Vorik didn’t explain that he hoped Syla would see the smoke from the palace and hurry back so he could kidnap her. Besides, Vorik hadn’t yet figured out how he would slip away with her while Wreylith was flying around the area. Bloody daggers, Syla might even return on the dragon’s back.
Since none of that was what the men cared about, Vorik said, “To draw the attention of their troops and split their forces. Lesva and I may be… at odds—” what an understatement, “—but we have the same ultimate goal. If we can make things easier on her team in the palace by diverting some of the defenders, all the better.”
His men nodded, satisfied with the answer.
“Lots of smoke,” Vorik urged them. “That’ll help me too. I’m going to swim downriver and sabotage the hull of that ship to makesureit sinks. If I can figure out a way to untether it from the dock, I might do that too. Better for the weapons platform to disappear in deeper water.”
“Oh, yes, sir.” Yevlor’s eyes gleamed with approval.
Everyone’seyes did. They’d all lost friends to that thing.
“You’re in charge, Lieutenant Doxinlur.” Vorik nodded to the senior man, then headed to the beach for a kayak.
He didn’t leave right away, figuring he would be less likely to be sighted coming downriver if the crew was engaged in defending their ship. If he hadn’t been worried about Lesva reaching Syla at any moment, he would have waited until the middle of the night for this attack.
Are you in the area, Agrevlari?Vorik asked as he took the kayak to the water.
I am on the Island of Eliok.
Will you head this way? If my plan works and I’m able to capture Syla, I’ll need you to pick me up once I get beyond the barrier.
You will swim out with your queen in tow?
I thought I’d paddle out. I have a kayak.
Will she not have Wreylith?
Are you suggesting the red dragon is a more useful tool than a kayak?
Undoubtedly. You are at a great disadvantage.
I’m going to make it work anyway.Once in the kayak, Vorik pushed off from the beach. A few ducks floating near clumps of grass quacked at him.If I don’t get Syla away from this island, I’m afraid Lesva will ensure sheneverleaves.
That would be unfortunate. I have not minded her company. And Wreylith likes her, so she must be a worthy soul.
Ilike her. Isn’t that enough of an endorsement?
It is not. You are overly distracted by her sex orifices.
It’s more her curves than her orifices, and I like her character too.Vorik paddled the kayak near the grasses along the bank, so he wouldn’t be easily spotted, but kept his pace slow to give his men time to reach the docks.Her determination and fortitude too.
Because of your adoration, you are naturally trying to kidnap her.
To save her life.
Human relationships are strange.
Didn’t you bite Wreylith the last time you saw her?
I did. That is not that strange, though I admit it is not ideal that she has declared herself an enemy. I still covet her.
Of course you do.
The river curved slightly, giving Vorik a full view of Syla’s ship. It wasn’t on fire yet, but the clangs of weapons rang out on the docks. He couldn’t see his men but trusted they were the cause.
Are you heading in this direction?Vorik asked Agrevlari.
With great eagerness to assist in your mission.
