Harry Takes Off: Astounding Stories of Adventure (Iron Pegasus Book 1) by Steve Turnbull

Author:Steve Turnbull [Turnbull, Steve]
Language: eng
Format: epub
ISBN: 9781910342268
Publisher: Tau Press
Published: 2015-03-30T06:00:00+00:00

xxi

They had managed four hours’ sleep. The constant crash of breakers on the beach had become a lullaby when they had lain down to sleep. They had woken to seagulls screaming.

In the cold pre-dawn light Harry splashed sea water on her face and tasted the salt. Sea birds were diving into the surf and rising again with their prey. The beach stretched for as far as she could see both north and south, curving away into the half-light.

She turned and walked up the gently sloping sand. Smoke was already pouring from the stack as Khuwelsa got steam up. Harry admired the work her sister had done on the front of the Pegasus. The new glass allowed her to see forward and down. Looking up through it she saw Khuwelsa, half her body lit up by the furnace, already in her apron over her underclothes.

The fact she could see in so easily meant other people would be able to as well. Harry’s feet and ankles would be on show. They would have to see about some sort of curtain and modesty panel. She could imagine how Khuwelsa would react to that comment after working so hard to replace the metal. Perhaps, Harry considered, she should see about wearing men’s clothes when flying. There would be definite advantages.

She swung up into the cabin. What she wouldn’t have given to be back in her proper clothes and out of this ridiculous thing from the palace. And the sandals were terrible for flying.

“Ready then?” said Harry.

Khuwelsa’s very serious face looked back at her. “As ready as we’ll ever be.”

They had discussed the options. They had no armament of any sort beyond some knives and cutting equipment. And the Pegasus itself. Their options were limited but they had no choice.

Harry hesitated. This might be their last chance to say anything important to each other but her reserve was getting in the way. Khuwelsa saved her the decision. She simply walked over and hugged her sister.

“I love you, Harry.”

“You too, Sellie.”

“‘You too’, Harry? What is that supposed to mean? Mrs Hemingway would not be impressed.”

“You know what I mean.” Harry reddened with embarrassment.

“I know,” said Khuwelsa, gave her an extra squeeze then released her, and stood back.

“Is she hot?”

“Raring to go.”

Harry smiled. “Let’s do it then.”

They turned from each other. Khuwelsa went to the furnace and Harry to the pilot’s chair. She ran through the pre-flight checks quickly. Tested the pressure, flapped the wings tentatively. The Pegasus responded with precision. Harry nodded to herself.

She gave one long whistle, paused and engaged the Faraday. The loss of weight was comforting. She engaged the drive and the low thunder of the furnace was drowned out by the increasing whine of the propeller. Two long whistles and a count to ten.

Harry pulled on the controls; the Pegasus responded with a powerful upbeat. The nose lifted. Harry stroked hard and they lifted in smooth steps. The propeller pushed them forwards, and soon they were soaring.

Before Khuwelsa had added the lower

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