They pushed on without pausing, though Balthus gazed longingly at the squirrels flitting among the branches, which he could have brought down with a cast of his ax. With a sigh he drew up his broad belt. The everlasting silence and gloom of the primitive forest was beginning to depress him. He found himself thinking of the open groves and sun-dappled meadows of the Tauran, of the bluff cheer of his father's steep-thatched, diamond-paned house, of the fat cows browsing through the deep lush grass, and the hearty fellowship of the brawny, bare-armed plowmen and herdsmen.
He felt lonely, in spite of his companion (он чувствовал себя одиноко, несмотря на своего спутника). Conan was as much a part of this wilderness as Balthus was alien to it (насколько Конан был частью этих диких мест, настолько Балтус был чужаком здесь). The Cimmerian might have spent years among the great cities of the world (возможно, Киммериец провел годы среди = в великих городах мира); he might have walked with the rulers of civilization (возможно, он гулял с правителями цивилизации); he might even achieve his wild whim some day and rule as king of a civilized nation (возможно, он даже добьется /исполнения/ своей дикой причуды однажды и будет править, как король цивилизованной страны); stranger things had happened (более странные вещи случались = случались вещи и более странные). But he was no less a barbarian (но он был не кем иным, как варваром). He was concerned only with the naked fundamentals of life (он интересовался лишь голыми жизненными основами). The warm intimacies of small, kindly things (теплые близкие отношения из приятных мелочей: «маленьких приятных вещей»), the sentiments and delicious trivialities that make up so much of civilized men's lives were meaningless to him (чувства и прелестные банальности, которые составляют так много в жизни цивилизованных людей, были бессмысленны для него). A wolf was no less a wolf because a whim of chance caused him to run with the watch-dogs (волк оставался волком: «был не менее волком», оттого, что = пусть даже каприз судьбы заставил его бежать со сторожевыми псами). Bloodshed and violence and savagery were the natural elements of the life Conan knew (кровопролитие и насилие и дикость были естественными составляющими жизни, /которую/ знал Конан); he could not, and would never, understand the little things that are so dear to civilized men and women (он не мог и никогда /не/ захотел бы понять мелочей, которые так дороги цивилизованным мужчинам и женщинам).
alien [*e*lj*n], achieve [***i: v], dear [d**]
He felt lonely, in spite of his companion. Conan was as much a part of this wilderness as Balthus was alien to it. The Cimmerian might have spent years among the great cities of the world; he might have walked with the rulers of civilization; he might even achieve his wild whim some day and rule as king of a civilized nation; stranger things had happened. But he was no less a barbarian. He was concerned only with the naked fundamentals of life. The warm intimacies of small, kindly things, the sentiments and delicious trivialities that make up so much of civilized men's lives were meaningless to him. A wolf was no less a wolf because a whim of chance caused him to run with the watch-dogs. Bloodshed and violence and savagery were the natural elements of the life Conan knew; he could not, and would never, understand the little things that are so dear to civilized men and women.
The shadows were lengthening when they reached the river and peered through the masking bushes (тени удлинялись, когда они добрались до реки и выглянули сквозь маскирующие кусты). They could see up and down the river for about a mile each way (они могли видеть /местность/ выше и ниже по реке приблизительно на милю в обе стороны: «каждый путь»). The sullen stream lay bare and empty (медленно текущий поток лежал открытый и пустынный). Conan scowled across at the other shore (Конан бросил сердитый взгляд на другой берег; to scowl — хмуриться, бросать сердитый взгляд, смотреть сердито).
"We've got to take another chance here (мы должны еще раз рискнуть здесь: «взять еще один шанс здесь»). We've got to swim the river (мы должны переплыть реку). We don't know whether they've crossed or not (мы не знаем, переплыли ли они или /еще/ нет). The woods over there may be alive with them (лес вон там может быть живым с ними = кишеть ими). We've got to risk it (нам нужно рискнуть). We're about six miles south of Gwawela (мы около шести миль = милях в шести южнее Гвавелы)."
scowl [skaul], shadow [***d*u], lengthen [*le*O*n]
The shadows were lengthening when they reached the river and peered through the masking bushes. They could see up and down the river for about a mile each way. The sullen stream lay bare and empty. Conan scowled across at the other shore. "We've got to take another chance here. We've got to swim the river. We don't know whether they've crossed or not. The woods over there may be alive with them. We've got to risk it. We're about six miles south of Gwawela."
He wheeled and ducked as a bowstring twanged (он перевернулся и быстро наклонился, когда тренькнула тетива лука). Something like a white flash of light streaked through the bushes (что-то, словно белая вспышка света, пронеслось сквозь кусты). Balthus knew it was an arrow (Балтус знал, это была стрела). Then with a tigerish bound Conan was through the bushes (затем тигриным прыжком Конан был = бросился через кусты). Balthus caught the gleam of steel as he whirled his sword (Балтус уловил проблеск стали, когда он завертел своим мечом), and heard a death scream (и услышал смертельный крик). The next instant he had broken through the bushes after the Cimmerian (/в/ следующий миг он бросился сквозь кусты за киммерийцем).
twang [tw**], caught [k*: t], death [deO]
He wheeled and ducked as a bowstring twanged. Something like a white flash of light streaked through the bushes. Balthus knew it was an arrow. Then with a tigerish bound Conan was through the bushes. Balthus caught the gleam of steel as he whirled his sword, and heard a death scream. The next instant he had broken through the bushes after the Cimmerian.
A Pict with a shattered skull lay face-down on the ground, his fingers spasmodically clawing at the grass (пикт с раздробленным черепом лежал лицом вниз на земле, его пальцы спазматически цеплялись за траву; to claw — цепляться). Half a dozen others were swarming about Conan, swords and axes lifted (полдюжины других толпились вокруг Конана /с/ поднятыми мечами и топорами). They had cast away their bows, useless at such deadly close quarters (они отбросили свои луки, бесполезные на таком ужасно близком расстоянии). Their lower jaws were painted white, contrasting vividly with their dark faces (их нижние челюсти были окрашены белым, контрастируя четко с их темными лицами), and the designs on their muscular breasts differed from any Balthus had ever seen (а рисунки на их мускулистых грудных клетках отличались от любых, /которые/ Балтус когда-либо видел).
spasmodically [sp*z*m*d*kl*], useless [*ju: sl*s], quarter [*kw*: t*]
A Pict with a shattered skull lay face-down on the ground, his fingers spasmodically clawing at the grass. Half a dozen others were swarming about Conan, swords and axes lifted. They had cast away their bows, useless at such deadly close quarters. Their lower jaws were painted white, contrasting vividly with their dark faces, and the designs on their muscular breasts differed from any Balthus had ever seen.
One of them hurled his ax at Balthus and rushed after it with lifted knife (один из них бросил свой топор в Балтуса и бросился /вслед/ за ним с поднятым ножом). Balthus ducked and then caught the wrist that drove the knife licking at his throat (Балтус пригнулся и затем поймал запястье, которое направило нож, нанося удар в его горло = и нанес удар ему в горло). They went to the ground together, rolling over and over (они пошли = упали на землю вместе, перекатываясь и перекатываясь). The Pict was like a wild beast, his muscles hard as steel strings (пикт был как дикий зверь, его мускулы крепки, как стальные канаты).
One of them hurled his ax at Balthus and rushed after it with lifted knife. Balthus ducked and then caught the wrist that drove the knife licking at his throat. They went to the ground together, rolling over and over. The Pict was like a wild beast, his muscles hard as steel strings.
Balthus was striving to maintain his hold on the wild man's wrist and bring his own ax into play (Балтус старался удержать /свою/ хватку на запястье дикаря и пустить в ход свой /собственный/ топор), but so fast and furious was the struggle that each attempt to strike was blocked (но такой быстрой и яростной была борьба, что каждая попытка ударить блокировалась). The Pict was wrenching furiously to free his knife hand (пикт извивался яростно, /чтобы/ освободить свою руку с ножом), was clutching at Balthus' ax, and driving his knees at the youth's groin (вцепился в топор Балтуса и давил /своими/ коленями в пах юноши). Suddenly he attempted to shift his knife to his free hand (вдруг он попытался перехватить /свой/ нож в /его/ свободную руку), and in that instant Balthus, struggling up on one knee, split the painted head with a desperate blow of his ax (и в это мгновение Балтус, встав на одно колено, раскроил раскрашенную голову отчаянным / страшным ударом своего топора).
wrist [r*st], maintain [me*n*te*n], wrench [ren*]
Balthus was striving to maintain his hold on the wild man's wrist and bring his own ax into play, but so fast and furious was the struggle that each attempt to strike was blocked. The Pict was wrenching furiously to free his knife hand, was clutching at Balthus' ax, and driving his knees at the youth's groin. Suddenly he attempted to shift his knife to his free hand, and in that instant Balthus, struggling up on one knee, split the painted head with a desperate blow of his ax.
He sprang up and glared wildly about for his companion, expecting to see him overwhelmed by numbers (он вскочил и дико огляделся для = в поисках своего спутника, ожидая увидеть его, подавленного численностью = превосходящим противником). Then he realized the full strength and ferocity of the Cimmerian (/и/ тогда он осознал полную силу и свирепость киммерийца). Conan bestrode two of his attackers, shorn half asunder by that terrible broadsword (Конан перешагнул /через/ двух из /его/ нападавших, разрубленных пополам этим ужасным палашом; to bestride — перешагивать через; to shear — резать, рубить). As Balthus looked he saw the Cimmerian beat down a thrusting short sword (когда Балтус посмотрел, он увидел, /как/ киммериец отбил вниз колющий короткий меч), avoid the stroke of an ax with a cat-like side-wise spring (избегнул = ушел от удара топора кошачьим прыжком в сторону) which brought him within arm's length of a squat savage stooping for a bow (который принес = приблизил его на расстояние руки от сидящего на корточках дикаря, наклонившегося за луком). Before the Pict could straighten (прежде чем пикт смог выпрямиться), the red sword flailed down and clove him from shoulder to midbreastbone (кровавый меч ударил вниз и разрезал его от плеча до средней грудной кости; to cleave — разрезать, раскалывать), where the blade stuck (где клинок застрял; to stick — застрять). The remaining warriors rushed in, one from either side (оставшиеся воины бросились, /по/ одному с обеих сторон). Balthus hurled his ax with an accuracy that reduced the attackers to one (Балтус швырнул свой топор с точностью, которая уменьшила /количество/ нападавших до одного = остался один нападавший), and Conan, abandoning his efforts to free his sword, wheeled and met the remaining Pict with his bare hands (а Конан, бросив попытки освободить свой меч, повернулся и встретил оставшегося пикта /с/ голыми руками). The stocky warrior, a head shorter than his tall enemy, leaped in (коренастый воин, /на/ голову ниже, чем его высокий противник, прыгнул), striking with his ax, at the same time stabbing murderously with his knife (ударяя = нанося удар /своим/ топором, в то же время тыкая смертоносно своим ножом). The knife broke on the Cimmerian's mail (нож поломался о кольчугу киммерийца), and the ax checked in midair as Conan's fingers locked like iron on the descending arm (а топор остановился в воздухе, когда пальцы Конан сомкнулись, как железные, на опускающейся руке). A bone snapped loudly, and Balthus saw the Pict wince and falter (кость громко хрустнула, и Балтус увидел, /как/ пикт сморщился и споткнулся; to wince (in pain) — морщиться от боли). The next instant he was swept off his feet (/в/ следующий миг он был снесен с ног), lifted high above the Cimmerian's head поднят высоко над головой Конана) — he writhed in midair for an instant, kicking and thrashing (он покорчился в воздухе мгновение, лягаясь и молотя /конечностями/), and then was dashed headlong to the earth with such force that he rebounded (а потом был брошен вниз головой на землю с такой силой, что он отскочил), and then lay still, his limp posture telling of splintered limbs and a broken spine (и потом лежал тихо, его безвольная поза говорила о раздробленных конечностях и сломанном позвоночнике).
overwhelmed [*uv**welmd], abandon [**b*nd*n], posture [*p*s**]
He sprang up and glared wildly about for his companion, expecting to see him overwhelmed by numbers. Then he realized the full strength and ferocity of the Cimmerian. Conan bestrode two of his attackers, shorn half asunder by that terrible broadsword. As Balthus looked he saw the Cimmerian beat down a thrusting shortsword, avoid the stroke of an ax with a cat-like side-wise spring which brought him within arm's length of a squat savage stooping for a bow. Before the Pict could straighten, the red sword flailed down and clove him from shoulder to midbreastbone, where the blade stuck. The remaining warriors rushed in, one from either side. Balthus hurled his ax with an accuracy that reduced the attackers to one, and Conan, abandoning his efforts to free his sword, wheeled and met the remaining Pict with his bare hands. The stocky warrior, a head shorter than his tall enemy, leaped in, striking with his ax, at the same time stabbing murderously with his knife. The knife broke on the Cimmerian's mail, and the ax checked in midair as Conan's fingers locked like iron on the descending arm. A bone snapped loudly, and Balthus saw the Pict wince and falter. The next instant he was swept off his feet, lifted high above the Cimmerian's head — he writhed in midair for an instant, kicking and thrashing, and then was dashed headlong to the earth with such force that he rebounded, and then lay still, his limp posture telling of splintered limbs and a broken spine.
"Come on!" Conan wrenched his sword free and snatched up an ax (давай / ну же! — Конан провернул свой меч свободный = провернув, высвободил меч и выхватил топор). "Grab a bow and a handful of arrows, and hurry (хватай лук и пригорошню стрел — и поспеши)! We've got to trust to our heels again (мы должны снова довериться нашим ногам). That yell was heard (этот крик был услышан). They'll be here in no time (они будут здесь мигом; in no time — мигом, мгновенно, очень скоро: «в никакое время»). If we tried to swim now, they'd feather us with arrows before we reached midstream (если бы мы попытались поплыть сейчас, они бы утыкали нас стрелами, до того, как мы добрались бы до середины реки)!"
hurry [*h*r*], feather [*fe**], arrow [**r*u]
"Come on!" Conan wrenched his sword free and snatched up an ax. "Grab a bow and a handful of arrows, and hurry! We've got to trust to our heels again. That yell was heard. They'll be here in no time. If we tried to swim now, they'd feather us with arrows before we reached midstream!"
6. Red Axes of the Border
(Красные топоры границы)
Conan did not plunge deeply into the forest (Конан не погрузился глубоко в лес). A few hundred yards from the river, he altered his slanting course and ran parallel with it (/в/ нескольких сотнях ярдов от реки он поменял свой наклонный курс и побежал параллельно ему). Balthus recognized a grim determination not to be hunted away from the river which they must cross if they were to warn the men in the fort (Балтус распознал мрачную решимость не быть отогнанным = не уходить от реки, которую они должны пересечь, если им предстояло предупредить людей в форте). Behind them rose more loudly the yells of the forest men (позади них поднялись громче крики лесных людей). Balthus believed the Picts had reached the glade where the bodies of the slain men lay (Балтус полагал, /что/ пикты добрались до поляны, где лежали тела убитых людей). Then further yells seemed to indicate that the savages were streaming into the woods in pursuit (дальнейшие крики, казалось, указывают, что дикари устремились в лес в погоню). They had left a trail any Pict could follow (они оставили след, /по которому/ мог пойти любой пикт).
plunge [pl*n*], parallel [*p*r*lel], pursuit [p**sju: t]
Conan did not plunge deeply into the forest. A few hundred yards from the river, he altered his slanting course and ran parallel with it. Balthus recognized a grim determination not to be hunted away from the river which they must cross if they were to warn the men in the fort. Behind them rose more loudly the yells of the forest men. Balthus believed the Picts had reached the glade where the bodies of the slain men lay. Then further yells seemed to indicate that the savages were streaming into the woods in pursuit. They had left a trail any Pict could follow.
Conan increased his speed (Конан увеличил свою скорость), and Balthus grimly set his teeth and kept on his heels, though he felt he might collapse any time (а Балтус мрачно стиснул /свои/ зубы и последовал за ним, хотя он чувствовал, /что/ он может свалиться /в/ любой момент). It seemed centuries since he had eaten last (это казалось веками = казалось века прошли, с тех пор как он ел последний раз). He kept going more by an effort of will than anything else (он продолжал двигаться усилием воли — более, чем чем-либо еще = только усилие воли заставляло его двигаться). His blood was pounding so furiously in his ear-drums that he was not aware when the yells died out behind them (его кровь стучала так бешено в его барабанных перепонках, что он не заметил, когда затихли вопли позади них).
speed [spi: d], collapse [k**l*ps], else [els]
Conan increased his speed, and Balthus grimly set his teeth and kept on his heels, though he felt he might collapse any time. It seemed centuries since he had eaten last. He kept going more by an effort of will than anything else. His blood was pounding so furiously in his ear-drums that he was not aware when the yells died out behind them.
Conan halted suddenly (Конан неожиданно остановился)… Balthus leaned against a tree and panted (Балтус оперся о дерево и тяжело дышал).
"They've quit!" grunted the Cimmerian, scowling (они прекратили /погоню/! — пробормотал киммериец, хмуря брови).
"Sneaking — up — on — us!" gasped Balthus (подкрадываются не-за-мет-но к нам! — задыхался = выпалил, задыхаясь, Балтус).
Conan shook his head (Конан покачал /своей/ головой).
Conan halted suddenly… Balthus leaned against a tree and panted. "They've quit!" grunted the Cimmerian, scowling.
"Sneaking — up — on — us!" gasped Balthus. Conan shook his head.
"A short chase like this they'd yell every step of the way (/при/ такой короткой погоне они бы кричали на каждом шагу пути). No (нет). They've gone back (они вернулись). I thought I heard somebody yelling behind them a few seconds before the noise began to get dimmer (я слышал, /как/ кто-то крикнул позади них за несколько секунд до того, как шум начал становиться слабее = стал слабеть). They've been recalled (их позвали назад). And that's good for us, but damned bad for the men in the fort (и это хорошо для нас, но ужасно плохо для людей в форте). It means the warriors are being summoned out of the woods for the attack (это значит, /что/ воины вызываются = воинов вызывают из лесов для атаки). Those men we ran into were warners from a tribe down the river (те люди, /на которых/ мы наткнулись, были вестниками из племени ниже по реке). They were undoubtedly headed for Gwawela to join in the assault on the fort (они несомненно направлялись к Гвавеле, /чтобы/ присоединиться к атаке на форт). Damn it, we're farther away than ever, now (проклятие, мы сейчас дальше, чем /были/ когда-либо). We've got to get across the river (мы имеем = нам нужно перебраться через реку)."
warnor [*w*: n*], assault [**s*: lt], undoubtedly [*n*daut*dl*]
"A short chase like this they'd yell every step of the way. No. They've gone back. I thought I heard somebody yelling behind them a few seconds before the noise began to get dimmer. They've been recalled. And that's good for us, but damned bad for the men in the fort. It means the warriors are being summoned out of the woods for the attack. Those men we ran into were warnors from a tribe down the river. They were undoubtedly headed for Gwawela to join in the assault on the fort. Damn it, we're farther away than ever, now. We've got to get across the river."
Turning east he hurried through the thickets with no attempt at concealment (повернув на восток, он поспешил через заросли без попытки = не пытаясь, скрываться). Balthus followed him, for the first time feeling the sting of lacerations on his breast and shoulder where the Pict's savage teeth had scored him (Балтус последовал за ним, в первый раз почувствовав острую боль на /его/ груди и плече, где свирепые зубы пикта оставили глубокие следы /на нем/). He was pushing through the thick bushes that hinged the bank when Conan pulled him back (он пробивался сквозь густые кусты, которые нависали над берегом, когда Конан потащил его назад). Then he heard a rhythmic splashing (затем он услышал ритмичный плеск), and peering through the leaves (и, глядя сквозь листья; to peer — вглядываться, вперять взгляд), saw a dugout canoe coming up the river (увидел каноэ-долбленку, идущую вверх по реке; to dig — копать, рыть), its single occupant paddling hard against the current (ее единственный обитатель упорно греб против течения). He was a strongly built Pict with a white heron feather (он был крепкосложенным пиктом с белым пером цапли) thrust in a copper band (вставленным в медную ленту) that confined his square- cut mane (которая охватывала его прямоугольно постриженную гриву).
rhythmic [*r**m*k], current [*k*r*nt], heron [*her*n]
Turning east he hurried through the thickets with no attempt at concealment. Balthus followed him, for the first time feeling the sting of lacerations on his breast and shoulder where the Pict's savage teeth had scored him. He was pushing through the thick bushes that hinged the bank when Conan pulled him back. Then he heard a rhythmic splashing, and peering through the leaves, saw a dugout canoe coming up the river, its single occupant paddling hard against the current. He was a strongly built Pict with a white heron feather thrust in a copper band that confined his square-cut mane.
"That's a Gwawela man," muttered Conan (это человек из Гвавелы, — пробормотал Конан). "Emissary from Zogar (эмиссар от Зогара). White plume shows that (белое перо указывает на это). He's carried a peace talk to the tribes down the river (он нес слово о мире племенам в низовьях реки) and now he's trying to get back and take a hand in the slaughter (а сейчас он пытается вернуться и принять участие в бойне; to take a hand in — участвовать, принять участие)."
emissary [*em*s*r*], peace [pi: s], hand [h*nd]
"That's a Gwawela man," muttered Conan. "Emissary from Zogar. White plume shows that. He's carried a peace talk to the tribes down the river and now he's trying to get back and take a hand in the slaughter."
The lone ambassador was now almost even with their hiding-place, and suddenly Balthus almost jumped out of his skin (одинокий посол /был/ теперь почти поравнялся с их укрытием, и вдруг Балтус чуть не выпрыгнул из своей кожи). At his very ear had sounded the harsh gutturals of a Pict (у самого его уха раздались резкие гортанные звуки пикта). Then he realized that Conan had called to the paddler in his own tongue (затем он понял, что Конан позвал гребца на его собственном = родном языке). The man started, scanned the bushes and called back something (человек дернулся, осмотрел кусты и ответил что-то), then cast a startled glance across the river (затем бросил испуганный взгляд за реку), bent low and sent the canoe shooting in toward the western bank (низко наклонился и направил каноэ быстро = стрелой к западному берегу). Not understanding, Balthus saw Conan take from his hand the bow he had picked up in the glade, and notch an arrow (не понимая, Балтус увидел, /как/ Конан взял из его руки лук, /который/ он подобрал на поляне и наложил стрелу; notch — выемка, метка, зарубка; to notch — /зд./ ставить стрелу на тетиву).
ambassador [*m*b*s*d*], paddler [*p*dl*], startled [*st*:tld]
The lone ambassador was now almost even with their hiding-place, and suddenly Balthus almost jumped out of his skin. At his very ear had sounded the harsh gutturals of a Pict. Then he realized that Conan had called to the paddler in his own tongue. The man started, scanned the bushes and called back something, then cast a startled glance across the river, bent low and sent the canoe shooting in toward the western bank. Not understanding, Balthus saw Conan take from his hand the bow he had picked up in the glade, and notch an arrow.
The Pict had run his canoe in close to the shore, and staring up into the bushes, called out something (пикт подогнал /свое/ каноэ близко к берегу и вглядываясь в кусты, выкрикнул что-то). His answer came in the twang of the bow-string (его ответ пришел в звоне тетивы = ему ответил звон тетивы), the streaking flight of the arrow (стремительный полет стрелы) that sank to the feathers in his broad breast (которая погрузилась в перья на его широкой груди). With a choking gasp he slumped sidewise and rolled into the shallow water (с задыхающимся дыханием = хрипом он упал вбок и скатился в мелкую воду = в мелководье). In an instant Conan was down the bank and wading into the water to grasp the drifting canoe (черег миг Конан был вниз берега = спустился на берег и вошел в воду, /чтобы/ схватить дрейфующее каноэ). Balthus stumbled after him and somewhat dazedly crawled into the canoe (Балтус заковылял за ним и как-то обалдело заполз в каноэ; to daze — изумить; ошеломить, удивить, поразить). Conan scrambled in, seized the paddle (Конан вскарабкался вовнутрь, схватил весло) and sent the craft shooting toward the eastern shore (и направил суденышко стрелой к восточному берегу). Balthus noted with envious admiration the play of the great muscles beneath the sun-burnt skin (Балтус заметил с завистливым восхищением перекатывание огромных мускулов под загорелой кожей). The Cimmerian seemed an iron man, who never knew fatigue (киммериец казался железным человеком, который никогда /не/ знал усталости).
shallow [***l*u], craft [kr*:ft], fatigue [f**ti: *]
The Pict had run his canoe in close to the shore, and staring up into the bushes, called out something. His answer came in the twang of the bow-string, the streaking flight of the arrow that sank to the feathers in his broad breast. With a choking gasp he slumped sidewise and rolled into the shallow water. In an instant Conan was down the bank and wading into the water to grasp the drifting canoe. Balthus stumbled after him and somewhat dazedly crawled into the canoe. Conan scrambled in, seized the paddle and sent the craft shooting toward the eastern shore. Balthus noted with envious admiration the play of the great muscles beneath the sun-burnt skin. The Cimmerian seemed an iron man, who never knew fatigue.
"What did you say to the Pict*" asked Balthus (что ты сказал пикту* — спросил Балтус).
"Told him to pull into shore (велел ему подплыть к берегу); said there was a white forest runner on the bank who was trying to get a shot at him (сказал, /что/ на берегу /есть/ белый лазутчик, который пытается подстрелить его; to get a shot at — выстрелить в, стрельнуть по)."
"That doesn't seem fair," Balthus objected (это, кажется, нечестно, — неодобрительно заметил Балтус; to object — возражать, не одобрять, сказать неодобрительно). "He thought a friend was speaking to him (он думал, друг разговаривает с ним). You mimicked a Pict perfectly — (ты скопировал пикта в совершенстве)"
fair [f**], friend [frend], perfectly [*p*: f*ktl*]
"What did you say to the Pict*" asked Balthus.
"Told him to pull into shore; said there was a white forest runner on the bank who was trying to get a shot at him."
"That doesn't seem fair," Balthus objected. "He thought a friend was speaking to him. You mimicked a Pict perfectly —»
"We needed his boat," grunted Conan, not pausing in his exertions (мы нуждались в его лодке, — пробурчал Конан, не прекращая своих усилий = грести).
