CHAPTER ONE (глава первая)

The Walking God (странствующий бог)

to walk — идти, ходить /пешком/; гулять

Corum's leave-taking from Rhalina had not been easy (уход Корума = уйти от Ралины было непросто; leave-taking — уход, прощание). It had been full of tension (он был наполнен напряжением = проходил трудно). There had been no love in her eyes as he had embraced her (в ее глазах не было любви, когда он обнимал ее), only concern for him and fear for both of them (лишь беспокойство о нем и страх за них обоих).

This had disturbed him, but there had been nothing he could do (это тревожило его, но он ничего не мог поделать).

Shool had given him a quaintly shaped boat and he had sailed away (Шул дам ему причудливой формы лодку, и он отчалил; quaint — причудливый, необычный). Now sea stretched in all directions (и вот море простиралось во всех направлениях). With a lodestone to guide him, Corum sailed north for the Thousand League Reef (/используя кусок/ природного магнита для навигации, Корум поплыл на север к Тысячемильному Рифу; to guide — вести, направлять).

Corum knew that he was mad, in Vadhagh terms (Корум понимал, что он безрассуден, с точки зрения вадагов). But he supposed that he was sane enough in Mabden terms (но полагал, что он вполне в здравом уме с точки зрения мабденов). And this was, after all, now a Mabden world (а это был теперь, в конце концов, мир мабденов). He must learn to accept its peculiar disorders as normal, if he were going to survive (он должен научиться принимать его необычные беспорядки как норму, если собирается выжить). And there were many reasons why he wished to survive, Rhalina not least among them (существовало множество причин, почему он желал выжить, /и/ Ралина /занимала/ не последнее /место/ среди них; not least — не в самую последнюю очередь /по важности/). He was the last of the Vadhagh, yet he could not believe it (он был последним из вадагов, однако не мог в это поверить).

embraced [ɪmˈbreɪst] quaintly [ˈkweɪntlɪ] peculiar [pɪˈkju:lɪə]

Corum's leave-taking from Rhalina had not been easy. It had been full of tension. There had been no love in her eyes as he had embraced her, only concern for him and fear for both of them.

This had disturbed him, but there had been nothing he could do.

Shool had given him a quaintly shaped boat and he had sailed away. Now sea stretched in all directions. With a lodestone to guide him, Corum sailed north for the Thousand League Reef.

Corum knew that he was mad, in Vadhagh terms. But he supposed that he was sane enough in Mabden terms. And this was, after all, now a Mabden world. He must learn to accept its peculiar disorders as normal, if he were going to survive. And there were many reasons why he wished to survive, Rhalina not least among them. He was the last of the Vadhagh, yet he could not believe it.

The powers available to sorcerers like Shool might be controlled by others (силы, доступные колдунам вроде Шула, возможно, управляются другими /силами/). The nature of time could be tampered with (/они/ могли бы вмешиваться в /саму/ природу времени; to temper with — вмешиваться в; портить). The circling planes could be halted in their course, perhaps reversed (вращающиеся плоскости могли бы быть остановлены в своем движении, возможно, /даже/ повернуты в противоположном направлении; course — курс, направление; течение). The events of the past year could be changed, perhaps eradicated completely (события последнего года могли бы быть изменены, может быть, совсем стерты; to eradicate — вырвать с корнем, уничтожить). Corum proposed to live and, in living, to learn (Корум решил жить и, живя, учиться; to propose — предлагать; намереваться). And if he learned enough, perhaps he would gain sufficient power to fulfil his ambitions (а если он научится достаточно = многому, возможно, он сможет скопить достаточно сил, чтобы добиться своих целей; to fulfil one`s ambition — добиться своей цели, выполнить замысел) and restore a world to the Vadhagh and the Vadhagh to the world (и вернуть мир вадагам, а вадагов — в этот мир). It would be just, he thought (это было бы справедливо, подумал он).

The boat was of beaten metal on which were many raised and asymmetrical designs (лодка была /сделана/ из кованого металла, на котором располагались многочисленные рельефные асимметричные рисунки; design — чертеж, рисунок, узор). It gave off a faint glow which offered Corum both heat and light during the nights, for the sailing was long (она испускала слабое свечение, которое давало Коруму и тепло, и свет по ночам, так как плавание было длительным; glow — свет, свечение, отблеск; to offer — предлагать; давать). Its single mast bore a single square sail of samite smeared with a strange substance (ее единственная мачта несла единственный квадратный парус из парчи, покрытой странным веществом; to bear; to smear — cмазывать, намазывать) that also shone and turned, without Corum's guidance, to catch any wind (которое тоже светилось и /заставляло парус/ поворачиваться, без управления Корума, чтобы уловить ветер). Corum sat in the boat wrapped in his scarlet robe (Корум сидел в лодке, закутанный в свой алый плащ), his wargear laid beside him (его оружие лежало рядом с ним; gear — принадлежности, снаряжение), his silver helm upon his head (с серебряным шлемом на голове), his double byrnie covering him from throat to knee (двойная кольчуга покрывала его от горла до коленей). From time to time he would hold up his lodestone by its string (время от времени он поднимал за шнурок /кусок/ магнитной руды). The stone was shaped like an arrow and the head pointed always north (камень был в форме стрелы, наконечник которой всегда указывал на север).

asymmetrical [, eɪsɪˈmetrɪk (ə) l] square [skweə] substance [ˈsʌbstəns]

The powers available to sorcerers like Shool might be controlled by others. The nature of time could be tampered with. The circling planes could be halted in their course, perhaps reversed. The events of the past year could be changed, perhaps eradicated completely. Corum proposed to live and, in living, to learn. And if he learned enough, perhaps he would gain sufficient power to fulfil his ambitions and restore a world to the Vadhagh and the Vadhagh to the world. It would be just, he thought.

The boat was of beaten metal on which were many raised and asymmetrical designs. It gave off a faint glow which offered Corum both heat and light during the nights, for the sailing was long. Its single mast bore a single square sail of samite smeared with a strange substance that also shone and turned, without Corum's guidance, to catch any wind. Corum sat in the boat wrapped in his scarlet robe, his wargear laid beside him, his silver helm upon his head, his double byrnie covering him from throat to knee. From time to time he would hold up his lodestone by its string. The stone was shaped like an arrow and the head pointed always north.

He thought much of Rhalina and his love for her (он много думал о Ралине и своей любви к ней). Such a love had never before existed between a Vadhagh and a Mabden (такая любовь никогда раньше не существовала между вадагом и мабденом). His own folk might have considered his feelings for Rhalina degenerate (народ Корума, пожалуй, счел бы его чувства к Ралине извращенными; degenerate — вырождающийся, испорченный), much as a Mabden would suspect such feelings in a man for his mare (подобно тому, как мабден счел бы подозрительными такие чувства в мужчине к его /этого мужчины/ кобыле; much as — почти как), but he was attracted to her more than he had been attracted to any Vadhagh woman and he knew that her intelligence was a match for his (но его влекло к ней сильнее, чем к любой другой вадагской женщине, и он знал, что ее интеллект не уступает его /собственному/; to attract — привлекать, притягивать; match — пара, ровня; равный по силам соперник). It was her moods he found hard to understand — her intimations of doom — her superstition (ему было трудно понять ее настроения — ее проявления обреченности — ее суеверие; mood — настроение, расположение духа; intimation — сообщение, указание; намек; doom — судьба, рок).

Yet Rhalina knew this world better than he (и все же Ралина знала этот мир лучше, чем он). It could be that she was right to entertain such thoughts (могло быть так = возможно, она была права, питая такие мысли = думая подобным образом). His lessons were not yet over (его /же/ уроки еще не закончились).

intelligence [ɪnˈtəlɪʤ (ə) ns] intimation [, ɪntɪˈmeɪʃ (ə) n]

He thought much of Rhalina and his love for her. Such a love had never before existed between a Vadhagh and a Mabden. His own folk might have considered his feelings for Rhalina degenerate, much as a Mabden would suspect such feelings in a man for his mare, but he was attracted to her more than he had been attracted to any Vadhagh woman and he knew that her intelligence was a match for his. It was her moods he found hard to understand — her intimations of doom — her superstition.

Yet Rhalina knew this world better than he. It could be that she was right to entertain such thoughts. His lessons were not yet over.

On the third night, Corum slept, his new hand on the boat's tiller (на третью ночь Корум уснул, /держа/ свою новую руку на румпеле), and in the morning he was awakened by bright sunshine in his eyes (а утром был разбужен ярким солнечным светом, /бившим/ в глаза).

Ahead lay the Thousand League Reef (впереди лежал Тысячемильный Риф).

It stretched from end to end of the horizon and there seemed to be no gap in the sharp fangs of rock that rose from the foaming sea (он протягивался от одного края горизонта до другого, и, казалось, /вообще/ не было пролива в острых клыках скалы = среди похожих на клыки вершин скалы, что поднималась из пенящегося моря; gap — промежуток, брешь, разрыв; проход).

Shool had warned him that few had ever found a passage through the reef and now he could understand why (Шул предупреждал его, что немногие когда-либо находили путь через риф, и теперь он мог понять почему; passage — проход, переправа, путь). The reef was unbroken (риф был непрерывным). It seemed not of natural origin at all (казалось, он вообще не был естественного происхождения), but to have been placed there by some entity as a bastion against intruders (а был помещен сюда каким-то существом в качестве бастиона против незваных гостей; entity — существо, организм; bastion — бастион, укрепление). Perhaps the Knight of the Swords had built it (возможно, Рыцарь Мечей создал его; to build).

horizon [həˈraɪz (ə) n] origin [ˈɔrɪʤɪn] entity [ˈentɪtɪ]

On the third night, Corum slept, his new hand on the boat's tiller, and in the morning he was awakened by bright sunshine in his eyes.

Ahead lay the Thousand League Reef.

It stretched from end to end of the horizon and there seemed to be no gap in the sharp fangs of rock that rose from the foaming sea.

Shool had warned him that few had ever found a passage through the reef and now he could understand why. The reef was unbroken. It seemed not of natural origin at all, but to have been placed there by some entity as a bastion against intruders. Perhaps the Knight of the Swords had built it.

Corum decided to sail in an easterly direction along the reef (Корум решил плыть в восточном направлении вдоль рифа), hoping to find somewhere where he could land the boat (надеясь обнаружить место, где можно причалить к берегу на лодке; somewhere — где-то, где-нибудь) and perhaps drag it overland to the waters that lay beyond the reef (и, по возможности, перетащить ее по земле к воде, что находится за рифом).

He sailed for another four days, without sleep (он плыл еще четыре дня, без сна), and the reef offered neither a passage through nor a place to land (а риф не предлагал = не встречалось ни пролива через /него/, ни места для причаливания).

A light mist, tinged pink by the sun, now covered the water in all directions (легкий туман, чуть окрашенный в розовый цвет солнцем, теперь покрывал воду во всех направлениях) and Corum kept away from the reef by using his lodestone and by listening for the sounds of the surf on the rocks (Корум держался подальше от рифа, используя = ориентируясь по своему магниту и прислушиваясь к звукам прибоя, /рокотавшего/ у скал). He drew out his maps, pricked out on skin, and tried to judge his position (он вытащил свои карты, нарисованные на пергаменте, и попытался определить свое местоположение; to prick — /у/колоть/ся/, просверливать; делать пометки, накалывать /узор/; to judge — судить, оценивать). The maps were crude and probably inaccurate, but they were the best Shool had had (карты были грубыми и, вероятно, неточными, но они были лучшими /картами/, бывшими у Шула). He was nearing a narrow channel between the reef and a land marked on the map as Khoolocrah (он приближался к узкому проливу между рифом и страной, отмеченной на карте как Кулокрах). Shool had been unable to tell him much about the land (Шул не мог рассказать ему много о той земле), save that a race called the Ragha-da-Kheta lived thereabouts (за исключением того, что народ под названием рага-да-кета живет там; thereabouts — поблизости; в окрестности).

tinged [tɪnʤd] inaccurate [ɪnˈækjurɪt] unable [ʌnˈeɪbl]

Corum decided to sail in an easterly direction along the reef, hoping to find somewhere where he could land the boat and perhaps drag it overland to the waters that lay beyond the reef.

He sailed for another four days, without sleep, and the reef offered neither a passage through nor a place to land.

A light mist, tinged pink by the sun, now covered the water in all directions and Corum kept away from the reef by using his lodestone and by listening for the sounds of the surf on the rocks. He drew out his maps, pricked out on skin, and tried to judge his position. The maps were crude and probably inaccurate, but they were the best Shool had had. He was nearing a narrow channel between the reef and a land marked on the map as Khoolocrah. Shool had been unable to tell him much about the land, save that a race called the Ragha-da-Kheta lived thereabouts.

In the light from the boat, he peered at the maps (в свете, /исходившем/ от лодки, он всматривался в карты), hoping to distinguish some gap in the reef marked there, but there was none (надеясь различить какой-либо пролив в рифе, обозначенный там, но на ней не было никакого /пролива/).

Then the boat began to rock rapidly and Corum glanced about him, seeking the source of this sudden eddy (затем лодка начала быстро качаться, и Корум посмотрел вокруг, ища источник этого внезапного волнения; eddy — маленький водоворот, вихрь). Far away, the surf boomed, but then he heard another sound (вдалеке гудел прибой, но потом он услышал другой звук), to the south of him, and he looked there (к югу от себя, и посмотрел туда).

The sound was a regular rushing and slapping noise, like that of a man wading through a stream (звук был /похож/ на постоянный торопливый и шлепающий звук, словно от человека, переходящего вброд ручей; to slap — хлопать, шлепать; noise — шум, гам, грохот; неприятный звук; stream — поток, река, ручей). Was this some beast of the sea (был ли это какой-нибудь зверь моря = морское чудовище)? The Mabden seemed to fear many such monsters (казалось, мабдены боятся многих подобных чудовищ). Corum clung desperately to the sides, trying to keep the boat on course away from the rocks (Корум схватился отчаянно за борта, пытаясь направить лодку на курс прочь от скал = отплыть подальше от скал; to cling — цепляться, крепко держаться), but the waves increased their agitation (но волны усиливали свое волнение = поднимались все больше).

And the sound came closer (а звук /все/ приближался).

distinguish [dɪsˈtɪŋɡwɪʃ] source [sɔ:s] agitation [, æʤɪˈteɪʃ (ə) n]

In the light from the boat, he peered at the maps, hoping to distinguish some gap in the reef marked there, but there was none.

Then the boat began to rock rapidly and Corum glanced about him, seeking the source of this sudden eddy. Far away, the surf boomed, but then he heard another sound, to the south of him, and he looked there.

The sound was a regular rushing and slapping noise, like that of a man wading through a stream. Was this some beast of the sea? The Mabden seemed to fear many such monsters. Corum clung desperately to the sides, trying to keep the boat on course away from the rocks, but the waves increased their agitation.

And the sound came closer.

Corum picked up his long, strong sword and readied himself (Корум поднял свой длинный, крепкий меч и приготовился).

He saw something in the mist then (тут он увидел что-то в тумане). It was a tall, bulky shape — the outline of a man (высокая, грузная фигура — очертания человека). And the man was dragging something behind him (и тот человек тащил что-то за собой). A fishing net (рыболовную сеть)! Were the waters so shallow, then (значит, воды были настолько мелки)? Corum leaned over the side and lowered his sword, point downward, into the sea (Корум перегнулся через борт и опустил меч, острием вниз, в море). It did not touch bottom (он не коснулся дна). He could make out the ocean floor a long way below him (он мог разглядеть дно океана далеко под собой = на большой глубине). He looked back at the figure (он снова посмотрел на фигуру). Now he realised that his eyes and the mist had played tricks on him (теперь Корум осознал, что его глаза и туман обманули его; to play a trick — подшучивать, забавляться; сыграть /с кем-либо/ шутку). The figure was still some distance from him and it was gigantic — far huger than the Giant of Laahr (фигура находилась все еще на некотором расстоянии от него, и она была громадной — намного больше, чем Великан из Лаара; huge — огромный, гигантский). This was what made the waves so large (вот что делало волны такими большими). This was why the boat rocked so (вот почему лодка так раскачивалась).

Corum made to call out, to ask the gigantic creature to move away lest he sink the boat, then he thought better of it (Корум хотел крикнуть, попросить гигантское создание отойти в сторону, чтобы оно не потопило лодку, но потом передумал). Beings like this were considered to think less kindly of mortals than did the Giant of Laahr (считалось, что существа вроде этого думают менее доброжелательно о смертных, чем = не жалуют смертных, в отличие Великана из Лаара; think kindly of me — не поминайте лихом).

downward [ˈdaunwəd] ocean [ˈəuʃ (ə) n] distance [ˈdɪst (ə) ns]

Corum picked up his long, strong sword and readied himself.

He saw something in the mist then. It was a tall, bulky shape — the outline of a man. And the man was dragging something behind him. A fishing net! Were the waters so shallow, then? Corum leaned over the side and lowered his sword, point downward, into the sea. It did not touch bottom. He could make out the ocean floor a long way below him. He looked back at the figure. Now he realised that his eyes and the mist had played tricks on him. The figure was still some distance from him and it was gigantic — far huger than the Giant of Laahr. This was what made the waves so large. This was why the boat rocked so.

Corum made to call out, to ask the gigantic creature to move away lest he sink the boat, then he thought better of it. Beings like this were considered to think less kindly of mortals than did the Giant of Laahr.

Now the giant, still cloaked in mist, changed his course, still fishing (теперь великан, по-прежнему скрытый туманом, изменил направление, продолжая ловить рыбу; to cloak — покрывать плащом; маскировать, прикрывать). He was behind Corum's boat and he trudged on through the water, dragging his nets behind him (он был позади лодки Корума и устало шел по воде, таща свои сети за собой; to trudge — идти с трудом, устало тащиться; с трудом преодолевать что-либо).

The wash sent the boat flying away from the Thousand League Reef, heading almost due east (прибой отнес лодку в сторону от Тысячемильного Рифа, направляя почти прямо на восток; wash — мытье; прибой, волна; to send — посылать, отправлять; направлять /что-либо куда-либо/ с силой; to send flying — сообщать предмету стремительное движение; отбрасывать), and there was nothing Corum could do to stop it (и Корум ничего не мог сделать, чтобы остановить ее). He fought with the sail and the tiller, but they would not respond (он боролся с парусом и румпелем, но они не поддавались; to respond — отвечать, реагировать; срабатывать). It was as if he was borne on a river rushing towards a chasm (словно его несла река, бегущая к глубокому ущелью; to bear; chasm — глубокая трещина, пропасть, ущелье). The giant had set up a current which he could not fight (великан вызвал течение, с которым он не мог бороться; to set up — устанавливать, устраивать; вызывать).

There was nothing for it but to allow the boat to bear him where it would (ничего не оставалось, кроме как позволить лодке нести его, куда она понесет = отдаться на волю волнам). The giant had long since disappeared in the mist (великан давно уже исчез в тумане), heading towards the Thousand League Reef where perhaps he lived (направляясь к Тысячемильному Рифу, где, возможно, он жил).

Like a shark pouncing on its prey, the little boat moved (как акула, набрасывающаяся на свою добычу, /стремительно/ двигалась маленькая лодка; to pounce — бросаться, внезапно атаковать), until suddenly it broke through the mist into hot sunshine (пока вдруг не пробилась сквозь туман = вырвалась на жаркий солнечный свет).

And Corum saw a coast (и Корум увидел берег). Cliffs rushed at him (утесы устремились = быстро приближались к нему).

due [dju:] chasm [kæzm] pouncing [ˈpaunsɪŋ] prey [preɪ]

Now the giant, still cloaked in mist, changed his course, still fishing. He was behind Corum's boat and he trudged on through the water, dragging his nets behind him.

The wash sent the boat flying away from the Thousand League Reef, heading almost due east, and there was nothing Corum could do to stop it. He fought with the sail and the tiller, but they would not respond. It was as if he was borne on a river rushing towards a chasm. The giant had set up a current which he could not fight.

There was nothing for it but to allow the boat to bear him where it would. The giant had long since disappeared in the mist, heading towards the Thousand League Reef where perhaps he lived.

Like a shark pouncing on its prey, the little boat moved, until suddenly it broke through the mist into hot sunshine.

And Corum saw a coast. Cliffs rushed at him.

 

CHAPTER TWO (глава вторая)

Temgol-Lep (Темгол-Леп)

Desperately Corum tried to turn the boat away from the cliffs (отчаянно пытался Корум повернуть лодку от утесов). His six-fingered left hand gripped the tiller and his right hand tugged at the sail (его шестипалая левая рука схватилась за румпель, а правая рука тянула за парус). Then there was a grinding sound (потом раздался скрежещущий звук; to grind — перемалывать/ся/; тереть/ся/ со скрипом). A shudder ran through the metal boat and it began to keel over (дрожание пробежало по металлической лодке = лодка содрогнулась и начала заваливаться на борт; to keel over — опрокидываться). Corum grabbed at his weapons and managed to seize them before he was flung overboard and carried on by the wash (Корум попытался схватить оружие и сумел схватить его прежде, чем его швырнуло за борт и понесло течением; to grab at — пытаться схватить/ся/). He gasped as water filled his mouth (он /чуть/ не задохнулся, когда вода наполнила его рот). He felt his body scrape on shingle and he tried to stagger upright as the current began to retreat (он почувствовал, как его тело тащит по гальке, и попробовал /встать/ и идти прямо, когда течение начало отступать; to scrape — скрести/сь/, задевать, шаркать /ногой/). He saw a rock and grasped it, dropping his bow and his quiver of arrows which were instantly swept away (он увидел скалу = выступ и уцепился за него, бросая лук и колчан стрел, которые были тут же смыты /волнами/).

The sea retreated (море отступало = начался отлив). He looked back and saw that his upturned boat had gone with it (он оглянулся и увидел, что его перевернутая лодка ушла с ним /отливом/). He let go of the rock and climbed to his feet (он отпустил скалу и поднялся на ноги), buckling his sword-belt around his waist (застегивая портупею вокруг пояса), straightening his helmet on his head (поправляя шлем на голове; to straighten — выпрямлять/ся/; приводить в порядок), a sense of failure gradually creeping through him (ощущение неудачи постепенно вползало в него = овладевало им).

weapon [ˈwepən] seize [si:z] quiver [ˈkwɪvə] straightening [ˈstreɪtnɪŋ]

Desperately Corum tried to turn the boat away from the cliffs. His six-fingered left hand gripped the tiller and his right hand tugged at the sail. Then there was a grinding sound. A shudder ran through the metal boat and it began to keel over. Corum grabbed at his weapons and managed to seize them before he was flung overboard and carried on by the wash. He gasped as water filled his mouth. He felt his body scrape on shingle and he tried to stagger upright as the current began to retreat. He saw a rock and grasped it, dropping his bow and his quiver of arrows which were instantly swept away.

The sea retreated. He looked back and saw that his upturned boat had gone with it. He let go of the rock and climbed to his feet, buckling his sword-belt around his waist, straightening his helmet on his head, a sense of failure gradually creeping through him.

He walked a few paces up the beach and sat down beneath the tall, black cliff (он прошел несколько шагов по берегу и сел под высоким черным утесом). He was stranded on a strange shore, his boat was gone (его выбросило на странный берег, его лодка пропала) and his goal now lay on the other side of an ocean (а его цель теперь находилась на другой стороне океана).

At that moment Corum did not care (в ту минуту Коруму было все равно). Thoughts of love, of hatred, of vengeance disappeared (мысли о любви, о ненависти, о мести исчезли). He felt that he had left them all behind in the dream-world that was Svi-an-Fanla-Brool (он почувствовал, что оставил их все в мире грез, которым был Сви-ан-Фанла-Брул). All he had left of that world was the six fingered hand and the jewelled eye (все, что у него осталось от того мира — шестипалая рука и украшенный самоцветами глаз).

Reminded of the eye and what it had witnessed, he shivered (вспомнив о глазе и о том, что он увидел, Корум вздрогнул; to remind — напоминать). He reached up and touched the patch that covered it (он протянул руку и коснулся повязки, что прикрывала его).

And then he knew that by accepting Shool's gifts, he had accepted the logic of Shool's world (потом он понял, что, приняв дары Шула, он принял логику мира Шула). He could not escape from it now (он не мог теперь уйти от этого).

vengeance [ˈvenʤ (ə) ns] accepted [əkˈseptɪd] logic [ˈlɔʤɪk]

He walked a few paces up the beach and sat down beneath the tall, black cliff. He was stranded on a strange shore, his boat was gone and his goal now lay on the other side of an ocean.

At that moment Corum did not care. Thoughts of love, of hatred, of vengeance disappeared. He felt that he had left them all behind in the dream-world that was Svi-an-Fanla-Brool. All he had left of that world was the six fingered hand and the jewelled eye.

Reminded of the eye and what it had witnessed, he shivered. He reached up and touched the patch that covered it.

And then he knew that by accepting Shool's gifts, he had accepted the logic of Shool's world. He could not escape from it now.

Sighing, he got up and peered at the cliff (вздохнув, он встал и внимательно осмотрел утес). It was unscaleable (на него нельзя было взобраться; to scale — подниматься, взбираться; scale — градация, шкала; иерархия, лестница). He began to walk along the grey shingle, hoping to discover a place (он принялся ходить по серой гальке, надеясь отыскать место) where he could climb to the top of the cliff and inspect the land in which he found himself (где сможет вскарабкаться на вершину утеса и рассмотреть землю, в которой он оказался: «обнаружил себя»).

He took a gauntlet given him by Shool and drew it over his hand (он взял латную перчатку, /которую/ ему дал Шул, и надел ее на руку). He remembered what Shool had told him, before he left, about the powers of the hand (Корум вспомнил, что Шул говорил ему, прежде чем он покинул /остров/, о могуществе этой руки). He still only half believed Shool's words and he was unwilling to test their veracity (он по-прежнему лишь наполовину верил словам Шула и не желал проверить их правдивость). For more than an hour he trudged along the shore until he moved round a headland and saw a bay (более часа он устало шел вдоль берега, пока не обогнул мыс и не увидел бухту), whose sides sloped gently upward and would be easily scaled (склоны которой отлого поднимались, и на них легко можно было взобраться; to slope — опускаться или подниматься наклонно; gently — мягко, нежно; умеренно). The tide was beginning to come in and would soon cover the beach (начинался прилив, и он скоро покроет берег). He began to run (Корум побежал). He reached the slopes and paused, panting (он достиг склонов и остановился, тяжело дыша). He had found safety in time (он нашел безопасность = безопасное время вовремя). The sea had already covered the largest part of the beach (море уже залило большую часть берега). He climbed to the top of the slope and he saw the city (он вскарабкался на вершину склона и увидел город).

unscaleable [, ʌnˈskeɪləbl] climb [klaɪm] inspect [ɪnˈspekt] gauntlet [ˈɡɔ:ntlɪt] veracity [vəˈræsɪtɪ] city [ˈsɪtɪ]

Sighing, he got up and peered at the cliff. It was unscaleable. He began to walk along the grey shingle, hoping to discover a place where he could climb to the top of the cliff and inspect the land in which he found himself.

He took a gauntlet given him by Shool and drew it over his hand. He remembered what Shool had told him, before he left, about the powers of the hand. He still only half believed Shool's words and he was unwilling to test their veracity. For more than an hour he trudged along the shore until he moved round a headland and saw a bay whose sides sloped gently upward and would be easily scaled. The tide was beginning to come in and would soon cover the beach. He began to run. He reached the slopes and paused, panting. He had found safety in time. The sea had already covered the largest part of the beach. He climbed to the top of the slope and he saw the city.

It was a city of domes and minarets that blazed white in the light of the sun (это был город из куполов и минаретов, которые белели: «сверкали белым» в свете солнца), but as he inspected it more closely Corum saw that the towers and domes were not white, but comprised of a multicoloured mosaic (но когда Корум рассмотрел его тщательнее, он увидел, что башни и купола не белые, а облицованы разноцветной мозаикой; to comprise — включать в себя, содержать). He had seen nothing like it (/никогда/ он не видел ничего подобного).

He debated whether to avoid the city or approach it (он раздумывал, обойти город или войти в него; to debate — обсуждать, спорить; думать, размышлять; to avoid — избежать, уклониться; to approach — приближаться, подходить). If the people of the city were friendly, he might be able to get their help to find another boat (если жители города дружелюбны, ему, возможно, удастся с их помощью найти другую лодку). If they were Mabden, then they were probably unfriendly (если они мабдены, тогда они, вероятно, недружелюбны).

Were these the Ragha-da-Kheta people mentioned on his maps (были ли они ли народом рага-да-кета, упоминаемым на его картах)? He felt for his pouch, but the maps had gone with the boat, as had his lodestone (он поискал свою сумку, но карты исчезли вместе с лодкой, как и его магнит; to feel for — нащупывать, искать ощупью; pouch — сумка, мешок). Despair returned (отчаяние вернулось).

He set off towards the city (он направился к городу).

mosaic [mə (u) ˈzeɪɪk] debated [dɪˈbeɪtɪd] pouch [pauʧ]

It was a city of domes and minarets that blazed white in the light of the sun, but as he inspected it more closely Corum saw that the towers and domes were not white, but comprised of a multicoloured mosaic. He had seen nothing like it.

He debated whether to avoid the city or approach it. If the people of the city were friendly, he might be able to get their help to find another boat. If they were Mabden, then they were probably unfriendly.

Were these the Ragha-da-Kheta people mentioned on his maps? He felt for his pouch, but the maps had gone with the boat, as had his lodestone. Despair returned.

He set off towards the city.

Corum had travelled less than a mile before the bizarre cavalry came racing towards him (Корум прошел менее мили, когда причудливая конница понеслась к нему) — warriors mounted on long-necked speckled beasts with curling horns and wattles like those of a lizard (воины, сидевшие верхом на длинношеих пятнистых животных с закрученными рогами и сережками, как у ящерицы; wattle — сережка /у птиц/, бородка /у индюка, петуха/). The spindly legs moved swiftly, however (длинные тонкие ноги двигались, впрочем, быстро), and soon Corum could see that the warriors were also very tall and extremely thin (и вскоре Корум мог видеть, что воины тоже очень долговязые и чрезвычайно худые), but with small, rounded heads and round eyes (но с маленькими округлыми головами и круглыми глазами). These were not Mabden, but they were like no race he had ever heard of (они не были мабденами, но они /также/ не были похожи ни на один народ, о котором Корум когда-либо слышал).

He stopped and waited (он остановился и /стал/ ждать). There was nothing else he could do until he discovered if they were his enemies or not (он ничего не мог больше сделать, пока не узнает, враги они ему или нет).

Swiftly, they surrounded him, peering down at him through their huge, staring eyes (они быстро окружили его, пристально глядя на него своими огромными, широко раскрытыми глазами). Their noses and their mouths were also round and their expressions were ones of permanent surprise (их носы и рты тоже были круглыми, а выражение лиц были /выражениями/ постоянного изумления).

bizarre [bɪˈzɑ:] lizard [ˈlɪzəd] extremely [ɪkˈstri:mlɪ] permanent [ˈpə: mənənt]

Corum had travelled less than a mile before the bizarre cavalry came racing towards him — warriors mounted on long-necked speckled beasts with curling horns and wattles like those of a lizard. The spindly legs moved swiftly, however, and soon Corum could see that the warriors were also very tall and extremely thin, but with small, rounded heads and round eyes. These were not Mabden, but they were like no race he had ever heard of.

He stopped and waited. There was nothing else he could do until he discovered if they were his enemies or not.

Swiftly, they surrounded him, peering down at him through their huge, staring eyes. Their noses and their mouths were also round and their expressions were ones of permanent surprise.

`Olanja ko (оланжа ко)? said one wearing an elaborate cloak and hood of bright feathers (сказал один, носивший изысканный плащ и капюшон из ярких перьев) and holding a club fashioned like the claw of a giant bird (державший дубинку, по форме напоминавшую коготь огромной птицы). `Olanja ko, drajer? Using the Low Speech of the Vadhagh and the Nhadragh, which was the common tongue of the Mabden, Corum replied (используя низкий = упрощенный язык вадагов и надрагов, который был обычным языком мабденов, Корум ответил):

`I do not understand this language (я не понимаю этого языка).

The creature in the feather cloak cocked his head to one side and closed his mouth (существо в /украшенном/ перьями плаще склонило голову на бок и закрыло рот). The other warriors, all dressed and armed similarly (остальные воины, все одетые и вооруженные подобным образом), though not as elaborately, muttered among themselves (хотя и не так изысканно, тихо переговаривались; to mutter — бормотать; тихо, невнятно говорить).

Corum pointed roughly southwards (Корум указал приблизительно на юг).

`I come from across the sea (я прибыл из-за моря). Now he used Middle Speech which Vadhagh and Nhadragh had spoken, but not Mabden (теперь он использовал средний = обычный язык, на котором говорили вадаги и надраги, но не мабдены; to speak).

feather [ˈfeðə] tongue [tʌŋ] roughly [ˈrʌflɪ]

`Olanja ko? said one wearing an elaborate cloak and hood of bright feathers and holding a club fashioned like the claw of a giant bird. `Olanja ko, drajer? Using the Low Speech of the Vadhagh and the Nhadragh, which was the common tongue of the Mabden, Corum replied:

`I do not understand this language.

The creature in the feather cloak cocked his head to one side and closed his mouth. The other warriors, all dressed and armed similarly, though not as elaborately, muttered among themselves.

Corum pointed roughly southwards.

`I come from across the sea. Now he used Middle Speech which Vadhagh and Nhadragh had spoken, but not Mabden.

The rider leaned forward as if this sound was more familiar to him (всадник подался вперед, словно этот звук = эти слова были более знакомы ему), but then he shook his head, understanding none of the words (но потом он /отрицательно/ покачал головой, не понимая ни слова).

`Olanja ko?

Corum also shook his head. The warrior looked puzzled and made a delicate scratching gesture at his cheek (воин посмотрел озадаченно и сделал осторожный царапающий жест по своей щеке). Corum could not interpret the gesture (Корум не смог понять этот жест; to interpret — объяснять, толковать; понимать).

The leader pointed at one of his followers (главный указал на одного из своей свиты; leader — руководитель, глава; вождь; командир; follower — последователь, сторонник).

`Mor naffa!

The man dismounted and waved one of his spindly arms at Corum (тот спешился и одной из своих длинных рук помахал Коруму), gesturing that he climb on the long-necked beast (показывая, чтобы он взобрался на длинношеее /животное/).

familiar [fəˈmɪlɪə] delicate [ˈdelɪkɪt] interpret [ɪnˈtə: prɪt]

The rider leaned forward as if this sound was more familiar to him, but then he shook his head, understanding none of the words.

`Olanja ko?

Corum also shook his head. The warrior looked puzzled and made a delicate scratching gesture at his cheek. Corum could not interpret the gesture.

The leader pointed at one of his followers.

`Mor naffa!

The man dismounted and waved one of his spindly arms at Corum, gesturing that he climb on the long-necked beast.

With some difficulty, Corum managed to swing himself into the narrow saddle and sit there, feeling extreme discomfort (с трудом Корум сумел вскочить в узкое седло и сесть, ощущая крайнее неудобство; to swing oneself into a saddle — вскочить в седло).

`Hoj! The leader waved to his men and turned his mount back towards the city (главный махнул рукой своим людям и повернул свое животное обратно к городу; mount — лошадь, мул и т. д. под седлом).

`Hoj — ala!

