by Pelaam
“It wasn’t meant to be a compliment.” Midnight stuck his hands on his hips and fixed Tresilian with his best glare. But the man only infuriated him by laughing even more.
“I’m sorry, Midnight. I wish you knew Voltaire as I do. He is…well, unconventional. I will admit that much. But he isn’t given to commandeering airships, or any other kind of ship for that matter, without good cause. The situation is…urgent. Very urgent, and our own transport was, well, too damaged to be of use. He’d been told about your ship, saw your balloons filling…and, well, here we are.” Tresilian held out his hands.
As much as Midnight wanted to stay angry with Tresilian, he couldn’t. There was just something warm and inviting about the man. Midnight couldn’t put it into words. Or perhaps I just don’t want to. Why does he have to be so damned likeable?
“Is that pterodactyl following us?” Tresilian looked up and jerked a thumb in QC’s direction and Midnight smiled.
“Yes. She expected us to perform a certain routine and so is confused. We always see her and get photographs, then we go home. She’ll be wondering why we changed course. She’s highly intelligent.”
“I never thought of flying lizards as intelligent.” Tresilian regarded QC for a moment. “She’ll stay with us?”
“I don’t know.” Midnight pursed his lips. “She has followed us as far as France before. But since I don’t know for sure that your friend won’t try and talk my sister into continuing to Italy, she may turn back for home.” Midnight aimed a barbed look at Tresilian.
“Ouch.” Tresilian clutched dramatically at his chest. “You wound me.”
“Idiot.” Midnight laughed, unable to stop himself.
* * * *
As lunchtime approached, raised voices drew Midnight’s attention to where Dru and Dryden were arguing. Midnight wasn’t certain if Dru had won, or just walked away as she stomped toward Aurora.
The two women talked briefly, then both headed to the stairs leading below deck. Midnight glanced back at Dryden. The man’s face was almost purple with rage, but he didn’t move. The reason for his anger soon became apparent.
Aurora and Dru soon returned bearing trays. Aurora’s was a full tea tray, including cups and saucers as well as teapot, milk jug, and sugar bowl. Dru’s held glasses, plates, knives, forks, and napkins, while behind them came George with the food hamper.
“As we’re having an extended journey, I thought we should share lunch.” Dru coughed then raised her voice to make sure she was heard by everyone. “We have sandwiches, a veal pie, and some fruit turnovers. There are bottles of ginger beer, and Aurora made tea for us to have after. There’s plenty. Far more than just two can finish. I’ll serve the food and Aurora the drinks. Midnight, Aurora says that once everyone is served, she’ll take over the wheel while you rest and eat.”
“Thank you.” Midnight waved as he called out and Dru smiled at him. Only Dryden remained sitting, as Voltaire and Tresilian joined Dru and Aurora. When the others had finished, Aurora came over to Midnight and sent him to sit and eat.
On reaching the table, Midnight’s stomach rumbled. When she said there was plenty, Dru hadn’t exaggerated. There were still a good number of egg and salad sandwiches made with nice thick bread. The veal pie was generously filled, and there were condiments to accompany them. The turnovers were large, and the fruit filling had oozed free and dried at the seams, and Midnight was already looking forward to tasting one.
Filling his plate, Midnight sat down to enjoy the unexpected meal. The sandwiches and pie were washed down with the ginger beer, it’s spicy heat a contrast to the coolness of the food. Then Midnight chose his turnover. The flaky pastry encased a thick filling of apple, blackberry and custard, and Midnight ate it slowly, relishing every bite.
With a cup of his sister’s strong tea to finish, Midnight felt more than refreshed enough to continue. However, before he resumed his duties at the wheel, Midnight went below deck to get another couple of pieces of meat for QC.
The pterodactyl was still flying with them, and although Midnight knew she’d scoop up fish as she flew, he still felt she should be rewarded for her fidelity. Back on deck, he went to stand at the ship’s prow. He tossed piece after piece, waiting for QC to snap one, then the other out of the air before shouting out his praises.
The pterodactyl soared and swung around as if she was dancing for him and Midnight clapped with delight. For such a large flying creature, he never failed to think how graceful she was when flying or gliding.
