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CHAPTER TEN (глава десятая) A Thousand Swords (тысяча мечей)

Winter reached its fiercest (зима достигла своей самой лютой /поры/; fierce — жестокий, лютый). The towers seemed to shake with the force of the gales that raged around them (казалось, башни сотрясались под натиском штормовых ветров, что неистовствовали вокруг них; force — сила, влияние; gale — шторм, сильный ветер /от 7 до 10 баллов/; to rage — бушевать, свирепствовать). The seas smashed against the rocks of Moidel's Mount (волны разбивались о скалы Горы Мойдел; sea — море; волна, волнение) and sometimes the waves seemed to rise higher than the castle itself (а иногда, казалось, валы поднимались выше, чем сам замок).

Days became almost as dark as night (дни стали почти такими же темными, как вечер; night — ночь; вечер). Huge fires were lit in the castle (огромные огни зажигались в замке /в каминах/), but they could not keep out the chill that was everywhere (но они не могли не впускать /в помещения/ холод, который был всюду). Wool and leather and fur had to be worn at all times (шерсть, кожа и мех должны были носиться = приходилось носить постоянно: «во все времена»; to wear) and the inhabitants of the castle lumbered about like bears in their thick garments (обитатели замка неуклюже двигались, словно медведи, в своих толстых одеждах).

fierce [fIqs] leather [`leDq] bear [beq] garments [`gRmqnts]

Winter reached its fiercest. The towers seemed to shake with the force of the gales that raged around them. The seas smashed against the rocks of Moidel's Mount and sometimes the waves seemed to rise higher than the castle itself.

Days became almost as dark as night. Huge fires were lit in the castle, but they could not keep out the chill that was everywhere. Wool and leather and fur had to be worn at all times and the inhabitants of the castle lumbered about like bears in their thick garments.

Yet Corum and Rhalina, a man and a woman of alien species (однако Корум и Ралина, мужчина и женщина, /принадлежащие/ к разным видам; alien — иностранный, чужой, несвойственный), hardly noticed the winter's brawling (почти не замечали, как зима бушует; to brawl — ссориться, скандалить; шуметь, галдеть). They sang songs to each other and wrote simple sonnets (они пели песни друг другу и писали несложные сонеты; to sing; to write) concerning the depth and passion of their love (касавшиеся глубины и страсти их любви). It was a madness that was upon them (безумие охватило их) (if madness is that which denies certain fundamental realities (если безумие — это то, что отвергает неизменные основные реалии)) but it was a pleasant madness, a sweet madness (но это было приятное безумие, сладостное безумие). Yet madness it was (тем не менее, это было безумием).

When the worst of the winter had gone (когда наихудшее = самое холодное /время/ зимы прошло), but before spring elected to show herself (но до того, как весна решила показаться), when there was still snow on the rocks below the castle (когда снег еще лежал на скалах внизу замка) and few birds sang in the grey skies above the bare and distant forests of the mainland (и мало птиц пело в серых небесах над голыми и далекими лесами материка); when the sea had exhausted itself and now washed sullen and dark around the cliffs (когда море выдохлось и теперь плескалось печально и мрачно около утесов; to exhaust — истощать/ся/, исчерпывать/ся/; sullen — печальный, мрачный; гнетущий; dark — темный, мрачный; хмурый), that was when the strange Mabden were seen riding out of the black trees in the late morning (/именно/ тогда были увидены странные мабдены, выезжавшие из-за черных деревьев = леса поздним утром), their breath steaming and their horses stumbling on the icy ground (их дыхание клубилось = изо рта у них шел пар, их лошади спотыкались на обледеневшей земле), their harness and their arms rattling (сбруи и оружие позвякивали).

brawling [`brLlIN] fundamental [, fAndq`mentl] exhausted [Ig`zLstId] icy [`aIsI]

Yet Corum and Rhalina, a man and a woman of alien species, hardly noticed the winter's brawling. They sang songs to each other and wrote simple sonnets concerning the depth and passion of their love. It was a madness that was upon them (if madness is that which denies certain fundamental realities) but it was a pleasant madness, a sweet madness. Yet madness it was.

When the worst of the winter had gone, but before spring elected to show herself, when there was still snow on the rocks below the castle and few birds sang in the grey skies above the bare and distant forests of the mainland; when the sea had exhausted itself and now washed sullen and dark around the cliffs, that was when the strange Mabden were seen riding out of the black trees in the late morning, their breath steaming and their horses stumbling on the icy ground, their harness and their arms rattling.

It was Beldan who saw them first (Белдан увидел их первым) as he went on to the battlements to stretch his legs (когда вышел на зубчатую стену размять свои ноги; battlements — зубчатая стена, стена с бойницами; to stretch legs — разминаться, разминать ноги; to stretch — тянуть/ся/, растягивать/ся/).

Beldan, the youth who had rescued Corum from the sea (Белдан, юноша, который спас Корума из моря), turned and went hastily back into the tower (развернулся и вернулся поспешно в башню) and began to run down the steps until a figure blocked his way laughing at him (побежал вниз по лестнице, пока какая-то фигура не преградила ему путь, смеясь /над ним/).

`The privy is above, Beldan, not below (уединение наверху, Белдан, а не внизу; privy — тайный, скрытый; укромный уголок)!

Beldan drew a breath and spoke slowly (Белдан сделал /глубокий/ вдох и заговорил медленно; to draw; to speak).