The beasts jogged off, leaving the remaining warrior to make his way back to the city on foot (животные побежали трусцой, заставляя оставшегося воина идти обратно в город пешком; to jog — идти медленной рысью /о лошади/; двигаться подпрыгивая; to leave — покидать, оставлять; to make one`s way — продвигаться, пробираться).

The city was surrounded by a high wall patterned with many geometric designs of a thousand colours (город был окружен высокой стеной, украшенной многочисленными геометрическими рисунками тысячи цветов). They entered it through a tall, narrow gate (они вошли в него через высокие узкие ворота), moved through a series of walls that were probably designed as a simple maze (преодолели множество стен, которые, вероятно, были расположены как простой лабиринт; series — ряд, множество; to design — задумывать; конструировать), and began to ride along a broad avenue of blooming trees towards a palace that lay at the centre of the city (и поскакали по широкой улице, /обсаженной/ цветущими деревьями, ко дворцу, что находился в центре города; avenue — широкая аллея, обсаженная деревьями; широкая улица).

discomfort [dɪsˈkʌmfət] thousand [ˈƟauz (ə) nd] avenue [ˈævɪnju:] palace [ˈpælɪs]

With some difficulty, Corum managed to swing himself into the narrow saddle and sit there, feeling extreme discomfort.

`Hoj! The leader waved to his men and turned his mount back towards the city.

`Hoj — ala!

The beasts jogged off, leaving the remaining warrior to make his way back to the city on foot.

The city was surrounded by a high wall patterned with many geometric designs of a thousand colours. They entered it through a tall, narrow gate, moved through a series of walls that were probably designed as a simple maze, and began to ride along a broad avenue of blooming trees towards a palace that lay at the centre of the city.

Reaching the gates of the palace, they all dismounted (подъезжая к воротам дворца, они все спешились) and servants, as thin and tall as the warriors, with the same astonished round faces, took away the mounts (и слуги, такие же тощие и высокие, как воины, с теми же удивленными круглыми лицами, увели седловых животных). Corum was led through the gates, up a staircase of more than a hundred steps, into an enclave (Корума повели через ворота, вверх по лестнице из более, чем сотни ступеней, в зал; enclave — анклав /территория, окруженная чужими владениями/; внутренняя зона). The designs on the walls of the palace were less colourful but more elaborate than those on the outer walls of the city (рисунки на стенах дворца были менее красочными, но более изысканными, чем /рисунки/ на внешних стенах города). These were chiefly in gold, white and pale blue (они были в основном золотыми, белыми и бледно-голубыми). Although faintly barbaric, the workmanship was beautiful and Corum admired it (хотя и несколько варварское, мастерство исполнения/искусство было прекрасным, и Корум любовался им; faintly — слабо, едва; to admire — любоваться, рассматривать с восхищением).

They crossed the enclave and entered a courtyard that was surrounded by an enclosed walk and had a fountain in its centre (они пересекли зал и вошли во внутренний двор, который был окружен крытой галереей, а в центре находился фонтан).

enclave [ˈenkleɪv] beautiful [ˈbju:tɪful] courtyard [ˈkɔ:tjɑ:d] fountain [ˈfauntɪn]

Reaching the gates of the palace, they all dismounted and servants, as thin and tall as the warriors, with the same astonished round faces, took away the mounts. Corum was led through the gates, up a staircase of more than a hundred steps, into an enclave. The designs on the walls of the palace were less colourful but more elaborate than those on the outer walls of the city. These were chiefly in gold, white and pale blue. Although faintly barbaric, the workmanship was beautiful and Corum admired it.

They crossed the enclave and entered a courtyard that was surrounded by an enclosed walk and had a fountain in its centre.

Under an awning was a large chair with a tapering back (под навесом находился большой трон с суживающейся кверху спинкой; chair — стул, кресло; трон). The chair was made of gold and a design was picked out upon it in rubies (трон был сделан из золота, украшенный узором из рубинов; to pick out — отделывать, украшать). The warriors escorting Corum came to a halt (воины, сопровождавшие Корума, остановились) and almost immediately a figure emerged from the interior (и почти тотчас вышла фигура из внутренних помещений). He had a huge, high head-dress of peacock feathers (у этого человека был огромный, высокий головной убор из павлиньих перьев), a great cloak, also of many brilliant feathers, and a kilt of thin gold cloth (большой = просторный плащ, тоже из множества сверкающих перьев, и юбка из тонкой золотой ткани). He took his place on the throne (он занял место на троне). This, then, was the ruler of the city (значит, он был правителем города).

The leader of the warriors and his monarch conversed briefly in their own language (командир воинов и его повелитель поговорили немного на своем языке; monarch — монарх, государь; briefly — кратко, сжато) and Corum waited patiently, not wishing to behave in any way that these people would judge to be unfriendly (Корум ждал терпеливо, не желая поступить так = сделать что-либо, что эти люди расценили бы недружелюбным = сочли враждебным).

At length the two creatures stopped conversing (наконец эти два существа прекратили разговор). The monarch addressed Corum (правитель обратился к Коруму). He seemed to speak several different tongues until at length Corum heard him say, in a strange accent (видимо, он говорил на нескольких языках, пока наконец Корум не услышал, как тот сказал со странным акцентом):

rubies [ˈru:bɪz] interior [ɪnˈtɪ (ə) rɪə] feather [ˈfeðə] throne [Ɵrəun] monarch [ˈmɔnək]

Under an awning was a large chair with a tapering back. The chair was made of gold and a design was picked out upon it in rubies. The warriors escorting Corum came to a halt and almost immediately a figure emerged from the interior. He had a huge, high head-dress of peacock feathers, a great cloak, also of many brilliant feathers, and a kilt of thin gold cloth. He took his place on the throne. This, then, was the ruler of the city.

The leader of the warriors and his monarch conversed briefly in their own language and Corum waited patiently, not wishing to behave in any way that these people would judge to be unfriendly.

At length the two creatures stopped conversing. The monarch addressed Corum. He seemed to speak several different tongues until at length Corum heard him say, in a strange accent:

`Are you of the Mabden race (ты из народа мабденов)?

It was of the old speech of the Nhadragh, which Corum had learned as a child (это был старый язык надрагов, который Корум учил в детстве: «/будучи/ ребенком»).

`I am not (нет), he replied haltingly (ответил он, запинаясь).

`But you are not Nhedregh (но ты и не недрег).

`Yes — I am not — "Nhedregh (да, я не «недрег») ". `You know of that folk (ты знаешь об этом народе)?

`Two of them lived among us some centuries since (двое из них жили среди нас несколько столетий назад). What race are you (/из/ какого народа ты)?

`The Vadhagh.

The king sucked at his lips and smacked them (король пососал губы и чмокнул ими).

haltingly [ˈhɔ:ltɪŋlɪ] centuries [ˈsenʧərɪz]

`Are you of the Mabden race?

It was of the old speech of the Nhadragh, which Corum had learned as a child.

`I am not, he replied haltingly.

`But you are not Nhedregh.

`Yes — I am not — «Nhedregh». `You know of that folk?

`Two of them lived among us some centuries since. What race are you?

`The Vadhagh.

The king sucked at his lips and smacked them.

`The enemy, yes, of the Nhedregh (враг, да, недрегов)?

`Not now (теперь нет).

`Not now? The king frowned (король нахмурился).

`All the Vadhagh save me are dead (все вадаги, кроме меня, погибли), Corum explained (пояснил Корум). `And what is left of those you call Nhedregh have become degenerate slaves of the Mabden (а /те/, что остались от тех, кого ты называешь недрегами, стали выродившимися = жалкими рабами мабденов).

`But the Mabden are barbarians (но мабдены — варвары)!

`Now they are very powerful barbarians (теперь они очень могущественные варвары).

The king nodded (король кивнул).

`The enemy, yes, of the Nhedregh?

`Not now.

`Not now? The king frowned.

`All the Vadhagh save me are dead, Corum explained. `And what is left of those you call Nhedregh have become degenerate slaves of the Mabden.

`But the Mabden are barbarians!

`Now they are very powerful barbarians.

The king nodded.

`This was predicted (это было предсказано). He studied Corum closely (он внимательно рассматривал Корума). `Why are you not dead (почему ты не погиб)?

`I chose not to die (я решил не умирать).

`No choice was yours if Arioch decided (никакой выбор не был бы твоим = никто не посчитался бы с твоим выбором, если бы Ариох решил).

`Who is «Arioch» (кто такой «Ариох»)?

`The God.

`Which God?

`The God who rules our destinies (бог, который управляет нашими судьбами). Duke Arioch of the Swords (герцог Ариох Мечей).

`The Knight of the Swords (Рыцарь Мечей)?

predicted [prɪˈdɪktɪd] destiny [ˈdestɪnɪ] duke [dju:k]

`This was predicted. He studied Corum closely. `Why are you not dead?

`I chose not to die.

`No choice was yours if Arioch decided.

`Who is «Arioch»?

`The God.

`Which God?

`The God who rules our destinies. Duke Arioch of the Swords.

`The Knight of the Swords?

`I believe he is known by that title in the distant south (полагаю, он известен под этим титулом на дальнем юге). The king seemed deeply disturbed now (король казался глубоко встревоженным теперь). He licked his lips (он облизнул губы). `I am King Temgol-Lep (я король Темгол-Леп). This is my city, Arke (это мой город, Арк). He waved his thin hand (он обвел /кругом/ своей тонкой рукой). `These are my people, the Ragha-da-Kheta (это мои подданные, рага-да-кета). This land is called Khoolocrah (эта страна называется Кулокрах). We, too, soon shall die (мы тоже вскоре умрем).

`Why so (отчего же)?

`It is Mabden time (это время мабденов). Arioch decides (/так/ решает Ариох). The king shrugged his narrow shoulders (король пожал узкими плечами). `Arioch decides. Soon the Mabden will come and destroy us (скоро мабдены придут и уничтожат нас).

`You will fight them, of course (выбудете с ними сражаться, конечно)?

distant [ˈdɪst (ə) nt] destroy [dɪsˈtrɔɪ]

`I believe he is known by that title in the distant south. The king seemed deeply disturbed now. He licked his lips. `I am King Temgol-Lep. This is my city, Arke. He waved his thin hand. `These are my people, the Ragha-da-Kheta. This land is called Khoolocrah. We, too, soon shall die.

`Why so?

`It is Mabden time. Arioch decides. The king shrugged his narrow shoulders. `Arioch decides. Soon the Mabden will come and destroy us.

`You will fight them, of course?

`No. It is Mabden time. Arioch commands (Ариох /так/ велит). He lets the Ragha-da-Kheta live longer because they obey him, because they do not resist him (он позволяет рага-да-кета жить дольше, потому что они повинуются ему, потому что не сопротивляются ему). But soon we shall die.

Corum shook his head (покачал головой).

`Do you not think that Arioch is unjust to destroy you thus (вы не думаете, что Ариох несправедлив, уничтожая вас таким образом)?

`Arioch decides.

It occurred to Corum that these people had not once been so fatalistic (Коруму пришло в голову, что эти люди когда-то не были столь фаталистичны = покорны судьбе). Perhaps they, too, were in a process of degeneration, caused by the Knight of the Swords (возможно, они также были в процессе = пережили упадок, вызванный Рыцарем Мечей).

`Why should Arioch destroy so much beauty and learning as you have here (зачем Ариоху уничтожать такую красоту и знания, которые у вас здесь)?

`Arioch decides.

obey [ə (u) ˈbeɪ] unjust [ʌnˈʤʌst] fatalistic [, feɪtəˈlɪstɪk]

`No. It is Mabden time. Arioch commands. He lets the Ragha-da-Kheta live longer because they obey him, because they do not resist him. But soon we shall die.

Corum shook his head.

`Do you not think that Arioch is unjust to destroy you thus?

`Arioch decides.

It occurred to Corum that these people had not once been so fatalistic. Perhaps they, too, were in a process of degeneration, caused by the Knight of the Swords.

`Why should Arioch destroy so much beauty and learning as you have here?

`Arioch decides.

King Temgol-Lep seemed to be more familiar with the Knight of the Swords and his plans than anyone Corum had yet met (казалось, король был лучше знаком с Рыцарем Мечей и его планами, чем кто-либо, встреченный ранее Корумом). Living so much closer to his domain, perhaps they had seen him (живя так близко от его владений, возможно, они /даже/ видели его).

`Has Arioch told you this himself (Ариох сам сказал вам это)?

`He has spoken through our wise ones (он говорил через наших мудрецов).

`And the wise ones — they are certain of Arioch's will (а ваши мудрецы — они уверены в воле = что такова воля Ариоха)?

`They are certain (они уверены).

Corum sighed (вздохнул).

`Well, I intend to resist his plans (что ж, я намерен препятствовать /осуществлению/ его планов). I do not find them agreeable (я не нахожу их приемлемыми = они меня не устраивают)!

King Temgol-Lep seemed to be more familiar with the Knight of the Swords and his plans than anyone Corum had yet met. Living so much closer to his domain, perhaps they had seen him.

`Has Arioch told you this himself?

`He has spoken through our wise ones.

`And the wise ones — they are certain of Arioch's will?

`They are certain.

Corum sighed.

`Well, I intend to resist his plans. I do not find them agreeable!

King Temgol-Lep drew his lids over his eyes and trembled slightly (прикрыл веками глаза и вздрогнул слегка; to draw over — натягивать поверх, накрывать). The warriors looked at him nervously (воины посмотрели на него беспокойно). Evidently they recognised that the king was displeased (очевидно, они понимали, что король недоволен).

`I will speak no more about Arioch (я больше не буду говорить об Ариохе), King Temgol-Lep said. But as our guest we must entertain you (но, как нашего гостя, мы должны развлекать тебя). You will drink some wine with us (ты выпьешь вина с нами).

`I will drink some wine. I thank you.

Corum would have preferred food to begin with (Корум предпочел бы начать с еды = поесть сначала), but he was still cautious of giving offence to the Ragha-da-Kheta (но по-прежнему опасался обидеть рага-да-кета; cautious — осторожный, осмотрительный; to give offence — оскорбить, обидеть), who might yet supply him with the boat he needed (которые могли предоставить ему лодку, в которой он нуждался; to supply with — снабжать).

displeased [dɪsˈpli:zd] entertain [, entəˈtaɪn]

King Temgol-Lep drew his lids over his eyes and trembled slightly. The warriors looked at him nervously. Evidently they recognised that the king was displeased.

`I will speak no more about Arioch, King Temgol-Lep said. But as our guest we must entertain you. You will drink some wine with us.

`I will drink some wine. I thank you.

Corum would have preferred food to begin with, but he was still cautious of giving offence to the Ragha-da-Kheta, who might yet supply him with the boat he needed.

The king spoke to some servants who were waiting in the shadows near the door into the palace (король сказал /что-то/ слугам, ждавшим в тени у двери, /ведущей/ во дворец). They went inside (они вошли внутрь). Soon they returned with a tray on which were tall, thin goblets and a golden jug (вскоре они вернулись с подносом, на котором были высокие тонкие бокалы и золотой кувшин). The king reached out and took the tray in his own hands, balancing it on his knee (король потянулся и взял поднос в свои руки, удерживая его на колене; to balance — сохранять равновесие; качаться). Gravely, he poured wine into one of the cups and handed it to Corum (серьезно = с мрачным видом он налил вино в один из бокалов и подал его Коруму; cup — чаша, кубок). Corum stretched out his left hand to receive the goblet (Корум протянул левую руку, чтобы взять бокал; to receive — получать, принимать).

The hand quivered (рука задрожала).

Corum tried to control it, but it knocked the goblet away (Корум попытался управлять ей, но она отшвырнула бокал; to knock — ударять, бить). The king looked startled and began to speak (король выглядел испуганным, принялся /что-то/ говорить). The hand plunged forward and its six fingers seized the king's throat (рука бросилась вперед, и ее шесть пальцев вцепились в горло короля; to plunge — нырять; бросаться вперед). King Temgol-Lep gurgled and kicked as Corum tried to pull the Hand of Kwll away (король Темгол-Лепа хрипел и дергал ногами, а Корум пытался оторвать/оттянуть руку Кулла; to gurgle — булькать, журчать).

poured [pɔ:d] receive [rɪˈsi:v] gurgled [ˈɡə: ɡld]

The king spoke to some servants who were waiting in the shadows near the door into the palace. They went inside. Soon they returned with a tray on which were tall, thin goblets and a golden jug. The king reached out and took the tray in his own hands, balancing it on his knee. Gravely, he poured wine into one of the cups and handed it to Corum. Corum stretched out his left hand to receive the goblet.

The hand quivered.

Corum tried to control it, but it knocked the goblet away. The king looked startled and began to speak. The hand plunged forward and its six fingers seized the king's throat. King Temgol-Lep gurgled and kicked as Corum tried to pull the Hand of Kwll away.

But the fingers were locked on the throat (но пальцы намертво вцепились в горло; to lock — запирать/ся/; сжимать, стискивать). Corum could feel himself squeezing the life from the king (Корум чувствовал, как он выдавливал жизнь из = как жизнь покидает короля).

Corum shouted for help before he realised that the warriors thought that he was attacking the king on his own volition (Корум громко звал на помощь, пока не понял, что воины думают, будто он нападает на короля по своей воле; volition — волевой акт, воля, хотение). He drew his sword and hacked around him as they attacked with their oddly-wrought clubs (он вытащил меч и размахивал им вокруг себя, когда они нападали /на него/ со своими странно сделанными = причудливыми дубинками; to hack — рубить, разрубать; wrought — выделанный, обработанный; кованый). They were plainly unused to battle, for their actions were clumsy and without proper co-ordination (они явно не привыкли к битве, так как их действия неловкими и без должного согласования = несогласованными).

Suddenly the hand released King Temgol-Lep and Corum saw that he was dead (внезапно рука отпустила короля, и Корум увидел, что он мертв).

His new hand had murdered a kindly and innocent creature (его новая рука убила добродушное и невинное создание)! And it had ruined his chances of getting help from the Ragha-da-Kheta (она уничтожила возможность получить помощь от рага-да-кета; to ruin — разрушить, погубить; chance — шанс, /удобный/ случай, возможность). It might even have killed him, for the warriors were very numerous (она могла бы даже убить и его = лучше бы она убила его, потому что воинов было очень много: «были очень многочисленны»).

Standing over the corpse of the king, he swept his sword this way and that (стоя над трупом короля, он размахивал мечом во все стороны: «туда и сюда»; to sweep — сметать, смахивать), striking limbs from bodies, cutting into heads (отрубая конечности от тел, рубя головы). Blood gushed everywhere and covered him, but he fought on (кровь лилась повсюду и забрызгала его, но он продолжал сражаться; to gush — хлынуть, хлестать, литься потоком).

volition [vəˈlɪʃ (ə) n] clumsy [ˈklʌmzɪ] innocent [ˈɪnəs (ə) nt] numerous [ˈnju:m (ə) rəs]

But the fingers were locked on the throat. Corum could feel himself squeezing the life from the king.

Corum shouted for help before he realised that the warriors thought that he was attacking the king on his own volition. He drew his sword and hacked around him as they attacked with their oddly-wrought clubs. They were plainly unused to battle, for their actions were clumsy and without proper co-ordination.

Suddenly the hand released King Temgol-Lep and Corum saw that he was dead.

His new hand had murdered a kindly and innocent creature! And it had ruined his chances of getting help from the Ragha-da-Kheta. It might even have killed him, for the warriors were very numerous.

Standing over the corpse of the king, he swept his sword this way and that, striking limbs from bodies, cutting into heads. Blood gushed everywhere and covered him, but he fought on.

Then, suddenly, there were no more living warriors (потом вдруг больше не осталось живых воинов). He stood in the courtyard while the gentle sun heat down and the fountain played and he looked at all the corpses (он стоял во внутреннем дворе, мягкое солнце светило, фонтан журчал, и смотрел на все эти трупы; to heat — нагревать/ся/, согревать/ся/; to play — играть, переливаться; бить, извергать /о струе, шланге, фонтане и т. д. /). He raised his gauntleted alien hand and spat on it (он поднял чуждую руку в латной перчатке и плюнул на нее; to spit).

`Oh, evil thing (порождение зла: «злая вещь»)! Rhalina was right (Ралина была права)! You have made me a murderer (ты сделала меня убийцей)!

But the hand was his again, it had no life of its own (но рука снова была его, у нее не было своей собственной жизни). He flexed the six fingers (Корум согнул шесть пальцев). It was now like any ordinary limb (рука была теперь, как любая обычная конечность).

Save for the splashing of the water from the fountain, the courtyard was silent (не считая плескания воды в фонтане, во внутреннем дворе было тихо; save for — за исключением, кроме).

Corum looked back at the dead king and shuddered (Корум оглянулся на мертвого короля и содрогнулся). He raised his sword (поднял меч). He would cut the Hand of Kwll from him (он отсечет себе руку Кулла). Better to be crippled than to be the slave of so evil a thing (лучше покалечиться = стать калекой, чем быть рабом такой злой вещи)!

And then the ground fell away from him and he plunged downwards (затем земля исчезла под ним, и он полетел вниз; to fall away — покидать, исчезать) to fall with a crash upon the back of a beast that spat and clawed at him (упал с грохотом на спину зверя, который плюнул и оцарапал его; to claw — царапать, скрести, рвать когтями).

murderer [ˈmə: dərə] ground [ɡraund] clawed [klɔ:d]

Then, suddenly, there were no more living warriors. He stood in the courtyard while the gentle sun heat down and the fountain played and he looked at all the corpses. He raised his gauntleted alien hand and spat on it.

`Oh, evil thing! Rhalina was right! You have made me a murderer!

But the hand was his again, it had no life of its own. He flexed the six fingers. It was now like any ordinary limb.

Save for the splashing of the water from the fountain, the courtyard was silent.

Corum looked back at the dead king and shuddered. He raised his sword. He would cut the Hand of Kwll from him. Better to be crippled than to be the slave of so evil a thing!

And then the ground fell away from him and he plunged downwards to fall with a crash upon the back of a beast that spat and clawed at him.

 

CHAPTER THREE (глава третья)

The Dark Things Come (порождения тьмы приходят)

Corum saw daylight above and then the flagstone slid back (Корум видел дневной свет наверху, затем плита сдвинулась обратно; to slide — скользить, плавно двигаться) and he was in darkness with the beast that dwelled in the pit beneath the courtyard (и он остался в темноте со зверем, что обитал в яме под внутренним двором). It was snarling in a corner somewhere (он рычал/ворчал где-то в углу). He prepared to defend himself against it (Корум приготовился защищаться от него).

Then the snarling stopped and there was silence for a moment (потом рычание прекратилось, и на миг наступила тишина).

Corum waited (ждал).

He heard a shuffling (он услышал шарканье /ног/; to shuffle — перемешивать, перемещать; волочить ноги). He saw a spark (увидел искру). The spark became a flame (искра превратилась в пламя). The flame came from a wick that burned in a clay vessel full of oil (пламя исходило от фитиля, который горел в глиняном сосуде, наполненном маслом).

The clay vessel was held by a filthy hand (глиняный сосуд держала грязная рука; filthy — грязный, отвратительный, мерзкий). And the hand belonged to a hairy creature whose eyes were full of anger (рука принадлежала мохнатому существу, глаза которого были наполены гневом).

`Who are you (кто ты)? Corum said.

snarling [ˈsnɑ:lɪŋ] spark [spɑ:k] filthy [ˈfɪlƟɪ]

Corum saw daylight above and then the flagstone slid back and he was in darkness with the beast that dwelled in the pit beneath the courtyard. It was snarling in a corner somewhere. He prepared to defend himself against it.

Then the snarling stopped and there was silence for a moment.

Corum waited.

He heard a shuffling. He saw a spark. The spark became a flame. The flame came from a wick that burned in a clay vessel full of oil.

The clay vessel was held by a filthy hand. And the hand belonged to a hairy creature whose eyes were full of anger.

`Who are you? Corum said.

The creature shuffled again and placed the crude lamp in a niche on the wall (существо пошло, снова шаркая ногами, и поставило грубый светильник в нишу в стене). Corum saw that the chamber was covered in dirty straw (Корум увидел, что /пол/ комнаты покрыт грязной соломой). There was a pitcher and a plate and, at the far end, a heavy iron door (там были кувшин и тарелка и, в дальнем углу, тяжелая железная дверь). The place reeked of human excrement (то место воняло человеческими испражнениями).

`Can you understand me (ты можешь понимать меня)? Corum still spoke the Nhadragh tongue (по-прежнему говорил на надрагском языке).

`Stop your gabbling (хватит тараторить; to gabble — говорить неясно и быстро, бормотать; гоготать). The creature spoke distinctly, as if he did not expect Corum to know what he was saying (существо говорило отчетливо, словно полагало, что Корум не знает, что оно говорит; to expect — ожидать, надеяться; полагать). He had spoken in the Low Speech (оно говорило на упрощенном языке). `You will be like me soon (ты скоро будешь таким, как я).

Corum made no reply (не ответил). He sheathed his sword and walked about the cell, inspecting it (он вложил в ножны меч и прошелся по темнице, осматривая ее; cell — ячейка; тюремная камера; клетка, отсек). There seemed no obvious way of escape (очевидного пути бегства не было = казалось, отсюда не вырваться). Above him he heard footsteps on the flagstones of the courtyard (над собой он услышал шаги по плитам внутреннего двора). He heard, quite clearly, the voices of the Ragha-da-Kheta (он услышал, вполне четко, голоса рага-да-кета). They were agitated, almost hysterical (они были взволнованными, почти истеричными).

niche [nɪʧ] straw [strɔ:] sheathed [ʃi:ðd] hysterical [hɪˈsterɪk (ə) l]

The creature shuffled again and placed the crude lamp in a niche on the wall. Corum saw that the chamber was covered in dirty straw. There was a pitcher and a plate and, at the far end, a heavy iron door. The place reeked of human excrement.

`Can you understand me? Corum still spoke the Nhadragh tongue.

`Stop your gabbling. The creature spoke distinctly, as if he did not expect Corum to know what he was saying. He had spoken in the Low Speech. `You will be like me soon.

Corum made no reply. He sheathed his sword and walked about the cell, inspecting it. There seemed no obvious way of escape. Above him he heard footsteps on the flagstones of the courtyard. He heard, quite clearly, the voices of the Ragha-da-Kheta. They were agitated, almost hysterical.

The creature cocked his head and listened (существо подняло голову и прислушалось).

`So that is what happened (так вот что произошло), he mused, staring at Corum and grinning to himself (проговорил он задумчиво, пристально глядя на Корума и ухмыляясь самому себе = своим мыслям). `You killed the feeble little coward, eh (ты убил этого хилого маленького труса, да; feeble — немощный, хилый; ничтожный)? Hm, well I don't resent your company nearly so much (хм, что ж, мне не будет неприятна твоя компания настолько; to resent — негодовать, возмущаться; не нравиться). Though your stay will be short, I fear (хотя, боюсь, твое пребывание /здесь/ будет недолгим). I wonder how they will destroy you (интересно, как они уничтожат тебя) …

Corum listened in silence, still not revealing that he understood the creature's words (Корум вслушивался в тишину, по-прежнему не показывая, что понимает слова существа; to reveal — открывать, обнаруживать). He heard the sound of the corpses being dragged away overhead (он услышал, как утаскивают трупы наверху). More voices came and went (еще голоса пришли и ушли = раздались и смолкли).

`Now they are in a quandary (теперь они в затруднительном положении), chuckled the creature (хихикнуло создание). `They are only good at killing by stealth (они умеют убивать лишь тайком; to be good at — быть способным к). What did they try to do to you, my friend, poison you (что они попытаются сделать с тобой, мой друг, отравить тебя)? That's the way they usually get rid of those they fear (это способ, /которым/ они обычно избавляются от тех, /кого/ боятся).

coward [ˈkauəd] quandary [ˈkwɔnd (ə) rɪ] stealth [stelƟ]

The creature cocked his head and listened.

`So that is what happened, he mused, staring at Corum and grinning to himself. `You killed the feeble little coward, eh? Hm, well I don't resent your company nearly so much. Though your stay will be short, I fear. I wonder how they will destroy you…

Corum listened in silence, still not revealing that he understood the creature's words. He heard the sound of the corpses being dragged away overhead. More voices came and went.

`Now they are in a quandary, chuckled the creature. `They are only good at killing by stealth. What did they try to do to you, my friend, poison you? That's the way they usually get rid of those they fear.

Poison? Corum frowned (нахмурился). Had the wine been poisoned (не было ли отравлено вино)? He looked at the hand. Had it known (неужели она знала)? Was it in some way sentient (не обладала ли она своего рода предчувствием; sentient — ощущающий, чувствующий)?

He decided to break his silence (он решил нарушить свое молчание).

`Who are you? he said in the Low Speech (он сказал на упрощенном языке).

The creature began to laugh (существо принялось смеяться).

`So you can understand me (значит, ты можешь понимать меня)! Well, since you are my guest, I feel you should answer my questions first (что ж, раз ты мой гость, думаю, тебе следовало бы ответить на мои вопросы сперва). You look like a Vadhagh to me, yet I thought all the Vadhagh perished long since (ты похож на вадага по-моему: «для меня», хотя я думал, все вадаги давно погибли). Name yourself and your folk, friend (назови себя и свой народ, друг).

sentient [ˈsenʃ (ə) nt] laugh [lɑ:f] guest [ɡest]

Poison? Corum frowned. Had the wine been poisoned? He looked at the hand. Had it known? Was it in some way sentient?

He decided to break his silence.

`Who are you? he said in the Low Speech.

The creature began to laugh.

`So you can understand me! Well, since you are my guest, I feel you should answer my questions first. You look like a Vadhagh to me, yet I thought all the Vadhagh perished long since. Name yourself and your folk, friend.

Corum said: `I am Corum Jhaelen Irsei — the Prince in the Scarlet Robe (Принц в Алом Плаще). And I am the last of the Vadhagh (и я последний из вадагов).

`And I am Hanafax of Pengarde (а я — Ганафакс из Пенгарда), something of a soldier, something of a priest, something of an explorer (немного воин, немного жрец, немного исследователь/путешественник) — and something of a wretch, as you see (и немного оборванец, как видишь; wretch — несчастный, жалкий человек). I hail from a land called Lywm-an-Esh — a land far to the West where (я происхожу из страны, называемой Лиум-ан-Эш, — страны, /лежащей/ далеко на западе, где) …

`I know of Lywm-an-Esh. I have been a guest of the Margravine of the East (я был гостем маркграфини восточной /части страны/).

`What? Does that Margraviate still exist (неужели маркграфство все еще существует)? I had heard it had been washed away by the encroaching seas long since (я слышал, его давно смыло наступающими волнами/океаном; to encroach — вторгаться; затоплять)!

`It may be destroyed by now (возможно, оно уничтожено теперь). The Pony Tribes (племена на пони) …

soldier [ˈsəulʤə] priest [pri:st] encroaching [ɪnˈkrəuʧɪŋ]

Corum said: `I am Corum Jhaelen Irsei — the Prince in the Scarlet Robe. And I am the last of the Vadhagh.

`And I am Hanafax of Pengarde, something of a soldier, something of a priest, something of an explorer — and something of a wretch, as you see. I hail from a land called Lywm-an-Esh — a land far to the West where…

`I know of Lywm-an-Esh. I have been a guest of the Margravine of the East.

`What? Does that Margraviate still exist? I had heard it had been washed away by the encroaching seas long since!

`It may be destroyed by now. The Pony Tribes…

`By Urleh (/клянусь/ Урлехом)! Pony Tribes! It is something from the histories (это что-то из историй = легенд).

`How come you to be so far from your own land, Sir Hanafax (как случилось, что ты оказался так далеко от своей страны, сэр Ганафакс)?

`It's a long tale, Prince Corum (это долгая история, принц Корум). Arioch — as he is called here — does not smile on the folk of Lywm-an-Esh (Ариох — как его здесь называют — не благоволит народу Лиум-ан-Эш; to smile on — выказывать благоволение, благоприятствовать). He expects all the Mabden to do his work for him (он ожидает/рассчитывает, что все мабдены будут делать его работу за него) — chiefly in the reduction of the older races, such as your own (в основном, по сокращению численности = уничтожению древних рас, как например, твоей; reduction — снижение, уменьшение; покорение). As you doubtless know, our folk have had no interest in destroying these races, for they have never harmed us (как ты, несомненно, знаешь, наш народ не был заинтересован в уничтожении этих рас, потому что они никогда не причиняли нам вреда). But Urleh is a kind of vassal deity to the Knight of the Swords (но Урлех — нечто вроде вассального божества, /подчиненного/ Рыцарю Мечей). It was Urleh that I served as a priest (Урлеху я служил в качестве жреца).

history [ˈhɪst (ə) rɪ] vassal [ˈvæs (ə) l] deity [ˈdi:ɪtɪ]

`By Urleh! Pony Tribes! It is something from the histories.

`How come you to be so far from your own land, Sir Hanafax?

`It's a long tale, Prince Corum. Arioch — as he is called here — does not smile on the folk of Lywm-an-Esh. He expects all the Mabden to do his work for him — chiefly in the reduction of the older races, such as your own. As you doubtless know, our folk have had no interest in destroying these races, for they have never harmed us. But Urleh is a kind of vassal deity to the Knight of the Swords. It was Urleh that I served as a priest.

Well, it seems that Arioch grows impatient (for reasons of his own) (итак, кажется, Ариох проявляет нетерпение (по каким-то своим причинам)) and commands Urleh to command the people of Lywm-an-Esh to embark on a crusade (и велит Урлеху приказать людям Лиум-ан-Эш предпринять /военный/ поход; to embark on — начинать, приступать к; crusade — поход, кампания; крестовый поход), to travel far to the West where a seafolk dwell (отправиться далеко на запад, где живет морской народ). These folk are only about fifty in all and live in castles built into coral (этих людей всего около пятидесяти, они живут в замках, построенных в коралловых /рифах/; to build into — вделывать, вмуровывать). They are called the Shalafen (называются шалафены). Urleh gave me Arioch's command (Урлех отдал = передал мне приказ Ариоха). I decided to believe that this was a false command (я решил, что это ложный приказ) — coming from another entity unfriendly to Urleh (исходящий от другого существа, недружелюбного к Урлеху). My luck, which was never of the best, changed greatly then (моя судьба, которая никогда не была лучшей = счастливой, изменилась сильно затем). There was a murder (произошло убийство). I was blamed (меня обвинили). I fled my lands and stole a ship (я бежал из своей страны и украл судно; to flee — убегать, спасаться бегством; to steal). After several somewhat dull adventures, I found myself among this twittering people (после нескольких довольно скучных приключений я оказался среди этого щебечущего народа) who so patiently await Arioch's destruction (который так терпеливо ожидает уничтожения Ариохом). I attempted to band them together against Arioch (я попытался объединить их против Ариоха). They offered me wine, which I refused (они предложили мне вина, от которого я отказался). They seized me and placed me here, where I have been for more than a few months (они схватили меня и поместили сюда, где я нахожусь больше нескольких месяцев).

impatient [ɪmˈpeɪʃ (ə) nt] crusade [kru:ˈseɪd] coral [ˈkɔrəl] false [fɔ:ls]

Well, it seems that Arioch grows impatient (for reasons of his own) and commands Urleh to command the people of Lywm-an-Esh to embark on a crusade, to travel far to the West where a seafolk dwell. These folk are only about fifty in all and live in castles built into coral. They are called the Shalafen. Urleh gave me Arioch's command. I decided to believe that this was a false command — coming from another entity unfriendly to Urleh. My luck, which was never of the best, changed greatly then. There was a murder. I was blamed. I fled my lands and stole a ship. After several somewhat dull adventures, I found myself among this twittering people who so patiently await Arioch's destruction. I attempted to band them together against Arioch. They offered me wine, which I refused. They seized me and placed me here, where I have been for more than a few months.

