Steampunk Omnibus: A Galvanic Century Collection

by Michael Coorlim

  ***

  A long corridor led Aldora to the next chamber. Cemal Bey had reserved the baths for the early part of the day, and while he, Herr Brugmann, the Comte, and Mr. Herbert enjoyed the men's facilities, Aldora, Safiyya, and Penny had the women's half to themselves. Other than the attendant she'd left in the hot room with the valet she had not seen any staff; they must have been given the day off.

  The facility's layout was similar to the Turkish baths popular in London. The first room had been dry but very hot, allowing a patron to steam themselves into a fine sweat. The second room, where she had left Safiyya, was serviced by warm water, where the bathers could cleanse themselves and relax. The third chamber was fed by a cool running stream, and had within it a number of small private relaxation nooks. She didn't see her ward upon entering.

  "Penelope?" Aldora called, passing from alcove to alcove.

  The cool room -- frigidarium to the Romans, lord knew what the Turks called it -- was the last stop before leaving, and the girls' clothing had been left -- cleaned and neatly folded -- in the niches. She found her own garments quickly enough, noted Safiyya's in the next niche, but Penny's were nowhere to be found.

  Had the girl dressed and run off? Should she, Aldora, go after her, not knowing the city, or where this Kalil lived? Penny's father had let his daughter run freely through the great cities of Europe, but Aldora didn't feel comfortable not knowing where her adopted daughter was. Still, if Penny could take care of herself -- and Aldora had no reason to believe otherwise -- that left her free to stay with Cemal for coffee and the theatre afterwards...

  Aldora's ruminations were interrupted when strong hands grabbed her from behind, heavy masculine arms wrapping around her torso, a solid forearm across her neck and one across her ribs. She was yanked back, off of her feet, only able to give the tiniest of yelps before the pressure at her throat cut the air from her lungs.

  She struck back almost instinctively with her elbow, but her attacker was arched away, maintaining his grip while keeping himself out of range. She stamped back with the heel of her sandalled foot towards where she imagined his instep to be, but only managed to chip the bathhouse tiles.

  Her vision began to grey out at the edges and the man pulled back on her neck again, almost bending her over backwards. She used that momentum to kick herself up and out of her sandals, feet scrabbling for purchase on the bathhouse wall, and launching herself into an almost vertical lift above her attacker. The sudden movement unbalanced him and sent him stumbling back into the cool water of the chamber's pool, letting go of the Englishwoman as he hit its surface.

  Aldora pushed away from his body and turned to face the man who had grabbed her. He was a Turk; dressed in dark clothing, a curved dagger at his sash, floating motionless in the water. His head lay upon the edge of the pool where he'd fallen, his neck twisted at an unnatural angle where he'd landed on the edge. The assassin -- if assassin he was -- was dead.

  Sudden fear for her ward's safety filled Aldora's mind. She pulled the dagger from the dead man's sash, climbed out of the pool, and ran back down the corridor to the warm room, bare feet slapping on the stone tile floor.

  The warm room was empty, devoid of Safiyya or the bath attendant, so Aldora continued through it towards the steam room. There, she could see two figures partially concealed by the steam. The smaller one was undoubtedly the Sudanese woman, but the other figure -- bulky, dressed in dark clothing, but with pale skin -- was another assassin, and it looked as though he was creeping up on her friend.

  Aldora's tread shifted to the balls of her feet, minimising the sound of her pace.

  She practically flew into the hot steam room, launching herself at the assassin and driving her knee into the man's spine at the small of his back.

  He buckled with a whining gasp. She grabbed the back of his head below the nape of the turban that he wore, using the force of her impact to drive the man crashing to the floor.

  Safiyya whirled and gave a surprised cry at the sight of the unexpected melee.

  The man rolled to the side, trying to throw Aldora off of his back as he drew his dagger. The Englishwoman was quicker and drew her own blade's curved edge across his throat, slicing open his trachea and ending his life with a helpless gurgle.

  Safiyya stared down at the dead man with a mixture of horror and confusion on her face.

