本书介绍了500年后Everquest II的世界与Everquest I的世界之间间隔的500年内的诺拉斯大陆变迁的经过.作为一个忠实的EQer,本书是我第一次试图翻译较长篇幅的文字,希望能有更多的人了解EQ中神秘的世界.

Chp 1:The Council of the Gods
第1章 诸神会议

"There is only one solution: Destroy them all."
“现在只有1个办法了：把他们都毁灭！”
Rallos Zek's burning eyes moved disdainfully from one god to the next, hoping his harsh edict had convinced more of them to take his side. It had been countless ages since virtually all the gods had gathered together like this, and he did not intend to miss the opportunity to expand his influence.
拉洛斯 泽克(战神)用燃烧着烈焰的双眼轻蔑的巡视着诸神，心中期望着他的草案能够说服更多的神站到他一边。上次象这样全体神诋聚到一起召开会议已经是不知多少年前的事了，他可不象失去这个扩大他影响力的千载难逢的机会。
"I maintain that this would be an overreaction," Tunare said, shaking her head. The mortals need our guidance, not our wrath. We should inspire them and strengthen the spirituality within them, not snuff it out."
“我还是坚持认为这样做太过激了，”土那瑞(生命之神)摇着头说，“凡人需要我们的指引而不是愤怒。我们应该激励他们,帮助他们提升体内的灵性，而不是扼杀。”

"You mean your precious elves?" Rallos countered. "Did they need your guidance as their greed soiled your plane, murdering your servants in their lust for power and wealth? Attacking the very manifestation of your being as if you were a boar for the slaughter?"
“你是说你最宝贝的精灵们么？”拉洛斯反驳道，“当他们的贪婪污染了你的神域，为了力量和财富的渴望杀死你的仆人们时，他们要求过你的指引么？当他们象狩猎一只野猪一样的攻击你的元神时,他们要求过你的指引么?”
She scowled and shook her head. "That is your influence at work, Rallos. It was only when they breached the Planes of Power that you lost the delight you had taken in their growing viciousness."
土那瑞皱起了眉头开始摇头。“这都是你的坏影响造成的！拉洛斯！只有在他们进入神域破坏时你才开始不高兴了，之前你不是一直都为他们不断增长的邪恶而感到高兴么！”
"We all agree that the mortals have gone too far," Brell interjected, sensing the need to interrupt before the argument dragged on further. "But surely the answer isn't to wipe away all our handiwork. After all, it is only a few races that have committed offenses worthy of such action. Perhaps a selective pruning is in order rather than complete annihilation."
“至少我们都同意一点:那就是凡人已经做的太离谱了！”巴瑞尔(地底公爵)觉得再吵下去可能越来越难收场，赶紧插话说，“但是,解决问题的答案当然不该是把我们的杰作，我指凡人，统统抹去。不管怎么说，只是一些种族所犯下的罪过需要接受这样的惩罚。或许有选择的修剪会比完全毁灭更合适。”
Solusek Ro shook his head. "I must agree with Rallos on this matter. Wipe them out; it is the only way."
索罗赛可 洛(燃烧王子)摇着头反对道“我想在这件事上我同意拉洛斯的观点。把他们都干掉！这是唯一的方法。”
"The solution is obvious," interjected Cazic-Thule. "If my influence were allowed to grow, the mortals would not be in a position to challenge us. Fear will keep them in check, as it always should have."
“办法很明显”卡滋 土勒(恐惧之神,无颜者)插话道“要是以前你们不限制我影响他们，凡人根本不会有机会挑战我们。恐惧会束缚住他们，就像它一直应该的那样。”
Karana scowled. "reposterous. It has been proven that any one of us alone can be overcome by the mortals. It is underestimating them that has brought us to this place, that has forced us to become allies in action if not in principle. But the solution must be one that we can all agree to."
卡拉那(风暴之神)再也听不下去了：“这简直是荒谬！事实已经证明，我们中的任何一个都无法独自打败凡人。就是对他们的轻视才让我们落到今天这个地步。现在我们即使不能在原则上达成共识至少也得在行动上联合起来,才能对抗他们。所以这个解决方案必须是所有人都能接受的。”
"How can you be so blind?" Rallos growled. "How can you not see that the mortals must be made to pay for their insolence?"
“难道你瞎了么？”拉洛斯咆哮着说“难道你看不到凡人必须为他们的傲慢付出代价么？”
"You ignore the honor in their hearts," Mithaniel Marr countered. "They have earned the right to exist, to ascend to greatness."
“你忽略了一件事，他们的心中也有着光荣。”梅赛尼 玛尔(拥光者)反驳到“他们的光荣使他们赢得了存在下去并升至伟大的权利。”
"Greatness?" Innoruuk cackled gleefully. "Leave them to their own devices and they will devour themselves in jealousy and hatred. The solution is not for us to kill them, but to step aside and let them feed upon each other."
“伟大？”伊诺卢克(仇恨王子)发出尖锐的笑声，“让他们按照他们当初被设计的那样生活吧，让他们在妒忌和憎恨中毁灭自己吧。解决方法不是我们自己去动手杀死他们，我们只要站在一旁欣赏他们互相吞噬直到完全毁灭就可以了。
"We don't have time for that," Solusek Ro asserted. "The demi-planes are already weakened--in fact, some have simply faded from existence, as our powers have grown too thin to sustain them. We must refocus our resources and strike back while we still can."
“我们没时间去等了”索罗赛可 洛大声说道“次级神域已经被减弱－－实际上其中的一些随着我们支撑它们的力量变的越来越小已经完全消失。我们必须调整我们的资源并且立即反击，不然就来不及了！”
Quellious had listened to the bickering for what seemed like ages. Though time had no meaning for them in this place, she could bear to listen no longer. She spoke softly, yet with a directness that silenced the others.
