Ⅱ 列王的纷争 Chapter65 珊莎
SANSA
王座厅内是一片珠宝、裘皮和亮丽织锦的海洋。领主和贵妇们群聚于大厅后方,站在高窗之下,像码头的渔妇一般互相推挤。
The throne room was a sea of jewels, furs, and bright fabrics. Lords and ladies filled the back of the hall and stood beneath the high windows, jostling like fishwives on a dock.
乔佛里的廷臣们今日都极力攀比。贾拉巴·梭尔一身豪华的羽衣,奇异而夸张的服饰让他看来像只亟欲腾空的巨鸟。总主教的头每动一下,水晶冠冕便散发出七彩虹光。议事桌边,瑟曦太后身穿带金色条纹的酒红色天鹅绒礼服,熠熠生辉,她身边的瓦里斯穿着淡紫锦袍,时而大呼小叫,时而咯咯窃喜。月童和唐托斯爵士穿着崭新的小丑服,洁净一如春日之晨。连坦妲伯爵夫人母女都换上青绿丝绸与毛皮做的礼服,彼此相得益彰,而盖尔斯伯爵咳嗽用的方巾也换成镶金边的鲜红绸帕。乔佛里国王高坐在所有人之上,那布满剑刃和刺棘的铁王座里。他穿着绯红锦衣,黑披风上嵌有许多红宝石,头戴沉重的金冠。
The denizens of Joffrey’s court had striven to outdo each other today. Jalabhar Xho was all in feathers, a plumage so fantastic and extravagant that he seemed like to take flight. The High Septon’s crystal crown fired rainbows through the air every time he moved his head. At the council table, Queen Cersei shimmered in a cloth-of-gold gown slashed in burgundy velvet, while beside her Varys fussed and simpered in a lilac brocade. Moon Boy and Ser Dontos wore new suits of motley, clean as a spring morning. Even Lady Tanda and her daughters looked pretty in matching gowns of turquoise silk and vair, and Lord Gyles was coughing into a square of scarlet silk trimmed with golden lace. King Joffrey sat above them all, amongst the blades and barbs of the Iron Throne. He was in crimson samite, his black mantle studded with rubies, on his head his heavy golden crown.
珊莎穿过一大群骑士、侍从和名流富商,好不容易挤到旁听席前端,这时喇叭声骤然响起:泰温·兰尼斯特公爵驾到。
Squirming through a press of knights, squires, and rich townfolk, Sansa reached the front of the gallery just as a blast of trumpets announced the entry of Lord Tywin Lannister.
他骑着战马横穿大厅,直到王座前方才下马。珊莎没见过这般华丽的铠甲:锃亮如火的红钢板嵌有繁复的黄金涡形装饰,巨盔上围了一圈旭日状的钻石,盔顶咆哮的雄狮有红宝石的眼睛,双肩上的母狮扣住一件又长又重的金色披风,它垂下来一直盖住马的臀部。马铠也是镀金,马饰是闪耀的绯红丝绸,其上饰有兰尼斯特家族的雄狮纹章。
He rode his warhorse down the length of the hall and dismounted before the Iron Throne. Sansa had never seen such armor; all burnished red steel, inlaid with golden scrollwork and ornamentation. His rondels were sunbursts, the roaring lion that crowned his helm had ruby eyes, and a lioness on each shoulder fastened a cloth-of-gold cloak so long and heavy that it draped the hindquarters of his charger. Even the horse’s armor was gilded, and his bardings were shimmering crimson silk emblazoned with the lion of Lannister.
凯岩城公爵的形象如此令人敬畏,因此当他的坐骑陡然在铁王座下拉出一堆粪便时,大家都吃了一惊。乔佛里不得不小心翼翼地绕过它去拥抱外公,并称他为君临的救星。见此光景,珊莎连忙捂嘴,以掩饰笑容。
The Lord of Casterly Rock made such an impressive figure that it was a shock when his destrier dropped a load of dung right at the base of the throne. Joffrey had to step gingerly around it as he descended to embrace his grandfather and proclaim him Savior of the City. Sansa covered her mouth to hide a nervous smile.
小乔故作诚恳地请求外公代他掌管王国全境,泰温公爵庄严地接受了职务,“吾将不辞辛劳,直到陛下成年为止。”随后侍从们帮他卸下盔甲,由小乔亲手将首相项链为他挂上。泰温公爵在议事桌边太后身旁落坐。待到战马牵走,地板亦被清理干净之后,瑟曦点头示意典礼继续进行。
Joff made a show of asking his grandfather to assume governance of the realm, and Lord Tywin solemnly accepted the responsibility, “until Your Grace does come of age.” Then squires removed his armor and Joff fastened the Hand’s chain of office around his neck. Lord Tywin took a seat at the council table beside the queen. After the destrier was led off and his homage removed, Cersei nodded for the ceremonies to continue.
