Revenge of the Mad Scientist (Book One: Airship Adventure Chronicles)

by Lara Nance

  “It will b, b, be okay, Belle. I’m sure your father couldn’t be seriously hurt,” he said.

  Belle patted his hand. “Thanks, Benji. I trust you’re right. We must hope in the morning the doctor can tell us good news.”

  She would be waiting at the doctor’s door at nine, before he had a chance to go out on a call. But before that, she knew there was something else she needed to do—visit the woman in the purple tent.

  Chapter 8

  The rosy haze of dawn washed over the deck of Gambit as Belle raised the distance viewer to her eyes, searching for the purple tent. The venders in the marketplace tied back tent flaps and unrolled rugs on which to place their products. The pace was slower than last night when they were all in a hurry to close up and go home.

  The purple tent easily stood out among the drab colors of the others. She flipped down the magnifier lens. When she located the tent again at a closer view, she drew in a quick breath. The old woman stood as she had last night, arms crossed, staring in her direction.

  After noting some landmarks that would lead her to the tent, she closed up the viewer and put it in her pocket. She hurried down the steps to the cabins, keeping her steps quiet. She wanted to take Benji and Jasper with her, but not Rett or Sam. Likely they would not want her to go into the market, but she was determined to see this woman. She would leave a note for them to meet her at the doctor’s office at nine.

  Lucky for her the crew quarters were at the back of the ship and the passengers’ were at the front. She successfully roused Benji and Jasper, admonishing them to be quiet as they dressed and then left the ship.

  “My Lady, are you sure this is a good idea?” Jasper looked around the still yard where only a few workers were beginning to straggle in. The floating airships hovered silently with only an occasional creak of ropes or groaning wood.

  “What danger can we be in? We shall be in a crowded market in broad daylight,” Belle said.

  “Don’t worry, B, B, Belle. We’ll protect you.” Benji patted the dagger in its sheath now tucked beneath his belt.

  “Excellent. With two such fine protectors I feel completely safe.” She smiled at him and then urged them to hurry. She didn’t want to be spotted on the field by Rett or Sam.

  They went through the gate of the aeroport and received vouchers that would allow them to reenter. A high mud block wall encircled the area to protect the docked ships.

  Belle led them down the street, keeping an eye on her landmarks and soon they were in the market area. Activity picked up when the sun passed the horizon and bathed the city in full sunlight. Smoke from cooking pits filled the air as the venders geared up to prepare meals and roasted meat for sale.

  Venders called out to them but Belle pushed forward through the increasing crowd. She spotted the water tower she had seen from the ship and knew the purple tent would be a little to the east of it. They walked past stalls with bolts of colorful fabric, knives and swords, and beautifully woven rugs. Small carts held strings of peppers and other dried food along with hot pots of some sort of stew they ladled into wooden bowls for customers. People stared at them but Belle paid little attention. She was too intent on her purpose to care what the local people thought about their presence.

  Belle had to constantly pull on Benji’s arm as he stopped at one interesting sight after another. When they finally reached the purple tent, disappointment stabbed her. The old woman was nowhere to be seen. She had started to believe the woman was actually waiting for her. Instead, a girl about ten years old stood beside the closed flap of the tent. She had on loose trousers with a skirt over them that reached her knees and a tunic belted at the waist with a multi-colored scarf. Her brown hair and eyes were a contrast to the bright blue fabric of her attire.

  Belle looked around, decided she was being too fanciful, and started to turn away when the girl noticed her and came running forward.

  “This way, sitta. Momi is waiting.” She took Belle’s hand and pulled her toward the tent.

  “Who?” Belle hesitated.

  “Momi. The old one who tells fortunes. She said for me to wait for the grand sitta and bring her in.” The girl stared up at Belle with bright eyes.

  “Very well,” Belle said. A shiver of anticipation ran up her spine. What did the woman want with her? She turned to her companions. “Wait here while I go inside. I won’t be long. We have to be at the doctor’s by nine.”

