Elric Swords and Roses - Michael Moorcock [130]
BELPHIG: “It becomes necessary to employ rogues like Captain Jarak—but I fear his respect for authority is not all it should be …”
Urlik is about to make an amused reply when Meliadus looks up. He speaks gruffly.
MELIADUS: “Here, Lord Urlik, we’ll begin your education at once. By morning we’ll be at sea—and by noon we’ll have sighted Paphanal …”
Meliadus indicates a spot on what would be, more or less, the European mainland of the Mediterranean, though the coastline is very different and the sea itself is narrower.
URLIK: “The name’s meaningless. I can’t see what use I’m going to be …”
BELPHIG: “Paphanal is the Eldren’s main sea-port. If we strike first we’ve a good chance of carrying the attack—before they can use their sorcery!”
URLIK: “How could we fight ‘sorcery’?”
BELPHIG (enthusiastic): “You, Urlik, are our shield. You have the power of the Champion.”
Meliadus shows resentment of this wholehearted enthusiasm for Urlik. He scowls.
MELIADUS: “We’d best leave our Champion from the reckoning—until he’s proved himself …”
BELPHIG: “He will, my lord king …”
URLIK: “I wish I could agree …”
Belphig is more than anxious to reassure Urlik.
BELPHIG: “The combination will make us victorious—Sword and Champion together.”
Urlik glances again at the Black Sword, now resting on his hip. A flicker of mystification crosses his face. Again he makes to draw it from the scabbard. Again Belphig stays his hand.
BELPHIG: “Not yet. That sword must not be drawn until we face Eldren sorcery …”
URLIK: “Sorcery …”
He shakes his head and Meliadus rounds on him.
MELIADUS: “For ten thousand years they’ve waited for this chance! Mankind’s weakened to near-extinction. The Eldren live only to take vengeance on us. Long ago we defeated them—forced them back to their wilderness …”
BELPHIG (almost sadly): “Unless they’re destroyed we’ll not survive. You, reincarnation of our ancient Champion, give us the power to resist them—giving us the spirit to fight this last great fight. Without you, the race dies …”
Urlik has become more serious as he listens. He seems burdened by the information. He’s about to ask a question when Iolinda enters. She is golden, beautiful, young and sweet, and Urlik feels an immediate attraction. Meliadus is surly but accepts the inevitability of the situation we’ll learn about in the next scene.
IOLINDA: “Father …”
MELIADUS: “Iolinda, Lord Urlik asks me too many questions—since it’s your destiny and his right—and I’ve no time—take him—eh—to his cabin, eh?”
Iolinda demurely bows her head and takes Urlik’s hand. Astonished, somewhat delighted by this, he lets her lead him from the cabin.
26. Ext. Flagship. Sunset.
Urlik and Iolinda are walking along the ship which is now sailing towards the mouth of the river. They are close to Urlik’s cabin at the far end of the ship. She hesitates as they near it.
URLIK: “Destiny? Right? Do you know what he meant—Iolinda?”
Demurely she stares at her feet, but she is quite amused.
IOLINDA: “I know, Lord Urlik. It is traditional …”
They reach the cabin door. Urlik pauses as she puts her hand to the latch.
URLIK: “Your destiny—my right?”
Iolinda pushes open the cabin door.
IOLINDA: “The right to wed the king’s daughter …”
27. Int. Urlik’s cabin. Evening.
Iolinda lights a lamp in Urlik’s plainly furnished cabin. Urlik stares at her speculatively, hardly believing his luck. She is self-possessed, enjoying his surprise.
URLIK: “I’m not sure I understood you correctly …”
IOLINDA: “About our traditions?”
URLIK: “Well …”
IOLINDA: “It is true, I am afraid, my lord. I am yours, whether you desire me or not—it is what the legend foretold, you see.”
She turns to him, presenting a mock-doleful face. She is close to him. She becomes serious.
IOLINDA: “If you could find it in you to love me a little …”
Urlik moves forward to take her hands. He is smiling.
URLIK: “I think, perhaps, I could …”
Iolinda seems satisfied. Urlik sits down on his bunk, grinning, as she moves towards the door.