Brotherhood of the Strange (Kingship, Tales from the Aether Book 1)

by Michael Richie

  The two men were received at the main entrance and were taken to a room furnished with leather wingback chairs around an ornate table. On it were several accounting books and a computational difference engine. Large barrels lined the walls, each burned with the same seal as the one found on the warehouse sign; a horse saddled with two barrels. Some of these looked truly old, and clearly served only a decorative purpose. A few minutes after Vance and Afa had made themselves comfortable, a thin, wiry man hurriedly came in. He was bald except for gray wisps of hair by his ears and he wore suspenders with a utility belt containing an assortment of fine tools and instruments. A pair of spectacles looked to be on the verge of sliding off his over-large nose. He removed the rubberized gauntlets he was wearing and offered his hand to Vance.

  “Captain Vance Williams, I presume?” he said shaking the captain’s hand vigorously and speaking with far less of an accent as most people in Oppenau.

  “I am,” he replied. “This is one of my shipmates, Afa Halapolo.”

  Shaking the Polynesian’s hand, which was twice the size of his easily, the man seemed intrigued by Afa, “Polynesian? We don’t get many like you flying through here! A real pleasure. My name is Ulrich Fassbinder, welcome to my warehouse. I was hoping you would have been here yesterday or even the day before. My client is quite anxious.”

  “We were delayed in getting here,” Vance explained. “I understood from your wire we were specifically requested for this shipment. Can you tell us why?”

  “My client is a well respected scientist in London. He has commissioned myself, half a dozen tinkers, machinists, and alchemists here in Oppenau and elsewhere in Germany to fabricate some equipment vital to his experiments. He wants you to transport it back to England and hire you there for his research.”

  “What research does this scientist do?” Afa asked.

  “From what I can gather, all kinds,” Ulrich explained. “Right now he is doing survey work on ley lines and how they affect upland drift. As aethernauts I’m sure you are aware some ley lines shift with the seasons, affecting the drift of uplands nearby?” They both nodded. “His research is therefore somewhat time sensitive, hence the hasty wire.”

  “What I don’t understand is why the Kingship was specifically requested,” Vance stated. “I’m by no means complaining, but there are hundreds of ships, with dedicated equipment that he could hire. Who is this scientist? I may know him.”

  “His name is Degory Priest, he holds a chair on theoretical physics at Oxford University.”

  “I’m not familiar with the name,” Vance replied.

  “It’s well known in scientific circles,” Ulrich assured. “I’ve worked with him before. He’s a trustworthy man, though I have no idea why you and your ship were specifically requested.”

  “What exactly is the job we are being hired for?” Afa asked. “Are we merely transporting Mr. Priest’s equipment to London or are there more services he wishes us to render?”

  “As far as I know, Dr. Priest,” he emphasized the doctor, “wants you to transport his equipment to Sherwood Isle where he will rendezvous with you. He then wishes to charter the Kingship for a period of no less than six months while he charts ley lines with his highly specialized equipment.”

  “Six months?” Vance stated. “It’s expensive to fly a ship around for that length of time with no real income. What is he expecting to pay?”

  “One hundred pounds a week. Five hundred pounds for transporting his goods to Sherwood and a bonus of another five hundred pounds on completion of the survey.”

  Vance and Afa looked at each other. It was an awfully large sum of money, and to Vance it seemed a suspiciously large sum of money for such simple work. Still, if everything was on the up and up, it would give the crew some downtime.

  “When does he need us in Sherwood?”

  “I was told to tell you haste would be greatly appreciated. He asks that you meet him at the King's Port.”

  Vance looked at his friend who nodded his approval. “Alright Ulrich, it seems we have a deal. I assume you are getting paid directly from Dr. Priest?”

  The tinkerer and warehouse owner let out a barely audible sigh of relief and relaxed visibly, “Yes, you have no need to concern yourself with that. Degory and I have an arrangement.”

  “Very good,” said Vance. “Though I will be inspecting the cargo before I take it on board. Standard procedure you realize. This Degory may know of us, but I know nothing of him.”

