Into the East Trilogy: A Helena Brandywine Adventure

21:

The Holy Land

Chapter 1:

The islands of the eastern Mediterranean slipped below the ship. Helena lay in her new favorite place, spread-eagle in the nets under the bowsprit, hidden by the prow of the ship. Even from this height, she marveled as the waves glowed, each disruption of the water’s surface caused a myriad of sea creatures to fluoresce. Helena rolled to her back and compared the light in her Dragon’s tear to the light on the water. They appeared surprisingly familiar. She whispered to herself, That’s strange.

Jack’s familiar voice called down from above, What’s strange? Above her on the mast sat Doyle’s friend, now visible as a foot-tall human.

If not for the slope of the safety netting, Helena might have risked the jump over the side and the thousand-foot or so drop to the water below. Her right hand clutched her chest. Jack, please don’t sneak up on people like that. You nearly gave me a fright of death. Helena rolled back over, her back to the diminutive Tommyknocker.

Fine, I will knock or something next time… but you didn’t answer my question. Jack launched himself from the spar to the netting next to Helena.

I was contemplating the color of the waves below and the pendant around my neck. With her right hand, Helena stretched her arm through the net and pointed at the water below. She held up the pendant with her left.

Jack glanced below. That below we fey call fairy fire. Sailors… they call the lights burning on the sea, but that makes little sense if you ask me. His full attention turned to the glowing gem around Helena’s neck. This looks like aether if you asked my opinion… which I know you didn’t.

Helena returned to her back to look Jack over. You know about aether?

Sure, the stuff that carries light. Jack straddled one of the net’s bands, letting his legs dangle hazardously over the dark water far below. Thing about that stuff, though, it is so much more. Jack shrugged, letting his sentence end much too soon.

Yes… please go on, Helena tried to drag more out of him.

Let me see… Got anything sweet? The Tommyknocker held out his hand, rubbing his thumb over his two fingers.

Not at the moment, no. Jack, please tell me what you know about aether. Helena rolled on her side and watched the little man that sat before her.

Jack chuckled and relented, It’s not that much, really. I’ve heard it’s the stuff life is made from. That each of us carries a little in our bodies. It’s that spark that makes us… us.

Helena felt a sickness wash over her, suddenly fearful she had trapped souls dangling around her neck. Like a soul?

The concept of the soul is a religious one I’m not all that familiar with. No, what I’m talking about is that little bit of energy that makes our bodies work. What gives us the energy to get up in the morning. Some might claim it’s coffee, but others believe it’s aether. Jack chuckled at his little joke. Personally, I think it’s sweets… Did I ask if you have any already?

That doesn’t sound much better. It still seems a monster could harvest aether from… people. Helena fought a cringe over her thoughts.

Is that any worse than keeping a creature caged so you can eat their young for breakfast every morning? Tell me how much you enjoy your steak? Jack chuckled.

That’s different… Helena didn’t have a good defense against the small man’s argument. Rather than fight, she rolled back onto her stomach. "Do you have anything else you care to share about aether?

Not at the moment. Jack leaned back on the straps.

Helena was certain it wouldn’t take much for him to fall from his perch. Satisfied he was old enough to look after himself, she went back to watching the dark waters below. She had been in the dark long enough that her eyes picked up the slightest light. Below, off to the port, there was a line of light. It seemed to be heading the same bearing as the Legend. Can you see that line or am I seeing things? Helena pointed below and glanced at Jack.

Sure, I can see it. Jack swiveled under the net to get a better angle to see the glowing line. That must be something in the water, a ship maybe, making the water glow like that.

It must be ahead of us. We haven’t passed a ship.

Not sure. I wasn’t watching the water.

Below, Helena spotted the end of the line, but there was no ship. Only the fairy fire trail and a head glowing under the water. From this distance, the glow looked similar to the lights Helena had spotted off the coast of Rhodes. The phenomenon was the strangest thing Helena had ever seen. She turned to ask Jack another question, but he’d disappeared.