列位英雄逐个通过巨大的橡木门走进大厅,每进一位,黄铜喇叭都响起一阵嘹亮的号声以为致敬。司仪高声宣布他们的姓名与事迹,列席的骑士与夫人们热烈欢呼,活像斗鸡场边的观众。最先进场的是高庭公爵梅斯·提利尔,据说他当年身体魁伟,如今却有些发福,不过俊朗依然。他两个儿子紧随在后:洛拉斯爵士和其兄“勇武的”加兰。三人一律穿着镶紫貂皮边的绿天鹅绒长袍。
A fanfare of brazen trumpets greeted each of the heroes as he stepped between the great oaken doors. Heralds cried his name and deeds for all to hear, and the noble knights and highborn ladies cheered as lustily as cutthroats at a cockfight. Pride of place was given to Mace Tyrell, the Lord of Highgarden, a once-powerful man gone to fat, yet still handsome. His sons followed him in; Ser Loras and his older brother Ser Garlan the Gallant. The three dressed alike, in green velvet trimmed with sable.
国王再次走下王座,向他们致意。这是特有的殊荣。他还为他们每人系上一条软金玫瑰项链,坠子是一块金牌,嵌有红宝石雕刻而成的兰尼斯特雄狮。“玫瑰支撑雄狮,正如高庭的力量支持国家,”乔佛里宣告,“卿等有何请求,但说无妨,吾定当准卿所请。”
The king descended the throne once more to greet them, a great honor. He fastened about the throat of each a chain of roses wrought in soft yellow gold, from which hung a golden disc with the lion of Lannister picked out in rubies. “The roses support the lion, as the might of Highgarden supports the realm,” proclaimed Joffrey. “If there is any boon you would ask of me, ask and it shall be yours.”
开始了!珊莎心想。
And now it comes, thought Sansa.
“陛下,”洛拉斯爵士道,“臣请求加入您的御林铁卫,以对抗您的敌人,保护您的安全。”
“Your Grace,” said Ser Loras, “I beg the honor of serving in your Kingsguard, to defend you against your enemies.”
乔佛里扶起百花骑士,在他脸颊印上一吻,“就这么办,兄弟。”
Joffrey drew the Knight of Flowers to his feet and kissed him on his cheek. “Done, brother.”
提利尔公爵低头道:“无上之荣光莫过于为陛下效劳。臣愿以此绵薄之躯顾问于陛下之御前会议,肝脑涂地,在所不惜。”
Lord Tyrell bowed his head. “There is no greater pleasure than to serve the King’s Grace. If I was deemed worthy to join your royal council, you would find none more loyal or true.”
小乔将一只手搭上提利尔公爵的肩膀,并在他起身时吻了他,“准了。”
Joff put a hand on Lord Tyrell’s shoulder and kissed him when he stood. “Your wish is granted.”
加兰·提利尔爵士比洛拉斯爵士年长五岁,两人长得十分相似。与更有名气的弟弟相比,加兰比较高大,留了胡子,胸膛更厚,肩膀更宽,虽然相貌也算清秀,却没有洛拉斯爵士那种令人震撼的美。“陛下,”待国王走近后加兰开口,“臣有个待字闺中的妹妹玛格丽,实乃吾家之明珠。陛下明查,她曾嫁予蓝礼·拜拉席恩,但公爵尚未圆房便赴沙场,故而舍妹处子之身未破。玛格丽听闻陛下桩桩丰功伟绩,迷醉于您的智慧、勇气与骑士精神,远在他方便坠入爱河。臣恳请陛下即日将她接来京师,携手联姻,结合两大家族,共铸世代辉煌。”
Ser Garlan Tyrell, five years senior to Ser Loras, was a taller bearded version of his more famous younger brother. He was thicker about the chest and broader at the shoulders, and though his face was comely enough, he lacked Ser Loras’s startling beauty. “Your Grace,” Garlan said when the king approached him, “I have a maiden sister, Margaery, the delight of our House. She was wed to Renly Baratheon, as you know, but Lord Renly went to war before the marriage could be consummated, so she remains innocent. Margaery has heard tales of your wisdom, courage, and chivalry, and has come to love you from afar. I beseech you to send for her, to take her hand in marriage, and to wed your House to mine for all time.”
乔佛里国王故作惊讶:“加兰爵士,舍妹之姿七大王国远近驰名,但吾已有婚约在先。君无戏言。”
King Joffrey made a show of looking surprised. “Ser Garlan, your sister’s beauty is famed throughout the Seven Kingdoms, but I am promised to another. A king must keep his word.”
裙裾婆娑,瑟曦太后站了起来,“陛下,御前会议认为,以吾王万金之躯迎娶已被明正典刑的叛徒之女既为不智亦为不妥,况其兄时至今日尚冥顽不化,不肯降下叛旗,归顺于朝。陛下,为国家福祉,御前会议恳请您痛下决心,取消与珊莎·史塔克之婚约,另立玛格丽小姐为后。”
Queen Cersei got to her feet in a rustle of skirts. “Your Grace, in the judgment of your small council, it would be neither proper nor wise for you to wed the daughter of a man beheaded for treason, a girl whose brother is in open rebellion against the throne even now. Sire, your councillors beg you, for the good of your realm, set Sansa Stark aside. The Lady Margaery will make you a far more suitable queen.”
