The girl ran forward.
"Oh, he is not — he is not —»
Conan bent swiftly, turned the man on his side, and ran quick fingers over him. "He's not hurt much," he grunted. "Bleeding at the nose, but anybody's likely to do that, after a clout on the jaw. He'll come to after a bit, and maybe his mind will be right. In the meantime I'll tie his wrists with his sword belt — so. Now where do you want me to take him*"
"Wait (подожди)!" She knelt beside the senseless figure, seized the bound hands, and scanned them avidly (она встала на колени возле бесчувственной фигуры, схватила связанные руки и жадно осмотрела их). Then, shaking her head as if in baffled disappointment, she rose (затем тряхнув /своей/ головой, словно в недоуменном разочаровании, она поднялась). She came close to the giant Cimmerian and laid her slender hands on his arching breast (она подошла близко к гигантскому киммерийцу и положила свои тонкие руки на его аркоподобную = выпуклую грудь). Her dark eyes, like wet black jewels in the starlight, gazed up into his (ее темные глаза, как сырые черные драгоценные камни в свете звезд, пристально всмотрелись /вверх/ в его /глаза/).
"You are a man (ты мужчина)! Help me (помоги мне)! Totrasmek must die Тотрасмек должен умереть)! Slay him for me (убей его ради меня)!"
"And put my neck into a Turanian noose*" he grunted (и сунуть мою шею в туранскую петлю* — проворчал он).
knelt [nelt], seize [si: z], jewel [**u: *l]
"Wait!" She knelt beside the senseless figure, seized the bound hands, and scanned them avidly. Then, shaking her head as if in baffled disappointment, she rose. She came close to the giant Cimmerian and laid her slender hands on his arching breast. Her dark eyes, like wet black jewels in the starlight, gazed up into his.
"You are a man! Help me! Totrasmek must die! Slay him for me!" "And put my neck into a Turanian noose*" he grunted.
"Nay!" The slender arms, strong as pliant steel, were around his corded neck (нет! — тонкие руки, сильные как гибкая сталь, были вокруг его узловатой шеи). Her supple body throbbed against his (ее податливое тело пульсировало рядом с его = прижавшись к его телу). "The Hyrkanians have no love for Totrasmek (гирканийцы не имеют = не испытывают любви к Тотрасмеку).
The priests of Set fear him (жрецы Сета боятся его). He is a mongrel, who rules men by fear and superstition (он полукровка, который правит людьми с помощью страха и суеверия). I worship Set, and the Turanians bow to Erlik, but Totrasmek sacrifices to Hanuman the accursed (я поклоняюсь Сету, а тауранцы кланяются Эрлику, однако Тотрасмек приносит жертвы Хануману проклятому)! The Turanian lords fear his black arts and his power over the hybrid popularion, and they hate him (туранская знать боится его черной магии и его власти над разноплеменным населением). Even Jungir Khan and his mistress Nafertari fear and hate him (даже Джунгир Хан и его госпожа Нафертари боятся и ненавидят его). If he were slain in his temple at night, they would not seek his slayer very closely (если бы он был убит в своем храме ночью, они бы не искали его убийцу очень тщательно; to slay — убивать, уничтожать, лишать жизни)."
love [l*v], rule [ru: l], hybrid [*ha*br*d]
"Nay!" The slender arms, strong as pliant steel, were around his corded neck. Her supple body throbbed against his. "The Hyrkanians have no love for Totrasmek. The priests of Set fear him. He is a mongrel, who rules men by fear and superstition. I worship Set, and the Turanians bow to Erlik, but Totrasmek sacrifices to Hanuman the accursed! The Turanian lords fear his black arts and his power over the hybrid popularion, and they hate him. Even Jungir Khan and his mistress Nafertari fear and hate him. If he were slain in his temple at night, they would not seek his slayer very closely."
"And what of his magic*" rumbled the Cimmerian (а что насчет его магии* -
прогрохотал киммериец).
"You are a fighting man," she answered (ты боец, — ответила она; to fight — сражаться, драться). "To risk your life is part of your profession (рисковать своей жизнью /есть/ часть твоей профессии)."
"For a price," he admitted (за цену = плату, — признал он).
"There will be a price!" she breathed, rising on tiptoes, to gaze into his eyes (будет плата! — прошептала она, поднимаясь на цыпочки, /чтобы/ заглянуть в его глаза).
The nearness of her vibrant body drove a flame through his veins (близость ее трепещущего тела, погнала огонь по его венам). The perfume of her breath mounted to his brain (аромат ее дыхания ударил в /его/ голову). But as his arms closed about her supple figure she avoided them with a lithe movement (но когда его руки сомкнулись на ее гибкой фигурке, она ускользнула /от/ них гибким движением), saying: "Wait! First serve me in this matter (сказав: погоди! Сначала послужи мне в этом деле)."
"Name your price (назови свою цену)." He spoke with some difficulty (он говорил с /неким/ трудом).
breath [breO], mount [maunt], spoke [sp*uk]
"And what of his magic*" rumbled the Cimmerian.
"You are a fighting man," she answered. "To risk your life is part of your profession."
"For a price," he admitted.
"There will be a price!" she breathed, rising on tiptoes, to gaze into his eyes.
The nearness of her vibrant body drove a flame through his veins. The perfume of her breath mounted to his brain. But as his arms closed about her supple figure she avoided them with a lithe movement, saying: "Wait! First serve me in this matter."
"Name your price." He spoke with some difficulty.
"Pick up my lover," she directed, and the Cimmerian stooped and swung the tall form easily to his broad shoulder (подними моего любовника, — приказала она, и киммериец нагнулся и забросил высокую фигуру легко на свое широкое плечо). At the moment he felt as if he could have toppled over Jungir Khan's palace with equal ease (в этот момент он почувствовал себя /так/, словно /он/ мог бы опрокинуть дворец Джунгир Хана с равной легкостью). The girl murmured an endearment to the unconscious man (девушка прошептала нежность бессознательному мужчине), and there was no hypocrisy in her attitude (и /не/ было никакого лицемерия в ее отношении). She obviously loved Alafdhal sincerely (она очевидно любила Алафдала искренне). Whatever business arrangement she made with Conan would have no bearing on her relationship with Alafdhal (какое бы деловое соглашение она не заключила с Конаном, /оно/ бы никак не повлияло на ее отношения с Алафдалом; to have a bearing on — влиять на, иметь отношение к). Women are more practical about these things than men (женщины более практичны в этих делах, чем мужчины).
tall [t*: l], easily [*i: z*l*], equal [*i: kw*l]
"Pick up my lover," she directed, and the Cimmerian stooped and swung the tall form easily to his broad shoulder. At the moment he felt as if he could have toppled over Jungir Khan's palace with equal ease. The girl murmured an endearment to the unconscious man, and there was no hypocrisy in her attitude. She obviously loved Alafdhal sincerely. Whatever business arrangement she made with Conan would have no bearing on her relationship with Alafdhal. Women are more practical about these things than men.
"Follow me (иди за мной)!" She hurried along the street, while the Cimmerian strode easily after her (она поспешила по улице, в то время как киммериец шагал легко за ней), in no way discomforted by his limp burden (никоим образом не стесненный своей безвольной ношей). He kept a wary eye out for black shadows skulking under arches but saw nothing suspicious (он осторожно высматривал черные тени, крадущиеся под арками, но /не/ увидел ничего подозрительного; to keep an eye — присматривать, следить). Doubtless the men of Darfar were all gathered at the roasting pit (несомненно, все люди из Дарфара собрались у ямы для поджаривания; doubt — сомнение). The girl turned down a narrow side street and presently knocked cautiously at an arched door (девушка свернула в боковую улочку и теперь постучала осторожно в дверь под аркой).
wary [*w**r*], doubtless [*dautl*s], saw [s*:]
"Follow me!" She hurried along the street, while the Cimmerian strode easily after her, in no way discomforted by his limp burden. He kept a wary eye out for black shadows skulking under arches but saw nothing suspicious. Doubtless the men of Darfar were all gathered at the roasting pit. The girl turned down a narrow side street and presently knocked cautiously at an arched door.
Almost instantly a wicket opened in the upper panel and a black face glanced out (почти мгновенно открылось окошечко в верхней секции /двери/, и черное лицо выглянуло наружу). She bent close to the opening, whispering swiftly (она склонилась близко к отверстию, быстро прошептав /что-то/). Bolts creaked in their sockets, and the door opened (засовы скрипнули в их гнездах, и дверь открылась). A giant black man stood framed against the soft glow of a copper lamp (гигантский негр стоял /в рамке/ на фоне мягкого света медной лампы). A quick glance showed Conan the man was not from Darfar (быстрый взгляд показал Конану, /что/ мужчина был не из Дарфара). His teeth were unfiled and his kinky hair was cropped close to his skull (его зубы не были обточены, а его курчавые волосы были пострижены коротко: «близко к его черепу»). He was from the Wadai (он был из Вадая).
giant [**a**nt], teeth [ti: O], was [w*z]
Almost instantly a wicket opened in the upper panel and a black face glanced out. She bent close to the opening, whispering swiftly. Bolts creaked in their sockets, and the door opened. A giant black man stood framed against the soft glow of a copper lamp. A quick glance showed Conan the man was not from Darfar. His teeth were unfiled and his kinky hair was cropped close to his skull. He was from the Wadai.
At a word from Zabibi, Conan gave the limp body into the black's arms (при слове /от/ Забиби = по указанию Забиби Конан отдал безвольное тело в руки черного) and saw the young officer laid on a velvet divan (и увидел, /как/ молодого офицера положили на бархатный диван). He showed no signs of returning consciousness (он /не/ проявлял никаких признаков возвращения в сознание). The blow that had rendered him senseless might have felled an ox (удар, который сделал его бессознательным = лишил его чувств, вероятно, свалил бы быка). Zabibi bent over him for an instant, her fingers nervously twining and twisting (Забиби склонилась над ним на мгновение, ее пальцы нервно переплетались и изгибались). Then she straightened and beckoned the Cimmerian (затем он выпрямилась и поманила киммерийца).
officer [**f*s*], straighten [*stre*tn], took [t*k]
At a word from Zabibi, Conan gave the limp body into the black's arms and saw the young officer laid on a velvet divan. He showed no signs of returning consciousness. The blow that had rendered him senseless might have felled an ox. Zabibi bent over him for an instant, her fingers nervously twining and twisting. Then she straightened and beckoned the Cimmerian.
The door closed softly (дверь мягко закрылась), the locks clicked behind them (замки защелкнулись за ними), and the closing wicket shut off the glow of the lamps (и смотровое окошко закрыло свет ламп). In the starlight of the street Zabibi took Conan's hand (в звездном свете улицы Забиби взяла руку Конана). Her own hand trembled a little (ее собственная рука немного дрожала).
"You will not fail me (ты не подведешь меня)*"
He shook his maned head, massive against the stars (он тряхнул своей патлатой головой, массивной на фоне звезд).
"Then follow me to Hanuman's shrine, and the gods have mercy on our souls (тогда следуй за мной в храм Ханумана, и /да/ смилостивятся боги над нашими душами)."
own [*un], head [hed], soul [s*ul]
The door closed softly, the locks clicked behind them, and the closing wicket shut off the glow of the lamps. In the starlight of the street Zabibi took Conan's hand. Her own hand trembled a little.
"You will not fail me*"
He shook his maned head, massive against the stars.
"Then follow me to Hanuman's shrine, and the gods have mercy on our souls."
Among the silent streets they moved like phantoms of antiquity (среди безмолвных улиц они двигались, как призраки древности). They went in silence (они шли молча: «в безмолвии»). Perhaps the girl was thinking of her lover lying senseless on the divan under the copper lamps (возможно, девушка думала о своем любовнике, лежащим бесчувственным на диване под медными лампами) or was shrinking with fear of what lay ahead of them in the demon-haunted shrine of Hanuman (или сжималась от страха перед тем, что предстояло им в населенном демонами храме Ханумана). The barbarian was thinking only of the woman moving so supplely beside him (варвар думал лишь о женщине, двигающейся так гибко возле него). The perfume of her scented hair was in his nostrils (аромат ее надушенных волос был в его ноздрях), the sensuous aura of her presence filled his brain and left room for no other thoughts (чувственная аура ее присутствия заполняла его мозг и не оставляла места для других мыслей).
demon [*di: m*n], perfume [*p*: fju: m], thought [O*: t]
Among the silent streets they moved like phantoms of antiquity. They went in silence. Perhaps the girl was thinking of her lover lying senseless on the divan under the copper lamps or was shrinking with fear of what lay ahead of them in the demon-haunted shrine of Hanuman. The barbarian was thinking only of the woman moving so supplely beside him. The perfume of her scented hair was in his nostrils, the sensuous aura of her presence filled his brain and left room for no other thoughts.
Once they heard the clank of brass-shod feet (один раз они услышали лязг ног, обутых в подкованную медью обувь; brass — медь), and drew into the shadows of a gloomy arch (и втянулись в тени мрачной арки) while a squad of Pelishti watchmen swung past в то время как отряд пелиштинских стражников прошагал мимо). There were fifteen of them (их было пятнадцать); they marched in close formation (они маршировали тесным строем), pikes at the ready (пики наготове), and the rearmost men had their broad, brass shields slung on their backs (а самые задние солдаты имели /свои/ широкие медные щиты, подвешенные на их спинах = а у самых задних солдат были повешены на спины медные щиты), to protect them from a knife stroke from behind (/чтобы/ защитить их от удара ножом сзади). The skulking menace of the black maneaters was a threat even to armed men (крадущаяся угроза черных людоедов была угрозой даже для вооруженных людей).
gloomy [**lu: m*], protect [pr**tekt], threat [Oret]
Once they heard the clank of brass-shod feet, and drew into the shadows of a gloomy arch while a squad of Pelishti watchmen swung past. There were fifteen of them; they marched in close formation, pikes at the ready, and the rearmost men had their broad, brass shields slung on their backs, to protect them from a knife stroke from behind. The skulking menace of the black maneaters was a threat even to armed men.
As soon as the clang of their sandals had receded up the street (как только лязг их сандалий утих), Conan and the girl emerged from their hiding place and hurried on (Конан и девушка появились из убежища и поспешили дальше). A few moments later, they saw the squat, flat-topped edifice they sought looming ahead of them (несколько секунд спустя они увидели маячившее перед ними низкое и широкое здание с плоской крышей, которое они искали).
The temple of Hanuman stood alone in the midst of a broad square (храм Ханумана стояло одиноко в середине широкой площади), which lay silent and deserted beneath the stars (которая лежала безмолвная и пустынная под звездами). A marble wall surrounded the shrine (мраморная стена окружала храм), with a broad opening directly before the portico (с широким входом прямо перед портиком). This opening had no gate nor any sort of barrier (этот вход /не/ имел ни ворот, ни какого-либо ограждения).
soon [su: n], recede [r**si: d], few [fju:]
As soon as the clang of their sandals had receded up the street, Conan and the girl emerged from their hiding place and hurried on. A few moments later, they saw the squat, flat-topped edifice they sought looming ahead of them.