Damn, he’s fast. Helena never thought the fey would have fallen overboard. He was too clever for that.

Damn, who’s fast? It was Doyle. He had snuck up behind her, now leaning on the rail next to the outstretched mast, watching her lie on the net.

Must you be so sneaky? Helena rolled back onto her stomach. I was talking to Jack, but he… disappeared.

Yes… he tends to do that a lot. I find the habit annoying. He scrambled off when I walked up. Probably looking for something sweet.

Is he always hungry?

Doyle started carefully picking his way down from the deck to the safety net Helena lounged on. I think so. He always seems ready to eat, the richer the dessert, the better.

Helena could feel the netting move as Doyle crawled up next to her. Memories flashed in her mind. The last time they had been this close, she nearly lost all control. Upon reflection, she still wasn’t sure if she wanted to make love to him or kill him. She placed the odds at a fifty-fifty chance for either.

He laid down the dolphin catcher as a means of separation. I wanted to ask you a favor.

Helena was unsure what to expect, but her heart raced in anticipation. Yes?

I want you to take me to see Tsang Mei. I need to ensure she is all right. Please take me to the Land of the Immortals, Doyle asked in a soft voice.

Helena flinched at his words. It would take much contemplation to understand why she flinched. She could think of several reasons, but she had no time to pick at those frayed feelings. I don’t think it’s wise. There are risks… I was told the more we travel… like that, the more… attracted we will… become… romantically attracted… Helena never imagined herself trying to explain such a delicate subject to a man she still held uncertain feelings about. Can you handle the pressure?

Helena didn’t realize that her words rang like a challenge, akin to a Double Dog Dare of epic proportions. Doyle would do the journey now, if only to prove his self-control. I think I am more than capable of keeping myself under control if you are. His voice was level.

Helena wasn’t sure how to read his expression in the dark. The hair on the back of her neck rose. She was ready to fight. I can handle myself just fine. Close your eyes and relax. Against her better judgment, she closed her eyes, as well, and with too much force reached out and took hold of his hand. Squeezing it harder than she needed to, for the first time she willed herself with all her might to go to the Land of the Immortals right now.

And they did.

They arrived in the meadow she had grown so familiar with. Immediately, Helena knew she made a mistake on many levels. The sun shone brightly in the sky. This land seemed to perpetually be a wonderful spring day. She’d never arrived at night or on a cold rainy day. The weather here was always… perfect.

There in the meadow sat Doyle’s fiancée with Stag and Crane. Helena was unsure how they spent their time, and right now she didn’t care to learn.

Doyle was halfway to the schoolteacher when Helena grumbled, I’m going for a run. She needed to escape.

At the edge of the forest, she stopped long enough to view the couple in what she would describe as an awkward embrace. The scene made it too hard not to smile, so she surrendered to her darker intentions and smiled. Her body craved the healing properties of the stream. That would be her first stop. After that… she had never tried to run all the way around the spire of black jade that Master Ao’s cave was carved out of. Today would be a good day to try.

At the stream, she knelt for several handfuls of water. She sensed the energy return to her in great pulses.

I told you, you should be careful how much of that you drink— Daji’s voice came from upstream.

Helena stopped drinking and spun low, sweeping her leg, positioning herself ready for a fight.

—the power can become intoxicating, you know, the white, nine-tailed fox finished her sentence.

Helena found her basking in the sun, lounging on a stone in the center of the stream. You survived? Helena stood, relaxing little.

Of course. I told you I can’t die. You sound angry. Daji never moved from her relaxed position.

I would like to kill you, if I thought I could. Helena did not try to hide her rage, but after the last fight, she knew attacking would do little good.

Your anger is not logical. I was simply being what I am. Would you get revenge on the wolf that ate the lamb to survive?

Helena was ready to pounce. The little fox created so much pain, but she thought, I don’t have the time for this bull, and sprang from the stream to run deeper into the woods.

