Duke Elric - Michael Moorcock [76]
ISAAK: “YOU Moors have so much more time to spend on theory. Tell me—how are things in Cordova?”
A shot through the columns of the kiosk. It's a magical night.
KAYED: “I heard the capital was quiet. The Regent Al-Mansur, may he be blessed by Allah, is returning triumphant against the Christian dukes. This makes him indulgent in turn to our own Jews and Christians. You should be safe enough. Do you visit friends or go to trade?”
Mid-shot of Elric.
ELRIC: “For my own part I seek knowledge of a creature called ‘The Silverskin’ …”
KAYED: “Our library is one of the three finest in the world. Thousands of volumes—some even in your rough tongue, Duke Elric! If the information exists, you'll find it there.”
ISAAK: “My business in Cordova is more prosaic. I have money waiting. I left rather hastily several years ago, when the regent's mood was not so temperate.”
The Kayed is reassuring. A lute player now entertains them. Isaacs attitude is somewhat frosty.
KAYED: “I'll give you safe conducts and introductions. Presumably you'll be seeking a rich husband for your daughter?”
ISAAK: “My daughter, sir, is already betrothed.”
Kayed points towards distant hills—
KAYED: “There are two roads to Cordova. Take the longest. It has no bandits. The forest route is dangerous.”
Exterior. Day. Isaak, Elric and Rebecca are back on the road to Cordova. The city behind them in the far distance, they come to a fork in the road…
ISAAK: “The Kayed warned against the forest road.”
ELRIC: “Take the safe road—I'll join you later …”
Exterior. Day. Elric rides along down a rocky-sided path through the deep forest. He is smiling privately and murmuring to himself—
ELRIC: “I think I smell predators …”
There follows a melange—four turbaned bandits come rushing down off the rocks to attack^ Elric who draws Stormbringer—and disposes of them all in a rapid and familiar (if largely unseen) fashion …
Exterior. Day. The safe road to Cordova. Elric joins his companions on it. He looks more content—even well fed.
Exterior. Day. The three approach their goal. The wonderful outlines of Cordova are off in the distance. Isaak points excitedly:
ISAAK: “Cordova at last!”
Exterior. Day. The city of Cordova. This is a city with street-lighting (brass oil-lamps), paved roads, baths, running water, schools, libraries and a tradition of tolerance. A dense, busy population, bartering, chatting, running, scheming. Carts, donkeys, camels, dogcarts, oxen, etc., crowd the gates and the three companions ride through …
ISAAK: “Let's separate. We'll complete our business and meet back here as soon as possible.”
ELRIC: “I'll see you at sunset.”
Interior. Day. Elric is in the great library, surrounded by vellum books and scrolls. A kindly, bespectacled librarian has helped him find the books he needs. He's inspecting a scroll.
LIBRARIAN: “There are a few references. I suspect the legend is fairly recent.”
ELRIC: “But all the tales say Silverskin's realm lies at the heart of Africa.”
Interior. Day. Elric hands a scroll back to the librarian.
ELRIC: “HOW do I begin to look for him?”
LIBRARIAN: “The continent is measureless. Some believe it to be of infinite size. You must go there. It is all you can do.”
Exterior. Close to sunset. Elric is in a contemplative mood as he walks through the bazaar towards the Bab Maghrib, the Gate of the West. He's in the street of the carpet sellers. They all vie for his attention. In the distance, Isaak spots him.
SELLER: “These carpets are woven by the delicate fingers of six-year-old girls. Look at the quality! Hang it on your wall. Put it on your floor. Impress your neighbours with your taste and wealth.”
Something about the seller makes Elric pause and turn towards him. The seller has jade-green eyes, an ironic manner…
SELLER: