Ifwedontfindsomewhereshadysoon..."
Therewasavalleyleadingdownoherside,anditwasthickwithbushes,sotheyguessedtheremightbeastreamaswell.Theytraversedtheslopeoftheridgetillitdippedintotheheadofthevalley,andthere,sureenough,amongfernsandreeds,aspringbubbledoutoftherock.
Theydippedtheirhotfathewaterandswallowedgratefully,aheyfollowedthestreamdownward,seeingitgatherinminiaturewhirlpoolsandpourovertinyledgesofstone,andallthetimegetfullerandwider.
"Howdoesitdothat?"Lyramarveled."Theresnomorewateringintoitfromanywhereelse,buttheressomuchmoreofitherethanupthere."
Will,watgtheshadowsoutoftheerofhiseye,sawthemslipahead,leapihefernstodisappearintothebushesfartherdown.Hepointedsilently.
"Itjustgoesslower,"hesaid."Itdoesntflowasfastasthespringesout,soitgathersinthesepools...Theyvegohere,"hewhispered,indigalittlegroupoftreesatthefootoftheslope.
Theylookedateachother,acuriouslyformalandseriouslook,beforesettingofftofollowthestream.Theundergrowthgotthickerastheywentdownthevalley;thestreamwentintotunnelsofgreenandemergedindappledclearings,onlytotumbleoveralipofstoneandburyitselfinthegreenagain,andtheyhadtofollowitasmuchbyhearingasbysight.
Atthefootofthehill,itranintothelittlewoodofsilver-barkedtrees.
FatherGomezwatchedfromthetopoftheridge.Ithadntbeenhardtofollowthem;despiteMarysfideheopensavanna,therelentyofcealmentinthegrassandtheoccasionalthickets-woodandsap-lacquerbushes.Thetwoyoungpeoplehadspentalotoftimeearlierlookingallaroundasiftheythoughttheywerebeingfollowed.Hehadhadtokeepsomedistanceaway,butasthempassed,theybecamemoreandmoreabsorbedineachotherandpaidlessattentiontothelandscape.
Theohinghedidntwanttodowashurttheboy.Hehadahorroraniperson.Theonlywaytomakesureofhistargetwastogetcloseenoughtoseeherclearly,whichmeantfollowiothewood.
Quietlyandcautiouslyhemoveddownthecourseofthestream.Hisdaemonthegreen-backedbeetleflewoverhead,tastingtheair;hereyesightwaslessgoodthanhis,buthersenseofsmellwasacute,andshecaughtthestoftheyoungpeoplesfleshveryclearly.Shewouldgoalittleahead,perastemofgrass,andwaitforhim,thenmoveonagain;andasshecaughtthetrailihattheirbodiesleftbehind,FatherGomezfoundhimselfpraisingGodforhismission,becauseitwasclearerthahattheboyandthegirlwerewalkingintomortalsin.
Hewatchedthemgoinamorees.Theyhadntlookedbaihetopoftheridge,buthestillkeptlow,movingdowreamatacrouch,holdingtherifleinonehand,balangwiththeother.
Hewassoclosetosucowthatforthefirsttimehefoundhimselfspeculatingonwhathewoulddoafterward,aherhewouldpleasetheKingdomofHeavenmoingbacktoGenevaorstayingtoevangelizethisworld.Thefirstthingtodoherewouldbetovihefgedcreatures,whoseemedtohavetherudimentsofreason,thattheirhabitofridingonwheelswasabominableandSatanidtrarytothewillofGod.Breakthemofthat,andsalvationwouldfollow.
Hereachedthefootoftheslope,wherethetreesbegan,andlaidtherifledowly.
Hegazedintothesilver-green-goldshadows,andlistened,withbothhandsbehindhisearstocatdfoyquietvoicesthroughtheichirpingarickleofthestream.Yes:theretheywere.Theydstopped.
Hebenttopickuptherifle…
Andfoundhimselfutteringahoarseahlessgasp,assomethingclutchedhisdaemonandpulledherawayfromhim.
Buttherewasnothingthere!Wherewasshe?Thepainwasatrocious.Heheardherg,andcastaboutwildlytoleftandright,lookingforher.
"Keepstill,"saidavoitheair,"andbequiet.Ihaveyourdaemoninmyhand."
"But,whereareyou?Whoareyou?"
"MynameisBalthamos,"saidthevoice.
WillandLyrafollowedthestreamintothewood,walkingcarefully,sayinglittle,untiltheywereintheveryter.
Therewasalittleclearinginthemiddleofthegrove,whichwasflooredwithsoftgrassandmoss-coveredrocks.Thebrancheslacedacrossoverhead,almostshuttingouttheskyaingthroughlittlemovingspanglesandsequinsofsunlight,sothateverythingledwithgoldandsilver.