`What will they do with you (что они сделают с тобой)?

`I cannot say (не могу сказать = не знаю). Hope that I die eventually, I suppose (надеются, что умру со временем, /полагаю/). They are a misguided folk and a little stupid, but they are not by nature cruel (они — обманутый народ и немного глупый, но не жестокие по характеру; misguided — введенный в заблуждение; сбитый с курса; by nature — по природе, по характеру). Yet their terror of Arioch is so great that they dare not do anything that might offend him (однако их страх перед Ариохом столь велик, что они не посмеют сделать что-либо, что может обидеть его). In this way they hope he will let them live a year or two longer (таким образом, они надеются, что он позволит им жить еще год-два).

`And you do not know how they will deal with me (ты не знаешь, как они поступят со мной; to deal with — иметь дело, обходиться)? I killed their king, after all (я убил их короля, все-таки).

`That is what I was considering (вот об этом я и думал). The poison has failed (яд не сработал). They would be very reluctant to use violence on you themselves (они вряд ли решатся применить к тебе силу; reluctant — делающий что-либо с большой неохотой). We shall have to see (нам придется /подождать/ и увидеть).

`I have a mission to accomplish (мне нужно выполнить поручение), Corum told him. `I cannot afford to wait (я не могу позволить себе ждать).

Hanafax grinned (Ганафакс усмехнулся).

misguided [mɪsˈɡaɪdɪd] stupid [ˈstju:pɪd] violence [ˈvaɪələns]

`What will they do with you?

`I cannot say. Hope that I die eventually, I suppose. They are a misguided folk and a little stupid, but they are not by nature cruel. Yet their terror of Arioch is so great that they dare not do anything that might offend him. In this way they hope he will let them live a year or two longer.

`And you do not know how they will deal with me? I killed their king, after all.

`That is what I was considering. The poison has failed. They would be very reluctant to use violence on you themselves. We shall have to see.

`I have a mission to accomplish, Corum told him. `I cannot afford to wait.

Hanafax grinned.

`I think you will have to, friend Corum (думаю, тебе придется /подождать/, друг Корум)! I am something of a sorcerer, as I told you (я немного колдун, как я говорил тебе). I have a few tricks, but none will work in this place, I know not why (у меня есть несколько фокусов/трюков, но ни один не сработает в этом месте, не знаю почему). And if sorcery cannot aid us, what can (а если колдовство не может нам помочь, что сможет)?

Corum raised his alien hand and stared at it thoughtfully (Корум поднял свою чуждую руку и посмотрел на нее задумчиво).

Then he looked into the hairy face of his fellow prisoner (потом заглянул в волосатое лицо своего товарища по заключению).

`Have you ever heard of the Hand of Kwll (ты когда-нибудь слышал о Руке Кулла)?

Hanafax frowned (нахмурился).

`Aye… I believe I have (да… думаю, слышал). The sole remains of a God, one of two brothers, who had some sort of feud (единственные останки бога, одного из двух братьев, которые вроде враждовали; feud — длительная, наследственная вражда, междоусобица) … A legend, of course, like so many (легенда, конечно, как и многие /другие/) …

sorcery [ˈsɔ:s (ə) rɪ] feud [fju:d]

`I think you will have to, friend Corum! I am something of a sorcerer, as I told you. I have a few tricks, but none will work in this place, I know not why. And if sorcery cannot aid us, what can?

Corum raised his alien hand and stared at it thoughtfully.

Then he looked into the hairy face of his fellow prisoner.

`Have you ever heard of the Hand of Kwll?

Hanafax frowned.

`Aye… I believe I have. The sole remains of a God, one of two brothers, who had some sort of feud … A legend, of course, like so many…

Corum held up his left hand (Корум показал свою левую руку).

`This is the Hand of Kwll. It was given me by a sorcerer, along with this eye — the Eye of Rhynn (ее дал мне один колдун, вместе с этим глазом — Глазом Ринна) — and both have great powers, I am told (и оба /предмета/ обладают огромной силой, /он/ мне сказал).

`You do not know (ты не знаешь)?

`I have had no opportunity to test them (у меня не было возможности проверить их).

Hanafax seemed disturbed (Ганафакс казался встревоженным).

`Yet such powers are too great for a mortal, I would have thought (однако подобные силы слишком велики для смертного, я бы подумал = мне кажется). The consequences of using them would be monstrous (последствия их использования могут быть ужасными) …

`I do not believe I have any choice (не думаю, /что/ у меня есть выбор). I have decided (я решил). I will call upon the powers of the Hand of Kwll and the Eye of Rhynn (я призову |yf помощь/ силы Руки Кулла и Глаза Ринна; to call upon — взывать, обращаться; призывать)!

opportunity [, ɔpəˈtju:nɪtɪ] consequences [ˈkɔnsɪkwənsɪz]

Corum held up his left hand.

`This is the Hand of Kwll. It was given me by a sorcerer, along with this eye — the Eye of Rhynn — and both have great powers, I am told.

`You do not know?

`I have had no opportunity to test them.

Hanafax seemed disturbed.

`Yet such powers are too great for a mortal, I would have thought. The consequences of using them would be monstrous…

`I do not believe I have any choice. I have decided. I will call upon the powers of the Hand of Kwll and the Eye of Rhynn!

`I trust you will remind them that I am on your side, Prince Corum (надеюсь, ты напомнишь им, что я на твоей стороне, принц Корум; to trust — верить, доверять/ся/; надеяться).

Corum stripped the gauntlet from his six-fingered hand (Корум снял латную перчатку со своей шестипалой руки). He was shivering with the tension (он дрожал от напряжения). Then he pushed the patch up to his forehead (потом сдвинул повязка на лоб; to push — толкать, продвигать).

He began to see the darker planes (он начал видеть более темные плоскости). Again he saw the landscape on which a black sun shone (снова он увидел пейзаж, где светило черное солнце). Again he saw the four cowled figures (снова увидел четыре фигуры в капюшонах; cowl — сутана с капюшоном, капюшон).

And this time he stared into their faces (на этот раз он посмотрел в их лица).

He screamed (он вскрикнул).

But he could not name the reason for his terror (но он не мог бы назвать причину своего ужаса).

He looked again.

tension [ˈtenʃ (ə) n] forehead [ˈfɔrɪd] cowled [kauld]

`I trust you will remind them that I am on your side, Prince Corum.

Corum stripped the gauntlet from his six-fingered hand. He was shivering with the tension. Then he pushed the patch up to his forehead.

He began to see the darker planes. Again he saw the landscape on which a black sun shone. Again he saw the four cowled figures.

And this time he stared into their faces.

He screamed.

But he could not name the reason for his terror.

He looked again.

The Hand of Kwll stretched out towards the figures (Рука Кулла потянулась к фигурам). Their heads moved as they saw the hand (их головы двинулись, когда они увидели руку). Their terrible eyes seemed to draw all the heat from his body, all the vitality from his soul (их ужасные глаза, казалось, вытягивали = высасывали все тепло из его тела, всю энергию из его души; vitality — жизненность, энергия). But he continued to look at them (но он продолжал смотреть на них).

The Hand beckoned (Рука поманила /их/ к себе).

The dark figures moved towards Corum (темные фигуры двинулись к Коруму).

He heard Hanafax say (он услышал, как Ганафакс сказал):

`I see nothing (я ничего не вижу). What are you summoning (что ты призываешь)? What do you see (что видишь)?

vitality [vaɪˈtælɪtɪ] beckoned [ˈbekənd]

The Hand of Kwll stretched out towards the figures. Their heads moved as they saw the hand. Their terrible eyes seemed to draw all the heat from his body, all the vitality from his soul. But he continued to look at them.

The Hand beckoned.

The dark figures moved towards Corum.

He heard Hanafax say:

`I see nothing. What are you summoning? What do you see?

Corum ignored him (Корум не ответил ему; to ignore — игнорировать, не обращать внимания). He was sweating now and every limb save the Hand of Kwll was shaking (он потел = истекал потом теперь, и каждая его конечность, кроме Руки Кулла, тряслась).

From beneath their robes the four figures drew huge scythes (из-под своих плащей четыре фигуры достали огромные косы).

Corum moved numbed lips (Корум шевельнул онемевшими губами).

`Here (сюда). Come to this plane (идите в эту плоскость). Obey me (подчиняйтесь мне).

They came nearer and seemed to pass through a swirling curtain of mist (они приближались и, казалось, проходили через клубящуюся завесу тумана; to swirl — кружить/ся/ в водовороте; клубиться).

Then Hanafax cried out in terror and disgust (потом Ганафакс вскричал от ужаса и отвращения).

`Gods! They are things from the Pits of the Dog (это твари из Ям Пса)! Shefanhow (Шефанхау)! He jumped behind Corum (он прыгнул за Корума). `Keep them off me, Vadhagh (держи их от меня подальше, вадаг)! Aah!

sweating [ˈswetɪŋ] scythe [saɪð] disgust [dɪsˈɡʌst]

Corum ignored him. He was sweating now and every limb save the Hand of Kwll was shaking.

From beneath their robes the four figures drew huge scythes.

Corum moved numbed lips.

`Here. Come to this plane. Obey me.

They came nearer and seemed to pass through a swirling curtain of mist.

Then Hanafax cried out in terror and disgust.

`Gods! They are things from the Pits of the Dog! Shefanhow! He jumped behind Corum. `Keep them off me, Vadhagh! Aah!

Hollow voices issued from the strangely distorted mouths (глухие голоса раздались из странно перекошенных ртов; hollow — пустой, полый; глухой, замогильный /о звуке/; to issue from — исходить, выходить; distorted — кривой, перекошенный, искаженный):

`Master (повелитель). We will do your will (мы исполним твою волю). We will do the will of Kwll (мы исполним волю Руки Кулла).

`Destroy that door (сломайте эту дверь)! Corum commanded.

`Will we have our prize, master (получим ли мы нашу награду, повелитель)?

`What prize is that (что это за награда)?

`A life for each of us, master (жизнь для каждого из нас, повелитель).

Corum shuddered (вздрогнул).

`Aye, very well, you'll have your prize (да, хорошо, вы получите свою награду).

issued [ˈɪʃu:d] distorted [dɪsˈtɔ:tɪd]

Hollow voices issued from the strangely distorted mouths:

`Master. We will do your will. We will do the will of Kwll.

`Destroy that door! Corum commanded.

`Will we have our prize, master?

`What prize is that?

`A life for each of us, master.

Corum shuddered.

`Aye, very well, you'll have your prize.

The scythes rose up and the door fell down (косы поднялись вверх, и дверь упала) and the four creatures that were truly `Shefanhow' led the way into a narrow passage (и четыре существа, которые были поистине шефанхау, вошли в узкий коридор; to lead the way — показывать путь; проявить инициативу, сделать первый шаг).

`My kite (мой воздушный змей)! Hanafax murmured to Corum (Ганафакс прошептал Коруму). `We can escape on that (мы можем сбежать на нем).

`A kite?

`Aye. It flies and can take both of us (он летает и способен поднять нас обоих).

The Shefanhow marched ahead (шефанхау двигались вперед). From them radiated a force that froze the skin (от них исходила сила, которая леденила кожу = от которой мороз шел по коже; to freeze). They mounted some steps and another door was burst by the scythes of the cloaked creatures (они прошли несколько ступеней, и еще одна дверь была сломана косами существ в плащах; to mount — подниматься, восходить; to burst — разрывать/ся/, разламывать/ся/). There was daylight (там = снаружи был день).

They found themselves in the main courtyard of the palace (они оказались в главном внутреннем дворе дворца).

radiated [ˈreɪdɪeɪtɪd] force [fɔ:s]

The scythes rose up and the door fell down and the four creatures that were truly `Shefanhow' led the way into a narrow passage.

`My kite! Hanafax murmured to Corum. `We can escape on that.

`A kite?

`Aye. It flies and can take both of us.

The Shefanhow marched ahead. From them radiated a force that froze the skin. They mounted some steps and another door was burst by the scythes of the cloaked creatures. There was daylight.

They found themselves in the main courtyard of the palace.

From all sides came warriors (со всех сторон шли воины). This time they did not seem so reluctant to kill Corum and Hanafax (на этот раз они не казались столь неохотными = желали убить Корума и Ганафакса), but they paused when they saw the four cloaked beings (но они остановились, когда увидели четырех в плащах).

`There are your prizes (вот ваша награда), Corum said. `Take as many as you will and then return to whence you came (берите, сколько хотите, а потом возвращайтесь, откуда пришли).

The scythes whirled in the sunshine (косы взметнулись на солнце). The Ragha-da-Kheta fell back screaming (рага-да-кета отступили, крича).

The screaming grew louder (крик стал громче).

The four began to titter (четверо начали хихикать). Then they began to roar (затем они начали реветь). Then they began to echo the screams of their victims as their scythes swung and heads sprang from necks (потом принялись подражать крикам своих жертв, когда их косы взлетали, и головы слетали с плеч; to swing — качать/ся/; размахивать). Sickened, Corum and Hanafax ran through the corridors of the palace (преодолевая тошноту, Корум и Ганафакс побежали по коридорам дворца; to sicken — заболевать, испытывать тошноту, отвращение). Hanafax led the way and eventually stopped outside a door (Ганафакс бежал впереди и наконец остановился за дверью).

echo [ˈekəu] eventually [ɪˈvenʧu (ə) lɪ]

From all sides came warriors. This time they did not seem so reluctant to kill Corum and Hanafax, but they paused when they saw the four cloaked beings.

`There are your prizes, Corum said. `Take as many as you will and then return to whence you came.

The scythes whirled in the sunshine. The Ragha-da-Kheta fell back screaming.

The screaming grew louder.

The four began to titter. Then they began to roar. Then they began to echo the screams of their victims as their scythes swung and heads sprang from necks. Sickened, Corum and Hanafax ran through the corridors of the palace. Hanafax led the way and eventually stopped outside a door.

Everywhere now the screams sounded (повсюду теперь звучали крики) and the loudest screams of all were those of the four (а самые громкие из всех принадлежали тем четырем).

Hanafax forced the door open (Ганафакс силой открыл дверь). It was dark within (внутри было темно). He began to rummage about in the room (он принялся рыться в комнате).

`This is where I was when I was their guest (здесь я был, когда являлся их гостем). Before they decided that I had offended Arioch (до того, как они решили, что я оскорбил Ариоха). I came here in my kite (я прибыл сюда на змее). Now…

Corum saw more soldiers rushing down the corridor towards them (Корум увидел, как еще воины бегут по коридору к ним).

`Find it quickly, Hanafax (найди его быстро = ищи быстрее, Ганафакс), he said. He leapt out to block the corridor with his sword (он выскочил /из комнаты/, чтобы перегородить коридор с мечом).

The spindly beings came to a halt and looked at his sword (длинные тонкие существа остановились и посмотрели на его меч). They raised their own bird claw clubs and began cautiously to advance (они подняли свои дубинки в форме птичьего когтя и начали осторожно приближаться; to advance — продвигаться вперед; наступать).

rummage [ˈrʌmɪʤ] halt [hɔ:lt] advance [ədˈvɑ:ns]

Everywhere now the screams sounded and the loudest screams of all were those of the four.

Hanafax forced the door open. It was dark within. He began to rummage about in the room.

`This is where I was when I was their guest. Before they decided that I had offended Arioch. I came here in my kite. Now…

Corum saw more soldiers rushing down the corridor towards them.

`Find it quickly, Hanafax, he said. He leapt out to block the corridor with his sword.

The spindly beings came to a halt and looked at his sword. They raised their own bird claw clubs and began cautiously to advance.

Corum's sword darted out and cut a warrior's throat (меч Корума метнулся вперед и перерезал одному из воинов горло; to dart — метать/ся/, мчаться стрелой). He collapsed in a tangle of legs and arms (он рухнул грудой; tangle — сплетение; путаница; конфликт). Corum struck another in the eye (Корум ударил другого в глаз; to strike).

The screams were dying now (крики теперь стихали). Corum's foul allies were returning to their own plane with their prizes (отвратительные союзники Корума возвращались в свою плоскость с наградой).

Behind Corum, Hanafax was dragging forth a dusty arrangement of rods and silk (позади Корума Ганафакс вытаскивал пыльную конструкцию из планок и шелка; rod — прут, стержень, рейка).

`I have it, Prince Corum (я нашел его, принц Корум). Give me a short while to remember the spell I need (дай мне немного времени, чтобы вспомнить нужное заклинание).

Rather than being frightened by the deaths of their comrades (они не только не испугались гибели товарищей; rather than — скорее, чем; вместо того, чтобы), the Ragha-da-Kheta seemed spurred on to fight more fiercely (наоборот, рага-да-кета, казалось, стали сражаться яростнее/неистовее; to spur — пришпоривать; подгонять, побуждать). Partly protected by a little mound of the slain, Corum fought on (частично прикрытый небольшой кучкой убитых, Корум продолжал сражаться; mound — насыпь, курган, холм).

arrangement [əˈreɪnʤmənt] comrade [ˈkɔmr (ə) ɪd] fiercely [ˈfɪəslɪ]

Corum's sword darted out and cut a warrior's throat. He collapsed in a tangle of legs and arms. Corum struck another in the eye.

The screams were dying now. Corum's foul allies were returning to their own plane with their prizes.

Behind Corum, Hanafax was dragging forth a dusty arrangement of rods and silk.

`I have it, Prince Corum. Give me a short while to remember the spell I need.

Rather than being frightened by the deaths of their comrades, the Ragha-da-Kheta seemed spurred on to fight more fiercely. Partly protected by a little mound of the slain, Corum fought on.

Hanafax began to call out something in a strange tongue (Ганафакс начал выкрикивать что-то на странном языке). Corum felt a wind rise that ruffled his scarlet robe (Корум почувствовал подъем ветра = как поднялся ветер, который раздул его алый плащ; to ruffle — рябить, взъерошивать; трепыхаться). Something grabbed him from behind and then he was rising into the air (что-то схватило его сзади, потом он стал подниматься в воздух), over the heads of the Ragha-da-Kheta, speeding along the corridor and into the open (над головами рага-да-кета, спешивших по коридору наружу; the open — открытое пространство).

He looked down nervously (он посмотрел вниз беспокойно). The city was running past below them (город пробегал мимо под ними = оставался позади).

Hanafax dragged him into the box of yellow and green silk (Ганафакс втащил его в корзину из желто-зеленого шелка; box — коробка, ящик, сундук). Corum was sure he would fall, but the kite held (Корум был уверен, что упадет, но воздушный змей держался /в воздухе/).

The ragged, unkempt figure beside him was grinning (оборванная, нечесаная фигура возле него ухмылялась).

`So the will of Arioch can be denied (итак, воле Ариоха можно не подчиняться; to deny — отвергать, отрицать), Corum said.

`Unless we are his instruments in this (если только мы не /сыграли роль/ его инструментов в этом = не стали орудиями в его руках), said Hanafax, his grin fading (сказал Ганафакс, и его усмешка исчезла; to fade — увядать, блекнуть; постепенно исчезать).

unkempt [, ʌnˈkempt] denied [dɪˈnaɪd]

Hanafax began to call out something in a strange tongue. Corum felt a wind rise that ruffled his scarlet robe. Something grabbed him from behind and then he was rising into the air, over the heads of the Ragha-da-Kheta, speeding along the corridor and into the open.

He looked down nervously. The city was running past below them.

Hanafax dragged him into the box of yellow and green silk. Corum was sure he would fall, but the kite held.

The ragged, unkempt figure beside him was grinning.

`So the will of Arioch can be denied, Corum said.

`Unless we are his instruments in this, said Hanafax, his grin fading.

 

CHAPTER FOUR (глава четвертая)

In the Flamelands (в Огненных землях)

Corum got used to the flight, though he still felt uncomfortable (Корум привык к полету, хотя по-прежнему чувствовал себя неуютно). Hanafax hummed to himself while he chopped at his hair and whiskers (Ганафакс что-то напевал про себя, подрезая свои волосы и бакенбарды; to hum — мурлыкать, напевать про себя; to chop — отрезать, отрубать) until a handsome, youngish face was revealed (пока не появилось привлекательное, довольно молодое лицо). Apparently without concern, he discarded his rags and drew on a clean doublet and pair of breeks he had brought with him in his bundle (явно без сожаления, он выбросил свои лохмотья и надел чистый камзол и штаны, /которые/ взял с собой в узле; to discard — избавляться от чего-либо; отказываться; bundle — узел, сверток, связка).

`I feel a thousand times improved (я чувствую себя в тысячу раз лучше; to improve — улучшать/ся/, поправлять/ся/, налаживать/ся/). I thank you, Prince Corum, for visiting the City of Arke before I had entirely rotted away (спасибо тебе, принц Корум, что посетил город Арк прежде, чем я совсем сгнил /в темнице/; to rot away — гнить, портиться; погибать)!

Corum had discovered that Hanafax could not sustain his moods of introspection but was naturally of a cheerful disposition (Корум обнаружил, что Ганафакс не может переносить свои настроения самонаблюдения = долго не печалится, а от природы — /человек/ веселого характера).

discarded [dɪsˈkɑ:dɪd] doublet [ˈdʌblɪt] sustain [səˈsteɪn]

Corum got used to the flight, though he still felt uncomfortable. Hanafax hummed to himself while he chopped at his hair and whiskers until a handsome, youngish face was revealed. Apparently without concern, he discarded his rags and drew on a clean doublet and pair of breeks he had brought with him in his bundle.

`I feel a thousand times improved. I thank you, Prince Corum, for visiting the City of Arke before I had entirely rotted away!

Corum had discovered that Hanafax could not sustain his moods of introspection but was naturally of a cheerful disposition.

`Where is this flying thing taking us, Sir Hanafax (куда эта летающая штуковина несет нас, сэр Ганафакс)?

`Ah, there's the problem (ах, в этом и проблема), Hanafax said. `It is why I have found myself in more trouble than I sought (вот почему я оказывался в больших бедах, чем искал; to seek). I cannot — um — guide the kite (я не могу управлять змеем). It flies where it will (он летит, куда захочет).

They were over the sea now (они были над морем теперь).

Corum clung to the struts and fixed his eyes ahead of him (Корум вцепился в распорки и пристально посмотрел вперед) while Hanafax began a song which was not complimentary either to Arioch or the Dog God of the Eastern Mabden folk (а Ганафакс начал /петь/ песню, которая не была почтительной ни по отношению к Ариоху, ни к богу Псу восточного мабденского племени; complimentary — поздравительная, лестная, хвалебная).

Then Corum saw something below and he said drily (затем Корум увидел что-то внизу и сказал сухо):

complimentary [, kɔmplɪˈment (ə) rɪ] either [ˈaɪðə]

`Where is this flying thing taking us, Sir Hanafax?

`Ah, there's the problem, Hanafax said. `It is why I have found myself in more trouble than I sought. I cannot — um — guide the kite. It flies where it will.

They were over the sea now.

Corum clung to the struts and fixed his eyes ahead of him while Hanafax began a song which was not complimentary either to Arioch or the Dog God of the Eastern Mabden folk.

Then Corum saw something below and he said drily:

`I would advise you to forget the insults to Arioch (я бы посоветовал тебе забыть оскорбления в адрес Ариоха). We appear to be flying over the Thousand League Reef (мы, по-видимому, пролетаем над Тысячемильным Рифом). As I understand it, his domain lies somewhere beyond that (как я понимаю, его владения лежат где-то за ним).

`A fair distance, though (на порядочном расстоянии, однако). I hope the kite brings us down soon (надеюсь, змей вскоре опустит нас на землю).

They reached the coast (они достигли побережья). Corum screwed up his eyes as he tried to make it out (Корум щурил глаза, пытаясь разглядеть его). Some of the time it seemed to consist of water alone — a kind of huge inland sea (некоторое время = то оно, казалось, состояло из одной воды — что-то вроде огромного внутреннего моря) — and some of the time the water vanished completely and only land could be seen (то вода исчезала совсем, и можно было видеть лишь землю). It was shifting all the time (оно перемещалось все время).

`Is that Urde, Sir Hanafax (это Урд, сэр Ганафакс)?

`I would advise you to forget the insults to Arioch. We appear to be flying over the Thousand League Reef. As I understand it, his domain lies somewhere beyond that.

`A fair distance, though. I hope the kite brings us down soon.

They reached the coast. Corum screwed up his eyes as he tried to make it out. Some of the time it seemed to consist of water alone — a kind of huge inland sea — and some of the time the water vanished completely and only land could be seen. It was shifting all the time.

`Is that Urde, Sir Hanafax?

`I think it must be the place «Urde» by its position and appearance (думаю, это должно быть «Урдом», согласно = судя по местоположению и внешнему виду). Unstable matter, Prince Corum, created by the Chaos Lords (изменчивое вещество, принц Корум, созданное Владыками Хаоса).

`The Chaos Lords? I have not heard that term used before (я не слышал, чтобы это выражение употребляли раньше).

`Have you not (разве)? Well, it is their will that rules you (ну, именно их воля управляет тобой = твоей судьбой). Arioch is one of them (Ариох — один из них). Long since there was a war between the forces of Order and the forces of Chaos (давным-давно шла война между силами Порядка и силами Хаоса). The forces of Chaos won and came to dominate the Fifteen Planes (силы Хаоса победили и стали господствовать в Пятнадцати Плоскостях; to win) and, as I understand it, much that lies beyond them (и, как я понимаю, многим, что лежит за их пределами). Some say that Order was defeated completely and all her Gods vanished (некоторые говорят, что Порядок потерпел полное поражение и все его боги исчезли). They say the Cosmic Balance tipped too far in one direction (/еще/ говорят, что Космическое Равновесие склонилось слишком далеко в одну сторону) and that is why there are so many arbitrary events taking place in the world (и поэтому так много случайных событий происходит в мире). They say that once the world was round instead of dish-shaped (говорят, что некогда мир был круглым, а не тарелочный = не плоский, как тарелка; dish-shaped — тарелочный, чашеобразный). It is hard to accept, I agree (согласен, это трудно принять; to accept — принимать, допускать, соглашаться).

appearance [əˈpɪ (ə) rəns] Chaos [ˈkeɪɔs] arbitrary [ˈɑ:bɪtrərɪ] accept [əkˈsept]

`I think it must be the place «Urde» by its position and appearance. Unstable matter, Prince Corum, created by the Chaos Lords.

`The Chaos Lords? I have not heard that term used before.

`Have you not? Well, it is their will that rules you. Arioch is one of them. Long since there was a war between the forces of Order and the forces of Chaos. The forces of Chaos won and came to dominate the Fifteen Planes and, as I understand it, much that lies beyond them. Some say that Order was defeated completely and all her Gods vanished. They say the Cosmic Balance tipped too far in one direction and that is why there are so many arbitrary events taking place in the world. They say that once the world was round instead of dish-shaped. It is hard to accept, I agree.

`Some Vadhagh legends say it was once round (некоторые вадагские легенды /тоже/ говорят, он был однажды круглым).

`Aye. Well, the Vadhagh began their rise just before Order was banished (что же, вадаги начали свой подъем = расцвет как раз до того, как Порядок изгнали). That is why the Sword Rulers hate the old races so much (вот почему Повелители Мечей так ненавидят древние расы). They are not their creation at all (они вообще не являются их творением). But the Great Gods are not allowed to interfere too directly in mortal affairs (но Великим Богам не дозволено вмешиваться /слишком/ прямо в дела смертных), so they have worked through the Mabden, chiefly (поэтому они действуют через мабденов, в основном) …

`Is this the truth (это правда)?

`It is a truth (это относительная правда = возможно), Hanafax shrugged (Ганафакс пожал плечами). `I know other versions of the same tale (я знаю и другие варианты этой истории). But I am inclined to believe this one (но я склонен верить этому).

`These Great Gods — you speak of the Sword Rulers (эти Великие Боги — ты говоришь о Повелителях Мечей)?

interfere [, ɪntəˈfɪə] inclined [ɪnˈklaɪnd]

`Some Vadhagh legends say it was once round.

`Aye. Well, the Vadhagh began their rise just before Order was banished. That is why the Sword Rulers hate the old races so much. They are not their creation at all. But the Great Gods are not allowed to interfere too directly in mortal affairs, so they have worked through the Mabden, chiefly…

`Is this the truth?

`It is a truth, Hanafax shrugged. `I know other versions of the same tale. But I am inclined to believe this one.

`These Great Gods — you speak of the Sword Rulers?

`Aye, the Sword Rulers and others (да, о Повелителях Мечей и других). Then there are the Great Old Gods, to whom all the myriad planes of Earth are merely a tiny fragment in a greater mosaic (к тому же, существуют Великие Древние Боги, для которых все бесчисленные плоскости Земли — всего лишь ничтожные кусочки в большой мозаике). Hanafax shrugged. `This is the cosmology I was taught when I was a priest (такой космологии меня обучали, когда я был жрецом). I cannot vouch for its truth (не могу ручаться за ее истинность).

Corum frowned. He looked below and now they were crossing a bleak yellow and brown desert (он посмотрел вниз, теперь они пересекали унылую желто-коричневую пустыню; bleak — незащищенный от ветра; гнетущий, безрадостный). It was the desert called Dhroonhazat and it seemed entirely waterless (это была пустыня под названием Друнхазат, и она казалась совершенно безводной). By an accident of fate he was being borne towards the Knight of the Swords faster than he had expected (по случайности судьбы = благодаря случайности его несло к Рыцарю Мечей быстрее, чем он ожидал).

Or was it an accident of fate (/хотя/, было ли это случайностью)?

myriad [ˈmɪrɪəd] cosmology [kɔzˈmɔləʤɪ] vouch [vauʧ] desert [ˈdezət]

`Aye, the Sword Rulers and others. Then there are the Great Old Gods, to whom all the myriad planes of Earth are merely a tiny fragment in a greater mosaic. Hanafax shrugged. `This is the cosmology I was taught when I was a priest. I cannot vouch for its truth.

Corum frowned. He looked below and now they were crossing a bleak yellow and brown desert. It was the desert called Dhroonhazat and it seemed entirely waterless. By an accident of fate he was being borne towards the Knight of the Swords faster than he had expected.

Or was it an accident of fate?

Now the heat was increasing and the sand below shimmered and danced (теперь жара усиливалась, и песок внизу переливался и прыгал; to dance — танцевать; прыгать, скакать). Hanafax licked his lips (Ганафакс облизал губы).

`We're getting dangerously close to the Flamelands, Prince Corum (мы приближаемся опасно близко к Огненным землям, принц Корум). Look (смотри).

On the horizon Corum saw a thin, flickering line of red light (на горизонте Корум увидел тонкую, дрожащую линию красного света). The sky above it was also tinged red (небо над ней тоже было слегка красным).

The kite sped nearer and the heat increased (воздушный змей подлетал ближе /к огню/, и жара усиливалась; to speed — мчаться, торопиться). To his astonishment, Corum saw that they were approaching a wall of flame (к своему изумлению = с удивлением Корум увидел, что они приближаются к стене огня) that stretched as far as he could see in both directions (которая растянулась на сколько он мог видеть в оба направления = от края до края).

`Hanafax, we shall be burned alive (Ганафакс, мы сгорим заживо), he said softly.

`Aye, it seems likely (да, похоже на то).

`Is there no means of turning this kite of yours (неужели нет средств = нельзя повернуть этого твоего змея)?

danced [dɑ:nst] increased [ɪnˈkri:st] astonishment [əˈstɔnɪʃmənt]

Now the heat was increasing and the sand below shimmered and danced. Hanafax licked his lips. `We're getting dangerously close to the Flamelands, Prince Corum. Look.

On the horizon Corum saw a thin, flickering line of red light. The sky above it was also tinged red.

The kite sped nearer and the heat increased. To his astonishment, Corum saw that they were approaching a wall of flame that stretched as far as he could see in both directions.

`Hanafax, we shall be burned alive, he said softly.

`Aye, it seems likely.

`Is there no means of turning this kite of yours?

`I have tried, in the past (я пытался, в прошлом = раньше). It is not the first time it has taken me away from one danger and into a worse one (это не первый раз, когда он уносит меня от одной опасности к /другой/, худшей) …

The wall of fire was now so close that Corum could feel its direct heat burning his face (огненная стена теперь была так близко, что Корум ощущал, как ее прямой = исходящий от нее жар обжигает его лицо). He heard it rumble and crackle and it seemed to feed on nothing but the air itself (он услышал, как она гремела и потрескивала и, казалось, пожирала лишь один воздух; to feed on — питать; жить за чей-либо счет).

`Such a thing defies nature (подобная вещь нарушает /законы/ природы = это неестественно)! he gasped (проговорил он, задыхаясь).

`Is that not a fair definition of all sorcery (разве это не ясное определение всего колдовства = таковым является все колдовство)? Hanafax said. `This is Chaos work (это работа Хаоса). The disruption of the natural harmony is, after all, their pleasure (нарушение естественной гармонии — это, в конце концов, их развлечение).

`Ah, this sorcery (ох уж это колдовство). It wearies my mind (оно утомляем мой разум = как я от него устал). I cannot grasp its logic (не могу понять его логику; to grasp — схватывать; понимать, усваивать).

definition [, defɪˈnɪʃ (ə) n] harmony [ˈhɑ:mənɪ] grasp [ɡrɑ:sp]

`I have tried, in the past. It is not the first time it has taken me away from one danger and into a worse one…

The wall of fire was now so close that Corum could feel its direct heat burning his face. He heard it rumble and crackle and it seemed to feed on nothing but the air itself.

`Such a thing defies nature! he gasped.

`Is that not a fair definition of all sorcery? Hanafax said. `This is Chaos work. The disruption of the natural harmony is, after all, their pleasure.

`Ah, this sorcery. It wearies my mind. I cannot grasp its logic.

`That is because it has none (это потому, что в нем ее нет). It is arbitrary (оно непостоянно). The Lords of Chaos are the enemies of Logic (Владыки Хаоса — враги Логики), the jugglers of Truth, the moulders of Beauty (искажатели Истины, разрушители Красоты; juggler — фокусник; жонглер; обманщик; to moulder — разрушать/ся/, разлагать/ся/). I should be surprised if they had not created these Flamelands out of some aesthetic impulse (я бы удивился, если бы они не создали эти Огненные земли из некоего эстетического побуждения). Beauty — an ever-changing beauty — is all they live for (красота — вечно меняющаяся красота — все, ради чего они живут).

`An evil beauty (зловещая красота).

`I believe that such notions of «good» and «evil» do not exist for the Chaos Lords (полагаю, что такие понятия, как «добро» и «зло» не существуют для Владык Хаоса).

`I should like to make it exist for them (хотелось бы мне сделать это существующим для них = лучше бы было иначе). Corum mopped his sweating head with his coat sleeve (Корум вытер /пот/ со своей потеющей голову рукавом плаща; to mop — мыть; вытирать /пот, слезы и т. д. /).

`And destroy all their beauty (и уничтожить всю их красоту)?

Corum darted an odd look at Hanafax (Корум бросил странный взгляд на Ганафакса). Was the Mabden on the side of the Knight (неужели этот мабден был на стороне Рыцаря)? Had he, in fact, trapped Corum into accompanying him (неужели он действительно обманом заставил Корума сопровождать себя); to trap into — вовлекать обманом)?

aesthetic [i:sˈƟetɪk] beauty [ˈbju:tɪ]

`That is because it has none. It is arbitrary. The Lords of Chaos are the enemies of Logic, the jugglers of Truth, the moulders of Beauty. I should be surprised if they had not created these Flamelands out of some aesthetic impulse. Beauty — an ever-changing beauty — is all they live for.

