The Bane of the Black Sword by Michael Moorcock

This collection of excerpts is from Michael Moorcock's Elric Saga, specifically encompassing The Bane of the Black Sword, which is identified as Book Five of the series. The text follows the tumultuous adventures of Elric of Melnibone, an albino emperor and sorcerer, accompanied by his companion Moonglum, as they navigate treacherous alliances and confrontations with powerful enemies like the sorcerer Theleb K'aarna. The narrative is divided into three "Books" detailing Elric’s quests, including recovering his demonic sword Stormbringer and fighting the Flame Bringer, a warlord threatening the Young Kingdoms. The provided Epilogue also narrates an unrelated but complementary quest by the Red Archer, Rackhir, to save the mysterious city of Tanelorn from an attacking beggar horde led by a Lord of Chaos, highlighting the cosmic struggle between Law and Chaos that defines the setting.