`I was on the way to your apartments, Prince Corum (я был на пути = направлялся к твоим покоям, принц Корум). I have seen them from the battlements (я видел их со стен). There is a large force (большое войско; force — сила; войска).

rescued [`reskjHd] hastily [`heIstIlI] privy [`prIvI] apartments [q`pRtmqnts]

It was Beldan who saw them first as he went on to the battlements to stretch his legs.

Beldan, the youth who had rescued Corum from the sea, turned and went hastily back into the tower and began to run down the steps until a figure blocked his way laughing at him.

`The privy is above, Beldan, not below!

Beldan drew a breath and spoke slowly.

`I was on the way to your apartments, Prince Corum. I have seen them from the battlements. There is a large force.

Corum's face clouded and he seemed to be thinking a dozen thoughts at once (лицо Корума помрачнело, казалось, он обдумывал дюжину мыслей сразу; to cloud — покрывать/ся/ облаками, тучами; омрачать/ся/).

`Do you recognise the force (ты узнаешь это войско; to recognise — признавать; опознавать)? Who are they (кто они)? Mabden?

`Mabden, without doubt (мабдены, несомненно: «без сомнения»). I think they might be warriors of the Pony Tribes (думаю, они могут быть воинами = по-моему, это воины племен на пони).

`The folk against whom this Margravate was built (народ, против = для защиты от которого это маркграфство создано)?

`Aye (да). But they have not bothered us for a hundred years (но они не беспокоили нас /уже/ сотню лет).

Corum smiled grimly (Корум улыбнулся мрачно).

`Perhaps we all, in time, succumb to the ignorance that killed the Vadhagh (наверно, мы все со временем становимся жертвами неведения, которое погубило вадагов; to succumb — поддаваться, стать жертвой). Can we defend the castle, Beldan (мы сможем защитить замок, Белдан)?

clouded [`klaudId] dozen [`dAz (q) n] succumb [sq`kAm] ignorance [`Ignqrqns]

Corum's face clouded and he seemed to be thinking a dozen thoughts at once.

`Do you recognise the force? Who are they? Mabden?

`Mabden, without doubt. I think they might be warriors of the Pony Tribes.

`The folk against whom this Margravate was built?

`Aye. But they have not bothered us for a hundred years.

Corum smiled grimly.

`Perhaps we all, in time, succumb to the ignorance that killed the Vadhagh. Can we defend the castle, Beldan?

`If it is a small force, Prince Corum (если это небольшое войско, принц Корум). The Pony Tribes are normally disunited (племена на пони обычно разобщены) and their warriors rarely move in bands of more than twenty or thirty (и их воины редко передвигаются в отрядах более двадцати-тридцати /человек/).

`And do you think it is a small force (ты думаешь, это маленькое войско)?

Beldan shook his head (Белдан покачал головой).

`No, Prince Corum, I fear it is a large one (нет, принц Корум, боюсь, это большое войско).

`You had best alert the warriors (тебе лучше привести в готовность воинов; to alert — привести в состояние готовности, поднять по тревоге; предупредить). What about the bat creatures (как насчет летучих мышей)?

`They sleep in winter (они спят зимой). Nothing will wake them (ничто не разбудит их).

`What are your normal methods of defence (какие ваши обычные способы обороны)?

disunited [, dIsjH`naItId] alert [q`lq: t] defence [dI`fens]

`If it is a small force, Prince Corum. The Pony Tribes are normally disunited and their warriors rarely move in bands of more than twenty or thirty.

`And do you think it is a small force?

Beldan shook his head.

`No, Prince Corum, I fear it is a large one.

`You had best alert the warriors. What about the bat creatures?

`They sleep in winter. Nothing will wake them.

`What are your normal methods of defence?

Beldan bit his lip (Белдан прикусил губу).

`Well (ну)?

`We have none to speak of (у нас нет никаких /способов/, чтобы говорить о = не о чем говорить). It has been so long since we needed to consider such things (это было так давно, когда нам нужно было принимать во внимание = думать о подобных вещах). The Pony Tribes still fear the power of Lywm-an-Esh (племена на пони до сих пор боятся могущества Лиум-ан-Эш) — their fear is even superstitious since the land retreated beyond the horizon (их страх /стал/ даже суеверным, с тех пор как /наша/ земля отступила за горизонт). We relied on that fear (мы полагались на этот страх; to rely).

`Then do your best, Beldan (тогда делай все, что можешь, Белдан; to do one`s best — сделать все от себя зависящее, проявить максимум энергии), and I'll join you shortly, when I've taken a look at these warriors first (а я присоединюсь к тебе вскоре, когда = только взгляну на этих воинов сначала). They may not come in war, for all we know (они, может, идут не в войне = не с воинственными намерениями, кто знает; for all — хотя, несмотря на).

superstitious [, sjHpq`stISqs] horizon [hq`raIz (q) n] relied [rI`laId]

Beldan bit his lip.

`Well?

`We have none to speak of. It has been so long since we needed to consider such things. The Pony Tribes still fear the power of Lywm-an-Esh — their fear is even superstitious since the land retreated beyond the horizon. We relied on that fear.

`Then do your best, Beldan, and I'll join you shortly, when I've taken a look at these warriors first. They may not come in war, for all we know.

Beldan raced away down the steps (Белдан помчался вниз по лестнице) and Corum climbed the tower and opened the door and went out on to the battlements (а Корум поднялся на башню, открыл дверь и вышел на зубчатую стену).