`An evil beauty.

`I believe that such notions of «good» and «evil» do not exist for the Chaos Lords.

`I should like to make it exist for them. Corum mopped his sweating head with his coat sleeve.

`And destroy all their beauty?

Corum darted an odd look at Hanafax. Was the Mabden on the side of the Knight? Had he, in fact, trapped Corum into accompanying him?

`There are other, quieter kinds of beauty, Sir Hanafax (существуют другие, более спокойные виды красоты, сэр Ганафакс).

`True (верно).

Everywhere below them now the flame yelled and leapt (повсюду под ними пламя кричало и прыгало = ревело и поднималось ввысь). The kite began to increase its height as its silk started to smoulder (змей стал набирать высоту, а его шелк начал тлеть). Corum was certain it would soon be destroyed by the fire (Корум был уверен, что его скоро уничтожит огонь) and they would be plunged into the depths of the flame wall (и они упадут в глубины огненной стены = в огненный океан; to plunge into — ввергать/ся/, погружать/ся/).

But now they were above it and, in spite of the silk suddenly springing alive with little fires (но теперь они были над ним, и, несмотря на то, что на шелке вдруг вспыхнули маленькие огоньки; to spring — появляться, выступать, возникать /внезапно/) and Corum feeling he was being roasted in his armour like a turtle in its shell (а Корум чувствовал себя поджареваемым в своих доспехах, словно черепаха в панцире), they now saw the other side of the wall (теперь они видели другую сторону стены).

A piece of the kite fell blazing away (кусок змея отвалился, пылая).

height [haɪt] piece [pi:s]

`There are other, quieter kinds of beauty, Sir Hanafax.

`True.

Everywhere below them now the flame yelled and leapt. The kite began to increase its height as its silk started to smoulder. Corum was certain it would soon be destroyed by the fire and they would be plunged into the depths of the flame wall.

But now they were above it and, in spite of the silk suddenly springing alive with little fires and Corum feeling he was being roasted in his armour like a turtle in its shell, they now saw the other side of the wall.

A piece of the kite fell blazing away.

Hanafax, his face a bright red, his body running with sweat, clung to a strut and gasped (Ганафакс с ярко-красным лицом и мокрым от пота телом вцепился в распорку и сказал, задыхаясь; to run with sweat — взмокнуть):

`Grasp a beam, Prince Corum (хватайся за перекладину, принц Корум; beam — балка, брус, перекладина)! Grasp a beam!

Corum took hold of one of the beams beneath his body as the burning silk was ripped from the frame and fluttered into the fires below (Корум ухватился за одну из перекладин под своим телом, когда горящий шелк оторвался от каркаса и полетел в огонь внизу; to rip — разрезать, лопать, распарывать/ся/; to flutter — махать крыльями; трепетать, развеваться /на ветру/). The kite dipped and threatened to follow the silk (воздушный змей наклонился и, казалось, вот-вот последует за шелком; to dip — окунать/ся/; наклоняться, опускаться; to threaten — грозить, угрожать). It was losing height rapidly (он стремительно терял высоту). Corum coughed as the burning air entered his lungs (Корум закашлялся, когда обжигающий воздух проник в его легкие). Blisters appeared on his right hand, though his left hand seemed immune (волдыри появились на его правой руке, хотя левая рука казалась неуязвимой; immune — неуязвимый; невосприимчивый, защищенный).

The kite lurched and began to fall (змей накренился и стал падать).

Corum was flung back and forth during the crazy descent (Корума швыряло назад и вперед = из стороны в сторону во время этого сумасшедшего падения; descent — спуск, снижение; падение), but he managed to keep his hold on the strut (но он сумел не выпустить перекладину из рук; to keep hold on — не выпускать из рук, не отдавать).

threatened [Ɵretnd] coughed [kɔft] immune [ɪˈmju:n] descent [dɪˈsent]

Hanafax, his face a bright red, his body running with sweat, clung to a strut and gasped:

`Grasp a beam, Prince Corum! Grasp a beam!

Corum took hold of one of the beams beneath his body as the burning silk was ripped from the frame and fluttered into the fires below. The kite dipped and threatened to follow the silk. It was losing height rapidly. Corum coughed as the burning air entered his lungs. Blisters appeared on his right hand, though his left hand seemed immune.

The kite lurched and began to fall.

Corum was flung back and forth during the crazy descent, but he managed to keep his hold on the strut.

Then there was a cracking sound, a mighty thump (затем раздался трещащий звук = треск, /последовал/ сильный удар; thump — тяжелый удар; глухой звук /удара/), and he lay amidst the wreckage on a surface of flat obsidian, the wall of flame behind him (и он /обнаружил/, что лежит среди обломков /змея/ на поверхности плоского обсидиана = на ровной поверхности обсидиана, а позади него стена огня).

He raised his bruised body upright (он поднял свое ушибленное тело прямо = весь в синяках, он встал на ноги). It was still unbearably hot and the flames sang close to his back, rising a hundred feet or more into the air (по-прежнему было невыносимо жарко, и пламя гудело за его спиной: «близко к спине», поднимаясь в воздух на сотню или более футов; to sing — петь; гудеть, свистеть). The fused rock on which he stood was green and glistened and reflected the flame, seeming to writhe beneath his feet (оплавленная скала, на которой он стоял, была зеленой; она блестела и отражала пламя, и, казалось, корчилась под его ногами; rock — скала, горная порода; большой камень). A little distance to his left was a sluggish river of molten lava, a few flames fluttering on its surface (недалеко, слева от него, спокойно текла река расплавленной лавы; sluggish river — река со спокойным течением). Everywhere Corum looked was the same shining rock, the same red rivers of fire (повсюду, куда бы ни посмотрел Корум, была такая же блестящая порода и такие же красные реки огня). He inspected the kite (он осмотрел змея). It was completely useless (тот был совершенно бесполезен). Hanafax was lying among its struts cursing it (Ганафакс лежал среди распорок змея, проклиная их). He got up (он поднялся).

wreckage [ˈrekɪʤ] obsidian [əbˈsɪdɪən] fused [fju:zd]

Then there was a cracking sound, a mighty thump, and he lay amidst the wreckage on a surface of flat obsidian, the wall of flame behind him.

He raised his bruised body upright. It was still unbearably hot and the flames sang close to his back, rising a hundred feet or more into the air. The fused rock on which he stood was green and glistened and reflected the flame, seeming to writhe beneath his feet. A little distance to his left was a sluggish river of molten lava, a few flames fluttering on its surface. Everywhere Corum looked was the same shining rock, the same red rivers of fire. He inspected the kite. It was completely useless. Hanafax was lying among its struts cursing it. He got up.

`Well (что ж), he kicked at the blackened, broken frame (он пнул почерневший сломанный каркас), `you'll never fly me into any more dangers (ты никогда больше не занесешь меня ни в какие опасности)!

`I think this danger is all we need (думаю, эта опасность — все, что нам нужно = нам хватит и этой передряги), Corum said. `It could be the last one we'll ever face (эта, возможно, последняя, с которой мы столкнемся = в нашей жизни).

Hanafax picked up his sword-belt from the wreckage and tied it round his shoulders (Ганафакс поднял свою портупею из обломков и обвязал/закрепил ее вокруг плеч).

`Aye, I think you could speak truth, Prince Corum (да, думаю, ты говоришь правду = ты прав, принц Корум). A poor place to meet one's end, eh (скверное место, чтобы встретить смерть/погибнуть, да)?

`According to some Mabden legends (согласно некоторым мабденским легендам), Corum said, `We might already have met our ends and been consigned here (мы, возможно, уже погибли и отправлены сюда; to consign — передавать; отправлять, посылать). Are not certain Mabden netherworlds said to be made of eternally burning flame (разве не правда, /что/ мабденское царство мертвых, говорят, состоит из вечно пылающего огня; netherworld — ад, преисподняя, царство мертвых; certain — точный, определенный; известный)?

Hanafax snorted (Ганафакс фыркнул).

`In the East, perhaps (на востоке, возможно, /и говорят/). Well, we cannot go back, so I suppose we must go forward (итак, мы не можем вернуться, поэтому, полагаю, мы должны идти вперед).

netherworld [ˈneðəwə: ld] eternally [ɪˈtə: n (ə) lɪ]

`Well, he kicked at the blackened, broken frame, `you'll never fly me into any more dangers!

`I think this danger is all we need, Corum said. `It could be the last one we'll ever face.

Hanafax picked up his sword-belt from the wreckage and tied it round his shoulders.

`Aye, I think you could speak truth, Prince Corum. A poor place to meet one's end, eh?

`According to some Mabden legends, Corum said, `We might already have met our ends and been consigned here. Are not certain Mabden netherworlds said to be made of eternally burning flame?

Hanafax snorted.

`In the East, perhaps. Well, we cannot go back, so I suppose we must go forward.

`I was told that an Ice Wilderness lay towards the North (мне сказали, что Ледяная пустыня лежит к северу), Corum said. `Though how it does not melt being so near to the Flamelands, I do not know (хотя как она не растаяла, находясь так близко к Огненным землям, я не знаю).

`Another quirk of the Lords of Chaos, doubtless (еще одна шутка Владык Хаоса, несомненно; quirk — причуда, каприз; выходка, случайность).

`Doubtless.

They began to make their way over the slippery rock that burned their feet with every step (они начали делать свой путь = пошли по скользкой скале, которая обжигала их ноги с каждым шагом), leaving the wall of flame behind them, leaping over rivulets of lava (оставляя позади стену огня, перепрыгивая через ручейки лавы), moving so slowly and so circuitously that they were soon exhausted and paused to rest (двигаясь так медленно и окольными /путями/, что вскоре утомились и остановились отдохнуть), look back at the distant flame wall, mop their brows, exchange daunted looks (оглянулись на далекую огненную стену, вытерли пот со лба и обменялись обескураженными взглядами). Thirst now plagued them and their voices were hoarse (жажда мучила их, и их голоса были хриплыми; to plague — зачумлять; беспокоить, мучить).

`I think we are doomed, Prince Corum (думаю, мы обречены, принц Корум).

quirk [kwə: k] rivulet [ˈrɪvjulɪt] circuitously [sə: ˈkju:ɪtəslɪ] daunted [ˈdɔ:ntɪd] plagued [pleɪɡd]

`I was told that an Ice Wilderness lay towards the North, Corum said. `Though how it does not melt being so near to the Flamelands, I do not know.

`Another quirk of the Lords of Chaos, doubtless.

`Doubtless.

They began to make their way over the slippery rock that burned their feet with every step, leaving the wall of flame behind them, leaping over rivulets of lava, moving so slowly and so circuitously that they were soon exhausted and paused to rest, look back at the distant flame wall, mop their brows, exchange daunted looks. Thirst now plagued them and their voices were hoarse.

`I think we are doomed, Prince Corum.

Corum nodded wearily (Корум кивнул устало). He looked up (он посмотрел вверх). Red clouds boiled above, like a dome of fire (красные облака кипели вверху, словно купол огня). It seemed that all the world burned (казалось, что весь мир пылает).

`Have you no spells for bringing on rain, Sir Hanafax (разве у тебя нет заклинаний для вызывания дождя, сэр Ганафакс)?

`I regret not (к сожалению, нет). We priests scorn such primitive tricks (мы, жрецы, презираем подобные примитивные фокусы).

`Useful tricks (полезные фокусы). Sorcerers seem to enjoy only the spectacular (похоже, колдунам нравится только эффектные /зрелища/).

`I am afraid it is so (боюсь, что так). Hanafax sighed (вздохнул). `What about your own powers (как насчет твоего собственного могущества)? Can you not (не можешь ли ты), he shuddered (он содрогнулся), `summon some kind of aid from whatever netherworld it is your horrid allies came (призвать = попросить о какой-нибудь помощи из царства мертвых, откуда твои ужасные союзники/помощники приходили)?

spectacular [spekˈtækjulə] allies [ˈælaɪz]

Corum nodded wearily. He looked up. Red clouds boiled above, like a dome of fire. It seemed that all the world burned.

`Have you no spells for bringing on rain, Sir Hanafax?

`I regret not. We priests scorn such primitive tricks.

`Useful tricks. Sorcerers seem to enjoy only the spectacular.

`I am afraid it is so. Hanafax sighed. `What about your own powers? Can you not, he shuddered, `summon some kind of aid from whatever netherworld it is your horrid allies came?

`I fear those allies are only useful in battle (боюсь, эти помощники полезны только в битве). I have no true conception of what they are or why they come (у меня нет точного понимания = я плохо представляю, кто они и почему приходят). I have come to believe that the sorcerer who fitted me with this hand and eye had no clearer idea himself (я стал думать, что колдун, который снабдил меня этой рукой и глазом, сам толком не знал). His work was something of an experiment, it seems (кажется, /этот/ его поступок был вроде опыта).

`You have noticed, I take it, that the sun does not appear to set in the Flamelands (ты заметил, полагаю, что солнце, похоже, /никогда/ не заходит в Огненных землях). We can expect no night to come to relieve us (мы не можем ждать, что = вряд ли наступит ночь и облегчит наши /страдания/; to relieve — помогать; ослаблять, облегчать).

Corum was about to reply when he saw something move a rise of black obsidian a short distance away (Корум собирался ответить, когда увидел, как что-то двинулось на холме из черного обсидиана недалеко).

`Hush, Sir Hanafax (тихо, сэр Ганафакс) …

conception [kənˈsepʃ (ə) n] experiment [ɪkˈsperɪmənt]

`I fear those allies are only useful in battle. I have no true conception of what they are or why they come. I have come to believe that the sorcerer who fitted me with this hand and eye had no clearer idea himself. His work was something of an experiment, it seems.

`You have noticed, I take it, that the sun does not appear to set in the Flamelands. We can expect no night to come to relieve us.

Corum was about to reply when he saw something move a rise of black obsidian a short distance away.

`Hush, Sir Hanafax…

Hanafax peered through the smoky heat (Ганафакс всмотрелся в дымную жару = даль).

`What is it (что это)?

And then they revealed themselves (и тут показались они).

There were about a score of them, mounted on beasts whose bodies were covered in thick, scaly skin resembling plate armour (около двадцати их = воинов, сидевших на животных, чьи тела были покрыты толстой, чешуйчатой кожей, напоминавшей пластинчатые доспехи). They had four short legs and cloven feet (у них были четыре короткие лапы и раздвоенные копыта; foot — ступня; лапа), a crest of horns jutted on heads and snouts and small, red eyes gleamed at them (рога на голове и носу и маленькие красные глаза, /смотревшие/ на них, сверкая; crest — гребень, гребешок; snout — рыло, морда; выступ; to jut — выдаваться, выступать). The riders were covered from head to foot in red garments of some shining material which hid even their faces and hands (наездники были закутаны с головы до ног в красные одеяния из какого-то сверкающего материала, которые скрывали даже их лица и руки). They had long, barbed lances for weapons (у них были длинные, зазубренные копья в качестве оружия).

snout [snaut] barbed [bɑ:bd] lance [lɑ:ns] weapon [ˈwepən]

Hanafax peered through the smoky heat.

`What is it?

And then they revealed themselves.

There were about a score of them, mounted on beasts whose bodies were covered in thick, scaly skin resembling plate armour. They had four short legs and cloven feet, a crest of horns jutted on heads and snouts and small, red eyes gleamed at them. The riders were covered from head to foot in red garments of some shining material which hid even their faces and hands. They had long, barbed lances for weapons.

Silently, they surrounded Corum and Hanafax (они молча окружили Корума и Ганафакса).

For a few moments there was silence, and then one of the riders spoke (несколько мгновений = некоторое время стояла тишина, потом один из наездников заговорил).

`What do you in our Flamelands, strangers (что делаете вы в наших Огненных землях, чужестранцы)?

`We are not here from choice (мы здесь не по своему выбору), replied Corum (ответил Корум). `An accident brought us to your country (случайность привела нас в вашу страну; accident — несчастный случай, авария; случай, случайность; to bring). We are peaceful (мы мирные).

`You are not peaceful. You bear swords (у вас мечи).

`We did not know there were any inhabitants to these lands (мы не знали, что в этих землях кто-то живет; inhabitant — житель, обитатель), Hanafax said. `We seek help (мы ищем = нам нужна помощь). We wish to leave (мы желаем уйти /отсюда/).

accident [ˈæksɪd (ə) nt] country [ˈkʌntrɪ]

Silently, they surrounded Corum and Hanafax.

For a few moments there was silence, and then one of the riders spoke.

`What do you in our Flamelands, strangers?

`We are not here from choice, replied Corum. `An accident brought us to your country. We are peaceful.

`You are not peaceful. You bear swords.

`We did not know there were any inhabitants to these lands, Hanafax said. `We seek help. We wish to leave.

`None may leave the Flamelands save to suffer a mighty doom (никто не может покинуть Огненные земли, кроме как пройдя страшное испытание; to suffer — страдать, испытывать, переживать; mighty — могучий, сильный). The voice was sonorous, even sad (голос был звонкий, даже печальный). `There is only one gateway and that is through the Lion's Mouth (есть только один выход — через Пасть Льва; gateway — ворота; вход, выход).

`Can we not (а не можем ли мы) …?

The riders began to close in (наездники начали окружать их; to close in — приближаться; окружать). Corum and Hanafax drew their swords (Корум и Ганафакс вытащили мечи).

`Well, Prince Corum, it seems we are to die (что ж, принц Корум, похоже, мы умрем).

Corum's face was grim (лицо Корума было мрачным/грозным). He pushed up his eye patch (он сдвинул наверх глазную повязку). For a moment his vision clouded and then he saw into the netherworld once again (на мгновение его зрение затуманилось, затем он снова увидел преисподнюю; to see into — всматриваться; проникать взором о что-либо). He wondered for a moment if it would not be better to die at the hands of the Flameland dwellers (на миг он усомнился, не лучше ли умереть от рук обитателей Огненных земель) but now he was looking at a cavern in which tall figures stood as if frozen (но вот он /уже/ смотрел на пещеру, в которой высокие фигуры стояли, словно замороженные). With a shock Corum recognised them as the dead warriors of the Ragha-da-Kheta (с потрясением Корум узнал в них мертвых воинов рага-да-кета), their wounds now bloodless, their eyes glazed (их раны теперь были бескровны, их глаза остекленели), their clothes and armour torn, their weapons still in their hands (одежда была порвана, доспехи пробиты, а их оружие по-прежнему в руках; to tear — рвать/ся/, разрывать/ся/; пробивать, ломать). They began to move towards him as his hand stretched out to summon them (они начали двигаться к нему, когда его рука протянулась, чтобы призвать их).

cavern [ˈkævən] recognised [ˈrekəɡnaɪzd]

`None may leave the Flamelands save to suffer a mighty doom. The voice was sonorous, even sad. `There is only one gateway and that is through the Lion's Mouth.

`Can we not…?

The riders began to close in. Corum and Hanafax drew their swords.

`Well, Prince Corum, it seems we are to die.

Corum's face was grim. He pushed up his eye patch. For a moment his vision clouded and then he saw into the netherworld once again. He wondered for a moment if it would not be better to die at the hands of the Flameland dwellers but now he was looking at a cavern in which tall figures stood as if frozen. With a shock Corum recognised them as the dead warriors of the Ragha-da-Kheta, their wounds now bloodless, their eyes glazed, their clothes and armour torn, their weapons still in their hands. They began to move towards him as his hand stretched out to summon them.

`NO! These, too, are my enemies (это тоже мои враги)! Corum shouted (закричал Корум).

Hanafax, unable to see what Corum saw, turned his head in astonishment (Ганафакс, не способный видеть /то/, что Корум видел, обернулся: «повернул голову» в изумлении).

The dead warriors came on (мертвые воины продолжали идти). The scene behind them faded (вид позади них исчез). They materialised on the obsidian rock of the Flamelands (они материализовались на обсидиановой скале Огненных земель).

Corum backed away, gesticulating wildly (Корум попятился, дико размахивая руками). The Flameland warriors drew their mounts to a stop in surprise (воины Огненных земель удивленно осадили своих животных). Hanafax's face was a mask of fear (лицо Ганафакса было маской страха = исказилось от ужаса).

`No! I…

shouted [ˈʃautɪd] gesticulating [ʤeˈstɪkjuleɪtɪŋ]

`NO! These, too, are my enemies! Corum shouted.

Hanafax, unable to see what Corum saw, turned his head in astonishment.

The dead warriors came on. The scene behind them faded. They materialised on the obsidian rock of the Flamelands.

Corum backed away, gesticulating wildly. The Flameland warriors drew their mounts to a stop in surprise. Hanafax's face was a mask of fear.

`No! I…

From the lips of the dead King Temgol-Lep came a whispering voice (с губ мертвого короля Темгол-Лепа слетел шепот).

`We serve you, master (мы служим тебе, повелитель). Will you give us our prizes (дашь ли ты нам нашу награду)?

Corum controlled himself (Корум взял себя в руки). Slowly, he nodded (медленно он кивнул).

`Aye (да). You may take your prizes (можете взять свою награду).

The long-limbed warriors turned to face the mounted warriors of the Flamelands (длинноногие и длиннорукие воины повернулись лицом к конным воинам Огненных земель; to face — стоять лицом к; сталкиваться лицом к лицу). The beasts snorted and tried to move back but were forced to stand their ground by their riders (животные зафыркали и пытались пятиться, но их наездники заставили их оставаться на месте). There were about fifty of the Ragha-da-Kheta (было около пятидесяти /воинов/ рага-да-кета). Dividing into groups of two or three, their clawed clubs raised (разделяясь на группы по двое и по трое, подняв свои когтевидные дубинки), they flung themselves at the mounted beings (они бросились на всадников).

From the lips of the dead King Temgol-Lep came a whispering voice.

`We serve you, master. Will you give us our prizes?

Corum controlled himself. Slowly, he nodded.

`Aye. You may take your prizes.

The long-limbed warriors turned to face the mounted warriors of the Flamelands. The beasts snorted and tried to move back but were forced to stand their ground by their riders. There were about fifty of the Ragha-da-Kheta. Dividing into groups of two or three, their clawed clubs raised, they flung themselves at the mounted beings.

Barbed lances came up and stabbed down at the Ragha-da-Kheta (зазубренные копья взметнулись и пронзили /воинов/ рага-да-кета; to come up — подниматься, повышаться; to stab — наносить удар /острым оружием/). Many were struck, but it did not deter them (многих поразили /эти копья/, но это их не остановило; to deter — удерживать; отпугивать; останавливать). They began to drag the struggling riders from their saddles (они принялись стаскивать отбивавшихся всадников с седел).

Pale-faced, Corum watched (бледный: «бледнолицый», Корум наблюдал). He knew now that he was consigning the Flamelands warriors to the same nether world from which he had summoned the Ragha-da-Kheta (он понимал теперь, что отправляет воинов Огненных земель в ту же преисподнюю, из которой он вызвал рага-да-кета). And his actions had sent the Ragha-da-Kheta to that netherworld in the first place (его действия отправили рага-да-кета в тот мир изначально = раньше).

On the gleaming rock, around which ran rivers of red rock, the ghastly battle continued (на блестящей скале, вокруг которой текли реки красного камня = лавы, продолжалась ужасная битва). The clawed clubs ripped the cloaks from the riders, revealing a people whose faces were familiar (когтевидные дубинки срывали плащи с всадников, открывая людей, чьи лица были знакомы).

`Stop! Corum cried. `Stop! That is enough (довольно). Kill no more (больше не убивайте)!

ghastly [ˈɡɑ:stlɪ] familiar [fəˈmɪlɪə]

Barbed lances came up and stabbed down at the Ragha-da-Kheta. Many were struck, but it did not deter them. They began to drag the struggling riders from their saddles.

Pale-faced, Corum watched. He knew now that he was consigning the Flamelands warriors to the same nether world from which he had summoned the Ragha-da-Kheta. And his actions had sent the Ragha-da-Kheta to that netherworld in the first place.

On the gleaming rock, around which ran rivers of red rock, the ghastly battle continued. The clawed clubs ripped the cloaks from the riders, revealing a people whose faces were familiar.

`Stop! Corum cried. `Stop! That is enough. Kill no more!

Temgol-Lep turned his glazed eyes on Corum (Темгол-Леп обратил свое остекленевшие глаза на Корума). The dead king had a barbed spear sticking completely through his body (тело мертвого короля пробило насквозь зазубренное копье), but he seemed unaware of it (но, казалось, он и не подозревал об этом). His dead lips moved (его мертвые губы шевельнулись).

`These are our prizes, master. We cannot stop (мы не можем остановиться).

`But they are Vadhagh! They are like me (они такие же, как я)! They are my own people (это мой народ)!

Hanafax put an arm on Corum's shoulder (Ганафакс положил Коруму руку на плечо).

`They are all dead now, Prince Corum (теперь они все мертвы, принц Корум).

Sobbing, Corum ran towards the corpses, inspecting the faces (рыдая, Корум побежал к трупам, заглядывая в их лица). They had the same long skulls, the same huge, almond eyes, the same tapering ears (у них были такие же удлиненные черепа, такие же огромные миндалевидные глаза, такие же сужающиеся уши).

Temgol-Lep turned his glazed eyes on Corum. The dead king had a barbed spear sticking completely through his body, but he seemed unaware of it. His dead lips moved.

`These are our prizes, master. We cannot stop.

`But they are Vadhagh! They are like me! They are my own people!

Hanafax put an arm on Corum's shoulder.

`They are all dead now, Prince Corum.

Sobbing, Corum ran towards the corpses, inspecting the faces. They had the same long skulls, the same huge, almond eyes, the same tapering ears.

`How came Vadhagh here (как вадаги попали сюда)? Hanafax murmured (прошептал Ганафакс).

Now Temgol-Lep was dragging one of the corpses away, aided by two of his minions (Темгол-Леп утаскивал один из трупов, ему помогали двое /из/ его слуг; minion — любимец, фаворит; ставленник). The scaled beasts scattered, some of them splashing through the lava uncaringly (покрытые чешуей животные бросились врассыпную, некоторые бежали по лаве небрежно; to splash — брызгать/ся/, плескать/ся/; шлепать /по лужам, воде и т. д. /).

Through the Eye of Rhynn, Corum saw the Ragha-da-Kheta pull the corpses into their cave (Глазом Ринна Корум видел, как рага-да-кета втаскивают трупы в свою пещеру). With a shudder, he replaced the eye patch (содрогнувшись, он вернул на место глазную повязку). Save for a few weapons and tatters of armour and clothing (за исключением оружия, кусков доспехов и клочьев одежды; tatter — клочья, лохмотья; развалины), save for the disappearing mounts, nothing remained of the Vadhagh of the Flamelands (кроме исчезающих = разбегающихся ездовых животных, ничего не осталось от вадагов Огненных земель).

`I have destroyed my own folk (я уничтожил собственный народ)! Corum screamed (вскричал Корум). `I have consigned them to a frightful doom in that nether world (я отправил = обрек их на ужасную судьбу в том мире мертвых)!

minion [ˈmɪnɪən] disappearing [, dɪsəˈpɪərɪŋ]

`How came Vadhagh here? Hanafax murmured.

Now Temgol-Lep was dragging one of the corpses away, aided by two of his minions. The scaled beasts scattered, some of them splashing through the lava uncaringly.

Through the Eye of Rhynn, Corum saw the Ragha-da-Kheta pull the corpses into their cave. With a shudder, he replaced the eye patch. Save for a few weapons and tatters of armour and clothing, save for the disappearing mounts, nothing remained of the Vadhagh of the Flamelands.

`I have destroyed my own folk! Corum screamed. `I have consigned them to a frightful doom in that nether world!

`Sorcery has a way of recoiling suddenly upon its user (колдовство имеет особенность обращаться внезапно против того, кто его использует; to recoil — отскакивать, отлетать; возвращаться рикошетом /о злых поступках/), Hanafax said quietly. `It is an arbitrary power, as I said (это непостоянная/капризная сила, как я говорил).

Corum wheeled on Hanafax (Корум повернулся к Ганафаксу).

`Stop your prattling, Mabden (хватит болтать, мабден; to prattle — лепетать; болтать)! Do you not realise what I have done (неужели ты не осознаешь, что я наделал)?

Hanafax nodded soberly (Ганафакс кивнул серьезно; sober — трезвый, рассудительный).

`Aye. But it is done, is it not (но это сделано, не так ли)? Our lives are saved (наши жизни спасены).

`Now I add fratricide to my crimes (теперь я добавил братоубийство к своим преступлениям). Corum fell to his knees, dropping his sword on the rock (Корум упул на колени, роняя меч на скалу). And he wept (и заплакал; to weep).

fratricide [ˈfrætrɪsaɪd] knee [ni:]

`Sorcery has a way of recoiling suddenly upon its user, Hanafax said quietly. `It is an arbitrary power, as I said.

Corum wheeled on Hanafax.

`Stop your prattling, Mabden! Do you not realise what I have done?

Hanafax nodded soberly.

`Aye. But it is done, is it not? Our lives are saved.

`Now I add fratricide to my crimes. Corum fell to his knees, dropping his sword on the rock. And he wept.

`Who weeps (кто плачет)?

It was a woman's voice (это был женский голос). A sad voice (печальный голос).

`Who weeps for Cira-an-Venl, the Lands That Are Now Flame (кто оплакивает Кира-ан-Венл, Земли, которые теперь огонь = стали огнем)? Who remembers her sweet meadows and her fair hills (кто вспоминает ее душистые луга и прекрасные холмы)?

Corum raised his head and got to his feet (Корум поднял голову и встал на ноги). Hanafax was already staring at the apparition on the rock above them (Ганафакс уже пристально смотрел на это видение, /возникшее/ на скале над ними; apparition — видение; привидение).

`Who weeps, there?

meadow [ˈmedəu] apparition [, æpəˈrɪʃ (ə) n]

`Who weeps?

It was a woman's voice. A sad voice.

`Who weeps for Cira-an-Venl, the Lands That Are Now Flame? Who remembers her sweet meadows and her fair hills?

Corum raised his head and got to his feet. Hanafax was already staring at the apparition on the rock above them.

`Who weeps, there?

The woman was old (женщина была старой). Her face was handsome and grim and white and lined (ее лицо было привлекательным и суровым, бледным и морщинистым). Her grey hair swirled about her and she was dressed in a red cloak such as the warriors had worn, mounted on a similar horned beast (седые волосы завивались; она была одета в красный плащ, такой, что носили воины, и сидела верхом на таком же рогатом животном). She was a Vadhagh woman and very frail (она была вадагской женщиной, /к тому же/ очень хрупкой). Where her eyes had been were white, filmy pools of pain (/там/, где были /раньше/ ее глаза, /теперь находились/ белые, подернутые дымкой озера боли; filmy — покрытый пленкой; подернутый дымкой; pool — лужа; прудок, омут; бассейн).

`I am Corum Jhaelen Irsei, lady. Why are you blind (почему ты слепа)?

`I am blind through choice (я слепа по /своему собственному/ выбору). Rather than witness what had become of my land, I plucked my eyes from my head (вместо того, чтобы видеть, что стало с моей страной, я вырвала свои глаза). I am Oorese, Queen of Cira-an-Venl, and my people number twenty (я Оорес, королева Кира-ан-Венла, а моих подданных /лишь/ двадцать; to number — нумеровать; насчитывать).

Corum's lips were dry (губы Корума были сухими = пересохли).

The woman was old. Her face was handsome and grim and white and lined. Her grey hair swirled about her and she was dressed in a red cloak such as the warriors had worn, mounted on a similar horned beast. She was a Vadhagh woman and very frail. Where her eyes had been were white, filmy pools of pain.

`I am Corum Jhaelen Irsei, lady. Why are you blind?

`I am blind through choice. Rather than witness what had become of my land, I plucked my eyes from my head. I am Oorese, Queen of Cira-an-Venl, and my people number twenty.

Corum's lips were dry.

`I have slain your people, lady (я убил твоих подданных, госпожа). That is why I weep (поэтому я плачу).

Her face did not alter (/выражение/ ее лица не изменилось).

`They were doomed (они были обречены), she said, `to die (на смерть). It is better that they are dead (лучше, что они погибли). I thank you, stranger, for releasing them (благодарю тебя, чужестранец, /за то/, что освободил их). Perhaps you would care to release me also (может быть, ты захочешь освободить и меня тоже; to care — заботиться, беспокоиться; иметь желание). I only live so that the memory of Cira-an-Venl may live (я живу лишь для того, чтобы могла = продолжала жить память о Кира-ан-Венле). She paused.

`Why do you use a Vedragh name (почему ты используешь ведрагское имя)?

`I am of the Vadhagh — the Vedragh, as you call them (я из /племени/ вадагов — ведрагов, как ты их называешь) — I am from the lands far to the South (я из земель, /лежащих/ далеко к югу).

alter [ˈɔ:ltə] release [rɪˈli:s] South [sauƟ]

`I have slain your people, lady. That is why I weep.

Her face did not alter.

`They were doomed, she said, `to die. It is better that they are dead. I thank you, stranger, for releasing them. Perhaps you would care to release me also. I only live so that the memory of Cira-an-Venl may live. She paused.

`Why do you use a Vedragh name?

`I am of the Vadhagh — the Vedragh, as you call them — I am from the lands far to the South.

`So Vedragh did go South (значит, ведраги действительно пошли на юг). And is their land sweet (красива ли их страна; sweet — сладкий, приятный; миловидный)?

`It is very sweet.

`And are you folk happy, Prince Corum in the Scarlet Robe (а счастлив ли твой народ, принц Корум а Алом Плаще)?

`They are dead, Queen Oorese (они мертвы, королева Оорес). They are dead.

`All dead, then, now? Save you (кроме тебя)?

`And save yourself, my queen (и кроме тебя, моя королева).

A smile touched her lips (улыбка тронула ее губы).

`So Vedragh did go South. And is their land sweet?

`It is very sweet.

`And are you folk happy, Prince Corum in the Scarlet Robe?

`They are dead, Queen Oorese. They are dead.

`All dead, then, now? Save you?

`And save yourself, my queen.

A smile touched her lips.

`He said we should all die, wherever we were, on whichever plane we existed (он сказал, мы все должны умереть, где бы мы ни были, в какой бы плоскости ни существовали). But there was another prophecy — that when we died, so did he (но было и другое пророчество — когда мы умрем, умрет и он). He chose to ignore it, as I remember (он решил не заметить его, насколько я помню).

`Who said that, lady (кто сказал это, госпожа)?

`The Knight of the Swords. Duke Arioch of Chaos (Герцог Ариох Хаоса). He who inherited these five planes for his part in that long-ago battle between Order and Chaos (тот, кто унаследовал эти пять плоскостей в качестве своей доли после той давней битвы между Порядком и Хаосом). Who came here and willed that smooth rock cover our pretty hills (/тот/, кто пришел сюда и пожелал, чтобы эта гладкая скала = камни покрыли наши прекрасные холмы), that boiling lava run in our gentle streams (чтобы кипящая лава текла в наших тихих ручьях; stream — поток; река, ручей), that flame spring where green forests had been (чтобы пламя возникло /там/, где были зеленые леса). Duke Arioch, prince, made that prediction (Герцог Ариох, принц, сделал то предсказание). But, before he departed to the place of his banishment, Lord Arkyn made another (но, прежде чем отправиться в место своего изгнания/ссылки, лорд Аркин сделал другое /предсказание/).

prophecy [ˈprɔfɪsɪ] prediction [prɪˈdɪkʃ (ə) n]

`He said we should all die, wherever we were, on whichever plane we existed. But there was another prophecy — that when we died, so did he. He chose to ignore it, as I remember.

