Elric Swords and Roses - Michael Moorcock [133]
URLIK: “Jarak—get Iolinda away. I’ll do what I can!”
Urlik has time to glance once in astonishment at the enchanted blade in his hand and then the Sea Stag is coming for him.
46. Ext. Ship. Day.
The jaws of the Sea Stag open wide, dwarfing Urlik completely. But he slashes at the snout with the Black Sword and—by a miracle, it seems—draws blood. The beast draws its head back in astonishment—it has never been hurt by a mortal before.
47. Ext. Ship. Day.
Urlik leaps to balance on part of the rail still not smashed, steadying himself by means of a piece of trailing wreckage. As the Sea Stag snaps at him again he swings the Black Sword—and chops off one of its antlers. The beast snorts in astonishment.
48. Ext. Ship. Day.
Yelling, Urlik leans out from the rail, holding on only by the piece of rigging, and plunges the Black Sword directly between the beast’s startled eyes. The beast shrieks.
49. Ext. Ship. Day.
Urlik readies himself for another attack from the Sea Stag. But the Sea Stag has had enough. Snorting, wounded, gouting blood, it sinks beneath the water. In relief, Urlik jumps back to the deck.
50. Ext. Ship. Day.
Iolinda runs up to Urlik and embraces him, thanking him for saving them all. Jarak hovers nearby, grinning sheepishly as he sheathes his sword. Urlik is startled. He is hardly aware of Iolinda or anyone else as he stares down at his bright black sword.
IOLINDA: “You prove yourself our Champion. You saved all our lives!”
JARAK: “A living legend has practical uses, after all …”
URLIK: “It was this sword saved us. I did nothing … Stormbringer—aptly named …”
51. Ext. Ship. Day.
Belphig moves into the scene smiling with satisfaction.
BELPHIG: “Now do you believe? Stormbringer allows only mankind’s true Hero to wield her!”
Urlik looks at the sword in some distaste and, with a quick movement, returns it to the scabbard. The faint singing noise stops at once. Meliadus, a little shame-faced, approaches.
MELIADUS: “You saved Iolinda’s life. I thank you—Champion …”
Urlik is grim, unhappy about what has happened, half-suspicious of them all.
URLIK: “You condemn sorcery—but this sword is sorcery! I am not sure I want its aid …”
BELPHIG: “The Sea Stag would have destroyed us all if you had not had Stormbringer. You must accept your destiny …”
Iolinda clings to him.
IOLINDA: “All this will not last long. Soon Earth will be cleansed of the Eldren vermin—and we shall be wed …”
52. Ext. Ship. Day.
A close-up of Belphig who has become unusually intense, his eyes full of fanatical fire.
BELPHIG: “Now swear your Oath. To serve Mankind without question for the rest of your life! Come—swear. Now that the sword is blooded—swear you’ll always serve our cause …”
53. Ext. Ship. Day.
Urlik is still completely dazed, dumbfounded, under pressure from Iolinda on one side, Belphig on the other. Jarak looks as if he would like to interfere but cannot. Belphig lifts the hilt of the scabbarded sword to Urlik’s lips. He murmurs to Urlik:
BELPHIG: “Kiss the sword and swear the oath.”
URLIK: “Oath? What are you saying? Sorcery—vows—demons—I can’t believe …”
IOLINDA: “Swear the oath, my Champion. For me—for the race!”
URLIK: “Swear? Very well—I swear …”
BELPHIG: “That you will serve mankind above all else. Swear it by the Black Sword.”
URLIK: “I swear I’ll serve mankind above all else …”
BELPHIG (whispering): “Swear it by Stormbringer—by the sword …”
URLIK: “I swear it—by Stormbringer!”
Belphig relaxes, satisfied.
54. Ext. Ship. Day.
With a sigh of satisfaction, Belphig lets the sword drop. He begins to walk away, towards the bridge.
BELPHIG: “Good. Now Man and Sword are bound together …”
Jarak begins to shout at his men, as much to break the tension as anything else.
JARAK: “Clear this wreckage. Boats for survivors. Let’s be ready before the Eldren send more sorcery!”
Urlik suddenly seems to wake up.
URLIK: “That beast was real—we’ve no proof of sorcery …”
IOLINDA: “We know the Eldren are sorcerers. Our stories