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STORMBRINGER

Micheal Moorcock

Book six of Elric

Prologue

There came a time when there was great movement upon the

Earth and above it, when the destiny of Men and Gods was

hammered out upon'the forge of Fate, when monstrous wars

were brewed and mighty deeds were designed. And there rose

up in this time, which was called the Age of the Young King-

doms, heroes. Greatest of these heroes was a doom-driven ad-

venturer who bore a crooning rune blade that he loathed.

His name was Brie of Melnibone, king of ruins, lord of a

scattered race that had once ruled the ancient world. Eiric.

sorcerer and swordsman, slayer of kin, despoiler of his home

land, white-faced albino, last of his line.

Eiric, who had come to Kariaak by the Weeping Waste

and had married a wife in whom he found some peace, some

surcease from the torment in him.

And Eiric, who had within him a greater destiny than he

knew, now dwelt in Kariaak with Zarozinia, his wife. and his

sleep was troubled, his dream dark, one brooding night in the

Month of the Anemone.. •

BOOK ONE

Dead God's Homecoming

la which, at long last, Eric's fate begins to be revealed to

hhn as the forces of Law and Chaos gather strength for the

final battle which will decide the future of Eiric's world...

One

Above the rolling earth great clouds tumbled down and bolts

of lightning charged groundwards to slash the midnight black,

split trees in twain and sear through roofs that cracked and

broke.

The dark mass of forest trembled with the shock and out

of it crept six hunched, unhuman figures who paused to stare

beyood the low hills towards the outline of a city. It was a

city of squat walls and slender spires, of graceful towers and

domes; and it bad a name which the leader of the creatures

knew. Kariaak by the Weeping Waste it was called.

Not of natural origin, the storm was ominous. It groaned

around the city of Kariaak as the creatures skulked past the

open gates and made their way through shadows towards the

elegant palace where Eiric slept. The leader raised an axe of

black iron in its clawed hand. The group came to a stealthy

halt and regarded the sprawling palace which lay on a hill

•urrounded by languorously-scented gardens. The earth shook

as lightning lashed it and thunder prowled across the turbu-

lent sky.

"Chaos has aided us in this matter," the leader grunted.

**Sec—already the guards fall in magic slumber and our en-

trance is thus made simple. The Lords of Chaos are good to

their servants."

He spoke the truth. Some supernatural force had been at

work and the warriors guarding Eiric's palace had dropped to

tee ground, their snores echoing the thunder. The servants of

Chaos crept past the prone guards, into the main courtyard

and from there into the darkened palace. Unerringly they

climbed twisting staircases, moved softly along gloomy cor-

ridors, to arrive at length outside the room where Eiric and

his wife lay in uneasy sleep.

As the leader laid a hand upon the door, a voice cried out

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Michael Moorcock

from within the room: "What's this? What things of heU dis-

rupt my rest?11

"He sees list" sharply whispered one of the creatures.

"No," the leader said, "he sleeps—but such a sorcerer as

this Eiric is not so easily lulled into a stupor. We had best

make speed and do our work, for if be wakes it will be the

harder!"

He twisted the handle and eased the door open, his axe

half raised. Beyond the bed, heaped with tumbled furs and

silks, lightning gashed the night again, showing the white face

of the albino close to that of his dark-haired wife.

Even as they entered, he rose stiffly in the bed and his

crimson eyes opened, staring out at them. For a moment the

eyes were glazed and then the albino forced himself awake,

shouting: "Begone, you creatures of my dreams!"

The leader cursed and leaped forward, but he had been in-

structed not to slay this man. He raised the axe threateningly.

"Silence—your guards cannot aid you!"

Eiric jumped from the bed and grasped the thing's wrist,

his face close to the fanged muzzle. Because of his albmoism

he was physically weak and required magic to give him

strength. But so quickly did he move, that he had wrested the

axe from the creature's hand and smashed the shaft between

its eyes. Snarling, it fell back, but its comrades jumped for-

ward. There were five of them, huge muscles moving beneath

their furred skins.

Eiric clove the skull of the first as others grappled with

him. His body was spattered with the thing's blood and brains

and he gasped in disgust at the fetid stuff. He managed to

wrench his arm away and bring the axe up and down into the

collarbone of another. But then be felt his legs gripped and

he fell, confused but still battling. Then there came a great

blow on bis head and pain blazed through him. He made an

effort to rise, failed and fell back insensible.

Thunder and lightning still disturbed the night when, with

throbbing head, he awoke and got slowly to his feet using a

bedpost as support He stared dazedly around him.

Zarozinia was gone. The only other figure in the room was

the stiff corpse of the beast be had killed. His black-haired

girl-wife had been abducted.

Shaking, he went to the door and flung it open, calling for

his guards, but none answered him.

His runesword Stonnbnnger hung in the city's armoury

STORMB RINGER            15

and would take time to get His throat tight with pain and

•nwf, he ran down the corridors and stairways, dazed with

anxiety, trying to grasp the implications of his wife's disap-

pearance.

Above (he palace, thunder still crashed, eddying about in

the noisy night The palace seemed deserted and he had the

sodden feeling that he was completely alone, mat he had

been abandoned. But as be ran out into the main courtyard

and saw me insensible guards he realised at once that their

•lumber could not be natural. Realisation was coming even as

he ran through the gardens, through the gates and down to

tihe city, but mere was no sign of bis wife's abductors.

Where bad they gone?

He raised his eyes to the shouting sky, his white face stark

and twisted with frustrated anger. There was no sense to it

Why had they taken her? He had enemies, he knew, but none

who could summon such supernatural help. Who, apart from

himself, could work this mighty sorcery that made the skies

themselves shake and a city sleep?

To the house of Lord Voashoon. Chief Senator, of Kariaak.

•od father of Zarozinia, Eiric ran panting like a wolf. He

banged with his fists upon the door, yelling at the astonished

servants within.

"Opcnl It is Eiric. HurryF

The doors gaped back and he was through them. Lord

Voashoon came stumbling down the stair into the chamber,

his face heavy with sleep.

"What is if Eiric?**

"Summon your warriors. Zarozinia has been abducted.

Thoee who took her were demons and may be far from here

by now—but we must search in case they escaped by land."

Lord Voashoon's face became instantly alert and he

shouted terse orders to his servants between listening to El-

ite's explanation of what had happened.

"And I must have entrance into the armoury," Eiric con-

cluded. 'T must have Stonnbringeri"

"But you renounced the blade for fear of its evil power

over you!" Lord Voashoon reminded him quietly.

Eiric replied impatiently. "Aye—but I renounced the blade

tar Zarozinia's sake, too. I must have Stonnbringcr if I am to

bring her back. The logic is simple. Quickly, give me the

key."

In silence Lord Voashoon fetched the key and led Eiric to

16

Michael Moorcock

the armoury where the weapons and armour of his ancestors

was held, unused for centuries. Through the dusty place

strode Eiric to a dark alcove that seemed to contain some-

thing which lived.

He heard a soft moaning come from the great black battle

blade as he reached out a slim-fingered white hand to take it

It was heavy, yet perfectly balanced, a two-handed broad-

sword of prodigious size, with its wide crosspiece and its

blade smooth and broad, stretching for over five feet from

the hilt Near the hilt, mystic runes were engraved and even

Brie did not know what they fully signified.

"Again I must make use of you, Storrobringer," he said as

he buckled the sheath about his waist, "and I must conclude

(hat we are too closely linked now for less than death to sep-

arate us.**

With that he was striding from the armoury and back to

the courtyard where mounted guards were already sitting ner-

vous steeds, awaiting his instructions.

Standing before them, he drew Stonnbringer so that the

sword's strange, black radiance flickered around him, his

white face, as pallid as bleached bone, staring out of it at the

horsemen.

"You go to chase demons this night Search the country-

side, scour forest and plain for those who have done this

thing to our princess! Though it's likely that her -ibdnctors

used supernatural means to make their escape, we cannot be

sure. So search—and search well!'*

All through the raging night they searched but could find

no trace of either the creatures or Eiric's wife. And when

dawn came, a smear of blood in the morning sky, his men re-

turned to Karlaak where EIric awaited them. now filled with

the nigromantic vitality which his sword supplied.

"Lord EIric—shall we retrace our trail and see if daylight

yields a clue?" cried one.

"He does not hear you," another murmured as EIric gave

no sign.

But then EIric turned his pain-racked head and he said

bleakly, "Search no more. I have had time to mediate and

must seek my wife with the aid of sorcery. Disperse. You can

do nothing further."

Then he left them and went back towards his palace,

knowing that there was still ooc way of learning where Zaro-

STORMBRINGER             17

xfala had been taken. It was a method which he Ul-lflced. yet

jt would have to be employed.

Curtly, upon returning, EIric ordered everyone from his

dumber, barred the door and stared down at the dead thing.

to congealed blood was still on him, but the axe with which

be had stain it had been taken away by hs comrades.

EIric prepared the body, stretching out its limbs on the

floor. He drew the shutters of the windows so that no tight fil-

tered into the room, and lit a brazier in one corner. It swayed

on its chains as me oil-soaked rushes flared. He went to a

email chest by the window and took out a pouch. From thia

he removed a bunch of dried herbs and with a hasty gesture

flung them on the brazier so that it gave off a sickly odour

and die room began to fill with smoke. Then he stood over

the corpse, his body rigid, and began to sing an incantation in

the old language of his forefathers, the sorcerer emperors of

Mdnibone. The song seemed scarcely akin to human speech,

riling and falling from a deep groan to a high-pitched shriek.

The brazier spread flaring red light over EIric's face and

grotesque shadows skipped about the room. On the floor the

dead corpse began to stir, its ruined head moving from side

to ride. EIric drew his runesword and placed it before him,

his two hands on the hilt "Arise, soulless one!" he com-

manded.

Slowly, with jerky movements, the creature raised itself

stiffly upright and pointed a clawed finger at EIric, its glazed

eyes staring as if beyond him.

"An mis,*' it whispered, "was pre-ordained. Think not that

you can escape your fate, EIric of Melnibone. You have tam-

pered with my corpse and 1 am a creature of Chaos. My

masters win avenge me.**

"How?"

"Your destiny is already laid down. You win know soon

enough."

"Tell me. dead one, why did you come to abduct my wife?

Who sent you hither? Where has my wife been taken?"

"Three questions. Lord EIric. Requiring three answers. You

know that the dead who have been raised by sorcery can an-

swer nothing directly.'*

"Aye—that I know. So answer as you can.**

"Then listen well for I may recite only once my reed and

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Michael'Moorcock

then must return to the nether-regions where my being may

peacefully rot to nothing. Listen;

"Beyond the ocean brews a baffle;

Beyond the battle blood shall faU.

If Elfins kinsman ventures with him

(Bearing a twin of that he bears)

To a place where, man-forsaken.

Dwells the one who should not live,

Then a bargain shall be entered^

Bine's wife shall be restored."

With this, die dung fell to die floor and did not stir

thereafter.

Eiric went to die window and opened the shutters. Used as

be was to enigmatic verse-omens, this one was difficult to uo-

raveL As daylight entered the room, the rushes spluttered and

die smoke faded. Beyond the ocean . . . There were many

oceans.

He resheathed his runesword and climbed on to the disor-

dered bed to lie down and comtemplate die reed. At last, af-

ter long minutes of this contemplation, he remembered

something he had heard from a traveller who bad come to

Kariaak. from Tarkesh. a nation of me Western Continent,

beyond the Pale Sea.

The traveller had told him how diere was trouble brewing

between me land of Dharijor and me other nations of me

west Dharijor had contravened treaties she had signed with

her neighbouring kingdoms and had signed a new one with

me Theocrat of Pan Tang. Pan Tang was an unholy island

dominated by its dark aristocracy of warrior-wizards. It was

from here mat Bine's old enemy, Theleb K'aarna, had come.

Its capital of Hwamgaari was called the City of Screaming

Statues and until recently its residents had had little contact

with the folk of die outside world. Jagreen Lern was me new

Theocrat and an ambitious man. His alliance with Dharijor

could only mean mat be sought more power over the nations

of the Young Kingdoms. The traveller bad said dial strife

was sure to break out at any moment since diere was ample

evidence that Dharijor and Pan Tang had entered a war al-

liance.

Now. as his memory improved, Eiric related mis informa-

tion with me news he had had recently that Queen Yiabana

STORMBRINGER            19

of Ibarkor, a neighbouring kingdom to Dharijor, had recruit-

ed tfae aid of Dyvim Slorm and his Imrryrian mercenaries.

And Dyvim Slorm was Eiric's only kinsman. This meant that

Jharkor must be preparing for battle against Dharijor. The

two facts were too closely linked with die prophecy to be ig-

nored.

Even as he thought upon it, be was gathering his clothes

together and preparing for a journey. There was nothing for

ft but to go to Jharkor and speed ily, for diere he was sure to

meet his kinsman. Aod diere, also, diere would soon be a

battle if all die evidence were true.

Yet the prospect of die journey, which would take many

days, caused a cold ache to grow in his heart as be thought

of me weeks to come in which be would not know how his

wife fared.

"No time for that," he told himself as he laced up bis

black quilted jacket. "Action is all mat's required of me

now—and speedy action."

He held me sheathed runeblade before him, staring beyond

it into space. "1 swear by Arioch diat tfiose who have done

mis, whedier diey be man or immortal, shall suffer from their

deed. Hear me, Arioch! That is my oadi!"

But his words found no answer and be sensed diat Arioch,

bis patron demon, had either not heard him or else heard bis

«ath and was unmoved.

Then he was striding from me death-heavy chamber, yell-

ing for bis horse.

Two

Where the Sighing Desert gave way to the borders of Ilmiora,

between the coasts of the Eastern continent and the lands of

Tarkesh, Dharijor and Shazar, there lay the Pale Sea.

It was a cold sea, a morose and chilling sea, but ships pre-

ferred to cross from Ilmiora to Dharijor by means of it,

rather than chance the weirder dangers of the Straits of

Chaos which were lashed by eternal storms and inhabited by

malevolent sea-creatures.

On the deck of an Umioran schooner, Eiric of Melnibone

stood wrapped in his cloak, shivering and staring gloomily at

the cloud-covered sky.

The captain, a stocky man with blue, humorous eyes, came

struggling along the deck towards him. He had a cup of hot

wine in his hands. He steadied himself by clinging to a piece

of rigging and gave the cup to Eiric.

"Thanks,** said the albino gratefully. He sipped the wine.

"How soon before we make the port of Banarva, captain?"

The captain pulled the collar of his leather jerkin about his

unshaven face. **We're sailing slow, but we should sight the

Tarkesh peninsula well before sunset" Banarva was in

Tarkesh* one of its chief trading posts. The captain leaned on

the rail. "I wonder how long these waters wffl be free for

ships now that war's broken out between the kingdoms of the

west. Both Dharijor and Pan Tang have been notorious in the

past for their piratical activities. They'll soon extend them un-

der the guise of war, ITl warrant.**

Eiric nodded vaguely, his mind on other things than the

prospect of piracy.

Disembarking in me chilly evening at the port of Banarva,

Eiric soon saw ample evidence that war darkened the lands

of the Young Kingdoms. There were rumours rife, talk of

nothing but battles gained and warriors lost From the con-

20

STORMBRINGER            21

fined gossip, he could get no dear impression of how the war

went, save that the decisive battle was yet to be fought

Loquacious Banarvans told him that all over the Western

Continent men were marching. From Myyrrhn, he heard, the

winged men were flying. From Jharkor, the White Leopards,

Queen Yishana's personal guard, ran towards Dharijor, while

Dyvim Slonn and his mercenaries pressed northwards to meet

them.

Dharijor was the strongest nation of me west and Pan

Tang was a formidable ally, more for her people's occult

knowledge man for her numbers. Next in power to Dharijor

came Jharkor, who, with her allies Tarkesh, Myyrrhn and

Shazar, was still not as strong as those who threatened the se-

curity of the Young Kingdoms.

For some years Dharijor had sought an opportunity for

conquest and the hasty alliance against her had been made in

an effort to stop her before she had fully prepared for con-

quest Whether this effort would succeed, Eiric did not know,

and those who spoketo him were equally uncertain.

The streets of Banarva were packed with soldiers and sup-

ply trains of horses and oxen. The harbour was filled with

warships and it was difficult to find lodgings since most inns

and many private houses had been requisitioned by the army.

And it was the same all over the Western Continent Every-

where, men strapped metal about them, bestrode heavy charg-

ers, sharpened their arms, and rode beneath bright silken

banners to slay and to despoiL

Here, without doubt, Eiric reflected, he would find the

battle of uie prophecy. He tried to forget his tormented long-

ing for news of Zarozinia and turned bis moody eyes towards

the west Stormbringer hung like an anchor at his side and ho

fingered it constantly, hating it even as it fed him his vitality.

He spent the night in Banarva and by morning had hired a

good horse and was riding through the sparse grassland

towards Jharkor.

Across a war-torn world rode Eiric, his crimson eyes burn-

ing with a fierce anger at the sights of wanton destruction he

witnessed. Although be had himself lived by his sword for

many years and had committed acts of murder, robbery and

urbicide, he disliked the senselessness of wars such as this, of

men who killed one another for only the vaguest of reasons.

It was not that he pitied the slain or hated the slayers; he was

too remote from ordinary men to care greatly about what

22

Michael Moorcock

they did. Yet, in bis own tortured way, he was an idea&t

who, because be lacked peace and security himself, resulted

- the sights of strife which this war brought to him. His ances-

tors, he knew, had also been remote, yet they had delighted

in the conflicts of the men of the Young Kingdoms, observing

mem from a distance and judging themselves above nidi ac-

tivities; above the morass of sentiment and emotion in which

these new men struggled. For ten thousand years me sor-

cerer-emperors of Memibone had ruled this world, a race

without conscience or moral creed, unneedful of reasons for

their acts of conquest, seeking no excuses for their natural

malicious tendencies. But Hric, the last in the direct line of

emperors, was not like them. He was capable of cruelty and

malevolent sorcery, had little pity, yet could love and hate

more violently than ever his ancestors. And these strong pas-

sions, perhaps, had been the cause of his breaking with his

homeland and travelling me world to compare himself

against these new men since be could find none in Memibone

who shared his feelings. And it was because of these twin

forces of love and hate that be had returned to have ven-

geance on his cousin Yyrkoon who had put Cymorfl, Elric'9

betrothed, into a magic slumber and usurped me kingship of

Melnibone, the Dragon Isle, last territory of the fallen Bright

Empire. With the aid of a fleet of reavers, Eiric had razed

Inuryr in his vengeance-taking, destroyed the Dreaming City

and scattered forever the race who had founded h so that the

last survivors were now mercenaries roaming the worid to seQ

their arms to whomever bid highest. Love and bate; they had

led him to kill Yyrkoon who deserved death and, inadver-

tenfly, Cymoril, who did not Love and hate. They welled in

him now as bitter smoke stung his throat and be passed a

straggling group of townspeople who were fleeing, without

knowledge of their direction, from me latest depredation of

the roving Dharijorian troops who had struck far into this

part of Tarkesh and had met little hindrance from the armies

of King Hilran of Tarkesh whose main force was concen-

trated further north, readying itself for the major battle.

Now Eiric rode close to me Western Marches, near the

Jharkorian border. Here lived sturdy foresters and harvesters

in better times. But now the forests were blackened and burnt

and the crops of the field were mined.

His journey, which was speedy for he wasted 06 time. took

him through one of the stark forests where remnants of trees

STORMBRINOER            23

cast cold silhouettes against me grey, seething sky. He raised

the hood of his cloak over his bead so that the heavy black

fabric completely hid his face, and rode on as rain rushed

suddenly down and beat through the skeleton trees, sweeping

across the distant plains beyond so that all the world seemed

grey and black with the hiss of the rain a constant and de-

pressing sound.

Then, as he passed a ruined hovel which was half cottage

and half hole in the earth, a cawing voice called out:

"Lord Eiricr

Astonished that he should be recognised, he turned his

bleak face in the direction of the voice, pushing his hood

back as he did so. A ragged figure appeared in the hole's

opening. It beckoned him closer. Puzzled, he walked his horse

towards the figure and saw that it was an old man, or per-

haps a woman, he couldn't tell.

**You know my name. How?"

**Thou art a legend throughout the Young Kingdoms. Who

could not recognise that white face and heavy blade thou art

carrying?**

True, perhaps, but I have a notion there is more to this

than chance recognition. Who are you and how do you know

the High Speech of Memibone?" Eiric deliberately used the

coarse Common Speech.

**Thou shouldst know mat all who practise dark sorcery use

the High Tongue of those who are pastmasters in its arts.

Wouldst thou guest with me a while?"

Eiric looked at the hovel and shook his head. He was fas-

tidious at the best of times. The wretch smiled and made a

mock bow, restoring to the Common Speech and saying: "So

the mighty lord disdains to grace my poor home. But does he

not perhaps wonder why the fire which raged through this

forest a while ago did not, in fact, harm me?"

"Aye,** said Eiric thoughtfully, **that is an interesting

riddle.**

The hag took a step towards him. "Soldiers came not a

month gone—from Pan Tang they were. Devil Riders with

weir hunting tigers running with mem. They despoiled the

harvest and burnt even the forests that those who fled them

might not eat game or berries here. I lived in this forest all

my life, doing a little simple magic and prophecy for my

needs. But when I saw the walls of flame soon to engulf me,

24

I cried the name of • demon I knew—a thinf from ChftM

which, latterly. I had dared not SUBUDOIL It cune.

"*Savc me,' cried I, 'And what would ye do in return?*

•aid the demon. 'Anything,' I quoth. Then bear this message

for my masters,' it said. 'When the fcinslayer known as Eiric

of Melnibooe shall pass this way, tell him that there is one

kinsman he shall not slay and be will be found in Sequaloris.

If Brie loves his wife. he will play his role. If be plays it

well, his wife shall be returned.' So I fixed the message in my

mind and now give it thee as I swore."

"Thanks," said Eiric, **and what did you give in the first

place for the power to summon such a demon?"

"Why, my soul, of course. But it was an old one and not

of much worth. Hell could be no worse man this existence."

'Then why did you not let yourself burn, your soul unbar-

tered?"

"I wish to live," said me wretch, smiling again. "Oh, life is

good. My own life, perhaps, is squalid, yet the life around me

that is what I love. But let me not keep you, my lord, for you

have weightier matters on your mind." Once more the wretch

gave a mock bow as Eiric rode off, puzzled, but encouraged.

His wife still lived and was safe. But what bargain must he

strike before be could get her back?

Savagely he goaded his horse into a gallop, heading for Se-

qualoris in Jbarkor. Behind him, faintly through die beating

rain, he heard a cackling at once mocking aod miserable.

Now his direction was not so vague, and be rode at great

speed.-but cautiously, avoiding the roving bands of invaders,

imtil at length the arid plains gave way to the lusher wheat-

lands of the Sequa province of Jharfcor. Another day's ride

and Eiric entered the small walled city of Sequaloris which

had so far not suffered attack. Here, he discovered prepara-

tions for war and learnt news that was of greater interest to

him.

The InuTyriao mercenaries, led by Dyvim Storm, Eiric's

cousin and son of Dyvim Tvar, Eiric's old friend, were due to

arrive next day in Sequaloris.

There had been a certain enmity between Eiric and the

Inuryrians since the albino had been the direct cause of their

need to leave the ruins of the Dreaming City and live as mer-

cenaries. But those times were past, long since, and on two

previous occasions he and the Imrryrians had fought on the

25

same side. He wu their leader by right and the tics of tradi-

tion were strong in the elder race. Eiric prayed to Arioch that

Dyvim Slorm would have aome due to his wife's where-

abouts.

At noon of the next day the mercenary army rode swag-

gering into the city. Eiric met them dose to the city gate. The

hnrryrian warriors were obviously weary from a long ride

and were loaded with booty since, before Yishana sent for

mem, they had been raiding in Shazar dose to the Marshes

of the Mist. They were different from any other race, these

Imrryrians, with their tapering faces, slanting eyes and high

cheekbones. They were pale and slim with long, soft hair

drifting to their shoulders. The finery they wore was not

stolen, but definitely Meinibonean in design; shimmering

cloths of gold, blue and green, metals of delicate workman-

ship and intricately patterned. They carried lances with long.

sweeping heads and there were slender swords at their sides.

They sat arrogantly in their saddles, convinced of their supe-

riority over other mortals, and were, as Eiric, not quite hu-

man in their unearthly beauty.

He rode up to meet Dyvim Slorm, his own sombre clothes

contrasting with theirs. He wore a tall-collared jacket of quilt-

ed leather, black and buckled in by a broad, plain belt at

which hung a poignard and Stonnbringer. His milk-white hair

was held from his eyes by a fillet of black bronze and his

breeks and boots were also black. All mis black set off sharp-

ly his white skin and crimson, glowing eyes.

Dyvim Slorm bowed in his saddle, showing only slight sur-

prise.

"Cousin Eiric. So the omen was true.'*

"What omen, Dyvim Slorm?'*

"A falcon's—your name bird if I remember."

It bad been customary for Melniboneans to identify new-

born children with birds of their choice; thus Eiric's was a

falcon, hunting bird of prey.

"What did it tell you, cousin?" Eiric asked eagerly.

"It gave a puzzling message. While we had barely gone

from the Marshes of the Mist, it came and perched on my

shoulder, and spoke in human tongue. It told me to come to

Sequaloris and there I would meet my king. From Sequaloris

we were to journey together to join Yishana*s army and the

battle, whether won or lost, would resolve the direction of

26 Michael Moorcock

our linked destinies thereafter. Do you make sense of that,

cousin?"

"Some^ Eiric frowned. "But come—I haw a place

reserved for you at the inn. I will tell you all I know over

wine—if we can find decent wine in this forsaken hamlet I

need help, cousin; as much help as I can obtain* for Zaro-

zinia has been abducted by supernatural agents and I have a

feeling that this and the wars are but two elements in a

greater play.**

"Then quickly, to the inn. My curiosity is further piqued.

This matter increases in interest for me. First falcons and

omens, now abductions and strife! What else. I wonder, are

we to meet!**

With the Imrryrians straggling after diem through the

cobbled streets, scarcely a hundred warriors but hardened by

their outlawed lift, Eiric and Dyvim Slorm made their way to

the inn and there, in haste, Eiric outlined all he had learned.

Before replying, his cousin sipped bis wine and carefully

placed the cup upon the board, pursing his lips. "I have a

feeling in my bones that we are puppets in some struggle be-

tween the gods. For all our blood and flesh and wul, we can

see none of the bigger conflict save for a few scarcely related

details."

"That may be so," said Eiric impatiently, "but Fm greatly

angered at being involved and require my wife's release. I

have no notion why we, together, must make the bargain for

her return, neither can I guess what h is we have that those

who captured her want But, if the omens are sent by the

same agents, then we had best do as we are told, for the

meantime, until we can see matters more clearty. Then, per-

haps, we can act upon our own volition.**

"That's wise," Dyviro Slorm nodded, "and Fm with you in

it" He smued slightly and- added: "Whether 1 like it or not. I

fancy."

Eiric said: "Where lies the main army of Dharijor and Pan

Tang? I heard it was gathering."

"It has gathered—and marches closer. The impending

battle will decide who rules the western lands. I'm committed

to Yishana's aide, not only because she has employed us to

aid her, but because I felt that if the warped lords of Pan

Tang dominate these nations, then tyranny will come upon

27

them and they will threaten the security of the whole world.

It i» a sad thing when a Mclnibonean has to consider such

problems." He smiled ironically. "Aside from that, I like

uiem not these aorcerou* upstarts—they seek to emulate the

Bright Empire."

"Aye." Eiric said. They are an island culture, as ours was.

They are sorcerers and warriors as our ancestors were. But

their sorcery is less healthy than ever ours was. Our ancestors

committed frightful deeds, yet it was natural to them. These

newcomers, more human than we, have perverted their hu-

manity whereas we never possessed it in the same degree.

There will never be another Bright Empire, nor can their

power last more than ten thousand years. This is a fresh age,

Dyvim Slorm, in more man one way. The time of subtle sor-

cery is on the wane. Men an finding new means of har-

nessing natural power."