奎利业斯(宁静者)坐在一边静静的听着诸神争吵已经不知道多少年了，虽然时间在这里对他们没有意义，但是这次她再也听不下去了。她决定发言。轻轻的，但是带着使其他诸神一起静默的率直，她终于开口了。
"I propose a compromise," she said, her gaze moving from one god to the next. "It will not be ideal for any of us, and it does not come without risk. But I feel it is the only way to satisfy all our objectives and restore balance between us and the mortals."
“我建议大家都退一步”她说道，同时她的目光缓缓的扫过诸神，“这也许不是一个对每个人都完美的方法，而且也不是没有风险。但是我觉得这是唯一可以实现所有目标并且恢复我们和凡人之间平衡的方法。”
Bristlebane perked an ear. "Speak, please, for this endless debate is maddening even for me."
布利斯托贝(诙谐之神)一听竖起了一个耳朵“快请说，这没完没了的争吵真的快把我都逼疯了！”
Quellious continued. "We all agree the mortals have gained too much power, but there are non-destructive ways to correct this. There is also a way for us to regain our strength, though it means removing our influence from this world for a time. But if we all agree--including those who sit upon the greater wheel of Elemental Power--it could save us all."
奎利业斯继续道“我们都同意，凡人的力量已经太大了，但是除了毁灭外，还是有办法来纠正这个错误的。而且这同时也可以帮助我们重新获得我们的力量，虽然这意味着我们需要把我们施加在这个世界上的影响暂时移开一段时间。但是如果我们都同意的话————包括那些位于更高元素力量之轮上的（神上神,指元素之神）————这可以救我们大家。”
"Speak, Tranquil One," Xegony said, breaking her long silence. "We will listen to your proposal."
“说吧，宁静者”西格尼(空气之神,元素之神为高于前面诸神的一级神)打破了长久的沉默，“我们都会认真听你的主意的。”
Quellious nodded. "It is through their unity that the mortals initially became strong. The first thing we must do is to disrupt that unity…"
奎利业斯点点头，“最初是团结使凡人变得强大。所以我们要做的第一件事就是破坏这团结。”
When Quellious had finished, Erollisi Marr nodded. "It would be an acceptable compromise."
奎利业斯刚说完，伊洛斯 玛尔就点头道“这是个不错的折中方案。”
"Agreed," her twin brother added.
“同意！”她的双胞胎兄弟也加入道。
"It does not matter to me," Innoruuk grinned, "for I still believe that the mortals will destroy themselves eventually."
“我没意见。”伊诺卢克露齿笑道“反正我还是相信，最终凡人会自己毁灭自己的。”
Brell rubbed his chin thoughtfully. "I will do as you suggest."
巴瑞尔摩擦者下巴思索着，最后终于说“我会按你说的做。”
The Faceless shrugged. "It seems like a waste of time, but I will follow the wishes of this council."
无颜者耸耸肩道“看上去像浪费时间，不过我还是会遵从会议的决议。”
Tunare sighed sadly. "I will do what you ask in order to make this work."
土那瑞悲叹了一声，无可奈何的接受了，“为了让这成功，我会做你要求的。”
Fennin Ro spoke for the first time since he had entered the chamber. "The rulers of the Elemental Planes will abide by this decision."
芬宁 洛在进入房间后一直一言不发，这时终于开口表态，“元素神域的统治者会遵守这个决定。”
One by one the other gods either agreed or said nothing, nodding silently.
一个接一个的，其余诸神或者发言同意，或者一言不发，沉默的点了点头。
Quellious eyed Rallos Zek as he whispered something to Solusek Ro. The Prince of Flame shook his head.
奎利业斯于是转过头去看着迟迟没有表态的拉洛斯 泽克，后者正在和索罗赛可 洛耳语着什么，但是烈焰王子摇头否决了他的提议。
"We agree," the god of War said at last. "When does it begin?"
"我们同意”战神最终开口说道“什么时候开始？”
"In seven mortal days' time, we will act as one. Will that be long enough to do what is needed?"
“在7个凡人天之后，这次我们要像一个人一样的行动。要准备好一切需要的，这点时间够了么，大家？”
"It will," Solusek Ro said coldly. Tunare nodded with reluctance.
“够了，”索罗赛可 洛冷淡的说。土那瑞也勉强的点头。
"Then it is agreed," the Tribunal spoke in a single voice. "This council stands adjourned."
“那么，全体通过。”所有会议成员异口同声道，“这次会议到此结束。”
The gods began to leave the chambers, but Quellious lingered. She noticed as Rallos approached Cazic-Thule and began to whisper something to him, and watched as Solusek Ro did the same to Brell.
诸神开始离开房间，但是奎利业斯并没有马上离开。她注意到拉洛斯走近卡滋土勒并且开始和他小声的说着什么，同时索罗赛可 洛也对巴瑞尔做着同样的事。
Tunare stood next to her. "Is this really the only way?"
这时土那瑞站到她的身边，忧心忡忡的问道：“真的只有这个办法么？”
"I believe it is," Quellious responded softly. "But I think we need to remain watchful, as not everyone may honor the intent of this pact."
“我想是的。”奎利业斯温柔的回答道，“但是我们要看紧点，不是每个人都对这个协议保持敬意的。”
Karana approached the two goddesses. "I have some trepidation in this matter, and I'd wager you feel the same."
卡拉那也没走，他走近这两个女神，说道“我总觉得这件事悬，我打赌你也一定这么想。”
"I do," replied Quellious. "But I have another proposal to share with the two of you to ensure our interests are preserved."
“是的，”奎利业斯回答道，“但是我还有另一个提议来与你们两位分享，一个可以保障我们的利益不被损害的提议。”微妙的微笑挂在她的唇边。
As the three gods left the council chamber together, Rallos Zek eyed them loathingly. He muttered to himself. "So, Quellious, you have your allies and I have mine. But your weakness will be your downfall. Let the endgame begin."
当这三个神一起离开会议室的是时候，拉洛斯 泽克厌恶的目光追随着他们。他小声的对自己咕哝道，“原来是这样啊，奎利业斯。没错，你有你的盟友。
但是，我，我也有我的。
你的软弱只会让你一败涂地！

