“The people in the palace.”
“That’s right,” Mr. Singh said. “General Hendrix, the one half-covered in bronze, he is the Horseman of War.”
“He’s their leader,” I added. “Now they seek more power and even greater machines to threaten the world.”
“How will you stop them?” Lianhua stroked Kō’ilā’s head feathers.
“They seek powerful stones called the Hearts of the Horsemen, but they don’t know where they are. We must find them first, and then we’ll destroy their machines with our Iron Armors.”
“Iron Armors?” Lianhua asked.
“Our knights,” I replied.
“But we didn’t bring the Black Knight and the Iron Templar with us” Mr. Singh looked at me and his brow rose.
“No, but they’re on a war zeppelin that is with the Templar Aircorps.”
Lianhua’s eyes passed back and forth between us. I knew she had more questions, but with the traitor on the Sparrowhawk still unidentified I didn’t want to give away any information. I trusted both of them, more than any others we traveled with, but if they knew too much, they could be in danger.
Rodin and Kō’ilā popped their heads up and turned toward the east. Mr. Singh raised his hand to silence us. “Did you hear that?”
I listened and in the distance I heard a repetitive scraping on the rock. We stood up and peered down the road. A cart with a man and a single horse rolled toward us.
“I think I know how we’re going to get out of here.” I turned to Lianhua. “Can you ask him if he’ll take us south into the Punjab. We can pay him.”
She nodded and stepped out to stop the man. They spoke for several moments. Then she waved us over. Mr. Singh and I approached slowly, the old man welcomed us with a large grin on his face.
Lianhua bowed to him and turned to me, “He is heading south and will take us. But he wants to know how we will pay.”
I reached into my bag and pulled out a gold bracelet, one of several I’d noticed earlier that definitely weren’t there before. “I think Genevieve slipped us a few trinkets to help us out.” I handed one over to the old man and he lit up with excitement, bobbing his head and waving to the back of his cart.
The three of us jumped in as the cart lurched forward and continued down the bumpy mountain trail. Luckily our ride was cushioned from the uneven road by the mound of colorful textiles beneath us and the burlap sacks of grain we leaned against. As Mr. Singh and Lianhua talked, I stared at the scenery behind us. I’d found Genevieve only to lose her again, but I knew with every drop of blood in my veins that it wouldn’t be for long. Soon, we’d be together again.
Still, I worried about her. She remained with the Knights of the Golden Circle. I hoped they wouldn’t find out she helped us escape, that they’d assume we broke out on our own. I trusted Genevieve’s mother not to harm her, and I knew Hendrix wanted her as a pawn to use against me. But all I could do was hope the rest of Inner Circle wouldn’t overrule them.
For the next hour or so, I thought over my plan. Find the baron and the captain. Tell them what we found. Discover the mole. Race back to the hidden palace, and track Genevieve’s new location from there. I rubbed under Rodin’s chin. “Don’t worry we’ll see her soon.”
CHAPTER 20
THE PUNJAB
The terrain transformed from towering mountains with snow-capped peaks, to tall, thin trees in an undulating land. Soon the trees turned to farmland, but the land never truly flattened out.
With the sun sinking towards the horizon on the second day, we approached a wide river with thin islands poking up between the two banks. A modern bridge spanned the two sides, and the old man turned to us. He said something and Lianhua answered. I leaned forward as she turned to us.
“We will cross the river and stop in Buchepela this evening. He says we will be able to find another merchant to take us on to Lahore. He’ll be heading back to the mountains tomorrow.”
“Thank him for bringing us this far,” I said.
“I did.”
I thought about what we could use for currency. I still had some bracelets, but wasn’t certain if I should spend them all getting to the capital city, Lahore. I wondered how far we had left to travel, from here... Buchepela... the word hit me like a gust of wind.
“Oh my, this is Buchepela... Ask the gentleman if this is the Hydaspes River.”
She tapped the man on the shoulder. They spoke for a moment and then she turned back to me. “He says, once it was called that. Long ago.”