`Who said that, lady?

`The Knight of the Swords. Duke Arioch of Chaos. He who inherited these five planes for his part in that long-ago battle between Order and Chaos. Who came here and willed that smooth rock cover our pretty hills, that boiling lava run in our gentle streams, that flame spring where green forests had been. Duke Arioch, prince, made that prediction. But, before he departed to the place of his banishment, Lord Arkyn made another.

`Lord Arkyn?

`Lord of Law, who ruled here before Arioch ousted him (Владыка Закона, который правил здесь до того, как Ариох изгнал его; to oust — выгонять, занимать чье-либо место; свергать). He said that by destroying the old races, he would destroy his own power over the five planes (он сказал, что, уничтожая древние расы, он уничтожит свою власть над пятью плоскостями).

`A pleasant wish (славное желание = неплохо сказано), murmured Hanafax, `but I doubt if that is true (но сомневаюсь, что это правда).

`Perhaps we do deceive ourselves with happy lies, you who speak with the accent of a Mabden (возможно, мы обманываем себя радостной ложью, ты, говорящий с акцентом мабденов). But then you do not know what we know, for you are Arioch's children (но ведь ты не знаешь /того/, что знаем мы, ибо вы — дети Ариоха).

Hanafax drew himself up Ганафакс выпрямился).

`His children we may be, Queen Oorese, but his slaves we are not (может, мы и дети Ариоха, королева Оорес, но мы не его рабы). I am here because I defied Arioch's will (я здесь потому, что воспротивился воле Ариоха; to defy — бросать вызов, сопротивляться; игнорировать).

ousted [ˈaustɪd] deceive [dɪˈsi:v]

`Lord Arkyn?

`Lord of Law, who ruled here before Arioch ousted him. He said that by destroying the old races, he would destroy his own power over the five planes.

`A pleasant wish, murmured Hanafax, `but I doubt if that is true.

`Perhaps we do deceive ourselves with happy lies, you who speak with the accent of a Mabden. But then you do not know what we know, for you are Arioch's children.

Hanafax drew himself up.

`His children we may be, Queen Oorese, but his slaves we are not. I am here because I defied Arioch's will.

Again she smiled her sad smile (снова она улыбнулась своей печальной улыбкой).

`And some say that the Vedragh doom was of their own doing (некоторые говорят, что судьба ведрагов была /результатом/ их собственных деяний). That they fought the Nhadragh and so defied Lord Arkyn's scheme of things (что они воевали с надрагами и тем самым нарушили /установленный/ лордом Аркином порядок вещей; scheme — план, схема; структура, принцип).

`The gods are vengeful (боги мстительны), Hanafax murmured (прошептал Ганафакс).

`But I am vengeful, too, Sir Mabden (но я тоже мстительна, господин мабден), the queen said.

`Because we killed your warriors (потому что мы убили твоих воинов)?

She waved an ancient hand in a gesture of dismissal (она махнула старой рукой в жесте отказа = пренебрежительно; dismissal — роспуск; освобождение /от неприятных мыслей и т. д. /; увольнение).

scheme [ski:m] vengeful [ˈvenʤfəl] ancient [ˈeɪnʃ (ə) nt]

Again she smiled her sad smile.

`And some say that the Vedragh doom was of their own doing. That they fought the Nhadragh and so defied Lord Arkyn's scheme of things.

`The gods are vengeful, Hanafax murmured.

`But I am vengeful, too, Sir Mabden, the queen said.

`Because we killed your warriors?

She waved an ancient hand in a gesture of dismissal.

`No. They attacked you (они /первыми/ напали на вас). You defended yourselves (вы защищались). That is what that is (это естественно). I speak of Duke Arioch and his whim (я говорю о Герцоге Ариохе и его капризе) — the whim that turned a beautiful land into this dreadful wasteland of eternal flame (капризе, который превратил прекрасную страну в эту ужасную пустошь, /горящую/ вечным пламенем).

`You would be revenged, then, on Duke Arioch (значит, за тебя мстили Герцогу Ариоху)? Corum said.

`My people once numbered hundreds (когда-то /у меня/ были сотни подданных). One after the other I sent them through the Lion's Mouth to destroy the Knight of the Swords (одного за другим я посылала их через Пасть Льва, чтобы уничтожить Рыцаря Мечей; to send). None did so (ни один этого не сделал). None returned (ни один не вернулся).

`What is the Lion's Mouth (что такое Пасть Льва)? Hanafax asked. `We heard it was the only escape from the Flamelands (мы слышали, это единственный выход из Огненных земель).

`It is (это так). And it is no escape (это не выход). Those who survive the passage through the Lion's Mouth do not survive what lies beyond it — the palace of Duke Arioch himself (те, кто уцелеют, /пройдя/ через Пасть Льва, не преодолеют того, что лежит за ней — дворец самого Герцога Ариоха; to survive — пережить, выдержать; остаться в живых, уцелеть).

beautiful [ˈbju:tɪf (ə) l] beyond [bɪˈjɔnd]

`No. They attacked you. You defended yourselves. That is what that is. I speak of Duke Arioch and his whim — the whim that turned a beautiful land into this dreadful wasteland of eternal flame.

`You would be revenged, then, on Duke Arioch? Corum said.

`My people once numbered hundreds. One after the other I sent them through the Lion's Mouth to destroy the Knight of the Swords. None did so. None returned.

`What is the Lion's Mouth? Hanafax asked. `We heard it was the only escape from the Flamelands.

`It is. And it is no escape. Those who survive the passage through the Lion's Mouth do not survive what lies beyond it — the palace of Duke Arioch himself.

`Can none survive (/неужели/ никто не может выжить)?

The Blind Queen's face turned towards the rosy sky (лицо слепой королевы обратилось к розовому небу).

`Only a great hero, Prince in the Scarlet Robe (только великий герой, Принц в Алом Плаще). Only a great hero.

`Once the Vadhagh had no belief in heroes and such (когда-то вадаги не верили в героев и тому подобные /вещи/), Corum said bitterly (горько сказал Корум).

She nodded (она кивнула).

`I remember (я помню). But then they needed no beliefs of that kind (но тогда им не нужны были верования = не нужно было верить в такое).

Corum was silent for a moment (Корум помолчал минуту). Then he said:

`Where is the Lion's Mouth, queen (где находится Пасть Льва, королева)?

`I will lead you to it, Prince Corum (я отведу тебя к ней, принц Корум).

hero [ˈhɪ (ə) rəu] belief [bɪˈli:f] queen [kwi:n]

`Can none survive?

The Blind Queen's face turned towards the rosy sky.

`Only a great hero, Prince in the Scarlet Robe. Only a great hero.

`Once the Vadhagh had no belief in heroes and such, Corum said bitterly.

She nodded.

`I remember. But then they needed no beliefs of that kind.

Corum was silent for a moment. Then he said:

`Where is the Lion's Mouth, queen?

`I will lead you to it, Prince Corum.

 

CHAPTER FIVE (глава пятая)

Through the Lion's Mouth (через Пасть Льва)

The Queen gave them water from the cask that rested behind her saddle (королева дала им воды из бочонка, лежавшего позади ее седла; to rest — покоиться, лежать) and called up two of the lumbering mounts for Corum and Hanafax to ride (и подозвала двух неуклюжих животных, чтобы Корум и Ганафакс /могли/ ехать на них верхом). They climbed on to the beasts, clasped the reins (они вскарабкались на животных, схватили поводья), and then began to follow her over the black and green obsidian slabs, between the rivers of flame (затем последовали за ней по черным и зеленым обсидиановым плитам, между реками огня).

Though blind, she guided her beast skillfully, and she talked all the while of what had been here, what had grown there (несмотря на то, что она была слепой, королева умело управляла своим зверем и рассказывала все время о том, что было здесь, что росло там), as if she remembered every tree and flower that had once grown in her ruined land (словно помнила каждое дерево и цветок, которые когда-то росли в ее погубленной стране).

After a good space of time she stopped and pointed directly ahead (через большой промежуток времени = они ехали долго, она остановилась и указала прямо вперед; space — пространство; промежуток, интервал времени).

`What do you see there (что вы видите там)?

rein [reɪn] guided [ˈɡaɪdɪd] ruined [ˈru:ɪnd]

The Queen gave them water from the cask that rested behind her saddle and called up two of the lumbering mounts for Corum and Hanafax to ride. They climbed on to the beasts, clasped the reins, and then began to follow her over the black and green obsidian slabs, between the rivers of flame.

Though blind, she guided her beast skillfully, and she talked all the while of what had been here, what had grown there, as if she remembered every tree and flower that had once grown in her ruined land.

After a good space of time she stopped and pointed directly ahead.

`What do you see there?

Corum peered through the rippling smoke (Корум всмотрелся сквозь зыбкую дымку; to ripple — покрывать/ся/ рябью; колыхаться).

`It looks like a great rock (похоже на огромную скалу) …

`We will ride closer (подъедем ближе), she said.

And as they rode closer, Corum began to see what it was (когда они подъехали ближе, Корум увидеть, что это такое). It was, indeed, a gigantic rock (это действительно была громадная скала). A rock of smooth and shining stone that glowed like mellowed gold (скала из гладкого и блестящего камня, который сверкал, точно полированное золото; mellow — сладкий; нежный, сочный, густой /о цвете, голосе и т. д. /). And it was fashioned, in perfect detail, to resemble the head of a huge lion (и ей /скале/ придали вид, необыкновенно тщательно, головы огромного льва; in detail — подробно, точно; to resemble — походить, иметь сходство) with its sharp-fanged mouth wide open in a roar (с клыкастой пастью, широко разинутой в реве; sharp-fanged — обладающий острыми клыками).

`Gods! Who made such a thing (кто создал такую вещь)? Hanafax murmured.

mellowed [ˈmeləud] resemble [rɪˈzemb (ə) l] roar [rɔ:]

Corum peered through the rippling smoke.

`It looks like a great rock…

`We will ride closer, she said.

And as they rode closer, Corum began to see what it was. It was, indeed, a gigantic rock. A rock of smooth and shining stone that glowed like mellowed gold. And it was fashioned, in perfect detail, to resemble the head of a huge lion with its sharp-fanged mouth wide open in a roar.

`Gods! Who made such a thing? Hanafax murmured.

`Arioch created it (Ариох создал ее), said Queen Oorese. `Once our peaceful city lay there (когда-то наш мирный город располагался здесь). Now we live — lived — in caves below the ground where water runs and it is a little cooler (теперь мы живем — /вернее/, жили, — в пещерах под землей, где течет вода и немного прохладнее).

Corum stared at the enormous lion's head and he looked at Queen Oorese (Корум пристально глядел на громадную львиную голову, /затем/ посмотрел на королеву Оорес).

`How old are you, queen (сколько тебе лет: «насколько ты стара», королева)?

`I do not know (не знаю). Time does not exist in Flamelands (в Огненных землях времени не существует). Perhaps ten thousand years (возможно, десять тысяч лет).

Far away another wall of flame danced (вдалеке еще одна стена огня плясала). Corum remarked upon it (Корум обратил на это внимание; to remark upon — высказываться /о чем-либо/, делать замечание).

enormous [ɪˈnɔ:məs] thousand [ˈƟauz (ə) nd]

`Arioch created it, said Queen Oorese. `Once our peaceful city lay there. Now we live — lived — in caves below the ground where water runs and it is a little cooler.

Corum stared at the enormous lion's head and he looked at Queen Oorese.

`How old are you, queen?

`I do not know. Time does not exist in Flamelands. Perhaps ten thousand years.

Far away another wall of flame danced. Corum remarked upon it.

`We are surrounded by flame on all sides (мы окружены огнем со всех сторон). When Arioch first created it, many flung themselves into it rather than look upon what had become of their land (когда Ариох впервые создал его, многие кидались в него, чтобы не смотреть на то, что стало с их страной). My husband died in that manner and thus did my brothers and all my sisters perish (мой муж погиб таким образом, и так же погибли мои братья и все мои сестры). Corum noticed that Hanafax was not his usual talkative self (Корум заметил, что Ганафакс не так разговорчив, как обычно). His head was bowed and he rubbed at it from time to time as if puzzled (его голова была наклонена, и он тер ее время от времени, словно в замешательстве = в раздумье).

`What is it, friend Hanafax (что /с тобой/ такое, друг Ганафакс)?

`Nothing, Prince Corum (ничего, принц Корум). A pain in my head (боль в голове). Doubtless the heat causes it (наверняка жара вызвала ее).

Now a singular moaning sound came to their ears (и тут необычный стон донесся до их ушей). Hanafax looked up, his eyes wide and uncomprehending (Ганафакс посмотрел вверх, его глаза были расширенными и непонимающими).

`What is it?

talkative [ˈtɔ:kətɪv] singular [ˈsɪŋɡjulə]

`We are surrounded by flame on all sides. When Arioch first created it, many flung themselves into it rather than look upon what had become of their land. My husband died in that manner and thus did my brothers and all my sisters perish. Corum noticed that Hanafax was not his usual talkative self. His head was bowed and he rubbed at it from time to time as if puzzled.

`What is it, friend Hanafax?

`Nothing, Prince Corum. A pain in my head. Doubtless the heat causes it.

Now a singular moaning sound came to their ears. Hanafax looked up, his eyes wide and uncomprehending.

`What is it?

`The Lion sings (Лев поет), said the Queen. `He knows we approach (он знает, что мы приближаемся).

Then from Hanafax's throat a similar sound issued, as a dog will imitate another's howling (потом из горла Ганафакса вырвался похожий звук, будто одна собака подхватывает вой другой; to issue — вытекать, исходить; to imitate — копировать; подражать).

`Hanafax, my friend! Corum rode his beast close to the other's (Корум направил свое животное ближе к другому). `Is something ailing you (тебя что-то беспокоит; to ail — беспокоить, тревожить; причинять боль)?

Hanafax stared at him vaguely (Ганафакс уставился на него неясно = словно не понимая).

`No. I told you, the heat (я сказал тебе, жара) … His face twisted (его лицо искривилось). `Aah! The pain (боль = больно)! I will not (я не стану)! I will not!

Corum turned to Queen Oorese.

`Have you known this happen before (/известно ли тебе, чтобы/ такое случалось раньше)?

She frowned, seeming to be thinking rather than displaying concern for Hanafax (она нахмурилась и, казалось, скорее размышляла, чем проявляла интерес к Ганафаксу).

vaguely [ˈveɪɡlɪ] frowned [fraund]

`The Lion sings, said the Queen. `He knows we approach.

Then from Hanafax's throat a similar sound issued, as a dog will imitate another's howling.

`Hanafax, my friend! Corum rode his beast close to the other's. `Is something ailing you?

Hanafax stared at him vaguely.

`No. I told you, the heat… His face twisted. `Aah! The pain! I will not! I will not!

Corum turned to Queen Oorese.

`Have you known this happen before?

She frowned, seeming to be thinking rather than displaying concern for Hanafax.

`No, she said at last (сказала она наконец). `Unless (если только) …

`Arioch! I will not! Hanafax began to pant (Ганафакс начал задыхаться).

Then Corum's borrowed hand leapt up from the saddle where it had held the reins (тут заимствованная рука Корума = рука Кулла взметнулась с седла, где держала поводья; borrowed — одолженный, взятый взаймы; to leap — прыгать; вскакивать). Corum tried to control it, but it shot straight towards Hanafax's face, its fingers extended (Корум попытался управлять ей, но она бросилась прямо к лицу Ганафакса, вытянув пальцы; to extend — протягивать/ся/, расширять/ся/). Fingers drove into the Mabden's eyes (пальцы погрузились в глаза мабдена; to drive into — вбивать, вколачивать). They pierced the head, plunging deep into the brain (они проткнули голову, погружаясь глубоко в мозг). Hanafax screamed (Ганафакс пронзительно закричал).

`No, Corum, please do not (нет, Корум, пожалуйста, не надо) … I can fight it (я могу бороться с этим) … Aaaah!

And the Hand of Kwll withdrew itself (рука Кулла отдернулась назад; to withdraw), the fingers dripping with Hanafax's blood and brains (с пальцев капала кровь и мозг Ганафакса), while the lifeless body of the Mabden fell from the saddle (а безжизненное тело мабдена вывалилось из седла).

pierced [pɪəst] withdrew [wɪðˈdru:]

`No, she said at last. `Unless…

`Arioch! I will not! Hanafax began to pant.

Then Corum's borrowed hand leapt up from the saddle where it had held the reins. Corum tried to control it, but it shot straight towards Hanafax's face, its fingers extended. Fingers drove into the Mabden's eyes. They pierced the head, plunging deep into the brain. Hanafax screamed.

`No, Corum, please do not… I can fight it… Aaaah!

And the Hand of Kwll withdrew itself, the fingers dripping with Hanafax's blood and brains, while the lifeless body of the Mabden fell from the saddle.

`What is happening (что происходит)? Queen Oorese called.

Corum stared at the mired hand, now once again his (Корум уставился на окровавленную руку, которая теперь снова была его; to mire — обрызгать грязью; замарать).

`It is nothing (ничего), he murmured (прошептал он). `I have killed my friend (я убил своего друга).

He looked up suddenly (он вдруг поднял глаза).

Above him, on a hill, he thought he saw the outline of a figure watching him (ему показалось, что над ним, на холме, он видит очертания фигуры, наблюдающей за ним). Then smoke drifted across the scene and he saw nothing (затем дым скрыл этот вид, и он ничего не увидел; to drift — сносить ветром).

`So you guessed what I guessed, Prince in the Scarlet Robe (значит, ты догадался /о том/, о чем догадалась я, Принц в Алом Плаще), said the queen.

`I guessed nothing (я ни о чем не догадался). I have killed my friend, that is all I know (я убил своего друга, вот и все, что я знаю). He helped me (он помог мне). He showed me (он показал мне) …

`What is happening? Queen Oorese called.

Corum stared at the mired hand, now once again his.

`It is nothing, he murmured. `I have killed my friend.

He looked up suddenly.

Above him, on a hill, he thought he saw the outline of a figure watching him. Then smoke drifted across the scene and he saw nothing.

`So you guessed what I guessed, Prince in the Scarlet Robe, said the queen.

`I guessed nothing. I have killed my friend, that is all I know. He helped me. He showed me…

Corum swallowed with difficulty (Корум сглотнул с трудом).

`He was only a Mabden, Prince Corum (он был всего лишь мабденом, принц Корум). Only a Mabden, servant of Arioch (лишь мабденом, слугой Ариоха).

`He hated Arioch (он ненавидел Ариоха)!

`But Arioch found him and entered him (но Ариох нашел его и проник в его /разум/). He would have tried to kill us (он попытался бы убить нас). You did right to destroy him (ты сделал правильно, что уничтожил его). He would have betrayed you, prince (он бы предал тебя, принц).

Corum stared at her through brooding eyes (Корум внимательно посмотрел на нее задумчивым взглядом).

`I should have let him kill me (мне нужно было позволить ему убить меня = лучше бы он убил меня). Why should I live (зачем мне жить)?

`Because you are of the Vedragh (потому что ты из /племени/ ведрагов). The last of the Vedragh who can avenge our race (последний ведраг, который может отомстить за наш народ).

difficulty [ˈdɪfɪk (ə) ltɪ] betrayed [bɪˈtreɪd]

Corum swallowed with difficulty.

`He was only a Mabden, Prince Corum. Only a Mabden, servant of Arioch.

`He hated Arioch!

`But Arioch found him and entered him. He would have tried to kill us. You did right to destroy him. He would have betrayed you, prince.

Corum stared at her through brooding eyes.

`I should have let him kill me. Why should I live?

`Because you are of the Vedragh. The last of the Vedragh who can avenge our race.

`Let it perish, unavenged (пусть он погибнет, неотомщенный)! Too many crimes have been committed so that that vengeance might be won (слишком много преступлений совершено, чтобы эта месть могла осуществиться; to win — победить, выиграть; достичь)! Too many unfortunates have suffered frightful fates (слишком многих несчастных постигла ужасная судьба)! Will the Vadhagh name be recalled with love — or muttered in hatred (будут ли вспоминать /имя/ вадагов с любовью — или шептать с ненавистью; to mutter — бормотать, говорить тихо, невнятно)?

`It is already spoken with hatred (оно уже произносится с ненавистью). Arioch has seen to that (Ариох позаботился об этом). There is the Lion's Mouth (вот Пасть Льва). Farewell, Prince in the Scarlet Robe (прощай, Принц в Алом Плаще)!

And Queen Oorese spurred her beast into a gallop and went plunging past the great rock, on towards the vast wall of flame beyond (королева пришпорила своего зверя, и он понесся галопом, подпрыгивая, мимо огромной скалы, к громадной стене огня вдали).

Corum knew what she would do (Корум знал, что она сделает).

vengeance [ˈvenʤ (ə) ns] farewell [feəˈwel] gallop [ˈɡæləp]

`Let it perish, unavenged! Too many crimes have been committed so that that vengeance might be won! Too many unfortunates have suffered frightful fates! Will the Vadhagh name be recalled with love — or muttered in hatred?

`It is already spoken with hatred. Arioch has seen to that. There is the Lion's Mouth. Farewell, Prince in the Scarlet Robe!

And Queen Oorese spurred her beast into a gallop and went plunging past the great rock, on towards the vast wall of flame beyond.

Corum knew what she would do.

He looked at the body of Hanafax. The cheerful fellow would smile no more and his soul was now doubtless suffering at the whim of Arioch (веселый товарищ больше не улыбнется, и его душа теперь, несомненно, страдает по прихоти Ариоха).

Again, he was alone (снова он был один).

He gave a shuddering sigh (он издал вздрагивающий вздох = вздохнув, он содрогнулся).

The strange, moaning sound once again began to issue from the Lion's Mouth (странный стон снова начал исходить из Пасти Льва). It seemed to be calling him (казалось, он зовет его). He shrugged (он пожал плечами). What did it matter if he perished (какая разница, погибнет ли он)? It would only mean that no more would die because of him (это будет лишь означать, что никто больше не умрет из-за него).

doubtless [ˈdautlɪs] sigh [saɪ] die [daɪ]

He looked at the body of Hanafax. The cheerful fellow would smile no more and his soul was now doubtless suffering at the whim of Arioch.

Again, he was alone.

He gave a shuddering sigh.

The strange, moaning sound once again began to issue from the Lion's Mouth. It seemed to be calling him. He shrugged. What did it matter if he perished? It would only mean that no more would die because of him.

Slowly, he began to ride towards the Lion's Mouth (он медленно поехал к Пасти Льва). As he drew nearer, he gathered speed and then, with a yell, plunged through the gaping jaws and into the howling darkness beyond (приближаясь, он набирал/увеличивал скорость, а потом с пронзительным криком влетел в разверстую пасть и пронзительную темноту /в ней/; to plunge into — бросаться, врываться; to gap — широко открывать рот; зевать; разверзаться; howling — унылый, одинокий; заброшенный; воющий)!

The beast stumbled, lost its footing, fell (зверь /Корума/ споткнулся, оступился, упал). Corum was thrown clear, got up, sought the reins with his groping hands (Корума выбросило /из седла/, он поднялся и /стал/ искать поводья ощупью: «ощупывающими руками»; to seek). But the beast had turned and was galloping back towards the daylight (но зверь развернулся и /уже/ мчался назад к дневному свету) that flickered red and yellow at the entrance (который мерцал красным и желтым у входа; to flicker — мерцать, мигать; колыхаться).

For an instant Corum's mind cooled and he made to follow it (на мгновение разум Корума остыл = у него внутри все похолодело, и он попытался догнать его; to follow — следовать; преследовать, гнаться). Then he remembered the dead face of Hanafax and he turned and began to trudge into the deeper darkness (тут он вспомнил мертвое лицо Ганафакса, развернулся и стал пробираться в более глубокую тьму = пошел глубже во тьму; to trudge — идти с трудом; продираться сквозь что-либо).

entrance [ˈentrəns] instant [ˈɪnstənt]

Slowly, he began to ride towards the Lion's Mouth. As he drew nearer, he gathered speed and then, with a yell, plunged through the gaping jaws and into the howling darkness beyond!

The beast stumbled, lost its footing, fell. Corum was thrown clear, got up, sought the reins with his groping hands. But the beast had turned and was galloping back towards the daylight that flickered red and yellow at the entrance.

For an instant Corum's mind cooled and he made to follow it. Then he remembered the dead face of Hanafax and he turned and began to trudge into the deeper darkness.

He walked thus for a long while (он шел таким образом долго). It was cool within the Lion's Mouth and he wondered if Queen Oorese had been voicing nothing more than a superstition (внутри Пасти Льва было прохладно, и он размышлял, а не были ли рассказы королевы Оорес лишь суевериями; to wonder — удивляться; интересоваться; размышлять, сомневаться; to voice — произносить, говорить), for the interior seemed to be just a large cave (потому что внутренняя часть /Пасти Льва/ казалась просто большой пещерой).

Then the rustling sounds began (затем начались = послышались шелест, шуршание).

He thought he glimpsed eyes watching (ему показалось, он увидел мельком глаза, наблюдавшие /за ним/). Accusing eyes (обвиняющий взгляд)? No. Merely malevolent (только злобный). He drew his sword (он вытащил меч). He paused, looking about him (остановился, оглядываясь вокруг). He took another step forward (он сделал еще шаг вперед).

He was in whirling nothingness (он был /теперь/ в кружащейся пустоте; nothingness — ничто). Colours flashed past him, something shrieked and laughter filled his head (/разные/ цвета проносились мимо него, что-то пронзительно вскрикнуло, и смех наполнил его голову; to flash — сверкать, вспыхивать; быстро промелькнуть, пронестись). He tried to take another step (он попытался сделать еще один шаг).

rustling [ˈrʌslɪŋ] malevolent [məˈlev (ə) lənt] laughter [ˈlɑ:ftə]

He walked thus for a long while. It was cool within the Lion's Mouth and he wondered if Queen Oorese had been voicing nothing more than a superstition, for the interior seemed to be just a large cave.

Then the rustling sounds began.

He thought he glimpsed eyes watching. Accusing eyes? No. Merely malevolent. He drew his sword. He paused, looking about him. He took another step forward.

He was in whirling nothingness. Colours flashed past him, something shrieked and laughter filled his head. He tried to take another step.

He stood on a crystal plain and embedded in it, beneath his feet, were millions of beings (он стоял на прозрачной плоской поверхности; вмурованные в нее, под его ногами, находились миллионы существ) — Vadhagh, Nhadragh, Mabden, Ragha-da-Kheta, and many others he did not recognise (и многие другие, /которых/ он не узнал). There were males and females and all had their eyes open (там находились мужчины и женщины, и у всех были открыты глаза); all had their faces pressed against the crystal (лица у всех были прижаты к /поверхности/ кристалла); all stretched out their hands as if seeking aid (все протягивали руки, словно прося о помощи). All stared at him (все пристально смотрели на него). He tried to hack at the crystal with his sword, but the crystal would not crack (он попытался разбить кристалл своим мечом, но тот /даже/ не треснул).

He moved forward (он двинулся дальше).

He saw all the Five Planes, one superimposed upon the other, as he had seen them as a child (он видел все Пять Плоскостей, наложившиеся одна на другую, как он видел их, будучи ребенком) — as his ancestors had known them (/в том виде/, как их знали его предки). He was in a canyon, a forest, a valley, a field, another forest (он был /то/ в глубоком ущелье, /то/ в лесу, /то/ в долине, /то/ в поле, снова в лесу). He made to move into one particular plane, but he was stopped (он попробовал переместиться в одну определенную плоскость, но /что-то/ его остановило).

crystal [ˈkrɪstl] superimposed [, s (j) u:p (ə) rɪmˈpəuzd] ancestor [ˈænsəstə]

He stood on a crystal plain and embedded in it, beneath his feet, were millions of beings — Vadhagh, Nhadragh, Mabden, Ragha-da-Kheta, and many others he did not recognise. There were males and females and all had their eyes open; all had their faces pressed against the crystal; all stretched out their hands as if seeking aid. All stared at him. He tried to hack at the crystal with his sword, but the crystal would not crack.

He moved forward.

He saw all the Five Planes, one superimposed upon the other, as he had seen them as a child — as his ancestors had known them. He was in a canyon, a forest, a valley, a field, another forest. He made to move into one particular plane, but he was stopped.

Screaming things came at him and pecked at his flesh (визжащие твари набросились на него и /принялись/ клевать его плоть). He fought them off with his sword (он отогнал их мечом). They vanished (они исчезли).

He was crossing a bridge of ice (он переходил ледяной мост). It was melting (мост таял). Fanged, distorted things waited for him below (клыкастые, перекошенные твари поджидали его внизу). The ice creaked (лед треснул). He lost his footing (он поскользнулся). He fell (упал).

He fell into a whirlpool of seething matter that formed shapes and then destroyed them instantly (он упал в водоворот бурлящей материи, которая создавала /различные/ формы и разрушала их тотчас). He saw whole cities brought into existence and then obliterated (он видел, как создавались целые города, а затем уничтожались; to obliterate — вычеркивать; уничтожать, удалять). He saw creatures, some beautiful, some disgustingly ugly (он видел существ, одни были прекрасными, другие — отвратительно уродливыми). He saw things that made him love them and things that made him scream with hatred (он видел вещи, которые заставляли его любить их, и вещи, которые заставляли его кричать от ненависти).

whirlpool [ˈwə: lpu:l] obliterated [əˈblɪtəreɪtɪd]

Screaming things came at him and pecked at his flesh. He fought them off with his sword. They vanished.

He was crossing a bridge of ice. It was melting. Fanged, distorted things waited for him below. The ice creaked. He lost his footing. He fell.

He fell into a whirlpool of seething matter that formed shapes and then destroyed them instantly. He saw whole cities brought into existence and then obliterated. He saw creatures, some beautiful, some disgustingly ugly. He saw things that made him love them and things that made him scream with hatred.

And he was back in the blackness of the great cavern (он снова вернулся в черноту/темноту огромной пещеры) where things tittered at him and scampered away from beneath his feet (где твари хихикали над ним и удирали из-под его ног; to scamper — носиться, быстро бегать).

And Corum knew that anyone who had experienced the horrors that he had experienced would have been quite mad by now (Корум знал, что любой, кто пережил те ужасы, которые пережил он, сошел бы с ума уже). He had gained something from Shool the sorcerer besides the Eye of Rhynn and the Hand of Kwll (он получил что-то от колдуна Шула помимо Глаза Ринна и Руки Кулла). He had gained an ability to face the most evil of apparitions and be virtually unmoved (он получил способность смело смотреть на самые зловещие = ужасные видения и практически не реагировать на них; unmoved — неподвижный; равнодушный, непоколебимый).

And, he thought, this meant that he has lost something, too (он подумал, это означает, что он также и потерял что-то; to lose) …

He moved on another step (он сделал еще шаг).

ability [əˈbɪlɪtɪ] virtually [ˈvə: ʧuəlɪ]

And he was back in the blackness of the great cavern where things tittered at him and scampered away from beneath his feet.

And Corum knew that anyone who had experienced the horrors that he had experienced would have been quite mad by now. He had gained something from Shool the sorcerer besides the Eye of Rhynn and the Hand of Kwll. He had gained an ability to face the most evil of apparitions and be virtually unmoved.

And, he thought, this meant that he has lost something, too…

He moved on another step.

He stood knee-deep in slithering flesh that was without shape but which lived (он стоял по колено в скользкой плоти, которая была без формы, но которая жила = была живой; to slither — скользить). It began to suck him down (она начала засасывать его). He struck about him with his sword (он рубил мечом вокруг себя). Now he was waist-deep (теперь он /увяз/ уже по пояс). He gasped and forced his body through the stuff (он вдохнул и пробился через эту ткань; to force through — прорываться, пробиваться; проталкивать; stuff — материя, ткань; вещество).

He stood beneath a dome of ice and with him stood a million Corums (/и вот/ он стоял под куполом из льда, а с ним стоял миллион /таких же/ Корумов). There he was, innocent and gay before the coming of the Mabden (вот он, невинный и веселый до прихода = нашествия мабденов), there he was moody and grim, with his jewelled eye and his murderous hand, there he was dying (вот он унылый и мрачный, с украшенным самоцветами глазом и смертоносной/кровожадной рукой; вот он умирает) …

Another step (еще один шаг) …

Blood flooded over him (кровь лилась вокруг него; to flood — затоплять; хлынуть потоком). He tried to regain his feet (он попытался снова встать на ноги). The heads of foul reptilian creatures rose from the stuff and snapped at his face with their jaws (головы отвратительных похожих на рептилий существ поднимались из этой массы и щелкали своими челюстями возле его лица).

innocent [ˈɪnəs (ə) nt] foul [faul] reptilian [repˈtɪlɪən]

He stood knee-deep in slithering flesh that was without shape but which lived. It began to suck him down. He struck about him with his sword. Now he was waist-deep. He gasped and forced his body through the stuff.

He stood beneath a dome of ice and with him stood a million Corums. There he was, innocent and gay before the coming of the Mabden, there he was moody and grim, with his jewelled eye and his murderous hand, there he was dying…

Another step…

Blood flooded over him. He tried to regain his feet. The heads of foul reptilian creatures rose from the stuff and snapped at his face with their jaws.

His instinct was to draw back (его инстинкт был = требовал отступить; to draw back — отдергивать; отходить назад, отступать). But he swam towards them (но он поплыл к ним; to swim) …

He stood in a tunnel of silver and gold (он стоял в туннеле из серебра и золота). There was a door at the end and he could hear movement behind it (в конце была дверь, и он слышал /какое-то/ движение позади нее).

Sword in hand, he stepped through (/держа/ меч в руке, он вошел в нее).

Strange, desperate laughter filled the immense gallery in which he found himself (странный, отчаянный смех наполнил необъятную галерею, в которой он оказался; immense — безмерный, беспредельный, очень большой).

He knew that he had reached the Court of the Knight of the Swords (он понял, что добрался до двора Рыцаря Мечей).

instinct [ˈɪnstɪŋkt] immense [ɪˈmens] Court [kɔ:t]

His instinct was to draw back. But he swam towards them…

He stood in a tunnel of silver and gold. There was a door at the end and he could hear movement behind it.

Sword in hand, he stepped through.

Strange, desperate laughter filled the immense gallery in which he found himself.

He knew that he had reached the Court of the Knight of the Swords.

 

CHAPTER SIX (глава шестая)

The God Feasters (пир бога)

feaster — организатор или участник пира; feast — пир; торжество

Corum was dwarfed by the hugeness of the hall (Корум казался маленьким из-за громадности зала; to dwarf — останавливать рост; подчеркивать малые размеры или незначительность по контрасту). Suddenly he saw his past adventures, his emotions, his desires, his guilts as utterly inconsequential and feeble (внезапно он увидел = ему показались его былые приключения, его чувства, желания, чувство вины чрезвычайно незначительными и ничтожными). This mood was increased by the fact that he had expected to confront Arioch the moment he reached his court (это настроение = такие мысли усилились из-за того, что он ожидал встречи с Ариохом в тот момент, когда достиг его двора).