让这最后的游戏现在就开始吧！”

Chp 2: The Call of Tranquility
第2章 宁静的召唤

The old man stood in the kitchen of his small home and faced the window, cleaning the dishes from supper while watching the orange glow of sunset gradually descend upon the Commonlands. He loved this twilight time and the calm it brought to the countryside--a rare commodity these days. With Freeport having grown so much over the years and as more and more people built their homes in the surrounding area, tranquility was in short supply.
老人站在他狭小的屋子的厨房窗前，清洗着晚餐的碟子，这时候落日那美丽的橙色光芒正慢慢的褪出公共大陆的地平线。他深爱着这黄昏时刻以及它带给这乡村的平静，可惜这平静现在已经所剩无几了。这些年来随着自由港的不断发展，越来越多的人落户到了周边地区，宁静的田园生活也越来越远离他了。
He finished with the dishes just as the sun sank behind the hillside. His bones ached slightly as he sat down near the firelight, closing his eyes and letting the warmth drift over him. Just as his masters in the Ashen Order had taught him so many years ago, he cleared his mind and began to meditate.
当落日终于落到山的那一边时，他也洗完了碟子。他觉得骨头有点痛，于是他*近炉火坐下，闭上双眼，让这炉火的温暖,漫布全身。然后，就好像当年在灰袍修道会时他师傅曾经教过他的那样，他努力让精神澄净开始进入冥想。
His eyes opened when he heard the knock at the door. It would have startled him had it not been so soft, so rhythmic, almost like a heartbeat. He stood and moved to the doorway, pausing to collect himself. While the Commonlands had become much safer these days, it would not be the first time some brigand had tried to take advantage of a seemingly helpless old man. He flexed his fist and smiled. Yes, the magic was still there if it was needed. He nodded silently to himself and opened the door.
忽然传来的敲门声让他张开了双眼。这敲门声是这样的轻柔，这样的富有节奏，就如同心跳一般，几乎没有惊动他。他站起身来，走向门去，在开门前他停了一下使自己镇定下来。虽然公共大陆这些年来安全多了，但他也不止一次的遇见有强盗试图占这看上去无助的老人的便宜了。他拗了拗手指的关节微笑着准备迎接挑战。是的，如果需要，我的魔力还在。他无声的对自己点点头然后打开了门。
The old man froze. He recognized her instantly, even though he had never set eyes on her before. She was just a small girl, but she glowed with a radiance and warmth that put the firelight to shame. A sense of peace emanated from her, touching him deep inside. Tears welled in his eyes and he swallowed hard, his mouth unable to speak.
老人的身体仿佛一下子凝结了。他几乎瞬间认出了她，虽然之前他从未见过她。她看上去只是个小女孩，但是她浑身放射着让炉火也黯淡无光的光芒和温暖。一种平静的感觉从她的身上源源不断的放射出来，触及他的灵魂深处。眼泪不自觉的涌上他的双眼，他觉得吞咽困难，说不出话来。
She looked up at him and gave him a slight smile. Her voice was like a soft, lingering melody as she spoke. “Hello, disciple.”
她抬起头注视着他然后对他微微一笑。她说话时声音如同轻柔而余音绕梁的旋律“你好，我的信徒。”
He realized he was trembling, despite the sense of belonging that flowed through every cell of his being. He knelt to the ground before her, his voice nearly a whisper. “Is it time to go now? To pass beyond this veil and make my home in Tranquility at last?’
他忽然意识到自己在颤抖，尽管同时一种强烈的归属感也在他的每个细胞里流动着。他在她面前跪下，他的声音轻的像耳语。“是不是到我该去的时候了？是揭开这尘世的面纱最终回到我永恒的宁静中去的时候了？”
She reached out and took his hand, her smile bathing him in warmth. She shook her head. “No, disciple, you cannot rest just yet. I have need of you, now more than ever. Rise and walk with me, for my time here is short and there is much that I must tell you.”
她的手缓缓伸出，最后握住了他的手，她的笑容让他如沐春风。她摇了摇头道：“不是现在，我的信徒，现在你还不能休息。我从未像现在这样需要你。站起来和我一起走，我的时间不多而我有那么多的事必须告诉你。”
He obeyed her instantly, following as she guided him out the door. The land around them was perfectly still, glowing with a kind of preternatural light that allowed him to see and sense everything around him. He breathed deeply and smelled every flower all at once. Suddenly he felt foolish for being filled with such a sense of wonder. Of course she could do this. She could bring forth the serenity from any place.
他即刻遵从了她，跟随她的引导出了门。四周的大地是如此完美的寂静，被一种超自然的光芒照耀着，这光芒让他能看见和感觉到周围的一切。他突然深深的吸了一口气并闻到了每朵花的芳香，这感觉让他惊异。但他马上意识到自己对这一切感到不可思议是多么的愚蠢。当然，她能做到这。她能在任何地方展示这种极致的平静之美。
She kept hold of his hand as they walked. Her voice was soft yet clear. “Troubled times lay ahead, disciple. We stand on the threshold of change, and whether this will come to good or ill I do not know. The future is clouded, even to me. Soon turmoil will fall across the lands. Events have been set in motion that cannot be undone, and dark things will come to pass. My presence will no longer be known here, and strife will take my place.”
在路上她始终握着他的手。她的声音轻柔却清晰，“不平静的日子马上就要到来，我的信徒。我们站在改变的前夜，我并不知道这改变的结果是好是坏。即使对我而言，未来也是阴云密布，不可琢磨。很快混乱会从天而降遍及大地。所有将发生的事都已经开始并无法更改了，黑暗也将再临。我的存在将不为人知，而冲突将取代我的位置。
“No, my mistress, this cannot be,” he pleaded urgently. “Norrath needs your guidance and light. I need it too, so very much.”
“不要啊，我的主人，不能这样啊。”他迫不及待的恳求到。“诺拉斯需要您的指引和光明。我也需要，非常非常的需要。”
She shook her head slowly. “These things are written and cannot be changed. That is why I have come for you. It is time for you to fulfill your destiny and help your world. You must pass down my teachings, and prepare this land for the perils ahead.”
她缓缓的摇头。“事情已经注定，无法改变。这也是我来找你的原因。现在是你完成你命中注定的任务并帮助你的世界的时候了。”你必须把我教给你的传给世人，并且为即将来到这个大地的危险开始准备。”
He fell to his knees in front of her and bowed his head. “I am yours to command, mistress.”
他再一次低下头跪倒在她的面前“我遵从您的命令，我的主人。”
She laid her hands upon his shoulders and spoke, her voice full of kindness and peace. “Then, arise, disciple, and accept your destiny.”
她把她的双手放在他的肩上开始详细的讲解，她的声音充满了仁慈和和睦。最后她结束道：”现在，站起来吧，我的信徒，来接受你的命运。”
He took a deep breath and stood. The ache in his joints was gone and his vision seemed somehow sharper. The wrinkles on his hands had faded, and he felt a new strength surge within them.
他深吸了一口气站了起来。发现纠缠他多年的关节痛已经全然消失，视力不知为何变的更敏锐了，手上的皱纹也无影无踪，他感到新的力量在他体内汹涌澎湃。
“The veil of age has passed away. Your body shall be renewed by my strength now, for as long as you serve me.”
“衰老的假象已经不再。你的身体现在被我的力量重生，而且只要你还为我工作，你的身体会一直这样。”
He bowed his head and spoke, his own voice somehow new and different. “Thank you, mistress. What duty now lies before me?”
他再次低头致谢，他发现自己的声音也不知为何变的崭新且不同“太感谢了，我的主人。现在请告诉我，我的任务是什么？”
“You will be my presence in this land, disciple. You will preserve the ways of Tranquility and teach my principles as the world drifts toward despair. You will be my voice when I must be silent.”
“你将是我在这个世界的代表，我的信徒。你将保存宁静之道并且在世界漂向绝望时把它教给我的信徒。当我不得不保持沉默时，你将是我的声音！”
He nodded. “I will do this gladly and with great honor, mistress. All the lands of Norrath and the skies above will know your teachings.”
他点头道。“我很愿意做这些，实际上，我感到无上光荣，我的主人。诺拉斯所有的大陆和它们之上的天空都会知道您的教诲。”
She grew quiet a moment, her eyes looking toward the moon of Luclin as it glowed brightly above them. Her brow furrowed slightly.
有一瞬间她变的安静，她的双眼望向照亮着他们的路卡林之月。她的眉头微蹵。
“There is more to tell, and time is short. Walk with me, Avatar of Tranquility, and hear my words.”
“还有更多需要告诉你的，时间是这样的短。跟我来，宁静化身，我要你把我的每一个字牢记在心。”
She reached out her hand to him and he took it, walking with her into the cool calm of evening. As their footsteps led him farther still from his old life, he knew his true purpose at last. This was an ending and a beginning, a goodbye and a hello.
她对他伸了出手，他接受了，两人走入夜凉如水的暮色。当他的脚步离旧我越来越远，他最终认识到自己真正的人生目的。这是个开始也是个结束，一次离开的道别和一次相识的问候。
The night was quiet and still. It would not remain that way much longer.
夜晚是如此的从容和寂静。但是，它将很快不是那样了……

