Elric in the Dream Realms - Michael Moorcock [115]
ELRIC (frowning): “My memory deserts me. Best take me to the queen. Her name?”
SECOND SAILOR (laughing): “Ho, ho! You pretend not to know Queen Shyrix’x? You who were betrothed to her! You’d be advised to find your memory before you see her again! Come.”
He’s taken to Queen Shyrix’x IX—and she remembers him as a lover. He finds it hard to respond to her. She’s angry, believing herself betrayed by him.
QUEEN SHYRIX’X: “Back from your quest, White Crow? Did you find the Falkryn sorcerer you sought?”
ELRIC: “I have no memory of my past, madam, forgive me …”
SHYRIX’X: “No memory? A lame excuse. You left to sulk because our love had died and I am due to wed Dyvim Mar!”
ELRIC: “I fear that past is gone from me, madam … I was astonished to find the tide so low …”
She responds angrily.
SHYRIX’X: “Rumour says some Chaos beast drinks the oceans. Caravans now cross where seas once were. You pretend not to know this, too?”
ELRIC: “You must believe me, Queen Shyrix’x … I—I think I was under a sleeping charm …”
SHYRIX’X: “No longer under my charm, that’s evident! I refused your love—and you schemed against me, eh?”
She whirls pettishly, but she is half won over. A little puzzled by this attitude, which she had not expected. But she’s beginning to believe him.
ELRIC: “Madam—I assure you …”
Elric and Queen Shyrix’x stand together looking out over the harbour. She puts a friendly hand on his shoulder.
SHYRIX’X: “Well, our cooled love and Imrryr’s rebuilding must both wait. You know the sea levels fall—”
A caravan of odd beasts of burden crosses a desert, once an ocean.
SHYRIX’X: “—but our capital grows vulnerable to barbarian attack!”
The sea-maze. Waters grow very low, exposing rocks and stranded sea creatures.
SHYRIX’X: “Our sea defenses no longer protect us against our Falkryn foes. You are our nation’s champion, White Crow. How will you help us?”
ELRIC: “I see my task, sweet lady. As to its solution … how can I see what is happening in the world at large?”
SHYRIX’X: “We must ask the Dragon Master…your rival, Dyvim Mar.”
The Dragon Caves. Queen and Elric stand together observing the sleeping dragons. They are clearly in a very deep sleep, save for one younger dragon, who raises a sleepy eye to regard them. Dyvim Mar, the Dragon Master, greets them cheerfully. He wears a version, a little more primitive, of the clothing worn by the first Dragon Master Elric and Cymoril encountered when they visited the caves in Book One. He embraces Elric.
DYVIM MAR: “Ah, cousin! Our champion returns! Our need for you is great. You know of the seas receding?”
ELRIC: “Aye, but not why. We must wake a dragon, cousin. Is that possible?”
DYVIM MAR: “You’ll recall we used all the Phoorn only some nine years past to defend ourselves against the Falkryn, who have long coveted us our power. But we held one back, as we always do. Snaptail! She’s ready. And eager for the skies. Where would you go?”
ELRIC: “Across the world, so that we can observe all the oceans. If some natural dam has raised itself, perhaps we can destroy it.”
DYVIM MAR: “Good thinking, cousin. She’ll be ready by morning …”
Back at the palace, Queen Shyrix’x holds up her hands, believing that Elric means to follow her into the bedchamber…
SHYRIX’X: “If by feigning memory loss you hope to revive our love …”
ELRIC (concerned): “Believe me, madam, I intend to serve you and Melniboné only as your champion.”
A little disappointed, the queen accepts his refusal. She claps her hands. Servants enter. She gives orders:
SHYRIX’X: “Prepare our champion’s quarters. Sleep well, White Crow. And may your memory soon be restored.”
And shortly after daybreak …
Queen and some warriors stand by while Elric and Dyvim Mar get ready to mount the huge dragon which now crouches on the side of the harbour. Further away stands a crowd of Melnibonéans. Others hang from balconies to watch. She embraces Dyvim