“It would alarm them,” Vonla said, “but you might want that.”
Teyla nodded. “Others would be less likely to attempt to usurp the crown if they knew being chomped on by a dragon was a possible repercussion.”
“I never would have expected that my female advisors would be my most grisly.”
The Royal Protectors had been looking out the windows for trouble and not presuming to partake in the conversation, but one did nod.
“Sergeant Fel is pretty blunt too,” Teyla said. “You need people who say things like they are.”
“I’m not an advisor, Your Majesty,” Vonla said, “just a lowly captain, but I would be pleased to offer counsel whenever you wish.”
“I’mhappy to advise you.” Teyla waved at herself. “As a relative, I think it’s my right. I need to make sure you stay alive and get your throne back, because who else would approve an archaeological expedition to the Dire Desert, with me as the team lead and perhaps a dragon to go along with me and eat any wyverns that think humans are delicious?”
“I was going to say you’ve the finances to put together your own team,” Syla said, “but if you want dragon assistance… money can’t buy that.”
“Absolutely not.”
“Enough elioks and horn hogs might.”
“I’ll keep that in mind.”
“Your Majesty,” one of the Royal Protectors said, “we’re descending toward the coast and Lyvor, but you may want torethink visiting the town.” He pointed out the window on his side of the carriage and leaned back so she could see out.
After all the chaos she’d endured, Syla half expected to find the city had been attacked and was in flames, but it looked peaceful enough sprawling along its protected harbor as dawn approached. In the wan, early-morning light, it took her a moment to realize that more ships had arrived.Warships. Her stomach sank.
“I suppose I should have expected that. The enforcers we fought had to have glimpsed me. I hope I didn’t endanger Aunt Tibby by leaving her there, but she needed the magical tools and raw materials at the glassworks to have a chance at creating a shielder.” Syla bit her lip, second-guessing herself. “Fel stayed with her at least.”
“Your bodyguard is an earnest warrior,” Teyla said, “but not a match for the entire fleet.”
“Major Hixun gave him a couple of flares.”
“You think that would turn the tide?”
“No, but Fel could have signaled to Hixun to pick them up at the cove where we landed if he spotted trouble in the city.”
“Those ships may have just arrived,” Vonla said, also peering out the window.
“Let’s hope so and that the fleet hasn’t had time yet to search the city,” Syla said. “I don’t know how far along Tibby will be, but maybe she can borrow tools, and we can move her and her project back aboard theFanged Whaleand take her… hm. As strange as it seems, it might be safer to sail her over to Harvest Island.”
“You plan to do all that without the fleet seeing?” Teyla asked. “And capturing yourFanged Whale?”
“With luck, yes. Otherwise, one of the fleetships will have to give us transportation.”
“And your accommodations would be where? In their dungeon?”
“We’d have to take over the ship, I suppose,” Syla said.
“Like… capture it?” Teyla asked.
“Essentially.”
“Shall we ride up to the dock in our wobbly carriage and send your two Royal Protectors out to confront a crew that includes dozens of armed soldiers? And is surrounded by otherwarships with similar crews?”
The Royal Protectors exchanged looks with each other from opposite benches in the carriage.
“Of course not,” Syla said, though with Wreylith’s help, shemightbe able to take over a ship. But even if the timely arrival of a dragon cowed the men, she would need a willing crew to sail her to Harvest Island. “There would have to be suborning, I’d imagine.”
“The way you suborned Captain Vorik?” Teyla asked.