Chp 3: Attack on the Nexus
第三章： 那科萨被袭


Ayenden concluded his business in the Bazaar and strolled into the Nexus. The usual crowd of travelers was passing through, and Ayenden thought he might look around for some familiar faces with which to seek adventure. He caught sight of an old friend standing atop the platform. “Enkasha,” he called out. “I didn’t expect to see you here today.”
艾登在市集收摊后决定去那科萨转转。司空见惯的旅行者们熙熙攘攘的走过他的身边，艾登觉得他应该在周围找找看有没有什么熟面孔在，这或许会是一次新冒险的开端呢。忽然他看见了他的一个老朋友正站在月台上。“因卡莎，”他大叫道。“我没想到今天能在这看到你。”
The tall, serene Erudite saw him and smiled slightly. Ayenden knew this was the extent of the emotion she was likely to show. She walked down the stairs and greeted him.
这个看上去高而安详的博学者也看到了他，发自内心的微笑浮上脸庞。艾登知道这已然是她一般愿意表露出的感情的极限了。她开始走下楼梯并向他致意。
“You are correct, my friend. I am indeed overdue for the festival. I was exploring the planes with my guild mates, which took far longer than I had anticipated. I am certain to be chided for my tardiness.”
“你说对了，我的伙伴。这次我真的误点了。我先前正和我的行会伙伴们在神域探索，这耽搁的时间比我预期的多的多。我看我肯定会被骂的。”
“It sounds like a glorious occasion for your people,” Ayenden said. “Are you sure I can’t convince you to take me along as a guest?”
“听上去好像你们博学者要搞一个大聚会啊。“艾登调皮的说道，“你确认我不能说服你带我一起去作客么？”
Enkasha rolled her eyes and sighed, a gesture Ayenden knew to be playful rather than demeaning. “You know full well that the celebration of the anniversary of Erud’s birth is a sacred and private ritual for us. Outsiders are never allowed to attend.”
因卡莎不满地朝他翻了翻白眼叹了口气，一副无可奈何的样子。这白眼艾登太熟悉了，这已经是他们之间默契的玩笑了，没人会以为因卡莎真的在生气。“你明明知道，每年的伊鲁德诞辰周年纪念对我们博学者来说是很神圣和私密的仪式，从来没有外人被允许参加过。”
“Yes, you told me before,” Ayenden muttered. “I hope you will tell me the details later, at least. I’m sure this eighth centennial will be quite an occasion. Who knows, one of you might even tell a joke.”
“嗯，你以前告诉过我。”艾登咕囔着说，“至少我希望你以后能告诉我点细节。我确信这次800周年庆一定会非常盛大。谁知道呢，说不定你们中的一个会讲个笑话给大家庆祝呢。”
Enkasha sighed again, but the faintest of grins betrayed her amusement. “It shall indeed be special, though not for the reason you posit. But enough of this chatter; I must see the scion about teleportation to Odus.”
因卡莎故意又叹了口气，但是还是忍不住露出笑意，虽然是那么不易察觉，但是已经出卖了她的秘密。“这次当然会非常特别，虽然不是因为你说的理由。不管怎样这次谈话到此为止；我要去和后裔谈谈关于传送我去奥都斯的事了。”
Before he could respond, Ayenden’s attention was drawn to a commotion atop the Nexus platform. The air itself seemed to crackle and sputter as a vortex of energy began to swirl. “What in the name of Tunare is that?”
艾登还没来得及答话，传送月台上忽然出现的骚动吸引了他。在那里空气忽然自己噼啪作响起来，一个能量漩涡开始在月台上渐渐的形成。“以土那瑞的名义，那个是什么东西啊？”
Enkasha turned and watched, her eyes narrow. “Something is teleporting into this chamber.”
因卡莎转过头来观察，她咪起眼睛仔细的看了看说“没什么，只是有东西要传送进来而已。”
Ayenden shook his head slowly. “That is no ordinary spell. Someone is opening a doorway to this place, and is expending a great amount of energy to do so.” He muttered the beginnings of an incantation, his eyes fixed upon the growing vortex. “I think perhaps you should be visiting that scion now, my friend.”
艾登缓慢而坚决的摇着头表示异议。“这不是普通的魔法。有人正在打开一个到这里的节界入口，要做到这样需要消耗非常大的能量。”他嘴里一边咕哝着一个咒语的开始几句，一边死死的盯着不断长大中的漩涡。“我想你最好还是赶快去找后裔传送走吧，我的伙伴。”
“Nonsense,” Enkasha protested. “Who else will defend a fragile old wizard like you?” She cast a spell to summon forth a fiery pet and commanded it to stand in front of her. The swirl of energy on the platform above them was expanding rapidly.
“少来，”因卡莎抗议道。“除了我谁会来保护一个象你这样又老又脆的FC巫师呢？”她一边说着一边召唤了一个火宝宝出来，并且命令它站在自己的前面。同时在他们面前那个能量漩涡正在快速的膨胀……
“You pick a curious time to develop a sense of humor, milady. Not that I’m ungrateful, but I really must insist that--“ Ayenden gasped as the portal opened and dark, massive beings began to rush through it. “The Diaku!” he shouted in di**elief. “Get back, Enkasha!”
“你选择了一个奇怪的时刻来练习你的幽默感，我的夫人。我不是不知感激，但是我真的必须坚持我的观点，你……”艾登气喘吁吁的说着。这时传送门的入口已经打开，黑暗而强壮的生物开始通过传送门冲了进来。“迪亚库！！”他简直无法置信，大叫起来。“退后，因卡莎！”
The huge, heavily armored soldiers poured through the opening with weapons drawn. They stormed down the stairway toward the crowds that had gathered and began to attack.
这些巨大的穿着厚重铠甲的战士们潮水般的从入口涌入，手上拿着出鞘的武器。它们咆哮着冲下台阶杀向下面集结完毕开始战斗的人群。
“What are they doing outside the Plane of Tactics?” Enkasha cried out. Instinctively she bolstered her pet and ordered it forward as a soldier charged her. The Nexus was now flooded with adventurers from the Bazaar and Shadowhaven, but more Diaku continued to charge out of the gateway. “There are so many!” she exclaimed. “We cannot stop them.”
“它们到战术神域外面来干什么？”因卡莎大声呼喊道。几乎是下意识的，她指挥她的宝宝前进，挡住了一个向她冲来的战士。那科萨现在充满了从集市和舍得海文来援的冒险者们，但是更多的迪亚库前仆后继的从传送门内冲出。“太多了！！”她惊叫道。“我们挡不住它们的。”
“Let me translocate you away, Enkasha,” Ayenden pleaded. “Now is the time for neither jokes nor pride.”
“让我把你传送走吧，因卡莎，”艾登简直就是在恳求了，“现在不是开玩笑或者要面子的时候了。”
“No, I will stand here and defend this place,” she countered, healing her pet as it fought against a Diaku swordsman. “But you must go and warn others. We need reinforcements.”
“不，我要留在这儿，我要保护这里。”她一边反驳，一边治疗她的正在和一个迪亚库剑士格斗的宝宝。“而你，你必须走，并且警告其他人。我们需要增援！”
“I will not leave you!” Energy bolts flew from his fingertips as more planar invaders kept coming.
“我绝对不会离开你的！”能量矢从他的指尖飞出射向越来越多的来自神域的入侵者，但这只是杯水车薪。
“Which of us is being prideful? You must go, and go now. I think something else is coming through the portal.”
“你说我们谁更爱面子来者？你必须走，马上走。我觉得还有什么别的东西也正在从传送门那端走来。”
From behind the Diaku came tall beings whose very heads seemed to be made of fire, their massive weapons burning with the arcane power of their master.
这时在迪亚库们的身后，出现了一群高大的生物，它们的脑袋看上去是火焰做成的，厚重的武器上也带着它们的主人所拥有的神秘力量所带来的火焰。
“By all the gods!” Ayenden hissed. “Those are the servants of Solusek Ro. And they seem to be carrying a massive gem of some sort with them.”
“我的天啊！“艾登倒抽了一口冷气。“那些是索罗赛可 洛的仆人们。它们似乎在把一块不知道干什么用的大块宝石搬运过来。”
Enkasha was pouring all her strength into her pet, struggling against the assault of the Diaku. “There can be no more delay. We need help, Ayenden. Go now!”
因卡莎几乎把所有的力量都倾注在她的宝宝身上，苦苦抵挡着迪亚库的攻击。“不能再延误了。我们需要帮助，艾登。现在就走！！”
He wanted desperately to stay by her side but knew that she was right. Ayenden cast his gate spell and waited for it to spirit him away. “I’ll be back soon. Stand fast, my friend.” As reality began to shimmer around him, he saw a Diaku archer take aim at Enkasha from atop the platform. He tried to call out to warn her, but before he could utter a sound he was gone.
他近乎绝望的希望留在她的身边，但是他知道——她是对的，我们需要支援，需要警告其他人。艾登开始施放他的传送门魔法并静静的等待着魔法带他离开。“我马上回来。坚持住，我的伙伴。”在传送魔法的作用下，他周围的现实空间开始扭曲变形，他依稀看到一个迪亚库弓箭手正从月台上面偷偷的瞄准了因卡莎。他想要大叫来提醒她，但是还来不及发声，魔法启动了，他消失了……