The temple of Hanuman stood alone in the midst of a broad square, which lay silent and deserted beneath the stars. A marble wall surrounded the shrine, with a broad opening directly before the portico. This opening had no gate nor any sort of barrier.
"Why don't the blacks seek their prey here*" muttered Conan (почему черные не ищут свою добычу здесь* — пробормотал Конан). "There's nothing to keep them out of the temple (/там/ /нет/ ничего удержать их снаружи храма = нет ничего, что помешало бы им войти в храм)."
He could feel the trembling of Zabibi's body as she pressed close to him (он мог ощущать трепет тела Забиби, когда она прижалась тесно к нему).
"They fear Totrasmek, as all in Zamboula fear him, even Jungir Khan and Nafertari (они боятся Тотрасмека, как все в Замбуле боятся его, даже Джунгир Хан и Нафертари). Come (идем)! Come quickly, before my courage flows from me like water (идем, пока моя храбрость не вытекла из меня, как вода)!"
here [h**], feel [fi: l], courage [*k*r**]
"Why don't the blacks seek their prey here*" muttered Conan. "There's nothing to keep them out of the temple."
He could feel the trembling of Zabibi's body as she pressed close to him.
"They fear Totrasmek, as all in Zamboula fear him, even Jungir Khan and Nafertari. Come! Come quickly, before my courage flows from me like water!"
The girl's fear was evident, but she did not falter (страх девушки был очевиден, но она не колебалась). Conan drew his sword and strode ahead of her as they advanced through the open gateway (Конан вытащил свой меч и широко шагнул перед ней, когда они двинулись вперед через открытый проем / вход). He knew the hideous habits of the priests of the East and was aware (он знал мерзкие привычки жрецов Востока и сознавал) that an invader of Hanuman's shrine might expect to encounter almost any sort of nightmare horror (что вторгающегося в храм Ханумана может ожидать встреча почти с любым видом = порождением кошмарного ужаса). He knew there was a good chance that neither he nor the girl would ever leave the shrine alive (он знал, /что/ /там/ есть большой риск, что ни он, ни девушка никогда /не/ выйдут из храма живыми), but he had risked his life too many times before to devote much thought to that consideration (но он /уже/ рисковал своей жизнью слишком много раз прежде, /чтобы/ посвящать слишком много мыслей этим соображениям).
advance [*d*v*:ns], encounter [*n*kaunt*], devote [d**v*ut]
The girl's fear was evident, but she did not falter. Conan drew his sword and strode ahead of her as they advanced through the open gateway. He knew the hideous habits of the priests of the East and was aware that an invader of Hanuman's shrine might expect to encounter almost any sort of nightmare horror. He knew there was a good chance that neither he nor the girl would ever leave the shrine alive, but he had risked his life too many times before to devote much thought to that consideration.
They entered a court paved with marble (они вошли во двор, вымощенный мрамором) which gleamed whitely in the starlight (который светился белым цветом в звездном свете). A short flight of broad marble steps led up to the pillared portico (короткий пролет широких мраморных ступеней вел к портику с колоннами). The great bronze doors stood wide open as they had stood for centuries (огромные бронзовые двери стояли широко открытыми, как они стояли уже века). But no worshippers burnt incense within (но никакие поклонники /не/ воскуряли фимиам внутри). In the day men and women might come timidly into the shrine (днем мужчины и женщины могли войти робко в храм) and place offerings to the ape-god on the black altar (и разместить приношения богу-обезьяне на черном алтаре). At night the people shunned the temple of Hanuman as hares shun the lair of the serpent (ночью люди избегали храм Ханумана, как зайцы избегают логово змеи).
marble [m*:bl], gleam [*li: m], hare [h**]
They entered a court paved with marble which gleamed whitely in the starlight. A short flight of broad marble steps led up to the pillared portico. The great bronze doors stood wide open as they had stood for centuries. But no worshippers burnt incense within. In the day men and women might come timidly into the shrine and place offerings to the ape-god on the black altar. At night the people shunned the temple of Hanuman as hares shun the lair of the serpent.
Burning censers bathed the interior in a soft, weird glow (кадящие курильницы омывали внутреннюю часть мягким причудливым светом) that created an illusion of unreality (который создавал иллюзию нереальности). Near the rear wall, behind the black stone altar (возле задней стены за черным каменным алтарем), sat the god with his gaze fixed for ever on the open door (сидел бог со взглядом, застывшим навсегда на открытой двери), through which for centuries his victims had come, dragged by chains of roses (через которую уже века поступали его жертвы, влекомые цепями из роз). A faint groove ran from the sill to the altar (тусклый желоб бежал = тянулся от порога к алтарю), and when Conan's foot felt it, he stepped away as quickly as if he had trodden upon a snake (и когда нога Конана ощутила его, он шагнул прочь так быстро, как будто /он/ наступил на змею; to tread — наступать, топтать; шагать). That groove had been worn by the faltering feet of the multitude of those who had died screaming on that grim altar (этот желоб был изношен = истерт запинающимися ступнями множества тех, кто умер крича = с криками на этом мрачном алтаре; to wear (out) — изнашивать).
rear [r**], create [kr**e*t], ever [*ev*]
Burning censers bathed the interior in a soft, weird glow that created an illusion of unreality. Near the rear wall, behind the black stone altar, sat the god with his gaze fixed for ever on the open door, through which for centuries his victims had come, dragged by chains of roses. A faint groove ran from the sill to the altar, and when Conan's foot felt it, he stepped away as quickly as if he had trodden upon a snake. That groove had been worn by the faltering feet of the multitude of those who had died screaming on that grim altar.
Bestial in the uncertain light, Hanuman leered with his carven mask (жестокий в неверном свете, Хануман смотрел злобно своей высеченной маской). He sat, not as an ape would crouch (он сидел, не /так/, как согнулась бы обезьяна), but cross-legged as a man would sit (но скрестив ноги, ак сидел бы человек), but his aspect was no less simian for that reason (но его вид был не менее обезьяноподобным по этой причине). He was carved from black marble (он был вырублен из черного мрамора), but his eyes were rubies, which glowed red and lustful as the coals of hell's deepest pits (но его глаза были рубины, которые горели красным и похотью, как угли самых глубоких ям ада). His great hands lay upon his lap (его огромные руки лежали на его подоле = коленях), palms upward, taloned fingers spread and grasping (ладонями вверх, когтистые пальцы расставленные и хваткие; to grasp — схватывать, хватать, зажимать (в руке); захватывать). In the gross em of his attributes (в грубой выразительности его черт), in the leer of his satyr-countenance (в плотоядном взгляде его сатироподобного лица), was reflected the abominable cynicism of the degenerate cult which deified him (был отражен гнусный цинизм вырождающегося культа, который обожествлял его).
mask [m*:sk], coal [k*ul], spread [spred]
Bestial in the uncertain light, Hanuman leered with his carven mask. He sat, not as an ape would crouch, but cross-legged as a man would sit, but his aspect was no less simian for that reason. He was carved from black marble, but his eyes were rubies, which glowed red and lustful as the coals of hell's deepest pits. His great hands lay upon his lap, palms upward, taloned fingers spread and grasping. In the gross em of his attributes, in the leer of his satyr-countenance, was reflected the abominable cynicism of the degererate cult which deified him.
The girl moved around the image, making toward the back wall (девушка двинулась вокруг идола: «изображения», направляясь к задней стене), and when her sleek flank brushed against a carven knee (и, когда ее округлый бок задел о высеченное колено), she shrank aside and shuddered as if a reptile had touched her (она отпрянула в сторону и содрогнулась, как будто рептилия коснулась ее). There was a space of several feet between the broad back of the idol and the marble wall with its frieze of gold leaves (между широкой спиной идола и мраморной стеной с ее фризом из золотых листьев было пространство в несколько футов). On either hand, flanking the idol, an ivory door under a gold arch was set in the wall (по обе руки = стороны сбоку от идола в стене были установлены двери из слоновой кости под золотыми арками; to set — установить, поставить).
image [**m**], around [**raund], wall [w*: l]
The girl moved around the image, making toward the back wall, and when her sleek flank brushed against a carven knee, she shrank aside and shuddered as if a reptile had touched her. There was a space of several feet between the broad back of the idol and the marble wall with its frieze of gold leaves. On either hand, flanking the idol, an ivory door under a gold arch was set in the wall.
"Those doors open into each end of a hairpin-shaped corridor," she said hurriedly (эти двери открываются в каждый конец = в оба конца шпилькоподобного коридора, — сказала она торопливо; shape — форма; to shape — придавать форму). "Once I was in the interior of the shrine — once (однажды я была внутри храма — однажды)!" She shivered and twitched her slim shoulders at a memory both terrifying and obscene (она задрожала и дернула своими тонкими плечами при воспоминании как ужасающем, так и непристойном). "The corridor is bent like a horseshoe, with each horn opening into this room (коридор изогнут, как подкова, с каждым выступом, открывающимся в это помещение = причем каждый выступ открывается в это помещение). Totrasmek's chambers are enclosed within the curve of the corridor and open into it (покои Тотрасмека заключены = находятся внутри изгиба коридора и открываются в него). But there is a secret door in this wall which opens directly into an inner chamber (но есть секретная дверь в этой стене, которая открывается непосредственно во внутреннюю комнату) —»
each [i: *], once [w*ns], obscene [*b*si: n]
"Those doors open into each end of a hairpin-shaped corridor," she said hurriedly. "Once I was in the interior of the shrine — once!" She shivered and twitched her slim shoulders at a memory both terrifying and obscene. "The corridor is bent like a horseshoe, with each horn opening into this room. Totrasmek's chambers are enclosed within the curve of the corridor and open into it. But there is a secret door in this wall which opens directly into an inner chamber —»
She began to run her hands over the smooth surface (она начала прощупывать /своими/ руками гладкую поверхность), where no crack or crevice showed (где /не/ видно было ни трещины, ни расселины; to show — быть видным, появляться). Conan stood beside her, sword in hand, glancing warily about him (Конан стоял возле нее, /с/ мечом в руке, осторожно смотря вокруг него = оглядываясь). The silence, the emptiness of the shrine (тишина, пустота храма), with imagination picturing what might lie behind that wall (с фантазией, рисующей, что могло лежать за этой стеной), made him feel like a wild beast nosing a trap (заставило его почувствовать себя /как/ диким зверем, вынюхивающим западню).
crevice [*krev*s], surface [*s*: f*s], smooth [smu: *]
She began to run her hands over the smooth surface, where no crack or crevice showed. Conan stood beside her, sword in hand, glancing warily about him. The silence, the emptiness of the shrine, with imagination picturing what might lie behind that wall, made him feel like a wild beast nosing a trap.
"Ah!" The girl had found a hidden spring at last; a square opening gaped blackly in the wall (ах! — девушка наконец нашла скрытую пружину, квадратный вход зазиял черным цветом в стене). Then: "Set!" she screamed (потом — Сет! — вскрикнула она), and even as Conan leaped toward her (и как раз когда Конан прыгнул к ней), he saw that a great misshapen hand has fastened itself in her hair (он увидел, что огромная уродливая рука вцепилась в ее волосы). She was snatched off her feet and jerked headfirst through the opening (она была сдернута с /ее/ ног = сбита с ног и втянута головой вперед через проем). Conan, grabbing ineffectually at her (Конан, попытавшись безрезультатно схватить ее), felt his fingers slip from a naked limb (почувствовал, /как/ его пальцы соскользнули с обнаженной конечности), and in an instant she had vanished and the wall showed black as before (и через миг она исчезла, а стена казалась черной, как прежде). Only from beyond it came the muffled sounds of a struggle, a scream, faintly heard (лишь извне донеслись приглушенные звуки борьбы, визг, слабо слышимый), and a low laugh that made Conan's blood congeal in his veins (и низкий смех, который заставил кровь Конана застыть в его венах = от которого застыла кровь в жилах Конана).
square [skw**], struggle [str**l], congeal [k*n**i: l]
"Ah!" The girl had found a hidden spring at last; a square opening gaped blackly in the wall. Then: "Set!" she screamed, and even as Conan leaped toward her, he saw that a great misshapen hand has fastened itself in her hair. She was snatched off her feet and jerked headfirst through the opening. Conan, grabbing ineffectually at her, felt his fingers slip from a naked limb, and in an instant she had vanished and the wall showed black as before. Only from beyond it came the muffled sounds of a struggle, a scream, faintly heard, and a low laugh that made Conan's blood congeal in his veins.
3. Black Hands Gripping
(Хватка черных рук)
With an oath the Cimmerian smote the wall a terrible blow with the pommel of his sword (с проклятием киммериец наказал стену страшным ударом эфеса своего меча; pommel — головка (эфеса шпаги)), and the marble cracked and chipped (и мрамор треснул и раскололся). But the hidden door did not give way (но скрытая дверь не поддалась), and reason told him that doubtless it had been bolted on the other side of the wall (и разум сказал ему, что, несомненно, она была заперта на засов с другой стороны стены). Turning, he sprang across the chamber to one of the ivory doors (повернувшись, он прыгнул через комнату к одной из дверей из слоновой кости; to spring — прыгать).
oath [*uO], been [bi: n], ivory [*a*v*r*]
With an oath the Cimmerian smote the wall a terrible blow with the pommel of his sword, and the marble cracked and chipped. But the hidden door did not give way, and reason told him that doubtless it had been bolted on the other side of the wall. Turning, he sprang across the chamber to one of the ivory doors.
He lifted his sword to shatter the panels (он поднял свой меч, /чтобы/ разбить панели), but on a venture tried the door first with his left hand (но наудачу попробовал /открыть/ дверь сначала /своей/ левой рукой). It swung open easily (она легко распахнулась), and he glared into a long corridor (и он заглянул в длинный коридор) that curved away into dimness under the weird light of censers similar to those in the shrine (который изгибался /уходя/ в сумрак под причудливым светом кадильниц, похожих на те = кадильницы в храме). A heavy gold bolt showed on the jamb of the door, and he touched it lightly with his fingertips (тяжелый золотой засов виднелся на косяке двери, и он коснулся его легко кончиками пальцев). The faint warmness of the metal could have been detected only by a man whose faculties were akin to those of a wolf (слабое тепло металла можно было определить /различить /только/ человеку, способности которого были сродни таковым = способностям волка). That bolt had been touched — and therefore drawn — within the last few seconds (этого засова касались — и таким образом задвигали — в пределах последних нескольких секунд). The affair was taking on more and more of the aspect of a baited trap (дело принимало все больше и больше вид ловушки с наживкой). He might have known Totrasmek would know when anyone entered the temple (он мог знать /раньше/ = ему следовало догадаться, /что/ Тотрасмек узнает, когда кто-то войдет в храм).
venture [*ven**], similar [*s*m*l*], lightly [*la*tl*]
He lifted his sword to shatter the panels, but on a venture tried the door first with his left hand. It swung open easily, and he glared into a long corridor that curved away into dimness under the weird light of censers similar to those in the shrine. A heavy gold bolt showed on the jamb of the door, and he touched it lightly with his fingertips. The faint warmness of the metal could have been detected only by a man whose faculties were akin to those of a wolf. That bolt had been touched — and therefore drawn — within the last few seconds. The affair was taking on more and more of the aspect of a baited trap. He might have known Totrasmek would know when anyone entered the temple.
