“The gods intended for all humans to be protected on the Garden Kingdom islands from the wrath of the storm god’s creations and from the worsening climate,” Atilya added.
“Yes, but most of our people chose to leave over the centuries because rule there was too stifling. To think we should be able to go back now…”
“My ancestors were driven out,” she snapped. “Not everyone left voluntarily. Some were exiled.”
“Because they were criminals, and the exile was considered kinder than death.” Vorik couldn’t believe he was defending the gardeners of the past. He would have to watch his mouth among his brethren back home, lest he be called a sympathizer. There was, after all, really onlyonegardener that he sympathized with.
“Notallwere criminals,” Atilya said as Wise yawned again and swayed. “My family has passed along its history from generation to generation so I know it well. Some people, like my ancestor, merely spoke their minds, pointing out that the hierarchal system there wasn’t fair, with the gods-blessed being treated almost like divinities themselves, and rarely having to do real work, while commoners farmed and fished and supplied all the food that those with magic enjoyed without getting dirt under their nails. Their system hasn’t changed much over the years, either, you know.”
“Yet you want to return.” Vorik yawned, as Atilya watched him intently, save for glances at Wise, realizing he would have to pretend the drug was affecting him too. Before, he’d believed it might induce them to speak the truth, but it seemed it would knock them unconscious. To what end, he didn’t know. Would she take their bodies and throw them into the depths of the canyon? Surely, not while their dragons watched. Agrevlari would fight for Vorik’s life; he had no doubt.
“We don’t want to live under the yoke of the Kingdom, no, but wedowant access to the fertile lands and an opportunity to grow our own crops and tend our livestock, having enough to feed ourselves and our allies reliably.” As she spread an armtoward the dragons, Wise’s eyes closed, and he slumped against Vorik.
“Wise?” Vorik slurred his voice as he reached for his officer. He was tempted to turn accusingly toward Atilya and, while yawning, try to indignantly demand if she’d drugged them, but he didn’t trust his acting abilities. Instead, he yawned and sagged as he asked, “Wise?” again. “Are you…”
With one final yawn, Vorik slumped against his comrade, trying to relax his muscles and appear unconscious, though being on the ground and surrounded by enemies made him tense. His sword was nearby, so he could grab it and spring up if need be, but he would find out more if Atilya believed she’d knockedbothof them out.
Growls, talons clacking on rock, and the thump of a tail drifted over from the dragon area.
You are not truly unconscious, correct?Agrevlari asked.We are taking part in a ruse?
Yeah. Tell Tonasketalif he’s done wooing females. Be indignant but acknowledge that you’re outnumbered and shouldn’t get in a fight over us.
As you wish. Were you truly in danger, I would fling myself upon our enemies, no matter what the odds.
You’re a good dragon.
Yes, I am.
And I might yet be in danger, giving you the opportunity for flinging. We’ll see.Vorik heard someone walking close and forced his body to remain relaxed and kept his eyes closed.
“Are they both out?” Atilya asked from halfway around the fire.
Someone shook Vorik’s shoulder. One of the men. “Yes.”
A snarl and growl sounded. That was Agrevlari putting on a show.
“Will their dragons attack?” the man asked warily.
“We won’t kill them,” Atilya called toward the dragons. “You may take your lieutenant back with you, and I’ve a message for him to deliver. You may relay it to him when he wakes up.”
The irritated roar that sounded came from Tonasketal.
Dragons didn’t care to be manipulatedoract as messengers.
What message do you presume to give to one of our kind?Agrevlari boomed indignantly into the minds of all present.
“Tell General Jhiton,” Atilya said, “that we will trade Captain Vorik for the prisoners of ours that he’s been keeping. We won’t harm Vorik as long as Jhiton promptly arranges the exchange.”
Agrevlari and Tonasketal snarled again.
“Will you help your riders in this way?” Atilya didn’t sound worried by the snarls. It wasn’t easy to stand up to a couple of dragons, even when one had allies nearby. As mercurial as dragons were, one couldn’t always predict their actions.
We will take Lieutenant Wise to the general and relay your message,Agrevlari said,but if you harm Vorik, I will return and bring this mountain down on your heads.
“Noted,” Atilya said. “If our men are still alive and returned to us, there’s no need for Vorik to be harmed. Knowing his reputation, I do plan to keep him drugged while we have him.”
Remembering that he was supposedly unconscious, Vorik kept himself from grimacing, but he did not like the idea of someone trying to force wine down his throat. Or would they smear a powder right on his tongue? He wondered what it was. Syla would have known. Where was she now? On the way here? What would the faction do toher?
