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CHAPTER ELEVEN (глава одиннадцатая) The Summoning (заклятие)

summon — вызывать /в суд/; призывать /волю, силы и т. д. /

Corum returned to his apartments where his arms and his armour had been laid out for him (Корум вернулся в свои покои, где оружие и доспехи были выложены = приготовлены для него). The armour was unfamiliar, consisting of breastplate, backplate, greaves and a kilt (доспехи были непривычными/необычными, состояли из нагрудной и спинной пластин, ножных лат и килта; kilt — килт /короткая юбка в складку или плед вокруг бедер — национальная одежда мужчин в Шотландии/) all made from the pearly blue shells of a sea creature called the anufec (все было сделано из перламутрово-синих раковин морского существа, называемого ануфек), which had once inhabited the waters of the West (которое когда-то населяло воды запада). The shell was stronger than the toughest iron and lighter than any byrnie (раковина была крепче, чем самый крепкий металл, и легче, чем любая кольчуга; tough — крепкий, негнущийся). A great, spined helmet with a jutting peak (большой, шипастый шлем с /одним/ выступающим острием) had, like the helmets of the other warriors of Moidel's Castle, been manufactured from the shell of the giant murex (был, как и шлемы остальных воинов замка Мойдел, изготовлен из раковины гигантского моллюска).

pearly [`pq: lI] toughest [`tAfIst] manufactured [, mxnju`fxkCqd]

Corum returned to his apartments where his arms and his armour had been laid out for him. The armour was unfamiliar, consisting of breastplate, backplate, greaves and a kilt all made from the pearly blue shells of a sea creature called the anufec, which had once inhabited the waters of the West. The shell was stronger than the toughest iron and lighter than any byrnie. A great, spined helmet with a jutting peak had, like the helmets of the other warriors of Moidel's Castle, been manufactured from the shell of the giant murex.

Servants helped Corum don his gear (слуги помогли Коруму надеть доспехи; gear — одежда; вещи, имущество) and they gave him a huge iron broadsword that was so well balanced (и дали ему огромный железный палаш: «широкий клинок», который был так хорошо сбалансирован) that he could hold it in his one good hand (что Корум мог держать его одной здоровой рукой). His shield, which he had them strap to his handless arm (его щит, который ему пристегнули к руке без кисти; to strap — стягивать ремнем; закреплять), was the shell of a massive crab which had once lived, the servants told him (был панцирем = сделан из панциря огромного краба, который когда-то обитал, /как/ слуги сказали ему), in a place far beyond even Lywm-an-Esh and known as the Land of the Distant Sea (в месте далеко за пределами даже Лиум-ан-Эш, известном как Край Дальнего моря). This armour had belonged to the dead Margrave who had inherited it from his ancestors (эти доспехи принадлежали покойному маркграфу, который унаследовал их от своих предков) who had owned it long before it had been considered necessary to establish a Margravate at all (владевших ими задолго до того, как вообще посчитали необходимым основать маркграфство).

Corum called to Rhalina as he was prepared for battle (Корум окликнул Ралину, когда был готов к битве), but although he could see her through the doors dividing the chambers (но, хотя он мог видеть ее через /открытые/ двери, разделявшие комнаты), she did not look up from her papers (она не подняла глаз от своих бумаг). It was the last of the Margrave's manuscripts and it seemed to absorb her more than the others (это была последняя из рукописей маркграфа, и, казалась, /она/ поглотил ее больше, чем остальные).

inherited [In`herItId] ancestor [`xnsqstq] necessary [`nesIs (q) rI]

Servants helped Corum don his gear and they gave him a huge iron broadsword that was so well balanced that he could hold it in his one good hand. His shield, which he had them strap to his handless arm, was the shell of a massive crab which had once lived, the servants told him, in a place far beyond even Lywm-an-Esh and known as the Land of the Distant Sea. This armour had belonged to the dead Margrave who had inherited it from his ancestors who had owned it long before it had been considered necessary to establish a Margravate at all.

Corum called to Rhalina as he was prepared for battle, but although he could see her through the doors dividing the chambers, she did not look up from her papers. It was the last of the Margrave's manuscripts and it seemed to absorb her more than the others.

Corum left to return to the battlements (Корум вышел, чтобы вернуться на стену).

Save for the fact that Glandyth's chariot was now on the approach to the causeway (кроме того /факта/, что колесница Гландита была теперь на подступе к дамбе = у самой дамбы; approach — приближение; подход, подступ), the ranks of the warriors had not shifted (ряды воинов не переместились). The little broken corpse of the Brown Man of Laahr still lay on the causeway (маленький изувеченный труп мохнатого человека из Лаара по-прежнему лежал на дамбе).

The drum had begun to beat again (барабан начал бить снова).

`Why do they not advance (почему они не атакуют; to advance — продвигаться вперед; наступать)? Beldan said, his voice sharp with tension (его голос был резким от напряжения).

`Perhaps for a twofold reason (возможно, /тому/ две причины; twofold — двойной, двойственный; двоякий), Corum replied (ответил Корум). `They are hoping to terrify us and banish the terror in themselves (они надеются запугать нас и прогнать страх в себе = свой страх; to banish — изгонять, прогонять).

corpse [kLps] advance [qd`vRns] twofold [`tHfquld] terrify [`terIfaI]

Corum left to return to the battlements.

Save for the fact that Glandyth's chariot was now on the approach to the causeway, the ranks of the warriors had not shifted. The little broken corpse of the Brown Man of Laahr still lay on the causeway.

The drum had begun to beat again.

`Why do they not advance? Beldan said, his voice sharp with tension.

`Perhaps for a twofold reason, Corum replied. `They are hoping to terrify us and banish the terror in themselves.

`They are terrified of us (/неужели/ они нас боятся)?

`The Pony Tribesmen probably are (племена на пони — возможно). After all, they have, as you told me yourself, lived in superstitious fear of the folk of Lywm-an-Esh for centuries (в конце концов, они, как ты сам говорил мне, жили веками в суеверном страхе перед народом Лиум-ан-Эш). They doubtless suspect we have supernatural means of defence (они, несомненно, полагают, что у нас есть сверхъестественные средства защиты).

Beldan could not restrain an ironic grin (Белдан не смог сдержать иронической усмешки).

`You begin to understand the Mabden at last, Prince Corum (ты начинаешь понимать мабденов наконец, принц Корум). Better than I, it seems (лучше /даже/, чем я, кажется).

Corum gestured towards Glandyth-a-Krae (Корум указал в сторону Гландита-а-Краэ; to gesture — жестикулировать; указывать направление /движения/).

superstitious [, s (j) Hpq`stISqs] defence [dI`fens] ironic [aI`rOnIk] gestured [`GesCqd]

`They are terrified of us?

`The Pony Tribesmen probably are. After all, they have, as you told me yourself, lived in superstitious fear of the folk of Lywm-an-Esh for centuries. They doubtless suspect we have supernatural means of defence.

Beldan could not restrain an ironic grin.

`You begin to understand the Mabden at last, Prince Corum. Better than I, it seems.

Corum gestured towards Glandyth-a-Krae.

`There is the Mabden who gave me my first lesson (вон мабден, который дал мне мой первый урок).

`He seems without fear, at least (он кажется без страха, по крайней мере = уж он точно не боится).

`He does not fear swords, but he fears himself (он не боится мечей, но он боится себя /самого/). Of all Mabden traits, I would say that that was the most destructive (из всех особенностей мабденов, я бы сказал, что эта — самая разрушительная/пагубная; trait — характерная черта, особенность).

Now Glandyth was raising a gauntleted hand (тут Гландит поднял руку в латной рукавице; gauntlet — рукавица; латная рукавица).

Again silence fell (снова тишина воцарилась: «упала»).

`Vadhagh! came the savage voice (прозвучал грубый голос). `Can you see who it is who has come to call on you in the castle of vermin (ты можешь видеть = видишь, кто пришел за тобой в замок паразитов; to call on — посещать, наведываться; обращаться; vermin — паразиты, вредители; сброд)?

Corum did not reply (не ответил). Hidden by a battlement, he watched as Glandyth scanned the ramparts, seeking him out (укрытый стеной, он наблюдал, как Гландит рассматривает крепостной вал, разыскивая его).

gauntleted [`gLntlItId] savage [`sxvIG] vermin [`vq: mIn]

`There is the Mabden who gave me my first lesson.

`He seems without fear, at least.

`He does not fear swords, but he fears himself. Of all Mabden traits, I would say that that was the most destructive.

Now Glandyth was raising a gauntleted hand.

Again silence fell.

`Vadhagh! came the savage voice. `Can you see who it is who has come to call on you in the castle of vermin?

Corum did not reply. Hidden by a battlement, he watched as Glandyth scanned the ramparts, seeking him out.

`Vadhagh! Are you there (ты там)?

Beldan looked questioningly at Corum who continued to remain silent (посмотрел вопросительно на Корума, который продолжал хранить молчание).

`Vadhagh! You see we have destroyed your demon familiar (видишь, мы убили твоего демона-хранителя; familiar — дух, хранитель /оберегающий человека/)! Now we are going to destroy you (теперь мы собираемся убить тебя) — and those most despicable of Mabden who have given you shelter (и тех /очень/ презренных мабденов, что дали тебе убежище). Vadhagh! Speak!

Corum murmured to Beldan (Корум прошептал Белдану).

`We must stretch this pause as far as it will go (мы должны растянуть эту паузу как можно дольше; as far as it will go — до предела; до отказа). Every second brings the tide back to cover our causeway (каждая секунда приносит прилив назад, чтобы покрыть нашу дамбу = с каждой секундой приближается прилив…).

familiar [fq`mIlIq] despicable [`despIkqbl] cover [`kAvq]

`Vadhagh! Are you there?

