Elric Swords and Roses - Michael Moorcock [140]
URLIK (sardonically): “But we have ferocity, Captain Jarak!” (Urlik wheels his horse and gallops back to the head of his men. He draws the wailing sword Stormbringer:) “The Eldren outnumber us—but we are wolves, with the courage of our race, to rend them, to devour them!”
His men cheer and begin to surge forward, following him.
90. Ext. Plain. Day.
There is a wild desperate look on Urlik’s face as he waves the Black Sword so that its black radiance casts a shadow over his face. It howls, sings.
URLIK: “Here’s our shield against sorcery—it makes us invincible!”
The men cheer again. Urlik spurs his horse forward.
91. Ext. Plain. Day.
The human army, roaring its bloodlust, pours down on the Eldren. Halag sees them—immediately orders his men to fall back. There is an almost comical pause in the events! Then as the Eldren appear to retreat, in good order, a jubilant cheer goes up from the humans and they charge on. Jarak comes into view. He looks amazed.
JARAK: “Are they such cowards? We drive them back!”
92. Ext. Plain. Day.
Urlik and Jarak continue to ride in pursuit of the withdrawing Eldren. Urlik bewildered by the tactic.
URLIK: “I think we follow too easily …”
93. Ext. Plain. Day.
The Eldren suddenly stand their ground and the human army virtually falls over itself as it clashes with them (again the scene has its humorous aspect). Soon Urlik and Jarak are in the thick of fierce fighting. It is then that Urlik notices what’s happening with the wagons. They’re rising into the air!
URLIK: “It was a trick—leading us away so they can bomb Paphanal to the ground. Iolinda, Belphig—they’re doomed!”
Jarak makes no reply, but it’s evident he’s wondering how. They’re almost surrounded by Eldren now. Urlik fights like a madman, his weird sword striking everywhere. He’s in panic. Everywhere his own men are embattled.
94. Ext. Plain. Day.
Halag Tharm comes upon Urlik more or less from behind, as Urlik kills another Eldren. Urlik whirls to meet him.
95. Ext. Plain. Day.
Surrounded by fighting men, Urlik and Halag fight it out. Halag ducks every blow of the fearful black sword.
96. Ext. Plain. Day.
The two are locked in combat, their faces in close-up.
HALAG: “So you’re the legend that gave courage to mankind—to come and destroy our land. Can you be killed, Sir Legend?”
URLIK: “As easily as I can kill you—Sir Demon!”
97. Ext. Plain. Day.
The fight continues. Halag falls, but Urlik struggles with his own sword to stop it killing Halag before Halag can regain his footing. Halag is bemused.
HALAG: “What’s this? Human chivalry? You are a strange human indeed, Sir Legend.”
URLIK: “And you’re the oddest demon I’ve met!”
98. Ext. Plain. Day.
They fight on. Halag displays superb swordsmanship. Eventually, other Eldren swarm round and a war-axe strikes Urlik on the head, causing him to drop the sword. He is dazed, almost falling. Halag signs for his men to draw back. With a smile, he stoops to retrieve the blade, but pulls back his hand with shock.
HALAG: “It burns!”
Urlik is still dazed, answers groggily.
URLIK: “Only I can hold it. But I thank you for the courtesy, Sir Demon …” (Urlik reaches down for the sword and falls to his knees. Halag immediately springs forward to support him. Jarak rides by. Urlik summons his failing strength to yell:) “Get back to Paphanal! Save those still there!”
Jarak’s face is panicky, but he sees the sense, wheels his horse, ordering the men back to the city. Urlik grasps the sword—it gives him strength and he fights on with such terrible ferocity he drives the Eldren back. His ferocity increases—the Eldren can’t get near him.
99. Ext. Plain. Day.
Dazed, half-falling, he fights on, pushing them further and further back. They look at him in wonder. Then suddenly they all peer up into the sky and at a word from Halag they all stop fighting immediately. Again the wind is taken out of Urlik’s sails. He fights shadows before he realizes that they have all withdrawn. Panting he slowly lifts his head and we follow his gaze up into the sky …
100. Ext. Sky over