With QC back flying parallel with them, Midnight went back to the wheel to be greeted by Aurora shaking her head.
“You really do spoil that beast.” Despite her word’s Aurora’s expression was one of warm affection and Midnight shrugged.
“She could go home. I felt she deserved a treat for staying with us.”
“Well thankfully, it won’t be for much longer. We’ll soon be in Calais and then we can finally be rid of Mr Voltaire Crevin and his friend Tresilian Hawke.”
“Yes. I suppose we will.” Unlike Aurora, Midnight wasn’t entirely anticipating the two men leaving. Or rather one man in particular. Midnight glanced to where Voltaire and Tresilian were huddled together once more.
As if aware of Midnight’s gaze on him, Tresilian looked up and held his gaze for several seconds. The whole of Midnight’s body suddenly felt alive under the intense scrutiny. Midnight forced himself to focus on steering the vessel. Once he’s gone, I’ll never see him again. Yet, in truth he’s a stranger, so why does that thought leave my heart aching?
Chapter 6
As the coast of France came into view, Midnight noticed Voltaire go over to Dryden, whose expression was still dark, and who’d remained unmoving even through lunch. It had been George who’d risked the man’s wrath by taking him luncheon.
The conversation went on for so long, that Voltaire sat down. Midnight tried not to let it distract him, but when he saw Dryden shoot a venomous glance toward Aurora and Dru before the men shook hands, he knew some deal or other had been agreed.
Although Midnight expected Voltaire to join the ladies, it was Dryden who walked toward them, then indicated for Dru to come to him. A moment later all three went to Aurora. Midnight brought the craft to a halt, deciding it was more important that he was with his sister.
“You want what?” Aurora’s expression was incredulous as she glanced from Dryden to Voltaire.
“You heard me, Captain.” Dryden stood tall. “We all want to go on to Italy. We can send telegrams to explain we’ll be staying there overnight once we land. Mr Crevin is not only willing to compensate us for the delay, but pay for food and accommodation, and any additional fuel you need. My fiancée and I are happy with this arrangement. I see no reason why you should refuse.”
“Other than I have no wish to continue. Why don’t you take command of my vessel, Mr Crevin? Shall I hand over my captaincy to you?” Aurora favoured Voltaire with such a look of pure scorn that even Midnight felt sorry for the other man.
“No, not at all.” Voltaire winced, but then his smile was back. “It’s just a few hours more. I cannot even begin to explain how vital it is that we don’t lose any more time. Please, Captain Pendragon. I promise you full compensation for every inconvenience.”
“A moment.” Aurora grabbed Midnight’s arm and dragged him away from the others. “He’s so…so…infuriating.”
“It is only a few hours more.” Midnight rubbed his chin. “And we are running low of supplies for both the gases we need and the oil for the mechanicals. For the sake of an overnight stay, at Voltaire’s expense, we could stock up on them, and offer extended flights, as well as the trips to QC’s nest.”
“You think we should do it?” Aurora stared at him and Midnight nodded.
“The one thing I’m sure of with Voltaire and Tresilian, is that when they talk about…whatever it is they need to do, speed is essential. I don’t know what or why. We can reach Italy, that’s not an issue. We even have fuel en
ough to return home, but I’d suggest refuelling, and including a cost for ventumium, inertium, and oleum vitae. They’re our greatest expenses.”
“Right, well, I shall.” Aurora turned her back on the trio watching them. “Keep talking.” She shook her head.
“I didn’t say anything.” Midnight cocked his head.
“I know.” Aurora shook hers again. “I’m making them stew for a few minutes. I want Voltaire, and that detestable Dryden to know that unlike Dru, I’m no pushover. And if those essentials weren’t so damned expensive, I’d still be inclined to refuse, just to infuriate Dryden.”
“You really dislike him so much?” Midnight asked.
“He’s arrogant, selfish and a bully, and totally unsuitable for Dru. She seriously needs to pick another man. Listening to her life already, she’s an obedient, dutiful daughter. But she’ll have a far worse life of daily control if she becomes Dryden’s wife. If not by the man himself, then under the dominion of his mother who sounds like the ultimate old-fashioned matriarch.” Aurora shuddered. “I can think of nothing worse.”
To avoid anyone seeing his smile, Midnight quickly ducked his head.