Her heart swelled. She’d let one of her baser instincts run her life for too long. Something needed to change in her life. Seemed the only thing she had a chance of controlling was herself.

This was a portion of the realm she had never visited before. The path she traveled was well used, but by what Helena couldn’t fathom. Before she knew it, the trail opened up to a thin strip of beach that ran along a crystal blue pond. In it, she found White and Green Snake in human form washing their long black hair.

Helena skidded to a stop in the sand. Hello again, she called out to the pair. She thought it better to announce herself than stand there like some sort of pervert. Even if the snake-humans were fully dressed, watching didn’t seem proper. As far as Helena could tell, their top halves were fully human at the moment.

I see you’re exploring? Green Snake asked.

On numerous previous encounters with the woman, Helena had to battle. She never knew what to expect when they met. This is such a wonderful place. I thought I should see more, she said.

White Snake was quick with her reply, Liar.

Helena’s jaw dropped. Not that she’d been caught in a lie, but that the woman in white was so quick to call her out on it.

White Snake continued before Helena could object, Your aura changes when you lie. For someone that can read auras it is simple to see when someone tells a falsehood. White Snake would not let her declaration lie at that. I assume you are upset your male is with the other female.

Helena’s mouth flopped about in shock like a carp gasping for air. Realizing she couldn’t lie, she was trapped as to what to say. So what if I am? Not her most original answer.

White Snake spoke while Green Snake grabbed handfuls of her hair and twisted the water out. If your love is meant to be, it will happen no matter how many lives and eons it takes. The two of you will find a way.

What if I don’t want to wait for an eon?

Some things in life can’t be rushed. I’m sorry. White Snake helped lift her hair on top of her head.

Helena waved and took off running. She didn’t need a lecture right now. She needed the freedom to burn off her growing desires. You two have a wonderful day. I need to be running along, she cried over her shoulder.

Back on the trail, she allowed her mind to wander. Time was troublesome in this Land of the Immortals. She had never been able to find a correlation between the two time streams, if there was one. While on her visits, what seemed like hours or days here was impossible to measure since the sun never seemed to move. Back in reality, anywhere between minutes or hours could pass. Without some way to measure the passage of time in this land, how could she formulate a comparison ratio?

Even her body was not a good judge of time. She assumed it would take her nearly a day to run around the mountain of jade, but since she never tired, there was no way of knowing how long the trip took. She did eventually return to the meadow to find Doyle and Tsang Mei strolling hand in hand. She was about to launch her attack onto Tsang Mei’s back when Master Ao interceded with a raised hand to stop her rush.

I told you it was dangerous to come back here with the man. Please don’t make me do this again. The scolding in Master Ao’s voice was unmistakable.

Before she could comment, he hit her with the willow branch, sending her mind shooting back into her body on the airship. She woke up and found herself safe in the net, the morning glow on the horizon. Doyle lay next to her, still out to this world.

No one was around. Helena jumped at her chance. She leaned up on her elbow, and as soon as Doyle woke up, she planted her lips square onto his. This was no pretty kiss. The attack was an embrace born of wild, untamed passion…

Chapter 2:

I guess Doyle was right, Helena thought. She woke with a jolt. It took her a moment to remember where she was: her cabin. In her mind, the time on the net, in the Land of Immortals, and now in her bed all merged into one. She had a serious problem with finding reality. Her covers lay in a mess, all wadded up as if there was a body buried under them.

Her upper lip was moist from heat or passion, she wasn’t sure. What did I do last night? With the greatest care possible, she probed the covers, her breath held so as not to make a sound. When she found herself alone, her groan of relief was probably heard on the main deck, but she didn’t care.

A fire for Doyle still burned in her heart, and she couldn’t bring herself to admit she was sorry they didn’t spend the night together like she feared. In frustration, she slapped both her hands down on the mattress. The action did little to help.

