Island of Dragons (Unwanteds #7)(39)

Alex lagged behind on the boat, heaving two sacks of the dirt they’d transported and bringing them onto the shore, then going back for more. He wanted to give Aaron a moment to catch up. He also selfishly wanted Aaron to feel sad about leaving him, but that didn’t seem to be happening. Alex was miserable, and Aaron seemed actually . . . joyful.

Soon Ito broke away and rushed across the rocks to Alex’s side. He grabbed the last sack of dirt, flung it over his shoulder and carried it to the pile, then pulled Alex by the arm to the others, talking excitedly in his native language. Alex smiled reluctantly and joined them.

“We are glad to see you both alive and well,” Ishibashi said. “We’ve been worried these past months. He turned to Aaron. “And how is your applecorn?”

Aaron laughed. “It’s intact,” he said.

Alex looked puzzled, but no one explained.

“Are you here to visit? Or to stay?” asked Ishibashi.

“My job in Artimé is done, and I’m here to stay,” said Aaron. “If you’ll let me.”

Ishibashi’s grin grew wide. He turned to Ito and Sato and translated the news. The two older men clasped their hands together, expressing their happiness.

“And Alex-san?”

“Oh,” said Alex, “I’ve got to go home.”

“Will you stay for tea?” Ishibashi asked.

Alex didn’t know how long he wanted to extend the agony. But it wouldn’t be polite to say no. “Sure, I’d love that,” he said. “Thank you.”

Ishibashi spoke to Ito and Sato again, and soon the two hurried off toward the shelter.

Alex, Aaron, and Ishibashi remained on the shore, and while Aaron and Ishibashi talked excitedly, Alex looked on, feeling a bit lost. He watched his brother become alive and animated—a rare sight—and he knew Aaron was in the right place here. But it didn’t make Alex feel much better.

Alex’s sight blurred. “You forgot your bag,” he said, turning abruptly. He crossed the rocks to the white boat, taking a few deep breaths to steady himself. It would be a lonely ride home, just him and Charlie.

Alex climbed into the boat and picked up Aaron’s trunk and bag of belongings. They weren’t heavy—Aaron hadn’t acquired much in his time away from the Island of Shipwrecks. Alex carried them ashore and dropped them at Aaron’s feet.

Aaron looked up. “Thank you,” he said, sounding a bit guilty. “You didn’t have to do that.”

Alex waved him off, not trusting his voice. He attempted a smile, which came out a bit crooked.

Ishibashi put his hand on Alex’s arm. “Thank you for bringing Aaron home to us. Perhaps we can convince you to stay the night?”

Alex shook his head. “No, thank you, Ishibashi-san. I’ve got to get back to Artimé and check on Henry. He’s been out saving the giant crab island’s life . . . somehow.”

Ishibashi looked confused for a moment, but then his face cleared. “Ah, I see,” he said knowingly. Then his eyes grew troubled. He looked from one boy to the other, but he remained silent.

Alex couldn’t bear to look at Aaron. “Actually,” he said abruptly, “I should probably skip tea and head out. I’m . . . I’m sorry for the trouble.”

Ishibashi smiled sympathetically. “Tea is never trouble. But I understand.”

Alex’s face crumbled. He had to get out of there. Finally he looked at his brother. “Good-bye,” he said.

Aaron reached out his arms and embraced Alex for a long moment. “I’ll see you again soon.” He patted Alex on the back, a bit harder than he intended, for he hadn’t yet perfected the sort of touch one gives when one is going to miss someone. And then he remembered the jungle.

Aaron closed his eyes for a moment and sighed. “Before you go, there’s something you should know,” he said. He opened his eyes and looked out over Alex’s shoulder at the white boat, where Charlie was waving and jumping up and down on one of the seat cushions. Aaron frowned and released Alex. “Oh my,” he said. “Look. Charlie’s waving, and I don’t think he’s just saying good-bye.”

Alex turned quickly and squinted at the gargoyle, whose waving now turned to hand signals.

Aaron looked from Alex’s face to Charlie’s, and back again.

Alex strained to make out what Charlie was saying. After a minute, his hand rose to his chest. He clutched his robe and swore under his breath. Charlie finished signing and stood there in the boat, shoulders slumped.

“What is it?” asked Aaron anxiously. “What’s happened?”

Alex turned to Aaron and Ishibashi. “I’ve got awful news,” he said with agonizing slowness. “It appears Artimé is about to be obliterated.”





Ishibashi’s Secret


What?” cried Aaron. “Obliterated? By whom? Certainly not Quill. Not after everything you’ve done for them.”

“No, it’s not Quill this time,” said Alex. “There’s not a lot of information yet. The escapee from Warbler regained consciousness for a few moments—long enough to give a warning before collapsing again. She said that Queen Eagala and the pirates have been plotting the demise of Artimé for some time. And they are only days away from an attack.” Alex turned back to Charlie. “Is there anything else?” he called.