"Our knowledge is ancient," Dyvim Slorm agreed, "yet, so

old is it that it has little relation to present events, I think.

Our logic and learning are suited to the past..."

"I think you are right** said Eiric, whose mingled emotions

were suited neither to past present nor future. "Aye, it is fit-

ting that we should be wanderers, for we have no place in

this world."

They drank in silence, moodily, their minds on matters of

philosophy. Yef for all this, Eiric's thoughts were forever

turning to Zarozinia and the fear of what might have befallen

her. The very innocence of this girl, her vulnerability and her

youth had been, to some degree at least his salvation. His

protective love for her had helped to keep him from brooding

too deeply on his own doom-filled life and her company had

eased bis melancholy. The strange reed of the dead creature

lingered in his memory. Undoubtedly the reed had referred to

a battle, and the falcon which Dyvin Slorm had seen had spo-

ken of one also The battle was sure to be the forthcoming

one between Yishana's forces and those of Sarosto of Dhari-

Jor and Jagreen Lem of Pan Tang. If he was to find Zaro-

zinia then be must go with Dyvim Slonn and there take part

in UK conflict- Though he might perish, he reasoned that he

had best do as the omens ordered—otherwise he could lose

even the slight chance of ever seeing Zarozinia again. He

turned to his cousin.

28

Michael Moorcock

"111 make my way with you tomorrow, and use my blade

in the battle. Whatever else, I have the feeling that Yisbana

will need every warrior against the Theocrat and his allies."

Dyvim Slorm agreed. "Not only our doom but the doom of

nations will be at stake in this ..."

Three

Tea.terrible men drove their yellow chariots down a black

- mountain which vomited blue and scarlet fire and shook in a

spasm of destruction.

In such a manner, all over the globe, the forces of nature

were disrupted and rebellious. Though few realised it, the

earth was changing. The Ten knew why, and they knew of

Eiric and how their knowledge linked with him.

The night was pale purple and the sun hung a bloody globe

over the mountains, for it was late summer. In the valleys,

cottages were burning as smoking lava smacked against the

straw roofs.

Sepiriz, in the leading chariot, saw the villagers running, a

confused rabble—like ants whose hills had been scattered. He

turned to the blue-armoured man behind him and he smiled

almost gaily.

"See them run,** he said. "See them run, brother. Oh, the

joy of it—such forces there are at work!"

" Tia good to have woken at this time," his brother agreed,

abouting over the rumbling noise of the volcano.

Then the smile left Sepiriz and his eyes narrowed: He

lashed at his twin horses with a bull-hide whip, so that blood

laced the flanks of the great black steeds and they galloped

even faster down the steep mountain.

In the village, one man saw the Ten in the distance. He

•orieked, voicing his fear in a warning:

"The fire has driven them out of the mountain. Hide—es-

cape t The men from the volcano have awakened—they are

coming. The Ten have awakened according to the

prophecy—it is the end of the world!" Then the mountain

gushed a fresh spewing of hot rock and flaming lava and the

man was struck down, screamed as he burned and died. He

died needlessly, for the Ten had no interest in him or his fel-

lows.

29

30 Michael Moorcock

Sepiriz and his brothers rode straight through the village,

their chariot wheels rattling on the coarse street, the hooves

of their horses pounding.

Behind them, the mountain bellowed. "To Nihrainr cried

Sepiriz. "Speedily, brethren, for there is much work to do. A

blade must be brought from Limbo and a pair of men must

befcund to carry it to Xanyaw!"

Joy filled him as he saw the earth shuddering about him

and heard the gushing of fire and rock behind him. His black

body glistened, reflecting the flames of the burning houses.

The horses leaned in their harness, dragging the bucking

chariot at wild speed, their hooves blurred movement over

the ground so that it often seemed they flew.

Perhaps they did, for the steeds of Nihrain were known to

be different from ordinary beasts.

Now they flung themselves along a gorge, now up a moun-

tain path, making their speedy way towards the Chasm of

Nihrain, the ancient home of the Ten who had not returned

there for two thousand years.

Again, Sepiriz laughed. He and his brothers bore a terrible

responsibility, for though they had no loyalty to men or gods,

they were Fate's spokesmen and thus bore an awful

knowledge within their immortal skulls.

For centuries they had slept in their mountain chamber,

dwelling dose to the dormant heart of die volcano since ex'

tremes of heat and cold bothered them little. Now the spew-

ing rock had awakened them and they knew that their time

bad come—the time for which they had been waiting for mfl-

lenia.

This was why Sepriz sang in Joy. At last he and his broth-

ers were to be allowed to perform their ultimate functioo.

And this involved two Melniboneans, the two surviving mem-

bers of the Royal Line of the Bright Empire.

Sepiriz knew they lived—they had to be alive, for without

them Fate's scheme was impossible. But there were thorn

upon the earth, Sepiriz knew, who were capable of cheating

Fate, so powerful were they. Their miaions lay everywhere,

particularly among the new race of men, but ghouls and

demons were also their tools.

This made his chosen task the harder.

But now—to Nihrain! To the hewn city and there to draw

the threads of destiny into a finer net There was still a little

-STORMBRINGER            31

time, but it was running short; and Time the unknown* was

master of all...

The pavilions of Queen Yishaoa and her allies were grouped

thickly about a series of small, wooded hills. The trees

afforded cover from a distance and DO campfires burned to

give away their position. Also the sounds of the great army

were as muted as possible. Outriders went to and fro, report-

ing die enemy's positions and keeping wary eyes open for

spies.

.  But Eiric and his Imrryrians were unchallenged as they

rode in, for the albino and his men were easily recognisable

and it was well-known that the feared Melnibonean merco-

caries had elected to aid Yishana.

Eiric said to Dyvim Slorm: "I bad best pay my respects to

Queen Yisbana, on account of our old bond, but I do not

want her to know of my wife's disappearance—otherwise she

may try to hinder me. We shall just say that I have come to

aid her, out of friendship."

Dyvim Slorm nodded, and Brie left his cousin to tend to

making camp, while he went at once to Yishana's tent where

the tall queen awaited him impatiently.

The look in her eyes was shielded as he entered. She had a

heavy, sensuous face that was beginning to show signs of age-

ing. Her long hair was black and shone around her head. Her

breasts were large and her hips broader than Eiric remem-

bered. She was sitting in a padded chair and the table before

her was scattered with battle-maps and writing materials,

parchment, ink and quills.

"Good morning, wolf,*' said she with a half-smile that was

at ooce sardonic and provocative. "My scoots reported that

you were riding with your countrymen. This is pleasant Have

you forsaken your new wife to return to subtler pleasures?"

"No,*' he said.

He stripped off his heavy riding cloak and flung it on a

bench. "Good morning, Yishana. You do not change. Fve

half a suspicion that Theleb K'aama gave you a draught of

the waters of Eternal Life before I killed him.**

"Perhaps he did. How goes your marriage?"

**WeU," be said as she moved closer and he felt the warmth

of her body.

"And now Tm disappointed." she smiled ironically and

shrugged. They bad been lovers on different occasions, in

32 Michael Moorcock

spite of the fact that Eiric had been partially responsible for

her brother's death during the raid on Imrryr. Darmit of

Jharkor*s death had put her on tee throne and, being an am-

bitious woman, she had not taken the news with too much

sadness. Eiric bad no wish to resume the relationship, how-

ever.

He turned immediately to the matter of the forthcoming

battle.

"I see you're preparing for more man a skirmish,** he said.

*"What forces have you and what are your chances of win-

ning?**

There are my own White Leopards,** she told him. "five

hundred picked warriors who run as swiftly as horses, are as

strong as mountain cats and as ferocious as blood-mad

sharks—they are trained to kin and killing is all they know.

Then there are my other troops—infantry and cavalry, some

eighty Lords in command. The best cavalry are from Shazar,

wild riders but clever fighters and well-disciplined. Tarkesh

has sent fewer men since I understand King Hilran needed to

defend his southern borders against a heavy attack. However,

there are almost a thousand and fifty foot-soldiers and some

two hundred mounted men from Tarkesh. In all we can put

perhaps six thousand trained warriors on the field. Serfs,

slaves and the like are also fighting, but they will of course

serve only to meet me initial onslaught and will die in the

early part of the battle."

Eiric nodded. These were standard military tactics. "And

what of the enemy?"

"We have more numbers—but they have Dcva Riders and

hunting tigers. There are also some beasts they keep in

cages—but we cannot guess what they are since me cages are

covered."

"I heard mat me men of Mynhn are flying hither. The im-

port must be great for them to leave their eyries.**

**If we lose mis battle," she said gravely, "Chaos could eas-

ily engulf the earth and rule over ft. Every oracle from here

to Shazar says the same thing, that Jagreen Lern is but the

tool of less natural masters, that he is aided by the Lords of

Chaos. We we not only fighting for our lands, Eiric, we are

fighting for me human race!"

"Then let us hope we win," he said.

Eiric stood among the captains as they surveyed the mobi-

lising anny. Tall Dyvim Slonu was by his side, his golden

STORMBRINGER            33

shirt loose on his slim body and his manner confident, arro-

gant Also here were hardened soldiers of many smaller cam-

paigns; short, dark-faced men from Tarkesh with thick ar-

mour and black, oiled hair and beards. The half-naked winged

men from Myynhn had arrived, with their brooding eyes,

hawk-like faces, their great wings folded on their backs,

quiet, dignified, seldom speaking. The Shazariao commanders

were there also, in jackets of grey. brown and black, in rust-

coloured bronze armour. With them stood the captain of

Yishana*s White Leopards, a long-legged, thick-bodied man

with blond hair tied in a knot at the back of his bull-necked

head, silver armour bearing the emblazon of a leopard, albino

like Eiric, rampant and snarling.

The time of the battle was drawing close.. •

Now, in me grey dawn, tee two armies advanced upon

each other* coming from opposite ends of a wide valley.

Banked by low, wooded, hills.

The army of Pan Tang and Dhariior moved, a tide of dark

metal, up the shallow valley to meet them. Eiric, still unar-

rooured, watched as they approached, his horse stamping tho

turf. Dyvim Slonn, beside him, pointed and said: "Look—•

mere are the plotters—Sarosto on the left and Jagreen Lern

on the rightl**

The leaders headed their army, banners of daik silk rus-

tling above their helms. King Sarosto and his thin ally,

aquiline Jagreen Lena m glowing scarlet armour that seemed

to be red hot and may have been. On his helm was the Mer-

man Crest of Pan Tang, for the claimed kinship with the

sea-people. Sarosto's armour was dull, murky yellow, embla-

zoned with me Star of Dharijor upon which was the Cleft

Sword which history said was home by Sarosto's ancestor

Atarn the City-Builder.

Behind them, instantly observable, came the Devil Riders

of Pan Tang on their six-legged reptilian mounts, bred by sor-

cery it was said. Swarthy and with introspective expressions

on their sharp faces, they carried long, curved sabres, naked

at their belts. Prowling among them came over a hundred

hunting tigers, trained like dogs, with tusk-like teeth and

claws that could rend a roan to the bone with a single sweep.

Beyond the rolling army as it moved towards them, Eiric

could just see the tops of me mysterious cage-wagons. What

weird beasts did they contain, he wondered.

34                Michael Moorcock

Then Yishana shouted a command.

The archers' arrows spread a rattling black cloud above

them as Eiric led the first wave of infantry down the hill to

meet the van of the enemy army. That he should be forced to

risk his life embittered him, but if he was ever to discover

Zarozmia's whereabouts he had to play out his ordered part

and pray that he lived.

The main force of cavalry followed the infantry, flanking it

with orders to encircle the enemy if possible. Brightly dad

Irorryrians and bronze-armoured Shazarians were to one side.

Blue-armoured Tarkeshites with brilliant plumes of red,

purple and white, long lances levelled, and gold-armoured

Jharkorians, longswords already unscabbarded, galloped on

the other side. In the centre of Eiric's advance phalanx loped

Yishana's White Leopards and the queen herself rode beneath

her banner, behind the first phalanx, leading a battalion of

knights.

Down they rushed towards the enemy whose own arrows

rose upwards and then swept down to clash against helmets

or thud into flesh.

Now the sound ot war-shouts smashed through the still

dawn as they streaked down the slopes and clashed.

Eiric found himself confronting lean Jagreen Lern. and the

snarling Theocrat met Stonnbringer's swing with a flame-red

buckler which successfully protected him—proving the shield

to be treated against sorceroua weapons.

Jagreen Lem's features wrinkled into a malicious smile as

he recognised Eiric. "I was told you'd be here, Whiteface. I

know you Eiric and I know your doom!"

*Too many men appear to know my destiny better than I,"

said the albino. "But perhaps if I slay you, Theocrat, I may

force the secret from you before you die?"

"Oh, no! That is not my masters' plan at all."

"Well, mayhap 'tis mine!"

He struck again at Jagreen Lem, but again the blade was

turned, screaming its anger. He felt it move in his hand, felt

it throb with chagrin, for normally the hell-forged blade

could slice through metal however finely tempered.

In Jagreen Lena's gauntleted right hand was a huge war-

axe which he now swung at the unprotected head of Eiric's

horse. This was odd since he was in a position to strike at Ei-

ric himself. The albino jerked his steed's head to one side,

STORMBRINGER              35

avoided the blow and drove again point firet at Jagreen

Lcro's midriff. The runeblade shrieked as it failed to pierce

the armour. The war-axe swung again and Eiric brought up

his sword as protection but, in astonishment, was driven back

in his saddle by the force of the blow, barely able to control

bis horse, one foot slipping from the stirrup.

Jagreen Lern struck again and successfully split the skull

of Elric*s horse which crumpled to its knees, blood and brains

gushing, great eyes rolling as it died.

Flung from the beast, Eiric rose painfully and readied

himself for Jagreen Lern's next blow. But to his surprise,

the sorcerer-king turned away and moved into the thick of

the battle.

"Sadly your life is not mine to take, Whiteface! That is the

prerogative of other powers. If you live and we are the vic-

tors—I will seek you out, perhaps."

Unable, in his dazed condition, to make sense of this, Eiric

looked desperately around for another horse and saw a Dhar-

ijorian mount, its head and foreparts well protected by dented

black armour, running loose and away from the fight

Swiftly, he leapt for its harness and caught a dangling rein,

steadied the beast, got a foot into a stirrup and swung himself

up in the saddle which was uncomfortable for an unar-

moured man. Standing in the stirrups, Eiric rode it back into

the battle.

He hewed his way through the enemy knights, slaying now

a Devil Rider, now a hunting tiger that lashed at him with

bared fangs, now a gorgeously armoured Dharijorian com-

mander, now two foot-soldiers who struck at him with hal-

berds. His horse reared like a monster and. desperately, he

forced it closer to the standard of Yishana until be could see

one of the heralds.

Yishana's army was fighting bravely, but its discipline was

lost It must regroup if it was to be most effective.

"Recall the cavalryF Eiric yelled. "Recall the cflvafryF

The young herald looked up. He was badly pressed by two

Devil Riders. His attention diverted, he was skewered on a

Devil Rider's blade and shrieked as the two men butchered

him.

Cursing. Eiric rode closer and struck one of the attackers

in the side of the head. The man toppled and fell into the

churned mud of the field. The other Rider turned, only to

36 Michael Moorcock

meet howling Stormbringer'a point, and he died yelling, — the

runeblade dranic his soul.

The herald, still mounted, was dead in the saddle, his body

a mass of cuts. Eiric leaned forward, tearing toe bloody horn

from around the corpse's neck. Placing it to his lips, he

sounded the'Cavalry Recall and caught a glimpse of horse-

men turning. Now he saw the standard itself begin to fan and

realised that the standard-bearer was slain. He rose in the

saddle and grasped the pole which bore the bright flag of

Jharkor and, with this in one band, the horn at his Ups, at-

tempted to rally his forces.

Slowly, the remnants of the battered army gathered around

him. Then Eiric, taking control of the battle, did the only

thing he could—took the sole course of action which might

save the day.

He sounded a long, wailing note on the bom. In response

to this. he heard the beating of heavy wings as the men of

Myyrrhn rose into the air.

Observing this, the enemy released the traps of the mysteri-

ous cages.

Eiric groaned with despair.

A weird hooting preceded the sight of giant owls, thought

extinct even in Myyrrhn the land of their origin, circling sky-

ward.

The enemy had prepared against a threat from the air and,

by some means, had produced the age-old enemies of the

men of Myyrrhn.

Only slightly daunted by this unexpected sight, the men of

Myyrrhn, armed with long spears, attacked the great birds.

The embattled warriors on the ground were showered with

blood and feathers. Corpses of men and birds began to flop

downwards, crushing infantry and cavalry beneath them.

Through this confusion, Eiric and the White Leopards of

Yishana cut their way into the enemy to join up with Dyvim

Slorm and his Imrryrians, the remnants of the Tarkeshite

cavalry/and about a hundred Shazarians. who had survived.

Looking upward. Eiric saw that most of the great owls were

destroyed, but only a handful of the men of Myyrrhn had sur-

vived the fight in the air. These, having done what they could

against the owls, were themselves circling about preparing to

leave the battle. Obviously they realised the hopelessness of it

aU.

STORMBRINGER              37

Eiric cried to Dyvim Slorm as their forces joined: "The

battle's lost—Sarosto and Jagreen Lern rule here now!"

Dyvim Slorm hefted hL longsword in his hand and gave

Eiric a look of assent "If we're to live to keep our destiny.

we'd best make speed away from here!** he cried.

There was little more they could do.

"Zarozinia's life is more important to me than anything

else!" Eiric yelled. "Let's look to our own predicament!"

But the weight of the enemy forces was like a vice, crush-

ing Eiric and his men. Blood covered Eiric's face from a

blow he had received on the forehead. It clogged his eyes so

that he had to keep raising his left hand to his face to get rid

of the stuff.

His right arm ached as he lifted Stormbringer again and

again, hacking and stabbing about him, desperate now, for al-

though the dreadful blade had a life, almost an intelligence,

of its own, even it could not supply the vitality which Eiric

needed to remain entirely fresh. In a way he was glad, for be

hated the runesword, (hough he had to depend on the force

which flowed from it to him.

Stormbringer more than slew Elric*s attackers—it drank

(heir souls, and some of that life force was passed on to (he

Melniboneao monarch ...

Now the ranks or the enemy fell back and seemed to open.

Through this self-made breech, animals came running. Ani-

mals with gleaming eyes and red, fang-filled jaws. Animals

with claws.

The hunting tigers of Pan Tang.

Horses screamed as the tigers leapt and rended them, tear-

ing down mount and man and slashing at the throats of their

victims. The tigers raised bloody snouts and stared around for

a new prey. Terrified, many of Eiric's small force fell back

shouting. Most of the Tarkeshite knights broke and fled the

field, precipitating the flight of the Jharkorians whose mad-

dened horses bore them away and were soon followed by the

few remaining Shazarians still mounted. Soon only Eiric, his

Imrryrians and about forty White Leopards stood against the

might of DhariJor and Pan Tang.

Eiric raised his horn and sounded the Retreat, wheeled his

black steed about and raced up the valley. Imrryrians behind

him. But me White Leopards fought on to the last- Yishana

had said that they knew nothing but how to kill. Evidently

they also knew how to die.

38 Michael Moorcock

Eiric and Dyvim Slorm led the Imrryrians up the valley,

half-thankful that the white Leopards covered their retreat

The Melnibonean had seen nothing of Yishana since he had

clashed with Jagreen Lera. He wondered what had become of

her.

As they turned a bend in the valley. Brie understood the

foil battle-plan of Jagreen Lern and his ally—for a strong,

fresh force of foot-soldiers and cavalry had assembled at the

other end of the valley, for the purpose of cutting off any re-

treat made by bis army.

Scarcely thinking. Eiric urged his horse up the slopes of

the hills, his men following, ducking beneath the low

branches of the birch trees as the Dharijoriana rushed

towards them, spreading out to cut off their escape.

Eiric fumed his horse about and saw that the White Leop-

ards were still fighting around the standard of Jharkor and

he headed back in that direction, keeping to the hills. Over

the crest of the hills he rode, Dyvim Slorm and a handful of

Imrryrians with him, and then they were galloping for open

countryside while the knights of Dharijor and Pan Tang gave

chase. They had obviously recognised Eiric and wished either

to kill or to capture him-

Ahead Eiric could see that the Tarkeshites, Shazarians and

Jharkorians who had earlier fled had taken the same route

out as he had. But they no longer rode together, were scatter-

ing away.

Eiric and Dyvim Slorm fled westwards across unknown

country while the other Imrryrians. to take attention off their

leaders, rode to the north east towards Tarkesh and perhaps a

few days of safety.

The battle was won. The minions of evil were the victors

and an age of terror had settled on the lands of the Young

Kingdoms in the west

Some days later, Eiric. Dyvim Slorm, two hnrryrians. a

Tarkeshite commander called Yeda-pad-Juizev, badly wound-

ed in the side, and a Shazarian foot-soldier, Orion, who had

taken a horse away from the battle, were temporarily safe

from pursuit and were trudging their horses wearily towards

a range of slim-peaked mountains which loomed black

against the red evening sky.

They had not spoken for some hours. Yedn-pad-Juizev was

STORMBRINGER            39

obviously dyine and they could do nothing for him. He knew

this also and expected nothing, merely rode with them for

company. He was very tall for a Tarkeshite, his scarlet pli'me

still bobbing on his dented blue-metal helmet, his breastplate

scarred and smeared with his own blood and others*. His

beard was black and shiny with oil. his nose a juttin? crag on

the rock of his soldier's face, his eyes half-gazed- He was

bearing the pain well. Though they were impatient to reich

the comnarative safety of the mountain range, the others

matched their pace to his, half in respect and half in fascina-

tion that a man could cling to life for so long-

Night came and a great yellow moon hung in the sky over

the mountains. The sky was completely clear of cloud and

stars shone brightly. The warriors wished that the night had

been dark. storm-covered, for they could have then soneht

more security in the shadows- As it was the night was lieMed

and they could only hope that they reached the mountains

soon—before the hunting tigers of Pan Tang discovered their

tracks and they died under the rending claws of those dread-

ful beasts.

Eiric was in a grim and thoughtful mood. For a while the

Dhariiorian and Pin Tane conauerors would be busy consoli-

dating their new-won empire. Perhaps there would be quar-

rels between them when this was done. perhaps not. But

soon, anyway, they would be very powerful and threatening

the security of other nations on the Southern and Eastern

Continents-

But all this, however much it overshadowed the fate of the

whole world, meant little to Eiric for he still could not clearly

see his way to Zarozinia. He remembered the dead creature's

prophecy, part of which had now come about But still it

meant little. He felt as if he were being driven constantly

westwards, as if he must go further and further into the

sparsely-settled lands beyond Jharkor. Was it here his destiny

lay? Was it here that Zarozinia's captors were? Beyond the

ocean brews a battle; Beyond the battle blood shall fall...

Well, had the blood fallen, or was it yet to fall? What waa

the *twin' that EIric's kinsman, Dyvim Slorm, bore? Who was

the one who should not live?

Perhaps the secret lay in the mountains ahead of them?

Beneath the moon they rode, and at last came to a gorge.

40 Michael Moorcock

Half-way along It they located a cave and lay down inside to

rest.

In the morning, Brie was awakened by a sound outside the

cave. Instantly he drew Stonnbringer and crept to the mouth

of the cave. What he saw caused him to sheathe the blade

and call in a soft voice to the battered man who was riding

up the gorge towards the cave. "Here, herald! We are

friends!"

The man was one of Yishana's heralds. His surcoat was in

ribbons, bis armour crumpled on his body. He was swordlesa

and without a helmet, a young man with bis face made gaunt

by weariness and despair. He looked up and relief came

when he recognised Eiric.

"My lord Eiric—they said you were slain on the field."

"I'm glad they did, since that makes pursuit less likely.

Come inside."

The others were awake now—all but one. Yedn-pad-Juizev

had died, sleeping, in the night Orozn yawned and jerked a

thumb at the corpse. "If we do not find food soon. 111 be

tempted to eat our dead friend."

The man looked at Brie for response to this jest, but

seeing the albino's expression be was abashed and retreated to

the depths of the cave grumbling and kicking at loose stones.

Eiric leant against the wall of the cave near the opening.

"What news have you?" he asked.

"Dark news, my lord. From Shazar to Tarkesh black

misery prevails and iron and fire beat across nations like an

unholy storm. We are fully conquered. Only small bands of

men carry on a hopeless struggle against the enemy. Some of

our folk are already talking of turning bandit and preying on

each other, so desperate have times become.**

Eiric nodded. "Such is what happens when foreign allies

are beaten on friendly soil. What of Queen Yishana?"

"She fared ill, my lord. Clad in metal, she battled against a

score of men before expiring—her body torn asunder by the

force of their attack. Sarosto took her bead for a keepsake

and added it to other trophies including the hands of Kamari,

his half-brother who opposed him over the Pan Tang alliance,

the eyes of Peoik of Nargesser, who raised an army against

him in that province. Theocrat Jagreen Lero ordered that all

other prisoners be tortured to death and hanged in chains

STORMBRINGER            41

through the lands as warning against insurrection. They are

an unholy pair, my lordt*

Eiric's mouth grew tight when he heard this. Already h

was becoming clear to him that his only route was westwards,

for the conquerors would soon search him out if he went

back. He turned to Dyvim Slonn. The Imrryrian's shirt was

in raffs and his left arm covered in dried blood.

"Our destiny appears to lie in the west," he said quietly.

"Then let us make speed," said his cousin, "for I am impa-

tient to get it over and at least learn whether we live or per-

ish in this enterprise. We gained nothing by our encounter

with the enemy, but wasted time."

"I pained something." Eiric said, remembering his fight

with Jagreen Lern. "I gained the knowledge that Jagreen

Lern is connected in some way with the kidnapping of my

wife—and if he had aught to do with it, I'll claim my ven-

geance no matter what."

"Now," said Dyvim Slonn. "Let us make haste to the

west"

Four

They drove deeper into the mountains that day, avoiding the

few hunting parties sent out by the conquerors, but the two

Imrryriaas. recognising that their leaders were on a special

journey, left to go in another direction. The herald was gone

southward to spread his gloomy news so that only Eiric,

Dyvim Slorm and Orozn were left. They did not welcome

Orozn's company, but bore with it for the meanwhile.

Then, after a day, Orozn disappeared and Eiric and Dyvim

Slorm ranged deeper into the black crags, riding through tow-

ering. oppressive canyons or along narrow paths.

Snow lay on the mountains, bright white against sharp

black, filling gorges, making paths slippery and dangerous.

Then one evening they came to a place where the mountains

opened out into a wide valley and they rode, with difficulty

down the foothills of the mountains, their tracks making

great black scars in the snow and their horses steaming, their

breath billowing white in the cold air.

They observed a rider coming across the valley floor

towards them. One rider they did not fear, so they waited for

him to approach. To their surprise it was Orozn, clad in fresh

garments of wolfskin and deer hide. He greeted them in a

friendly manner.

"I have come seeking you both. You must have taken a

more difficult route than mine."

"From where have you come?" Eiric asked; his face was

drawn, his cheek-bones emphasised by the sunken skin. He

looked more like a wolf than ever with his red eyes gleaming.

Zarozinia's fate weighed heavily on his mind.

'There is a settlement nearby. Come, I will take you to it"

They followed Orozn for some way and it was getting near

nightfall, the setting sun staining the mountains scarlet, when

they reached the opposite side of the valley, dotted with a

few birch trees and, further up, a cluster of firs.

42

STORMBRINGER

Orozn led them into this grove.

43

They came screaming out of the dark. a dozen swarthy

men. possessed by hatred—and something else. Weapons

were raised in mailed hands. By their armour, these men

were from Pan Tang. Orozn must have been captured and

persuaded to lead Eiric and his cousin into ambush.

Eiric turned his horse, rearing.

"Orozn! You betrayed us!"

