For Steam and Country: Book One of the Adventures of Baron Von Monocle

by Jon Del Arroz

  I’d never even considered meeting King Malaky before this evening, but I wanted to redeem myself with Mr. du Gearsmith and Captain von Cravat present. “Yes, majesty, no majesty. Speak only when spoken to, I’m sure,” I said. Those had to be safe ways to act around the king.

  “Yes, but slightly more than that, Zaira dear. Attitude is paramount. Kneel when you come before him or he arrives. Defer to him. He is still a king, though a fair one as I have described.”

  “Okay, I’ll do my best,” I said.

  “Well, then, let’s go,” Captain von Cravat said, motioning for one of the servants to lead the way.

  The servant started down the hallway, and we walked behind. “Where’d Harkerpal go?” I asked.

  “Back to the ship. It was a long voyage considering his new repairs,” Captain von Cravat said. “He needs to make sure his work held. We may be back out on assignment by the time we’re done here. At least I hope so.”

  “We?” I asked, but there was no time for a reply as we approached the royal chamber.

  Two guards turned and pulled open large double doors, embroidered in gold and with the crimson crest of Malaky carved into the wood. Beyond was a large throne room, several chairs adorning each side and a carpet leading up to a step and the throne. The throne itself was simpler than I would have imagined, an ordinary chair save for the Malaky crest carved into the backrest and a matching cushion. To the throne’s right was another chair, one step lower. A long curtain hung behind the throne with a small door to the back. We walked into that empty room.

  A moment later, a tall servant came in from the back door and pulled back the curtain. She wore similar poofy attire as the rest of us, with golden ruffles up to her throat. The servant turned to us. “Presenting his royal majesty, King Malaky the Ninth,” she said.

  Everyone knelt, leaving me gawking. Captain von Cravat tugged my sleeve, jolting me enough to drop me to my knees. “Ow!” I whispered.

  “Quiet, eyes on the floor,” Captain von Cravat said.

  I cast my eyes downward. Footsteps traversed the back of the throne room, the click on the floor edging closer. I saw those boots in front of me, behind them, a heavy burgundy cape with a white ruffled fringe. A hand fell upon my shoulder. “You must be Zaira,” a kind and gentle voice said. “Please, arise. That goes for all of you.”

  I stood, and met King Malaky’s eyes, deep brown pools that held years of wisdom. His face was pale, age showing in several wrinkles on his forehead.

  “You look just like your father, it’s incredible,” King Malaky said. “Though I’m certain he would be wearing one of these.” He motioned to his cape.

  I glanced to Captain von Cravat, not wanting to risk speaking out of turn. She nodded to give me leave. I met King Malaky’s eyes once more. “My father’s belongings are aboard the Liliana, Sire. I was told this was the proper attire for an audience with you,” I said.

  King Malaky laughed heartily. “My servants dressed you, did they? I keep telling them that people don’t have to dress in those antiquated costumes. They were originally meant to humiliate audiences so they would remember their place before the king. I don’t view my subjects in such a negative light to think they require it. You’ve certainly grown since I last saw you.”

  “We’ve met before?” I asked, wide eyed.

  “The king was present at your name day, Zaira, though of course, you wouldn’t remember the ceremony,” Mr. du Gearsmith said, nodding to the king with familiarity.

  “Ahh, Mathias, welcome. You as well, Talyen.” King Malaky walked past each of them as he said his greetings. Then he stopped before James. “And who might you be?”

  “James Gentry, humbly at your service, Your Majesty,” James said.

  King Malaky took his hand and clasped it in greeting before pacing back toward his throne. “You’ve all had quite the evening, so my advisors tell me. Would you care for any refreshments while we speak? Food? Wine?”

  “Your servants have cared for us well, Your Majesty,” Captain von Cravat said. “We are ready to attend to whatever matters you choose to discuss.”

  King Malaky sighed and seated himself upon the throne. A servant flocked to each side to ensure his cape didn’t bunch. “You never were one for friendly conversation,” he said of Captain von Cravat. That was an understatement. “The Liliana has returned to the air. I wasn’t sure I’d live to see the day. And Zaira is in command?” he asked.

