`That should make no difference. Your trouble is, Vadhagh, that these horrors I employ are Mabden horrors. You associate with Mabden, but you are still a Vadhagh. The dark dreams of the Mabden frighten you less than they frighten the Mabden themselves. If you had been a Mabden, I should have had an easier task of convincing you…
`But you could not use a Mabden for the task you have in mind (но ты не мог использовать мабдена для /выполнения/ задания, которое ты задумал: «у тебя на уме»), Corum said grimly (мрачно). `Am I right (я прав)?
`Your brains are sharpening (твои мозги заостряются = ты начинаешь соображать;
`What is the task (каково задание)?
`To steal something I need if I am to develop my ambitions further (украсть кое-что, необходимое мне, если я должен развивать амбиции дальше = для дальнейших целей).
`Could you not steal it yourself (а сам ты не можешь украсть это)?
`Of course not (конечно, нет). How could I leave my island (как я могу покинуть свой остров)? They would destroy me then, of a certainty (тогда они уничтожат меня, несомненно).
`Who would destroy you (кто уничтожит тебя)?
exactly ['zaektl] task [t:sk]
`But you could not use a Mabden for the task you have in mind, Corum said grimly. `Am I right?
`Your brains are sharpening. That is exactly the truth. No Mabden could survive what you must survive. And I am not sure that even a Vadhagh…
`What is the task?
`To steal something I need if I am to develop my ambitions further.
`Could you not steal it yourself?
`Of course not. How could I leave my island? They would destroy me then, of a certainty.
`Who would destroy you?
`My rivals, of course — the Sword Rulers and the rest (мои противники, разумеется — Повелители Мечей и другие)! I only survive because I protect myself with all manner of devices and spells (я выживаю лишь потому, что защищаю себя всевозможными средствами и заклинаниями;
consequences ['knskwnsz] courage ['kr] thoroughly ['rl]
`My rivals, of course — the Sword Rulers and the rest! I only survive because I protect myself with all manner of devices and spells which, though they have, at this moment, the power to break, they dare not do so for fear of the consequences. To break my spells might lead to the very dissolution of the Fifteen Planes — and the extinction of the Sword Rulers themselves. No, you must do the thieving for me. No other, in this whole plane, would have the courage — or the motivation. For if you do this thing, I will restore Rhalina to you. And, if you still wish it, you will have the power to take your vengeance on Glandyth-a-Krae. But, I assure you, the real one to blame for the very existence of Glandyth is the Knight of the Swords, and by stealing this thing from him, you will be thoroughly avenged.
Corum said: `What must I steal (что я должен украсть)?
Shool chuckled.
`His heart, Master Corum (его сердце, господин Корум).
`You wish me to kill a God and take his heart (ты хочешь, чтобы я убил бога и забрал его сердце) …