Elric of Melnibone - Michael Moorcock [34]
‘Let us hope so.’ Dyvim Tvar was privately sceptical about the benefits they would gain from the Ship Which Sails Over Land and Sea. They reached the horses and he began to wipe the water off the flanks of his own roan. ‘I regret,’ he said, ‘that we have once again allowed the dragons to expend their energy on a useless endeavour. With a squadron of my beasts, we could do much against Prince Yyrkoon. And it would be fine and wild, my friend, to ride the skies again, side by side, as we used to.’
‘When all this is done and Princess Cymoril brought home, we shall do that,’ said Elric, hauling himself wearily into the saddle of his white stallion. ‘You shall blow the Dragon Horn and our dragon brothers will hear it and you and I shall sing the Song of the Dragon Masters and our goads shall flash as we straddle Flamefang and his mate Sweetclaw. Ah, that will be like the days of old Melniboné, when we no longer equate freedom with power, but let the Young Kingdoms go their own way and be certain that they let us go ours!’
Dyvim Tvar pulled on his horse’s reins. His brow was clouded. ‘Let us pray that day will come, my lord. But I cannot help this nagging thought which tells me that Imrryr’s days are numbered and that my own life nears its close...’
‘Nonsense, Dyvim Tvar. You’ll survive me. There’s little doubt of that, though you be my elder.’
Dyvim Tvar said, as they galloped back through the closing day: ‘I have two sons. Did you know that, Elric?’
‘You have never mentioned them.’
‘They are by old mistresses.’
‘I am happy for you.’
‘They are fine Melnibonéans.’
‘Why do you mention this, Dyvim Tvar?’ Elric tried to read his friend’s expression.
‘It is that I love them and would have them enjoy the pleasures of the Dragon Isle.’
‘And why should they not?’
‘I do not know.’ Dyvim Tvar looked hard at Elric. ‘I could suggest that it is your responsibility, the fate of my sons, Elric.’
‘Mine?’
‘It seems to me, from what I gathered from the Water Elemental’s words, that your decisions could decide the fate of the Dragon Isle. I ask you to remember my sons, Elric.’
‘I shall, Dyvim Tvar. I am certain they shall grow into superb Dragon Masters and that one of them shall succeed you as Lord of the Dragon Caves.’
‘I think you miss my meaning, my lord emperor.’
And Elric looked solemnly at his friend and shook his head. ‘I do not miss your meaning, old friend. But I think you judge me harshly if you fear I’ll do ought to threaten Melniboné and all she is.’
‘Forgive me, then.’ Dyvim Tvar lowered his head. But the expression in his eyes did not change.
In Imrryr they changed their clothes and drank hot wine and had spiced food brought. Elric, for all his weariness, was in better spirits than he had been for many a month. And yet there was still a tinge of something behind his surface mood which suggested he encouraged himself to speak gaily and put vitality into his movements. Admittedly, thought Dyvim Tvar, the prospects had improved and soon they would be confronting Prince Yyrkoon. But the dangers ahead of them were unknown, the pitfalls probably considerable. Still, he did not, out of sympathy for his friend, want to dispel Elric’s mood. He was glad, in fact, that Elric seemed in a more positive frame of mind. There was talk of the equipment they would need in their expedition to the mysterious lands of Yu and Oin, speculation concerning the capacity of the Ship Which Sails Over Land and Sea—how many men it would take, what provisions they should put aboard and so on.
When Elric went to his bed, he did not walk with the dragging tiredness which had previously accompanied his step and again, bidding him goodnight, Dyvim Tvar was struck by the same emotion which had filled him on the beach, watching Elric begin his rune. Perhaps it was not by chance that he had used the example of his sons when speaking to Elric earlier that day, for he had a feeling that was almost protective, as if Elric were a boy looking forward to some treat which might not bring him the joy he expected.
Dyvim Tvar dismissed