Chapter 26 #3
Vorik was tempted to surge out of the trees, even if it meant fighting his way past all those soldiers to reach the building. Why weren’t they down there with Syla, anyway?
There probably were some in the mine, he reasoned, but Lesva would cut her way through such men without much trouble. Vorik needed to get down there.
As he crept closer, reaching the edge of the trees, the clip-clop of hooves sounded, another wagon being hauled up the road. Or multiple wagons? If Jhiton’s boat teams attacked them, that might provide the distraction Vorik needed.
Many of your ships have maneuvered into position along the northern shoreline of this island, Agrevlari said from outside the barrier, and others approach the mouth of the river on the southern side with men at the weapons, ready to fire at the city.
Jhiton’s diversion. Have Syla’s people gotten the weapons platform off the bottom of the river yet?
When I flew in that direction, I observed them using large machines with many chains in an attempt to do so, but it was not yet out of the water.
Let’s hope they don’t pull it up in time. Given all the forces Jhiton and the chiefs were bringing to bear, Vorik didn’t think the weapons platform would defeat them, but it could destroy ships as easily as dragons.
Or ever. The thing is foul and despicable.
Wreylith’s tail flexed, and Vorik didn’t answer. The dragon’s head turned on her long neck, and glowing golden eyes peered through the trees at Vorik. She’d sensed him.
His first instinct was to run into the woods, but he needed to go down into the mine.
Besides, he didn’t want to lure the dragon toward the lake.
If she’d sensed him, she would also sense the other stormers with magic.
The dragon might then fly around, torching those boats and alerting the Kingdom soldiers to Jhiton’s plan.
What are you doing here, rider? Wreylith’s voice was suspicious, and a trickle of smoke wafted from one of her nostrils.
Meanwhile, two wagons stopped in front of the buildings, and tailgates clanged as they were thrown down.
“Hurry up and get that lumber into the lift,” someone called. “And where’s Teetan, the engineer?”
I came to help Syla. Vorik forced himself to meet Wreylith’s gaze, though he also wondered if he might sneak in and manage to get himself ported down with that lumber, whatever it was for.
Building defenses in the mines? She’s in danger, he added.
Captain Lesva is down there with her. Can you help me get down into the mine?
Wreylith gazed at him so steadily it was unnerving. Worse, a couple of the soldiers had noticed her look and were peering in Vorik’s direction.
You care for her and serve her needs sexually, Wreylith said, but you remain a part of the enemy nation.
Yeah, it’s an ongoing problem. I don’t love her people, but… I do care about her. More than care. Help me before it’s too late. Please.
You are likely here to steal that which protects this island and she seeks to keep hidden.
I’m not. I admit that my people are, but I only came because I care about Syla.
Just visible in the light from the soldiers’ lanterns, another trickle of smoke wafted up from Wreylith’s nostrils. Wrath of the storm god, maybe she meant to roast him.
I also came to warn her! Vorik added quickly.
That she is in danger? She knows.
Does she know that someone replaced her family flag on her castle? And that a huge fleet of Kingdom ships has gathered in the harbor on Castle Island?
The dragon paused, but did she believe him? Her eyes continued to glow balefully, and another tendril of smoke wafted up. She looked like she wanted to set something on fire. Whether he would be the target, he didn’t know.
I think someone is taking advantage of her being gone, Vorik continued. They already took advantage. She may be in danger from more than my people. Can you assist me in getting down there to speak with her—to help her?
When the dragon sprang into the air, wings flapping, Vorik expected her to send a gout of fire at him.
He drew his swords and backed away. But Wreylith flew in the other direction, crossing a bog and streaming flames into the forest. Men shouted, some backing up, but others drew weapons and ran in that direction.
“It must be the stormers!” someone shouted.
Vorik stared, certain it was exactly that. Wreylith must have sensed a rider approaching. Maybe an entire squadron, and she was—
Why do you stand still, human? Wreylith asked into his mind as she flew a circle over the trees, pouring more flames into the forest. Do you not know a distraction when you see it?
Oh! Vorik left his hiding spot to find a way to slip past the troops.
Many remained, including the newcomers with the wagons, but those who hadn’t run to check were looking toward Wreylith and the flames.
Moving silently, Vorik managed to reach the building and dart through the doorway unnoticed.
Thank you, he thought to Wreylith as he ran through the shadows to a square hole in the wooden floor.
You will protect Syla from the dangerous female.
Yes, I will.
She is worthy of a dragon bond, but she is not yet a great fighter.
She’s a great healer and smart and loyal. Vorik peered into the hole. He’d expected a lift for descending, but it must have been at the bottom because only chains dangled down into the depths.
She has great potential, the dragon said. Later, you will serve her as she wishes.
Smiling, Vorik grabbed one of the chains and started climbing down. I look forward to it.
Booms came from the direction of the road, and Vorik lost his smile and paused in his descent. Had Wreylith inadvertently blown up kegs of black powder or something else explosive? No, she hadn’t been sending her fire toward the road, only into the forest.
Your people have taken over the fishing boats and are attacking wagons bringing troops, Wreylith coolly informed him.
I’m… not with them.
I will help the queen by slaying all those who seek access to the mine and that which is within.
I wish you wouldn’t, Vorik said, but I understand.
And so did Jhiton. He’d known what he was getting into.
As another boom sounded, this time answered by a dragon’s roar, Vorik continued his descent. The one who needed his help most was down there.