Elric_ The Sleeping Sorceress - Michael Moorcock [80]
“My lord?”
Absently, Elric looked up.
“We have the information now, my lord.” Doctor Jest’s thin voice whispered across the chamber. Two sets of chains were now empty and slaves were gathering things up from the floor and flinging them on the fire. The two remaining shapeless lumps reminded Elric of meat carefully prepared by a chef. One of the lumps still quivered a little, but the other was still.
Doctor Jest slid his instruments into a thin case he carried in a pouch at his belt. His white garments were almost completely covered in stains.
“It seems there have been other spies before these,” Doctor Jest told his master. “These came merely to confirm the route. If they do not return in time, the barbarians will still sail.”
“But surely they will know that we expect them?” Elric said.
“Probably not, my lord. Rumours have been spread amongst the Young Kingdom merchants and sailors that four spies were seen in the maze and were speared—slain whilst trying to escape.”
“I see.” Elric frowned. “Then our best plan will be to lay a trap for the raiders.”
“Aye, my lord.”
“You know the route they have chosen?”
“Aye, my lord.”
Elric turned to one of his guards. “Have messages sent to all our generals and admirals. What’s the hour?”
“The hour of sunset is just past, my liege.”
“Tell them to assemble before the Ruby Throne at two hours past sunset.”
Wearily, Elric rose. “You have done well, as usual, Doctor Jest.”
The thin artist bowed low, seeming to fold himself in two. A thin and somewhat unctuous sigh was his reply.
CHAPTER FIVE
A Battle: The King Proves His War-Skill
Yyrkoon was the first to arrive, all clad in martial finery, accompanied by two massive guards, each holding one of the prince’s ornate war-banners.
“My emperor!” Yyrkoon’s shout was proud and disdainful. “Would you let me command the warriors? It will relieve you of that care when, doubtless, you have many other concerns with which to occupy your time.”
Elric replied impatiently: “You are most thoughtful, Prince Yyrkoon, but fear not for me. I shall command the armies and the navies of Melniboné, for that is the duty of the emperor.”
Yyrkoon glowered and stepped to one side as Dyvim Tvar, Lord of the Dragon Caves, entered. He had no guard whatsoever with him and it seemed he had dressed hastily. He carried his helmet under his arm.
“My emperor—I bring news of the dragons . . .”
“I thank you, Dyvim Tvar, but wait until all my commanders are assembled and impart that news to them, too.”
Dyvim Tvar bowed and went to stand on the opposite side of the hall to that on which Prince Yyrkoon stood.
Gradually the warriors arrived until a score of great captains waited at the foot of the steps which led to the Ruby Throne where Elric sat. Elric himself still wore the clothes in which he had gone riding that morning. He had not had time to change and had until a little while before been consulting maps of the mazes—maps which only he could read and which, at normal times, were hidden by magical means from any who might attempt to find them.
“Southlanders would steal Imrryr’s wealth and slay us all,” Elric began. “They believe they have found a way through our sea-maze. A fleet of a hundred warships sails on Melniboné even now. Tomorrow it will wait below the horizon until dusk, then it will sail to the maze and enter. By midnight it expects to reach the harbour and to have taken the Dreaming City before dawn. Is that possible, I wonder?”
“No!” Many spoke the single word.
“No.” Elric smiled. “But how shall we best enjoy this little war they offer us?”
Yyrkoon,