Book #26

The Swords of Lankhmar

Fritz Leiber

The Fifth Book of Fafhrd and the Grey Mouser, and the first novel.

The enemy is rats, but the book takes a rather roundabout way to get to the final battle scene, where Fafhrd arrives in the nick of time and the Mouser shows that is the trickiest of thieves and the most dangerous swordsman in Lankhmar.  Of course, Mouser isn't trying to steal anything in this one.

The story begins with our heroes returning to Lankhmar, and finding rather their reception rather warm.  Our heroes are up to the challenge of an angry mob, and then find themselves addressed by the Overlord's Chamberlain as, "Fafhrd, the northern barbarian and brawler," and "that mongrel and long-suspected burglar, cut-purse, swindler and assassin, the Gray Mouser."  This brings the offer of a job, to protect a grain ship, and a special passenger.  Now, I won't go into too many details, except that they meet a two headed seamonster, and it's German speaking master.  Yes, you heard that right, German.

That is just one of many twists and turns in this excellent adventure novel.  The split up after arriving at their destination, Fafhrd lingering behind while the Mouser travels back to the Overlord with unusual tales that the Overlord will not listen to.  Fafhrd fights his way back around the Inner Sea, avoiding raiders and finally meeting up with his wizard, Ningauble.  Mouser goes through his own adventures while rats threaten Lankhmar, and finally seeks his wizard, Sheelba.  The ending involves....big breath....mummies, rats turned to human size, Ghouls with transparent flesh, regular sized rats who use swords, pikes and crossbows, and thirteen god-like War Cats, and a feisty kitten who finds his true destiny.

So, yes, there is a lot going on and toward the end is can be a little confusing, but it is fun throughout and our heroes get the jewels and the girls at the end, but not the recognition they deserve for saving the city.