  “Not exactly,” I blurted, though unsure why. My cheeks flushed a hot red.

  “It’s her airship by right. Though Miss von Monocle hasn’t the… training necessary for true command as of yet,” Captain von Cravat said.

  As of yet? What was that supposed to mean? I couldn’t help but stare at Captain von Cravat, her face still holding a stoic coldness that she had on the first time I met her. What was she thinking behind those calculating eyes? I’d thought she would want to wash her hands of me and send me packing.

  “I’ve received some formal reports, but Zaira, I would be interested in hearing your version of recent events,” King Malaky said. A servant poured wine into his goblet, which he took into his right hand. “Please, don’t remain standing on my account.” He motioned to the chairs in the room.

  Servants scurried to reposition the chairs so they would face the king from the center of the room. One moved a chair to the back of my knees. I fell into the seat. This was all so nerve racking. “Our farms were attacked by Wyranth soldiers,” I began, shifting in the chair and crossing my legs.

  “The Wyranth? Where?”

  “Plainsroad Village,” James said.

  “Plainsroad Village?” The king asked, concern flashing over his face. “That’s well within the border and is disconcerting at the very least. Talyen, can you confirm this report?”

  Captain von Cravat nodded gravely. “The Wyranth inflicted a great deal of damage to the village. The farmers will require aid. We lucked upon Zaira and James when they were captured on the open road.”

  It hadn’t occurred to me to consider how Captain von Cravat and her crew found us. It all happened so quickly and she appeared so coordinated. Was it truly simple luck that led her to us?

  “How many Wyranth were there?”

  “A legion for certain,” Captain von Cravat said.

  “I’d say at least a thousand, Your Majesty,” James said. “My father held them off. They brought mobile artillery as well and barraged our home with it.”

  “Please, continue.” King Malaky motioned to me. “It’s strange they should attack such an insubstantial target.”

  “They were after me. I believe they think I could be a valuable ransom, given that I’ve inherited the airship,” I said.

  “I see,” King Malaky said. He tilted his goblet back to take a small sip of his wine. “I’m going to have to speak with General Carwell and form a plan. This is dire news indeed.” Worry crossed the king’s eyes.

  “I trust we will defend our homeland and prevail, Your Majesty. As we always have before,” Captain von Cravat said. Strength dripped from her words as if she were delivering King Malaky a personal oath.

  “Hmm,” King Malaky said.

  I watched the exchange. The king did not appear nearly as confident as Captain von Cravat as to Rislandia’s ability to defend itself. My heart sank, but I remembered my father. If anyone could help save the kingdom, it’d be him. “There is good news, however.”

  King Malaky raised a brow. “Do tell.”

  Captain von Cravat inclined her head. “We captured a Wyranth soldier, one of whom was carrying a vial of the blue liquid I detailed to you in my written report. In interrogations, he revealed the Baron von Monocle is still alive, being held in the Wyranth Castle dungeon.”

  “Yes. I was briefed on that,” King Malaky said. “While it is good to hear my old friend has not drawn his last breath, the source is suspect to say the least.”

  “I did not get the impression this soldier lied,” Captain von Cravat said.r />
  “Still, it’s a product of interrogation. We have no corroborating evidence and even if we did, the Wyranth Castle isn’t a place we could extract him from. It’s too dangerous, in the heart of the Iron Empire. The throne room itself sits above the dungeon. I’ve been there when we still had diplomatic talks. Before the Iron Emperor changed so suddenly.” King Malaky stared into his goblet.

  “A team of trained commandos could—” Captain von Cravat began, but was cut off by King Malaky raising his hand to her.

  “Could get killed. We’re not going to risk our best soldiers on a fool’s errand when we have troops who have penetrated our borders. We need our best to be fighting and ensuring the safety of our people,” King Malaky said.

  “What about the Liliana?” I asked.

  “Even more valuable than a team of commandos. Your airship, Zaira, instills fear into the hearts of the enemy. That she flies the skies again is a rallying cry for Rislandia. No, we couldn’t risk the Liliana or her crew on hearsay.”