He saw that the tide was beginning to go out (он увидел, что отлив начинается; to go out — выходить; заканчиваться; происходить /об отливе/) and that when it did the natural causeway between the mainland and the castle would be exposed (и что когда он произойдет, естественная дамба/гать между материком и замком обнажится). The sea was grey and chill, the shore was bleak (море было серым и холодным, берег унылым; bleak — открытый всем ветрам, промозглый; унылый). And the warriors were there (и там были воины).

They were shaggy men on shaggy ponies (они были косматыми людьми на косматых лошадках) and they had helmets of iron with visors of brass (у них были шлемы из железа с латунными масками; visor — козырек /фуражки/; забрало /шлема/; маска) beaten into the form of savage and evil faces (выкованными в форме свирепых, злых лиц; to beat — бить, колотить; ковать). They had cloaks of wolfskin or wool (плащи из волчьей шкуры или шерсти), byrnies of iron (кольчуги из железа), jackets of leather (куртки из кожи), trews of blue, red or yellow cloth bound around the feet and up to the knees with thongs (штаны из синей, красной и желтой ткани были перевязаны от ступней и до колен ремнями; to bind — связывать, обвязывать, перевязывать; trews — узкие штаны /одежда шотландских горцев/). They were armed with spears, bows, axes, clubs (они были вооружены копьями, луками, топорами и дубинами). And each man had a sword strapped to the saddle of his pony (у каждого был меч, привязанный ремнем к седлу его лошади). They were all new swords, Corum judged (они все были новыми мечами, решил Корум), for they glinted as if freshly forged (потому что сверкали, словно только что выкованные; to glint — вспыхивать, сверкать; ярко блестеть; to forge — выковывать), even in the dull light of that winter's day (даже в тусклом свете того зимнего дня).

visor [`vaIzq] leather [`leDq] trews [trHz] forged [fLGd]

Beldan raced away down the steps and Corum climbed the tower and opened the door and went out on to the battlements.

He saw that the tide was beginning to go out and that when it did the natural causeway between the mainland and the castle would be exposed. The sea was grey and chill, the shore was bleak. And the warriors were there.

They were shaggy men on shaggy ponies and they had helmets of iron with visors of brass beaten into the form of savage and evil faces. They had cloaks of wolfskin or wool, byrnies of iron, jackets of leather, trews of blue, red or yellow cloth bound around the feet and up to the knees with thongs. They were armed with spears, bows, axes, clubs. And each man had a sword strapped to the saddle of his pony. They were all new swords, Corum judged, for they glinted as if freshly forged, even in the dull light of that winter's day.

There were several ranks of them already on the beach (несколько их рядов уже /выстроилось/ на берегу; rank — ряд, линия; шеренга) and more were trotting from the forest (и еще /всадники/ шли рысью из леса).

Corum drew his sheepskin coat about him with his good hand (Корум запахнул куртку из овечьей шкуры здоровой рукой; sheepskin coat — пальто-дубленка; sheepskin — овчина, тулуп; to draw — тащить, волочить; натягивать) and he kicked thoughtfully at one of the battlement stones (и ударил ногой задумчиво по одному из камней /зубчатой/ стены; to kick — ударять ногой, пинать), as if to reassure himself that the castle was solid (словно чтобы убедиться, что замок прочный; to reassure — заверять, убеждать; solid — твердый; прочный, крепкий).

He looked at the warriors on the beach again (он посмотрел снова на воинов на берегу).

He counted a thousand (насчитал тысячу).

A thousand riders with a thousand new-forged swords (тысяча всадников с тысячей только что выкованных мечей).

He frowned (он нахмурился).

reassure [, rJq`Suq] counted [`kauntId] frowned [fraund]

There were several ranks of them already on the beach and more were trotting from the forest.

Corum drew his sheepskin coat about him with his good hand and he kicked thoughtfully at one of the battlement stones, as if to reassure himself that the castle was solid.

He looked at the warriors on the beach again.

He counted a thousand.

A thousand riders with a thousand new-forged swords.

He frowned.

A thousand helmets of iron were turned towards Moidel's Castle (тысяча шлемов из железа повернулась в сторону замка Мойдел). A thousand brass masks glared at Corum across the water (тысяча латунных масок пристально смотрела на Корума через воду; to glare — ослепительно сверкать; уставляться взглядом /часто злым/, пристально смотреть) as the tide slowly receded and the causeway began to appear below the surface (по мере того, как течение медленно отступало = отлив усиливался, а дамба начинала виднеться под поверхностью /воды/).

Corum shivered (Корум вздрогнул; to shiver — дрожать, трепетать; вздрагивать). A gannet flew low over the silent throng (баклан пролетел низко над безмолвной толпой; throng — толпа, масса, множество) and it shrieked as if in startled terror and climbed high into the clouds (пронзительно крикнул, будто от ужаса, и взмыл высоко в облака; to startle — испугать/ся/; сильно удивить, поразить).

A deep drum began to sound from the forest (низкий барабанный бой зазвучал из леса; deep — глубокий; насыщенный; низкий /о звуке/). The metallic note was measured and slow and it echoed across the water (металлический звук = удары были размеренными и медленными и отголоском /эхо/ разносились над водой).

It seemed that the thousand riders did not come in peace (похоже, тысяча всадников не пришла в мире = войско явилось не с мирными намерениями).

receded [rI`sJdId] surface [`sq: fIs] cloud [klaud] measured [`meZqd] echoed [`ekqud]

A thousand helmets of iron were turned towards Moidel's Castle. A thousand brass masks glared at Corum across the water as the tide slowly receded and the causeway began to appear below the surface.