Was the kiss even real? Did it happen in the Land of Immortals, the mundane world, or did she dream the whole thing? Would Doyle even remember it? Her mind flooded with the possibilities and ramifications of her action. Besides time, she had a new problem to weigh on her soul: the different dimensions she traveled and what was real. She needed to make a choice which to believe.

The loss of control over her emotions frightened her, nearly as much as her dimension shifts and time travel. Unsure how long they spent with the Immortals… she was positive it would be a cold day in hell before she took Doyle there again, for both their sakes.

Semi-composed she glanced out the window of her stateroom and discovered the airships had landed. By the way the crew moved about, some time ago. They had tied off to a stand of abandoned olive trees.

It was easy to spot the Russian crew already out working hard to harvest wood for fuel. Helena shook her head. One more island would be devoid of trees before too long. Humans were becoming modern day locusts, a plague of biblical proportions stripping all before them.

Mister Wizard and Helena would be doing the same thing if not for the magical Smithy Stone and the unlimited heat it gave the Legend. Even the lift for the ship came from Legendary Creatures that liked to be called Angels.

In her journal, Helena’s mother spent countless passages warning about the dangers of combining magic with technology, like her father wanted to do. Helena wasn’t as sure as her mother. From what she could see, the responsible use of both magic and technology—and as much as she hated to admit it, religion—would be the only way to keep the human race from killing itself off.

No amount of being in the moment would save her if the air was turned to smoke and there was nothing green left on the planet.

She had overslept, that was for sure. She’d spent too much time considering the future. Now it was time to gather a few people and plan the next step. They needed information on the city of Acre and the castle that still stood there. As the next step on the Way of the Soul, this was the major port into the Holy Land. If anything was stolen from Jerusalem during the Crusades and held for safekeeping, it made sense it might be here.

She needed to keep telling herself the chances that anything remained here would be slim. This was one of the last places to leave the Christian Crusaders’ hands. The last was the Ottomans’ capital, Istanbul. The thought of sneaking into the walled city made a shiver run up Helena’s spine.

After a quick cleanup, she dressed. Still morning, she knew the day was going to be hot, hotter than she wished to think about. For now, her denim and white shirt would need to be enough. She wouldn’t burden herself with more clothes than she needed. Dressed and ready for the day, three taps came at her door as she walked to it.

Her mind and body seemed out of whack this morning. She opened the door with a little more force than was required, nearly tearing the door from the hinges.

The suddenness surprised the unflappable Count Alexei Stroganov. With the brightly colored robe he wore, he shielded his eyes from the bright sunlight that filled Helena’s room. Can you close the drapes? The light is painful.

Helena glanced between the count and her window before moving to pull the drapes to. Good morning to you, too. Tell me why I’m blessed with a visit during the daylight.

Ludmila, Alexei’s sister, had revealed why they both shunned the sun. Though Helena wasn’t sure she believed the whole Dorian Gray explanation, she had nothing else to explain their strange behavior. She still didn’t fully trust the Russians. She was certain either would betray her to reach their own goals.

The light dimmed, Alexei walked into the room. I am here to help you plan for the next step of our search.

Are you now…? What makes you think I need your help? Helena could feel the anger rise in her chest.

Alexei strolled over and sat in Helena’s mother’s large chair, one of the few pieces Helena brought from her parents’ hidden study in San Francisco. Oh, how shall I count the ways… Spain, Italy, Greece… You have been lucky. Now we are preparing to waltz into a country that has been at war with its neighbors for the past three hundred and fifty years. And is still shooting at people on the other side.

I don’t see your point. Helena saw his point, she just didn’t want to admit to him that she needed help in forming a safe plan to infiltrate the castle. She had little experience planning such an escapade, a little tutoring would not hurt.

Alexei motioned to Helena’s body while he spoke. How long do you think a woman with such lily-white skin and red hair will survive in a land full of people with dark hair and tan skin?

