The Dragon Loremaster (Scrolls of Fire Book 2) by Marc Secchia

Author:Marc Secchia [Secchia, Marc]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Published: 2020-08-08T16:00:00+00:00

Chapter 17: Old Haunts

HER ARRIVAL AT YELEGOY Island was a startling contrast to Remoy. Hugs and cheers! Salutations to the mighty Loremaster! She bit her lip and pointedly did not remind them that the issues of a kidnapping, smashing her face and dropping her down a mine shaft remained fresh in her memory. Instead, she smiled and greeted everyone with her best simulation of Southern effusiveness. Here were Master Chazzu and Mistress Tarrinya, Xartis the Oracle, and fairly much the entire government of the newly independent Protectorate of Yelegoy, who had turned out to provide what Southerners called an honour guard.

On a different note, what a thick, delicious, fruity scent filled the air! She could not wait to investigate.

“Mine Master Lurzak, how’s the mining business?” she inquired, as the tumultuous welcome finally started to show signs of abating. Either that, or they had all shouted themselves hoarse. Unlikely, right?

“Sparkling along,” he replied. Joviality from the previously surly and threatening Mine Master? She hoped his face did not crack when attempting a smile. “The mine rotation programme is in full swing. We opened Zanzubo Three just last month – what a haul! I could not be happier with the way that operations are running and under the new regime, we are well underway to paying off our debt –”

“We do have several dietary and environmental details that we’d request you help us clarify with the Symorrian Dragarnads, Loremaster,” Master Chazzu put in. “Would you be willing to visit the mines once more?”

“Indeed. My primary purpose is to consult the Codex – but first, I simply must inquire, whatever is that delectable smell?”

“The peach crop is being harvested as we speak,” Tarrinya noted. “An excellent year. The sourer notes you may detect, Loremaster, are the result of fermentation proceeding twenty-seven hours a day. We produce barrels of peach liqueur of superior quality for export. You’d be welcome to sample it.”

“Thank you, but wine and spirits turn my stomach,” she confessed. “I’d sample those peaches all day long, however.”

“New jaw’s working well?”

“Aye. I learned yesterday I have a new left radius bone, five small bones replaced in my left foot, and that a fist-sized hole in the back of my skull has been patched over. The cancer continues to wreak havoc, unfortunately.”

“I’m grieved,” Tarrinya said sincerely. “Come, Loremaster. My Chazzu will make arrangements to have the mine opened for you in good time. You must stay with us, I insist. And, Romilly has a new man who shall be presented to you, naturally. He’s quite remarkable.”

Chattering away with the energy of ten parakeets, Tarrinya led her away from the Dragonship landing stage. Auli-Ambar reflected on how people assumed friendship. Not that she had very many friends. She was not averse, but perhaps, wary of being used described her feelings more accurately. People both coveted and feared the access she represented to the great powers of Gi’ishior. Were the glory days of the Dragonkind fading, as the Sylakians averred? Could she be serving the wrong masters in the fight for the future?

If only this vessel were not so deeply flawed.

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