Page 78 of Red Dragon
“I don’t know, sir. We just know of the link.”
Vorik scratched his jaw. He believed that Syla could take her rightful spot as queen of the Garden Kingdom if she wished, but he didn’t know if he should hope for her to do that or not. When he’d implored her to come with him, he’d mostly been thinkingabout protecting her from Lesva, but Jhiton’s offer might have been in the back of his mind too. If Syla were forced into exile, or had to flee because she had assassins after her, she might more seriously consider an invitation to join the stormers. He couldn’t wish for her to be endangered, but…
He sighed again and murmured, “Conflicted.”
The Swordhawk Tribe wing is flying up the coast,Agrevlari said.
Tonasketal had turned his long neck to gaze out toward the sea. They’d flown far enough up the river that it was barely visible, but Vorik didn’t doubt that the dragons sensed others in the area.
“The general mentioned summoning more people to solidify our holding on Harvest Island,” Vorik said. “They might be flying up the coast to report to him before heading out over the sea.”
“General Amalia was also talking with General Jhiton yesterday,” Wise said, “about a plan to attack Bogberry Island to split the Kingdom forces. They seemed to think they might be able to learn the location of the shielder there and disable it, but I haven’t heard any new intelligence about that.”
“Neither have I, though I know Jhiton would like that island. He wants to claim the three northernmost because they’d be easier to defend. Oh, he wants the whole Kingdom, but I think his back-up plan is to acquire those three. They’d be enough to feed our people if we wanted to settle down and farm.” Vorik wondered how many of his foraging, hunting, and nomad-life-loving kin would be willing to do that. If it meant a more stable existence, at least some would, but maybe not all.
“Settle down? That’s not what General Amalia and Chief Tenilor were talking about.”
Vorik frowned, wondering why he hadn’t been invited to whatever meeting this had been. At the least, Jhiton usuallyfilled him in on things. The uneasy thought that his allegiance might be in question right now bothered him.
“Whatwerethey talking about?”
“Ruling over the gardeners and keeping our existing life while they farm for us.” Wise shrugged. “It sounded a little tyrannical and despotic to me, and I don’t think that’s what all our leaders want, but… it was being discussed.”
“Enslaving them.”
“Essentially. Some people like Captain Lesva have grudges, family members who tried to go back and were turned away. Others who hoped for healing or refuge for a time have also been turned away. That is a common theme.”
“I’m aware, but we’re notenslavingan entire nation. I know that’s not Jhiton’s plan.” Vorik squinted at Wise, hoping that was the truth, that his brother’s plans hadn’t changed without Vorik being informed.
“No, I don’t think that’s what he wants, sir. But he’s only the leader of the Sixteen Talons.”
“Only.”
“I didn’t mean he’s not important and doesn’t have a lot of sway, but the tribal chiefs are in charge of the military.” Wise shrugged again, then looked toward the sea.
A dragon with a female rider was approaching. She lifted a hand toward them.
That’s Balinskil, Tonasketal said, naming the dragon rather than the rider.
“And Lieutenant Savlin.” Vorik recognized the woman’s broad face and short wiry black hair as he remembered the dragon she rode. “There’s not room on this perch for anyone else.”
Wise laughed. “No, sir. We’ll move.”
Tonasketal took off, the breeze from his wings riffling through Vorik’s hair. In a few moments, Savlin and her dragon landed beside Agrevlari.
“Good evening, sir,” she said, smiling. “It’s always a pleasure to run into you, but what brings you way down south?”
“A mission for the general. The usual.”
“Of course. We’re heading to check in with General Jhiton now, and I’m eager to sample the pears we heard proliferate on the Kingdom island we took.”
“They’re delicious.”
“When we sensed you, I decided to check in to see if you need anything.” Savlin raised her eyebrows.
“Just a moon-marked gardener, apparently.”
Savlin blinked. “Sir?”
