Elric in the Dream Realms - Michael Moorcock [121]
FALKRYN LEADER: “We leave to find the fabled ‘lost ocean.’”
Now Wild Dog’s grip on the throne grew weaker …
Yyrkoon/Wild Dog, surrounded by Melnibonéan guards who have a somewhat decadent look, sits brooding on the Ruby Throne.
YYRKOON (thinks): “I must consolidate my power or my plans come to nothing. Once the dragons wake, I rule the world. But until then …”
MELNIBONÉAN GUARD: “Our water runs low, Lord King. I understood you had a compact with Duke Artigkern …”
YYRKOON (scowling): “So I do. He’ll keep his bargain. I’ll see to that! But these rebels must be tricked into submission …”
ANOTHER GUARD (whispers in his ear): “Then, sire …”
A newly dry approach to Imrryr…
We see a caravan coming in from the drained sea bottoms. The beasts have giant water jars and skins strapped over them. Queen Shyrix’x and Dyvim Mar lie hidden in wait with a small band of men, ready to raid it.
… now a caravan route for that most precious of commodities …
SHYRIX’X: “The people grow thirsty. This water will ease their misery …”
She leads her men in an attack on the caravan.
The canyons echo with battle cries …
… followed by an abrupt silence!
SHYRIX’X: “It’s a trap!”
From hiding all around them comes a large force of warriors. The queen fights bravely, but it’s clear the soldiers want only her. Their men lie dead all around them. Dyvim Mar is badly wounded. She cries to him to escape:
SHYRIX’X: “Flee, Dyvim Mar! Warn White Crow and the others!”
She’s dragged before Yyrkoon who grins in pleasure.
YYRKOON: “You’re mine now, lady.”
They then drag in the wounded Dyvim Mar.
YYRKOON: “Become my queen and consolidate my power over Melniboné—or your paramour dies in exquisite agony!”
Elric watches from cover as…
The great ceremonial procession winds its way through the streets of Melniboné.
Yyrkoon is very smug, but clearly Queen Shyrix’x is deeply miserable.
The watching crowd is not exactly overjoyed, but they bow low before the passing parade, accepting the inevitable.
ELRIC (thinks): “He has achieved some legitimacy. And soon the dragons will begin to wake. Wild Dog’s power will be complete.”
Elric sneaks into the royal apartments to keep an assignation with Shyrix’x.
She fears Yyrkoon but risks all to speak to Elric.
SHYRIX’X: “Dyvim Mar is thrown into the oubliette. His life ensures my good behaviour—but the people grow unruly. Water is too scarce. They thirst.”
Elric gets into the dungeons and sees Dyvim Mar, still wounded, down at the bottom of the oubliette. As Elric speaks he breaks a dagger trying to undo the padlock holding the grille in place.
ELRIC: “Hsssst! Dyvim Mar!”
DYVIM MAR: “Cousin! Risk not your own liberty here. I’m too valuable. They’ll not let me get free again.”
DYVIM MAR: “While I’m his prisoner the queen will do whatever he orders. Yet she’s right—thirst will madden them enough to rise up and overthrow him…”
In the dragon caverns …
Elric looks down on the sleeping dragons, some of whom are indeed stirring. He is thoughtful, trying to work out a plan.
Out of nowhere a black raven comes to settle on his shoulder. He addresses it.
ELRIC: “Ha, old friend. You saved my life once. But how can we save the folk of Melniboné from tyranny and the world from drought…?”
VOICE (from outside the frame [it’s Arioch]): “There’s one way, my friend.”
CHAPTER FOUR
Dealing with Darkness
A figure of smoke and flame gradually materializes into the golden youth who is Duke Arioch of Chaos.
ARIOCH: “I wish only to help you, young mortal …”
ELRIC (reacts angrily): “Before I make bargains with Chaos I’ll risk everything!!!”
ARIOCH: “A few more weeks and the dragons wake. The emperor will control them. He will have the power to set the whole world on fire. But if he were thwarted and Artigkern were dead, Melniboné would thrive again as a force for good…”
ELRIC: “Good? What does Chaos know of good?”
ARIOCH: “You simplify the multiverse. Neither Law nor Chaos are forces for good or evil in themselves. It is the use to which they are put by mortals that