Contest (The Stork Tower Book 6) Page 12

  “Your Majesty, I am prepared to accept this charge and will do my utmost, using all my resources, to affect this unfortunate person’s release. I do have several questions for your Majesty concerning the endeavour which I believe might give me greater clarity in understanding the task.”

  Queen Alexandra had been expecting Leah to show more hesitation and her pleasure showed briefly on her face before she said, “As I am able, I will provide what help I might.”

  “My first question concerns the identity of this citizen. I understand the need for discretion but how might I ascertain that the person rescued is the individual at the heart of this quest? Do you have a description or know of an identifying mark?”

  “At birth, she bore a wine coloured butterfly-shaped birthmark on her back near her right shoulder. I imagine her features will bear a strong resemblance to Prince Albert. It is inconceivable that the Pyranthians would use a substitute to look for redemption. Their Festival of Blood is sacred to them, and to act falsely before the people and their ancestors is a far greater transgression than mere cowardice. When you return the citizen, it must be in secret. She must be presented to my guards at a hunting estate outside the city. There she will be examined to ensure she is indeed the citizen in question. Have you any other concerns?”

  “It would assist the quest greatly if I might have access to any detailed maps and intelligence concerning the Pyranthian capital, the surrounding area, and the Festival of Blood.”

  The queen was still as she considered the question and then replied, “If you are willing, then we shall instruct our Head of Intelligence to appoint a senior officer with experience in Pyranthia to accompany you and provide information and assistance as required.”

  “Such a person will be invaluable as a resource. My only reservation would be that they must be instructed to place themselves under my command during this assignment. It would cause confusion if they had competing tasks, or orders, during the time wherein they are assigned to assist me.”

  “It shall be as you say, Captain Charlotte. Are there any further issues whereby the crown might assist you in this quest?”

  “Only one, your Majesty. I would like to clear up the matter of the ‘Tempest’.”

  After a moment’s reflection, the queen said, “With the person of Lord Emerson having been unmasked as a man without honour, it is my decision that the Tempest must be credited as a legitimate prize. I declare that it is awarded to you, Captain Charlotte.”

  “Thank you, your Majesty. I have no further questions except to suggest that after I have the opportunity to discuss details of the quest with my captains, and with the senior agent from Intelligence, that some issues of importance may arise from these discussions which require further clarification.”

  “Then my guards will show you and Lady Katherine out. The agent will arrive at the airfield with all haste after they are briefed. They shall hold a letter of introduction and use the word ‘tranquil’ when introducing themselves.”

  Neither Kate nor Leah spoke until they were outside the palace and sitting in the carriage that was waiting outside the gates. Billy was waiting inside, and as they moved off, he said, “Captain, there is much talk throughout the city of the events of last evening. As a result, your visit to the palace is common knowledge throughout Aeolipile. I assume the visit involved the true heir and that the queen requires some secrecy. I suggest you either find an alternate reason to leave Aeolipile, or you sneak away unnoticed. If not, I believe you will be hounded by treasure hunters and those who seek glory in its many guises.”

  Leah considered the options and said, “Unfortunately we are somewhat constrained by time. Would you be able to arrange for two people who could be made to resemble Katherine and me? If they were to be seen leaving the airfield in this carriage and afterwards alighting at the Herrington, then it is possible the hounds will lose the scent.”

  Billy considered Leah’s words for several moments, then said, “I believe there are two such individuals who have the skills to make that work.”

  He moved to the front of the carriage, and after opening a small concealed door, he whispered something to the driver. Closing the small door, he said, “If this is to work then you and Katherine will need new attire. I can access Katherine’s wardrobe, but the Herrington’s security is sufficient to prevent simple access. Might you write a note to the concierge and arrange access?”

  Leah agreed and made a quick note on some paper Billy provided from beneath one of the seats. When she’d finished writing Katherine said, “Leah, Thad will want to accompany us on the quest. I suggest Billy arranges for him to be smuggled onto the Tempest. I’ll write a note detailing the plan.”