But Orozn was riding. .He looked back once, his pale face

tortured with guilt. Then his eyes darted away from Eiric and

Dyvim Slorm and he frowned, rode down the moss-wet hill

back into the howling darkness of the night

Eiric lifted Stormbringer from his belt, gripped the hut,

blocked a blow from a brass-studded mace, slid his sword

down the handle and sheared off his attacker's fingers. He

and Dyvim Slorm were soon surrounded, yet he fought on,

Stormbringer shrilling a wild, lawless song of death.

But Eiric and Dyvim Slorm were still weak from the

rigours of their past adventures. Not even Stormbringer's evil

strength was sufficient fully to revitalise Eiric's deficient veins

and he was filled with fear—sot of the attackers, but of the

fact that he was doomed to die or be captured. And he had

the feeling that these warriors had no knowledge of their

master's pan in the matter of the prophecy, did not realise

that, perhaps, he was not meant to die at that moment

In fact he decided, as he battled, a great mistake was

about to be perpetrated ...

"AriochI" he cried in his fear to the demon-god of Melni-

bone. "Arioch! Aid me! Blood and souls for thine aidi"

But that intractable entity sent no aid.

Dyvim Slorm's long blade caught a man Just below bis gor-

get and pierced him through the throat The other Pan Tang

horsemen threw themselves at him but were driven back by

his sweeping sword. Dyvim Slorm shouted: "Why do we wor-

ship such a god when whim decides him so often?"

"Perhaps he thinks our time has come!" Eiric yelled back

as his runeblade drank another foe's life-force.

Tiring fast, they fought on until a new sound broke above

the clash of arms—the sound of chariots and low, moaning

cries.

Then they were sweeping into the m€l6e black men with

handsome features and thin, proud mouths, their magnificent

44 Michael Moorcock

bodies half-naked as their cloaks of white fox fur streamed

behing them and their javelins were flung with terrible a&-

curacy at the bewildered men of Pan Tang.

Eiric sheathed his sword and remained ready to fight or

flee. "This is the one—the white-faced one!" cried a black

charioteer as he saw Eiric. The chariots rolled to a halt, tall

horses stamping and snorting. Eiric rode up to the leader.'

"I am grateful," he said, half falling from his saddle in

weariness. He turned the droop of his shoulders into a bow.

"You appear to know me—you are the third I've met while

on this quest who recognises me without my being able to re-

turn the compliment."

The leader tugged the fox cape about his naked chest and

smiled with his thin lips. "I'm named Sepiriz and you will

know me soon enough. As for you, we have known of you

for thousands of years. Eiric are you not—last king of Melni-

bone?"

"That is true."

"And you," Sepiriz addressed Dyvhn Slorm. "are Eiric's

cousin. Together you represent the last of the pure line of

Melnibone.**

"Aye," Dyvim Slorm agreed, curiosity in his eyes.

"Then we have been waiting for you to pass this way.

There was a prophecy..."

"You are the captors of Zarozinia?** Eiric reached for his

sword.

Sepiriz shook his head. "No, but we can tell you where she

is. Calm yourself. Though I realise the agony of mind you

must be suffering, I will be better able to explain all I know

back in our own domain."

"First tell us who you are," Eiric demanded.

Sepiriz smiled slightly. "You know us. I think—or at least

you know of us. There was a certain friendship between your

ancestors and our folk in the early years of the Bright Em-

pire." He paused a moment before continuing: "Have you

ever heard legends, in Irorryr perhaps, of the Ten from the

mountain? The ten who sleep in the mountain of fire?"

"Many times." Eiric drew in his breath. "Now I recognise

you by description. But it is said that you sleep for centuries

in the mountain of fire. Why are you roaming abroad in this

manner?"

"We were driven by an eruption from our volcano home

which had been dormant for two thousand years. Such move-

STORMBRINGER            45

menta of nature have been taking place an over the earth of

late. Our time, we knew, had come to awaken again. We

were servants of Fate—and our mission is strongly bound up

with your destiny. We bear a message for you from Zaro-

zinia's captor—and another from a different source. Would

you return now, with us, to the Chasm of Nihrain xnd learn

alt we can tell you?"

Eiric pondered for a moment, then he lifted his white face

and said: "I am in haste to claim vengeance, Sepiriz. But if

what you can tell me will lead me closer to claiming it. 111

come."

•Then come!" The black giant Jerked the reins of his horse

and turned the chariot about

It was a journey of a day and a night to the Chasm of

Nihrain, a huge gaping fissure high in the mountains, a place

avoided by all; it had supernatural significance for those who

dwelt near the mountains.

The lordly Nihrain conversed little on the Journey and at

last they were above the Chasm, driving their chariots down

the steep path which wound into its dark depths.

About half a mile down no light penetrated, but they saw

ahead of them flickering torches that illuminated part of the

carved outline of an unearthly mural or betrayed a gaping

opening in the solid rock. Then, as they guided their horses

down further, they saw, in detail, the awe-inspiring city of

Nihrain which outsiders had not glimpsed for many centuries.

The last of the Nihrain now lived here; ten immortal men of

a race older even than that of Memibone which had a history

of twenty thousand years.

Huge columns rose above mem, hewn ages before from the

living rock, giant statues and wide balconies, many-tiered.

Windows a hundred feet high and sweeping steps cut into the

face of the chasm. The Ten drove their yellow chariots

through a mighty gate and into the caverns of Nihrain.

carved to their entire extent with strange symbols and

Uranger murals. Here slaves, wakened from a sleep of cen-

turies to tend their masters, ran forward. Even these did not

fully bear resemblance to the men that Eiric knew.

Sepiriz gave the reins to a slave as Eiric and Dyvim Slorm

dismounted, staring about them in awe-

He said: "Now—to my own chambers and there ITl in-

46 Michael Moorcock

form you of what you wish to know—and what you must

do."

Led by Sepiriz, the kinsmen stalked impatiently through

galleries and into a large chamber full of dark sculpture. A

number of fires burned behind this hall, in big grates. Sepiriz

folded his great body into a chair and bade them sit in two

similar chairs, carved from solid blocks of ebony. When they

were all seated before one of the fires, Sepiriz took a long

breath, staring around the hall, perhaps remembering its ear-

lier history.

Somewhat angered by this show of casualness, Eiric said

impatiently: "Forgive me, Sepiriz—but you promised to pass

on your message to us."

"Yes," Sepiriz said, "but so much do I have to tell you that

I must pause one moment to collect my thoughts." He settled

himself in the chair before continuing.

"We know where your wife, is," he said at last, "and know

also that she is safe. She will not be harmed since she is to be

bargained for something which you possess."

"Then tell me the whole story," Eiric demanded bleakly.

"We were friendly with your ancestors. Eiric. And we were

friendly with those they superseded, the ones who forged that

blade you bear."

Eiric was interested in spite of his anxiety. For years he

had attempted to rid himself of the runesword, but had never

succeeded. All his efforts had failed and he still needed to

carry it, although drugs now gave him most of his strength.

"Would you be rid of your sword, Eiric?" Sepiriz said.

"Aye—it's well known."

"Then listen to this tale.

"We know for whom and for what the blade—and its

twin—were forged. They were made for a special purpose

and for special men. Only Melniboneans may carry them,

and of those only the blood of the royal line."

"There is no hint of any special purpose for the swords in

Melnibonean history or legend," Eiric said leaning forward.

"Some secrets are best kept fully guarded," Sepiriz said

calmly. "Those blades were forged to destroy a group of very

powerful beings. Among them are the Dead Gods."

The Dead Gods—but, by their very name, you must

know that they perished long ages ago."

"They 'perished* as you say. In human terms they are

dead. But they chose to die, chose to rid themselves of

STORMB RINGER              47

material shape and hurled their life-stuff into the blackness of

eternity, for in those days they were full of fear."

Eiric had DO real conception of what Sepiriz described but

he accepted what the Nihrainian said and listened on.

"One of them has returned," Sepiriz said.

•Whyr

"To get, at any cost, two things which endanger him and

his fellow gods—wherever they may be they can still be

harmed by these things.'*

"They are... ?"

They have the earthly appearance of two swords, rune-

carved and sorcerous—Moumblade and Stormbringer."

Thisr Eiric touched his blade. "Why should the gods fear

this? And the other went to Limbo with my cousin Yyrkoon

whom I killed many years ago. It is lost"

"That is not true. We recovered it—that was part of Fate's

purpose for us. We have it here in Nihrain. The blades were

forged for your ancestors who drove the Dead Gods away by

means of them. They were made by other uohuman smiths

who were also enemies of the Dead Gods. These smiths were

compelled to combat evil with evil, although they, themselves,

were not pledged to Chaos, but to Law. They forged the

swords for several reasons—ridding the world of the Dead

Gods was but one!"

The other reasons?"

Those you shall learn in times to come—for our relation-

ship will not be ended until the whole destiny has been

worked out We are obliged not to reveal the other reasons

until the proper time. You have a dangerous destiny, Eiric,

and I do not envy it"

"But what is the message you have?" Eiric said impa-

tiently.

"Due to the disturbance created by Jagreen Lern, one of

the Dead Gods has been enabled to return to earth, as I told

you. He has gathered acolytes about him. They kidnapped

your wife."

Eiric felt a mood of deep despair creep over him. Must he

defy such power as this?

"Why... ?" he whispered.

"Darnizhaan is aware that Zarozinia is important to you.

He wishes to barter her for the two swords. We, in this mat-

ter, are merely messengers. We must give up the sword we

keep at the request of you or Dyvim Slorm, for they right-

48 Michael Moorcock

folly belong to any of the royal line. Damizhaan's terms are

simple. He will dispatch Zarozinia to Limbo unles» you give

him the blades which threaten bis existence. Her death, it

would not be death as we know it, would be unpleasant and

eternal."

"And if I agreed to do that, what would happen?"

"All the Dead Gods would return. Only the power of the

swords keeps them from doing so now!"

"And what would happen if the Dead Gods came back?"

"Even without the Dead Gods, Chaos threatens to conquer

the planet, but with them it would be utterly invincible, its

effect immediate. Evil would sweep the worid. Chaos would

plunge this earth into a stinking inferno of terror and destruc-

tion. You have already had a taste of what is happening, and

Damizhaan has only been back for a short time."

"You mean the defeat of Yishana's armies and the con-

quest by Sarosto and Jagreeo Lero?"

"Exactly. Jagreen Lem has a pact with Chaos—all the

Lords of Chaos, not merely the Dead Gods—for Chaos fears

Fate's plan for earth's future and would attempt to tamper

with it by gaining domination of our planet The Lords of

Chaos are strong enough without the help of the Dead Gods.

Damizhaan must be destroyed.**

"I have an impossible choice, Sepiriz. If I give up

Stonnbringer I can probably survive on herbs and the like.

But if I do give it up for Zarozinia, then Chaos will be un-

leashed to its full extent and I will have a monstrous crime

upon my conscience.**

"The choice is yours alone to make.**

Eiric deliberated but could think of no way of solving the

problem.

"Bring the other Made," he said at last.

Sepiriz rejoined them a while later, with a scabbarded

sword that seemed little different from Stormbriager.

"So, Eiric—is the prophecy explained?" he asked, still

keeping hold of Moumblade.

"Aye—here is the twin of that I bear. But the last part—

where are we to go?"

"I wiB tell you in a moment Though the Dead Gods, and

the powers of Chaos, are aware that we possess the sister

blade, they do not know whom we really serve. Pate, as I

told you, is our master, and Fate has wrought a fabric for

yrORMBKIN GER               49

this earth which would be hard to alter. But it could be al-

tered and we are entrusted to see that Fate is not cheated.

You are about to undergo a test How you fare in it, what

your decision is, will decide what we must tell you upon your

return to Nihrain."

"You wish me to return here?"

"Yes.**

"Give me Moumblade," Eiric said quickly.

Sepiriz handed him the sword and Eiric stood there with

one twin blade in each hand, as if weighing something be-

tween them.

Both blades seemed to moan in recognition aod their pow-

ers swam through his body so that he seemed to be built of

steel-hard fire.

"I remember now that I hold them both that their powers

are greater than I realise. There is one quality they possess

when paired, a quality we may be able to use against this

Dead God." He frowned. "But more of that in a moment."

He stared sharply at Sepiriz. "Now tell me, where is Dam-

izhaan?"

"The Vale of Xanyaw in Myyrrhn!"

Eiric handed Moumblade to Dyvim Slorm who accepted it

gingerly.

"What will your choice be?" Sepiriz asked.

"Who knows?" Eiric said with bitter gaiety. "Perhaps there

is a way to beat this Dead God ...

"But I tell you this, Sepiriz—given the opportunity I shall

make that God rue his homecoming, for he has done the one

thing that can move me to real anger. And the anger of Eiric

of Melnibone and his sword Stonnbringer can destroy the

world!"

Sepiriz rose from his chair, his eyebrows lifting.

"And gods, Eiric, can it destroy gods?"

Five

Eiric rode like a giant scarecrow, gaunt and rigid on the mas-

sive back of the Nihramian steed. His grim face was set fast

in a mask that hid emotion and his crimson eyes burned like

coals in their sunken socket*. The wind whipped his hair this

way and that, but he sat straight, staring ahead, one long-fin-

gered hand gripping Stonnbringer's hilt.

Occasionally Dyvim Slonn, who bore Moumblade both

proudly and warily, heard the blade moan to its sister and felt

it shudder at his side. Only later did he begin to ask himself

what the blade might make him, what it would give him and

demand of him. After that, he kept his hand away from it as

much as possible.

Close to the borders of Myyrrhn, a pack of Dharijorian

hirelings—native Jharkorians in the livery of their con-

querors—came upon them. Unsavoury louts they were, who

should have known better than to ride across EIric's path.

They steered their horses towards the pair, grinning. The

black plumes of their helmets nodded, armour straps creaked

and metal clanked. The leader, a squint-eyed bully with an

axe at his belt, pulled his mount short in front of Eiric.

At a direction from its master, the albino's horse came to a

stop. His expression unchanged, Eiric drew Stonnbringer in

an economic, catlike gesture. Dyvim Slonn copied him, eye-

ing the silently laughing men. He was surprised at how easily

the blade sprang from its scabbard.

Then, with no challenges, Eiric began to fight

He fought like an automaton, quickly, efficiently, ex-

pressionlessly, cleaving the leader's shoulder plate in a stroke

that cut through the man from shoulder to stomach in one

raking movement which peeled back armour and flesh, rup-

turing the body so that a great scarlet gash appeared in the

black metal and the leader wept as he slowly died, sprawling

50

STORMBRINGER            51

for a moment over his horse before slumping from the

mount one leg high. caught in a stirrup strap.

Stonnbringer let out a great metallic purr of pleasure and

Eiric directed arm and blade about him, emofionlessly slaving

the horsemen as if they were unarmed and chained, so little

chance did they have.

Dyvim Slonn unused to the semi-sentient Moumblade,

tried to wield her like an ordinary sword but she moved in

his hand, making cleverer strokes than he. A peculiar sense

of power, at once sensual and cool poured into him and he

heard his voice veiling exultantly, realised what his ancestors

must have been like in war.

The fight was quickly done with and leaving the soul-

drained corpses on the ground behind them, they were soon

in the land of Myyrrhn. Both blades had now been com-

monly blooded.

Eiric was now better able to think and act coherently, but

he could spare nothing for Dyvim Slonn while intratempor"

ally asking nothing of his cousin who rode at his side, frus-

trated in that he was not called upon for his help.

Eiric let his mind drift about in time, encompassing past,

present and future and forming it into a whole—a pattern.

He was suspicious of pattern, disliking shape, for he did not

trust it. To him. life was chaotic, chance-dominated, unpre-

dictable. It was a trick, an illusion of the mind, to be able to

see a pattern to it.

He knew a few things, judged nothing.

He knew he bore a sword which physically and pyschologi-

cally he needed to bear. It was an unalterable admission of a

weakness in him, a lack of confidence in either himself or the

philosophy of cause and effect. He believed himself a realist

Through the bleak night they rode, buffeted by a vicious

wind.

And as they came closer to the Vale of Xanyaw, the whole

sky, the earth, the air became filled with heavy, throbbing

music. Melodious, sensual, great chords of sound, on and on

it rose and fell, and following it came me white-faced ones.

Each had a black cowl and a sword which split at the end

into three curved barbs. Each grinned a fixed grin. The music

followed them as they came running like mad things at the

two men who reined in their horses, restraining the urge to

turn and flee. Eiric had seen horrors in his life, ,had seen

52

Michael Moorcock

much that would make others insane, but for some reason

these shocked him more deeply than any. They were men, or-

dinary men by the look of them—but men possessed by an

unholy spirit

Prepared to defend themselves, Eiric and Dyvim Slonn

drew their blades and waited for the encounter, but none

came. The music and the men rushed past them and away

beyond them in the direction from which they had come.

Overhead, suddenly, they heard the beat of wings, a shriek

from out of the sky and a ghastly wail. Fleeing, two women

rushed by and Eiric was disturbed to sec that the women

were from the winged race of Myyrrhn, but were wingless.

These, unlike a woman Eiric remembered, had had their

wings deliberately hacked off. They paid no attention to the

two riders, but disappeared, running into the night, their eyes

blank and their faces insane.

"What is happening, Eiric?" cried Dyvim Slorm, resheath-

ing bis mneblade, his other hand striving to control the

prancing horse.

"I know not What does happen in a place where the Dead

Gods' rule has come back?"

All was rushing noise and confusion; the night was full of

movement and terror.

"Come!" Eiric slapped bis sword against his mount's rump

and sent the beast into a jerking gallop, forcing himself and

the steed forward into the terrible night

Then mighty laughter greeted them as they rode between

hills into the Vale of Xanyaw. The valley was pitch-black; and

alive with menace, the very hills seeming sentient They

slowed theif pace as they lost their sense of direction, and Ei-

ric had to call to his unseen cousin, to make sure he was still

close. The echoing laughter sounded again, roaring from out

of the dark, so that the earth shook. It was as if the whole

planet laughed in ironic mirth at their efforts to control their

fears and push on through the valley.

Eiric wondered if he had been betrayed and this was a trap

set by the Dead Gods. What proof had he that Zarozina was

here? Why had he trusted Sepiriz? Something slithered

against his leg as it passed him and he put his hand on the

hilt of his sword, ready to draw it

But then, shooting upwards into the dark sky, there arose,

seemingly from the very earth, a huge figure which barred

their way. Hands on hips, wreathed in golden light, a face of

53

STORMBRINGER

an ape, somehow blended with another shape to give it dig-

nity and wild grandeur, its body alive and dancing with

colour and light, its lips grinning with delight and

knowledge—Damizhaan, the Dead Godt

"Finer

"Darnizhaan!" cried Eiric fiercely, craning his head to stare

up at the Dead God's face. He felt no fear now. "I have

come for my wife!"

Around the Dead God's heels appeared acolytes with wide

lips and pale, triangular faces, conical caps on their heads

and madness in their eyes. They giggled and shrilled and

shivered in the light of Damizhaan*s grotesque and beautiful

body. They gibbered at the two riders and mocked them, but

,. they did not move away from the Dead God's heels.

^   Eiric sneered. "Degenerate and pitiful minions." he said.

If   "Not so pitiful as you, Eiric of Melnibon6." laughed the

^ Dead God. "Have you come to bargain, or to give your

•f wife's soul into my custody, so that she may spend eternity

s dying?"

"'    Eiric did not let his hate show on his face.

"I would destroy you; it is instinctive for me to do so.

But—**

The Dead God smiled, almost with pity. "You roust be

destroyed, Eiric. You are an anachronism. Your Time is

gone.'*

"Speak for yourself, Darnizhaan!"

"I could destroy you."

"But you will not." Though passionately hating the being,

Eric also felt a disturbing sense of comradeship for the Dead

God. Both of them represented an age that was gone; neither

were really part of the new earth.

Then I wfll destroy her." the Dead God said. "That I

could do with impunity."

"Zarozinia! Where is she?"

Once again Damizhaan's mighty laughter shook the Vale

of Xanyaw. *'0h, what have the old folk come to? There was

a time when no man of Melnibon6, particularly of the royal

line, would admit to caring for another mortal soul, especially

if they belonged to the beast-race, the new race of the age

you call that of the Young Kingdoms. What? Are you mating

with animals. King of Melnibon6? Where is your blood, your

cruel and brilliant blood? Where the glorious malice? Where

Ac evil. Eiricr*

54

Michael Moorcock

Peculiar emotions stirred in Eiric as he remembered hfs an-

cestors, the sorcerer emperors of the Dragon Isle. He realised

that the Dead God was deliberately awakening these emo-

tions and, with an effort, be refused to let them dominate

him.

*That is past,** he shouted, "a new time has come upon the

earth. Our time wifl soon be gone—and yours is over/**

"No, Eiric. Mark my words, whatever happens. The dawn

is over and will soon be swept away like dead leaves before

the wind of morning. The earth's history has not even begun.

You, your ancestors, these men of the new races even, you

are nothing but a prelude to history. You will all be forgotten

if the real history of the world begins. But we can avert

that—we can survive, conquer the earth and hold it against

the Lords of Law, against Fate herself, against the Cosmic

Balance—we can continue to live, but you must give me the

awords!**

"I fail to understand you," Eiric said, his lips thin and his

teeth tight in his skull. "I am here to bargain or do battle for

my wife."

"You do not understand," the Dead God guffawed, **be-

causc we are all of us, gods and men, but shadows pl&ying

puppet parts before the true play begins. You would best not

fight me—rather side with me, for I know the truth. We

share a common destiny. We do not, any of us, exist The old

folk are doomed, you, myself and my brothers, unless you

give me the swords. We must not fight one another. Share

our frightful knowledge—the knowledge that turned us in-

sane. There is nothing. Eiric—no past, present, or future. We

do not exist, any of usF

Eiric shook his head quickly. "I do not understand you.

still. I would not understand you if I could. I desire only the

return of my wife—not baffling conundrums!"

Damizhaan laughed again. "No! You shall not have the

woman unless we are given control of the swords. You do

not realise their properties. They were not only designed to

destroy us or exile us—their destiny is to destroy the world as

we know it If you retain them, Eiric, you will be responsible

for wiping out your own memory for those who come after

you."

"I'd welcome that," Eiric said,

Dyvim SIorm remained silent, not altogether in sympathy

STORMBRINGER.

55

with Eiric. The Dead God's argument seemed to contain

truth.

Damizhaan shook his body so that the golden light danced

and its area widened momentarily. "Keep the swords and all

of us will be as we had never existed," he said impatiently.

"So be it," Elric*s tone was stubborn, "do you think I wish

the memory to live on—the memory of evil, ruin and

destruction? The memory of a man with deficient blood in his

veins—a man called Friendslayer, Woman-slayer and many

other such names?"

Damizhaan spoke urgently, almost in terror. "Eiric, you

have been duped! Somewhere you have been given a con-

science. You must join with us. Only if the Lords of Chaos

can establish their reign will we survive. If they fail, we shall

'• be obliterated!"

^ "Goodr

\   "Limbo, Eiric. Limbo! Do you understand what that

'<- means?"

•.   "1 do not care- Where is my wife?"

;   Eiric blocked the truth from his mind, blocked out the ter-

ror in the meaning of the Dead God's words. He could not

afford to listen or fully to comprehend. He must save Zaro-

zinia.

"I have brought the swords," said he, "and wish my wife to

be returned to me."

"Very well," the Dead God smiled hugely in his relief. "At

least if we keep the blades, in their true shape, beyond the

earth, we may be able to retain control of the world. In your

hands they could destroy not only us but you, your world, all

that you represent. Beasts would rule the earth for millions of

years before the age of intelligence began again. And it

would be a duller age than this. We do not wish it to occur.

But if you had kept the swords, it would have come about al-

most inevitably!"

"Oh. be silent!" Eiric cried. "For a god, you talk too much.

Take the swords—and give me back my wife!"

At the Dead God's command, some of the acolytes scam-

pered away. Eiric saw their gleaming bodies disappear into

the darkness. He waited nervously until they returned, carry-

ing the struggling body of Zarozinia. They set her on the

ground and Eiric saw that her face bore the blank look of

•hock.

"Zaroziniaf

56

Michael Moorcock

The giri*s eyea roamed about before they saw Eiric. She be-

gan to move towards him* but the acolytes held her bade, gig-

gling.

Darnizhaan stretched forward two gigantic, glowing hands.

"The swords first.*'

Biric and Dyvim Slorm put them into his hands. The Dead

God straightened up, clutching his prizes and roaring his

mirth. ZarozJnia was now released and she ran forward to

grasp her husband's hand, weeping and trembling. Eiric leant

down and stroked her hair. too disturbed to say anything.

Then he turned to Dyvim Slorffl, shouting: "Let us see if

our plan will work, cousin!"

Eiric stared up at Stormbringer writhing in Daraizhaan*8

grasp. "Stormbringer! Kerana soliem, o'glara . . .**

Dyvim Slorm also called to Moumblade in the Ancient

Tongue of Melnibone, the mystic, sorcerous tongue which

had been used for rune-casting and demon-raising all through

Melnibone's twenty thousand years of history.

Together, they commanded the blades, as if they were ac-

tually wielding them in their hands, so that merely by

shouting orders, Eiric and Dyviro Slorm began their work.

This was the remembered quality of born blades when paired

in a common fight The blades twisted in Darnizhaan's glow-

ing hands. He started backwards, his shape faltering, some-

times manlike, sometimes beastlike, sometimes totally alien.

But he was evidently horrified, this god.

Now the swords wrenched themselves from the clutching

hands and turned on him. He fought against them, fending

them off as they wove about io the air, whining malevolently,

triumphantly, attacking him with vicious power. At Eiric's

command, Stormbringer slashed at the supernatural being

and Dyvim Slorm's Moumblade followed its example. Be-

cause the ruaeblades were also supernatural, Darnizhaan was

harmed dreadfully whenever they struck his form.

"Eiric!" he raved, "Eiric—you do not know what you are

doing! Stop them! Stop them; You should have listened more

carefully to what I told you. Stop them!"

But Eiric in his hate and malice urged on the blades, made

them plunge into the Dead God's being time after time so

that his shape sometimes faltered, faded, the colours of its

bright beauty dulling. The acolytes fled upwards into the vale,

convinced that their lord was doomed. Their lord, also, was

so convinced. He made one lunge towards the mounted men

STORMBRINGER            57

and then the fabric of his being began to shred before the

blades* attack; wisps of his body-stuff seemed to break away

and drift into the air to be swallowed by the black night

Viciously and ferociously, Eiric goaded the blades while

Dyvim Slorm's voice blended with his in a cruel joy to see

die bright being destroyed.

"Foolsr he screamed, "in destroying me, you destroy

yourselvesf*

But Eiric did not listen and at last there was nothing left of

the Dead God and the swords crept back to lie contentedly in

their masters' hands.

Quickly, with a sudden shudder, Eiric scabbarded Storm-

bringer.

He dismounted and helped his girl-wife on to the back of

his great stallion and then swung up into the saddle again. It

was very quiet in the Vale of Xanyaw.

Six

Three people, bent in their saddles with weariness, reached

the Chasm of Nihrain days later. They rode down the twist-

ing paths into the black depths of the mountain city and

were there welcomed by Sepiriz whose face was grave.

though his words were encouraging.

"So you were successful, Eiric,*' he said with a small smile.

Eiric paused while he dismounted and aided Zarozinia

down. He turned to Sepriz. "I am not altogether satisfied with

this adventure," he said grimly, "though I did what I had to

in order to save my wife. I would speak with you privately,

Sepiriz."

The black Nihrainian nodded gravely. "When we have

eaten," he said, "we will talk alone."

They walked wearily through the galleries,, noting that

there was considerably more activity in the city now, but

there was no sign of Sepiriz's nine brothers. He explained

their absence as he led Eiric and his companions towards his

own chamber. "As servants of Fate they have been called to

another plane where they can observe something of the

several different possible futures of the earth and thus keep

me informed of what I must do here."

They entered the chamber and found food ready and,

when they had satisfied their hunger, Dyvim Slonn and Zaro-

zinia left the other two.

The fire from the great hearth blazed. Eiric and Sepiriz sat

together, unspeakiog, hunched in their chairs.

At last, without preamble, Eiric told Sepiriz the story of

what had happened, what he remembered of the Dead God's

words, how they had disturbed him—even struck him as

being true.