“I’d feel sorry for any matriarch trying to take you on.” He risked a quick glance at Aurora who glowered at him, then giggled behind her hand, then coughed, regaining her stern expression.
“Right. Serious now. Let’s go back and I assure you, Voltaire Crevin will pay dearly for this inconvenience.”
Making sure to remain behind his sister, Midnight schooled his features into a suitably solemn expression and followed her back to the others.
“Very well. I agree to take you all as far as Italy. I even accept your generous offer of accommodation, and I will bill you for the use of extra fuel and everything else, Mr Crevin. It will not come cheaply, I assure you.” Whirling around, Aurora grabbed Midnight and walked him back to the wheel. “And once they are all sleeping off his meal, you and I will fly home.”
“What about Dru?” Midnight asked and Aurora sighed heavily. “Very well, I’ll offer to take her home with us. But with the money Dryden has taken from Voltaire, he can more than afford the price of a flight home. I have no wish to take him back. As far as I’m concerned, our original contract with Mr Dryden Brewer is null and void.”
Although Midnight could understand his sister’s attitude, the thought of never seeing Tresilian again gave Midnight a heavy feeling in his chest. I barely know the man, why should I be so sad? But there’s nothing else for it. Once we land in Italy, I’ll never see him again.
* * * *
Once they crossed the border of France, the discussions, or perhaps even arguments, between Voltaire and Tresilian seemed to come more frequently. Midnight noticed them more because Tresilian was no longer coming to stand nearby and chat.
It seemed to him that whatever Voltaire had in mind was upsetting Tresilian. Although, I could be completely wrong. But the reason for their disagreement became apparent to Midnight as the coast of Italy approached. Instead of continuing to the mainland, Voltaire indicated the remains of a long-since dormant volcano.
“We need to go down into the volcano.” Voltaire drew out a pistol and aimed it at Midnight’s back. “I’m sorry, Midnight, but we must. Keep your hands on the wheel until we’re over the crater. It’s big enough, we can descend safely.”
With Voltaire close behind him, and the pistol aimed at his back, it was impossible for Midnight to do anything that might help his sister who was looking at him with an expression of pure horror. Instead he kept his hands on the wheel as ordered, and his attention on Aurora.
“What are you doing?” Aurora’s rage was almost palpable, even at distance and even Midnight winced. “We can’t fly the Freedom into a volcano. Extinct or otherwise. She won’t fit.”
“Your ship will be fine. Trust me.”
Despite everything, Midnight felt reassured by Voltaire’s calm and soothing tone which was the opposite of Aurora’s. Seems hardly possible that a man who sounds so composed and reassuring would have a pistol directed at me.
With a slight turn of his head, Midnight glanced at Tresilian. The other man’s expression was creased into concern, but Midnight also noticed the way he had a white-knuckle grip of the rail.
“Trust? You?” Aurora’s voice had crept up in pitch as well as in volume, and this time, Midnight even cringed. “You hold my brother at gunpoint. In an act of piracy, you attempt to take control of my vessel. There is no question of trust, sir.”
“Madam.” Voltaire’s voice deepened in timbre, but nothing more. “This ship remains yours; I assure you. As to my reasons for this…let me ask this of you. Are you loyal to Queen Victoria?”
“What? Of course I am.” Aurora stood with her hands on her hips and glowered at Voltaire. “What has that got to do with anything?”
“I am in pursuit of a man who, like me, believes he has found the location of the Magnus Opus. It’s a weapon. One which, in the wrong hands, not only places the British Empire at risk, but imperils the world itself. I believe it was the cause of the destruction of the city of Atlantis. We must find it first. My vessel wasn’t merely damaged, it was deliberately sabotaged and Tresilian and I barely escaped with our lives. I’ve paced out the dimensions of your ship. I believe she’s several feet smaller than mine all around, so there’s no danger.”
“Paced the ship.” Aurora looked heavenward. “No danger.”
“We must try. We have no choice. Humanity itself is at risk.” Voltaire sounded so impassioned that Midnight couldn’t help but be certain that it wasn’t an act.