The familiar scent of the Faydark filled his nostrils, instantly replacing the stench of burning air that had permeated the Nexus just moments before. Teleportation was always vaguely disconcerting, but no more so than this night. He turned and sprinted down the pathways he had learned so well in his youth.
又是费达克那熟悉的气味充满了他的鼻腔，取代了几秒前那科萨那熊熊烈焰带来的恶臭。每次使用传送魔法，他总是感到有些莫名的不安，但是从来没象今夜这样强烈,他隐约觉得有些不对。来不及细想，他转身跑向身后的小路，啊，熟悉的小路啊，遍布我童年的足迹……

At last he caught sight of the guards outside the grand city of Felwithe. “Sound the alarm!” he shouted. “The Nexus is being attacked!”
终于他看到了哨兵的伟岸的身影，在伟大的精灵城市——费德维尔雄伟的轮廓笼罩下。“快拉警报！”他大叫道。“那科萨被袭击了！”
Ayenden charged past the various people milling around the open gate and ran inside. He had to tell the paladins to gather their forces. This invasion may take an entire legion of knights to repel.
艾登发疯似的冲过敞开的城门前形形色色的正在磨面的人们，跑了进去。他必须告诉圣堂骑士们马上集合他们的军队。这次入侵可能需要整个军团的骑士才能击退。
The captain of the guard walked toward the wizard, flanked by his lieutenant. “What is this attack you speak of? Tell me quickly.”
守卫队长走向巫师，边上跟着他的副官。“你所说的袭击到底是怎么回事？赶快告诉我！”
Ayenden gulped for air as he told the captain what had transpired. The captain considered the wizard's words for a moment, then turned to his lieutenant. “Send word to the king of what is transpiring. Tell him we may need additional reinforcements. I will bring a squadron with me to hold these beings back.”
在向队长讲述发生的一切的过程中，艾登一直不停的大声吸气，恐惧和焦虑让他呼吸困难。队长略微思考了一下巫师的话，然后转过身对他的副官命令道，“把发生的一切转告国王。告诉他我们可能需要另外的增援。我会带一个骑兵中队先过去挡住那些生物。”
The lieutenant saluted and marched quickly down the corridor. The captain pointed back toward the city gate. “Meet me outside. I must gather my forces, and then we will need you to take us to the Nexus.”
副官敬了个礼，然后快速的走下回廊，报信去了。队长指着身后的城门说道，“在那外面等我。我必须去集合我的军队，然后我们需要你带我们去那科萨。”
Ayenden nodded and ran back outside. After what seemed an eternity, the captain and his guard arrived, accompanied by additional wizards.
艾登点了点头然后跑回城门外。虽然只是片刻等待，对他来说也象永恒那么久，队长和他的卫兵们终于到达，和他们在一起的还有另外的一些巫师。
“Weave your magic and take us to the Nexus,” the captain ordered. Ayenden began to cast immediately, and as he chanted the spell he felt the familiar gathering of energy around him and his passengers. But suddenly the gate collapsed and the spell was broken.
“施法吧，带我们去那科萨，”队长命令道。艾登马上开始施法，当他吟唱着咒语时，他感觉到那再熟悉不过的传送能量开始聚集在他和他的旅客周围，一切看上去很正常。忽然，传送门崩溃了，魔法被打断了。
Ayenden cursed to himself and began to cast again. This time his power seemed lessened, despite the fact that he had been meditating for the last several minutes. He looked at the captain and shook his head.
艾登急得开始诅咒自己，迫不及待的再次施法。这次他的力量似乎更弱了，尽管事实上他之前几分钟为了施法刚刚特意冥想过。他抬起头看着队长自责的摇了摇头。
The captain turned to his wizards. “You take us there,” he ordered. They began to cast, but their spells fizzled as well.
队长转向他带来的巫师们，“把我们带到那，”他命令道。那些巫师开始施法，但是他们的魔法也都失败了。
“I cannot explain this,” one of them said aloud. The others were just as baffled.
“我无法解释这，”他们中的一个大声说道。其他的人也一样感到困惑。
“We must go to the spires. The scion can take us there,” Ayenden pleaded. The captain nodded and ordered his soldiers forward.
“我们必须去尖顶传送环了。后裔会带我们去那里的，”艾登恳求道，队长点头表示同意并指挥他的士兵们向那前进。
This run seemed far longer to Ayenden than the last one had, but finally they reached the gigantic forest spires. He knew something was wrong before they got there. The familiar hum was gone, and the scion stood alone at the center of the spires.
这次的行军对艾登来说似乎比先前那次还要长的多，总算最终他们到达了那巨大的森林尖顶传送环。还没有到那他就觉得有东西不对。那熟悉的传送环发出的嗡嗡声不见了，往日车水马龙的传送环，也只有后裔一个人孤零零的站在中央。
“What is it? What has happened?” Ayenden cried out. “Tell us!”
“怎么了？发生了什么？”艾登忍不住大叫道。“快告诉我们！”
The scion looked around helplessly. “They’re dead,” he said softly. “The spires are silent.”
后裔无助的望着四周，“他们死了，”他微弱的说，“传送环沉默了…………”
Ayenden stood, his mouth agape. He looked up at the sky, feeling more lost than he could ever remember. He thought of his friend so far away.
一瞬间，艾登站在那里，呆若木鸡，张口结舌。他抬起头看着天空，看着孤零零悬在空中的路卡林，感到记忆中从未有过的失落。他想到了他的朋友，现在他们相隔如此遥远。
“I’m sorry, Enkasha,” he whispered to the clinging darkness of the night. “I’m so sorry.”
“对不起，因卡莎，”他对着漆黑的夜空低声的自言自语。“我真的，真的对不起……”