“I can’t believe it.” I stood up, causing the cart to wobble. Lianhua grabbed the sides.
She looked at Mr. Singh and he shrugged.
“The Battle of Hydaspes was fought on this river’s shores,” I said. “This is where Alexander the Great barely defeated King Porus.” I looked around half expecting to see a forest of pikes from the great battle fought so long ago. Finally, as we crossed the river and entered the village on the other side, I sat back down. “Sadly, this village is named after Bucephalus, Alexander’s beloved horse. Alexander had ridden that horse since he was just a boy and they survived countless battles together. Until the Battle of Hydaspes. Bucephalus died defending him and afterward, Alexander founded this village in honor of his great steed.”
Mr. Singh looked around. “His empire was so large. We are far from where I first met you and found out about your namesake.”
“One of the largest empires in history.”
“Not bigger than Genghis Khan’s,” Lianhua said. “His horde scorched the earth. From China to your Europe.”
I nodded. “You’re right. I suppose these lands have always known conquerors.”
“Too many.”
Lianhua conveyed our thanks to the man and we said goodbye to the old man. We found an inn for the night, which was simply a waystation for merchants traveling through. I sat by a window, thinking of the battleground— and of Genevieve. “She has never needed anyone else to protect her,” I told myself. “She has her saber back, yes; but still, she’s in the clutches of the Knights of the Golden Circle. She’ll never be safe with them.”
Rodin curled up in my lap and I found myself stroking the ridge of his spine, like a cat. He didn’t mind, and nudged my hand when I stopped.
“We’ll see her again soon,” Mr. Singh said. “but first, we have to find the baron and the Sparrowhawk.”
The next morning, we found a caravan heading to Lahore and they let us ride along. We didn’t even have to pay. I watched the land around me. Yet again, I traveled over the same ground as Alexander the Great. He’d led his army— now a mixed force of Greeks, Persians, and warriors from other tribes and conquered lands—through this very forest. I thought about what it must have been like, a column of soldiers stretching for miles. Our caravan was only ten carts, two elephants, and a couple dozen men and horses. The two images melded in my mind, and I took a deep breath.
With Eton more than half a world away, my time there felt more like another lifetime. The Hindu believed in reincarnation—that the soul returned to this world over and over again. Being here, being in such a different place, no fathers, no rules, no Eton uniform, I was a new person, and could easily believe in reincarnation.
We snaked through the countryside, across rivers, around hilltop villages, and through endless farm fields. Unlike the large estates of England or America, farmers tended thin strips of land. I was amazed at the endless diversity of people we passed. Here at the top of the world, I’d seen so many cultures, like in New York or London, but the people had been this way for many more centuries than anyplace I’d visited before. As we neared Lahore, I started to see more people, more densely populated areas. I didn’t know much more about the city, other than the British had established themselves here, and the baron said he’d travel this way if he needed reinforcements.
After we entered the city and said goodbye to the merchants, we headed to the airdocks to search for the Sparrowhawk.
Mr. Sin
gh watched everyone. Several wore turbans in the same fashion that Mr. Singh did. I realized they were other Sikhs. I notice Mr. Singh walked taller. He even bowed to several men and they returned the gesture.
I nudged Mr. Singh after the Sikhs moved on. “Well aren’t you quite the respected man.”
His bright eyes and large smile beamed. “I haven’t been back in so many years. I’d forgotten what it was like to be among my people.”
The thought had never occurred to me. I was having a quite the adventure away from London, but for Mr. Singh, he usually lived far from his homeland.
“I wish there was more time for you to visit.”
“I don’t.”
I paused in street.
Mr. Singh gripped my shoulder. “My home is on the Sparrowhawk. My parents, most of my family were killed years ago.” He looked around. “The memories I want to keep are of the captain, the baron, you, and Genevieve.”
Before he could react, I pulled him in for a big hug. “The crew of the Sparrowhawk is like a family, and you, Indihar... well, you’re like a brother to me.”
Rodin pushed in between us, wanting attention, and to be part of our show of affection. Kō’ilā hooted and it drew our attention to Lianhua who stared at us and then looked around at the people on the street.
