Bones of the Dragon - Margaret Weis [233]
Garn smiled. “There is nothing to forgive. Our wyrds were bound together, but the thread of my days ran out.”
“It is not fair! You cannot leave me now,” said Skylan wearily. “Not when I most need you. What will become of our people?”
“I see a long journey, Skylan. I see death and despair. I see hope. I see a dark end and a bright beginning.”
“Why can’t you ever just give me a straight answer?” Skylan asked, and he smiled.
Garn’s spirit began to fade. “Farewell, Skylan. We will meet in Torval’s Hall, and you will tell me of your exploits.”
Skylan held up his bound hands. “I do not think I will get past his door, my friend.”
“Do not be so certain,” Garn said, his voice dwindling. “The thread of your wyrd is strong. You alone can break it.”
Skylan sank back. He could hear the sounds of his men being herded onto the deck, hear the rattle of chains and the shuffling of feet.
“Warriors of the Vindrasi!” Raegar shouted. “Your gods are dead. I am going to tell you of a new god. A powerful god, Aelon, Lord of the New Dawn.”
Wulfe shook his head. “He’s lying. Your gods aren’t dead. Vindrash was badly wounded, but she survived. Torval fought his way back to his Hall. He summoned the souls of the dead warriors, and they drove back the serpents.”
Skylan stared at him, mystified. “How could you possibly know all that?”
“The oceanaids told me,” said Wulfe. He yawned. “I’m bored. Do you want to play dragonbone? I’ll move your pieces for you, since your hands are tied.”
I am in chains. My warriors are prisoners. Aylaen has been taken from me. The spiritbone is lost, the Dragon Kahg wounded, perhaps dead. All because of me, because of my own arrogance and stupidity, my lies and oath-breaking.
Skylan slumped in despair. He did not want to play the game. He wanted to throw the board and pieces and himself in the sea. Let the dark water close over his head. He sank back against the timber and felt something jab him painfully in the buttocks. Skylan swore and shifted about to see what had poked him.
Sunlight gleamed on the blade of a small knife, the type used to gut fish.
Skylan picked up the knife, slender and brittle as hope, and secreted it in his boot. Making sure it was hidden, he turned to Wulfe.
“Roll five bones,” said Skylan.
POSTSCRIPT
Sent by fire, water, and oil, to the Watcher in the Temple of the New Dawn with orders to deliver to Acronis, Tribune.
To Acronis, Honored Tribune of the Twenty-four, Commander of the Navy of his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Dunumadi. Greetings!
I have momentous news. Our glorious god, Aelon, has blessed us far beyond my expectations. My men and I, disguised as traders, had landed on the shores of my homeland. We had made camp and were going to commence our mission to capture one of the Bone Priestesses when the god gave to me a great gift. Aelon dropped into my lap my arrogant and foolish young pup of a cousin, Skylan Ivorson, who, it turns out, is now married to Draya, Kai Priestess, the most powerful priestess of the Vindrasi.
And, by Aelon’s blessing, my stupid young cousin happens to loathe his new bride!
Praise be to Aelon. He has heard our prayers and answered them. I hope that I may soon present the Bringer with the Kai Priestess of the Vindrasi and that we will be able to “persuade” Draya to tell us what she knows of the dragonbone that Aelon, in his wisdom, caused us to find when we attacked the Hall of Vektia.
I will write again when I have firmed up the details of my plan.
I remain as always your servant in the blessed service of Aelon, Lord of Light, etc., and so forth, Raegar, Warrior Priest of Battle’s Glory.
Sent by fire, water, and oil, to the Watcher in the Temple of the New Dawn the next night.
To Acronis, Honored Tribune of the Twenty-four, Commander of the Navy of his Imperial Majesty, Emperor Dunumadi. Greetings!
All is arranged. I have devised a plan to abduct the Kai Priestess. My stupid young cousin will deliver her into our hands, at which time I can slay him if you command it, Master. I venture to suggest, however,