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 [plAnG], parallel ['pxrqlel], pursuit [pq'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
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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 [kq'lxps], 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).
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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 ['wO:nq], assault [q'sO:lt], undoubtedly [An'dautIdlI]
"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
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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 ['rIDmIk], current ['kArqnt], heron ['herqn]
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
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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 ['emIsqrI], peace [pi:s], hand [hxnd]
"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
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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 [xm'bxsqdq], paddler ['pxdlq], startled ['stRtld]
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
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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 ['Sxlqu], craft [krRft], fatigue [fq'ti:g]
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 [fFq], friend [frend], perfectly ['pq:fqktlI]
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"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 [Ig'zq:Sn], betray [bI'treI], depend [dI'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?"
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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 [mauT], southern ['sADqn], wilderness ['wIldqnIs]
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)?"
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"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 [eIk], want [wOnt], constantly ['kOnstqntlI]
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.
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"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 ['velvIt], cushion ['kASn], damned [dxmd]
"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
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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 [prI'pOstqrqs], unconquerable [An'kONkqrqbl], ferocity [fq'rOsItI]
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.
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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 ['embq], senseless ['senslIs], master ['mRstq]
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
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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
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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 [In'vOlqntqrqlI], vociferously [vqu'sIferqslI], sigh [saI]
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 сумасшедший1).
1 Вообще-то, у нас ругаются как извозчики, а у англоговорильцев ругаются как солдаты: to swear like a
trooper. Да и пьют у нас, как сапожник, а у них — как рыба: to drink like a fish.
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"They've attacked the fort (они напали на форт)! We're too late (мы опоздали:
«мы слишком поздно»)! Come on (давай / вперед)!"
demoniac [dI'mqunIxk], swore [swO:], steady [stedI]
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
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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 [flAd], weariness ['wIqrInIs], fringe [frInG]
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
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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 [In'sesnt], survivor [sq'vaIvq], triumph ['traIqmf]
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).
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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, приговаривать1). 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:gqnIs], figure ['fIgq], with [wID]
"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
1 Теперь вы догадываетесь, почему «думеры» — обреченные люди?
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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 [bq:n], fall [fO:l], destroy [dI'strOI]
"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
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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 ['puqlI], clear [klIq]
"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 [Rk], charge [CRG], assurance [q'Suqrqns]
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
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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 ['nq:vqs], excitement [Ik'saItmqnt], riot ['raIqt]
"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
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покачал /своей/ головой1озадаченно). "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 [q'hed], scan [skxn], small [smO: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
1 Вы не забыли, что качать чужими головами мог только живодер Зогар Саг.
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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 [CRntIN], household ['haushquld], gown [gaun]
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 [prRnsIN], racial ['reSql], wrath [rOT]
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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
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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 горле1). 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 [An'mRd], beside [bI'saId], swallow ['swOlqu]
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
1 Я даю более длинный вариант, но по сути первый — более краткий — точно передает смысл.
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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 [jAN], couple [kApl], unemotionally [AnI'mquSqnlI]
"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
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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 [Squ], recently ['ri:sntlI], wagon ['wxgqn]
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
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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 [sO:lt], marsh [mRS], road [rqud]
"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 родов1, 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
1 Род — мера длины, равняется 5,5 ярдам. Чтобы получить искомое расстояние, умножьте «несколько» на
5,5 ярдов. Если не найдете на калькуляторе «несколько», попытайтесь набрать «парочку».
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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 [fq:Dq], remain [rI'meIn], hesitate ['hezIteIt]
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
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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:pI], inquire [In'kwaIq], door [dO:]
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 беспорядке1 = ее волосы в беспорядке
свисали на голые плечи, она держала свечу в одной руке и топор в другой).
1 Конечно, в беспорядке волосы, а не плечи. Поэтому делаем небольшое изменение в порядке слов.
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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 [brO:t], colorless ['kAlqlIs], children ['CIldrqn]
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,
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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 ['kauntInqns], mortal [mO: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 [xk'tIvItI], candle [kxndl], horse [hO: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?"
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"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 [faIt], desperate ['despqrIt], courage ['kArIG]
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
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(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
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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 [nOk], husband ['hAzbqnd], women ['wImIn]
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)"
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"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 ['xNkSqs], briefly ['bri:flI], horror ['hOrq]
"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 ['skRslI], quaver ['kweIvq], 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.
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"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 [rI'membq], giddy ['gIdI], muscular ['mAskjulq]
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).
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"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 ['evIdqnt], overloaded [quvq'lqudId], glare [glFq]
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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 [krAmpl], thigh [TaI], crimson [krImzn]
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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 [q'pIq], 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
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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
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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 [kqm'pxnjqn], preferable ['prefqrqbl], hair [hFq]
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 ['wAndq], obviously ['ObvIqslI], safety ['seIftI]
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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 ['Sauq], retreat [rI'tri:t], plight [plaIt]
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
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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), поднимать1). 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 ['fIqslI], growl [graul], draw [drO:]
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.