The Siren and the Deep Blue Sea - Kerrelyn Sparks Page 0,89
assured her, giving her hand a squeeze.
Lucas regarded his daughter with a stern look. “You must be strong, Luciana. It is your duty to rule Eberon while your husband is away.”
“I know, Papa. But I’ll feel better having you here.”
Leo stepped close to his father-in-law. “I wanted you here, too. If the worst happens and we’re defeated, the Embraced army will head straight to the mainland to conquer the countries here while their kings are gone. You will have to lead our army to defend Eberon.”
Luciana gasped. “You just said you would be fine!”
“We will be,” Leo insisted. “We just have to be prepared in case . . .” He stopped when he saw tears forming in her eyes.
“Shouldn’t General Harden be in charge of the army?” Lucas asked.
“He’s coming with us,” Leo said.
With a frown, Lucas nodded. “I will do as you ask. But if the worst happens and the women and children are in danger—”
“I’ve made arrangements,” Silas told them. “A few war dragons will take them to a hidden place in the Norveshki mountains. They will be safe there.”
Lucas took a deep breath. “I will pray that it never comes to that.”
“We all will,” Leo agreed.
“A ship is approaching!” Dimitri called from the open doorway.
They all filed out the door onto the stair landing.
“The flag looks like two white circles on a bright blue background,” Dimitri said.
Luciana lifted a hand to shield her eyes from the bright sun. “That’s the flag of the Isle of Moon.”
It must be an envoy from Queen Esther, Leo thought as he and the others headed down the stairs. By the time they crossed the front lawn, his servants had helped the small ship tie off next to the Eberoni royal barge.
“Welcome to Eberon!” Leo shouted as he stepped onto the pier.
“I’m Captain Chapman of the Isle of Moon,” a tall man with a flamboyant hat called from the ship’s deck while his crew set a gangplank in place. “I have urgent news for King Leofric of Eberon.”
“I am the king.” As Leo approached, he quickly identified his companions.
Captain Chapman strode across the gangplank, whipped his hat off, and bowed. “Yer Majesties. Queen Esther has bid me deliver these messages.” He handed Leo a leather parcel.
While Leo quickly untied the leather thongs around the parcel, Silas stepped closer to the captain.
“What can you tell us?” Silas asked. “Is the Embraced army on the Isle of Secrets?”
“Is Maeve all right?” Luciana asked.
“The army is, indeed, there,” Captain Chapman confirmed, and everyone exchanged looks.
“We will be leaving right away, then,” Leo said as he opened the leather parcel and removed some folded papers.
“I saw yer navy when we passed by Ebport,” the captain said. “They stopped us, and General Harden questioned me. He asked me to assure you that they would be ready by the time ye arrive.”
“Has the Tourinian navy arrived?” Brigitta asked.
The captain shook his head. “There were five ships there, all flying the Eberoni flag. If ye don’t mind, I’ll take my ship back with you. Our Queen is readying her navy—”
“You’re joining us in battle?” Leo asked.
“Aye. We have five ships, including mine.” Captain Chapman bowed his head. “We thank you for assisting us.”
Leo nodded. “We’ll head to the Isle of Moon first so your ships can join ours.”
“Queen Esther will be delighted to meet you,” the captain said with another bow.
“After we arrive at the Isle of Moon, I’ll shift and fly south to locate the elfin navy,” Silas offered.
The captain blinked. “Ye’ll . . .fly?”
“He’s a dragon,” Dimitri explained. “So am I.”
The captain stepped back, his eyes widening.
Meanwhile, Leo had unfolded the papers, and he began reading the first page. To his surprise, it was a letter from Brody.
Leo,
You and the other kings must prepare immediately for war. We have discovered the last members of the Circle of Five and their Embraced army on the Isle of Secrets, located southwest of the Isle of Moon.
Attack them while they are still on the island. Beware of their leader, Cahira, a powerful sea witch, who can destroy ships. The leader of the Embraced army is the Chameleon. One of their soldiers has lightning power like you, and another has wind power like Rupert.
Queen Esther of the Isle of Moon is preparing her naval forces to join yours. I will be on the Isle of Secrets with Maeve and Nevis, where we will coordinate our attacks with yours.
Brody
“A letter from Brody.” Leo passed the first page to Silas, who held it