Corum shivered. A gannet flew low over the silent throng and it shrieked as if in startled terror and climbed high into the clouds.

A deep drum began to sound from the forest. The metallic note was measured and slow and it echoed across the water.

It seemed that the thousand riders did not come in peace.

Beldan came out and joined Corum (Белдан вышел и присоединился к Коруму).

Beldan looked pale (казался бледным).

`I have spoken to the Margravine and I have alerted our warriors (я поговорил с маркграфиней и поднял по тревоге наших воинов; to speak). We have a hundred and fifty able men (у нас сто пятьдесят способных /сражаться/ людей; able — способный, умелый; крепкий, годный). The Margravine is consulting her husband's notes (маркграфиня справляется = просматривает записи мужа). He wrote a treatise on the best way to defend the castle in case of an attack of this kind (он написал трактат о наилучшем способе защиты замка в случае атаки этого вида = подобной атаки). He knew that the Pony Tribes would unite one day, it seems (кажется, он знал, что племена на пони объединятся однажды).

`I wish I had read that treatise (жаль, что я не прочел этот трактат: «я желаю, /чтобы/ я прочел этот трактат»), said Corum. He swallowed a deep breath of the freezing air (он проглотил глубокий вдох = глубоко вдохнул морозный воздух; freezing — замораживающий, охлаждающий; леденящий). `Is there none here with actual experience of war (неужели здесь нет никого с реальным опытом /ведения/ войны)?

treatise [`trJtIs] actual [`xkCuql] experience [Ik`spIqrIqns]

Beldan came out and joined Corum.

Beldan looked pale.

`I have spoken to the Margravine and I have alerted our warriors. We have a hundred and fifty able men. The Margravine is consulting her husband's notes. He wrote a treatise on the best way to defend the castle in case of an attack of this kind. He knew that the Pony Tribes would unite one day, it seems.

`I wish I had read that treatise, said Corum. He swallowed a deep breath of the freezing air. `Is there none here with actual experience of war?

`None, prince (никого, принц).

`Then we must learn rapidly (тогда мы /сами/ должны научиться быстро).

`Aye (да).

There was a noise on the steps within the tower (послышался какой-то шум на лестнице внутри башни) and brightly armoured men came out (и в блестящих доспехах /несколько/ человек вышло; brightly — ярко, блестяще; armoured — бронированный; в доспехах). Each was armed with a bow and many arrows (каждый был вооружен луком и множеством стрел). Each had a helmet on his head (у каждого на голове был шлем) that was made from the curly-spined pink shell of a giant murex (который был сделан из розовой, с изогнутыми шипами раковины гигантского моллюска; curly — вьющийся; изогнутый, скрученный; spine — хребет; игла, колючка, шип; shell — скорлупа; раковина; панцирь; murex — мурекс /игольчатый моллюск/). Each controlled his fear (каждый сдерживал свой страх).

`We will try to parley with them (мы попробуем вступить в переговоры с ними; to parley — вести переговоры, договариваться), murmured Corum (прошептал Корум), `when the causeway is clear (когда дамба обнажится). We will attempt to continue the conversation until the tide comes in again (мы попытаемся продолжать переговоры до тех пор, пока прилив не начнется снова; conversation — разговор, беседа; to come in — входить; прибывать; начинаться /о приливе, погоде и т. д. /). This will give us a few more hours in which to prepare ourselves (это даст нам еще несколько часов, чтобы подготовиться /к обороне/).

armoured [`Rmqd] parley [`pRlI] conversation [, kOnvq`seIS (q) n]

`None, prince.

`Then we must learn rapidly.

`Aye.

There was a noise on the steps within the tower and brightly armoured men came out. Each was armed with a bow and many arrows. Each had a helmet on his head that was made from the curly-spined pink shell of a giant murex. Each controlled his fear.

`We will try to parley with them, murmured Corum, `when the causeway is clear. We will attempt to continue the conversation until the tide comes in again. This will give us a few more hours in which to prepare ourselves.

`They will suspect such a ruse, surely (они заподозрят = распознают подобную хитрость, наверняка; ruse — прием, уловка, хитрость), Beldan said.

Corum nodded and rubbed at his cheek with his stump (Корум кивнул и потер щеку своей культей). `True (верно). But if we — if we lie to them, regarding our strength (но если мы — если мы соврем им относительно нашей численности; strength — сила; прочность; численный состав), perhaps we shall be able to disconcert them a little (возможно, мы сможем смутить их немного; to disconcert — приводить в замешательство; нарушать планы).

Beldan gave a wry smile, but he said nothing (Белдан криво улыбнулся, но ничего не сказал). His eyes began to shine with an odd light (его глаза начали сиять странным светом). Corum thought he recognised it as battle-fever (Корум подумал, /что/ узнал его как = ему показалось, это была нервное возбуждение перед сражением; fever — жар, лихорадка; нервное возбуждение).

`I'll see what the Margravine has learned from her husband's texts (посмотрю, что маркграфиня узнала из записей супруга; text — текст; руководство, учебник), Corum said. `Stay here and watch, Beldan (оставайся здесь и наблюдай, Белдан). Let me know if they begin to move (дай мне знать, когда они начнут двигаться).

suspect [sqs`pekt] wry [raI] fever [`fJvq]

`They will suspect such a ruse, surely, Beldan said.

Corum nodded and rubbed at his cheek with his stump. `True. But if we — if we lie to them, regarding our strength, perhaps we shall be able to disconcert them a little.

