The guard nodded up to Clément on his balcony.
Numb, I touched my shorn head gingerly. I made eye contact with Clément as he stood on the balcony and he nodded, satisfied and gloating. "She has done her penance and been forgiven. She is free to go." I heard the pronouncement in stoic silence, head bowed; I wanted to glare up at him, but my life depended on appearing chastised. The crowd continued to catcall and heckle, and my anger began to swell. Staring out at the crowd, I asked the guard, quietly "Where should I go?"
"Anywhere you like, but I would stay out of sight as much as you can. The crowd in the square can get ugly after judgements. Particularly once he's no longer watching."
They quieted as I set foot on the stairs leading down from the dais, and a path opened. The jeers began again almost as soon as my foot touched the cobblestones, and rotten fruit hit my shoulder about halfway across the square. Once the first person was brave enough, the rotten fruit and vegetables fell like rain. The impact of something harder, a rock I think, against my ribs made me stagger, clutching my still recovering side. I made it to the edge of the square without falling. As soon as I was clear of the square I lifted my skirt and ran, ducking down side streets and out of the crowd. A few brave souls followed me but gave up after a few blocks.
When I reached a quieter section of town, where shops gave way to houses, I paused for a moment to catch my breath and run my hands over my scalp. I had never thought of myself as vain, but my hair had been my one beauty, and now it was gone. Tears streamed down my face for its loss, as anger and determination shored up my resolve. I leaned against a gatepost and closed my eyes for a moment to catch my breath and plan my next move.
"So that was a bit of a spectacle," Tyler's voice said in my ear. I jumped and glared as I whirled around. David, Tyler, Nina, Marie, and the rest of the crew stood there.
"Come on Captain. Let's get back to the ship and get out of here." Nina took my arm, glancing at my shorn head, scowling. "And maybe get you a hat. Your head's going to get awfully cold at altitude."
Wiping my eyes, I chuckled softly. This was my family, and we took care of one another.
Onboard, while the crew prepared for departure, I collected my thoughts, staring out over the prow of the airship. Carefully, I examined my emotions, rage, fear, humiliation, love for my crew, and a deep and abiding determination to seek the downfall of Clément. I set aside those that wouldn't help with what was coming, closing them off so I could do what needed to be done. Clément had made a critical mistake; he threatened my crew. This was not the last he would see of me. Next time I…we… would be coming for vengeance.
Niccolò approached me tentatively. “Captain?”
“Yes, what is it Niccolò?” I asked, my mind still turned inwards.
He held up the velvet purple bag full of my hair. “I got you something.” He paused, fidgeting. “I ... I didn’t think we should let him keep it.”
Startled, I laughed, and swept him up into an embrace, taking the bag from him. “You did good, my young friend.”
Tyler shouted orders to launch, and suddenly we were rising back to the open sky where we belonged.
Epilogue
In a cave below the Vatican the earth shook for the final time, revealing an ancient, underground temple of pale stone. A great seal covered the floor, etched in the sandstone, with the markings highlighted in gold. The great seal rent down the middle with a horrific cracking sound. Dust and fire swirled through the temple. The head of a great beast rose, a misshapen scaly claw extended, pulling itself up and out. The beast was hideous. Pulsating skin the color of dried blood, stretched across a skeletal form. Curved horns jutted from his forehead sweeping back and curling behind his head. A skeletal face with holes for eyes, rose from the darkness, and the stink of sulfur and brimstone roiled off his dark form. When he stood, his horns brushed the temple’s tall ceiling. Five more beasts followed him from the abyss, varying in shape, form and size. Each of them hideous, malformed creatures of the dark.
"My brothers and sisters, the journey to the land of the living was long. We have been awakened once again with a new mandate. Welcome back to the world of men." His voice boomed and echoed throughout the chamber and carried the scent of death. "Her name is Jacqueline de Valois, and she must die."
The End
Captain Jac and her crew will return in The Second Sin
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Books By This Author
Sapphire Eyes are Smiling
Captain Jacqueline and the crew of the airship Indiana must save one of their own and defeat a plot to overthrow the English Crown.
Will her capers prove deadly this time? Will England Fall?
The largest question? Just why the hell would a disgraced French noblewoman turned pirate airship Captain care?
Charisma +1: The Guide to Convention Etiquette for Gamers, Geeks & the Socially Awkward
In D&D there are certain attributes you start with, just as in life there are certain things you’re born with: Strength, Will, Charisma, Wisdom, Intelligence and Constitution. Whether you’re a veteran convention attendee, a con-virgin, a volunteer, vendor or a guest, everyone can use a bump in their life stats.
Do you know what the 6-2-1 rule is? What do Barbarians and cell phones have to do with hygiene? Do you know when it’s okay to take a photograph? How do you flirt with that cute girl or guy across the room? Who are Booth Babes really?
In Charisma +1 you will find:
•Suggestions on how to network, flirt, and interact with attendees
•Tips for dealing with crowds, people in costume, and that weirdo that keeps following you around
•Rules for keeping yourself sane, happy and safe
•Advice on shopping, attending panels, dealing with volunteers, vendors, staff and other attendees
Booking the Library: A Guide for Entertainers, Musicians, Speakers & Authors
This book outlines the basics of touring and booking programs at public libraries. It is intended as a resource for musicians, storytellers, puppeteers, authors, speakers and other 'living wage' entertainers. If you fall into one of these categories, this book is for you, to aid in finding new markets, new fans, and new ways of making your living. In Booking the Library you will find: Sample phone scripts, contracts, and emails Detailed instructions on finding library contact information quickly and easily Suggestions on best practices Information on performer showcases And many more tips and golden rules to help keep you happy, healthy, and sane as you pursue your passion.
About The Author
Jessica Brawner
Jessica Brawner grew up in the wilds of South Texas and plotted ways to spend her life traveling the world. She has been remarkably successful at that endeavor, attending school and traveling all over Europe at the age of eighteen, moving back to the United States to achieve two bachelor's degrees, and then moving to Central Asia for a time with the Peace Corps. Twenty years ago she discovered the wonders of Science Fiction and Fantasy conventions and the crazy, lovable, friends-are-the-family-you-choose mentality found there. She spent many years working and volunteering at conventions all over the country.
In addition to her convention activities, Ms. Brawner has developed and taught self-defense classes, worked as an event planner, an entertainment agent, a computer teacher, a personal assistant, and most recently works at an energy tech start up while pursuing her writing career. You can find her online at www.jessicabrawner.com as well as on Facebook and Twitter @JABrawner
From.Net
The First Sin Page 25