“She doesn’t know about our plans.” Jhiton raised frank eyebrows. “Correct?”
“I didn’t tell her anything, but sheknowsour destination and can figure out where to put troops.”
“We’ll see. Armies don’t move swiftly, and I’ve also ordered that the city be attacked again as a diversion. It’s unfortunate that we don’t have a map of the mine. Since we’ve never thought to target it before, our spies didn’t attempt to obtain information on the facility. I’ve sent word to Captain Lesva to try to find a map.”
Vorik snorted. “She’ll probably tote the kidnapped lady over her shoulder and go to the mine herself ahead of time to complete the mission without us.”
“That isn’t what I ordered, but it would be acceptable. Once the shielder is down and our dragons can access the island, it’ll be much easier to capture.”
Vorik bristled at the idea of Lesva assigning herself yet another mission, and he worried about Syla perhaps being in the area, maybe asking her engineer aunt to make booby traps to place. But with Jhiton watching him again, all Vorik said was, “True.”
He sensed more dragons approaching, flying up the coastline from the south. At first, he thought the Freeborn Faction allies were returning, but Jhiton nodded, as if he’d expected visitors.
“Swordhawk Tribe,” he said, “and Chiefs Lyzart and Velesh are also on the way with wings of dragons. They should have ships heading to Bogberry Island too.”
“Ah. Maybe you should send word for Lesva to wait for our arrival. There’s little reason for her to risk her life when backup is on the way.”
Jhiton gazed blandly at him. “Are you worried for her or worried your queen will cross her path?”
“I don’t think that confrontation would go well for either of them. Syla is likely to be with Wreylith, who may be perched right atop one of those mine buildings. After all, sheknowswe’re coming.”
“Lesva would sneak past them.”
“You don’t think Wreylith would sense her? Or spot her? With a kidnapped woman slung kicking and screaming over her shoulder?”
Jhiton conceded that with a hand tilted upward. “We’ll plan to divert Wreylith and the queen, if she’s with her dragon. As I said, unless Lesva handles everything before we arrive, we’ll need time to search the mine.”
“Do you want me to lead one of the parties that will do that?” Vorik asked.
Jhiton didn’t answer right away, instead giving him the thoughtful gaze that had become frequent. He glanced toward people walking in and out of the cave and switched to telepathy.Chieftess Shi has suggested that I assign you to stay here while we invade the island and claim the shielder.
Vorik rocked back on his heels.You don’t want me to come?
She mentioned that another lake kraken might find its way into the pool below and threaten the non-combatants that remain here. The dire vultures have been lurking in the area as well. We can’t leave our people in danger while we take all our fighters on this venture.
Vorik folded his arms over his chest.Vultures aren’t the reason Shi doesn’t want me to come.
No. She doesn’t want you involved because you are conflicted when it comes to Queen Syla.
Vorik opened his mouth to protest, but how could he? He’d admitted as much himself.
Many people don’t want you involved for that reason,Jhiton continued.Even those who didn’t have an opinion before or weren’t aware of your relationship previously noted that you stood protectively close to her when you brought her here, that you seemed more like her bodyguard than kidnapper. Many people see the way you look at her, Vorik.
Again, Vorik wanted to protest but didn’t have a believable argument to issue.
You will stay here and protect the camp,Jhiton said.
From vultures.
And krakens.
You know full well that krakens are rare. If we’d expected even one to visit that lake, we wouldn’t have camped here. It’ll probably be a decade before another one enters the water down there, especially since they can smell the stink of death of their own kind long after the corpse decomposes.
Yes, but you’ll stay here regardless.Jhiton inclined his head toward him and walked into the cave.
You may regret not taking me along. I’m a good warrior, and you know it. And Syla… You can’t underestimate her. She has that power, but she won’t use it on me. I want to be there.
To ensure she’s not killed?
