Elric: The Fortress of the Pearl

This book appears to start just after the events of Elric of Melnibone. In looking for the best reading order... there doesn't really appear to be one, and Moorcock's writing seems to stand up to an asynchronous read from any proposed reading order anyway.

In The Fortress of the Pearl, Elric has set out on a journey to the young kingdoms in order to discover a better way to rule the people of Melnibone. He quickly makes friends and just as quickly makes enemies and finds himself blackmailed into going on an epic quest. This was a fantastic and fun read.

Again, I'm sad I didn't read these much earlier in life!