  “Of course. Right this way gentleman.”

  Vance and Afa were led through the large warehouse to a smaller room where Degory Priest's cargo was stored in heavy wooden crates under lock and key. Upon opening them, Vance’s curiosity as to whether or not there was anything dangerous or illegal was slated, yet it was piqued again for the equipment was of the highest quality. Neither Vance nor Afa could offer a clue as to what this pile of brass, vacuum tubes, gears, dials, and crystals would do once assembled. However, at least some of the components appeared strikingly similar to the equipment built by the Von Fershes. As their expertise dealt with the paranormal in all of its guises, Vance could only speculate at their involvement in the construction of this motley of parts. Having been around more than his share of weaponry, he was at least satisfied it was nothing of that sort.

  Afa spoke what the captain was thinking, “Mr. Fassbinder, you said there were many artisans involved in the building of this equipment. By any chance was the family of Von Fersch involved in any way?”

  “Actually, yes,” the tinkerer stated rather matter-of-factly. “Their expertise on spectral energy is well known. Wonderful family, are you familiar with them?”

  “We are,” Vance replied. “They are friends. Wonderful cooks too. Alright Mr. Fassbinder, I agree to transport this cargo to Sherwood isle, though I will need to speak with this Degory Priest rather thoroughly before I allow unfamiliar experiments taking place on my ship.” He was also planning on speaking with Heinrich, once again before they left, to get additional confirmation as to the nature of the cargo he was about to receive, and to apologize for what was going to be an abrupt departure.

  Arrangements were made to deliver the crates within the hour to allow the Kingship a speedy departure. The two friends made their way back to the Von Fersch manor, rather than trader’s field.

  “You wish to speak to Heinrich, I gather,” Afa asked as he followed his lost-in-thought captain.

  “I do,” Vance replied.

  “Winston will be disappointed we will be leaving so soon,” Afa observed, discerning the captain’s intent.

  Vance could not help but laugh out loud. He was walking with his hands behind his back as he often did when mulling over problems and puzzles. “Of all the implications of the last hour and that is what first comes to mind? Afa you are too good-hearted of a man for this world.”

  “Perhaps Fekitoa, though it is true nonetheless.”

  “I feel bad as well, but there’s nothing to be done. By the sound of it, this Degory Priest would have us in England yesterday if he could. What do you think of all this?”

  “I believe there is more going on than we are being told,” ventured the large man. “Though I’m not sure I sense any malice, either. I suppose I feel we are supposed to take this job.”

  Vance slowed his stride as they passed over a wooden bridge spanning a small stream. “I was afraid you’d have an answer like that.”

  “Captain?”

  “You realize every time you have a feeling we should be involved in something it usually turns into quite the adventure?”

  “Perhaps.”

  “Perhaps? The banshee in Ireland? The train full of orphans we saved in Deseret? The morlock attack in Spain? The rescue of the stranded safari in the Amazon? How big was that dinosaur again?”

  “In each of those instances we helped many people.”

  “I know, which is why I’m following your instincts yet again. It is quite
the puzzle though. The fact the Von Fershes are involved definitely makes things interesting. I’m anxious to know what all of this equipment is supposed to do.”

  “The Von Fershes may be able to offer little more in the way of insight. They were only one of several who had a hand in building this equipment,” Afa offered.

  Vance nodded, “I just want to know why the Kingship was specifically requested. Those parts are awfully similar to some of our onboard systems, even though most of them don’t work anymore.”

  “It may be this Degory knows something about our home we do not. It’s not as if the Kingship is without a place in the history books.”

  Afa was right. Kingship was famous in certain circles, though not the ones she currently flew in. Even still, it was not uncommon for someone to recognize her. Her history and popularity had opened more than a few doors for the crew in the past. Perhaps this was simply another of those times.

  “Still, that Ulrich knows more than he’s letting on. There are dozens of people who work there. Why would the owner meet us personally for a simple shipping job? He clearly knows Degory. He went out of his way to emphasize his title, a mark of respect. Also at the end he referred to him by his first name, a sign of familiarity.”

