"Английский язык с М. Муркоком" - читать интересную книгу автора (Муркок Майкл, Еремин Андрей, Франк Илья)

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 [prq`seS (q) n] multitudinous [, mAltI`tjHdInqs]

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 [`destInI] equilibrium [, JkwI`lIbrIqm] balance [`bxlqns]

`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 [kqm`plJt] burden [bq: 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 [`reskjHd] restoration [, restq`reIS (q) 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 [trxns`pLt] particular [pq`tIkjulq]

`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 [`remnqnt] cycle [`saIk (q) 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 [kqn`tent] capacity [kq`pxsItI]

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 [`traIqmf] mourn [mLn]

`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 [`entrqns] garden [gRdn]

`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 [`bIldIN] hesitation [, hezI`teIS (q) n] murky [`mq: kI]

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 [dI`krepIt] conquered [`kONkqd] deceived [dI`sJvd]

`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 [`wIz (q) nd] generosity [, Genq`rOsItI]

`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 [pq`TetIk] magnificent [mxg`nIfIs (q) 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 [dIs`gaIzIN] sorcery [`sLs (q) rI]

`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 [buS] dived [daIvd] shore [SL]

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 [hq`raIzn] steadily [`stedIlI] homeward [`hqumwqd] wrapped [rxpt]

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 [An`klaudId]

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 [sI`kjuq] vengeance [`venG (q) 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).

`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).

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.