  Jasper and Benji shared an uneasy glance but did not reply. She allowed the girl to lead her by the hand and stepped through the flap of the tent into the dimly lit interior. A single gas lamp sat on the only furniture in the room, a small table beside plush pillows piled on a thick rug. The old woman sat on one of the cushions cross-legged, her hands resting on her knees. She had on the same orange and red caftan and red head scarf as yesterday. Her tanned, wrinkled face had seen many years in the sun, but her dark eyes reminded Belle of a hawk as they focused on her.

  “Bit alla meri, sitta.” The old woman lifted a hand and motioned for Belle to join her on one of the pillows.

  “Come, sitta,” the girl said. She sat beside Belle, between her and the old woman.

  “What are you calling me? Sitta?” Belle asked.

  “It means ‘lady’ in Pandistani,” the girl said. “My name is Gurfa and this is Momi. She wishes to tell your fortune.”

  Belle glanced at Momi. The woman studied her intently.

  “Do you speak Urbanni?” Belle asked her.

  The woman shook her head and pointed to Gurfa.

  “I will speak for her,” the girl said. “She says she is too old to learn foreign languages that make her tongue twist.”

  Belle smiled. “What does she want to tell me?”

  “Give her your hand,” Gurfa urged.

  Belle glanced back at Momi and then slowly extended her hand. The old woman reached out and took it in hers. Surprisingly her hands were soft and her fingers nimble despite her age. She ran her fingertips over Belle’s palm leaning over for a better look. Then she reached out with both hands and ran her fingers down the sides of Belle’s face. She did this several times then sat back and closed her eyes. She began to speak in a soft voice and Gurfa looked at her while she interpreted her words.

  “Momi says you have the air of destiny about you. She saw you come yesterday on the big bird-ship and knew she had to warn you.”

  “Warn me?” Belle frowned, but Gurfa held up a finger to her lips.

  “Momi says you are in big danger. The men of the flower want to find you and kill you.”

  Belle started to ask who these men were, but once again the girl put a finger to her lips.

  “She says you are on a trip that is more important than you know. You seek a man but it is the world you must save. You must save it from war or many innocent people will be killed. This is your destiny.”

  Belle sat back blinking and her heart beat faster. “Is that all?”

  The old woman frowned and said something sharp to Gurfa.

  “She sees a tragedy in your future but it cannot turn you from your mission. You must stay strong and continue until the end.”

  She didn’t like the sound of that. Destiny, tragedy, all ominous words that cast a shadow across her mind.

  Gurfa continued, “The man who has your heart will help you but you must find him. He is hidden now, but you will know how to find him and unlock his heart. Without him your destiny will fail.”

  “How will I know who he is?” Belle asked, amazed at this.

  “Momi says there is something about the eagle with this man. Look for the mark of the eagle.”

  “Who are the men of the flower?”

  Gurfa waited while Momi spoke, and then said, “They are the evil men. The killers. They go by the sign of the flower. You have angered them and they will try to kill you. But you must not let them. The world waits for you to complete your destiny.”

  Gurfa paused as Momi added something else. “Also, Momi says you are a proud w
oman with a big heart but you must learn to be humble before the eagle man can find you. She says you must focus on compassion and help those along the way on your journey and it will make you stronger so you can fulfill your fate.”

  Belle did not speak for several seconds as she tried to take in what Momi had said. The old woman opened her eyes now and pointed to a pearl brooch on Belle’s jacket lapel.

  “Momi says she would like to have this as payment for telling your fortune,” Gurfa said, giggling.

  “But this belonged to my grandmother. Wouldn’t she rather have some money, some gold?” Belle put a hand up to the treasured heirloom.

  Gurfa leaned forward and whispered, “It is unlucky to bargain over your future, sitta.”

  Belle hesitated, then undid the clasp of the brooch and handed it to Momi who finally smiled as she turned the item over in her hands.

  “It is very lucky that you gave it to her without haggling,” Gurfa sat back, grinning. “You will have a good journey now.”

