Island of Dragons (Unwanteds #7)(52)

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. And let’s not forget the last time the Warblerans paid us a visit. Be ready for the catapults and steer clear of anything that comes by way of them.”

Alex turned toward the group of Warbler children, and his eyes landed on Thatcher and Scarlet. “Warblerans and orange-eyed Artiméans, I believe these attackers are coming after you. You are welcome to change your mind about fighting. You may go inside and hide if you wish. I encourage you to do so, in fact. We don’t want to lose you. But if you choose to stay and fight, please be extremely cautious and keep yourselves as safe as possible.”

Thatcher glanced at Scarlet. Scarlet lifted her chin and nodded at Alex. She would fight, and so would Thatcher. He nodded at Alex too.

Alex continued with the usual instructions, finishing with a word of encouragement. “Most of all, people of Artimé and our friends from Quill and Warbler,” he said, “I want to thank you for coming here today and being willing to fight, perhaps for the first time, and hopefully for the last. Let’s split up now and go with our leaders. And may we fight with all we have in us to protect this magical land!”

An enormous cheer rose up, and Alex, heartened, lifted his fist in the air, then tapped his chest and held it there. “I am with you!” he shouted.

The people did the same and shouted back, “I am with you!”

After that, the groups began to break off from the crowd, and the leaders gave out their instructions.

Alex turned his focus to the sea, his brain whirring. His fingers moved absently to his pockets, making sure his components were in order, but of course they were. Every spell caster was well stocked with heart attack spells and scatterclips, as well as a variety of nonlethal spells. Everyone had water and knew where to get more.

Inside the mansion, Alex checked in with the hospital ward. Carina had prepped the nurses, and there was plenty of medicine, thanks to Henry’s stockpiles. But it would still be nice to have Henry here. Where was he? And Florence and Spike? Had something happened to Pan?

Alex was forced to put the worry aside. When he saw Captain Ahab stumping toward the shore, Alex called to Simber. “Can you take Captain Ahab and his team to the ship?”

“Of courrrse,” said Simber. He approached the team and knelt so Sean, Carina, and Ms. Octavia could climb onto his back, and then he scooped Captain Ahab up in his mouth, much to the captain’s loud displeasure, and flew them out to the ship. Then Simber returned to shore to collect the rest of their team, including a slightly nervous Fox.

Claire, driving her namesake boat, came into view as she left the lagoon. She waved to Alex, and Alex lifted a hand in return. She drove slowly around the west half of the island. Inside the boat with Claire were Charlie and three other Artiméan spell casters who were learning how to control the white boat in case something should happen to Claire.

A moment later Matilda came running out of the mansion and dashed toward Alex.

“Ms. Morning has sighted Aaron’s team heading for the spot where the palace used to be,” Matilda signed.

“Exactly where I want him,” said Alex. “Aaron knows that part of the shoreline well.”

Matilda relayed the response, and then stood by the front door of the mansion to await further reports.

Restless, Alex went inside the mansion to check on Kaylee and Sky at their stations. Sky was at the front door with her hand on the hilt of her sword. She half drew it when Alex entered, then shoved it back in her belt when she saw who it was.

“Hi,” said Alex. “Are you clear on what to do?”

Sky raised an eyebrow. “Chop up anybody who tries to get inside? Yes, I’m pretty clear. Except for the fact that I can’t always see who’s coming. Shouldn’t we be stationed outside the door?”