Helena had never thought of her skin color as a hindrance. Let’s say for a moment I agree with you. What would you suggest? Unconsciously, Helena rubbed her bare forearms.

I suggest I leave tonight with the launch. I take a small disguised team into the city and discover what we can. Alexei raised his arms to show off his robes. As you can see, I have my costume already.

I was going to ask about that. Helena leaned against the side of her bed.

From time to time, I might have worked for the Romanovs to learn information… Let’s consider the activity more of a hobby.

You’re a spy?

Spy has such negative connotations. When you have lived and traveled as much as I have, you make contacts, and you learn things. It’s what I do from time to time, I’m afraid. He steepled his fingers before his lips.

Does your sister know? Helena had to admit she wasn’t surprised; the globetrotting count would make a perfect cover to travel about learning the secrets needed for a country.

We have never discussed details, but she must assume… She has been instrumental in gaining delicate information from time to time.

"So you are only here, she is with the Legend to spy for you?" Helena found herself neither surprised nor angry. She expected a double-cross from the count.

On the contrary. Everything I promised was the truth. We are here to share information. That is why I’m here now divulging… trusting you with a most delicate piece of information.

Why didn’t you tell me this before?

Would you have trusted me if I came on bended knee, begging for help with the opening line, ‘Hello, I’m a spy’? I think not. Besides, the Tsar never sent me to spy on you. Everything I told you in Bermuda was the truth.

So why tell me now? Helena glanced over to where her mother’s sword lay propped against her headboard, then back at the count.

It seemed like the time to reveal my experiences before we rush headlong into danger. We will not always be as fortunate as we were in Rhodes. That could have ended badly for all of us. I have an extended life. I endeavor to continue that life as long as possible not cut it short on a folly.

Helena gripped the side of her bed. Not that the count talked down to her. He was simply putting into words what she had realized after the narrow escape in Greece. It didn’t make it any easier to hear her shortcomings laid out bare. Let’s assume for a moment you are correct. What would be your plan to enter Acre?

Acre is an armed port in the Ottoman Empire. I assume everyone will be closely watched. I will lead a team into the city, taking my launch from this small island and mooring in the port. Over several days we will seek out what information we need, some through guile, some by bribery. We will return after the reconnoiter to determine the next step.

A number of times you said we and us… I assume you have decided who is best to go with you?

I have… but I must admit I would do this task alone best, but I thought you would never allow that. I make this as a suggested team, but the suggestion comes from my years of experience. Before you ask, I have asked all of them, and they agreed to accompany me if you agree.

That was mighty bold of you. Helena crossed her arms.

It is what I do. Do you want to hear my team?

Helena nodded.

Alexei paused. Myself, Phoebe, Krushna, and… Deirdre will head into the city tonight.

Helena cleared her throat. I can understand most of your decision, but my aunt? Her skin and hair are nearly the same color as mine.

Alexei nodded. I agree. However, skin and hair color can be changed. She can do two things you can’t. She can heal, and more importantly she has the skill to bend a person’s mind to her will. I found both of these skills outweigh the risk of her being discovered.

And not me? Helena flexed her fingers, clutching the covers of her bed.

Alexei smiled. A great leader recognizes the time to delegate. There are times when a leader needs to head the charge, and there are times when they need to sit back and let… cooler heads prevail.

Helena knew the very fact she grew angry at the thought of being left behind proved the blasted Russian right. Damn him and his logic. What do you propose I do while you are off having all the fun in Acre? Helena tried to make light of the plan, but the conflict over this decision tore her up inside. She understood if they were to be successful finding her father and mother, she needed to delegate.

You need to study your parents’ journals, you need to make sure the time machine is ready, and you need to be ready to come to rescue us if my plan fails. I think there is plenty left with the ships to keep your mind occupied.

Helena couldn’t help but blush as her mind rushed to thoughts of Doyle and the time they would be spending together, not alone per se but with fewer eyes watching them. Helena cleared her throat to clear her mind. I’m not sure there is much we can do if you’re captured.