  Leah said, “You’d best tell him to hurry. I want the Tempest to depart within two hours. I sent word yesterday concerning our imminent departure and all should be prepared.”

  Katherine added information about the time constraints and Billy passed the note to the driver. Moments later the carriage arrived at the entrance to the airfield. Once the occupants had been recognised the carriage was waved through and proceeded to the place where the Tempest and most of Leah’s other ships were berthed. In addition to the Draken, Ian and Mr Wilks had kept three of the other prizes. Two were berthed at the airfield while the third was so large it remained airborne and outside the city limits. The two at the airfield were both smaller than both the Tempest and the Draken.

  The first, while smaller than the Draken, suited the name better. It was held aloft by two long cylindrical airbags. A frame in the form of a dragon had been built around the balloons. The head housed the pilot and command staff. Huge wings swept to either side and not only had multiple small propellers to move the aerostat, but they could be angled to increase the rate of ascent or descent and gave the ship a small turning radius. Clutched in the dragon’s claws was the gondola shaped like a set of barbells. The dragon held the bar with an orb on either end and both bristled with gunports. The living quarters were built between the two airbags. The ship was covered with midnight black metallic scales and was named Ancalagon.

  The second ship had twin hulls like a catamaran and was kept aloft by four large propellers which swivelled to allow for vertical takeoff and landing. Large winged keels jutted underneath both hulls and aided the pilot with manoeuvring. The aircraft had been renamed the Duel’s Bounty after Leah had killed Hugh Westmorten. Ian had noticed her disdain for the previous name, it had been the Whore’s Desire.

  The large ship, the one that wasn’t present, was held aloft by eight enormous sausage shaped airbags and powered by a complex mixture of propeller and sail. Under the bags were three levels. The first had space for living quarters and storage. The two lower levels housed the ship’s main armament which was upwards of fifty fighters when at full strength. The privateer captains had awarded this to Charlotte expecting her to sell it as scrap because its complement of fighters had been reduced to eight during the battle. Ian and Mr Wilks had assured Leah that the ship itself was mostly undamaged and if they could restore it to full functionality it would be a significant addition to her fleet. The ship was called the Iapetus after one of the Titans of Greek mythology.

  17

  Chapter 17

  December 17, 2073 - Early Morning - Part 8

  PNEUMATICA

  As soon as they arrived, Leah was directed to the Ancalagon where Ian and Mr Wilks were in a meeting with the ship’s new captain. Leah climbed through the airship into the dragon’s head. Every crew member she passed was wearing a uniform. Each one stopped what they were doing as she approached and came to attention. She acknowledged each person with a brief nod. After she moved past the crew returned to their work.

  Both men and women wore steel-capped calf-high thick-leather work boots and black denim leather work pants with armoured knees and multiple pockets which opened and closed with both buckles and laces. Each had a thick work-belt from which there hung twin holsters in addition to a variety of tools and pouch
es.

  Over black linen shirts, the men wore black and blood red brocade leather-trimmed vests. The brocade featured both the Ancalagon and Leah’s symbol of the bleeding eye. Women wore the same brocade but on a leather-trimmed overcast corset with connected shrug jackets. The vests and corsets each had an assortment of steel buckles, clasps, and D-rings.

  Additionally, each aeronaut had a series of conchos inlaid along the leather trim. These conchos revealed the crew member’s rank and duty station. Each crew member wore a black leather hat and a set of aviator goggles which varied depending on the aeronaut's station and duty. They were all similar in one aspect though, each set of goggles had the left lens tinted blood red.

  Beside the Ancalagon’s bridge was a small office and it was here that she found Ian, Mr Wilks and her three new captains seated around a table. As she entered the room, everyone stood. All of those at the table were dressed in the uniform and had conchos made of gold. Their black shirts had a pattern with small images of Leah’s bleeding eye emblem woven with gold thread. Ian introduced the three captains.

  “Captain Charlotte, it is with confidence in their abilities and character that I present to you Captain Luella Baker, newly appointed Captain of the Ancalagon. Captain Josephine Longstride, newly appointed Captain of Duel’s Bounty and Captain Raymond Fletcher, newly appointed to the carrier Iapetus.”