To enter the corridor would undoubtedly be to walk into whatever trap the priest had set for him (войти в коридор несомненно было бы = означало бы войти в какую бы то ни было ловушку, /которую/ жрец поставил на него). But Conan did not hesitate (но Конан не колебался). Somewhere in that dim-lit interior Zabibi was a captive (где-то в этой неясно освещенной внутренней части Забиби была пленницей), and, from what he knew of the characteristics of Hanuman's priests (а из того, что он знал о характеристиках жрецов Ханумана), he was sure that she needed help badly (он был уверен, что ей очень нужна помощь). Conan stalked into the corridor with a pantherish tread, poised to strike right or left (Конан прокрался в коридор шагом пантеры, приготовился бить / наносить удары вправо и влево).
enter [*ent*], need [ni: d], stalk [st*: k]
To enter the corridor would undoubtedly be to walk into whatever trap the priest had set for him. But Conan did not hesitate. Somewhere in that dim-lit interior Zabibi was a captive, and, from what he knew of the characteristics of Hanuman's priests, he was sure that she needed help badly. Conan stalked into the corridor with a pantherish tread, poised to strike right or left.
On his left (слева от него: «на его левой»), ivory, arched doors opened into the corridor (двери из слоновой кости с арками открывались в коридор), and he tried each in turn (и он попробовал /открыть/ каждую по очереди). All were locked (все были закрыты на замок). He had gone perhaps seventy-five feet when the corridor bent sharply to the left, describing the curve the girl had mentioned (он прошел, возможно, семьдесят пять футов, когда коридор резко изогнулся влево, описывая дугу, /которую/ упоминала девушка). A door opened into this curve, and it gave under his hand (в эту дугу открывалась дверь, и она подалась под его рукой).
turn [t*: n], perhaps [p**h*ps], curve [k*: v]
On his left, ivory, arched doors opened into the corridor, and he tried each in turn. All were locked. He had gone perhaps seventy-five feet when the corridor bent sharply to the left, describing the curve the girl had mentioned. A door opened into this curve, and it gave under his hand.
He was looking into a broad, square chamber, somewhat more clearly lighted than the corridor (он смотрел в широкую, квадратную комнату, немного более четко освещенную, чем коридор). Its walls were of white marble, the floor of ivory (ее стены были из белого мрамора, пол из слоновой кости), the ceiling of fretted silver (потолок из украшенного резьбой серебра). He saw divans of rich satin (он увидел диваны из богатого атласа), gold-worked footstools of ivory (украшенные золотом скамеечки для ног из слоновой кости), a disk-shaped table of some massive, metal-like substance (дисковидный стол из какого-то массивного похожего на металл вещества). On one of the divans a man was reclining, looking toward the door (на одном из диванов полулежал человек, смотревший в сторону двери; to recline — облокачиваться; склоняться, прислоняться; полулежать, лежать, развалившись (on, upon)). He laughed as he met the Cimmerian's startled glare (он засмеялся, когда /он/ встретил пораженный взгляд Конана).
corridor [*k*r*d*: ], substance [*s*bst*ns], toward [t**w*: d]
He was looking into a broad, square chamber, somewhat more clearly lighted fretted silver. He saw divans of rich satin, gold-worked footstools of ivory, a disk- shaped table of some massive, metal-like substance. On one of the divans a man was reclining, looking toward the door. He laughed as he met the Cimmerian's startled glare.
This man was naked except for a loin cloth and high-strapped sandals (этот мужчина был обнажен за исключением набедренной повязки и сандалий с высокой шнуровкой). He was brown-skinned (он был коричневокожий), with close-cropped black hair (с коротко остриженными черными волосами) and restless black eyes that set off a broad, arrogant face (и бегающими черными глазами, которые выделялись на широком высокомерном лице). In girth and breadth he was enormous (в обхвате и по ширине он был огромен), with huge limbs on which the great muscles swelled and rippled at each slightest movement (с огромными конечностями, на которых раздувались и перекатывались при каждом малейшем движении огромные мускулы). His hands were the largest Conan had ever seen (его кисти были самые большие, /которые/ когда-нибудь видел Конан). The assurance of gigantic physical strength colored his every action and inflection (уверенность в гигантской физической силе окрашивала его каждое действие и интонацию = проявлялась в каждом его действии и интонации).
breadth [bredO], enormous [**n*: m*s], seen [si: n]
This man was naked except for a loin cloth and high-strapped sandals. He was brown-skinned, with close-cropped black hair and restless black eyes that set off a broad, arrogant face. In girth and breadth he was enormous, with huge limbs on which the great muscles swelled and rippled at each slightest movement. His hands were the largest Conan had ever seen. The assurance of gigantic physical strength colored his every action and inflection.
"Why not enter, barbarian*" he called mockingly, with an exaggerated gesture of invitation (почему /бы/ не войти, варвар* — позвал он насмешливо, с преувеличенным жестом приглашения = с преувеличенно радушным приглашающим жестом).
Conan's eyes began to smolder ominously (глаза Конана начали гореть угрожающе = запылали угрожающим огнем), but he trod warily into the chamber, his sword ready (но он вошел осторожно в комнату /с/ мечом наготове).
"Who the devil are you*" he growled (что ты за демон = фрукт* — прорычал он).
"I am Baal-pteor," the man answered (я Баал-птеор, — ответил мужчина). "Once, long ago and in another land, I had another name (когда-то, давным-давно в другой стране, я имел = у меня было другое имя). But this is a good name, and why Totrasmek gave it to me, any temple wench can tell you (но это хорошее имя, и почему Тотрасмек дал его мне, тебе может сказать любая храмовая девица)."
call [k*: l], invitation [*nv**te**n], ready [*red*]
"Why not enter, barbarian*" he called mockingly, with an exaggerated gesture of invitation.
Conan's eyes began to smolder ominously, but he trod warily into the chamber, his sword ready.
"Who the devil are you*" he growled.
"I am Baal-pteor," the man answered. "Once, long ago and in another land, I had another name. But this is a good name, and why Totrasmek gave it to me, any temple wench can tell you."
"So you're his dog!" grunted Conan (так ты его пес! — пробурчал Конан). "Well, curse your brown hide, Baal-pteor, where's the wench you jerked through the wall (ну, будь проклята твоя коричневая шкура, Баал-птеор, где девица, /которую/ ты втащил сквозь стену)*"
"My master entertains her!" laughed Baal-pteor (мой хозяин развлекает ее! — засмеялся Баал-птеор). "Listen (послушай)!"
From beyond a door opposite the one by which Conan had entered (из-за двери напротив той, через которую вошел Конан) there sounded a woman's scream, faint and muffled in the distance (раздавался женский визг, слабый и приглушенный на расстоянии).
you [ju: ], entertain [ent**te*n], distance [*d*st*ns]
"So you're his dog!" grunted Conan. "Well, curse your brown hide, Baal-pteor, where's the wench you jerked through the wall*"
"My master entertains her!" laughed Baal-pteor. "Listen!"
From beyond a door opposite the one by which Conan had entered there sounded a woman's scream, faint and muffled in the distance.
"Blast your soul (проклятье на твою душу)!" Conan took a stride toward the door, then wheeled with his skin tingling (Конан сделал шаг к двери, потом повернулся от покалывания /его/ кожи), Baal-pteor was laughing at him (Баал- птеор смеялся над ним), and that laugh was edged with menace that made the hackles rise on Conan's neck (и этот смех был усилен угрозой, которая вызвала гнев Конана: «заставила подняться волоски на шее Конана»; to make smb’s hackles rise = to raise smb’s hackles — ощетиниться, вызвать гнев) and sent a red wave of murder-lust driving across his vision (и красная волна жажды убийства застила его взор: «послала красную волну жажды убийства, проходящую через его взор»).
He started toward Baal-pteor, the knuckles on his swordhand showing white (он бросился к Баал-птеору, суставы пальцев на рукоятке его меча побелели). With a swift motion the brown man threw something at him — a shining crystal sphere that glistened in the weird light (быстрым движением коричневый человек бросил что-то в него — светящийся хрустальный шар, который искрился сверхъестественным светом).
menace [*men*s], knuckle [n*kl], threw [Oru:]
"Blast your soul!" Conan took a stride toward the door, then wheeled with his skin tingling, Baal-pteor was laughing at him, and that laugh was edged with menace that made the hackles rise on Conan's neck and sent a red wave of murder- lust driving across his vision.
He started toward Baal-pteor, the knuckles on his swordhand showing white. With a swift motion the brown man threw something at him — a shining crystal sphere that glistened in the weird light.
Conan dodged instinctively (Конан инстинктивно увернулся), but, miraculously (но, чудесным образом), the globe stopped short in midair, a few feet from his face (шар резко остановился в воздухе, в нескольких футах от его лица). It did not fall to the floor (он не упал на пол). It hung suspended (он висел, подвешенный), as if by invisible filaments (словно на невидимых нитях), some five feet above the floor (футах в пяти над полом). And as he glared in amazement (и когда он смотрел /на него/ в изумлении), it began to rotate with growing speed (он начал вращаться с возрастающей скоростью). And as it revolved it grew (и по мере того, как он вращался, он рос; to grow), expanded, became nebulous (увеличивался, становился расплывчатым). It filled the chamber (он заполнил комнату). It enveloped him (он окутал его). It blotted out furniture, walls, the smiling countenance of Baal-pteor (он закрыл мебель, стены, улыбающееся лицо Баал-птеора). He was lost in the midst of a blinding bluish blur of whirling speed (он потерялся посреди слепящего голубоватого пятна, расплывшегося от скорости вращения; to be lost — потеряться; to whirl — вертеть(ся); кружить(ся); вращать(ся)). Terrific winds screamed past Conan (страшные ветры проревели = проносились с ревом мимо Конана), tugging at him, striving to wrench him from his feet (дергая его, стремясь сбить его с /его/ ног), to drag him into the vortex that spun madly before him (затащить его в воронку, которая кружилась бешено перед ним; to spin — крутить(ся), вертеть(ся), выписывать круги).
suspend [s*s*pend], furniture [*f*: n***], vortex [*v*: teks]
Conan dodged instinctively, but, miraculously, the globe stopped short in midair, a few feet from his face. It did not fall to the floor. It hung suspended, as if by invisible filaments, some five feet above the floor. And as he glared in amazement, it began to rotate with growing speed. And as it revolved it grew, expanded, became nebulous. It filled the chamber. It enveloped him. It blotted out furniture, walls, the smiling countenance of Baal-pteor. He was lost in the midst of a blinding bluish blur of whirling speed. Terrific winds screamed past Conan, tugging at him, striving to wrench him from his feet, to drag him into the vortex that spun madly before him.
With a choking cry Conan lurched backward, reeled (с задыхающимся криком Конан накренился назад, пошатнулся), felt the solid wall against his back (почувствовал твердую стену против = за спиной). At the contact the illusion ceased to be (при контакте иллюзия прекратила быть = прекратилась). The whirling, titanic sphere vanished like a bursting bubble (вращающийся титанический шар исчез как лопнувший пузырь). Conan reeled upright in the silver-ceilinged room, with a gray mist coiling about his feet (Конан выпрямился в комнате с серебряным потолком с серым туманом, струящимся у его ног), and saw Baal-pteor lolling on the divan, shaking with silent laughter (и увидел Баал-птеора, развалившегося на диване, трясущимся от беззвучного смеха).
sphere [sf**], bubble [b*bl], laughter [*l*:ft*]
With a choking cry Conan lurched backward, reeled, felt the solid wall against his back. At the contact the illusion ceased to be. The whirling, titanic sphere vanished like a bursting bubble. Conan reeled upright in the silver-ceilinged room, with a gray mist coiling about his feet, and saw Baal-pteor lolling on the divan, shaking with silent laughter.
"Son of a slut!" Conan lunged at him (сукин сын, — Конан бросился на него). But the mist swirled up from the floor, blotting out that giant brown form (но туман кружился = кругами поднимался от пола, закрывая эту гигантскую коричневую фигуру; blot — пятно; клякса; to blot — загрязнять, пачкать, марать, ставить кляксы; затемнять, заслонять). Groping in a rolling cloud that blinded him шаря /руками/ в кружащемся облаке, которое ослепило его), Conan felt a rending sensation of dislocation — and then room and mist and brown man were gone together (Конан почувствовал рвущее ощущение смещения — и потом комната и туман и коричневый мужчина пропали /все/ вместе). He was standing alone among the high reeds of a marshy fen, and a buffalo was lunging at him, head down (он стоял один среди высоких камышей болотной топи, и на него несся буйвол, опустив голову). He leaped aside from the ripping scimitar-curved horns (он прыгнул в сторону от рвущих, изогнутых в форме симитара (т. е. кривой сабли) рогов) and drove his sword in behind the foreleg, through ribs and heart (и воткнул: «вогнал» свой меч позади передней ноги, сквозь ребра и сердца; to drive — гнать). And then it was not a buffalo dying there in the mud, but the brown-skinned Baal-pteor (и тогда это оказался не буйвол, умирающий там в грязи, а коричневокожий Баал-птеор). With a curse Conan struck off his head (с проклятием Конан отсек его голову); and the head soared from the ground and snapped beastlike tusks into his throat (а голова воспарила с земли и впилась звероподобными клыками в его горло). For all his mighty strength he could not tear it loose (несмотря на всю его могучую силу он не мог оторвать ее) — he was choking — strangling (он давился — задыхался); then there was a rush and roar through space (затем был бросок и хохот сквозь пространство), the dislocating shock of an immeasurable impact (шок смещения от неизмеримого толчка), and he was back in the chamber with Baal-pteor (и он был снова в комнате с Баал-птеором), whose head was once more set firmly on his shoulders (чья голова опять сидела прочно на его плечах), and who laughed silently at him from the divan (и который смеялся беззвучно над ним с дивана).
floor [fl*: ], sensation [sen*se**n], curse [k*: s]
"Son of a slut!" Conan lunged at him. But the mist swirled up from the floor, blotting out that giant brown form. Groping in a rolling cloud that blinded him, Conan felt a rending sensation of dislocation — and then room and mist and brown man were gone together. He was standing alone among the high reeds of a marshy fen, and a buffalo was lunging at him, head down. He leaped aside from the ripping scimitar-curved horns and drove his sword in behind the foreleg, through ribs and heart. And then it was not a buffalo dying there in the mud, but the brown- skinned Baal-pteor. With a curse Conan struck off his head; and the head soared from the ground and snapped beastlike tusks into his throat. For all his mighty strength he could not tear it loose — he was choking — strangling; then there was a rush and roar through space, the dislocating shock of an immeasurable impact, and he was back in the chamber with Baal-pteor, whose head was once more set firmly on his shoulders, and who laughed silently at him from the divan.