Sure there is. Enlist your fey friends and come to the rescue. From what I’ve seen, you are very capable. You just need to plan a little more. When it comes to rushing headlong into danger, I can think of no one I would rather have come to rescue me. Alexei chuckled at his joke, relaxing Helena slightly.

What you’re saying is I should do what I do best. Make rash, impulsive decisions and let my luck save the day?

I don’t think I said that, but if that was what you inferred, I will accept your personal analysis of your abilities. Before Helena deciphered his double talk, Alexei slapped his hands on the arms of the chair and stood. If we are in agreement, I suggest we announce the plan to the crews as a team as soon as the sun goes down.

What of your launch? It looks like we are some distance from the water.

All will be fine. Now I must go see Ludmila and tell her of the plan. That will be the hard sell.

You think she will object? Helena asked, wondering if she had just been played.

I know she will. Long ago she got it into her head she was my protector. I think she just tries to limit the work she needs to do on our painting. Alexei clicked his heels and stepped to the door.

Helena closed the door behind him. She mentally debated which would be worse, giving up some of the decision-making for this adventure or staying behind to deal with the ruffled feathers of the Russian countess. Neither was palatable. Was the situation a dilemma or a Hobson’s choice… It didn’t matter the correct term, the situation was all bull. She was certain to suffer either way.

Chapter 3:

At sunset, the clouds to the west were aglow. The combined crew of the two airships gathered as the time came for the party to head into enemy territory. At least that was how Alexei and Ludmila described it. There had never been love between the Ottomans and the Russians, a few centuries had proved that. Now Alexei was venturing into their territory with several women of Helena’s crew. She wasn’t comfortable with the idea, but Alexei presented a compelling argument.

Helena wasn’t sure how the launch would reach the water. This was just one more surprise the Russian held until the last moment. It seemed he was addicted to making an entrance. A steam whistle sounded behind the bulk of the Kampfhund, and a new pillar of smoke moved behind the black airship. The bow of the launch peeked from behind, followed by the rest of the small boat. The rumble of tracks echoed over the flat earth as the launch crawled toward the gathering.

Helena had boarded and rode the Russian launch while in Spain and had a chance to observe the boat at length while in Bermuda. She was positive she would have noticed any tracks that lay under the water. Either this was a separate and new vehicle… or…

No mechanical genius like Rosa or Mister Wizard, she still figured out how the contraption worked before it arrived close enough for an in-depth inspection. The boat itself rode on top of a flatbed tractor, like one of those seen working the fields. The crawler stopped before the small crowd, and the crew of the Legend cheered. Doyle appeared in the distance, and before Helena could wave, he ducked behind the far side of the machine.

Mister Wizard crossed his arms. It’s not that impressive. It’s just a traction-engine.

Rosa slapped the much older man on the back. Don’t be sore they thought of something you didn’t. We won’t go into the steam launch instead of oars. The young woman from Texas laughed louder.

Helena couldn’t help but smile as she jumped to her friend’s defense. "Come now, it is my fault. I rode him so hard to finish the Legend, he never had time to think up such niceties. Remember we were on a time crunch."

Bah! Mister Wizard turned and exclaimed, I will be in my workshop if anyone needs me.

Alexei used all manner of pieces of the two contraptions to lower himself to the ground. How do you like my little amusement? He beamed like a child showing off a new toy.

I must admit you had me wondering for a moment. This will take the launch to the water?

Yes. Alexei slapped the track and immediately wiped the dirt from his hand with a rag. And at the top speed of eight miles per hour, we will be there in no time. It can wait for us at the water’s edge. We brought tarps to hide it under… Just in case.

Just in case what? Phoebe asked.

My dear, we are in the land of danger. We might be attacked at any moment. The count pointed to the horizon as he spoke. I assure you, once we get you properly dressed, you will be much safer with me ashore than with these two sitting targets.