Anditwasquiet.Onlythetrickleofthestream,andtheoccasionalrustleofleaveshighupinalittlecurlofbreeze,brokethesilence.
Willputdownthepackageoffood;Lyraputdowtlerucksack.Therewasnosignofthedaemonshadowsaheywerepletelyalone.
Theytookofftheirshoesandsodsatdownonthemossyrocksattheedgeofthestream,dippingtheirfeetinthecoldwaterandfeelingtheshockofitinvigoratetheirblood.
"Imhungry,"Willsaid.
"Metoo,"saidLyra,thoughshewasalsofeelingmorethanthat,somethingsubduedandpressingandhalf-happyandhalf-painful,sothatshewasntquitesurewhatitwas.
Theyunfoldedtheclothandatesomebreadandcheese.Forsomereasontheirhandswereslowandclumsy,andtheyhardlytastedthefood,althoughthebreadwasflouryandcrispfromthehotbaking-stones,andthecheesewasflakyandsaltyandveryfresh.
ThenLyratookohoselittleredfruits.Withafast-beati,sheturohimandsaid,"Will..."
Aedthefruitgentlytohismouth.
Shecouldseefromhiseyesthathekoshemeant,andthathewastoojoyfultospeak.Herfingerswerestillathislips,athemtremble,ahisotoholdhersthere,andtheherofthemcouldlook;theywerefused;theywerebrimmingwithhappiness.
Liketwomothsclumsilybumpingtogether,withnomoreweightthanthat,theirlipstouched.Thenbeforetheyknewhoeheyweregingtogether,blindlypressingtheirfacestowardeachother.
"LikeMarysaid,"hewhispered,"youknhtawaywhenyoulikesomeone,whenyouwereasleep,onthemountain,beforeshetookyouaway,ItoldPan...”
"Iheard,"shewhispered,"IwasawakeandIwaellyouthesameandnowIknowwhatImusthavefeltallthetime:Iloveyou,Will,Iloveyou...”
Thewordlovesethisnervesablaze.Allhisbodythrilledwithit,andheansweredherinthesamewords,kissifaceoverandain,drinkinginwithadorationthestofherbodyandherwarm,honey-fragranthairandhersweet,moistmouththattastedofthelittleredfruit.
Arouherewasnothingbutsilence,asifalltheworldwereholdingitsbreath.
Balthamoswasterrified.
Hemovedupthestreamandawayfromthewood,holdingthescratg,stinging,bitingidaemon,andtryingtocealhimselfasmuchashecouldfromthemanwhowasstumblingafterthem.
Hemusthimcatchup.HekhatFatherGomezwouldkillhiminamoment.Anangelofhisrankwasnomatahatangelwasstrongahy,andBalthamoswasherofthose;besideswhich,hewascrippledbygriefoverBarudshameathaviedWillbefore.Henolongerevenhadthestrengthtofly.
"Stop,stop,"saidFatherGomez."Pleasekeepstill.Itseeyou,letstalk,please,donthurtmydaemon,Ibegyou...”
Infact,thedaemonwashurtingBalthamos.Theangelcouldseethelittlegreenthingdimlythroughthebacksofhisclaspedhands,andshewassinkingherpowerfuljawsagainandagainintohispalms.Ifheopenedhishandsjustforamoment,shewouldbegone.Balthamoskeptthemclosed.
"Thisway,"hesaid,"followme.eawayfromthewood.Iwanttotalktoyou,andthisisthewrongplace."
"Butwhoareyou?Itseeyou.ecloser,howItellwhatyouaretillIseeyou?Keepstill,dontmovesoquickly!"
Butmovingquicklywastheonlydefehamoshad.Tryingtoighestingingdaemon,hepickedhisthelittlegullywherethestreamran,steppingfromrocktorock.
Thenhemadeamistake:tryingtolookbehindhim,heslippedandputafootintothewater.
"Ah,"cameawhisperofsatisfaasFatherGomezsawthesplash.
Balthamoswithdrewhisfootatondhurriedon,butnorintappearedonthedryrockseachtimeheputhisfootdown.Thepriestsawitaforward,ahebrushoffeathersonhishand.
Hestoppedinastonishment:thewelreverberatedinhismind.Balthamosseizedthemomenttostumblefain,andthepriestfelthimselfdraggedafterhimasanotherbrutalpangwrenchedhisheart.
Balthamossaidoverhisshoulder,"Alittlefarther,justtothetopoftheridge,andweshalltalk,Ipromise."
"Talkhere!Stopwhereyouare,andIswearIshanttouchyou!"
Theangeldidntreply:itwastoohardtotrate.Hehadtosplithisattentionthreeways:behindhimtoavoidthemaoseewherehewasgoing,andonthefuriousdaemontormentinghishands.
