영어로 읽는 고전 _ 로버트 W. 크렙스의 마법에 걸린 십자군
"로버트 W. 크렙스의 '마법에 걸린 십자군'은 1950년대 초에 쓰인 것으로 추정되는 판타지 소설입니다. 이야기는 십자군 전쟁 시기에 시작되며, 영국으로 향하는 페스트선과 관련된 재앙을 막기 위해 어두운 마법과 중대한 위험에 맞서야 하는 영국 기사 갓윈과 그의 동료 라미자일, 엘 사루크에 초점을 맞춥니다. 책의 도입부는 말콤 경이라는 죽어가는 남자가 갓윈과 그의 친구들에게 무파달 알 마문이 이끄는 배에 감염된 쥐를 통해 영국에 페스트를 퍼뜨리려는 사라센인들의 불길한 음모에 대해 알려주면서 모험적인 분위기를 설정합니다. 갓윈은 대담하고 재치 있는 기사로 묘사되며, 매력적인 전직 마법사 라미자일과 그녀의 삼촌인 엘 사루크가 동행합니다. 그들이 무파달의 계획을 좌절시키기 위한 시간과의 경주를 시작하면서, 날개 달린 사자와의 위험한 조우를 포함한 다양한 마법적, 물리적 도전에 직면합니다. 중세 판타지의 이러한 흥미로운 묘사는 모험, 마법, 그리고 선과 악 사이의 기본적인 투쟁이라는 주제를 얽어냅니다."
Classics Read in English _ The Enchanted Crusade by Robert W. Krepps
"The Enchanted Crusade" by Robert W. Krepps is a fantasy novel believed to have been written in the early 1950s. Set during the era of the Crusades, the narrative follows Godwin, an English knight who, alongside his companions Ramizail and El Sareuk, must confront dark sorcery and formidable dangers to prevent a catastrophe involving a plague ship destined for England.
The novel opens with a compelling scene as a dying man named Sir Malcolm reveals to Godwin and his companions a sinister Saracen plot orchestrated by Mufaddal al Mamun to unleash a devastating plague upon England through infected rats transported by ship. Godwin is portrayed as a valiant and resourceful knight, accompanied by the captivating Ramizail, a woman with a background in sorcery, and her uncle El Sareuk, a wise and experienced traveler.
As the trio embarks on their urgent quest to thwart Mufaddal's nefarious plans, they encounter various magical and physical obstacles, including a harrowing confrontation with a mythical winged lion. Their journey takes them through exotic landscapes and dangerous territories, testing not only their courage but also their faith in one another.
This rich medieval fantasy skillfully interweaves themes of adventure, mysticism, and the age-old battle between good and evil. Through vivid characterization and imaginative scenarios, Krepps creates a world where historical elements of the Crusades blend seamlessly with fantastical elements of magic and supernatural creatures, offering readers an enthralling escape into a realm where bravery and enchantment collide in equal measure.
Among the contents
Just as daybreak burst over the rim of the desert, the dying man heard the crunch of horses' hooves on sand. He lifted his head and croaked as loudly as collapsing lungs would let him, saying thrice over, "In the name of God, help!" Then he pitched on his nose again and lay still, unable to move so much as an eyelash.
There was the grit of sand under the light tread of men, and a voice said, "Name of all camels! What a collection of vulture-victuals this one is!"
"I doubt it was he cried out," said another voice. "He must have been dead for a decade." This voice then rendered a belch of classic proportions. "Damn those figs," it said.
"If you will eat three pounds at a breakfast, Godwin love," said a throaty feminine voice, all full of honey and laughter, "you must expect some few repercussions."
The dying man collected his will and the scraps of strength that were left in his tortured body, and shoving at the sand with one arm managed to roll over on his back. The horizon-cleared sun lanced sickeningly across his eyeballs, adding one more pain to the thousand which beset him. Three vague dark shapes bent above him.