Beldan gave a wry smile, but he said nothing. His eyes began to shine with an odd light. Corum thought he recognised it as battle-fever.

`I'll see what the Margravine has learned from her husband's texts, Corum said. `Stay here and watch, Beldan. Let me know if they begin to move.

`That damned drum (этот проклятый барабан)! Beldan pressed his hand to his temple (Белдан прижал руку к виску). `It makes my brains shiver (он заставляет мои мозги дрожать = от него голова раскалывается).

`Try to ignore it (постарайся не замечать его). It is meant to weaken our resolve (он предназначен /для того/, чтобы ослабить нашу решимость).

Corum entered the tower and ran down the steps (Корум вошел в башню и побежал вниз по лестнице) until he came to the floor where he and Rhalina had their apartments (пока не добрался до этажа, где находились покои его и Ралины).

She was seated at a table with manuscripts spread out before her (она сидела за столом с манускриптами, разложенными перед ней). She looked up as he entered and she tried to smile (она подняла глаза, когда он вошел, и попыталась улыбнуться).

`We are paying a price for the gift of love, it seems (похоже, мы платим /высокую/ цену = дорого заплатим за дар любви).

damned [dxmd] apartments [q`pRtmqnts] manuscript [`mxnjuskrIpt]

`That damned drum! Beldan pressed his hand to his temple. `It makes my brains shiver.

`Try to ignore it. It is meant to weaken our resolve.

Corum entered the tower and ran down the steps until he came to the floor where he and Rhalina had their apartments.

She was seated at a table with manuscripts spread out before her. She looked up as he entered and she tried to smile.

`We are paying a price for the gift of love, it seems.

He looked at her in surprise (он посмотрел на нее удивленно).

`That's a Mabden conception, I think (это мабденское представление = так думают только мабдены). I do not understand it (я не понимаю этого) …

`And I am a fool to make so shallow a statement (я глупа, чтобы делать = глупо делать настолько мелкое заявление; shallow — мелкий; пустой, несерьезный). But I wish they had not chosen this time to come against us (я желаю, чтобы они не выбрали это время, чтобы прийти против нас = жаль, что они пришли сейчас, чтобы атаковать замок). They have had a hundred years to choose from (у них была сотня лет, чтобы выбрать /другое время/) …

`What have you learned from your husband's notes (что ты узнала из записей мужа)?

`Where our weakest positions are (где наши самые слабые места). Where our ramparts are best defended (где наши крепостные валы лучше всего защищены). I have already stationed men there (я уже расставила людей там). Cauldrons of lead are being heated (котлы со свинцом нагреваются).

rampart [`rxmpRt] cauldron [`kLldrqn] lead [led]

He looked at her in surprise.

`That's a Mabden conception, I think. I do not understand it…

`And I am a fool to make so shallow a statement. But I wish they had not chosen this time to come against us. They have had a hundred years to choose from…

`What have you learned from your husband's notes?

`Where our weakest positions are. Where our ramparts are best defended. I have already stationed men there. Cauldrons of lead are being heated.

`For what purpose (с какой целью = зачем)?

`You really do know little of war (ты действительно знаешь мало о войне)! she said. `Less than do I (/даже/ меньше, чем я). The molten lead will be poured on the heads of the invaders when they try to storm our walls (расплавленный свинец будет литься на головы атакующих, когда они попытаются штурмовать наши стены; invader — захватчик, оккупант).

Corum shuddered (Корум содрогнулся).

`Must we be so crude (/неужели/ мы должны быть настолько жестокими; crude — сырой, необработанный; грубый, резкий)?

`We are not Vadhagh (мы не вадаги). We are not fighting Nhadragh (мы не воюем с надрагами). I believe you can expect these Mabden to have certain crude battle practices of their own (думаю, ты можешь ожидать = убедился, /что/ эти мабдены имеют свой определенный жестокий военный опыт; practices — практика, тренировка; обычай) …

poured [pLd] invader [In`veIdq] crude [krHd] practices [`prxktIsIz]

`For what purpose?

`You really do know little of war! she said. `Less than do I. The molten lead will be poured on the heads of the invaders when they try to storm our walls.

Corum shuddered.

`Must we be so crude?

`We are not Vadhagh. We are not fighting Nhadragh. I believe you can expect these Mabden to have certain crude battle practices of their own…

`Of course (конечно). I had best cast an eye over the Margrave's manuscripts (мне нужно было бы /хоть/ бегло просмотреть рукописи маркграфа; to cast an eye /over/ — бросить взгляд на, поверхностно изучить). He was evidently a man who understood the realities (он, видимо, был человеком, который понимал реальные /проблемы/; reality — действительность, реальный условия).

`Aye (да), she said softly, handing him a sheet (сказала она тихо, передавая ему лист /бумаги/), `certain kinds of reality, at any rate (определенные = некоторые виды проблем, по меньшей мере).

It was the first time he had heard her offer an opinion of her husband (это был первый раз, /когда/ он услышал, /как/ она высказывает мнение о своем супруге). He stared at her, wanting to ask more (он уставился на нее, желая спросить еще), but she waved a delicate hand (но она /лишь/ махнула изящной рукой).

