Page 104 of Red Dragon
“You are Princess Syla,” the woman said.
“Yes. Are you— Is this the Freeborn Faction?”
“Yes. I’m a former captain of the Sixteen Talons. Now, my people call me Chieftess, though I don’t claim to be a ruler, just an organizer.” Despite the words, she had the mien of a leader. “You can call me Atilya.”
“Oh. You must be Captain Radmarik’s, uhm.” Syla almost saidwife, since he’d used that term, but he’d also suggested their marriage wasn’t legal, and when he’d spoken of the romantic encounters he enjoyed, she’d wondered if the stormer woman truly considered him a life partner. “Companion,” she finished.
Atilya snorted.
Not sure how to interpret the sound, Syla added, “The one who gives him sugar cane.”
“Yes, I like to reward him for enthusiasm under the furs.”
“Er, yes.”
Apparently, Atilya was going to be as open about discussing sex with a near stranger as Radmarik had been.
“I’ve heard that’s a good idea,” Syla added.
“It encourages good behavior and repeat performances.” Atilya didn’t wink, but she did smile slightly.
Syla had yelled at Vorik instead of rewarding him, but he’d arrived to steal her amphora and kidnap her. He’d deserved it.
“Are you also here for teal ore?” Atilya waved toward the large orange dragon, suggesting Igliana’s father as her source.
“I am hoping to acquire some, yes. It’s critical to repairing… something that was recently broken.” Maybe Syla didn’t need to be vague, but she’d just met this woman. She couldn’t confide in her.
“Ah, is that what it’s for? Repairing a shielder?” Atilya sounded certain of her guess.
“One of them, yes,” Syla admitted.
She adjusted her spectacles and noticed Fel and Teyla standing nearby, probably wondering if this was a private chat or if they should come over.
“You’re not what I expected from one of the royal family.” Atilya flicked two fingers toward her spectacles, then lowered her gesture to include the rest of Syla. “Your older siblings were all warriors, weren’t they? Even your sisters?”
Syla’s cheeks warmed at the insinuation that she was lesser. Captain Lesva’s words—insults—came to mind. Did all female stormers think of Kingdom women as soft and weak? At least those who didn’t study swordsmanship and keep themselves heroically fit?
“They were.” Syla didn’t want to talk about her deceased siblings. She wanted to negotiate for ore—and maybe the help of these people and especially their dragons.
Wreylith had been watching those dragons—maybe she was speaking telepathically with them—but now her head swung around, her eyes glowing golden as they locked onto Atilya.The human princess has a magical gift greater than typical for your puny kind, and she’s proven the ability to use her power to slay an enemy.
Syla’s cheeks flushed further. Normally, she would be delighted to have Wreylith come to her defense, but she didn’t want her telling people that she’dkilledthat man. It had been self-defense.
“I’m a healer by training,” Syla said as Atilya’s eyebrows rose.
“I suppose that would give one the knowledge to kill by many means. Potions, poisons, and… magic?” Atilya’s eyebrows climbed further, as if she hadn’t contemplated it before, but she didn’t scoff or suggest it wasn’t possible.
“I’ve healed hundreds if not thousands of people. I’ve only… Well, if I have to defend myself, I’ve recently learned?—”
It would be far more advantageous to be the ally of the princess than her enemy,Wreylith said.She has potential to gain greater ability than her weak eyes and body suggest.
“It’s wonderful when you stand up for me,” Syla murmured.
Maybe it had been better when Wreylith hadn’t.
I am assisting you in gaining an alliance.The words didn’t seem to reach Atilya.Again, you are welcome. Feel free to add more sheep and horn hogs to what you’ve already promised me.Manymore horn hogs.
“But does she have the potential to become queen and lead her people?” Atilya’s eyebrows had descended, and now she squinted thoughtfully at Syla. “And make decisions regarding who and who is not invited to visit their islands?”