For a moment, Midnight closed his eyes. Setting aside the pistol in Voltaire’s hand, he focused on what both Voltaire and Tresilian had said since coming aboard, and how they felt to him. There had been no mistaking the look of anguish on Tresilian’s face when Voltaire had pulled out the pistol. His mind set; Midnight took a deep breath. She’s not going to like this.
“Aurora. I believe him.” Midnight called out.
“What?” Although Midnight couldn’t see him, Voltaire had spoken in unison with his sister and even Tresilian looked shocked as he stared at him. Midnight nodded.
“I believe him.”
“You really want to try and fly this ship into the crater of a volcano? On his say so.” Aurora asked, and Midnight was certain she’d spoken each word through gritted teeth.
“All I have to do is level out the ship over the crater and reduce the volume of inertium in the balloons. We’ll sink slowly, and in a controlled manner. We can keep a check on the hull, make sure it’s not getting too close to the rock. I can always re-inflate and take us back up.”
“Mad.” Aurora threw up her hands. “You’re all bloody mad. I’ll have no part in this.” She stomped away and sat down, her back ramrod straight, and purposely looked away from them.
“Well, if it’s to save the Empire, then we should help.” Dru stood, then hurried over to Aurora.
“Um, er, thank you, Midnight.” Voltaire shrugged, then lowered the gun with a wry smile. “It isn’t loaded. I could never have harmed you. I didn’t realise just what an Amazonian your sister was. I hope she’ll find it in her to forgive me.”
There was such a tone of admiration in Voltaire’s voice that Midnight couldn’t help but laugh.
“My sister’s the equal of any man, sir. Once you accept that, it’ll make life much easier.”
“I had no wish to endanger any of you, but time is running out.” Voltaire scrubbed at his face with his hands, and for a second or two, the brash, confident, devil-may-care man was gone. It was the briefest glimpse of the real man before Voltaire’s mask was back in place. “I didn’t want to take you, any of you, with me, but there’s no time, no choice. Your ship is nowhere as swift as mine, and the more time that elapses between my nemesis and me, the worse the situation becomes.”
“She may be agreeable, but I am not.” Dryden stomped over, snatching the gun from Voltaire’s hand and aiming it at Midnigh
t again. “You may have been fooled by his golden tongue, but all I want is to be taken to the nearest city so that we may leave. This has been a nightmare from the moment I stepped on board.”
“Go and sit down, Dryden. No one wants to hear you whining.” Tresilian wrenched the gun from Dryden’s hand.
“You will not descent that volcano.” Spittle sprayed from Dryden’s mouth as he launched himself at Voltaire. But a second later he lay sprawled on the floor, unconscious, while Voltaire rubbed at the knuckles of his right hand.
“Take him downstairs, Tresilian. Tell his servant what’s happened and to care for his master. Midnight, are there weapons down there?” Voltaire asked.
“Well, there is silverware, and glasses of course.” Midnight remembered the items in the galley that included butcher’s knives. “I think I should go with you, Tresilian, and I’ll secure the galley. You may want to check the picnic basket, too.”
“I knew he’d be trouble.” Voltaire sighed. “But so long as he can’t hurt himself, or anyone else, I’ll be happy. You can all stay on the ship while Tresilian and I search for the Magnus Opus. Even go and leave us there. We’ll find a way out.”
“No!” Midnight was scandalised Voltaire would even consider being abandoned. “If this is so crucial to the Empire, then we’re duty bound to help. Even Aurora will agree. Once she comes around, that is.”
Once below deck, Midnight led to way to the lounge where George sat. At the sight of Dryden draped over Tresilian’s shoulder, he stood slowly.
“Is he all right?” he asked.
“Oh, yes.” Midnight nodded. He quickly explained what had happened, and the threat that Voltaire perceived to the Empire. As soon as Midnight made mention of that threat, George stood tall.
“If it’s for the Queen, sir, God bless her, then you have my full support. I’ll do anything to help the Empire. I was a soldier in my younger days.”
“Thank you, George. All we need for now is that you keep an eye on Dryden. He isn’t keen on helping and we don’t have time to pander to him. Nor do we know how he’ll react when he comes around. Tresilian, if you lay Dryden in here, I’ll go and ensure the galley is locked.” With the door secure, Midnight peeked in on George before returning to the upper deck.