`You had best read swiftly (тебе бы лучше читать быстро). You will understand the writing easily enough (ты поймешь написанное довольно легко; writing — литературное произведение, письмо, документ; почерк, манера письма). My husband chose to write in the old High Speech we learned from the Vadhagh (мой супруг решил писать на древнем высоком языке, /которому/ мы научились у вадагов).

opinion [q`pInjqn] delicate [`delIkIt] husband [`hAzbqnd]

`Of course. I had best cast an eye over the Margrave's manuscripts. He was evidently a man who understood the realities.

`Aye, she said softly, handing him a sheet, `certain kinds of reality, at any rate.

It was the first time he had heard her offer an opinion of her husband. He stared at her, wanting to ask more, but she waved a delicate hand.

`You had best read swiftly. You will understand the writing easily enough. My husband chose to write in the old High Speech we learned from the Vadhagh.

Corum looked at the writing (Корум посмотрел на рукопись). It was well-formed but without any individual character (она была написана правильно, но без какого-либо индивидуального характера/почерка = не давала представления о писавшем; well-formed — /грамматически/ правильно построенный). It seemed to him that it was a somewhat soulless imitation of Vadhagh writing (ему показалось, что она была бездушным копированием вадагского текста; somewhat — отчасти, до некоторой степени), but it was, as she had said, easy enough to understand (но она была, как Ралина сказала, довольно легкой для понимания).

There was a knock on the main door to their apartments (раздался стук в главную дверь их покоев). While Corum read, Rhalina went to answer it (пока Корум читал, Ралина пошла открывать; to answer a door — открыть дверь /на звонок, стук и т. д. /). A soldier stood there (воин стоял там; soldier — солдат, воин, боец).

`Beldan sent me, Lady Margravine (Белдан послал меня, леди маркграфиня; to send). He asked Prince Corum to join him on the battlements (он просил принца Корума присоединиться к нему = подняться на стену).

Corum put down the sheets of manuscript (Корум положил листы рукописи).

soulless [`squllIs] knock [nOk] soldier [`squlGq]

Corum looked at the writing. It was well-formed but without any individual character. It seemed to him that it was a somewhat soulless imitation of Vadhagh writing, but it was, as she had said, easy enough to understand.

There was a knock on the main door to their apartments. While Corum read, Rhalina went to answer it. A soldier stood there.

`Beldan sent me, Lady Margravine. He asked Prince Corum to join him on the battlements.

Corum put down the sheets of manuscript.

`I will come immediately (я приду тотчас). Rhalina, will you see that my arms and armour are prepared (Ралина, не позаботишься ли ты, чтобы мои оружие и доспехи были готовы = чтобы мне приготовили…; to see — видеть, смотреть; позаботиться /о чем-либо/)?

She nodded (она кивнула). He left (он вышел; to leave).

The causeway was almost clear of water now (дамба почти освободилась от воды = почти обнажилась теперь). Beldan was yelling something across to the warriors on the bank, speaking of a parley (Белдан кричал что-то воинам на берегу, предлагая переговоры; to speak of — говорить о; упоминать).

The drum continued its slow but steady beat (барабан продолжал свой медленный, но постоянный бой).

The warriors did not reply (воины не отвечали).

Beldan turned to Corum (Белдан повернулся к Коруму).

almost [`Llmqust] steady [`stedI] reply [rI`plaI]

`I will come immediately. Rhalina, will you see that my arms and armour are prepared?

She nodded. He left.

The causeway was almost clear of water now. Beldan was yelling something across to the warriors on the bank, speaking of a parley.

The drum continued its slow but steady beat.

The warriors did not reply.

Beldan turned to Corum.

`They might be deaf men for all they'll respond (они, должно быть, глухие, иначе бы ответили; for all — хотя, несмотря на). They seem singularly well-ordered for barbarians (они выглядят необыкновенно хорошо организованными для варваров). I think there is some extra element to this situation that has not revealed itself as yet (думаю, есть некий дополнительный элемент в этой ситуации, который не обнаружился еще = здесь есть что-то еще).

Corum had the same feeling (у Корума было то же ощущение).

`Why did you send for me, Beldan (зачем ты послал за мной, Белдан)?

`I saw something in the trees (я увидел что-то в лесу). A flash of gold (проблеск золота). I am not sure (я нет уверен). Vadhagh eyes are said to be sharper than Mabden eyes (говорят, глаза = зрение вадагов острее, чем зрение мабденов). Tell me, prince, if you can make anything out (скажи мне, принц, можешь ли ты что-нибудь разглядеть). Over there (вон там). He pointed (он указал /рукой/).

Corum's smile was bitter (улыбка Корума была горькой = он горько улыбнулся).

`Two Mabden eyes are better than one Vadhagh (два мабденских глаза лучше, чем один вадагский) …

singularly [`sINgjulqlI] barbarian [bR`beqrIqn] sure [Suq]

`They might be deaf men for all they'll respond. They seem singularly well-ordered for barbarians. I think there is some extra element to this situation that has not revealed itself as yet.

Corum had the same feeling.

`Why did you send for me, Beldan?

`I saw something in the trees. A flash of gold. I am not sure. Vadhagh eyes are said to be sharper than Mabden eyes. Tell me, prince, if you can make anything out. Over there. He pointed.

Corum's smile was bitter.

`Two Mabden eyes are better than one Vadhagh…

But none the less he peered in the direction Beldan indicated (но, тем не менее, он всмотрелся в направлении, /которое/ Белдан указал). Sure enough there was something hidden by the trees (действительно, там было что-то, скрытое за деревьями). He altered the angle of his vision to see if he could make it out more clearly (он изменил угол зрения, чтобы выяснить, нельзя ли разглядеть это более ясно). And then he realised what it was (затем он понял, что это). It was a gold decorated chariot wheel (то было украшенное золотом колесо колесницы).