"Mesmerism!" muttered Conan, crouching and digging his toes hard against the marble (гипноз! — пробормотал Конан, пригибаясь и занимая твердую позицию на мраморе; to dig one’s toes — укрепиться, утвердиться, укрепить своё положение, занять твёрдую позицию: «вкопать свои пальцы ног»).
His eyes blazed (его глаза пылали). This brown dog was playing with him, making sport of him (эта коричневая псина играла с ним, делая из него посмешище; to make sport of — делать посмешище из; sport — отдых, приятное времяпрепровождение; забава, развлечение; шутка)! But this mummery, this child's play of mists and shadows of thought, it could not harm him (но этот маскарад, эта детская игра из туманов и мнимых теней, она не могла повредить ему). He had but to leap and strike and the brown acolyte would be a mangled corpse under his heel (ему нужно было лишь прыгнуть и ударить, и коричневый прислужник станет изувеченным трупом под его пятой). This time he would not be fooled by shadows of illusion — but he was (в этот раз он не будет одурачен тенями иллюзии = его не одурачат иллюзорные тени — но он был /одурачен/ = но его одурачили).
hard [h*:d], mummery [*m*m*r*], fool [fu: l]
"Mesmerism!" muttered Conan, crouching and digging his toes hard against the marble.
His eyes blazed. This brown dog was playing with him, making sport of him! But this mummery, this child's play of mists and shadows of thought, it could not harm him. He had but to leap and strike and the brown acolyte would be a mangled corpse under his heel. This time he would not be fooled by shadows of illusion — but he was.
A blood-curdling snarl sounded behind him (чудовищное рычание раздалось позади него), and he wheeled and struck in a flash at the panther crouching to spring on him from the metal-colored table (и он обернулся и ударил молниеносно по пантере, припавшей к земле, /чтобы/ прыгнуть на него со стола с металлическим цветом). Even as he struck, the apparition vanished (как раз, когда он ударил, видение исчезло) and his blade clashed deafeningly on the adamantine surface (и его клинок оглушительно лязгнул по несокрушимой поверхности). Instantly he sensed something abnormal (мгновенно он почувствовал нечто ненормальное). The blade stuck to the table (клинок прилип к столу)! He wrenched at it savagely (он дико дернул за него). It did not give (он не поддался). This was no mesmeristic trick (это был не гипнотический трюк). The table was a giant magnet (стол был гигантским магнитом). He gripped the hilt with both hands (он схватил рукоять обеими руками), when a voice at his shoulder brought him about, to face the brown man, who had at last risen from the divan (когда голос у его плеча привел его в себя, /чтобы/ оказаться лицом к коричневому человеку, который наконец поднялся с дивана; to face — стоять лицом к, быть повернутым в сторону чего-л., смотреть в лицо, в глаза).
abnormal [*b*n*: m*l], give [**v], risen [r*zn]
A blood-curdling snarl sounded behind him, and he wheeled and struck in a flash at the panther crouching to spring on him from the metal-colored table. Even as he struck, the apparition vanished and his blade clashed deafeningly on the adamantine surface. Instantly he sensed something abnormal. The blade stuck to the table! He wrenched at it savagely. It did not give. This was no mesmeristic trick. The table was a giant magnet. He gripped the hilt with both hands, when a voice at his shoulder brought him about, to face the brown man, who had at last risen from the divan.
Slightly taller than Conan and much heavier, Baal-pteor loomed before him, a daunting image of muscular development (чуть выше, чем Конан, и гораздо тяжелее, Баал-птеор разросся перед ним — устрашающий образ мускульного развития). His mighty arms were unnaturally long, and his great hands opened and closed, twitching convulsively (его могучие руки были неестественно длинные, а его огромные кисти открывались и закрывались, судорожно подергиваясь). Conan released the hilt of his imprisoned sword and fell silent, watching his enemy through slitted lids (Конан отпустил рукоять своего захваченного меча и молчал, наблюдая за своим врагом сквозь прищуренные веки; to fall silent — замолчать, умолкнуть).
release [r**li: s], mighty [*ma*t*], loom [lu: m]
Slightly taller than Conan and much heavier, Baal-pteor loomed before him, a daunting image of muscular development. His mighty arms were unnaturally long, and his great hands opened and closed, twitching convulsively. Conan released the hilt of his imprisoned sword and fell silent, watching his enemy thorugh slitted lids.
"Your head, Cimmerian!" taunted Baal-pteor (твоя голова, киммериец! — дразнил Баал-птеор). "I shall take it with my bare hands (я возьму ее /моими/ голыми руками), twisting it from your shoulders as the head of a fowl is twisted (сверну ее с твоих плеч, как сворачивают голову птице)! Thus the sons of Kosala offer sacrifice to Yajur (так сыны Косалы приносят жертвы Яджуру). Barbarian, you look upon a strangler of Yota-pong (варвар, ты смотришь на душителя Йота-понга). I was chosen by the priests of Yajur in my infancy (я был избран жрецами Яджура в /моем/ детстве), and throughout childhood, boyhood, and youth I was trained in the art of slaying with the naked hands (и на протяжении детства, отрочества и юношества меня учили искусству убивать голыми руками) — for only thus are the sacrifices enacted (ибо только так предписано приносить жертвы = проводится церемония жертвоприношения). Yajur loves blood, and we waste not a drop from the victim's veins (Яджур любит кровь, и мы не тратим понапрасну ни одной капли крови из вен жертвы). When I was a child they gave me infants to throttle (когда я был ребенком, /они/ мне давали душить детей); when I was a boy I strangled young girls (когда я был мальчиком, я душил юных девочек); as a youth, women, old men, and young boys (/когда я был/ юношей — женщин, стариков и юных мальчиков). Not until I reached my full manhood was I given a strong man to slay on the altar of Yota-pong (лишь когда я достиг моей полной мужественности = полностью возмужал, мне дали: «я был дан» убить на алтаре Йота-понга сильного мужчину).
bare [b**],fowl [faul],sacrifice [*s*k*rfa*s]
"Your head, Cimmerian!" taunted Baal-pteor. "I shall take it with my bare hands, twisting it from your shoulders as the head of a fowl is twisted! Thus the sons of Kosala offer sacrifice to Yajur. Barbarian, you look upon a strangler of Yota-pong. I was chosen by the priests of Yajur in my infancy, and throughout childhood, boyhood, and youth I was trained in the art of slaying with the naked hands — for only thus are the sacrifices enacted. Yajur loves blood, and we waste not a drop from the victim's veins. When I was a child they gave me infants to throttle; when I was a boy I strangled young girls; as a youth, women, old men, and young boys. Not until I reached my full manhood was I given a strong man to slay on the altar of Yota-pong.
"For years I offered the sacrifices to Yajur (годы я приносил жертвы Яджуру). Hundreds of necks have snapped between these fingers (сотни шей хрустнули между этих пальцев) — " he worked them before the Cimmerian's angry eyes (он пошевелил ими перед сердитыми глазами киммерийца)."Why I fled from Yota-pong to become Totrasmek's servant is no concern of yours (почему я убежал от Йота-понга, /чтобы/ стать слугой Тотрасмека — не твоего ума дело: «никакое отношение твое»). In a moment you will be beyond curiosity (через миг ты будешь вне любопытства = станешь нелюбопытен). The priests of Kosala, the stranglers of Yajur, are strong beyond the belief of men (жрецы Косалы, душители Яджура, сильны за пределами веры людей = сильнее, чем могут представить люди). And I was stronger than any (а я был сильнее, чем любой = любого). With my hands, barbarian, I shall break your neck (моими руками, варвар, я сломаю твою шею)!"
angry [****r*], concern [k*n*s*: n], break [bre*k]
"For years I offered the sacrifices to Yajur. Hundreds of necks have snapped between these fingers — " he worked them before the Cimmerian's angry eyes. "Why I fled from Yota-pong to become Totrasmek's servant is no concern of yours. In a moment you will be beyond curiosity. The priests of Kosala, the stranglers of Yajur, are strong beyond the belief of men. And I was stronger than any. With my hands, barbarian, I shall break your neck!"
And like the stroke of twin cobras, the great hands closed on Conan's throat (и словно бросок кобр-близнецов огромные кисти сомкнулись на горле Кована). The Cimmerian made no attempt to dodge or fend them away (киммериец не сделал попытки увернуться или парировать их), but his own hands darted to the Kosalan's bull-neck (но его собственные руки ринулись к бычьей шее косалинца). Baal-pteor's black eyes widened as he felt the thick cords of muscles that protected the barbarian's throat (черные глаза Баал-птеора расширились, когда он почувствовал толстые канаты мускулов, которые защищали горло варвара). With a snarl he exerted his inhuman strength, and knots and lumps and ropes of thews rose along his massive arms (с рычанием он напряг свою нечеловеческую силу, и узлы и бугры и канаты мускулов поднялись вдоль = на его массивных руках; along — вдоль, по). And then a choking gasp burst from him as Conan's fingers locked on his throat (а затем затрудненное от удушья дыхание вырвалось из него, когда пальцы Конана сомкнулись на его горле). For an instant they stood there like statues (мгновение они стояли там как статуи), their faces masks of effort (их лица — напряженные маски: «маски усилия»), veins beginning to stand out purply on their temples (вены начинали выпирать багровым цветом на их висках). Conan's thin lips drew back from his teeth in a grinning snarl (тонкие губы Конана оттянулись назад с зубов = открывая зубы в скалящемся рычании). Baal-pteor's eyes were distended and in them grew an awful surprise and the glimmer of fear (глаза Баал-птеора были выпучены = выпучились, и в них росло страшное удивление и проблеск страха). Both men stood motionless as images (оба мужчины стояли неподвижные, как изваяния), except for the expanding of their muscles on rigid arms and braced legs (за исключением увеличения их мускулов на непоколебимых руках и упертых ногах; rigid — жесткий, негнущийся, негибкий; несгибаемый, твердый, неподатливый; to brace — охватывать, окружать, опоясывать; собирать себя в кулак; усиливать, напрягать), but strength beyond common conception was warring there (но сила за пределами обычного представления сражалась там) — strength that might have uprooted trees and crushed the skulls of bullocks (сила, которая могла бы вырвать с корнем деревья и раздробить черепа волов).
thews [Oju: z], purply [*p*: pl*], awful [**: f*l]
And like the stroke of twin cobras, the great hands closed on Conan's throat. The Cimmerian made no attempt to dodge or fend them away, but his own hands darted to the Kosalan's bull-neck. Baal-pteor's black eyes widened as he felt the thick cords of muscles that protected the barbarian's throat. With a snarl he exerted his inhuman strength, and knots and lumps and ropes of thews rose along his massive arms. And then a choking gasp burst from him as Conan's fingers locked on his throat. For an instant they stood there like statues, their faces masks of effort, veins beginning to stand out purply on their temples. Conan's thin lips drew back from his teeth in a grinning snarl. Baal-pteor's eyes were distended and in them grew an awful surprise and the glimmer of fear. Both men stood motionless as images, except for the expanding of their muscles on rigid arms and braced legs, but strength beyond common conception was warring there — strength that might have uprooted trees and crushed the skulls of bullocks.
The wind whistled suddenly from between Baal-pteor's parted teeth (ветер = поток воздуха вдруг засвистел из разжатых зубов Баал-птеора). His face was growing purple (его лицо становилось багровым = багровело). Fear flooded his eyes (страх залил его глаза). His thews seemed ready to burst from his arms and shoulders (его мускулы с = на /его/ руках и плечах, казалось, готовы лопнуть), yet the muscles of the Cimmerian's thick neck did not give (тем не менее мускулы толстой шеи киммерийца не поддались); they felt like masses of woven iron cords under his desperate fingers (они были на ощупь, как сгустки переплетеных железных канатов под его отчаявшимися пальцами; to feel — быть на ощупь; to weave — плести). But his own flesh was giving way under the iron fingers of the Cimmerian (однако его собственная плоть поддавалась под железными пальцами киммерийца) which ground deeper and deeper into the yielding throat muscles (которые вдавливались глубже и глубже в сдающиеся горловые мышцы), crushing them in upon jugular and windpipe (вдавливая их в яремную вену и дыхательное горло; to give way — уступать, поддаваться).
whistle [w*sl], yield [ji: ld], jugular [****jul*]
The wind whistled suddenly from between Baal-pteor's parted teeth. His face was growing purple. Fear flooded his eyes. His thews seemed ready to burst from his arms and shoulders, yet the muscles of the Cimmerian's thick neck did not give; they felt like masses of woven iron cords under his desperate fingers. But his own flesh was giving way under the iron fingers of the Cimmerian which ground deeper and deeper into the yielding throat muscles, crushing them in upon jugular and windpipe.
The statuesque immobility of the group gave way to sudden, frenzied motion (скульптурная неподвижность группы уступила неожиданному бешеному движению), as the Kosalan began to wrench and heave, seeking to throw himself backward (когда косаланец начал вырываться и поворачиваться, пытаясь откинуться назад). He let go of Conan's throat and grasped his wrists, trying to tear away those inexorable fingers (он отпустил горло Конана и схватил его запястья, стараясь оторвать эти неумолимые пальцы).
With a sudden lunge Conan bore him backward until the small of his back crashed against the table (внезапным броском Конан оттолкнул его назад, пока = так что /его/ поясница ударилась о стол; small of one’s back — поясница). And still farther over its edge Conan bent him, back and back, until his spine was ready to snap (и еще дальше через /его/ край Конан изгибал его, назад и назад, пока его позвоночник /не/ был готов сломаться).
statuesque [st**u*esk], inexorable [**neks*r*bl], farther [*f*:**]
The statuesque immobility of the group gave way to sudden, frenzied motion, as the Kosalan began to wrench and heave, seeking to throw himself backward. He let go of Conan's throat and grasped his wrists, trying to tear away those inexorable fingers.
With a sudden lunge Conan bore him backward until the small of his back crashed against the table. And still farther over its edge Conan bent him, back and back, until his spine was ready to snap.
Conan's low laugh was merciless as the ring of steel (низкий смех Конана был безжалостным, как кольцо из стали = стальное кольцо). "You fool!" he all but whispered (ты дурак! — он лишь шептал). "I think you never saw a man from the West before (я думаю, ты никогда /не/ видел человека с Запада раньше). Did you deem yourself strong, because you were able to twist the heads off civilized folk (ты считал себя сильным, потому что ты мог сворачивать головы цивилизованных людей), poor weaklings with muscles like rotten string (бедных слабаков с мускулами как гнилая веревка; to rot — гнить)* Hell (ад = проклятие)! Break the neck of a wild Cimmerian bull before you call yourself strong (сломай шею дикого киммерийского быка, прежде чем ты назовешь себя сильным = прежде чем назвать себя сильным). I did that, before I was a full-grown man — like this (я сделал это до того, как я стал взрослым мужчиной — вот так)!"
merciless [*m*: s*l*s], never [*nev*], bull [b*l]
Conan's low laugh was merciless as the ring of steel.
