Elric to Rescue Tanelorn - Michael Moorcock [118]
The leader peered at Elric whose face was hidden in the cowl of his cloak.
“What do you here, stranger?”
“I was attempting to sleep,” Elric replied. “But you and your weather have prevented that between you.”
“Why do you not sleep in one of the hostelries yonder?”
“Because I cannot afford their prices,” Elric said reasonably.
“Have you paid the Traveler’s Tax?”
“I have not.”
The leader had a red, belligerent face and now it frowned deeply. “Then you have broken two of Chalal’s few laws already and doubtless there are others you have broken which we shall yet discover.”
“Doubtless. Now be about your business, friend, and I will attempt to continue my sleep.”
“You are addressing an official of the Watch,” said the man pursing his lips. “It is my duty to collect the Traveler’s Tax and to arrest vagrants who offend the eye of those who come to look upon Chalal’s beauty.”
“I would advise you to forget your duty in this instance,” Elric said softly. “I care nothing for the laws of mankind and these laws of yours seem of even smaller importance than most. Begone!”
“By Valsaq, you’re impertinent! I’m a tolerant man. I might even have had mercy on you if you had agreed to leave at once. But now…”
Elric pushed back his cloak and put his hand on Stormbringer’s hilt. The sword stirred slightly. “I tell you to go,” he said grimly. “You will surely die if I draw this blade!”
The captain of the Watch smiled and indicated the dozen men behind him. “Do not be foolish, stranger. Your penalty will be light if you suffer us to arrest you without resort to our swords. But if you should kill one of us you will be imprisoned for life, working in the masons’ yards dragging great stones hither and yon with a whip to make you work harder…”
“I will kill all of you if this sword’s unsheathed,” Elric promised. “Know you that I am Prince Elric of Melniboné and I bear the Black Sword!”
The captain’s red face blanched. Then he straightened his shoulders. “Nonetheless I must perform my duty. Men—”
“What is this undignified altercation? Captain, are you aware that you address my friend, Prince Elric?”
The captain turned, evidently in relief to stare at the newcomer who had just ridden up. He was a man of about forty with a square, handsome face, dressed in gilded armour over which was arranged a white cloak. A helm crested with scarlet feathers was on his head. It was the man who had recognized Elric earlier that day. But Elric had never seen him before.
“He cannot pay the Traveler’s Tax, my lord,” the captain said weakly. “I had no choice but to…”
The horseman drew a small purse from his belt and flung it to land at the captain’s feet. “There is the tax—and more.”
The captain of the Watch bent and picked up the purse. He opened it and peered inside. “Thank you, my lord. Come, men.” Hastily he backed away and returned to where he had left his horse. The Watch rode off leaving Elric looking at the man in gilded armour who smiled at the albino’s surprise.
“I thank you, sir,” said Elric. “I had no wish to kill them. But…”
The knight gestured towards Elric’s horse. “Will you mount and ride with me? I would be honoured if you would be my guest for this night.”
“I am not one who seeks charity, sir.”
“I know that, my lord. It is I who seek your aid. I have been searching for you for several months.”
“What is the nature of the aid you desire?”
“Perhaps you will allow me to explain that over a meal at the house I have taken in Chalal. It is not too far distant.”
Elric liked the look of the man and responded to his courtesy. “Thank you,” he said. “I would be grateful.” He went to his horse and mounted it. Then they rode off together down the avenue until they came at last to a house with a low wall that was covered in vines of several different hues. They passed through a gate and in the courtyard a groom took their steeds. They entered a door, walked along a short passage and came to a warm, well-lit room where a table