大厅里列位贵族男女立即像训练有素的狗一般,急切地呐喊起来。“玛格丽,”他们高呼。“我们要玛格丽!”“不要叛徒王后!给我们提利尔!给我们提利尔!”
Like a pack of trained dogs, the lords and ladies in the hall began to shout their pleasure. “Margaery,” they called. “Give us Margaery!” and “No traitor queens! Tyrell! Tyrell!”
乔佛里举起一只手。“身为国王,吾当顺应民意,但母后明鉴,吾之婚约乃立于诸神之前,郑重其事。”
Joffrey raised a hand. “I would like to heed the wishes of my people, Mother, but I took a holy vow.”
总主教走上前。“陛下,诸神固然看顾婚约,但先王——受神荣宠之劳勃国王——在临冬城许婚之时,史塔克家叛迹未显。今其族事迹败露,恶行滔天,神人共愤,人人得而诛之,自无需念昔日之友盟,守过往之重诺。陛下,吾以诸神之名在此宣布,您的义务已告解除,婚约无效!”
The High Septon stepped forward. “Your Grace, the gods hold betrothal solemn, but your father, King Robert of blessed memory, made this pact before the Starks of Winterfell had revealed their falseness. Their crimes against the realm have freed you from any promise you might have made. So far as the Faith is concerned, there is no valid marriage contract ’twixt you and Sansa Stark.”
嘈杂的欢呼响彻大厅,阵阵“玛格丽!玛格丽!”的喊叫在她四周掀起。珊莎倾身向前,紧紧抓住旁听席的木栏杆。虽然她明知接下来会发生什么,却免不了担心乔佛里的说词——担心他会不顾大局,拒绝解放她。她觉得自己仿佛又回到贝勒大圣堂外的大理石讲坛上,等待她的王子宽恕父亲,结果却听他命伊林·派恩砍下父亲的首级。诸神啊,求求您们,她热切地祈祷,求求您们让他说出来,说出来吧。
A tumult of cheering filled the throne room, and cries of “Margaery, Margaery” erupted all around her. Sansa leaned forward, her hands tight around the gallery’s wooden rail. She knew what came next, but she was still frightened of what Joffrey might say, afraid that he would refuse to release her even now, when his whole kingdom depended upon it. She felt as if she were back again on the marble steps outside the Great Sept of Baelor, waiting for her prince to grant her father mercy, and instead hearing him command Ilyn Payne to strike off his head. Please, she prayed fervently, make him say it, make him say it.
泰温公爵紧盯着外孙不放。乔佛里闷闷不乐地望了他一眼,迈步上前,扶起加兰·提利尔爵士。“既然诸神慈悲,吾当自主行为,以遂心愿。爵士先生,迎娶令妹,实乃无上之喜。”他亲吻加兰爵士留胡子的脸颊,欢呼在周围响起。
Lord Tywin was looking at his grandson. Joff gave him a sullen glance, shifted his feet, and helped Ser Garlan Tyrell to rise. “The gods are good. I am free to heed my heart. I will wed your sweet sister, and gladly, ser.” He kissed Ser Garlan on a bearded cheek as the cheers rose all around them.
珊莎感到一阵奇妙的晕眩。我自由了!无数的眼光落在她身上,不能笑!她提醒自己。太后警告过她:不管她心里怎么想,脸上都必须表现出伤心欲绝的神色。“我不许我儿子丢脸,”瑟曦说,“你清楚了吗?”
Sansa felt curiously light-headed. I am free. She could feel eyes upon her. I must not smile, she reminded herself. The queen had warned her; no matter what she felt inside, the face she showed the world must look distraught. “I will not have my son humiliated,” Cersei said. “Do you hear me?”
“是的。嗯……现在我做不了王后了,以后怎么办呢?”
“Yes. But if I’m not to be queen, what will become of me?”
“这事以后决定。目前你得留在朝中,接受我们的监护。”
“That will need to be determined. For the moment, you shall remain here at court, as our ward.”
“我想回家。”
“I want to go home.”
太后不耐烦起来:“你还没弄明白吗?没有人能够随心所欲。”
The queen was irritated by that. “You should have learned by now, none of us get the things we want.”
可我已经满足了,珊莎心想。我摆脱了乔佛里。不需要亲吻他,不需要将童贞给他,不需要怀他的孩子。这一切都留给玛格丽·提利尔吧,可怜的女孩。
I have, though, Sansa thought. I am free of Joffrey. I will not have to kiss him, nor give him my maidenhood, nor bear him children. Let Margaery Tyrell have all that, poor girl.
等喊声渐息,高庭公爵也在议事桌旁就座,他的儿子们则退到高窗下与其他骑士、领主站到一起。黑水河一役的英雄们继续入厅领赏,珊莎努力装出一副失魂落魄的样子。
By the time the outburst died down, the Lord of Highgarden had been seated at the council table, and his sons had joined the other knights and lordlings beneath the windows. Sansa tried to look forlorn and abandoned as other heroes of the Battle of the Blackwater were summoned forth to receive their rewards.