"Only way to lure him to the bank (единственный способ заманить его к берегу). Which is worse — to betray a Pict who'd enjoy skinning us both alive (что хуже — обмануть пикта, который был бы рад содрать с нас обоих шкуру живьем), or betray the men across the river whose lives depend on our getting over (или предать людей за рекой, чьи жизни зависят от нашей переправы = от того, сможем ли мы переправиться; to skin — сдирать шкуру)*" Balthus mulled over this delicate ethical question for a moment (Балтус задумался над этим деликатным этическим вопросом на секунду), then shrugged his shoulders and asked: "How far are we from the fort (потом пожал /своими/ плечами и спросил: как далеко мы от форта)*"
Conan pointed to a creek which flowed into Black River from the east, a few hundred yards below them (Конан показал на речушку, которая впадала в Черную реку с востока, в нескольких сотнях ярдов ниже их /по течению/).
exertion [***z*: *n], betray [b**tre*], depend [d**pend]
We needed his boat," grunted Conan, not pausing in his exertions. "Only way to lure him to the bank. Which is worse — to betray a Pict who'd enjoy skinning us both alive, or betray the men across the river whose lives depend on our getting over*"
Balthus mulled over this delicate ethical question for a moment, then shrugged his shoulders and asked: "How far are we from the fort*"
Conan pointed to a creek which flowed into Black River from the east, a few hundred yards below them.
"That's South Creek; it's ten miles from its mouth to the fort (это Южный приток, это десять миль от его устья до форта = от его устья до форта десять миль). It's the southern boundary of Conajohara (это южная граница Конаджохары). Marshes miles wide south of it (болота шириной /в/ мили южнее ее). No danger of a raid from across them (никакой опасности налета из-за них). Nine miles above the fort North Creek forms the other boundary (/в/ девяти милях выше форта Северный приток образует другую границу). Marshes beyond that, too (за ним тоже болота). That's why an attack must come from the west, across Black River (вот почему атака должна = нападения нужно ожидать придти с запада, через = из-за Черной реки). Conajohara's just like a spear, with a point nineteen miles wide, thrust into the Pictish wilderness (Конаджохара — как раз как копье с наконечником шириной в девятнадцать миль, вонзенным в пиктские пустоши)."
mouth [mauO], southern [*s***n], wilderness [*w*ld*n*s]
That's South Creek; it's ten miles from its mouth to the fort. It's the southern boundary of Conajohara. Marshes miles wide south of it. No danger of a raid from across them. Nine miles above the fort North Creek forms the other boundary. Marshes beyond that, too. That's why an attack must come from the west, across Black River. Conajohara's just like a spear, with a point nineteen miles wide, thrust into the Pictish wilderness."
"Why don't we keep to the canoe and make the trip by water (почему /бы/ нам не оставить /себе/ каноэ и не совершить путешествие по воде)*"
"Because, considering the current we've got to brace, and the bends in the river, we can go faster afoot (потому что, учитывая поток, /который/ нам нужно преодолевать, и излучины на реке, мы можем идти быстрее пешком). Besides, remember Gwawela is south of the fort; if the Picts are crossing the river we'd run right into them (кроме того, помни = не забывай, /что/ Гвавела южнее форта, если пикты пересекают реку, мы бы натолкнулись на них)."
"Why don't we keep to the canoe and make the trip by water*"
"Because, considering the current we've got to brace, and the bends in the river, we can go faster afoot. Besides, remember Gwawela is south of the fort; if the Picts are crossing the river we'd run right into them."
Dusk was gathering as they stepped upon the eastern bank (собирались = сгущались сумерки, когда они ступили на восточный берег). Without pause Conan pushed on northward, at a pace that made Balthus' sturdy legs ache (без остановки Конан двинулся на север в темпе, который заставил выносливые ноги Балтуса болеть = отдавался болью в выносливых ногах Балтуса). "Valannus wanted a fort built at the mouths of North and South Creeks," grunted the Cimmerian (Валаннус хотел форт построенным = хотел, чтобы построили форт в устьях Северного и Южного притоков; to build — построить). "Then the river could be patrolled constantly (тогда бы реку можно было патрулировать постоянно). But the Government wouldn't do it (но правительство не захотело этого).
ache [e*k], want [w*nt], constantly [*k*nst*ntl*]
Dusk was gathering as they stepped upon the eastern bank. Without pause Conan pushed on northward, at a pace that made Balthus' sturdy legs ache.
"Valannus wanted a fort built at the mouths of North and South Creeks," grunted the Cimmerian. "Then the river could be patrolled constantly. But the Government wouldn't do it.
"Soft-bellied fools sitting on velvet cushions with naked girls offering them iced wine on their knees (толстопузые глупцы, сидящие на бархатных подушках с обнаженными девицами, предлагающими им охлажденное /льдом/ вино на /своих/ коленях; ice — лед). — I know the breed (я знаю эту породу). They can't see any farther than their palace wall (они не могут видеть дальше их дворцовой стены). Diplomacy — hell (дипломатия — ад = проклятие)! They'd fight Picts with theories of territorial expansion (они сражались бы с пиктами с помощью теорий территориальной экспансии). Valannus and men like him have to obey the orders of a set of damned fools (Валаннусу и людям, таким как он, приходится подчиняться приказам кучки треклятых дураков; set — круг людей, связанных своим статусом, общими интересами, привычками или занятием: группа, компания, шайка и т. п.). They'll never grab any more Pictish land, any more than they'll ever rebuild Venarium (они никогда /не/ захватят больше пиктской земли, /не/ больше, чем если = даже если /они/ когда- нибудь восстановят Венариум). The time may come when they'll see the barbarians swarming over the walls of the eastern cities (возможно, придет время, когда они увидят варваров, кишащих за стенами восточных городов)!"
velvet [*velv*t], cushion [*k**n], damned [d*md]
"Soft-bellied fools sitting on velvet cushions with naked girls offering them iced wine on their knees. — I know the breed. They can't see any farther than their palace wall. Diplomacy — hell! They'd fight Picts with theories of territorial expansion. Valannus and men like him have to obey the orders of a set of damned fools. They'll never grab any more Pictish land, any more than they'll ever rebuild Venarium. The time may come when they'll see the barbarians swarming over the walls of the eastern cities!"
A week before, Balthus would have laughed at any such preposterous suggestion (неделей раньше Балтус посмеялся бы над любым таким абсурдным предположением). Now he made no reply (теперь он не ответил: «сделал никакого ответа»; to make — делать, изготовлять). He had seen the unconquerable ferocity of the men who dwelt beyond the frontiers (он /уже/ видел непобедимую ярость людей, которые жили за границей; to dwell — жить, проживать).
He shivered, casting glances at the sullen river, just visible through the bushes (он вздрогнул, бросая взгляды на медленную реку, как раз видимую сквозь кусты), at the arches of the trees which crowded close to its banks (на своды деревьев, которые теснились возле ее берегов). He kept remembering that the Picts might have crossed the river and be lying in ambush between them and the fort (он продолжал помнить = все еще помнил, что пикты, возможно, пересекли реку и лежат в засаде между ними и фортом). It was fast growing dark (/оно/ быстро становилось темно = быстро темнело).
preposterous [pr**p*st*r*s], unconquerable [*n*k**k*r*bl], ferocity [f**r*s*t*]
A week before, Balthus would have laughed at any such preposterous suggestion. Now he made no reply. He had seen the unconquerable ferocity of the men who dwelt beyond the frontiers.
He shivered, casting glances at the sullen river, just visible through the bushes, at the arches of the trees which crowded close to its banks. He kept remembering that the Picts might have crossed the river and be lying in ambush between them and the fort. It was fast growing dark.
A slight sound ahead of them jumped his heart into his throat (легкий звук = шорох впереди них подбросил его сердце к его горлу = от легкого шороха у него подпрыгнуло сердце), and Conan's sword gleamed in the air (а меч Конана сверкнул в воздухе). He lowered it when a dog, a great, gaunt, scarred beast (он опустил его, когда собака, огромный сухопарый зверь в шрамах), slunk out of the bushes and stood staring at them (выскользнул из кустов и стоял, уставившись на них; to slink out — выскользнуть).
"That dog belonged to a settler who tried to build his cabin on the bank of the river a few miles south of the fort," grunted Conan (этот пес принадлежал поселенцу, который попытался построить свою хижину на берегу реки /в/ нескольких милях южнее форта, — проворчал Конан). "The Picts slipped over and killed him, of course, and burned his cabin (пикты переправились и убили его, конечно, и сожгли его хижину). We found him dead among the embers, and the dog lying senseless among three Picts he'd killed (мы нашли его мертвым среди углей и пса, лежащим без чувств между трех пиктов, /которых/ он убил). He was almost cut to pieces (он был почти разрезан на куски). We took him to the fort and dressed his wounds (мы отнесли его в форт и перевязали его раны), but after he recovered he took to the woods and turned wild (но после того как он оправился, он подался в лес и одичал; to turn wild — одичать). — What now, Slasher, are you hunting the men who killed your master (что теперь, Задира, ты охотишься на людей, которые убили твоего хозяина)*"
ember [*emb*], senseless [*sensl*s], master [*m*:st*]
A slight sound ahead of them jumped his heart into his throat, and Conan's sword gleamed in the air. He lowered it when a dog, a great, gaunt, scarred beast, slunk out of the bushes and stood staring at them.
"That dog belonged to a settler who tried to build his cabin on the bank of the river a few miles south of the fort," grunted Conan. "The Picts slipped over and killed him, of course, and burned his cabin. We found him dead among the embers, and the dog lying senseless among three Picts he'd killed. He was almost cut to pieces. We took him to the fort and dressed his wounds, but after he recovered he took to the woods and turned wild. — What now, Slasher, are you hunting the men who killed your master*"
The massive head swung from side to side and the eyes glowed greenly (массивная голова закачалась из стороны в сторону, а глаза пылали зеленоватым). He did not growl or bark (он не рычал и не лаял). Silently as a phantom he slid in behind them (молча, как фантом, он скользнул за них).
"Let him come," muttered Conan (пусть идет /с нами/: «позволь ему идти», — пробормотал Конан; to come — приходить, идти вместе). "He can smell the devils before we can see them (он может учуять демонов раньше, чем мы можем увидеть их = чем мы увидим их)."
The massive head swung from side to side and the eyes glowed greenly. He did not growl or bark. Silently as a phantom he slid in behind them.
"Let him come," muttered Conan. "He can smell the devils before we can see them."
Balthus smiled and laid his hand caressingly on the dog's head (Балтус улыбнулся и положил /свою/ руку ласково на голову собаки). The lips involuntarily writhed back to display the gleaming fangs (губы невольно оттянулись, /чтобы/ показать сверкающие клыки); then the great beast bent his head sheepishly (потом огромный зверь наклонил /свою/ голову застенчиво / глуповато; sheep — овца), and his tail moved with jerky uncertainty (а его хвост задвигался с двигающейся толчками неуверенностью = задергался неуверенно толчками), as if the owner had almost forgotten the emotions of friendliness (как будто владелец /хвоста/ почти забыл чувства дружбы; to forget — забывать). Balthus mentally compared the great gaunt hard body with the fat sleek hounds (Балтус мысленно сравнил огромное сухопарое крепкое тело с толстыми гладкими охотничьими собаками) tumbling vociferously over one another in his father's kennel yard (кувыркающимися шумно друг через друга во дворе псарни его отца; kennel — собачья конура; псарня; yard — двор). He sighed (он вздохнул). The frontier was no less hard for beasts than for men (граница была не менее тяжелой для зверей, чем для людей). This dog had almost forgotten the meaning of kindness and friendliness (этот пес почти забыл значение доброты и дружелюбия).
involuntarily [*n*v*l*nt*r*l*], vociferously [v*u*s*fer*sl*], sigh [sa*]
Balthus smiled and laid his hand caressingly on the dog's head. The lips involuntarily writhed back to display the gleaming fangs; then the great beast bent his head sheepishly, and his tail moved with jerky uncertainty, as if the owner had almost forgotten the emotions of friendliness. Balthus mentally compared the great gaunt hard body with the fat sleek hounds tumbling vociferously over one another in his father's kennel yard. He sighed. The frontier was no less hard for beasts than for men. This dog had almost forgotten the meaning of kindness and friendliness.
Slasher glided ahead, and Conan let him take the lead (Задира проскользнул вперед, и Конан позволил ему возглавлять шествие). The last tinge of dusk faded into stark darkness (последний оттенок сумерек растворился в полнейшей тьме). The miles fell away under their steady feet (мили исчезали под их крепкими ногами). Slasher seemed voiceless (Задира казался немым).
Suddenly he halted, tense, ears lifted (вдруг он остановился, напряженный, уши подняты = торчком). An instant later the men heard it — a demoniac yelling up the river ahead of them, faint as a whisper (мгновение спустя люди услышали это — демонические крики вверх по реке впереди них, слабые, как шорох).
Conan swore like a madman (Конан ругался как сумасшедший). to swear like a trooper. Да и пьют у нас, как сапожник, а у них — как рыба: to drink like a fish.
"They've attacked the fort (они напали на форт)! We're too late (мы опоздали: «мы слишком поздно»)! Come on (давай / вперед)!"
demoniac [d**m*un**k], swore [sw*: ], steady [sted*]
Slasher glided ahead, and Conan let him take the lead. The last tinge of dusk faded into stark darkness. The miles fell away under their steady feet. Slasher seemed voiceless. Suddenly he halted, tense, ears lifted. An instant later the men heard it — a demoniac yelling up the river ahead of them, faint as a whisper. Conan swore like a madman.
"They've attacked the fort! We're too late! Come on!"
He increased his pace, trusting to the dog to smell out ambushes ahead (он ускорил шаг, доверяя собаке разнюхивать засады впереди). In a flood of tense excitement Balthus forgot his hunger and weariness (в потоке напряженного волнения Балтус забыл про голод и усталость). The yells grew louder as they advanced (крики стали громче, когда они продвинулись вперед), and above the devilish screaming they could hear the deep shouts of the soldiers (и над адскими воплями, они могли слышать низкие крики солдат; deep — глубокий). Just as Balthus began to fear they would run into the savages who seemed to be howling just ahead of them (как раз когда Балтус начал опасаться, /что/ они наткнутся на дикарей, которые, казалось, воют прямо перед ними), Conan swung away from the river in a wide semicircle that carried them to a low rise (Конан свернул от реки широким полукругом, который вел их к невысокой возвышенности) from which they could look over the forest (с которой они могли заглянуть за лес). They saw the fort, lighted with torches thrust over the parapets on long poles (они увидели форт, освещенный факелами, воткнутыми за парапетами на длинных шестах). These cast a flickering, uncertain light over the clearing (они отбрасывали мерцающий неясный свет через росчисть), and in that light they saw throngs of naked, painted figures along the fringe of the clearing (и в этом свете они увидели толпы голых раскрашенных фигур вдоль бахромы росчисти). The river swarmed with canoes (река кишела каноэ). The Picts had the fort completely surrounded (пикты полностью окружили форт).
flood [fl*d], weariness [*w**r*n*s], fringe [fr*n*]
He increased his pace, trusting to the dog to smell out ambushes ahead. In a flood of tense excitement Balthus forgot his hunger and weariness. The yells grew louder as they advanced, and above the devilish screaming they could hear the deep shouts of the soldiers. Just as Balthus began to fear they would run into the savages who seemed to be howling just ahead of them, Conan swung away from the river in a wide semicircle that carried them to a low rise from which they could look over the forest. They saw the fort, lighted with torches thrust over the parapets on long poles. These cast a flickering, uncertain light over the clearing, and in that light they saw throngs of naked, painted figures along the fringe of the clearing. The river swarmed with canoes. The Picts had the fort completely surrounded.
An incessant hail of arrows rained against the stockade from the woods and the river (непрерывный град стрел обрушился на укрепление из леса и с реки). The deep twanging of the bowstrings rose above the howling (низкое треньканье тетивы луков поднялось над воем). Yelling like wolves (завывая как волки), several hundred naked warriors with axes in their hands (несколько сотен голых воинов с топорами в /их/ руках) ran from under the trees and raced toward the eastern gate (выбежали из-под деревьев и бросились к восточным воротам). They were within a hundred and fifty yards of their objective (они были в пределах ста пятидесяти ярдов от своей цели) when a withering blast of arrows from the wall littered the ground with corpses (когда смертоносный поток стрел со стены усеял землю трупами) and sent the survivors fleeing back to the trees (и отправил выживших /убегающими/ назад к деревьям). The men in the canoes rushed their boats toward the river-wall (люди в каноэ бросили свои лодки к стене, выходящей на реку,), and were met by another shower of clothyard shafts (и были встречены еще одним градом стрел) and a volley from the small ballistae mounted on towers on that side of the stockade (и залпом из небольших баллист, установленных на башнях по ту сторону частокола). Stones and logs whirled through the air and splintered and sank half a dozen canoes (камни и бревна пронеслись в воздухе и раздробили и потопили полдюжины каноэ), killing their occupants, and the other boats drew back out of range (убивая их пассажиров, а остальные лодки отошли за пределы досягаемости; out of range — вне досягаемости). A deep roar of triumph rose from the walls of the fort, answered by bestial howling from all quarters (низкий триумфальный рев поднялся со стен форта, /на который/ ответил звериный вой со всех сторон).
incessant [*n*sesnt], survivor [s**va*v*], triumph [*tra**mf]
An incessant hail of arrows rained against the stockade from the woods and the river. The deep twanging of the bowstrings rose above the howling. Yelling like wolves, several hundred naked warriors with axes in their hands ran from under the trees and raced toward the eastern gate. They were within a hundred and fifty yards of their objective when a withering blast of arrows from the wall littered the ground with corpses and sent the survivors fleeing back to the trees. The men in the canoes rushed their boats toward the river-wall, and were met by another shower of clothyard shafts and a volley from the small ballistae mounted on towers on that side of the stockade. Stones and logs whirled through the air and splintered and sank half a dozen canoes, killing their occupants, and the other boats drew back out of range. A deep roar of triumph rose from the walls of the fort, answered by bestial howling from all quarters.
"Shall we try to break through*" asked Balthus, trembling with eagerness (мы попробуем прорваться* — спросил Балтус, дрожа с = от нетерпения).
Conan shook his head (Конан покачал /своей/ головой). He stood with his arms folded, his head slightly bent (он стоял, скрестив руки на груди, слегка склонив голову: «с его руками скрещенными, его голова слегка склоненная»), a somber and brooding figure (мрачная и погруженная в размышления фигура). "The fort's doomed (форт обречен; to doom — обрекать, приговаривать). The Picts are blood-mad, and won't stop until they're all killed (пикты кровожадны, и не остановятся, пока /они/ все /не/ будут убиты). And there are too many of them for the men in the fort to kill (а их слишком много: «там есть слишком много из них» для людей в форте, /чтобы/ убить). We couldn't break through, and if we did, we could do nothing but die with Valannus (мы не смогли бы прорваться, а если бы /мы/ /и/ сделали = прорвались, /то мы не/ смогли бы сделать ничего, кроме /как/ умереть с Валаннусом)."
eagerness [*i: **n*s], figure [*f***], with [w**]
"Shall we try to break through*" asked Balthus, trembling with eagerness. Conan shook his head. He stood with his arms folded, his head slightly bent, a somber and brooding figure.
"The fort's doomed. The Picts are blood-mad, and won't stop until they're all killed. And there are too many of them for the men in the fort to kill. We couldn't break through, and if we did, we could do nothing but die with Valannus."
"There's nothing we can do but save our own hides, then (значит, мы ничего не можем сделать: «там есть ничего мы можем сделать», кроме как спасти наши собственные шкуры)*"
"Yes. We've got to warn the settlers (да = нет, можем. Мы должны предупредить поселенцев; to warn — предостеречь). Do you know why the Picts are not trying to burn the fort with fire-arrows (/ты/ знаешь, почему пикты не пытаются поджечь форт горящими стрелами)* Because they don't want a flame that might warn the people to the east (потому что они не хотят пламени = им не нужен огонь, который мог бы предупредить людей на востоке). They plan to stamp out the fort, and then sweep east before anyone knows of its fall (они планируют уничтожить форт, а потом обрушиться на восток, пока никто /не/ знает о его падении). They may cross Thunder River and take Velitrium before the people know what's happened (они могут пересечь Громовую реку и взять Велитриум, прежде чем люди узнают = поймут, что случилось). At least they'll destroy every living thing between the fort and Thunder River (по меньшей мере, они уничтожат все живое: «каждую живую вещь» между фортом и Громовой рекой).
burn [b*: n], fall [f*: l], destroy [d**str**]
"There's nothing we can do but save our own hides, then*"
"Yes. We've got to warn the settlers. Do you know why the Picts are not trying to burn the fort with fire-arrows* Because they don't want a flame that might warn the people to the east. They plan to stamp out the fort, and then sweep east before anyone knows of its fall. They may cross Thunder River and take Velitrium before the people know what's happened. At least they'll destroy every living thing between the fort and Thunder River.
"We've failed to warn the fort (нам не удалось предупредить форт; to fail — не удаваться, не получаться, подводить), and I see now it would have done no good if we had succeeded и я вижу теперь, это ни принесло бы никакой пользы, если бы мы преуспели /в этом/; to do good — приносить пользу). The fort's too poorly manned (в форте слишком мало людей: «форт слишком бедно облюден»). A few more charges and the Picts will be over the walls and breaking down the gates (еще несколько атак, и пикты будут за стенами и разнесут ворота). But we can start the settlers toward Velitrium (но мы можем отправить поселенцев к Велитриуму). Come on (давай / шевелись)! We're outside the circle the Picts have thrown around the fort (мы снаружи кольца, /которое/ пикты раскинули вокруг форта). We'll keep clear of it (мы избежим его / будем держаться вне его; to keep clear of — остерегаться, избегать)."
see [si: ], poorly [*pu*l*], clear [kl**]
"We've failed to warn the fort, and I see now it would have done no good if we had succeeded. The fort's too poorly manned. A few more charges and the Picts will be over the walls and breaking down the gates. But we can start the settlers toward Velitrium. Come on! We're outside the circle the Picts have thrown around the fort. We'll keep clear of it."
They swung out in a wide arc (они повернули по широкой дуге), hearing the rising and falling of the volume of the yells, marking each charge and repulse (слыша подъем и падение громкости криков = как усиливаются и стихают крики, знаменуя каждую атаку и /ее/ отражение). The men in the fort were holding their own (люди в форте сдерживали свои); but the shrieks of the Picts did not diminish in savagery (но крики пиктов не становились тише по свирепости; to diminish — убывать, уменьшаться). They vibrated with a timbre that held assurance of ultimate victory (они вибрировали с тембром, который поддерживал уверенность в окончательной победе).
Before Balthus realized they were close to it, they broke into the road leading east (прежде чем Балтус понял, /что/ они вблизи нее, они вышли на дорогу, ведущую на восток).
arc [*:k], charge [**:*], assurance [***u*r*ns]
They swung out in a wide arc, hearing the rising and falling of the volume of the yells, marking each charge and repulse. The men in the fort were holding their own; but the shrieks of the Picts did not diminish in savagery. They vibrated with a timbre that held assurance of ultimate victory.
Before Balthus realized they were close to it, they broke into the road leading east.
"Now run!" grunted Conan (теперь беги! — рыкнул Конан). Balthus set his teeth (Балтус стиснул /свои/ зубы). It was nineteen miles to Velitrium, a good five to Scalp Creek beyond which began the settlements (/это/ было девятнадцать миль до Велитриума, добрых пять до притока Скальп, за которым начинались поселения). It seemed to the Aquilonian that they had been fighting and running for centuries (/это/ казалось аквилонцу = аквилонцу казалось, что они сражаются и бегут уже века). But the nervous excitement that rioted through his blood stimulated him to herculean efforts (но нервное возбуждение, которое будоражило /его/ кровь, стимулировало его на титанические: «геркулесовские» усилия).
nervous [*n*: v*s], excitement [*k*sa*tm*nt], riot [*ra**t]
"Now run!" grunted Conan. Balthus set his teeth. It was nineteen miles to Velitrium, a good five to Scalp Creek beyond which began the settlements. It seemed to the Aquilonian that they had been fighting and running for centuries. But the nervous excitement that rioted through his blood stimulated him to herculean efforts.
Slasher ran ahead of them, his head to the ground (Задира бежал впереди них: /его/ голова /опущена/ к земле), snarling low, the first sound they had heard from him (низкий рык — первый звук, /который/ они услышали от него).
"Picts ahead of us!" snarled Conan, dropping to one knee and scanning the ground in the starlight (пикты перед нами! — прорычал Конан, припадая на одно колено и рассматривая землю в звездном свете). He shook his head, baffled (он покачал /своей/ головой озадаченно). "I can't tell how many (я не могу сказать сколько). Probably only a small party (возможно, лишь маленький отряд).
Some that couldn't wait to take the fort (несколько, которые не могли дождаться взятия форта). They've gone ahead to butcher the settlers in their beds (они ушли вперед, /чтобы/ убивать поселенцев в /их/ постелях)! Come on (вперед)!"
ahead [**hed], scan [sk*n], small [sm*: l]
Slasher ran ahead of them, his head to the ground, snarling low, the first sound they had heard from him.
"Picts ahead of us!" snarled Conan, dropping to one knee and scanning the ground in the starlight. He shook his head, baffled. "I can't tell how many. Probably only a small party. Some that couldn't wait to take the fort. They've gone ahead to butcher the settlers in their beds! Come on!"
Ahead of them presently they saw a small blaze through the trees, and, heard a wild and ferocious chanting (перед ними = собой теперь они увидели маленькое пламя среди деревьев и услышали дикое и свирепое пение). The trail bent there, and leaving it, they cut across the bend, through the thickets (тропа там сворачивала, и сойдя с нее, они срезали изгиб через заросли). A few moments later they were looking on a hideous sight (несколько секунд спустя они смотрели на отвратительное зрелище). An ox-wain stood in the road (телега, запряженная быками, стояла на дороге) piled with meager household furnishings (нагруженная скудной домашней утварью); it was burning (она горела); the oxen lay near with their throats cut (быки лежали рядом с перерезанным горлом; an ox — бык, вол, oxen — быки, волы). A man and a woman lay in the road, stripped and mutilated (мужчина и женщина лежали на дороге, раздетые и изуродованные). Five Picts were dancing about them with fantastic leaps and bounds (пять пиктов плясали вокруг них с причудливыми прыжками и скачками), waving bloody axes; one of them brandished the woman's red-smeared gown (размахивая окровавленными топорами, один из них выставлял женское платье, испачканное красным).
chanting [**:nt**], household [*haush*uld], gown [*aun]
Ahead of them presently they saw a small blaze through the trees, and, heard a wild and ferocious chanting. The trail bent there, and leaving it, they cut across the bend, through the thickets. A few moments later they were looking on a hideous sight. An ox-wain stood in the road piled with meager household furnishings; it was burning; the oxen lay near with their throats cut. A man and a woman lay in the road, stripped and mutilated. Five Picts were dancing about them with fantastic leaps and bounds, waving bloody axes; one of them brandished the woman's red-smeared gown.
