Page 66 of Red Dragon
“I needyou,” Vorik said in frustration.
“I know. Later?” She gripped his shoulders and gave him a hopeful smile.
“Are you coming with me?” Vorik doubted she’d changed her mind, unless her adoration for him and utter delight in his lovemaking abilities had swayed her.
If only…
“No,” Syla said. “You should stay withme.”
Vorik sighed. He couldn’t abandon his mission and his people any more than she could. Although, if not for Wise, he might have been tempted todelayhis mission for a couple of days. Especially since Captain Lesva would be in the area and a threat to Syla.
Even if it would put them at odds, Vorik hoped Sylawasleaving on a quest to find the shielder components. Anything to keep her away from Lesva.
A shout came from outside, someone announcing the appearance of athirddragon.
Wreylith seems dangerous and determined,Agrevlari noted.
Doesn’t she always?Reluctantly, Vorik stepped back, plucked Syla’s underwear off the deck, and handed them to her.
Yes, but I’ve yet to succeed in winning her favor after facing her in battle as an opponent. I suggest you fasten your lower-limb garments and prepare to leave swiftly if this doesn’t melt her heart.
If what doesn’t?
A horrific screeching croon came from the roof of the wheelhouse. Vorik winced.
Syla flung her hands over her ears. “What is your dragondoing?”
“I believe he’s singing to Wreylith, possibly about love and mangroves.”
Syla’s jaw dropped in an incredulous expression as another round of screeching caterwauls came from the roof.
“What is that?” someone yelled, voice pained. “Will that one attack?”
“Will thered oneattack?”
Per Agrevlari’s advice, Vorik fastened his trousers, then grabbed his pack and sword scabbard, returning them to his back. Syla slipped her underwear on and straightened her dress a second before Lieutenant Wise flung open the door.
“Sir, I think we should go.” Wise had to shout to be heard over the serenade from above. “Wreylith is coming, and your dragon…” His gaze drifted upward. Visible through the hole, Agrevlari’s scaled torso flexed as he took a deep breath to issue what had to be the next verse.
“Is pissing her off?” Vorik gripped Syla’s hands, wishing he could stay, but he realized that if Wreylith was coming, he might notneedto stay. If the red dragon intended to protect Syla, Lesva wouldn’t be as keen to attack.
Leave the vessel of the human princess, you odious fool!Wreylith boomed into their minds.
“Uh, is she talking to you, sir?” Wise asked. “Or Agrevlari?”
“I’mnot the one singing to her.” Vorik kissed Syla, then released her. “Be careful, Your Highness.”
He turned to leap through the hole but not before catching her mouth the word, “Singing?” as if she couldn’t believe even a dragon would classify those horrible noises thusly.
“Goodbye, Vorik,” Syla called softly as he pulled himself onto the rooftop and climbed onto Agrevlari’s back. “Thank you for coming.”
Vorik almost called back that he cared for her and wouldalwayscome, but he was now in view of dozens of men, and, thanks to Agrevlari’s screeches, most of them were looking toward him. They were also glancing with worry toward the red dragon approaching the vessel from the direction of Harvest Island, but they wouldn’t miss Vorik blurting something cheesy. And Wise wouldn’t either. He had run out on deck, looking forhisdragon, but Tonasketal had taken to the air already. The gray dragon remained in the area but was eyeing Wreylith’s approach—yes, shedidlook determined—and staying out of her flightpath.
“Up here, Wise,” Vorik called.
Instead of shouting words of adoration down to Syla, he dug into his pack and pulled out three of the squishy juggling balls he toted around to entertain himself while on missions. Thinking of their last conversation on the hobby, he smiled and tossed them through the hole to land at her feet. Syla blinked at him but picked them up.
Wise grunted as he pulled himself onto the roof of the wheelhouse. Not bonded to his dragon, he lacked the magical strength and agility that some riders had, so his climb wasn’t that agile, but he managed and scrambled up behind Vorik. He even retained the scrolls, the bent parchment stuffed through his belt.
