“Does she… do they… want to see the kingdom continue?” Syla asked. “With its shielders left intact?”
“From what I gather, the faction doesn’t have any love for you or the current—or is it former?—regime, but they do believe it would be best if the islands remained as protected sanctuaries from dragons and other deadly predators. The rest of the world is a harsh place. What they’re fighting for is forallhumans to have access to the islands. My wife did suggest that, if you live, you might be more amenable to negotiations in favor of the faction than your predecessors were. Presumably, as a healer, you’ve agentle soul.” Radmarik raised his eyebrows. Asking if that was true?
The memory of Sergeant Tunnok clutching his heart sprang to Syla’s mind, and she felt like she’d betrayed her profession. But that had been an extenuating circumstance, surely. Dealing with Captain Lesva too. Shewasa healer, and would help any human, kingdom subject or stormer tribe member, as long as the person wasn’t trying to kill her. Or destroy all that she loved.
Realizing Radmarik was watching her intently, as if her answer mattered, Syla nodded. She was more worried about surviving the day than planning her next steps, but, recalling Tunnok’s ambition, she knew the future would be challenging if she meant to make a claim to the throne. She had no idea if she should even try, but, with all her kin gone, who else had more right? And cared more about the kingdom? Whatever she chose to do, she could use allies for the road ahead. More than her aunt and aged bodyguard.
“I would be open to negotiations,” Syla said. “The sun, moon, and earth gods intended thatallhumans be protected from the mad storm god’s creations. And I believe, even if the ancestors of today’s stormers left the kingdom for various reasons, their descendants should have the opportunity to return.”
“Good. Good.” Radmarik returned the cane to his mouth. “I’ll do my best to see that you make it back to your castle, though it would have been better if you’d popped up with that big ball in the middle of the night, when all those dragons weren’t about.” He waved toward the horizon, then back toward the island.
“I’m afraid they would have sensed it as soon as the barrier dropped, no matter what time of day it was.” Syla looked back since the captain was squinting as well as pointing in that direction.
A familiar green dragon was flying from the shoreline toward them. Her gut clenched.
That was Agrevlari with Vorik on his back.
The green dragon beat his powerful wings, easily going against the wind to fly quickly toward them. And Vorik…
Syla licked her lips, nervous. As great a warrior as he was, he might be able to dodge the cannons and sink the ship without the help of any of his allies.
As they drew nearer, his gaze scoured the deck of the ship and lingered on the tarp-covered pile before shifting to her.
With her poor vision, she struggled to see his expression, to tell if he was angry. If he felt she’d betrayed him.
“How are your eyes, Captain?” she asked quietly.
“Very good, Princess.”
“Does that rider look furious and vengeful? Or… just determined?”
Radmarik lowered his sugar cane. “I’d say determined, but I’ve encountered him before. That’s his expression before he attacks a fleet of ships and leaves them destroyed.”
“I take it Captain Vorik isn’t a part of the Freeborn Faction.”
Radmarik laughed. “No, Princess. He’s General Jhiton’s most loyal and trusted officer.”
“That’s what I thought.”
Syla slipped her hand into her pocket, wrapping her fingers around the figurine, though she hadn’t yet thought of something she could offer to entice Wreylith to help. Nor could she determine if the dragon remained anywhere near Harvest Island.
Even if Syla could somehow convince her to come to their aid, it wouldn’t be enough. Six dragons with riders were flying about over the sea now. Seven if one included Agrevlari.
The green dragon carried Vorik closer, wings extending and tilting for a dive. To swoop down and get what they believed was the shielder? Or to gether?
Jaw set, Vorik’s eyes were on Syla.
“Better take cover, Princess.” Radmarik pointed toward thewheelhouse, then stalked off and yelled, “Ready all the cannons and harpoon launchers!”
With his keen ears, Vorik doubtless heard the order, but he didn’t appear worried. Agrevlari started his dive, and Vorik drew his sword.
Fear slammed into Syla as she worried her lover from the night before meant to slay her for tricking him.
But Vorik’s head snapped up, and he looked into the distance. Agrevlari aborted his dive. Another huge black dragon had appeared, its dark scales swallowing rather than reflecting the sunlight, and was heading toward the group flying about out there. Dressed in black and carrying multiple swords, its rider was as dark and ominous as the dragon.
Radmarik cursed. “That’s General Jhiton.”
36
