They were sitting Deadmen.
One by one, the dragons rushed down from the sky, heading straight for their main deck. She knew they were coming for them as there was no doubt. Their eyes remained focused and unwavering. They kept their wings wide open.
But instead of eating them or attacking, they landed gracefully on deck, then turned into men and women.
Near the mainmast, they formed a small circle with their backs to each other so that they faced the crew.
Confused by their actions, Valynda exchanged a scowl with Belle, who seemed every bit as perplexed by them as she was. How weird was this? Never had she seen the like.
They stared out at the Deadmen as the Deadmen stared at them.
All of a sudden, a hand touched Valynda’s shoulder.
She spun about to attack.
Nibo ducked her blow with a charming grin. “Easy, me love. It’s just me. I heard your call and brought a few reinforcements.” He kissed her cheek, then took her hand and stepped forward. “Bane, you bastard, come and meet my friends. They’re sea dragons and should be keeping you afloat for a bit longer.”
The tallest of the male dragons moved toward the captain as Nibo made the introductions.
“Nazar, meet Captain Devyl Bane.”
There was something ethereal and otherworldly about Nazar. He seemed more elfin than dragon. His eyes were the strangest shade of green Valynda had ever seen. And like an elf, he had pointed ears and shoulder-length brown hair that fell around a handsome, masculine face.
“Pleasure to have you on board.” Bane extended his hand.
Nazar inclined his head and shook the captain’s arm.
“Don’t be insulted if they don’t speak much. It’s part of their nature, as they don’t trust humans or former humans much. It’s what drove them to the sea.” Nibo jerked his chin at the small group that continued to eye the crew warily. “Luckily, they owe me a favor, and will stay with you until you see this hell-bent venture finished.”
Nazar stepped over to whisper in Nibo’s ear.
“Nay, you won’t have to sleep on board the ship. You can follow after them, if you’d rather. Just keep the Malachai and his spies away from them. Whatever it takes.” Nibo looked back at Bane. “Adarian isn’t playing by the rules. So, we won’t either.”
Nazar used his hands to signal to his people. All but two jumped from the ship, into the waves, where they vanished.
Nibo smiled at Valynda. “Two of them will remain among the crew and they’ll rotate out. The rest will be nearby should they be needed. Try not to panic or attack if you see the others. Remember that they’re friends and they’ll take it rather personally should one of them be harpooned.”
Bane let out a low whistle as he watched one of the dragons skim the surface, twist, and then spiral back below the waves in a shimmery show of red scales. “Would have loved to have had some of those in me army back in the day.”
“Aye, you would.” Nibo winked.
Thorn nodded in agreement. “As would I. How old are they?”
“Older than you, demon,” Nazar said in a voice so deep, it seemed to rumble. “And we don’t serve your kind.”
By the captain’s face, he understood the dragon’s sentiment. “What can we do to make your stay among us comfortable?”
“Nothing. We’ll sleep on deck and stay out of your way.” And with that, Nazar gestured at the younger of the two to leave, but the young dragon gestured back in a most animated way.
Valynda smiled at Nibo. “Brother, son, or something more intimate?”
“Brother who doesn’t listen.” Nibo laughed at Nazar, who was quickly losing his patience. “You might as well send Flaxen back. Karawan isn’t going to give on this and you know it.”
Nazar let out a sound of deep aggravation. “Fine.” He gestured for the woman to leave them. Then made several harsh, erratic gestures toward his brother.
The gesture back must have been profane, judging by the tenseness of Nazar’s expression and Nibo’s increased laughter.
But Karawan didn’t say a word. Whereas his brother was tall and lean, he was bulkier in muscle tone and had dark curly hair and amber eyes. Something about him almost reminded her of Nibo.
