Dragon Airways

by Brian Rathbone

  * * *

  Traveling by airship, especially one of such quality, might have been a pleasure under far different circumstances. Constructed of richly grained hardwood, a mountain of the finest brass, thick taupe canvas, and miles of heavy line, the airship Dominance was a monument to design and achievement. However, no matter how elegant the lines or how thick the polish, she was first a machine of war. Occasionally strong winds caused the ship to bob and turn, the rigging creaking under the strain, but her flight was for the most part steady and smooth.

  The farther they got from Sparrowport, the less likely rescue would be. Riette had no way to know if Emmet, Dashiq, and Barabas were still alive. The order in which she thought of them was not lost on her, but already she missed them all. The questions running over and over through her mind threatened to drive her mad. Everything was wrong. Everything was broken. Quite possibly everyone she loved was dead—save one. Being imprisoned in the same cabin as Tuck was all that kept Riette from utter despair.

  "They'll come for us," Tuck said. "You know they will."

  "That's what I'm afraid of," Riette admitted. Neither needed to say more on the subject. Both understood why they had been captured.

  "There's a chance we can escape," Tuck said softly. "There are parachutes and jumpsuits aboard. I've seen these ships crash, and the crew don't hardly never go down with the ship."

  "We've got to get out of this room first."

  The cabin itself had obviously not been designed as a prison, which could potentially work to their advantage. It was a long voyage, and the Zjhon would have to feed them to keep them alive. Each time would present an opportunity. Few things had been left in the cabin for their comfort, but Riette began to inventory the items they might use to their advantage.

  "We might could throw the blankets over the poor sap who brings our food," Tuck said barely above a whisper. "And then we can hit 'im."

  "With what?"

  Tuck shrugged and raised his fists. Riette wouldn't say it to him, but she didn't hold out much hope for taking on armed guards. Deep wooden benches for sitting and sleeping lined the walls. Not much else presented itself, in spite of a thorough inspection. With nothing more than blankets to arm themselves, the odds of escape were impossibly small. Still, it was at least some hope, and it was perhaps the only way they could get out of this without endangering those they loved. It was the unspoken truth that drove them both. Words were not required. Emmet would be proud.

  "No matter what happens," Riette said. "I'm glad we're together."

  "Me, too," Tuck said. "If things had been different—" His voice caught and he left the words unspoken.

  Perhaps it was the time spent with Barabas and Dashiq, but Riette needed words less and less to communicate. Between her and Tuck, things were just understood, which frightened her like nothing else. She cared for him. Everything else she'd ever cared for had been taken from her. It was a thought that brought tears to her eyes. If not for the cabin door opening, she might have said more.

  Burly men in full armor entered the room as if they feared the two young people. The woman they now knew was named Casta Mett followed them into the cabin.

  "I hope you're comfortable," she said with a wicked smile. There was no warmth in her eyes. "We've brought you some refreshment." The woman did not wear a coat, and she rubbed her arms. "It's cold in here. I hope you've not been uncomfortable. We wouldn't want our passengers to be unhappy, now would we?"

  Riette and Tuck said nothing, both knowing her concern was far from genuine. The woman took pleasure from torturing them with her words.

  She smiled at their sour expressions. "Don't worry. Barabas will come for you." This was the first time a smile reached her eyes. It was out of place and made her even less attractive. "Who knows? Maybe even your brother will come. We'll be ready and waiting for them when they arrive; you can be assured of that. And once we've disposed of them, we'll have little use remaining for you. At which point, you'll be free to go, of course." The wide grin she now wore made it clear the words were not true.

  Casta Mett might be the most deplorable person Riette had ever encountered, and she hoped one day to find vengeance. No matter how unlikely, she held on to that grim desire.

  A young man not much older than Riette and Tuck came then carrying a wooden bowl filled with a greasy-looking liquid. He handed it to Riette, who looked back, confused.

  "I hope you enjoy it," Casta Mett said with her most evil smile yet, and she nodded to the guards, who grabbed Tuck in spite of Riette's cry and dragged him from the room. The woman then turned to leave but stopped and looked back to Riette. "I almost forgot." Walking over to the benches, she took the two blankets. "Can't have you attacking the crew, now can we?"

  When the door closed behind her, Riette wept. Outside, Casta Mett laughed.