Free The Oak and the Ram - 04 by Michael Moorcock Page B

were doubtless beyond the range of his magic-working!" Goffanon sighed. "I had never thought a Mabden could command such mysterious gifts."
    "And that is how the horn came back into Calatin's keeping?"
    "Aye. I gained nothing from my bargain with you, Corum."
    Corum smiled as he drew something from beneath his cloak. ' 'Nothing,'' he said. "But I gained something from that most recent encounter."
    "My horn!"
    "Well," said Corum, "I remember how mercenary you were, friend Goffanon, in the matter of bargains. Strictly speaking, I would say this horn is mine."
    Goffanon nodded his great head philosophically. ‘’That is fair," he said. "Very well, the horn is yours, Corum. I lost it, after all, through my own stupidity."
    "But through my unconscious connivance," said Corum. "Let me borrow the horn a while, Goffanon. When the time seems ripe, I will return it to you."
    "It is a better bargain than any I made with you, Corum. I feel ashamed."
    "Well, Goffanon, what do you plan to do? Return to Hy-Breasail?"

Goffanon shook his head. "What should I gain by that. It seems my best interests lie with your cause, Corum, for if you defeat Calatin and the Fhoi Myore, then I am freed from Calatin's service forever. If I return to my island, Calatin can always find me again.''
    "Then you are fully with us?"
    "Aye."
    Jhary-a-Conel shifted nervously in his saddle. "Listen," he said, ‘ 'they come much closer now. I think they have our scent. I think we are in considerable danger, my friends."
    But Corum was laughing. "I think not, Jhary-a-Conel. Not now."
    "Why so? Listen to their ghastly baying!" His lips curled in distaste. "The wolves seek the sheep, eh?"
    And, as if in confirmation, Amergin bleated softly.
    Then Corum laughed. "Let them come closer," he said. "The closer the better."
    He knew that it was wrong to leave Jhary in such suspense but he was enjoying the sensation—so often had Jhary made mysteries himself.
    They rode on.
    And all the while the Hounds of Kerenos came closer.
    They were in sight of Craig Don by the time the hounds appeared behind them, but they knew that the devil dogs could move faster than could they. There was no chance at all of reaching the seven stone circles before the hounds caught them.
    Corum peered backward at their pursuers, looking for signs of a suit of armor which constantly shifted its colors, but there was none. White faces and red eyes—the Ghoolegh huntsmen—controlled the pack. They were most expert at doing so, having been slaves of the Fhoi Myore for generations, bred beyond the sea in eastern lands before the Fhoi Myore began their reconquest of the West. Gay nor, no doubt against his will, had been needed by the Fhoi Myore to lead the marching warriors who went against Caer Mahlod (if that was where they went) and so had been kept from the pursuit. This was just as well, thought Corum, unslinging the horn and putting its ornamental mouthpiece to his lips. He took a deep breath.
    "Ride for Craig Don," he told the others. "Goffanon, take Amergin."
    The smith drew the limp body of the Archdruid from Corum's saddle and swung it easily over his massive shoulder. "But you will die . . ." Jhary began.
    ' 'I will not,'' said Corum.' 'Not if I am careful in what I do now. Go. Goffanon will tell you the properties of this horn."
    "Horns!" Jhary exclaimed. "I am sick of them. Horns for bringing the apocalypse, horns for calling demons—now horns for handling dogs! The gods grow unimaginative!" And with that peculiar observation he kicked his heels into the flanks of his horse and rode rapidly towards the tall stones of Craig Don, Goffanon loping behind him.
    And Corum blew the horn once and though the Hounds of Kerenos pricked up their red, tufted ears, they still came running toward their quarry—running in a great pack made up of at least twoscore dogs. ITie Ghoolegh, mounted on pale horses, were, however, unsure. Corum could see that they hung back, where normally they would have chased