At the sight a red haze swam before Balthus (при виде /этого/ красный туман поплыл перед /глазами/ Балтуса). Lifting his bow he lined the prancing figure, black against the fire, and loosed (подняв /свой/ лук, он навел /его/ на скачущую фигуру, черную на фоне огня, и отпустил тетиву). The slayer leaped convulsively and fell dead with the arrow through his heart (убийца подпрыгнул конвульсивно и упал мертвый, со стрелой в сердце). Then the two white men and the dog were upon the startled survivors (затем двое белых мужчин и пес набросились на пораженных уцелевших). Conan was animated merely by his fighting spirit and an old, old racial hate (Конан был воодушевлен своим бойцовским духом и старой-старой расовой ненавистью), but Balthus was afire with wrath (а Балтус был охвачен огнем гнева: «был зажжен гневом / был в огне от гнева»; afire — охваченный огнем).
prancing [pr*:ns**], racial [*re**l], wrath [r*O]
At the sight a red haze swam before Balthus. Lifting his bow he lined the prancing figure, black against the fire, and loosed. The slayer leaped convulsively and fell dead with the arrow through his heart. Then the two white men and the dog were upon the startled survivors. Conan was animated merely by his fighting spirit and an old, old racial hate, but Balthus was afire with wrath.
He met the first Pict to oppose him with a ferocious swipe (он встретил первого пикта, /который/ выступил против него, жестоким сильным ударом; swipe — сильный удар) that split the painted skull (который расколол раскрашенный череп), and sprang over his failing body to grapple with the others (и перепрыгнул его падающее: «слабеющее» тело, /чтобы/ схватиться с остальными). But Conan had already killed one of the two he had chosen, and the leap of the Aquilonian was a second late (но Конан уже убил одного из двух, /которых/ он выбрал, и прыжок аквилонца на секунду опоздал). The warrior was down with the long sword through him even as Balthus' ax was lifted (воин упал /пронзенный/ длинным мечом, как раз когда был поднят топор Балтуса). Turning toward the remaining Pict, Balthus saw Slasher rise from his victim, his great jaws dripping blood (обернувшись к оставшемуся пикту, Балтус увидел, /как/ Задира поднялся от своей жертвы, /а/ /из/ его огромных челюстей стекала кровь).
He met the first Pict to oppose him with a ferocious swipe that split the painted skull, and sprang over his failing body to grapple with the others. But Conan had already killed one of the two he had chosen, and the leap of the Aquilonian was a second late. The warrior was down with the long sword through him even as Balthus' ax was lifted. Turning toward the remaining Pict, Balthus saw Slasher rise from his victim, his great jaws dripping blood.
Balthus said nothing as he looked down at the pitiful forms in the road beside the burning wain (Балтус /не/ сказал ничего, когда /он/ посмотрел вниз на жалкие фигуры на дороге возле горящей повозки). Both were young, the woman little more than a girl (оба были молоды, женщина — почти девочка: «чуть больше, чем девочка»). By some whim of chance the Picts had left her face unmarred, and even in the agonies of an awful death it was beautiful (по какой-то прихоти судьбы пикты оставили ее лицо нетронутым, и даже в муках ужасной смерти оно было прекрасно). But her soft young body had been hideously slashed with many knives (но ее нежное молодое тело было страшно исполосовано множеством ножей) — a mist clouded Balthus' eyes and he swallowed chokingly (дымка затуманила глаза Балтуса, и он сглотнул, задыхаясь = пытаясь избавиться от комка в горле). The tragedy momentarily overcame him (трагедия на минуту переполнила его). He felt like falling upon the ground and weeping and biting the earth (ему захотелось упасть на землю и рыдать, и грызть землю; to feel like V-ing — хотеться сделать что-л.).
unmarred [*n*m*:d], beside [b**sa*d], swallow [*sw*l*u]
Balthus said nothing as he looked down at the pitiful forms in the road beside the burning wain. Both were young, the woman little more than a girl. By some whim of chance the Picts had left her face unmarred, and even in the agonies of an awful death it was beautiful. But her soft young body had been hideously slashed with many knives — a mist clouded Balthus' eyes and he swallowed chokingly. The tragedy momentarily overcame him. He felt like falling upon the ground and weeping and biting the earth.
"Some young couple just hitting out on their own," Conan was saying as he wiped his sword unemotionally (какая-то молодая пара как раз отправились самостоятельно, — Конан говорил, когда вытирал свой меч бесстрастно = говорил бесстрастно, вытирая свой меч). "On their way to the fort when the Picts met them (в путь в форт, когда пикты встретили их). Maybe the boy was going to enter the service; maybe take up land on the river (возможно, парень собирался поступить на службу, возможно, взять землю на реке). Well, that's what will happen to every man, woman, and child this side of Thunder River if we don't get them into Velitrium in a hurry (ну, вот что случится с каждым мужчиной, женщиной и ребенком по эту сторону Громовой реки, если мы не доставим их в Велитриум по-быстрее; in a hurry — в спешке, быстро)."
young [j**], couple [k*pl], unemotionally [*n**m*u**nl*]
"Some young couple just hitting out on their own," Conan was saying as he wiped his sword unemotionally. "On their way to the fort when the Picts met them. Maybe the boy was going to enter the service; maybe take up land on the river. Well, that's what will happen to every man, woman, and child this side of Thunder River if we don't get them into Velitrium in a hurry."
Balthus' knees trembled as he followed Conan (колени Балтуса задрожали, когда он последовал за Конаном). But there was no hint of weakness in the long easy stride of the Cimmerian (но не было /и/ намека на усталость в широком легком шаге киммерийца). There was a kinship between him and the great gaunt brute that glided beside him (было родство между ним и огромным поджарым животным, которое скользило возле него). Slasher no longer growled with his head to the trail (Задира больше не рычал, с /его/ головой, /склоненной/ к тропе). The way was clear before them (путь был чист перед ними). The yelling on the river came faintly to them, but Balthus believed the fort was still holding (крики на реке доносились слабо до них, но Балтус верил, /что/ форт еще держится). Conan halted suddenly, with an oath (Конан вдруг остановился с ругательством = ругнувшись).
Balthus' knees trembled as he followed Conan. But there was no hint of weakness in the long easy stride of the Cimmerian. There was a kinship between him and the great gaunt brute that glided beside him. Slasher no longer growled with his head to the trail. The way was clear before them. The yelling on the river came faintly to them, but Balthus believed the fort was still holding. Conan halted suddenly, with an oath.
He showed Balthus a trail that led north from the road (он показал Балтусу тропу, которая вела на север от дороги). It was an old trail, partly grown with new young growth, and this growth had recently been broken down (это была старая тропа, частично заросшая новой молодой порослью, и эта поросль недавно была сломана). Balthus realized this fact more by feel than sight, though Conan seemed to see like a cat in the dark (Балтус осознал этот факт больше ощущением, нежели зрением, хотя Конана, казалось, видит как кошка в темноте). The Cimmerian showed him where broad wagon tracks turned off the main trail, deeply indented in the forest mold (киммериец показал ему, где широкие следы телеги свернули с главной тропы, глубоко отпечатавшиеся в лесном рыхлом грунте).
show [**u], recently [*ri: sntl*], wagon [*w***n]
He showed Balthus a trail that led north from the road. It was an old trail, partly grown with new young growth, and this growth had recently been broken down. Balthus realized this fact more by feel than sight, though Conan seemed to see like a cat in the dark. The Cimmerian showed him where broad wagon tracks turned off the main trail, deeply indented in the forest mold.
"Settlers going to the licks after salt," he grunted (поселенцы едут на солончаки за солью, — проворчал он). "They're at the edges of the marsh, about nine miles from here (они на краю болота, около девяти миль отсюда). Blast it (проклятие)! They'll be cut off and butchered to a man (они будут отрезаны и убиты все до последнего: «до одного человека»)! Listen (слушай)! One man can warn the people on the road (один человек может предупредить людей на дороге). Go ahead and wake them up and herd them into Velitrium (иди вперед и буди их, и гони их в Велитриум). I'll go and get the men gathering the salt (я пойду и заберу людей, собирающих соль). They'll be camped by the licks (они станут лагерем у солончаков). We won't come back to the road (мы не будем возвращаться на дорогу). We'll head straight through the woods (мы пойдем напрямую через лес)."
salt [s*: lt], marsh [m*:*], road [r*ud]
"Settlers going to the licks after salt," he grunted. "They're at the edges of the marsh, about nine miles from here. Blast it! They'll be cut off and butchered to a man! Listen! One man can warn the people on the road. Go ahead and wake them up and herd them into Velitrium. I'll go and get the men gathering the salt. They'll be camped by the licks. We won't come back to the road. We'll head straight through the woods."
With no further comment Conan turned off the trail and hurried down the dim path (без дальнейших комментариев Конан свернул с тропы и поспешил по неясной тропинке), and Balthus, after staring after him for a few moments, set out along the road (а Балтус, посмотрев несколько секунд ему вслед, отправился по дороге). The dog had remained with him, and glided softly at his heels (пес остался с ним и плавно скользил вслед за ним; heel — пятка; каблук). When Balthus had gone a few rods he heard the animal growl (когда Балтус прошел несколько родов, он услышал, /как/ животное зарычало). Whirling, he glared back the way he had come (повернувшись, он посмотрел назад туда, откуда: «путь» он пришел), and was startled to see a vague ghostly glow vanishing into the forest in the direction Conan had taken (и был поражен, увидев неясный призрачный свет, исчезающий в лесу в том направлении, /в котором/ пошел Конан). Slasher rumbled deep in his throat (Задира зарычал низким горловым звуком: «глубоко в его глотке»), his hackles stiff and his eyes balls of green fire (его шерсть на загривке вздыбилась, а его глаза /стали/ шарами из зеленого пламени). Balthus remembered the grim apparition that had taken the head of the merchant Tiberias not far from that spot, and he hesitated (Балтус вспомнил страшное привидение, которое забрало голову купца Тибериаса недалеко от того места, и он заколебался). The thing must be following Conan (должно быть, тварь преследует Конана). But the giant Cimmerian had repeatedly demonstrated his ability to take care of himself (но гигантский киммериец неоднократно демонстрировал свою способность позаботиться о самом себе), and Balthus felt his duty lay toward the helpless settlers who slumbered in the path of the red hurricane (и Балтус чувствовал, что его долг лежал к = распространялся на беспомощных поселенцев, которые спали на пути кровавого урагана). The horror of the fiery phantom was overshadowed by the horror of those limp, violated bodies beside the burning ox-wain (ужас перед пламенным фантомом был перевешен ужасом от тех безвольных оскверненных тел рядом с горящей телегой с волами).
further [f*: **], remain [r**me*n], hesitate [*hez*te*t]
With no further comment Conan turned off the trail and hurried down the dim path, and Balthus, after staring after him for a few moments, set out along the road. The dog had remained with him, and glided softly at his heels. When Balthus had gone a few rods he heard the animal growl. Whirling, he glared back the way he had come, and was startled to see a vague ghostly glow vanishing into the forest in the direction Conan had taken. Slasher rumbled deep in his throat, his hackles stiff and his eyes balls of green fire. Balthus remembered the grim apparition that had taken the head of the merchant Tiberias not far from that spot, and he hesitated.
The thing must be following Conan. But the giant Cimmerian had repeatedly demonstrated his ability to take care of himself, and Balthus felt his duty lay toward the helpless settlers who slumbered in the path of the red hurricane. The horror of the fiery phantom was overshadowed by the horror of those limp, violated bodies beside the burning ox-wain.
He hurried down the road, crossed Scalp Creek and came in sight of the first settler's cabin — a, long, low structure of ax-hewn logs (он поспешил по дороге, пересек приток Скальп и вошел в видимость = заметил первую хижину поселенца — длинное, низкое строение из отесанных /топором/ бревен). In an instant he was pounding on the door (через миг он колотил по двери). A sleepy voice inquired his pleasure (сонный голос поинтересовался о его желании = поинтересовался, что ему угодно).
"Get up! The Picts are over the river (вставайте! Пикты перешли реку; to be over — пересечь, переправиться)!"
sleepy [*sli: p*], inquire [*n*kwa**], door [d*:]
He hurried down the road, crossed Scalp Creek and came in sight of the first settler's cabin — a, long, low structure of ax-hewn logs. In an instant he was pounding on the door. A sleepy voice inquired his pleasure.
"Get up! The Picts are over the river!"
That brought instant response (это вызвало мгновенный ответ). A low cry echoed his words and then the door was thrown open by a woman in a scanty shift (тихий крик эхом повторил его слова, и потом дверь была распахнута женщиной в скудной = короткой сорочке). Her hair hung over her bare shoulders in disorder; she held a candle in one hand and an ax in the other (ее волосы свисали через ее голые плечи в беспорядке = ее волосы в беспорядке свисали на голые плечи, она держала свечу в одной руке и топор в другой). Her face was colorless, her eyes wide with terror (ее лицо было бледным, ее глаза расширены от ужаса).
"Come in!" she begged (входите! — умоляла она). "We'll hold the cabin (мы удержим хижину)."
"No. We must make for Velitrium (нет, мы должны двигаться в Велитриум). The fort can't hold them back (форт не может их удержать). It may have fallen already (возможно, он уже пал). Don't stop to dress (не задерживайтесь, чтобы одеться). Get your children and come on (хватайте детей и вперед)."
brought [br*: t], colorless [*k*l*l*s], children [***ldr*n]
That brought instant response. A low cry echoed his words and then the door was thrown open by a woman in a scanty shift. Her hair hung over her bare shoulders in disorder; she held a candle in one hand and an ax in the other. Her face was colorless, her eyes wide with terror.
"Come in!" she begged. "We'll hold the cabin."
"No. We must make for Velitrium. The fort can't hold them back. It may have fallen already. Don't stop to dress. Get your children and come on."
"But my man's gone with the others after salt!" she wailed, wringing her hands (но мой муж ушел с остальными за солью! — она запричитала, заламывая /ее/ руки). Behind her peered three tousled youngsters, blinking and bewildered (за ней выглядывали три взъерошенных юнца, щурящиеся и смущенные). "Conan's gone after them (Конан пошел за ними). He'll fetch them through safe (он проведет их в целости и сохранности). We must hurry up the road to warn the other cabins (мы должны спешить по дороге, /чтобы/ предупредить остальные дома)."
Relief flooded her countenance (облегчение нахлынуло на ее лицо). "Mitra be thanked!" she cried (благодарение Митре: «Митра будь отблагодарен», — воскликнула она). "If the Cimmerian's gone after them, they're safe if mortal man can save them (если киммериец пошел за ними, они в безопасности, если /только/ смертный человек может спасти их)!"
tousled [*tauzld], countenance [*kaunt*n*ns], mortal [m*: tl]
"But my man's gone with the others after salt!" she wailed, wringing her hands. Behind her peered three tousled youngsters, blinking and bewildered.
"Conan's gone after them. He'll fetch them through safe. We must hurry up the road to warn the other cabins."
Relief flooded her countenance.
"Mitra be thanked!" she cried. "If the Cimmerian's gone after them, they're safe if mortal man can save them!"
In a whirlwind of activity she snatched up the smallest child and herded the others through the door ahead of her (в вихре деятельности она схватила самого маленького ребенка и погнала остальных через дверь впереди себя). Balthus took the candle and ground it out under his heel (Балтус схватил свечу и растоптал ее /под/ пяткой). He listened an instant (он прислушался на мгновение). No sound came up the dark road (ни звука /не/ доносилось на темной дороге).
"Have you got a horse (у тебя есть лошадь)*"
"In the stable," she groaned (в конюшне, — простонала она). "Oh, hurry (о, поспеши)!"
activity [*k*t*v*t*], candle [k*ndl], horse [h*: s]
In a whirlwind of activity she snatched up the smallest child and herded the others through the door ahead of her. Balthus took the candle and ground it out under his heel. He listened an instant. No sound came up the dark road.
"Have you got a horse*"
"In the stable," she groaned. "Oh, hurry!"
He pushed her aside as she fumbled with shaking hands at the bars (он оттолкнул ее в сторону, когда она завозилась трясущимися руками с засовом). He led the horse out and lifted the children on its back, telling them to hold to its mane and to one another (он вывел лошадь и поднял детей ей на спину, велев им держаться за /ее/ гриву и друг за друга). They stared at him seriously, making no outcry (они смотрели на него серьезно, не создавая шума / не протестуя; outcry — неистовый крик; шум; шумный протест). The woman took the horse's halter and set out up the road (женщина взяла недоуздок лошади = лошадь за недоуздок и отправилась по дороге). She still gripped her ax and Balthus knew that if cornered she would fight with the desperate courage of a she-panther (она все еще сжимала свой топор, и Балтус знал, что если ее загнать в угол: «если загнанная в угол», она будет драться с отчаянной храбростью пантеры-самки; cornered — в трудном, затруднительном положении, загнанный в угол, припертый к стене; corner — угол).
fight [fa*t], desperate [*desp*r*t], courage [*k*r**]
He pushed her aside as she fumbled with shaking hands at the bars. He led the horse out and lifted the children on its back, telling them to hold to its mane and to one another. They stared at him seriously, making no outcry. The woman took the horse's halter and set out up the road. She still gripped her ax and Balthus knew that if cornered she would fight with the desperate courage of a she-panther.
He held behind, listening (он задержался, прислушиваясь). He was oppressed by the belief that the fort had been stormed and taken (он был подавлен верой = мыслью, что форт уже штурмовали и взяли), that the dark-skinned hordes were already streaming up the road toward Velitrium (что темнокожие орды уже стремятся по дороге к Велитриуму), drunken on slaughter and mad for blood (опьяненные бойней и безумно жаждущие крови). They would come with the speed of starving wolves (они придут = примчатся со скоростью голодных волков; to starve — умирать от голода).
He held behind, listening. He was oppressed by the belief that the fort had been stormed and taken, that the dark-skinned hordes were already streaming up the road toward Velitrium, drunken on slaughter and mad for blood. They would come with the speed of starving wolves.
Presently they saw another cabin looming ahead (теперь они увидели еще одну хижину, маячившую впереди). The woman started to shriek a warning, but Balthus stopped her (женщина начала выкрикивать предупреждение, но Балтус остановил ее). He hurried to the door and knocked (он поспешил к двери и постучал). A woman's voice answered him (женский голос ответил ему). He repeated his warning, and soon the cabin disgorged its occupants — an old woman, two young women, and four children (он повторил свое предупреждение, и вскоре хижина исторгла своих обитателей — старуху, двух молодых женщин и четырех детей). Like the other woman's husband, their men had gone to the salt licks the day before, unsuspecting of any danger (как /и/ муж другой женщины, их мужчины ушли на солончаки день назад, не подозревая об /какой-либо/ опасности). One of the young women seemed dazed, the other prone to hysteria (одна из молодых женщин казалась оцепеневшей: «ошеломленной», другая собиралась впасть в истерику: «подвержена к истерике»). But the old woman, a stern old veteran of the frontier, quieted them harshly (но старуха, суровый старый ветеран границы, решительно угомонила их; harsh — жесткий, твердый, грубый, неприятный (на ощупь); шершавый, шероховатый); she helped Balthus get out the two horses that were stabled in a pen behind the cabin and put the children on them (она помогла Балтусу вывести двух лошадей, которые были поставлены в загоне для скота и посадить детей на них). Balthus urged that she herself mount with them (Балтус настаивал, чтобы они сама забралась /на лошадь/ с ними), but she shook her head and made one of the younger women ride (но она покачала головой и заставила скакать верхом одну из младших женщин; to make smb. do smth. — заставлять кого-л. делать что-л.).
knock [n*k], husband [*h*zb*nd], women [*w*m*n]
Presently they saw another cabin looming ahead. The woman started to shriek a warning, but Balthus stopped her. He hurried to the door and knocked. A woman's voice answered him. He repeated his warning, and soon the cabin disgorged its occupants — an old woman, two young women, and four children. Like the other woman's husband, their men had gone to the salt licks the day before, unsuspecting of any danger. One of the young women seemed dazed, the other prone to hysteria. But the old woman, a stern old veteran of the frontier, quieted them harshly; she helped Balthus get out the two horses that were stabled in a pen behind the cabin and put the children on them. Balthus urged that she herself mount with them, but she shook her head and made one of the younger women ride.
"She's with child," grunted the old woman (она с ребенком = она ждет ребенка, — проворчала старуха). "I can walk — and fight, too, if it comes to that (я могу идти — и сражаться тоже, если это = дело дойдет до этого)."
As they set out, one of the young women said (когда они отправились, одна из молодых женщин сказала): "A young couple passed along the road about dusk (молодая пара проехала по дороге перед сумерками); we advised them to spend the night at our cabin, but they were anxious to make the fort tonight (мы советовали им провести ночь в нашей избе, но они хотели добраться до форта сегодня вечером; to be anxious to do smth. — хотеть, сильно желать сделать что-л.). Did — did — (делали = они…; did — служебный глагол прошедшего времени, который сообщает, что сейчас будет задан вопрос)"
"They met the Picts," answered Balthus briefly, and the woman sobbed in horror (они встретили пиктов, — ответил Балтус коротко, и женщина всхлипнула в ужасе).
anxious [***k**s], briefly [*bri: fl*], horror [*h*r*]
"She's with child," grunted the old woman. "I can walk — and fight, too, if it comes to that."
As they set out, one of the young women said: "A young couple passed along the road about dusk; we advised them to spend the night at our cabin, but they were anxious to make the fort tonight. Did — did —»
"They met the Picts," answered Balthus briefly, and the woman sobbed in horror.
They were scarcely out of sight of the cabin when some distance behind them quavered a long high-pitched yell (они едва оказались вне видимости от дома = едва дом пропал из виду, когда = как на некотором расстоянии позади них завибрировал долгий пронзительный вопль).
"A wolf!" exclaimed one of the women (волк! — воскликнула одна из женщин).
"A painted wolf with an ax in his hand," muttered Balthus (раскрашенный волк с топором в /его/ руке, — пробормотал Балтус). "Go (идите / вперед)! Rouse the other settlers along the road and take them with you (поднимайте других поселенцев по дороге и уводите их с собой). I'll scout along behind (я разведаю сзади / прикрою)."
scarcely [*sk*:sl*], quaver [*kwe*v*], scout [skaut]
They were scarcely out of sight of the cabin when some distance behind them quavered a long high-pitched yell.
"A wolf!" exclaimed one of the women.
"A painted wolf with an ax in his hand," muttered Balthus. "Go! Rouse the other settlers along the road and take them with you. I'll scout along behind."
Without a word the old woman herded her charges ahead of her (без слов старуха погнала своих подопечных впереди себя). As they faded into the darkness, Balthus could see the pale-ovals that were the faces of the children twisted back over their shoulders to stare toward him (когда они растаяли во тьме, Балтус мог видеть бледные овалы, которые были лицами детей, обернувшихся через плечо, /чтобы/ посмотреть в его сторону: «к нему»). He remembered his own people on the Tauran and a moment's giddy sickness swam over him (он вспомнил своих родных: «его собственных людей» в Тауране, и секундная головокружительная тошнота нахлынула на него). With momentary weakness he groaned and sank down in the road (от кратковременной слабости он охнул и опустился на дорогу), his muscular arm fell over Slasher's massive neck and he felt the dog's warm moist tongue touch his face (его мускулистая рука упала через = охватила массивную шею Задиры, и он почувствовал, /как/ теплый влажный язык пса коснулся его лица).
remember [r**memb*], giddy [***d*], muscular [*m*skjul*]
Without a word the old woman herded her charges ahead of her. As they faded into the darkness, Balthus could see the pale-ovals that were the faces of the children twisted back over their shoulders to stare toward him. He remembered his own people on the Tauran and a moment's giddy sickness swam over him. With momentary weakness he groaned and sank down in the road, his muscular arm fell over Slasher's massive neck and he felt the dog's warm moist tongue touch his face.
He lifted his head and grinned with a painful effort (он поднял /свою/ голову и улыбнулся с болезненным усилием = выдавил улыбку).
"Come on, boy," he mumbled, rising (давай, парень, — пробурчал он, поднимаясь). "We've got work to do (у нас есть работа: «мы имеем работу делать»)."
He lifted his head and grinned with a painful effort.
"Come on, boy," he mumbled, rising. "We've got work to do."
A red glow suddenly became evident through the trees (красное зарево вдруг стало видно сквозь деревья = вдруг сквозь деревья стало видно красное зарево; evident — очевидный). The Picts had fired the last hut (пикты подожгли последнюю хижину). He grinned (он ухмыльнулся). How Zogar Sag would froth if he knew his warriors had let their destructive natures get the better of them (как бы вскипел Зогар Саг, если бы он узнал, что его воины позволили своей разрушительной сущности взять верх над собой). The fire would warn the people farther up the road (огонь предупредит людей дальше по дороге). They would be awake and alert when the fugitives reached them (они проснутся и поднимут тревогу, когда беглецы доберутся до них). But his face grew grim (но его лицо помрачнело). The women were traveling slowly, on foot and on the overloaded horses (женщины двигались медленно пешком и на перегруженных лошадях). The swift-footed Picts would run them down within a mile, unless — he took his position behind a tangle of fallen logs beside the trail (быстроногие пикты догонят их через милю, если он /не/ займет /свою/ позицию за грудой поваленных бревен возле тропы). The road west of him was lighted by the burning cabin (дорога на западе от него была освещена горящей хижиной), and when the Picts came he saw them first — black furtive figures etched against the distant glare (и когда пикты подошли, он увидел их первым — черные крадущие фигуры, отпечатавшиеся на фоне далекого зарева).
evident [*ev*d*nt], overloaded [*uv**l*ud*d], glare [*l**]
A red glow suddenly became evident through the trees. The Picts had fired the last hut. He grinned. How Zogar Sag would froth if he knew his warriors had let their destructive natures get the better of them. The fire would warn the people farther up the road. They would be awake and alert when the fugitives reached them. But his face grew grim. The women were traveling slowly, on foot and on the overloaded horses. The swift-footed Picts would run them down within a mile, unless — he took his position behind a tangle of fallen logs beside the trail. The road west of him was lighted by the burning cabin, and when the Picts came he saw them first — black furtive figures etched against the distant glare.
Drawing a shaft to the head, he loosed and one of the figures crumpled (оттянув стрелу к голове, он спустил тетиву, и одна из фигур рухнула). The rest melted into the woods on either side of the road (остальные исчезли в лесу по обе стороны дороги). Slasher whimpered with the killing lust beside him (Задира возле него заскулил от жажды убивать). Suddenly a figure appeared on the fringe of the trail, under the trees (вдруг одна фигура появилась на краю тропы, под деревьями), and began gliding toward the fallen timbers (и начала скользить = заскользила к поваленным бревнам). Balthus' bow-string twanged and the Pict yelped, staggered and fell into the shadows with the arrow through his thigh (тетива Балтуса зазвенела, и пикт завопил, зашатался и упал в тени со стрелой сквозь = в бедре). Slasher cleared the timbers with a bound and leaped into the bushes (Задира перескочил бревна прыжком и бросился в кусты). They were violently shaken and then the dog slunk back to Balthus' side, his jaws crimson (они яростно затряслись, и затем пес прокрался назад к Балтусу: «к стороне / боку Балтуса», /с/ окровавленными челюстями; crimson — малиновый, темно-красный, кармазинный).
crumple [kr*mpl], thigh [Oa*], crimson [kr*mzn]
Drawing a shaft to the head, he loosed and one of the figures crumpled. The rest melted into the woods on either side of the road. Slasher whimpered with the killing lust beside him. Suddenly a figure appeared on the fringe of the trail, under the trees, and began gliding toward the fallen timbers. Balthus' bow-string twanged and the Pict yelped, staggered and fell into the shadows with the arrow through his thigh. Slasher cleared the timbers with a bound and leaped into the bushes. They were violently shaken and then the dog slunk back to Balthus' side, his jaws crimson.