As he watched, the wheel began to turn (пока он наблюдал, колесо начало вращаться). Horses emerged from the forest (лошади появились из лесу). Four shaggy horses, slightly larger than those ridden by the Pony Tribes (четыре мохнатые лошадки, немного больше, чем /лошадки/, на которых ездили племена на пони), drawing a huge chariot in which stood a tall warrior (тащили огромную колесницу, в которой стоял высокий воин).

Corum recognised the driver of the chariot (Корум узнал возничего). The Mabden was dressed in fur and leather and iron (мабден был одет в меха, кожу и металл) and had a winged helmet and a great beard and held himself proudly (у него был шлем с крыльями и большая борода; он держался гордо).

`It is Earl Glandyth-a-Krae, my enemy (это граф Гландит-а-Краэ, мой враг), said Corum softly (сказал Корум тихо).

decorated [`dekqreItId] winged [wINd] beard [bIqd] proudly [`praudlI]

But none the less he peered in the direction Beldan indicated. Sure enough there was something hidden by the trees. He altered the angle of his vision to see if he could make it out more clearly. And then he realised what it was. It was a gold decorated chariot wheel.

As he watched, the wheel began to turn. Horses emerged from the forest. Four shaggy horses, slightly larger than those ridden by the Pony Tribes, drawing a huge chariot in which stood a tall warrior.

Corum recognised the driver of the chariot. The Mabden was dressed in fur and leather and iron and had a winged helmet and a great beard and held himself proudly.

`It is Earl Glandyth-a-Krae, my enemy, said Corum softly.

Beldan said: `Is that the one who took off your hand and put out your eye (это тот, кто отрубил тебе руку и выколол глаз; to take off — убирать, уносить; ампутировать; to put out — удалять, убирать; выкалывать /глаза/)?

Corum nodded (кивнул).

`Then perhaps it is he who has united the Pony Tribes (тогда, наверное, это он объединил племена на пони) and given them those bright, new swords they carry (дал им те блестящие новые мечи, что они держат; to carry — носить с собой, иметь при себе), and drilled them to the order they now hold (и обучил их строю, который они теперь держат; to drill — обучать /строевой подготовке/; order — строй, построение).

`I think it likely (думаю, это вероятно). I have brought this upon Moidel's Castle, Beldan (я навлек эту /беду/ на замок Мойдел, Белдан; to bring upon).

Beldan shrugged (пожал плечами).

`It would have come (это произошло бы /все равно/). You made our Margravine happy (ты сделал нашу маркграфиню счастливой). I have never known her happy, before, prince (я никогда не знал = не видел ее счастливой раньше, принц).

Beldan said: `Is that the one who took off your hand and put out your eye?

Corum nodded.

`Then perhaps it is he who has united the Pony Tribes and given them those bright, new swords they carry, and drilled them to the order they now hold.

`I think it likely. I have brought this upon Moidel's Castle, Beldan.

Beldan shrugged.

`It would have come. You made our Margravine happy. I have never known her happy, before, prince.

`You Mabden seem to think that happiness must be bought with misery (вы, мабдены, кажется, считаете, что счастье должно быть куплено = за счастье нужно платить страданиями; to buy).

`I suppose we do (думаю, да, /считаем/).

`It is not easy for a Vadhagh to understand that (нелегко вадагу понять это). We believe — believed — that happiness was a natural condition of reasoning beings (мы полагаем — полагали — что счастье — естественное состояние мыслящих/разумных существ).

Now from the forest emerged another twenty chariots (и вот из леса появились еще двадцать колесниц). They arranged themselves behind Glandyth (они выстроились позади Гландита) so that the Earl of Krae was between the silent, masked warriors (так, что граф Краэ оказался между безмолвными воинам в масках) and his own followers, the Denledhyssi (и своей свитой, денледисси; follower — последователь, сторонник).

The drum stopped its beating (барабан прекратил бой).

misery [`mIz (q) rI] Earl [q: l] masked [mRskt]

`You Mabden seem to think that happiness must be bought with misery.

`I suppose we do.

`It is not easy for a Vadhagh to understand that. We believe — believed — that happiness was a natural condition of reasoning beings.

Now from the forest emerged another twenty chariots. They arranged themselves behind Glandyth so that the Earl of Krae was between the silent, masked warriors and his own followers, the Denledhyssi.

The drum stopped its beating.

Corum listened to the tide drawing back (Корум слушал, как течение отходит = как шумит отлив). Now the causeway was completely exposed (теперь дамба полностью обнажилась).

`He must have followed me, learned where I was (он, должно быть, следовал за мной, узнал, где я) and spent the winter recruiting and training those warriors (и провел зиму, вербую и тренируя тех воинов), Corum said.

`But how did he discover your hiding place (но как он обнаружил твое убежище: «потайное место»)? Beldan said.

For answer, the ranks of the Pony Tribes opened and Glandyth drove his chariot down towards the causeway (в качестве ответа, ряды /всадников/ племен на пони раздвинулись, и Гландит повел свою колесницу = подъехал к дамбе). He bent and picked something from the floor of his chariot (он наклонился и взял что-то с пола колесницы), raised it above his head and flung it over the backs of his horses to fall upon the causeway (поднял это над головой и швырнул через спины лошадей /так/, что предмет упал на дамбу; to fling).

