Elric_ The Stealer of Souls - Michael Moorcock [97]
At last, one by one, the enemy began to flee. The other ships, seeing their companions escape, disengaged and followed them. The hired ships, manned mainly by mercenaries, flew in every direction but that of Asno, while the Asnogian craft turned and headed for their home base. In this direction went the Hatnorian fleet, re-forming to a close formation and turning to No. 1 speed. If they overtook a ship it was ruthlessly shot down; but half a dozen or so were lucky and escaped them. In three hours they were back over Asno and bombing the troop encampment with incendiaries until nothing remained of the great camp but smouldering fabric and twisted steel. Through the south gate of the city streamed forth ragged bands of hired soldiers, bent on escaping while they could. The planned attack on a Hatnorian colony had not even begun. A just reprisal on Nornos Kad’s part. A reprisal carried out in full by Sojan. But his business was not finished and, landing on part of an undamaged airfield, Sojan ordered the frightened commanding officer to take him to King Tremorn of Asno.
“I bring a message from my Emperor!” he cried when he was in the vast chamber which housed the king’s court. All around him stood courtiers and servants, worried and anxious to hear his terms. Great pillars supported the roof and brilliant tapestries hung from the ceiling. Murals on the walls depicted scenes of battles, on land, water and in the air.
“Speak your message,” ordered the king. “What are your terms? I admit that I am beaten! For the present!” he added.
“For all time, sir, while a member of the Nornos family sits on the throne of Hatnor!” Sojan replied. “Now, do you wish to hear my terms?”
“Speak!”
“The first is that you acknowledge allegiance to Hatnor and pay a tribute of five hundred young men to train in our armies every tenth year. The second is that you disband any army you still have, save for policing your city. On signs of attack, you will notify the Empire, who will come to your aid. As a member of the Empire you will be subject to all laws and trading terms of the Empire and in times of major war shall enlist two-thirds of your fighting strength in the armies of Hatnor and the remaining third if called upon. You will not make warships or weapons of war, save hand weapons, for your own use, but all warships and arms shall be sent direct to the capital. Do you recognize these terms?”
The king paused and, turning to his major domo, whispered a few words to him. The man nodded.
“Yes, I recognize your terms,” he sighed.
“Then sign your name and oath to this document and seal it with your royal seal. Upon the breaking of your word, the lapse shall be punished according to the magnitude.”
Sojan handed the paper to a courtier who carried it to the king. The act of bowing to a king is unknown upon the planet Zylor, instead the subject places his right hand upon his heart to signify complete allegiance.
So it was that Sojan achieved his purpose. But more adventures were yet to come before he could return to his palace at Hatnor.
ORIGINS
Early artwork associated with Elric’s first appearances in magazines and books
Title page illustration by James Cawthorn, for “Mission to Asno!” Tarzan Adventures, vol. 7, no. 25, September 1957.
Cover artwork by Eric Parker, for “The Affair of the Bronze Basilisk,” Sexton Blake Library, 3rd series, no. 49, June 1943; this was Monsieur Zenith the Albino’s very last story.
Cover artwork by Brian Lewis, for “The Dreaming City,” Science Fantasy, vol. 16, no. 47, June 1961; this was Elric of Melniboné’s very first story.
Cover artwork by James Cawthorn, for “The Flame Bringers,” Science Fantasy, vol. 19, no. 55, October 1962.
Cover artwork by James Cawthorn, for “Sad Giant’s Shield,” Science Fantasy, vol. 21, no. 63, February 1964.
“The Age of the Young Kingdoms” map by James Cawthorn, 1962; first published accompanying “The Singing Citadel,” in The Fantastic Swordsmen, edited by L. Sprague de Camp, Pyramid Books, 1967.
Cover