But Corum had entered the palace completely unnoticed (но Корум проник во дворец совершенно незамеченным). The laughter came from a gallery high above where two scaled demons with long horns and longer tails were fighting (смех исходил из галереи высоко наверху, где дрались два покрытых чешуей демона с длинными рогами и еще более длинными хвостами). As they fought, they laughed, though both seemed plainly near death (когда они дрались = во время драки они смеялись, хотя оба, казалось, вот-вот умрут; to be near death — быть при смерти). It was on this fight that Arioch's attention seemed fixed (видимо, их драка поглотила внимание Ариоха: «это именно на их драке было сосредоточено внимание Ариоха»).

dwarfed [dwɔ:ft] inconsequential [ɪn, kɔnsɪˈkwenʃ (ə) l]

Corum was dwarfed by the hugeness of the hall. Suddenly he saw his past adventures, his emotions, his desires, his guilts as utterly inconsequential and feeble. This mood was increased by the fact that he had expected to confront Arioch the moment he reached his court.

But Corum had entered the palace completely unnoticed. The laughter came from a gallery high above where two scaled demons with long horns and longer tails were fighting. As they fought, they laughed, though both seemed plainly near death. It was on this fight that Arioch's attention seemed fixed.

The Knight of the Swords — the Duke of Chaos — lay in a heap of filth and quaffed some ill-smelling stuff from a dirty goblet (лежал на куче отбросов и пил большими глотками какую-то отвратительно пахнувшую жидкость из грязного кубка; filth — отбросы, грязь; to quaff — пить большими глотками, осушать залпом; goblet — бокал; кубок). He was enormously fat and the flesh trembled on him as he laughed (он был чрезвычайно толст, и его плоть тряслась: «и плоть на нем тряслась», когда он смеялся). He was completely naked and formed in all details like a Mabden (он был совершенно наг, и во всех деталях был сложен = выглядел в точности, как мабден). There seemed to be scabs and sores on his body, particularly near his pelvis (парша и язвы виднелись на его теле, особенно возле пупка; sore — болячка, рана, язва; pelvis — таз). His face was flushed and it was ugly and his teeth, when he opened his mouth, seemed decayed (его лицо было покрасневшим, уродливым, а его зубы, когда он открывал рот, были гнилыми; to flush — хлынуть; приливать к какой-либо части тела /особенно о крови к лицу/; decayed — испорченный, гнилой, разрушенный).

Corum would not have known he was the God at all if it had not been for his size (Корум не понял бы, что это вообще бог, если бы не его величина), for Arioch was as large as a castle and his sword, the symbol of his power (потому что Ариох был большим, словно замок, а его меч, символ власти/могущества), would have stood as high as the tallest tower of Castle Erorn, if it had been placed upright (стоял бы так высоко, как = был бы таким же высоким, как самая высокая башня замка Эрорн, если бы его поставили вертикально).

naked [ˈneɪkɪd] particularly [pəˈtɪkjuləlɪ] symbol [ˈsɪmb (ə) l]

The Knight of the Swords — the Duke of Chaos — lay in a heap of filth and quaffed some ill-smelling stuff from a dirty goblet. He was enormously fat and the flesh trembled on him as he laughed. He was completely naked and formed in all details like a Mabden. There seemed to be scabs and sores on his body, particularly near his pelvis. His face was flushed and it was ugly and his teeth, when he opened his mouth, seemed decayed.

Corum would not have known he was the God at all if it had not been for his size, for Arioch was as large as a castle and his sword, the symbol of his power, would have stood as high as the tallest tower of Castle Erorn, if it had been placed upright.

The sides of the hall were tiered (по сторонам зала располагались ярусы; tiered — расположенный ярусами; tier — ряд; ярус). Uncountable tiers stretched high towards the distant dome of the ceiling which, itself, was wreathed in greasy smoke (бесчисленные ряды поднимались вверх к далекому своду потолка, который был черным от дыма; tier — ряд; ярус; to wreathe — обвивать, покрывать; клубиться /о дыме/; greasy — сальный, жирный; грязный). These tiers were occupied, mainly with Mabden of all ages (эти ряды были заняты в основном мабденами всех возрастов). Corum saw that most were naked (Корум увидел, что большинство были обнаженными). In many of the tiers they were copulating, fighting, torturing each other (на многих рядах они совокуплялись, дрались, мучили друг друга; to torture — пытать; мучить, терзать). Elsewhere were other beings — mainly scaly Shefanhow somewhat smaller than the two who were fighting together (кое-где были другие существа — в основном покрытые чешуей шефанхау = демоны, немного поменьше, чем те двое, которые дрались друг с другом).

The sword was jet black and carved with many peculiar patterns (меч /Ариоха/ был черным как уголь, и украшен многочисленными причудливыми узорами; to carve — резать, вырезать /по дереву или кости/; высекать /из камня/). Mabden were at work on the sword (мабдены трудились над мечом; at work — в действии, за работой). They knelt on the blade and polished part of a design (они = одни стояли на коленях на клинке и полировали часть рисунка), or they climbed the hilt and washed it (другие вскарабкались на эфес и мыли его), or they sat astride the handgrip and mended the gold wire which bound it (или уселись верхом на рукоять и чинили золотую проволоку, которая оплетала ее; to mend — чинить, ремонтировать).

ceiling [ˈsi:lɪŋ] copulating [ˈkɔpjuleɪtɪŋ] design [dɪˈzaɪn]

The sides of the hall were tiered. Uncountable tiers stretched high towards the distant dome of the ceiling which, itself, was wreathed in greasy smoke. These tiers were occupied, mainly with Mabden of all ages. Corum saw that most were naked. In many of the tiers they were copulating, fighting, torturing each other. Elsewhere were other beings — mainly scaly Shefanhow somewhat smaller than the two who were fighting together.

The sword was jet black and carved with many peculiar patterns. Mabden were at work on the sword. They knelt on the blade and polished part of a design, or they climbed the hilt and washed it, or they sat astride the handgrip and mended the gold wire which bound it.

And other beings were busy, too (другие существа тоже суетились; busy — деятельный, занятой; суетливым). Like lice, they scampered and crawled over the God's huge bulk (как вши, они носились и ползали по огромной туше бога), picking at his skin, feeding off his blood and his flesh (они впивались в его кожу, пили его кровь и жрали плоть; to pick — клевать; есть, отщипывать; to feed — кормить/ся/, питать/ся/). Of all these activities, Arioch seemed oblivious (на все эти действия Ариох, казалось, не обращал внимания; oblivious — забывчивый, непомнящий; не замечающий). His interest continued to be the fight to the death in the gallery above (его интересом продолжал оставаться бой на смерть на галерее вверху).

Was this, then, the all-powerful Arioch, living like a drunken farmer in a pigsty (значит, это и был всемогущий Ариох, который живет, как пьяный фермер в свинарнике)? Was this the malevolent creature which had destroyed whole nations (неужели это и есть злобное создание, которое уничтожило целые народы), which pursued a vendetta upon all the races to spring up on the Earth before his coming (которое осуществляло кровную месть = мстило всем расам, что возникли на Земле до его прихода)?

Arioch's laughter shook the floor (смех Ариоха сотряс пол). Some of the parasitic Mabden fell off his body (некоторые мабдены-паразиты отвалились от его тела; parasitic — паразитический; вредный). A few were unhurt, while others lay with their backs or their limbs broken, unable to move (/лишь/ немногие были невредимы, в то время как остальные лежали со сломанными спинами и конечностями, неспособные двигаться). Their comrades ignored their plight and patiently climbed again upon the God's body (их товарищи = соплеменники не обратили внимания на их беду и снова терпеливо взбирались на тело бога; plight — положение /обычно затруднительное, бедственное/), tearing tiny pieces from him with their teeth (отрывая зубами от него крохотные кусочки).

busy [ˈbɪzɪ] oblivious [əˈblɪvɪəs] pigsty [ˈpɪɡstaɪ] vendetta [venˈdetə]

And other beings were busy, too. Like lice, they scampered and crawled over the God's huge bulk, picking at his skin, feeding off his blood and his flesh. Of all these activities, Arioch seemed oblivious. His interest continued to be the fight to the death in the gallery above.

Was this, then, the all-powerful Arioch, living like a drunken farmer in a pigsty? Was this the malevolent creature which had destroyed whole nations, which pursued a vendetta upon all the races to spring up on the Earth before his coming?

Arioch's laughter shook the floor. Some of the parasitic Mabden fell off his body. A few were unhurt, while others lay with their backs or their limbs broken, unable to move. Their comrades ignored their plight and patiently climbed again upon the God's body, tearing tiny pieces from him with their teeth.

Arioch's hair was long, lank and dry (волосы Ариоха были длинными, прилизанными и иссохшими; lank — гладкий, невьющийся; прилизанный /о волосах/). Here, too, Mabden searched for and fought over the bits of food that clung to the strands (здесь тоже мабдены искали и дрались за кусочки пищи, которые прилипли к прядям /волос/; to cling; strand — длинный локон, прядь волос). Elsewhere in the God's body hair Mabden crept in and out (кое-где в волосах на теле бога мабдены ползали туда и сюда; to creep — ползать, пресмыкаться), hunting for scraps and crumbs or tender portions of his flesh (разыскивая кусочки и крошки или нежные части его плоти; to hunt for — искать; добиваться).

The two demons fell back (два демона упали назад). One of them was dead, the other almost dead but still laughing weakly (один был мертв, другой — почти мертв, он все равно слабо смеялся). Then the laughter stopped (затем смех прекратился).

Arioch slapped his body, killing a dozen or so Mabden, and scratched his stomach (Ариох хлопнул по телу, убив дюжину или около того мабденов, и почесал живот; to scratch — царапать/ся/, скрести/сь/; чесать/ся/, расчесывать; stomach — желудок; живот). He inspected the bloody remains in his palm and absently wiped them on his hair (он пристально посмотрел на кровавые останки на своей ладони и рассеянно вытер их о волосы). Living Mabden seized the scraps and devoured them (живые мабдены набросились на куски /прихлопнутых/ и сожрали их; to seize — хватать, ухватываться; scrap — клочок, кусочек; объедки, остатки /пищи/).

dozen [dʌzn] stomach [ˈstʌmək] absently [ˈæbs (ə) ntlɪ] devoured [dɪˈvauəd]

Arioch's hair was long, lank and dry. Here, too, Mabden searched for and fought over the bits of food that clung to the strands. Elsewhere in the God's body hair Mabden crept in and out, hunting for scraps and crumbs or tender portions of his flesh.

The two demons fell back. One of them was dead, the other almost dead but still laughing weakly. Then the laughter stopped.

Arioch slapped his body, killing a dozen or so Mabden, and scratched his stomach. He inspected the bloody remains in his palm and absently wiped them on his hair. Living Mabden seized the scraps and devoured them.

Then a huge sigh issued from the God's mouth (потом огромный вздох раздался из рта бога = Ариох громко вздохнул; to issue from — вытекать, исходить) and he began to pick his nose with a dirty finger that was the size of a tall poplar (и он принялся ковырять в носу грязным пальцем, который был размером с высокий тополь).

Corum saw that there were openings beneath the galleries and stairways twisting upwards (Корум увидел, что под галереями есть проходы и лестницы, поднимавшиеся наверх; to twist — виться, изгибать/ся/), but he had no notion where the highest tower of the palace might be (но он понятия не имел, где может находиться самая высокая башня дворца). He began to move, soft-footed, around the hall (он начал двигаться, крадучись: «с мягкими ногами», по залу; to move around — передвигаться, перемещаться).

Arioch's ears caught the sound and the God became alert (уши Ариоха уловили звук /его шагов/, и бог насторожился). He bent his head and peered about the floor (он наклонил голову и всмотрелся в пол). The huge eyes fixed on Corum and a monstrously large hand reached out to grasp him (огромные глаза остановились на Коруме, и невероятно большая рука потянулась, чтобы схватить его).

alert [əˈlə: t] monstrously [ˈmɔnstrəslɪ] grasp [ɡrɑ:sp]

Then a huge sigh issued from the God's mouth and he began to pick his nose with a dirty finger that was the size of a tall poplar.

Corum saw that there were openings beneath the galleries and stairways twisting upwards, but he had no notion where the highest tower of the palace might be. He began to move, soft-footed, around the hall.

Arioch's ears caught the sound and the God became alert. He bent his head and peered about the floor. The huge eyes fixed on Corum and a monstrously large hand reached out to grasp him.

Corum raised his sword and hacked at the hand (Корум поднял меч и рубанул руку), but Arioch laughed and drew the Vadhagh prince towards him (но Ариох рассмеялся и подтянул вадагского принца к себе).

`What's this (что это)? the voice boomed (прогремел голос). `Not one of mine (не один из моих). Not one of mine.

Corum continued to strike at the hand and Arioch continued to seem unaware of the blows (Корум продолжал наносить удары по руке, а Ариох продолжал выглядеть незнающим = казалось, не замечал ударов), though the sword raised deep cuts in the flesh (хотя меч оставлял глубокие порезы в его плоти; to raise — поднимать; вызывать, порождать). From over his shoulders, behind his ears and from within his filthy hair (из-за его плеч, из-за его ушей, из его грязных волос), Mabden eyes regarded Corum with terrified curiosity (глаза мабденов смотрели на Корума с ужасом и любопытством: «напуганным любопытством»; to regard — расценивать; рассматривать).

`Not one of mine, Arioch boomed again (снова прогремел Ариох). `One of his (один из его). Aye. One of his.

`Whose (чей)? Corum shouted, still struggling (крикнул Корум, по-прежнему сражаясь /с рукой/).

regarded [rɪˈɡɑ:dɪd] curiosity [, kju (ə) rɪˈɔsɪtɪ]

Corum raised his sword and hacked at the hand, but Arioch laughed and drew the Vadhagh prince towards him.

`What's this? the voice boomed. `Not one of mine. Not one of mine.

Corum continued to strike at the hand and Arioch continued to seem unaware of the blows, though the sword raised deep cuts in the flesh. From over his shoulders, behind his ears and from within his filthy hair, Mabden eyes regarded Corum with terrified curiosity.

`Not one of mine, Arioch boomed again. `One of his. Aye. One of his.

`Whose? Corum shouted, still struggling.

`The one whose castle I recently inherited (того, чей замок я недавно унаследовал). The dour fellow (/того/ непреклонного парня; dour — строгий, непреклонный, угрюмый). Arkyn. Arkyn of Law (Аркина, /бога/ Закона). One of his. I thought they were all gone by now (я думал, они все уже погибли; by now — к этому времени, уже). I cannot keep an eye on little beings not of my own manufacture (я не могу уследить за /всеми/ малявками: «маленькими существами» не моего собственного производства = не за своими творениями). I do not understand their ways (я не понимаю их; way — путь, дорога; манера, привычка, особенность).

`Arioch! You have destroyed all my kin (ты убил всех моих родных)!

`Ah, good (а, хорошо). All of them, you say (всех, говоришь)? Good. Is that the message you bring to me (это сообщение ты принес мне = ты пришел, чтобы сказать мне это)? Why did I not hear before, from one of my own little creatures (почему я раньше /этого/ не слышал, от кого-нибудь из моих маленьких созданий)?

`Let me go (отпусти меня)! Corum screamed (крикнул Корум).

recently [ˈri:s (ə) ntlɪ] manufacture [, mænjuˈfækʧə]

`The one whose castle I recently inherited. The dour fellow. Arkyn. Arkyn of Law. One of his. I thought they were all gone by now. I cannot keep an eye on little beings not of my own manufacture. I do not understand their ways.

`Arioch! You have destroyed all my kin!

`Ah, good. All of them, you say? Good. Is that the message you bring to me? Why did I not hear before, from one of my own little creatures?

`Let me go! Corum screamed.

Arioch opened his hand and Corum staggered free, gasping (Ариох разжал руку, и Корум зашатался, тяжело дыша; free — свободный). He had not expected Arioch to comply (он не ожидал, что Ариох выполнит /его просьбу/).

And then the full injustice of his fate struck him (и тут полная несправедливость его судьбы поразила Корума; to strike). Arioch bore no malice towards the Vadhagh (Ариох не питал никакой злобы к вадагам). He cared for them no more or less than he cared for the Mabden parasites feeding off his body (он проявлял к ним не больше интереса, чем к мабденам-паразитам, питавшимся = обитавшим на его теле). He was merely wiping his palette clean of old colours (он всего лишь стирал со своей палитры старые краски; to wipe clean — вытирать дочиста, протирать начисто) as a painter will before he begins a fresh canvas (как художник делает прежде, чем начать новую картину; canvas — холст, парусина; полотно, картина). All the agony and the misery he and his had suffered was on behalf of the whim of a careless God (все страдания и невзгода, которые он и его /народ/ перенес, были вызваны капризом беззаботного бога; on behalf of — от имени, в интересах) who only occasionally turned his attention to the world that he had been given to rule (который лишь изредка обращал внимание на мир, что был отдан ему в управление; occasionally — иногда, изредка, время от времени).

Then Arioch vanished (потом Ариох исчез).

malice [ˈmælɪs] palette [ˈpælɪt] behalf [bɪˈhɑ:f]

Arioch opened his hand and Corum staggered free, gasping. He had not expected Arioch to comply.

And then the full injustice of his fate struck him. Arioch bore no malice towards the Vadhagh. He cared for them no more or less than he cared for the Mabden parasites feeding off his body. He was merely wiping his palette clean of old colours as a painter will before he begins a fresh canvas. All the agony and the misery he and his had suffered was on behalf of the whim of a careless God who only occasionally turned his attention to the world that he had been given to rule.

Then Arioch vanished.

Another figure stood in his place (другая фигура стояла на его месте; figure — фигура; внешний вид, облик). All the Mabden were gone (все мабдены пропали).

The other figure was beautiful and looked upon Corum with a kind of haughty affection (другая фигура была красивой и смотрела на Корума со своего рода высокомерной привязанностью). He was dressed all in black and silver (он был одет во все черное и серебряное), with a miniature version of the black sword at his side (с миниатюрным вариантом черного меча на боку). His expression was quizzical (выражение /лица/ было насмешливым). He smiled (он улыбнулся). He was the quintessence of evil (он был квинтэссенцией = воплощением зла).

`Who are you? Corum gasped.

`I am Duke Arioch, your master (я — герцог Ариох, твой хозяин). I am the Lord of Hell, a Noble of the Realm of Chaos, the Knight of the Swords (я Владыка Преисподней, Князь Царства Хаоса, Рыцарь Мечей; noble — человек благородного происхождения; дворянин). I am your enemy (я твой враг).

`So you are my enemy (значит, ты мой враг). The other form was not your true form (другое обличие не было твоим истинным /обличием/)!

haughty [ˈhɔ:tɪ] quintessence [kwɪnˈtes (ə) ns] Realm [relm]

Another figure stood in his place. All the Mabden were gone.

The other figure was beautiful and looked upon Corum with a kind of haughty affection. He was dressed all in black and silver, with a miniature version of the black sword at his side. His expression was quizzical. He smiled. He was the quintessence of evil.

`Who are you? Corum gasped.

`I am Duke Arioch, your master. I am the Lord of Hell, a Noble of the Realm of Chaos, the Knight of the Swords. I am your enemy.

`So you are my enemy. The other form was not your true form!

`I am anything you please, Prince Corum (я /могу быть/ всем, чем ты захочешь, принц Корум). What does «true» mean in this context (что значит «истинный» в данном случае)? I can be anything I choose — or anything you choose, if you prefer (я могу быть всем, чем пожелаю — или чем ты пожелаешь, если хочешь; to choose — выбирать, предпочитать). Consider me evil and I will don the appearance of evil (считай меня злом, и я приму обличье зла; to don — надевать). Consider me good — and I will take on a form that fits the part (считай меня добром — и я приобрету форму, которая соответствует этой роли; to take on — браться за; приобретать /форму, качество/). I care not (мне все равно). My only wish is to exist in peace, you see (единственное мое желание — существовать в мире, как видишь). To while away my time (проводить/коротать мое время). And if you wish to play a drama, some game of your own devising, I will play it until it begins to bore me (а если ты захочешь разыграть драму, какую-нибудь игру собственной выдумки, я буду играть в нее до тех пор, пока это не начнет мне надоедать).

`Were your ambitions ever thus (твои стремления всегда были такими)?

`What? What? Ever? No, I think not (нет, думаю нет). Not when I was embattled with those Lords of Law who ruled this plane before (/по крайней мере/ не тогда, когда я воевал с теми Владыками Закона, что правили этой плоскостью раньше; to embattle — строить/ся/ в боевой порядок; вести бой). But now I have won, why, I deserve what I fought for (но теперь я победил, ну и потому заслуживаю /того/, за что сражался; why — выражает разные эмоции /удивление, согласие, нетерпение и т. д. /). Do not all beings require the same (разве всем существам нужно не одно и то же; to require — требовать; нуждаться)?

peace [pi:s] drama [ˈdrɑ:mə] require [rɪˈkwaɪə]

`I am anything you please, Prince Corum. What does «true» mean in this context? I can be anything I choose — or anything you choose, if you prefer. Consider me evil and I will don the appearance of evil. Consider me good — and I will take on a form that fits the part. I care not. My only wish is to exist in peace, you see. To while away my time. And if you wish to play a drama, some game of your own devising, I will play it until it begins to bore me.

`Were your ambitions ever thus?

`What? What? Ever? No, I think not. Not when I was embattled with those Lords of Law who ruled this plane before. But now I have won, why, I deserve what I fought for. Do not all beings require the same?

Corum nodded (кивнул).

`I suppose they do (полагаю, да).

`Well (итак), Arioch smiled. `What now, little Corum of the Vadhagh (что теперь, маленький Корум из /племени/ вадагов)? You must be destroyed soon, you know (ты должен быть уничтожен вскоре, видишь ли). For my peace of mind, you understand, that is all (для моего /душевного/ спокойствия, понимаешь, вот и все). You have done well to reach my Court (ты правильно поступил, что добрался до моего двора). I will give you hospitality as a reward and then, at some stage, I will flick you away (я окажу тебе радушный прием в качестве награды, а потом, в какой-то момент, я прихлопну тебя; to flick — слегка ударить /резким быстрым движением/; щелкнуть, смахнуть). You know why now (теперь ты знаешь, почему).

Corum glowered (Корум сердито посмотрел /на него/).

hospitality [, hɔspɪˈtælɪtɪ] reward [rɪˈwɔ:d] glower [ˈɡlauə]

Corum nodded.

`I suppose they do.

`Well, Arioch smiled. `What now, little Corum of the Vadhagh? You must be destroyed soon, you know. For my peace of mind, you understand, that is all. You have done well to reach my Court. I will give you hospitality as a reward and then, at some stage, I will flick you away. You know why now.

Corum glowered.

`I will not be «flicked» away, Duke Arioch (я не буду «прихлопнутым», герцог Ариох). Why should I be (почему я должен быть)?

Arioch raised a hand to his beautiful face and he yawned (Ариох поднял руку к своему красивому лицу и зевнул).

`Why should you not be (а почему нет)? Now. What can I do to entertain you (что я могу сделать, чтобы развлечь тебя)?

Corum hesitated (Корум колебался). Then he said:

`Will you show me all your castle (ты не покажешь мне весь свой замок)? I have never seen anything so huge (никогда не видел ничего столь огромного).

Arioch raised an eyebrow (Ариох поднял бровь). `If that is all (если это все) …?

`All for the moment (все на данную минуту = пока все).

Arioch smiled.

yawned [jɔ:nd] hesitated [ˈhezɪteɪtɪd] eyebrow [ˈaɪbrau]

`I will not be «flicked» away, Duke Arioch. Why should I be?

Arioch raised a hand to his beautiful face and he yawned.

`Why should you not be? Now. What can I do to entertain you?

Corum hesitated. Then he said:

`Will you show me all your castle? I have never seen anything so huge.

Arioch raised an eyebrow. `If that is all…?

`All for the moment.

Arioch smiled.

`Very well (хорошо). Besides, I have not seen all of it myself (кроме того, я и сам не видел его целиком). Come (пойдем).

He placed a soft hand on Corum's shoulder and led him through a doorway (он положил мягкую руку Коруму на плечо и повел его через дверь).

As they walked along a magnificent gallery with walls of coruscating marble (пока они шли по великолепной галерее со стенами из сверкающего мрамора), Arioch spoke reasonably to Corum in a low, hypnotic voice (Ариох рассудительно говорил с Корумом тихим, гипнотизирующим = вкрадчивым голосом; in a low voice — приглушенно, вполголоса).

`You see, friend Corum, these fifteen planes were stagnating (видишь ли, друг Корум, эти пятнадцать плоскостей загнивали; to stagnate — застаиваться; быть бездеятельным, косным). What did you Vadhagh and the rest do (что делали вы, вадаги, и остальные)? Nothing (ничего). You hardly moved from your cities and your castles (вы едва выходили из своих городов и замков). Nature gave birth to poppies and daisies (природа дала рождение = создала маки и маргаритки). The Lords of Law made sure that all was properly ordered (Владыки Закона позаботились о том, чтобы все было должным образом упорядочено). Nothing was happening at all (вообще ничего не происходило). We have brought so much more to your world, my brother Mabelode and my sister Xiombarg (мы привнесли в твой мир намного больше /разнообразия/, мой брат Мабелод и сестра Ксиомбарг).

magnificent [mæɡˈnɪfɪs (e) nt] coruscating [ˈkɔrəskeɪtɪŋ] hypnotic [hɪpˈnɔtɪk]

`Very well. Besides, I have not seen all of it myself. Come.

He placed a soft hand on Corum's shoulder and led him through a doorway.

As they walked along a magnificent gallery with walls of coruscating marble, Arioch spoke reasonably to Corum in a low, hypnotic voice.

`You see, friend Corum, these fifteen planes were stagnating. What did you Vadhagh and the rest do? Nothing. You hardly moved from your cities and your castles. Nature gave birth to poppies and daisies. The Lords of Law made sure that all was properly ordered. Nothing was happening at all. We have brought so much more to your world, my brother Mabelode and my sister Xiombarg.

`Who are the others (кто эти остальные)?

`You know them, I think, as the Queen of the Swords and the King of the Swords (думаю, ты знаешь их как Королеву Мечей и Короля Мечей). They each rule five of the other ten planes (каждый из них правит пятью из оставшихся десяти плоскостей). We won them from the Lords of Law a little while ago (мы отвоевали их у Владык Закона совсем недавно).

`And began your destruction of all that is truthful and wise (и вы начали уничтожение всего, что правдиво и разумно).

`If you say so, mortal (как скажешь, смертный).

Corum paused. His understanding was weakening to Arioch's persuasive voice (его понимание ослаблялось убедительным/убеждающим голосом Ариоха). He turned.

`I think you are lying to me, Duke Arioch (думаю, ты лжешь мне, герцог Ариох). There must be more to your ambition than this (у тебя должна быть более серьезное стремление, чем это).

`It is a matter of perspective, Corum (это дело перспективы = это как посмотреть, Корум). We follow our whims (мы следуем нашим капризам). We are powerful now and nothing can harm us (теперь мы могущественны, и ничто не может повредить нам). Why should we be vindictive (зачем нам быть мстительными)?

persuasive [pəˈsweɪsɪv] perspective [pəˈspektɪv] vindictive [vɪnˈdɪktɪv]

`Who are the others?

`You know them, I think, as the Queen of the Swords and the King of the Swords. They each rule five of the other ten planes. We won them from the Lords of Law a little while ago.

`And began your destruction of all that is truthful and wise.

`If you say so, mortal.

Corum paused. His understanding was weakening to Arioch's persuasive voice. He turned.

`I think you are lying to me, Duke Arioch. There must be more to your ambition than this.

`It is a matter of perspective, Corum. We follow our whims. We are powerful now and nothing can harm us. Why should we be vindictive?

`Then you will be destroyed as the Vadhagh were destroyed (тогда вас уничтожат, как уничтожили вадагов). For the same reasons (по тем же причинам).

Arioch shrugged (пожал плечами).

`Perhaps (возможно).

`You have a powerful enemy in Shool of Svi-an-Fanla-Brool (у вас есть могущественный враг в /лице/ Шула с Сви-ан-Фанла-Брул)! You should fear him, I think (думаю, вам стоит опасаться его).

`You know of Shool, then (значит, ты знаешь Шула)? Arioch laughed musically (Ариох рассмеялся мелодично). `Poor Shool (бедный Шул). He schemes and plots and maligns us (он плетет интриги, строит козни и клевещет на нас). He is amusing, is he not (он забавный, не правда ли)?

`He is merely amusing (всего лишь забавный)? Corum was disbelieving (Корум не верил).

`Aye — merely amusing.

scheme [ski:m] malign [məˈlaɪn] amusing [əˈmju:zɪŋ]

`Then you will be destroyed as the Vadhagh were destroyed. For the same reasons.

Arioch shrugged.

`Perhaps.

`You have a powerful enemy in Shool of Svi-an-Fanla-Brool! You should fear him, I think.

`You know of Shool, then? Arioch laughed musically. `Poor Shool. He schemes and plots and maligns us. He is amusing, is he not?

`He is merely amusing? Corum was disbelieving.

`Aye — merely amusing.

`He says you hate him because he is almost as powerful as yourself (он говорит, вы ненавидите его потому, что он почти такой же могущественный, как и вы).

`We hate no one (мы никого не ненавидим).

`I mistrust you, Arioch (я не доверяю тебе, Ариох).

`What mortal does not mistrust a God (какой смертный не не верит богу = разве может смертный верить богу)?

Now they were walking up a spiral ramp that seemed comprised entirely of light (теперь они поднимались по винтообразному пандусу, который, казалось, полностью состоял из света). Arioch paused (Ариох остановился).

`I think we will explore some other part of the palace (думаю, мы осмотрим какую-нибудь другую часть замка). This leads only to a tower (эта ведет всего лишь к башне).

Ahead Corum saw a doorway on which pulsed a sign (впереди Корум увидел дверь, на которой пульсировал знак) — eight arrows arranged around a circle (восемь стрел, расположенных по кругу).

`What is that sign, Arioch (что это за знак, Ариох)?

`He says you hate him because he is almost as powerful as yourself.

`We hate no one.

`I mistrust you, Arioch.

`What mortal does not mistrust a God?

Now they were walking up a spiral ramp that seemed comprised entirely of light. Arioch paused.

`I think we will explore some other part of the palace. This leads only to a tower.

Ahead Corum saw a doorway on which pulsed a sign — eight arrows arranged around a circle.

`What is that sign, Arioch?

`Nothing at all (совсем ничего = ничего особенно). The arms of Chaos (герб = символ Хаоса).

`Then what lies beyond the door (а что находится за дверью)?

`Just a tower (просто башня). Arioch became impatient (Ариох стал нетерпеливым). `Come. There are more interesting sights elsewhere (есть более интересные места; sight — вид, зрелище; достопримечательность).

Reluctantly, Corum followed him back down the ramp (неохотно, Корум последовал за ним обратно вниз по пандусу). He thought he had seen the place where Arioch kept his heart (он подумал/решил, что видел место, где Ариох хранит свое сердце).

For several more hours they wandered through the palace, observing its wonders (еще несколько часов они бродили по замку, рассматривая его чудеса). Here all was light and beauty and there were no sinister sights (везде были свет и красота, и никаких зловещих видов = ничего зловещего). This fact disturbed Corum (это беспокоило Корума). He was sure that Arioch was deceiving him (он был уверен, что Ариох обманывает его).

impatient [ɪmˈpeɪʃ (ə) nt] heart [hɑ:t] deceiving [dɪˈsi:vɪŋ]

`Nothing at all. The arms of Chaos.

`Then what lies beyond the door?

`Just a tower. Arioch became impatient. `Come. There are more interesting sights elsewhere.

Reluctantly, Corum followed him back down the ramp. He thought he had seen the place where Arioch kept his heart.

For several more hours they wandered through the palace, observing its wonders. Here all was light and beauty and there were no sinister sights. This fact disturbed Corum. He was sure that Arioch was deceiving him.

They returned to the hall (они вернулись в зал).

The Mabden lice had vanished (мабдены-вши исчезли). The filth had disappeared (отбросы пропали). In its place was a table laden with food and wine (на их месте был стол, нагруженный пищей и вином). Arioch gestured towards it (Ариох указал на него).

`Will you dine with me, Prince Corum (не отобедаешь ли со мной, принц Корум)?

Corum's grin was sardonic (усмешка Корума была сардонической).

`Before you destroy me (перед тем, как ты уничтожишь меня)?

Arioch laughed (Ариох рассмеялся).

They returned to the hall.

The Mabden lice had vanished. The filth had disappeared. In its place was a table laden with food and wine. Arioch gestured towards it.

`Will you dine with me, Prince Corum?

Corum's grin was sardonic.

`Before you destroy me?

Arioch laughed.

`If you wish to continue your existence a while longer, I have no objection (если желаешь продолжить свое существование немного дольше, я не возражаю). You cannot leave my palace, you see (ты не можешь покинуть мой дворец, видишь ли). And while your naivete continues to entertain me, why should I destroy you (пока твоя наивность продолжает развлекать меня, зачем мне уничтожать тебя)?

`Do you not fear me at all (ты меня совсем не боишься)?

`I fear you not at all (я тебя не боюсь вовсе).

`Do you not fear what I represent (и ты не боишься того, что я представляю)?

`What do you represent (что ты представляешь)?

`Justice (справедливость).

Again Arioch laughed (и вновь Ариох рассмеялся).

naivete [nɑ:ˈi:vteɪ] represent [, reprɪˈzent]

`If you wish to continue your existence a while longer, I have no objection. You cannot leave my palace, you see. And while your naivete continues to entertain me, why should I destroy you?

`Do you not fear me at all?

`I fear you not at all.

`Do you not fear what I represent?

`What do you represent?

`Justice.

Again Arioch laughed.

`Oh, you think so narrowly (ты мыслишь так узко). There is no such thing (нет такой вещи /как справедливость/)!

`It existed when the Lords of Law ruled here (она существовала, когда Владыки Закона правили здесь).

`Everything may exist for a short while — even justice (все может существовать недолго — даже справедливость). But the true state of the universe is anarchy (но истинное состояние вселенной — анархия). It is the mortal's tragedy that he can never accept this (трагедия смертного в том, что он никогда не сможет принять это).

Corum could not reply (Корум не смог ответить). He seated himself at the table and began to eat (он сел за стол и начал есть). Arioch did not eat with him, but sat on the other side of the table and poured himself some wine (Ариох не ел с ним, но сел на другом конце стола и налил себе вина). Corum stopped eating (Корум перестал есть). Arioch smiled (улыбнулся).

anarchy [ˈænəkɪ] tragedy [ˈtræʤɪdɪ]

`Oh, you think so narrowly. There is no such thing!

`It existed when the Lords of Law ruled here.

`Everything may exist for a short while — even justice. But the true state of the universe is anarchy. It is the mortal's tragedy that he can never accept this.

Corum could not reply. He seated himself at the table and began to eat. Arioch did not eat with him, but sat on the other side of the table and poured himself some wine. Corum stopped eating. Arioch smiled.

`Do not fear, Corum (не бойся, Корум). It is not poisoned (не отравлено). Why should I resort to such things as poison (зачем мне прибегать к такой вещи, как яд)?

Corum resumed eating (Корум продолжил есть). When he had finished he said (когда он закончил, то сказал):

`Now I would rest, if I am to be your guest (теперь я бы отдохнул, если я твой гость).

`Ah, Arioch seemed perplexed (Ариох казался озадаченным/сбитым с толку). `Yes — well, sleep, then (да, что ж, спи тогда).