Beldan looked questioningly at Corum who continued to remain silent.

`Vadhagh! You see we have destroyed your demon familiar! Now we are going to destroy you — and those most despicable of Mabden who have given you shelter. Vadhagh! Speak!

Corum murmured to Beldan.

`We must stretch this pause as far as it will go. Every second brings the tide back to cover our causeway.

`They will strike soon (они атакуют скоро), Beldan said. `Well before the tide returns (задолго до того, как прилив вернется).

`Vadhagh! Oh, you are the most cowardly of a cowardly race (ты самый трусливый из трусливого народа)!

Corum now saw Glandyth begin to turn his head back towards his men (Корум теперь увидел, что Гландит начал поворачивать голову назад = повернулся к своим людям), as if to give the order to attack (как будто чтобы отдать приказ атаковать). He emerged from his cover and raised his voice (он вышел из своего укрытия и окликнул /Гландита/; to raise one`s voice — возвышать, поднимать голос).

His speech, even in cold anger, was liquid music compared with Glandyth's rasping tones (его речь, даже в холодном гневе, была мелодичной музыкой по сравнению со скрипучим голосом Гландита; liquid — жидкий, текучий; мелодичный, плавный; rasping — режущий, скрежещущий; tone — тон, звук; интонация).

`Here I am, Glandyth-a-Krae, most wretched and pitiable of Mabden (вот и я, Гландит-а-Краэ, самый жалкий и ничтожный из мабденов)!

Disconcerted, Glandyth turned his head back (в замешательстве, Гландит обернулся). Then he burst into raucous laughter (затем он разразился хриплым смехом).

cowardly [`kauqdlI] liquid [`lIkwId] wretched [`reCId] pitiable [`pItIqbl] raucous [`rLkqs]

`They will strike soon, Beldan said. `Well before the tide returns.

`Vadhagh! Oh, you are the most cowardly of a cowardly race!

Corum now saw Glandyth begin to turn his head back towards his men, as if to give the order to attack. He emerged from his cover and raised his voice.

His speech, even in cold anger, was liquid music compared with Glandyth's rasping tones.

`Here I am, Glandyth-a-Krae, most wretched and pitiable of Mabden!

Disconcerted, Glandyth turned his head back. Then he burst into raucous laughter.

`I am not the wretch (я не жалкий; wretch — несчастный, жалкий человек)! He reached inside his furs and drew something out that was on a string round his neck (он сунул /руку/ под меха = за пазуху и вытащил что-то, что было = висело на веревке вокруг его шеи; to reach — протягивать; доставать; проникать). `Would you come and fetch this back from me (может быть, ты придешь = спустишься и заберешь это обратно у меня; to fetch — приносить, доставать)?

Corum felt bile come when he saw what Glandyth ported (Корум почувствовал, как желчь подступила /к горлу/, когда увидел, что Гландит держит; to port — переносить; porter — носильщик; грузчик). It was Corum's own mummified hand (это была мумифицированная/высохшая рука Корума), still bearing the ring that his sister had given him (по-прежнему носившая кольцо, которое его сестра подарила ему).

`And look (а /вот/, посмотри)! Glandyth took a small leather bag from his furs and waved it at Corum (Гландит достал маленький кожаный мешочек из мехов = из-за пазухи и помахал им Коруму). `I have also saved your eye (я также сохранил твой глаз)!

Corum controlled his hatred and his nausea and called (сдержал свою ненависть и тошноту и крикнул):

`You may have the rest, Glandyth, if you will turn back your horde and depart from Moidel's Castle in peace (ты можешь получить остальные /части моего тела/, Гландит, если развернешь свою орду и покинешь замок Мойдел в мире = мирно; horde — орда; полчище, банда; to depart — отправляться; уходить, покидать).

mummified [`mAmIfaId] nausea [`nLzIq] horde [hLd]

`I am not the wretch! He reached inside his furs and drew something out that was on a string round his neck. `Would you come and fetch this back from me?

Corum felt bile come when he saw what Glandyth ported. It was Corum's own mummified hand, still bearing the ring that his sister had given him.

`And look! Glandyth took a small leather bag from his furs and waved it at Corum. `I have also saved your eye!

Corum controlled his hatred and his nausea and called:

`You may have the rest, Glandyth, if you will turn back your horde and depart from Moidel's Castle in peace.

Glandyth flung his chin towards the sky and roared with laughter (Гландит задрал подбородок к небу и расхохотался; to fling — бросать/ся/, кидать/ся/; совершать резкие движения; to roar with laughter — хохотать во все горло; покатываться со смеху).

`Oh, no, Vadhagh! They would not let me rob them of a fight — let alone their prize (они не позволят мне лишить их боя — не говоря уже об их награде/добыче). They have waited many months for this (они ждали этого много месяцев). They are going to slay all their ancient enemies (они собираются убить всех своих старых/заклятых врагов). And I am going to slay you (а я собираюсь убить тебя). I had planned to spend the winter in the comfort of Lyr-a-Brode's court (я запланировал провести зиму в уюте при дворе Лир-а-Брода). Instead I have had to camp in skin tents with our friends here (вместо этого мне пришлось встать здесь лагерем в палатках из кож со своими друзьями). I intend to slay you quickly, Vadhagh, I promise you (я намерен убить тебя быстро, вадаг, обещаю тебе). I have no more time to spend on a crippled piece of offal, such as yourself (у меня нет больше времени /чтобы тратить/ на покалеченный кусок падали = на всякую падаль, вроде тебя; offal — требуха; падаль, мертвечина). He laughed again (он снова засмеялся). `Who is the half-thing now (ну и кто теперь получеловек)?

ancient [`eInS (q) nt] court [kLt] promise [`prOmIs]

Glandyth flung his chin towards the sky and roared with laughter.

`Oh, no, Vadhagh! They would not let me rob them of a fight — let alone their prize. They have waited many months for this. They are going to slay all their ancient enemies. And I am going to slay you. I had planned to spend the winter in the comfort of Lyr-a-Brode's court. Instead I have had to camp in skin tents with our friends here. I intend to slay you quickly, Vadhagh, I promise you. I have no more time to spend on a crippled piece of offal, such as yourself. He laughed again. `Who is the half-thing now?

`Then you would not be afraid to fight me alone (тогда ты не побоишься сразиться со мной в одиночку), Corum called. `You could do battle on this causeway with me and doubtless kill me very quickly (ты можешь сразишься на этой дамбе со мной и, безусловно, убить меня очень быстро). Then you could leave the castle to your friends and return to your own land the faster (потом ты можешь оставить замок своим друзьям и быстрее вернуться в свою землю).

Glandyth frowned, debating this with himself (Гландит нахмурился, обдумывая это: «споря с собой»; to debate with oneself — обдумывать, убеждать самого себя).

`Why should you sacrifice your life a little earlier than you need to (зачем тебе жертвовать своей жизнью немного раньше, чем нужно)?

`I am tired of living as a cripple (я устал жить калекой). I am tired of fearing you and your men (я устал бояться тебя и твоих людей).

quickly [`kwIklI] frowned [fraund] sacrifice [`sxkrIfaIs]

`Then you would not be afraid to fight me alone, Corum called. `You could do battle on this causeway with me and doubtless kill me very quickly. Then you could leave the castle to your friends and return to your own land the faster.

Glandyth frowned, debating this with himself.

`Why should you sacrifice your life a little earlier than you need to?

`I am tired of living as a cripple. I am tired of fearing you and your men.

Glandyth was not convinced (не был уверен). Corum was trying to buy time with his talk and his suggestion (Корум пытался оттянуть/выиграть время своим разговором и предложением), but on the other hand it did not matter to Glandyth how much trouble the Pony Tribesmen would be forced (но, с другой стороны, Гландиту было неважно, сколько усилий потребуется приложить варварам на пони; trouble — беспокойство, волнение; усилие, хлопоты; tribesman — член племени, рода, сородич; to force — заставлять, вынуждать) to go to to take the castle after he had killed Corum (чтобы взять замок, после того как он убьет Корума; to go to — расходоваться, тратиться /на что-либо/).

Eventually he nodded, shouting back (в конце концов он кивнул, крича обратно = в ответ):

`Very well, Vadhagh, come down to the causeway (хорошо, вадаг, спускайся на дамбу). I will tell my men to stand off until we have had our fight (я прикажу моим людям держаться подальше, пока мы не /закончим/ бой; to stand off — держаться на расстоянии от). If you kill me, I will have my charioteers leave the battle to the others (если убьешь меня, мои колесницы оставят битву остальным = покинут поле боя, а остальные) …

`I do not believe that part of your bargain (я не верю этой части твоей сделки = этим твоим словам), Corum replied. `I am not interested in it, either (мне не интересна она также = все равно, что будет потом). I will come down (я спущусь).

convinced [kqn`vInst] bargain [`bRgIn] either [`aIDq]

Glandyth was not convinced. Corum was trying to buy time with his talk and his suggestion, but on the other hand it did not matter to Glandyth how much trouble the Pony Tribesmen would be forced to go to to take the castle after he had killed Corum.

Eventually he nodded, shouting back:

`Very well, Vadhagh, come down to the causeway. I will tell my men to stand off until we have had our fight. If you kill me, I will have my charioteers leave the battle to the others…

`I do not believe that part of your bargain, Corum replied. `I am not interested in it, either. I will come down.

