(eng) Michael Moorcock - Michael Kane 01 by Warriors of Mars (aka The City of the Beast)

Author:Warriors of Mars (aka The City of the Beast) [Mars, Warriors of]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter Eight

THE CITY OF THIEVES

IT WOULD not be true to say that we received a joyous welcome in Narlet but, as Darnad had said, they did not immediately set upon us, though they gave us looks of intense suspicion and tended to avoid us as we entered the city's only gate and made our way through the narrow streets.

"We'll get no information from most of them," Darnad told me. "But I think I know where I can find someone who will help us—if Old Belet Vor still lives."

"Belet Vor?" I said questioningly.

"One of those friends I mentioned."

Our little party emerged into a market square of some sort and Darnad pointed to a small house sandwiched between two ramshackle buildings. When I used to patrol these parts he saved my life once. I had the good fortune to return the favor— and somehow we struck up a strong friendship. One of those things."

We dismounted outside the house and from it an old man emerged. He was toothless and wrinkled and incredibly ugly, yet there was a jaunty appearance about him which made one forget his unwholesome visage.

"Ah, the Bradhinak Darnad—an honor, an honor." His eyes twinkled, belying his servile words. He spoke ironically. I could see why Darnad had liked him.

"Greetings, you old scoundrel. How many children have you robbed today?"

"Only a dozen or so, Bradhinak. Would this friend of yours like to see my spoils—some of the sweetmeats are only half-eaten. Heh—heh!"

"Spare us the temptation." I smiled as he ushered us into his hovel.

It was surprisingly clean and orderly and we sat on benches while he brought us basu.

Drinking the sweet beverage, Darnad said seriously: "We are in haste, Belet Vor. Have any warriors of the Argzoon been seen in Narlet recently—coming here perhaps a day or so before us?"

The old rogue cocked his head to one side. "Why, yes—two Argzoon warriors. Looked as if they'd taken a beating and were scampering back to their mountain lairs."

"Just two warriors?"

Belet Vor chuckled. "And two prisoners, by the look of them. I'm thinking they wouldn't have chosen such company of their own free will."

"Two prisoners?"

"Women, both of them. One fair, one dark."

"Shizala and Horguhl!" I cried.

"Are they still here?" Darnad asked urgently.

"I'm not sure. They could have left early this morning, but I think not."

"Where are they staying?"

"Ah—there you have it, if you seek the prisoners. The Argzoon warriors seem to be of high rank. They are guests of our city's noble Bradhi."

"Your Bradhi-not Chinod Sai?"

"Yes. He has now chosen to call himself the Bradhi Chinod Sai. Narlet is becoming respectable, eh? He is one of your peers now, Bradhinak Darnad—not so?"

"The scoundrel. He gives himself airs."

"Perhaps," said old Belet Vor musingly, "but I seem to remember that many of the established nations in these parts had origins similar to ours."

Darnad laughed shortly. "You have me there, Belet Vor—but that's for posterity. I know Chinod Sai for a blood-thirsty slayer of women and children."

"You do him an injustice." Belet Vor grinned. "He has killed at least one youth in a fair fight.

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