青亭岛领主派克斯特·雷德温沿着大厅迈步上前,两边是他的孪生子“恐怖爵士”和“流口水爵士”,前者在战斗中受了点腿伤,显得一瘸一拐。在他们之后有身穿雪白上衣的马图斯·罗宛伯爵,胸前用金丝纹着一棵大树;瘦长而秃顶的蓝道·塔利伯爵,背后斜挎一把珠宝剑鞘的巨剑;凯冯·兰尼斯特爵士是个秃顶粗汉,胡子修得很短;亚当·马尔布兰爵士红铜色的长发披在肩头;随后还有西境的几大诸侯莱顿、克雷赫与布拉克斯。
Paxter Redwyne, Lord of the Arbor, marched down the length of the hall flanked by his twin sons Horror and Slobber, the former limping from a wound taken in the battle. After them followed Lord Mathis Rowan in a snowy doublet with a great tree worked upon the breast in gold thread; Lord Randyll Tarly, lean and balding, a greatsword across his back in a jeweled scabbard; Ser Kevan Lannister, a thickset balding man with a close-trimmed beard; Ser Addam Marbrand, coppery hair streaming to his shoulders; the great western lords Lydden, Crakehall, and Brax.
接着是四位出生贫寒,但战功彪炳的人物:独眼的雇佣骑士菲利普·福特在一对一决斗中杀死了布莱斯·卡伦伯爵;自由骑手罗索·布伦冲破数十名佛索威家士兵的包围,活捉绿苹果佛索威家的琼恩爵士,击毙红苹果佛索威家的布赖恩爵士和艾德威爵士,为自己赢得“苹果食客罗索”的称号;威里特,哈瑞斯·史威佛爵士手下一名头发斑白的老兵,在危急关头将主人从垂死的战马下拖出来,并杀退十余敌兵的攻击;嘴上无毛的侍从乔斯敏·派克顿,尚不满十四岁,但在战斗中杀死两名骑士,另击伤一名,俘虏两名。这四人中,威里特是抬进来的,他的伤势实在太重。
Next came four of lesser birth who had distinguished themselves in the fighting: the one-eyed knight Ser Philip Foote, who had slain Lord Bryce Caron in single combat; the freerider Lothor Brune, who’d cut his way through half a hundred Fossoway men-at-arms to capture Ser Jon of the green apple and kill Ser Bryan and Ser Edwyd of the red, thereby winning himself the name Lothor Apple-Eater; Willit, a grizzled man-at-arms in the service of Ser Harys Swyft, who’d pulled his master from beneath his dying horse and defended him against a dozen attackers; and a downy-cheeked squire named Josmyn Peckledon, who had killed two knights, wounded a third, and captured two more, though he could not have been more than fourteen. Willit was borne in on a litter, so grievous were his wounds.
凯冯爵士先前已在哥哥泰温公爵旁边落坐,等司仪报完各位英雄的事迹,他站起来。“于此国难当头之际,诸位精忠报效,奋不顾身,令陛下深为感叹,决意着力嘉奖。由是,遵照陛下意愿,菲利普·福特爵士即日起受封为福特家族的菲利普伯爵,原卡隆家族领有之土地、权益和税赋转归其所有;罗索·布伦擢升为骑士,一旦海内平息,将于三叉戟河流域授予其土地与城堡;乔斯敏·派克顿受赐一把长剑和一副铠甲,并可在王家马厩任选一匹战马,成年之后,立即成为骑士;最后,赏赐威里斯先生一支银柄长矛,一件新造锁甲,外加一顶带面甲的全盔,此外,其子将入凯岩城为兰尼斯特家族效劳,长子为侍从,次子为侍酒,若此二人忠诚得力,均有机会晋升骑士。陛下有令,首相与重臣均表赞同。”
Ser Kevan had taken a seat beside his brother Lord Tywin. When the heralds had finished telling of each hero’s deeds, he rose. “It is His Grace’s wish that these good men be rewarded for their valor. By his decree, Ser Philip shall henceforth be Lord Philip of House Foote, and to him shall go all the lands, rights, and incomes of House Caron. Lothor Brune to be raised to the estate of knighthood, and granted land and keep in the riverlands at war’s end. To Josmyn Peckledon, a sword and suit of plate, his choice of any warhorse in the royal stables, and knighthood as soon as he shall come of age. And lastly, for Goodman Willit, a spear with a silver-banded haft, a hauberk of new-forged ringmail, and a full helm with visor. Further, the goodman’s sons shall be taken into the service of House Lannister at Casterly Rock, the elder as a squire and the younger as a page, with the chance to advance to knighthood if they serve loyally and well. To all this, the King’s Hand and the small council consent.”