  I gripped some of the ruffles of my skirt in to my fist, my nails piercing through the fabric. It wasn’t fair. My father might be alive, probably was alive. I couldn’t lose him now, not like this! Not because the king was afraid. “Baron von Monocle would never hide from a mission like this,” I said.

  “Zaira!” Mr. du Gearsmith chided, his eyes wide.

  James looked as if he were about to burst out laughing but clamped his lips tightly.

  “My apologies, Your Majesty,” Captain von Cravat said, covering for me. She had an expression on her face the same as that day I’d come into the inn in Loveridge to talk about the crashed ship.

  The blood drained from my face. Did I make such a terrible error?

  King Malaky eyed me for a long moment, then returned his gaze into his goblet. “Don’t chide the poor child for speaking the truth. She is right,” he said.

  Emboldened, I pressed. “Well, what are we going to do about it?”

  The room fell silent save for a small gasp from a servant. King Malaky waved toward the servant as if he didn’t have a concern. “It’s a good question. It’s something that will require some deliberation, but for now, I’m afraid the answer has to be nothing.”

  “Nothing?” Captain von Cravat and I asked in unison.

  “I would risk my life for Barn von Monocle,” King Malaky said, sadness in his eyes. Sincerity dripped from him as his eyes met mine. “But I can’t risk this kingdom. Sending a team into the heart of the Wyranth Empire could give the fuel the Iron Emperor needs to legitimize his invasion, which would be the last thing we would need.”

  Captain von Cravat’s gaze cooled so quickly it could have frozen my crops over in the middle of summer. “He doesn’t seem concerned about legitimacy now.”

  King Malaky met her stare, eyes narrowing in focus.

  Mr. du Gearsmith’s eyes went wide. “It is quite late, Your Majesty. If you would permit, I believe it may be best to sleep on the matter. Your faithful servants have had the longest of days and a rest might assist in their understanding of difficult strategic decisions.

  “Indeed,” King Malaky said. Anger still radiated from him. “Perhaps some in the ranks have been on their own for too—”

  “Father, what’s going on?” A feminine voice said as the door opened.

  I glanced up, as did everyone else in the room. King Malaky turned around. By the door stood a girl about my age who embodied every essence of objective beauty from the fairy tales my mother read me when I was little. She had long blonde hair with a slight curl, big blue eyes, lengthy legs, and a perfectly proportioned body. She stood in her night clothes, soft pink silken layers that dangled down to the floor. No poofs or ruffles in her ensemble. I couldn’t help but wrinkle my nose, in jealousy I hate to admit. For some reason, I hadn’t been gifted with a body that might be considered perfectly feminine. Back in Plainsroad Village, most of us girls had to do hard farm work along with the boys. The sensation was an oddity.

  I glanced over at James. His mouth hung open like an ape. I wanted to sock him one good, but I had to maintain my manners in front of King Malaky.

  “Reina, Sweetie,” King Malaky said softly to the girl. He beamed with pride.

  Mr. du Gearsmith bowed before Reina. “Might I introduce Princess Reina, heir to the throne of the Malaky Kingdom.” He pointed to each of us. “Zaira Von Monocle, Captain Talyen von Cravat, and James Gentry,” Mr. du Gearsmith said.

  Princess Reina curtsied in her night clothes. “A pleasure.”

  Each of us followed Mr. du Gearsmith’s lead and bowed to her.

  “We were just discussing some matters of state. No need to trouble you in this hour,” King Malaky said to his daughter.

  “I hope to train with the Knights of the Crystal Spire and be in your service one day, Princess,” James said. No one else likely noticed, but he stood on the tips of his toes to look a little taller. I’d seen that attempt to impress a girl before.

  He’d done it to me. I’d thought it was cute. This time, I couldn’t help but be stricken with sickness and a pain in my chest. I tried to keep my expression flat, but Captain von Cravat locked eyes with me, concern in her own. She was well attuned to more than just the airship.

  Princess Reina gave a cordial and political smile that appeared to be directed at us all and at none of us specifically at the same time. “To train with the knights is a noble goal, Mr. Gentry.” She turned back to King Malaky, taking a step toward him. “I was only worried because I heard a commotion, Father. I shall return to my bedchambers and sleep. I hope we can take breakfast together in the morning?” Princess Reina then planted a soft kiss on King Malaky’s cheek.

