As much as I enjoy stroking miles through storm-driven waves, swimming back with a sixty-five-year-old lady in tow might have been challenging.
You like challenges.
I do. And you should too. It should tickle your honor that the Garden Kingdom is making itself a more challenging opponent. When we defeat them, the victory will be sweeter.Vorik tried not to think about his doubts about the future and their chiefs’ plans. Instead, he smiled and kept his words light.Thestrawberrieswill be sweeter,he added.
Too bad the season for such had passed, but Vorik knew they would be able to find apples and pears yet, andwouldn’t all those fascinating gourds and winter squashes be ready soon? He’d once had a treat called pumpkin bread and had found it delectable.
I don’t mind challenges,Jhiton said.You know I never have. But it’s only yourqueenwho’s making herself a more challenging opponent.
That’s why I adore her.Maybe Vorik shouldn’t have admitted that, but it wasn’t as if his brother hadn’t figured it out.You have to admit that she’s a worthy opponent.
If only she could be worthy ontheirside.
She is a vexing opponent.
You’re only saying that because she tried to kill you.
Twice. No,threetimes.Jhiton’s expression grew exasperated.Twice with explosives and once with that gods-crafted marble device.
I didn’t know you were keeping track.
There are things that stick in a man’s mind. I almost agreed to Captain Lesva’sthirdrequest for permission to sneak onto Castle Island and assassinate the queen.
A chill went through Vorik that had nothing to do with the northern wind whipping at his clothing.When did Lesva make that?
Just last night, with the report that the queen was spying on them. She reiterated how dangerous the woman is.
Syla. Her name is Syla.
Jhiton’s eyes narrowed.She also reiterated that your feelings forSylacould be problematic going forward.
I had no idea Lesva sent back such detailed andchattyreports. Isn’t she busy defending that island and rounding up all the high-ranking military officers and lords and ladies there who might cause trouble?
Those are her orders, yes.Jhiton turned his gaze forward. The approaching storm had dropped visibility, but they could make out Castle Island on the horizon.I told her to leave the queen alone for now, but we may have to deal with her one day, Vorik. As I’ve heard from others and seen with my own eyes, she’s quickly becoming far more than a healer.
That cold chill lingered, and Vorik wanted to argue that they could achieve their goals withoutkilling ordealing withSyla in any way. But was that true? He didn’t know. Since Jhiton had said he hadn’t agreed to an assassination attempt, Vorik kept his telepathic tongue from flapping further on the matter.
Veer off, and head to Bogberry Island for your mission, Vorik. I’ll be in the area with the rest of our dragons and riders.Jhiton tilted his thumb over his shoulder toward the squadron stretched out behind them.While we’re waiting for you to kidnap the lady so we can question her under the influence of the hydra-scale powder, we’ll check on Harvest Island. We’ll also fly over the rest of the Garden Kingdom chain to makesure Freeborn Faction dragons aren’t lurking. Lesva’s report mentioned that one of their young dragons had been spotted in the area. If Queen Syla luresthemover as allies…
Vorik didn’t like the significant look that Jhiton sent him.Think of the challenge, Jhiton. The sweetness of the strawberries!
Just get Lady Abrya, and— Jhiton broke off and frowned toward Castle Island. Or was he looking at the back of Ozlemar’s horned head?
The Garden Kingdom is sending a fleet toward Harvest Island,Agrevlari told Vorik.We’re close enough that our kin there can report to us.
Their fleet is going to attack dragons with their warships?Vorik asked.That’ll be a quick victory unless they’ve gained a new advantage.
Agrevlari shudder-flapped his wings again to send water flying.The queen sails on one of the ships, and it is loaded with the weapons platform of the gods.
Vorik leaned back and groaned. When Jhiton’s spies had reported that the massive marble thing had been delivered to the Castle Island courtyard, he hadn’t imagined the Kingdommovingit anywhere. He certainly hadn’t envisioned it on the deck of a ship.
Jhiton, who had to be getting the same report through Ozlemar, looked over at Vorik, his expression cool.Change of plans.
Vorik groaned again, dread creeping into him. What would he do if his brother ordered everyone to attack that ship? To attackSyla?
We’re all flying to Harvest Island to ensure that fleet fails to drive our forces away,Jhiton said.And we’re going to sink that ship—and the weapons platform.
Syla will beonthe weapons platform,Vorik replied with far more distress than he should have shown.
