Syla suspected that meantyes, she was scaring the fishermen, and sighed.
They recognized me,Wreylith added,as your ally and said they hope my presence means you’re alive and nearby and will regain the throne soon. None of them like the usurper who has claimed it.
“Well, that’s encouraging,” Syla murmured.
At least thepeoplewere behind her.
“Hm?” Vorik asked around a mouthful of apple, a smile curving his lips as he enjoyed it.
“Wreylith is feasting, and then she’ll be ready to go.”
“We should do the same then.” Vorik removed the two unclaimed apples from the table to rest on the bed beside him.
“Are those for juggling?”
“Into my gullet, yes.”
7
I’m a man conflicted,Agrevlari,Vorik told the dragon telepathically as he rode away from Lyvor behind Syla with Wreylith carrying them inland.
Agrevlari remained off the coast of Castle Island, not far from the barrier, as if he expected Vorik to be ready to leave at any moment. After what Wise had told him,shouldn’tVorik be ready to leave? If the stormers were to have a future of peace—and enough food to see them through the winters—wouldn’t it behoove him to try to take control of the Wingborn Tribe and vote with those whose thoughts were in line with his?
Because you are riding on a dragon that you are not bonded with,Agrevlari asked,and you feel it is a betrayal to me?
It’s not a betrayal. It’s not my fault you can’t come in here.
I believe you do not mind riding the mighty Wreylith with your mate nestled between your legs.
I never mind having Syla nestled, no.As they climbed in altitude, Vorik had a view to the south where Harvest Island was visible on the horizon. Dark clouds hung low around the volcano, a contrast to a few hazy white ones floating high in the blue sky over the surrounding sea and the rest of theisland. The previous night’s storm had come and gone, but over Harvest Island… Was it his imagination, or was there a tinge of something almost otherworldly about those dark clouds? Maybe even a slight menacing green tint to the heavy gray?Is something going on over there, Agrevlari? Are dragons still doing… whatever they were doing near the volcano?
I was not permitted to come close to investigate.
Not permitted? By whom?
Ozlemar was over there when I approached. Other dragons as well, all stormer-allied. They’ve reclaimed Harvest Island and, from what I could tell, driven off the Freeborn Faction dragons.
Are there riders with them? I assume Ozlemar is alone— Vorik grimaced at the reason why, —but what of the others?
I am uncertain if there are riders present. The dragons have been inside a cave on the slope of the volcano. From what I can sense, there are still about ten of my kind there. Most of the stormer-allied dragons returned with their riders to the mainland after the failed attack of Bogberry Island. Only these remained to do… as I’ve said, I am uncertain what they are doing. Last night, I observed red lightning crackling among those clouds, and I sensed magic as well. Ominous magic.
Dragons don’t find many things ominous.
As sublime apex predators, we do not, no.
Syla was looking pensively toward the south as well, but her attention shifted downward when they flew over a lake nestled among grassy hills at the core of Castle Island. She pointed toward a stone manor sprawling along the shoreline, the largest of only a few homes around the body of water. A dock, a stable, and a few other outbuildings were near the manor, all surrounded by pastures supporting placid-looking horses chomping grass.
“That’s Teyla’s home, Wreylith.”
I will descend shortly,the dragon told them but continued to the far end of the lake toward a couple of craggy hills. They were more rock than grass.
Several goats nipped at tufts of vegetation growing among the boulders, and Vorik thought Wreylith might want food before dropping them off. But she weaved in and out over the rocky terrain, peering at gaps—was that a cave?—and paying little attention to the goats, the creatures wisely fleeing at her approach, or marmots that popped out of holes to squeak angrily at her.
Syla looked back at Vorik with pursed lips. “We’re on a rescue mission, and my dragon ally has paused to shop for real estate.”
“She may be experiencing a… nesting imperative.”
“I’m experiencing an imperative to rescue my cousin.”