He waved his hand and Corum fell face forward upon the table (он взмахнул рукой, и Корум упал лицом на стол). And slept (и заснул).

poisoned [ˈpɔɪz (ə) nd] resort [rɪˈzɔ:t] guest [ɡest]

`Do not fear, Corum. It is not poisoned. Why should I resort to such things as poison?

Corum resumed eating. When he had finished he said:

`Now I would rest, if I am to be your guest.

`Ah, Arioch seemed perplexed. `Yes — well, sleep, then.

He waved his hand and Corum fell face forward upon the table. And slept.

 

CHAPTER SEVEN (глава седьмая)

The Bane of the Sword Rulers (проклятье Повелителей Мечей)

bane- несчастье, погибель, проклятье

Corum stirred and forced his eyes open (Корум пошевелился и заставил себя открыть глаза). The table had gone (стол исчез). Gone, too, was Arioch (Ариох тоже исчез). The vast hall was in darkness, illuminated only by faint light issuing from a few of the doorways and galleries (громадный зал был /погружен/ во тьму, освещенный лишь слабым светом, исходившим из нескольких дверных проемов и галерей).

He stood up (он встал). Was he dreaming (уж не снилось ли ему /это/)? Or had he dreamed everything that had happened earlier (может, ему приснилось все то, что произошло раньше)? Certainly all the events had had the quality of dreams become reality (конечно, все те события имели черты = были похожи на сны, ставшие реальностью; quality — качество; свойство, характерная черта). But that was true of the entire world now, since he had left the sanity of Castle Erorn so long ago (но это было правдой всего мира теперь, с тех пор, как он покинул благословенный замок Эрорн так давно; sanity — нормальная психика, здравый ум, рассудок).

But where had Duke Arioch gone (но куда пропал герцог Ариох)? Had he left on some mission of the world (может, он отбыл с какой-то великой миссией; mission — делегация; поручение)? Doubtless he had thought his influence over Corum would last longer (несомненно, он думал, что его воздействие на Корума = чары будут длиться дольше). After all, that was why he wished the Vadhagh all destroyed, because he could not understand them (в конце концов, именно поэтому он хотел, чтобы уничтожили всех вадагов, — потому что он не мог их понять), could not predict everything they would do, could not control their minds as he controlled those of the Mabden (не мог предвидеть всего, что они сделают, не мог управлять их разумом, как он управлял разумом мабденов; to predict — предсказывать, пророчить; предвидеть).

entire [ɪnˈtaɪə] influence [ˈɪnfluəns] predict [prɪˈdɪkt]

Corum stirred and forced his eyes open. The table had gone. Gone, too, was Arioch. The vast hall was in darkness, illuminated only by faint light issuing from a few of the doorways and galleries.

He stood up. Was he dreaming? Or had he dreamed everything that had happened earlier? Certainly all the events had had the quality of dreams become reality. But that was true of the entire world now, since he had left the sanity of Castle Erorn so long ago.

But where had Duke Arioch gone? Had he left on some mission of the world? Doubtless he had thought his influence over Corum would last longer. After all, that was why he wished the Vadhagh all destroyed, because he could not understand them, could not predict everything they would do, could not control their minds as he controlled those of the Mabden.

Corum realised suddenly that he now had an opportunity, perhaps his only opportunity (Корум внезапно осознал, что теперь у него есть возможность, может быть, единственная возможность), to try to reach the place where Arioch kept his heart (попытаться добраться до места, где Ариох хранит свое сердце). Then he might escape while Arioch was still away, get back to Shool and reclaim Rhalina (потом он может сбежать, пока Ариох отсутствует, вернуться к Шулу и освободить Ралину; to reclaim — требовать обратно; возвращать себе). Vengeance now no longer motivated him (месть больше не двигала им; to motivate — побуждать, служить мотивом). All he sought was an end to his adventure, peace with the woman he loved, security in the old castle by the sea (все, что он искал — конец своих приключений = он стремился закончить свои приключения, /жить/ в покое с женщиной, которую любит, в безопасном старом замке у моря; to seek — искать; добиваться, стремиться). He ran across the floor of the hall and up the stairway to the gallery with the walls of coruscating marble (он побежал по полу зала, /затем/ вверх по лестнице к галерее со стенами из сверкающего мрамора) until he came to the ramp that seemed made of nothing but light (пока не достиг пандуса, который, казалось, был сделан лишь из света). The light had dimmed to a glow now, but high above was the doorway with the pulsating orange sign (теперь свет потускнел до /слабого/ свечения, но высоко вверху была дверь с пульсирующим оранжевым знаком) — the eight arrows radiating from a central hub — the Sign of Chaos (восемь стрел, расходящихся из центра — Знак Хаоса; hub — ступица /колеса/; центр /событий, внимания и т. д. /).

security [sɪˈkju (ə) rɪtɪ] eight [eɪt] central [ˈsentrəl]

Corum realised suddenly that he now had an opportunity, perhaps his only opportunity, to try to reach the place where Arioch kept his heart. Then he might escape while Arioch was still away, get back to Shool and reclaim Rhalina. Vengeance now no longer motivated him. All he sought was an end to his adventure, peace with the woman he loved, security in the old castle by the sea. He ran across the floor of the hall and up the stairway to the gallery with the walls of coruscating marble until he came to the ramp that seemed made of nothing but light. The light had dimmed to a glow now, but high above was the doorway with the pulsating orange sign — the eight arrows radiating from a central hub — the Sign of Chaos.

Breathing heavily, he ran up the spiral ramp (тяжело дыша, он взбежал по винтообразному пандусу). Up and up he ran, until the rest of the palace lay far below him (он бежал все вверх и вверх, пока остальная часть замка не лежала = не осталась далеко внизу), until he reached the door which dwarfed him (пока он не добрался до двери, рядом с которой он выглядел карликом), until he stopped and looked and wondered, until he knew he'd reached his goal (пока не остановился, посмотрел /на нее/ и удивился, пока не понял, что достиг своей цели). The huge sign pulsed regularly, like a living heart itself (огромный знак пульсировал равномерно, словно живое сердце), and it bathed Corum's face and body and armour in its red-gold light (заливал лицо Корума, его тело и доспехи красно-золотым светом; to bathe — купать/ся/, окунать/ся/; to bathe in — заливать /светом, водой/). Corum pushed at the door, but it was like a mouse pushing at the door of a sarcophagus (Корум толкнул дверь, но это было, как если бы мышь толкала дверь = камень саркофага). He could not move it (он не мог сдвинуть ее).

He needed aid (ему нужна была помощь). He contemplated his left hand — the Hand of Kwll (он задумчиво посмотрел на левую руку — Руку Кулла; to contemplate — разглядывать, созерцать; размышлять). Could he summon help from the dark world (мог ли он призвать = получить помощь из темного мира)? Not without a 'prize' to offer them (не без «награды», чтобы предложить им).

mouse [maus] sarcophagus [sɑ:ˈkɔfəɡəs] contemplated [ˈkɔntəmpleɪtɪd]

Breathing heavily, he ran up the spiral ramp. Up and up he ran, until the rest of the palace lay far below him, until he reached the door which dwarfed him, until he stopped and looked and wondered, until he knew he'd reached his goal. The huge sign pulsed regularly, like a living heart itself, and it bathed Corum's face and body and armour in its red-gold light. Corum pushed at the door, but it was like a mouse pushing at the door of a sarcophagus. He could not move it.

He needed aid. He contemplated his left hand — the Hand of Kwll. Could he summon help from the dark world? Not without a 'prize' to offer them.

But then the Hand of Kwll bunched itself into a fist and began to glow with a light (но тут Рука Кулла сама сжалась в кулак и стала испускать свет; to bunch — образовывать пучки, гроздья; сбивать/ся/ в кучу, скапливаться; to glow — светиться, пылать, гореть) that blinded Corum and made him stretch his arm away as far as it would go, flinging his other arm over his eyes (который ослепил Корума и заставил его вытянуть руку в сторону насколько возможно, закрывая другой рукой глаза; to fling — бросать/ся/, кидать/ся/). He felt the Hand of Kwll rise into the air and then strike at the mighty door (он почувствовал, как Рука Кулла поднялась в воздух и затем нанесла удар по огромной двери; mighty — могущественный; мощный; объемистый, громадный). He heard a sound like the tolling of bells (он услышал звук, похожий на звон колоколов). He heard a crack as if the Earth herself had split (он услышал треск, будто сама Земля раскололась). And then the Hand of Kwll was limp by his side and he opened his eyes and saw that a crack had appeared in the door (затем Рука Кулла упала безвольно /сбоку/, он открыл глаза и увидел, что в двери появилась трещина; limp — мягкий, нежесткий, безвольный). It was a small crack in the bottom of the right corner (это была маленькая трещина внизу правого угла), but it was large enough for Corum to wriggle through (но она была достаточно большой, чтобы Корум пролез через /нее/; to wriggle — извивать/ся/; пробираться ползком).

`Now you are aiding me as I would wish to be aided (теперь ты помогаешь мне так, как я хотел бы /чтобы мне помогали/), he murmured to the hand (прошептал он руке). He got down on his knees and crawled through the crack (он опустился на колени и прополз через трещину).

wriggle [ˈrɪɡ (ə) l] crawled [krɔ:l]

But then the Hand of Kwll bunched itself into a fist and began to glow with a light that blinded Corum and made him stretch his arm away as far as it would go, flinging his other arm over his eyes. He felt the Hand of Kwll rise into the air and then strike at the mighty door. He heard a sound like the tolling of bells. He heard a crack as if the Earth herself had split. And then the Hand of Kwll was limp by his side and he opened his eyes and saw that a crack had appeared in the door. It was a small crack in the bottom of the right corner, but it was large enough for Corum to wriggle through.

`Now you are aiding me as I would wish to be aided, he murmured to the hand. He got down on his knees and crawled through the crack.

Another ramp stretched upwards over a gulf of sparkling emptiness (еще один пандус тянулся вверх над пропастью сверкавшей пустоты; gulf — залив; бездна, пропасть). Strange sounds filled the air, rising and dying, coming close and then falling away (странные звуки наполняли воздух, усиливаясь и затихая, приближаясь, а затем отдаляясь; to fall away — спадать, уменьшаться; чахнуть). There were hints of menace here, hints of beauty (в них были намеки на опасность = незримо присутствовали опасность и красота), hints of death, hints of everlasting life (смерть и вечная жизнь), hints of terror, hints of tranquility (ужас и спокойствие). Corum made to draw his sword and then realised the uselessness of such an action (Корум попытался вытащить меч и тут осознал бесполезность такого действия). He set foot on the ramp and began to climb again (он ступил ногой на пандус и снова принялся подниматься).

menace [ˈmenɪs] tranquility [træŋkˈwɪlɪtɪ]

Another ramp stretched upwards over a gulf of sparkling emptiness. Strange sounds filled the air, rising and dying, coming close and then falling away. There were hints of menace here, hints of beauty, hints of death, hints of everlasting life, hints of terror, hints of tranquility. Corum made to draw his sword and then realised the uselessness of such an action. He set foot on the ramp and began to climb again.

A wind seemed to spring up and his scarlet robe flew out behind him (казалось, поднялся ветер, и его алый плащ развевался позади него). Cool breezes wafted him and hot winds scoured his skin (прохладный ветерок обдувал его, а горячие = жаркие ветра обжигали кожу; to waft — нести/сь/, доносить/ся/ /о звуках, запахах и т. д. /; дуть /о ветре/; to scour — чистить, тереть, отдраивать). He saw faces all around him and many of the faces he thought he recognised (он видел повсюду вокруг лица, и ему показалось, он узнал многие из этих лиц). Some of the faces were huge and some were infinitely tiny (некоторые лица были огромными, другие — бесконечно крохотными). Eyes watched him (глаза следили за ним). Lips grinned (губы ухмылялись). A sorrowful moaning came and went (скорбный стон раздавался и смолкал). A dark cloud engulfed him (темное облако поглотило его). A tinkling as of glass bells ringing filled his ears (звон, словно /звук/ звенящих стеклянных колокольчиков, наполнил его уши). A voice called his name and it echoed and echoed and echoed away forever (какой-то голос назвал его имя, и эхо все повторяло и повторяло его). A rainbow surrounded him, entered him and made his whole body flash with colour (радуга окружила его, проникла в него и заставила все его тело сверкать /разными/ цветами). Steadily he continued his walk up the long ramp (он неуклонно продолжал подъем по длинному пандусу).

scoured [ˈskauəd] infinitely [ˈɪnfɪnɪtlɪ] echoed [ˈekəud]

A wind seemed to spring up and his scarlet robe flew out behind him. Cool breezes wafted him and hot winds scoured his skin. He saw faces all around him and many of the faces he thought he recognised. Some of the faces were huge and some were infinitely tiny. Eyes watched him. Lips grinned. A sorrowful moaning came and went. A dark cloud engulfed him. A tinkling as of glass bells ringing filled his ears. A voice called his name and it echoed and echoed and echoed away forever. A rainbow surrounded him, entered him and made his whole body flash with colour. Steadily he continued his walk up the long ramp.

And now he saw he was coming to a platform that was at the end of the ramp but which hung over the gulf (он увидел, что подходит к помосту, который находится в конце пандуса, но висит над пропастью). There was nothing beyond it (после него = за ним ничего не было).

On the platform was a dais (на помосте было возвышение; dais — помост, возвышение). On the dais was a plinth and on the plinth was something that throbbed and gave forth rays (на возвышении — постамент, а на постаменте находилось что-то, что пульсировало/билось и испускало лучи).

Transfixed by these rays were several Mabden warriors (несколько мабденских воинов /стояли/, парализованные этими лучами; to transfix — пронзать, прокалывать; пригвоздить, приковать к месту). Their bodies were frozen in attitudes of reaching for the source of the rays (их тела были заморожены в положении протягивания к = они застыли, пытаясь достать источник лучей; to freeze), but their eyes moved as they saw Corum approach the dais (но их глаза двинулись, когда они увидели, что Корум приближается к возвышению). Pain was in those eyes, and curiosity, and a warning (в тех глазах были боль, любопытство и предостережение).

Corum stopped (Корум остановился).

source [sɔ:s] dais [ˈdeɪɪs]

And now he saw he was coming to a platform that was at the end of the ramp but which hung over the gulf. There was nothing beyond it.

On the platform was a dais. On the dais was a plinth and on the plinth was something that throbbed and gave forth rays.

Transfixed by these rays were several Mabden warriors. Their bodies were frozen in attitudes of reaching for the source of the rays, but their eyes moved as they saw Corum approach the dais. Pain was in those eyes, and curiosity, and a warning.

Corum stopped.

The thing on the plinth was a deep, soft blue and it was quite small (предмет на постаменте был глубокого приглушенного синего цвета, довольно маленький) and it shone and it looked like a jewel that had been fashioned into the shape of a heart (он светился и был похож на драгоценный камень, ограненный в форме сердца; to fashion — придавать форму). At every pulse, tubes of light shot forth from it (при каждом биении лучи света исходили от него; tube — труба, трубка, тюбик; to shoot forth — пронестись, промелькнуть; пускать).

This could only be the Heart of Arioch (это могло быть лишь сердцем Ариоха).

But it protected itself, as was evident from the frozen warriors surrounding it (но оно защищалось, что было ясно из = судя по замороженным воинам, окружавшим его; evident — явный, очевидный, ясный).

Corum took a pace nearer (Корум сделал шаг ближе = вперед). A beam of light struck his cheek and it tingled (луч света коснулся его щеки, и он почувствовал покалывание). Another pace nearer and two more beams of light hit his body and made it shiver, but he was not frozen (еще один шаг ближе — и еще два луча света коснулись его тела и вызвали дрожь: «заставили его дрожать», но Корум не был заморожен). And now he was past the Mabden warriors (и вот он прошел мимо мабденских воинов). Two more paces and the beams bombarded his whole head and body, but the sensation was only pleasant (еще два шага, и лучи градом осыпали всю его голову и тело, но ощущение было лишь приятным; to bombard — бомбардировать; облучать частицами). He stretched out his right hand to seize the heart (он протянул правую руку, чтобы схватить сердце), but his left hand moved first and the Hand of Kwll gripped the Heart of Arioch (но левая рука двинулась первой, и /вот/ Рука Кулла крепко держала сердце Ариоха; to grip — схватить, сжать; крепко держать/ся/).

evident [ˈevɪd (ə) nt] bombarded [bɔmˈbɑ:dɪd]

The thing on the plinth was a deep, soft blue and it was quite small and it shone and it looked like a jewel that had been fashioned into the shape of a heart. At every pulse, tubes of light shot forth from it.

This could only be the Heart of Arioch.

But it protected itself, as was evident from the frozen warriors surrounding it.

Corum took a pace nearer. A beam of light struck his cheek and it tingled. Another pace nearer and two more beams of light hit his body and made it shiver, but he was not frozen. And now he was past the Mabden warriors. Two more paces and the beams bombarded his whole head and body, but the sensation was only pleasant. He stretched out his right hand to seize the heart, but his left hand moved first and the Hand of Kwll gripped the Heart of Arioch.

`The world seems full of fragments of Gods (кажется, мир полон частей богов), Corum murmured. He turned and saw that the Mabden warriors were no longer frozen (он повернулся и увидел, что мабденские воины больше не были заморожены). They were rubbing at their faces, sheathing their swords (они терли свои лица, вкладывали в ножны мечи).

Corum spoke to the nearest (Корум обратился к ближайшему).

`Why did you seek the Heart of Arioch (зачем ты искал сердце Ариоха)?

`Through no choice of my own (не по своему выбору). A sorcerer sent me, offering me my life in return for stealing the heart from Arioch's palace (один колдун послал меня, предлагая мне мою жизнь в обмен на кражу сердца из дворца Ариоха).

`Was this Shool (это был Шул)?

`Aye — Shool (да, Шул). Prince Shool.

sheathing [ˈʃi:ðɪŋ] palace [ˈpælɪs]

`The world seems full of fragments of Gods, Corum murmured. He turned and saw that the Mabden warriors were no longer frozen. They were rubbing at their faces, sheathing their swords.

Corum spoke to the nearest.

`Why did you seek the Heart of Arioch?

`Through no choice of my own. A sorcerer sent me, offering me my life in return for stealing the heart from Arioch's palace.

`Was this Shool?

`Aye — Shool. Prince Shool.

Corum looked at the others (Корум посмотрел на остальных). They were all nodding (все они кивали).

`Shool sent me (Шул послал меня)! And me!

`And Shool sent me, said Corum. `I had not realised he had tried so many times before (я и понятия не имел, что он пытался /украсть сердце/ так много раз раньше).

`It is a game Arioch plays with him (Ариох играет с ним), murmured one of the Mabden warriors. `I learned that Shool has little power of his own at all (я узнал, что у Шула совсем мало своего собственного могущества). Arioch gives Shool the power he thinks is his own (Ариох дает Шулу силу, которую тот считает своей), for Arioch enjoys the sport of having an enemy with whom he can play (потому что Ариоху нравится развлекаться, имея врага, с которым он может играть). Every action Arioch makes is inspired by nothing but boredom (каждый поступок, который совершает Ариох, продиктован не чем иным, как скукой = совершается лишь от скуки; to inspire — вдохновлять, воодушевлять; стимулировать). And now you have his heart (теперь у тебя его сердце). Plainly he did not expect the game to get so out of hand (очевидно, он не ожидал, что игра так выйдет из-под контроля).

boredom [ˈbɔ:dəm] expect [ɪkˈspekt]

Corum looked at the others. They were all nodding.

`Shool sent me! And me!

`And Shool sent me, said Corum. `I had not realised he had tried so many times before.

`It is a game Arioch plays with him, murmured one of the Mabden warriors. `I learned that Shool has little power of his own at all. Arioch gives Shool the power he thinks is his own, for Arioch enjoys the sport of having an enemy with whom he can play. Every action Arioch makes is inspired by nothing but boredom. And now you have his heart. Plainly he did not expect the game to get so out of hand.

`Aye, Corum agreed (согласился Корум). `It was only Arioch's carelessness that allowed me to reach this place (лишь беспечность Ариоха позволила мне добраться до этого места). Now, I return (теперь я возвращаюсь). I must find a way from the palace before he realises what has happened (я должен найти выход из дворца прежде, чем он поймет, что случилось).

`May we come with you (можно нам пойти с тобой)? the Mabden asked.

Corum nodded.

`But hurry (но торопитесь).

They crept back down the ramp (они прокрались обратно по пандусу).

Half-way down, one of the Mabden screamed, flailed at the air (на полпути назад один из мабденов вскрикнул, /принялся/ бить по воздуху; to flail — молотить; бить, ударять), staggered to the edge of the ramp (пошел, шатаясь к краю пандуса) and went drifting down into the sparkling emptiness (и прыгнул /медленно опускаясь/ в сверкавшую пустоту; to go down — спускаться, понижаться; to drift down — снижаться).

carelessness [ˈkeəlɪsnɪs] edge [eʤ]

`Aye, Corum agreed. `It was only Arioch's carelessness that allowed me to reach this place. Now, I return. I must find a way from the palace before he realises what has happened.

`May we come with you? the Mabden asked.

Corum nodded.

`But hurry.

They crept back down the ramp.

Half-way down, one of the Mabden screamed, flailed at the air, staggered to the edge of the ramp and went drifting down into the sparkling emptiness.

Their pace increased until they reached the tiny crack at the bottom of the huge door and crawled through it, one by one (их шаг ускорился = они пошли быстрее, пока не дошли до маленькой трещины внизу огромной двери и не проползли через нее один за другим).

Down the ramp of light they went (они пошли вниз по пандусу из света). Through the gallery of coruscating marble (через галерею из сверкающего мрамора). Down the stairway into the darkened hall (вниз по лестнице в затемненный зал).

Corum sought the silver door through which he had entered the palace (Корум искал серебряную дверь, через которую вошел во дворец). He made one complete circuit of the hall (он сделал один полный круг = обошел кругом весь зал) and his feet were aching before he realised that the door had vanished (его ноги /начали/ болеть, прежде чем он понял, что дверь исчезла).

The hall was suddenly alive with light again and the vast, fat figure Corum had originally seen was laughing on the floor (зал внезапно осветился, и громадная жирная фигура Ариоха, которую Корум увидел первоначально, засмеялась на полу), lying amidst filth, with the Mabden parasites peering from out of the hair beneath his arms, from his navel, from his ears (лежа среди отбросов, а мабдены-паразиты выглядывали из волос под его руками = из-под рук, с пупка, из ушей).

aching [ˈeɪkɪŋ] originally [əˈrɪʤɪn (ə) lɪ] navel [ˈneɪv (ə) l]

Their pace increased until they reached the tiny crack at the bottom of the huge door and crawled through it, one by one.

Down the ramp of light they went. Through the gallery of coruscating marble. Down the stairway into the darkened hall.

Corum sought the silver door through which he had entered the palace. He made one complete circuit of the hall and his feet were aching before he realised that the door had vanished.

The hall was suddenly alive with light again and the vast, fat figure Corum had originally seen was laughing on the floor, lying amidst filth, with the Mabden parasites peering from out of the hair beneath his arms, from his navel, from his ears.

`Ha, ha! You see, Corum, I am kind (видишь, Корум, я добрый)! I have let you have almost everything you desired of me (я позволил тебе получить почти все, что ты пожелал /получить/ от меня). You even have my heart (у тебя даже мое сердце)! But I cannot let you take it away from me, Corum (но я не могу позволить тебе забрать его у меня, Корум). Without my heart, I could not rule here (без сердца я не могу править здесь). I think I will restore it into this flesh of mine (думаю, я верну его обратно в эту мою плоть).

Corum's shoulders slumped (плечи Корума опустились; to slump — резко падать; горбиться, сутулиться).

`He has tricked us (он обманул нас), he said to his terrified Mabden companions (сказал он своим напуганным мабденским товарищам).

But one Mabden said.

`He has used you, Sir Vadhagh (он использовал тебя, сэр вадаг). He could never have taken his heart himself (он никогда бы сам не достал свое сердце). Did you not know that (разве ты этого не знал)?

`Ha, ha! You see, Corum, I am kind! I have let you have almost everything you desired of me. You even have my heart! But I cannot let you take it away from me, Corum. Without my heart, I could not rule here. I think I will restore it into this flesh of mine.

Corum's shoulders slumped.

`He has tricked us, he said to his terrified Mabden companions.

But one Mabden said.

`He has used you, Sir Vadhagh. He could never have taken his heart himself. Did you not know that?

Arioch laughed and his belly shook and Mabden fell to the floor (Ариох расхохотался, и его брюхо затряслось, а мабдены попадали на пол).

`True (верно)! True! You have done me a service, Prince Corum (ты оказал мне услугу, принц Корум). The heart of each Sword Ruler is kept in a place that is banned to him (сердце каждого Повелителя Мечей хранится в месте, недоступном для него; to ban — налагать запрет, запрещать), so that the others may know that he dwells only in his own domain and may travel to no other (чтобы остальные могли знать = быть уверены, что он пребывает лишь в своих владениях и не может перемещаться ни в какое другое), thus he cannot usurp some rival ruler's power (таким образом, он не может захватить власть какого-нибудь другого соперничающего правителя; to usurp — узурпировать, незаконно захватывать). But you, Corum, with your ancient blood, with your peculiar characteristics (но ты, Корум, с твоим древним происхождением, с твоими особенными чертами; blood — кровь; происхождение, род, родовитость), were able to do that which I am unable to do (сумел сделать то, что я не смог). Now I have my heart and I may extend my domain wherever I choose (теперь у меня есть мое сердце, и я могу расширить свои владения куда пожелаю). Or not, of course, if I choose not to (или не стану, конечно, если не захочу).

`Then I have helped you (значит, я помог тебе), Corum said bitterly (горько сказал Корум), `when I wished to hinder you (когда захотел помешать тебе; to hinder — мешать, препятствовать) …

usurp [ju:ˈzə: p] ancient [ˈeɪŋʃ (ə) nt] hinder [ˈhaɪndə]

Arioch laughed and his belly shook and Mabden fell to the floor.

`True! True! You have done me a service, Prince Corum. The heart of each Sword Ruler is kept in a place that is banned to him, so that the others may know that he dwells only in his own domain and may travel to no other, thus he cannot usurp some rival ruler's power. But you, Corum, with your ancient blood, with your peculiar characteristics, were able to do that which I am unable to do. Now I have my heart and I may extend my domain wherever I choose. Or not, of course, if I choose not to.

`Then I have helped you, Corum said bitterly, `when I wished to hinder you…

Arioch's laughter filled the hall (смех Ариоха заполнил зал).

`Yes. Exactly (именно). A fine joke, eh (прекрасная шутка, а)? Now, give me my heart, little Vadhagh (а теперь, отдай мне мое сердце, маленький вадаг).

Corum pressed his back to the wall and drew his blade (Корум прижался спиной к стене и вытащил клинок). He stood there with the Heart of Arioch in his left hand and his sword in his right (он стоял с сердцем Ариоха в левой руке, /держа/ меч в правой).

`I think I will die first, Arioch (думаю, я прежде умру, Ариох).

`As you please (как пожелаешь).

laughter [ˈlɑ:ftə] sword [sɔ:d]

Arioch's laughter filled the hall.

`Yes. Exactly. A fine joke, eh? Now, give me my heart, little Vadhagh.

Corum pressed his back to the wall and drew his blade. He stood there with the Heart of Arioch in his left hand and his sword in his right.

`I think I will die first, Arioch.

`As you please.

The monstrous hand reached out for Corum (громадная рука потянулась к Коруму). He dodged it (он увернулся от нее). Arioch bellowed with laughter again and plucked two of the Mabden warriors from the floor (Ариох снова громко расхохотался и поднял двух мабденских воинов с пола; to bellow — мычать, реветь, орать; to pluck — собирать, щипать; силой утащить). They screamed and writhed as he drew them towards his great, wet mouth, full of blackened teeth (они кричали и извивались, когда он поднес их к своему огромному рту, полному почерневших зубов). Then he popped them into his maw and Corum heard their bones crunch (затем он бросил их в пасть, и Корум услышал, как хрустят их кости; maw — утроба, брюхо; пасть, глотка). Arioch swallowed and spat out a sword (Ариох проглотил /их/ и выплюнул меч). Then he returned his gaze to Corum (потом снова обратил взор на Корума).

Corum jumped behind a pillar (Корум прыгнул за колонну). Arioch's hand came round it, feeling for him (рука Ариоха шарила вокруг нее, ища его; to come round — обходить, объезжать кругом; to feel for — нащупывать, искать ощупью). Corum ran (Корум побежал).

More laughter and the hall reverberated (снова смех, и зал задрожал; to reverberate — отражаться, отдаваться /о звуке/). The God's mirth was echoed by the uttering voices of his Mabden parasites (радость = смех бога подхватили голоса его мабденов-паразитов; to echo — вторить, подражать; to utter — издавать звук, произносить). A pillar crashed as Arioch struck at it, seeking Corum (колонна разрушилась, когда Ариох ударил по ней, ища Корума).

pillar [ˈpɪlə] reverberated [rɪˈvə: b (ə) reɪt]

The monstrous hand reached out for Corum. He dodged it. Arioch bellowed with laughter again and plucked two of the Mabden warriors from the floor. They screamed and writhed as he drew them towards his great, wet mouth, full of blackened teeth. Then he popped them into his maw and Corum heard their bones crunch. Arioch swallowed and spat out a sword. Then he returned his gaze to Corum.

Corum jumped behind a pillar. Arioch's hand came round it, feeling for him. Corum ran.

More laughter and the hall reverberated. The God's mirth was echoed by the uttering voices of his Mabden parasites. A pillar crashed as Arioch struck at it, seeking Corum.

Corum dashed across the floor of the hall (Корум помчался по полу зала), leaping over the broken bodies of the Mabden who had fallen from the corpulent body of the God (перепрыгивая через разбитые тела мабденов, которые упали с тучного тела бога).

And then Arioch saw him, seized him, and his chuckles subsided (тут Ариох увидел его, схватил, и его хихиканье утихло).

`Give me my heart now.

Corum gasped for breath and freed his two hands from the soft flesh that enclosed him (Корум дышал с трудом/задыхался и высвободил свои руки из мягкой плоти, что окружала его). The giant's great hand was warm and filthy (огромная рука великана была теплой и грязной). The nails were broken (ногти были обломаны).

`Give me my heart, little being (отдай мне мое сердце, малявка).

`No! Corum drove his sword deep into the thumb, but the God did not notice (Корум вогнал меч глубоко в большой палец, но бог не заметил этого).

corpulent [ˈkɔ:pjulənt] thumb [Ɵʌm]

Corum dashed across the floor of the hall, leaping over the broken bodies of the Mabden who had fallen from the corpulent body of the God.

And then Arioch saw him, seized him, and his chuckles subsided.

`Give me my heart now.

Corum gasped for breath and freed his two hands from the soft flesh that enclosed him. The giant's great hand was warm and filthy. The nails were broken.

`Give me my heart, little being.

`No! Corum drove his sword deep into the thumb, but the God did not notice.

Mabden clung to the hair of the chest and watched, their grins blank (мабдены вцепились в волосы на груди и наблюдали с бесцветными/пустыми усмешками).

Corum's ribs were near to breaking, but still he would not release the Heart of Arioch that lay in his left fist (ребра Корума почти сломались = трещали, но он по-прежнему не выпускал сердце Ариоха, которое лежало в его левой руке).

`No matter (неважно), said Arioch, his grip relaxing a trifle (сказал Ариох, ослабляя немного сжатие), `I can absorb both you and the heart at the same time (я могу поглотить и тебя, и сердце; at the same time — одновременно, вместе).

Now Arioch began to carry his great hand towards his open mouth (Ариох начал подносить свою огромную руку к открытому рту; to carry — переносить, перевозить). His breath came out in stinking blasts and Corum choked on it, but still he stabbed and stabbed (его дыхание было зловонным, и Корум задыхался от него, но по-прежнему колол и колол /мечом/; to come out — выходить, появляться; blast — сильный порыв ветра, поток воздуха).

A grin spread over the gigantic lips (усмешка разлилась по гигантским губам). All Corum could see now was that mouth, the scabrous nostrils, the huge eyes (все, что Корум мог теперь видеть, были тот рот, противные ноздри и громадные глаза; scabrous — грубый на ощупь, шершавый; покрытый грязью). The mouth opened wider to swallow him (рот широко открылся, чтобы проглотить его). He struck at the upper lip, staring into the red darkness of the God's throat (он нанес удар по верхней губе, глядя в красную тьму глотки бога).

absorb [əbˈzɔ:b] breath [breƟ] scabrous [ˈskeɪbrəs]

Mabden clung to the hair of the chest and watched, their grins blank.

Corum's ribs were near to breaking, but still he would not release the Heart of Arioch that lay in his left fist.

`No matter, said Arioch, his grip relaxing a trifle, `I can absorb both you and the heart at the same time.

Now Arioch began to carry his great hand towards his open mouth. His breath came out in stinking blasts and Corum choked on it, but still he stabbed and stabbed.

A grin spread over the gigantic lips. All Corum could see now was that mouth, the scabrous nostrils, the huge eyes. The mouth opened wider to swallow him. He struck at the upper lip, staring into the red darkness of the God's throat.

Then his left hand contracted (тут его левая рука сжалась /в кулак/). It squeezed the Heart of Arioch (она сдавила сердце Ариоха). Corum's own strength could not have done it (собственная сила Корума не могла этого сделать), but once again the Hand of Kwll was possessed of a power of its own (но снова Рука Кулла обладала своей собственной силой = ожила). It squeezed.

Arioch's laughter faded (смех Ариоха /постепенно/ утих). The vast eyes widened and a new light filled them (огромные глаза расширились, и новый свет наполнил их). A bellow came from the throat (рев раздался из его горла).

The hand of Kwll squeezed tighter still (тем не менее, Рука Кулла сдавливала /сердце/ сильнее).

Arioch shrieked (Ариох вскрикнул).

The heart began to crumble in the hand (сердце начало крошиться в руке). Rays of a reddish blue light sprang from between Corum's fingers (лучи красновато-синего света проходили между пальцами Корума). Pain flooded up his arm (боль поднялась по его руке).

There was a high whistling sound (раздался высокий свистящий звук).

squeezed [skwi:zd] possessed [pəˈzest] flooded [ˈflʌdɪd]

Then his left hand contracted. It squeezed the Heart of Arioch. Corum's own strength could not have done it, but once again the Hand of Kwll was possessed of a power of its own. It squeezed.

Arioch's laughter faded. The vast eyes widened and a new light filled them. A bellow came from the throat.

The hand of Kwll squeezed tighter still.

Arioch shrieked.

The heart began to crumble in the hand. Rays of a reddish blue light sprang from between Corum's fingers. Pain flooded up his arm.

There was a high whistling sound.

Arioch began to weep (Ариох зарыдал). His grasp on Corum weakened (сжатие Корума ослабло). He staggered backwards (шатаясь, он отступил назад).

`No, mortal (нет, смертный). No… The voice was pathetic (голос был жалостным). `Please, mortal, we can (пожалуйста, смертный, мы можем) …

Corum saw the God's bloated form begin to melt into the air (Корум увидел, как жирная фигура бога начала растворяться в воздухе; to melt — таять, плавиться). The hand that held him began to lose its shape (рука, которая держала его, стала терять форму). And then Corum was falling towards the floor of the hall (потом Корум стал падать на пол зала), the broken pieces of Arioch's heart scattering as he fell (разбитые куски = осколки сердца Ариоха разлетались, пока он падал; to scatter — разбрасывать/ся/, рассеивать/ся/).