  Afa added, “The cargo was also separate from the rest of the warehouse, in a locked room.”

  “Yes, there is definitely more afoot than we know. My curiosity has been aroused.” Vance turned and continued his pace with a spring in his step, hands clasped behind his back, and smiling all the way.

  Heinrich and Anna were clearly disappointed but understood the Kingship would be leaving ahead of schedule, and after several polite refusals to stay at least for dinner, Anna bustled off to the kitchen where she and her hired help began to pack food in picnic baskets for their journey. Vance and Afa only protested a little, both of them looking forward to more Von Fersch cuisine. True to Afa’s prediction, Heinrich wasn’t able to give much more information regarding their involvement with Degory Priest’s equipment.

  “I’m sorry,” he said. “We were given very detailed instructions and schematics on what to build, but I never saw the design in its entirety.”

  “No offense intended here, Heinrich” Vance stated. “I’m surprised you would agree. I know how dangerous some of your gadgetry is.”

  “No, you’re right,Vance,” he replied. “But Ulrich Fassbinder is an old friend. He gave his word it was nothing nefarious.”

  “Nefarious or not, I can’t say, but I’m pretty sure there’s no heavy weaponry of any sort, which was my main concern.” The captain then added, “Those days are in the past.”

  “Let’s hope so!” Heinrich laughed heartily as Afa silently nodded in agreement. “I wouldn’t worry too much, Vance. Though I would caution not to jostle your newfound cargo around too much. Our part included spectral energy condensers. They can get a little touchy when they travel across ley lines. They might give you some rattles and hums.”

  “I’m sure Winston will just love that!” the captain smiled. “He tends to be a little superstitious.”

  “Well, the old Scot has more than enough reason to be, the things he’s seen,” Heinrich sagely noted.

  After some hearty goodbyes, Vance and Afa, now laden with several overfilled picnic baskets, continued their journey until they arrived back at the Kingship. Trade for the day was beginning to wind down, and merchants, both local and aethernaut, were closing up for the day. The crew had done exceptionally well for themselves and were packing up as well. Winston was loading gear through the large port-side door to some of the crew quarters now used for storage.

  “Winston,” Vance called to the older man. “We’ll be leaving sooner than expected. Why don’t you go say your goodbyes to the Von Fersches? I’ll finish this.”

  “What? We leavin’ so soon, lad?”

  Vance and Afa called everyone together and explained the situation. As Afa predicted, Winston was indeed saddened, as was everyone else, Vance included. He had hoped to give his crew a few days at the very least to spend time in this peaceful town and enjoy the evident hospitality of the Von Fersches. Though disappointed, the crew soon snapped into doing what needed to be done. In short time Wingnut and Afa had secured a fresh supply of coal and water. Degory Priest’s cargo was delivered and stowed. The Von Fersches came down to give them a proper sendoff along with a second wave of laden picnic baskets. Tears came from both sides and promises were made to visit again soon.

  The only real delay came from Burd and it was one Vance was more than willing to allow. The small statured man had spent the better part of the day haggling down to the last farthing or mark selling his toys to vessels bound for large cities. As predicted he still had one crate remaining which was filled with some of his best work. Vance and Afa watched him wheel it across the field and down in the direction of Oppenau’s orphanage. He would anonymously leave them, as he did wherever poor children could be found which, unfortunately, was practically everywhere.

  “You’re a good man as well, Fekitoa,” Afa said as Burd disappeared around the cobblestone street corner.

  Vance shrugged, “He needs this. Cornelius has endured some pretty horrible things. Even as a child he wanted to be a toymaker instead of the hired gun he became. Now he finally has his chance.”

