Free To Rescue Tanelorn by Michael Moorcock Page A

people I served. She was right.
    “I could still try to convince them,” I said lamely.
    “Thanks for that,” she said. “Come—the meal awaits.” She paused, frowning, then: “No—they’ll hold you to your vow.”
             
    At dinner, Ermizhad and I sat close together and we all spoke gaily, the wit flowed and we succeeded in driving away the knowledge of the forthcoming battle. But as Ermizhad and I talked softly to one another, I caught a look of pain in Arjavh’s eyes and for a moment he was quiet. He broke through our conversation suddenly:
    “You spoke earlier of peace, Erekosë. Is there any chance of arranging peace terms?”
    “A conditional surrender on your part?” I asked.
    “I suppose so.”
    “I am in a difficult position, Arjavh, as you know. Technically I am the War Leader of Humanity and will have no power when the war is ended. The new queen, Iolinda, is the ruler of Humanity and only upon her decision can the war be ended by debate. There is also the consideration of the people and the warriors who have been so inflamed against the Eldren that even if the queen declared peace, they might force her to continue the war. Victory is certain, that you know, but, for my part, I should welcome peace.”
    “That is what I thought,” he waved his hand tiredly, “there can be no peace.”
    “I told Ermizhad that I would strive to convince the queen and the people that peace is desirable. I’ll return to Necranal and see what I can do to show her that you offer no threat to our race.”
    “You trust us inordinately,” smiled Ermizhad. “We are known for our smooth-tongued cunning. We may be beguiling you.”
    “If that is the case,” I said, “the results will not be on my conscience. And the gods know I have enough already.”
    “We are reputed to be soulless, Erekosë—bereft, in fact, of consciences.”
    I shrugged.
             
    There was still the chance that the Eldren were fooling me into suing for peace on their part, but now that the battle-madness was gone from me, now that Iolinda was so far away that what she felt seemed no longer important, I had become tired of conflict and wanted only peace. I did not want to complete my vow and exterminate the Eldren. How could I?
    I would try what I could to bring peace to the wasted land of Mernadin. If the Eldren abused my attempts, I did not know what I should do. I did not think they would.
    I spent more than a day with Arjavh and Ermizhad until eventually our herald, accompanied by several marshals, presented himself again outside the gates of Loos Ptokai.
    “We fear that you have been guilty of treachery!” called the herald. “Let us see our master—or his body. Then we shall know what to do.”
    Arjavh and I mounted the steps to the battlements and I saw relief in the eyes of the herald and marshals as they noted I was unharmed.
    “I have been talking with Prince Arjavh,” I said, “in an attempt to discuss peace terms. I’ll join you within the hour.”
    “Peace terms, Lord Erekosë!
Peace!
”
    “Yes,” I said, “peace. Now go back. Tell the warriors that I am safe.”
    “We can take this city, Lord Erekosë,” Count Roldero spoke, “there is no need to talk of peace. We can destroy the Eldren once and for all. Have you succumbed to their cursed enchantments—have they beguiled you with their smooth words?”
    “No,” I said, “it was I who suggested it.”
    Roldero swung his horse round in disgust.
    “Peace!” he spat as he and his comrades headed back to the camp. “Our master’s gone mad.”
    “Difficulties already,” said Arjavh to me.
    “They fear me,” I told him, “and they’ll obey me—for a while at least.”
    “Let us hope so,” he said.
             
    This time there were no cheering crowds in Necranal to welcome me, for news of my mission had gone ahead of me. The people disapproved.
    Her new power had given Iolinda a haughty look as she strode about the throne