  “Well, thank you, ah, Momi,” Belle said. She rose from the pillow regretting the loss of the brooch but feeling compelled to give in to the strange situation. Momi continued to look at her new possession. Gurfa took her hand and led her out of the tent.

  Belle squinted in the sunlight, and her mind whirled with the words from the fortune teller. Jasper and Benji stood at a food tent across from her. Jasper purchased some items to restock his secret supplies and stuffed them in his canvas bag. Benji came running over when he saw her.

  “Look at this, Belle,” he said. He held up what appeared to be an animal’s horn. It was black and its surface had been carved in an intricate pattern. A red tasseled cord ran through one end and made a loop with which to carry it. Benji put the small end to his lips and blew. A loud, deep sound came forth making her cover her ears. Gurfa giggled beside her.

  “It’s a gak horn,” the girl said.

  “Very…interesting,” Belle said, eyeing Benji’s purchase with misgiving. No doubt she would hear more of the horn on their journey at the most unlikely times. She opened her pocket watch and saw it was eight-thirty. They needed to go see the doctor.

  “Gurfa, do you think you could take us to this address?” She pulled the note from her pocket and handed it to the girl.

  “Oh. Dr. Mufti. Of course. Follow me.” She took Belle’s hand again and led them off down a side street.

  It only took ten minutes to reach the location and Belle breathed a sigh of relief when she saw a man opening the door to enter just as they arrived. By his professional appearance it had to be the doctor.

  “Thank you, Gurfa,” Belle said, pressing a gold coin in the girl’s hand. Gurfa laughed in delight at such a gift and waved with a bright smile as she ran back toward Momi’s tent.

  The small wooden structure of the doctor’s office had one window and a sign over the door she couldn’t read. But the number on the side of the door matched the address on the paper.

  “Belle!”

  She heard a call and turned to see Rett and Sam hurrying toward them.

  “Where did you go? I’ve been worried you were kidnapped,” Rett said when he reached her, his brow furrowed.

  “I left you a note,” Belle said. A small twinge of guilt surfaced but she decided he didn’t deserve it.

  “I know, but it’s dangerous to be wandering around by yourself.”

  “Benji and Jasper were with me. Don’t worry, I’m okay. Let’s go see the doctor. I’m eager to have some news of my father.” She didn’t want to argue with him in the middle of the street.

  She knocked on the door and a middle-aged woman answered and motioned them inside. Belle went in first followed by Rett and the others. They were in a small waiting area and the woman motioned for them to sit in the plain wooden chairs that lined the walls. The woman disappeared behind a door without saying a word.

  Fortunately they only waited a few seconds before the door opened and the doctor came out.

  “I am Dr. Mufti. You are Urbanni?” The small man made a slight bow. He wore black robes over white tunic and pants. He also had the black rimless hat that other men here wore.

  “Yes,” Rett said, answering before Belle could open her mouth. He gave her a sideways glance. “We heard at the aeroport that you attended a ship that left last night. The ship is called Blackwatch and we have a friend on it. We were hoping you could give us news of him, especially who was hurt.”

  The doctor’s dark eyes narrowed as he glanced around the group. His gaze stopped on Belle.

  “Are you Arabella Trunkett?” he asked her.

  Her knees trembled. “Yes, I am.”

  “Then I have something for you.” He left the room for a moment and returned with a folded sheet of paper. He handed it to her and she saw that her name had been written on the back of it in her father’s handwriting. Her hands shook as she unfolded it and read.

  My darling Belle,

  I feel sure that you found the stickpin and in your usual impetuous way you will be coming after me. I’m leaving this note with the doctor and hope if you make it this far he will have an opportunity to give it to you. You must convince the Queen not to start a war with Gandiss. I have overheard my kidnappers talking and understand that my destination is actually Carabarras. I think the Imperial Warlord is behind this, fearing a treaty between Gandiss and Urbannia. Please follow my wishes and return at once to Aereopolis to the see the Queen. World war is at stake. If Urbannia attacks Gandiss, it will be a disaster. Our world would be shattered for years to come. I hope to survive this madness, but if not please know that I love you and your mother very much. It will be up to you now, Belle.