Asforthepriest,hismindwaswquickly.Atrulydangerousoppowouldhavekilledhisdaemonatondehematterthereahisantagonistwasafraidtostrike.
Withthatinmihimselfstumble,andutteredlittlemoansofpain,andpleadedowicefortheothertostop,allthetimewatgclosely,movingnearer,estimatinghowbigtheotherwas,howquicklyheove,whichwayhewaslooking.
"Please,"hesaidbrokenly,"youdontknowhowmuchthishurts,Itdoyouanyharm,pleasewestopandtalk?"
Hedidntwanttomoveoutofsightofthewood.Theywerenowatthepoihestreambegan,andhecouldseetheshapeofBalthamossfeetverylightlypressingthegrass.Thepriesthadwatchedeveryinchoftheway,andhewassurenowwheretheangelwasstanding.
Balthamosturnedaround.Thepriestraisedhiseyestotheplacewherehethoughttheangelsfacewouldbe,andsawhimforthefirsttime:justashimmerintheair,buttherewasnomistakingit.
Theangelwasntquitecloseenoughtoreaovement,though,andintruththepullonhisdaemonhadbeenpainfulandweakening.Maybeheshouldtakeaeportwo...
"Sitdown,"saidBalthamos."Sitdownwhereyouare.Notastepcloser."
"Whatdoyouwant?"saidFatherGomez,notmoving.
"WhatdoIwant?Iwanttokillyou,butIhaventgotthestrength."
"Butareyouanangel?"
"Whatdoesitmatter?"
"Youmighthavemadeamistake.Wemightbeonthesameside."
"No,werenot.Ihavebeenfollowingyou.Iknowwhosesideyoureon,no,no,dontmove.Staythere."
"Itsnottoolatetorepent.Evenangelsareallowedtodothat.Letmehearyourfession."
"Oh,Baruch,helpme!"criedBalthamosindespair,turningaway.
Andashecriedout,FatherGomezleaptforhim.Hisshoulderhittheangels,andknockedBalthamosoffbalandinthrowingoutahandtosavehimself,theagooftheidaemoleflewfreeatondFatherGomezfeltasurgeofreliefandstrength.Infact,itwasthatwhichkilledhim,tohisgreatsurprise.Hehurledhimselfsohardatthefaintformoftheangel,andheexpectedsomuchmoreresistahahathecouldntkeephisbalance.Hisfootslipped;hismomentumcarriedhimdowntowardthestream;and;Balthamos,thinkingofwhatBaruchwouldhavedone,kickedasidethepriestshandasheflungitoutforsupport.
FatherGomezfellhard.Hisheadcrackedagainstastone,andhefellstuhhisfathewater.Thecoldshockwokehimatoashechokedariedtorise,Balthamos,desperate,ighedaemonstinginghisfadhiseyesandhismouth,andusedallthelittleweighthehadtoholdthemansheaddownier,aitthere,athere,athere.
Whenthedaemonsuddenlyvanished,Balthamosletgo.Themanwasdead.Assoonashewassure,Balthamoshauledthebodyoutofthestreamandlaiditcarefullyonthegrass,foldingthepriestshandsoverhisbreastandclosinghiseyes.
ThenBalthamosstoodup,sidwearyandfullofpain.
"Baruch,"hesaid,"oh,Baruch,mydear,Iore.Willandthegirlaresafe,ahingwillbewell,butthisistheendforme,thoughtrulyIdiedwhenyoudid,Baruch,mybeloved."
Amomentlater,hewasgone.
Inthebeanfield,drowsyieafternoo,MaryheardAtalsvoidshecouldnttellexcitementfromalarm:hadareefallen?Hadthemanwiththerifleappeared?
Look!Look!Atalwassaying,nudgingMaryspocketwithhertrunk,soMarytookthespyglassanddidasherfriendsaid,pointingituptothesky.
Tellmewhatitsdoing!saidAtal.Ifeelitisdifferent,butItsee.
TheterriblefloodofDustintheskyhadstoppedflowing.Itwasntstill,byanymeans;Marysedthewholeskywiththeamberlens,seeingacurrenthere,ahere,avortexfartheroff;iterpetualmovement,butitwasntflowingawayanymore.Infact,ifanything,itwasfallinglikesnowflakes.
Shethoughtofthewheeltrees:theflowersthatopenedupwardwouldbedrinkinginthisgoldenrain.Marycouldalmostfeelthemwelingitintheirpoorparchedthroats,whichweresoperfectlyshapedforit,andwhichhadbeenstarvedforsolong.
Theyoungones,saidAtal.
Maryturned,spyglassinhand,toseeWillandLyrareturning.Theyweresomewayoff;theywerenthurrying.Theywereholdinghands,talkingtogether,headsclose,o松语文学www.16sy.coM免费小说阅读
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Copyright (C) 2019 All Rights Reserved 版权所有：松语文学