by Tony Corden
Minutes later Leah arrived in the Tower, and Gèng said, “She wasn’t keen initially but when I said, ‘girl advice’ she said she was free immediately. She wanted to come here but agreed to her place.”
Leah stepped toward the portal Gèng had provided, and after taking several calming breaths, she stepped through. She knocked on the door to Amy’s apartment which opened immediately, and she was pulled inside. Gèng said, “The patch is in place, and there is no evidence of any malware.”
Amy said, “What’s up? You’ve been impossible to connect with all day. We’re all worried, and Thad is going crazy. We all wanted to support you when Dunyanin treated you so badly, but you locked us out. Explain.”
Leah sat down and explained the last twenty-four hours. She told Amy everything: her mother, Charlie, Catherine, Akia, and Thad. She did a complete data dump and talked non-stop for almost ten minutes. When she finished, she looked at Amy and said, “So, that’s it. I need you to help me, and I can’t ask Thad. Zack is a possibility, but that’s it. That’s why we met here.”
Amy sat in silence for a minute, then said, “You and I need to discuss what ‘girl advice’ means. This is way beyond girl advice! This is, well I don’t know what this is. Let me recap, you need help to fight people who are powerful enough to influence International Virtual Security, and they have no hesitation in killing people. You need me to go with John and scope out this bar, where you’re going to get instructions that will save your mum because you’ll have handed over some secret stuff to some of the worst people on the planet. And you can’t tell Thad because it is most likely his dad is in cahoots with some of the worst people on the planet.”
“That’s about it, that’s the plan.”
“Okay! I’m in. You do realise that Thad is hurting at the moment? He really wants to help. He wants to be there for you. That boy has fallen hard. And by the way, those last four sentences, they are what I call ‘girl advice’.”
Leah nodded. “But you know I’m right.”
“Sure, I know you’re right. But that doesn’t make it right.”
Leah logged back to the Tower and headed for the Pneumatica portal.
Leah arrived in her suite at the Hotel Herrington. It was just after four in the afternoon, and she needed to get to Uncle Jerome’s and back before nine when the darker side of the world was set free. Either that or she needed to find some weapons. She made her way to the ground floor and was walking past reception when the same desk clerk as before greeted her.
“Miss Charlotte, I trust you had a pleasant couple of evenings. Was the suite to your satisfaction?”
“It was most suitable, thank you. I shall recommend the Herrington without fear for my reputation.”
“Thank you, Miss Charlotte. Earlier in the day, a young gentleman of questionable heritage inquired concerning you. I assure you that we maintained your privacy and communicated nothing regarding your whereabouts. Still, he felt compelled to leave you this rather large parasol. He said it was for honour. His intention, he professed, was that you might maintain your healthy countenance.”
He handed her the umbrella and added, “With a regard for your safety I felt compelled to inspect it. A small catch near the handle allows the central part of the device to be extracted. I suggest you take care, as it seemed altogether too sharp for a casual examination.”
“I shall indeed take care. Now, it seems to me that many people hand out their identity with undue care for they foolishly mind not who knows their business. Nonetheless, I would ask that you allow me the privilege of knowing your name that I might recommend your service as exemplary.”
“My name is Albert Lincoln, Miss Charlotte. Our regular or long-term guests, those such as yourself, refer to me simply as Lincoln.”
“What an unfortunate state the world is in, Mr Lincoln, when simple courtesy is forgotten for the sake of familiarity or expediency. Be assured, I shall not fall prey to such a lack of restraint and civility. Good day, Mr Lincoln.”
“And to you, Miss Charlotte.”
Leah headed into the street and continued on her way to Bloodmist Street. She turned right as directed and was soon at the junction of Blackwraith Street. A simple enquiry pointed her in the right direction, and she found herself outside the door of Jerome’s Brass and Copper Works several minutes later.
Leah opened the door and entered a small display room with all manner of brass and copper items on exhibit. There were different sized knobs, rivets, gears, and screws as well as larger items such as pistons, kettles, levers, bells and springs. As she stepped into the room, a small bell above the door chimed. Within moments an older woman stepped into the room and said, “Welcome Miss, how might I be of service?”
“I am new to this city, and when entering it I met a most charming woman by the name of Audrey. I explained my desire to find employment in the sky, through one means or another, and she recommended I speak with her Uncle Jerome on the matter of apprenticeships. She believed he might know of opportunities in the city.”
“If you would be so kind as to wait here, I shall see if Mister Jerome is available.”
The woman disappeared through a doorway leaving Leah alone in the room. She wandered around and looked over the objects on display. She was returning a gear to the shelf when she heard some footsteps approaching. She turned just as a man with flame red hair shot with grey streaks entered the room. He looked her over and said, with a somewhat unfriendly attitude, “My name is Jerome. Mistress Blain said you were sent by my niece Audrey to be an apprentice. Have I heard that right?”
“I fear that there has been some miscommunication, Mr Jerome. It would be most inappropriate to have an apprentice appointed without due process. Your niece was most particular; she suggested I seek you out that I might acquire information. She suggested you might have knowledge of possible employment in an industry whereby I might rapidly earn a berth on an airship or dirigible.”