No more appeared in the trail (больше никого /не/ появлялось на тропе); Balthus began to fear they were stealing past his position through the woods (Балтус начал опасаться, /что/ они прокрались мимо его позиции через лес), and when he heard a faint sound to his left he loosed blindly (и когда он услышал слабый звук слева от него: «к его левому», он спустил тетиву вслепую). He cursed as he heard the shaft splinter against a tree (он выругался, когда услышал, /что/ его стрела ударилась о дерево), but Slasher glided away as silently as a phantom (но Задира унесся /так/ бесшумно, как фантом), and presently Balthus heard a thrashing and a gurgling (и теперь Балтсу услышал удары и бульканье); then Slasher came like a ghost through the bushes (потом Задира вернулся как привидение сквозь кусты), snuggling his great, crimson-stained head against Balthus' arm (прижавшись своей огромной, испачканной в красное головой к руке Балтуса). Blood oozed from a gash in his shoulder, but the sounds in the wood had ceased for ever (кровь сочилась из разреза на его плече, но звуки в лесу прекратились навсегда).
appear [**p**], steal [sti: l], cease [si: z]
No more appeared in the trail; Balthus began to fear they were stealing past his position through the woods, and when he heard a faint sound to his left he loosed blindly. He cursed as he heard the shaft splinter against a tree, but Slasher glided away as silently as a phantom, and presently Balthus heard a thrashing and a gurgling; then Slasher came like a ghost through the bushes, snuggling his great, crimson-stained head against Balthus' arm. Blood oozed from a gash in his shoulder, but the sounds in the wood had ceased for ever.
The men lurking on the edges of the road evidently sensed the fate of their companion (люди, таившиеся по краям дороги, очевидно догадались о судьбе их товарища), and decided that an open charge was preferable to being dragged down in the dark by a devil-beast they could neither see nor hear (и решили, что открытое нападение было предпочтительно тому, что их погубит в темноте дьявольская тварь: «бытию погубленным в темноте дьявольской тварью», /которую/ они /не/ могли ни видеть, ни слышать; to drag — тянуть, тащить, волочить; to drag down — ослаблять, разрушать). Perhaps they realized that only one man lay behind the logs (возможно, они поняли, что лишь один человек лежит за бревнами). They came with a sudden rush, breaking cover from both sides of the trail (они вдруг выбежали: «они пришли с неожиданным броском», ломая растительный покров с обеих сторон тропы). Three dropped with arrows through them — and the remaining pair hesitated (трое упали со стрелами в них: «сквозь них» — а оставшаяся пара заколебалась). One turned and ran back down the road (один повернул и побежал назад по дороге), but the other lunged over the breastwork, his eyes and teeth gleaming in the dim light, his ax lifted (а другой ринулся через бруствер /со/ /своими/ глазами и зубами, сверкающими в неясном свете, подняв свой топор). Balthus' foot slipped as he sprang up, but the slip saved his life (ступня Балтуса поскользнулась, когда он прыгнул = при прыжке, но это скольжение = это спасло ему жизнь). The descending ax shaved a lock of hair from his head, and the Pict rolled down the logs from the force of his wasted blow (опускающийся топор сбрил клок волос с его головы, а пикт скатился с бревен от силы его напрасно потраченного = ушедшего в пустоту удара). Before he could regain his feet Slasher tore his throat out (прежде чем он смог снова встать на ноги, Задира вырвал его горло; to regain one’s feet / footing — снова встать на ноги).
companion [k*m*p*nj*n], preferable [*pref*r*bl], hair [h**]
The men lurking on the edges of the road evidently sensed the fate of their companion, and decided that an open charge was preferable to being dragged down in the dark by a devil-beast they could neither see nor hear. Perhaps they realized that only one man lay behind the logs. They came with a sudden rush, breaking cover from both sides of the trail. Three dropped with arrows through them — and the remaining pair hesitated. One turned and ran back down the road, but the other lunged over the breastwork, his eyes and teeth gleaming in the dim light, his ax lifted. Balthus' foot slipped as he sprang up, but the slip saved his life. The descending ax shaved a lock of hair from his head, and the Pict rolled down the logs from the force of his wasted blow. Before he could regain his feet Slasher tore his throat out.
Then followed a tense period of waiting (затем последовал напряженный период ожидания), in which time Balthus wondered if the man who had fled had been the only survivor of the party (во время которого Балтус спрашивал себя, был ли человек, который убежал, единственным уцелевшим из отряда). Obviously it had been a small band that had either left the fighting at the fort, or was scouting ahead of the main body (очевидно, это был небольшой отряд, который либо покинул бой у форта, либо вел разведку перед главными силами). Each moment that passed increased the chances for safety of the women and children hurrying toward Velithum (каждый момент, который проходил, увеличивал шансы на безопасность = спасение женщин и детей, спешащих к Велитриуму).
wonder [*w*nd*], obviously [**bv**sl*], safety [*se*ft*]
Then followed a tense period of waiting, in which time Balthus wondered if the man who had fled had been the only survivor of the party. Obviously it had been a small band that had either left the fighting at the fort, or was scouting ahead of the main body. Each moment that passed increased the chances for safety of the women and children hurrying toward Velithum.
Then without warning a shower of arrows whistled over his retreat (затем без предупреждения град стрел просвистел над его убежищем). A wild howling rose from the woods along the trail (дикий вой поднялся из леса вдоль тропы). Either the survivor had gone after aid, or another party had joined the first (либо уцелевший ходил за помощью, либо еще один отряд присоединился к первому). The burning cabin still smoldered, lending a little light (горящая хижина еще тлела, давая немного света). Then they were after him, gliding through the trees beside the trail (потом они пошли за ним, скользя между деревьев возле тропы). He shot three arrows and threw the bow away (он выпустил три стрелы и отбросил лук; to shoot — стрелять; to throw away — отбросить). As if sensing his plight, they came on (как будто чувствуя его /скверное/ положение, они приближались), not yelling now, but in deadly silence except for a swift pad of many feet (теперь не вопя, но в смертельной тишине кроме = нарушаемой только быстрой тихой поступью множества ног; pad — подушечка на концах пальцев у человека или на подошве некоторых животных).
shower [**au*], retreat [r**tri: t], plight [pla*t]
Then without warning a shower of arrows whistled over his retreat. A wild howling rose from the woods along the trail. Either the survivor had gone after aid, or another party had joined the first. The burning cabin still smoldered, lending a little light. Then they were after him, gliding through the trees beside the trail. He shot three arrows and threw the bow away. As if sensing his plight, they came on, not yelling now, but in deadly silence except for a swift pad of many feet.
He fiercely hugged the head of the great dog growling at his side, muttered: "All right, boy, give 'em hell!" (он ободряюще обнял голову огромного пса, рычащего рядом с ним, прошептал: хорошо, парень, поддай им жару: «дай им ада») and sprang to his feet, drawing his ax (и вскочил на /свои/ ноги, поднимая топор; to draw — извлекать, обнажать (оружие), поднимать). Then the dark figures flooded over the breastworks and closed in a storm of flailing axes, stabbing knives and ripping fangs (затем темные фигуры хлынули через бруствер и вошли в ближний бой в вихре рубящих топоров, колющих ножей и рвущих клыков).
fiercely [*f**sl*], growl [*raul], draw [dr*:]
He fiercely hugged the head of the great dog growling at his side, muttered: "All right, boy, give 'em hell!" and sprang to his feet, drawing his ax. Then the dark figures flooded over the breastworks and closed in a storm of flailing axes, stabbing knives and ripping fangs.
7. The Devil in the Fire
(Демон в огне)
When Conan turned from the Velitrium road, he expected a run of some nine miles and set himself to the task (когда Конан свернул с дороги на Велитриум, он ожидал пробежки миль на девять и взялся за это дело; some — около, приблизительно). But he had not gone four when he heard the sounds of a party of men ahead of him (но он не прошел /и/ четырех, когда он услышал звуки отряда людей перед собой). From the noise they were making in their progress he knew they were not Picts (по шуму, который они производили при продвижении, он знал = понял, /что/ они = это не пикты). He hailed them (он окликнул их).
"Who's there*" challenged a harsh voice (кто там* — потребовал ответа грубый голос). "Stand where you are until we know you, or you'll get an arrow through you (стой, где /стоишь/, пока мы /не/ опознаем тебя, или /ты/ получишь стрелу /сквозь тебя/)."
"You couldn't hit an elephant in this darkness," answered Conan impatiently (ты не смог бы попасть /и/ в слона в этой темноте, — ответил Конан нетерпеливо). "Come on, fool; it's I–Conan (давай = кончай, болван, это я — Конан). The Picts are over the river (пикты перешли: «находятся через» реку)."
task [t*:sk], progress [*pr*u*r*s], impatiently [*m*pe***ntl*]
When Conan turned from the Velitrium road, he expected a run of some nine miles and set himself to the task. But he had not gone four when he heard the sounds of a party of men ahead of him. From the noise they were making in their progress he knew they were not Picts. He hailed them.
"Who's there*" challenged a harsh voice. "Stand where you are until we know you, or you'll get an arrow through you."
"You couldn't hit an elephant in this darkness," answered Conan impatiently. "Come on, fool; it's I–Conan. The Picts are over the river."
"We suspected as much," answered the leader of the men, as they strode forward — tall, rangy men, stern-faced, with bows in their hands (мы так и подозревали, — ответил предводитель людей, когда они пошли вперед — высокие, поджарые мужчины, с суровыми лицами, с луками в /их/ руках). "One of our party wounded an antelope and tracked it nearly to Black River (один из нашего отряда ранил антилопу и шел по следу за ней почти до Черной реки). He heard them yelling down the river and ran back to our camp (он услышал их вопли ниже по реке и прибежал назад в наш лагерь). We left the salt and the wagons, turned the oxen loose, and came as swiftly as we could (мы оставили соль и телеги, освободили волов и пришли = пошли назад, как можно быстрее: «так быстро, как мы могли»). If the Picts are besieging the fort, war- parties will be ranging up the road toward our cabins (если пикты осаждают форт, военные отряды будут рыскать вверх по дороге в сторону наших хижин = забредут по дороге к нашим хижинам)."
forward [*f*: w*d], nearly [*n**l*], oxen [*ks*n]
"We suspected as much," answered the leader of the men, as they strode forward — tall, rangy men, stern-faced, with bows in their hands. "One of our party wounded an antelope and tracked it nearly to Black River. He heard them yelling down the river and ran back to our camp. We left the salt and the wagons, turned the oxen loose, and came as swiftly as we could. If the Picts are besieging the fort, war-parties will be ranging up the road toward our cabins."
"Your families are safe," grunted Conan (ваши семьи в безопасности, — пробурчал Конан). "My companion went ahead to take them to Velitrium (мой товарищ пошел вперед, чтобы отвести их в Велитриум). If we go back to the main road we may run into the whole horde (если мы пойдем назад по главной дороге, мы можем наткнуться на целую орду). We'll strike southeast, through the timber (мы пойдем на юго-восток, через лес). Go ahead (идите вперед). I'll scout behind (я разведаю сзади / прикрою)."
"Your families are safe," grunted Conan. "My companion went ahead to take them to Velitrium. If we go back to the main road we may run into the whole horde. We'll strike southeast, through the timber. Go ahead. I'll scout behind."
A few moments later the whole band was hurrying southeastward (несколько секунд спустя весь отряд спешил на юго-восток). Conan followed more slowly, keeping just within ear-shot (Конан шел за ними медленнее, держась как раз в пределах слышимости). He cursed the noise they were making (он проклинал шум, /который/ они создавали); that many Picts or Cimmerians would have moved through the woods with no more noise than the wind makes as it blows through the black branches (столько пиктов или киммерийцев прошли бы через лес с шумом не больше, чем от ветра: «чем ветер делает», когда он дует между черных ветвей). He had just crossed a small glade when he wheeled, answering the conviction of his primitive instincts that he was being followed (он только что пересек небольшую поляну, когда он повернулся, отвечая на = повинуясь вере в свои первобытные инстинкты, которым он следовал). Standing motionless among the bushes he heard the sounds of the retreating settlers fade away (стоя неподвижно среди кустов, он услышал, как затихают звуки удаляющихся поселенцев). Then a voice called faintly back along the way he had come: "Conan! Conan! Wait for me, Conan (потом голос позвал слабо сзади с той стороны: «вдоль пути», откуда он пришел: Конан! Конан! Подожди меня, Конан)!"
wind [w*nd], blow [bl*u], conviction [k*n*v*k*n]
A few moments later the whole band was hurrying southeastward. Conan followed more slowly, keeping just within ear-shot. He cursed the noise they were making; that many Picts or Cimmerians would have moved through the woods with no more noise than the wind makes as it blows through the black branches. He had just crossed a small glade when he wheeled, answering the conviction of his primitive instincts that he was being followed. Standing motionless among the bushes he heard the sounds of the retreating settlers fade away. Then a voice called faintly back along the way he had come: "Conan! Conan! Wait for me, Conan!"
"Balthus!" he swore bewilderedly (Балтус! — он озадаченно ругнулся). Cautiously he called: "Here I am (осторожно /он/ позвал: я здесь)!"
"Wait for me, Conan!" the voice came more distinctly (подожди меня, Конан! — голос донесся более отчетливо).
Conan moved out of the shadows, scowling (Конан вышел из теней, хмурясь). "What the devil are you doing here (какого черта ты делаешь здесь)* — Crom (о, Кром)!"
He half crouched, the flesh prickling along his spine (он наполовину пригнулся, мурашки побежали по спине). It was not Balthus who was emerging from the other side of the glade (это /был/ не Балтус /который/ возник с = на другой стороне поляны). A weird glow burned through the trees (причудливый свет горел сквозь = среди деревьев). It moved toward him, shimmering weirdly — a green witchfire that moved with purpose and intent (он двигался к нему, причудливо мерцая — зеленый колдовской огонь, который двигался целенаправленно и намеренно: «с целью и намерением»).
distinctly [d*s*t**ktl*], scowl [skaul], purpose [*p*: p*s]
"Balthus!" he swore bewilderedly. Cautiously he called: "Here I am!" "Wait for me, Conan!" the voice came more distinctly.
Conan moved out of the shadows, scowling. "What the devil are you doing here* — Crom!"
He half crouched, the flesh prickling along his spine. It was not Balthus who was emerging from the other side of the glade. A weird glow burned through the trees. It moved toward him, shimmering weirdly — a green witchfire that moved with purpose and intent.
It halted some feet away and Conan glared at it (он остановился в нескольких футах /прочь/, и Конан уставился на него), trying to distinguish its fire-misted outlines (пытаясь разобрать его огненно-туманные контуры). The quivering flame had a solid core (колышущееся пламя имело твердое ядро); the flame was but a green garment that masked some animate and evil entity (пламя было лишь покровом, которое маскировало некую живую и злобную сущность); but the Cimmerian was unable to make out its shape or likeness (но Конан не смог разобрать его форму или облик). Then, shockingly, a voice spoke to him from amidst the fiery column (затем, поразительно, из середины огненной колонны с ним заговорил голос).
distinguish [d*s*t***w**], outline [*autla*n], fiery [*fa**r*]
It halted some feet away and Conan glared at it, trying to distinguish its fire-misted outlines. The quivering flame had a solid core; the flame was but a green garment that masked some animate and evil entity; but the Cimmerian was unable to make out its shape or likeness. Then, shockingly, a voice spoke to him from amidst the fiery column.
"Why do you stand like a sheep waiting for the butcher, Conan (почему ты стоишь как овца, ждущая мясника, Конан)*"
The voice was human but carried strange vibrations that were not human (голос был человеческий, но нес странные вибрации, которые не были человеческими).
"Sheep*" Conan's wrath got the best of his momentary awe (овца* — гнев Конана пересилил его секундный страх). "Do you think I'm afraid of a damned Pictish swamp devil (ты думаешь, я боюсь проклятого пиктского болотного демона)* A friend called me (друг позвал меня = меня позвал друг)."
why [wa*], sheep [*i: p], butcher [*b***]
"Why do you stand like a sheep waiting for the butcher, Conan*"
The voice was human but carried strange vibrations that were not human. "Sheep*" Conan's wrath got the best of his momentary awe. "Do you think I'm afraid of a damned Pictish swamp devil* A friend called me."
"I called in his voice," answered the other (я позвал его голосом, — ответил другой = собеседник / призрак). "The men you follow belong to my brother; I would not rob his knife of their blood (люди, за которыми ты идешь, принадлежат моему брату, я не лишил бы его нож их крови). But you are mine (но ты мой). O fool, you have come from the far gray hills of Cimmeria to meet your doom in the forests of Conajohara (о, глупец, ты пришел с далеких серых холмов Киммерии, /чтобы/ встретить свою смерть в лесах Конаджохары)." "You've had your chance at me before now," snorted Conan (у тебя уже был шанс /разделаться/ со мной прежде, — фыркнул Конан). "Why didn't you kill me then, if you could (почему /же/ ты не убил меня тогда, если /ты/ мог)*"
belong [b**l**], brother [*br***], far [f*:]
"I called in his voice," answered the other. "The men you follow belong to my brother; I would not rob his knife of their blood. But you are mine. O fool, you have come from the far gray hills of Cimmeria to meet your doom in the forests of Conajohara."
"You've had your chance at me before now," snorted Conan. "Why didn't you kill me then, if you could*"
"My brother had not painted a skull black for you and hurled it into the fire that burns for ever on Gullah's black altar (мой брат /тогда еще/ не раскрасил череп черным для тебя и /не/ бросил его в огонь, который горит вечно на черном алтаре Гуллы). He had not whispered your name to the black ghosts that haunt the uplands of the Dark Land (он не прошептал твое имя черным призракам, которые обитают на нагорьях Темной Страны). But a bat has flown over the Mountains of the Dead (но летучая мышь перелетела Горы Мертвых) and drawn your image in blood on the white tiger's hide (и нарисовала твой образ кровью на шкуре белого тигра) that hangs before the long hut where sleep the Four Brothers of the Night (которая висит перед длинной хижиной, где спять Четыре Брата Ночи). The great serpents coil about their feet and the stars burn like fireflies in their hair (огромные змеи сворачиваются = свернулись у их ног, а звезды горят, как светлячки, в их волосах)."
"My brother had not painted a skull black for you and hurled it into the fire that burns for ever on Gullah's black altar. He had not whispered your name to the black ghosts that haunt the uplands of the Dark Land. But a bat has flown over the Mountains of the Dead and drawn your image in blood on the white tiger's hide that hangs before the long hut where sleep the Four Brothers of the Night. The great serpents coil about their feet and the stars burn like fireflies in their hair."
"Why have the gods of darkness doomed me to death*" growled Conan (почему боги тьмы обрекли меня на смерть* — прорычал Конан).
Something — a hand, foot or talon, he could not tell which, thrust out from the fire and marked swiftly on the mold (нечто — рука, нога или коготь, он не мог сказать точно: «который», вытянулось из огня и начертало быстро на рыхлой земле). A symbol blazed there, marked with fire, and faded, but not before he recognized it (символ пылал там, бросающийся в глаза благодаря огню: «помеченный с огнем» и угас, но не прежде, чем он узнал его).
"Why have the gods of darkness doomed me to death*" growled Conan.
Something — a hand, foot or talon, he could not tell which, thrust out from the fire and marked swiftly on the mold. A symbol blazed there, marked with fire, and faded, but not before he recognized it.
"You dared make the sign which only a priest of Jhebbal Sag dare make (ты осмелился начертать знак, который смеет изображать лишь жрец Джеббал Сага). Thunder rumbled through the black Mountain of the Dead (гром прогрохотал = прокатился через черную Гору Мертвых) and the altar-hut of Gullah was thrown down by a wind from the Gulf of Ghosts (и хижина с алтарем Гулы была разрушена ветром с Залива Привидений). The loon which is messenger to the Four Brothers of the Night flew swiftly and whispered your name in my ear (полярная гагара, /которая является/ вестник Четырех Братьев Ночи, быстро прилетела и прошептала твое имя в мое ухо). Your race is run (твой бег закончен: «отбеган»). You are a dead man already (ты уже мертвый человек = мертвец). Your head will hang in the altar-hut of my brother (твоя голова будет висеть в хижине с алтарем моего брата). Your body will be eaten by the black-winged, sharp-beaked Children of Jhil (твое тело будет съедено = съедят чернокрылые, остроклювые дети Джила = Джаббала)."
"Who the devil is your brother*" demanded Conan (кто /же/, блин, твой брат* — спросил Конан). His sword was naked in his hand, and he was subtly loosening the ax in his belt (его меч был обнажен в его руке, и он незаметно освобождал топор на /его/ поясе).
priest [pri: st], messenger [*mes*n**], subtly [*s*tl*]
"You dared make the sign which only a priest of Jhebbal Sag dare make. Thunder rumbled through the black Mountain of the Dead and the altar-hut of Gullah was thrown down by a wind from the Gulf of Ghosts. The loon which is messenger to the Four Brothers of the Night flew swiftly and whispered your name in my ear. Your race is run. You are a dead man already. Your head will hang in the altar-hut of my brother. Your body will be eaten by the black-winged, sharp-beaked Children of Jhil."
"Who the devil is your brother*" demanded Conan. His sword was naked in his hand, and he was subtly loosening the ax in his belt.
"Zogar Sag; a child of Jhebbal Sag who still visits his sacred groves at times (Зогар Саг, дитя Джеббал Сага, который все еще временами посещает свои священные рощи). A woman of Gwawela slept in a grove holy to Jhebbal Sag (одна женщина Гвавелы спала в роще, священной для Джеббала Сага). Her babe was Zogar Sag (ее ребенком был = стал Зогар Саг). I too am a son of Jhebbal Sag, out of a fire-being from a far realm (я тоже сын Джеббал Сага от огненного существа из далекого королевства). Zogar Sag summoned me out of the Misty Lands (Зогар Саг призвал меня из Туманных Земель). With incantations and sorcery and his own blood he materialized me in the flesh of his own planet (заклинаниями, волшебством и своей кровью он материализовал меня во плоти его собственной планеты). We are one, tied together by invisible threads (мы одно /целое/, связанные вместе незримыми нитями). His thoughts are my thoughts; if he is struck, I am bruised (его мысли — мои мысли, если ударят его, синяк появляется у меня: «если он ударен, я ушиблен»). If I am cut, he bleeds (если меня поранят, кровь течет у него: «если я ранен, он кровоточит»; to bleed — кровоточить, истекать кровью). But I have talked enough (но я сказал достаточно). Soon your ghost will talk with the ghosts of the Dark Land (скоро твой дух будет беседовать с духами Темной Страны), and they will tell you of the old gods which are not dead (и они расскажут тебе о древних богах, которые не являются мертвыми = не умерли), but sleep in the outer abysses, and from time to time awake (а спят во внешних безднах и время от времени пробуждаются)."
son [s*n], realm [relm], sorcery [*s*: s*r*]
"Zogar Sag; a child of Jhebbal Sag who still visits his sacred groves at times. A woman of Gwawela slept in a grove holy to Jhebbal Sag. Her babe was Zogar Sag. I too am a son of Jhebbal Sag, out of a fire-being from a far realm. Zogar Sag summoned me out of the Misty Lands. With incantations and sorcery and his own blood he materialized me in the flesh of his own planet. We are one, tied together by invisible threads. His thoughts are my thoughts; if he is struck, I am bruised. If I am cut, he bleeds. But I have talked enough. Soon your ghost will talk with the ghosts of the Dark Land, and they will tell you of the old gods which are not dead, but sleep in the outer abysses, and from time to time awake."
"I'd like to see what you look like," muttered Conan, working his ax free (я хотел бы увидеть, какой ты: «чему ты выглядишь подобно», — пробормотал Конан, высвобождая свой топор), "you who leave a track like a bird (ты, который оставляет след, как птица), who burn like a flame (который горит, как огонь) and yet speak with a human voice (и тем не менее говорит человеческим голосом)."
"You shall see," answered the voice from the flame, "see, and carry the knowledge with you into the Dark Land (ты увидишь, — ответил голос из пламени, — зри и унеси знание с собой в Темную Страну)."
look [l*k], flame [fle*m], knowledge [*n*l**]
"I'd like to see what you look like," muttered Conan, working his ax free, "you who leave a track like a bird, who burn like a flame and yet speak with a human voice."
"You shall see," answered the voice from the flame, "see, and carry the knowledge with you into the Dark Land."
The flames leaped and sank, dwindling and dimming (языки пламени взметнулись и опустились, уменьшаясь и тускнея). A face began to take shadowy form (лицо начало приобретать призрачную форму). At first Conan thought it was Zogar Sag himself who stood wrapped in green fire (сначала Конан подумал, /что/ это /был/ сам Зогар Саг стоял, окутанный зеленым пламенем). But the face was higher than his own, and there was a demoniac aspect about it (но лицо было выше его собственного, и был у него демонический облик) — Conan had noted various abnormalities about Zogar Sag's features (Конан заметил различные отклонения от черт Зогар Сага) — an obliqueness of the eyes (скошенность глаз), a sharpness of the ears (острота ушей), a wolfish thinness of the lips (волчья тонкость губ): these peculiarities were exaggerated in the apparition which swayed before him (эти особенности были преувеличены в видении, которое покачивалось перед ним). The eyes were red as coals of living fire (глаза были красные, как угли живого огня).
aspect [**spekt], various [*v**r**s], exaggerate [***z***re*t]
The flames leaped and sank, dwindling and dimming. A face began to take shadowy form. At first Conan thought it was Zogar Sag himself who stood wrapped in green fire. But the face was higher than his own, and there was a demoniac aspect about it — Conan had noted various abnormalities about Zogar Sag's features — an obliqueness of the eyes, a sharpness of the ears, a wolfish thinness of the lips: these peculiarities were exaggerated in the apparition which swayed before him. The eyes were red as coals of living fire.
More details came into view (больше деталей замечал взгляд: «пришло в видимость»): a slender torso, covered with snaky scales (стройное туловище, покрытое змеиной чешуей), which was yet man-like in shape (которое, тем не менее, было человекоподобным по форме), with man like arms, from the waist upward (с человекоподобными руками, /тянувшимися/ от талии вверх), below, long crane-like legs ended in splay, three-toed feet like those of huge bird (ниже длинные журавлиные ноги, заканчивающиеся кривыми трехпалыми ступнями, как /таковые = ступни/ у огромной птицы). Along the monstrous limbs the blue fire fluttered and ran (вдоль чудовищных конечностей трепетал и пробегал голубой огонь). He saw it as through a glistening mist (он видел его, словно сквозь сияющую дымку).
detail [*di: te*l], torso [*t*: s*u], huge [hju: *]
More details came into view: a slender torso, covered with snaky scales, which was yet man-like in shape, with man like arms, from the waist upward, below, long crane-like legs ended in splay, three-toed feet like those of huge bird. Along the monstrous limbs the blue fire fluttered and ran. He saw it as through a glistening mist.
