“We do have more ships out there. There were concerns about letting our leaders enter when our dragons can’t fly in to help if there’s a problem.”
Another boom, which seemed closer and stronger, coursed through the bluff.
“What are your people up to, Vorik?” Syla peered into his eyes, certain he knew something. He was a high-ranking military officer, not a first-year soldier who wasn’t told anything.
“I’m not certain, but…”
“They’re plottingsomething,” she said with certainty.
“Likely so.”
“There were no fireworks to accompany that last boom.” Fel was watching the sky.
Syla backed from the window. “It’s a distraction.” She pointed at Vorik. “And so are you.”
Everything had been, she decided, realization thunking into place like a key turning in a lock. That farce of a negotiations party… The stormers had never intended to negotiate.
Vorik gazed back at her without playing ignorant or denying it. Maybe he didn’t know exactly what his people were up to, but he wasn’t surprised by her statement.
“That did cross my mind,” he admitted. “I almost shared the thought with you, but… my loyalty is to my people. You are… complicated.”
“You’re complicated too.”
“No, I’m simple. Feed me berry cobblers, and I’ll faithfully entertain you in bed.”
“But not shift your loyalties.”
“That’s more difficult.”
“It takes more cobblers.”
“Many more, yes. I’m afraid more than you have.” Vorik shook his head sadly.
Another boom sounded, a faint tremble going through the floor. The floor or the entire bluff?
“Private,” Syla called to the lone Royal Protector in the room. “Find Colonel Mosworth or General Dolok. Tell them to get men into the tunnels under the castle.” Eyeing Vorik, she added, “I think there are stormers down there.”
“Yes, Your Highness.” The man jogged out.
A buzz came from the summoner on Syla’s earlobe, and she cursed. “There aredefinitelystormers down there. And they’re after the shielder.”
Bothshielders were down there, the working one they’d brought from Harvest Island and the original, broken but awaiting repair. Damn it, if the stormers got back into thechamber and destroyed everything, that would leavetwoislands undefended.
“You ordered the tunnels sealed,” Fel reminded her.
“I know, but they found a way in. They’re down there with explosives using theirfireworksto try to cover up the noise.” Syla gave Vorik an exasperated look, then started for the exit.
Since the summoner had buzzed, that meant the door was already being disturbed, maybeopenedwith stormers scant feet from the shielders. The castle troops wouldn’t know where to look. She had to go down there herself.
Fel lifted a hand to stop her.
She darted to go around him. “Come with me, Sergeant. We’ll go together. I need to?—”
Vorik glided close and caught her by the arm. “Don’t go down there.”
In an instant, her exasperation turned to anger. “You want me to let your people destroy another shielder? I can’t do that, Vorik.”
“Let go of her.” Fel jerked his mace free and moved around Syla to give himself space to swing at Vorik.
