Agrevlari set off across the sea at a leisurely pace, probably guessing correctly that Vorik had no desire to catch up with the others. Eventually, some of the stormer dragons flying around the islands would sense them, but Vorik didn’t need to invite a challenge.
On the way, they passed over stormer warships sailing toward the Kingdom. Soldiers on deck among the crews looked up and waved to the green dragon flying overhead. Of course. They thought Vorik and Agrevlari were joining them for the mission. Vorik lifted a hand in return though with each ship they passed—had his leaders called for troops fromeverytribe?—he grew more worried that Syla wouldn’t escape the confrontation alive. Even if she stayed in the palace and directed the action from afar, she would be in danger. Jhiton had already said he would order troops to attack the city again, to provide adiversion. And, knowing Syla the way he did now, Vorik doubted shewouldstay behind to direct events from afar. She might be waiting for the invasion force in the shielder chamber with explosives and other booby-traps placed all around.
He smiled and shook his head.I suppose we can’t kidnap her again.
Your queen? Do you again have the urge to mate with her?
I always have the urge to mate with her, but I’m more concerned about keeping her alive.
So you can mate with her.
Vorik frowned at the back of Agrevlari’s horned head.That’s notallI think about.
Last time you kidnapped her, scant hours passed before you were stimulating her sex orifices.
I had no idea you were keeping track of the time or our activities so assiduously.
It was a long flight.
Vorik sighed as they passed over another stormer ship.This is just about saving her life, Agrevlari. She wouldn’t appreciate me swooping in and stealing her from her troops while they’re engaged in battle, but… I’m afraid she’s in danger again.
So, you wouldn’t mate until the next day?
I’m not talking to you anymore.
Very well.
They didn’t remain silent for long. Dragons on the horizon made Agrevlari bank and fly farther east instead of more directly southeast toward Harvest Island.
Was that the wing from Icecarver Tribe?Vorik hadn’t realized they’d been called from the far north.
Yes.
Jhiton is going to make damn sure he doesn’t fail, isn’t he?
Your brother is a determined human. To avoid notice, I will fly over to Castle Island before swinging south toward the Island of Eliok.
Good idea,Vorik said, though they would inevitably be spotted, regardless. If hedidwant to kidnap Syla, how would he get close without his people seeing?
Vorik shook his head. There was no way. He would have to prevaricate and hope Jhiton and Shi hadn’t told many people that they’d ordered Vorik to stay home, and he would have to hope he didn’t run into them specifically. His stomach twisted at the idea of defying his brother openly, but he’d attacked Jhiton the day before. Maybe… maybe Vorik had already made his choice to leave his people, and he hadn’t yet realized it. Maybe neither of them had.
Agrevlari, why don’t you just fly straight toward…Vorik trailed off as a fleet of warships below drew his attention. They were Kingdom ships, which would have made sense, but they weren’t sailing toward Bogberry Island.That’s strange.
They weren’t sailing toward Harvest Island either. They looked like they’d come from islands farther south and were heading toward Castle Island.
But the Kingdom capital was shielded and not, as far as Vorik knew, being targeted by any of Jhiton’s troops. It was coming into view now, and there weren’t any dragons in the sky around it. Nor did any stormer ships lurk off its shores.
Do you sense any dragons around Castle Island, Agrevlari?
I do not.
Then why are all those ships heading there?
I do not know, but it appears that vessels that should be loyal to the queen are not sailing to assist her on the Island of Bogs.
It was silly, since Vorik shouldn’t havewantedmore warships to challenge his people’s forces, but he felt affronted on Syla’s behalf.
Fly as close to Castle Island as you can,Vorik said.I want to see… if there’s anything to see.