Corum took his time descending the steps (Корум не спешил, спускаясь по лестнице/ступеням; to take time — требовать времени; дать себе достаточно времени, мешкать, копаться). He did not want to die at Glandyth's hand and he knew that if Glandyth did, by some luck, fall to him (он не хотел умирать от руки Гландита и знал, что если тот, волею судьбы, погибнет от его /руки/; luck — судьба, случай; удача; to fall — падать; пасть, сдаваться; гибнуть; to fall a victim to — пасть жертвой), the Earl of Krae's men would swiftly leap to their master's assistance (люди графа поспешно = сразу кинутся своему хозяину на помощь; to leap — прыгать; бросаться делать что-либо). All he hoped for was to gain a few hours for the defenders (все, на что он надеялся, — выиграть несколько часов для защитников /замка/; to gain time — выигрывать время).

Rhalina met him outside their apartments (Ралина встретила его снаружи их покоев = в коридоре).

`Where go you, Corum (куда ты идешь, Корум)?

`I go to fight Glandyth and most probably to die (я иду сразиться с Гландитом и, скорее всего, умереть), he said. `I shall die loving you, Rhalina (я умру, любя тебя, Ралина).

Her face was a mask of horror (ее лицо было маской ужаса = на лице застыл ужас).

`Corum! No!

descending [dI`sendIN] assistance [q`sIst (q) ns] die [daI]

Corum took his time descending the steps. He did not want to die at Glandyth's hand and he knew that if Glandyth did, by some luck, fall to him, the Earl of Krae's men would swiftly leap to their master's assistance. All he hoped for was to gain a few hours for the defenders.

Rhalina met him outside their apartments.

`Where go you, Corum?

`I go to fight Glandyth and most probably to die, he said. `I shall die loving you, Rhalina.

Her face was a mask of horror.

`Corum! No!

`It is necessary, if this castle is to have a chance of withstanding those warriors (это необходимо, если = чтобы у этого замка была возможность выдержать /натиск/ тех воинов; to withstand — устоять, выдержать; противостоять).

`No, Corum! There may be a way to get help (возможно, /у нас/ есть способ получить помощь). My husband speaks of it in his treatise (мой муж говорит об этом в своем трактате). A last resort (последнее средство).

`What help?

`He is vague on that score (он смутно /пишет/ на этот счет; vague — неопределенный, нечеткий). It is something passed on to him by his forefathers (что-то, /что/ передано ему праотцами; to pass on to — передавать кому-либо, перекладывать на кого-либо). A summoning (заклятие). Sorcery, Corum (колдовство, Корум).

Corum smiled sadly (Корум улыбнулся печально).

`There is no such thing as sorcery, Rhalina (не существует такой вещи, как колдовство, Ралина). What you call sorcery is a handful of half-learned scraps of Vadhagh wisdom (/то/, что ты называешь колдовством, — горстка полуизученных = недопонятых осколков вадагской мудрости; scrap — rклочок, кусочек, обрывок).

necessary [`nesIs (q) rI] vague [veIg] sorcery [`sLs (q) rI] wisdom [`wIzdqm]

`It is necessary, if this castle is to have a chance of withstanding those warriors.

`No, Corum! There may be a way to get help. My husband speaks of it in his treatise. A last resort.

`What help?

`He is vague on that score. It is something passed on to him by his forefathers. A summoning. Sorcery, Corum.

Corum smiled sadly.

`There is no such thing as sorcery, Rhalina. What you call sorcery is a handful of half-learned scraps of Vadhagh wisdom.

`This is not Vadhagh wisdom — it is something else (это не вадагская мудрость — это что-то еще). A Summoning.

He made to move past her (он попытался пройти мимо нее; to make — делать; пытаться /сделать что-либо/). She held his arm (она держала = схватила его руку).

`Corum, let me try the Summoning (позволь мне испытать заклятие)!

He pulled his arm away and, sword in hand, continued down the steps (он отдернул руку и, с мечом в руке, продолжил спускаться по лестнице).

`Very well, try what you will, Rhalina (хорошо, попробуй, что хочешь, Ралина). Even if you are right, you will need the time I can gain for you (даже если ты права, тебе понадобится время, /которое/ я могу выиграть для тебя).

He heard her shout wordlessly and he heard her sob (он слышал, как она кричала безмолвно и всхлипывала/рыдала), and then he had reached the hall and was walking towards the great main gates of the castle (потом он достиг зала и направился к огромным главным воротам замка).

shout [Saut] wordlessly [`wq: dlIslI] castle [kRsl]

`This is not Vadhagh wisdom — it is something else. A Summoning.

He made to move past her. She held his arm.

`Corum, let me try the Summoning!

He pulled his arm away and, sword in hand, continued down the steps.

`Very well, try what you will, Rhalina. Even if you are right, you will need the time I can gain for you.

He heard her shout wordlessly and he heard her sob, and then he had reached the hall and was walking towards the great main gates of the castle.

A startled warrior let him through and he stood at last upon the causeway (потрясенный воин пропустил его, и Корум встал, наконец, на дамбу; to startle — испугать; поразить, сильно удивить). At the other end, his chariot and horses led away, the body of the Brown Man kicked to one side, stood Earl Glandyth-a-Krae (на другой стороне, убрав колесницу и лошадей и отшвырнув тело мохнатого человека в сторону, стоял граф Гландит-а-Краэ; to lead away — уводить, отводить; to kick — пнуть; отшвырнуть ногой). And beside Glandyth-a-Krae, holding his war-axe for him (возле Гландита, держа боевой топор для него), was the gawky figure of the youth, Rodlik (находилась неловкая фигура юноши, Родлика).

Glandyth reached out and tousled his page's hair and bared his teeth in a wolfish grin (Гландит протянул руку и потрепал своего пажа по волосам, обнажил зубы в волчьей = хищной ухмылке; to tousle — взъерошивать, растрепывать). He took the axe from the youth's hand and began to advance along the causeway (он взял топор из руки юноши и начал двигаться вперед по дамбе).

Corum walked to meet him (Корум пошел навстречу ему).

chariot [`CxrIqt] gawky [`gLkI] tousled [`tauzld]

A startled warrior let him through and he stood at last upon the causeway. At the other end, his chariot and horses led away, the body of the Brown Man kicked to one side, stood Earl Glandyth-a-Krae. And beside Glandyth-a-Krae, holding his war-axe for him, was the gawky figure of the youth, Rodlik.

Glandyth reached out and tousled his page's hair and bared his teeth in a wolfish grin. He took the axe from the youth's hand and began to advance along the causeway.

Corum walked to meet him.

The sea slapped against the rocks of the causeway (море билось о скалы дамбы; to slap — громко, с силой хлопать; шлепать; глухо ударяться). Sometimes a seabird cried out (иногда морская птица кричала). There was no sound from the warriors of either side (не было = не доносилось ни звука от воинов каждой стороны = все хранили молчание). Both defenders and attackers watched tensely as the two approached each other and then, in the middle, stopped (и защитники, и атакующие наблюдали напряженно, как эти двое приблизились друг к другу, а потом, посередине /дамбы/, остановились). About ten feet separated them (около десяти футов разделяло их).

Corum saw that Glandyth had grown a little thinner (Корум увидел, что Гландит немного исхудал; to grow thinner — худеть). But the pale, grey eyes still contained that strange, unnatural glint (но бледные, серые глаза по-прежнему содержали тот странный, неестественный блеск = странно, неестественно блестели) and the face was just as red and unhealthy as the last time Corum had seen it (а лицо было таким же красным и нездоровым/болезненным, как в последний раз, /когда/ Корум видел его). He held his war-axe down in front of him, in his two hands, his helmeted head on one side (он держал свой боевой топор перед собой двумя руками, голову в шлеме /склонив/ набок).

`By the Dog (/клянусь/ Псом), he said, `you have become hugely ugly, Vadhagh (ты стал очень безобразным; hugely — весьма, очень, исключительно).

`We make a fine pair, then, Mabden (тогда мы — два сапога пара: «составляем прекрасную пару», мабден), for you have changed not at all (так как ты ничуть не изменился).

Glandyth sneered (Гландит насмешливо улыбнулся).

unhealthy [An`helTI] hugely [`hjHGlI] pair [peq]

The sea slapped against the rocks of the causeway. Sometimes a seabird cried out. There was no sound from the warriors of either side. Both defenders and attackers watched tensely as the two approached each other and then, in the middle, stopped. About ten feet separated them.

Corum saw that Glandyth had grown a little thinner. But the pale, grey eyes still contained that strange, unnatural glint and the face was just as red and unhealthy as the last time Corum had seen it. He held his war-axe down in front of him, in his two hands, his helmeted head on one side.

`By the Dog, he said, `you have become hugely ugly, Vadhagh.

`We make a fine pair, then, Mabden, for you have changed not at all.

Glandyth sneered.

`And you are hung all about with pretty shells, I see (а ты весь обвешан прелестными ракушками, я вижу), like some Sea God`s daughter going to be wed to her fishy husband (словно дочка морского бога = морская царевна, собирающаяся замуж за своего рыбьего мужа; to wed — жениться, выходить замуж). Well, you may become their nuptial feast when I throw your body into the sea (что ж, ты можешь стать их свадебным пиром, когда я сброшу твое тело в море).