Then suddenly it was towering over him (затем вдруг оно нависло над ним), though he had not seen it move toward him (хотя он не видел, /чтобы/ оно передвинулось к нему). A long arm, which for the first time he noticed was armed with curving, sickle-like talons, swung high and swept down at his neck (длинная рука, которую он заметил в первый раз, была вооружена изогнутыми серповидными когтями, высоко размахнулась и обрушилась вниз на его шею). With a fierce cry he broke the spell and bounded aside, hurling his ax (/с/ неистовым криком он разорвал чары и отпрыгнул в сторону, метнув /свой/ топор). The demon avoided the cast with an unbelievably quick movement of its narrow head and was on him again with a hissing rush of leaping flames (демон избежал броска невероятно быстрым движением /своей/ узкой головы и был снова был = навис над ним с шипящим наплывом подпрыгнувших языков пламени).
tower [*tau*], movement [*mu: vm*nt], narrow [*n*r*u]
Then suddenly it was towering over him, though he had not seen it move toward him. A long arm, which for the first time he noticed was armed with curving, sickle-like talons, swung high and swept down at his neck. With a fierce cry he broke the spell and bounded aside, hurling his ax. The demon avoided the cast with an unbelievably quick movement of its narrow head and was on him again with a hissing rush of leaping flames.
But fear had fought for it when it slew its other victims and Conan was not afraid (но страх боролся за него = был на его стороне, когда оно убивало свои остальные жертвы, а Конан не боялся). He knew that any being clothed in material flesh can be slain by material weapons (он знал, что любое существо, одетое в материальную плоть, может быть убито = можно убить вещественным оружием), however grisly its form may be (каким бы мерзким оно ни было: «какой бы мерзкой его форма может быть»).
fear [f**], fought [f*: t], knew [nju:]
But fear had fought for it when it slew its other victims and Conan was not afraid. He knew that any being clothed in material flesh can be slain by material weapons, however grisly its form may be.
One flailing talon-armed limb knocked his helmet from his head (одна метнувшаяся вооруженная когтями конечность сбила /его/ шлем с его головы). A little lower and it would have decapitated him (немного ниже, и оно sword sank deep in the monster's groin (но сильный восторг охватил его, когда его беспощадно направленный меч погрузился глубоко в пах чудовища). He bounded backward from a flailing stroke, tearing his sword free as he leaped (он отпрыгнул назад от размашистого удара, вырывая свой меч, когда он прыгнул = в прыжке). The talons raked his breast, ripping through mail-links as if they had been cloth (когти царапнули его грудь, разрывая кольчугу, как будто она была /простой/ тканью). But his return spring was like that of a starving wolf (но его ответный выпад был как таковой = прыжок голодного волка; spring — прыжок, бросок). He was inside the lashing arms and driving his sword deep in the monster's belly (он был внутри = между стегающих рук и вгонял свой меч глубоко в брюхо монстра) — felt the arms lock about him and the talons ripping the mail from his back as they sought his vitals (почувствовал, /как/ руки смыкаются вокруг него, а когти рвут кольчугу с /его/ спины, когда они искали его жизненно важные органы = в поисках его жизненно важных органов) — he was lapped and dazzled by blue flame that was chill as ice (он был скручен и ослеплен голубым пламенем, которое было холодное, как лед) — then he had torn fiercely away from the weakening arms and his sword cut the air in a tremendous swipe (затем он яростно рванулся из слабеющих рук, а его меч разрезал воздух в страшном ударе).
limb [l*m], tear [t**], vitals [va*tlz]
One flailing talon-armed limb knocked his helmet from his head. A little lower and it would have decapitated him. But fierce joy surged through him as his savagely driven sword sank deep in the monster's groin. He bounded backward from a flailing stroke, tearing his sword free as he leaped. The talons raked his breast, ripping through mail-links as if they had been cloth. But his return spring was like that of a starving wolf. He was inside the lashing arms and driving his sword deep in the monster's belly — felt the arms lock about him and the talons ripping the mail from his back as they sought his vitals — he was lapped and dazzled by blue flame that was chill as ice — then he had torn fiercely away from the weakening arms and his sword cut the air in a tremendous swipe.
The demon staggered and fell sprawling sidewise, its head hanging only by a shred of flesh (демон зашатался и упал растянувшись вбок, его голова висела лишь на лоскуте мяса). The fires that veiled it leaped fiercely upward, now red as gushing blood, hiding the figure from view (огни, которые скрывали его, взметнулись яростно вверх, теперь красные, как хлещущая кровь, скрывая фигуру из виду). A scent of burning flesh filled Conan's nostrils (запах горелой плоти заполнил ноздри Конана). Shaking the blood and sweat from his eyes, he wheeled and ran staggering through the woods (стряхнув кровь и пот из /его/ глаз, он повернулся и побежал, спотыкаясь, через лес). Blood trickled down his limbs (кровь стекала по его конечностям). Somewhere, miles to the south, he saw the faint glow of flames that might mark a burning cabin (где-то, в милях к югу, он увидел слабое зарево пламени, которое могло обозначать горящую хижину). Behind him, toward the road, rose a distant howling that spurred him to greater efforts (позади него, в сторону дороги, поднялся далекий вой, который побудил его к большим усилиям = который заставил его поднапрячься).
demon [*di: m*n], only [**unl*], spur [sp*:]
The demon staggered and fell sprawling sidewise, its head hanging only by a shred of flesh. The fires that veiled it leaped fiercely upward, now red as gushing blood, hiding the figure from view. A scent of burning flesh filled Conan's nostrils. Shaking the blood and sweat from his eyes, he wheeled and ran staggering through the woods. Blood trickled down his limbs. Somewhere, miles to the south, he saw the faint glow of flames that might mark a burning cabin. Behind him, toward the road, rose a distant howling that spurred him to greater efforts.
8. Conajohara No More
(Конаджохары больше нет)
There had been fighting on Thunder River; fierce fighting before the walls of Velitrium (на Громовой реке была битва, жестокая битва перед стенами Велитриума); ax and torch had been plied up and down the bank (топор и факел поработали выше и ниже по берегу), and many a settler's cabin lay in ashes before the painted horde was rolled back (и много хижин поселенцев лежали в пепле, прежде чем раскрашенная орда откатилась назад).
A strange quiet followed the storm, in which people gathered and talked in hushed voices (необычная тишина последовала за бурей, в которой люди собирались и беседовали приглушенными голосами), and men with red-stained bandages drank their ale silently in the taverns along the river bank (а люди в повязках с красными пятнами пили молча свой эль в тавернах вдоль берега реки).
cabin [*k*b*n], horde [h*: d], bandage [*b*nd**]
There had been fighting on Thunder River; fierce fighting before the walls of Velitrium; ax and torch had been plied up and down the bank, and many a settler's cabin lay in ashes before the painted horde was rolled back.
A strange quiet followed the storm, in which people gathered and talked in hushed voices, and men with red-stained bandages drank their ale silently in the taverns along the river bank.
There, to Conan the Cimmerian, moodily quaffing from a great wine-glass (там, к Конану-киммерийцу, угрюмо пьющего из большого бокала), came a gaunt forester with a bandage about his head and his arm in a sling (подошел сухопарый лесник с повязкой на /его/ голове и /его/ рукой на перевязи). He was the one survivor of Fort Tuscelan (он был единственным уцелевшим из Форта Тусцелан).
"You went with the soldiers to the ruins of the fort (ты ходил с солдатами к руинам форта; to go — ходить, идти)*" Conan nodded (Конан кивнул).
"I wasn't able," murmured the other (я не смог, — пробормотал другой). "There was no fighting (не было боя)*"
moodily [*mu: d*l*], quaff [kw*:f], murmur [*m*: m*]
There, to Conan the Cimmerian, moodily quaffing from a great wine-glass, came a gaunt forester with a bandage about his head and his arm in a sling. He was the one survivor of Fort Tuscelan.
"You went with the soldiers to the ruins of the fort*" Conan nodded.
"I wasn't able," murmured the other. "There was no fighting*"
"The Picts had fallen back across Black River (пикты отступили за Черную реку). Something must have broken their nerve, though only the devil who made them knows what (что-то, должно быть, подорвало их уверенность, хотя только дьявол, который создал их, знает что)."
The woodsman glanced at his bandaged arm and sighed (лесной житель посмотрел на /его/ перевязанную руку и вздохнул).
"They say there were no bodies worth disposing of (/они/ говорят, /там/ не было тел, стоящих убирания = которые можно было убрать = захоронить; to dispose of — завершать, избавляться, убирать, удалять, уничтожать)." Conan shook his head (Конан покачал /своей/ головой = кивнул). "Ashes (пепел). The Picts had piled them in the fort and set fire to the fort before they crossed the river (пикты сложили их в кучу в форте и подожгли форт, перед тем как /они/ пересекли реку; to pile — складывать в кучу). Their own dead and the men of Valannus (своих собственных мертвецов и людей Валаннуса)."
fallen [f*: ln], worth [w*: O], shook [**k]
"The Picts had fallen back across Black River. Something must have broken their nerve, though only the devil who made them knows what."
The woodsman glanced at his bandaged arm and sighed. "They say there were no bodies worth disposing of."
Conan shook his head. "Ashes. The Picts had piled them in the fort and set fire to the fort before they crossed the river. Their own dead and the men of Valannus."
"Valannus was killed among the last — in the hand-to-hand fighting when they broke the barriers (Валаннус был убит среди последних — в рукопашном бою, когда они сломали ограждения). They tried to take him alive, but he made them kill him (они попытались взять его живым, но он заставил их убить его). They took ten of the rest of us prisoners when we were so weak from fighting we could fight no more (они взяли десять из нас оставшихся в плен, когда мы были так слабы от боя, /что/ мы больше не могли сражаться). They butchered nine of us then and there (они забили девятерых из нас тогда и там). It was when Zogar Sag died that I got my chance to break free and run for it (это /было/, когда умер Зогар Саг, /что/ я получил свой шанс освободиться = на свободу и помчался изо всех сил; to break free — вырваться на свободу, освободиться; to run for it — бежать изо всех сил, удирать со всех ног)."
"Zogar Sag's dead*" ejaculated Conan (Зогар Саг мертв* — воскликнул Конан).
among [**m**], weak [wi: k], ejaculate [****kjule*t]
"Valannus was killed among the last — in the hand-to-hand fighting when they broke the barriers. They tried to take him alive, but he made them kill him. They took ten of the rest of us prisoners when we were so weak from fighting we could fight no more. They butchered nine of us then and there. It was when Zogar Sag died that I got my chance to break free and run for it."
"Zogar Sag's dead*" ejaculated Conan.
"Aye (да = ага). I saw him die (я видел, /как/ он умер). That's why the Picts didn't press the fight against Velitrium as fiercely as they did against the fort (поэтому пикты не наседали в битве против Велитриума так ожесточенно, как /они делали = сражались/ против форта). It was strange (это было странно). He took no wounds in battle (он не получил ран в битве). He was dancing among the slain, waving an ax with which he'd just brained the last of my comrades (он плясал среди убитых, размахивая топором, которым он только что размозжил мозги последнему из моих товарищей). He came at me, howling like a wolf (он набросился на меня, завывая как волк) — and then he staggered and dropped the ax (и потом он споткнулся и уронил топор), and began to reel in a circle screaming as I never heard a man or beast scream before (и начал вертеться = завертелся по кругу, вопя так, как я никогда прежде не слышал, чтобы вопили человек или животное). He fell between me and the fire they'd built to roast me (он упал между мной и костром, /который/ они возвели, /чтобы/ поджарить меня), goggling and frothing at the mouth (выпучив глаза и с пеной: «пенясь» у рта), and all at once he went rigid and the Picts shouted that he was dead (и внезапно он окоченел, а пикты закричали, что он мертв; rigid — жесткий, негнущийся). It was during the confusion that I slipped my cords and ran for the woods (это было во время замешательства, что = именно во время замешательства я выскользнул из моих пут / развязал веревки и убежал в лес).
comrade [*k*mr*d], roast [r*ust], confusion [k*n*fju: *n]
"Aye. I saw him die That's why the Picts didn't press the fight against Velitrium as fiercely as they did against the fort. It was strange. He took no wounds in battle.
He was dancing among the slain, waving an ax with which he'd just brained the last of my comrades. He came at me, howling like a wolf — and then he staggered and dropped the ax, and began to reel in a circle screaming as I never heard a man or beast scream before. He fell between me and the fire they'd built to roast me, goggling and frothing at the mouth, and all at once he went rigid and the Picts shouted that he was dead. It was during the confusion that I slipped my cords and ran for the woods.
"I saw him lying in the firelight (я видел его, лежащим в свете костра). No weapon had touched him (ни одно оружие /не/ коснулось его). Yet there were red marks like the wounds of a sword in the groin, belly, and neck (однако были красные отметины, как раны от меча, в паху, животе и на шее) — the last as if his head had been almost severed from his body (последняя, как будто его голова была почти отрезана от тела). What do you make of that (что ты понимаешь из этого = что тебе понятно из этого)*"
"I saw him lying in the firelight. No weapon had touched him. Yet there were red marks like the wounds of a sword in the groin, belly, and neck — the last as if his head had been almost severed from his body. What do you make of that*"
Conan made no reply, and the forester, aware of the reticence of barbarians on certain matters, continued (Конан не сделал ответа = не ответил, а лесник, знающий о скрытности / немногословии варваров по некоторым вопросам, продолжал): "He lived by magic, and somehow, he died by magic (он жил магией, и каким-то образом он умер от магии). It was the mystery of his death that took the heart out of the Picts (это /была/ тайна его смерти, /которая/ отняла мужество у пиктов: «выхватила сердце из пиктов»). Not a man who saw it was in the fighting before Velitrium (ни один человек, который видел это, /не/ был в сражении перед Велитриумом). They hurried back across Black River (они поспешили назад через Черную реку). Those that struck Thunder River were warriors who had come on before Zogar Sag died (те, кто ударил по Громовой реке, были воинами, которые напали раньше, чем умер Зогар Саг). They were not enough to take the city by themselves (их было недостаточно, /чтобы/ взять город самим).
certain [s*: tn], continue [k*n*tinju: ], enough [**n*f]
Conan made no reply, and the forester, aware of the reticence of barbarians on certain matters, continued: "He lived by magic, and somehow, he died by magic. It was the mystery of his death that took the heart out of the Picts. Not a man who saw it was in the fighting before Velitrium. They hurried back across Black River.
Those that struck Thunder River were warriors who had come on before Zogar Sag died. They were not enough to take the city by themselves.
"I came along the road, behind their main force, and I know none followed me from the fort (я пришел по дороге за их главными силами, и я знаю, /что/ никто /не/ следовал за мной от форта). I sneaked through their lines and got into the town (я прокрался сквозь их расположение и попал в город; line — оборонительный рубеж, линия фронта, строй, шеренга солдат, расположение). You brought the settlers through all right, but their women and children got into Velitrium just ahead of those painted devils (ты провел поселенцев как нужно, но их женщины и дети попали в Велитриум как раз перед этими раскрашенными демонами). If the youth Balthus and old Slasher hadn't held them up awhile, they'd have butchered every woman and child in Conajohara (если бы юноша Балтус и старый Задира не задержали их некоторое время, они бы вырезали каждую женщину и ребенка = всех женщин и детей в Конаджохаре). I passed the place where Balthus and the dog made their last stand (я проходил через то место, где Балтус и пес оказали /их/ последнее сопротивление). They were lying amid a heap of dead Picts — I counted seven, brained by his ax (он лежали среди кучи мертвых пиктов — я насчитал семь, с размозженными его топором головами), or disemboweled by the dog's fangs (или распотрошенными собачьими клыками), and there were others in the road with arrows sticking in them (и были другие на дороге со стрелами, торчащими в них; to brain — разможжить голову). Gods, what a fight that must have been (боги, что за битва это, наверное, была)!"
force [f*: s], last [l*:st], stick [st*k]
"I came along the road, behind their main force, and I know none followed me from the fort. I sneaked through their lines and got into the town. You brought the settlers through all right, but their women and children got into Velitrium just ahead of those painted devils. If the youth Balthus and old Slasher hadn't held them up awhile, they'd have butchered every woman and child in Conajohara. I passed the place where Balthus and the dog made their last stand. They were lying amid a heap of dead Picts — I counted seven, brained by his ax, or disemboweled by the dog's fangs, and there were others in the road with arrows sticking in them. Gods, what a fight that must have been!"
"He was a man," said Conan (он был /настоящий/ мужчина, — сказал Конан). "I drink to his shade, and to the shade of the dog, who knew no fear (я пью за его духа и за духа пса, которые не ведали страха)." He quaffed part of the wine, then emptied the rest upon the floor, with a curious heathen gesture, and smashed the goblet (он выпил большим глотком часть вина, затем вылил остальное на пол с необычным языческим жестом и разбил вдребезги кубок). "The heads of ten Picts shall pay for his, and seven heads for the dog, who was a better warrior than many a man (головы десяти пиктов заплатят за его /голову/, и семь голов за пса, который был лучшим воином, чем многие мужчины)."
heathen [hi: *n], gesture [**es**], goblet [***bl*t]
"He was a man," said Conan. "I drink to his shade, and to the shade of the dog, who knew no fear." He quaffed part of the wine, then emptied the rest upon the floor, with a curious heathen gesture, and smashed the goblet. "The heads of ten Picts shall pay for his, and seven heads for the dog, who was a better warrior than many a man."
And the forester, staring into the moody, smoldering blue eyes, knew the barbaric oath would be kept (а лесник, пристально глядя в унылые, тлеющие синие глаза, знал, /что/ варварская клятва будет исполнена).
"They'll not rebuild the fort (/они/ не будут восстанавливать форт = форт не будут восстанавливать)*"
"No; Conajohara is lost to Aquilonia (нет, Конаджохара потеряна для Аквилонии). The frontier has been pushed back (граница отодвинулась назад). Thunder River will be the new border (Громовая река будет новым рубежом)."
forester [*f*r*st*], rebuild [ri: *b*ld], new [nju:]
And the forester, staring into the moody, smoldering blue eyes, knew the barbaric oath would be kept.
"They'll not rebuild the fort*"
"No; Conajohara is lost to Aquilonia. The frontier has been pushed back. Thunder River will be the new border."
The woodsman sighed and stared at his calloused hand, worn from contact with ax-
потертую от контакта с ручкой топора и рукояткой меча). Conan reached his long arm for the wine-jug (Конан потянулся своей длинной рукой за кувшином с вином). The forester stared at him, comparing him with the men about them (лесной житель разглядывал его, сравнивая его с людьми, которые были вокруг них), the men who had died along the lost river (с людьми, которые умерли вдоль утраченной реки; to lose — терять; утрачивать), comparing him with those other wild men over that river (сравнивая его с теми другими дикими людьми за той рекой). Conan did not seem aware of his gaze (Конан, казалось, не замечает его взгляда).
callous [*k*l*s], worn [w*: n], compare [k*m*p**]
The woodsman sighed and stared at his calloused hand, worn from contact with ax- haft and sword-hilt. Conan reached his long arm for the wine-jug. The forester stared at him, comparing him with the men about them, the men who had died along the lost river, comparing him with those other wild men over that river. Conan did not seem aware of his gaze.
"Barbarism is the natural state of mankind," the borderer said, still staring somberly at the Cimmerian (варварство /есть/ — естественное состояние человечества, — сказал пограничник, все еще хмуро уставясь на киммерийца). "Civilization is unnatural (цивилизация неестественна = противна природе). It is a whim of circumstance (это прихоть обстоятельств). And barbarism must always ultimately triumph (а варварство должно всегда одерживать окончательную победу = в конечном итоге варварство всегда победит; must — наверное, наверняка, должно быть — означает высокую степень вероятности)."
natural [*n**r*l], mankind [m*n*ka*nd], circumstance [*s*: k*mst*ns]
"Barbarism is the natural state of mankind," the borderer said, still staring somberly at the Cimmerian. "Civilization is unnatural. It is a whim of circumstance. And barbarism must always ultimately triumph."
Shadows in Zamboula
(Тени в Замбуле)
1. A Drum Begins
(Барабан начинает /бить/)
"Peril hides in the house of Aram Baksh (опасность таится в доме Арама Бакша)!"
The speaker's voice quivered with earnestness (голос говорящего задрожал с = от искренности) and his lean, black-nailed fingers clawed at Conan's mightily- muscled arm as he croaked his warning (и его тощие, с черными ногтями пальцы вцепились в очень мускулистую руку Конана, когда он прокаркал свое предупреждение). He was a wiry, sunburnt man with a straggling black beard (он был жилистым, загорелым мужчиной с растрепанной черной бородой), and his ragged garments proclaimed him a nomad (а его истрепанное одеяние объявляло его кочевником = свидетельствовало, что он кочевник). He looked smaller and meaner than ever in contrast to the giant Cimmerian (он выглядел меньше и более худым, чем когда-либо = чем на самом деле из-за контраста с гигантским киммерийцем) with his black brows, broad chest, and конечностями). They stood in a corner of the Sword Makers' Bazaar (они стояли в углу Базара Оружейников), and on either side of them flowed past the many- tongued, many-colored stream of the Zamboulan streets (а на каждой стороне = с обеих сторон от них проплывал мимо многоязычный, разноцветный поток замбульских улиц), which are exotic, hybrid, flamboyant, and clamorous (которые экзотичны, разнородны, цветисты и крикливы; clamor — шум, крик, ор).
peril [*per*l], earnestness [**: n*stn*s], wiry [*wa**r*]
"Peril hides in the house of Aram Baksh!"
The speaker's voice quivered with earnestness and his lean, black-nailed fingers clawed at Conan's mightily-muscled arm as he croaked his warning. He was a wiry, sunburnt man with a straggling black beard, and his ragged garments proclaimed him a nomad. He looked smaller and meaner than ever in contrast to the giant Cimmerian with his black brows, broad chest, and powerful limbs. They stood in a corner of the Sword Makers' Bazaar, and on either side of them flowed past the many-tongued, many-colored stream of the Zamboulan streets, which are exotic, hybrid, flamboyant, and clamorous.
Conan pulled his eyes back from following a bold-eyed, red-lipped Ghanara whose short skirt bared her brown thigh at each insolent step (Конан оторвал /свои/ глаза от слежения = провожавшие взглядом красногубую Ганарку с дерзким взглядом: «дерзко-взглядная», чья короткая юбка обнажала ее коричневое бедро при каждом кичливом шаге), and frowned down at his importunate companion (и нахмурился = хмуро посмотрел на своего назойливого собеседника).
"What do you mean by peril*" he demanded (что ты подразумеваешь под опасностью* — спросил он).
The desert man glanced furtively over his shoulder before replying, and lowered his voice (человек пустыни посмотрел украдкой через /свое/ плечо, прежде чем ответить, и понизил /свой/ голос).
whose [hu: z], frown [fraun], mean [mi: n]
Conan pulled his eyes back from following a bold-eyed, red-lipped Ghanara whose short skirt bared her brown thigh at each insolent step, and frowned down at his importunate companion.
"What do you mean by peril*" he demanded.
The desert man glanced furtively over his shoulder before replying, and lowered his voice.
"Who can say (кто может сказать)* But desert men and travelers have slept in the house of Aram Baksh and never been seen or heard of again (но люди пустыни и путники спали в доме Арама Бакша, и их никогда больше не видели и не слышали о них: «никогда были видены и слышаны о снова»; to see — видеть; to hear — слышать). What became of them (что стало из = с ними)* He swore they rose and went their way — and it is true that no citizen of the city has ever disappeared from his house (он клялся, /что/ они встали и ушли своей дорогой — и /это/ правда, что ни один горожанин из города никогда /не/ исчезал из его дома). But no one saw the travelers again (но никто /не/ видел странников снова), and men say that goods and equipment recognized as theirs have been seen in the bazaars (и люди говорят, что товары и снаряжение были увидены = видели на базарах). If Aram did not sell them, after doing away with their owners, how came they there (если Арам не продал их, покончив с их владельцами, как они попали туда; to do away with — покончить с; to come — придти, попасть)*"
who [hu: ], house [haus], equipment [**kw*pm*nt]
"Who can say* But desert men and travelers have slept in the house of Aram Baksh and never been seen or heard of again. What became of them* He swore they rose and went their way — and it is true that no citizen of the city has ever disappeared from his house. But no one saw the travelers again, and men say that goods and equipment recognized as theirs have been seen in the bazaars. If Aram did not sell them, after doing away with their owners, how came they there*"
"I have no goods," growled the Cimmerian (я имею никаких товаров = у меня нет товара, — прорычал киммериец), touching the shagreen-bound hilt of the broadsword that hung at his hip (касаясь обмотанной шагреневой кожей рукоятки палаша, который висел на его бедре). "I have even sold my horse (я продал даже мою лошадь; to sell — продавать)."
"But it is not always rich strangers who vanish by night from the house of Aram Baksh!" chattered the Zuagir (но /это/ не всегда /только/ богатые чужеземцы, /которые/ исчезают ночью из дома Арама Бакша! — застрекотал зуагир). "Nay, poor desert men have slept there — because his score is less than that of the other taverns — and have been seen no more (нет, бедные люди пустыни спали там — потому что его счет меньше, чем таковой = счет в других тавернах — и их больше не видели). Once a chief of the Zuagirs whose son had thus vanished complained to the satrap, Jungir Khan (однажды вождь зуагиров, чей сын исчез таким образом, пожаловался сатрапу, Джунгир Хану), who ordered the house searched by soldiers (который приказал обыскать дом солдатам: «приказал дом обысканный солдатами»)."
growl [*raul], even [i: vn], chief [*i: f]
"I have no goods," growled the Cimmerian, touching the shagreen-bound hilt of the broadsword that hung at his hip. "I have even sold my horse."
"But it is not always rich strangers who vanish by night from the house of Aram Baksh!" chattered the Zuagir. "Nay, poor desert men have slept there — because his score is less than that of the other taverns — and have been seen no more. Once a chief of the Zuagirs whose son had thus vanished complained to the satrap, Jungir Khan, who ordered the house searched by soldiers."
"And they found a cellar full of corpses*" asked Conan in good-humored derision (и они нашли подвал, полный трупов* — спросил Конан с добродушной насмешкой).
