Iron Horsemen

by Brad R. Cook

  The captain laughed. “You are looking at Privateers for Her Royal Highness.”

  “Privateers?”

  “Oh yes, we are official pirates of the British Empire. Can you believe it? Now we’re just like Captain Morgan. Looks like your little adventure and our help in that final battle will prove profitable after all. Not to mention we got to stick it to the Kaiser one more time.”

  “Congratulations. So where to now?”

  “We go looking for that pirate witch and continue stealing from the rest of the world and all who oppose the Queen.”

  Genevieve smiled. “I still need to pay you for our passage on the Sparrowhawk.”

  Baldarich laughed. “Nope, your father took care of that, too.” He put his arms around both of us. “I want you two to take care of yourselves, and if you ever need anything you let me know. I like you. In fact, there’s room in the crew if you’re interested.”

  Genevieve shook her head.

  I chuckled. “I’d love to skip detention and join the crew. Privateering sounds like fun, but there are things I have to do.” I looked at Genevieve and thought about how to win her over from the duke’s son. I knew it wouldn’t be easy, but I had to try. “Keep in touch, who knows in few years, I may need that job.”

  Baldarich threw back his head and laughed. “I’d have you on my crew anytime.”

  I extended my hand. “Indihar, I have to thank you for everything you did.”

  We shook hands. Genevieve bowed and said, “Most definitely, and thank you for convincing Captain Baldarich not to throw us overboard.”

  Indihar bowed. “I was only repaying my debt to your father.”

  “Only!” Baldarich put his arm around Indihar and pulled him closer. “I’ll have you know this man was offered a position in the queen’s guard and turned her down. He’d rather be a Privateer.”

  “I have found my path; I know the road that god has laid before me. It is I who should thank the two of you.”

  Baldarich laughed. “You two stay out of trouble. I’m sure we’ll see you around.”

  The three of them headed off leaving Genevieve and I alone beside the steam carriage.

  “Take care of yourself,” I said. “I hope Egypt is fun.” I peered up at my father’s office window. “I should get back, besides your father will be down in a minute.”

  “Alexander I—”

  “No words are needed; just know that I will prove myself worthy.”

  She shook her head as a tear formed in her eye. “You are worthy, you always….”

  I hugged her and felt her arms wrap around my neck. I didn’t care how much detention I’d get.

  “I may not be a knight yet, but I will be.” I smiled and whispered in her ear so Finn couldn’t hear. “Don’t worry. Our adventures aren’t over.”

  ~ Alexander Armitage will return in Iron Zulu ~

  ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

  First, I have to thank two wonderful authors, my critique partners, Cole Gibsen and T.W. Fendley. They’ve read too many of my words and I give them credit for all the good ones. Many thanks to my reader Ashley Harrison, she’s been a supporter from the start and that’s a really long time. Next I have to thank the board members I served with at St. Louis Writers Guild without their help and guidance I wouldn’t be where I am. I’ve met some great writers, authors, editors, agents, and more over the years and they all had a part in making this book better.

  Shout out to the Write Pack – David, Jennifer, Jamie, Matt, Melanie, Fedora, and Kathleen.

  The one I truly owe is Mrs. Goldman my first creative writing teacher. Each year we made a book, and it was those books that started me down the road to this book.

  I’ve been informed I must thank the one who tirelessly sits by side as I type every word–my cat.

  And thanks mom.

  To my wife, all my love and thanks for believing in my dreams.

  ABOUT THE AUTHOR

  Brad R. Cook is an award-winning short story and historical fantasy writer who handles aquistions and author management for Blank Slate Press. He began as a playwright and joined the board of St. Louis Writers Guild in 2008, guiding the organization as president since 2011. He learned to fence at thirteen and never set down his sword, but prefers curling up with his cat and an old classic novel to swashbuckling with evildoers himself. He writes during the witching hour when his muses are most active.

  You can find out more at www.bradrcook.com.