When he had finished, Sepiriz nodded. "It is so,** he said.

"Darnizhaan spoke the truth- Or, at least, he spoke most of

the truth, as he understood it."

58

STORMBRINGER            59

"You mean we win all soon cease to exist? That it will be

as if we had never breathed, or thought, or fought?"

That is likely."

"But why? It seems unjust."

nvho told you that the worid was just?**

Eiric smiled, his own suspicions confirmed. "Aye, as I ex-

pected, there is no Justice."

"But there fa," Sepiriz said, -Justice of a kind—Justice

which must be carved from the chaos of existence. Man was

not born to a world of justice. But he can create such a

world!**

*Td agree to that," Eiric said, "but what are all our striv-

inga for if we are doomed to die and the results of our ac-

tions with us?"

"That is not absolutely the case. Something wffl continue.

Those who come after us will inherit something from us."

"What is that?"

"An earth free of the major forces of Chaos.**

"You mean a world free of sorcery, I presume ...?**

"Not entirely free of sorcery, but chaos and sorcery wffl

not dominate the world of the future as it does this world.**

"Then that is worth striving for, Sepiriz," Eiric said almost

with relief. "But what part do the runeblades play in the

scheme of things?"

"They have two functions. One, to rid this world of the

great dominating sources of evil—**

"But they are evil. themselvesi"

"Just so. It takes a strong evil to battle a strong evfl. The

days mat will come will be when the forces of good can over-

come those of evil. They are not yet strong enough. That, as

I told you, is what we must strive for."

"And what is the other purpose of the blades?"

"That is their final purpose—your destiny. I can ten you

now. I must ten you now, or let you live out your destiny un-

knowing."

"Then teU me,*' Eiric said impatiently.

"Their ultimate purpose is to destroy this world!"

Eiric stood up. "Ah, no, Sepiriz. That I cannot believe.

ShaH I have such a crime on my conscience?"

"It is not a crime, it is in the nature of wings. The era of

the Bright Empire, even that of the Young Kingdoms, is

drawing to a close. Chaos formed mis earth and, for aeons,

Chaos ruled. Men were created to put an end to that rule."

60 Michael Moorcock

"But my ancestors worshipped the powers of Chaoc. My

patron demon, Arioch, is a Duke of Hell, one of the prime

Lords of Chaos!"

"Just so. You, and your ancestors, were not true men at

all, but an intermediary type created for a purpose. You un-

derstand Chaos as no true men ever could understand it You

can control the forces of Chaos as no true men ever could.

And, as a manifestation of the champion Eternal, you can

weaken die forces of Chaos—for you know the qualities of

Chaos. Weaken them is what you have done. Though wor-

shipping the Lords of Chance, your race were the first to

bring some kind of order to the earth. The people of the

Young Kingdoms have inherited this from you—and have

consolidated it. But, as yet. Chaos is still that much stronger.

The runeblades, Stormbringer and Mournblade, this more or-

derly age, the wisdom your race and mine have gained, all

will go towards creating the basis for the true beginnings of

Mankind's history. That history wBl not begin for many thou-

sands of years, the type may take on a lowlier form, become

more beastlike before it re-evolves, but when it does, it will

re-evolve into a world bereft of the stronger forces of Chaos.

It will have a fighting chance. We are all doomed, but they

need not be."

"So that is what Damizhaan meant when be said we were

just puppets, acting out our parts before me true play began

. . ." EIric sighed deeply, the weight of his mighty responsi-

bnity was heavy on his soul. He did not welcome it; but he

accepted it

Sepiriz said gently: "It is your purpose, EIric of Melni-

bon6. Hitherto, your life has appeared comparatively mean*

ingless. All through it you have been searching for some

purpose for living, is that not true?"

"Aye,** EIric agreed with a slight smile, "Fve been restless

for many a year since my birth; restless the more between the

time when Zarozinia was abducted and now."

"It is fitting that you should have been,** Sepiriz said, "for

there is SL purpose for you—Fate's purpose. It is this destiny

that you have sensed all your mortal days. You, the last of

the royal line of Melnibone, must complete your destiny in

the times which are to follow closely upon these. The world

is darkening—nature revolts and rebels against the abuses to

which the Lords of Chaos put it. Oceans seethe and forests

sway, hot lava spills from a thousand mountains, winds shriek

STORMBRINGER            61

their angry torment and the skies are full of awful movement.

Upon the face of the earth, warriors are embattled in a

struggle which will decide the fate of the world, linked as the

struggle is, with greater conflicts among Gods. Women and

little children die on a million funeral pyres upon this con-

tinent alone. And soon the conflict will spread to me next

continent and the next Soon all the men of the earth will

have chosen sides and Chaos might easily win. It would win

but for one thing: you and your sword Stormbringer."

"Stormbringer. It has brought enough storms for me. Per-

haps this time it can calm one. And what if Law should

win?"

"And if Law should win—then that, too, will mean the de-

cline and death of this world—we shall all be forgotten. But

if Chaos should win—then doom will cloud the very air, ag-

ony will sound in the wind and foul misery will dominate a

plunging, unsettled worid of sorcery and evil hatred. But you,

EIric, with your sword and our aid, could stop this. It must

be done."

"Then let it be done," EIric said quietly, "and if it must be

done—then let it be done well.**

Sepiriz said: "Annies will soon be marshalled to drive

against Pan Tang's might These must be our first defence.

Thereafter, we shall call upon you to fulfil the rest of your

destiny."

"ni play my part, willingly," EIric replied, "for. whatever

else, I have a mind to pay the Theocrat back for his insults

and the inconvenience be has caused me. Though perhaps be

didn't instigate Zarozinia's abduction, he aided those who did,

and he shall die slowly for that"

"Go then, speedily, for each moment wasted allows the

Theocrat to consolidate further his new-won empire."

"Farewell," said EIric, now more than ever anxious to

leave Nihrain and return to familiar lands. "I know well

meet again, Sepiriz, but I pray it be in calmer times than

these."

Now the three of them rode eastwards, towards the coast

of Tarkesh where they hoped to find a secret ship to take

them across the Pale Sea to luniora and thence to Karlaak by

the Weeping Waste. They rode their magical Nihrain horses,

careless of danger, through a war-wasted worid, strife-ruined

and miserable under the heel of the Theocrat

62 Michael Moorcock

Eiric and Zarozima exchanged many glances, but they did

not speak much, for they were both moved by a knowledge

of something which they could not speak of, which they

dared not admit She knew they would not have much time

together even when they returned to Kariaak, die saw that he

grieved and she grieved also, unable to understand the change

that had come upon her husband, only aware that the black

sword at his side would never, now, hang in (he armoury

again. She felt she had failed him, though this was not the

case.

As they topped a hut and saw smoke drifting* black and

thick across the plains of Toraunz, once beautiful, now ru-

ined* Dyvim Slorm shouted from behind Eiric and his bride:

"One thing, cousin—whatever happens, we must have ven-

geance on the Theocrat and bis ally."

Eiric pursed his Ups.

"Aye,** he said, and glanced again at Zarozima whose 'eyes

were downcast.

Now the Western lands from Taikesh to Myyrrfm were

sundered by the servitors of Chaos. Was this truly to be the

final conflict that would decide whether Law or Chaos would

dominate the future? The forces of Law were weak and scat-

tered. Could this possibly be the final paroxysm on earth of

the great Lords of Eva? Now, between armies, one part of

the world's fate was being decided. The lands groaned in the

torment of bloody conflict

What other forces must Eiric fight before he accomplished

his final destiny and destroyed the worid he knew. What else

before the horn of fate was blown—to herald in the night?

Sepiriz, no doubt, would tell him when the time came.

But meanwhile more material scores had to be settled. The

lands to the east must be made ready for war. The sealords

of the Purple Ports must be approached for aid, the kings of

the south marshalled for attack on the western continent. B

would take time to do all this.

Part of Eiric's mind welcomed the time it would take.

Part of him was reluctant to continue his heavy destiny.

for it would mean the end of the Age of the Young King-

doms, the death of the memory of the Age of the Bright Em-

pire which his ancestors had dominated for ten thousand

years.

The sea was at last in sight, rolling its troubled way

STORMBMNGER            63

towards the horizon to meet a seething sky. He heard the cry

of gulls and smelled the tang of the salt air in his nostrils.

With a wild shout be clapped his steed's flanks and raced

down towards the sea...

BOOK TWO

Black Sword's Brothers

In which Moumblade returns to help decide an issue between

Eiric and the Lords of Chaos ...

One

One day there came a gathering of kings, captains, and war-

lords to the peaceful city of Karlaak in Ilmiora by the Weep-

ing Waste.

They did not come in great pomp or with grandiose ges-

tures. They came grim-faced and hurriedly to answer the

summons of Biric, who dwelt again in Karlaak with his

lately-rescued wife Zarozinia. And they gathered in a great

chamber which bad once been used by the old rulers of Kar-

laak for the planning of wars. To this same purpose Eiric

now put it

Illuminated by flaring torches, a great coloured map of the

world was spread behind the dais on which Eiric stood. It

showed the three major continents of the East, West and

South. That of the West, comprising Jharkor, Dharijor, Sha-

zar, Tarkesb, Myyrrhn and the Isle of Pan Tang, was shaded

black, for all these lands were now the conquered Empire of

the Pan Tang-Dharijor alliance which threatened the security

of the assembled nobles.

Some of the men who stood armoured before Eiric were

exiles from the conquered lands—but there were few. Few

also were Eiric's Imnyrian kinsmen who had fought at the

Battle of Sequa and had been defeated with the massed army

that had sought to resist the combined might of me evil al-

liance. At the head of the eldritch Imrryrians stood Dyvim

SIonn, Eiric's cousin. At his belt, encased in a sturdy scab-

bard, was the runesword Mournblade, twin to the one Eiric

wore.

Here also was Montan, Lord of Lormyr, standing with

fellow rulers from the Southlands—Jerned of Filkhor, Hozd

of Argimiliar, and Koltbak of Pikarayd, adorned in painted

iron, velvet, silk and wool.

The Sealords from the Isle of the Purple Towns were less

gaudily dad with helms and breastplates of plain bronze,

67

68 Michael Moorcock

terkins, bracks and boots of unstained leather and great

broadswords at their hips. Their faces were all but hidden by

their long shaggy hair and thick, curling beards.

All these, kings and sealords alike, were inclined to stare at

Brie suspiciously, since years before he had led their royal

predecessors on the raid of Imrryr—though it had left many

thrones clear for those who now sat on them.

In another group stood the nobles of that part of the

Eastern continent lying to the west of the Sighing Desert and

the Weeping Waste, Beyond these two barren stretches of

land were the kingdoms of Eshniir, Changshai and Okara.

but there was no contact between Eiric's part of the world

and theirs—save for the small, red-headed man beside him—

his friend Moonglum of Elwhcr, an Eastern adventurer.

The Regent of Vilmir, uncle of the tcn-montb-old Icing.

headed this last group made up of senators from me city-

states comprising Umiora; the red-domed archer Rackhir

representing me city of Tanelorn; and various Merchant

Princes from towns coming under the indirect rule of VUmir

as protectorates.

A mighty gathering, representing the massed power of the

world.

But would even this be sufficient, Eiric wondered, to wipe

out me growing menace from me Westlanda?

His white albino's face was stern, his red eyes troubled —

he addressed the men be had caused to come here.

"As you know, my lords, me threat of Pan Taag and

Dfaarijor is not likely to remain confined to me Western con-

tinent for much longer. Though barely two months have

passed since their victory was achieved, they are already mar-

ahalliag a great fleet aimed at crushing the power of mow

kings dependent, largely, on their ships for livelihood and de-

fence.'*

He glanced at me Sealords of the Purple Towns and (be

kings of the Southern continent.

"We of the East, it seems, are not regarded as so much of

a danger to their immediate plans and, if we did not unite

now, they would have a greater chance of success by con-

quering first me Southern sea-power and wen the scattered

cities of the East We must form an alliance which can match

their strength."

*'How do you know mis is their plan, Eiric?"

STORMBRINGER            69

The voice was that of Hozel of Argimiliar, a proud-faced

man inclined it was said to fits of insanity, the inbred off-

spring of a dozen incestuous unions.

"Spies, refugees—and supernatural sources. They have all

reported it**

"Even without these reports, we could be sure that mis is,

indeed, their plan," growled Kargan Sharpeyes. spokesman

for the Sealords* He looked directly at Hozel with something

akin to contempt. "And Jagreen Lem of Pan Tang might also

•eek allies amongst the Southerners. There are some who

would rather capitulate to a foreign conqueror than lose their

•oft lives and easily-earned treasure."

Hozel smiled coldly at Kargan. "There are some, too,

whose animal suspicions might cause them to make no move

against the Theocrat until it was too late.**

Eiric said hastily, aware of age-old bitternesses between me

hardy Sealords and their softer neighbours: "But worst of all

they would be best aided by internal feuds in our ranks,

brothers. Hozel—take it for granted that I speak truly and

mat my information is exact"

Montan, Lord of Lormyr. his face, beard and hair all

•haded grey, said haughtily: "You of the North and Bast are

weak. We of the South are strong. Why should we lend you

our ships to defend your coasts? I do not agree with your

logic, Eiric. It will not be me first time it has led good men

astray—to their deaths!**

"I thought we bad agreed to bury old disputesrM Eiric said.

dose to anger, for the guilt of what he had done was still in

him.

"Aye.** nodded Kargan. "A man who cant forget the past

is a man who cannot plan for the future. I say Eiric's logic is

good!-

"You traders were always too reckless with your ships and

too gufllible when you heard a smooth-tongue. That's why

you now envy our riches." Young Jemed of Filkhor smiled in

his thin beard, his eyes on the floor.

Kargan fumed. "Too honest, perhaps, is the word yon

should have used. Southerner! Belatedly our forefathers

learned how the fat Southlands were cheating them. Their

forefathers raided your coasts, remember? Maybe we should

have continued their practice! Instead, we settled, traded—

TO

Michael Moorcock

and your bellies swelled from the profits of our sweat! Oodst

Fd not trust the word of a Southern—"

EIric leaned forward to interrupt, but was interrupted him-

self by Hozel who said impatiently: "The fact is this. The

Thcocrat is more likely to concentrate his first attacks on the

Eart. For these reasons: The Eastlands are weak. The East-

lands are poorly defended. The Eastlanda are closer to hia

shores and therefore more accessible. Why should he risk his

recently-united strength on the stronger Southlands, or risk a

more hazardous sea-crossing?"

"Because,** EIric said levelly, "his Ships will be magic-aided

and distance will not count Because the South is richer and

will supply him with metals, food—**

"Ships and menf spat Kargan.

"Sol You think we already plan treachery*** Hozel glanced

first at EIric and then at Kargan. "Then why summon us here

in the first place?"

"I did not say that,** EIric said hastily. "Kargan spoke hia

own thoughts, not mine. Calm yourselves—we must be

united—or perish before superior armies and supernatural

might!"

"Oh. no!" Hozel turned to the other Southern monardn.

"What say you. my peers? Shall we lend them our ships and

warriora to protect their shores as well as ours?"

"Not when they are so ungratefully spurned,*' Jerned mur-

mured. "Let Jagreen Lern expend his energies upon them.

When he looks toward the South he will be weakened, and

we shall be ready for him!"

"You are fools!" EIric cried urgently. "Stand with us or

well all perish! The Lords of Chaos are behind the TheocraL

If he succeeds in his ambitions it will mean more than con-

quest by a human schemer—it will mean that we shaB all be

subjected to the horror of total anarchy, on the Earth and

above it The human race is threatened!'*

Hozel stared hard at EIric and smiled. Then let the hu-

man race protect itself and not fight under an uohuman

leader. Tis well-known that the men of Melnibone are not

true men at all.**

*'Bc that as it may,*" EIric lowered his head and lifted a

thin, white hand to point at Hozel. The king shivered and

held his ground with obvious effort. "But I know more than

that, Hozel of Argimfliar. I know that the men of me Young

STORMBRINGER            71

Kingdoms are only the gods* first mouldings—shadow-things

who precede the race of real men, even as we preceded you.

And I know morel I know that if we do not vanquish both

Jagreea Lern and his supernatural allies, then men will be

swept from me boiling fqce of a maddened planet, their des-

tiny unfulfilled!"

Hozel swallowed and spoke, his voice trembling.

"I've seen your muttering kind in the market places, EIric.

Men who prophecy all kinds of dooms that never take

place—mad-eyed men such as you. But we do not let them

live in Argimiliar. We fay them slowly, finger by finger, inch

by inch until they admit their omens are fallacious! Perhaps

well have that opportunity, yet!"

He swung about and half-ran from the hall. For a mo-

ment the other Southern Monarchs stood staring irresolutely

after him.

EIric said urgently: "Heed him not, my lords. I swear on

my life that my words are true!"

Jemed said softly, half to himself: *That could mean little,

There are rumours you're immortal."

Moonglum came close to his friend and whispered: "They

are unconvinced, EIric. Tis plain they're not our men."

EIric nodded. To the Southern nobles he said: "Know mis:

Though you foolishly reject my offer of an alliance, the day

wiH come when you will regret your decision. I have been io-

•atted in my own palace, my friends have been insulted and I

curse you for the upstart fools you are. But when the time

comes for you to learn the error of this decision I swear that

we shall aid you, if it is in our power. Now go!"

Disconcerted, the Southerners straggled from we hall in

•Hence.

EIric turned to Kargaa Sharpcyes. "What have you de-

cided, Sealord?"

"We stand with you.** Kargan said simply. "My brother

Smiorgan Baldhead always spoke well of you and I remem-

ber his words rather than the rumours which followed hia

death under your leadership. Moreover," he smiled broadly,

•it is in our nature to believe that whatever a Southern weak-

ling decides must therefore be wrong. You have the Purple

Towns as allies—and our ships, though fewer than the com-

bined fleets of the south, are smooth-sailing fighting ships and

well-equipped for war."

72

•I must warn you that we stand little chance without

Southern aid," EIric said gravely.

'Tm doubtful if they'd have been more than an encum-

brance with their guile and squabblings,** Kargan replied.

"Besides—have you no sorcery to help us in this?"

"I plan to seek some tomorrow," EIric told him. "Moon-

glum and myself will be leaving my cousin Dyvim Slorm in

charge here while we go to Sorcerers' Isle, beyond Melaibone.

There, among the hermit practitioners of the White Arts, I

-. might find means of contacting the Lords of Law. I, as you

know, am half-sworn to Chaos, though I fight it, and am

finding increasingly that my own Demon-God is somewhat

loathe to aid me these days. At present, the White Lords are

weak, beaten back, just as we are on Earth, by the increasing

power of the Dark Ones. It is hard to contact them. The her-

mits can likely help me."

Kargan nodded. "Twould be a relief to us of the Purple

Towns to know that we were not too strongly leagued with

dark spirits, I must admit"

EIric frowned. "I agree, of course. But our position is so

weak that we must accept any help—be it black or white. I

presume that there is dispute among the Masters of Chaos as

to how far they should go—that is why some of my own help

still comes from Chaoa. This blade that hangs at my side, and

the twin which Dyvim Slorm bears, are both evil. Yet they

were forged by creatures of Chaos to bring an end, on Earth

at least, to the Masters' rule here. Just as my blood-loyalties

are divided, so are the swords' loyalties. We haw no aupcp-

natural allies we can wholly rely upon."

"I feel for you," Kargan said gruffly, and ft was obvious

that he did. No man could envy Eiric's position or Eiric'i

destiny.

Orgon. Kargan's cousin-in-law, said bluntly: "Well to bed

now. Has your kinsman your full confidence?**

EIric glanced at Dyvim Slorm and smiled. "My full confi-

dence—he knows as much as I about this business. He shall

speak for me since be knows my basic plans.**

"Very well. WeTl confer with him tomorrow and, if we do

not see you before you leave, do well for us on Sorcerers*

Isle."

The Sealords left.

Now, for the first time, the Regent of Vilmir spoke. His

STORMBRINGER            73

voice was clear and cool. "We, too, have confidence in you

and your kinsman, EIric. Already we know you both for

clever warriors and cunning planners. Vflinir has good cause

to know it from your exploits in Bakshaan and elsewhere

throughout our territories. We, I feel, have the good sense to

bury old scores.** He turned to the Merchant Princes for con-

firmation and they nodded their agreement

"Good,** EIric said. He addressed the gaunt-faced archer,

Rackhir, his friend, whose legend almost equalled his own.

"You come as a spokesman of Tanelorn, Rackhir. This will

not be the first time we have fought the Lords of Chaos.**

*Tnie.** Rackhir nodded. "Most recently we averted a

threat with certain aid from the Grey Lords—but Chaos had

caused the gateways to the Grey Lords to be closed to mor-

tals. We can offer you only our warriors' loyalty."

"We shall be grateful for that" EIric paced the dais. There

was no need to ask the senators of Karlaak and the other cit-

ies of nmiora, for they had agreed to support him, come

what may, long before toe other rulers were called.

The same was true of the bleak-faced band who made up

the refugees from the West, headed by Viri-Sek. the winged

youth from Myyrrhn, last of his line since all the other mem-

bers of Ac ruling family had been slain by Jagreen Lem's

minions.

Just beyond the waus of Karlaak was a sea of tents and

pavilions over which the banners of many nations waved

sluggishly in the hot, moist wind. At this moment, EIric

knew, the proud lords of the South were uprooting their stan-

dards and packing their tents, not looking at me war-battered

warriors of Shazar, Jharkor and Tarkesh who stared at them

in puzzlement Sight of those dun-eyed veterans should have

decided the Southern nobles to ally themselves with the East,

but evidently ft bad not

. EIric sighed and turned his back on me others to contem-

plate the great map of the worid with its shaded dark areas.

"Now only a quarter is black," he said softly to Moon-

glum. "But the dark tide spreads farther and faster and soon

we may an be engulfed."

"Well dam the flow—or try to—when ft comes,** Moon-

fhim said with attempted jauntiness. "But meanwhile your

wife would spend some time with you before we leave. Let's

both to bed and trust our dreams are Ughtl**

Two

Two nights later they stood on the quayside in the city of

Jadmar while a cold wind sliced its way inland.

"There she is," Eiric said, pointing down at the small boat

rocking and bumping in the water below.

"A small craft,'" Moonglum said dubiously. "She scarcely

looks sea-worthy.*'

"SheTl stay afloat longer than a larger vessel in a heavy

storm.** Eiric clambered down the iron steps. "Also,** he

added, as Moonglum put a cautious foot on the rung above

him, "shell be less noticeable and won't draw the attention of

any enemy vessels which might be scouting in these waters.**

He jumped and the boat rocked crarily. He leaned over,

grasped a rung and steadied the boat so that Moonglum

could dimb aboard.

The cocky little Eastlaoder pushed a hand through his

shock of red hair and stared up at the troubled sky.

"Bad weather for this time of year," he noted. 'Ifs hard to

understand. All the way from Karlaak we*ve had every sort

of weather, freak snow-storms, thunder-storms, hail and

winds as hot as a furnace blast Those rumours were disturb-

ing, too—a rain of blood in Bakshaan, balls of fiery metal

falling in the West of Vilmir, unprecedented earthquakes in

Jadmar a few hours before we arrived. It seems nature has

gone insane.**

**Not far from the truth," Eiric said grimly, untying the

mooring line. "Lift the sail will you, and tack into the wind?"

"What do you mean?** Moonglum began to loosen the saiL

It billowed into his face and his voice was muffled. "Jagreen

Lern's hordes haven't reached this part of the worid yet."

"Tbey haven*! needed to. I told you the forces of nature

were being disrupted by Chaos. We have only experienced

the backwash of what is going on in the West. If you think

these weather conditions are peculiar, you would be horrified

74

STORMBRINGER            75

by me effect which Chaos has on those parts of the worid

where its rule is almost totall"

"I wonder if you havent taken on too much in this fight.**

Moonglum adjusted the sail and it filled to send the little boat

scudding between the two long harbour walls towards the

open sea.

As they passed the beacons, guttering in Ac cold wind, Ei-

ric gripped the tiller tighter, taking a south-easterly course

past the Vilmirian peninsula. Overhead the stars were some-

tunes obscured by the tattered shreds of Clouds streaming be-

fore the cold, unnatural blast of the wind. Spray splashed in

his face, stinging it in a thousand places, but he ignored it.

He bad not answered Moonglum, for he also had doubts

about his ability to save the world from Chaos.

Moonglum had learned to judge his friend's moods. For

some years before they had travelled the worid together and

had learned to respect one another. Lately, since Eiric had

near-permanent residence in his wife's city of Karlaak,

Moonglum had continued to travel and had been in com-

mand of a small mercenary army patrolling the Southern

marches of PDcarayd, driving back the barbarians inhabiting

the hinterland of that country. He had immediately relin-

quished this command when Eiric's news reached him and

now, as the tiny ship bore them towards a hazy and peril-

fraught destiny, savoured the familiar mixture of excitement

and perturbation which he had felt a dozen times before

when their escapades had led them into conflict with the un-

known supernatural forces so closely linked with Elric*s des-

tiny. He had come to accept as a fact that bis destiny was

bound to Eiric's and felt, in the deepest places of his being,

that when the time came they would both die together in

some mighty adventure.

Was this death imminent! he wondered, as he concentrated

on the sail and shivered in the blasting wind. Not yet, per-

haps, but he felt, fatalistically, that it was not far away, for

the time was looming when the only deeds of men would be

dark, desperate and great and even these might not serve to

form a bastion against the inrush of the creatures of Chaos.

Eiric,-himself, contemplated nothing, kept his mind clear

and relaxed as much as he could. His quest for the aid of the

White Lords was one which could well prove fruitless, but be

76

Michael Moorcock

chose not to dwell oo this until he knew for certain whether

their help could be invoked or not

Dawn came swimming over the horizon, showing a heaving

waste of grey water with no land in sight The wind had

dropped and the air was warmer. Banks of purple cloud bear'

ing veins of saffron and scarlet poured into the sky line the

smoke of some monstrous pyre. Soon they were sweating

beneath a moody sun and the wind had dropped so that me

sail hardly moved and yet, at the same time, the sea began to

heave as if lashed by a storm.

The sea was moving like a living entity thrashing in night-

mare-filled sleep. Moonglum glanced at Brie from where he

lay sprawled in the prow of me boat Eiric returned me gaze.

shaking his head and releasing his half-conscious grip of the

tiller. It was useless to attempt steering the boat in conditions

like these. The boat was being swept about by me wild waves,

yet no water seemed to enter it, no spray wet them. Every-

thing had become unreal, dream-like and for a white Eiric

felt that even if he had wished to speak he would not have

been able to do so.

Then, in me distance at first, they heard a tow droning

which grew to a whining shriek and suddenly the boat was

sent half-flying over the rolling waves and driven down into a

trench. Above them the blue and silver water seemed for a

moment to be a waB of metal—and men it came crashing

down towards them.

His mood broken, Eiric clung to the tiller and yelled)

"Hang on to the boat, Moooglum' Hang on or you're lost!**

Tepid water groaned down and they were flattened beneath

it as if swatted by a gigantic palm. The boat dropped deeper

and deeper until it seemed they would be crushed on the bot-

tom by me surging Mow. Then they were flung upwards

again and down and, as he glimpsed the boiling surface, Eiric

saw three mountains pushing themselves upwards, gouting

flame and lava. The boat wallowed, half-full of water tend

they set to frantically baling it out as the boat was swiried

back and forth, being driven nearer and nearer to the new-

formed volcanoes.

Eiric dropped his baling pan and flung his weight against

me tiller, forcing the boat away from the mountains of fire. It

responded sluggishly, but began to drift in me opposite direc-

tion.

STORMBRINGER            77

Eiric saw Moonghnn, pate-faced, attempting to shake out

me sodden sail. He glanced upwards to try and get some kind

of bearing, but me sun seemed to have swollen and broken so

that he saw a million fragments of flame.

"This is the work of Chaos, Moonglum," he shouted, "and

only a taste, I fancy, of what it can becomel"

*They must know of our plan and seek to stop usi" Moon-

glum swept sweat from his eyes with the back of his hand.