In a much friendlier tone, he replied, “Well, pardon for being abrupt before, Miss. At times I exhibit a tendency to show my temper. I was unhappy to have promises made on my behalf that I can’t, or won’t, keep.”
“Quite right you are. How someone keeps their word is a bellwether trait for determining their honour. Please, I assure you that Audrey gave no such promise. Her only certainty was that you are a man of knowledge who is aware of what is needed by the good craftsmen and smiths in the city.”
“I know the city well enough miss, that is true. What skills do you have that might recommend you to one craftsman or another?”
“I have some skill in working with iron and steel. I understand the intricacies of gears, levers and springs although I have had little opportunity to practice the practical application of such knowledge. It is unseemly to press oneself forward, for no one admires a braggart, yet I might suggest that I am quick to learn a skill, given the opportunity.”
“There is scant need for apprentices in the blacksmith trade at present, we have a surplus of both apprentices and masters. There is need of locksmiths, but they are of little use to those who brave the skies. It happens, however, that I am acquainted with a brownsmith in need of an apprentice. In addition, she is often called upon to ply her craft above the clouds. Still, I hesitate to recommend her, for her clientele are known to eschew the gentler pursuits in favour of a more bloodied coin.”
“Surely they are not scoundrels, Mr Jerome?”
“Well, it is not that they pursue dishonest gain so much as they do prosecute the war for private benefits. They search to destroy the enemy not for the love of country, but for the coin they receive from the sale of enemy ships and shipping. She works for the Privateers of Aeolipile.”
“I see. Can you think of any other who might suffice?”
“There are others who would benefit from an apprentice but none that would likely lead to an opportunity aboard the airships.”
“Then, if it would not offend you, might I press once more upon your good grace an
d ask for an introduction to this Master brownsmith?”
“We all must make our own pathway in this world. I have warned you of my reservations and yet I see you will persist in the way which opens before you in order to reach your goals. So, I shall introduce you. If you would wait but a moment, I will pen a note of introduction. What name should I give?”
“If you would, please introduce me as Charlotte. Should Audrey inquire, you might say I was the one who took tea with her. I only mention this because she is aware of me by another name.”
“Charlotte it will be. The lady to whom I am recommending you is Master Fallow.”
After he penned the letter and sealed it with his stamp, he gave Leah directions to the workshop of Master Fallow before saying, “Before you go is there any other way that I might assist you?”
“You have been most helpful. I do however have one question. I have heard the name of a business enterprise and have been given contrary advice concerning its reputation. I believe I might have a better and truer answer from you. What is your opinion of Theodore’s Copper Emporium?”
Jerome’s face turned a light shade of red and his lips pursed in disguised anger. With a serious expression, he replied, “My true thoughts on that place I will not share. They do not like those who speak ill of them and have been known to prefer a violent solution to a more reasoned discussion. As someone who was befriended by my niece, I suggest you have nothing to do with them. They have found a way to undercut the majority of businesses in the city. The manager is a scoundrel called Frank Emerson. It is rumoured his wealth might rival that of their Majesties. Pray he does not learn your name for he has no friends and none he would consider his equal. Those beneath him he does not care to remember, but those who have displeased him, he knows, yet soon enough even they pass from his memory as he will most certainly brush them aside, or bury them.”
Leah thanked him for his help and headed back toward the Central Station where she had arrived in Pneumatica. From there she needed to take a tram toward the southeast of the city. Master Fallow kept her workshop near a secondary smaller airfield that was used almost exclusively by privateers. The journey took almost twenty minutes, and Leah spent the time talking with Gèng about possible approaches to discovering the message hidden aboard the Annoyance. As she neared her tram stop, she said, “I have to concentrate on this for a while, is there anything that needs to dealt with urgently?”
“No, you have another message from Thad and two from Wisp, but that is all.”
“Please respond the same way, and tell them that I’m sorry, but I need time to think,” Leah said as she stood in preparation to leave the tram.
From the tram stop, she could see the airfield stretched out in front of her. It seemed that every type of aircraft imaginable was on display. Over eighty percent made use of lighter-than-air envelopes to keep them afloat, but the size and shape varied from craft to craft. The compartments for those who flew the machines ranged from a complete three-storey galleon to something that looked like a catamaran with two long envelopes and the compartment placed between them on a rigid structure. All manner of methods were in use to direct the direction of flight. The galleon looked to have four masts while the catamaran airship made use of propellers with a system of gears which brought the power from a large steam engine at the rear of the central section. In addition to these, there was a large number of gyrocopters and even something that looked like a fighter jet.
Jerome’s directions led Leah to the right side of the airfield where a bustling collection of workshops, bars, inns and provisioners had evolved to service the flyers and their crafts. She turned down Mizzen Road and followed the directions past Main Street, Upper and Lower Topsail Streets, Gallant Street and Top Gallant Street. Jerome had said Master Fallow’s workshop was halfway down the block.
