Er, what? They’re being stealthy?The last Syla had heard, stormer dragons had openly driven off the Freeborn Faction allies she’d left behind on Harvest Island. She wasn’t surprised that some lurked in the area, hunting and who knew what else.
Many are congregating in caves of the dormant volcano. While I was hunting on the island, I attempted to determine what they were doing since I sensed… I am not sure precisely what I sensed, but it was strange. They were using their inherent magic and seemed to be pooling their power to do something.
Were there any riders with them?Syla considered Vorik, wondering if the dragons were partaking in a stormer scheme that he would know something about.
Not that I observed. The riders went to the Island of Bogs for the attack there, but since the dragons couldn’t accompany them…
They were left to their own devices?Syla wondered what kind ofdevicesdragons might be up to in a volcano cave.
They couldn’t use their power to make it erupt, could they? Even if they could, why would they? They’d already caused the shielder there to be removed and had access to the island. Most of the Kingdom population lived on the opposite end from the volcano. Some farms and orchards might be damaged if lava flowed far past its slopes, but the wild forests where elioks and other dragon-favored prey lived would also be disturbed.
It would seem so,Wreylith said.I also spotted wyverns and cloud strikers in the area. Even a manticore. Usually, they do not fly across the sea, but something drew those beings.
A love for eliok?Syla asked but doubted it.
Few eliok remain on the island. The dragons grew very secretive when I asked about their affairs, but that is not surprising. They’ve not confided in me since I started associating with you.
A puny bespectacled human on the other side.
You are not entirely puny anymore. You are gaining power from me and learning how to use that with which you were born with more versatility.
Yes, I look forward to learning more about how to fully use my dragon-gifted power as soon as there’s time. Back at Bogberry Island, it helped me dodge some arrows.
That is a proper use for power.
I would think so.
Vorik joined Syla near the railing. “Are you gazing across the deck at my profile because you’re enraptured by my handsome masculinity?”
“I was wondering if your people are up to something.”
“Usually.”
“And if you knew anything about a dragon gathering on Harvest Island. Wreylith thinks they’re scheming.”
“I do not know about it,” Vorik said, “and I’m disappointed that you were thinking about scheming dragons while gazing at me.”
“I’m sorry. I would be happy to be enraptured by your masculinity tonight if we can find some time alone together.”
“I look forward to that. As to the rest, I’ve not communicated with my people since leaving the camp on the mainland. Other than those we encountered in the mine. Eventually, I’ll have to speak with my leaders, but I’m… avoiding that. One of my lieutenants saw me riding over Castle Island with you, and once word gets back to my chiefs that I’m alive but haven’t returned, there will be questions. Or assumptions. Probably correct assumptions.” Vorik frowned.
“Would it help if I put you in shackles? So they think you really are a prisoner?”
Vorik sighed. “Only if I want to prevaricate with them, and I do not. When they ask… I’ll speak the truth.”
“What exactlyisthe truth? You haven’t decided to turn against them, right?”
“That’s correct, but I won’t help them continue with their war. I’m here to help you regain your throne, and then… then I don’t know. I won’t fight against my people, but I am hoping that there’s a future where there can be peace. Or at least a treaty and cessation of hostilities. I’m sure you’ll tell me that we can’t expect genuine peace after initiating the war and killing so many of your people, but I do hope for something besides eternal conflict.”
“I hope for that too.” Syla clasped his hand, his sword-calloused palm warm against her fingers. “And I may be more enraptured with you than I admitted.”
“I thought so.”
Vorik returned her hand clasp, but, as the ship sailed for the mouth of a quiet cove, he looked to the north. A gray dragon was flying in the distance, a rider visible on its back.
“Do you think,” Syla asked, “your people will let you go without trouble?”
“It depends on how mad they collectively are after the defeat at Bogberry Island.” Vorik lowered his voice. “And the loss of Jhiton.”
