Page 68 of Red Dragon
I am certain that no female ever has been drawn by that male’sallure. Also, his screeches are off-key.
To say the least. Syla doubted, however, that she would recognizeon-keydragon screeches if she heard them.
“You don’t think he’s handsome when he keeps his mouth closed?” Syla didn’t know why she asked, other than that shecared about Vorik, and his dragon ally seemed earnest. Agrevlari had been aiding Vorik, who’d also aided her, so she felt an obligation to put in a good word for him. “He did help us during our battle.”
I did notneedthe help of an inferior domesticated dragon!
“Of course you didn’t.Ididn’t mind it.” Maybe Syla shouldn’t have admitted that. She was, after all, supposed to be proving herself worthy to Wreylith, who had yet to say she’d come to offer a ride. Maybe she was still deciding?
It wasn’t entirely unamusing when he turned on his own superior to end the battle.Wreylith’s lips parted, revealing the fangs Syla had been appreciatingnotseeing. Fortunately, it seemed more a smile than a threatening gesture. Like a content dog lolling its tongue out after a run.
Wreylith’s jaws snapped shut, and her lids came down to narrow her eyes. Syla reminded herself about the mind-reading possibility. No, thelikelihood.
“It was amusing, yes,” she said. “And very helpful since I longed not only to live and complete my mission but keep this whaling vessel from being destroyed by dragon fire.”
Poor Captain Radmarik. His ship had been set upon and damaged twice now because of her. She would have to arrange payment again so he could finance a second round of repairs. How she would manage that, she didn’t know, since General Dolok mightalreadyhave taken over the castle—and its coffers—in her absence.
We await another, and then we may begin your journey.
“Oh? You’re willing to take me? Us? Will the other carry one of my allies?” Syla waved toward the doorway to indicate Fel and Teyla outside.
I will carry you. The inferior domesticated dragon has agreed to port the others. Unlike superior wild dragons, she was born to weak dragons who kowtow to puny humans,so she is accustomed to the idea. No wild dragon that I tangentially broached the subject with showed interest.
“I would be delighted and honored to have the assistance of another dragon, no matter what her origins.”
After the words came out, Syla questioned them. What Wreylith calleddomesticated dragonswere dragons allied with the stormers, those who let riders on their backs and battledherpeople. Even though they retained their independence and were only allies—not at the beck and call of the stormers—would it be safe for Fel and Teyla to get on the back of one? What if this new dragon was coming along so that she could spy and report back to the stormers?
Of course you are honored. Dragons are vastly superior to your kind.
“You’re right. I should have brought you an offering.” Syla thought of the cookies she’d given to Vorik but doubted the carnivorous dragon would have enjoyed them.
That would have been appropriate, but you’ve promised me numerous delicious animals in exchange for my help. In particular, I look forward to the horn hogs.
“After we get back, I’ll get those animals, yes. It’ll just take me some time to arrange for hunters to acquire everything on the agreed-upon list.” Syla didn’t mention that it might be as hard for her to arrange that as to get money out of the castle coffers. If Wreylith helped her, she wouldfind a way to make good on her promise. Even if she had to wander the countryside herself, bartering healing for meat.
You might have brought a preliminary morsel, thus to ensure my willingness to stick with you throughout what might be a tedious journey of many days.An image of a sheep standing in a pasture accompanied the words.
“You’re right. I should have thought of that.” Syla also didn’t mention that she’d had to flee Castle Island and that carryinga sheep draped over her shoulders would have made that more challenging than it already had been.
Wreylith’s warm breath filled the room. Another snort?The domesticated dragon will arrive soon.
“So we can go? Let me tell Captain Radmarik that we’ll depart.” Syla lifted a hand for the door latch but paused, making sure Wreylith truly did intend to take them.
We can go, yes.
“What made you decide that I’m… worthy of helping?”
Maybe Syla didn’t want to know. She wasn’t proud of having killed that man and worried that was what had swayed the dragon. Had Wreylith been able to see or sense that all the way from Harvest Island? Syla didn’t berate herself for defending her own life, but she wished she’d been able to incapacitate the man instead of killing him. If there’d been more time and she hadn’t been reacting on instinct—on sheer terror—maybe it could have gone differently.
You successfully defended yourself from an assassin,Wreylith said.
Syla nodded grimly and unfastened the door latch. It was what she’d expected the dragon to say.
And you lured what humans would consider a powerful individual to kneel before you and satisfy your sexual needs.
Syla almost fell through the door. Thatwasn’twhat she’d expected the dragon to say. How could Wreylith have known what was going on in the wheelhouse from so far away? Fromanydistance. The door had been shut, Agrevlari’s belly had blocked the hole, and there was nothing but sea beyond the front windows.
Wreylith’s jaws parted, again bringing the thought of contented dog-tongue-lolling to mind. And did those golden eyes glint withhumor?
