Elric to Rescue Tanelorn - Michael Moorcock [115]
“How long have I been here?”
“More than two days. You did not wake when the horses came, so we had the warriors construct a stretcher to bear you to Dhakos. You are in my palace.”
Elric cautiously moved his stiff, bandaged arm. It was still painful. “Are my belongings still at the inn?”
“Perhaps, if they have not been stolen. Why?”
“I have a pouch of herbs there, which will heal this arm quickly and also supply me with a little strength, which I need badly.”
“I will go and see if they are still there,” Moonglum said and walked from the chamber.
Yishana stroked Elric’s milk-white hair. “I have much to thank you for, wolf,” said she. “You have saved my kingdom—perhaps all the Young Kingdoms. In my eyes you are redeemed for my brother’s death.”
“Oh, I thank you, madam,” said Elric with a mocking tone.
She laughed. “You are still a Melnibonéan.”
“Still that, aye.”
“A strange mixture, however. Sensitive and cruel, sardonic and loyal to your little friend Moonglum. I look forward to knowing you better, my lord.”
“As to that, I am not sure if you will have the opportunity.”
She gave him a hard look. “Why?”
“Your résumé of my character was incomplete, Queen Yishana—you should have added ‘careless of the world—and yet vengeful’. I wish to be revenged on your pet wizard.”
“But he is spent, surely—you said so yourself.”
“I am, as you remarked, still a Melnibonéan! My arrogant blood calls vengeance on an upstart!”
“Forget Theleb K’aarna. I will have him hunted by my White Leopards. Even his sorcery will not win against such savages as they are!”
“Forget him? Oh, no!”
“Elric, Elric—I will give you my kingdom, declare you ruler of Jharkor, if you will let me be your consort.”
He reached out and stroked her bare arm with his good hand.
“You are unrealistic, queen. To take such an action would bring wholesale rebellion in your land. To your folk, I am still the Traitor of Imrryr.”
“Not now—now you are the Hero of Jharkor.”
“How so? They did not know of their peril and thus will feel no gratitude. It were best that I settled my debt with your wizard and went on my way. The streets must already be full of rumours that you have taken your brother’s murderer to your bed. Your popularity with your subjects must be at its lowest, madam.”
“I do not care.”
“You will if your nobles lead the people in insurrection and crucify you naked in the city square.”
“You are familiar with our customs.”
“We Melnibonéans are a learned folk, queen.”
“Well versed in all the arts.”
“All of them.” Again he felt his blood race as she rose and barred the door. At that moment he felt no need for the herbs which Moonglum had gone to find.
When he tiptoed from the room that night, he found Moonglum waiting patiently in the ante-chamber. Moonglum proffered the pouch with a wink. But Elric’s mood was not light. He took bunches of herbs from the pouch and selected what he needed.
Moonglum grimaced as he watched Elric chew and swallow the stuff. Then together they stole from the palace.
Armed with Stormbringer and mounted, Elric rode slightly behind his friend as Moonglum led the way towards the hills beyond Dhakos.
“If I know the sorcerers of Pan Tang,” murmured the albino, “then Theleb K’aarna will be more exhausted than was I. With luck we will come upon him sleeping.”
“I shall wait outside the cave in that case,” said Moonglum, for he now had some experience of Elric’s vengeance-taking and did not relish watching Theleb K’aarna’s slow death.
They galloped speedily until the hills were reached and Moonglum showed Elric the cave mouth.
Leaving his horse, the albino went soft-footed into the cave, his runesword ready.
Moonglum waited nervously for Theleb K’aarna’s first shrieks, but none came. He waited until dawn began to bring the first faint light and then Elric, face frozen with anger, emerged from the cave.
Savagely he grasped his horse’s reins and swung himself into the saddle.
“Are you satisfied?” Moonglum asked tentatively.