by Becca Andre
“Felipe,” Briar greeted the ferromancer—or former ferromancer.
She expected an angry scowl, but he smiled and gave her an elegant bow. “My lady, it is good to see you well.”
The polite words threw her off. Felipe had never been all that polite to her. “I thought you’d be angry with me,” she said, getting straight to the point.
“I was at first,” he admitted. “But after a restless night spent evaluating my life, I went to breakfast. Not a single person looked at me askew. One charming lady even asked me about my accent, and we had a pleasant discussion about my homeland.”
“Oh?”
He chuckled and waved away any further comment on the topic. “It was a novel experience. I’ve never been free to move about the world. First, I was caged by the ferra, and once released, caged again by my visible devolvement.”
“But aren’t you upset that you are no longer a ferromancer?”
“I wouldn’t go that far,” Kali spoke up. “I still sense…something.”
Felipe gave her a startled look. “You’re not holding that gun on me because you recognize me?” His shoulders slumped. “You mean I could still be hunted by the Scourge?”
“Probably not,” Perseus spoke up. “Kali is impossibly sensitive. I feel nothing except the construct in your pocket.”
“Construct?” Briar asked. “You still have a construct?” She stared at Felipe in surprise.
“All those who had a construct, have them still,” Grayson spoke up. He was sitting on a nearby barrel, quietly watching the exchange. “The piece of soul within a construct has been fused to the soul iron that composes it. The only way for a ferromancer to become whole again is to devolve enough to absorb the metal that houses the construct’s soul.” He shrugged. “Felipe and the others we helped are too human now.”
“That doesn’t sound…good.” Briar grimaced.
Felipe surprised her with a laugh. “Here’s the really strange part. I no longer feel the missing piece.” He turned to Grayson. “You know what I’m saying?”
“Yes,” Grayson answered softly.
“I feel whole.” Felipe smiled and turned back to Briar. “More than that, I also feel. I didn’t realize how far gone, how dead I was.”
“Fascinating,” Kali spoke up, sarcasm heavy in her tone. “So why are you here?”
Felipe didn’t seem put off by her harsh words. “I’m not here to harm anyone.” He turned back to Briar. “I just wanted to thank you. After seeing what you did to those chimera, I suspect things could have gone in another direction.”
“Well, yes,” Briar admitted. She studied him. “You’re truly pleased I did this? Even without your permission?”
“That’s the ironic part. I would never have given you permission.”
Briar glanced at Molly, who gave her a knowing smile.
Felipe was studying Grayson, though he directed his next question at Briar. “So why haven’t you helped him?”
“How do you now he’s still a ferromancer?” Kali asked.
Felipe frowned, then abruptly shrugged, his happiness returning. “Maybe you’re right. I guess I’m not entirely human.”
“She hasn’t helped me,” Grayson spoke up, “because we have other brothers out there who still need our assistance. It is our magics working together that enabled this to work.”
Briar stared at Grayson. She hadn’t even considered the fact that the ferromancers they faced last night weren’t the only ones. Another thought immediately followed her realization. What if Grayson was just using that as an excuse to keep her from making him human? Was that the source of his reservation with her earlier?
“Right.” Felipe laughed again. “Just like those ferra legends that tell of a drake and a soul singer who would return our race to perfection.” He winked. “Guess what that makes me?”
Grayson chuckled. “You’re getting a little full of yourself.”
“Perhaps.” Felipe gave Briar another grin.
She tried to return the smile, but her mind had snagged on her new concern. What if Grayson didn’t want to be human?
Felipe chuckled, drawing her attention back to him. “I would hug you, my lady, but I fear your oath-sworn would put a bullet in me.”
“Good assumption,” Kali muttered.
Felipe offered Briar a hand. “A handshake then?”
She agreed and pressed her palm to his.
A brief shake, then he bent and kissed the back of her hand. “I am forever in your debt.” He released her and straightened, his smile returning. “Well, I’m going to go see if Orson has finished sulking and wishes to join me for lunch.”
“Orson isn’t happy?” Briar asked.
Felipe waved away her concern. “It’s an adjustment. Trust me, he’s probably already realized how fortunate he is.” A final farewell, and he left the boat, whistling as he walked away.
Briar watched him go, her mind awash with all she had learned. There was a profound sense of relief that at least one man had appreciated what she had done, even with her heavy-handed approach. And then there was the issue that Grayson had brought up. Those that they had helped weren’t the only ferromancers in the world. But she would address that in a moment. First, she had a very big wrong to make right.
She steeled her courage, then faced her crew. “I’m sorry. What I did last night, turning my magic on all of you, was wrong.” As she spoke, she forced herself to meet the eyes of each crew member. “I want you to know that I only did it because I cherish each of you and wanted to keep you safe—but that doesn’t make it right.”
“Miss Briar—” Eli began.
“No.” She held up a hand to silence him. “Let me speak my piece.” When it seemed he would remain quiet, she continued. “All of you have supported me even when one bad decision followed another. This was no way to repay your faith in me, but I just felt that this was not your fight. I want you to know that it will never happen again.”