Corum shuddered when he recognised it (Корум вздрогнул, когда узнал предмет).

recruiting [rI`krHtIN] floor [flL] above [q`bAv]

Corum listened to the tide drawing back. Now the causeway was completely exposed.

`He must have followed me, learned where I was and spent the winter recruiting and training those warriors, Corum said.

`But how did he discover your hiding place? Beldan said.

For answer, the ranks of the Pony Tribes opened and Glandyth drove his chariot down towards the causeway. He bent and picked something from the floor of his chariot, raised it above his head and flung it over the backs of his horses to fall upon the causeway.

Corum shuddered when he recognised it.

Beldan stiffened and stretched out his hand to grasp the stone of the battlement, lowering his head (Белдан застыл и протянул руку, чтобы схватиться за камни стены, опуская голову; to stiffen — застывать, затвердевать; делать/ся/ негибким).

`Is it the Brown Man, Prince Corum (это мохнатый человек, принц Корум)?

`It is (да).

`The creature was so innocent (существо было таким невинным). So kind (таким добрым). Could not its master save it (разве не мог хозяин спасти его)? They must have tortured it to get the information concerning your whereabouts (они, должно быть, пытали его, чтобы получить сведения о твоем местонахождении = узнать, где ты скрываешься) …

Corum straightened his back (Корум выпрямился: «выпрямил спину»). His voice was soft and cold when he spoke next (его голос был тихим и холодным, когда он произнес следующее):

`I once told your mistress that Glandyth was a disease that must be stopped (я однажды сказал твоей госпоже, что Гландит — болезнь, которая должна быть остановлена; to tell). I should have sought him out sooner, Beldan (мне следовало найти его раньше, Белдан; to seek out).

innocent [`Inqs (q) nt] straightened [`streItnd] disease [dI`zJz]

Beldan stiffened and stretched out his hand to grasp the stone of the battlement, lowering his head.

`Is it the Brown Man, Prince Corum?

`It is.

`The creature was so innocent. So kind. Could not its master save it? They must have tortured it to get the information concerning your whereabouts…

Corum straightened his back. His voice was soft and cold when he spoke next:

`I once told your mistress that Glandyth was a disease that must be stopped. I should have sought him out sooner, Beldan.

`He would have killed you (он бы убил тебя).

`But he would not have killed the Brown Man of Laahr (но он не убил бы мохнатого человека из Лаара). Serwde would still be serving his sad master (Сервд по-прежнему служил бы своему печальному хозяину). I think there is a doom upon me, Beldan (думаю, на мне проклятие, Белдан; doom — рок, судьба; приговор). I think I am meant to be dead and that all those who help me to continue living are doomed also (думаю, я должен умереть, и все те, кто помогает мне продолжать жить = выжить, обречены также; to mean — намереваться; предназначать/ся/). I will go out now and fight Glandyth alone (я выйду сейчас и сражусь в одиночку с Гландитом). Then the castle will be saved (тогда замок будет спасен).

Beldan swallowed and spoke hoarsely (Белдан сглотнул и сказал хрипло).

`We chose to help you (мы решили помочь тебе; to choose — выбирать, решать/ся/). You did not ask for that help (ты не просил об этой помощи). Let us choose when we shall take back that help (позволь нам решить, когда мы должны взять обратно эту помощь = отказаться от помощи).

`No. For if you do, the Margravine and all her people will surely perish (потому что если вы сделаете = поможете мне, маркграфиня и все ее люди непременно погибнут).

continue [kqn`tInjH] swallowed [`swOlqud] hoarsely [`hLslI]

`He would have killed you.

`But he would not have killed the Brown Man of Laahr. Serwde would still be serving his sad master. I think there is a doom upon me, Beldan. I think I am meant to be dead and that all those who help me to continue living are doomed also. I will go out now and fight Glandyth alone. Then the castle will be saved.

Beldan swallowed and spoke hoarsely.

`We chose to help you. You did not ask for that help. Let us choose when we shall take back that help.

`No. For if you do, the Margravine and all her people will surely perish.

`They will perish anyway (они погибнут во всяком случае), Beldan told him.

`Not if I let Glandyth take me (нет, если я позволю Гландиту захватить себя = если сдамся).

`Glandyth must have offered the Pony Tribes this castle as a prize if they would assist him (Гландит, должно быть, предложил племенам на пони этот замок в качестве награды, если они помогут ему), Beldan pointed out (заявил Белдан; to point out — указывать, обращать внимание; выделять).

`They do not care about you (ты им не нужен; to care about — заботиться; беспокоиться, тревожиться). They wish to destroy and loot something that they have hated for centuries (они желают уничтожить и разграбить то, что ненавидели веками). Certainly it is likely that Glandyth would be content with you (конечно, вероятно, что Гландит ограничится тобой; to be content with — довольствоваться) — he would go away (он уйдет) — but he would leave his thousand swords behind (но он оставит тысячу мечей). We must all fight together, Prince Corum (мы должны сражаться все вместе, принц Корум). There is nothing else for it now (больше не на что надеяться).

century [`senCqrI] content [kqn`tent] else [els]

`They will perish anyway, Beldan told him.

`Not if I let Glandyth take me.

`Glandyth must have offered the Pony Tribes this castle as a prize if they would assist him, Beldan pointed out.

`They do not care about you. They wish to destroy and loot something that they have hated for centuries. Certainly it is likely that Glandyth would be content with you — he would go away — but he would leave his thousand swords behind. We must all fight together, Prince Corum. There is nothing else for it now.