Helena inspected the airships’ twin airbag envelopes rising above the ground. She had to accept Alexei’s assessment. If they were spotted, all hell might break loose. Where is Gertrude? I have not seen her in several hours, Helena asked.

Don’t worry, she has not fallen over the side again. She simply has a headache and is lying down. I’m sure she will be well later, Phoebe answered.

Helena didn’t like that answer. Since Gertrude returned to the Legend, she had been distant, keeping mostly to her room. Perhaps the excitement of the journey proved more than she expected. Helena could understand after her fall why she might suffer from a newfound fear of heights. Helena’s time in the Land of Immortals had cured her of that affliction long ago. I will check on her later.

If we are going to do this, Alexei slapped his hands together, "we need to be heading toward the water.

Helena strolled up to her aunt and took the older woman’s hand in hers. Her normally bright red locks had been tinted near black. In the fading light, Helena could see her skin was several shades darker as well. You be safe out there. Helena nearly added, You’re not as young as you once were, but she felt no need to be rude.

I will be fine, as long as you speak to no one about this absurd color in my hair or on my skin. A member of the aristocracy should not need to hide in such a way. Even in the wilds of the Near East.

The others moved ahead to the water. Helena hid her smile. Did the count say how long it would take to wear off?

No, he did not… It had better not be too long… He was rather circumspect when I asked that very question. Deirdre quickly changed the subject, If anything happens… Study your parents’ journals. There must be something in there to help you. I have an uneasy feeling.

Helena stopped walking and turned her aunt to face her. What do you mean a bad feeling?

Deirdre shook her head. People who have the gift… there are times we get feelings or signs from beyond. As far as I know, little is known about them, but they can spell tragedy for some or be innocuous. They run the gambit. I have a feeling, just be careful. Watch what you do and watch her. Deirdre motioned with her head to Ludmila who walked silently next to her brother.

Helena didn’t know what to say. She had been listening to omens about death and white wings for months. Death had surrounded her for months. Did the spirits mean her death or death in general? Perhaps they meant the death of a loved one? Omens meant little to her, but she looked into her aunt’s eyes. I will be safe here on a lonely island. I need you to be safe in Acre. I will worry about you, much more than you should worry about me. To which, she hugged her aunt.

After the hug, they fell in behind the launch and walked with the others like a funeral procession to the sea.

In less than an hour, they reached the water’s edge. The parade stopped and all the passengers going ashore piled into the boat. The only one dressed for the adventure in local clothing was Alexei. He explained earlier, Don’t worry, we will gain the women’s clothing as soon as we reach the mainland.

Helena was surprised they even got her aunt into trousers for this trip.

Alexei was quick to explain, Their new clothes will hide any pants they might wear underneath.

Helena wasn’t sure she liked the sound of that, but she had little choice but to trek on with the decision she made and let Alexei take the lead on this adventure.

The tractor didn’t back into the water. Instead it rumbled headfirst into the surf until nearly submerged. Between waves, the straps were released, and the engines pushed the boat free of the cradles on the tractor.

Before long, the craft carrying much of her extended family disappeared into the dark.

Helena wanted to stay on the beach and wait for their return, but she understood it might be many days, and her mother’s journal waited for her. The tractor pulled out of the surf, parked in amongst some larger rocks well above the high tide mark, and the Russian crew covered the machine with tarps, hiding it from view.

Helena walked back to the Legend. Ahead, she spotted Ludmila walking beside Doyle. She felt the hair rise on the back of her neck and her ears turn a fiery red when she spotted the pair together. The effects of traveling together through the aether… logically she knew what caused her reaction. Knowledge did little to calm her rage. It took every ounce of self-control to not attack the countess and scratch her eyes out like some prehistoric woman might battle over a mate.

Instead, she took a deep breath and turned to the left, back towards the water. There was a rise between the airships and the water. Helena thought she might be able to catch a fleeting glimpse of her friends as they headed off to do what she considered should be her risk.

