Page 43 of Red Dragon
“Tell me about it. I do think that if shewantsto be queen, she will be.”
Maybe she would then invite him to live withher? Would he ever consider that? A life of ease and comfort in a castle where the sky was protected from predators and men didn’t have to constantly carry their weapons around? It was hard to imagine such an existence. But there would be fruit aplenty. Desserts. And… Syla.
But they hadn’t known each other that long, and half the things they’d spoken to each other had been lies. Jumping to the notion of beingmatesand living together was ludicrous. He’d enjoyed their interactions—especiallytheir interaction in the cave—but all that he truly wanted was for her to be safe and for them to be…
Oh, he didn’t know. For them to be able to spend time together without it being part of a spy mission.
“Here. Leave in the morning, and bring back the components.” Jhiton, probably tired of watching Vorik’s face as he fantasized about Syla, handed him the scrolls. “If you see her and she’s willing to become your mate—one of our people—I wouldn’t object to it, and I can speak with our Chieftess Shi about inviting her into the tribe. A healer with a gods-gift and the power to do more than bandage and prescribe tinctures… I don’t have to tell you that our people could use that.”
“Ah,” was all Vorik said as he realized why Jhiton was entertaining this idea. He wanted Syla’spower.
Meanwhile, all Vorik wanted was…
The memory of his night with Syla sprang into his mind, of her standing between those two candles and removing her robe to show him all her beautiful curves, her full lips parted and her eyes hot with passion as she invited him to take her. His groin tightened again, and he envisioned bringing her back here to join with her every night. But she would never agree to that. She was as devoted to her people as he was to his. And they were so different.
Still… if he saw her again, he mightmentionJhiton’s offer. Just to see if she had any interest in escaping her responsibilities—no, the machinations and assassins of those who wanted to take the throne for themselves—and living a simpler life. One where they could spend time together. And regularly have sex. And feed each other desserts. Hell, maybe hedidwanta mate. Unfortunately, he doubted Princess Syla would be interested in the position.
11
From her roomin the castle, the roof now covered so rain wouldn’t fall through, but the ceiling in need of patching, Syla wrapped her fingers around Wreylith’s figurine. The krendala. Its magic warmed her palm, sending a pleasant tingle up her arm.
Are you out there and able to hear me, Lady Wreylith?
I’m nesting on the Island of Eliok.Her telepathic voice sounded distant and less booming than usual. It was amazing that they could converse at all from so many miles away.Since the sky shield has returned to your Castle Island, there is nowhere there to sleep, unless one wants to perch on a distant rock formation that’s been shit all over by seagulls.An accusation lurked in the words, as if Syla were to blame for the unpleasant situation.
She supposed she was and chewed on her lip, debating how to suggest that a dragon somewhat peeved with her agree to take her and however many allies Wreylith could carry on a journey around the world. Well, technically the locations of the components ought to all be on the continent of Droha, but they might be hundreds or even thousands of miles apart. Like theother great landmass in the world, Froha, Droha framed the great Sea of Storms and claimed countless climate zones and topographical features. Her people often referred to it as the desert continent, since so much of its interior received little rainfall, but there were rainforests and temperate forests along the coast. Syla hoped the first component, the petrified moss-bulb powder, could be found in such an area.
Seagull droppings are unpleasant,she agreed.
Especially to sleep upon.
I imagine so. Earlier, you spoke about dragons bonding with humans. Ifwewere bonded in the way you mentioned, you said you would be able to fly through the sky shield and sleep here?
I’d be able tohuntthere.Images of horn hogs, sheep, and goats accompanied the words.The delicious soft prey of your islands, unstressed animals that haven’t needed to grow as tough and stringy to survive against a barrage of deadly predators.
Can you come if I simply invite you? The impression I got from your, ah, description of me is that you believe I have a few flaws and wouldn’t consider bonding with me.
You are not Queen Erasbella.
I expect not. I am, however, determined, teachable, and well-read in addition to being experienced in the art of healing.
Which of those traits will help you ride on thebackof a dragon?
Why did Syla have the feeling her temporary dragon ally had been affronted, or maybe embarrassed, by having a human dangling from her tail during their battle?
During our first journey, I was starting to figure out how to use my magic to stay on your back. I might merely need more practice. Is it possible you’ll give me a chance for that practice?
I cannot come through the sky shield because you invite me,Wreylith said, opting to answer the earlier question.
That is unfortunate, because I would invite you to hunt here. I owe you that after you helped me.
Yes.
I admit I’m also hoping you’ll help me again.
I assumed. As puny as you are, you need the assistance of a dragon. Perhapsmanydragons.
If only Syla could object to that, but she and the whaling ship wouldn’t have survived the stormer attack if Wreylith hadn’t come and talked other wild dragons into assisting.