  With love and God’s speed, your father, Sir John Trunkett.

  Tears rolled down Belle’s cheeks as she finished reading the letter. She handed it to Rett without saying anything. Words could not make it past the lump in her throat. Rett passed the paper to the others when he finished.

  “Thank you, Dr. Mufti,” Rett said. “This means a great deal to us.”

  “I must admit, I read the letter and I know who Sir John Trunkett is,” the doctor said to Belle. “Your father slipped the paper into my hand with a very compelling look on his face. It was obvious he was being watched and they never left me alone with him. I was much taken by his gracious manner and was unwilling to give him away. So I hid the letter in my pocket. Unfortunately, by the time I returned to my office and read it, the ship had left and I could do nothing to help him.”

  “Was he…all right?” Belle managed to get out the words.

  “Yes, he had sustained a blow to the head, but there was no internal damage, only a cut across his brow. I sutured it closed, so he will not die from that.” The doctor frowned. “But this letter is most disturbing. I received my medical training in Urbannia. I would hate to see our countries mired in a war.”

  “You agree that Pandistan would join Gandiss and Carabarras in a war against the western countries if Urbannia attacked Gandiss?” Rett asked.

  “Of course. There can be no doubt of it. It’s not that my people hate your people. It’s the government. They are concerned if Urbannia conquered Gandiss, then what would stop them from taking Pandistan. Clearly you have superior weaponry and technical ability.”

  Belle shook her head. “We have to go after them. They’re only twelve hours ahead of us.”

  Rett stared at her incredulously. “What are you saying? Your father said to go back to Urbannia and convince the queen.”

  “I’m not going back to Urbannia.” Belle stood. Her tears dried and all that remained in her heart was determination. She was going to save her father or die trying. “By the time I reach Urbannia it could be too late for my father and the world. I’ll find a fast way to send this letter to my mother. She can convince the queen if it’s not too late. But I’m going after my father.”

  She turned to the doctor and held out a hand. “Thank you Dr. Mufti. I can’t thank you enough for what you did for my father a
nd for bringing the letter to me.”

  He shook her hand but his expression did not lighten. “You’re welcome, Lady Arabella. I wish I could do something more to help you.”

  “You’ve done a great deal already.” Belle turned for the door. When they were outside, she prepared herself for Rett’s objections.

  “Okay, let’s get back to the ship,” Rett said. “With this westerly wind we can make it to Jandaharra by tomorrow.”

  Belle stopped in her tracks and looked at him with disbelief. “You’re not going to try and talk me out of going to Carabarras?”

  “In this case, I have to agree with you. It would take four to five days to make it back to Urbannia. If we can get to your father and take him to Gandiss, the government will take care of things from there.” Rett gave her a steady stare.

  She hesitated. He could trick her—get her on board and then head back to Urbannia. Once in the air she could not control his actions. But his expression was sincere, and a warm surge of gratitude filled her chest.

  “Okay, let’s go.” She gave him a small smile.

  “Zounds l, l, look at that!” Benji’s call came from around the corner.

  She hurried after him, concerned he might be in trouble, with the others behind her. He stood at the fringe area of a stall where a large crowd gathered.

  Benji turned to them, eyes alight with excitement. “It’s a t, t, two headed snake.”

  "I've always wanted to see one of those," Sam said. He and Rett followed Benji. Jasper frowned but tagged along.

  Benji disappeared into the crowd as it inched forward, eager to see the sight of the man charming the two headed snake. The next thing Belle knew a pain shot through her head and everything went black.

  ###

  Rett put a hand on Benji’s shoulder. “We need to get back to the ship. There is no time to lose if we hope to catch up to Blackwatch.”

  “You’re r, r, right. Sorry. I’ve never seen a t, t, two headed snake before.” Benji face fell.

  “It’s all right. You’ll see a lot more than that before this trip is over.” Rett chuckled. “Let’s go.”