Island of Dragons by Lisa McMann

Author:Lisa McMann
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Publisher: Aladdin
Published: 0101-01-01T00:00:00+00:00

A Word from a Leader

When those who wished to fight had assembled, Alex climbed on Simber’s back and stood there so that everyone all the way across the lawn could see him.

It was a fairly large army of several hundred despite their losses against Gondoleery. Many of the Warbler children who had found success in Beginning Magical Warrior Training stood with the Artiméans for the first time. And at the last moment Aaron returned from Quill with a group of Necessaries following him, carrying makeshift weapons and standing in solidarity with the magical world.

Alex watched Aaron come in with the Quillens. When Aaron found a place to stand, he looked up at Alex. Alex tapped his fist to his chest, trying to express his heartfelt thanks to his brother for taking on the role of head mage, at least temporarily, as well as for finding more people to fight with them. Alex knew that if he didn’t make it to the other side of this battle, Artimé would be in good hands.

Aaron lifted his chin, then repeated the fist gesture. He remembered it from the last battle. It was the Artiméan’s symbol of support and courage and dedication. I am with you. Dozens of Artiméans around him had seen Alex do it and responded in kind.

The warriors quieted and turned their full attention to their leader. Alex, overcome with humility, looked back at them, so choked up he was unable to say a single word. They had been here time and time again. They had mourned enormous losses together, and they had celebrated tremendous victories together. They were the living. And as Alex looked from face to face in the crowd, he was determined to keep every last one of them alive. He wanted no one to suffer the way he’d suffered when Meghan had died.

“People of Artimé,” Alex began, “you know how this works. You have your leaders. The squirrelicorns will act as messengers. Expect surprises, as always.” He glanced at the growing line of ships, which seemed to be widening. “The territory we must cover is much larger now than it has been in the past, and the approaching ships appear to be spreading out. Our main enemy will be the pirates, and they know how to fight. I fear they will attack from multiple locations around the island so we must be ready for that. That means our ranks will seem thinner than they are. It means each one of you is more vulnerable than in the past. And it means your significance to Artimé has never been greater than it is today.”

Alex looked over the crowd, and his eyes landed on Sky’s mother, Copper. He hadn’t expected to see her out here fighting. He nodded respectfully at her and continued. “Because we’ll be spread thin along the shoreline around the western half of the island, we must be clever and resourceful. Use the new trees in Quill to hide in. If you’re stationed in the west, utilize the lighthouse and hill to your advantage.

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