Chp 4 Awakening
第4章 觉醒

Urduuk woke up feeling much the same way. More, perhaps. Definitely not less.
每个早晨乌尔都克醒来时都有同样的感觉。年复一年，这样的感觉一次比一次强烈，从来没有减退过。
He rubbed his eyes and looked around, noticing that Karna was cooking breakfast. He shook his massive head. "How is it that we live like this?" he asked aloud.
这个早晨他再次从睡梦中醒来，揉着惺忪的睡眼四顾，一切如旧，破旧的房间，在忙碌的做着早饭的卡娜，什么都没改变。他用力摇了摇他的大脑袋，试图摆脱梦中的幻境，然而他无法摆脱。“为什么我们要过着这样的生活？”他大声问道。
"What?" she grunted back at him. "Live like what?"
“啥？”卡娜咕噜着反问道，一边继续忙碌。“怎样的生活？”
"This place," he said, rising to his feet, "it''s nothing more than a jumble of rocks with some crude rugs on the floor. Yet we''ve lived like this for years and never thought twice about it. Doesn''t that seem odd to you?"
“这个地方，”他继续说，一边下床站了起来，“除了一堆烂石头和地板上那几块破布什么都没有！而这样的生活我们居然忍受了这么多年，而且还习以为常。你不觉得这很奇怪么？”
Karna was baffled. "This place is our home. Oggok is as it has been all of our lives. I don''t understand this sudden... change in your thinking."
卡娜显然被搞糊涂了，“可是这里就是我们的家啊。奥格克一直就是我们生活的全部。我搞不清楚你……怎么会突然想到这个，你好像忽然变了一个人啊。”
"Dissatisfaction, you mean? Don''t you feel it, Karna? Don''t you feel something rising up within you? It''s as if a fog has slowly been receding and my mind understands things for the first time. We are a race of kings, Karna. Once we held all of Norrath in the palm of our hand. Yet for centuries our people have lived in a city that is nothing more than a shambling pile of stones and rotting vines. Doesn''t that seem ridiculous to you? Doesn''t that seem absurd?"
“你是说，突然想到不满么？难道你就不觉得,卡娜？你不觉得某种东西正在你的体内觉醒？就好像一直围绕着你脑子里的迷雾慢慢散去，然后你忽然发现你第一次开始懂事了。"我们，巨魔，是一个要做国王的种族，卡娜。曾经整个诺拉斯都攥在我们手里。然而，几百年来我们的人民居然一直生活在这样一个除了乱七八糟的破石块和腐烂中的藤蔓杂草外什么都没有的破烂城市里。难道这些你不觉得可笑么？难道这些不荒谬么？”
She bared her teeth and slowly shook her head. "My mind... it''s fuzzy, Urduuk. It scares me a little. I know of what you speak, but still... it''s like I''m trudging slowly through deep water. I want so much to move faster, but I simply cannot."
卡娜露出牙齿迷惑得摇了摇头。“我的脑袋……有点晕，乌尔都克。这些有点让我害怕了。我想我知道你在说什么，但是还是……这就好像我在很深的水里吃力的走，只能缓缓移动，我也想走得快些，但是我就是做不到。”
He wrapped his huge arms around her and pulled her close to him. "I''m sorry, my love. I do not mean to upset you. But I can see it in myself and in the others. I can hear it in the way we speak. Something about us is changing, Karna. We are not what we once were."
他用他粗壮的双手把卡娜搂进怀里*近他，“对不起，亲爱的，我不是想要让你不安的。但我从自己和其他人身上看到的，从我们的言谈里听到的，都是这些不满。我们身上的某些东西正在改变，卡娜，我们不再是从前的我们了。”
"I think you are right, Urduuk," she said, almost vulnerably. She squeezed him because it made her feel better to do so.
“我想你是对的，乌尔都克，”她忽然变得很脆弱，应声道。心中的不安让卡娜不知所措，她只能紧紧的抱住他，只有这样才让她的感觉好些。
He kissed her brow. "That''s enough nonsense out of me for now. What about that breakfast?"
他吻了吻她的额头，“我想我今天说了太多废话了。还是让我们来看看早饭吧？亲爱的。”

"athetic," he muttered angrily to himself. Then, to the old man, "Are you sure this is all of them?"
“这太可悲了！”他愤怒的对自己咕囔着。然后他转向身边的老人问道，“你确定只有这些么？这就是全部了么？”
The silver-crested ogre slowly shook his head. "I have told you twice already that it is. We simply have not kept many written records of our history, young man. Those scrolls and tablets are all that our shamans have scribed over the centuries."
这个带着银色头饰的巨魔不耐的摇摇头，说道：”我都告诉你两次了，就是这些了！我们的确没有保留太多的关于我们历史的文字记录,年轻人。这些卷轴和石板就是我们的撒满这几百年来抄录下来的全部了。”
"Ridiculous!" he hissed to himself as the old man sat down. "It''s as if our entire civilization has been in a stupor. Stories have been passed down from one generation to the next through the telling, but there is so little concrete information. And this shambles of a library is laughable. Even the cursed frogloks have better books than these." Urduuk pushed the scrolls and tablets away and clenched his fist.
“太可笑了！”他不满的自言自语着，老人自顾自的坐下了。“好像我们的整个文明一直在昏迷中。故事通过口口相授一代代的流传下来，但是一点看得到的记录都没有。这样一个废墟一样的图书馆简直是个笑话。就连该死的蛤蟆的书都比我们的书好。”乌尔都克把面前的卷轴和石板推开，站起身来，拳头紧握。
"What''s that, young one?" the old ogre asked. "Did you find the answers you seek?"
“怎么了，年轻人？”老巨魔注意到了他的举动，问道：“你找到你要的答案了么？”
"Sadly, I think I have, old one." Urduuk shook his head. "At least, the only answer there is to find." He stood up and walked out of the library, his feet pounding angrily on the crumbled cobblestones of the street.
“这一切太可悲了，但我想我还是找到了，老头。”乌尔都克悲哀的摇着他的头。“至少。找到了这里唯一能找到的……答案。”他起身走出了图书馆，怒气冲冲的脚步声沿着破旧古老的鹅卵石街道渐渐远去……

