Snake Heart (Chains of Honor #2) -Lindsay Buroker Page 0,108

an island?” Arayevo asked. “That doesn’t sound small.”

“No, it’s a sizable landmass. It would be an amazing discovery for a nation. If it weren’t underwater.” Dak gripped the railing and peered into the greenish blue water, then cocked an eyebrow at Yanko. “I assume it wasn’t at its current elevation when the Kyattese were enjoying it.”

“I would guess not, but I have no idea how it sank.” Well, Yanko had ideas. He just wasn’t sure he wanted to share, since they might be born of foolish ignorance. He also didn’t want to help the Turgonians discover this land. Or Sun Dragon. More and more, he liked the idea of stealing back the lodestone, finding Zirabo, and returning with ships full of allies rather than enemies. “Nobody on Kyatt told me anything. Including that I was having dinner with the Turgonian president’s children.” Yanko returned Dak’s expression of raised eyebrows. “I would have tried to be more charming. And less distracted.”

“And would you have spent less time with the Nurian neighbor, spilling all of your secrets?”

“Maybe.” Yanko opened his mouth to say more, but a familiar figure strode into view.

Sun Dragon. Yanko would rather have dealt with the mop-wielding soldier.

The man walked past, his robe snapping about his legs, his gray-streaked topknot being tugged by the wind. He clutched the lodestone in one hand, and Yanko could feel its magic singing to him. Sun Dragon did not glance in his direction. He trotted up some steps to what passed for the forecastle on this hulking ship, and he pondered the sea from his elevated position. Yanko hoped he wasn’t finding what he sought.

Admiral Ravencrest walked into view, coming from the direction that Sun Dragon had come. He saw Dak, frowned at Yanko and the others, then walked in their direction.

“Problem, Admiral?” Dak asked, leaning against the railing.

Dak had asked the question in Nurian, but the admiral responded in Turgonian.

“Our Nurian diplomat hasn’t been able to find a lost continent,” Dak translated for Yanko.

Yanko wasn’t sure why he warranted a translation this time, but he was pleased to have one.

“Diplomat?” Lakeo asked. “Is that what he calls himself? That man is about as diplomatic as an ass in need of scratching.”

The admiral looked at her, his eyebrows raised.

“No need to translate back,” Yanko muttered to Dak.

Join me up here, White Fox, Sun Dragon spoke into his head.

Uh. No, thank you?

It was not a request.

Whatever it was, Yanko decided to ignore it. He felt far safer with his comrades at his side than he would up there alone with Sun Dragon. Besides, he saw no reason to chat with the man who had been trying to kill him for weeks.

I am willing to give you a chance to live, Sun Dragon added.

Your generosity is warmer than the sun’s rays.

You’ve been spending too much time with Turgonians. You’ve forgotten your manners and how to address a superior.

A superior? Yanko would allow that Sun Dragon was an elder, but not a superior. He certainly did not deserve Yanko’s regard after their past skirmishes.

I think you need something from me, Yanko said, and that’s the only reason you haven’t tried to roast me with a fireball yet.

What would a child such as yourself have that I need?

I’m strong in earth magic.

Like an old woman, I’ve noticed.

Yes, keep insulting me. I’ll be sure to trot up there to your aid.

Stay where you are then, Sun Dragon said, sneering into Yanko’s mind. I do not need your aid. You will die along with the Turgonians.

Yanko shifted, the railing prodding into his spine. What do you mean? The Turgonians on this ship?

Sun Dragon’s sneer turned into a smile. All of the ships.

Why? How?

Sun Dragon did not answer either question. The ironclad changed course, turning a few degrees to the east, the sun shadows shifting position on the deck. To avoid some underwater threat? The man in the crow’s nest hadn’t called down a warning recently. Was Sun Dragon directing the helmsman, influencing his mind as he had done with the admiral?

“Admiral?” Yanko asked before realizing he was interrupting a quiet discussion between Dak and Ravencrest.

Both men frowned at him.

“Sorry, Honored Admiral.” Yanko offered an apologetic bow, but pressed on. “Why are there so many ships along for what you must have suspected was a pointless mission?”

Ravencrest frowned at Dak, who translated, then answered himself before the admiral could. Actually, given the man’s headshake, the admiral hadn’t planned to answer.

“I requested help from the Turgonian embassy on Kyatt,” Dak said.