"Perhaps—but I mink not" Now he looked up again and

me sun seemed almost normal. He took a bearing and found

they were many miles off their original course.

He had planned to sail to the South of Melnibone, Isle of

the Dragon, and avoid the Dragon Sea lying to me North, for

it was well-known that me last great sea-monsters still

roamed this stretch. But now it was obvious that they were,

in fact, north of Mehubone and being driven further north affl

the time—towards Pan Tangt^

There was no chance of heading for Mebubon6 itself—he

wondered if the Isle of me Dragon had even survived me

monstrous upheavals. He would have to make straight for

Sorcerers* Isle if he could.

The ocean was calmer now, but me water had almost

reached boiling point so that every drop mat fen on his skin

•eemed to scald him. Bubbles formed on the surface and it

was as if they sailed in a gigantic witch's cauldron. Dead fish

and half-reptilian forms drifted about, as thick as sea-weed,

threatening to clog me boat's passage. But me wind, though

strong, had begun to blow in one direction and Moongtuin

grinned in relief as it filled the saiL

Slowly, through me death-thick waters, they managed to

steer a north-westerly course towards Sorcerers' Isle as douda

of steam formed on me ocean and obscured their view.

Hours later they had left me heated waters behind and

were sailing beneath clear skies OB a calm sea. They allowed

themselves to doze. In less man a day they would reach Sor-

cerers' Isle, but now they were overcome by me reaction to

their experience and wondered, dazedly, how they bad lived

through the awful storm.

Eiric jerked his eyes open with a shock. He was certain he

had not slept long, yet the sky was dark and a cold drizzle

was falling. As the drops touched his head and face, they

78

Michael Moorcock

oozed down it like viscous jelly. Some of it entered his mouth

and be lustily spat out the bitter-tasting stuff.

"Moonglum," he called through the gloom, "wfaafs the

hour, do you know?*'

The Eaatlander's deep-heavy voice answered dazedly. "I

know not Fd swear it is not night already!"

Eiric gave the tiller a tentative push—and the boat did not

respond. He looked over the side and it seemed they were

sailing through the sky itself. A dully luminous gas seemed to

swirl about the hull, but he could see no water.

He shuddered. Had they left the confines of the Garth?

Were they sailing through some frightful, supernatural sea?

He cursed himself for sleeping, feeling helpless—more

helpless than when be had fought the storm. The heavy,

gelatinous rain beat down strongly and he pulled the hood of

his cloak over his white hair. From his belt pouch he took

Bint and tinder and the tiny light was hist sufficient to show

him Moonglum*s half-mad eyes. The little Easuander's face

was taut with fear. Eiric had never seen such fear on his

friend's face and knew that with a little less self-control his

own face would assume a similar expression.

"Our time has ended," Moonglum trembled, "I fear that

we're dead, at last, Eiric."

"Don't prattle such emptiness, Moonglum. I have heard of

no after-life such as this." But secretly, Eiric wondered if

Moonglum's words were true.

The ship seemed to be moving rapidly through the gaseous

sea, being driven or drawn to some unknown destination. Yet

Eiric could swear that the Masters of Chaos had no

knowledge of his boat.

Faster and faster the little craft moved and then, with re-

lief, they heard the familiar splash of water about its keel and

it was surging through the salt-sea again. For a short while

longer the viscous rain continued to fall and then even that

was past

Moonglum sighed as the blackness slowly gave way to light

and they saw again a normal ocean about them.

"What was h, then?" he ventured, finally.

"Another manifestation of ruptured nature,*' Eirfc said

with attempted calmness. "Some warp in the barrier between

the realm of men and the realm of Chaos, perhaps? Don't

question our luck in surviving it. We are again off-comso

STORMBRINGER             79

and,*' he pointed to the horizon, "a natural storm seems to be

brewing yonder."

"A natural storm I can accept, no matter how dangerous,*'

the Eastlander murmured and made swift preparations, furi-

ing the sail as the wind increased and the sea churned.

In a way, Eiric welcomed the storm when it finally struck

them. At least it obeyed natural laws and could be fought by

natural means and experience of similar storms in the past

The rain refreshed their faces, the wind swept through

their hair and they fought the storm with fierce enjoyment,

me plucky boat riding the waves.

But, in spite of this, they were being driven further and

further north-east—towards the conquered coasts of Shazar.

almost in the opposite direction to their goal.

The healthy storm raged on until at thoughts of destiny

and supernatural danger were driven from their minds and

their muscles ached and nicy gasped with the shock of cold

waves on their drenched bodies.

The boat reeled and rocked, their hands were sore from

me tightness of their grip on wood and rope, but it was as if

Fate had singled them out to live, or perhaps for a death mat

would be less dean, for they continued to ride tile heaving

waters.

Then, with a shock, Eiric saw rocks rearing and Moonglum

shouted in recognition:

'The Serpent's TeethF

The Serpent's Teeth lay close to Shazar and were one o(

the most feared hazards of the shore-hugging traders of the

West. Eiric and Moonglum had seen mem before, from a dis-

tance, but now me storm was driving them nearer and nearer,

and though they struggled to keep the boat away, they

seemed bound to be smashed to their deaths on the jagged

rocks.

A wave surged under the boat, lifted them and bore them

down. Eiric dung to the side of the boat and thought he

heard Moonglum's wild shout above the noise of the storm

before they were flung towards the Serpent's Teeth.

"FareweOr'

And then were was we terrifying sound of smashing tim-

bers, die feel of sharp rock lacerating his rolling body and he

was beneath the waves fighting his way to the surface to gasp

80                Michael Moorcock

in a hingful of air before another wave tossed him and

grazed his arm against the rocks.

Desperately, encumbered by the life-giving ranesword at

his belt. he attempted to swim for the looming cliffs of Sha-

zar. conscious that even if he lived he had arrived on enemy

soil and his chances of reaching the White Inrds were now

almost non-existent.

Three

Eiric lay exhausted on the cold Shingle listening to the musi-

cal sound that the tide made as it drew back. over the stones.

Another sound joined that of the surf, and he recognised it

as the crunch of boots. Someone was coming towards him. In

Shazar it was most likely to be an enemy. He rolled over and

began scrambling to his feet, drawing the last reserves from

his wom-out body. His right hand had. half-drawn Storm-

bringer from its scabbard before he realised dial it was Moon-

glum, bent with weakness, standing grinning before him.

"Thank me gods, you livel'* Moonglum lowered himself to

the shingle and leaned back with his arms supporting him, re-

garding the now calm sea and the towering Serpent's Teeth in

the distance.

"Aye, we live," EIric said, squatting down moodily. *'but

for bow long m this ruined land I cannot guess. Somewhere,

perhaps, we can find a ship—but it will mean seeking a town

or city and we're a marked pair, easily recognised by our

physical appearance."

Moonglum shook his head and laughed lightly. "You're

•till the gloomy one, friend. Be thankful for your life, say I."

"Small mercies are all but useless in this conflict," Eiric

said. "Rest, now, Moonglum while I watch, then you can take

my place. There was no time to lose when we began this ven-

ture and now we've lost days."

Moonglum gave no argument, but allowed himself immedi-

ately to sleep and when he awoke, much refreshed though

aching horribly, Eiric slept until the moon was high and shin-

ing brightly in a dear sky.

They trudged through the night, the sparse grass of the

coast region giving way to wet, blackened ground. It was as if

a holocaust had raged over the countryside, followed by a

rainstorm which had left behind it a marsh of ashes. Remem-

bering the grassy plains of mis part of Shazar, Eiric was hor-

81

82

Michael Moorcock

rifled, unable to ten whether men or the creatures of ChaO*

had caused such wanton ruin.

Noon was approaching with a hint of weird disturbances in

uie bright-clowded Sky, when they saw a long line of people

approaching them. They flattened themselves behind a small

rise and peered cautiously over it as the party drew nearer.

These were no enemy soldiers, but gaunt women and

starvling children* men who staggered in rags and a few bat-

tered riders, obviously the remnants of some defeated band of

partisans who had held out against Pan Tang.

"I think we*U find friends, of sorts, here,*' Eiric muttered

thankfully, "and perhaps some information which will help

us."

They arose and walked towards the wretched herd. The

riders quickly grouped around the civilians and drew their

weapons, but before any challenges could be given, someone

cried from the enclosed ranks:

"Eiric of Melnibon^l Eiric—have you returned with news

of rescue?**

Eiric didn't recognise (he voice, but he knew his face was

legend with its dead white akin and glowing red eyes.

Toa seeking rescue myself, friends,** he said with poorly-

assumed cheerfulness. "We were shipwrecked on your coasts

whue on a journey which we hoped would help us lift the

yoke of Jagreen Lem from off the Westlands, but unless we

find another ship our chances are scant"

"Which way did you sail, Eiric?" said me unseen spokes-

man.

"We sailed to Sorcerers* Isle in the south-west, mere to in-

voke the aid, if we could, of the White Lords,** Moonglum

replied.

"Then you were going in the wrong direction"*

Eiric straightened his back and tried to peer into the

throng.

"Who are you to teD us that?**

There was a disturbance in the crowd and a bent, middfo-

aged man leaning on a staff with long curling moustachios

adorning his fair-skinned face broke from the ranks and

stood mere. The ridera drew back their horses so that Eiric

could see him properly.

"I am named Ohada the Seer, once famous to Dioperda as

a predictor of events. But Dioperda was razed in the sack of

STORMBRINGER            83

Sbazar and I was lucky enough to escape with these few

people who are all from Dioperda, one of the last cities to

fall before Pan Tang*s sorcerous might I have a message of

great import for you, Eiric. It is for your ears only and I re-

ceived it from one you know—one who may help you and,

indirectly, us.**

**You have piqued my curiosity and raised my hopes,** Ei-

ric beckoned with his band. "Come, seer, tell me your news

and let's all trust it is as good as you hint"

Moonglum took a step back as the seer approached. Both

he and the Dioperdans watched with curiosity as Ohada whis-

pered to Eiric.

Eiric himself had to strain to catch the words.

"I bear a message from a being called Sepiriz, He says mat

what you have failed to do, he has done, but there is some-

thing which you must do that he cannot He says to go to the

carved city and there he will enlighten you further."

"Sepiriz! How did he contact you?"

"I am clairvoyant. He came to me in a dream."

**Your words could be treacherous, designed to lead me

into Jagreen Lem's hands.**

"Sepiriz added one thing to me—he told me that we should

meet on this very spot Could Jagreen Lem know that?"

"Unlikely—but, by the same reckoning, could anyone

know that?**

^   Then Eiric remembered that Sepiriz and his brothers, who

%• bad helped him earlier, were the servitors of Fate. And Fate

';,' had already played an important part in this. He nodded.

r Thanks, seer."

Then he shouted to the riders.

"We need a pair of horses—the best you havel**

"Our horses are valuable to us." grumbled a knight in torn

•nnour, **they are all we have."

"My companion and I need to move swiftly if we are to

save your land. Come, risk a pair of horses against the possi-

bility of vengeance on your conquerors.**

The knight dismounted and so did the man beside him.

They led their steeds up to Eiric and Moonglum.

"Use them wel. Eiric."

Eiric took the reins and swung himself into the saddle. "I

will," said he. "What are your plans now?"

"Well fight on as best we can."

84

"Would ft not be wiser to hide in Ac mountains or the

Marshes of the Mist?"

"If you had witnessed the depravity and terror of Jagreen

Lera's filthy rule, you would not make men an enquiry.** the

knight said hollowly. Though we cannot hope to win against

a man whose servants can command the very earth to heave

like the ocean, pull down floods of salt water from the sky

and send green clouds scudding down to destroy helpless chil-

dren in nameless ways, we shall take what vengeance we cani

This part of the continent is calm compared to what is going

on elsewhere. Dreadful geological changes are taking place

everywhere. You would not recognise a hill or forest ten

miles north. And those that you passed one day might well

have changed or disappeared on the next"

"We have witnessed something of the like on our sea jour-

ney," Eiric nodded. "I wish you a long life of revenge, friend.

I myself have scores to settle with Jagreen Lern and his ac-

complice."

"His accomplice? You mean King Sarosto of DharijorT" A

thin smile crossed the knight's haggard face. "You'll take no

vengeance on Sarosto—he was assassinated soon after our

forces were vanquished at the battle of Sequa. Though noth-

ing was proved, it is common knowledge that be was killed at

me orders of me Theocrat who now rule* the entire con-

tinent."* The knight signed. "And who can stand for long

against such captains as Jagreen Lem commands?

"Who are these captains?"

"Why, he has summoned an me Dukes of Hen to ban.

Whether they will accept his mastery much longer, I do not

know. It is our belief that Jagreen Lem win be the next to

die—and Hell, unchecked, will rule in his placel"

"I hope not," Eiric said softly, "for I wont be cheated of

my vengeance,"

The knight shrugged. "With the Dukes of Hell as his allies,

Jagreen Urn will soon rule me world."

"Let us hope I can find a means of disposing of mat dark

aristocracy, and keeping my vow to slay Jagreen Lern," Eiric

said and, with a wave of thanks to the seer and the two

knights, turned his horse towards the mountains of Jharkor,

Moonglum in his wake.

They got little rest on their perilous ride to me mountain

STORMBRINGER            85

home of Sepfriz for, as the knight had told mem, the ground

itself seemed alive and anarchy ruled everywhere.

Afterwards, Eiric remembered little save a feeling of utter

horror and me noise of unholy screechings in his ear, dark

colours, gold, reds, blue. black and me flaring orange that

was everywhere, me sign of Chaos on Earth.

But on me way he managed to inform Moonglum of his

previous encounter with Sepiriz and told him something of

what me Lord of Nihrain had mentioned of his destiny, how

the last of me royal line of old Melnibooe, Eiric and Dyvim

Slorm bore blades of Chaos-make which were destined to

destroy me rule of Chaos on me planet and prepare me

world for its death and rebirth as an era where Law would

dominate.

Moonglum had not replied, had, instead, resolved to stand

vim Eiric when the final day came whether they won or lost

the war against Chaos.

In the mountain regions dose to Nihrain they saw evidence

mat me rule of Chaos was not so complete as in other parts

nearby. This proved mat Sepiriz and his nine black brothers,

last of me Nihrain, were exerting at least some control

against me forces threatening to engulf them.

Through steep gorges of towering black rock, along treach-

erous mountain paths, down slopes that rattled with loose

•tones and seemed likely to start an avalanche, they pressed

deeper and deeper into the heart of me ancient mountains.

These were me oldest mountains in me world, and they held

one of me Earth's most ancient secrete—the domain of me

immortal Nihrain who had ruled for centuries even before

me coming of me Melnibooeaxn whose Bright Empire had

lasted ten thousand years.

And men, at last, they came to the Hewn City of Nihrain,

Its towering palaces, temples and fortresses cut into the living

black granite, hidden in the depths of a gorge that might

have been bottomless. Virtually cut off from all but me faint-

est filterings of sunlight, it had brooded here since earliest

times.

Down me narrow paths they guided their reluctant steeds

unt3 they had reached a huge gateway which was carved

with the figures of titans and half-men looming above them,

80 mat Moonglum gasped and immediately fell silent,

86

Michael Moorcock

overawed by the genius which could accomplish the twin

feats of gigantic engineering and powerful art

In the caverns of Nihrain, also carved to represent scenes

from the legends of the Nihrain, Sepiriz awaited them, a wel-

coming smile on his thin-lipped ebony face.

''Greetings, Sepiriz," Eiric dismounted and allowed slaves

to lead his horse away. Moonglum did likewise, a trifle war*

fly.

"I was informed correctly." Sepiriz clasped Elric*s shoul-

ders in his hands. "I am glad for I learned you were bound to

Sorcerers' Isle to seek the White Lords* help."

*Truc. Is their help, then, unobtainable?**

**Not yet We ourselves are trying to contact them, with me

aid of the hermit magicians of me islands, but so far Chaos

has blocked our attempts. But there is work for you and your

sword nearer to home. Come to my chamber and refresh

yourselves. We have some wine which will revitalise you and

when you have drunk your fill 111 tell you what task Fate has

decided for you now."

Eiric put down his cup and breathed in deeply, feeling

relaxed and invigorated. He pointed at me wine-jar and said:

"A man might easily become addicted to such a brewl"

"I'm addicted already,*' Moonglum grinned, pouring faim-

nelf another cup.

Sepiriz shook his head. "It has a strange quality, our

Nihrain wine. It tastes pleasant and refreshes the weary, yet

once his strength is regained me man who drinks it then is

nauseated. That is why we stfll have some in our cellars. But

our stocks are low—the vines from which it was made have

long since passed from the Earth."

"A magic potion," Moonglum said, replacing his cup on

the table.

"If you like to so designate it Eiric and I are of an earlier

age when magic was normal and Chaos ruled, if more quietly

than now. You men of the Young Kingdoms are perhaps

right to loathe it as you do, for we hope to ready me world

for Law soon and then, perhaps, tbcy*u find similar brews by

more painstaking methods, methods they can understand bet*

ter."

"I doubt it," Moonglum laughed.

Eiric sighed. "If we are not ludder man we have been,

87

STORMBRINGER

we*u see Chaos unleashed on me globe and Law forever van-

quished,** he said gloomily.

"And no luck for us if Law is triumphant, eh?" Sepiriz

poured himself a cup of the wine, showing that be, also, must

be weary with his own efforts.

"What do you mean?" Moonglum asked curiously.

Sepiriz told him that he and Eiric, though fighting Chaos,

were actually fitted to a world where Chaos, to a great extent,

was dominant In the worid they hoped for, where Law ruled,

there would be no place for their like.

Moonglum looked sharply at Eiric, understanding that

much more of his friend's unenviable predicament.

"You said there was work for me and my sword, Sepiriz.*'

JBuic leaned forward. "What's its nature?"

"You have no doubt already learned that Jagreen Lem has

summoned the Dukes of Hell to captain his men and keep bis

conquered lands under control?"

-Yes."

"You understand the import of this. Jagreen Lem has

succeeded in making a sizeable breach in the Law-constructed

barrier which has hitherto kept me creatures of Chaos from

wholly ruling the planet He is forever widening this breach

/ as his power increases. This explains how he could summon

'} such a mighty assembly of Hell's nobility where, in the past

i it was hard to bring one to our plain. Arioch is among

^ them .. ."

4    "Ariochi" Arioch was Euic's patron, the principle god wor-

^ shipped by his ancestors. "Then I am now a total outcast un-

.,;' protected either by Law or by ChaosF

"Your only dose supernatural ally is your sword," Sepiriz

said grimly. "And, perhaps, its brothers."

"What brothers? There is only me sister-sword Moumblade

which Dyvim Slorm has!'1

"Do you remember that I told you how the twin swords

were actually only an earthly manifestation of their supernat-

ural selves?" Sepiriz said calmly.

"Yes.-

"Well. I can ten you now that Stonnbrmger's 'real' being is

related to other supernatural force* on another plane. I know

how to summon them, but these relations are also creatures

of Chaos and therefore, as far as you're concerned, somewhat

hard to control. They could well get out of hand in some

88

Michael Moorcock

way—perhaps even tura against you. Stormbringer, as you

have discovered in the past, is bound to you by ties even

stronger than those which bind it to its brothers, but its broth-

era outnumber it and Stormbringer might not be able to pro-

tect you against them.**

"Why have I never known this?"

"You have known it, in a way. Do you remember times

when you have called for help and help has come?"

"Yes. You mean that this help has been supplied by

Stormbringer's brethren?"

"I do. Already they are used to coming to your help. They

are not what you and I would call 'intelligent,' though sen-

tient, and are therefore not so strongly bound to Chaos as its

reasoning servants. They can be controlled, to a degree, by

anyone who has power such as you have over one of their

brothers. If you need their help, you will need to remember a

rune which I shall tell you later."

"And what is my task?"

*To destroy me Dukes of Heu.**

"But that's impossible. They are one of me mightiest

groups ifl the entire domain of Chaos!**

True. But you control one of the mightiest weapons. That

Is your task. Already mere are hints that the Demon Dukes

have taken some of Jagreen Lem's power from him. The

fool. He stfll refuses to realise mat he is a puppet of Chaos

and thinks he can rule over such supernatural might as the

Dukes represent But it is a certainty mat with these friends

Jagreen Lem can defeat the Southlands with a minimum of

expenditure in arms and men. Without them he could do

h—but It would take more time and effort and therefore give

us a slight advantage to prepare against him white he subdues

the Southlands,"

Eiric did not bother to ask Sepiriz how he knew of the

Southerners* decision to fight Jagreen Lern alone. Sepiriz ob-

viously had many powers as was proved by his ability to coo-

tact Brie through the seer.

"I have sworn to help the Southlands in spite of their re-

fusal to side with us against me Theocraf" he said calmly.

"And you'll keep your oath—by destroying the Dukes if

you can.**

"Destroying Arioch, and Balaa and Maluk . . .** Eiric

STORMBRINGER            89

whispered the names, fearful that even here he might invoke

them.

"Arioch has always been an intractable demon,** Moon-

glum pointed out "Many's the time in the past he has refused

to aid you, Eiric.'*

"Because," Sepiriz said, "be already had some knowledge

that you and he were to fight in the future.'*

Though the wine bad refreshed his body, Eiric began to

ache in different ways. The strain on his soul was almost at

breaking point To fight the demon-god his ancestors had

worshipped for millenia ... The old blood was still strong in

him, the old loyalties stm present

Sepiriz rose and gripped EJric'a Shoulder, staring with black

eyes into the dazed and smouldering red.

"You have pledged yourself to this mission, remember."

Eiric drew himself upright, nodded vaguely. "Aye. And

even had I been given this knowledge before I made the

pledge, I would still have made it But.. •"

"What?"

"Do not place too much faith in my ability to fulfil this

part, Sepiriz.'*

The black Nihrain said nothing.

Later he left Eiric brooding and returned with a white tab-

let on which Old nines were engraved.

He handed it to the albino who received it wordlessly.

"Memoriae the spell," Sepiriz said soflty, "and then destroy

fee tablet But remember, only use it in an extreme

emergency for, as I warned you, Stormbringer's brethren may

refuse to aid you.**

Eiric made an effort and controlled his emotion. For a long

time, long after Moonglum had gone to rest, he studied the

rune, learning not only how to verbalise it but also me twists

of logic which he would have to understand, and the state of

mind into which he must put himself if h were to be effeo*

five.

When both he and Sepiriz were satisfied, Eiric allowed a

lave to take him to his sleeping chamber, but slumber came

hard to him and he spent the night in restless torment until a

slave came to wake him the next morning and found him

fully dressed and ready to ride for Pan Tang where the

Dukes of Hell were assembled.

Four

Through the stricken lands of the west rode BIric and Moon-

ghim, astride sturdy Nihrain steeds that seemed to need no

rest and contained no fear. The Nihrain horses were a special

gift, for they had certain additional powers to their unnatural

strength and endurance. Sepiriz had told them how, in fact,

the steeds did not have full existence on the earthly plane and

that their hooves did not touch the ground in the strict sense,

but touched the stuff of their other plane. This gave them the

ability to appear to gallop on air—or water.

Scenes of terror were everywhere to be found. At one time

they saw in the distance a frightful sight, a wild and hellish

mob destroying a village built around a castle. The castle it-

self was in flames and on the horizon a mountain gouted

smoke and fire. Though the looters had human shape, they

were degenerate creatures, spilling blood and drinking it with

equal abandon. And directing them without joining their orgy

Eiric and Moonglum saw what seemed to be a corpse astride

me living skeleton of a horse, bedecked in bright trappmgs, a

naming sword in its band and a golden helm on its head.

They skirted the scene and rode fast away from it, through

mists that looked and smelt like blood, over rivers dammed

with death, past rustling forests that seemed to follow them,

beneath skies often filled with ghastly winged shapes bearing

even ghastlier burdens.

At other times they met groups of warriors, many of them

m the armour and trappings of the conquered nations, but

depraved and obviously sold to Cfaao*.

These they fought or avoided, depending on me circum-

stance and, when at last they reached die cliffs of Jharkor

and saw the sea which would take them to the Isle of Pan

Tang, they knew they had ridden through a land which had

become, literally, a hell on earth.

90

STORMBRINGER            91

Scarcely stopping, Eiric and Moonglum rode their horses

over the water towards the evil-heavy island of Pan Tang

where Jagreen Lem and his terrible allies prepared to sail

with their giant fleet and smash the seapower of me south be-

fore conquering the Southlands themselves.

"Eirici" Moonglum called above the whining wind, **ahould

we not proceed with more caution?**

"Caution? What need of that when me Dukes of Heu must

surely know their turncoat servant comes to fight theml**

Moonglum pursed his long lips, disturbed, for Eiric was m

a wild, maddened mood. He got little comfort, also, from the

knowledge that Sepiriz had charmed his short-aword and his

sabre both. with one of the few white spells be had at his

command.

Now the bleak cliffs of Pan Tang were in sight, apray-

lashed and ominous, the sea moaning about them as if in

some special torment which Chaos could inflict on nature it-

self.

And also around the island a peculiar darkness hovered,

shifting and changing.

They entered the darkness as the Nihrain steeds pounded

up the steep, rocky beach of Pan Tang, a place that had al-

ways been ruled by its black priesthood, a grim theocracy

that had sought to emulate the legendary sorcerer-kings of

the Bright Empire of Mclnibone. But Eiric, last of those

kings, and landless now with few subjects, knew that me dark

arts had been natural and lawful to his ancestors, whereas

these human-beings had perverted themselves to worship an

unholy hierarchy they barely understood.

Sepiriz had given them their route and they galloped across

the turbulent land towards the capital—Hwamgaarl, City of

Screaming Statues.

Pan Tang was an island of green, shiny, obsidian rock that

gave off bizarre reflections; rock that seemed alive.

Soon they could see the looming walls of Hwamgaarl m

the distance. As they drew nearer, an army of black-cowied

swordsmen, chanting a particularly horrible litany, seemed to

rise from the ground ahead.

Eiric had no time to spare for these, recogniseable as a de-

tachment of Jagreen Lero's warrior-priests.

"Up, steedl" be cried and the Nihrain horse leapt sky-

wards, passing over the disconcerted priests with a fantastic

Michael Moorcock

bound. Moonglum did likewise, his laughter mocking them

u he and his friend thundered on towards Hwamgaaril

Their way was dear for *ome distance, since Jagrcca Lern

had evidently expected the detachment to hold the pair at

least for some time.

But when the City of Screaming Statues was barcty a mile

away, die ground began to grumble and gaping cracks split

its surface. This did not overiy disturb them, for the Nihrain

horses had no use for earthly tenam in any case.

The sky above seemed to heave and shake itaelf, the

darknftss became flushed with streaks of ^""i"*1"* ebony, and

from the fissures m the ground, monstrous shapes fpraag up!

Vulture-headed lions, fifteen feet high, prowled in hungry

anticipation towards them, their feathered maaes rustling as

they approached.

To Moonglum's frightened astonishment, Eiric laughed and

the Eastlander knew his friend had gone mad.

But Eiric was ft*n»nu>r with this ghoulish pack since his

own ancestors had formed it for their own purposes a dozen

centuries before.

Evidently, Jagreea Lcrn had discovered the pack nuking

on the bordera between Chaos and Earth and had utilised it

without being aware of how it had been created.

Old words formed on Eiric's pale lips and he spoke affec-

tionately to the towering bird-beasts.

They ceased their progress toward him and glanced uncer-

tainly around them, their loyalties evidently divided.

Feathered tails lashed, daw worked in and out of pads,

scraping great gashes ia the rock.

And, taking advantage of this, Eiric and Moonglum

walked their horses through mem and emerged just as a

droning but angry voice rapped from the heavens, ordering,

in the High Tongue of Mehubone; "Destroy themT'

One lion-vulture bounded uncertainly towards them. An-

other followed it and another, till the whole pack raced to

catch them.

"Faster!" Eiric whispered to the Nihrain horse, but the

steed could hardly keep the distance separating them.

There was nothing for it but to turn. Deep in the recesses

of his memory he recalled there was a certain spell he had

teamed as a child. Au the old spells of Memibone had been

passed on to him by his father with the warning that. in these

STORMBRINGER            93

times, many of them were virtually useless. But there had

been one—the spell for calling the vulture-headed Uons and

another spell...

