User:DoctorWho42/The Death of Malygris

"The Death of Malygris" is a short story by American author Clark Ashton Smith as part of his Poseidonis cycle, and first published in the April 1934 issue of Weird Tales with illustrations from the author.

Publication history
According to Emperor of Dreams: A Clark Ashton Smith Bibliography (1978) by Donald Sidney-Fryer, "The Death of Malygris" was first published in the April 1934 issue of Weird Tales. It was included in the books Lost Worlds (1944), The Magic of Atlantis (1970), and Poseidonis (1973).

Plot
King Gadeiron gathers several sorcerers to consult them on the dark wizard Malygris. Among them is the king's councillor Maranapion. While they confirm what he already knew, Gadeiron admits that Malygris might be dead but uses magic to deceive visitors he still lives. While the sorcerers dare not test this, two brothers Nygon and Fustules are entranced by the treasures in Malygris's abode. They plan that if Malygris is still alive they will ask them about an oracle. Otherwise, they'll steal his riches. They ask and receive no answer. Thus, they begin to their theft. However, a low voice from the body of Malygris admits that their oracle is death. The room then takes gigantic proportions as Nygon and Fustules try to escape the way they came in. A viper chases them to their doom. Meanwhile, the sorcerers use a homunculus to test their aging spell. The homunculus dies of old age, and they plan to the do the same with Malygris. When they meet Malygris, he counters their spell with one of his own: in an hour, all of them will decay and die. the snake also leaves the castle.

Reception
Robert Weinberg noted Smith's illustrations "extremely detailed and probably his best work for the pulp."