To watch your back, Jhiton. She’ll go after you. She hates you. If I’m there, I can…
What? What could he do except be conflicted? Vorik closed his eyes and sighed. As much as he hated that the tribe didn’t trust him, did hereallywant to destroy Syla’s shielder? Anddoubtless kill a bunch of her people in the process? No, he’d already had his fill of this war.
Stay here, Vorik. It’ll be for the best.
Vorik sighed again, something telling him that itwouldn’tbe for the best.
Vorik sensed Agrevlari fly inland until the dragon found an outcropping on which to perch.Did you catch our conversation?
We are to be denied the glory of battle and given the modest duty of sky watchers.
Yeah.
You will obey your brother’s wishes?
He’s my superior officer, and I’m honor bound to do so.
Hm.
Though perhaps after they depart, after we’ve ensured there are no threats to the camp from above or below, we could visit Harvest Island to go hunting. After all, if Syla gets the shielder for that island repaired, it won’t be accessible to dragons for long. You’d naturally want to visit the hunting grounds one last time, right?
The most delicious prey has mostly been consumed by all the dragons visiting, but perhaps a small eliok might yet be found.
I’m glad you’re in agreement with me on this.Vorik wouldn’t disobey his brother, but Jhiton hadn’t told him that he couldn’t go hunting, and if something dire happened on Bogberry Island, and his people neededhis help, he wouldn’t be far away.
Vorik waited until well after Jhiton and Chieftess Shi left with the main forces before asking Agrevlari to meet him in an open area so they could head out. He didn’t feel like he was disobeying his brother—besides, it was Chieftess Shi who’d specifically not wanted him along—but… he also didn’t want to flout that he wasn’t going to stay behind. He’d checked the depths of the cave for threats, even killing a couple of aggressive crawlers that had moved back into the area, before packing his bag and letting a couple of the elders know that he was going hunting.
Wewillhunt while we’re there,he told Agrevlari as he walked toward the bluff where he’d attacked Jhiton.I’m not being dishonest.
I do enjoy a good hunt. I’m quite envious of Wreylith for gaining access to the Island of Bogs. I understand the bears that proliferate there, feasting and fattening themselves on all manner of berries, are extremely delicious.
Are you also envious that she wastrappedon that island?Vorik assumed that the dragon could leave now that Syla had returned—as long assheleft—but imagined Wreylith had been irked.
I can think of many less appealing places to be trapped. There are all those lakes for swimming, and are there not also hot springs on the western end? I do enjoy a mineral soak after a good hunt and feast. Perhaps you can arrange for me to be trapped there later, Vorik.
I think you’d have to bond with someone with a moon-mark for that.
Hm.
I hope you’re not contemplating leaving me for Syla’s aunt.
Oh, not the aunt. Certainly not. She’s not a warrior.
She tried to shoot you when we first met.Vorik stepped out of the trees and found Agrevlari perched on the bluff, waitingfor him. All signs of the previous day’s storm had passed, and an inviting blue sky stretched out over the sea.
That is true, but I believe I would prefer to remain with you. If you succeed in destroying the shielder there, I will soon be able to hunt the bears.
And the mineral soaks?
Oh, yes. A dragon’s scales are rejuvenated, with their natural oils restored, by time spent in hot springs. In the aftermath, you will admire my healthy sheen.
As much as I care about the shininess of your scales, I feel compelled to remind you that destroying the shielder isn’t my mission.Vorik jumped up to land astride Agrevlari’s back.I don’thavea mission.
Why am I certain you will find a way to insert yourself into the midst regardless?
Because we’ve been bonded for many years, and I want you to do your hunting on the adjacent island.
Quite.