I pushed back from Mr. Singh, cleared my throat, and said, “The airdocks are over there.”
Mr. Singh nodded, and took off, leading the way through the crowd, darting through a mass of merchants, food vendors, and others maneuvering around the city. Lahore brimmed with people, more than I’d ever seen in one place. More than London on a busy day. The airdocks weren’t far, and we were relieved to see the Sparrowhawk sitting in one of the few mooring clamps available. A merchant blimp sat in another berth, but the two remaining spaces were empty. In London, airships jockeyed for any opening, but the Punjab must not get the same amount of air traffic.
We ran to the gangplank, where Mr. Singh and I started to rush on board, but Lianhua paused. I turned around and motioned her forward. “It’s okay. This is our ship. You’ll be safe here. Besides, we owe you for your help.” I motioned to the aero-dirigible. “Good food, friendly people, and I’d really like to pay you, too.”
Her hand went to her chest, and then she nodded, and the three of us walked up the gangplank together.
Hunter walked past the open cargo door and stopped. He turned toward us and his face lit up. He rushed over and grabbed Mr. Singh by his shoulders. “Indihar!” He slapped me on the back. “Alexander!” He shook his head. “I can’t believe it. You’re back!”
“Hunter!” My spirit lifted as words escaped me. Warmth filled me, and I realized how much this airship had become home. “It’s good to see you.”
“How did you... nevermind.” He motioned us onboard. “We’ve got to get you on the bridge.” He led us to the hatch, and gestured for us to enter. “I’ll be right back.”
I stepped through the metal doorway and the familiar aroma of wood, grease, and Gustav’s mouth-watering food knocked my senses over. I’d never had the experience of going home. I’d always lived at a university or at Eton, places I never felt I belonged. But the Sparrowhawk was different. I’d missed this place, this smell, these people, and hadn’t realized how much.
The captain sat in his chair, holding his chin with his arm propped up on the armrest of his chair. As we stepped closer, he turned his head slightly, then spun around. “Alexander! Mr. Singh!” He leapt out of the seat and scooped both of us up in a big bear hug. “How the devil did you get here?”
“We hitched a ride through the mountains.”
“I told the baron and Ignatius here, that if anyone would get out and find this airship, it’d be the two of you.” He craned his neck over us and stared at Lianhua. “You’re the girl with the Spice Master.” He looked back at me. Last I saw you, the two of you were running around the side of a building. What happened, and where is Genevieve?”
Mr. Singh and I exchanged a glance. I blew out a long breath, then said, “This is Lianhua, she helped us find Genevieve, and then helped us get away. Genevieve refused to come. She has a plan, but I have no idea what it is.”
Captain Baldarich studied all three of us as if we were on inspection. Finally, he nodded, and looked at Lianhua. “You must be a very brave and resourceful girl to have helped Alexander and Mr. Singh find Genevieve, and then to help them get here to Lahore.” He pushed past me and took Lianhua’s hand in his. “And you have my thanks. Welcome to the Sparrowhawk.”
CHAPTER 21
THE SIKH
Ignatius and Heinz shook our hands as everyone crowded around, happy to see Mr. Singh, especially, back safe and sound. The captain punched my shoulder and pulled me in by wrapping his arm around my shoulder.
“I don’t want you running off anymore. I don’t want to have to keep sending Mr. Singh off to find you.”
“I’ll try. I left clues and fired off the flare so someone could follow, but since you were fighting off the soldiers and Lianhua knew where the Milli-train was, I couldn’t wait. Besides, I didn’t think we get captured.”
“Captured?!”
I cringed. I should have said that with a bit more layering so it didn’t sound so bad. “Lianhua led me through a secret tunnel, and we found the Milli-train in a hidden palace on the other side of the river. Mr. Singh caught up with us and I snuck in and found Genevieve. Then Genevieve helped us escape, and we traveled back here with the help of some merchants.”
