3
From Agrevlari’s back,before returning to theFanged Whale, Syla saw another set of fleet ships leaving the capital. With a salty breeze filling their sails, they headed along the coastline in the direction of Lyvoran Freight Harbor.
Syla grimaced. Was it chance? That they were navigating toward the harbor she’djustchecked on? Maybe they were simply being sent out to circle the island and find her fleet, wherever it dropped anchor. Lord Fograth didn’t have the help of a dragon to scout, but Castle Island wasn’t so large that ships could hide for long, not even in a quiet and unpopulated cove.
By the time Agrevlari glided toward the deck of theFanged Whale, Syla decided that Aunt Tibby would need to be dropped off at the glassworks in Lyvor. Syla could take Vorik and Fel along to guard Tibby while she worked, but the five ships couldn’t stay in the area and risk having to confront the entire Kingdom fleet.
Syla dearly hoped the glassworks had the magical tools that Tibby would need to craft a new shielder. If they could get Harvest Island back, that would help Syla gain the support of the people. Not that she believedthe peoplewere against her. It wasthe scheming bastards who wanted the throne for themselves—and unfortunately the military willing to go along with them.
Major Hixun and Captain Vonla were waiting on deck when Agrevlari landed. Tibby remained near the weapons platform, though she was no longer poised to fire if need be. For the moment, no ships beyond their five were in view.
I will return to your vessel soon,Wreylith spoke from somewhere to the south. Harvest Island, presumably.
Excellent.Syla didn’t comment on moodiness or pregnancy possibilities.In your absence, I had to ride on Agrevlari.
An inferior mount, I have no doubt.
He’s all right. And it gave me an excuse to wrap my arms around Vorik.Syla hadn’t even clasped his hand during the day’s journey to Castle Island. She’d felt inhibited by having so many people around. It wasn’t that she couldn’t refrain from touching him for a day, but she would have enjoyed being able to hold hands or lean on him for support and comfort.
I haven’t observed that you need an excuse to do that. I am hunting sea-kelp marauders. I had an urge for their rubbery tentacles.
Those are related to squids, aren’t they?
They are like large squids with powerful tentacles and suckers that can pull the scales off a dragon.
They sound dangerous.
Sometimes, dangerous food is appealing. I have been hungry lately—no doubt due to all the battles we’ve fought—but I will eat my fill and return soon.
“Do dragons have pregnancy cravings?” Syla whispered to Vorik as they slid off Agrevlari’s back. It was possible hunger rather than moodiness had driven Wreylith to depart abruptly. Or at leastin additionto moodiness. “Aside from the turtle eggs and shells, I mean. Like, do they eat seemingly strange things during that time?”
“They eat strange thingsallthe time.” Vorik patted Agrevlari.
I cannot imagine to what you refer,the dragon said, including Syla in his response.
“Earlier, you wanted a horn-hog cobbler,” Vorik said.
And that is stranger than a blackberry cobbler?
Vorik arched his eyebrows toward Syla.
“It is, yes.” She spotted Major Hixun and Captain Vonla approaching and faced them.
Fel also stood nearby, scowling at Agrevlari and Vorik, doubtless irked that they’d swept Syla away. Since she and Vorik had been fired upon by cannons, bows,andcrossbows during the short excursion, Syla admitted it had been foolish of her to go along, but she hated standing idle while others endangered themselves on her behalf. Besides, she’d wanted to see for herself what the Kingdom ships were up to.
“Major,” Syla said, “I’d like you to find a quiet cove along the northern shore and drop me off with Aunt Tibby, Sergeant Fel, and Vorik.”
“Vorik,” Hixun said. “Your prisoner.”
“My prisoner who likes to defend me like I’m a precious gem, yes. With his many skills, he eagerly risks his life on my behalf. An incursion across the countryside wouldn’t be practical without him.”
Vorik lifted his chin, appearing pleased by the words.
“Ido those things too,” Fel grumbled. “When you stay on the ground and let me.”
“You do them excellently, yes,” Syla said. “And I’m appreciative.”
“It’s why you’re on the incursion team.” Vorik nudged Fel with an elbow.