"You fool!" he all but whispered. "I think you never saw a man from the West before. Did you deem yourself strong, because you were able to twist the heads off civilized folk, poor weaklings with muscles like rotten string* Hell! Break the neck of a wild Cimmerian bull before you call yourself strong. I did that, before I was a full-grown man — like this!"
And with a savage wrench he twisted Baal-pteor's head around until the ghastly face leered over the left shoulder (и диким рывком он провернул голову Баал- птеора и выкручивал, пока мерзкое лицо /не/ стало смотреть искоса через левое плечо), and the vertebrae snapped like a rotten branch (а позвоночник /не/ треснул, как гнилая ветка).
Conan hurled the flopping corpse to the floor (Конан швырнул обвисшее тело на пол), turned to the sword again, and gripped the hilt with both hands, bracing his feet against the floor (повернулся снова к мечу и схватил рукоять обеими руками, уперев /свои/ ноги в пол). Blood trickled down his broad breast from the wounds Baal-pteor's finger nails had torn in the skin of his neck (кровь сочилась по его широкой груди из ран, /которые/ нанесли ногти пальцев Баал-птеора в коже его шеи). His black hair was damp, sweat ran down his face (его черные волосы были влажные, пот стекал по /его/ лицу), and his chest heaved (а его грудь вздымалась). For all his vocal scorn of Baal-pteor's strength, he had almost met his match in the inhuman Kosalan (несмотря на все его словесное пренебрежение силой Баал-птеора, он встретил почти равного себе в бесчеловечном косаланце; match — равный по силам противник, достойный соперник). But without pausing to catch his breath clung (но не останавливаясь, /чтобы/ перевести /свое/ дыхание), he exerted all his strength in a mighty wrench that tore the sword from the magnet where it (он напряг всю свою силу в могучем рывке, который оторвал меч от магнита, где = к которому он прилип; to cling — цепляться, прилипать, крепко держаться).
vertebra [*v*: t*br*], exert [***z*: t], magnet [*m**n*t]
And with a savage wrench he twisted Baal-pteor's head around until the ghastly face leered over the left shoulder, and the vertebrae snapped like a rotten branch.
Conan hurled the flopping corpse to the floor, turned to the sword again, and gripped the hilt with both hands, bracing his feet against the floor. Blood trickled down his broad breast from the wounds Baal-pteor's finger nails had torn in the skin of his neck. His black hair was damp, sweat ran down his face, and his chest heaved. For all his vocal scorn of Baal-pteor's strength, he had almost met his match in the inhuman Kosalan. But without pausing to catch his breath, he exerted all his strength in a mighty wrench that tore the sword from the magnet where it clung.
Another instant and he had pushed open the door from behind which the scream had sounded (еще одно мгновение — и он распахнул дверь: «толкнул открытой дверь», из-за которой раздавался крик), and was looking down a long straight corridor, lined with ivory doors (и смотрел в длинный прямой коридор с рядом дверей из слоновой кости). The other end was masked by a rich velvet curtain другой конец был скрыт богатым бархатным занавесом), and from beyond that curtain came the devilish strains of such music as Conan had never heard, not even in nightmares (и из-за этого занавеса доносились адские мелодии такой музыки, какой Конан никогда /не/ слышал, даже в кошмарах). It made the short hairs bristle on the back of his neck (она заставила короткие волоски встать дыбом на задней части его шеи = от нее волосы у него на загривке встали дыбом). Mingled with it was the panting, hysterical sobbing of a woman (с ней смешивалось = к ней примешивалось тяжелое дыхание: «смешанное с ней было тяжелое дыхание», истеричные всхлипывания женщины). Grasping his sword firmly, he glided down the corridor (сжимая крепко свой меч, он скользнул по коридору).
straight [stre*t], curtain [k*: tn], bristle [br*sl]
Another instant and he had pushed open the door from behind which the scream had sounded, and was looking down a long straight corridor, lined with ivory doors. The other end was masked by a rich velvet curtain, and from beyond that curtain came the devilish strains of such music as Conan had never heard, not even in nightmares. It made the short hairs bristle on the back of his neck. Mingled with it was the panting, hysterical sobbing of a woman. Grasping his sword firmly, he glided down the corridor.
4. Dance, Girl, Dance!
(Танцуй, девочка, танцуй!)
When Zabibi was jerked head-first through the aperture which opened in the wall behind the idol (когда Забиби была втянута головой вперед через отверстие, которое открылось в стене за идолом), her first, dizzy, disconnected thought was that her time had come (ее первой головокружительной обрывочной мыслью было, что пришло ее время). She instinctively shut her eyes and waited for the blow to fall (она инстинктивно закрыла /свои/ глаза и стала ждать удара, /который/ падет /на нее/). But instead she felt herself dumped unceremoniously onto the smooth marble floor (но вместо /этого/ она почувствовала себя сваленной = почувствовала, как ее свалили бесцеремонно на гладкий мраморный пол), which bruised her knees and hip (от чего /она/ ушибла /свои/ колени и бедро). Opening her eyes, she stared fearfully around her (открыв /свои/ глаза, она испуганно осмотрелась), just as a muffled impact sounded from beyond the wall (как раз когда приглушенный удар раздался из- за стены). She saw a brown-skinned giant in a loin cloth standing over her (она увидела коричневокожего гиганта в набедренной повязке, стоящего над ней), and, across the chamber into which she had come, a man sat on a divan (и через комнату = на другом конце комнаты, в которую она попала, на диване сидел мужчина), with his back to a rich black velvet curtain (спиной к богатому черному бархатному занавесу), a broad, fleshy man, with fat white hands and snaky eyes (широкий, тучный мужчина с толстыми белыми руками и злобными глазами; snake — змея, гадюка). And her flesh crawled (и у нее по телу побежали мурашки), for this man was Totrasmek, the priest of Hanuman (ибо этот мужчина была Тотрасмек, жрец Ханумана), who for years had spun his slimy webs of power throughout the city of Zamboula (который уже годы плел свою липкую паутину власти по всему городу Замбуле; to spin — плести, прясть, сучить).
aperture [**p***], smooth [smu: *], throughout [Oru:*aut]
When Zabibi was jerked head-first through the aperture which opened in the wall behind the idol, her first, dizzy, disconnected thought was that her time had come. She instinctively shut her eyes and waited for the blow to fall. But instead she felt herself dumped unceremoniously onto the smooth marble floor, which bruised her knees and hip. Opening her eyes, she stared fearfully around her, just as a muffled impact sounded from beyond the wall. She saw a brown-skinned giant in a loin cloth standing over her, and, across the chamber into which she had come, a man sat on a divan, with his back to a rich black velvet curtain, a broad, fleshy man, with fat white hands and snaky eyes. And her flesh crawled, for this man was Totrasmek, the priest of Hanuman, who for years had spun his slimy webs of power throughout the city of Zamboula.
"The barbarian seeks to batter his way through the wall," said Totrasmek sardonically, "but the bolt will hold (варвар пытается пробить /свою/ дорогу сквозь стену, — сказал сардонически Тотрасмек, — но засов выдержит)."
The girl saw that a heavy golden bolt had been shot across the hidden door (девушка увидела, что тяжелый золотой засов был переброшен поперек спрятанной двери), which was plainly discernible from this side of the wall (которая была ясно видима с этой стороны стены). The bolt and its sockets would have resisted the charge of an elephant (засов и его скобы выдержали бы атаку слона).
hold [h*uld], discernible [d**s*: n*bl], resist [r**z*st]
"The barbarian seeks to batter his way through the wall," said Totrasmek sardonically, "but the bolt will hold."
The girl saw that a heavy golden bolt had been shot across the hidden door, which was plainly discernible from this side of the wall. The bolt and its sockets would have resisted the charge of an elephant.
"Go open one of the doors for him, Baal-pteor," ordered Totrasmek (пойди открой ему одну из дверей, Баал-птеор, — приказал Тотрасмек). "Slay him in the square chamber at the other end of the corridor (убей его в квадратной комнате в другом конце коридора)."
The Kosalan salaamed (косаланец низко поклонился с правой ладонью на лбу; to salaam — низко поклониться, приложив правую ладонь ко лбу: «сделать селям») and departed by the way of a door in the side wall of the chamber (и ушел через дверь в боковой стене комнаты). Zabibi rose, staring fearfully at the priest (Забиби поднялась, глядя со страхом на жреца), whose eyes ran avidly over her splendid figure (чьи глаза = глаза которого жадно пробежали по ее великолепной фигуре). To this she was indifferent (к этому она была равнодушна). A dancer of Zamboula was accustomed to nakedness (танцовщица Замбулы была привыкшей = привыкла к наготе). But the cruelty in his eyes started her limbs to quivering (но жестокость в его глазах бросило ее конечности в дрожь = вызвало дрожь в ее конечностях).
order [**: d*], square [skw**], avidly [**v*dl*]
"Go open one of the doors for him, Baal-pteor," ordered Totrasmek. "Slay him in the square chamber at the other end of the corridor."
The Kosalan salaamed and departed by the way of a door in the side wall of the chamber. Zabibi rose, staring fearfully at the priest, whose eyes ran avidly over her splendid figure. To this she was indifferent. A dancer of Zamboula was accustomed to nakedness. But the cruelty in his eyes started her limbs to quivering.
"Again you come to me in my retreat, beautiful one," he purred with cynical hypocrisy (опять ты приходишь = пришла ко мне в мое пристанище, красавица: «красивая одна», — промурлыкал он с циничным лицемерием). "It is an unexpected honor (это неожиданная честь). You seemed to enjoy your former visit so little (ты, кажется, так мало получила удовольствия от своего прежнего визита), that I dared not hope for you to repeat it (что я не смел надеяться, /что/ ты повторишь его; to enjoy — получать удовольствие, наслаждаться). Yet I did all in my power to provide you with an interesting experience (однако я сделал все /что было/ в моих силах, /чтобы/ обеспечить тебя = доставить тебе интересные впечатления: «интересный опыт»; to provide smb. with smth. — обеспечить кого-л. чем-л.)."
dilate [da**le*t], dancer [*d*:ns*], impossibility [*m* p*s**b*l*t*]
For a Zamboulan dancer to blush would be an impossibility (для замбульской танцовщицы покраснеть от стыда было бы невозможностью = невероятно), but a smolder of anger mingled with the fear in Zabibi's dilated eyes (но огонь гнева смешался со страхом в расширенных глазах Забиби).
"Fat pig (жирная свинья)! You know I did not come here for love of you (ты знаешь, /что/ я пришла сюда не ради любви к тебе)."
"Again you come to me in my retreat, beautiful one," he purred with cynical hypocrisy. "It is an unexpected honor. You seemed to enjoy your former visit so little, that I dared not hope for you to repeat it. Yet I did all in my power to provide you with an interesting experience."
For a Zamboulan dancer to blush would be an impossibility, but a smolder of anger mingled with the fear in Zabibi's dilated eyes.
"Fat pig! You know I did not come here for love of you."
"No," laughed Totrasmek, "you came like a fool, creeping through the night with a stupid barbarian to cut my throat (нет, — засмеялся Тотрасмек, — ты пришла, как дурочка, прокравшись в ночи с тупым варваром, /чтобы/ перерезать мое горло = мне горло). Why should you seek my life (зачем ты должна искать мою жизнь = зачем ты покушаешься на мою жизнь; to seek smb.'s life — покушаться на чью-л. жизнь)*"
"You know why!" she cried, knowing the futility of trying to dissemble (ты знаешь зачем! — крикнула она, зная тщетность попыток притворяться).
"You are thinking of your lover," he laughed (ты думаешь о твоем любовнике, — засмеялся он). "The fact that you are here seeking my life shows that he quaffed the drug I gave you (тот факт = то, что ты находишься здесь, покушаясь на мою жизнь, показывает = свидетельствует, что он выпил снадобье, /которое/ я дал тебе). Well, did you not ask for it (ну, /разве/ ты не просила его)* And did I not send what you asked for, out of the love I bear you (и /разве/ я не послал то, чего ты просила, из любви, /которую/ я питаю к тебе)*"
should [**d], futility [fju:*t*l*t*], quaff [kw*:f]
"No," laughed Totrasmek, "you came like a fool, creeping through the night with a stupid barbarian to cut my throat. Why should you seek my life*"
"You know why!" she cried, knowing the futility of trying to dissemble.
"You are thinking of your lover," he laughed. "The fact that you are here seeking my life shows that he quaffed the drug I gave you. Well, did you not ask for it* And did I not send what you asked for, out of the love I bear you*"
"I asked you for a drug that would make him slumber harmlessly for a few hours," she said bitterly (я просила у тебя снадобье, которое бы усыпило его: «заставило его спать» без вреда на несколько часов, — сказала она горестно; bitter — горький). "And you — you sent your servant with a drug that drove him mad (а ты — ты послал своего слугу со снадобьем, которое свело его с ума)! I was a fool ever to trust you (я была дурой, /что/ вообще поверила тебе: «когда- либо поверить тебе»). I might have known your protestations of friendship were lies, to disguise your hate and spite (я могла бы знать = догадаться, /что/ твои заверения в дружбе были ложью, /чтобы/ скрыть твою ненависть и злобу)."
ask [*:sk], friendship [*frend**p], disguise [d*s**a*z]
"I asked you for a drug that would make him slumber harmlessly for a few hours," she said bitterly. "And you — you sent your servant with a drug that drove him mad! I was a fool ever to trust you. I might have known your protestations of friendship were lies, to disguise your hate and spite."
"Why did you wish your lover to sleep*" he retorted (для чего ты хотела, /чтобы/ твой любовник спал* — отпарировал он). "So you could steal from him the only thing he would never give you (так бы ты смогла украсть у него единственную вещь, /которую/ он никогда бы не подарил тебе) — the ring with the jewel men call the Star of Khorala (кольцо с драгоценным камнем, /который/ люди называют Звездой Хорала) — the star stolen from the queen of Ophir, who would pay a roomful of gold for its return (звездой, похищенной у королевы Офира, которая заплатила бы полную комнату золота за его возврат = чтобы вернуть его; to steal — украсть, похитить). He would not give it to you willingly (он не отдал бы его тебе добровольно), because he knew that it holds a magic which, when properly controlled (потому что он знал, что оно держит волшебство = обладает волшебной силой, которая, при надлежащем управлении: «когда надлежащим образом управляемая»), will enslave the hearts of any of the opposite sex (поработит сердце любого /человека/ противоположного пола). You wished to steal it from him (ты хотела стащить его (камень) у него (любовника)), fearing that his magicians would discover the key to that magic (боясь, что его волшебники найдут ключ к этому волшебству) and he would forget you in his conquests of the queens of the world (и он забудет тебя в завоевании цариц мира = завоевывая / покоряя цариц мира). You would sell it back to the queen of Ophir, who understands its power and would use it to enslave me (ты бы продала его обратно королеве Офира, которая понимает его силу и использовала бы его, /чтобы/ покорить меня), as she did before it was stolen (как она сделала до того, как он был украден; to steal — красть)."
queen [kwi: n], magician [m******n], forget [f***et]
"Why did you wish your lover to sleep*" he retorted. "So you could steal from him the only thing he would never give you — the ring with the jewel men call the Star of Khorala — the star stolen from the queen of Ophir, who would pay a roomful of gold for its return. He would not give it to you willingly, because he knew that it holds a magic which, when properly controlled, will enslave the hearts of any of the opposite sex. You wished to steal it from him, fearing that his magicians would discover the key to that magic and he would forget you in his conquests of the queens of the world. You would sell it back to the queen of Ophir, who understands its power and would use it to enslave me, as she did before it was stolen."