接下来,王家战舰野风号、伊蒙王子号与河箭号的船长受到嘉奖,同时受奖的还有一些来自于神恩号、长枪号、丝绸夫人号和羊首号的下层军官。据珊莎所知,他们主要的功绩就是从河上战斗中活了下来——这其实算一桩鲜有人能夸耀的成就。炼金术士公会的火术士哈林和其他众位师傅也受到国王的感谢,哈林本人擢升为伯爵,但珊莎注意到他的头衔和瓦里斯一样只是虚位,并无土地和城堡与之伴随。截至目前为止,最引人注目的爵禄给了蓝赛尔·兰尼斯特爵士,乔佛里把戴瑞家的土地、城堡和权益转隶于他,因为在三河一带的战争中,戴瑞家血脉已绝,“戴瑞家族无合法之嫡出继承人,惟余一支私生远亲。”
The captains of the king’s warships Wildwind, Prince Aemon, and River Arrow were honored next, along with some under officers from Godsgrace, Lance, Lady of Silk, and Ramshead. As near as Sansa could tell, their chief accomplishment had been surviving the battle on the river, a feat that few enough could boast. Hallyne the Pyromancer and the masters of the Alchemists’ Guild received the king’s thanks as well, and Hallyne was raised to the style of lord, though Sansa noted that neither lands nor castle accompanied the title, which made the alchemist no more a true lord than Varys was. A more significant lordship by far was granted to Ser Lancel Lannister. Joffrey awarded him the lands, castle, and rights of House Darry, whose last child lord had perished during the fighting in the riverlands, “leaving no trueborn heirs of lawful Darry blood, but only a bastard cousin.”
蓝赛尔爵士没有现身受封,据说他的伤或许需要截掉一条胳膊,甚至保不住性命。谣传小恶魔也快死了,因为头上受了狠狠一击。
Ser Lancel did not appear to accept the title; the talk was, his wound might cost him his arm or even his life. The Imp was said to be dying as well, from a terrible cut to the head.
最后司仪高唱:“培提尔·贝里席伯爵”,他便穿着玫瑰和李子色的服装,披风绣满仿声鸟,施施然走进来,微笑着跪在铁王座前。他看上去真得意。珊莎没听说小指头在战斗中有什么英勇事迹,但他似乎也是来受赏的。
When the herald called, “Lord Petyr Baelish,” he came forth dressed all in shades of rose and plum, his cloak patterned with mockingbirds. She could see him smiling as he knelt before the Iron Throne. He looks so pleased. Sansa had not heard of Littlefinger doing anything especially heroic during the battle, but it seemed he was to be rewarded all the same.
凯冯爵士再次起立,“于此动乱频仍的险恶之际,陛下忠诚之顾问培提尔·贝里席以其一贯之操守,为国为民鞠躬尽瘁,堪为标榜,遵照陛下意愿,特予嘉奖:兹昭告天下,加封培提尔·贝里席为公爵,授予历史悠久之赫伦堡及其所有封地税赋,令其择日将居城迁至该地,总督三叉戟河流域,其子嗣将世代继承此等荣耀,万世不辍,凡三河流域之领主均须奉其族为封君。陛下有令,首相和重臣均表赞同。”
Ser Kevan got back to his feet. “It is the wish of the King’s Grace that his loyal councillor Petyr Baelish be rewarded for faithful service to crown and realm. Be it known that Lord Baelish is granted the castle of Harrenhal with all its attendant lands and incomes, there to make his seat and rule henceforth as Lord Paramount of the Trident. Petyr Baelish and his sons and grandsons shall hold and enjoy these honors until the end of time, and all the lords of the Trident shall do him homage as their rightful liege. The King’s Hand and the small council consent.”
小指头跪在地上,抬眼望着乔佛里国王。“微臣谢陛下厚恩,微臣这就设法弄几个子孙出来。”
On his knees, Littlefinger raised his eyes to King Joffrey. “I thank you humbly, Your Grace. I suppose this means I’ll need to see about getting some sons and grandsons.”
乔佛里哈哈大笑,朝堂众人也跟着笑。总督三叉戟河流域,珊莎心想,赫伦堡公爵。她不明白,他干嘛这么高兴,难道他看不出来,这些封号和赐予火术士哈林与太监瓦里斯的头衔一样,都是虚位呀!每个人都知道,赫伦堡受了诅咒,况且目前也不在兰尼斯特家手中,而三河诸侯效忠的是奔流城的徒利家和北境之王,他们不可能接受小指头为封君。除非他们战败。除非我的哥哥、舅舅和外公全被推翻、被杀死。这念头令珊莎不安,她告诉自己,别傻了。罗柏战无不胜。必要时,他也会打败贝里席公爵。
Joffrey laughed, and the court with him. Lord Paramount of the Trident, Sansa thought, and Lord of Harrenhal as well. She did not understand why that should make him so happy; the honors were as empty as the title granted to Hallyne the Pyromancer. Harrenhal was cursed, everyone knew that, and the Lannisters did not even hold it at present. Besides, the lords of the Trident were sworn to Riverrun and House Tully, and to the King in the North; they would never accept Littlefinger as their liege. Unless they are made to. Unless my brother and my uncle and my grandfather are all cast down and killed. The thought made Sansa anxious, but she told herself she was being silly. Robb has beaten them every time. He’ll beat Lord Baelish too, if he must.
