“Nothing like a camp where cave crawlers and krakens attack while you’re making dinner.”
“Well, that’smostcave camps that are available in the world,” Wise said dryly. “There are reasons we’re fighting so hard for these islands.”
“Oh, I know.” Vorik surreptitiously wiped his eyes, then straightened. “You’re right that it would be suicidal to return without a plan. I think… well, maybe if Syla successfully were to regain her throne, that would matter.”
“To our people?” This time, Wise’s eyebrow arching conveyed skepticism.
“She’s open to a treaty. Far more open than Queen Lia was, and the new lord that took charge… I have no idea what he wants, but I doubt he’s open to anything favorable for the stormers. Why bother? The Kingdom must feel it has an advantage after our defeat at Bogberry Island and because they’ve got that weapons platform. And they might be correct. But Syla has been willing all along to see both sides and understand why we’ve chosen what we’ve chosen. I don’t think she’d ever consider giving us an island, or even could, but bewilling to trade for food? Yes. She may even offer refuge for those who want to camp under the protection of the shields.”
“After we, uhm, took her family from her, do youreallythinkthat, sir? That she would help us?”
“Sheshouldn’t, but she didn’t poison me, remember. She’s not vindictive. She’s…” Vorik sighed. “Wonderful.” Realizing that sounded lovestruck and wouldn’t appeal to Wise’s math-calculating mind, Vorik added, “She’s practical and, like I said, not vindictive. She’s probably our only hope for a treaty.”
“All right, sir.” Wise didn’t sound convinced.
If he wasn’t convinced, what were the odds that the chiefs would be?
“I’m not sure yet if I can do… what Jhiton apparently thought I should do, but I’ll keep it in mind. Thanks for letting me know what’s going on.” Vorik thumped Wise on the shoulder. “I thought you’d come to assassinate me.”
“I’mnot who would be sent for that.”
“You have been an apt spy.”
“That’s actually what Chieftess Shi thinks I’m doing right now.”
“Willyou report to her what I’m up to?”
“I don’t know what you’re up to, sir. I saw you snuggled up to the queen while riding in a wagon full of potatoes.”
Vorik snorted, certain Wise had figured out more than that, but did it matter? If the lieutenant reported back that Vorik was trying to help Syla regain her throne, it wouldn’t surprise any of his people.
“Leave out the snuggling part, if you don’t mind,” Vorik said. “Lesva has already made copious comments about me being led by my… lower regions.”
“Yes, she has, sir.”
Vorik grimaced. “If you have to report, say we’re taking the throne back and that Queen Syla should be ready for treatynegotiations soon. Sheadoredmeeting Chiefs Tenilor and Shi and looks forward to resuming chats.”
This time, Wise snorted. “Will she sit on that weapons platform for their next chat?”
“Oh, I have no doubt. While fondling the posts with the magical controls.”
“I’ll pass that along, sir.” Wise saluted him before walking out of the alley.
Vorik exhaled slowly, glad Wise hadn’t been there to kill him but not feeling better about anything. Knowing that his people needed him when he’d vowed to himself to help Syla left him more conflicted than ever.
A shadow at the end of the alley stirred, and he almost jumped since he hadn’t heard or sensed anyone approaching.
“It’s me,” Syla said, walking forward.
“You’re getting better at creeping around stealthily,” Vorik said, not sensing her innate magic over that coming from the glassworks and the dragon perched atop it. He thought over his conversation with Wise, hoping he hadn’t said anything he would be chagrined by if Syla had heard, and wondered how long she’d been there without him noticing. Maybe she’d slipped in when he’d been bent over, trying not to cry.
“I’m seeing better in the dark lately, and I didn’t trip over anything on the way here.”
“Must be your dragon powers blossoming.”
“They can keep you from tripping?”
“Certainly. When was the last time you saw adragonstumble over its own feet? Or wings?”
