Elric Swords and Roses - Michael Moorcock [157]
“Greetings, cousin,” Elric said. “I did not know you still lived.”
The man controlled himself. At that moment he was almost as pale as Elric. He was Duke Dyvim Mar, one of the few Dragon Masters to survive Elric’s betrayal of their nation to the Young Kingdom reavers. Trained from birth to betray no emotion, he barely kept the tremble from his voice.
“Greetings, Prince Elric. Sadly, I survived where my brothers and sisters did not.”
“You are countrymen, I take it, from your appearance.” The Chief Councilor seemed unaware of any tension. “Well met, eh?” He waved the letter the apothecary had sent with his child. “And with common interests, I gather.”
The other male visitor, with thick blue-black brows, full red lips smiling from within a square, divided black beard, his oiled black curls falling to his shoulders, stared with some amusement at Elric and then at Dyvim Mar. He clearly knew more of Melniboné’s recent history than did Juffa.
“Forgive me,” said Councilor Juffa, rising a little unsteadily. “May I introduce Prince Elric? The Princesses Apparent of Uyt, Princess Nahuaduar and Princess Semleedaor.” Elric and Moonglum bowed. “And this is Duke Orogino, Senaschal of the Shanac Pines, also of Uyt.” Bearded Duke Orogino rose, his palm outward from his forehead in what was clearly the normal gesture of greeting of his people. The two princesses were both of exceptional beauty. Nahuaduar was pale-skinned, with wide black eyes and black hair curling to her shoulders. Semleedaor was of a rosy complexion, her auburn hair cut short against her oval face. Both were frowning, not quite able to understand what was happening.
Breaking this tension, two huge ginger dogs came to sniff at Elric, growling softly in an almost friendly way and wagging their tails.
Duke Orogino turned to Dyvim Mar and made a joke, but the young man did not respond. His eyes were still fixed on Elric.
Councilor Juffa continued. “The princesses are the twin daughters of Tilus Kreek, King of the Uyt, and these gentlemen are in their service. Duke Orogino was in the late king’s household …”
“Last king,” interrupted dark-haired Princess Nahuaduar in low tones. “We have no proof of his death.” She stared steadily at Elric from beneath half-closed lids, her full, sensual lips curved in a sardonic half-smile.
The regent bowed his head, acknowledging his mistake.
“We have come because your countrymen failed to protect our father on their recent expedition to Soom,” said Nahuaduar icily. “We had hoped to recruit other soldiers who might not have his portion of ill-luck.…”
At this, Elric’s kinsman turned away, his eyes hardening. He had been insulted.
Duke Orogino cleared his throat. “But it seems only Dyvim Mar’s Melnibonéans and a few Lormyrians had the nerve to go to Soom. In spite of offering generous wages, we have been unable to raise soldiers for a second expedition.”
Elric glanced at Dyvim Mar. His cousin spoke evenly, controlling any anger or confusion he felt. “I lost twenty-six brave Melnibonéans and seven Lormyrian archers. The jungle around Soom teems with dwarfish cannibals. We suspect more than one tribe has been traveling for weeks to get there. They attacked us. One Lormyrian and I escaped in the river, carrying our wounded, who died. I believe some of our men were taken alive. I suspect we were allowed to escape, perhaps as a warning to others not to attempt a further expedition. The Lormyrian is also dead. What brings my kinsman to Nassea-Tiki?” He clearly had some notion of Elric’s intentions.
“I seek a flower said to bloom in Soom once a century under the light of the full moon.”
“You are a botanist, sir?” This from an apparently innocent Princess Nahuaduar. “My father also studied plants.”
“A curious coincidence.” Elric inclined his head. There was still considerable tension in the air. “But what of these savages? I was told the city was deserted.”
“So it is.” The Chief Councilor