Blood Charged by Lindsay Buroker

Author:Lindsay Buroker [Buroker, Lindsay]
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Science Fiction & Fantasy, Fantasy, Sword & Sorcery, Epic, Science Fiction, Steampunk, Military
ISBN: 9781505308174
Publisher: CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform
Published: 2014-07-15T21:00:00+00:00

Chapter 10

Sardelle and Tolemek slogged across the snow, cloaks pulled tightly around their bodies and hoods tugged low over their heads. Night hugged the mountains, and after traveling all day, they both needed sleep. After Jaxi’s warning, Sardelle had wanted to fly back to Ridge’s camp with all speed possible, but they’d had little choice but to return the way they had come: first on train, then on horseback, and finally on stolen snowshoes when the drifts grew too deep for the horses. Jaxi was directing them to the new camp, where the pilots were doing repairs as quickly as possible so they could move before the Cofah returned. Sardelle worried she and Tolemek—who had scarcely said three words since leaving the asylum—would arrive only to find out the others had moved on.

They’re still there. I’m helping Mr. Cranky fix his flier.

Mr. Cranky? That couldn’t be Ridge.

He’s not cranky with his troops, but he’s cranky with me. I’m not sure he appreciates my comments in his head, even though I did save him from falling into a canyon yesterday.

Is it the fact that you’re commenting that he doesn’t appreciate or the fact that your comments are sarcastic and frequently exasperating? Sardelle was starting to regret initiating telepathic communication with Ridge. She hadn’t realized Jaxi would take it as an invitation to chat with him at every opportunity.

Please, I’m only infrequently exasperating. You can’t believe the restraint I exercise. I could comment on everything you people do. As to the rest, if you didn’t want me to chat with him, you shouldn’t have left me in his flying contraption.

“Are you sure we’re going the right way?” Tolemek stopped on the snow-socked hillside, gazing up at the mountains fencing them. They had been on a trail at one point, but Jaxi had assured Sardelle this was a shortcut.

“We’re close to their camp,” she said.

“That didn’t quite answer my question, did it?”

“Jaxi is certain we’re going the right way.”

Tolemek grunted and continued up the slope. Sardelle caught the scent of woodsmoke on the breeze. She hoped that meant they were close, but wondered if Ridge would allow fires when enemy airships might be about.

They’re using the flames to melt pine pitch to use in their repairs. It’s extremely primitive. Ridge did not find it helpful when I informed him thusly. Perhaps the pirate scientist can help them come up with a superior glue.

Sardelle was beginning to see why Ridge might be cranky with Jaxi. She and Tolemek crested a ridge, and she expected a campfire to come into view, but she saw nothing but trees, a canyon in the distance, and a strange crater. Ah, wait. There was a hint of magic in the air.

I’m camouflaging them from anyone who might happen by.

Does Ridge know?

It’s the reason he’s risking the fire. I’m being very helpful. I told him I could have camouflaged his camp before if he had only asked. That netting they were using was troublesome when they had to leave. A far inferior product to what a sorceress can craft with her mind.

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