  King Malaky grinned. “Of course, my lovely daughter. See you in the morning,” he said.

  With another curtsy toward the group, Princess Reina spun on her heels and returned to the door in which she came.

  James’s attention lingered on the Princess’s backside for much too long. My face went hot with fury, more than for my own feelings. If King Malaky noticed his leering, who knew what he’d be liable to do?

  But the king didn’t notice, he remained fixated on his daughter as well, his chest swelling. “She’ll grow up to be a great ruler someday, mark my word. Now, where were we?”

  “Theodore von Monocle,” Captain von Cravat said, “and his rescue.”

  “Ahh yes,” King Malaky said. He turned his attention to one of his servants. “I believe we’ve all had an exciting evening. We should retire before discussing strategic matters further.”

  My heart sank. If there was any hope my father still lived, I needed to pursue it. Captain von Cravat appeared equally distraught. At least we had something in common. Did father really inspire that much loyalty in his crew?

  “Of course, Your Majesty,” Mr. du Gearsmith said after none of the rest of us replied. He gripped me by the arm. “I’ll take Miss von Monocle to her sleeping quarters. Thank you very much for the audience.”

  “Of course. It’s good to hear from old friends, even if much of the news is dire,” King Malaky said. He gave a nod and turned for the back entrance of his chambers.

  Captain von Cravat and James said nothing. A king’s dismissal was final. They each bowed before the king and servants guided all of us away, back down the winding hallways of the palace.

  When we came close to our quarters, Captain von Cravat stopped me. She nodded to Mr. du Gearsmith who continued past us to where he was staying. “Zaira, I know it’s late, but would you mind stepping outside and getting some air with me before you sleep?”

  I blinked. Captain von Cravat wanted to talk with me? The only times she’d wanted anything to do with me was when she had no other choice. “Sure,” I said.

  “See you tomorrow, Zair-bear,” James said, stifling a yawn.

  I waved back at him.

  Captain von Cravat motioned, leading me the opposite direction to the others. I followed toward big double doors that a servant opened for us. It led ou
t to a giant balcony.

  The balcony was as ornate and beautiful as I could have imagined, a perfect viewing pad that looked out toward the Crystal Spire on one side and down upon the rest of Rislandia City on the other. The balcony itself could have held at least fifty people, and I imagined it was used for various proclamations and formal functions more than a simple place to talk. It reminded me of how big of a world I’d stumbled into. I missed Plainsroad Village.

  The servant closed the balcony’s door, leaving us alone. Captain von Cravat leaned over the outer railing, staring down toward the town below.

  I walked up to her, unsure what to say. Not much time remained during the night. In the stillness and quiet of the outside, weariness came over me once more. I’d kept pushing myself too hard far before I’d met with the King, if falling asleep in the bath had been any sign of that. My body felt like a great weight, but Captain von Cravat needed me. If I could get on her good side somehow, I had to try. “Is everything okay?” I asked.

  “No, Zaira. It’s not okay,” she said, her voice stern. She turned back to me and sighed. “I’m sorry. It’s not your fault. I’m angry at the king, I suppose.”

  “Because he won’t let you go rescue my father?”

  Captain von Cravat nodded. “Our source was not lying to us. I’ve been in enough interrogation situations to know the difference. Theodore is alive and I… I have my hands tied. If he were here, he wouldn’t take no for an answer.”

  If my father were here, I had doubts that King Malaky would tell him no for any mission he proposed, but I couldn’t voice that and hurt Captain von Cravat further. “Well, what can we do about it?”

  “I don’t know, Zaira. Perhaps the king is right. We should rest. It’s been a trying few days. But how can I rest knowing that Theodore is in that tyrant’s hands? Who knows what kind of tortures each day brings to him.”

  I frowned, not having considered how my father must have been treated. He was the Wyranth Empire’s greatest enemy, and they had him imprisoned. Whatever he endured may well be worse than death. But if Captain von Cravat didn’t have a plan, what could I do? I didn’t have anything.