Dragon Stones Read Free

serve them, and keep our judgments to ourselves."
    He handed Plenn another bowl; she held it up, studying the interior, as if trying to read the future in the grain of the wood.  "I think they are up to unsavory business."
    "So are half our other patrons," Ponn said.
    She put the bowl in the rack.  "They asked about a boat."
    He turned to face her.  "A boat?"
    "Yes."
    "They want to go to the islands?"
    "Yes."
    "Don't they know about the dragons?"
    "I told them, but they insisted."
    Ponn studied his wife's face.  "Perhaps you misunderstood which islands interest them?"
    "No, Ponn.  They want the islands with the volcanoes.  They were very specific.  Go out and ask them, if you doubt me."
    "I don't doubt you," Ponn said, "but perhaps they don't properly comprehend the danger.  I'll go and speak to them."
    "Yes," Plenn said, taking his place at the wash basin.  "Do that.  And find out when they will be leaving.  There is some trade that we are better off without."
    He nodded, then went into the common room.  Three of the strangers sat together at a table on the other side of the round dining area.  One of their number was missing; perhaps he had gone with the eagles, or was up to some other sort of mischief.
    The leader of the group had been eyeing the door to the kitchen; he waved his hand as Ponn entered, summoning him to their table.  These guests had made no formal introductions, but Ponn had heard the others refer to their leader as Gelt in his absence; when he was present they called him sir .
    When he reached their table, Gelt said:  "Innkeeper, your wife is uncooperative."
    "I'm sorry you feel that way," Ponn said.  "Allow me to make amends.  She said you gentlemen were interested in a boat?"
    "Yes, that's right."
    "If you would tell me your purpose, perhaps I can recommend a vessel and captain who will meet your need."
    "Our need is for a swift and sturdy boat, with a shallow draft, that can carry a goodly cargo."
    "What sort of cargo?"
    "Furthermore, we need a guide," Gelt said.  "Someone who knows the coastal waters and can chart a course through the shoals."  The man cocked his head, looking at Ponn like a chameleon observing an insect that had nearly wandered within range of its tongue.  "You're an islander, aren't you, innkeeper?"
    "I am," Ponn said, liking neither the man's tone nor the direction of the conversation.  "But I do not offer my services as a guide, and I do not charter boats."
    "You've got one, though, don't you?" Gelt said.  "You make a good living running wood and spices from this accursed jungle up to Barbareth, cheating your lords out of their rightful tariffs.  Don't you, innkeeper?"
    How could these men know that?  As he glanced around, wondering if anyone had heard Gelt's statement, Ponn's well-practiced smile felt like a frozen rictus on his face.  "I'm afraid you are mistaken," he said.  "I'm a simple innkeeper, and my money comes from the steady patronage of good travelers such as yourselves.  As I said, I am neither a seaman nor a renter of vessels, so I must suggest you look elsewhere."
    "You must?" Gelt said.  "Pity."
    "I'm sorry I couldn't be of more service.  Now, if you'll excuse me, I have work to do."  Ponn gave the men a shaky bow, turned, and started back toward the kitchen; but then Gelt rapped his wooden cup several times on the table, the sounds sharp and hollow.  Ponn stopped short; the inn fell silent, all the patrons turning to look at the table in the corner.
    Gelt said:  "Have you seen your youngest lately, innkeeper?"
    Ponn steadied himself with one hand on the shoulder of a nearby guest, a regular patron; he did not turn around.  "I saw her this morning," he said.
    Gelt said:  "We saw her this morning as well."
    Ponn whirled, was back at their table in a single step.  "If you have harmed her, I will—"
    "You will give us the use of your boat," Gelt said.  "You will go with us to the volcanic islands as our guide.  And when we have