Corum wearied of these heavy insults (Коруму надоели эти неуклюжие оскорбления; to weary — утомлять, уставать от, надоедать; heavy — тяжелый, неуклюжий; тупой, скучный). He leapt forward and swung his great broadsword at Glandyth (он прыгнул вперед и ударил своим огромным палашом Гландита; to swing at — ударять по чему-либо, кому-либо; to swing — качать/ся/, колебать/ся/; размахивать) who brought his metal-shod axe haft up swiftly and blocked the blow, staggering a little (который поднял быстро окованную металлом рукоять топора вверх и блокировал удар, пошатнувшись слегка; to bring; to shoe — обувать; подковывать, оковывать). He kept his axe in his right hand and drew his long knife (он держал топор в правой руке, /а левой/ вытащил длинный нож), dropped to a crouch and aimed the axe at Corum's knees (резко нагнулся, целясь топором в колени Корума; to drop — падать, резко опускаться; crouch — припадание /к земле/, нагибание).

nuptial [`naps (q) l] wearied [`wIqrId] knife [naIf] crouch [krauC] knee [nJ]

`And you are hung all about with pretty shells, I see, like some Sea God`s daughter going to be wed to her fishy husband. Well, you may become their nuptial feast when I throw your body into the sea.

Corum wearied of these heavy insults. He leapt forward and swung his great broadsword at Glandyth who brought his metal-shod axe haft up swiftly and blocked the blow, staggering a little. He kept his axe in his right hand and drew his long knife, dropped to a crouch and aimed the axe at Corum's knees.

Corum jumped high and the axe blade whistled under his feet (Корум подпрыгнул высоко, и лезвие топора просвистело под его ногами). He stabbed out at Glandyth and the blade scraped the Mabden's shoulder plate but did not harm him (он нанес удар Гландиту и лезвие /палаша/ задело наплечную пластину мабдена, но не нанесло вреда ему; to stab at — наносить удар /колющим оружием/, закалывать; to scrape — скоблить, скрести; задевать, касаться). None the less Glandyth cursed and tried the same trick again (тем не менее, Гландит выругался и попытался /проделать/ ту же уловку снова). Again Corum jumped and the axe missed him (и снова Корум подпрыгнул, и топор прошел мимо него). Glandyth sprang back and brought the axe down on the crabshell shield (Гландит отскочил назад и опустил топор на = с силой ударил по щиту из панциря краба) which creaked with the strain of the blow, but did not shatter (который треснуть под тяжестью удара, но не разбился вдребезги; to creak — скрипеть; треснуть; strain — напряжение, нагрузка), though Corum's arm was numb from wrist to shoulder (хотя рука Корума онемела от запястья до плеча; numb — онемелый, оцепенелый). He retaliated with an overarm blow which Glandyth blocked (он ответил верхним /рубящим/ ударом, который Гландит блокировал; overarm — верхний удар; с рукой, поднятой над головой).

Corum kicked out at Glandyth's legs, hoping to knock him off balance (Корум ударил Гландита по ногам, надеясь лишить его равновесия; to kick — ударять ногой, пинать; to knock — ударять/ся/, бить; off balance — потерявший равновесие, неустойчивый), but the Mabden ran backwards several paces before standing his ground again (но мабден отбежал назад на несколько шагов, прежде, чем снова встал в стойку; to stand one`s ground — стоять на своем, проявлять твердость).

shield [SJld] numb [nAm] retaliated [rI`txlIeIt] balance [`bxlqns]

Corum jumped high and the axe blade whistled under his feet. He stabbed out at Glandyth and the blade scraped the Mabden's shoulder plate but did not harm him. None the less Glandyth cursed and tried the same trick again. Again Corum jumped and the axe missed him. Glandyth sprang back and brought the axe down on the crabshell shield which creaked with the strain of the blow, but did not shatter, though Corum's arm was numb from wrist to shoulder. He retaliated with an overarm blow which Glandyth blocked.

Corum kicked out at Glandyth's legs, hoping to knock him off balance, but the Mabden ran backwards several paces before standing his ground again.

Corum advanced cautiously towards him (Корум осторожно приближался к нему).

Then Glandyth cried out (потом Гландит крикнул):

`I'm tired of this (мне надоело это). We have him now (теперь он наш). Archers — shoot (лучники — стреляйте)!

And then Corum saw the charioteers who had moved quietly down to the forefront of the ranks (затем Корум увидел возничих, которые тихо двигались на переднюю линию = выдвигались вперед рядов /мабденов/) and were aiming their bows at him (и целились из луков в него). He raised his shield to protect himself against their arrows (он поднял щит, чтобы защититься от их стрел).

Glandyth was running back down the causeway (Гландит бежал назад по дамбе).

Corum had been betrayed (Корума предали; to betray — предавать, изменять; обманывать). There was still an hour before the tide came in (был по-прежнему еще один час, прежде чем наступит прилив). It seemed he was going to die for nothing (видимо, он умрет ни за что = смерть его будет напрасной; to be going to — собираться /сделать что-либо/; означает предположение или предсказание относительно будущего).

cautiously [`kLSqslI] arrow [`xrqu] betrayed [bI`treId]

Corum advanced cautiously towards him.

Then Glandyth cried out:

`I'm tired of this. We have him now. Archers — shoot!

And then Corum saw the charioteers who had moved quietly down to the forefront of the ranks and were aiming their bows at him. He raised his shield to protect himself against their arrows.

Glandyth was running back down the causeway.

Corum had been betrayed. There was still an hour before the tide came in. It seemed he was going to die for nothing.

Now another shout, this time from the castle's battlements, and a wave of arrows swept down (но вот /раздался/ другой крик, на этот раз со стен замка, и волна стрел обрушилась вниз; to sweep down — падать камнем, устремляться вниз). Beldan's archers had shot first (лучники Белдана выстрелили первыми).

The Denledhyssi arrows rattled on Corum's shield and against his greaves (стрелы денледисси стучали по щиту Корума, отскакивали от ножных лат). He felt something bite into his leg just above the knee, where he had scant protection (он почувствовал, как что-то впилось в его ногу как раз выше колена, где почти не было защиты; scant — скудный, недостаточный). He looked down (он посмотрел вниз). It was an arrow. It had passed completely through his leg and now half of it stuck out behind his knee (она прошла полностью через его ногу и теперь половина ее торчала позади колена; to stick out). He tried to stumble backwards, but it was hard to run with the arrow in him (он попытался идти, спотыкаясь, назад /к замку/, но было трудно бежать со стрелой в нем = в ноге). To pull it out with his only hand would mean he would have to drop his sword (вытащить ее единственной рукой означало, что ему придется бросить свой меч). He glanced towards the shore (он быстро глянул на берег).

As he had known they would, the first of the horsemen were beginning to cross (как он и предполагал, первые из всадников начинали переправляться /на другой берег/).

greaves [grJvz] knee [nJ] sword [sLd] glanced [glRnst]

Now another shout, this time from the castle's battlements, and a wave of arrows swept down. Beldan's archers had shot first.

The Denledhyssi arrows rattled on Corum's shield and against his greaves. He felt something bite into his leg just above the knee, where he had scant protection. He looked down. It was an arrow. It had passed completely through his leg and now half of it stuck out behind his knee. He tried to stumble backwards, but it was hard to run with the arrow in him. To pull it out with his only hand would mean he would have to drop his sword. He glanced towards the shore.

As he had known they would, the first of the horsemen were beginning to cross.

He began to drag himself back along the causeway for a few more yards (он прошел, волоча ногу, назад по дамбе еще несколько ярдов; to drag oneself along — плестись, брести, еле тащиться) and then he knew he would never reach the gates in time (но затем понял, что никогда не доберется до ворот вовремя). Quickly he knelt on his good leg, put his sword on the ground (он быстро опустился на колено здоровой ноги, положил меч на землю), snapped off part of the arrow at the front (отломил часть стрелы, /торчавшую/ спереди) and drew the rest through his leg, flinging it to one side (и протянул остальную часть через ногу, бросил ее в сторону).

He picked up his sword again and prepared to stand his ground (он снова поднял меч и приготовился защищаться: «не сдавать позиций»).

The warriors in the brass war-masks were galloping along the causeway two abreast, their new swords in their hands (воины в латунных боевых масках мчались по дамбе в два ряда, /держа/ новые клинки в руках; two abreast — построение в две шеренги; abreast — рядом, на одной линии).

Corum struck at the first rider and his blow was a lucky one (Корум ударил первого всадника, и его удар был удачным), for it hurled the man from his saddle (так как он выбил наездника из седла; to hurl — бросать /с силой/, швырять). The other rider had tried to strike at Corum but had missed and overshot (другой всадник попытался ударить Корума, но промахнулся и пролетел мимо; to overshoot — не попасть в цель; проскочить цель).

yard [jRd] abreast [q`brest] brass [brRs]

He began to drag himself back along the causeway for a few more yards and then he knew he would never reach the gates in time. Quickly he knelt on his good leg, put his sword on the ground, snapped off part of the arrow at the front and drew the rest through his leg, flinging it to one side.

He picked up his sword again and prepared to stand his ground.

The warriors in the brass war-masks were galloping along the causeway two abreast, their new swords in their hands.

Corum struck at the first rider and his blow was a lucky one, for it hurled the man from his saddle. The other rider had tried to strike at Corum but had missed and overshot.

Corum swung himself up into the pony's primitive saddle (Корум поднял себя = запрыгнул в примитивное седло пони). For stirrups there were just two leather loops hanging from the girth strap (вместо стремян использовались просто две кожаные петли, свисавшие с подпруги). Painfully, Corum managed to get his feet into these and block the sword blow from the returning rider (болезненно = с большим трудом, Корум сумел вдеть ноги в них и блокировать удар мечом возвращающегося всадника). Another rider came up now and his sword clanged on Corum's shield (еще один наездник подоспел теперь, и его меч лязгнул о щит Корума; to come up — приезжать; возникать). The horses were snorting and trying to rear (кони фыркали и пытались встать на дыбы), but the causeway was so narrow there was little room for manoeuvre (но дамба была столь узкой, /что/ было недостаточно места для движений; manoeuvre — маневр, ход, шаг) and neither Corum nor the other two could use their swords effectively as they tried to control their half-panicked horses (ни Корум, ни другие двое не могли эффективно использовать свои мечи, так как они пытались сдержать полуиспуганных = встревоженных коней).

