When Lesva stepped into the cave, she looked immediately at Vorik. Even though her dragon had died the week before, her power hadn’t yet faded, and she’d doubtless sensed him as easily as he’d sensed her.
“I can’t believe you had the gall to return,” Lesva told him before glancing at Jhiton, then sending a longer look toward the chiefs.
Her eyebrows went up, as if silently asking them why they’d allowed Vorik into the cave. Or maybe she wanted to know whyhe wasn’t already exiled. Or dead. Vorik didn’t know if Warrim’s attack had been a personal choice or if someone had sent him out to keep Vorik from walking into the camp ever again. But if that had been the chiefs’ intent, they would have chosen a rider who was Vorik’s equal or better in fighting skill.
“I’ve returned to challenge Chieftess Shi for the tribe so I can lead our people down a path toward prosperity.”
Shi laughed without humor. “You would haveusbe the ones enslaved or accepting handouts from those who see themselves as our masters.”
“The gardeners have never said they see us that way,” Vorik said. “If anything, they spend very little time thinking about us at all.We’rethe ones obsessed with their islands. Now, do you accept my challenge, Shi? If so, it’s your right to choose where we’ll duel and with what weapons.”
“I’m aware of the rules.”
“Excellent.” Vorik bowed to her, though he kept Lesva in view, more worried about her. He didn’t think she wanted to duel him again, since their previous skirmishes hadn’t gone well for her, but that didn’t mean she wouldn’t like to see him disappear. “How am I doing?” he murmured to Jhiton as he straightened.
“I predict your imminent death,” Jhiton said quietly.
“Because Shi will kill me or everyone else will after I win?”
“The latter, though it’s possible Lesva will hurl a knife into your back while you’re fighting Shi.”
“I don’t suppose you’d like to watch her to make sure that doesn’t happen?”
“Actually, I was contemplating hurling a knife at you if she doesn’t.”
Jhiton sounded dry, like itmightbe a joke, but Vorik wasn’t confident of that. Once, he would have been, but this last weekhad changed things. That saddened him, even if he had only himself to blame.
“If someone is going to do it, I would prefer it be you.” Vorik eyed Shi, whose head was bent as she conferred with Tenilor. The other chiefs remained nearby but seemed to be seeing how she would handle things rather than offering advice or support. “But here, Jhiton,” Vorik added, “Maybe this will change your mind and warm your heart toward me.”
He slung the bag of foodstuffs off his shoulder, untied it, and delved in. He held out a jar of jam, the loaf of bread, and a block of cheese. When Jhiton didn’t open his arms to accept the items, Vorik placed them on the floor next to him.
“Oh, and here’s some dried fruit. I think these are apricots. They smell delicious, even dehydrated, don’t they?” Vorik held one up to his nose, then offered it to Jhiton.
Though he had ignored the other food, after a brief hesitation, Jhiton took the apricot. Maybe he’d never had one, for he held it to his nose for a sniff.
“This is supposed to warm my heart to you? Or to your queen? I trust she’s the one who gave you these bribes.”
“They’re gifts, not bribes.”
“Gifts calculatingly designed to warm hearts.”
“Oh, just eat that apricot or I’ll stuff it up your ass.”
Jhiton arched his eyebrows.
“Remember, I’ve been practicing. Imightbe capable of that.”
“We will duel with daggers on the bluff overlooking the sea,” Shi announced, facing Vorik again. “There is room there for all who desire to observe and contemplate the worthiness of the winner and the fairness of the fight.”
“Oh, good,” Vorik murmured. “Some of my blood is still on those rocks from where you stabbed me, Jhiton.”
“Does remembering that pain make you want to retract your ass threat?”
“A little bit, yes.”
A couple of the boys had noticed the food on the floor of the cave and, after making sure Jhiton wasn’t glowering down at them, crept closer. Vorik pretended not to see as they picked up the bread and jar of jam, sniffing and turning over the items.
“Are my conditions acceptable to you, Vorik?” Shi asked.