Baldarich and I turned as we heard the hatch open. The baron and Lord Marbury stepped onto the bridge, and all the joy that had built up inside me drained out, and I crashed like a plummeting airship. The baron scanned the bridge, looking for his daughter, but then he settled on me, hope fading from his eyes. Ever the nobleman, he collected himself quickly and stepped up to Mr. Singh.
“Indihar, it is good to see you.” He extended his hand and Mr. Singh grabbed it with both of his. The baron then turned to me. “Alexander. I don’t know what to say. I want to yell at you for running off, but having made your way back to us is remarkable. I can’t wait to hear your tale.”
I stepped away from the captain and hugged the baron. He stiffened, but then embraced me and as I pressed against him. I whispered, “I found her. We talked. She’s fine. Full of fire. But she said she’s not done yet, and wouldn’t escape with us.”
He gripped me tightly. He didn’t say anything but the force of his embrace said it all. After several moments he let me go, slapped my back twice, and said, “Thank you.”
Lord Marbury turned from Mr. Singh to me. “We were so worried. It is wonderful to have you back.”
We introduced Lianhua, and shared more of our adventure, but I didn’t tell anyone about what the Inner Circle had said or General Hendrix’s plans for me. There was a mole on the Sparrowhawk. I didn’t know who, but I wouldn’t be the one to spill what I knew.
The captain pointed at me. “You and Mr. Singh have lost a pound or two I can tell, and this girl who aided you deserves a good meal.” He walked over to the copper tubes and flipped all four open. “Attention! If you hadn’t already heard, because gossip spreads faster on this ship than fire, Mr. Singh and Alexander have returned. Gustav, fire up the ovens! These boys need to eat!”
After we’d filled our bellies and laughed with the crew, the baron stood up and said, “I should be going if I want to make my meeting. Mr. Singh, I’d appreciate if you’d come along.” Mr. Singh nodded, and left the table. “I’d like you to come as well, Alexander.”
I nodded and pointed to Lianhua, “May she come as well? She knows all about the mountains and speaks several languages.”
“Certainly. Perhaps she will prove useful.”
I shifted to Lianhua “Do you mind coming with us?”
She drew back and her eyes nervously darted to the crewmen. I realized she didn’t trust them and smiled trying to put her at ease. After being held against her will by the Spice man, I understo
od she wasn’t used to trusting anyone, much less an airship full of strange men.
I motioned for her to follow me. She and Kō’ilā joined me. I grabbed my gear and filled my leather bag with some supplies we might need, and one of the small pouches of black powder.
“I don’t know what this meeting is about, but I don’t think it would be good to leave you here. There is a traitor on board.”
“I would rather travel with you and Mr. Singh.” I nodded.
“I’m glad you’re coming,” Mr. Singh said as he stepped into the doorway. She and I pivoted as Rodin flapped his wings. Mr. Singh was loaded with gear like we’d be traveling for days not running out for a meeting. Much like me. He pointed to the stairs. “The baron is ready to depart.”
Hunter stood just inside the cargo door, watching the airdocks. We rushed to the gangplank and followed the baron down. A carriage waited for us at the bottom. Finely crafted and trimmed with gold, the vehicle stood out among the common merchant carts. Then I saw the imperial seal of Britain on the side of the door.
“Who are we going to see?” I asked the baron.
“A guest of the Punjab Governor.” Baron Kensington waited for us to step in, and then he motioned to the driver we were ready. He took his seat beside Mr. Singh. A footman closed the door behind him. The baron waited a moment until the rattle of the wheels and cantering of the horses covered up all the ambient noise. “I am attempting to get reinforcements, and once we have them, we’ll head back to that palace.”
“How long will that take?” I asked.
“Depends on where the troops are and how many can be reassigned. Perhaps as long as a month.”
“We don’t have that kind of time. I told Genevieve we’d be back in two to three weeks.”
“They have too many soldiers. Without additional forces, we’ll never stop the Golden Circle.”
Mr. Singh adjusted his Katar dagger. “He’s right Alexander. We need soldiers to breach and take that palace.”
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