maruto: переводы

→THE KINGBREAKER

→“Was a smuggler. I shortened his fingers for that. They tell me that you are the nine-hundred-ninety-eighth man to command the Night’s Watch, Lord Snow. What do you think the nine-hundred-ninety-ninth might say about these castles? The sight of your head on a spike might inspire him to be more helpful.” The king laid his bright blade down on the map, along the Wall, its steel shimmering like sunlight on water. “You are only lord commander by my sufferance. You would do well to remember that.”

→Or bastards, Sire? “Your own Hand is a smuggler.”

→The king was unmoved. “I have knights and lords in my service, scions of noble Houses old in honor. They cannot be expected to serve under poachers, peasants, and murderers.”

→“They can wear any color cloak they choose, so long as they obey my officers as they would your own.”

→Stannis stared at him incredulously, then gave a bark of laughter. “You are bold enough, Snow, I grant you that, but you’re mad if you think my men will take the black.”

→“Then give me men, Sire. I will provide officers for each of the abandoned forts, seasoned commanders who know the Wall and the lands beyond, and how best to survive the coming winter. In return for all we’ve given you, grant me the men to fill out the garrisons. Men-at-arms, cross-bowmen, raw boys. I will even take your wounded and infirm.”

→“You do not have the men.”

→“—by the Night’s Watch.”

→“No, Sire. I agree these castles must be garrisoned—” “The boy commander agrees. How fortunate.”

→“Don’t prate your words at me.” Stannis drew the blade he called Lightbringer. “Here is your sword in the darkness.” Light rippled up and down the blade, now red, now yellow, now orange, painting the king’s face in harsh, bright hues. “Even a green boy should be able to see that. Are you blind?”

→“The watcher on the walls. The sword in the darkness.”

→“Snow. Was ever a name more ill-omened?” Stannis touched his sword hilt. “Just who do you imagine that you are?”

→“I have a name, Your Grace.”

→“Cannot or will not?” The cords in the king’s neck stood out sharp as swords. “I offered you a name.”

→“... to defend the Wall,” Jon finished stubbornly, “not as seats for southron lords. The stones of those forts are mortared with the blood and bones of my brothers, long dead. I cannot give them to you.”

→“And the Night’s Watch abandoned them.”

→“The Night’s Watch built those castles ...”

→“You offer me empty lands and desolations, yet deny me the castles I require to reward my lords and bannermen.”

→Jon ignored that. “I have given you fodder for your horses, and once the stair is done I will lend you builders to restore the Nightfort. I have even agreed to allow you to settle wildlings on the Gift, which was given to the Night’s Watch in perpetuity.”