Doyle and Ludmila… the very thought of the pair was absurd. Helena knew Doyle only had eyes for Tsang Mei. There was certainly no way he would fall for that… Russian woman.

Mind racing from the effects of traveling so close to Doyle, Helena forced herself to walk up the side of the hill overlooking the water. The steam launch was now long gone. Hopefully, they were safe inside the harbor by now. Though she was not sure how safe they might be with the guns of the century-old fort aimed in their direction.

Out on the water, she spotted the lights, the glow in the surf crashing against the rocks below. Here there was no beach. As far as Helena saw, the cliffs went right down to the water. Then she spotted those strange lights heading for the island where the pair of airships had moored. The lights headed straight for the cliff, and a stream of glowing water flowed out behind it.

That was something totally unexpected. In no time, the lights disappeared into the cliff, out of sight.

Stoppen sie! an order shouted behind her.

Helena was shocked to hear a German voice so far from Germany. Raising her hands, she tried a little, Sprechen sie Englisch? Slowly she turned. Her back to the cliffs, she had little room to run.

Nein, stehen bleiben oder ich schieße! Before her stood a young man dressed in a dark uniform. Helena didn’t understand everything the soldier said, but the tone of his voice and the words no and shoot were familiar.

Great. Helena held her hands higher.

The young man shouted louder and came at her with a rather long bayonet. He continued to shout in German.

She tried to speak in the calmest voice possible, though she was still beyond angry with Doyle and Ludmila. Sir, you should understand I cannot understand you, and no matter how loudly you shout, it will not make the slightest bit—

The German must not have understood her. He obviously got tired of shouting. He raised the butt of his rifle and, with a swift thrust, tried to plant it in the middle of Helena’s forehead. Her time training had made her swifter and stronger than most young women, if not young men as well. Lucky for Helena, she felt his intentions before a move was made, and with the grace of a professional dancer, she sidestepped the blunt force trauma.

The young man overcompensated and slipped on the pebbled rocks that made up the cliff edge. Before Helena could reach out a hand to stop his fall, the man was gone into the dark over the cliff.

Crap, she whispered. For this death she felt no remorse, even if the man that died was little more than a boy. He had no right to accost and attack an unarmed woman in the middle of the night on a deserted island. If she had carried her sword, she might have run him through before he had a chance to fall to his death.

This island wasn’t nearly as lonely as they thought. She needed help and to warn the others. It would do little good to hide the airships from the Ottomans only to be attacked by the Germans in the middle of the night.

She moved away from the cliff as she headed down the slope. The night would be unkind if she stumbled over the side. She was certain the fall would be deadly.

Lost in thought, she never realized she had walked so far. The moon had come up before she made her way down the slope. It took little time to warn the crews. They were still wide awake. She headed to the Legend first, to warn Captain Cox and to find Ludmila. Even if she were wrapped in Doyle’s arms, she needed to disentangle herself and warn her crew.

After the ships had been alerted, she would need to do what she did best. Rush headlong into danger. This uninhabited island… something shady was going on. Why would there be German soldiers on a deserted island in the middle of the eastern Mediterranean Sea?

Chapter 4:

Deirdre found a place in the bow of the small boat. It wasn’t that small, at thirty feet, just smaller than she cared for. The more movement she experienced on the open water, the more tired she became. No amount of excitement concerning their upcoming adventure would keep her awake.

The launch was not built for comfort. There were no cabins with beds for guests to lounge about on. The best things she could find to lay her weary head on was the stores in the rope locker.

It was dark below decks. That was all right. The dim light hid the dirt she was certain covered the mooring lines. She cared little. The clothes she wore were… unfitting for a lady, uncomfortable, and above all, they seemed to chafe in all the wrong places.

She would need to speak to her niece, or maybe Phoebe could create her a ladylike suit. Not so tight-fitting and frankly revealing. If she was going to be expected to run off into the general population dressed like a miner, or maybe more like one of those