那天有六百多骑士受封。他们整晚在贝勒大圣堂守夜,早上赤脚穿过城区到达红堡,以示谦卑。如今他们身穿未经染色的羊毛外衣一个个走上前,接受御林铁卫的册封。册封仪式持续了很久,因为目前只有三名白袍兄弟操作。曼登·穆尔此役战死,猎狗失踪,亚历斯·奥克赫特在多恩保护弥赛菈公主,詹姆·兰尼斯特是罗柏的俘虏,御林铁卫只剩巴隆·史文、马林·特兰和奥斯蒙·凯特布菜克。受封后的骑士起身扣好剑带,站到高窗下,其中许多人在游城时磨破了脚掌,但在珊莎眼中,他们仍然挺拔而骄傲。
More than six hundred new knights were made that day. They had held their vigil in the Great Sept of Baelor all through the night and crossed the city barefoot that morning to prove their humble hearts. Now they came forward dressed in shifts of undyed wool to receive their knighthoods from the Kingsguard. It took a long time, since only three of the Brothers of the White Sword were on hand to dub them. Mandon Moore had perished in the battle, the Hound had vanished, Aerys Oakheart was in Dorne with Princess Myrcella, and Jaime Lannister was Robb’s captive, so the Kingsguard had been reduced to Balon Swann, Meryn Trant, and Osmund Kettleblack. Once knighted, each man rose, buckled on his swordbelt, and stood beneath the windows. Some had bloody feet from their walk through the city, but they stood tall and proud all the same, it seemed to Sansa.
新骑士们还没册封完毕,大厅的气氛就变得焦躁不宁,其中乔佛里尤甚。旁听席上有人已经开溜,不幸的是那些站在下方的诸侯显贵,众目睽睽之下,未经国王允许不得离开。其实从小乔在铁王座上坐立不安的样子判断,他倒是乐于批准散会,但今天的事务远没有结束。现在,履行完论功行赏的程序,俘虏们被带了进来。
By the time all the new knights had been given their sers the hall was growing restive, and none more so than Joffrey. Some of those in the gallery had begun to slip quietly away, but the notables on the floor were trapped, unable to depart without the king’s leave. Judging by the way he was fidgeting atop the Iron Throne, Joff would willingly have granted it, but the day’s work was far from done. For now the coin was turned over, and the captives were ushered in.
这群人中也不乏大诸侯和名骑士:闷闷不乐的老爵爷“红蟹”赛提加;“好人”博尼佛爵士;族系比赛提加更悠久的伊斯蒙伯爵;拖着碎裂的膝盖蹒跚上前、不肯接受任何协助的瓦尔纳伯爵;鹫巢堡凶猛的红罗兰爵士;雨林的德莫特爵士;威廉伯爵及其儿乔苏拉和埃利斯;琼恩·佛索威爵士;“碎剑”提蒙爵士;潮头岛的私生子奥雷恩;人称“拜金伯爵”的领主史戴蒙;以及其他数百人。
There were great lords and noble knights in that company too: sour old Lord Celtigar, the Red Crab; Ser Bonifer the Good; Lord Estermont, more ancient even than Celtigar; Lord Varner, who hobbled the length of the hall on a shattered knee, but would accept no help; Ser Mark Mullendore, grey-faced, his left arm gone to the elbow; fierce Red Ronnet of Griffin Roost; Ser Dermot of the Rainwood; Lord Willum and his sons Josua and Elyas; Ser Jon Fossoway; Ser Timon the Scrapesword; Aurane, the bastard of Driftmark; Lord Staedmon, called Pennylover; hundreds of others.
在战斗中投诚的,如今只需向乔佛里宣誓效忠就算了结,但那些为史坦尼斯苦斗到最后的人必须表态,以此决定自己的命运。如若痛悔叛国罪行,请求饶恕,并保证今后忠心无二,乔佛里便欢迎其回到国王治下,恢复旧有的土地与权益。不过,仍有一撮人公然反抗。“别以为事情就完了,小鬼,”一个似乎来自于佛罗伦家族的私生子警告,“无论现在还是将来,光之王都守护着史坦尼斯国王。时候一到,任你有多少军队和诡计都无济于事。”
Those who had changed their allegiance during the battle needed only to swear fealty to Joffrey, but the ones who had fought for Stannis until the bitter end were compelled to speak. Their words decided their fate. If they begged forgiveness for their treasons and promised to serve loyally henceforth, Joffrey welcomed them back into the king’s peace and restored them to all their lands and rights. A handful remained defiant, however. “Do not imagine this is done, boy,” warned one, the bastard son of some Florent or other. “The Lord of Light protects King Stannis, now and always. All your swords and all your scheming shall not save you when his hour comes.”
“你的时候已经到了。”乔佛里招呼伊林·派恩爵士将那人拉出去斩首。那人刚被拉走,又一位表情严肃、外衣上有颗烈焰红心的骑士高声呼叫:“史坦尼斯才是真正的国王!怪物坐在铁王座上,它是乱伦产生的孽根!”