“You’re forgiven, Miss Briar,” Eli spoke up.
“We know you was just lookin’ out for our best interest,” Jimmy added.
“I’ve fallen to temptation as well,” Zach said. “I once used my voice on you.”
“Zach once used his voice on me,” Benji shared—and got an elbow from his brother.
“Thank you,” Briar whispered, swallowing the tears of relief that wanted to escape. “I don’t deserve a crew like you.”
“Now, Miss Briar, don’t be saying such things,” Eli said. “Ain’t none of us perfect.”
“Not even that Spanish feller,” Jimmy added gesturing at the gangplank Felipe had recently crossed. “Despite what he thinks.”
The rest of the crew chuckled, and even Briar smiled. God, she loved her crew, which made the next thing she had to say so hard. But after Felipe’s visit, she knew what she must do.
“That said…” She paused while the crew once more fell silent. “There’s another matter I need to discuss with all of you.” Her heart thumped in her ears as she spoke the words she thought she’d never say. “I’m resigning as your captain. I’m leaving the canal.”
As she expected, her statement was met with an explosion of protest. Each member of her crew reiterated that she was forgiven. That one misstep didn’t mean she had to quit. They reminded her that this was her way of life. A life she had been born to. A life she had fought to save.
What are you doing? Grayson asked.
Seizing my destiny.
What does that mean?
I have a duty, don’t I? she asked. Like you said, there are more ferromancers out there.
Then shouldn’t you have said that we have a duty? He stepped up beside her, and she looked up, meeting those familiar blue-gray eyes.
“What’s going on, Miss Briar,” Eli cut in.
“The ferromancers I helped l
ast night aren’t the only ones. I have a job to do, Eli, and I can’t do it from the deck of a canal boat.” She stepped forward and took his hand. “Andrew’s gone. The Briar Rose is mine. I’m giving her to you.”
“That’s too generous. If you don’t want to captain her, then you should sell her.”
“The boat is yours, Eli, I won’t have it any other way, but I do have one stipulation.”
His brow wrinkled. “What’s that?”
“You’re not allowed to change the name.”
He pressed his lips together, the look on his face more sad than pleased. “I never would.”
“Thank you, Captain Waller.” She smiled as she used his new title for the first time and didn’t miss the glance he gave Molly. “As for matters of business, I should mention that Jimmy plans to become a townie at the end of the season.”
The others started at him, but she continued before any comments were made.
“And at some point, Zach plans to go off to school and Benji wants to start his fishing-lure business. So I’m afraid you’ll be needing a new crew at some point. Except for your cook. Miss Molly is keen on the canal life.”
Molly gave her a small smile, but there were tears in her eyes. Briar hoped she didn’t think she was abandoning her.
“I can hire on one more year,” Jimmy spoke up. “Providing we stay in the Scioto River Valley.”
Zach and Benji offered similar promises that they weren’t going anywhere just yet.
“Now hang on a minute,” Eli cut in. “What about you, Miss Briar? You can’t just run off with him.” He waved a hand at Grayson.
Briar sighed. “I know you think it your duty to take Andrew’s place as my guardian—”
“You’re damn right. Someone’s got to step up and do it, and that someone is me.” Eli turned to Grayson. “So what’s it to be? Are you the scoundrel I always thought you were, or are you going to prove me wrong?”
“Elijah Waller,” Briar protested.
“I don’t need your encouragement, friend,” Grayson told Eli with a smile. “But your argument about making you look the fool is certainly tempting.”
Eli crossed his large arms, ignoring Briar’s glare as he focused on Grayson. “Well? I would like to hear your intentions, sir.”
Grayson didn’t answer. Instead, he glanced toward the door to the aft cabin, and a moment later, Lock flew out. He landed on Grayson’s shoulder, then gave him a questioning whirr.
“Yes,” Grayson said to the little dragon. “Go ahead.”
Lock leapt from his shoulder, morphing into what appeared to be a simple silver box in mid fall. Grayson snapped it out of the air. A faint frown creased his brow as he opened the box to look inside, then he lifted his eyes to meet hers.
Briar was about to ask what was going on when Grayson dropped to a knee before her. A burst of nervous apprehension washed over her, but she couldn’t decide if it came from Lock or Grayson.
“Will you marry me, Miss Rose?” Grayson held up the open box displaying the ring that lay inside. “As you can see, Eli didn’t force my hand. I’ve been thinking on this for some time.”
Stunned silence fell over those gathered around them.
I bought the stone in Lockbourne, Grayson admitted. The band was formed from one of Lock’s scales—his idea. That golden hue is rare for soul iron.
Briar pressed a hand to her mouth. This morning, hell, the past twenty-four hours, had been one crazy ride of emotion. Joy, despair, and everything in between.
Briar? The apprehension she sensed was moving closer to fear.
She blinked back the tears that threatened. Do you really have to ask? You know how I feel.
“I do,” he agreed. “But Eli can’t see our souls, so we have to do this part aloud. Otherwise, he’s going to punch me, and from experience, I can tell you that hurts.”
