You’ve a singular focus, Jhiton.
It’s what makes me a capable military leader. I’m not distracted.
I enjoy my distractions, thank you.Vorik almost mentioned how much he’d enjoyed Syla’s company the night before, but Jhiton would be underwhelmed if Vorik admitted he’d been having sex instead of putting all effort into kidnapping Syla and sabotaging the weapons platform. Or at least learning that the thingcouldn’tbe sabotaged. They would have to sink the ship it was aboard.Thatwas doubtless what Vorik should have been doing instead of enjoying Syla’s company.
“And, yet, I have no regrets,” he said to a seagull eyeing him from a piece of driftwood.
Vorik pushed a hand through his wet hair, feeling bedraggled and hungry. Usually, he didn’t mind the hardships of hunting, battle, and defending his people against the world, but today… today he wished he were with Syla instead of against her, with few cares in the world. Then they could relax and share a meal together, one involving a gardener dessert made with fresh fruit.
Groaning, Vorik leaned back against the rocks. The seagull squawked at him and took off.
Ozlemar and I are with the dragons back on Harvest Island, helping secure it. I’ll check in with you at midnight to see if you’ve captured your queen. If so, we’ll meet up with Agrevlari and pick you up.
Where will you—we—take her afterward?
Lesva’s face floated into his mind, hard and cold. Vorik didn’t want to take Syla to the new camp where the two women would be more likely to encounter each other.
To find the shielder for that island and claim it,Jhiton said.
Where is Captain Lesva?
She is also on Bogberry Island. She volunteered to take your duty of acquiring the lady to question.
Vorik’s fingers curled into a fist, annoyed that Lesva always sprang in to show him up but mostly frustrated that her path might yet cross Syla’s.Has she achieved that task?
Not yet. One of her overly exuberant troops found explosives and lit them off, causing portions of the palace in which Lady Abrya and her husband live in and govern from to collapse prematurely.
Is there amaturetime for a palace to collapse?
After one’s desired prisoner is captured and one’s squadron is out.
I would hope we’re not wantonly destroying things.Concerned his comment would be taken as censure for his brother’s plans, Vorik added,Especially if we intend to occupy these islands ourselves once we’ve won the Kingdom.
We’re more concerned about occupying the agricultural fields than thepalaces. I understand it has heated baths the size of lakes as well as underfloor pipes that warm the tiles one walks upon. Can you imagine anyone from our tribes living in such a place?
Agrevlari would bask like a recently gorged mountain lion on a sunny ledge.
In the heated bath? Or on the floor tiles?
Both, I should think. Alternating.
So you suggest we give the palace to our dragon allies?
They’ve worked hard for us and made sacrifices. Especially today. They deserve heated floor tiles.
If they wish a palace, I’ll gladly give it to them.
Is Lesva going to try again to get the lady?Vorik found himself walking back toward the city, urgency tightening his shoulders. Syla’s ship had docked, and it made sense that she would go to see the lord and lady who ruled this island under the crown.
Yes.
What if I kidnap her first?
You’re going to acquirebothwomen? And tote them over your shoulders like trussed hogs?
Please, Jhiton. We’ve discussed my smile and its effect on women. There’ll be no need for trussing.Vorik might trussLesva.If only that would work.
I don’t care who gets whom. I just want directions to the shielder and someone to open the magical door to whatever chamber it’s stashed in.