The rest of the masked riders were forced to rein in their beasts for fear of toppling off the causeway into the sea (остальные всадники в масках должны были осадить своих животных = лошадей из страха упасть с дамбы в море; to rein in — остановить/ся/, обуздать, осадить /лошадь/; to top — падать /головой вниз/, опрокидывать/ся/) and this gave Beldan's archers the opportunity they required (и это дало лучникам Белдана возможность, в которой они нуждались = сыграло на руку). Dark sheets of arrows sped from the battlements and into the ranks of the Pony Tribesmen (темные тучи стрел летели со стен /замка/ в ряды варваров из пленен на пони; sheet — лист, простыня; пелена, стена /дождя, снега, огня и т. д. /; to speed — мчаться, проноситься). More ponies went down than men, but it added further to the confusion (погибло больше лошадей, чем людей, но это добавило беспорядка = усилило суматоху; to go down — опускаться; ухудшаться, умирать; further — дальнейший, дополнительный; confusion — беспорядок, замешательство).

manoeuvre [mq`nHvq] rein [reIn] required [rI`kwaIqd] confusion [kqn`fjHZ (q) n]

Corum swung himself up into the pony's primitive saddle. For stirrups there were just two leather loops hanging from the girth strap. Painfully, Corum managed to get his feet into these and block the sword blow from the returning rider. Another rider came up now and his sword clanged on Corum's shield. The horses were snorting and trying to rear, but the causeway was so narrow there was little room for manoeuvre and neither Corum nor the other two could use their swords effectively as they tried to control their half-panicked horses.

The rest of the masked riders were forced to rein in their beasts for fear of toppling off the causeway into the sea and this gave Beldan's archers the opportunity they required. Dark sheets of arrows sped from the battlements and into the ranks of the Pony Tribesmen. More ponies went down than men, but it added further to the confusion.

Slowly Corum retreated down the causeway until he was almost at the gate (медленно Корум отступал по дамбе, пока не оказался почти у ворот). His shield arm was completely paralysed and his sword arm aching dreadfully (его рука со щитом была полностью парализована, а рука с мечом ужасно болела), but he still managed to continue defending himself against the riders (но он по-прежнему мог продолжать защищаться от всадников).

Glandyth was screaming at the pony barbarians (Гландит кричал на варваров на пони), trying to force them to retreat and regroup (пытаясь заставить их отступить и перестроиться). Evidently his plans of attack had not been followed (очевидно, его планы атаки не были приняты; to follow — следовать; придерживаться, разделять взгляды). Corum managed to grin (Корум сумел усмехнуться). At least that was something he had gained (по крайней мере, это было что-то, чего он добился = он добился разногласий в рядах врага).

Now the gates of the castle suddenly opened behind him (тут ворота замка внезапно открылись позади него). Beldan stood there with fifty archers poised to shoot (там = внутри стоял Белдан с пятьюдесятью лучниками, готовыми стрелять; to poise — удерживать в равновесии; быть готовым к действию).

`In, Corum, quickly (внутрь, Корум, быстро)! Beldan cried.

paralysed [`pxrqlaIzd] dreadfully [`dredfulI] regroup [, rJ`grHp]

Slowly Corum retreated down the causeway until he was almost at the gate. His shield arm was completely paralysed and his sword arm aching dreadfully, but he still managed to continue defending himself against the riders.

Glandyth was screaming at the pony barbarians, trying to force them to retreat and regroup. Evidently his plans of attack had not been followed. Corum managed to grin. At least that was something he had gained.

Now the gates of the castle suddenly opened behind him. Beldan stood there with fifty archers poised to shoot.

`In, Corum, quickly! Beldan cried.

Understanding Beldan's intention (понимая намерение/замысел Белдана), Corum flung himself from the back of the pony and bent double (Корум соскочил со спины лошади и согнулся пополам; to fling — бросаться, кидаться), running towards the gates as the first flight of arrows rushed over his head (побежал к воротам, когда первый полет = залп стрел пронесся над его головой; to rush — бросаться, нестись). Then he was through the gates and they had closed (затем он вбежал в ворота и они закрылись).

Corum leant panting against a pillar (Корум прислонился, тяжело дыша, к столбу; pillar — столб, колонна; опора). He felt he had failed in his intention (он чувствовал, что не выполнил свой замысел; to fail — потерпеть неудачу, не исполнить). But now Beldan was slapping his shoulder (но теперь Белдан хлопал его по плечу).

`The tide's coming in, Corum (прилив прибывает, Корум)! We succeeded (у нас получилось; to succeed — достигать цели, удаваться)!

The slap was enough to topple Corum (этого хлопка было достаточно, чтобы опрокинуть Корума). He saw Beldan's surprised expression as he fell to the flagstones (он видел удивленное выражение /лица/ Белдана, когда падал на плиты) and for a moment he was amused by the situation before he passed out completely (и на миг его позабавила эта ситуация, прежде, чем он совсем потерял сознание; to pass out — падать в обморок, терять сознание, «отключаться»).

succeeded [sqk`sJdId] through [TrH] amused [q`mjHzd]

Understanding Beldan's intention, Corum flung himself from the back of the pony and bent double, running towards the gates as the first flight of arrows rushed over his head. Then he was through the gates and they had closed.

Corum leant panting against a pillar. He felt he had failed in his intention. But now Beldan was slapping his shoulder.

`The tide's coming in, Corum! We succeeded!

The slap was enough to topple Corum. He saw Beldan's surprised expression as he fell to the flagstones and for a moment he was amused by the situation before he passed out completely.

As he awoke, in his own bed with Rhalina sitting at the table nearby, still reading from the manuscripts (когда он проснулся в своей постели, Ралина сидела за столом недалеко, по-прежнему читая рукописи; to awake), Corum realised that no matter how well he trained himself to fight (Корум понял, что как бы хорошо он ни подготовился к бою; no matter how — независимо от того, как; как бы ни), no matter how well he had survived during the battle of the causeway (как бы ни выдержал = ни проявил себя в бою на дамбе), he would not survive long in the Mabden world with both a hand and an eye gone (он долго не проживет в мире мабденов без руки и без глаза; to survive — выжить, уцелеть; пережить).

`I must have a new hand (мне необходима новая рука), he said, sitting upright (сказал он, садясь прямо). `I must have a new eye, Rhalina.

Rhalina did not appear to hear him at first (казалось, Ралина не услышала его сначала). Then she looked up (затем она подняла глаза). Her face was tired and drawn in lines of heavy concentration (ее лицо было усталым и покрыто морщинами от тяжелого = глубокого сосредоточения). Absently, she said (она сказала рассеянно): `Rest (отдохни), and returned to her reading (и вернулась к чтению).

survived [sq`vaIvd] eye [aI] absently [`xbs (q) ntlI]

As he awoke, in his own bed with Rhalina sitting at the table nearby, still reading from the manuscripts, Corum realised that no matter how well he trained himself to fight, no matter how well he had survived during the battle of the causeway, he would not survive long in the Mabden world with both a hand and an eye gone.

`I must have a new hand, he said, sitting upright. `I must have a new eye, Rhalina.

Rhalina did not appear to hear him at first. Then she looked up. Her face was tired and drawn in lines of heavy concentration. Absently, she said: `Rest, and returned to her reading.

There was a knock (раздался стук /в дверь/). Beldan came in quickly (вошел быстро). Corum began to get out of bed (Корум начал вставать с постели). He winced as he moved (он морщился /от боли/, когда двигался). His wounded leg was stiff and his whole body was bruised (его раненая нога одеревенела и все его тело было в ушибах).

`They lost some thirty men in that encounter (они потеряли примерно тридцать человек в этой схватке; encounter — столкновение, бой), Beldan said. `The tide goes out again just before sunset (отлив начинается непосредственно перед закатом; to go out — выходить; гаснуть, догорать /о свете, огне и т. д. /; происходить /от отливе/). I`m not sure if they'll try another attack then (я не уверен, начнут ли они новую атаку тогда). I would say they will wait until morning (я бы сказал = думаю, они подождут до утра).

Corum frowned (нахмурился).

`It depends on Glandyth, I'd say (это зависит от Гландита, по-моему). He would judge that we wouldn't expect an evening attack and would therefore try to make one (он может решить, что мы не ожидаем вечерней атаки и поэтому попытается предпринять ее). But if those Pony Tribesmen are as superstitious as we think, they might be reluctant to fight at night (но если те варвары на пони настолько суеверны, как мы думаем, они, может, не захотят сражаться ночью; reluctant — делающий что-то с большой неохотой; сопротивляющийся). We had best prepare for an attack on the next tide (нам лучше приготовиться к атаке во время следующего отлива). And guard all sides of the castle (и охранять все стены замка). How does that match with the Margrave's treatise, Rhalina (насколько это совпадает с трактатом маркграфа, Ралина; to match — подходить, соответствовать)?

bruised [brHzd] encounter [In`kauntq] reluctant [rI`lAktqnt] guard [gRd]

There was a knock. Beldan came in quickly. Corum began to get out of bed. He winced as he moved. His wounded leg was stiff and his whole body was bruised.

`They lost some thirty men in that encounter, Beldan said. `The tide goes out again just before sunset. I`m not sure if they'll try another attack then. I would say they will wait until morning.

