Shattered Queen by Caylen McQueen

Author:Caylen McQueen
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: steampunk romance
Publisher: Caylen McQueen
Published: 2020-06-25T00:00:00+00:00

Eleven

“CAPTAIN TRIMBLE, I uh...” Alymane's chief engineer tugged on his collar and grimaced through his report. “I'm afraid the princess' tracker has gone, uhh... it's gone dark, sir.”

“What does that mean, son?” Trimble slurred. In one hand, he held a bottle of spirits, which was responsible for his staggering gait. In his other hand, he held a rope, attached to his two prisoners. Even though he was halfway in his cups, he didn't trust anyone else with the responsibility of watching over Rathen and Aura. The Alymane soldiers were heading north, relying on the tracker to guide their march. The engineer's report put an end to their plans.

“It means what it sounds like,” the engineer said. “I can no longer get a read on her tracker, sir. It's either destroyed or malfunctioning.”

Trimble asked him, “If you had to guess, what do you think happened to it?”

“It's been destroyed. I'd bet my life on it.”

The doddering, drunk captain grumbled every known curse as he reflected on the engineer's news. “She carved out her second tracker? I'll be damned. If that Shiraishi is the one who told her about it, I'll gut the little prick.”

Aura and Rathen exchanged glances, but neither one said a word. They were attached to Trimble's rope, so they heard every important report.

“Gorley! Gorley!” Trimble snapped his fingers until he had his fellow captain's attention. “Gorley, get yer arse over here!”

“What is it, sir?” As Gorley rushed over, he eyed the bottle in Trimble's hand. “Are you... inebriated?”

“If I am, it don't matter.” Trimble unabashedly swigged from the bottle. “I just got some bad news. Mayra's tracker's been destroyed.”

“That is bad news, sir,” Gorley agreed. “How do we proceed without it?”

“I dunno. That's what I'm trying to decide.” Trimble narrowed his eyes until he could barely see out of them. The alcohol in his system had clouded his head. “Do you have any ideas?”

Their march was suspended while Gorley deliberated. Trimble passed the prisoners' rope to Robson and threatened torture if he failed to keep watch on them. Rathen stayed close to Trimble because he wanted to hear any new developments. He balanced himself on his crutches and checked the rope burns on his wrists. Aura's were chafed as well, if not a bit worse. The Alymane soldiers weren't gentle.

“They're such bastards,” Aura whispered to Rathen. “If we were free, and if I had a gun, I'd shoot them all between the eyes.”

“You'd only need to take out Trimble and Gorley,” Rathen suggested. “Not that we'll ever have a chance.”

Aura's nostrils flared when she turned to Robson. The tall corporal had knots in his beard and gnats on his collar. “He must have a stench that attracts the bugs,” she whispered. “Even so... maybe I should try flirting with him? If I can get on his good side, maybe he can help us escape?”

Rathen shook his head. “I doubt that would work.”

“Why's that? You have no faith in my womanly charms? You'd be surprised to know what a man would risk for a handy.

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