Now he remembered it! The spell for sending them back to

the domain of Chaos. Would it work.?

He adjusted his mind, sought the words he needed as the

beasts plunged on towards him.

Creatures! Matik of Melnibone made thee

From stuff of unformed madness!

If thou wouldst live as thou art now.

Get hence, or Afatik's brew again shall bet

The creatures paused and, desperately, Eiric repeated Ac

spell, afraid that he had made a small mistake, either within

his mind or in the words.

Moonglum, who bad drawn his horse up beside Eiric, did

not dare speak his fears, for he knew the albino sorcerer must

not be hindered while spell-making. He watched in trepida-

tion as the leading beast gave voice to a cawing roar.

But Eiric heard the sound with relief, for it meant the

beasts had understood his threat and were still bound to obey

the spell.

Slowly, half-reluctantly. they crawled down into the fissures

and vanished.

Sweating, Eiric said triumphantly: "Luck is with us so farl

JagrccD Lern either under-estimated my powers or else this is

all he could summon with his own! More proof, perhaps, that

Chaos uses him and not the other way about!"

"Tempt not such luck by speaking of it," Moonglum said

warniagly. "From what you'd told me, these are puny things

compared with that which we must soon face!**

Eiric shot an angry look at his friend and nodded briefly.

He did not like to think of his coming task.

Now they neared the huge walls of Hwamgaarl. At inter-

vals along the walls, which slanted outwards at an angle to

encumber potential besiegers, they saw the screaming stat-

ues—once men and women whom Tagreen Lern and his fore-

fathers had turned to rock but allowed them to retain then-

life and ability to speak. They spoke little, but screamed

much, their ghastly shouts rolling over the disgusting city like

the tormented voices of the damned—and damned they were.

94 Michael Moorcock

These sobbing waves of sound were horrifying even to El-

ric's ears, familiar with such sounds as they were.

Then another noise blended with them as die mighty port-

cullis of Hwamgaart's main gate squealed upwards and from

it poured a host of well-aimed men.

"Evidently. Jagreen Lem's powers of sorcery have been ex-

hausted for the meantime and the Dukes of Hell disdain to

join him in a fight against a pair of mere mortals!" Eiric said,

reaching with his right band for the hilt of his black rune-

sword hanging at his left hip.

Moonglum was beyond speech. Wordlessly he drew both

his own charmed blades, knowing he must fight and vanquish

his own fear before be could encounter the men who ran at

him.

With a wild howl that drowned out the screams from the

statues, Stormbringer climbed from the scabbard and stood in

Eric's hand, waiting in anticipation for the new souls it

might drink, for the life-stuff which it could pass on to Eiric

and fill him with dark and stolen vitality.

Eiric half-cringed at the feel of his blade in his damp hand.

But be shouted to the advancing soldiers: "See jackals! See

the sword! Forged by Chaw to vanquish Chaoal Come, let it

drink your souls and spill your blood! We are ready for you!"

He did not wait but, with Moongluro behind him, spurred

the Nihrain horse into the ranks, hewing about him with

something of the old delight

Now. so symbioticauy linked with the hell-blade was he.

that a hungry joy of killing swept through him, the joy of

soul-stealing which drew a surging, unholy vitality into his

deficient veins.

Though there were over a hundred warriors blocking hia

path to the still-open gate. he smashed a bloody path through

them and Moonglum, seized by something akin to his friend's

mood, was equally successful in dispatching all who came

against him.

Familiar with horror as they were, the soldiers soon be-

came loath to approach the screaming runesword as it shone

with a peculiarly brilliant light—a black light that pierced the

blackness itself.

Laughing in his half-insane triumph, Eiric felt the callous

joy that his ancestors must have felt long ago when they con-

quered the world and made it kneel to the Bright Empire.

STORMBRINGER            95

Chaos was, indeed, fighting Chaos—but Chaos of an older,

cleaner sort come to destroy me perverted upstarts who

thought themselves as mighty as the Dragon Lords of Melni-

bonet

A bloody trench had formed in the enemy's ranks and

through this the pair plunged until the gateway gaped like a

monster's maw before them.

Without pausing. Eiric rode laughing through H and people

scuttled to hiding as he entered, in bizarre triumph, the City

of Screaming Statues.

"Where now?" gasped Moonglum, all fear driven from

him.

To the Theocrafs Temple-palace, of courae. There Arioch

and his fellow duke no doubt await us)"

Through the echoing streets of me city they rode, proud

and terrible, as if with an army at their backs. Dark buildings

towered above them but not a face dared peep from a win-

dow. Pan Tang had planned to rule the worid—and it might

yet—but for the moment its denizens were fully demoralised

by me sight of two men taking their huge city by storm.

They pulled their horses to a halt as they reached the wide

plaza and saw the huge bronze sepulchre swinging on its

chains in the centre. Beyond it rose Jagreen Lem*s palace, all

columns and towers* ominously quiet

Even the statues had ceased to scream and the horses'

hooves made no sound as Eiric and Moonghun approached

the sepulchre. The blood-reddened runesword was still in El-

ric's hand and with it he took a mighty sweep at the Chains

supporting the sepulchre—the holiest vessel of this unholy

place. The supernatural blade bit into toe metal and severed

the links.

The crash as the sepulchre dropped and smashed was mag-

nified a thousand times by me silence. The noise echoed

throughout Hwamgaarl and every inhabitant left alive knew

what it aignified.

Thus I challenge tbee, Jagreen LornF Eiric shouted,

aware that these words would also be heard by everyone. "I

have come to pay UK debt I promisedl Come, puppetl" be

paused, even his triumph not sufficient to fully quench his

nervousness at what be must say now. "Cornel Bring Hell's

Dukes with you—w

96 Michael Moorcock

Moonglum swallowed, his eyes rolling as he studied Eiric'a

twisted face. The albino continued:

"Bring Arioch, and Balao, and Maluk! Bring the proud

princes of Chaos with you for I have come to send them

back to their own realm forever!"

The silence again enfolded his high-chaDenge and he heard

its echoes die away in the far places of die city.

Then, from somewhere inside die palace, he heard a move-

ment His heart pounded against his rib-cage^ threatening to

break through the bones and hang throbbing on his chest as

proof of his mortality.

He heard a sound like die clopping of monstrous hooves

and ahead of it the measured' steps that must be those of a

man.

His eyes fixed themselves on die great golden doors of d»

palace, half-hidden in UK shadows that die columns threw.

The doors began to open sflently.

Then a figure, dwarfed by die size of die doors, stepped

forth and stood mere regarding Eiric with a horrible anger

smouldering hi its eyes.

On its body scarlet armour glowed as if red-hot On its left

arm was a shield of die same stuff and in its hand a steel

fword.

Jagreen Lern, said in a voice that trembled with rage:

"So, King Eiric, you have kept part of your word, after

an."

"And I plan to keep die rest of it," Eiric said widi sudden

calm. "Step forward, dieocrat 1*11 meet you fairly in single

combat**

Jagreen Lem gave a sneering, hollow laugh.

•Tairiy? Widi that blade in your hand? Once I met it and

did not perish, but now it bums with die blood and souls of a

score of my best warrior-priests. I would not be so foolish.

No—let diose you have challenged meet you."

He stepped to one side.

The doors gaped wider and if Eiric expected giant figures

to emerge, he was disappointed. The dukes had assumed die

forms of men.

But there was a power about diem mat filled die air as

diey moved to stand, disdainful of Jagreen Lern, upon die

topmost step of die palace.

Eiric glimpsed their beautiful, smiling faces and shuddered

STORMBRINGER            97

again, for diere was a kind of love on dieir faces, a kind of

pride—a kind of confidence so that, for a moment, he was

filled widi die wish to jump from his horse and fling himself

1 dieir feet to plead forgiveness for what he had become.

"Well. Eiric," said Arioch. the leader, sofdy. "Would you

repeat and return to us?" The voice was silvery in its beauty

and Eiric half-made to dismount.

But then be clapped bis hands to his ears, die runesword

hanging by its wrist-throng, and cried:

"No! No! I must do what I must! Your time, like mine, is

overt"

"Do not speak dius, Eiric," Balan said persuasively, bis

words passing Eiric's hands and whispering in his skutl.

**Chaos has never been dus powerful on Earth—not even in

earliest days. We shall make you great—we shall make you a

Lord of Chaos, equal to ourselves! We give you immortality,

Eiric. If you behave so foolishly as you behave now, you will

bring yourself only death and none shall remember you."

"I know diat! I would not wish to be remembered in a

world ruled by Law!"

Maluk laughed sofdy.

That will never come to pass. We block every move diat

Law makes to try to bring help to Earth."

**And this is why you must be destroyed!*' Eiric cried.

"We are immortal—we can never be slain!" Arioch said,

and diere was a tinge of impatience in his voice.

"Then I shall send you back to Chaos in such a way that

you shall never have power on the Earth again!"

Eiric swung his runeblade into his hand and it trembled

diere. moaning quietly as if unsure of itself, )ust as he was.

**See!" Balan walked part-way down the steps. "See—even

your trusted sword knows diat we speak truth."

"You speak a sort of tnidi." Moooglum said in a quaver-

ing tone, astonished at his own bravery. "But I remember

something of a greater truth—a law that should bind both

Chaos and Law—the Law of die Balance. The Supreme

Spirit holds diat balance over the earth and it should be that

Chaos and Law war to keep diat balance straight Sometimes

the balance tips one way, sometimes another—and dius are

die ages of die Earth created. But an incqual balance of this

magnitude is wrong. In your struggling you of Chaos may

have forgotten this!"

**We have forgotten h for good reason, mortal. The bal-

98 Michael Moorcock

ance has tipped to nidi an extent in our favour that it is no

longer adjustable. We triumph I"

Eiric used this pause to collect himself. Sensing his

renewed strength, Stormbringer responded with a confident

purr.

The dukes also sensed it and glanced at one another.

Ariocb'a beautiful face seemed to fiare with anger and his

pseudo-body glided down the steps towards EJric, his fellow

dukes following.

Eiric's steed backed away a few paces.

A blot of living fire seemed to appear in Arioch*s hand and

it shot towards me albino. He felt cold pain in his chest and

he staggered in me saddle.

"Your body is unimportant, Eiric. But think of a similar

blow to your soul!" Arioch screamed, the facade of patience

dropping from him.

Eiric flung back his head and laughed. Arioch had be-

trayed himself. If he had remained calm he would have bad a

greater advantage, but now he showed himself perturbed,

whatever he had said to the contrary.

"Arioch—you aided me in the past. You wffl regret that!"

There's still time to undo my folly, upstart mortal!" An-

other bolt came streaking towards him but Eiric passed

Stormbringer before it and observed, in relief, that it deflect-

ed the unholy weapon.

But, against such might, they were surely doomed, unless

they could invoke some supernatural aid. But Eiric dared not

risk summoning his nmesword's brothers. Not yet He must

think of some other means.

As be retreated towards the searing bolts, Moonglum be-

hind him whispering almost impotent charms, he thought of

Ac vulture-lions he had sent back to Chaos. Perhaps he could

recall them—for a different purpose.

The spell was fresh in his mind, requiring a slightly

changed mental state and scarcely changed wording.

Calmly, working mechanically to deflect the bolts of the

dukes whose features had changed hideously to retain their

previous beauty but take on an increasingly malevolent ap-

pearance, he uttered the spell.

Creatures! Matik of MeJnibone made thee

From stuff of unformed madness!

STORMBRINGER            99

// thou wouldst live, then aid me now,

Come hither, or Matik's brew again shall be!

From out of the rolling darks of the plaza, the beaked

beasts appeared, prowling.

Eiric yelled at the dukes. "Mortal weapons cannot harm

you! But these are beasts of your own plane—sample their

ferocity.** He ordered the vulture-lions upon the dukes.

Obviously put out by this. Arioch and his fellows backed

towards the steps again, calling their own commands to the

giant animals, but the things advanced, gathering speed.

Eiric saw Arioch shout, rave and then his body seemed to

split asunder and rise in a new, less recognisable shape as the

beasts attacked. AH was suddenly ragged colour, sound and

disordered matter.

Behind the embattled demons, Eiric saw Jagreen Lem run-

ning back into his palace. Hoping that the creatures he had

summoned would hold the dukes, Eiric rode his horse around

the boiling mass and galloped up the steps.

Through the doors the two men rode, catching a glimpse

of the terrified theocrat running before them.

"Your allies were not so strong as you believed, Jagreen

Lem!" Eiric yelled as he bore down upon his enemy. "Why,

you foolish latecomer, did you think your knowledge

matched that of a Melnibonean!"

Jagreen Lem began to climb a winding staircase, labouring

up me steps, too afraid even to look back.

Eiric laughed again and pulled his horse to a stop,

watching me running man:

"Dukes! Dukes!" sobbed Jagreen Lem as he climbed. "Do

not desert me now!"

Moonglum whispered. "Surely those creatures will not de-

feat the aristocracy of hell?**

Eiric shook his head. "I do not expect them to, but if I fin-

ish Jagreen Lem, at least it could put an end to his conquests

and demon-summoning." He spurred the Nihrain steed up the

steps after the theocrat who heard him coming and flung

himself into a room. Eiric heard a bar fall and bolts squeal.

When he reached the door it fell in at a blow of his sword

and he was in a small chamber. Jagreen Lem had disap-

peared.

100 Michael Moorcock

Dismounting, Etric went to a small door in me farthest

corner of the room and again demolished it A narrow stair

led upwards, obviously into a tower.

Now he could take his vengeance, he thought, as he

reached yet another door at the top of the stair and-drew

back bis sword to smite it. The blow fell, but the door held.

"Curse the thing, it is protected by charms!" he swore.

He was just about to aim another blow, when he heard

Moonglum's urgent calling from below.

"Eirici Eiric—they've defeated the creatures. They are re-

turning to the palace."

He would have to leave Jagreen Lern for the meantime.

He sprang down the steps, into the chamber and out on to

the stair. In the hall he saw the flowing shapes of the unholy

trinity. Half-way up the stair, Moonglum was quaking.

"Stormbringer," said Eiric, "it is time to summon your

brothers."

The sword twisted in bis hand, as if in assent

Eiric began to chant the mind-torturing, throat-torturing

rune that Sepiriz had taught him.

Stormbringer moaned a counterpoint chorus to the dirge as

the battle-worn dukes assumed different shapes and began to

rise menacingly towards Eiric.

Then, in the air all about him, he saw shapes appear,

shadowy shapes half on his own plane, half on the plane of

Chaos. He saw them stir and suddenly it seemed as if the air

was filled with a million swords, each a twin to StonnbringerI

Acting on instinct, Eiric released his grip on his blade and

flung it towards the rest. It hung in the air before them and

they seemed to acknowledge it "Lead them, Stonnbrmgert

Lead them against the dukes—or your master perishes and

you'll not drink another human soul again!"

The sea of swords rustled and a dreadful moaning

emanated from them. The dukes flung themselves upwards

towards the albino and he recoiled before Ihe evil hatred that

poured from the twisting shapes.

Glancing down he saw Moonglum slumped in his saddle

and did not know if be had perished or fainted.

Then the swords rushed upon the reaching dukes and El-

ric's head swam with the sight of a million blades plunging

into the stuff of their beings.

The unholy noise of the battle filled his ears, the dreadful

STORMBRINGER           101

sight of (he toiling conflict clouded his vision. Without

Stormbringer's vitality he felt weak and limp. He felt his

knees shake and crumple and he could do nothing to aid the

black sword's brothers as they clashed with the Dukes of

Hell.

He collapsed, aware that if he witnessed such horror much

longer he would become totally insane. Thankfully, be felt his

mind go blank and then, at last, he was unconscious, unable

to know which would win.

Five

His body itched. His arms and bade ached. His wrists pound-

ed with agony. Eiric opened his eyes.

Immediately opposite him, spreadeagled in chains against

the wall he saw Moonglum. Dull flame nickered in the centre

of the place and he felt pain cm his naked knee, looked down

and saw Jagreen Lern.

The Theocrat spat at him.

"So," Eiric said hoHowly. "I failed. You triumph after aD.**

Jagreen Lem did not look triumphant Rage still burned in

his eyes.

"Oh, how shall I punish you," he said.

"Punish me? Then—?** Elric*s heartbeat increased.

"Your final spell succeeded," the Theocrat said dully, turn-

ing away to contemplate the brazier. "Both your allies and

mine vanished and all my attempts to contact the dukes have

proved fruitless. You achieved your threat—or your minions

did—you sent them back to Chaos foreveri"

"My sword—what of that?"

The Tbeocrat smiled bitterly. "That's my only pleasure.

Your sword vanished with its brothers. You are weak and

helpless now, Ebic. You are mine to maim and torture until

the end of my life."

Eiric was dumbfounded by the news. Part of him rejoiced

that the dukes had been beaten. Part of him lamented the

loss of his sword. As Jagreen Lem had emphasised, without

the blade he was less than half a man, for his albinoism

weakened him. Already bis eye-sight was dimmer and he felt

no response in his limbs.

Jagreen Lem looked up at him.

"Enjoy the comparatively painless days left you, Eiric, but

I leave you to anticipate what I have in store for you. I must

away and instruct my men in the final preparations for the

war-fleet soon to sail against the South. I won't waste time

102

OTORMBRINGER            103

with crude torture now. for all the while I shall be scheming

the most exquisite tortures conceivable. You shall take long

years to die. I swear!"

He left the cell and as the door slammed he heard Jagreen

Lem instructing the guard.

"Keep the brazier at full blast. Let them sweat like damned

souls in bell. Feed them enough to keep them alive once ev-

ery three days. They will soon be crying for water. Give them

only sufficient to sustain their lives. They deserve far worse

than this and they'll get their desserts when my mind has had

time to work on the problem."

A day later, the real agony began. Their bodies gave out

the last of their sweat Their tongues were swollen m their

heads and all the time as they groaned in their torment, they

were aware that this terrible torture would be nothing com-

pared to what they might expect Eiric's weakened body

would not respond to his desperate struggling and at length

his mind dulled, the agony became constant and familiar, and

time was non-existent

Finally, through a pain-thick daze, be recognised a voice.

The hate-filled voice of Jagreen Lem.

Others were in the chamber. He felt their bands seize him

and his body was suddenly light as he was borne, moaning

from the cell.

Though he heard disjointed phrases he could make no

sense of Jagreen Lern's words.

He was taken to a dark place that rolled about, hurting his

scorched chest

Later, be heard Moonglum's voice and strained to hear the

words.

"Eirici What's happening? We're aboard a ship at sea, Fd

awearr

But Eiric mumbled disinterestedly. Gradually his deficient

body was weakening, faster than would a normal man's. He

thought of Zarozinia, whom he would never see again. He

knew he would not live to know whether Law or Chaos fi-

nally won, or even if die Southlands would stand against the

theocrat

And tbeae problems were fading in his mind again.

Then the food started to come and die water and it revived

turn somewhat At some stage, he opened his eyes and stared

upwards into the thinly smiling face of Jagreen Lem.

104 Michael Moorcock

"Thank the gods,** said die Theocrat "I feared we'd lost

you. You're a delicate case to be sure, my friend. You must

stay alive longer than this. To begin my entertainment, I have

arranged for you to sail on my own flagship. We are now

crossing the Dragon Sea, our fleet well-protected by charms

against the monsters roaming these parts." He forwned.

*Thanks to you, we haven't the same call for the charms

which would have borne us safely through me chaos-torn

waters. They are almost normal for the moment. But that will

soon be changed.**

Eh-ic's old spirit returned for a moment and he glared at

his enemy, too weak to voice the loathing he felt.

Jagreen Lern laughed sofly and stirred Eric's gaunt white

head with the toe of his boot "I think I can brew a drug

which will give you a little more vitality."

The food was foul-tasting and had to be forced between

Eric's mumbling lips, but after a while he was able to sit up

and observe the huddled body of Moonglum. Evidently me

little man had totally succumbed to his torture. To bis sur-

prise, EIric discovered he was unfettered and he crawled the

agonising distance between himself and the Eastlander, shak-

ing Moonglum's shoulder. He groaned but did not respond.

A Shaft of dim light appeared and Biric looked up to see

mat the hatch-cover bad been prised aside and Jagreen Lem

stared down at him.

"I see the brew had its effect. Come, EIric, smell the invig-

orating sea and fed the warm sun on your body. We are not

many infles from the coasts of Argimiliar and our scout-ships

report quite a sizeable fleet sailing hence."

EIric cursed. "By Arioch, I hope they send you all to the

bottom I**

Jagreen Lern pursed his lips mockingly. "By whom? Ari-

och? Do you not remember what ensued in my own palace?

Arioch cannot be invoked. Not by you—not by me. Your

stinking spells saw to that**

He turned to an invisible lieutenant "Bind him and bring

him on deck. You know what to do with him.**

Two warriors dropped into me hold and grasped the still-

weak EIric, tying his arms and legs and manhandling hiffl on

to the deck. He gasped as the sun's glare struck his eyes.

"Prop him up so be may see all," Jagreen Lero ordered.

The warriors obeyed and EIric was lifted to a sending

STORMBRINGER            105

position, seeing Jagreen Lcm's huge, black flagship with its

silken deck canopies flapping in a steady westerly breeze, its

three banks of straining oarsmen and its tall ebony mast bear-

ing a sail of dark red.

Beyond the ship's rails, EIric saw a massive fleet surging in

the flagship's wake. As well as the vessels of Pan Tang and

Dharijor there were many from Jharkor, Shazar and Tarkesh

but on every scariet sail the Merman blazon of Pan Tang was

painted.

Depression filled EIric, for he knew that the Southlands,

however strong, could not match a fleet like this.

**We have been at sea for only three days," said Jagreen

Lem, "but thanks to a witch-wind, we're almost at our des-

tination. A scout ship has recently reported that the Lor-

myrian navy, hearing rumours of our superior sea-power, is

sailing to join with us. A wise move of King Montan—for

the moment, at any rate. Ill make use of him for the time

being and, when his usefulness is over, HI have him killed for

the treacherous turncoat he is.**

"Why do you tell me all this?" EIric whispered, his teeth

gritted against the pain that came with any slight movement

of his face or body.

"Because I want you to witness for yourself tee defeat of

the South. I want you to know that what you sought to avert

wfll come to pass. After we have subdued the South and

sucked her of her treasures, we*M vanquish the Isle of tee

Purple Towns and press forward to sack Vilmir and flmion,

That wffl be an easy matter don't you agree?"

When EIric did not reply, Jagreen Lem gestured impa-

tiently to his men.

"Tie him to me mast so that he may get a good view of

the battle. HI put a protective charm around his body, for I

do not want him to be killed by a stray arrow and cheat me

of my full vengeance.**

EIric was borne up and _roped to the mast, but he was

scarcely aware of it, for his head lolled on his right shoulder,

only semi-conscious.

The massive fleet plunged onwards, certain of victory.

By mia-ufternoon EIric was aroused from his stupor by the

shout of the helmsman.

"Sad to the south-east! Lormyrian fleet approaches.**

106 Michael Moorcock

With impotent anger, Eiric saw the fifty two-masted ships,

their sails bright against the sombre scarlet of Jagreen Lem's

vessels, come into line with the others.

Lormyr, though a smaller power than Argimiliar, had a

larger navy. Eiric judged that King Mootan's treachery had

cost the south more than a quarter of its strength.

Now he knew there was absolutely no hope for the south

and that Jagreen Lem's certainty of victory was well-founded.

Night fell and the huge fleet lay at anchor. A guard came

to feed Eiric a mushy porridge containing another dose of the

revitalising drug. As he revived, his anger increased, and

Jagreen Lern paused by the mast on two occasions, taunting

him savagely.

"Soon after dawn we shall meet the southern fleet,"

Jagreen Lem smiled, "and by noon what is left of it will float

as bloody driftwood behind us as we press on to establish our

reign over those nations who so foolishly relied on their sea-

power as defence."

Eiric remembered how he had warned the Icings of the

Southlands that this was likely to happen if they stood alone

against the theocrat. But he wished that he had been wrong.

With the defeat of the south, the conquest of the east seemed

bound to follow and, when Jagreen Lera ruled the world,

Chaos would dominate and the earth revert to the sniff from

which it had been formed millions of years before.

AU through that moonless night he brooded, pulling his

thoughts together, summoning all his strength for a plan that

was, as yet, only a shadow in the back of his mind.

Six

The rattle of anchors woke him.

Shaking in the light of the watery sun. he saw the southern

fleet on the horizon, riding gracefully in hollow pomp towards

the ships of Jagreen Lem.

Either, he thought, the southern kings were very brave or

else they did not understand the strength of their enemies.

Beneath him, on Jagreen Lem's foredeck, a great catapult

rested, and slaves had already filled its cup with a large hall

of flaming pitch. Normally. Eiric knew, such catapults were an

encumbrance, since when they reached that size they were

difficult to rewind and gave lighter war-machines the advan-

tage. Yet obviously Jagreen Lem's engineers were not fools.

Eiric noted extra mechanisms on the big catapult and realised

they were equipped to rewind rapidly.

The wind had dropped and five hundred pairs of muscles

alone strove to row Jagreen Lem's galley along. On the deck,

in disciplined order, his warriors took their posts beside the

great boarding platforms that would drop down on to op-

ponent ships and grapple them at the same time as they

formed a bridge between the vessels.

Eiric was forced to admit that Jagreen Lern had used fore-

right. He had not relied wholly on supernatural aid. His ships

were the best equipped he had ever seen.

The southern fleet, Eiric decided, was doomed. To fight

Jagreen Lem was not bravery—it was insanity.

But Jagreen Lern had made one mistake. He had, in his

gnawing desire for vengeance, ensured that Ekic's vitality

was restored for a few hours and this vitality extended to his

mind as well as his body.

Stormbringer had vanished. With the sword he was. among

men. all but invincible. Without it, he was helpless. These

were facts. Therefore he must somehow regain the blade. But

how? It had returned to the plane of Chaos with its brothers,

107

108 Michael Moorcock

presumably drawn back there by the overwhelming force of

me rest

He must contact it

He dare not summon me entire horde of blades with spell,

that would be tempting providence too far.

He heard the sudden thwack and roar as the giant catapult

discharged its first shot. The flame-shrouded pitch went

arching over the ocean and landed short, boiling me sea

around it as it guttered and sank. Swiftly the war-engine was

rewound and he marvelled at the speed as another ball of

flaring pitch was forked into its cup. Jagreen Lcm looked up

at him and laughed.

"My pleasure will be short—mere are not enough of them

to put up a decent fight Watch them perish, Eiric!"

Brie said nothing, pretended to be dazed and frightened.

The next fireball struck one of the leading ships directly

and Eiric saw tiny figures scampering about, striving desper-

ately to quench the spreading pitch, but within a minute the

whole ship was ablaze, a gouting mass of flame as me figures

now jumped overboard, unable to save their vessel.

Now the air around him sounded to the rushing heat of the

fireballs and within range now, the southerners retaliated with

their lighter machines until it seemed the sky was filled with a

thousand comets and the heat almost equalled that which Ei-

ric had experienced in the torture chamber.

Mack smoke began to drift as the brass beaks of the ships*

rams ground through timbers, impaling ships like skewered

fish. The hoarse yells of fighting men began to sound and Ei-

ric heard the dash of iron as the first few opposing warriors

met

But now be only vaguely beard me sounds, for he was con-

cenfrating.

At last he was ready and, aware that his voice would prob-

ably not be heard by human ears above the noise of war,

called in a desperate and agonising voice: "Stormbringer!"

His straining mind echoed the shout and he seemed to look

beyond the turbulent battle, beyond the ocean, beyond the

very earth to a place of shadows and terror. Something

moved there. Many things moved there.

"StormbringerI**

He heard a curse from beneath him and saw Jagreen Lem

pointing up at him.

STORMBMNGER           109

"Gag the whitefaced sorcerer." Jagreen Lcrn's eyes met El-

ric's and the theocrat sucked in his tips, deliberating a bare

moment before adding: "And if that doesn't put an end to

his babbling—slay him!"

