Elric_ The Stealer of Souls - Michael Moorcock [66]
Minutes later, Moonglum came upon his friend lying face downward. He grasped Elric by his shoulder and turned him. He shuddered when he saw the albino’s agony-racked face.
“What happened?”
Elric raised himself on one elbow and pointed to where Nikorn’s body lay a few feet away. “Another, Moonglum. Oh, curse this blade!”
Moonglum said uncomfortably: “He would have killed you no doubt. Do not think about it. Many a word’s been broken through no fault of he who gave it. Come, my friend, Yishana awaits us in the Tavern of the Purple Dove.”
Elric struggled upright and began to walk slowly towards the battered gates of the castle where horses awaited them.
As they rode for Bakshaan, not knowing what was troubling the people of that city, Elric tapped Stormbringer which hung, once more, at his side. His eyes were hard and moody, turned inwards on his own feelings.
“Be wary of this devil-blade, Moonglum. It kills the foe—but savours the blood of friends and kinfolk most.”
Moonglum shook his head quickly, as if to clear it, and looked away. He said nothing.
Elric made as if to speak again but then changed his mind. He needed to talk, then. He needed to—but there was nothing to say at all.
Pilarmo scowled. He stared, hurt-faced, as his slaves struggled with his chests of treasure, lugging them out to pile them in the street beside his great house. In other parts of the city, Pilarmo’s three colleagues were also in various stages of heartbreak. Their treasure, too, was being dealt with in a like manner. The burghers of Bakshaan had decided who was to pay any possible ransom.
And then a ragged citizen was shambling down the street, pointing behind him and shouting.
“The albino and his companion—at the north gate!”
The burghers who stood near to Pilarmo exchanged glances. Faratt swallowed.
He said: “Elric comes to bargain. Quick. Open the treasure chests and tell the city guard to admit him.” One of the citizens scurried off.
Within a few minutes, while Faratt and the rest worked frantically to expose Pilarmo’s treasure to the gaze of the approaching albino, Elric was galloping up the street, Moonglum beside him. Both men were expressionless. They knew enough not to show their puzzlement.
“What’s this?” Elric said, casting a look at Pilarmo.
Faratt cringed. “Treasure,” he whined. “Yours, Lord Elric—for you and your men. There’s much more. There is no need to use sorcery. No need for your men to attack us. The treasure here is fabulous—its value is enormous. Will you take it and leave the city in peace?”
Moonglum almost smiled, but he controlled his features.
Elric said coolly: “It will do. I accept it. Make sure this and the rest is delivered to my men at Nikorn’s castle or we’ll be roasting you and your friends over open fires by the morrow.”
Faratt coughed suddenly, trembling. “As you say, Lord Elric. It shall be delivered.”
The two men wheeled their horses in the direction of the Tavern of the Purple Dove. When they were out of earshot Moonglum said: “From what I gathered, back there, it’s Master Pilarmo and his friends who are paying that unasked-for toll.”
Elric was incapable of any real humour, but he half-chuckled. “Aye. I’d planned to rob them from the start—and now their own fellows have done it for us. On our way back, we shall take our pick of the spoils.”
He rode on and reached the tavern. Yishana was waiting there, nervously, dressed for traveling.
When she saw Elric’s face she sighed with satisfaction and smiled silkily. “So Theleb K’aarna is dead,” she said. “Now we can resume our interrupted relationship, Elric.”
The albino nodded. “That was my part of the bargain—you kept yours when you helped Moonglum to get my sword back for me.” He showed no emotion.
She embraced him, but he drew back. “Later,” he murmured. “But this is one promise I shall not break, Yishana.”
He helped the puzzled woman mount her waiting horse. They rode back towards Pilarmo’s house.
She asked: “And what of Nikorn—is he safe? I liked that man.”
“He died.” Elric’s voice was strained.
“How?” she asked.