"Camp & Lin Carter - Conan Of Cimmeria - 01 - The Curse Of The Monolith" - читать интересную книгу автора (Camp L. Sprague de)

Heaven, for Your Lordship possesses the musculature of three
ordinary men. And, being a Western-born foreigner, you naturally
do not share the superstitious terrors of us of Kusan. Am I
correct in my assumption?"

Conan grunted. "I fear neither god, man, nor devil, and least of
all the ghost of a long-dead king. Speak on, Lord Feng."

The duke sidled closer, his voice dropping to a scarcely audible
whisper. "Then, here is my plan. As I have stated, this person
guided you hither because I thought you might be he whom I have
sought. The task will be light for one of your strength, and my
baggage includes tools for excavation. Let us go upon the
instant, and within an hour we shall be richer than either of us
has dreamed!"

Feng's seductive, purring whisper awoke the lust for loot in
Conan's barbaric heart, but a residue of caution restrained the
Cimmerian from immediate assent.

"Why not rouse a squad of troopers to aid us?" he grumbled. "Or
your servants? Surely we shall need help in bringing the plunder
back to camp!"

Feng shook his sleek head. "Not so, honorable ally! The treasure
consists of two small golden caskets of virgin gold, each packed
with exceedingly rare and precious gems. We can each carry the
fortune of a princedom, and why share this treasure with others?
Since the secret is mine alone, I am naturally entitled to half.
Then, if you are so lavish as to divide your half amongst your
forty warriors...well, that is for you to decide."

It took no more urging to persuade Conan to Duke Feng's scheme.
The pay of King Yildiz's soldiers was meager and usually in
arrears. Conan's recompense for his arduous Turanian service to
date had been many empty words of honor and precious little hard
coin.

"I go to fetch the digging implements," murmured Feng. "We
should leave the camp separately, so as not to arouse suspicion.
Whilst I unpack the utensils, you shall don your coat of mail and
your arms."

Conan frowned. "Why should I need armor, just to dig up a chest?"

"Oh, excellent sir! There are many dangers in these hills. Here
roam the terrible tiger, the fierce leopard, the churlish bear,
and the irascible wild bull, not to mention wandering bands of
primitive hunters. Since a Khitan gentleman is not trained in
the use of arms, your mighty self must be prepared to fight for