"Nay! They found naught (нет, они /не/ нашли ничего)! And drove the chief from the city with threats and curses (и выгнали вождя из города с угрозами и проклятиями)! But" — he drew closer to Conan and shivered — "something else was found (но, — он придвинулся ближе к Конану и затрясся, — было найдено кое-что еще)! At the edge of the desert, beyond the houses, there is a clump of palm trees, and within that grove there is a pit (на краю пустыни за домами есть заросли пальм, и в той роще есть яма). And within that pit have been found human bones, charred and blackened (а в той яме были найдены = нашли человеческие кости, обугленные и почерневшие). Not once, but many times (не один раз, а много раз)!"
found [faund], naught [n*: t], bone [b*un]
"And they found a cellar full of corpses*" asked Conan in good-humored derision.
"Nay! They found naught! And drove the chief from the city with threats and curses! But" — he drew closer to Conan and shivered — "something else was found! At the edge of the desert, beyond the houses, there is a clump of palm trees, and within that grove there is a pit. And within that pit have been found human bones, charred and blackened. Not once, but many times!"
"Which proves what*" grunted the Cimmerian (которое доказывает что = и что это доказывает* — пробурчал Конан).
"Aram Baksh is a demon (Арам Бакш — демон)! Nay, in this accursed city which Stygians built and which Hyrkanians rule (нет, в этом проклятом городе, который построили стигийцы, и которым правят гирканцы) — where white, brown, and black folk mingle together to produce hybrids of all unholy hues and breeds где белые, коричневые и черные народы смешиваются друг с другом, /чтобы/ плодить гибридов всех нечестивых / жутких оттенков и племен) — who can tell who is a man, and who is a demon in disguise (кто может сказать, кто — человек, а кто замаскированный демон)* Aram Baksh is a demon in the form of a man (Арам Бахш — демон в обличье человека)! At night he assumes his true guise and carries his guests off into the desert (ночью он принимает свой истинный вид и уносит своих постояльцев в пустыню; guise — внешний вид, наружность; вид, видимость; личина), where his fellow demons from the waste meet in conclave (где его приятели-демоны из пустыни встречаются на сборище)."
prove [pru: v], brown [braun], folk [f*uk]
"Which proves what*" grunted the Cimmerian.
"Aram Baksh is a demon! Nay, in this accursed city which Stygians built and which Hyrkanians rule — where white, brown, and black folk mingle together to produce hybrids of all unholy hues and breeds — who can tell who is a man, and who is a demon in disguise* Aram Baksh is a demon in the form of a man! At night he assumes his true guise and carries his guests off into the desert, where his fellow demons from the waste meet in conclave."
"Why does he always carry off strangers*" asked Conan skeptically (почему он всегда уносит чужеземцев* — спросил Конан скептически).
"The people of the city would not suffer him to slay their people (люди города = жители города не потерпели бы его убивать их людей = чтобы он убивал их людей = их близких), but they care nought for the strangers who fall into his hands (но им совершенно наплевать на чужеземцев: «они заботятся ничего для чужеземцев», которые попадают в его руки). Conan, you are of the West, and know not the secrets of this ancient land (Конан, ты с Запада, и не знаешь секретов этой древней земли). But, since the beginning of happenings, the demons of the desert have worshipped Yog, the Lord of the Empty Abodes (но с начала событий = сущего демоны пустыни поклоняются Йогу, Владыке Пустых Обиталищ), with fire — fire that devours human victims (с /помощью/ огня — огня, который пожирает человеческие жертвы).
always [**: lw*z], people [pi: pl], secret [*si: kr*t]
"Why does he always carry off strangers*" asked Conan skeptically.
"The people of the city would not suffer him to slay their people, but they care nought for the strangers who fall into his hands. Conan, you are of the West, and know not the secrets of this ancient land. But, since the beginning of happenings, the demons of the desert have worshipped Yog, the Lord of the Empty Abodes, with fire — fire that devours human victims.
"Be warned (будь предупрежден = осторожен)! You have dwelt for many moons in the tents of the Zuagirs, and you are our brother (ты прожил много лун в палатках зуагиров, и ты наш брат)! Go not to the house of Aram Baksh (не ходи в дом Арама Бахша)!"
"Get out of sight!" Conan said suddenly (уйди из виду = скройся! — сказал вдруг Конан). "Yonder comes a squad of the city watch (вон идет отряд городской стражи). If they see you they may remember a horse that was stolen from the satrap's stable (если они увидят тебя, они могут вспомнить лошадь, которая была украдена из конюшни сатрапа; to steal — красть) —»
The Zuagir gasped and moved convulsively (зуагир открыл рот и судорожно дернулся). He ducked between a booth and a stone horse trough (он отступил /в пространство/ между палаткой и каменным желобом-поилкой для лошадей), pausing only long enough to chatter: "Be warned, my brother (остановившись лишь достаточно долго = настолько, /чтобы/ прострекотать: будь осторожен, мой брат)! There are demons in the house of Aram Baksh (в доме Арама Бахша /там есть/ демоны)!" Then he darted down a narrow alley and was gone (затем он бросился по узкой аллее и пропал: «был пропавшим / ушедшим»; to go — уходить, уезжать, идти, ехать).
stable [ste*bl], trough [tr*f], dart [d*:t]
"Be warned! You have dwelt for many moons in the tents of the Zuagirs, and you are our brother! Go not to the house of Aram Baksh!"
"Get out of sight!" Conan said suddenly. "Yonder comes a squad of the city watch. If they see you they may remember a horse that was stolen from the satrap's stable —»
The Zuagir gasped and moved convulsively. He ducked between a booth and a stone horse trough, pausing only long enough to chatter: "Be warned, my brother! There are demons in the house of Aram Baksh!" Then he darted down a narrow alley and was gone.
Conan shifted his broad sword-belt to his liking (Конан сместил свой широкий пояс для меча поудобнее: «на свой вкус») and calmly returned the searching stares directed at him by the squad of watchmen (и спокойно ответил на ищущие взгляды, направленные на него отрядом стражников) as they swung past (когда они проходили мимо мерным шагом; to swing — проходить мерным шагом). They eyed him curiously and suspiciously (они разглядывали его с любопытством и подозрением), for he was a man who stood out even in such a motley throng as crowded the winding streets of Zamboula (так как он был человеком, который выделялся даже в такой пестрой толпе, как = которая запрудила извилистые улицы Замбулы). His blue eyes and alien features distinguished him from the Eastern swarms (его голубые глаза и чуждые /для этих мест/ черты /лица/, выделяли его из восточной толпы), and the straight sword at his hip added point to the racial difference (а прямой меч у /его/ бедра добавлял пунктик = /еще одну/ черту к расовому отличию).
calmly [*k*:ml*], return [r**t*: n], crowd [kraud]
Conan shifted his broad sword-belt to his liking and calmly returned the searching stares directed at him by the squad of watchmen as they swung past. They eyed him curiously and suspiciously, for he was a man who stood out even in such a motley throng as crowded the winding streets of Zamboula. His blue eyes and alien features distinguished him from the Eastern swarms, and the straight sword at his hip added point to the racial difference.
The watchmen did not accost him but swung on down the street, while the crowd opened a lane for them (стражники не пристали к нему, но прошествовали дальше по улице к центру, в то время как толпа открывала тропинку для них = расступалась перед ними; down the street — по улице к центру города; up the street — по улице от центра города). They were Pelishtins, squat, hook-nosed, with blue-black beards sweeping their mailed breasts (они были пелиштинцы, приземистые, крючконосые с иссиня-черными бородами, охватывающими их грудь в кольчуге) — mercenaries hired for work the ruling Turanians considered beneath themselves (наемники, нанятые для работы, /которую/ правящие туранцы считали ниже себя = своего достоинства), and no less hated by the mongrel population for that reason (и не менее ненавидимыми нечистокровным населением по этой причине).
Conan glanced at the sun, just beginning to dip behind the flat-topped houses on the western side of the bazaar (Конан посмотрел на солнце, как раз начинающее заходить за дома с плоскими крышами на западной стороне базара), and hitching once more at his belt, moved off in the direction of Aram Baksh's tavern (и подтянув еще раз свой ремень, двинулся в направлении таверны Арама Бахша).
down [daun], population [p*pju*le**n], reason [*ri: zn]
The watchmen did not accost him but swung on down the street, while the crowd opened a lane for them. They were Pelishtins, squat, hook-nosed, with blue- black beards sweeping their mailed breasts — mercenaries hired for work the ruling Turanians considered beneath themselves, and no less hated by the mongrel population for that reason.
Conan glanced at the sun, just beginning to dip behind the flat-topped houses on the western side of the bazaar, and hitching once more at his belt, moved off in the direction of Aram Baksh's tavern.
With a hillman's stride he moved through the ever-shifting colors of the streets (широким шагом горца он двигался сквозь постоянно меняющиеся цвета улиц), where the ragged tunics of whining beggars brushed against the ermine- trimmed khalats of lordly merchants (где поношенные туники хныкающих попрошаек задевали отороченные горностаем халаты надменных купцов), and the pearl-sewn satin of rich courtesans (и расшитые жемчугом атласа богатых куртизанок). Giant black slaves slouched along (гигантские черные рабы шли сутулясь), jostling blue-bearded wanders from the Shemitish cities (расталкивая синебородых странников из шемитских городов), ragged nomads from the surrounding deserts, traders and adventurers from all the lands of the East (оборванных кочевников из окружающих пустынь, торговцев и авантюристов из всех стран Востока).
through [Oru: ], ermine [**: m*n], adventurer [*d*ven**r*]
With a hillman's stride he moved through the ever-shifting colors of the streets, where the ragged tunics of whining beggars brushed against the ermine-trimmed khalats of lordly merchants, and the pearl-sewn satin of rich courtesans. Giant black slaves slouched along, jostling blue-bearded wanders from the Shemitish cities, ragged nomads from the surrounding deserts, traders and adventurers from all the lands of the East.
The native population was no less heterogeneous (местное население было не менее разношерстным). Here, centuries ago, the armies of Stygia had come, carving an empire out of the eastern desert (сюда, века назад пришли армии Стигии, создавая империю из восточной пустыни). Zamboula was but a small trading town then, lying amidst a ring of oases, and inhabited by descendants of nomads (Замбула был тогда лишь маленьким торговым городом, лежащим среди кольца оазисов и населенным потомками кочевников). The Stygians built it into a city and settled it with their own people, and with Shemite and Kushite slaves (стигийцы построили его = превратили его в большой город и заселили его своими людьми: шемитскими и кушитскими рабами). The ceaseless caravans, threading the desert from east to west and back again (непрерывные караваны, пронизывающие = пересекающие пустыню с востока на запад и снова назад; thread — нитка, нить), brought riches and more mingling of races (привозили богатства и большее смешение рас; to bring — приносить, привозить). Then came the conquering Turanians, riding out of the East to thrust back the boundaries of Stygia (потом пришли завоеватели- туранцы, прискакав с востока, /чтобы/ отбросить назад границы Стигии), and now for a generation Zamboula had been Turan's westernmost outpost, ruled by a Turanian satrap (и теперь уже /целое/ поколение Замбула является самым западным аванпостом Турана, управляемым туранским сатрапом).
The native population was no less hetrogeneous. Here, centuries ago, the armies of Stygia had come, carving an empire out of the eastern desert. Zamboula was but a small trading town then, lying amidst a ring of oases, and inhabited by descendants of nomads. The Stygians built it into a city and settled it with their own people, and with Shemite and Kushite slaves. The ceaseless caravans, threading the desert from east to west and back again, brought riches and more mingling of races. Then came the conquering Turanians, riding out of the East to thrust back the boundaries of Stygia, and now for a generation Zamboula had been Turan's westernmost outpost, ruled by a Turanian satrap.
The babel of a myriad tongues smote on the Cimmerian's ears (вавилонский галдеж мириады языков ударил по ушам киммерийца) as the restless pattern of the Zamboulan streets weaved about him в то время как беспокойная картина замбульских улиц сплеталась вокруг него) — cleft now and then by a squad of clattering horsemen (рассекаемая то и дело отрядом грохочущих всадников), the tall, supple warriors of Turan (высоких гибких воинов Турана), with dark hawk-faces, clinking metal, and curved swords (с темными ястребиными лицами, звенящим металлом и кривыми саблями). The throng scampered from under their horses' hoofs, for they were the lords of Zamboula (толпа выскакивала из-под копыт их лошадей, так как они были владыками Замбулы). But tall, somber Stygians, standing back in the shadows, glowered darkly, remembering their ancient glories (но высокие, мрачные стигийцы, держась сзади в тени, зыркали зловеще, вспоминая свою древнюю = былую славу). The hybrid population cared little whether the king who controlled their destinies dwelt in dark Khemi or gleaming Aghrapur (смешанное население мало заботило, живет ли король, который управлял их судьбами, в темном Кеми или в блистающем Аграпуре; to dwell — жить, проживать). Jungir Khan ruled Zamboula (Джунгир Хан правил Замбулой), and men whispered that Nafertari, the satrap's mistress, ruled Jungir Khan (и люди шептали, что Нафертари, возлюбленная сатрапа, правила Джунгир Ханом); but the people went their way но люди шли по своим путям = жили по своим привычкам / традициям), flaunting their myriad colors in the streets (щеголяя своей мириадами цветов на улицах), bargaining, disputing (заключая сделки, споря), gambling, swilling, loving (играя в азартные игры, выпивая, любя; to swill — полоскать, обливать водой; жадно пить, лакать), as the people of Zamboula have done for all the centuries its towers and minarets have lifted over the sands of the Kharamun (как люди Замбулы делали на протяжении всех столетий, /как/ их башни и минареты поднялись над песками Кхарамуна).
pattern [*p*t*n], supple [s*pl], metal [metl]
The babel of a myriad tongues smote on the Cimmerian's ears as the restless pattern of the Zamboulan streets weaved about him — cleft now and then by a squad of clattering horsemen, the tall, supple warriors of Turan, with dark hawk- faces, clinking metal, and curved swords. The throng scampered from under their horses' hoofs, for they were the lords of Zamboula. But tall, somber Stygians, standing back in the shadows, glowered darkly, remembering their ancient glories. The hybrid population cared little whether the king who controlled their destinies dwelt in dark Khemi or gleaming Aghrapur. Jungir Khan ruled Zamboula, and men whispered that Nafertari, the satrap's mistress, ruled Jungir Khan; but the people went their way, flaunting their myriad colors in the streets, bargaining, disputing, gambling, swilling, loving, as the people of Zamboula have done for all the centuries its towers and minarets have lifted over the sands of the Kharamun.
Bronze lanterns, carved with leering dragons, had been lighted in the streets before Conan reached the house of Aram Baksh (бронзовые фонари с выгравированными злобными драконами, были зажжены на улицах, до того как Конан добрался до дома Арама Бахша). The tavern was the last occupied house on the street, which ran west (таверна была последним обитаемым домом на улице, которая шла на запад). A wide garden, enclosed by a wall, where date palms grew thick, separated it from the houses farther east (обширный сад, огороженный стеной, где густо росли финиковые пальмы, отделяла его от домов дальше на востоке). To the west of the inn stood another grove of palms, through which the street, now become a road, wound out into the desert (к западу от гостиницы стояла еще одна роща пальм, сквозь которую улица, теперь ставшая дорогой, вилась /и уходила/ в пустыню; to stand — стояться; to wind — извиваться, виться). Across the road from the tavern stood a row of deserted huts, shaded by straggling palm trees and occupied only by bats and jackals (через дорогу от таверны стоял ряд брошенных хижин, затененных разбросанными пальмами и населенных только летучими мышами и шакалами). As Conan came down the road, he wondered why the beggars, so plentiful in Zamboula, had not appropriated these empty houses for sleeping quarters (когда Конан шел по дороге, он удивлялся, почему нищие, такие многочисленные в Замбуле, не присвоили /себе/ эти пустые дома для ночлежек). The lights ceased some distance behind him (огни закончились на некотором расстоянии позади него). Here were no lanterns, except the one hanging before the tavern gate (здесь не было фонарей, за исключением одного = фонаря, свисающего перед воротами таверны): only the stars, the soft dust of the road underfoot, and the rustle of the palm leaves in the desert breeze (только звезды, мягкая пыль дороги под ногами и шорох пальмовых листьев на пустынном ветерке).
lantern [*l*nt*n], palm [p*:m], jackal [***k*: l]
Bronze lanterns, carved with leering dragons, had been lighted in the streets before Conan reached the house of Aram Baksh. The tavern was the last occupied house on the street, which ran west. A wide garden, enclosed by a wall, where date palms grew thick, separated it from the houses farther east. To the west of the inn stood another grove of palms, through which the street, now become a road, wound out into the desert. Across the road from the tavern stood a row of deserted huts, shaded by straggling palm trees and occupied only by bats and jackals. As Conan came down the road, he wondered why the beggars, so plentiful in Zamboula, had not appropriated these empty houses for sleeping quarters. The lights ceased some distance behind him. Here were no lanterns, except the one hanging before the tavern gate: only the stars, the soft dust of the road underfoot, and the rustle of the palm leaves in the desert breeze.
Aram's gate did not open upon the road but upon the alley which ran between the tavern and the garden of the date palms (ворота Арама не открывались на дорогу = открывались не на дорогу, но на аллею, которая бежала между таверной и садом с финиковыми пальмами; to run — бежать). Conan jerked lustily at the rope which dangled from the bell beside the lantern (Конан дернул энергично за веревку, которая свисала с колокольчика за фонарем), augmenting its clamor by hammering on the iron-bound teakwood gate with the hilt of his sword (усиливая его звяканье ударами по обшитыми железом воротам из тика рукояткой своего меча; to hammer — молотить). A wicket opened in the gate, and a black face peered through (в воротах открылось окошко, и черное лицо выглянуло через /него/).
"Open, blast you," requested Conan (открывай, будь ты проклят: «да разорвет тебя», — потребовал Конан). "I'm a guest (я постоялец). I've paid Aram for a room, and a room I'll have, by Crom (я заплатил Араму за комнату, и комнату я буду иметь = комната у меня будет, /клянусь/ Кромом)!"
augment [**: *m*nt], blast [bl*:st], guest [*est]
Aram's gate did not open upon the road but upon the alley which ran between the tavern and the garden of the date palms. Conan jerked lustily at the rope which dangled from the bell beside the lantern, augmenting its clamor by hammering on the iron-bound teakwood gate with the hilt of his sword. A wicket opened in the gate, and a black face peered through.
"Open, blast you," requested Conan. "I'm a guest. I've paid Aram for a room, and a room I'll have, by Crom!"
The black craned his neck to stare into the starlit road behind Conan (черный вытянул свою шею, /чтобы/ всмотреться в освещенную звездами дорогу за Конаном); but he opened the gate without comment and closed it again behind the Cimmerian, locking it and bolting it (но он открыл ворота без комментария и закрыл ее снова за киммерийцем, закрывая их на замок и на засов). The wall was unusually high (стена была необычно высокой); but there were many thieves in Zamboula (но в Замбуле было много воров), and a house on the edge of the desert might have to be defended against a nocturnal nomad raid (и дом на краю пустыни, возможно, приходилось защищать: «мог иметь быть защищенным» от ночных набегов кочевников). Conan strode through a garden Конан прошел через сад; to stride — идти большими шагами), where great pale blossoms nodded in the starlight (где огромные бледные цветы раскачивались: «кивали» в звездном свете), and entered the taproom (и вошел в пивную), where a Stygian with the shaven head of a student sat at a table brooding over nameless mysteries (где стигиец с бритой головой ученого сидел за столом, размышляя о неизвестных тайнах), and some nondescripts wrangled over a game of dice in a corner (а несколько человек неопределенного вида и рода занятий спорили над игрой в кости в углу).
road [r*ud], thieves [Oi: vz], defend [d**fend]
The black craned his neck to stare into the starlit road behind Conan; but he opened the gate without comment and closed it again behind the Cimmerian, locking it and bolting it. The wall was unusually high; but there were many thieves in Zamboula, and a house on the edge of the desert might have to be defended against a nocturnal nomad raid. Conan strode through a garden, where great pale blossoms nodded in the starlight, and entered the taproom, where a Stygian with the shaven head of a student sat at a table brooding over nameless mysteries, and some nondescripts wrangled over a game of dice in a corner.
Aram Baksh came forward, walking softly (Арам Бахш вышел вперед, мягко шагая), a portly man, wih a black beard that swept his breast (полный мужчина с черной бородой, которая свисала на его грудь; to sweep — мести; простираться, тянуться), a jutting hooknose (выступающим крючковатым носом), and small black eyes which were never still (и маленькими черными глазами, которые никогда не были неподвижными = вечно бегающими маленькими черными глазами).
"You wish food*" he asked (вы желаете пищи = поесть* — спросил он). "Drink (выпить)*"
"I ate a joint of beef and a loaf of bread in the suk," grunted Conan (я съел кусок говядины и буханку хлеба в харчевне, — проворчал Конан; suk — базар; постоялый двор (на Востоке)). "Bring me a tankard of Ghazan wine — I’ve got just enough left to pay for it (принеси мне кружку газанского вина — у меня как раз осталось достаточно, /чтобы/ заплатить за это)." He tossed a copper coin on the wine-splashed board (он швырнул медную монету на залитый вином стол).
walk [w*: k], breast [brest], beef [bi: f]
Aram Baksh came forward, walking softly, a portly man, with a black beard that swept his breast, a jutting hooknose, and small black eyes which were never still.
"You wish food*" he asked. "Drink*"
"I ate a joint of beef and a loaf of bread in the suk," grunted Conan. "Bring me a tankard of Ghazan wine — I’ve got just enough left to pay for it." He tossed a copper coin on the wine-splashed board.
"You did not win at the gaming tables (ты не выиграл за игорными столами)*"
"How could I, with only a handful of silver to begin with (как я мог, лишь с пригоршней серебра для начала)* I paid you for the room this morning, because I knew I'd probably lose (я заплатил тебе за комнату сегодня утром: «этим утром», потому что я знал, /что/ я возможно проиграю). I wanted to be sure I had a roof over my head tonight (я хотел быть уверен, /что/ у меня есть крыша над головой сегодня ночью). I notice nobody sleeps in the streets of Zamboula (я замечаю = заметил, /что/ никто /не/ спит на улицах Замбулы). The very beggars hunt a niche they can barricade before dark (самые нищие попрошайки ищут нишу, /которую/ они могут забаррикадировать до темноты). The city must be full of a particularly bloodthirsty band of thieves (город, должно быть, полон особенно кровожадной бандой = кровожадными бандами воров; blood — кровь; thirsty — жаждущий)."
lose [lu: z], tonight [t**na*t], dark [d*:k]
"You did not win at the gaming tables*"
"How could I, with only a handful of silver to begin with* I paid you for the room this morning, because I knew I'd probably lose. I wanted to be sure I had a roof over my head tonight. I notice nobody sleeps in the streets of Zamboula. The very beggars hunt a niche they can barricade before dark. The city must be full of a particularly bloodthirsty band of thieves."
He gulped the cheap wine with relish and then followed Aram out of the taproom (он выпил дешевое вино залпом с удовольствие и потом последовал = вышел вслед за Арамом из бара). Behind him the players halted their game to stare after him with a cryptic speculation in their eyes (позади него игроки прекратили свою игру и посмотрели ему вслед со скрытой догадкой). They said nothing, but the Stygian laughed, a ghastly laugh of inhuman cynicism and mockery (они ничего не сказали, а стигиец засмеялся, отвратительным смехом нечеловеческого цинизма и насмешки). The others lowered their eyes uneasily, avoiding one another's glance (остальные опустили /свои/ глаза в тревоге, избегая смотреть друг на друга). The arts studied by a Stygian scholar are not calculated to make him share the feelings of a normal being (науки, изучаемые стигийским ученым, не рассчитаны /на то, чтобы/ заставить = научить его разделять чувства нормального человека; to share — разделять, делиться).
cheap [*i: p], eye [a*], laugh [l*:f]
He gulped the cheap wine with relish and then followed Aram out of the taproom. Behind him the players halted their game to stare after him with a cryptic speculation in their eyes. They said nothing, but the Stygian laughed, a ghastly laugh of inhuman cynicism and mockery. The others lowered their eyes uneasily, avoiding one another's glance. The arts studied by a Stygian scholar are not calculated to make him share the feelings of a normal being.
Conan followed Aram down a corridor lighted by copper lamps (Конан последовал за Арамом вниз по коридору, освещенному медными лампами), and it did not please him to note his host's noiseless tread (и он с неудовольствием заметил: «это не понравилось ему заметить» бесшумную поступь своего хозяина). Aram's feet were clad in soft slippers and the hallway was carpeted with thick Turanian rugs (ступни Арама были обуты в мягкие шлепанцы, а коридор был устлан толстыми туранскими коврами); but there was an unpleasant suggestion of stealthiness about the Zamboulan (но был неприятный намек на скрытность в отношении = неприятное ощущение скрытности в поведении замбулийца).
please [pli: z], feet [fi: t], tread [tred]
Conan followed Aram down a corridor lighted by copper lamps, and it did not please him to note his host's noiseless tread. Aram's feet were clad in soft slippers and the hallway was carpeted with thick Turanian rugs; but there was an unpleasant suggestion of stealthiness about the Zamboulan.
At the end of the winding corridor, Aram halted at a door (в конце извилистого коридора Арам остановился у двери), across which a heavy iron bar rested in powerful metal brackets (поперек которой покоился тяжелый железный засов в мощных металлических скобах). This Aram lifted and showed the Cimmerian into a well-appointed chamber (его Арам поднял и провел киммерийца в хорошо обустроенную комнату), the windows of which, Conan instantly noted, were small and strongly set with twisted bars of iron, tastefully gilded (окна которой, сразу заметил Конан, были маленькими и крепко заделаны витыми решетками из железа, украшенными со вкусом; to set — установить, поставить; taste — вкус). There were rugs on the floor, a couch, after the Eastern fashion, and ornately carven stools (/там/ были ковры на полу, кушетка по восточной моде и витиевато резные табуретки). It was a much more elaborate chamber than Conan could have procured for the price nearer the center of the city (это была гораздо более изысканная комната, чем Конан мог раздобыть по такой цене ближе к центру города; elaborate — искусно сделанный; тонкой работы) — a fact that had first attracted him (факт, который сначала привлек его), when, that morning, he discovered how slim a purse his roistering for the past few days had left him (когда в то утро он обнаружил, насколько тощий кошелек оставил ему его кутеж в течение прошедших нескольких дней). He had ridden into Zamboula from the desert a week before (он прискакал в Замбулу из пустыни неделю назад; to ride — скакать, ехать верхом).
heavy [*hev*], iron [*a**n], couch [kau*]
At the end of the winding corridor, Aram halted at a door, across which a heavy iron bar rested in powerful metal brackets. This Aram lifted and showed the Cimmerian into a well-appointed chamber, the windows of which, Conan instantly noted, were small and strongly set with twisted bars of iron, tastefully gilded. There were rugs on the floor, a couch, after the Eastern fashion, and ornately carven stools. It was a much more elaborate chamber than Conan could have procured for the price nearer the center of the city — a fact that had first attracted him, when, that morning, he discovered how slim a purse his roistering for the past few days had left him. He had ridden into Zamboula from the desert a week before.