  The Kingship departed as soon as Burd returned. The levitite drives spun slowly apart, lifting her from the field gracefully, though not without a few of the creaks and groans that naturally accompanied a fifty year old aethership. Black smoke puffed from her stacks as steam pressure built up to power the propellers and steam thrusters. They rose past the mooring towers clinging tightly to the few dozen other vessels and finally the low purpling mountains surrounding Oppenau. Vance stood on the foredeck admiring the sunset, one almost identical to the one when they had arrived yesterday. Looking over his shoulder he could see Molly perched on the wingdeck admiring the same view of purple and orange. He smiled. Kingship was home in so many different ways to them all. They each had their own reasons to be here, and each received from the Kingship as much as they gave her. Whatever adventures that lay ahead, Captain Vance Williams was grateful for the people he shared his grandfather's, and now his, home with.

  Chapter XIV

  The cable car gave a rough jolt, the third in as many minutes. Each time, Cordelia clutched tightly at Oscar’s cage with one hand, and the armrest of her seat with the other. Oscar, on the other hand, seemed more disturbed at being jostled by his owner than the jolting and swaying of the heavily packed cable car. It was Cordelia’s first experience with a cable car, and she found it was moving far too slowly for her liking. It leisurely marched its way over the outskirts of London to the upland of Croydon, a hub for civilian air travel. She reminded herself constantly that these cable cars safely ran thousands of people to and fro daily, yet the mere thought of being over a thousand feet off the ground suspended by little more than a gossamer thread of steel was particularly unnerving. Looking around at the several dozen other passengers, Cordelia noticed a distinct lack of the terror that certainly framed her own face from the moment they left the ground some ten minutes previous. Nearby, a man in fine day wear and leather bowler hat politely held in one hand was reading the latest newspaper as calmly as anyone would in their own home, clearly disinterested and unaffected by the constant sway that assailed her with wave after wave of nausea. Though loath to do so, Cordelia forced herself to look out the window hoping her senses would reacclimatize to her surroundings and avoid what would be a most unladylike incident.

  The morning sun bathed the upland of Croydon in the freshness of a new day. London, on the other hand still retained the characteristic gray mist below. Unfortunately, Croydon was not an ideal scenic vista. While it was not ugly per se, the whole upland had been a victim of the Industrial Revolution. The space thereon was devoted entirely to civilian transport and therefore hardly a tree could be found. Countless aetherships and the less frequent
airships were moored, docked, or landed in a seemingly chaotic and haphazard fashion. Vessels of all sorts were coming and going, symbolic in Cordelia’s mind of the never-ending bustle and business of the British Empire itself. Even the upland itself was a symbol of sorts. The county of Croydon had been the only area of London to be torn away during the Great Calamity. As air travel became possible, Queen Victoria I had commissioned an area inside of London to be the center of civilian air travel and trade. However there had not been any area sufficiently large enough to meet those growing needs within King George’s Wall, the defensive structure which encircled London proper. In true British manner, the Queen demanded that the missing piece of her capital city, the upland isle of Croydon, be restored. The British military eventually located and recovered the two mile wide upland and anchored it firmly directly above where it had once resided before the Great Calamity.

  Finally, the cable car came to a stop and the passengers began to disembark for whatever vessels they were bound. Cordelia’s hands shook as she tipped a porter to move her cartful of luggage off the cable car and out of the way while she figured out which ship was hers. Placing Oscar’s cage on the cart, she took over as the porter rejoined the cable car for its return to London below. She wheeled it into the main station which was enormous. A huge glass atrium several hundred feet wide provided a central hub for the dozens of lifts and passageways to mooring towers and docks. Taking a moment to collect herself amongst the myriad travelers and traders, she looked again at her ticket. The transport was scheduled to leave in less than an hour, from mooring tower B, on level twelve. Nearby was a large sign and map depicting the layout of the airport. Cordelia breathed a sigh of relief as she got her bearings and began to make sense of it all. This was so new and foreign to her she was beginning to realize just how one sided and sheltered her life had been. As a doctor, Cordelia had spoken before the learned at Oxford, saved countless lives, and built ingenious artifacts. Despite those amazing feats, here she stood, nervous and scared she wouldn’t be able to find her way to her transport in a public aetherport just outside her home city.