Bones of the Dragon - Margaret Weis [211]
Their heads were small, like spiders, and swiveled on long necks. They had small bright eyes and small mouths and long, silky hair. They wore nothing but cloth twined about their privates. They carried what looked to be a child’s toy: two large stones hanging from each end of a length of rope.
But this was no toy. One of the giants began to dexterously twirl the rope in his hand, causing the two stones to whip about with destructive force. The giant struck several pine trees with the stones. The pines seemed to explode, limbs snapping and branches flying. Skylan pictured the stones whirling among his men, smashing them to bits.
My men died, crushed to bloody pulp.
Skylan turned and ran back toward the bay, thinking as he ran. In his lie, he had told how Draya had tried to summon the Dragon Kahg only to be carried off by a giant. The dragon could fight these monsters. Skylan had to reach the camp before the giants did.
Skylan passed the hunting party on his way. A sharp command brought the men dashing after him. He arrived in camp to find the men already armed and prepared for a fight.
Winded from his run, Skylan had to pause a moment to find breath enough to speak. He kept his eye on the east. The giants had been moving fast. They would be here soon.
“We’re about to be attacked,” Skylan gasped. “By giants.”
“Then what you said is true!” Erdmun cried. “Torval’s curse is upon us! We’re not wanted here! We should not have come!”
“Torval’s curse upon you if you don’t shut your mouth!” Skylan said furiously. “We don’t have time for wailing and whining. I need Treia. She must summon the Dragon Kahg to help us fight these creatures.”
Skylan cast a glance about the gathering on the beach. He saw Aylaen and Garn, but they were alone.
“Where is Treia?” he demanded.
“We thought she was with you!” Aylaen said, her voice quavering.
“With me?” Skylan stared at her. “Why would you think that?”
“She said she was going to go with you to the Hall of Vektia.” Aylaen faltered and grew pale. “Vindrash save us! Treia is out there . . . by herself. . . .”
“Skoval’s balls!” Skylan swore. “I never saw her. When did she leave? How long ago?” He glared at Garn. “I ordered you to guard her! Why did you let her go off alone?”
“He didn’t, Skylan,” Aylaen said defensively. “Treia said she felt faint. I stayed with her while Garn went to fetch water. When Garn left, Treia said she had sent him away on purpose. She was going to the Hall to pray for Raegar. I begged her not to go, but she assured me she would be safe. She said she would meet you. I couldn’t stop her. She was gone by the time Garn came back.”
“I set out after her,” Garn added. “I picked up her trail and yours. And then I ran into Wulfe, who was yelling about a dragon. I didn’t believe him, but the boy was clearly frightened, and I feared something had happened to you. I made the decision to come back to arm the men. I was going to bring them to your aid.”
“You did the right thing,” Skylan muttered. Garn always does the right thing. I’m the one who constantly fouls up.
Now he had five tree-snapping giants bearing down on them and no Bone Priestess and no way to summon the dragon.
Unless . . .
Skylan looked at Aylaen. “Did Treia take the spiritbone with her?”
“No, I have it. . . .” Aylaen realized what he was about to say next and she vehemently shook her head. “I can’t, Skylan! You can’t ask me!”
“I’m not asking,” said Skylan grimly. “I’m ordering. Treia has been training you to be a Bone Priestess. You know the ritual. You have to summon the Dragon Kahg. Otherwise we’re going to be smashed to pudding.”
“You don’t understand—” Aylaen swallowed.
“I understand that we’re all going to be killed if you don’t summon the dragon!” Skylan yelled.
“Don’t shout at her,” Garn said angrily.
“You shut up!” Skylan glared at him. “Aylaen?”
“I lied, Skylan!” Aylaen’s eyes shimmered with tears. “I lied to you. I lied to the Kai. I didn’t come because I wanted to be a Bone Priestess. I came because . . .”
“I know why you came,” said Skylan bitterly.
He wanted