The lieutenant began to climb the mast towards Eiric.

**Stormbringerl Your master perishesi"

He struggled in the biting ropes but could hardly move.

"Stormbringer!**

All his life he had hated the sword he relied so much upon.

Now he called for it as a lover calls for his betrothed.

The warrior grasped his foot and shook it "Silence! You

beard my master."

With insane eyes, Eiric looked down at the warrior who

shuddered and drew his sword, hanging to the mast with one

hand and readying himself to make a stab at Eiric's vitals.

*Stormbringeri" Eiric sobbed the name. He must Kve.

Without him. Chaos would surely nde the world.

The man hinged at Elric*s body—yet the blade did not

reach the albino. Then Eiric remembered, with sudden hu-

mour, that Jagreen Lcrn had placed a protective spell about

him! The Thcocrat's own magic had saved his enernyl

**Stormbringerr

Now the warrior gasped and the sword dropped from hia

fingers. He seemed to grapple with something invisible at his

throat and Eiric saw me man's fingers sliced off and blood

sport from the stumps. Then, slowly, a shape materialised

and, with bounding relief, the albino saw that it was a

•word—bis own runesword impaling the warrior and sucking

out his soult

The warrior dropped, but Stormbringer hung tn the air and

men turned to slash the ropes restraining Eiric's hands and

men nestled firmly, with horrid affection, in ita master's right

fist

At once the stolen life-stuff of the warrior began to pour

through Eiric's being and the pain of his body vanished.

Quickly be grasped a piece of me sail's rigging and cut away

the rest of bis bonds until he was swinging by one hand on

tile rope.

"Now, Jagreen Lem. well sec who takes vengeance, fi-

nally."

He wrenched up (he hatch-cover and stared down at the

pitiful figure of his friend. Evidently he had been left to

starve to death. A rat scuttled away as the light shone down.

110 Michael Moorcock

Eiric jumped into the hold and saw. with horror, that part

of Moonglum's right arm had been gnawed already. He

heaved the body on to his shoulder, aware that the heart still

beat, though faintly, and clambered back on to the deck.

How to ensure his friend's safety and still take vengeance

on Jagreen Lem was a problem. But Eiric moved towards the

boarding platform which he guessed the theocrat to have

crossed. As he did so, three warriors leapt towards him. One

of them cried:

"The albino! The reaver has escaped F*

Eiric struck him down with a blow that required only a

flick of his wrist. The black sword did the rest The others re-

treated, remembering how Eiric had entered Hwamgaari.

New energy flowed through him. For every corpse he

killed, his strength increased—a stolen strength, but accessary

if he was to survive and win the day for Law.

He ran, untroubled by his burden, over the boarding plat-

form and on to the deck of the southern ship. Up ahead he

saw the standard of Argimiliar and a little group of men

around it, headed by King Hozel himself, his face gaunt as

he stared at the knowledge of his own death. A deserved

death, thought Eiric grimly, but nonetheless when Hozel died

it would mean another victory for Chaos.

Then he heard a shout of a different quality, thought for a

moment he had been observed, but one of Hozel's men was

pointing to the North sod mouthing something.

Eiric looked in the direction and saw, with mixed emo-

tions, the brave sails of the Purple Towns. They were brightly

painted and gay, some even embroidered, for the only rich

decoration die Sealords allowed themselves was upon their

sails.

But they had arrived belatedly. Even if they had sailed

with the other southern vessels it would have been unlikely

mat they could have turned the day against Pan Tang.

At that moment, staring around him, Jagreen Lem saw Ei-

ric and bellowed at his men who moved forward warily and

reluctantly, approaching me albino in a wide semi-circle,

Eiric cursed the brave Sealords who had added a further

factor to his indecision,

Menacingly he swung the moaning runeblade about him u

he advanced to meet the half-terrified Pan Tang wrriora.

STORMBRINGER            111

They dropped back, BOOM of them groaning as the blade

touched them. The way WM now dear to Jagreen LenL

But me ships of the Purple Towns were drawing closer, al-

most within catapult range.

Eiric looked directly into Jagreen Lcrn's frightened face

and snarled: "I doubt if my blade haa me strength to pierce

your burning armour with one blow, aad one blow is an I

have time for. I leave yon now, theocrat, but remember mat

even if you conquer all the world including me unknown

lands of me East, 111 have my sword drink your black soul at

length."

With that he dropped Moonglum's unconscious body over-

board acd dived after it into the choppy sea.

Resuming his hold on his friend's body, he began to swim

with superhuman strokes towards the leading vessel of the

Sealords. Kargan's ship.

Now, behind him, Jagreen Lem and his men saw their own

flagship blazing. Eiric had done his work well.

That, too, would serve to divert attention from Kargan's

fleet.

Trusting to me sealords* famed seamanship he swam

directly in the path of the leading galleon, shouting Kargan*s

name.

The ship veered slightly and he saw bearded faces at the

rail, saw ropes flicker towards him and grasped one, letting

them haul him upwards with his burden until he was pulled

over the side.

Kargan stared at him with shocked eyes.

"Eli-ici We thought you dead—and now I see you have

been, or worse!"

Eiric spat salt-water from his mouth and said urgently:

Turn your fleet, Kargani Turn it back the way it has

come, there is no hope of saving the Soutblandera—they are

doomed. We must preserve our forces for a later struggle."

Hesitating momentarily, Kargan gave the order which was

swiftly relayed to the rest of his sixty strong fleet.

As me ships turned away, Eiric noted that hardly a South-

ern ship remained afloat For more than a mile the water

burned and the spluttering of the flaming, sinking ships was

blended with the screams of the maimed and drowning.

112 Michael Moorcock

"With the Southern aeapower crushed so decisively," Kar-

gan said, watching the physician who was tending to Mooo-

glura, "the lands will not last long before Pan Tang's

marching hordes. Like us, the South relied too much on its

ships. It has taught me that we must strengthen our land de-

fences if we are to have any chance at all."

"From now on well use your island as our main headquar-

ters," Eiric said. "Well fortify the whole place and from

there keep in close touch with what is happening in the south.

How is my friend, physician?"

The physician looked up. These are no battle-made

wounds. He's been hurt sorely, but hell live. He should

recover to perfect fitness given a month or so of rest."

"He*H have it," Eiric promised. He gripped the nmesword

at his belt and wondered what other tasks lay in store for

mem before the last great battle between Law and Chaos was

joined.

Chaos would soon rule more than half me worid, in spite

of the powerful blow he had dealt it in forever sentencing the

Dukes of Hell to their own plane; the more power that

Jagreen Lem gathered, the more the threat from Chaos

would increase.

He sighed and looked Northwards.

Two days later they returned to the Isle of the Purple

Towns, the fleet remaining in the largest harbour of Utkel

since it was thought wise to have it at hand and not disperse

ft.

All that following night, Eiric talked with the Sealords, or-

dered messengers to Vilmir and IImiora and, towards morn-

ing, there came a polite knock on the door of the room.

Kargan got up to open it and stared in astonishment at the

tall, black-faced man who stood there.

"Sepiriz!" Eiric cried. "How did you come here?"

"On horseback," smiled the giant, "and you know me

power of the Nihrain steeds. I had come to warn you. We

have, at last, managed to contact the White Lords but they

can do little as yet Somehow a path to their plane must be

made through the barricades which Chaos has constructed

against them. Jagreen Lem's ships have vomited their con-

tents on the southern shores and his warriors swarm inland.

There is nothing we can do now to stop his conquests there.

STORMBRINGER           113

Once consolidated, his Earthly power increased, he win be

able to summon more and more allies from Chaos."

Then where does my next task lie?" Eiric asked softly.

"I am not sure yet. But that is not what I came for. Your

blade's sojourn with its brothers has strengthened it. You may

have noticed how swiftly it pours power into your body

now?"

Eiric nodded.

That power is evilly-gained and is evil in itself. The

blade's strength will continue to increase and yours will, also.

But, as Chaos-begotten power fills your being, you will have

to fight, yet more strongly, to control the force within you."

Eiric sighed and grasped Sepinz's arm.

Thanks for the warning, friend, but when I beat the

Dukes of Hell, to whom I formerly pledged allegiance, I did

not expect to escape with a mere scratch or a flesh-wound.

Know this, Sepiriz," he turned to the watching sealords, "and

know this all of you."

He drew the groaning runeblade from its scabbard and

held it aloft so that it shone and flared in its awful power.

This blade was forged by Chaos to conquer Chaos and

mat is my destiny, too. Though the world transmutes to

boiling gas I shall live. now. I swear by the Balance of the

Cosmos that Law shall triumph and New Age come to the

Earth."

Taken aback by this grim vow, the sealords glanced at one

another and Sepiriz smiled.

"Let us hope so, Eiric," he said. "Let us hope so."

BOOK THREE

Sad Giant's Shield

Thirteen times thirteen, the steps to the sad giants lair:

And the Chaos Shield lies there.

Seven time seven are the elder trees

Twelve times twelve warriors he sees

But the Chaos Shield lies there.

And the hero fair will the sad giant dare

And a red sword wield for the sad giant's shield

On a mournful victory day.

—The Chronicle of the Black Sword

One

Across the world the shadow of anarchy had fallen. Neither

god, nor man, nor that which ruled both could clearly read

the future and see the fate of Earth as the Forces of Chaos

increased their strength through the machinations of their hu-

man minions.

From Westland mountain, over me agitated ocean to

Southland plain. Chaos now held its monstrous sway. Tor-

mented, miserable, unable to hope any longer for liberation

from the corroding, warping influence of Chaos, the remnants

of races fled over the two continents already fallen to the hu-

man minions of Disorder, led by their warped Theocrat

Jagreen Lem of Pan Tang, aqufline, high-shouldered and

greedy for power, in his glowing scarlet armour, controlling

human vultures and supernatural creatures alike as he

widened his black boundaries.

Upon the face of the Earth all was disruption and roaring

anguish* save for the thinly populated, already threatened

Eastern continent and the Isle of the Purple Towns, which

now readied itself to withstand Jagreen Lem's initial on-

slaught. The on-rushing tide of Chaos must soon sweep the

world unless some great force could be summoned to halt it

Bleakly, bitterly, the few who still resisted Jagreen Lern,

under the command of Eiric of Melnibone, talked of strategy

and tactics in the full knowledge that more than these were

needed to beat back Jagreen Lem's unholy horde.

Desperately, Eiric attempted to utilise me ancient sorcery

of his emperor forefathers to contact the White Lords of

Law; but he was unused to seeking such aid and, as well, the

forces of Chaos were now so strong, that those of Law could

no longer gain easy access to the Earth as they had contrived

to do in earlier times.

As they prepared for the coming fight, Eiric and his allies

117

118

Micfml Moorcock

watt about the preparation with heavy Routs and a sense of

die futility of such action. And, in the back of EIric's mind,

was the constant knowledge that even if he won against

Chaos, the very act of winning would destroy the worid be

knew and leave it ripe for the forces of Law to rule—and

there would be no place in such a worid foi the wild albino

sorcerer.

Beyond the earthly plane, in their bordering realms, the

Lords of Chaos and of Law, watched the struggle and even

they did not realise EIric's entire destiny.

Chaos triumphed. Chaos blocked the efforts of Law on

each occasion they tried to pass through the domain of

Chaos, now the only road to Earth. And the Lords of Law

shared Elite's frustration.

And, if Chaos and Law were observing the Earth and her

struggle, who watched these? For Chaos and Law were but

the twin weights in a balance and the hand that held the bal-

ance, though it rarely deigned to interfere in their struggle,

still less in tile affairs of men, had reached the rare state of a

decision to alter the status quo. Which weight would drop?

Which rise? Could men decide? Could the Lords decide? Or

could only the Cosmic Hand remould the pattern of the

Earth, reforming her stuff, changing her spiritual constituents

and placing her on a different path, a fresh course of destiny?

Perhaps all would play some part before the outcome was

decided.

The great zodiac influencing the universe and its' Ages, had

completed its twelve cycles and the cycles would soon begin

again. The wheel would spin and, when it stopped its spin-

ning, which symbol would dominate, how changed would it

be?

Great movements, on the Earth and beyond it; great des-

tinies were being shaped, great deeds were being planned and,

marvellously, could it Just be possible that in spite of the

Lords of the Higher Worlds, in spite of the Cosmic Hasd, in

spite of the myriad supernatural denizens that swarmed the

universe, that Man might decide the issue?

Even—one man?

One man, one sword, one destiny?

Eiric of Melniboof sat hunched in his saddle, watching the

warriors bustle to and fro around him in the city square of

Bakshaan, Here, years before* be had conducted a. siege

STORMBRINGER            119

against the city's leading merchant, tricked others and left

rich. but such scores that they held against him were now for-

gotten, pushed from their minds by me threat of war and the

knowledge that if Eiric's command could not save them,

nothing could. The waUs of the city were being widened and

heightened, warriors being trained in the use of unfamiliar

war-engines. From being a lazy merchant city, Bakshaan had

become a functional place, ready for battle when it came.

For a month, Eiric had been riding the length and breadth

of the eastern kingdoms of Ilmiora and Vihnir. overseeing

preparations, building the strength of the two nations into an

efficient war machine.

Now be studied parchments handed him by his lieutenants

and, recalling all the old tactical skill of bis ancestors, gave

them his decisions.

The sun set and heavy black clouds hung against a sharp,

metallic blue sky, stretching over the horizon. Eiric loosened

his cloak strings and allowed the folds of the garment to en-

close him, for a chill had come.

Then, as he silently regarded the sky to the west, be

frowned as he noticed something like a flashing golden star

appear, moving swiftly towards him.

Ever wary for signs of the coming of Chaos,, be turned in

his saddle shouting:

"Every man to his position! Ware the golden globe!"

The thing approached rapidly until soon, it was hanging

aver die city, all men looking up at it in astonishment, their

hands on their weapons. As black night fell, the clouds admit-

ting no moonlight, the globe began to fall towards the spires

of Bakshaan, a strange luminescence pulsing from it. Eiric

tugged Stormbringer from its scabbard and black fire nick-

ered along die blade as it gave out a low moaning sound. The

globe touched die cobbles of die city-square—broke into a

million fragments that glowed for a moment before vanish-

ing.

Eiric laughed in relief, resheathing Stormbringer as be saw

who now stood in die place of die golden globe.

"Sepiriz, my friend. You choose strange means of transport

to carry you from die Gorge of Nihrain."

The tall, black-faced seer smiled, his white pointed -teem

|faM««"E "I have so few carriages of dial type dial I must

only use diem when pressed. I come with news for you—

much news."

120 Michael Moorcock

"I hope it is good, for we have enough bad to last us for-

ever.'*

"It is mixed. Where can we converse in private?"

"My headquarters are in yonder mansion," Eiric pointed at

a richly decorated house on the far side of the squaie.

Inside, Eiric poured yellow wine for his guest Kelos the

merchant, whose house this was, had not accepted the requi-

sitioning altogether willingly and, partly because of this, Eiric

maliciously made free with all Kelos's best

Sepiriz took: the goblet and sipped the strong wine.

"Have you succeeded in contacting the White Lords yet,

Sepiriz?" Eiric asked.

"We have."

*Thank the gods. Are they willing to give their aid to us?**

"They have always been so willing—but they have not yet

made a sufficient breach in the protection that Chaos has set

up around the planet However, me fact that I have at last

managed to contact them is a better sign than any we've had

these past months."

"So—the news is good." Eiric said cheerfully.

"Not altogether. Jagreen Lem's fleet has set sail again—

and they bead towards the eastern continent, with thousands

of ships—and supernatural allies, too."

"It was only what I expected, Sepiriz. My work's done

here, anyway, ni ride for me Isle of the Purple Towns at

once, for I must lead the fleet against Jagreen Lern."

"Your chances of winning will be all but non-existent. El-

ric." Sepiriz wanied him gravely. "Have you heard of the

ShysofHeUr"

"I've heard of them—do they not sail the depths of the

•ea, taking on board dead mariners as crews?**

"They do—they're things of Chaos and far larger man

even the largest mortal warship. You'd never withstand teem,

even if you did not have the theocrafs fleet to fight as well."

*Tm aware me fight wfll be hard, Sepiriz—but what else

can we do? I have a weapon against Chaoa in my blade

here.-

"Not enough, mat bodkin—you still have no protection

against Chaos. That is what I have to tell you about—a per-

sonal armament for yourself to help you in your struggle,

though you'll have to win it from its present possessor."

*Wbo possesses it?"

STORMBR1NGER           121

**A giant who broods in eternal misery in a great castle on

me edge of the world, beyond me Sighing Desert. His name

is Mordaga who was once a god but is now made mortal for

•ins he committed against his fellow gods long ages ago."

"Mortal? Yet he has lived so long?"

"Aye. Mordaga is mortal—though his life-span is consider-

ably longer than an ordinary man's. He is obsessed with the

knowledge mat he must one day die. This is what saddens

him."

"And the weapon?"

"Not a weapon exactly—but a shield. A shield with a pur-

pose—one that Mordaga had made for himself when he

raised a rebellion in the domain of the gods and sought to

make himself greatest of the gods and even wrest the Eternal

Balance from the One Who Holds It For this he was ban-

ished to Earth and informed that he would one day die—

slain by a mortal blade. The shield, as you might guess, i&

proof against the workings of Chaos."

"How does it do this?" Eiric asked curiously.

The chaotic forces, if powerful enough, can disrupt any

defence made of lawful matter; no construction based on the

principles of order can withstand for long the ravages of

•beer chaos, as we know.

"Stormbnngcr has shown you mat the only weapon effec-

tiv; against Chaos is something of Chaos-manufacture. The

same can be said for the Chaos Shield. This itself is chaotic

in nature and therefore there is nothing organised in it on

which me random forces can act and destroy. It meets Chaos

with Chaos, and so the hostile powers are subverted."

"I see. If I had only had such a shield of late, things might

have gone better for us all'"

"I could not tell you of it As I have mentioned, I am

merely the servant of Fate and cannot act unless it is sanc-

tioned by my masters. Perhaps as I have guessed they are

willing to see Chaos sweep the world before it is defeated—if

it is ever defeated—so that it can completely change the

nature of our planet before the new cycle begins. Change it

will—but whether it will be ruled in the future primarily by

Law or Chaos—that is in your bands, Eirici"

"I'm becoming used to me burden my friend. How would I

recognise this shield?**

"By the eight-arrowed Sign of Chaos which radiates from

122 Michael Moorcock

its boss. It is a heavy, round shield, made as a buckler for a

giant But, with the vitality you receive from that runesword

there, you will have the strength to carry it, have no fear. But

first you must have the courage to win it from its current

holder, Mordaga is aware of the prophecy, told him by his

fellow gods before they cast him forth."

"Are you, too, aware of it?"

"I am. In our language it forms a simple rhyme:

"Mordaga'S pride; Mordaga's doom,

Mordaga's fate shall be

To die as men when slain by men,

Four men of destiny."

"Four men? Who are the other three?"

"Those you will know of when the time comes for you to

seek the Chaos Shield. Which will you do? Go to the Purple

Towns—or will you go to find the shield?"

"I wish that I had the time to embark on a quest of that

kind, but I have not. 1 must go to rally my men, shield or

no."

"You wiU be defeated."

"We shall see. Sepuiz."

"Very well, Eiric. Since so little of your destiny is in your

own bands, we should allow you to take Just one decision at

times,** Sepiriz smiled sympathetically.

"Fate is kind," Eiric commented ironically. He rose from

his seal "111 begin the Journey straightway, for there's no

time to lose."

Two

With his milk-white hair streaming behind him and his red

eyes blazing with purpose, Eiric lashed his stallion through

the cold darkness of the night, through a disturbed land

which awaited Jagreen Lem's attack in trepidation, for it

could mean not only their deaths, but the drawing of their

souls into the servitude of Chaos.

Already the standards of a dozen Western and Southern

monarchs fluttered with Jagreea Lem's as the kings of the

conquered lands chose his command rather than death—and

placed their peoples under bis dominance so that they became

marching, blank-faced creatures with enslaved souls, their

wives and children dead, tormented or feeding the blood-

washed altars of Pan Tang where the priests send up invoca-

tions to the Chaos Lords, and, ever-willing to further their

power on Earth, the Lords answered with support.

And not only the entities themselves, but the stuff of their

own weird cosmos was entering the Earth, so that where their

power was, me land heaved like the sea, or the sea flowed

like lava, mountains changed shape and trees sprouted ghastly

blossoms never seen OD Earth before.

Wherever Jagreen Lern conquered, the warping influence

of Chaos was manifest. The very spirits of nature were tor-

tured into becoming what they should not be—air, fire, water

and earth, all became unstable, for Jagreen Lem and bis al-

lies were tampering not only with the lives and souls of men,

but the very constituents of the planet itself. And there were

none of sufficient power to punish them for these crimes.

None.

With this knowledge within him, Eiric's progress was swift

and wild, as he strove to reach the Isle of the Purple Towns

before his pitifully inadequate fleet sailed to do battle with

Chaos.

123

124 Michael Moorcock

Two days later he arrived in the port of Uhaio, at the tip

of the smallest of the three Vilmirian peninsulas, and took

ship at once to the Isle of the Purple Towns, where he disem-

barked and rode into the interior towards the ancient fortress

Ma-ha-kil-agreu which had withstood every siege ever made

against it* and was regarded as die most impregnable con-

struction in the whole of the lands still free from Chaos. Its

name was in an older language than any known to those who

lived in me current Age of the Young Kingdoms. Only Eiric

knew what the name signified. The fortress had been there

long before me present races came to dominance, even before

Elite's ancestors had begun their conquerings. Ma-ha-kU-

agra—me Fort of Evening, where long ago, a lonely race had

come to die.

As he arrived in the courtyard, Moonglum, the Easflander,

came rushing from the entrance of a tower.

"EIrict We have been awaiting your arrival, for time grows

acarce before we must embark against the enemy. We nave

Bent out ship-borne spies to estimate me size and power of

Jagreen Lem's fleet Only four returned and all were uselessly

insane. The fifth has Just come back, but—"

-Butwhatr

"See for yourself. He has been—altered, Eiric.**

"Alteredl Alteredl Let me see him. Take me to him." Eiric

nodded curdy to the other captains who had come out to

greet him. He passed them and followed behind Moonglum

through the stone corridors of the fortress, lit badly by splut-

tering rushes.

Leading Eiric to an antechamber, Moonglum stopped out-

side, running his fingers through his thick, red hair. "He is

therein. Would you care to interview him alone? Fd rather

not set eyes on him again!"

"Very wen," Eiric opened the door, wondering how this

spy would be changed. Sitting at me plain wooden table, was

me remains of a man. It looked up. As Moonglum had

warned him—it had been altered.

Eiric felt pity for the man, but he was not nauseated or

horrified like Moonghim, for in his sorcery-working he had

seen far worse creatures. It was as if the whole of one side of

me spy*s body had become at one stage viscous, had flowed,

and men coiled in a random shape. Side of head, shoulder,

arm, torso, leg, all were replaced by streamers of flesh like

STORMBRJNGER            125

rat's tails, lumps of matter like swollen boils, weirdly mottled.

The spy spread his good band and some of the streamer

•eemed to jerk and wave in unison.

Eiric spoke quietly. "What magic wrought mis drastic

changer"

A kind of Chuckle came from the lopsided face.

"I entered the Realm of Chaos, lord. And Chaos did this, tt

changed me as you see. The boundaries are being extended. I

did not know it I was inside before I realised what had hap-

pened. The area of Chaos is being widened!" He leant for-

ward, his shaking voice almost screaming. "With it sail the

massed fleets of Jagreen Lem—great waves of warships,

aquadrons of invasion craft, thousands of transports, shun

mounting great war engines, fire-ships—ships of all kinds,

bearing a multitude of standards—me kings of the south left

•live have sworn loyally to Jagreen Lem and he has used all

their resources and his own to marshal this sea-horde! As he

•ails, he extends the area of Chaos, so whereas his sailing is

dower than normal, when he reaches us here—Chaos win be

with him. I saw such ships mat could be of no earthly con-

triving—the size of castles—each one seeming to be a daz*

ding combination of all coloursi"

**So be has managed to bring more supernatural allies to

his standard," Eiric roused. Those are the Ships of Hdl,

Scpiriz mentioned . . ."

"Aye—and even if we beat the natural craft." the messen-

ger said, hysterically, "we could not beat born the ships of

Chaos and me stuff of Chaos which boils around mem and

did to me what you observe! It boils, it warps, it changes con-

stantly. That is «Q I know, save that Jagreen Lem and hn hu-

man allies are unharmed by it as I was harmed. When mis

change began to take place in my body, I fled to me Dragon

Uto of Melnibone, which seems to have withstood me process

and is the only safe land in an the waters of the worid. My

body—healed—swiftly, and I chanced another sailing to

bring me here."

"You were courageous," Eiric said hoUowly. "You wfll be

wen rewarded, I promise.**

"I want only one reward, my lord.**

•What is that?**

••Death. I can no longer live with the horror of my body

Bdrroring the horror in my brains!"

**I will see to it," Eiric promised. He remained brooding

126 Michael Moorcock

for a few seconds before nodding farewell to the spy and

leaving the room.

Moooglum met him outside.

"It looks blade for us, Eiric." he said softly.

Eiric sighed. "Aye—perhaps I should have gone to seek the

Chaos Shield first."

"What's thatr

Eiric explained all Sepiriz had told him.

"We could do with such a defence," Moonglum agreed.

"But there it is—the priority is tomorrow*s sailing. Your cap-

tains await you in the conference chamber.**

"I will see them in a short while," Eiric promised. "First I

wish to go to my own room to collect my thoughts. Tell them

HI )oin them when that's done."

When he reached his room, Eiric locked the door behind

him, still thinking of the spy's information. He knew that

without supernatural aid no ordinary fleet, no matter bow

large or how courageously manned, could possibly withstand

Jagreen Lem. And the fact was that he had only a compara-

tively small Beet, no supernatural entities for allies, no means

of combatting the disrupting chaotic forces. If only he had

the Chaos Shield beside him now ... But it was useless to re-

gret a decision of the kind he'd made. If he sought the shield

now, he couldn't fight the battle in any case.

For weeks he had consulted the gnmoires that, in the form

of scrolls, tablets, books and sheets of precious metals en-

graved with ancient symbols, littered his room. The Elemen-

tals bad helped him in the past, but, so disrupted were they

by Chaos, that they were weak for the most part.

He unstrapped his hell-sword and filing it on me bed of

tumbled silks and furs. Wryly he thought back to earlier

times when be had given in to despair and how those in-

cidents which bad engendered the mood seemed merely gay

escapades in comparison to the task which now weighed on

his mind. Though weary, he chose not to draw Stormbringer*a

stolen energy into himself, for the feeling that was so dose to

ecstacy was leavened by the guilt—the guilt which had

possessed him since a child when he had first realised that the

expression on his remote father's face had not been one of

love, but of disappointment that he should have spawned a

deficient weakling—a pale albino, good for nothing, without

the aid of drugs or sorcery.

STORMBRINGER

127

Eiric sighed and went to the window to stare oat over the

low hills and beyond them to the sea. He spoke aloud, per-

haps subconsciously, hoping that the release of the words

would relieve some of the tension within him.

"I do not care for this responsibility,*' he said. "When I

fought the Dead God be spoke of both gods and men as

shadow-things, playing puppet-parts before the true history

of Earth began and men found their fate in their own hands.

Then Sepiriz teus me I must turn against Chaos and help

destroy the whole nature of die world I know or history

might never begin again, and Fate's great purpose would be

thwarted. Therefore J am the one who must be split and tem-

pered to fulfill my destiny—I must know no peace of mind,

must fight men and gods and the stuff of Chaos without sur-

cease, must bring about the death of this age so that, m some

far dawn-age, men who know little of sorcery or the Lords of

Ihe Higher Worlds, may move about a world where the major

forces of Chaos can no longer enter, where justice may actu-

ally exist as a reality, and not as a mere concept in the minds

of philosophers.**

He rubbed his red eyes with his fingers.