  "Assassins!" Aldora said. "Another attacked me in the cool room."

  Safiyya continued staring at her in shock for a moment before understanding broke over her face. "We must alert Cemal Bey!"

  "Penny is missing," Aldora said. "We have to find her."

  Safiyya ran towards the cold room, followed swiftly by her companion. "She may have escaped... you said yourself she was trying to sneak out. Running off after her into the city will only expose you to what killers remain."

  Every instinct urged Aldora to go looking for her adoptive daughter, but the Sudanese woman was right. Cemal's resources were extensive, he knew the city, and he might have insight into who had tried to have her killed.

  A stray thought almost stopped her cold, causing her to stumble. She had assumed the assassins were targeting her. It seemed she had the nasty habit of making enemies of dangerous men -- but she'd been in the country for less than twenty-four hours, and hadn't given anyone cause to attack her. The fact that Safiyya had been attacked as well indicated that whatever was going on might not be about her.

  She realised that, for once, she had no idea what was going on.

  ***

  "What in blazes is going on?" the British ambassador asked.

  "I wish I could tell you, Sir Lowther," Aldora said.

  "The facts of the matter are quite plain," Cemal said, resting a bandaged hand on top of the conference table. His gaze passed from the Sir Lowther to the German, American, and French ambassadors, each of whom had gathered in the British embassy's conference room, along with the Bey, his guard captain Uğur, and Aldora.

  "A gang of armed thugs covertly entered the hamam, bribing the staff to depart, and forcibly abducted Mr. Brugmann, Comte Montagni and Mr. Herbert, and attempted to abduct Ms. Fiske. They attempted to kill myself and my valet."

  "I am unsurprised Ms. Fiske managed to fight them off," Sir Lowther said. "Formidable woman that she is."

  Aldora managed not to grimace at the man, her face stone. She had little love for the overbearing knight.

  "This is unacceptable," Von Bieberstein, the German Ambassador, said. "What are you doing to recover Herr Brugmann?"

  Captain Uğur shifted uncomfortably in his seat. He was a large man -- not fat, simply big, tall and broad. The elegantly carved wooden chair he sat in was insufficient to accommodate the width of his hips, and from the ginger way he shifted she believed that he feared a collapse at any moment.

  "My valet is working with the police to find out whatever we can about these kidnappers," Cemal said. "I can assure you that the Committee of Union and Progress is making this a matter of highest priority."

  "Do you believe Minister Viviani and his wife are to be targeted as well?" the French ambassador Bompard asked. Of those present, he was the eldest, his neatly trimmed beard and moustache a pure white. "They never arrived for their appointment."

  "We fear so," Uğur said, his voice a low rumble, his English imprecise. "Men out looking for them, but for now we think they taken."

  "So a coordinated attack?" American ambassador Rockhill asked. "What is it these assassins are after?"

  "That has yet to be determined," Cemal said. "But rest assured, I will personally be investigating the matter."

  Von Bieberstein folded his hands. "And you may 'rest assured', Cemal Bey, that the German Empire does not look kindly upon states that cannot guarantee the safety of its citizens."

  "Nor does France," Bompard said. "Viviani is a government minister, for the love of God. I cannot guarantee that the Republic can leave this matter in the hands of the Ottoman Empire."

  "I understand your
positions," Cemal said, "and the Empire is grateful for any assistance the powers of Europe care to render. But understand, this is a matter of honour. It is only two years since the Committee took control, and foreign intervention would be seen by the monarchists as a sign of weakness, of letting Europe dictate Imperial policy. I trust I am not being too bold in saying that none of us -- not the Young Turks, not your nations -- want an Ottoman return to dictatorship."

  "I understand the political implications," Bompard said, "But the decision is not mine to make."

  "If France intervenes, so shall Germany." Von Bieberstein made a fist.

  "I am not asking for a promise of non-intervention," Cemal said. "All I am asking for is time to uncover the conspiracy which has taken your citizens. Time to rescue them. Let us view this as an opportunity to forge stronger bonds between our peoples."