  Leah acknowledged each of the captains and then said, “Captain Baker, Captain Longstride, and Captain Fletcher, I look forward to having sufficient time to become acquainted with each of you.”

  Leah introduced Kate to those in the room and then turned to address the three captains again. She said, “I apologise in advance that against all propriety, I must begin our relationship by forgoing courtesy and coming straightway to the matter at hand. Good captains, I am tasked by her majesty to a matter both important and urgent. Important and urgent matters also require my time on several other aether worlds, I must insist that if it is possible, we aim to have an embryonic stratagem laid out within the hour.”

  Turning to Ian she said, “Major Daniels, please ensure our conversation will not be overheard. Give instructions that we are not to be disturbed save either the ship be in danger or one of three persons should desire admittance. These three are Lord Thaddeus Emerson, Mr Billy Bartle and a senior agent of the crown bearing an introduction from her Majesty.”

  As Ian left to give the instructions and ensure privacy, Leah turned to Mr Wilks and said, “Mr Wilks, before we begin I have a question which though disconnected from the quest, is distracting me from applying my full attention to our task. The distraction involves the most excellent uniforms I see upon our aeronauts. Please forgive what may seem a somewhat adverse observation. I have limited capital, and they seem of both a quality and an expense somewhat above that dictated either by necessity or even general acceptability.”

  Mr Walks smiled and said, “I quite agree, Captain Charlotte, but they have been provided at below cost by a new outfitting boutique in the city. Their owner, known only by the appellation, Mistress Paige, insisted on outfitting your entire fleet. She has also provided a similar uniform for you. Her factor in the city said that Mistress Paige held you in high regard and wished to express this by means of her gift.”

  Leah subvocalised to Gèng, “Thank you, Gèng. I appreciate the uniforms but don’t you think they are a bit much? Also, how did you fund it without me knowing? I wasn’t aware the Emerald Knights had finalised the trusteeship.”

  “You’re welcome, Leah. They set a tone for the fleet which I predict should increase both loyalty and productivity. Edison has forwarded me a significant personal loan. I was able to do the side deal with input from the Emerald Knights. I wanted to both surprise you while also taking a small step of financial independence.”

  “I don’t need to know the details, Gèng. I am both surprised and delighted. The gift is appreciated, and I applaud your independence.”

  Leah continued her discussion with Mr Wilks, “Thank you for the explanation Mr Wilks, it has removed the distraction. I consider Mistress Paige a close friend and will thank her personally.”

  Ian had not yet returned and Mr Wilks stepped closer to Leah and said in a quieter voice, “Captain, both Major Daniels and I are pleased to serve where you would put us, but neither of us is properly qualified to captain a privateer ship of the quality and size of either the Tempest or the Draken. I am a competent sailing master and have been confident while making certain the ships are repaired. In battle, I am capable if given direction, as when you have been aboard, however, I believe myself out of my depth if the Tempest were to sail devoid of your advice and direction. Major Daniels feels the same. He is suited to a role in security and in armed combat. He is not a ship’s captain, either in inclination or training.”

  Leah paused to consider her options before replying, “I appreciate you and Major Daniels being forthright concerning the roles I had envisioned for you. Have you recommendations regarding possible captains for the Tempest and the Draken?”

  “Yes, Captain. During our search for suitable officers, we knew this conversation was almost certainly going to be necessary. Captain Baker, Captain Longstride, and Captain Fletcher are our top three choices, and we suggest Captain Baker command the Tempest and Captain Longstrider the Draken. Captain Fletcher was an officer in the Royal Air Corp and operated as First Officer on a carrier. We believe he is best suited to remain on the Iapetus. There were two applicants who we believe more than suitable to command the Ancalagon and Duel’s Bounty and in anticipation of this discussion we convinced them to accept the role of First Officer on those particular aircraft.”