"So fate makes Eiric a martyr that Law might rule the

world. It gives him a sword of ugly evil that destroys friends

and enemies alike and sucks their soul-stuff out to feed him

the strength he needs. It binds me to evil and to Chaos, in or-

der that I may destroy evil and Chaos—but it does not make

me some senseless dolt easily convinced and a willing sacri-

fice. No, it makes me Eiric of Memibone and floods me with

a. mighty misery.. .**

"My lord speaks aloud to himself—and his thoughts are

gloomy. Speak them to me, instead, so that I might help you

bear them, Eiric.'*

Recognising the •oft voice, but astonished nonetheless. El-

lie turned quickly towards the source and saw his wife, Zaro-

Kinia standing there, her arms outstretched and a look of

deep sympathy upon her young face.

He took a step towards her before stopping and saying an-

frOy: "When did you come here? Why? I told you to remain

m your father's palace at Kariaak until this business is done,

ifeverr

**H ever .. .** She repeated, dropping her arms to her sides

with a little shrug. Though scarcely more than a girl, with her

128 Michael Moorcock

full red lips and long blade: hair, die bore herself aft ft

princess must and seemed more than her age.

"Ask not that question," he said cynically. "It is not one

we ask ourselves here. But answer mine: How did you come

here and why?" He knew what her reply would be. but be

spoke only to emphasise his anger which in turn was a result

of his horror that she should have come so dose to danger-

danger which he had already rescued her from once.

"I came with my cousin Opluk*s two thousand,** she said,

fitting her head defiantly, "when be joined the defenders of

Uhaio. I came to be near my husband at a time when he may

need my comforting. The gods know I've had little oppor-

tunity to discover if be doesF

Eiric paced the room in agitation. "As I love you, Zaro-

zinia, believe that I would be in Kariaak now with you had I

any excuse at all. But I have not—you know my role, my

destiny, my doom. You bring sorrow with your presence, not

help. If this business has a satisfactory end, then well meet

again, m joy—not in misery as we now must!"

He crossed to her and took her in his arms. "Oh, Zaro-

rinia, we should never have met, never have married. We can

only hurt one another at this time. Our happiness was so

brief.. .-

*1f you would be hurt by me, then hurt you shall be," she

said softly, "but if you would be comforted, then I am hero

to comfort my lord."

He relented with a sigh. These are loving words, my

dear—but they are not spoken in loving times. I have put

love aside for the nonce. Try to do likewise and thus well

both dispense with added complication."

Without anger, she drew slowly away from him and with a

slight smile that had something of irony in it, pointed to the

bed. where Stormbringer lay.

"I see your other mistress stffl shares your bed," she said.

"And now you need never try to dismiss her again, for that

black Lord of Nihrain has given you an excuse to forever

keep her by your side. Destiny—is that the word? Destiny!

Ah, the deeds men have done in Destiny's name. And what is

destiny, Brie, can you answer?"                     i

He shook his bead. "Since you ask the question in malice,

m not make the attempt to answer it."

She cried suddenly: "Oh, Eirici I -faave travelled for many

STORMBRINGER            129

days to see you. thinking you would welcome me. And now

we speak m anger!"

"FearF he said urgently. "It is fear. not anger. I fear for

you as I fear for the fate of the world! See me to my ship in

the morning and then make speed back to Kariaak. I bee

yon."                                                  ~

"If you wish it"

She walked back into the small chamber which joined the

main one.

Three

"We talk only of defeatF roared Kargan of the Purple

Towns, beating upon the table with his fist His beard seemed

to bristle with rage.

Dawn had found all but a few of Ac captain* retiring

through weariness. Kargan* Moonglum, Etric's cousin Dyvim

Slonn and moon-faced Dralab of Tarkesh. remained in the

chamber, pondering tactics.

Eiric answered him calmly: "We talk of defeat, Kargan,

because we must be prepared for that eventuality. It seems

likely, does it not? We must, if defeat seems imminent, flee

our enemies, conserving our force for another attack on

Jagreen Lera We shall not have the forces to fight another

major batUe, so we must use our better knowledge of cur-

rents, winds and terrain to fight him from ambush on sea or

land. Thus we can perhaps demoralise his warriors and take

considerably more of them man they can of us.**

"Aye—I see the logic," Kargan rumbled unwillingly, evi-

dently disturbed by this talk for, if me major battle was lost,

then lost also would be the Isle of the Purple Towns, bastion

against Chaos for the «minly"<* nations of Vumir and Dnu-

ora.

Moonglum shifted his position, granting slightly. "And if

they drive us back, men back we must go, beading rather

than breaking, and returning from other directions to attack

and confuse them. Ifs in my mind that well have to move

more rapidly than we*Q be able to, since we'd be tired and

with few provisions ..." He grinned faintly, "Ah, forgive

me for my pessimism. Ill-placed. I fear."

"No," Brie said. "We must face all this or be caught una-

wares. You are right And to allow for ordered retreat, I have

already sent detachments to die Sighing Desert and the

Weeping Waste to bury large quantities of food aod such

130

STORMBRINGER.            131

dungs as extra arrows, lances and so forth. If we are forced

back as far as the barrens, we'll likely fare better than

fagreen Lern, assuming that it takes him time to extend the

area of Chaos and that his allies from the Higher Worlds are

not overwhelmingly powerful."

"You spoke of realism . . ." said Dyvim Slonn, pursing

his curving lips and raising a slanting eyebrow.

"Ay—but some things cannot be faced or considered—for

if we are totally engulfed by Chaos at me outset, then well

nave no need of plans. So we plan for the other eventuality,

you see."

Kargan let out his breath and rose from the table. •There's

no more to discuss," he said. •TU to bed. We must be ready

to sail with the noon tide tomorrow."

They all gave signs of assent and chairs scraped as they

pushed them back and left the chamber.

Bereft of human occupants, the chamber was silent save

for the sputtering of the lamps and the rustle of the maps and

, papers as they were stirred by a warm wind.

It was late in the morning when EIric arose and found

Zarozinia already up and dressed in a skirt and bodice of

doth-of-gold with a long black-trimmed cloak of silver flow-

ing from her shoulders and spreading to the floor.

He washed, shaved and ate the dish of herb-flavoured fruit

she handed him.

"Why have you arrayed yourself in such finery?" he asked.

*To bid you goodbye from the harbour," she said.

*Tf you spoke truth last night, then you'd best be dressed in

furneral red." he smiled and then. relenting, clasped her to

him. He gripped her tightly, desperately, before standing back

from her and taking her chin in his hand raised her face to

tare down into it "In Ihese tragic times,** he said, "there's

tittle room for love-play and kind words. Love must be deep

and strong, manifesting itself in our actions. Seek no courtly

words from me, Zarozinia, but remember earlier nights when

the only turbulence was our pulse-beats blending."

He was clad, himself, in Melnibonean war regalia, with a

breastplate of shiny black metal, a high-collared jerkin of

black velvet, black feather breeks covered to the knee by his

boots, also of black leather. Over his back was pushed a

cloak of deep red, and on one thin, white finger, was the

Ring of Kings, the single rare actorious stone set in silver.

132 Michael Moorcock

His long white hair hung loose down to hia ihoulders, kept

from his eyes by a bronze circlet in which were set other pre-

cious charm stones of peryx, mio and golden otredos.

Stoimbringer was sheathed at his left hip and an ebony-

handled poignard dangled at his right. Upon the table, among

the open books, a tapering black helm, engraved with old

runes, lay, its crown gradually rising into a spike, iitandmg al-

mort two feet from the base. At this base, dominating the

eye-slits, was a tiny replica of a spread-winged dragon, with a

gaping snout, a reminder that, as wen as being Emperors of

the Bright Empire, Eiric's ancestors were Dragon Masters

over all that remained of the dragon kind. Brie, himaelf, was

chief master—though now only his cousin Dyvim SIorm

knew the dragon speech and spells, the rest having perished

in various ways since the Sack of Imrryr years before when

Eiric, turned renegade, had led the attack upon the Dreaming

City.

Now he picked up the helm and fitted it over his head so

that it covered the top half of his face, only bis red eyes

gleaming from its shadows. He refrained from pulling the

side wings about his lower face but for the meantime, left

uiem sweeping back from the bottom of the helmet

Noting her silence, he said, with a heart already heavy,

"Come, my love, let's to the harbour to astound these under-

civilised allies of ours with our elegance. Have no fear mat I

shall live to survive this day's battle—for Pate has not fin-

ished with me yet and protects me as a mother would her

SOB—so that I might witness further misery until such a day

when ifs over for all time.**

Together, they left the Fort of Evening, riding on magical

Nihrain horses, down to the harbour where me other Sealords

and captains were already assembled beneath me bright sun.

All were dressed in their finest martial glory, though none

could match Eiric. Old racial memories were awakened in

many when they saw him and they were troubled, fearing

him without knowing why, for their ancestors had had great

cause to fear the Bright Emperors in the days when Melni-

bone ruled the worid and a man accoutred as Eiric com-

manded a mffiion eldritch warriors. Now a bare handful of

Imrryiana greeted him as he rode along me quayside, noting

me ships riding at anchor with their coloured banners and

heraldic devices lifting proudly in the breeze.

Dyvim Slonn was equipped in a close-fitting dragon helm,

STORMBRINGER            133

its protecting pieces fashioned to represent the entire bead of

a dragon, scaled in red and green and silver. His armour was

lacquered yellow, though the rest of his dress was black, like

Elric*s. At his side was Stonnbringer's sister-sword Moum-

blade.

As Eiric rode up to the group, Dyvim Slonn turned.hia

heavily armoured head towards the open sea. There was little

inkling of encroaching Chaos on the calm water or in the

dear sky.

"At least well have good weather on our way to meet

Jagreen Lern," Dyvim SIorm said.

"A small mercy." Eiric smiled faintly. "Is there any more

news of their numbers?**

"Before the spy who returned yesterday died he said there

'were at least four thousand warships, ten thousand

transports—and perhaps twenty of the Chaos ships. They'll

be me ones to watch since we've no idea what powers they

have."

Eiric nodded. Their own fleet comprised some five thou-

sand warships, many equipped with catapults and other heavy

war-engines. The transports, though they turned me odds, in

numbers, to a far superior figure, would be slow, unwieldy.

and of not much use in a pitched sea-battle. Also, if the

battle were won, they could be dealt with later, for (hey

would obviously follow in the rear of Jagreen Lcrn's war-

ned

So, for all Jagreen Lern's numerical strength, there would

be a good chance of winning a sea-fight under ordinary con-

ditions. The disturbing factor was the presence of the super-

natural ships. The spy's description had been vague. Eiric

aeeded more objective information—information he would be

unlikely to receive now, until the fleets joined in battle.

In his shirt was tucked me beast-hide manuscript of an ex'

traordinarily strong invocation used in summoning the Sea

King. He had already attempted to use h, without success,

but hoped that on open sea his chances would be better, par-

ticularly since me Sea King would be angered at the disrup-

tion Jagreen Lern and his occult allies were causing in the

balance of nature. Once before, long ago, the Sea King had

aided him and had, Eiric recalled, predicted that Eiric would

•ammonium again.

134 Michael Moorcock

Kargan, in the thick: but light sea-armonr of his people

which gave him the appearance of ft hairy-faced armadillo,

pointed as several small boats detached tbemselve* from Ac

fleet and sailed towards die quay.

"Here come the boats to take us to our ships, my lordal"

The gathered captains stirred, all of them with serious ex-

pressions, seeming, each and every one, to be pondering some

personal problem, staring into the depths of their own

hearts—perhaps trying to reach me fear which lay there; try-

ing to reach it and tear it out and fling it from them. They all

had more than the usual trepidation experienced when facing

a fight—for, like Brie, they could not guess what the Chaos

ships were capable of.

They were a desperate company, understanding that some-

thing less palatable than death might await them beyond the

horizon.

Eric squeezed Zarozinia's arm.

"Goodbye."

Tareweu, Brio—may whatever benevolent gods Acre are

left on the Earth protect you."

"Save your prayers for my companions,** he said quietly.

"for they wffl be less able than I to face what lies out there."

Moonghnn called to him and Zarozmia: "Give her a kiss,

Eric, and come to the boaL Tell her well be back with vic-

tory tidings'"

Eiric would never have admitted such familiarity, not even

with his kinsman Dyvnn Slonn, from anyone but Moonglum.

But he took it in good part saying softly to her: "There, you

see, little Moonglum is confident—and he*s usually we one

with warnings of ominous portent!"

She said nothing, but kissed him lightly on roe mouth,

grasped his hand for a moment and then watched him as he

strode down the quay and clambered into the boat which

Moonglum and Rargan were steadying for him.

The oars splashed and bore the captains towards me flag-

ship, Timber-tearer, Eiric standing in the bow staring ahead,

looking back only once when the boat drew alongside the

ship and he began to climb the rope ladder up to the deck,

his black helm bobbing,

Bracing himself on the deck, Brie watched me backs of

the warrior-rowers as they bent to the oars, supplementing

STORMB RINGER            135

the light wind which filled the great purple sail, making it

curve out in a graceful billow.

The Isle of the Purple Towns was now out of sight and

green, glinting water was all that was visible around the fleet,

which stretched behind the flagship, its furthest ships tiny

shapes in the distance.

Already the fleet was re-forming into the five squadrons

which would comprise its final battle-order. Each squadron

was under the command of an experienced Sealord, from the

Purple Towns, for most of the other captains were landsmen

who, though quick to learn, had little experience of sea tac-

tics.

Moonglum came stumbling along the swaying deck to

stand beside his friend.

"How did you sleep last night?" he asked Eiric.

**WeU enough, save for a few nightmares."

"Ah, then you shared something with us all. Sleep was

hard won for everyone, and when it came it was troubled.

Visions of monsters and demons crowded my dreams."

Eiric nodded slightly, but paying little attention to Moon-

glum. The elements of chaos in their own beings were evi-

dently awakening in response to the approach of the Chaos

horde itself. He hoped they would be strong enough to with-

stand the actuality as they had survived their dreams.

"Disturbance to for'ardF

It was the look-out's cry, baffled and perturbed. Eiric

cupped his hands around his mouth and tilted his head back.

"What sort of disturbance?"

"It's like nothing I've ever seen, my lord—I can't describe

it"

Eiric turned to Moonglum. "Relay the order through the

fleet—slow the pace to one drum-beat in four, squadron com-

manders stand by to receive final battle orders." He strode

towards the mast and began to climb up it towards the look-

out's post. He climbed until he was high above the deck. The

took-out swung out of his cradle, since there was room only

for one-

'Ts it the enemy, my lord?" he said, as Eiric clambered

into his place. Eiric stared hard towards the horizon, making

out a kind of dazzling blackness that from time to time sent

up sprawling gouts of stuff into the air where it hung for

some moments, before sinking back into the main mass.

136 Michael Moorcock

Smokey, hard to define, it crept gradually nearer, crawling

over the sea towards them.

"It'g the enemy," said Eiric quietly.

He remained for some while m the look-out's cradle, study-

ing the chaos-stuff as it filing itself about in the distance like

some amorphous monster in its death-agonies. But these were

not death-agonies—not for Chaos at any rate.

From this vantage point, Eiric also had a dear view of the

fleet as it formed itself into its respective squadrons, making

up a black wedge nearly a mile across at its longest point and

nearly two mOes deep. His own ship was a short distance in

front of the rest, well in sight of the squadron commanders.

Brie shouted down to Kargan. whom he saw passing the

mast: "Stand by to move ahead, Kargan!"

The Sealord nodded without pausing in his stride. He was

folly aware of the battle-plan, as they all were for they had

discussed it long enough. The leading squadron, under the

command of Eiric, was comprised of their heaviest warships

which would smash into the centre of the enemy fleet and

seek to break its order, aiming particularly at the ship of

Jagreen Lero. If Jagreen Lem could be slain or captured,

their victory would be more likely.

Now the dark stuff was closer and Eiric could just make

out me sails of the first vessels, spread out one behind the

other. Then, as they came even closer, he was aware mat to

each side of this leading formation were great glinting shapes

that dwarfed even the huge battlecraft of Jagreen Lern.

The Chaos Ships'

Eiric recognised them, now, from his own knowledge of

occult lore.

These were the ships said normally to saQ the deeps of the

oceans, taking on drowned sailors as crews, captained by

creatures that had never been human. It was a fleet from the

deepest, gloomiest parts of the vast underwater domain which

had. since the beginninp of time. been disputed territory—dis-

puted between water-elementals under their king Straasha and

the Lords of Chaos, who claimed the sea-depths as their main

territory on Earth by right Legends said that at one time

Chaos had ruled the sea and Law the land. This. perhaps, ex-

plained the fear of the sea that many human beings had, and

me pull the sea had for others.

But the fact was that, although the elementals had

STORMBRINGER           137

succeeded In winning the shallower portions of the sea, the

Chaos Lords had retained the deeper parts by means of this,

their fleet of the dead. The ships themselves were not of

earthly manufacture, neither were their captains originally

from earth, but their crews had once been human, and were

now indestructible in any ordinary sense.

As they approached, Eiric was soon in no doubt that they

were, indeed, those ships.

The Sign of Chaos flashed on their sails, eight amber ar-

rows radiating from a central hub—signifying the boast of

Chaos, that it contained all possibilities whereas Law was

supposed, in time, to destroy possibility and result in eternal

stagnation. The sign of Law was a single arrow pointing up-

wards, symbolising direction and control.

Eiric knew that in reality. Chaos was the real harbinger of

stagnation, for though it changed constantly, it never

progressed. But, in his heart, he felt a yearning for this state,

for he had many loyalties to the Lords of Chaos in the past

and his own folk of Meloibone had worked, since their incep-

tion, to further the aims of Chaos.

But now Chaos must make war on Chaos; Eiric must turn

against those he had once been loyal to, using weapons

forged by chaotic forces to defeat those selfsame forces in

this time of change.

He clambered from the cradle and began to ship down the

mast, leaping the last few feet to land on the deck as Dyvim

SIorm came up. Quickly be told his kinsman what he had

seen.

Dyvim Slorm was astounded. "But the fleet of the dead

never comes to the surface—save for..." his eyes widened.

Eiric shrugged. "That's the legend—the fleet of the dead will

rise from the depths when the final struggle comes, when

Chaos shall be divided against itself, when Law shall be weak»

and mankind shall choose sides in the battle that will result

in a new Earth dominated either by total Chaos or by al-

most-total Law. When Sepiriz told us this was the case, I felt

a response. Since then, in studying my manuscripts, I have

been fully reminded."

"Is this, then, the final battler*

"It might be," he said. "It is certain to be one of the last

when it will be decided for all time whether Law or Chaos

shall rule here."

138 Michael Moorcock

"If we're defeated, then Chaos will undoubtedly rule."

"Perhaps—but remember that the struggle need not be de-

cided by battles alone."

"So Sepiriz said, but if we're defeated this day, well have

little chance to discover the truth of that." Dyvim Slorm

gripped Mouroblade's hilt. "Someone must wield these

blades—these destiny swords—when the time conies for the

deciding duel. Our allies dimmish, Elite."

**Aye. But I*ve a hope that we can summon a few others.

Straasha, King of the Water Elementals, has ever fought

against the death fleet—and he is brother to Graoll and

Misha, the Wind Lords. Perhaps through Straasha, I can

summon his unearthly kin. In this way we will be better

matched, at least"

"I know only a fragment of the spell for summoning the

Water King," Dyvim Slorm said.

"I know the whole rune. I had best make haste to meditate

upon it, for our fleets will clash in two hours or less and then

ni have no time for the summoning of spirits but Will have

to keep tight hold on my own less some Chaos creature re-

leases it**

Eiric moved towards the prow of the ship, and, leaning

over, stared into the ocean depths, turning his mind inward

and contemplating the strange and ancient knowledge which

lay there. He became almost hypnotised as he lost contact

with his own personality and began to identify with the swiri-

ing ocean below.

Involuntarily, old words began to form in his throat and

his Ups began to move in the rune which his ancestors had

known when they and all the elementals of the Earth bad

been allies and sworn to aid one another long ago in the

dawn of the Bright Empire, more than ten thousand years be-

fore.

"Waters of the sea, thou gave us birth

And were our milk and mother both

In days when skies were overcast

You who were first shall be the last*

"Sea-rulers, fathers of our blood,

Thine aid is sought, thine aid is sought,

STORMBRINGER           139

Your salt is blood, our blood your sail,

Your blood the blood of Man.

"Straasha, eternal king, eternal sea

Thine aid is sought by me;

For enemies of thine and mine

Seek to defeat our destiny, and drain away our sea."

The spoken rune was merely a vocalisation of the actual

invocation which was produced mentally and went plunging

Into the depths, through the dark green corridors of the sea

until it finally found Straasha in his domain of curving,

coral-coloured, womb-like constructions which were only par-

tially in the natural sea and partially in the plane where the

demeatals spent a large part of their immortal existence.

Straasha knew of the Ships of Hell rising to the surface

•nd had been pleased that his domain was now cleared of

them, but Elite's summons awakened his memory and he

remembered the folk of Mehuboo6 upon whom all the ele-

mentals had once looked with a sense of comradeship; he

remembered the ancient invocation, and felt bound to answer

ft, though he knew his people were badly, weakened by the ef-

fect Chaos had had in other parts of the world. Not only hu-

mans had suffered; the elemental spirits of nature had been

•orely pressed as well.

But he stirred so that water and the stuff of his other plane

„ were both disturbed. He summoned some of his followers and

began to glide upwards into the domain of the Air.

Semi-conscious now, Eiric knew that his invocation had

Bet with success. Sprawled in the prow, he waited.

At last the waters heaved and broke and a great green fig-

ure, with turquoise beard and hair, pale green skin that

•eemed made of the sea itself, and a voice that was like a

rushing tide.

Once more Straasha answers thy summons, mortal. Our

destinies are bound together. How may I aid thee, and, in

ffding thee, aid myself?

" In the throat-torturing speech of the elemental, Eiric an-

twered, telling the sea king of the forthcoming battle and

What it implied.

So at long last it has come to pass! I fear I cannot aid you

Wwch, for my folk are already suffering terribly from the de-

140 Michael Moorcock

preaations of our mutual enemy. We shall attempt to did you

if we can. Thafs all I promise.

The sea king sank back into the waters and Eiric watched

him depart with a feeling of acute disappointment. It was

with a brooding mind that he left the prow and went to the

main cabin to tell his captains the news.

They received it with mixed feelings, for only Dyvim

Slonn was used to dealing with superoaturals. Moonglum had

always been dubious of Eiric's powers to control his wild, ele-

mental friends, while Kargan growled that Straasha may have

been an ally of Eiric's folk but had been more of an enemy

to his. The four of them, however, could plan with slightly

more optimism and face the coming ordeal with better confi-

dence.

Four

The fleet of Jagreen Lera bore towards them and* in its wake,

the boiling stuff of Chaos hovered.

Eiric gave the command and die rowers hauled at their

curs, sending Timber-tearer rushing towards the enemy. So

far his elemental allies had not appeared, but he could not af-

ford to wait for them.

As Timber-tearer rode the foaming waves, Eiric hauled bi»

sword from its scabbard, brought the side wings of his helmet

round to cover his face and cried the age-old ululating war-

shout of Melnibone, a shout full of joyous evil. Stormbringer'a

eerie voice joined with his, giving vent to a thrumming song,

anticipating the blood and the souls it would soon feast upon.

Jagreen Lem*s flagship now lay behind three rows of men-

o'-war and behind that the ships of death.

Timber-tearer's iron ram ripped into the first enemy ship

and the rowers leaned on their oars, backing away and turn-

ing to pierce another ship below the water line. Showers of

arrows sprayed from the holed ship and clattered on deck

and armour. Several rowers went down.

Eiric and his three companions directed their men from the

main deck and suddenly they saw the streaking balls of green

fire come curving out of the sky.

"Prepare to quench fireal" Kargan yelled and the group of

men already primed for this leapt for the tubs containing a

special brew,which Eiric bad told them how to make earlier.

This was spread on decks and splashed on canvas and, when

the fire-balls landed, they were swiftly put out by the stuff.

"Dont engage unless forced to," Eiric called to the

•eamen, "keep aiming for the flagship. If we take that our ad-

vantage will be goodF

"Where are your allies, Eiric?*' Kargan asked sardonically,

shuddering a little as he saw the Chaoa stuff in the distance

141

142 Michael Moorcock

suddenly move and erupt tendrils of black matter into the

sky.

"They'll come, never fear," Eiric answered, but he was un-

sure.

Now they were in the thick of the enemy fleet, the ships

of their squadron followed behind. The war-engines of their

own fleet sent up a constant barrage of fire and heavy stones.

Only a handful of Bine's craft broke through the enemy's

first rank and reached the open sea, sailing towards Jagreen

Lem*s flagship.

As they were observed, the enemy ships sailed to protect

the flagship and the scintillating ships of death, moving with

fantastic speed for their size, surrounded the theocrat'a vessel.

Shouting over the waters, Kargan ordered their diminished

squadron into a new formation.

Moonglum shook his head in astonishment "How can

things of that size support themselves on the water?" he said

to Eiric.

EIric said: **It's unlikely that they actually do.** As then-

ship manoeuvred into its new position, he stared at die huge

craft, twenty of them, dwarfing everything else on the sea.

They seemed covered with a kind of scintillating wetness

which flashed all the colours of the spectrum so that their

outlines were hard to see and the shadowy figures moving

about on their gigantic decks could not easily be observed.

Whisps of dark stuff began to drift across the scene, close

to the water, and Dyvim Slonn, from the lower deck, pointed

and shouted:

"See! Chaos comes. Where is Straasha and his folk?"

Eiric shook his head, perturbed. He had expected aid by

now.

"We cannot wait. We must attackl" Kargan's voice was

pitched higher than usual.

A mood of bitter recklessness came upon Eiric then he

smiled. "Come then. Let's do sol"

Speedily the squadron coursed towards tike disturbing ships

of death.

Moonglum muttered: "We are going to our doom, Eiric.

No man would willingly get close to those ships. Only the

dead are drawn to them, and they do not go with joyF

But Eiric ignored bis friend.

A strange silence seemed to come upon the waters so that

STORMBRINOER

143

the sound of the splashing oars was sharp. The death fleet

waited for them, impassively, as if they did not need to

prepare for battle.

He tightened his grip on Stormbringer. The blade seemed

to respond to the pounding of his pulse-beat, moving in his

hand with each thud of his heart as if linked to it by veins

and arteries.

Now they were so close to me Chaos ships that they could

make out better the figures crowding the great decks. Horri-

bly, Eiric thought he recognised some of the gaunt faces of

toe dead and, involuntarily, he called to the sea-folk's king.

"StnashaT'

The waters heaved, foamed and seemed to be attempting

to rise but then subsided again. Straasha beard—but he was

finding it difficult to fight against the forces of Chaos.

"Straashar'

It was no good, the waters hardly moved.

A mood of wild despair came over Eiric. He screamed to

Kargan: "We cannot wait for aid. Swing the ship round the

Chaos fleet and we'll attempt to. reach Jagreen Lero's flagship

from the rearf

Under Kargan^s expert direction, the ship swung to avoid

Hie Ships of Hell in a wide semi-circle. Spray cascaded

against Eiric's face, flooding the decks. He could hardly see

through it as they cleared the Chaos ships which had now en-

gaged other craft and were altering the nature of their tim-

bers so that they fell apart and the unfortunate crews were

drowned or warped into alien shapes.

To his ears came the miserable cries of the defeated and

the triumphantly surging thunder of the Chaos Fleet's music

as it pushed forward to destroy the eastern ships.

Timber-tearer was rocking badly and was hard to control,

but at last they were around the hell fleet and bearing down

oa Jagreen Urn's vessel from the rear.

Eiric, having but recently been a prisoner upon it, recog-

msed it at once. Now they nearly struck the theocrat's vessel

with their ram, but were swept off-course and had to ma-

noeuvre again. Arrows rose from the enemy's decks and

thudded and rattled on their own. They retaliated as, riding a

huge wave, they slid alongside the flagship and flung out

grappling irons. A few held, dragging them towards the theo-

ent's vessel as the men of Pan Tang strove to cut the grap-

144 Michael Moorcock