  "I can support that," Rockhill said.

  Ambassador Bompard drummed his fingers on the table. "I will do what I can to afford you the time you require."

  "Such is all I ask."

  "But you must keep the French embassy informed."

  "Of course."

  "And the German embassy," Von Bieberstein said.

  "I will keep you all abreast of the progress of our investigation," Cemal said.

  "Then Germany is satisfied," Von Bieberstein said. "For the time being."

  Sir Lowther turned towards Aldora. "Oh, Miss Fiske. I am sorry you were exposed to this nasty business. I can arrange passage back to London immediately."

  "I have no plans to leave Constantinople, Sir."

  "I am afraid I must insist. Whatever the villain's nefarious plan is, the United Kingdom has been fortunate to have had its citizen escape it. Should you remain, the scoundrels will surely attempt to capture you again."

  "I simply cannot depart, Sir Lowther. My ward is still out in the city, either on her own or captured by these men. I simply could not live with not doing all I could to recover her safely."

  "This is highly irregular, Miss Fiske. It would be remiss of me to allow you to continue to endanger yourself."

  "It is an irregular situation, and I am afraid I simply must insist." Aldora's tone remained as steady as her gaze, locked on to the Ambassador in a way which made it clear she would brook no argument.

  The ambassador reddened, caught between two unacceptable choices.

  Cemal held up a hand. "I may have a solution, Ambassador. What if Miss Fiske were to remain as a guest of my household, assisting in the investigation of this matter while continuing to search for her ward?"

  "I would find it acceptable," Aldora said.

  "I don't believe it entirely proper," Sir Lowther said. "Unmarried men and women should not cohabit, even in the short term. And Miss Fiske is a civilian--"

  "A resourceful civilian, and one of the few witnesses to the kidnapper's assault," Cemal said.

  "I am in favour of this course," Von Bieberstein said. "The conspirators may launch another attempt to take her and draw England into their plan."

  "Are you seriously suggesting Miss Fiske be exposed to lure the villains into making another attempt at her capture?" Sir Lowther asked.

  "She has not displayed any lack of bravery."

  "She is a woman!"

  "I'm willing to take the risk." Aldora shot a dirty look towards Sir Lowther. "Though I appreciate your concern."

  "Unacceptable," the knight ground his teeth. "Your father shall hear of this."

  Aldora's eyes narrowed.

  He turned towards Cemal. "Surely, sir, you cannot permit the gentlewoman to put herself in harm's way?"

  "I have found Miss Fiske to be a singularly capable woman," Cemal said. "In the new Ottoman Empire, women are trusted to make choices for themselves. She is an adult, and I will not -- cannot -- treat her like a child. If she so wishes to remain and seek her ward, then I will do whatever is within my power to ensure her safety while she does so. Not because she is a woman, but because she is a guest -- of my country, and of my household."

  Aldora had slowly turned to regard the Turk as he spoke, her face colouring slightly. While others had displayed confidence in her capabilities in the past, none had advocated for her quite so publicly. The reputation she held as a force to be reckoned with in London was unofficial, usually cushioned in the socially mandated hemming and hawing about her womanhood.

  Cemal praised her, not as an exceptional woman, but as an exceptional person. That mattered most of all.

  "I cannot argue the point with you, and I certainly cannot with her," Sir Lowther said. "She is the daughter of a very important gentleman -- if you insist she stay over my objections, then I have no choice than to warn you that should she come to harm that the United Kingdom will not stand aside and give you the latitude of investigating."

  "I understand, Sir Lowther."

  "What you do not understand, my friend, is the lengths her father would go to should anything happen to her. My response will be through official channels. His will not."

  Cemal glanced at the woman next to him and Aldora found she could not meet his gaze. "So be it, Ambassador."

  ***

  Aldora and Cemal returned to the carriage awaiting them, the footman opening the door as they approached.

  "I cannot abide that man." Aldora climbed into the carriage.

  "Sir Lowther?" Cemal sat opposite her. "He is somewhat abrasive."

