“You’re doing a good job as an officer,” Syla said when she found her voice again. The lump in her throat lingered, but she managed to finish healing the wound.
“Thank you, Your Majesty.”
“I’ll give you a list of people who should have been keeping an eye out for me while we’ve been gone. If you can visit them, maybe they can give you reports.”
Probably notformalreports, Syla thought, remembering that she’d recruited Celena, a prostitute from a brothel.
“Yes, Your Majesty. That was smart of you to cultivate spies.”
Syla didn’t mention that it had been Fel’s idea. “I didn’t have time to put anything sophisticated in place, so it’s mostly healers from the temples around the capital. And a, uhm, worker at Sailor Services near the docks.”
Syla didn’t think a military officer would think anything odd of turning a prostitute into a spy but still felt a twinge of discomfort because of how it had happened, with Celena promising her loyalty after a healing. However inadvertent, it had been Syla’s magic that had enraptured the woman.
“My mother worked at a brothel,” Vonla said. “Those weren’t the kinds of swords thatIwas interested in handling, but it doesn’t bother me.”
“Good.” Syla smiled and leaned back. “That should feel better now.”
Vonla rotated her wrist and flexed her fingers. “Muchbetter. Thank you.” She looked toward the coastline where a few houses were visible in green grass along a bluff overlooking the sea. “I’ll grab some gear. And a cloak.”
“Good.” Syla sensed Wreylith approaching and stood up.
Agrevlari launched off the wheelhouse to fly away. At first, she thought he was vacating Wreylith’s spot out of respect, but theFanged Whalesailed through the barrier, a magical buzz making her skin tingle, and she realized the green dragon would have been forced off one way or another.
I’ve consumed enough food for now,Wreylith told Syla as she soared along the coastline, the barrier allowing her in.Do you wish to fly somewhere? I’m most eager for you to reclaim your throne.
So we can set about the important tasks of settling the kingdom and finding you a cave?
Especially the latter.Wreylith alighted on the wheelhouse.
Since my party will be greater than two, I believe I’ll have to go ashore on foot, but…Syla tapped her chin as she gazed at the dragon.Perhaps you could also be a diversion.
Dragons aren’tdiversions. Our greatness makes us the sublime focus of all.
Would you like to draw people’s focus by flying around near the capital? Perhaps you could scout for a suitable cave where people are likely to notice you.
When I did that earlier, soldiers fired cannonballs at me.
That didn’t seem to disturb you overmuch.
They are not as deadly as the magical projectiles of the death launcher.Wreylith bared her sharp fangs at the weapons platform.
A couple of crewmen on the deck near it skittered away, probably worried her ire was for them.
You wouldn’t have to get close enough to invite cannon fire,Syla thought,but if people saw you flying about, they might think I’m nearby.
And you do not plan to be nearby?
My aunt Tibby has an urge to visit a glassworks about ten miles west of the capital.
Wreylith turned her eyes toward Syla; fortunately, she’d put away her fangs.This will aid you in regaining your throne?
It will, yes. I need to make sure my aunt is protected while she works.
Yet you’ll send me away? I am the superior protector on this island.
I don’t doubt that, but you’re also very noticeable. If people see you perched on the glassworks building, they’ll know I’m there. I need to act stealthily for now.
Like the dragons on the Island of Eliok.