Corum frowned.

`It depends on Glandyth, I'd say. He would judge that we wouldn't expect an evening attack and would therefore try to make one. But if those Pony Tribesmen are as superstitious as we think, they might be reluctant to fight at night. We had best prepare for an attack on the next tide. And guard all sides of the castle. How does that match with the Margrave's treatise, Rhalina?

She looked up vaguely, nodding (она подняла глаза неясно = затуманенный взгляд, кивая).

`Well enough (довольно хорошо = вполне совпадает).

Corum began painfully to buckle on his armour (Корум принялся болезненно надевать доспехи; to buckle on — застегивать, пристегивать). Beldan helped him (Белдан помогал ему). They left for the battlements (они ушли на стену).

The Denledhyssi had regrouped on the shore (денледисси перегруппировались на берегу). The dead men and their ponies, as well as the corpse of the Brown Man of Laahr, had been washed away by the sea (мертвецов и их лошадей, а также труп мохнатого человека из Лаара, смыло морем; to wash away — смывать, сносить). A few corpses bobbed among the rocks below the castle (несколько трупов качалось /на волнах/ среди скал внизу замка; to bob — двигаться вверх или вниз с легкими толчками, подскакивать).

They had formed the same ranks as earlier (они построились в том же порядке, что и раньше; to form a rank — строиться в шеренгу). The mounted masked riders were massed some ten ranks deep with Glandyth behind them and the charioteers behind Glandyth (конные воины в масках встали примерно десятью рядами с Гландитом позади /себя/, а возничие = колесницы /расположились/ позади Гландита; to mass — собираться в кучу; сосредоточивать; deep — глубокий).

vaguely [`veIglI] mounted [`mauntId] castle [kRsl] charioteer [, CxrIq`tIq]

She looked up vaguely, nodding.

`Well enough.

Corum began painfully to buckle on his armour. Beldan helped him. They left for the battlements.

The Denledhyssi had regrouped on the shore. The dead men and their ponies, as well as the corpse of the Brown Man of Laahr, had been washed away by the sea. A few corpses bobbed among the rocks below the castle.

They had formed the same ranks as earlier. The mounted masked riders were massed some ten ranks deep with Glandyth behind them and the charioteers behind Glandyth.

Cauldrons of lead bubbled on fires built on the battlements (котлы со свинцом кипели на кострах, разложенных на стенах); small catapults had been erected, with piles of stone balls beside them, for ammunition (небольшие катапульты установили, кучи каменных ядер лежали возле них в качестве боеприпасов; to erect — соорудить; возвести; установить); extra arrows and javelins were heaped by the far wall (дополнительные стрелы и метательные копья сложили у дальней стены; to heap — бросать, складывать в кучу; нагромождать; накоплять).

Again the tide was retreating (снова течение отступало = начинался отлив).

The metallic drum began to beat again (металлический барабан начал бить снова). There was the distant jingle of harness (слышалось далекое звяканье упряжи). Glandyth was speaking to some of the horsemen (Гландит говорил с некоторыми всадниками).

`I think he will attack (думаю, он нападет), said Corum.

The sun was low and all the world seemed turned to a dark, chill grey (солнце было низко, и весь мир, казалось, стал темным, холодно-серым; to turn to — превратиться в). They watched as the causeway gradually became exposed until only a foot or two of water covered it (они наблюдали, как дамба постепенно обнажалась, до тех пор, пока = и вскоре лишь один-два фута воды покрывали ее).

catapult [`kxtqpAlt] ammunition [, xmju`nIS (q) n] javelin [`GxvlIn]

Cauldrons of lead bubbled on fires built on the battlements; small catapults had been erected, with piles of stone balls beside them, for ammunition; extra arrows and javelins were heaped by the far wall.

Again the tide was retreating.

The metallic drum began to beat again. There was the distant jingle of harness. Glandyth was speaking to some of the horsemen.

`I think he will attack, said Corum.

The sun was low and all the world seemed turned to a dark, chill grey. They watched as the causeway gradually became exposed until only a foot or two of water covered it.

Then the beat of the drum became more rapid (бой барабана стал более быстрым). There was a howl from the riders (раздался вой всадников). They began to move forward and splash on to the causeway (они двинулись вперед, на дамбу, поднимая брызги; to splash — брызгать/ся/, плескать/ся/; шлепать /по воде, грязи и т. д. /).

The real battle for Moidel's Castle had begun (настоящая битва за замок Мойдел началась).

Not all the horsemen rode along the causeway (не все всадники поскакали по дамбе). About two-thirds of the force remained on the shore (около двух третей войска осталось на берегу). Corum guessed what this meant (Корум догадался, что это значит).

`Are all points of the castle guarded now, Beldan (все места замка охраняются, Белдан)?

`They are, Prince Corum (да, принц Корум).

`Good (хорошо). I think they'll try to swim their horses round and get a hold on the rocks so that they can attack from all sides (думаю, они попытаются переплыть на лошадях вокруг = обойти замок и взобраться по скалам, чтобы атаковать со всех сторон; to hold on — держаться за; прикреплять). When darkness falls, have flare arrows shot regularly at all quarters (когда наступит темнота, прикажи стрелять горящими стрелами постоянно со всех сторон; to fall — падать; спускаться, наступать /о темноте, ночи и т. д. /; flare — сверкание, вспышка или язык пламени; сигнальная вспышка; regularly — регулярно, постоянно, через равные промежутки).

rapid [`rxpId] guessed [gest] flare [fleq] quarters [`kwLtqz]

Then the beat of the drum became more rapid. There was a howl from the riders. They began to move forward and splash on to the causeway.

The real battle for Moidel's Castle had begun.

Not all the horsemen rode along the causeway. About two-thirds of the force remained on the shore. Corum guessed what this meant.

`Are all points of the castle guarded now, Beldan?

`They are, Prince Corum.

`Good. I think they'll try to swim their horses round and get a hold on the rocks so that they can attack from all sides. When darkness falls, have flare arrows shot regularly at all quarters.

Then the horsemen were storming the castle (затем всадники /начали/ штурмовать замок). The cauldrons of lead were upended and beasts and riders screamed in pain as the white-hot metal flooded over them (котлы со свинцом перевернули, и животные и наездники пронзительно закричали от боли, когда раскаленный добела металл хлынул на них; to flood — заливать, затоплять; хлынуть потоком). The sea hissed and steamed as the lead hit it (море шипело и пускало пар, когда свинец попадал в него; to steam — выпускать пар, подниматься в виде пара; to hit — ударять, поражать; попадать в, достигать). Some of the riders had brought up battering rams, slung between their mounts (некоторые всадники подносили тараны, подвешенные между их лошадьми; to bring up — приводить, приносить наверх; поднимать; to batter — сильно бить, колотить; плющить /металл/; ram — баран; таран; mount — лошадь, мул и т. д. под седлом). They began to charge at the gates (они принялись атаковать ворота; to charge — атаковать /особенно в конном строю/, набрасываться; напирать). Riders were shot from their saddles, but the horses ran wildly on (наездники выбивались /стрелами/ из седел, но лошади продолжали дико = безумно бежать; to run on — продолжать/ся/, тянуть/ся/; бежать, лететь). One of the rams struck the gates and smashed into them and through them, becoming jammed (один из таранов ударил ворота и пробил их насквозь, застряв: «становясь зажатым»; to jam — зажимать, заклинивать). The riders strove to extricate it, but could not (всадники попытались вытащить его, но не смогли; to strive — стараться, прилагать усилия; to extricate — вытаскивать, освобождать). They were struck by a wave of boiling lead, but the ram remained (на них обрушилась волна кипящего свинца, но таран остался /в воротах/).

`Get archers to the gates (/еще/ лучников к воротам; to get — получать; достигать, прибывать; устанавливать), Corum commanded (приказал Корум). `And have horses ready in case the main hall is breached (и приготовьте лошадей на случай, если прорвутся в главный зал; to breach — пробивать брешь, проламывать стену).

upended [q`pendId] flooded [`flAdId] ready [`redI] breached [brJCt]

Then the horsemen were storming the castle. The cauldrons of lead were upended and beasts and riders screamed in pain as the white-hot metal flooded over them. The sea hissed and steamed as the lead hit it. Some of the riders had brought up battering rams, slung between their mounts. They began to charge at the gates. Riders were shot from their saddles, but the horses ran wildly on. One of the rams struck the gates and smashed into them and through them, becoming jammed. The riders strove to extricate it, but could not. They were struck by a wave of boiling lead, but the ram remained.

`Get archers to the gates, Corum commanded. `And have horses ready in case the main hall is breached.

It was almost dark, but the fight continued (было почти темно, но бой продолжался). Some of the barbarians were riding round the lowers parts of the hill (некоторые из варваров скакали вокруг /нижних частей/ холма). Corum saw the next rank leave the shore and begin to swim their horses through the shallow waters (Корум увидел, как очередной ряд покидает берег и переправляется на лошадях по мелководью).

But Glandyth and his charioteers remained on the beach taking no part in the battle (но Гландит и его возничие = колесницы оставались на берегу, не принимая участия в сражении). Doubtless Glandyth planned to wait until the castle defences were breached before he crossed the causeway (несомненно, Гландит намеревался подождать, пока стены замка будут проломлены, прежде чем он пересечет дамбу; defences — укрепления, оборонительные сооружения).