“Your hour is come right now.” Joffrey beckoned to Ser Ilyn Payne to take the man out and strike his head off. But no sooner had that one been dragged away than a knight of solemn mien with a fiery heart on his surcoat shouted out, “Stannis is the true king! A monster sits the Iron Throne, an abomination born of incest!”
“肃静!”凯冯·兰尼斯特爵士吼道。
“Be silent,” Ser Kevan Lannister bellowed.
骑士反而提高音量。“乔佛里就是那黑蛆,啃蚀着王国的心脏!黑暗为其父,死亡为其母!消灭他,否则你们将统统腐化!杀死娼妓太后,灭掉蛆虫国王,除去邪恶的侏儒和搬弄是非的蜘蛛,再点燃虚伪的玫瑰花。拯救你们自己吧!”一个金袍卫士将骑士踢翻在地,但他继续喊叫。“圣火将涤尽一切邪恶!史坦尼斯国王必将归来!”
The knight raised his voice instead. “Joffrey is the black worm eating the heart of the realm! Darkness was his father, and death his mother! Destroy him before he corrupts you all! Destroy them all, queen whore and king worm, vile dwarf and whispering spider, the false flowers. Save yourselves!” One of the gold cloaks knocked the man off his feet, but he continued to shout. “The scouring fire will come! King Stannis will return!”
乔佛里歪歪扭扭地站起来。“我才是国王!杀了他!快杀了他!我命令他们杀了他。”他的手愤怒而狂乱往下一劈……扫过铁王座无处不在的锐利尖刺,不由得尖声惨叫。鲜血浸透了绯红亮丽的锦衣袖口,将其染为暗红。“妈妈!”他哀号。
Joffrey lurched to his feet. “I’m king! Kill him! Kill him now! I command it.” He chopped down with his hand, a furious, angry gesture … and screeched in pain when his arm brushed against one of the sharp metal fangs that surrounded him. The bright crimson samite of his sleeve turned a darker shade of red as his blood soaked through it. “Mother!” he wailed.
躺在地上的人趁大家的注意力都在国王身上,冷不防夺过一名金袍卫士手中的长矛,拄着它站好。“看哪,铁王座拒绝他!”他高喊,“他不是真正的国王!”
With every eye on the king, somehow the man on the floor wrested a spear away from one of the gold cloaks, and used it to push himself back to his feet. “The throne denies him!” he cried. “He is no king!”
瑟曦朝王座奔去,但泰温公爵如岩石一般纹丝不动,只抬起一根手指,马林·特兰爵士便拔剑上前。死亡来得迅速而残酷,金袍卫士们架住骑士的双臂。马林爵士将长剑尖端没入他胸膛,“不是国王!”他临死时再度高呼。
Cersei was running toward the throne, but Lord Tywin remained still as stone. He had only to raise a finger, and Ser Meryn Trant moved forward with drawn sword. The end was quick and brutal. The gold cloaks seized the knight by the arms. “No king!” he cried again as Ser Meryn drove the point of his longsword through his chest.
小乔扑进母亲怀中。三名学士急忙上前,簇拥着国王母子走出王座后方的国王门。大家议论纷纷。金袍卫士们拖走尸体,在石地板上留下一道明亮的血迹。贝里席公爵捋着胡须听瓦里斯在耳边低语。是不是该散会了?珊莎疑惑地想。还有二十来个俘虏未曾表态,谁知道他们会宣誓效忠还是放声咒骂?
Joff fell into his mother’s arms. Three maesters came hurrying forward, to bundle him out through the king’s door. Then everyone began talking at once. When the gold cloaks dragged off the dead man, he left a trail of bright blood across the stone floor. Lord Baelish stroked his beard while Varys whispered in his ear. Will they dismiss us now? Sansa wondered. A score of captives still waited, though whether to pledge fealty or shout curses, who could say?
泰温公爵终于起身。“我们继续,”声音清晰有力,立时压制所有低语。“大人们,想清楚过后,上前来忏悔罪行,恳求原谅。我不许再有闹剧发生。”他走向铁王座,坐到离地三尺的台阶上。
Lord Tywin rose to his feet. “We continue,” he said in a clear strong voice that silenced the murmurs. “Those who wish to ask pardon for their treasons may do so. We will have no more follies.” He moved to the Iron Throne and there seated himself on a step, a mere three feet off the floor.
等仪式完全结束,天光已然黯淡。珊莎筋疲力尽地从旁听席走出来,浑身绵软无力。她很好奇乔佛里伤得有多重。据说铁王座对不配坐在上面的人而言是非常危险的,甚至能杀人呢。
The light outside the windows was fading by the time the session drew to a close. Sansa felt limp with exhaustion as she made her way down from the gallery. She wondered how badly Joffrey had cut himself. They say the Iron Throne can be perilous cruel to those who were not meant to sit it.