"And why do you want it*" she demanded sulkily (а почему ты хочешь его = а зачем он тебе* — спросила она мрачно).
"I understand its powers (я понимаю его силы). It would increase the power of my arts (он бы увеличил мощь моих искусств = моих чар)."
"Well," she snapped, "you have it now (ну, — сказала она раздраженно, — ты имеешь его теперь = он теперь у тебя)!"
"I have the Star of Khorala (у меня Звезда Хорала)* Nay, you err (нет, ты заблуждаешься)."
demand [d**m*:nd], increase [*n*kri: s], err [*:]
"And why do you want it*" she demanded sulkily.
"I understand its powers. It would increase the power of my arts." "Well," she snapped, "you have it now!"
"I have the Star of Khorala* Nay, you err."
"Why bother to lie*" she retorted bitterly (к чему утруждать себя ложью* — отпарировала она горько). "He had it on his finger when he drove me into the streets (он имел ее на его пальце = она была у него на пальце, когда он вывел меня на улицу). He did not have it when I found him again (ее не было у него, когда я нашла его снова). Your servant must have been watching the house, and have taken it from him, after I escaped him (твой слуга, наверное, наблюдал за домом и забрал ее у него, после того как я убежала от него). To the devil with it (к черту с ней = ну и шут с ней)! I want my lover back sane and whole (я хочу = мне нужен мой любовник назад в здравом уме и невредимый). You have the ring; you have punished us both (у тебя есть кольцо, ты наказал нас обоих). Why do you not restore his mind to him (почему тебе не вернуть ему разум)* Can you (ты можешь)*"
bother [*b***], retort [r**t*: t], punish [*p*n**]
"Why bother to lie*" she retorted bitterly. "He had it on his finger when he drove me into the streets. He did not have it when I found him again. Your servant must have been watching the house, and have taken it from him, after I escaped him. To the devil with it! I want my lover back sane and whole. You have the ring; you have punished us both. Why do you not restore his mind to him* Can you*"
"I could," he assured her, in evident enjoyment of her distress (я мог бы, — уверил он ее в очевидном наслаждении от ее горя). He drew a phial from among his robes (он вытащил пузырек из /среди/ своих одеяний). "This contains the juice of the golden lotus (это содержит сок золотого лотоса). If your lover drank it, he would be sane again (если бы твой любовник выпил это, он был бы снова в здравом уме). Yes, I will be merciful (да, я буду милостив). You have both thwarted and flouted me, not once but many times вы оба мешали мне и попирали меня, не раз, а много раз; to flout — презирать; попирать; не подчиняться); he has constantly opposed my wishes (он постоянно препятствовал моим желаниям). But I will be merciful (однако я буду милостив). Come and take the phial from my hand (подойди и возьми склянку из моей руки)."
assure [***u*], phial [*fa**l], thwart [Ow*: t]
"I could," he assured her, in evident enjoyment of her distress. He drew a phial from among his robes. "This contains the juice of the golden lotus. If your lover drank it, he would be sane again. Yes, I will be merciful. You have both thwarted and flouted me, not once but many times; he has constantly opposed my wishes. But I will be merciful. Come and take the phial from my hand."
She stared at Totrasmek, trembling with eagerness to seize it, but fearing it was but some cruel jest (она уставилась на Тотрасмека, дрожа от нетерпения схватить ее, но опасаясь, /что/ это была лишь какая жестокая шутка). She advanced timidly, with a hand extended (она робко двинулась вперед с протянутой рукой), and he laughed heartlessly and drew back out of her reach (а он бессердечно засмеялся и отступил за пределы /ее/ досягаемости). Even as her lips parted to curse him, some instinct snatched her eyes upward (как раз когда ее губы разжались, /чтобы/ проклясть его, какой-то инстинкт поднял ее глаза вверх). From the gilded ceiling four jade-hued vessels were falling (с позолоченного потолка падали четыре желтовато-зеленых сосуда; jade — жадеит; нефрит; желтовато-зеленый цвет; hue — краска, оттенок, тон, цвет). She dodged, but they did not strike her (она увернулась, но = и они не ударили ее). They crashed to the floor about her, forming the four corners of a square (они разбились о пол вокруг нее, образуя четыре угла квадрата). And she screamed, and screamed again (а она визжала и визжала снова). For out of each ruin reared the hooded head of a cobra, and one struck at her bare leg (так как из каждого осколка поднималась голова кобры с капюшоном, и одна напала на ее обнаженную ногу). Her convulsive movement to evade it brought her within reach of the one on the other side (ее судорожное движение, /чтобы/ избежать ее, привела ее в пределы досягаемости одной = кобры с другой стороны) and again she had to shift like lightning to avoid the flash of its hideous head (и снова ей пришлось, как молния = молниеносно перекатиться, /чтобы/ избежать броска ее мерзкой головы).
timidly [*t*m*dl*], ceiling [*si: l**], hideous [*h*d**s]
She stared at Totrasmek, trembling with eagerness to seize it, but fearing it was but some cruel jest. She advanced timidly, with a hand extended, and he laughed heartlessly and drew back out of her reach. Even as her lips parted to curse him, some instinct snatched her eyes upward. From the gilded ceiling four jade-hued vessels were falling. She dodged, but they did not strike her. They crashed to the floor about her, forming the four corners of a square. And she screamed, and screamed again. For out of each ruin reared the hooded head of a cobra, and one struck at her bare leg. Her convulsive movement to evade it brought her within reach of the one on the other side and again she had to shift like lightning to avoid the flash of its hideous head.
She was caught in a frightful trap (она была поймана = попалась в страшную ловушку). All four serpents were swaying and striking at foot, ankle, calf, knee, thigh, hip (все четыре змеи качались и нападали на ступню, лодыжку, икру, колено, бедро (ногу от колена до бедра), бедро (таз)), whatever portion of her voluptuous body chanced to be nearest to them (какая бы часть ее роскошного тела не оказалась ближе всего к ним), and she could not spring over them or pass between them to safety (и она не могла перепрыгнуть их или пройти между ними в безопасное место). She could only whirl and spring aside and twist her body to avoid the strokes (она могла только кружиться, отпрыгивать и изгибать свое тело, /чтобы/ избежать атак), and each time she moved to dodge one snake (и каждый раз, как она передвигалась, /чтобы/ увернуться от одной змеи), the motion brought her within range of another (движение приводило ее в пределы досягаемости другой), so that she had to keep shifting with the speed of light (так что ей приходилось постоянно перемещаться со скоростью света; to spring aside — отпрыгивать (в сторону)). She could move only a short space in any direction (она могла передвигаться лишь в небольшом пространстве в любом направлении), and the fearful hooded crests were menacing her every second (и страшные гребни в капюшонах угрожали ее каждую секунду). Only a dancer of Zamboula could have lived in that grisly square (только танцовщица из Замбулы могла выжить в этом ужасном квадрате).
frightful [*fra*tf*l], calf [k*:f], voluptuous [v**l*p***s]
She was caught in a frightful trap. All four serpents were swaying and striking at foot, ankle, calf, knee, thigh, hip, whatever portion of her voluptuous body chanced to be nearest to them, and she could not spring over them or pass between them to safety. She could only whirl and spring aside and twist her body to avoid the strokes, and each time she moved to dodge one snake, the motion brought her within range of another, so that she had to keep shifting with the speed of light. She could move only a short space in any direction, and the fearful hooded crests were menacing her every second. Only a dancer of Zamboula could have lived in that grisly square.
She became, herself, a blur of bewildering motion (она стала сама неясным пятном головокружительного движения). The heads missed her by hair's breadths, but they missed (головы промахивались по ней на толщину волоса, но они промахивались), as she pitted her twinkling feet (так как она противопоставляла свои мелькающие ступни), flickering limbs (быстро проносящиеся конечности), and perfect eye (и совершенный глазомер) against the blinding speed of the scaly demons (против ослепительной скорости чешуйчатых демонов) her enemy had conjured out of thin air (/которых/ ее враг вызвал из разреженного воздуха = вакуума).
motion [*m*u*n], enemy [*en*m*], conjure [*k*n**]
She became, herself, a blur of bewildering motion. The heads missed her by hair's breadths, but they missed, as she pitted her twinkling feet, flickering limbs, and perfect eye against the blinding speed of the scaly demons her enemy had conjured out of thin air.
Somewhere a thin, whining music struck up (где-то заиграла тонкая завывающая музыка), mingling with the hissing of the serpents (смешиваясь с шипением змей), like an evil night wind blowing through the empty sockets of a skull (как злой ночной ветер, дующий через пустые впадины = глазницы черепа). Even in the flying speed of her urgent haste she realized that the darting of the serpents was no longer at random (даже при стремительной скорости ее неотложной спешки она осознала, что броски змей больше не были наобум = беспорядочными; at random — наобум, наугад). They obeyed the grisly piping of the eery music (они повиновались вызывающему ужас писку = писклявому звучанию жуткой музыки; piping — игра (на дудке), писк, насвистывание). They struck with a horrible rhythm (они нападали в ужасном ритме), and perforce her swaying, writhing, spinning body attuned itself to their rhythm (и по необходимости ее качающееся, извивающееся, кружащееся тело настроилось на их ритм; tune — мелодия; напев). Her frantic motions melted into the measures of a dance compared to which the most obscene tarantella of Zamora would have seemed sane and restrained (ее неистовые движения незаметно перешли в па танца, по сравнению с которым самая вульгарная тарантелла Заморы показалась бы благопристойной и сдержанной). Sick with shame and terror Zabibi heard the hateful mirth of her merciless tormenter (испытывающая тошноту от стыда и ужаса Забиби услышала злобную радость ее безжалостного мучителя).
eery [***r*], rhythm [r**m], measure [*me**]
Somewhere a thin, whining music struck up, mingling with the hissing of the serpents, like an evil night wind blowing through the empty sockets of a skull. Even in the flying speed of her urgent haste she realized that the darting of the serpents was no longer at random. They obeyed the grisly piping of the eery music. They struck with a horrible rhythm, and perforce her swaying, writhing, spinning body attuned itself to their rhythm. Her frantic motions melted into the measures of a dance compared to which the most obscene tarantella of Zamora would have seemed sane and restrained. Sick with shame and terror Zabibi heard the hateful mirth of her merciless tormenter.
"The Dance of the Cobras, my lovely one!" laughed Totrasmek (танец Кобр, моя красивая! — засмеялся Тотрасмек). "So maidens danced in the sacrifice to Hanuman centuries ago (так танцевали девы /приносимые/ в жертву Хануману века назад) — but never with such beauty and suppleness (но никогда с такой красотой и гибкостью). Dance, girl, dance (танцуй, девочка, танцуй)! How long can you avoid the fangs of the Poison People (сколько можешь ты избегать клыков Ядовитого Народа)* Minutes (минуты)* Hours (часы)* You will weary at last (ты устанешь в конце концов). Your swift, sure feet will stumble (твои быстрые уверенные ступни споткнутся = начнут спотыкаться), your legs falter, your hips slow in their rotations (твои ноги начнут заплетаться, твои бедра замедлят свое вращение). Then the fangs will begin to sink deep into your ivory flesh (тогда клыки начнут погружаться = погрузятся глубоко в твою плоть /цвета/ слоновой кости) —»
beauty [*bju: t*], weary [*w**r*], falter [*f*: lt*]
"The Dance of the Cobras, my lovely one!" laughed Totrasmek. "So maidens danced in the sacrifice to Hanuman centuries ago — but never with such beauty and suppleness. Dance, girl, dance! How long can you avoid the fangs of the Poison People* Minutes* Hours* You will weary at last. Your swift, sure feet will stumble, your legs falter, your hips slow in their rotations. Then the fangs will begin to sink deep into your ivory flesh —»
Behind him the curtain shook as if struck by a gust of wind, and Totrasmek screamed (позади него занавес дернулся, как будто ударенный = поднятый порывом ветра, и Тотрасмек завизжал). His eyes dilated (его глаза расширились) and his hands caught convulsively at the length of bright steel which jutted suddenly from his breast (а его руки судорожно схватились за отрезок блестящей стали, который вдруг выступил из его груди).
The music broke off short (музыка резко прервалась; to break off — внезапно прекращаться, обрываться). The girl swayed dizzily in her dance, crying out in dreadful anticipation of the flickering fangs (девушка качалась головокружительно в ее танце, крича в ужасном ожидании мелькающих клыков) — and then only four wisps of harmless blue smoke curled up from the floor about her (и затем лишь четыре клочка безвредного голубого дыма, скручиваясь, поднялись с пола вокруг нее), as Totrasmek sprawled headlong from the divan (когда Тотрасмек растянулся = свесился головой вперед с дивана; headlong — вниз головой, головой вперед; to sprawl — растянуть(ся); развалиться (о человеке)).
dreadful [*dredf*l], anticipation [*n* t*s**pe***n], headlong [*hedl**]
Behind him the curtain shook as if struck by a gust of wind, and Totrasmek screamed. His eyes dilated and his hands caught convulsively at the length of bright steel which jutted suddenly from his breast.
The music broke off short. The girl swayed dizzily in her dance, crying out in dreadful anticipation of the flickering fangs — and then only four wisps of harmless blue smoke curled up from the floor about her, as Totrasmek sprawled headlong from the divan.
Conan came from behind the curtain, wiping his broad blade (Конан вышел из-за занавеса, вытирая свой широкий клинок). Looking through the hangings he had seen the girl dancing desperately between four swaying spirals of smoke (глядя сквозь драпировку, он увидел девушку, танцевавшую отчаянно между четырьмя качающимися спиралями дыма), but he had guessed that their appearance was very different to her (но он угадал, что их вид был очень отличным для нее = был совсем иным для нее). He knew he had killed Totrasmek (он знал, /что/ он убил Тотрасмека).
Zabibi sank down on the floor, panting Забиби опустилась на пол, тяжело дыша), but even as Conan started toward her, she staggered up again (но как раз когда Конан бросился к ней, она снова поднялась, пошатываясь), though her legs trembled with exhaustion (хотя ее ноги дрожали от изнеможения).
"The phial!" she gasped (склянка! — выдохнула она). "The phial (склянка)!"
broad [br*: d], spiral [*spa**r*l], exhaustion [***z*: s**n]
Conan came from behind the curtain, wiping his broad blade. Looking through the hangings he had seen the girl dancing desperately between four swaying spirals of smoke, but he had guessed that their appearance was very different to her. He knew he had killed Totrasmek.
Zabibi sank down on the floor, panting, but even as Conan started toward her, she staggered up again, though her legs trembled with exhaustion.
"The phial!" she gasped. "The phial!"