Corum's hatred of the Earl of Krae had increased since the betrayal earlier that day (ненависть Корума к Графу Краэ усилилась после предательства, /произошедшего/ раньше в тот день) and now he saw him using the superstitious barbarians for his own purposes (и теперь, /когда/ он видел, как тот использует суеверных варваров в своих собственных целях), Corum knew that his judgement of Glandyth was right (Корум понял, что его мнение о Гландите верно; judgement — приговор, решение; суждение, мнение). The man would corrupt anything with which he came in contact (он разрушал все, с чем соприкасался: «приходил в контакт»; to corrupt — развращать, разлагать; портить).

increased [In`krJst] betrayal [bI`treIql] purpose [`pq: pqs] corrupt [kq`rApt]

It was almost dark, but the fight continued. Some of the barbarians were riding round the lowers parts of the hill. Corum saw the next rank leave the shore and begin to swim their horses through the shallow waters.

But Glandyth and his charioteers remained on the beach taking no part in the battle. Doubtless Glandyth planned to wait until the castle defences were breached before he crossed the causeway.

Corum's hatred of the Earl of Krae had increased since the betrayal earlier that day and now he saw him using the superstitious barbarians for his own purposes, Corum knew that his judgement of Glandyth was right. The man would corrupt anything with which he came in contact.

All around the castle now, the defenders were dying from spear and arrow wounds (со всех сторон замка = повсюду на стенах защитники от ран, /нанесенных/ копьями и стрелами). At least fifty were dead or badly hurt and the remaining hundred were spread very thinly (по крайней мере пятьдесят погибли или были тяжело ранены, а оставшиеся сто распространились = рассредоточились /по стенам/ очень редко).

Corum made a rapid tour of the defences, encouraging the warriors to greater efforts (Корум совершил быстрый обход = быстро обошел укрепления, подбадривая воинов на большие усилия; to encourage — ободрять, поощрять; подстрекать), but now the boiling lead was finished and arrows and spears were running short (но теперь кипящий свинец закончился, а стрелы и копья подходили к концу; to run short — истощаться; заканчиваться). Soon the hand-to-hand fighting would begin (вскоре рукопашная схватка начнется).

Night fell (наступила ночь). Flare arrows revealed bands of barbarians all around the castle (горящие стрелы обнаруживали = высвечивали отряды варваров со всех сторон замка). Beacons burned on the battlements (сигнальные огни горели на стенах). The fighting continued (битва продолжалась).

The barbarians reconcentrated on the main gates (варвары вновь сосредоточились на главных воротах). More rams were brought up (еще больше таранов было подтащено). The gates began to groan and give way (ворота начали трещать и гнуться; to groan — стонать, скрипеть; трещать /под тяжестью/; to give way — уступать; гнуться).

wound [wHnd] revealed [rI`vJld] reconcentrated [rI`kOns (q) ntreItId]

All around the castle now, the defenders were dying from spear and arrow wounds. At least fifty were dead or badly hurt and the remaining hundred were spread very thinly.

Corum made a rapid tour of the defences, encouraging the warriors to greater efforts, but now the boiling lead was finished and arrows and spears were running short. Soon the hand-to-hand fighting would begin.

Night fell. Flare arrows revealed bands of barbarians all around the castle. Beacons burned on the battlements. The fighting continued.

The barbarians reconcentrated on the main gates. More rams were brought up. The gates began to groan and give way.

Corum took all the men he could spare into the main hall (Корум собрал всех людей, /которых/ мог сберечь = снять со стен, в главном зале). There they mounted their horses and formed a semicircle behind the archers, waiting for the barbarians to come through (там они оседлали коней и построились полукругом позади лучников, ожидая, /когда/ варвары пройдут внутрь).

More rams pierced the gates and Corum heard the sound of swords and axes beating on the splintered timbers outside (еще несколько таранов пробили ворота, и Корум слышал звук мечей и топоров, ударявших по = рубивших расщепленные бревна снаружи; to pierce — прокалывать, пронзать; прорываться /сквозь/).

Suddenly they were through, yelling and howling (внезапно они ворвались внутрь, крича и ревя). Firelight glinted on their masks of brass, making them look even more evil and terrifying (свет огня ярко блестел на их латунных масках, делая их еще более злыми и устрашающими). Their ponies snorted and reared (их лошади фыркали и вставали на дыбы).

There was time for only one wave of arrows (было время лишь для одного залпа стрел), then the archers retreated to make way for Corum and his cavalry to charge the disconcerted barbarians (потом лучники отступили, чтобы дать дорогу Коруму и его кавалерии для атаки приведенных в замешательство варваров).

semicircle [`semi, sq: k (q) l] howling [`haulIN] cavalry [`kxv (q) lrI]

Corum took all the men he could spare into the main hall. There they mounted their horses and formed a semicircle behind the archers, waiting for the barbarians to come through.

More rams pierced the gates and Corum heard the sound of swords and axes beating on the splintered timbers outside.

Suddenly they were through, yelling and howling. Firelight glinted on their masks of brass, making them look even more evil and terrifying. Their ponies snorted and reared.

There was time for only one wave of arrows, then the archers retreated to make way for Corum and his cavalry to charge the disconcerted barbarians.

Corum's sword smashed into a mask, sheared through it and destroyed the face beneath (меч Корума обрушился на маску, разрубил ее и рассек лицо под ней). Blood splashed high and a nearby brand fizzed as the liquid hit it (кровь брызнула сильно, и расположенная поблизости головня зашипела, когда жидкость попала на нее). Forgetful of the pain of his wounds, Corum swung the sword back and forth (забывчивый = забыв о боли и ранах, Корум размахивал мечом во все стороны: «взад и вперед»), knocking riders from their mounts, striking heads from shoulders, limbs from bodies (выбивая всадников из седел, снося головы с плеч, /отделяя/ конечности от тел; mount — опора; лошадь, мул и т. д. под седлом). But slowly he and his remaining men were retreating as fresh waves of Pony Tribesmen surged into the castle (но понемногу он и его оставшиеся люди отступали, так как свежие волны = новые толпы варваров ломились в замок; to surge — подниматься; /на/хлынуть).

Now they were at the far end of the hall, where a stone stairway curled up to the next floor (теперь они были в дальнем конце зала, где каменная лестница винтом поднималась на следующий этаж; to curl — виться, клубиться; закручивать/ся/). The archers were positioned here, along the stairs, and began to shoot their arrows into the barbarians (здесь располагались лучники, вдоль лестницы, и они начали пускать стрелы в варваров). The barbarians not directly engaged with Corum's men (варвары, не напрямую сражавшиеся с людьми Корума) retaliated with javelins and arrows and slowly Moidel's archers fell (отвечали метательными копьями и стрелами, и медленно = постепенно лучники Мойдела пали).

beneath [bI`nJT] liquid [`lIkwId] engaged [In`geIGd]

Corum's sword smashed into a mask, sheared through it and destroyed the face beneath. Blood splashed high and a nearby brand fizzed as the liquid hit it. Forgetful of the pain of his wounds, Corum swung the sword back and forth, knocking riders from their mounts, striking heads from shoulders, limbs from bodies. But slowly he and his remaining men were retreating as fresh waves of Pony Tribesmen surged into the castle.

Now they were at the far end of the hall, where a stone stairway curled up to the next floor. The archers were positioned here, along the stairs, and began to shoot their arrows into the barbarians. The barbarians not directly engaged with Corum's men retaliated with javelins and arrows and slowly Moidel's archers fell.

Corum glanced around him as he fought (Корум взглянул вокруг = огляделся, сражаясь). There were few left with him — perhaps a dozen (/лишь/ немногие остались с ним — может быть, дюжина) — and there were some fifty barbarians in the hall (и примерно пятьдесят варваров было в зале). The fight was nearing its conclusion (битва подходила к завершению). Within moments he and his friends would all be dead (через /несколько/ мгновений он и его друзья все погибнут).

He saw Beldan begin to descend the stairs (он увидел, что Белдан спускается по лестнице). At first Corum thought he was bringing up reinforcements, but he had only two warriors with him (сначала Корум подумал, что он ведет подкрепление, но с ним было только два воина).

`Corum! Corum!

Corum was pressed by two barbarians (Корум сражался с двумя варварами; to press — сжимать, прижимать; теснить, нападать). He could not reply (он не ответил).

`Corum! Where is the Lady Rhalina (где леди Ралина)?

dozen [dAzn] conclusion [kqn`klHZ (q) n] reinforcement [, rJIn`fLsmqnt] reply [rI`plaI]

Corum glanced around him as he fought. There were few left with him — perhaps a dozen — and there were some fifty barbarians in the hall. The fight was nearing its conclusion. Within moments he and his friends would all be dead.

He saw Beldan begin to descend the stairs. At first Corum thought he was bringing up reinforcements, but he had only two warriors with him.

`Corum! Corum!

Corum was pressed by two barbarians. He could not reply.

`Corum! Where is the Lady Rhalina?

Corum found extra strength now (Корум нашел дополнительные силы теперь). He delivered a blow to the first barbarian's skull which killed him (он нанес удар по черепу первого варвара, который убил его). He kicked the man from his saddle, then stood on the back of his horse and jumped to the stairs (ногой выбил /другого/ из седла, затем встал на спину своего коня и прыгнул на лестницу).

`What? Is the Lady Rhalina in danger (Ралина в опасности)?

`I do not know, prince (не знаю, принц). I cannot discover where she is (не могу обнаружить, где она = не могу найти ее). I fear (боюсь) …

Corum raced up the stairs (Корум бросился вверх по лестнице).

From below the noise of the battle was changing (/доносившийся/ снизу шум битвы изменился). There seemed to be disconcerted shouts coming from the barbarians (казалось, обескураженные крики исходили от варваров). He paused and looked back (он /при/остановился и оглянулся).

delivered [dI`lIvqd] noise [nOIz] shout [Saut] paused [pLzd]

Corum found extra strength now. He delivered a blow to the first barbarian's skull which killed him. He kicked the man from his saddle, then stood on the back of his horse and jumped to the stairs.

