We dragons,the orange male bonded to Chief Tenilor said,will have ourownmeeting, and we will let you know what we decide.
Unlike lesser dragons, we will not allow our ambitions to be deterred or our outlook swayed by lust for a female.Ozlemar looked at Agrevlari and then down the line toward the young wistful male, who, wisely, did not retort.I will remind you,Jhiton, that events have already been set into motion. At least one of those islands will not return to Kingdom talons. It is possible that none of them will, no matter what the human female does.
Without explaining further, Ozlemar turned and sprang off the bluff. The other dragons followed, soon banking to fly inland, over the forest to find a place for their meeting.
“What events is he talking about, Jhiton?” Vorik asked quietly, glancing at his brother’s hand.
The tattoo had stopped glowing, but it still struck Vorik as more ominous than it had before. And Jhiton’s gaze wasn’t warm when he turned to regard him.
“We will discuss it at the tribe meeting.” Jhiton walked back toward the cave, the onlookers parting to let him pass, then trailing after him.
Numerous people looked back at Vorik as they left, their expressions ranging from curious to hostile. Nobody stayed behind to congratulate him, and he feared the way ahead would be as fraught as he’d suggested to Syla that it would be. He doubted many of his people had wanted a new chief. Even if they had, they hadn’t wanted it to be Vorik, not after the choices he’d made.
Have I made a mistake, Agrevlari?he asked silently.
Oh, many, yes.Agrevlari breathed hot air onto his shoulder and used the bottom of his jaw to buff his scales.You are fortunate that I continue to stand with you.
I am very fortunate. Thank you.Vorik took a step after the others but paused.Do you know whateventsOzlemar spoke of?
Remember the dark clouds around the Island of Eliok? That reek of long-forgotten magic?
I remember the clouds but didn’t notice the reeking.
Human senses are so inferior. I don’t know exactly what went on in the caves around the volcano, but the dragons whowere gathered there were powerful and were doing something for a long time. I suspect Ozlemar is referring to that.
Meaning the tribe meeting may be the least of my problems going forward?
That’s a safe assumption.
On the deck of theFanged Whale, Syla paced back and forth in front of the weapons platform. Aunt Tibby, Fel, and Wreylith had disappeared from view, and she kept wondering if she’d made a mistake by not going to the island with them. But she also felt that she needed to remain by the weapons platform.
Though Wreylith hadn’t sensed any more dragons in the area, they couldn’t be positive that more wouldn’t show up. Some of their enemies had to have been bolstered by the supernatural lightning strikes that had taken down a projectile—and almost killed Syla. With those clouds still roiling overhead, the fleet would be vulnerable if any dragons returned.
Between those clouds and occasional flashes of lightning over the volcano, Syla couldn’t help but feel uneasy and worry about Fel and Tibby.
“Dragon dropping, Your Majesty?” Celena asked, coming up with a tray.
“Er, what?” Syla looked at the contents, a few dozen brown lumps with what looked like oats mixed in.
“That’s what I’m calling them. For the occasion and the company.” Celena peered in the direction of the volcano, though Wreylith was no longer in view. “My grammy taught me the recipe and called them no-bake-chocolate-oaty cookies, but my name is better, don’t you think?”
“It’ll certainly catch the attention of customers.” Thinking a little sugar might help replenish her reserves, Syla selected one. “Are you still thinking of opening a bakery?”
“Oh, that’s a silly dream, Your Majesty. I could never afford the cost of equipment and leasing a space, and I don’t know anything about running a business.” Celena looked wistfully at the tray.
A crewman walked past with his mouth full and chocolate smudged above his lip. He paused, glanced at them, then darted in and took what must have been a second cookie. Maybe a third. “Thanks, Celena. These areamazing!”
Syla bit into hers and was surprised by the delicious blend of warm flavors beyond the chocolate and oats that she’d expected. “Your dream might not be that silly.”
“You know what I do for a living, Your Majesty. I didn’t have much schooling, and that’s all I know. I admit it’s not ideal to raise my children in the brothel, but… like I said. It’s all I know. I’m not surehowI ended up out here.” Her second look toward the volcano held unease. Understandably so.
“You made the mistake of volunteering to help me.” Syla didn’t actually know why Vonla had dragged Celena across the countryside instead of simply questioning her, but maybe they’d had to leave the city in a hurry. She hoped a trusted colleague at the brothel was keeping an eye on Celena’s children. “Sorry about that.”
“Oh, I’m happy to help, Your Majesty. I wish I could be more useful.” Celena swatted the hand of the crewman as he returned, wanting another cookie. She did allow someone at his side, who apparently hadn’t had any, to take one. “Supplies are limited. I had to scrounge in the mess cabinets to find enough to make these.”
“That’s useful.” Syla pointed at the tray, then dared take another cookie, wondering if Celena would swatherif she got too greedy.
“I didn’t want to leave home with the kids and lose a day’s pay or— how many days do you think this will take? But your Captain Vonla was insistent. I think she saw someone lurking outside of the brothel and was worried they’d seen us talking. I’m not sure. Do you think my children will be all right?”
