Elric in the Dream Realms - Michael Moorcock [145]
He lies flat across his horses neck as overhead one of the huge Melnibonéan dragons flies in rapid pursuit. He’s riding over the ocean again, the dragon getting closer and closer.
They have reached land. The horse rears up as the dragon lands in front of it.
It opens its maw, poison and fiery venom bubbling from it and falling with a fiery splash to the ground.
ELRIK: “I cannot defeat a dragon. But I can die like a Melnibonéan king!” The dragon pauses, surprised.
DRAGON: “You speak the language of the Phoorn? You are our kin?”
ELRIK: “Aye. I expect no mercy from you. I have seen what you have done to the mainland tribes …”
DRAGON: “You are the Silverskin. We have a bond, you and I.I am Flamefang, oldest of the Phoorn.”
Elrik dismounts and reaches a hand to Flamefang’s snout.
ELRIK: “Bond?”
FLAMEFANG: “The silverskins saved us from limbo. Our loyalty is to you first. Many Phoorn now sleep in our caves. They are weary of their work. But I have slept longest and am ready to serve my brother. How can Flamefang help?”
ELRIK: “I do not yet know. Return to your cave. I will call you if you are needed. Now I go to seek allies amongst the new tribes …”
The dragon turns to leave, but Elrik stays it for a moment—
ELRIK: “Stay, brother. Tell me what has become of my sister Asrid. Less than ten years ago I left her ruling a peaceful kingdom—and now that black-armoured creature rules in her place …”
Flamefang pauses.
FLAMEFANG: “I cannot help you, brother. I know nothing of the court politics. We merely serve whoever rules—unless, like me, we remember certain loyalties…”
ELRIK: “Is Dyvim Karm still Lord of the Dragon Caves?”
FLAMEFANG: “He fled when he refused to lead us against the new tribes. His brother Dyvim Nir now commands us. But most already sleep. We have become weary with all this warfare. And now—farewell! Call me when you need me!”
The great shape of the dragon ascends into the dawn sky, leaving Elrik puzzled, confused and dismayed.
Only a few days later…
Elrik comes upon a Melnibonéan, ragged and starving, and greets him with joy.
ELRIK: “Dyvim Karm! I’ve sought you everywhere. I feared you killed.”
The two men embrace with some joy.
We next see them sitting beside a fire while Dyvim Karm eats part of a rabbit with some gusto.
DYVIM KARM: “It happened so swiftly. One moment your sweet sister enjoined us all to peace. The next, this creature in black armour, wielding that filthy sword, was on the throne. Those who refused to serve the Black Armour lost their souls to the sword. Your sister, I fear, is murdered. All I could rescue in my flight was my Dragon Horn …”
ELRIK: “We must find allies to attack and reconquer Melniboné. What’s more, I am sworn to take that black sword back to its rightful keepers.”
Through the coming months, King Elrik sought the remnants of the mainland tribes, trying to create an alliance powerful enough to defeat the usurper…
Elrik is in the mountains again. He is meeting with the remnants of various barbarian tribes who have been attacked and defeated by the Melnibonéan forces.
One of the tribal leaders, the most striking and forceful, is Queen Bisrana, who is Queen of the Shazaars. She steps forward to confront Elrik.
QUEEN BISRANA: “I am Bisrana, Queen of the Shazaar. Why should we trust one of your blood?”
ELRIK: “Because we have common cause. My cousin, Dyvim Karm, has told you how Melnibonéan power was stolen from my sister.”
Chief Thokor of the Jharks now springs up.
THOKOR: “I, Thokor of the Jharks, would know what you offer us.”
ELRIK: “A pact between our nations. I played no part in my people’s attack on yours.”
King Ralyn of the Dhar tribe now speaks:
KING RALYN: “I am Ralyn of the Dhars. You promise us loot, which will repay us for what has been stolen.”
ELRIK: “I want none of my people needlessly killed. He who wears the black armour is responsible for what has happened. I do not believe he is of my blood.”
The chiefs are in conference, talking amongst themselves while Elrik waits to one side.