回到卧室安全的空间,她连忙用枕头捂脸,以掩饰一声欢喜的尖叫。噢,诸神保佑,他真的说出口了,他在众人面前将我遗弃!一个女仆送来晚餐,她差点要亲吻她。晚餐有热面包、新搅拌的黄油、一碗浓稠的牛肉汤、鸡肉和胡萝卜,还有浸在蜂蜜里的桃子。多么美味!她心想。
Back in the safety of her own chambers, she hugged a pillow to her face to muffle a squeal of joy. Oh, gods be good, he did it, he put me aside in front of everyone. When a serving girl brought her supper, she almost kissed her. There was hot bread and fresh-churned butter, a thick beef soup, capon and carrots, and peaches in honey. Even the food tastes sweeter, she thought.
天黑之后,她披上斗篷前往神木林。守吊桥的是一身白甲的奥斯蒙·凯特布莱克爵士。珊莎向他问好,努力让自己的声音听来痛苦而可怜。从他瞅她的模样看来,她不确定他是否信服。
Come dark, she slipped into a cloak and left for the godswood. Ser Osmund Kettleblack was guarding the drawbridge in his white armor. Sansa tried her best to sound miserable as she bid him a good evening. From the way he leered at her, she was not sure she had been wholly convincing.
月光穿过层层枝叶,唐托斯等在斑驳的叶影下。“干嘛愁眉苦脸呀?”珊莎欢快地问候他,“你也在场听见啦。小乔不要我了,他跟我结束了,他……”
Dontos waited in the leafy moonlight. “Why so sadface?” Sansa asked him gaily. “You were there, you heard. Joff put me aside, he’s done with me, he’s …”
他握住她的手。“噢,琼琪,我可怜的琼琪,您不明白。结束?这才要开始呢。”
He took her hand. “Oh, Jonquil, my poor Jonquil, you do not understand. Done with you? They’ve scarcely begun.”
她的心猛地一沉,“你什么意思?”
Her heart sank. “What do you mean?”
“太后决不会放你走,决不会。作为人质,你是无价之宝。而乔佛里……亲爱的,他是一国之君,只要想跟你上床,随时都能占有你,惟一的区别在于,如今他在你肚里留下的将不是嫡子,而是野种。”
“The queen will never let you go, never. You are too valuable a hostage. And Joffrey … sweetling, he is still king. If he wants you in his bed, he will have you, only now it will be bastards he plants in your womb instead of trueborn sons.”
“不!”珊莎震惊地说,“他放过我了,他……”
“No,” Sansa said, shocked. “He let me go, he …”
唐托斯在她耳畔印下一个湿湿的吻。“勇敢起来。我发誓要送你回家,就一定会办到。日子已经定好了。”
Ser Dontos planted a slobbery kiss on her ear. “Be brave. I swore to see you home, and now I can. The day has been chosen.”
“什么时候?”珊莎问,“我们什么时候离开?”
“When?” Sansa asked. “When will we go?”
“乔佛里的新婚之夜,等婚宴结束我们就走,一切都安排好了。到时候红堡里全是陌生人,其中一半会喝得大醉,另一半人则会去闹乔佛里的新房。这时,您将暂时被遗忘,混乱就是我们的朋友。”
“The night of Joffrey’s wedding. After the feast. All the necessary arrangements have been made. The Red Keep will be full of strangers. Half the court will be drunk and the other half will be helping Joffrey bed his bride. For a little while, you will be forgotten, and the confusion will be our friend.”
“婚礼一月之内都不会举行。玛格丽·提利尔远在高庭,这才刚派人去接呢!”
“The wedding won’t be for a moon’s turn yet. Margaery Tyrell is at Highgarden, they’ve only now sent for her.”
“您已经等了这么久,就请再耐心一时,好吗?来,我有东西给您。”唐托斯爵士从口袋里摸出一张类似银色蛛网的东西,捏在粗壮的指头间晃了晃。
“You’ve waited so long, be patient awhile longer. Here, I have something for you.” Ser Dontos fumbled in his pouch and drew out a silvery spiderweb, dangling it between his thick fingers.
仔细一看,原来这是细银丝编织的发网,珊莎伸手接过,丝线细致精巧,几乎没有重量。银丝交汇的每个节点都嵌有一小粒宝石,黑黝黝的仿佛能吸收月光。“这是什么石头?”
It was a hair net of fine-spun silver, the strands so thin and delicate the net seemed to weigh no more than a breath of air when Sansa took it in her fingers. Small gems were set wherever two strands crossed, so dark they drank the moonlight. “What stones are these?”
“亚夏的黑紫晶,十分稀罕,其颜色在日光下会变成深紫。”
“Black amethysts from Asshai. The rarest kind, a deep true purple by daylight.”
“真可爱。”珊莎边感叹边想:可我要的是船,不是发网呀。
“It’s very lovely,” Sansa said, thinking, It is a ship I need, not a net for my hair.
“比您想像的更可爱,亲爱的孩子,这上面有魔法。您瞧,正义之剑就在您手中,您会为父复仇。”唐托斯倾身靠近,又吻了她。“您会回家。”
“Lovelier than you know, sweet child. It’s magic, you see. It’s justice you hold. It’s vengeance for your father.” Dontos leaned close and kissed her again. “It’s home.”