"Be careful how you speak to your chieftain, Urduuk. My word is law here in Oggok."
“注意你的态度，你是和你的酋长在说话，乌尔都克。我的话在这，奥格克，就是法律！”
Urduuk held his tongue a moment before speaking again. "I meant no offense, Chieftain Orrek. I simply feel there is a better approach."
乌尔都克沉默了一下但还是再次开口说道，“我不想冒犯您，奥瑞克酋长。我只是觉得这是个更好的办法。”
"My plan is sound. We will expand our farmlands and feed our bellies. We will strengthen our outposts in the Feerrott and ensure that our borders are safe. Oggok will grow and prosper under my hand."
“我的计划更加有意义一些。我们将会开垦更多的田地并且大家都能填饱肚子。我们同时会巩固我们在费洛特的前哨来确保我们边界的安全。奥格克将会在我手上发展繁荣。”
"We need to do more than survive! We are not a race of farmers, Orrek. We are a race of warriors and kings. Norrath knew our domination once, and it must know it again. But we will never see that glory if we till the soil like oafish farmhands."
“我们需要做的远不是生存下去而已！！我们不是那些做农奴的种族，奥瑞克。我们是做武士做国王的种族。全诺拉斯都曾经领教到我们才是真正的统治者，现在他们必须再次懂得这个道理。但是要是我们象白痴农奴那样去耕地，我们永远也看不到这样的荣耀！”
"Your tone offends me, Urduuk. Say another word and I''ll have you in chains before this assembly."
“你的语气冒犯了我，乌尔都克。再敢说一个字我就当场把你锁起来，就在这集会上！”
"Assembly? Are you joking? Look around you," he said, gesturing at the crowd in the square surrounding them. "The center of our city is nothing more than broken boulders and fetid ponds. How can this be enough for you?" He looked at the other citizens. "How can this be enough for any of you?" Many of the ogres murmured in agreement.
“在集会上？你在开玩笑么？张开你的眼睛，好好的看看你的周围。”他对着广场上围绕着他们的人群做了个手势，然后对他们说道。“这个我们城市的所谓中心，不过只是些支离破碎的石头和臭气熏天的池塘而已。你们怎么会觉得这样就足够了呢？”接着他转过身面对另一边的市民，继续煽动道。“你们中有谁觉得这就足够了，可以了，能够满足你了？”很多巨魔都受到煽动，发出赞同的低吼声。
The chieftain sensed the dissent growing around him. "Enough! I lead this city, and I determine its course. This meeting is over."
酋长感觉到周围反对他的声音正在不断壮大，他及时制止道，“够了！是我，领导这个城市；也是我，决定它要怎样发展。这次会议就到这了。散会！”
"It is not!" Urduuk growled. "It is time for us to show the courage to embrace our destiny."
“还没结束！”乌尔都克咆哮道。“现在正是时候！我们要拿出我们的勇气来抓住这命中注定的机会。”
"Those are the words," announced a deep, booming voice, "that I have waited for one of you to speak."
“就是这话！”一个低沉的带着轰鸣的声音忽然响起，“我等待了那么久，今天，你们中终于有人说出来了！”
Urduuk turned and gasped, as did the crowd. Out of nowhere a massive figure stood, twice as tall as any ogre, with a thick, imposing frame. It wore dark metallic armor that seemed to faintly glow with power, and a horned helm that hung just above its burning eyes. It was like an ogre but more than an ogre, a creature of power and terror and death.
乌尔都克蓦然转身忽然开始不住的喘息，所有在场的人也都和他一样。眼前的景象太惊人了，从虚空之中走出一个巨大的身影，大约有两个巨魔那么高，身躯伟岸，仪态庄严。它穿着闪耀着力量微光的黑色金属铠甲，带着装饰着双角的头盔，双眼闪烁着熊熊火焰。它看上去是个巨魔的模样，但是远不止是个巨魔，它是力量、恐怖和死亡的化身。
Urduuk stood transfixed for a moment, then stammered a question almost in a whisper. "Lord... Lord Rallos?''
乌尔都克呆呆的站在那好一会，才结结巴巴的问到，声音轻的好像耳语，“拉……拉洛斯大人？”
"No," answered the voice, echoing throughout the square. "I am not your maker, but rather the one who has remained behind to carry out his will. I am the hand of Zek while he must be absent. And I am the one who will guide you to once again dominate all of Norrath."
“不，”那个声音回答道，带来的巨大的回声在广场上来回振荡，“我不是你们的创造者，而是，更确切的说，他留在凡间来完成他意愿的人。在泽克必须缺席时我就是他的双手。除了这些，最重要的是，我就是来指引你们重新统治整个诺拉斯的那个人！”
Urduuk looked over at the chieftain, who stood awed and terrified. Urduuk sneered at him and then turned back to the dark figure. "Avatar of War, emissary of our maker, we live and die at your command. Tell us what to do."
乌尔都克回头查看他们的酋长大人，后者因为敬畏和恐惧木立当场。乌尔都克轻蔑的笑了笑然后转身面对那黑暗的身影。“战神的化身，造物者之使，我们将服从你的命令，无论生存还是死亡，直到最后的胜利。现在请告诉我们，我们要做什么.”
A dark smile seemed to cross the being''s otherworldly face for a moment. "You will build. You will waste no time growing wheat or baking bread. You will take what you need from others and make this a city fit for kings. You will expand your knowledge and relearn the dark arts lost to you for so long. You will raise a new Rallosian Army that shall conquer the world and wipe out the children of the lesser gods once and for all. This is your destiny, son of Zek. Will you make it yours, or will you wander about the jungle with lizards and toads?"
似乎在一瞬间，一个阴郁的笑容曾掠过这生物那不属于这世界的脸庞，然后它说道：“你们将创建。你们将不再会浪费时间去种什么麦子，烤什么面包。你们将从其他人那里拿到你们需要的一切，并且把这个地方变成一个配的上国王们居住的城市。你们将扩展你们的知识并且重新学习你们已经忘却那么久的黑色艺术。你们将兴起新的拉洛斯信徒们组成的大军。然后征服世界，最后把那些次要神袛的子民们一次性也是永久性的从这世上抹去。这就是你们的命运，泽克之子们！现在告诉我！你们是愿意获得这一切，还是愿意继续在这倒霉的丛林里和爬虫蛤蟆一起瞎转？”
Urduuk stepped forward and stood in front of the avatar. "We will seize our destiny. We will build a new city of Rallos that will be grander than any other on Norrath. One by one the lands of those who oppose us will be burned to the ground. On this you have my blood oath. We will not fail."
乌尔都克走了出来站到化身面前。“我们将抓住这次命运给予的机会。我们将建造一座新的拉洛斯之城，一座比诺拉斯上其他一切城市都雄伟得多的城市。那些反抗我们的人的土地会一个接一个的被夷为平地。我们以我们的鲜血起誓，这些都会被实现！我们不会让你失望的！”
The avatar reached to his side and drew a runed, flaming blade. He touched it to Urduuk''s shoulder and watched as the ogre refused to flinch. The avatar nodded. "You, Urduuk, will be my general. You will lead your people to their rightful destiny. By the touch of Soulfire I ordain this to be so." He sheathed the blade and drew a second weapon from his belt. "This sword was blessed by Vallon Zek and forged in the fires of Drunder. The unholy blade Vel''Arek must drink the blood of the weak, and in turn it will make you strong. Use it to claim what is yours, Urduuk."
化身走近他的身边抽出一把刻着密文燃烧着诡异火焰的长剑。他用它轻触了乌尔都克的肩膀，巨魔毫不退缩的接受了这赐封。化身看着他欣赏的点了点头，说道：“你，乌尔都克，将成为我的大将军。你将领导你的人民获得他们应有的生活。以魂火之触为证，我命此如斯。”化身把长剑回鞘，然后从它的腰带上拔出了第二把武器。“这把长剑被瓦伦 泽克所赐福，在杜兰德的烈焰中铸造而成。邪恶之剑 梵 阿瑞克 必须痛饮弱者的鲜血，然后作为回报它会使你更加强大。现在，用它来夺取你所该拥有的，乌尔都克。”
Urduuk took hold of the massive weapon and felt its weight. It looked as if it would take two hands to wield it, but he could easily swing it with one. It had a long, dark blade with ancient words inscribed down the length of it. He looked up at the avatar a moment, then turned and walked to Chieftain Orrek. "Would you still have us be farmers, chieftain? Would you still have us be weak?"
乌尔都克接过这把巨大的武器并感觉到了它的重量。它看上去似乎必须要用双手才能挥动，但是现在他可以轻易的用一只手耍弄。它的剑刃绵长而黑暗，上面用远古文字镌刻着它的剑长。他抬头看了化身一眼，然后转身走向奥瑞克酋长。“你还要我们做农奴么？酋长。你还要我们那样软弱么？”他轻蔑的问道。
"I... have devoted my life to the service of Zek," he stammered nervously. "I will not fail him."
“我……我为泽克服务了终身，”他紧张的有些结巴了。“我不会让他失望的。”
"You are correct, chieftain, for your death shall serve him as well." Urduuk thrust the blade forward suddenly and drove it through the chieftain''s chest, staring into the ogre''s eyes as he crumpled to the ground. Urduuk withdrew the blade and lifted it to the sky, watching as it seemed to drink in the blood of the fallen chieftain.
“你说对了，酋长，不过这次，倒不如让你的死来为他服务吧。”乌尔都克猛然刺出长剑穿透了酋长的胸部，然后他目不转睛的盯着酋长死不瞑目的双眼，直到他缓缓的瘫倒在地。乌尔都克从尸体上拔出剑举向天空，看着它，这剑似乎正在痛饮这死去酋长的鲜血。
"This," boomed the voice of the avatar, "is the force of will necessary to rule these lands. Even now my ally, the Avatar of Flame, is bringing this same message to the orc legions. Together the children of Zek will conquer this world and cleanse it of elves and men."
“这！”化身的轰鸣声再次传来，“这就是统治这些土地所必须的意志力！就是现在，我的盟友，火焰化身，也正在把这同样的消息带给兽人军团们。泽克子民们团结在一起将征服这个世界把污染它的精灵和人类清除干净。”
"The word of Zek shall guide us, Avatar," General Urduuk proclaimed. "We will build this city and your army. We will learn the dark magics and once again become the masters of this realm."
“泽克之语将引导我们，化身，”乌尔都克将军大声宣布到。“我们将建造这个城市以及您的军队；我们将学习黑暗魔法并且，再一次的，成为这个世界的主人！”
The avatar watched as the ogres knelt before their ruler. Urduuk narrowed his eyes and looked to the east. "And when the time is right," he said with disdain, "Gukta and the wretched frogloks will be the first to fall."
化身在一旁看着争先恐后的向新统治者跪拜的无数巨魔，若有所思。而乌尔都克却咪起双眼眺望东方。“当时机到来，”他轻蔑的自语到，“古柯塔和那些可怜的蛤蟆会是第一个被毁灭的！”