`What? Is the Lady Rhalina in danger?

`I do not know, prince. I cannot discover where she is. I fear…

Corum raced up the stairs.

From below the noise of the battle was changing. There seemed to be disconcerted shouts coming from the barbarians. He paused and looked back.

The barbarians were beginning to retreat in panic (варвары начинали отступать в панике). Corum could not understand what was happening, but he had no more time to watch (Корум не мог понять, что происходит, но у него не было времени наблюдать /за врагом/). He reached his apartments (он добрался до своих покоев).

`Rhalina! Rhalina!

No reply (ответа не было).

Here and there were the bodies of their own warriors and barbarians (тут и там лежали тела их собственных воинов и варваров) who had managed to sneak into the castle through poorly defended windows and balconies (которым удалось пробраться в замок через плохо охраняемые окна и балконы; to sneak — /про/красться; делать что-либо незаметно, тайком).

Had Rhalina been taken by a party of barbarians (неужели Ралину захватил отряд варваров)?

Then, from the balcony of her apartment, he heard a strange sound (затем, с балкона ее комнаты, он услышал странный звук).

balcony [`bxlkqnI] defended [dI`fendId] party [`pRtI]

The barbarians were beginning to retreat in panic. Corum could not understand what was happening, but he had no more time to watch. He reached his apartments.

`Rhalina! Rhalina!

No reply.

Here and there were the bodies of their own warriors and barbarians who had managed to sneak into the castle through poorly defended windows and balconies.

Had Rhalina been taken by a party of barbarians?

Then, from the balcony of her apartment, he heard a strange sound.

It was a singing sound, like nothing he had experienced before (это был звук пения, не похожий ни на что, слышанное им раньше; to experience — испытывать, знать по опыту; переживать). He paused, then approached the balcony cautiously (он замер, потом подошел к балкону осторожно).

Rhalina stood there and she was singing (Ралина стояла там и пела). The wind caught her garments and spread them about her like strange, multi-coloured clouds (ветер подхватывал ее одежды и раздувал их вокруг нее, словно необыкновенные, многоцветные облака; to catch). Her eyes were fixed on the far distance and her throat vibrated with the sounds she made (ее глаза смотрели неотрывно вдаль, а ее горло дрожало от звуков, /которые/ она произносила; to fix on — выбрать /что-либо/; сосредоточить/ся/).

She seemed to be in a trance and Corum made no sound, but watched (казалось, она была в трансе, и Корум не произносил ни звука, но наблюдал). The words she sang were in no language he knew (слова, которые она пела, были на языке, которого он не знал). Doubtless it was an ancient Mabden language (несомненно, это был древний мабденский язык). It made him shudder (это /пение/ заставило его дрожать = от пения Корума бросило дрожь).

experienced [Ik`spI (q) rIqnst] cloud [klaud] vibrated [vaI`breItId] ancient [`eInS (q) nt]

It was a singing sound, like nothing he had experienced before. He paused, then approached the balcony cautiously.

Rhalina stood there and she was singing. The wind caught her garments and spread them about her like strange, multi-coloured clouds. Her eyes were fixed on the far distance and her throat vibrated with the sounds she made.

She seemed to be in a trance and Corum made no sound, but watched. The words she sang were in no language he knew. Doubtless it was an ancient Mabden language. It made him shudder.

Then she stopped and turned in his direction (потом она прекратила /петь/ и повернулась в его сторону). But she did not see him (но она не видела его). Still in the trance, she walked straight past him and back into the room (по-прежнему /находясь/ в трансе, она прошла прямо мимо него и снова /вернулась/ в комнату; straight — прямо; немедленно, сразу).

Corum peered around a buttress (Корум посмотрел за контрфорс/устой; to peer — заглянуть, выглянуть, посмотреть). He had seen an odd green light shining in the direction of the mainland (он увидел странный зеленый свет, сиявший в направлении материка).

He saw nothing more, but heard the yells of the barbarians as they splashed about near the causeway (он не увидел больше ничего, но услышал вопли варваров, когда они прыгали с плеском в воду с дамбы; to splash — брызгать/ся/, плескать/ся/; бултыхаться). There was no doubt now but they were retreating (теперь не было сомнения — они отступали).

Corum entered the apartments (вошел в покои). Rhalina was sitting in her chair by the table (Ралина сидела в своем кресле у стола). She was stiff and could not hear him when he murmured her name (она была одеревеневшей и не услышала его, когда он прошептал ее имя). Hoping that she would succumb no further to the peculiar trance (надеясь, что она не впадет больше в этот странный транс; to succumb — поддаваться, становиться жертвой /чего-либо/), he left the room and ran for the main battlements (он вышел из комнаты и помчался к главной стене).

trance [trRns] buttress [`bAtrIs] peculiar [pI`kjHlIq]

Then she stopped and turned in his direction. But she did not see him. Still in the trance, she walked straight past him and back into the room.

Corum peered around a buttress. He had seen an odd green light shining in the direction of the mainland.

He saw nothing more, but heard the yells of the barbarians as they splashed about near the causeway. There was no doubt now but they were retreating.

Corum entered the apartments. Rhalina was sitting in her chair by the table. She was stiff and could not hear him when he murmured her name. Hoping that she would succumb no further to the peculiar trance, he left the room and ran for the main battlements.

Beldan was already there, his jaw slack as he watched what was taking place (Белдан был уже там, его челюсть отвисла, когда он наблюдал за тем, что происходит; to slack — слабеть, провисать /о веревке/). There was a huge ship rounding the headland to the North (огромный корабль огибал мыс с севера). It was the source of the strange green light and it sailed rapidly, though there was no wind at all now (он был источником странного зеленого света и плыл быстро, хотя теперь совсем не было ветра). The barbarians were scrambling on to their horses (варвары взбирались на своих лошадей; to scramble — карабкаться, цепляться), or plunging on foot through the water that was beginning to cover the causeway (или спешили пешком по воде, которая начинала покрывать дамбу; to plunge — нырять; погружать/ся/; бросаться вперед). They seemed mad with fear (казалось, они обезумели от страха). From the darkness on the shore, Corum heard Glandyth cursing them and trying to make them go back (из темноты на берегу Корум слышал, как Гландит ругает их и пытается заставить вернуться).

The ship flickered with many small fires, it seemed (казалось, корабль мерцал множеством маленьких огоньков). Its masts and its hull seemed encrusted with dull jewels (его мачты и корпус /были/ словно инкрустированы тусклыми драгоценными камнями). And Corum saw what the barbarians had seen (Корум увидел /то/, что увидели варвары). He saw the crew (он увидел экипаж). Flesh rotted on their faces and limbs (плоть сгнила на их лицах и конечностях). The ship was crewed by corpses (команду судна составляли трупы).

`What is it, Beldan? he whispered (прошептал он). `Some artful illusion (какая-то искусная иллюзия)?

plunging [`plAnGIN] encrusted [In`krAstId] jewel [`GHql] crew [krH]

Beldan was already there, his jaw slack as he watched what was taking place. There was a huge ship rounding the headland to the North. It was the source of the strange green light and it sailed rapidly, though there was no wind at all now. The barbarians were scrambling on to their horses, or plunging on foot through the water that was beginning to cover the causeway. They seemed mad with fear. From the darkness on the shore, Corum heard Glandyth cursing them and trying to make them go back.

The ship flickered with many small fires, it seemed. Its masts and its hull seemed encrusted with dull jewels. And Corum saw what the barbarians had seen. He saw the crew. Flesh rotted on their faces and limbs. The ship was crewed by corpses.

`What is it, Beldan? he whispered. `Some artful illusion?

Beldan's voice was hoarse (голос Белдана был хриплым).

`I do not think it is an illusion, Prince Corum (не думаю, что это иллюзия, принц Корум).

`Then what (тогда что)?

`It is a summoning (заклятие). That is the old Margrave's ship (это корабль старого маркграфа). It has been drawn up to the surface (/магия/ подняла его на поверхность). Its crew has been given something like life (его экипажу дали что-то вроде жизни). And see (смотри) he pointed to the figure on the poop, a skeletal creature in armour (он указал на фигуру на корме, скелетное существо = скелет в доспехах) which, like Corum's, was made from great shells (которые, как и /доспехи/ Корума, были сделаны из гигантских раковин), whose sunken eyes flickered with the same green fire that covered the ship like weed (чьи ввалившиеся глаза мерцали тем же зеленым светом, который покрывал корабль, словно водоросли) — `there is the Margrave himself (это сам маркграф). Returned to save his castle (вернулся, чтобы спасти свой замок).

Corum forced himself to watch as the apparition drew closer (Корум заставил себя смотреть, как это видение приближалось).

`And what else has he returned for, I wonder (интересно, а для чего еще он вернулся)? he said.

surface [`sq: fIs] skeletal [`skelIt (q) l] apparition [, xpq`rIS (q) n]

Beldan's voice was hoarse.

`I do not think it is an illusion, Prince Corum.

`Then what?

`It is a summoning. That is the old Margrave's ship. It has been drawn up to the surface. Its crew has been given something like life. And see' he pointed to the figure on the poop, a skeletal creature in armour which, like Corum's, was made from great shells, whose sunken eyes flickered with the same green fire that covered the ship like weed — `there is the Margrave himself. Returned to save his castle.

Corum forced himself to watch as the apparition drew closer.

`And what else has he returned for, I wonder? he said.