Totrasmek still grasped it in his stiffening hand (Тотрасмек все еще сжимал ее в своей застывающей руке; stiff — тугой, негибкий, неэластичный, жесткий; to stiffen — застывать; затвердевать). Ruthlessly she tore it from his locked fingers (безжалостно она вырвала ее из его стиснутых пальцев) and then began frantically to ransack his garments (и потом начала неистово обыскивать его одежду).
"What the devil are you looking for*" Conan demanded (какого … ты ищещь* — спросил Конан).
"A ring — he stole it from Alafdhal (кольцо — он украл его у Алафдала). He must have, while my lover walked in madness through the streets (он, должно быть, /украл его/, пока мой любовник бродил в безумии по улицам). Set's devils (демоны Сета)!"
stiffen [st*fn], frantically [*fr*nt*kl*], while [wa*l]
Totrasmek still grasped it in his stiffening hand. Ruthlessly she tore it from his locked fingers and then began frantically to ransack his garments.
"What the devil are you looking for*" Conan demanded.
"A ring — he stole it from Alafdhal. He must have, while my lover walked in madness through the streets. Set's devils!"
She had convinced herself that it was not on the person of Totrasmek (она убедилась, что его не было на = у человека Тотрасмека). She began to cast about the chamber, tearing up divan covers and hangings (она начала метаться по комнате, разрывая обивку дивана и драпировку) and upsetting vessels (и переворачивать сосуды).
She paused and raked a damp lock of hair out of her eyes (она остановилась и откинула мокрую прядь волос с глаз). "I forgot Baal-pteor (я забыла Баал-птеора)!"
"He's in Hell with his neck broken," Conan assured her (он в аду со сломанной шеей, — заверил ее Конан).
person [p*: sn], vessel [vesl], cast [k*:st]
She had convinced herself that it was not on the person of Totrasmek. She began to cast about the chamber, tearing up divan covers and hangings and upsetting vessels.
She paused and raked a damp lock of hair out of her eyes. "I forgot Baal-pteor!"
"He's in Hell with his neck broken," Conan assured her.
She expressed vindictive gratification at the news, but an instant later swore expressively (она выразила мстительную радость по поводу новости, но мгновение спустя выразительно ругнулась).
"We can't stay here (мы не можем оставаться здесь). It's not many hours until dawn (до зари не много = мало часов). Lesser priests are likely to visit the temple at any hour of the night (младшие жрецы могут посетить храм в любой час ночи), and if we're discovered here with his corpse, the people will tear us to pieces (и если мы будем обнаружены здесь с его трупом, люди разорвут нас на куски). The Turanians could not save us (туранцы не смогли бы спасти нас)." She lifted the bolt on the secret door (она подняла засов на секретной двери), and a few moments later they were in the streets and hurrying away from the silent square (и несколько секунд спустя они были на улицах и спешили прочь от безмолвной площади) where brooded the age-old shrine of Hanuman (где высился древний храм Ханумана).
vindictive [v*n*d*kt*v], swore [sw*: ], piece [pi: s]
She expressed vindictive gratification at the news, but an instant later swore expressively.
"We can't stay here. It's not many hours until dawn. Lesser priests are likely to visit the temple at any hour of the night, and if we're discovered here with his corpse, the people will tear us to pieces. The Turanians could not save us."
She lifted the bolt on the secret door, and a few moments later they were in the streets and hurrying away from the silent square where brooded the age-old shrine of Hanuman.
In a winding street a short distance away, Conan halted (на извивающейся улице, на небольшом расстоянии /от храма/ Конан остановился) and checked his companion with a heavy hand on her naked shoulder (и сдержал свою спутницу тяжелой рукой на = за ее обнаженное плечо).
"Don't forget there was a price — (не забудь, /что/ была /назначена/ цена)"
"I have not forgotten!" She twisted free (я не забыла! — она вывернулась свободной = она освободилась, извернувшись). "But we must go to — to Alafdhal first (но мы должны идти — сначала к Алафдалу)!"
A few minutes later the black slave let them through the wicket door (несколько минут спустя черный раб впустил их через дверь с окошком). The young Turanian lay upon the divan, his arms and legs bound with heavy velvet ropes (молодой туранец лежал на диване, его руки и ноги /были/ связаны тяжелыми бархатными канатами). His eyes were open, but they were like those of a mad dog, and foam was thick on his lips (его глаза были открыты, но они были, как те = глаза бешеной собаки, и пена была = лежала густо на его губах). Zabibi shuddered (Забиби содрогнулась).
there [***], forgotten [f****tn], thick [O*k]
In a winding street a short distance away, Conan halted and checked his companion with a heavy hand on her naked shoulder.
"Don't forget there was a price —»
"I have not forgotten!" She twisted free. "But we must go to — to Alafdhal first!"
A few minutes later the black slave let them through the wicket door. The young Turanian lay upon the divan, his arms and legs bound with heavy velvet ropes. His eyes were open, but they were like those of a mad dog, and foam was thick on his lips. Zabibi shuddered.
"Force his jaws open!" she commanded, and Conan's iron fingers accomplished the task (разожми его челюсти! — скомандовала она, и железные пальцы Конана выполнили задание; to force open — разжать, силой раскрыть).
Zabibi emptied the phial down the maniac's gullet (Забиби опорожнила склянку в глотку маньяка = безумца). The effect was like magic (эффект был словно чудо). Instantly he became quiet (мгновенно он стал спокойным). The glare faded from his eyes (блеск ушел из его глаз); he stared up at the girl in a puzzled way (он уставился на девушку ошеломленно), but with recognition and intelligence (но осознанно и разумно: «с осознанием и разумом»). Then he fell into a normal slumber (затем он провалился в нормальный сон; to fall — падать).
"When he awakes he will be quite sane," she whispered, motioning to the silent slave (когда он проснется, он будет совершенно здоров, — прошептала она, делая жест молчаливому слуге).
accomplish [**k*mpl**], quiet [kwa**t], quite [kwa*t]
"Force his jaws open!" she commanded, and Conan's iron fingers accomplished the task.
Zabibi emptied the phial down the maniac's gullet. The effect was like magic. Instantly he became quiet. The glare faded from his eyes; he stared up at the girl in a puzzled way, but with recognition and intelligence. Then he fell into a normal slumber.
"When he awakes he will be quite sane," she whispered, motioning to the silent slave.
With a deep bow he gave into her hands a small leather bag and drew about her shoulders a silken cloak (с глубоким поклоном он дал в ее руки маленький кожаный мешочек и набросил на ее плечи шелковый плащ). Her manner had subtly changed when she beckoned Conan to follow her out of the chamber (ее манера неуловимо изменилась, когда она сделала знак Конану следовать за ней из комнаты).
In an arch that opened on the street, she turned to him, drawing herself up with a new regality (в арке, которая открывалась на улицу, она повернулась к нему, выпрямляясь с новой царственностью).
"I must now tell you the truth," she said (я должна теперь сказать тебе правду, — сказала она). "I am not Zabibi (я не Забиби). I am Nafertari (я Нафертари). And he is not Alafdhal, a poor captain of the guardsmen (а он не Алафдал, бедный капитан гвардейцев). He is Jungir Khan, satrap of Zamboula (он Джангир Хан, сатрап Замбулы)."
leather [*le**], change [*e*n*], truth [tru: O]
With a deep bow he gave into her hands a small leather bag and drew about her shoulders a silken cloak. Her manner had subtly changed when she beckoned Conan to follow her out of the chamber.
In an arch that opened on the street, she turned to him, drawing herself up with a new regality.
"I must now tell you the truth," she said. "I am not Zabibi. I am Nafertari. And he is not Alafdhal, a poor captain of the guardsmen. He is Jungir Khan, satrap of Zamboula."
Conan made no comment; his scarred dark countenance was immobile (Конан не делал комментариев, его темное лицо в шрамах было неподвижно).
"I lied to you because I dared not divulge the truth to anyone," she said (я солгала тебе, потому что я не смела раскрыть правду никому). "We were alone when Jungir Khan went mad (мы были одни, когда Джангир Хан сошел с ума; to go mad — сойти с ума). None knew of it but myself (никто /не/ знал об этом, кроме меня). Had it been known that the satrap of Zamboula was a madman (если бы стало известно, что сатрап Замбулы /был/ безумец), there would have been instant revolt and rioting (был бы = произошел бы сразу же бунт и беспорядки; to riot — бунтовать, поднимать бунт; принимать участие в бунте, мятеже), even as Totrasmek planned, who plotted our destruction (как раз как планировал Тотрасмек, который замышлял наше уничтожение).
divulge [da**v*l*], known [n*un], destruction [d**str*k*n]
Conan made no comment; his scarred dark countenance was immobile.
"I lied to you because I dared not divulge the truth to anyone," she said. "We were alone when Jungir Khan went mad. None knew of it but myself. Had it been known that the satrap of Zamboula was a madman, there would have been instant revolt and rioting, even as Totrasmek planned, who plotted our destruction.
"You see now how impossible is the reward for which you hoped (ты видишь теперь, как невозможна награда, на которую ты надеялся). The satrap's mistress is not — cannot be for you (госпожа сатрапа не /для тебя/ — не может быть для тебя). But you shall not go unrewarded (но ты не уйдешь ненагражденным = без награды). Here is a sack of gold (вот мешочек золота)." She gave him the bag she had received from the slave (она дала ему мешочек, /который/ она получила от раба).
"Go now, and when the sun is up come to the palace (сейчас уходи, а когда солнце взойдет, приходи во дворец). I will have Jungir Khan make you captain of his guard (я заставлю Джангир Хана сделать тебя капитаном его охраны). But you will take your orders from me, secretly (но ты будешь исполнять /твои/ приказы от меня = исполнять мои приказы, тайно). Your first duty will be to march a squad to the shrine of Hanuman (твоя первая обязанность будет повести отряд к храму Ханумана), ostensibly to search for clues of the priest's slayer; in reality to search for the Star of Khorala (якобы для поиска улик /для поимки/ убийцы жреца, на самом деле для поиска Звезды Хорала; ostensibly — якобы: «по видимости»). It must be hidden there somewhere (она должна быть спрятана где-то там). When you find it, bring it to me (когда ты найдешь ее, принеси ее мне). You have my leave to go now (ты имеешь мое позволение уйти сейчас = теперь я позволяю тебе идти)."
reward [r**w*: d], guard [**:d], squad [skw*d]
"You see now how impossible is the reward for which you hoped. The satrap's mistress is not — cannot be for you. But you shall not go unrewarded. Here is a sack of gold."
She gave him the bag she had received from the slave.
"Go now, and when the sun is up come to the palace. I will have Jungir Khan make you captain of his guard. But you will take your orders from me, secretly. Your first duty will be to march a squad to the shrine of Hanuman, ostensibly to search for clues of the priest's slayer; in reality to search for the Star of Khorala. It must be hidden there somewhere. When you find it, bring it to me. You have my leave to go now."
He nodded, still silent, and strode away (он кивнул, все еще молча, и пошел прочь; to stride away — шагать прочь, уйти). The girl, watching the swing of his broad shoulders (девушка, наблюдавшая за покачиванием его широких плеч), was piqued to note that there was nothing in his bearing to show that he was in any way chagrined or abashed (была уязвлена заметить = заметив, что не было ничего в его поведение, /чтобы/ показать = что показало бы, что он был каким-то образом огорчен или растерян).
When he had rounded a corner, he glanced back, and then changed his direction and quickened his pace (когда он зашел за угол, он обернулся, а потом изменил /его/ направление и ускорил свой шаг). A few moments later he was in the quarter of the city containing the Horse Market (несколько минут спустя он был в квартале города, содержавшем Конный Базар). There he smote on a door (там он заколотил в дверь; to smite — ударять, бить) until from the window above a bearded head was thrust to demand the reason for the disturbance (пока из окна выше /не/ высунулась бородатая голова, /чтобы/ спросить причину /для/ беспокойства).
pique [pi: k], bear [b**], disturbance [d*s*t*: b*ns]
He nodded, still silent, and strode away. The girl, watching the swing of his broad shoulders, was piqued to note that there was nothing in his bearing to show that he was in any way chagrined or abashed.
When he had rounded a corner, he glanced back, and then changed his direction and quickened his pace. A few moments later he was in the quarter of the city containing the Horse Market. There he smote on a door until from the window above a bearded head was thrust to demand the reason for the disturbance.
"A horse," demanded Conan (лошадь, — потребовал Конан). "The swiftest steed you have (самого быстрого коня, /который/ у тебя есть)."
"I open no gates at this time of night," grumbled the horse trader (я не открываю ворот в этом время ночи, — проворчал торговец лошадьми).
Conan rattled his coins (Конан побренчал /своими/ монетами).
"Dog's son knave (сукин сын, плут)! Don't you see I'm white, and alone (/разве/ ты не видишь, /что/ я белый и один)* Come down, before I smash your door (спускайся, пока я /не/ разнес твою дверь)!"
Presently, on a bay stallion, Conan was riding toward the house of Aram Baksh (теперь на гнедом жеребце Конан скакал к дому Арама Бахша).
knave [ne*v], presently [*prezntl*], stallion [*st*lj*n]
"A horse," demanded Conan. "The swiftest steed you have."
"I open no gates at this time of night," grumbled the horse trader. Conan rattled his coins.
"Dog's son knave! Don't you see I'm white, and alone* Come down, before I smash your door!"
Presently, on a bay stallion, Conan was riding toward the house of Aram Baksh.
He turned off the road into the alley (он свернул с дороги в аллею / переулок) that lay between the tavern compound and the date-palm garden (который лежал между строения таверны и садом финиковых пальм), but he did not pause at the gate (но он не остановился у ворот). He rode on to the northeast corner of the wall (он поскакал дальше к северо-восточному углу стены), then turned and rode along the north wall (затем повернул и поехал вдоль северной стены), to halt within a few paces of the northwest angle (/чтобы/ остановиться в нескольких шагах от северо-западного угла). No trees grew near the wall, but there were some low bushes (никаких деревьев /не/ росло возле стены, но /там/ было несколько низких кустарников). To one of these he tied his horse (к одному из них он привязал свою лошадь) and was about to climb into the saddle again (и собирался забраться снова в седло), when he heard a low muttering of voices beyond the corner of the wall (когда он услышал низкое бормотание голосов за углом стены).
tavern [*t*v*n], garden [**:dn], these [*i: z]
He turned off the road into the alley that lay between the tavern compound and the date-palm garden, but he did not pause at the gate. He rode on to the northeast corner of the wall, then turned and rode along the north wall, to halt within a few paces of the northwest angle. No trees grew near the wall, but there were some low bushes. To one of these he tied his horse and was about to climb into the saddle again, when he heard a low muttering of voices beyond the corner of the wall.
