Ship of Destiny (Liveship Traders, #3)

by Robin Hobb

muster all your ships, every one that flies a raven flag. You and they will serve as escort for us. The serpents must travel north to a river mouth they scarcely remember, but one I have entered many times in my life as Vivacia. As we move north, we will seek to gather up other serpents. You will protect them from humans. When we reach the river, I will guide them up it, while your other ships keep guard behind us. No ordinary wooden ship can accompany them on that migration. You will give to me, Kennit Ludluck, all that remains of this winter, all of spring, all your days until high summer and the sun’s full heat, as we aid the serpents in what they must do, and guard them through their helpless time. That is the price. Are you willing to pay it?’ In the naming of his name, she bound him. How had she known? Had she guessed? Then he glanced down at the small grinning charm on his wrist. Looking into features twin to his own, he knew his betrayer. The charm winked up at him. ‘I, too, was once a dragon,’ it said quietly.