"Roads by Seabury Quinn" - читать интересную книгу автора (Quinn Seabury)



"Lord Jarl," he said, "I would not live always. There
comes a time when arm grows weak and sight grows dim,
however strong and brave the heart may be, and man is no
more able to take part in the man's game. Say, rather, Lord,
that I may die with sword or axe in hand and the wild war-
shout in my mouth, in the full vigor of my manhood, and
while the crimson tide of battle runs full-spate. Let it be that
Odin's beauteous daughters deem me worthy to be taken
from the battlefield and borne aloft to that Valhalla where
heroes play the sword-game evermore."
"Not so, my Claus. Thou who hast put thy life in forfeit
for the safety of a little child hast better things in store for
thee. When the name of Odin is forgot, and in all the world
there is none to do him reverence, thy name and fame shall
live, and laughing, happy children shall praise thy goodness
and thy loving-kindness. Thou shalt live immortally in every
childish heart so long as men shall celebrate my birthday."
"I shall live past Ragnavok?"
"Ragnavok is come, Claus. The old gods die, the fires
upon their altars sink to whitened ashes and the voices of their
worshippers grow weak, but thou shalt live so long as gleeful
children praise thy name at the season of winter solstice."
"Then I shall be a mighty hero?"
"A hero to be held in loving memory by every man who
ever was a child."
"Lord Jarlkin, I think thou art mistaken. Rather would I
die with the sword-song in my ears and the din of battle for a

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dirge, but if thou speakest sooth, why, then, a man follows his
star, and where mine leads I go."
Then Claus unsheathed his sword and flourished it three
times above his head and finally brought its point to rest upon
the road, for thus did heroes of the Northland pay respect to
their liege lords.
The father cried out in afright when he heard the gray
sword whistle in the air, but the mother looked on calmly, nor
did she seem to marvel when the Northling spake in heathen
language to her infant, as though he answered to unspoken
words.
So Claus bade them safe faring on their way to Egypt
land, and turned to face him toward the North Star and the
homeward road.