Aram had lighted a bronze lamp, and he now called Conan's attention to the two doors (Арам зажег бронзовую лампу, и он теперь привлек внимание Конана к двум дверям). Both were provided with heavy bolts (обе были снабжены тяжелыми засовами).
"You may sleep safely tonight, Cimmerian," said Aram (ты можешь спать в безопасности сегодня ночью, киммериец, — сказал Арам), blinking over his bushy beard from the inner doorway (подмигивая через /свою/ кустистую бороду из /внутреннего/ дверного проема).
Conan grunted and tossed his naked broadsword on the couch (Конан заворчал и швырнул свой обнаженный палаш на кушетку).
"Your bolts and bars are strong (твои засовы и решетки крепки); but I always sleep with steel by my side (но я всегда сплю со сталью под /моим/ боком)."
attention [**ten*n], beard [b**d], steel [sti: l]
Aram had lighted a bronze lamp, and he now called Conan's attention to the two doors. Both were provided with heavy bolts.
"You may sleep safely tonight, Cimmerian," said Aram, blinking over his bushy beard from the inner doorway.
Conan grunted and tossed his naked broadsword on the couch.
"Your bolts and bars are strong; but I always sleep with steel by my side."
Aram made no reply (Арам не ответил: «не сделал никакого ответа»); he stood fingering his thick beard for a moment (он стоял, теребя пальцами свою густую бороду в течение короткого времени) as he stared at the grim weapon (/пристально/ глядя на грозное оружие). Then silently he withdrew, closing the door behind him (потом молча он ушел, закрыв дверь за собой; to withdraw — ретироваться, удаляться, уходить; to draw — тащить, тянуть). Conan shot the bolt into place, crossed the room, opened the opposite door, and looked out (Конан поставил засов на место, пересек комнату, открыл противоположную дверь и выглянул наружу). The room was on the side of the house that faced the road running west from the city (комната была на той стороне дома, которая выходила на дорогу, бегущую на запад от города). The door opened into a small court that was enclosed by a wall of its own (дверь открывалась в маленький дворик, который был обнесен своей собственной стеной). The end walls, which shut it off from the rest of the tavern compound (торцевые стены, которые закрывают его от остальных строений таверны: «от остатка строения таверны»), were high and without entrances (были высокие и без входа); but the wall that flanked the road was low (но стена, которая шла вдоль дороги, была низка), and there was no lock on the gate (и на воротах не было замка).
weapon [*wep*n], court [k*: t], compound [k*m*paund]
Aram made no reply; he stood fingering his thick beard for a moment as he stared at the grim weapon. Then silently he withdrew, closing the door behind him. Conan shot the bolt into place, crossed the room, opened the opposite door, and looked out. The room was on the side of the house that faced the road running west from the city. The door opened into a small court that was enclosed by a wall of its own. The end walls, which shut it off from the rest of the tavern compound, were high and without entrances; but the wall that flanked the road was low, and there was no lock on the gate.
Conan stood for a moment in the door (Конан постоял минуту в дверях), the glow of the bronze lamps behind him (со светом бронзовых ламп позади него), looking down the road to where it vanished among the dense palms (глядя на дорогу до того места, где она исчезала среди густых пальм). Their leaves rustled together in the faint breeze (их листья шуршали непрерывно на слабом ветерке); beyond them lay the naked desert (за ними лежала голая пустыня). Far up the street, in the other direction, lights gleamed (далеко по улице в другом направлении мерцали огни) and the noises of the city came faintly to him (и шумы города доносились слабо до него). Here was only starlight, the whispering of the palm leaves (здесь был лишь звездный свет, шепот пальмовых листьев), and beyond that low wall, the dust of the road and the deserted huts thrusting their flat roofs against the low stars (а за той низкой стеной пыль дороги и пустые хижины, раскинувшие свои плоские крыши на фоне низких звезд). Somewhere beyond the palm groves a drum began (где-то за пальмовыми рощами начал бить барабан; to begin — начинать(ся)).
breeze [bri: z], roof [ru: f], began [b****n]
Conan stood for a moment in the door, the glow of the bronze lamps behind him, looking down the road to where it vanished among the dense palms. Their leaves rustled together in the faint breeze; beyond them lay the naked desert. Far up the street, in the other direction, lights gleamed and the noises of the city came faintly to him. Here was only starlight, the whispering of the palm leaves, and beyond that low wall, the dust of the road and the deserted huts thrusting their flat roofs against the low stars. Somewhere beyond the palm groves a drum began.
The garbled warnings of the Zuagir returned to him (искаженные предостережения зуагира вернулись к нему; to garble — подтасовывать, искажать, фальсифицировать), seeming somewhow less fantastic than they had seemed in the crowded, sunlit streets (кажущиеся = и казались как-то менее фантастическими, чем они казались на переполненных народом /и/ освещенных солнцем улицах). He wondered again at the riddle of those empty huts (он удивился снова загадке тех пустых хижин). Why did the beggars shun them (почему нищие остерегались их; to shun — избегать)* He turned back into the chamber, shut the door, and bolted it (он вернулся в комнату, закрыл дверь и запер ее на засов; to bolt — запирать на засов).
seem [si: m], those [**uz], shut [**t]
The garbled warnings of the Zuagir returned to him, seeming somewhow less fantastic than they had seemed in the crowded, sunlit streets. He wondered again at the riddle of those empty huts. Why did the beggars shun them* He turned back into the chamber, shut the door, and bolted it.
The light began to flicker, and he investigated (свет начал мерцать, и он занялся расследованием), swearing when he found the palm oil in the lamp was almost exhausted (выругавшись, когда /он/ обнаружил, /что/ пальмовое масло в лампе было почти израсходовано). He started to shout for Aram, then shrugged his shoulders and blew out the light (он начал звать Арама, потом пожал /своими/ плечами и задул свет; to blow — дуть). In the soft darkness he stretched himself fully clad on the couch (в приятной темноте он растянулся полностью одетый на софе), his sinewy hand by instinct searching for and closing on the hilt of his broadsword (его мускулистая рука инстинктивно поискала и сомкнулась на рукоятке его палаша; sinew — сухожилие). Glancing idly at the stars framed in the barred windows (глядя лениво на звезды, обрамленные зарешеченными окнами), with the murmur of the breeze through the palms in his ears (с шорохом бриза сквозь пальмы в /его/ ушах), he sank into slumber with a vague consciousness of the muttering drum (он погрузился в дрему с неясным осознанием глухо грохочущего барабана; to sink — погружаться, тонуть), out on the desert — the low rumble and mutter of a leather-covered drum (снаружи в пустыне — низкий рокот и грохот обтянутого кожей барабана), beaten with soft, rhythmic strokes of an open black hand (ударяемого = по которому бьет мягкими ритмичными ударами раскрытая черная рука; to beat — бить, ударять) …
blew [blu: ], stretch [stre*], consciousness [*k*n**sn*s]
The light began to flicker, and he investigated, swearing when he found the palm oil in the lamp was almost exhausted. He started to shout for Aram, then shrugged his shoulders and blew out the light. In the soft darkness he stretched himself fully clad on the couch, his sinewy hand by instinct searching for and closing on the hilt of his broadsword. Glancing idly at the stars framed in the barred windows, with the murmur of the breeze through the palms in his ears, he sank into slumber with a vague consciousness of the muttering drum, out on the desert — the low rumble and mutter of a leather-covered drum, beaten with soft, rhythmic strokes of an open black hand …
2. The Night Skulkers
(Ночные крадуны = кто крадется в ночи)
It was the stealthy opening of a door which awakened the Cimmerian (это /было/ скрытное открывание двери, /которое/ разбудило Конана = Конана разбудил звук осторожно открываемой двери). He did not awake as civilized men do, drowsy and drugged and stupid (он не проснулся как /это/ делают цивилизованные люди, вялые, затороможенные и бестолковые; to drug — оказывать воздействие, подобное наркотическому, на кого-л.; притуплять (чувства, эмоции и т. д.); drug — медикамент(ы), снадобье, лекарственный препарат). He awoke instantly, with a clear mind (он проснулся мгновенно, с чистым разумом), recognizing the sound that had interruped his sleep (узнав звук, который прервал его сон). Lying there tensely in the dark he saw the outer door slowly open (лежа там напряженно в темноте, он увидел, /как/ медленно открывается наружная дверь). In a widening crack of starlit sky he saw framed a great black bulk, broad, stooping shoulders (в расширяющейся трещине освещенного звездами неба он увидел, заключенную в рамку /дверного проема/ огромную черную тушу с широкими покатыми плечами), and a misshapen head blocked out against the stars (и бесформенной головой, грубо набросанной против звезд = грубое очертание на фоне звезд; to block out — набрасывать вчерне).
stealthy [*stelO*], stupid [*stju: p*d], open [**up*n]
It was the stealthy opening of a door which awakened the Cimmerian. He did not awake as civilized men do, drowsy and drugged and stupid. He awoke instantly, with a clear mind, recognizing the sound that had interruped his sleep. Lying there tensely in the dark he saw the outer door slowly open. In a widening crack of starlit sky he saw framed a great black bulk, broad, stooping shoulders, and a misshapen head blocked out against the stars.
Conan felt the skin crawl between his shoulders (Конан почувствовал, /как/ по коже между лопаток поползли мурашки; to crawl — бежать (о мурашках)). He had bolted that door securely (он надежно закрыл ту дверь на засов). How could it be opening now, save by supernatural agency (как могла бы она открываться сейчас, кроме как сверхъестественным действием = воздействием сверхъестественных сил)* And how could a human being possess a head like that outlined against the stars (и как мог человек обладать такой головой, очерченной на фоне звезд)* All the tales he had heard in the Zuagir tents of devils and goblins came back (все легенды, /которые/ он слышал в зуагирских палатках о демонах и гоблинах, вернулись) to bead his flesh with clammy sweat (/чтобы/ покрыть его тело капельками липкого пота; to bead — покрывать капельками; bead — шарик (с просверленным сквозным отверстием), бусина, бисерина; капля (расплавленного металла, пота на лице и т. п.)). Now the monster slid noiselessly into the room, with a crouching posture and a shambling gait (теперь монстр проскользнул бесшумно в комнату с согнутой осанкой = ссутулившись и с неуклюжей шаркающей походкой); and a familiar scent assailed the Cimmerian's nostrils (и знакомый запах атаковал ноздри киммерийца), but did not reassure him (но не успокоил / утешил его), since Zuagir legendry represented demons as smelling like that (так как зуагирские легенды представляли демонов, как пахнущих так = пахнущими так).
between [b**twi: n], securely [s**kju*l*], agency [*e***ns*]
Conan felt the skin crawl between his shoulders. He had bolted that door securely. How could it be opening now, save by supernatural agency* And how could a human being possess a head like that outlined against the stars* All the tales he had heard in the Zuagir tents of devils and goblins came back to bead his flesh with clammy sweat. Now the monster slid noiselessly into the room, with a crouching posture and a shambling gait; and a familiar scent assailed the Cimmerian's nostrils, but did not reassure him, since Zuagir legendry represented demons as smelling like that.
Noiselessly Conan coiled his long legs under him (бесшумно Конан подобрал свои длинные ноги под себя); his naked sword was in his right hand (его обнаженный меч был в его правой руке), and when he struck it was as suddenly and murderously as a tiger lunging out of the dark (и когда он ударил, это было так внезапно и смертельно, как тигр, набрасывающийся из темноты). Not even a demon could have avoided that catapulting charge (даже демон /не/ мог бы избежать этой катапультирующей = стремительной атаки). His sword met and clove through flesh and bone, and something went heavily to the floor with a strangling cry (его меч встретил и рассек плоть и кость, и что-то пошло = упало на пол с захлебывающимся криком; to cleave — рассекать, расколоть, разрезать). Conan crouched in the dark above it, sword dripping in his hand (Конан согнулся в темноте над ним /с/ мечом, /с которого капала кровь/ в его руке; to drip — капать, стекать). Devil or beast or man, the thing was dead there on the floor (демон или зверь или человек, существо было мертвым там на полу). He sensed death as any wild thing senses it (он чувствовал смерть, как любой дикое существо чувствует ее). He glared through the half-open door into the starlit court beyond (он посмотрел через полуоткрытую дверь в освещенный звездами двор снаружи). The gate stood open, but the court was empty (ворота стояли открытые, но двор был пуст).
clove [kl*uv], beyond [b**j*nd], empty [*empt*]
Noiselessly Conan coiled his long legs under him; his naked sword was in his right hand, and when he struck it was as suddenly and murderously as a tiger lunging out of the dark. Not even a demon could have avoided that catapulting charge. His sword met and clove through flesh and bone, and something went heavily to the floor with a strangling cry. Conan crouched in the dark above it, sword dripping in his hand. Devil or beast or man, the thing was dead there on the floor. He sensed death as any wild thing senses it. He glared through the half-open door into the starlit court beyond. The gate stood open, but the court was empty.
Conan shut the door but did not bolt it (Конан запер дверь, но не закрыл ее на засов). Groping in the darkness he found the lamp and lighted it (пошарив в темноте, он нашел лампу и зажег ее). There was enough oil in it to burn for a minute or so (в ней было достаточно масла /чтобы гореть/ на минуту или около того). An instant later he was bending over the figure that sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood (мгновение спустя он склонялся над фигурой, которая растянулась на полу в луже крови).
minute [*m*n*t], figure [*f***], blood [bl*d]
Conan shut the door but did not bolt it. Groping in the darkness he found the lamp and lighted it. There was enough oil in it to burn for a minute or so. An instant later he was bending over the figure that sprawled on the floor in a pool of blood.
It was a gigantic black man, naked but for a loin cloth (это был гигантский чернокожий, обнаженный за исключением набедренной повязки). One hand still grasped a knotty-headed bludgeon (одна рука все еще сжимала сучковатую дубинку). The fellow's kinky wool was built up into hornlike spindles with twigs and dried mud (курчавые волосы парня были выстроены в роговидные стержни с = с помощью прутиков и высушенной глины). This barbaric coiffure had given the head its misshapen appearance in the starlight (эта варварская прическа придала /его/ голове ее бесформенный вид в звездном свете). Provided with a clue to the riddle, Conan pushed back the thick red lips and grunted as he stared down at teeth filed to points (обеспеченный ключом к загадке = разгадке, Конан раздвинул толстые красные губы и ругнулся, когда он посмотрел на зубы, заточенные до острия).
bludgeon [*bl***n], appearance [**p**r*ns], clue [klu:]
It was a gigantic black man, naked but for a loin cloth. One hand still grasped a knotty-headed bludgeon. The fellow's kinky wool was built up into hornlike spindles with twigs and dried mud. This barbaric coiffure had given the head its misshapen appearance in the starlight. Provided with a clue to the riddle, Conan pushed back the thick red lips and grunted as he stared down at teeth filed to points.
He understood now the mystery of the strangers who had disappeared from the house of Aram Baksh (он понял теперь тайну чужеземцев, которые пропадали из дома Арама Бахша; to understand — понимать); the riddle of the black drum thrumming out there beyond the palm groves (загадку черного барабана, бубнящего там за пальмовыми рощами), and of that pit of charred bones — that pit where strange meat might be roasted under the stars (и той ямы с обугленными костями — той ямы, где, возможно, жарили под звездами необычное мясо; might — возможно, вероятно — обозначает в сочетании с инфинитивом вероятность), while black beasts squatted about to glut a hideous hunger (когда черные звери сидели на корточках вокруг, /чтобы/ утолить мерзкий голод). The man on the floor was a cannibal slave from Darfar (мужчина на полу был рабом-людоедом из Дарфара).
mystery [*m*st*r*], might [ma*t], star [st*:]
He understood now the mystery of the strangers who had disappeared from the house of Aram Baksh; the riddle of the black drum thrumming out there beyond the palm groves, and of that pit of charred bones — that pit where strange meat might be roasted under the stars, while black beasts squatted about to glut a hideous hunger. The man on the floor was a cannibal slave from Darfar.
There were many of his kind in the city (в городе было много его типа = его брата). Cannibalism was not tolerated openly in Zamboula (каннибализм не был разрешен: «терпим» открыто в Замбуле). But Conan knew now why people locked themselves in so securely at night (но Конан знал теперь, почему люди запирались на замки внутри = в домах так надежно ночью), and why even beggars shunned the open alley and doorless ruins (и почему даже нищие опасались открытой аллеи и развалин без дверей). He grunted in disgust as he visualized brutish black shadows skulking up and down the nighted streets (он выругался в отвращении, когда он мысленно увидел зверские черные тени, крадущиеся там и сям по ночным улицам), seeking human prey (ищущих человеческую добычу = в качестве добычи людей) — and such men as Aram Baksh to open the doors to them (и такие люди, как Арам Бахш, открывают им двери). The innkeeper was not a demon; he was worse (содержатель гостиницы был не демон, он был хуже). The slaves from Darfar were notorious thieves (рабы из Дарфара были известными ворами; notorious — пользующийся дурной славой; печально известный; отъявленный); there was no doubt that some of their pilfered loot found its way into the hands of Aram Baksh (не было сомнения, что некоторая из их добычи попадала в руки Арама Бахша; to find its way — попасть). And in return he sold them human flesh (а в обмен он продавал им человеческое мясо).
were [w*: ], ruin [*ru: *n], notorious [n*u*t*: r**s]
There were many of his kind in the city. Cannibalism was not tolerated openly in Zamboula. But Conan knew now why people locked themselves in so securely at night, and why even beggars shunned the open alley and doorless ruins. He grunted in disgust as he visualized brutish black shadows skulking up and down the nighted streets, seeking human prey — and such men as Aram Baksh to open the doors to them. The innkeeper was not a demon; he was worse. The slaves from Darfar were notorious thieves; there was no doubt that some of their pilfered loot found its way into the hands of Aram Baksh. And in return he sold them human flesh.
Conan blew out the light, stepped to the door and opened it (Конан задул свет, шагнул к двери и открыл ее), and ran his hand over the ornaments on the outer side (и провел своей рукой по украшениям на внешней стороне). One of them was movable and worked the bolt inside (одно из них было подвижным и втягивало засов = открывало внутренний засов). The room was a trap to catch human prey like rabbits (комната была западней, /чтобы/ ловить человеческую добычу как кроликов). But this time, instead of a rabbit, it had caught a saber- toothed tiger (но /на/ этот раз вместо кролика она поймала саблезубого тигра; to catch — ловить, поймать).
outer [*aut*], movable [*mu: v*bl], human [*hju: m*n]
Conan blew out the light, stepped to the door and opened it, and ran his hand over the ornaments on the outer side. One of them was movable and worked the bolt inside. The room was a trap to catch human prey like rabbits. But this time, instead of a rabbit, it had caught a saber-toothed tiger.
Conan returned to the other door, lifted the bolt, and pressed against it (Конан вернулся к другой двери, поднял засов и надавил на нее). It was immovable, and he remembered the bolt on the other side (она была неподвижна, и он вспомнил засов на другой стороне). Aram was taking no chances either with his victims or the men with whom he dealt (Арам не рисковал ни со своими жертвами, ни с людьми, с которыми он имел дела). Buckling on his sword belt, the Cimmerian strode out into the court, closing the door behind him (застегнув свой пояс с мечом, киммериец вышел во двор, закрывая дверь за собой). He had no intention of delaying the settlement of his reckoning with Aram Baksh (он не имел намерения = не намеревался откладывать сведение /своих/ счетов с Арамом Бахшем). He wondered how many poor devils had been bludgeoned in their sleep (он удивился, сколько бедных парней были ударены дубинкой = получили удар дубинкой в /их/ сне) and dragged out of that room and down the road that ran through the shadowed palm groves to the roasting pit (и были вытащены = их вытащили из той комнаты и /потянули/ по дороге, которая бежала через тенистые пальмовые рощи к яме для /изготовления/ жаркого; to roast — жарить(ся); печь(ся) (особ. в духовке или на открытом огне)).
other [****], press [pres], against [***enst]
Conan returned to the other door, lifted the bolt, and pressed against it. It was immovable, and he remembered the bolt on the other side. Aram was taking no chances either with his victims or the men with whom he dealt. Buckling on his sword belt, the Cimmerian strode out into the court, closing the door behind him. He had no intention of delaying the settlement of his reckoning with Aram Baksh. He wondered how many poor devils had been bludgeoned in their sleep and dragged out of that room and down the road that ran through the shadowed palm groves to the roasting pit.
He halted in the court (он остановился во дворе). The drum was still muttering (барабан все еще бубнил), and he caught the reflection of a leaping red glare through the groves (и он поймал отражение скачущего красного зарева сквозь рощи). Cannibalism was more than a perverted appetite with the black men of Darfar (каннибализм был более, чем извращенная склонность у черных людей Дарфара); it was an integral element of their ghastly cult (это был неотъемлемый элемент их отвратительного культа). The black vultures were already in conclave (черные стервятники были уже на сборище). But whatever flesh filled their bellies that night, it would not be his (но какая бы плоть /ни/ наполнила их животы в эту ночь, /но/ это будет не его /мясо/).
reflection [r**flek*n], element [*el*m*nt], ghastly [***:stl*]
He halted in the court. The drum was still muttering, and he caught the reflection of a leaping red glare through the groves. Cannibalism was more than a perverted appetite with the black men of Darfar; it was an integral element of their ghastly cult. The black vultures were already in conclave. But whatever flesh filled their bellies that night, it would not be his.
To reach Aram Baksh, he must climb one of the walls which separated the small enclosure from the main compound (/чтобы/ добраться до Арама Бахша, он должен взобраться по одной из стен, которые отделяли небольшое огороженное место от главного строения). They were high, meant to keep out the man-eaters (они были высокие, предназначенные для того, чтобы удержать снаружи = не впустить людоедов); but Conan was no swamp-bred black man (но Конан был не выросшим на болотах чернокожим); his thews had been steeled in boyhood on the sheer cliffs of his native hills (его мышцы были закалены = закалились в отрочестве на отвесных утесах его родных холмов). He was standing at the foot of the nearer wall when a cry echoed under the trees (он стоял у подножия ближней стены, когда крик отдался эхом под деревьями).
climb [kla*m], meant [ment], sheer [***]
To reach Aram Baksh, he must climb one of the walls which separated the small enclosure from the main compound. They were high, meant to keep out the man-eaters; but Conan was no swamp-bred black man; his thews had been steeled in boyhood on the sheer cliffs of his native hills. He was standing at the foot of the nearer wall when a cry echoed under the trees.
In an instant Conan was crouching at the gate, glaring down the road (через миг Конан пригнулся = стоял пригнувшись у ворот, глядя на дорогу). The sound had come from the shadows of the huts across the road (звук донесся из теней от хижин через дорогу). He heard a frantic choking and gurgling such as might result from a desperate attempt to shriek (он услышал яростное удушье и бульканье = звуки неистового удушья и бульканья, такие, которые могли бы возникнуть от отчаянной попытки закричать), with a black hand fastened over the victim's mouth (с черной рукой, перехватившей горло жертвы). A close-knit clump of figures emerged from the shadows beyond the huts (тесно сбившаяся группа фигур появилась из теней за хижинами) and started down the road — three huge black men carrying a slender, struggling figure between them (и отправилась по дороге — три огромных негра, несущие тонкую, отбивающуюся фигурку между ними). Conan caught the glimmer of pale limbs writhing in the starlight (Конан уловил = разглядел мерцание бледных конечностей, извивающихся в звездном свете), even as, with a convulsive wrench, the captive slipped from the grasp of the brutal fingers and came flying up the road (как раз когда судорожным рывком пленник выскользнул из хватки жестоких пальцев и полетел по дороге), a supple young woman, naked as the day she was born (гибкая молодая женщина, нагая как /в тот/ день, /когда/ она родилась; to be born — родиться, быть рожденным). Conan saw her plainly before she ran out of the road and into the shadows between the huts (Конан видел ее отчетливо, прежде чем он убежала с дороги /и/ в тень между хижинами). The blacks were at her heels, and back in the shadows the figures merged and an intolerable scream of anguish and horror rang out (черные были = шли по /ее/ пятам, и позади в тенях фигуры исчезли, и раздался невыносимый визг боли и ужаса; to ring out — прозвучать, раздаться).
sound [saund], come [k*m], fasten [f*:sn]
In an instant Conan was crouching at the gate, glaring down the road. The sound had come from the shadows of the huts across the road. He heard a frantic choking and gurgling such as might result from a desperate attempt to shriek, with a black hand fastened over the victim's mouth. A close-knit clump of figures emerged from the shadows beyond the huts and started down the road — three huge black men carrying a slender, struggling figure between them. Conan caught the glimmer of pale limbs writhing in the starlight, even as, with a convulsive wrench, the captive slipped from the grasp of the brutal fingers and came flying up the road, a supple young woman, naked as the day she was born. Conan saw her plainly before she ran out of the road and into the shadows between the huts. The blacks were at her heels, and back in the shadows the figures merged and an intolerable scream of anguish and horror rang out.
Stirred to red rage by the ghoulishness of the episode, Conan raced across the road (вызванный до красного гнева = доведенный до белого каления мерзостью эпизода, Конан помчался через дорогу; to stir (up) smb’s rage — вызывать (чей-л.) гнев).
Neither victim nor abductors were aware of his presence (ни жертва, ни похитители /не/ заметили его присутствия) until the soft swish of the dust about his feet brought them about (пока мягкое шуршание пыли у его ног /не/ вызвало их = не заставило их обратить внимание /на его присутствие/); and then he was almost upon them, coming with the gusty fury of a hill wind (а потом он был почти на них = почти нагнал их, придя = налетев с бурной яростью ветра холмов = горного ветра; to be aware of — знать, сознавать, отдавать себе полный отчет в). Two of the blacks turned to meet him, lifting their bludgeons (двое /из/ черных повернулись, /чтобы/ встретить его, поднимая своих дубинки). But they failed to estimate properly the speed at which he was coming (но им не удалось оценить надлежащим образом скорости, с которой он шел = несся). One of them was down, disemboweled, before he could strike (один из них был внизу = упал, выпотрошенный, прежде чем он смог ударить), and wheeling catlike, Conan evaded the stroke of the other's cudgel and lashed in a whistling counter-cut (и, извернувшись по-кошачьи, Конан избежал удара дубины другого = второго, и хлестнул свистящим контрударом). The black's head flew into the air (голова черного = негра взлетела в воздух; to fly — летать); the headless body took three staggering steps, spurting blood and clawing horribly at the air with groping hands (безголовое тело взяло = сделало три нетвердых шага, брызгая кровью и цепляясь жутко за воздух шарящими руками), and then slumped to the dust (а потом рухнуло в пыль).
presence [*prez*ns], about [**baut], properly [*pr*p*l*]
Stirred to red rage by the ghoulishness of the episode, Conan raced across the road.