Briar smiled as the others laughed. Even Eli chuckled.
As I told you, you are my heart, Grayson added. You’ve seen what I become without it.
“Very well. I’ll say this aloud to spare you the bruises.” She held his gaze as she continued. “Yes, Mr. Martel, I’ll marry you.”
A whoop went up from the crew, and Grayson sprang to his feet and pulled her into an embrace. She wrapped her arms around his shoulders and kissed him right there in front of everyone.
“Easy now,” Eli spoke up. He tried to sound gruff, but he was smiling. “You ain’t married yet.”
Briar pulled back with a laugh. “Keep your shirt on, Eli. I kissed him.”
“See?” Jimmy spoke up. “Even in this, there’s no tamin’ our Briar Rose.”
The rest of the crew laughed.
Chapter 21
Briar squeezed Molly’s hand beneath the table while the clerk tucked away the paperwork.
“That’s the last of it, Mrs. Rose. My condolences.” The clerk gave her a solemn nod.
“Thank you.” Molly rose to her feet as Briar and the clerk did the same. “I greatly appreciate your help, sir. I would prefer not to deal with matters of finance at a time like this, but it must be done.” Molly sighed, then offered the man her hand.
“Of course, my lady.” He took her hand and after a brief squeeze released it. “Glad to be of service.”
Molly dipped her head in a gracious manner, then led Briar from the room.
“Damn, you’re good,” Briar whispered as soon as they left the courthouse.
A slight smile tugged at the corner of Molly’s mouth before she sobered. “I feel a bit guilty though.” She glanced over her shoulder, then continued in a whisper. “It seems wrong to find happiness in another’s death. Especially my husband’s.”
“If the situation were reversed, Andrew would have laughed all the way to the bank,” Briar reminded her, then cringed at the way that sounded. “Of course, he was a self-serving ass who never knew your true worth.”
Molly took her arm. “Thank you. I’m also a bit unsettled that I was still married all this time.”
“Only because Andrew failed to file the paperwork. He had already severed the relationship.” Briar lowered her voice and continued, “You were free to flirt with Eli if you wanted.”
“Briar!”
Laughing at the admonishment, Briar nudged her with her shoulder. “Just thought I’d mention that, because look who’s waiting for us.” She nodded toward the bench a little farther along the street and the large figure getting to his feet.
“I’m sure he’s here to see you,” Molly whispered.
“I signed over ownership of the boat yesterday.” After it had officially become hers. “He’ll have some excuse, but he’s here to see you.”
Molly didn’t get to deny that claim before he walked over to join them.
“Good morning, Captain,” Briar greeted him. “What brings you here?”
Eli stood a little straighter at the use of his new title. He had finally stopped protesting every time she used it.
“Mr. Martel wanted me to tell you that he went over to the train yard to settle some matters of business he had going there—before we kidnapped him.”
“Huh.” She hadn’t expected that. Actually, she’d forgotten all about the locomotive Grayson owned. “You didn’t need to come all this way to tell me.”
Eli shrugged his wide shoulders. “Thought I could save you a few steps. No need to go all the way back to the boat.”
“Does Grayson want me to come to the train yard?”
The question seemed to throw Eli. “I just figured you’d want to.”
She hesitated as if considering that. “I am curious, but I don’t want to abandon Molly.”
“I’d be happy to walk her back to the boat.”
Molly met Briar’s eye, an amused smile on her face. She knew that Briar had led him into that.
“Truth to
tell,” Eli continued, “I had hoped for a private word with you, Miss Molly.”
“Oh?” Molly’s amused expression became one of surprise. “Perhaps about the cookware that needs to be replaced?”
“We need to discuss that as well.” Eli offered his arm.
“All right.” Molly gave Briar a questioning look as she took Eli’s arm.
Briar shrugged. She had no idea what Eli was up to, but left Molly to sort it out. Briar was more curious about what Grayson was doing.
The shed that housed Grayson’s prototype locomotive looked no different than it had the other times she had visited. Though the remembrance did bring a pang of grief. The last time she was here had been the night she met Tristan.
Pushing down the melancholy, she walked to the shed. A clank, followed by a clatter of metal on metal carried through the closed doors. Was Grayson working on the locomotive? The notion filled her with both excitement and dread. Excitement to watch him work, but dread that he still intended to unleash his design on the world—which would certainly spell the end of the canal business.
In a rare quiet moment, she knocked on the door.
“What is it?” Grayson’s accented voice carried from within.
“It’s me,” she answered. May I come in?
Of course.
Before she could put a hand on the door, it rolled open, but Grayson stood nowhere near it.
“Cheater,” she teased, stepping into the shed. Her good humor faded when she got a look at the locomotive. Large pieces of metal lay in neat stacks around the room, the engine itself mostly disassembled.
“What are you doing?” she asked as the door rolled shut behind her.
“I thought I could sell it for scrap,” he answered, turning back to his work. He wasn’t using any tools to take the locomotive apart.
“But this was your dream.”
He smiled, though she only caught it in profile. “Being an inventor is my dream. This locomotive was only intended to finance it.”