The Dragon's Breath (Aboard the Great Iron Horse Book 3) by Sedgwick Jamie

Author:Sedgwick, Jamie [Sedgwick, Jamie]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: kindle sci fi, sci fi, steampunk, best selling kindle books, kindle bestseller, fantasy, kindle steampunk, kindle fantasy, adventure
Publisher: Timber Hill Press
Published: 2015-10-30T04:00:00+00:00

Chapter 18

Dane turned to face Socrates. “Now you understand what resources I have, and what I’m up against.”

“I am most impressed,” Socrates said. “Most impressed.”

“Then you don’t believe the stories my brother has told you about me?”

“I am no fool. I can see with my own eyes. What you have done here is remarkable. It’s a pity that Lord Fenn is trying to sabotage all of this. He doesn’t understand what will happen if you lose this place.”

“No, he doesn’t. My brother is an arrogant imbecile.”

“At any rate, I may be able to help you. I believe we might come to a mutually beneficial arrangement, if you are willing.”

“You still wish to do business with me?”

“More than ever.”

“We will adjourn to my private quarters. Tell your crew they are free to explore the mountain, so long as they don’t interfere with the workers.” Dane looked at the sky and saw the brilliant hues of a glowing sunset spreading out over the sea. “The hour is late. You and your crew are welcome to stay here tonight. It would be much safer, and it would ease my mind not having to worry about your people out in the dragon’s breath. You will join us for the feast, of course.”

“That is very generous,” said Socrates. He took a moment to relieve the crew, giving Loren the task of returning to the train to invite the others back to the mountain. After they had dispersed, Dane led Socrates, River, Micah, and Kale to his private quarters.

Dane’s home was located close to the top of the mountain. The main room was large, but cluttered with hundreds of relics, antiques, and strange mechanical devices. A pair of mechanical songbirds rested atop an ancient grandfather clock, quiet and motionless for the moment. A mechanical suit of armor stood by the front door, posed like a soldier guarding the entrance. Judging from the simplicity of design and the somewhat crude craftsmanship, it was probably an early prototype. The room also contained several pieces of antique furniture, a massive fireplace, and a row of tall bookcases against one wall. The shelves stretched more than fifteen feet high. An attached ladder made it possible to reach the higher shelves. There were passages to the north and east, the latter leading into the kitchen. To the west, double doors opened out onto a terrace.

Socrates took in all of this in a glance. He approached the bookshelves, and began scanning the titles. Dane watched him for a moment.

“That’s interesting,” the king said.

Socrates glanced at him. “What do you mean?”

“Of all the people who’ve visited my home, you’re the first to go straight to my books.”

“That’s surprising,” Socrates said.

“Not really. Not if you know humans very well. Do you enjoy reading?”

“He never stops,” said River. “His brain is like a library.”

“Then you would enjoy our Hall of Records. Remind me, I will take you there later.”

At that moment, Dane’s children came racing into the room. The king had twins, four-year-old girls; one with dark hair and sharp gray eyes like her father, the second with auburn hair and brown eyes.

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