Chp: 5 A Moment of Reflexion
第5章：沉思时刻

The ranger’s footsteps made no sound as he climbed toward the summit. No rock was loosed, no twig snapped; it was as if nature itself carried him along his path.
游侠悄无声息的向顶峰攀爬着。不碰落一个石子，不折断一根小枝，他的动作是这样和谐完美，就好像造化本身将他一路带往那儿似的。
He reached the top and saw the monk sitting with his back to him. The monk seemed to be looking out over the landscape, the Plains of Karana to the west and the Commonlands to the east. The ranger approached silently, drawing closer to the one he came seeking.
很快，他到达了山巅。他看见一个武道家正坐在那儿，背对着他。那武道家似乎正在俯览着眼前的大地。在他脚下，西面看是人烟稀少的卡拉那大平原，东方则是人口稠密的公共大陆。游侠静静的向前移动，一点一点的*近他的目标。
“Welcome, Avatar,” the monk said without turning. “Have the preparations been made?”
“欢迎你，化身，”武道家忽然发声，他依然没有转身却显然早已发现了游侠，“你那的准备工作搞定了么？”
The ranger stopped and smiled to himself. “The rangers of Surefall stand ready, while the Knights of Thunder are assembling their forces. And you, my friend, have excellent hearing.”
游侠停了下来自嘲的笑了笑。“舒法丛林的游侠们都准备好了，雷电骑士们也正在集结。而你，我的朋友，你的耳朵真是了不得。”
“It was not my ears that told me you were coming, I assure you. Your skills are unmatched. Karana chose well.”
“不是我的耳朵告诉我你来了，我向你担保，你的技术无与伦比。卡拉那不会选错人的。”
“I still wonder if that is true,” the ranger replied. “It seems only yesterday that I was merely Askr the Lost, a refugee stranded in a cave in the Plane of Storms. Why would Karana choose someone like me to serve him?”
“我倒还很担心他选错了，”游侠回答道，“这一切来得太突然，昨天我还好像只是那个微不足道的阿斯克尔，他们都叫我失落者，一个被困在风暴神域的洞里进退两难的逃亡者。为什么卡拉那会选择象我这样的一个人来完成他的任务呢？”
The monk rose and turned toward the ranger. “It is natural to question yourself, especially when there is so much at stake. But just as I must trust in the wisdom of Quellious, so you must trust in the decision of your master. Whatever you once were, you are now the Avatar of Storms, and you have a duty before you.”
那武道家起身转向游侠说。“我知道你会怀疑自己，这是很自然的。特别是当卡拉那把那么大的赌注压在你身上的时候。但是，正如我必须相信奎利业斯的智慧，你也必须相信你主人的决定。不管你曾经是谁,你现在是风暴化身，而且在你必须负担起这个责任。”
The ranger nodded. “You are right. Please forgive my doubts. When the time comes, I will do what is needed.”
游侠点了点头，说道，“你是对的。请原谅我先前的疑惑。当那天到来，我会做我必须做的事的。”
The monk smiled. “I know you will, my friend. May we both prove worthy for the task ahead of us.”
武道家微笑了，“我知道你会的，我的朋友。让我们共同祝愿，在即将到来的挑战中，我们能不辱使命。”
“And what of your preparations, Avatar? Will Freeport be ready?”
“那么你的准备工作做的如何了呢？化身。自由港那准备好了么？”
The monk’s brow furrowed. “Though few in number, the Knights of Truth will return to defend the city. Their sense of duty is unwavering. It was not so easy to secure the same assurance from the Ashen Order, however. Strife has arisen within their ranks, and many wish to ignore their obligation and remain isolated in their desert fortress. Thankfully I was able to convince them otherwise. As for the city itself, it is as I suspected. The Overlord refuses to believe any army could challenge his reign, and has chosen to ignore the warnings. Still, we can be certain he will defend his borders when he sees he has no other choice left.”
武道家的皱了皱眉。“虽然数量不多，真理骑士还是答应回来保卫城市。他们的责任感是不会动摇的，然而，要从灰袍修道院那得到同样的保证就不是这么容易了。他们军队中的内斗越来越厉害，很多人不想履行自己的义务宁愿躲在他们的沙漠要塞里做壁上观。感谢上苍，我还是用其他方法说服了他们。至于这个城市自己，就象我先前担心的那样，最高统治者不愿意相信有任何军队能挑战他的统治，对我们的警告完全不当回事。不过，很快，当他发现他自己别无选择时，肯定会起来保护自己的边境，所以我们也不必担心。”
The ranger nodded. “I sensed reluctance on the part of the Bayle family as well. They seem unwilling to accept that the Rallosian Army could be rising again, despite all the evidence shown to them.”
游侠同意的点点头，“我也感觉到拜尔皇族在答应的时候有点不甘不愿。他们似乎还不愿接受这个事实，那就是拉洛斯大军再一次的复兴了，尽管所有的证据都说明了这点。”
“Kings and dictators see only what they want to see,” the monk said. “But there comes a time when the truth can no longer be ignored. And that time is fast approaching.”
“国王和独裁者只看到他们想看到的，”武道家接口道，“但是终会有一天，事实将无法再被视而不见。而且这一天正飞速降临。”
“Aye. The orcs in the north will move soon. I do not believe Halas will be able to withstand their assault.”
“是啊。北方的兽人很快就会开始行动。我不认为哈勒斯能抵挡他们的进攻。”
“I have similar fears for Gukta. The ogres eye it jealously, and their leader harbors a fierce hatred for the frogloks. But the Guktans refuse to leave the lands they believe Marr gave to them, no matter the cost.”
“我对古柯塔也有同样的担忧。巨魔一直嫉恨的盯着它，并且他们的首领对蛙人抱有强烈的恨意。但是古柯塔人不愿意离开那，他们认为那是玛尔赐予他们的土地，他们不惜任何代价都要守住。”
The ranger moved to the edge of the mountaintop and looked around him. From this peak it seemed he could see to the very ends of Antonica. He sighed and lowered his head. “So much death is coming. Are you sure there is no other way?”
游侠走到山顶平地的边缘，四下眺望。从这里他似乎能看到安东尼卡大陆的最远端。他轻叹一声低下头说道，“马上就要有那么多的死亡降临了。你确定没有其他方法了么？”
The monk was silent for a moment, then spoke softly yet certainly. “I wish there was another answer, but there is not. Though the gateway to the Realm of Discord was closed, its influence still holds Norrath in its grasp. Balance must be restored to the lands and this Age of War must finally be ended. But there is a terrible price to be paid. Our duty is to see that these two cities survive, for in the dark times ahead, the strength of both will be needed.”
武道家沉默了一会，然后轻柔但坚定的说道，“我但愿我能给你另一个答案，但是事实不是如此。虽然通向混沌之门的传送口被关闭了，它的影响仍旧牢牢的控制着诺拉斯。大地上的平衡必须被恢复，这战争年代也必须被终结。但是这些必须付出可怕的代价。我们的责任是保证这两个城市在这战乱中幸存下来，因为在之后到来的黑暗世纪中，这两个城市的力量缺一不可。”
The ranger nodded and faced the mo