  "I have known him for years," Aldora said. "Beginning when he served as Ambassador to Budapest and Tangier. I could not stand him then, and I cannot stand him now."

  "Some in the Committee would share your view. The texts he's been publishing have been stirring up anti-Semitic sentiment among the Arab population."

  "He's an instigator. Be careful, Cemal, or you will have the United Kingdom interfering in your business."

  "If he will involve himself, he will. There's nothing I can do about it."

  Aldora turned from the window as the carriage started moving. "Thank you for believing in me."

  The Turkish gentleman clasped her hand in his own, and she felt her breath catch in her throat. "You should not thank me for having faith in you, Miss Fiske. You should trust that I respect you enough to acknowledge your capabilities."

  "Cemal--" Aldora once again found speech difficult. "I cannot convey how much your faith means to me."

  "Respect, real respect, should be so common in your life that it passes by unnoticed. I find it almost criminal the men of Europe do not recognise true strength. I meant it when I said that I would protect you, Miss Fiske, but not because I think you are in need of protection."

  Her head swam. "Please. Call me Aldora."

  ***

  Safiyya greeted the carriage when they arrived.

  "The slain men carried no identification with them." She helped Aldora step down from the carriage, and then Cemal. "And the hamam's servants insist they were given no names. Police are circulating sketches of the dead men to try and find someone who recognises them."

  "There is not much more to be done at the moment," Cemal said. "Safiyya, I want you to take Miss Fiske into Stamboul to look for her ward and this Kalil."

  "I'm afraid all I really know of the boy is his name," Aldora said.

  "No matter," Cemal said. "A young English girl on her own in Stamboul will not go unnoticed."

  "Penelope does have a way of sticking out. Thank you, Cemal Bey."

  "I will have a room made up for your return," Cemal said. "My private security is made up of men I with whom I served in the navy. They can be trusted."

  "I feel safer already."

  Cemal smiled. "Good luck with your search. Be safe, Aldora."

  "I will. Thank you, Cemal."

  The Turkish officer turned and strode into his palace, leaving the two women by the carriage.

  Safiyya turned slowly to the English woman and grinned broadly. "You are utterly smitten."

  "What? I am not!"

  "No, you are. I do not intend to press a vein
, but it is clear -- the way you look at him, the way you speak. You are absolutely enamoured of Cemal."

  Aldora's stomach dropped. "You don't hate me, do you? I know he's special to you."

  Safiyya laid a hand on the Englishwoman's arm. "You overestimate our relationship. We are not lovers. We are friends of the soul. He saved me -- gave me a life I never imagined I'd be able to live. He has my loyalty and my respect, but we are far too different for romance. Do not think I do not love Cemal. I do. But I love him as if he were an older brother."

  Aldora nodded.

  "You should be free to pursue a relationship with him. From what I have seen, you fit length to length, temperament to temperament. An exceptional match! And I know he likes you, too."

  "The way I feel about Cemal... I haven't felt about anyone in a long time. But in a life here I would be giving up much... I don't know if I can turn my back on England. On my obligations."

  Safiyya opened the carriage door. "It sounds to me like you're making more complications than there are. Cemal Bey changed my life for the better. I am sure if you gave him a chance he would do the same for you."

  Aldora climbed in after her. She had a lot to think about.

  ***

  Aldora and Safiyya spent hours fruitlessly searching the streets of Stamboul, looking for rumours of a young English girl with fire-red hair. None claimed to have seen her, and the few young boys named Kalil they ran across didn't know any Pennys, either. Aldora found herself moving through the foreign streets with a sense of heightened awareness, alert for any rough-looking men in dark outfits, on the look-out for potential ambushes. She knew another attack was imminent. She just didn't know when.

  As the sky darkened the girls had little recourse but to return to Cemal's palace. Aldora tried to console herself with the notion that Penelope was a resourceful girl, used to spending weeks at a time alone in foreign cities, and well-acquainted with Constantinople. The girl would probably evade notice and pursuit better than Aldora herself would have been able to were their situations reversed.