Leah could see the sign for Fallow’s Brownsmith on the left hand side. The letters were all made of copper gears, tubing, springs and switches. She turned into the reception and was again greeted by the sound of a small bell. She waited, but no one came to serve her. She considered leaving when she heard raised voices and a cry of pain from the rear of the workshop.
She took a deep breath and stepped uninvited into the large work area that was behind the door. Two men were holding a bent-over woman between them. Another man was preparing to inflict another blow to the woman’s midsection when Leah said, “Do pardon the intrusion, but I wondered if you would be long with Master Fallon as I have need of her services?”
The one who was about to strike the blow stepped back and said, “Get lost. Fallow's is closed to business. Best visit Theodore’s new shop. It’s on the corner of Foremast and Moonraker.”
“Don’t be absurd. No true sailor, be it on the ocean or in the air, puts much stock in someone foolish enough to think a moonraker is appropriate on the foremast. I suggest it better to add a topmast. I suppose that if that is the thinking by which you run your enterprise, then it is certainly of an inferior quality. Now unhand Master Fallow that I might conduct my business with her. You may return at a later time.”
“Didn’t you hear me? I said, ‘Get lost.’ Scram wench, if you know what’s good for you. Otherwise, you might get some of what is coming her way.”
As Leah walked slowly towards them, she placed her thumb on the small catch on the parasol and continued talking. “How does one get lost? Surely, if you know how you arrived at a location, then it is a simple matter of memory to retrace your steps to a known location. It is a term I have always suspected might point to an inferior intellect. Another term that I find particularly unattractive is wench.”
She said this last sentence as she stepped within range of the man. With a flick of her wrist, she unsheathed the rapier and brought it around to stop directly under the centre of the man’s chin. A small line of blood began to form where she had creased the chin. She continued, “I apologise for that small wound. The blade is slightly longer than I anticipated. As I was saying, I find the term ‘wench’ to be highly unattractive, especially when uttered by someone as contemptible as you. Someone who needs two friends to help him beat up a solitary opponent. Sir, I suggest in the strongest terms that you let her go straightway.”
He made to step back, but an increase in pressure by Leah stopped the movement. He waved to the two men who released the brownsmith and took a position on either side although further back. Leah looked at the two and said, “Tell your men to leave.”
He found it difficult to speak as each movement applied pressure on the tip of Leah’s rapier. He was able, however, to stumble out a soft, “Go, wait for me outside.”
After they left, Leah removed her sword from his jaw but kept it angled toward him. She said, “Master Fallow, have you any further business to conduct with this man or should I permit his departure?”
Master Fallow shook her head and said, “There is nothing else. We both understand the situation as it stands.”
Leah lowered the sword and returned it to the parasol. She said, “You may go.”
He took a few steps then turned and said, “You best beware. I know you now. The next time we meet will be the last.”
“I do hope this meeting is the last. But I agree, should we meet again that will be the end of our relationship. Good day!”
After he left, Leah grinned and turned to face Master Fallow. The brownsmith said, “I thank you for your assistance. I hope this does not offend but why do you smile so? He means to kill you.”
“I am sure of it. It is just that I realised that not only have I found a usefulness for Dickens and the Brontë sisters, but also Mr Forester.”
Master Fallow shook her head and said, “My name is Mary Fallow, and I work this shop. You said you had business to conduct. How might I be of assistance?”
Leah explained how she hoped to find a berth aboard an airship and of her conversation with Jerome. She handed over the letter of introduction and waited while Mary read it. Finally, she said, “It is tr
ue I have an overabundance of work and would benefit from an apprentice. My concern is this. I see from your clothes that you are new to this world and are one of those who come from the aether worlds. Your help and training would be sporadic.”
Leah nodded and said, “There is truth in what you say. I know that my help may fluctuate as other needs permit, but I assure you that when I am present, you will not find a more willing worker.”
“It would be ill-mannered of me to refuse your request after you have offered help to me without regard for your own welfare. I suggest therefore that we have a trial. I will have you as my apprentice and will guide you during those times you are in this world. After one month we will reconsider our relationship to see if it has provided benefit.”
“I agree. When might I start and are there any items that I am required to provide?”
“Nothing is required, and I have all the tools that are needed to begin. I would like to know your name if I might?”
“I do apologise for my oversight. At this time I am known as Charlotte. And how should I refer to you, Master Fallow?”
“When others are around it is appropriate to speak as you have just now. If we are alone, I give you leave to call me Mary, or simply Fallow.”
“Well then, Mary, I shall take my leave and seek another lodging place, as mine is far from here.”
“I do have a room out back that you might use should you be willing.”
Leah agreed, and after communicating with the Herrington, she made the small room tidy and logged out.
Back in the Tower Leah checked with Gèng if anything had happened. After a negative report, she spent several hours on the Annoyance looking through the material on the five systems she and Gèng had identified as possible keys to understand whatever encryption, or message, might be hidden in the data. She was sure these were key as Meredith had reacted to her use of Arabic. Still, no matter how she looked at it, the answer eluded her. Finally, she headed for the real world to have a break and some food before another day in Dunyanin.