Neither victim nor abductors were aware of his presence until the soft swish of the dust about his feet brought them about; and then he was almost upon them, coming with the gusty fury of a hill wind. Two of the blacks turned to meet him, lifting their bludgeons. But they failed to estimate properly the speed at which he was coming. One of them was down, disemboweled, before he could strike, and wheeling catlike, Conan evaded the stroke of the other's cudgel and lashed in a whistling counter-cut. The black's head flew into the air; the headless body took three staggering steps, spurting blood and clawing horribly at the air with groping hands, and then slumped to the dust.
The remaining cannibal gave back with a strangled yell, hurling his captive from him (оставшийся каннибал подался назад с подавленным воплем, отшвырнув свою пленницу от себя). She tripped and rolled in the dust (она упала и покатилась в пыль), and the black fled in panic toward the city (а негр побежал в панике к городу; to flee — убегать, спасаться бегством). Conan was at his heels (Конан последовал за ним; to be at one’s heels — следовать за кем-либо). Fear winged the black feet (страх подгонял черные ноги), but before they reached the easternmost hut (но прежде чем он достиг самой восточной хижины), he sensed death at his back, and bellowed like an ox in the slaughter yards (он ощутил смерть спиной и заревел, как бык на скотобойне; to wing — окрылять, ускорять, подгонять; to slaughter — забивать, резать (скот)).
captive [*k*pt*v], death [deO], slaughter [*sl*: t*]
The remaining cannibal gave back with a strangled yell, hurling his captive from him. She tripped and rolled in the dust, and the black fled in panic toward the city. Conan was at his heels. Fear winged the black feet, but before they reached the easternmost hut, he sensed death at his back, and bellowed like an ox in the slaughter yards.
"Black dog of Hell (черная собака ада = проклятая черная собака)!" Conan drove his sword between the dusky shoulders with such vengeful fury (Конан вогнал свой меч между темных лопаток с такой мстительной яростью) that the broad blade stood out half its length from the black breast (что широкий клинок вышел на половину своей длины из черной груди; to stand — стоять). With a choking cry the black stumbled headlong (с давящимся криком черный рухнул головой вперед), and Conan braced his feet and dragged out his sword as his victim fell (а Конан напряг /свои/ ноги и вытащил свой меч, когда его жертва упала = при падении жертвы).
half [h*:f], length [le*O], sword [s*: d]
"Black dog of Hell!" Conan drove his sword between the dusky shoulders with such vengeful fury that the broad blade stood out half its length from the black breast. With a choking cry the black stumbled headlong, and Conan braced his feet and dragged out his sword as his victim fell.
Only the breeze disturbed the leaves (только бриз тревожил листья). Conan shook his head as a lion shakes its mane (Конан тряхнул /своей/ головой, как лев трясет своей гривой) and growled his unsatiated blood lust (и зарычал от неутоленной жажды крови). But no more shapes slunk from the shadows, and before the huts the starlit road stretched empty (однако из теней больше не крались фигуры, и перед хижинами освещенная звездами дорога тянулась пустая = тянулась пустая, освещенная звездами дорога; to slink — красться). He whirled at the quick patter of feet behind him (он обернулся при быстром топоте ног позади него), but it was only the girl, rushing to throw herself on him and clasp his neck in a desperate grasp (но это была лишь девушка, несшаяся, /чтобы/ броситься на него и сжать его шею в отчаянных объятиях), frantic from terror of the abominable fate she had just escaped (неистовых от ужаса /перед/ гнусной участью, которой она только что избежала).
"Easy, girl," he grunted (полегче, девушка, — проворчал он). "You're all right (с тобой все в порядке). How did they catch you (как они тебя поймали)*"
lion [*la**n], girl [**: l], throw [Or*u]
Only the breeze disturbed the leaves. Conan shook his head as a lion shakes its mane and growled his unsatiated blood lust. But no more shapes slunk from the shadows, and before the huts the starlit road stretched empty. He whirled at the quick patter of feet behind him, but it was only the girl, rushing to throw herself on him and clasp his neck in a desperate grasp, frantic from terror of the abominable fate she had just escaped.
"Easy, girl," he grunted. "You're all right. How did they catch you*"
She sobbed something unintelligible (она прорыдала что-то неразборчивое). He forgot all about Aram Baksh as he scrutinized her by the light of the stars (он забыл все об Араме Бахше, когда он рассмотрел ее при свете звезд). She was white, though a very definite brunette (она была белая, хотя ярко выраженная брюнетка), obviously one of Zamboula's many mixed breeds (очевидно одна из многих смешанных рас Замбулы). She was tall, with a slender, supple form, as he was in a good position to observe (она была высокая, со стройными гибкими формами, так как он был в удобном положении для наблюдения). Admiration burned in his fierce eyes as he looked down on her splendid bosom and her lithe limbs (восхищение загорелось в его страстных глазах, когда он посмотрел сверху на ее роскошную грудь и ее гибкие конечности = руки), which still quivered from fright and exertion (которые еще дрожали от страха и напряжения / усилия). He passed an arm around her flexible waist and said, reassuringly: "Stop shaking, wench; you're safe enough (он просунул руку вокруг ее гибкой талии = он обнял ее рукой за талию и сказал обнадеживающе: перестань трястись, девушка, ты в достаточной безопасности)."
though [**u], observe [*b*z*: v], waist [we*st]
She sobbed something unintelligible. He forgot all about Aram Baksh as he scrutinized her by the light of the stars. She was white, though a very definite brunette, obviously one of Zamboula's many mixed breeds. She was tall, with a slender, supple form, as he was in a good position to observe. Admiration burned in his fierce eyes as he looked down on her splendid bosom and her lithe limbs, which still quivered from fright and exertion. He passed an arm around her flexible waist and said, reassuringly: "Stop shaking, wench; you're safe enough."
His touch seemed to restore her shaken sanity (его касание, казалось, восстановил ее потрясенный рассудок). She tossed back her thick, glossy locks and cast a fearful glance over her shoulder (она отбросила назад ее густые блестящие пряди и бросила испуганный взгляд через его плечо), while she pressed closer to the Cimmerian as if seeking security in the contact (в то время как она прижалась ближе к киммерийцу, как будто ища безопасности в соприкосновении).
"They caught me in the streets," she muttered, shuddering (они поймали меня на улице, — тихо сказала она, содрогнувшись). "Lying in wait, beneath a dark arch — black men, like great, hulking apes (лежащие = поджидающие в засаде, под темной аркой — черные люди = негры, как огромные массивные обезьяны)! Set have mercy on me (пощади меня Сет; to have mercy on — щадить, жалеть кого-л.; mercy — пощада, милосердие)! I shall dream of it (мне будет сниться это)!"
"What were you doing out on the streets this time of night (что ты делала снаружи на улице /в/ это время ночи = ночное время)*" he inquired, fascinated by the satiny feel of her sleek skin under his questing fingers (спросил он, очарованный атласным ощущением /от прикосновения к/ ее гладкой коже под его ищущими пальцами).
She raked back her hair and stared blankly up into his face (она расчесала назад /рукой/ /свои/ волосы = провела рукой по волосам, отбрасывая их назад и посмотрела ему прямо в лицо). She did not seem aware of his caresses (она, казалось, не замечала его ласк).
touch [t**], sanity [*s*n*t*], closer [kl*us*]
His touch seemed to restore her shaken sanity. She tossed back her thick, glossy locks and cast a fearful glance over her shoulder, while she pressed closer to the Cimmerian as if seeking security in the contact.
"They caught me in the streets," she muttered, shuddering. "Lying in wait, beneath a dark arch — black men, like great, hulking apes! Set have mercy on me! I shall dream of it!"
"What were you doing out on the streets this time of night*" he inquired, fascinated by the satiny feel of her sleek skin under his questing fingers.
She raked back her hair and stared blankly up into his face. She did not seem aware of his caresses.
"My lover," she said (мой любовник, — сказала она; to say — сказать). "My lover drove me into the streets (мой любовник выгнал меня на улицу; to drive — гнать). He went mad and tried to kill me (он сошел с ума и пытался убить меня; to go mad — сойти с ума). As I fled from him I was seized by those beasts (когда я убежала от него, я была схвачена теми тварями; to flee — бежать, спасаться бегством)."
"Beauty like yours might drive a man mad (/такая/ красота, как твоя могла бы свести мужчину с ума)," quoth Conan, running his fingers experimentally through the glossy tresses (промолвил Конан, пробегая /своими/ пальцами в порядке опыта по блестящим распущенным волосам; quoth — промолвил, сказал — употребляется в 1-м и 3-м лице прош. вр. с постпозитивным субъектом).
She shook her head, like one emerging from a daze (она тряхнула /своей/ головой, как человек, отходящий от изумления). She no longer trembled, and her voice was steady (она больше не дрожала, а ее голос был ровным).
"It was the spite of a priest — of Totrasmek, the high priest of Hanuman, who desires me for himself — the dog (это была озлобленность жреца — Тотрасмека, верховного жреца Ханумана, который желает меня для себя — собака)!"
"No need to curse him for that," grinned Conan (нет нужды проклинать его за это, — ухмыльнулся Конан). "The old hyena has better taste than I thought (старая гиена имеет = у старой гиены вкус лучше, чем я думал)."
She ignored the bluff compliment (она проигнорировала грубоватый комплимент; to ignore — игнорировать, пренебрегать, не придавать значения). She was regaining her poise swiftly (она быстро восстанавливала /свое/ самообладание).
said [sed], beast [bi: st], taste [te*st]
"My lover," she said. "My lover drove me into the streets. He went mad and tried to kill me. As I fled from him I was seized by those beasts."
"Beauty like yours might drive a man mad," quoth Conan, running his fingers experimentally through the glossy tresses.
She shook her head, like one emerging from a daze. She no longer trembled, and her voice was steady.
"It was the spite of a priest — of Totrasmek, the high priest of Hanuman, who desires me for himself — the dog!"
"No need to curse him for that," grinned Conan. "The old hyena has better taste than I thought."
She ignored the bluff compliment. She was regaining her poise swiftly.
"My lover is a — a young Turanian soldier (мой любовник — молодой туранский солдат). To spite me, Totrasmek gave him a drug that drove him mad (/чтобы/ досадить мне, Тотрасмек дал ему снадобье, которое свело его с ума). Tonight he snatched up a sword and came at me to slay me in his madness (сегодня вечером он схватил меч и набросился на меня, чтобы убить меня в своем безумии), but I fled from him into the streets (но я убежала от него на улицу). The Negroes seized me and brought me to this — what was that (негры схватили меня и привели меня к этому — что это было; to bring — приносить, приводить)*"
Conan had already moved (Конан уже двигался). Soundlessly as a shadow he drew her behind the nearest hut (бесшумно, как тень, он затащил ее за ближайшую хижину), beneath the straggling palms (под растущие беспорядочно пальмы). They stood in tense stillness (они стояли в напряженной тишине), while the low muttering both had heard grew louder until voices were distinguishable (в то время как низкое бормотание, /которое/ оба услышали, становилось громче, пока не были = стали различимы голоса). A group of Negroes, some nine or ten, were coming along the road from the direction of the city (группа негров, около девяти-десяти, шли по дороге от направления города = от города). The girl clutched Conan's arm and he felt the terrified quivering of her supple body against his (девушка схватила руку Конана, и он почувствовал испуганную дрожь ее гибкого тела /прижавшегося/ к нему).
drew [dru: ], both [b*uO], already [*: l*red*]
"My lover is a — a young Turanian soldier. To spite me, Totrasmek gave him a drug that drove him mad. Tonight he snatched up a sword and came at me to slay me in his madness, but I fled from him into the streets. The Negroes seized me and brought me to this — what was that*"
Conan had already moved. Soundlessly as a shadow he drew her behind the nearest hut, beneath the straggling palms. They stood in tense stillness, while the low muttering both had heard grew louder until voices were distinguishable. A group of Negroes, some nine or ten, were coming along the road from the direction of the city. The girl clutched Conan's arm and he felt the terrified quivering of her supple body against his.
Now they could understand the gutturals of the black men (теперь они могли понять гортанные звуки черных).
"Our brothers are already assembled at the pit," said one (наши братья уже собрались у ямы, — сказал один). "We have had no luck (нам не повезло: «мы имели никакой удачи»). I hope they have enough for us (я надеюсь, они имеют достаточно для нас = у них хватит для нас)."
"Aram promised us a man," muttered another, and Conan mentally promised Aram something (Арам обещал нам мужчину, — проворчал другой, и Конан мысленно пообещал Араму кое-что).
"Aram keeps his word," grunted yet another (Арам держит свое слово, — пробурчал еще один). "Many a man we have taken from his tavern (много людей мы взяли из его таверны). But we pay him well (но мы платим ему хорошо). I myself have given him ten bales of silk I stole from my master (я сам дал ему десять тюков шелка, /которые/ я украл у моего хозяина). It was good silk, by Set (это был хороший шелк, /клянусь/ Сетом)!"
luck [l*k], could [k*d], word [w*: d]
Now they could understand the gutturals of the black men.
"Our brothers are already assembled at the pit," said one. "We have had no luck. I hope they have enough for us."
"Aram promised us a man," muttered another, and Conan mentally promised Aram something.
"Aram keeps his word," grunted yet another. "Many a man we have taken from his tavern. But we pay him well. I myself have given him ten bales of silk I stole from my master. It was good silk, by Set!"
The blacks shuffled past (черные прошаркали мимо), bare splay feet scuffing up the dust (поднимая пыль босыми косолапыми ногами), and their voices dwindled down the road (и их голоса замирали дальше по дороге; to dwindle — сокращаться, уменьшаться, убывать, истощаться).
"Well for us those corpses are lying behind these huts," muttered Conan (хорошо для нас, /что/ те трупы лежат за этими хижинами, — пробормотал Конан). "If they look in Aram's death room they'll find another (если они заглянут в комнату смерти Арама, они найдут еще одного). Let's begone (давай убираться; begone — прочь! убирайся!)."
"Yes, let us hasten!" begged the girl, almost hysterical again (да, давай поспешим! — умоляла девушка, почти в истерике снова). "My lover is wandering somewhere in the streets alone (мой любовник бродит где-то по улицам один). The Negroes may take him (негры могут взять его)."
"A devil of a custom this is (хорошенький обычай /это/)!" growled Conan, as he led the way toward the city (взревел Конан, когда он возглавил путь к городу), paralleling the road but keeping behind the huts and straggling trees (идя параллельно дороге, но держась за хижинами и беспорядочно растущими деревьями; to straggle — быть беспорядочно разбросанным). "Why don't the citizens clean out these black dogs (почему горожане не устранят этих черных собак)*"
past [p*:st], find [fa*nd], room [ru: m]
The blacks shuffled past, bare splay feet scuffing up the dust, and their voices dwindled down the road.
"Well for us those corpses are lying behind these huts," muttered Conan. "If they look in Aram's death room they'll find another. Let's begone."
"Yes, let us hasten!" begged the girl, almost hysterical again. "My lover is wandering somewhere in the streets alone. The Negroes may take him."
"A devil of a custom this is!" growled Conan, as he led the way toward the city, paralleling the road but keeping behind the huts and straggling trees. "Why don't the citizens clean out these black dogs*"
"They are valuable slaves," murmured the girl (они ценные рабы; value — стоимость, ценность). "There are so many of them that might revolt if they were denied the flesh for which they lust (есть так много их них, которые, возможно, восстали, если бы им отказали в мясе, которого они сильно желают). The people of Zamboula know they skulk the streets at night (люди Замбулы знаю, /что/ они крадутся по улицам ночами), and all are careful to remain within locked doors (и все осторожны, /чтобы/ оставаться = и остаются за запертыми дверями), except when something unforseen happens, as it did to me (за исключением /того/, когда случается нечто непредвиденное, как это делало = случилось со мной). The blacks prey on anything they can catch, but they seldom catch anybody but strangers (черные охотятся на все, /что/ они могут поймать, но они редко ловят кого-нибудь кроме иноземцев).
The people of Zamboula are not concerned with the strangers that pass through the city (людям Замбулы нет дела до чужеземцев, которые проезжают через город; to be concerned with — беспокоиться о чем-л., быть озабоченными чем-л.).
valuable [*v*lju*bl], careful [*k**f*l], skulk [sk*lk]
"They are valuable slaves," murmured the girl. "There are so many of them that might revolt if they were denied the flesh for which they lust. The people of Zamboula know they skulk the streets at night, and all are careful to remain within locked doors, except when something unforseen happens, as it did to me. The blacks prey on anything they can catch, but they seldom catch anybody but strangers. The people of Zamboula are not concerned with the strangers that pass through the city.
"Such men as Aram Baksh sell these strangers to the blacks (такие люди, как Арам Бахш, продают чужеземцев черным). He would not dare attempt such a thing with a citizen (он бы не осмелился попробовать /сотворить/ такую вещь = такое с горожанином)."
Conan spat in disgust (Конан сплюнул в отвращении; to spit), and a moment later led his companion out into the road which was becoming a street (а секунду спустя вывел свою спутницу на дорогу, которая становилась улицей), with still, unlighted houses on each side (с тихими неосвещенными домами на каждой стороне = по обеим сторонам). Slinking in the shadows was not congenial to his nature (красться в тени было неподобающим его натуре).
"Where did you want to go*" he asked (куда ты хотела идти* — спросил он). The girl did not seem to object to his arm around her waist (девушка, казалась, не возражает его руке вокруг ее талии = чтобы его рука обнимала ее за талию).
would [w*d], citizen [*s*t*zn], congenial [k*n**i: nj*l]
"Such men as Aram Baksh sell these strangers to the blacks. He would not dare attempt such a thing with a citizen."
Conan spat in disgust, and a moment later led his companion out into the road which was becoming a street, with still, unlighted houses on each side. Slinking in the shadows was not congenial to his nature.
"Where did you want to go*" he asked. The girl did not seem to object to his arm around her waist.
"To my house, to rouse my servants," she answered (в мой дом, поднять моих слуг, — ответила она). "To bid them search for my lover (приказать им разыскать моего любовника). I do not wish the city — the priests — anyone — to know of his madness (я не желаю, /чтобы/ город — жрецы — кто-либо — знал о его безумстве). He — he is a young officer with a promising future (он молодой офицер с многообещающим будущим; to promise — обещать). Perhaps we can drive this madness from him if we can find him (возможно, мы сможем вывести это сумасшествие из него, если /мы/ сможем найти его)."
"If we find him*" rumbled Conan (если мы найдем его* — прогремел Конан). "What makes you think I want to spend the night scouring the streets for a lunatic (что заставляет тебя думать = с чего ты взяла, /что/ я хочу провести ночь, обыскивая улицы ради лунатика)*"
servant [*s*: v*nt], answer [*:ns*], search [s*: *]
"To my house, to rouse my servants," she answered. "To bid them search for my lover. I do not wish the city — the priests — anyone — to know of his madness. He — he is a young officer with a promising future. Perhaps we can drive this madness from him if we can find him."
"If we find him*" rumbled Conan. "What makes you think I want to spend the night scouring the streets for a lunatic*"
She cast a quick glance into his face, and properly interpreted the gleam in his blue eyes (она бросила быстрый взгляд на его лицо и надлежащим образом истолковала огонь в его голубых глазах; to cast — бросать). Any woman could have known that he would follow her wherever she led — for a while, at least (любая женщина могла бы узнать, что он будет следовать за ней, куда бы она ни повела — по крайней мере, некоторое время; to lead — вести). But being a woman, she concealed her knowledge of that fact (но будучи женщиной, она скрыла /ее/ знание этого факта).
"Please," she began with a hint of tears in her voice, "I have no one else to ask for help — you have been kind — (пожалуйста, — начала она с намеком слез = со слезами в /ее/ голосе, — я имею никого больше, /чтобы/ попросить о помощи = мне некого больше просить о помощи — ты был добр)"
"All right!" he grunted (хорошо! — пробурчал он). "All right (хорошо)! What's the young reprobate's name (какое есть имя = как зовут молодого шельмеца; reprobate — негодяй, подлец, распутник)*"
glance [*l*:ns], interpret [*n*t*: pr*t], tear [t**]
She cast a quick glance into his face, and properly interpreted the gleam in his blue eyes. Any woman could have known that he would follow her wherever she led — for a while, at least. But being a woman, she concealed her knowledge of that fact.
"Please," she began with a hint of tears in her voice, "I have no one else to ask for help — you have been kind —»
"All right!" he grunted. "All right! What's the young reprobate's name*"
"Why — Alafdhal (ну, Алафдал). I am Zabibi, a dancing-girl (я Забиби, танцовщица). I have danced often before the satrap, Jungir Khan, and his mistress Nafertari, and before all the lords and royal ladies of Zamboula (я танцевала часто перед сатрапом Джунгир Ханом и его госпожой Нафертари, и перед всеми властителями и дамами королевской крови Замбулы). Totrasmek desired me and, because I repulsed him, he made me the innocent tool of his vengeance against Alafdhal (Тотрасмек возжелал меня, и так как я оттолкнула его, он сделал меня невинным орудием его мести Алафдалу). I asked a love potion of Totrasmek, not suspecting the depth of his guile and hate (я попросила любовный напиток у Тотрасмека, не подозревая о глубине его коварства и ненависти). He gave me a drug to mix with my lover's wine (он дал мне снадобье, /чтобы/ подмешать его к вину моего любовника), and he swore that when Alafdhal drank it, he would love me even more madly than ever and grant my every wish (и он поклялся, что когда Алафдал выпьет его, он полюбит меня еще более безумно, чем когда-либо и удовлетворит мое каждое желание). I mixed the drug secretly with my lover's wine (я тайно подмешала снадобье к вину моего любовника). But having drunk, my lover went raving mad and things came about as I have told you (но выпив, мой любовник впал в бредовое безумие, и дела произошли = все произошло /так/, как я рассказала тебе). Curse Totrasmek, the hybrid snake — ahhh (будь проклят Тотрасмек, помесь змеи — аххх)!"
often [*fn], because [b**k*z], grant [*r*:nt]
"Why — Alafdhal. I am Zabibi, a dancing-girl. I have danced often before the satrap, Jungir Khan, and his mistress Nafertari, and before all the lords and royal ladies of Zamboula. Totrasmek desired me and, because I repulsed him, he made me the innocent tool of his vengeance against Alafdhal. I asked a love potion of Totrasmek, not suspecting the depth of his guile and hate. He gave me a drug to mix with my lover's wine, and he swore that when Alafdhal drank it, he would love me even more madly than ever and grant my every wish. I mixed the drug secretly with my lover's wine. But having drunk, my lover went raving mad and things came about as I have told you. Curse Totrasmek, the hybrid snake — ahhh!"
She caught his arm convulsively and both stopped short (она судорожно поймала его руку, и оба резко остановились). They had come into a district of shops and stalls, all deserted and unlighted (они вошли в район лавок и ларьков, совершенно пустой и неосвещенный = темный; all — весь, совсем, совершенно), for the hour was late (потому что час был поздний). They were passing an alley, and in its mouth a man was standing, motionless and silent (они проходили через аллею, а в ее входе = в начале ее стоял мужчина, неподвижный и безмолвный). His head was lowered (его голова была опущена), but Conan caught the weird gleam of eery eyes regarding them unblinkingly (но Конан заметил странный блеск жутких глаз, разглядывающих их, не мигая). His skin crawled, not with fear of the sword in the man's hand (у него по коже побежали мурашки не от страха перед мечом в руке мужчины), but because of the uncanny suggestion of his posture and silence (а из-за зловещего предположения в отношении его позы и молчания). They suggested madness (они предполагали безумие). Conan pushed the girl aside and drew his sword (Конан оттолкнул девушку в сторону и вытащил свой меч).
caught [k*: t], hour [*au*], silent [*sa*l*nt]
She caught his arm convulsively and both stopped short. They had come into a district of shops and stalls, all deserted and unlighted, for the hour was late. They were passing an alley, and in its mouth a man was standing, motionless and silent. His head was lowered, but Conan caught the wierd gleam of eery eyes regarding them unblinkingly. His skin crawled, not with fear of the sword in the man's hand, but because of the uncanny suggestion of his posture and silence. They suggested madness. Conan pushed the girl aside and drew his sword.
"Don't kill him!" she begged (не убивай его! — умоляла она). "In the name of Set, do not slay him (во имя Сета не убивай его)! You are strong — overpower him (ты сильный — одолей его)!"
"We'll see," he muttered, grasping his sword in his right hand and clenching his left into a mallet-like fist (/мы/ посмотрим, — проворчал он, зажимая свой меч в /его/ правой руке и сжимая свою левую в молотоподобный кулак = кулак- молот).
He took a wary step toward the alley — and with a horrible moaning laugh the Tauranian charged (он сделал осторожный шаг в сторону аллеи — и со страшным стонущим смехом тауранец напал). As he came he swung his sword, rising on his toes (когда он подходил, он размахивал своим мечом, поднимаясь на носки) as he put all the power of his body behind the blows (когда он вкладывал = вкладывая всю силу своего тела за = в удары; to put — класть, вкладывать). Sparks flashed blue (искры вспыхнули голубым = вспыхнули голубые искры) as Conan parried the blade (когда Конан парировал клинок), and the next instant the madman was stretched senseless in the dust from a thundering buffet of Conan's left fist (и в следующее мгновение безумец распростерся без чувств в пыли от оглушающего удара левого кулака Конана).
grasp [*r*:sp], toe [t*u], power [*pau*]
"Don't kill him!" she begged. "In the name of Set, do not slay him! You are strong — overpower him!"
"We'll see," he muttered, grasping his sword in his right hand and clenching his left into a mallet-like fist.
He took a wary step toward the alley — and with a horrible moaning laugh the Tauranian charged. As he came he swung his sword, rising on his toes as he put all the power of his body behind the blows. Sparks flashed blue as Conan parried the blade, and the next instant the madman was stretched senseless in the dust from a thundering buffet of Conan's left fist.
The girl ran forward (девушка выбежала вперед; to run forward — выбежать вперед).
"Oh, he is not — he is not — (о, он не — он не…)"
Conan bent swiftly, turned the man on his side (Конан быстро наклонился, перевернул мужчину на /его/ бок), and ran quick fingers over him (и пробежал быстрыми пальцами по нему = быстро ощупал его пальцами).
"He's not hurt much," he grunted (он не очень ушиблен, — пробормотал он). "Bleeding at the nose, but anybody's likely to do that (кровотечение у = из носа, но у любого пойдет: «кто угодно будет вероятно делать это»), after a clout on the jaw (после затрещины в челюсть; clout — сильный удар, затрещина). He'll come to after a bit, and maybe his mind will be right (он придет в себя через некоторое время, и, возможно, его разум будет в порядке). In the meantime I'll tie his wrists with his sword belt — so (тем временем я свяжу его запястья его поясом для меча — вот так). Now where do you wnt me to take him (теперь куда ты хочешь, чтобы я отнес его: «куда ты хочешь меня отнести его»)*"
forward [*f*: w*d], hurt [h*: t], jaw [**:]