He landed with a crash, tried to rise, saw what was left of Arioch's body writhing in the air (он приземлился с грохотом, попытался подняться, увидел, как то, что осталось от тела Ариоха, кружилось в воздухе), heard a mournful sound, and then Corum lost consciousness (услышал печальный/скорбный звук и потом потерял сознание), hearing, as he did so, Arioch's last whispered words (слыша при этом последние прошептанные слова Ариоха).

`Corum of the Vadhagh. You have won the eternal bane of the Sword Rulers (ты навлек на себя вечное проклятие Повелителей Мечей; to win — побеждать, выигрывать; добиваться; bane — смерть, убийство; несчастье, проклятие) …

pathetic [pəˈƟetɪk] mournful [ˈmɔ:nf (ə) l] consciousness [ˈkɔnʃəsnɪs]

Arioch began to weep. His grasp on Corum weakened. He staggered backwards.

`No, mortal. No… The voice was pathetic. `Please, mortal, we can…

Corum saw the God's bloated form begin to melt into the air. The hand that held him began to lose its shape. And then Corum was falling towards the floor of the hall, the broken pieces of Arioch's heart scattering as he fell.

He landed with a crash, tried to rise, saw what was left of Arioch's body writhing in the air, heard a mournful sound, and then Corum lost consciousness, hearing, as he did so, Arioch's last whispered words.

`Corum of the Vadhagh. You have won the eternal bane of the Sword Rulers…

 

CHAPTER EIGHT (глава восьмая)

A Pause in the Struggle (передышка в борьбе)

Corum saw a procession passing him (Корум увидел процессию, проходившую мимо него).

Beings of a hundred different races marched or rode or were carried in that procession (существа сотни различных рас маршировали, либо ехали верхом, либо их несли в той процессии) and he knew that he watched all the mortal races that had ever existed (и он понял, что наблюдает все смертные расы, которые когда-либо существовали) since Law and Chaos had begun their struggle for domination over the multitudinous planes of the Earth (с тех пор, как Закон и Хаос начали борьбу за господство над многочисленными плоскостями Земли).

In the distance, he saw the banners of Law and Chaos raised, side by side (вдали он увидел поднятые знамена Закона и Хаоса, /расположенные/ рядом: «бок о бок»), the one bearing the eight radiating arrows (на одном были восемь расходящихся /из центра/ стрел), the other bearing the single straight arrow of Law (на другом — одна прямая стрела Закона). And over all this hung a huge balance in perfect equilibrium (над всем этим висели огромные весы в совершенном равновесии; balance — весы; равновесие, баланс). In each of the balance's cups were marshalled other beings, not mortal (в каждой чаше весов размещались другие существа, не смертные; to marshal — располагать в определенном порядке, размещать). Corum saw Arioch and the Lords of Chaos in one and he saw the Lords of Law in the other (Корум увидел Ариоха и Владык Хаоса в одной /чаше/, и Владык Закона в другой). And Corum heard a voice which said (Корум услышал голос, который сказал):

procession [prəˈseʃ (ə) n] multitudinous [, mʌltɪˈtju:dɪnəs]

Corum saw a procession passing him.

Beings of a hundred different races marched or rode or were carried in that procession and he knew that he watched all the mortal races that had ever existed since Law and Chaos had begun their struggle for domination over the multitudinous planes of the Earth.

In the distance, he saw the banners of Law and Chaos raised, side by side, the one bearing the eight radiating arrows, the other bearing the single straight arrow of Law. And over all this hung a huge balance in perfect equilibrium. In each of the balance's cups were marshalled other beings, not mortal. Corum saw Arioch and the Lords of Chaos in one and he saw the Lords of Law in the other. And Corum heard a voice which said:

`This is as it should be (так и должно быть). Neither Law nor Chaos must dominate the destinies of the moral planes (ни Закон, ни Хаос не должны властвовать над судьбами смертных плоскостей). There must be equilibrium (должно быть равновесие).

Corum cried out:

`But there is no equilibrium (но равновесия нет). Chaos rules all (всем управляет Хаос)!

The voice replied, saying (голос ответил, сказав):

`The balance sometimes tips (весы иногда наклоняются /в одну сторону/). It must be righted (их необходимо выровнять). And that is the power of mortals, to adjust the balance (во власти = под силу смертным — восстанавливать равновесие; to adjust — приводить в порядок, регулировать).

`How may I do that (как я могу это сделать)?

destiny [ˈdestɪnɪ] equilibrium [, i:kwɪˈlɪbrɪəm] balance [ˈbæləns]

`This is as it should be. Neither Law nor Chaos must dominate the destinies of the moral planes. There must be equilibrium.

Corum cried out:

`But there is no equilibrium. Chaos rules all!

The voice replied, saying:

`The balance sometimes tips. It must be righted. And that is the power of mortals, to adjust the balance.

`How may I do that?

`You have begun the work already (ты уже начал это дело). Now you must continue until it is finished (теперь ты должен продолжать, пока не закончишь). You may perish before it is complete, but some other will follow you (ты можешь погибнуть прежде, чем это закончено, но кто-нибудь другой последует за тобой = продолжит твое дело).

Corum shouted (Корум крикнул):

`I do not want this (я не хочу /делать/ это). I cannot bear such a burden (я не смогу вынести такого бремени/тяжести)!

`YOU MUST (т должен)!

The procession marched on, not seeing Corum, not seeing the two banners flying (процессия продолжила движение, не видя Корума, не видя двух развевающихся знамен), not seeing the Cosmic Balance that hung over them (не видя Космических Весов, что нависали над ними).

complete [kəmˈpli:t] burden [bə: dn]

`You have begun the work already. Now you must continue until it is finished. You may perish before it is complete, but some other will follow you.

Corum shouted:

`I do not want this. I cannot bear such a burden!

`YOU MUST!

The procession marched on, not seeing Corum, not seeing the two banners flying, not seeing the Cosmic Balance that hung over them.

Corum hung in cloudy space and his heart was at peace (Корум парил в облачном = туманном пространстве, и его сердце было спокойным). Shapes began to appear and then he saw that he was back in Arioch's hall (начали появляться очертания /окружающих предметов/, и он увидел, что он снова находится в зале Ариоха). He sought for his sword, but it was gone (он поискал свой меч, но тот пропал; to seek).

`I will return your sword before you leave, Prince Corum of the Vadhagh (я верну твой меч, прежде чем ты уйдешь, принц Корум из /племени/ вадагов).

The voice was level and it was clear (голос был спокойный и ясный).

Corum turned (Корум обернулся).

He drew a sudden breath (он сделал внезапный вдох = в изумлении выдохнул).

`The Giant of Laahr!

The sad, wise face smiled down on him (печальное мудрое лицо /сверху/ улыбнулось ему).

Corum hung in cloudy space and his heart was at peace. Shapes began to appear and then he saw that he was back in Arioch's hall. He sought for his sword, but it was gone.

`I will return your sword before you leave, Prince Corum of the Vadhagh.

The voice was level and it was clear.

Corum turned.

He drew a sudden breath.

`The Giant of Laahr!

The sad, wise face smiled down on him.

`I was called that, when I was in exile (так меня называли, когда я был в изгнании). But now I am no longer exiled and you may address me by my true name (но теперь я больше не в изгнании, и ты можешь обращаться ко мне по моему настоящему имени). I am Lord Arkyn and this is my palace (я — лорд Аркин, а это мой дворец). Arioch has gone (Ариох исчез). Without his heart he cannot assume flesh on these planes (без сердца он не может находиться во плоти в этих плоскостях; to assume — принимать, получать, приобретать). Without flesh, he cannot wield power (без плоти он не может обладать властью). I rule here now, as I ruled before (теперь здесь правлю я, как я правил раньше).

The being's substance was still shadowy, though not as formless as before (очертания существа все еще были неясными, хотя и не такими бесформенными, как раньше; substance — материя, вещество; shadowy — затененный; туманный, неотчетливый).

Lord Arkyn smiled.

`It will take time before I assume my old form (потребуется время, прежде чем я обрету мою прежнюю форму). Only by a great power of will did I enable myself to remain on this plane at all (лишь благодаря огромной силе воли я сумел вообще остаться на этой плоскости). I did not know when I rescued you, Corum, that you would be the cause of my restoration (я не знал, когда спас тебя, Корум, что ты будешь причиной моего восстановления = что благодаря тебе я вернусь). I thank you (благодарю тебя).

rescued [ˈreskju:d] restoration [, restəˈreɪʃ (ə) n]

`I was called that, when I was in exile. But now I am no longer exiled and you may address me by my true name. I am Lord Arkyn and this is my palace. Arioch has gone. Without his heart he cannot assume flesh on these planes. Without flesh, he cannot wield power. I rule here now, as I ruled before.

The being's substance was still shadowy, though not as formless as before.

Lord Arkyn smiled.

`It will take time before I assume my old form. Only by a great power of will did I enable myself to remain on this plane at all. I did not know when I rescued you, Corum, that you would be the cause of my restoration. I thank you.

`I thank you, my lord (я благодарю тебя, мой господин).

`Good breeds good (добро порождает добро; to breed — порождать, вызывать), Lord Arkyn said. `Evil breeds evil (а зло порождает зло).

Corum smiled.

`Sometimes, my lord (иногда, мой господин).

Lord Arkyn chuckled quietly (лорд Аркин тихо засмеялся; to chuckle — хихикать, посмеиваться).

`Aye, you are right — sometimes (да, ты прав — иногда). Well, mortal, I must return you to your own plane (итак, смертный, я должен вернуть тебя в твою плоскость).

`Can you transport me to a particular place, my lord (ты можешь переместить меня в определенное место, мой господин)?

`I can, Prince in the Scarlet Robe.

transport [trænsˈpɔ:t] particular [pəˈtɪkjulə]

`I thank you, my lord.

`Good breeds good, Lord Arkyn said. `Evil breeds evil.

Corum smiled.

`Sometimes, my lord.

Lord Arkyn chuckled quietly.

`Aye, you are right — sometimes. Well, mortal, I must return you to your own plane.

`Can you transport me to a particular place, my lord?

`I can, Prince in the Scarlet Robe.

`Lord Arkyn, you know why I embarked upon this course of mine (ты знаешь, почему я начал свой путь; to embark upon — начинать, предпринимать; course — курс, направление; линия поведения, образ действия). I sought the remnants of the Vadhagh race, my folk (я искал остатки = выживших из моей расы, моего народа). Tell me, are they all gone now (скажи мне, они все погибли)?

Lord Arkyn lowered his head (лорд Аркин опустил голову).

`All, save you (все, кроме тебя).

`And cannot you restore them (разве не можешь ты вернуть их)?

`The Vadhagh were always the mortals I loved most, Prince Corum (вадаги всегда были смертными, которых я любил больше всего, принц Корум). But I have not the power to reverse the very cycle of time (но у меня нет могущества = я не в силах изменить само течение времени; to reverse — переворачивать, давать обратный ход; cycle — цикл; круговой процесс). You are the last of the Vadhagh. And yet (однако) … Lord Arkyn paused. `And yet there might come a moment when the Vadhagh will return (однако может наступить момент, когда вадаги вернутся). But I see nothing clearly and I must speak no more of that (но я не вижу четко, и не должен больше говорить об этом).

remnant [ˈremnənt] cycle [ˈsaɪk (ə) l]

`Lord Arkyn, you know why I embarked upon this course of mine. I sought the remnants of the Vadhagh race, my folk. Tell me, are they all gone now?

Lord Arkyn lowered his head.

`All, save you.

`And cannot you restore them?

`The Vadhagh were always the mortals I loved most, Prince Corum. But I have not the power to reverse the very cycle of time. You are the last of the Vadhagh. And yet… Lord Arkyn paused. `And yet there might come a moment when the Vadhagh will return. But I see nothing clearly and I must speak no more of that.

Corum sighed (Корум вздохнул):

`Well, I must be content (значит, я должен быть доволен/удовлетворен). And what of Shool (а что касается Шула)? Is Rhalina safe (Ралина в безопасности)?

`I think so (думаю, да). My senses are still not capable of seeing all that happens and Shool was a thing of Chaos and is therefore much harder for me to see (мое сознание по-прежнему не способно видеть = я не могу видеть все, что происходит, а Шул был тварью = порождением Хаоса, поэтому мне намного труднее видеть его; sense — чувство, ощущение; senses — разум, сознание). But I believe that Rhalina is in danger (но, полагаю, что Ралина в опасности), though Shool's power has waned with the passing of Arioch (хотя могущество Шула значительно ослабло с уходом Ариоха; to wane — убывать, уменьшаться, ослабевать).

`Then send me, I beg you, to Svi-an-Fanla-Brool, for I love the Margravine (тогда отправь меня, прошу тебя, на Сви-ан-Фанла-Брул, потому что я люблю маркграфиню).

`It is your capacity for love that makes you strong, Prince Corum (именно твоя способность любить делает тебя сильным, принц Корум).

content [kənˈtent] capacity [kəˈpæsɪtɪ]

Corum sighed:

`Well, I must be content. And what of Shool? Is Rhalina safe?

`I think so. My senses are still not capable of seeing all that happens and Shool was a thing of Chaos and is therefore much harder for me to see. But I believe that Rhalina is in danger, though Shool's power has waned with the passing of Arioch.

`Then send me, I beg you, to Svi-an-Fanla-Brool, for I love the Margravine.

`It is your capacity for love that makes you strong, Prince Corum.

`And my capacity for hate (а моя способность ненавидеть)?

`That directs your strength (она направляет твою силу).

Lord Arkyn frowned, as if there was something he could not understand (лорд Аркин нахмурился, словно чего-то не мог понять).

`You are sad in your triumph, Lord Arkyn (ты печален в своей победе = опечален, победив, лорд Аркин)? Are you always sad (ты всегда печален)?

The Lord of Law looked at Corum, almost in surprise.

`I suppose I am still sad, yes (думаю, я все еще печален, да). I mourn for the Vadhagh as you mourn (я оплакиваю вадагов, так же, как и ты). I mourn for the one who was killed by your enemy, Glandyth-a-Krae — the one you called the Brown Man (я оплакиваю того, кого убил твой враг, Гландит-а-Краэ — того, кого ты называл мохнатым человеком).

triumph [ˈtraɪəmf] mourn [mɔ:n]

`And my capacity for hate?

`That directs your strength.

Lord Arkyn frowned, as if there was something he could not understand.

`You are sad in your triumph, Lord Arkyn? Are you always sad?

The Lord of Law looked at Corum, almost in surprise.

`I suppose I am still sad, yes. I mourn for the Vadhagh as you mourn. I mourn for the one who was killed by your enemy, Glandyth-a-Krae — the one you called the Brown Man.

`He was a good creature (он был добрым созданием). Does Glandyth still bring death across the land of Bro-an-Vadhagh (неужели Гландит по-прежнему несет = сеет смерть на земле Бро-ан-Вадаг)?

`He does (да). You will meet him again, I think (думаю, ты снова с ним встретишься).

`And then I will kill him (и тогда я убью его).

`Possibly (возможно).

Lord Arkyn vanished. The palace vanished (дворец исчез).

Sword in hand, Corum stood before the low, twisted door that was the entrance to Shool's dwelling (/держа/ меч в руке, Корум стоял перед низкой перекошенной дверью, которая была входом в жилище Шула). Behind him, in the garden, the plants craned up to drink the rain that fell from a pale sky (позади него, в саду, растения вытягивались, чтобы попить дождя, который падал = шел с бледного неба).

entrance [ˈentrəns] garden [ɡɑ:dn]

`He was a good creature. Does Glandyth still bring death across the land of Bro-an-Vadhagh?

`He does. You will meet him again, I think.

`And then I will kill him.

`Possibly.

Lord Arkyn vanished. The palace vanished.

Sword in hand, Corum stood before the low, twisted door that was the entrance to Shool's dwelling. Behind him, in the garden, the plants craned up to drink the rain that fell from a pale sky.

A peculiar calm hung over the dark and oddly formed building (странная тишина висела над темным, причудливо построенным зданием), but without hesitation Corum plunged into it and began to run down eccentric corridors (но без колебания Корум ворвался в него и побежал по необычным коридорам).

`Rhalina! Rhalina!

The house muffled his shouts no matter how loudly he uttered them (здание глушило его крики, как бы громко он ни кричал).

`Rhalina!

Through the murky dwelling he ran until he heard a whining voice he recognised (он бежал по темному/мрачному жилищу, пока не услышал плаксивый голос, который узнал). Shool!

`Shool! Where are you (где ты)?

building [ˈbɪldɪŋ] hesitation [, hezɪˈteɪʃ (ə) n] murky [ˈmə: kɪ]

A peculiar calm hung over the dark and oddly formed building, but without hesitation Corum plunged into it and began to run down eccentric corridors.

`Rhalina! Rhalina!

The house muffled his shouts no matter how loudly he uttered them.

`Rhalina!

Through the murky dwelling he ran until he heard a whining voice he recognised. Shool!

`Shool! Where are you?

`Prince Shool. I will be given my proper rank (мне дадут надлежащее звание = называйте меня соответственно титулу). You mock me now, my enemies have beaten me (ты насмехаешься надо мной теперь, мои враги победили меня).

Corum entered a room and there was Shool (Корум вошел в комнату, там был Шул). Corum recognised only the eyes (Корум узнал только глаза). The rest was a withered, decrepit thing that lay upon a bed, unable to move (остальное было иссохшей дряхлой массой, которая лежала на кровати, неспособная двигаться).

Shool whimpered (Шул захныкал).

`You, too, come to torment me now that I am conquered (ты тоже пришел мучить меня, теперь, когда я побежден; to conquer — завоевать, покорить). Thus it always is with mighty men brought low (так всегда /происходит/ с униженными могущественными людьми).

`You only rose because it suited Arioch's sense of humour to let you (ты возвысился только потому, что это подходило чувству юмора Ариоха = ради забавы Ариох позволил тебе /возвыситься/).

`Silence (молчать)! I will not be deceived (меня не обманешь; to deceive — обманывать, вводить в заблуждение). Arioch has taken vengeance upon me because I was more powerful than he (Ариох отомстил мне, потому что я был более могуществен, чем он).

decrepit [dɪˈkrepɪt] conquered [ˈkɔŋkəd] deceived [dɪˈsi:vd]

`Prince Shool. I will be given my proper rank. You mock me now, my enemies have beaten me.

Corum entered a room and there was Shool. Corum recognised only the eyes. The rest was a withered, decrepit thing that lay upon a bed, unable to move.

Shool whimpered.

`You, too, come to torment me now that I am conquered. Thus it always is with mighty men brought low.

`You only rose because it suited Arioch's sense of humour to let you.

`Silence! I will not be deceived. Arioch has taken vengeance upon me because I was more powerful than he.

`You borrowed, without knowing it, a fraction of his power (ты взял на время, не зная об этом, часть его могущества). Arioch is gone from the Five Planes, Shool (Ариох исчез из этих Пяти Плоскостей, Шул). You set events in motion which resulted in his banishment (ты вызвал события, которые привели к его изгнанию; to set in motion — пускать в ход; приводить в действие, движение). You wanted his heart so that you might make him your slave (ты хотел его сердце, чтобы сделать его своим рабом). You sent many Mabden to steal it (ты посылал множество мабденов, чтобы украсть его). All failed (все потерпели неудачу). You should not have sent me, Shool, for I did not fail and it resulted in your undoing (тебе не следовало посылать меня, Шул, потому что я не потерпел неудачу = я справился с заданием, и это привело к твоему краху; undoing — уничтожение; гибель; падение).

Shool sobbed and shook his haggard head (Шул всхлипнул и покачал изможденной головой).

`Where is Rhalina, Shool? If she is harmed (если ей причинили вред) …

`You borrowed, without knowing it, a fraction of his power. Arioch is gone from the Five Planes, Shool. You set events in motion which resulted in his banishment. You wanted his heart so that you might make him your slave. You sent many Mabden to steal it. All failed. You should not have sent me, Shool, for I did not fail and it resulted in your undoing.

Shool sobbed and shook his haggard head.

`Where is Rhalina, Shool? If she is harmed…

`Harmed? A hollow laugh from the wizened lips (глухой смех /сорвался/ с высохших губ). `I harm her (я причинил вред ей)? It is she who placed me here (это она загнала меня сюда; to place — помещать, располагать). Take her away from me (держи ее подальше от меня). I know she means to poison me (я знаю, она хочет отравить меня).

`Where is she?

`I gave you gifts (я дал тебе дары). That new hand, that new eye. You would be crippled still if I had not been kind to you (ты до сих пор был бы калекой, если бы я не был добр к тебе). But you will not remember my generosity, I know (но ты не вспомнишь = забудешь мою щедрость, я знаю). You will…

`Your «gifts», Shool, near crippled my soul (твои «дары», Шул, чуть не изуродовали мою душу)! Where is Rhalina?

`Promise you will not hurt me, if I tell you (обещай, что не тронешь меня, если я скажу; to hurt — причинять боль; ранить, ушибить)?

wizened [ˈwɪz (ə) nd] generosity [, ʤenəˈrɔsɪtɪ]

`Harmed? A hollow laugh from the wizened lips. `I harm her? It is she who placed me here. Take her away from me. I know she means to poison me.

`Where is she?

`I gave you gifts. That new hand, that new eye. You would be crippled still if I had not been kind to you. But you will not remember my generosity, I know. You will…

`Your «gifts», Shool, near crippled my soul! Where is Rhalina?

`Promise you will not hurt me, if I tell you?

`Why should I wish to hurt so pathetic a thing as you, Shool (с чего мне желать трогать такую жалкую тварь, как ты, Шул)? Now, tell me (а теперь, скажи мне).

`At the end of the passage is a stair (в конце коридора лестница). At the top of the stair is a room (наверху лестницы комната). She has locked herself in (она заперлась в ней). I would have made her my wife you know (я бы сделал ее = хотел сделать ее своей женой, видишь ли). It would have been magnificent to be the wife of a God (было бы великолепно = как прекрасно быть женой бога). An immortal (бессмертного). But she…

`So you planned to betray me (значит, ты намеревался предать меня)?

`A God may do as he chooses (бог может поступать, как пожелает: «как выбирает»).

Corum left the room, ran down the passage and up the short flight of stairs (Корум вышел из комнаты, побежал по коридору и вверх по короткому лестничному пролету), hammering with the hilt of his sword upon the door (стуча эфесом меча в дверь; to hammer — бить, колотить /молотком, кувалдой/; барабанить).

pathetic [pəˈƟetɪk] magnificent [mæɡˈnɪfɪs (ə) nt]

`Why should I wish to hurt so pathetic a thing as you, Shool? Now, tell me.

`At the end of the passage is a stair. At the top of the stair is a room. She has locked herself in. I would have made her my wife you know. It would have been magnificent to be the wife of a God. An immortal. But she…

`So you planned to betray me?

`A God may do as he chooses.

Corum left the room, ran down the passage and up the short flight of stairs, hammering with the hilt of his sword upon the door.

`Rhalina!

A weary voice came from beyond the door (слабый голос раздался из-за двери).

`So your power has returned, Shool (значит, твоя сила вернулась, Шул). You will not trick me again by disguising yourself as Corum (ты не обманешь меня снова превращением в Корума; to disguise — изменять внешность, облик). Though he be dead, I shall give myself to no other, least of all (даже если он мертв, я не отдамся никому другому; least of all — менее всего, в наименьшей степени) …

`Rhalina! This really is Corum (это действительно Корум = я). Shool can do nothing (Шул не может ничего сделать). The Knight of the Swords has been banished from this plane and with him went Shool's sorcery (Рыцарь Мечей изгнан из этой плоскости, а с ним пропало колдовство Шула).

`Is it true (это правда)?

`Open the door, Rhalina (открой дверь, Ралина).

disguising [dɪsˈɡaɪzɪŋ] sorcery [ˈsɔ:s (ə) rɪ]

`Rhalina!

A weary voice came from beyond the door.

`So your power has returned, Shool. You will not trick me again by disguising yourself as Corum. Though he be dead, I shall give myself to no other, least of all…

`Rhalina! This really is Corum. Shool can do nothing. The Knight of the Swords has been banished from this plane and with him went Shool's sorcery.

`Is it true?

`Open the door, Rhalina.

Cautiously bolts were drawn back and there was Rhalina (осторожно засовы были отодвинуты, и там стояла Ралина). She was tired, she had plainly suffered much, but she was still beautiful (она был уставшей, очевидно, много пережила, но по-прежнему красивой). She looked deeply into Corum's eyes and her face flushed with relief, with love (она глубоко посмотрела Коруму в глаза, и ее лицо наполнилось облегчением и любовью). She fainted (она потеряла сознание).

Corum picked her up and began to carry her down the stairway, along the passage (Корум поднял ее и понес вниз по лестнице, по коридору).

He paused at Shool's room (остановился у комнаты Шула).

The one-time sorcerer was gone (бывший колдун исчез).

Suspecting a trick, Corum hurried to the main door (подозревая подвох, Корум поспешил к главной двери).

Cautiously bolts were drawn back and there was Rhalina. She was tired, she had plainly suffered much, but she was still beautiful. She looked deeply into Corum's eyes and her face flushed with relief, with love. She fainted.

Corum picked her up and began to carry her down the stairway, along the passage.

He paused at Shool's room.

The one-time sorcerer was gone.

Suspecting a trick, Corum hurried to the main door.

Through the rain, along a path between the swaying plants, hurried Shool, his ancient legs barely able to carry him (под дождем, по тропинке между качавшимися растениями торопился Шул, старые ноги едва держали его).

He darted a look back at Corum and chittered with fear (он бросил взгляд назад на Корума и вскрикнул от страха; to chitter — чирикать, кричать /о чайках/). He dived into the bushes (нырнул в кусты).

There was a smacking sound (раздался чмокающий звук; to smack — чмокать губами). A hiss (шипение). A wail (вопль).

Bile rose in Corum's throat (желчь подступила к горлу Корума). Shool's plants were feeding for the last time (растения Шула ели в последний раз). Warily he carried Rhalina along the path (он осторожно понес Ралину по тропинке), tugging himself free from the vines and blooms that sought to hold him and kiss him (освобождая от виноградных лоз и цветков, которые пытались схватить его и поцеловать; to tug — тащить, дергать), and at last he reached the shore (и наконец он добрался до берега).

bush [buʃ] dived [daɪvd] shore [ʃɔ:]

Through the rain, along a path between the swaying plants, hurried Shool, his ancient legs barely able to carry him.

He darted a look back at Corum and chittered with fear. He dived into the bushes.

There was a smacking sound. A hiss. A wail.

Bile rose in Corum's throat. Shool's plants were feeding for the last time. Warily he carried Rhalina along the path, tugging himself free from the vines and blooms that sought to hold him and kiss him, and at last he reached the shore.

A boat was tied up there, a small skiff which, with careful handling, would bear them back to Moidel's Castle (там была привязана лодка, маленький ялик, который, при осторожном обращении, доставит их обратно к замку Мойдел).

The sea was smooth beneath the grey rain that fell upon it (море было спокойным под серым дождем, который падал на него). On the horizon, the sky began to lighten (на горизонте начинало светлеть небо).

Corum placed Rhalina gently in the boat and set sail for Moidel's Mount (Корум осторожно положил Ралину в лодку и поплыл к горе Мойдел; to set sail — отправляться в плавание; ставить паруса).

She woke up several hours later, looked at him, smiled sweetly, then fell asleep again (она проснулась через несколько часов, посмотрела на него, сладко улыбнулась, а потом снова уснула).

Towards nightfall, as the boat sailed steadily homeward (к наступлению ночи, когда лодка неуклонно/размеренно плыла к дому), she came and sat beside him (она подошла и села возле него). He wrapped his scarlet robe around her and said nothing (он обернул свой алый плащ вокруг нее = укутал ее плащом и ничего не сказал).

horizon [həˈraɪzn] steadily [ˈstedɪlɪ] homeward [ˈhəumwəd] wrapped [ræpt]

A boat was tied up there, a small skiff which, with careful handling, would bear them back to Moidel's Castle.

The sea was smooth beneath the grey rain that fell upon it. On the horizon, the sky began to lighten.

Corum placed Rhalina gently in the boat and set sail for Moidel's Mount.

She woke up several hours later, looked at him, smiled sweetly, then fell asleep again.

Towards nightfall, as the boat sailed steadily homeward, she came and sat beside him. He wrapped his scarlet robe around her and said nothing.

As the moon rose, she reached up and kissed him on the cheek (когда взошла луна, Ралина потянулась и поцеловала его в щеку).

`I had not hoped (я не надеялась) … she began. And then she wept for a little while and he comforted her (потом она плакала некоторое время, а он успокаивал ее).

`Corum, she said at length (сказала она наконец), `how has our luck improved so (как наше счастье улучшилось так = почему так все хорошо сложилось)?

And he began to tell her of what had befallen him (и он принялся рассказывать ей о том, что приключилось с ним). He told her of the Ragha-da-Kheta, of the magical kite, of the Flamelands, of Arioch and of Arkyn (он рассказал ей о рага-да-кета, о волшебном воздушном змее, об Огненных землях, об Ариохе и об Аркине).

He told her all, save two things (он рассказал ей все, кроме двух вещей).

As the moon rose, she reached up and kissed him on the cheek.

`I had not hoped… she began. And then she wept for a little while and he comforted her.

`Corum, she said at length, `how has our luck improved so?

And he began to tell her of what had befallen him. He told her of the Ragha-da-Kheta, of the magical kite, of the Flamelands, of Arioch and of Arkyn.

He told her all, save two things.

He did not tell her how he — or the Hand of Kwll — had murdered King Temgol-Lep, who had tried to poison him (он не рассказал ей о том, как он — или Рука Кулла — убил короля Темгол-Лепа, который пытался отравить его), or her countryman Hanafax, who had tried to help him (и о ее соотечественника Ганафакса, который пытался помочь ему).

When he had finished her brow was unclouded and she sighed with her happiness (когда он закончил, выражение ее лица было безоблачным = спокойным, и она вздохнула счастливо; brow — бровь, лоб; вид, выражение лица).

`So we have peace, at last (значит, теперь наконец настал мир). The conflict is over (борьба закончена).

`Peace, if we are lucky, for a little while (мир, если нам повезет, ненадолго).

The sun had begun to rise (солнце начало вставать). He adjusted his course (он выровнял курс).

`You will not leave me again (ты ведь меня не оставишь снова)? Law rules now, surely, and (закон теперь правит, конечно, и) …

brow [brau] unclouded [ʌnˈklaudɪd]

He did not tell her how he — or the Hand of Kwll — had murdered King Temgol-Lep, who had tried to poison him, or her countryman Hanafax, who had tried to help him.

When he had finished her brow was unclouded and she sighed with her happiness.

`So we have peace, at last. The conflict is over.

`Peace, if we are lucky, for a little while.

The sun had begun to rise. He adjusted his course.

`You will not leave me again? Law rules now, surely, and…

`Law rules only upon this plane (закон правит только в этой плоскости). The Lords of Chaos will not be pleased with what has happened here (Владыкам Хаоса не понравится то, что произошло здесь). Arioch's last words to me were that I have incurred the bane of the Sword Rulers (последними словами Ариоха, /обращенными/ ко мне, было то, что я навлек на себя проклятие Повелителей Мечей). And Lord Arkyn knows that much more must be done before Law is once again secure in the Fifteen Planes (лорд Аркин знает, что должно быть сделано значительно больше, прежде чем Закон снова укрепится в Пятнадцати Плоскостях; secure — надежный, прочный, гарантированный). And Glandyth-a-Krae will be heard of again (о Гландите-а-Краэ мы еще услышим).

`You still seek vengeance against him (ты по-прежнему будешь стремиться отомстить ему)?

`No longer (больше нет). He was merely an instrument of Arioch (он был всего лишь орудием Ариоха). But he will not forget his hatred of me, Rhalina (но он не забудет свою ненависть ко мне, Ралина).

The sky cleared and was blue and golden (небо очистилось и было /теперь/ голубым и золотистым). A warm breeze blew (дул теплый бриз; to blow).

secure [sɪˈkjuə] vengeance [ˈvenʤ (ə) ns]

`Law rules only upon this plane. The Lords of Chaos will not be pleased with what has happened here. Arioch's last words to me were that I have incurred the bane of the Sword Rulers. And Lord Arkyn knows that much more must be done before Law is once again secure in the Fifteen Planes. And Glandyth-a-Krae will be heard of again.

`You still seek vengeance against him?

`No longer. He was merely an instrument of Arioch. But he will not forget his hatred of me, Rhalina.

The sky cleared and was blue and golden. A warm breeze blew.

`Are we then, Corum, to have no peace (значит, Корум у нас не будет мира)?

`We shall have some, I think (будет какой-то, я думаю). But it will be merely a pause in the struggle, Rhalina (но это будет лишь передышка в борьбе, Ралина). Let us enjoy that pause while we may (давай наслаждаться этой передышкой, пока можем). We have won that much, at least (по крайней мере, мы выиграли = добились хоть такой).

`Aye. Her tone became merry (ее интонация = голос стал веселым). `And peace and love that are won are more greatly appreciated than if they are merely inherited (мир и любовь завоеванные ценятся намного больше, чем если бы они просто достались даром; to inherit — наследовать, перенимать; получать)!

He held her in his arms (он обнял ее).

The sun was strong in the sky (солнце было ярким в небе). Its rays struck a jewelled hand and a jewelled eye and it made them burn brightly and flash like fire (его лучи падали на украшенную самоцветами руку и глаз, заставляя их пылать ярко и сверкать как огонь).

appreciated [əˈpri:ʃɪeɪtɪd] inherited [ɪnˈherɪtɪd]

`Are we then, Corum, to have no peace?

`We shall have some, I think. But it will be merely a pause in the struggle, Rhalina. Let us enjoy that pause while we may. We have won that much, at least.

`Aye. Her tone became merry. `And peace and love that are won are more greatly appreciated than if they are merely inherited!

He held her in his arms.

The sun was strong in the sky. Its rays struck a jewelled hand and a jewelled eye and it made them burn brightly and flash like fire.

But Rhalina did not see them burning, for she slept again in Corum's arms (но Ралина не видела, как они пылают, потому что она снова спала в руках Корума). Moidel's Mount came in sight (Гора Мойдел показалась; to come in sight — появиться в поле зрения, показаться). Its green slopes were washed by a gentle blue sea (ее зеленые склоны омывались спокойным голубым морем) and the sun shone on its white stone castle (солнце освещало его белый каменный замок). The tide was in, covering the causeway (прилив поднимался, покрывая дамбу).

Corum looked down at Rhalina's sleeping face (Корум посмотрел на лицо спящей Ралины). He smiled and gently stroked her hair (он улыбнулся и нежно погладил ее волосы).

He saw the forest on the mainland (он увидел лес на материке). Nothing threatened (ничего /больше/ не угрожало).

He glanced up at the cloudless sky (он бросил взгляд на безоблачное небо).

He hoped the pause would be a long one (он надеялся, что передышка будет долгой).

covering [ˈkʌv (ə) rɪŋ] threatened [ˈƟretnd]

But Rhalina did not see them burning, for she slept again in Corum's arms. Moidel's Mount came in sight. Its green slopes were washed by a gentle blue sea and the sun shone on its white stone castle. The tide was in, covering the causeway.

Corum looked down at Rhalina's sleeping face. He smiled and gently stroked her hair.

He saw the forest on the mainland. Nothing threatened.

He glanced up at the cloudless sky.

He hoped the pause would be a long one.