  Leah studied Mr Wilks for a moment and then said, “I appreciate both your candour and your foresight. Before finalising these appointments, it seems prudent to acquaint myself with your research. Which airship is best suited as my flagship?”

  “The Tempest, Captain.”

  “Is there a suitable conference room aboard the Tempest to seat all five Captains, the first officers, myself and perhaps five more?”

  “Indeed, Captain, there is. In anticipation of such an event, we have prepared suitable suites for you and any staff aboard the ship.”

  Turning to face the three captains, Leah said, “My apologies captains, in light of information recently conveyed to me by Mr Wilks we will need to adjourn this meeting momentarily. If it pleases you, I suggest we recommence this meeting in thirty minutes aboard the Tempest. Captain Baker and Captain Longstrider, please bring your first officers if they are available.”

  After receiving a polite affirmation from all three officers, Leah followed Mr Wilks from the room, and they made their way to the Tempest. Mr Wilks showed Leah to the Cabin that had once belonged to Tedrick Emerson. It had been completely remodelled, and Gèng had provided a full set of uniforms for Leah through the Paige Boutique. Mr Wilks excused himself and went to get the files on each of the captains and first officers.

  Leah skimmed each of the files. Each of the candidates had held a position in the regular armed forces of Aeolipile. Ian had contacted Billy and asked for a covert review of their financials and private lives. None of the candidates were saints, but all showed basic decency, and each exhibited a streak of altruism. Leah finished the files with ten minutes to spare and weighed her options while looking through the uniforms Gèng had provided. The design was almost identical to the rest of her crew. Instead of steel, all of Leah’s buckles, rivets and rings along with some hidden armoured sections were made of Maxwellian bronze, her shirt was blood red with her emblem done in gold thread. The brocade on her corset featured each of her ships and gold had been inlaid in the leather trim. Her conchos were gold like those of the captains. The closet contained a variety of coats, trousers and hats to supplement the uniform. Gèng had arranged for a variety of weapons to be loaded aboard the Tempest for Leah’s use. Leah changed into her new uniform. She was pleased when she found spaces for all her weapons and other accessories.<
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  When everyone was ready, Ian knocked on her door to inform her and to communicate that Thad, Billy and the agent had all arrived. Leah followed Ian to a large briefing room where everyone was waiting. As she stepped into the room, she greeted the three captains and the two first officers before turning and smiling at Thad. She said, “Welcome, Lord Emerson. I trust your morning was as productive as my own.”

  “Indeed it was, Captain Charlotte. I would like to thank you for the invitation to accompany you on this adventure.”

  Leah also welcomed Kate and Billy before introducing all three of them to the captains. Finally, turning to Mr Wilks, she said, “Please spread the word that Lady and Lord Emerson are my trusted and personal guests. Though they are related to Frank and Tedrick, they are unlike them in all ways. I expect them to be shown all courtesy and their safety is of paramount importance to me.”

  Mr Walks nodded. Leah looked toward the person she knew to be the agent. He was, she thought, aged somewhere in his late thirties, and though he smiled it did not reach his eyes. He stepped forward and said, “Captain Charlotte, my name is Agent Cassius Blackthorn. Here is my letter of introduction. I am placed in your service and under your orders. Be assured that under this tranquil exterior is a trained agent of the crown.”

  “Welcome, Agent Blackthorn. I expect we shall make use of your expertise shortly.”

  Leah turned to the captains and explained the situation as outlined by Mr Wilks. They and the two first officers were in agreement to the changes, and so Captain Baker took command the Tempest and her position as Captain of the Ancalagon was filled by Captain Gilbert Sullivan. Captain Longstrider was appointed to the Draken, and her replacement aboard the Duel’s Bounty was Captain Rodger Hammer. Captain Fletcher retained command of the Iapetus. Captain Baker said, “Captain Charlotte, if I might be somewhat bold, I suggest that as your command contains five airships, one of which is a carrier, it is better you take the designation of Commodore or Admiral. This is in line with current practice among the privateers. It gives you no rights of command over those captains not in your fleet, but it will prevent confusion within the fleet.”