“Yes, I accept your proposal of weapons and location, Chieftess.” It occurred to Vorik that the dragons would be able to reach them and possibly interfere if they fought out on the bluff in the open. He imagined Shi’s Uxtar as well as Ozlemar teaming up toensureVorik didn’t walk away from the battle. If the dragons ganged up on him, would Agrevlari show up to pluck him up and carry him away, the way Igliana had swooped up Syla?
What do you think of the name Agrelorish for a plucky male dragon?Agrevlari asked.
It sounds similar to yours.Vorik had a feeling his dragon was too distracted by his imminent fatherhood to stage a rescue. How distressing.
Yes, it was the name of an ancestor of mine—what you could call a grandfather, I believe—and my name was inspired by his.
A soft clink sounded. The boys had opened the jar and were poking fingers into the jam.
“I think you spread that on slices of the bread,” Vorik whispered to them as a girl crept over and picked up the cheese, then nibbled at the corner.
She stuck her finger into the jam jar too and seemed to prefer that, noshing happily. All the kids did, smearing it on the bread or eating it plain. They’d had fruit and vegetables that the stormers had gathered from the fields and orchards on Harvest Island, but Vorik didn’t know if any of his people knew how to turn grains into flour and bake, nor had anyone brought backcows to milk so they could make cheese. Until recently, Vorik hadn’t even known whatcheesewas.
“Come, Vorik.” Shi strode toward the front of the cave, waving for him to follow. “Let us end this so that it does not delay the tribal meeting where those who are loyal to our people and care about our future will debate how to go forward.”
Shi gave Vorik a scathing look as Lesva joined her, and they walked out together. The eyes of those remaining in the cave turned toward Vorik. He was tempted to look to his brother for guidance but instead steeled himself and walked out after the women. He glanced back, hoping Jhiton would follow. He’d meant it when he’d said that if his people were going to kill him, regardless of how the fight went, he would prefer Jhiton wield the blade. His brother was nibbling on the apricot. Vorik sighed, not certain if that boded well or not.
I may need your help, Agrevlari,Vorik said, aware of others following as he exited the cave.I’m going to duel Shi on the bluff. I don’t expect you to get involved with that, but if…He trailed off, sensing other dragons entering the area. Alotof other dragons. They’d been inland somewhere, but Shi must have requested they come to witness this. To witness it or be involved?Well, if I win, but the dragons all try to tear me to pieces, you swooping in to rescue me wouldn’t go unappreciated.
There are approximately twenty dragons in the area. So far.
That’s why a rescue would be appreciated. Fabulously so.
If I interfere, I might not get to name any of my offspring—or live to see another sunrise.
If I survive this, I’ll ask Syla to suggest that Wreylith invite your input on names. And to accept any gifts of fresh meat that you bring after the young hatch.
I expect your queen is not without influence on Wreylith. I will consider your offer.
If you decide not to risk your life because my end is inevitable, I forgive you for not coming to my aid.
Vorik glanced back at the people trailing him, young and old. It looked like the entire camp, including all the gathered tribal leaders and soldiers and riders, would come to witness this. He managed a faint smile when he saw the jam jar changing hands, people poking in fingers and taking samples. And there was the rest of his bag in the back, various arms reaching in to extricate dried fruit and more jars.
“This issogood,” someone whispered, licking red jam off a finger. “It’s made from berries, obviously, but there’s more. It’s sweet.”
“Yum. Share.”
“At least Syla’s gift is being well-received,” Vorik murmured.
“Bribe,” Jhiton said from a few people back. He was coming along, swords and knives at his belt.
Good. Vorik wanted to survive this, but if he couldn’t…
Shadows found them as they exited the forest and walked upon the rocky bluff, the shadows of dragons flying in front of the sun.Manydragons. Ozlemar, the great black, was among them. Leading them?
Vorik sensed Agrevlari soaring up and down the coast, but if everyone turned on Vorik, his odds of surviving would be better if he ran into the forest where the trees grew too thickly for dragons to follow. He wasn’t here to flee into the woods, however. He had to make sure he won and survived. For the sake of his people’s future. And because he wanted to see Syla again.
Per the mandates of a duel for tribe leadership, Shi had brought her fur-trimmed cloak and ceremonial headdress. She handed both to Chief Tenilor, silently marking him as her sky watcher for this, a duty that, during a duel, included observingthose around to make sure nobody tried to unfairly assist the challenger. Shi murmured something to him that Vorik didn’t catch over the sound of the surf. Probably that she expected the items back soon.
Vorik removed his weapons belt, drawing only his dagger, then hesitated before holding his sheathed sword out toward Jhiton. He wouldn’t blame his brother if he didn’t want to accept it—and the implied duty of watching his back for fair play. But Jhiton accepted the belt and scabbard without a pause.
“Do you have a plan, Vorik?” Jhiton asked as Shi also removed a few bracelets and a seashell necklace, then bounced around, loosening up her arms. She moved easily and well for a woman of fifty.
“Beyond beating her?” Vorik asked.
“One that includes beating her, I would hope, as she may have tricks ready to deploy. It should also include what to do after the fight in case you win and there are objections.” Jhiton tilted his head toward the many onlookers and also glanced at the circling dragons.
“I’m hopingyou’llhandle any objections.” Maybe foolishly, Vorik wasn’t that worried about what would happen right after the fight. It would be during the night while he slept that someone might want to eliminate him as chief. “Do you still care if I die? After…” He waved toward Jhiton’s gut.