Drawing his foot from the stirrup he stole to the angle and peered around it (вытащив /свою/ ногу из стремени, он прокрался к углу и заглянул за него; to steal — красть(ся)). Three men were moving down the road toward the palm groves (три мужчины двигались вниз по дороге к пальмовым рощам), and from their slouching gait he knew they were Negroes (и от = по их сутулящейся походке он узнал, /что/ они были негры). They halted at his low call, bunching themselves as he strode toward them, his sword in his hand (они остановились при его тихом зове, сбившись в кучу, когда он зашагал к ним /с/ мечом в руке). Their eyes gleamed whitely in the starlight (их глаза блестели белым в звездном свете). Their brutish lust shone in their ebony faces (их звериная похоть / жажда (зд.: убийства) светилась на их эбеновых лицах), but they knew their three cudgels could not prevail against his sword, just as he knew it (но они знали, что их три дубинки не могли одержать победу против меча, как и он знал это).
Negro [*ni: *r*u], brutish [*bru: t**], prevail [pr**ve*l]
Drawing his foot from the stirrup he stole to the angle and peered around it. Three men were moving down the road toward the palm groves, and from their slouching gait he knew they were Negroes. They halted at his low call, bunching themselves as he strode toward them, his sword in his hand. Their eyes gleamed whitely in the starlight. Their brutish lust shone in their ebony faces, but they knew their three cudgels could not prevail against his sword, just as he knew it.
"Where are you going*" he challenged (куда вы идете* — спросил он).
"To bid our brothers put out the fire in the pit beyond the groves," was the sullen gutteral reply (велеть нашим братьям потушить костер в яме за рощами, — был угрюмый гортанный ответ; to bid — приказывать, просить). "Aram Baksh promised us a man, but he lied (Арам Бахш обещал нам человека, но он солгал). We found one of our brothers dead in the trap-chamber (мы нашли одного из наших братьев мертвым в комнате-ловушке). We go hungry this night (мы будем голодать этой ночью)."
"I think not," smiled Conan (/я/ не думаю, — улыбнулся Конан). "Aram Baksh will give you a man (Арам Бахш даст вам человека). Do you see that door (видите ту дверь)*"
He pointed to a small, iron-bound portal set in the midst of the western wall (он показал на маленькую, обитую железом дверь, установленную в середине западной стены).
"Wait there (подождите там). Aram Baksh will give you a man (Арам Бахш даст вам человека)."
challenge [***l*n*], dead [ded], portal [p*: tl]
"Where are you going*" he challenged.
"To bid our brothers put out the fire in the pit beyond the groves," was the sullen gutteral reply. "Aram Baksh promised us a man, but he lied. We found one of our brothers dead in the trap-chamber. We go hungry this night."
"I think not," smiled Conan. "Aram Baksh will give you a man. Do you see that door*"
He pointed to a small, iron-bound portal set in the midst of the western wall. "Wait there. Aram Baksh will give you a man."
Backing warily away until he was out of reach of a sudden bludgeon blow (пятясь осторожно, пока он /не/ оказался вне досягаемости неожиданного удара дубиной), he turned and melted around the northwest angle of the wall (он повернулся и исчез за северо-западным углом стены). Reaching his horse he paused to ascertain that the blacks were not sneaking after him (добравшись до своей лошади, он остановился, /чтобы/ убедиться, что черные не крадутся за ним), and then he climbed into the saddle and stood upright on it (и затем он забрался в седло и стал вверх на него = и забрался на него ногами; upright — вертикально, прямо, стоймя), quieting the uneasy steed with a low word (успокаивая беспокойного коня тихим словом). He reached up, grasped the coping of the wall over (он потянулся вверх, схватился за карниз стены) and drew himself up and and over (подтянулся вверх и /перебрался/ через /него/; to draw up — подтянуться; to draw over — перебраться). There he studied the grounds for an instant (там он изучил участок = окрестности за минуту). The tavern was built in the southwest corner of the enclosure (таверна была построена в юго-западном углу огороженного участка), the remaining space of which was occupied by groves and gardens (оставшееся пространство которого было занято рощами и садами). He saw no one in the grounds (он не увидел никого на участке). The tavern was dark and silent (таверна была темной и безмолвной), and he knew all the doors and windows were barred and bolted (и он знал, /что/ все двери и окна были закрыты решетками и засовами; to bar — запирать на засов, закрывать решетками; to bolt — запирать на засов).
study [*st*d*], enclosure [*n*kl*u**], window [*w*nd*u]
Backing warily away until he was out of reach of a sudden bludgeon blow, he turned and melted around the northwest angle of the wall. Reaching his horse he paused to ascertain that the blacks were not sneaking after him, and then he climbed into the saddle and stood upright on it, quieting the uneasy steed with a low word. He reached up, grasped the coping of the wall and drew himself up and over. There he studied the grounds for an instant. The tavern was built in the southwest corner of the enclosure, the remaining space of which was occupied by groves and gardens. He saw no one in the grounds. The tavern was dark and silent, and he knew all the doors and windows were barred and bolted.
Conan knew that Aram Baksh slept in a chamber that opened into a cypress- bordered path (Конан знал, что Арам Бахш спит в комнате, которая открывалась в тропинку, обсаженную кипарисами) that led to the door in the western wall (которая вела к двери в западной стене). Like a shadow he glided among the trees (словно тень, он проскользнул между деревьями), and a few moments later he rapped lightly on the chamber door (и несколько секунд спустя он легонько постучал в дверь комнаты).
"What is it*" asked a rumbling, sleepy voice from within (что такое* — спросил гремящий, сонный голос изнутри; to rumble — громыхать, грохотать, греметь; громко говорить).
western [*west*n], sleepy [*sli: p*], voice [v**s]
Conan knew that Aram Baksh slept in a chamber that opened into a cypress- bordered path that led to the door in the western wall. Like a shadow he glided among the trees, and a few moments later he rapped lightly on the chamber door.
"What is it*" asked a rumbling, sleepy voice from within.
"Aram Baksh!" hissed Conan (Арам Бахш! — прошипел Конан). "The blacks are stealing over the wall (черные крадутся через стену)!"
Almost instantly the door opened, framing the tavern-keeper (почти тотчас дверь открылась, обрамляя хозяина: «держателя» таверны = в проеме появился хозяин таверны), naked but for his shirt (голый за исключением его рубахи = в одной рубахе), with a dagger in his hand (с кинжалом в его руке).
He craned his neck to stare into the Cimmerian's face (он вытянул /свою/ шею, /чтобы/ всмотреться в лицо киммерийца; to stare into — всмотреться). "What tale is this — you! (что за басни /это/ — ты!)"
keeper [*ki: p*], shirt [**: t], neck [nek]
"Aram Baksh!" hissed Conan. "The blacks are stealing over the wall!"
Almost instantly the door opened, framing the tavern-keeper, naked but for his shirt, with a dagger in his hand.
He craned his neck to stare into the Cimmerian's face. "What tale is this — you!"
Conan's vengeful fingers strangled the yell in his throat (мстительные пальцы Конана сдавили крик в его горле). They went to the floor together and Conan wrenched the dagger from his enemy's hand (они пошли на пол = упали на пол вместе, и Конан выкрутил кинжал из руки своего врага). The blade glinted in the starlight, and blood spurted (клинок сверкнул в звездном свете, и хлынула кровь). Aram Baksh made hideous noises, gasping and gagging on a mouthful of blood (Арам Бахш производил отвратительные звуки, задыхаясь и давясь глотками крови; mouthful — полный рот (чего-л.), кусок, глоток). Conan dragged him to his feet and again the dagger slashed (Конан поднял его на /его/ ноги и снова кинжал рубанул), and most of the curly beard fell to the floor (и большая часть курчавой бороды упала на пол).
vengeful [*ven*f*l], mouthful [*mauOf*l], most [m**st]
Conan's vengeful fingers strangled the yell in his throat. They went to the floor together and Conan wrenched the dagger from his enemy's hand. The blade glinted in the starlight, and blood spurted. Aram Baksh made hideous noises, gasping and gagging on a mouthful of blood. Conan dragged him to his feet and again the dagger slashed, and most of the curly beard fell to the floor.
Still gripping his captive's throat (все еще сжимая горло своего пленника) — for a man can scream incoherently even with his throat slit (так как человек может кричать бессвязно даже с /его/ перерезанным горлом; to slit — делать длинный узкий разрез, разрезать в длину, разрезать, рвать) — Conan dragged him out of the dark chamber and down the cypress-shadowed path (Конан вытащил его из темной комнаты /и/ вниз по дорожке, обсаженной кипарисами), to the iron-bound door in the outer wall (к обитой железом дверце во внешней стене). With one hand he lifted the bolt and threw the door open (одной рукой он поднял засов и распахнул дверь; to throw — бросать), disclosing the three shadowy figures which waited like black vultures outside (обнаружив три призрачных фигуры, которые ждали, как черные грифы, снаружи). Into their eager arms Conan thrust the innkeeper (в их жаждущие руки Конан швырнул хозяина гостиницы).
incoherently [**nk*u*h**r*ntl*], cypress [*sa*pr*s], vulture [*v*l**]
Still gripping his captive's throat — for a man can scream incoherently even with his throat slit — Conan dragged him out of the dark chamber and down the cypress-shadowed path, to the iron-bound door in the outer wall. With one hand he lifted the bolt and threw the door open, disclosing the three shadowy figures which waited like black vultures outside. Into their eager arms Conan thrust the innkeeper.
A horrible, blood-choked scream rose from the Zamboulan's throat, but there was no response from the silent tavern (ужасный, давящийся кровью крик раздался из горла замбулийца, но из безмолвной таверны не было ответа; to rise — подниматься). The people there were used to screams outside the wall (люди там привыкли к крикам из-за стены). Aram Baksh fought like a wild man (Арам Бахш сражался, как дикарь), his distended eyes turned frantically on the Cimmerian's face (его расширенные глаза неистово повернулись к лицу киммерийца). He found no mercy there (он нашел никакой пощады там = он не нашел там пощады; to find — находить). Conan was thinking of the scores of wretches who owed their bloody doom to this man's greed (Конан думал о множестве несчастных, которые были обязаны своей кровавой участью жадности этого человека; to owe — быть должным, быть обязанным).
used [ju: st], wretch [re*], greed [*ri: d]
A horrible, blood-choked scream rose from the Zamboulan's throat, but there was no response from the silent tavern. The people there were used to screams outside the wall. Aram Baksh fought like a wild man, his distended eyes turned frantically on the Cimmerian's face. He found no mercy there. Conan was thinking of the scores of wretches who owed their bloody doom to this man's greed.
In glee the Negroes dragged him down the road, mocking his frenzied gibberings (в ликовании негры потащили его по дороге, насмехаясь над его бешеной бессвязной речью). How could they recognize Aram Baksh in this half- naked, bloodstained figure (как они могли узнать Арама Бахша в этой полураздетой, окровавленной фигуре), with the grotesquely shorn beard and unintelligible babblings (с гротескно остриженной бородой и нечленораздельным лепетом; to shear — стричь; обрезать)* The sounds of the struggle came back to Conan, standing beside the gate (звуки борьбы доносились до Конана, стоявшего возле ворот), even after the clump of figures had vanished among the palms (даже после того, как кучка фигур исчезла среди пальм).
gibbering [***b*r**], grotesquely [*r*u*teskl*], unintelligible [**n*n*tel***bl]
In glee the Negroes dragged him down the road, mocking his frenzied gibberings. How could they recognize Aram Baksh in this half-naked, bloodstained figure, with the grotesquely shorn beard and unintelligible babblings* The sounds of the struggle came back to Conan, standing beside the gate, even after the clump of figures had vanished among the palms.
Closing the door behind him, Conan returned to his horse (закрыв дверь за собой, Конан вернулся к своей лошади), mounted, and turned westward (вскочил в седло и повернул на запад; to mount — садиться на лошадь), toward the open desert (в сторону открытой пустыни), swinging wide (делая широкий круг) to skirt the sinister belt of palm groves (чтобы миновать зловещий пояс пальмовых рощ; to skirt — обходить кругом, идти вдоль края). As he rode, he drew from his belt a ring (когда он скакал = на скаку он вытащил из своего пояса кольцо; to ride — скакать, ехать верхом) in which gleamed a jewel that snared the starlight in a shimmering iridescence (в котором сверкал драгоценный камень, который улавливал звездный свет игристыми переливами). He held it up to admire it, turning it this way and that (он поднял его, /чтобы/ полюбоваться, поворачивая его так и сяк). The compact bag of gold pieces clinked gently at his saddle bow (небольшой мешочек золотых монет звенел нежно / тихонько у луки его седла), like a promise of the greater riches to come (как обещание больших грядущих богатств: «больших богатств придти»).
iridescence [*r**des*ns], admire [*d*ma**], promise [*pr*m*s]
Closing the door behind him, Conan returned to his horse, mounted, and turned westward, toward the open desert, swinging wide to skirt the sinister belt of palm groves. As he rode, he drew from his belt a ring in which gleamed a jewel that snared the starlight in a shimmering iridescence. He held it up to admire it, turning it this way and that. The compact bag of gold pieces clinked gently at his saddle bow, like a promise of the greater riches to come.
"I wonder what she'd say if she knew I recognized her as Nafetari and him as Jungir Khan the instant I saw them," he mused (я спрашиваю = интересно, что она сказала бы, если бы она знала, /что/ я узнал ее как Нафертари, а его как Джангир Хана в тот момент, /когда/ я увидел их, — размышлял он). "I knew the Star of Khorala, too (я знал = узнал и Звезду Хорала). There'll be a fine scene if she ever guesses (будет прекрасная сцена, если она когда-нибудь догадается) that I slipped it off his finger while I was tying him with his sword belt (что я снял ее с его пальца, когда я связывал его его поясом для меча). But they'll never catch me, with the start I'm getting (но они никогда /не/ поймают меня — с форой /преимуществом во времени/, /которая/ у меня есть)."
scene [si: n], guess [*es], start [st*:t]
"I wonder what she'd say if she knew I recognized her as Nafetari and him as Jungir Khan the instant I saw them," he mused. "I knew the Star of Khorala, too. There'll be a fine scene if she ever guesses that I slipped it off his finger while I was tying him with his sword belt. But they'll never catch me, with the start I'm getting."
He glanced back at the shadowy palm groves (он оглянулся на тенистые пальмовые рощи), among which a red glare was mounting (среди которых поднималось красное огнище). A chanting rose to the night, vibrating with savage exultation (пение поднялось к ночи, вибрируя диким ликованием). And another sound mingled with it, a mad incoherent screaming (и еще один звук смешался с ним, безумный неясный крик), a frenzied gibbering in which no words could be distinguished (бешеные нечленораздельные звуки, в которых невозможно было разобрать /никаких/ слов; to distinguish — различать, разбирать, распознавать). The noise followed Conan as he rode westward beneath the paling stars (шум преследовал Конан, пока он скакал на запад под бледнеющими звездами; to pale — бледнеть).
exultation [*e**z*lte**n], distinguish [d*s*t***w**], beneath [b**ni: O]
He glanced back at the shadowy palm groves, among which a red glare was mounting. A chanting rose to the night, vibrating with savage exultation. And another sound mingled with it, a mad incoherent screaming, a frenzied gibbering in which no words could be distinguished. The noise followed Conan as he rode westward beneath the paling stars.