The Magical Flight of Dodie Rue by F.C. Shaw

Author:F.C. Shaw
Language: eng
Format: epub
Publisher: Future House Publishing
Published: 2016-08-03T20:58:01+00:00

Chapter 10

Dodie braked suddenly, causing Zinnia to ram into him from behind. For a moment, they sat on their hovering carpets, panting heavily. Dodie could feel Zinnia’s heart thumping on his back as she leaned on him. He was sorry his back was sweaty, but he liked having her so close. She started laughing, her voice a little shaky, and she slowly sat up.

Dodie turned around to face her. “What’s so funny?”

Zinnia pulled off her head mask, her face glistening with sweat. Dodie had almost forgotten what she looked like—he hadn’t seen her without her mask since first crashing into her. She was prettier than he remembered, with large brown eyes and thick lashes.

“How in the world did you know there was a cave here?” She looked shocked.

Dodie gingerly peeled off his head mask and attempted a grin, but his face was too sore. “None of your business.”

Zinnia laughed again and scooted off her rug. Amethyst rolled up.

Dodie did the same and stretched his arms high. “Ouch.” His hands scraped the rocky ceiling of the cave.

With the foggy light from outside, he could just make out the ceiling, but could not see how deep the cave went. He joined Zinnia at the opening to watch the sand storm rage outside.

“How long d’ya think the storm will last?” he asked.

Zinnia shrugged. “Sand storms are unpredictable. Could be minutes or hours.” She sat down and leaned against the wall.

“How come you know so much?” Dodie asked as he plopped down across from her and leaned against the wall. “About ghouls and sand storms and potions.”

Zinnia smiled. “I used to live abroad. My father was a traveling alchemist.”

“Was?” Dodie prodded.

Zinnia gazed out at the storm. “A few months ago he disappeared. He went on a business trip to the Capital, but never made it there. I went looking for him along the route he had traveled, but I could find no sign of him.”

“Do you think . . . your father’s . . .”

“Dead?” Zinnia met his gaze. “I’m choosing to believe he’s still alive. I’ve already lost my mother, I can’t think about losing my father.”

Dodie nodded. “My mother died, too. It’s always been just me and my dad and grandpapa and brother.”

Before he could stop himself, he rambled on about how his father was constantly stressed about the business and hardly there; and how his grandfather was crippled and did his best to hide his deep sadness over it; and how his brother always looked out for him and made him feel less bad about being afraid of flying. Here he bit his lip, but Zinnia immediately pried about this. He relented and told her about Binni’s potion—which she found fascinating, being an alchemist’s daughter and all. Dodie quickly turned the conversation back to Zinnia’s father.

“My father was a very skilled alchemist, and he knew many secrets. He was always either in high demand or in danger.” Zinnia sighed. “I need him back.”

Dodie brightened with understanding. “That’s why you’re racing. To wish for your father’s return.

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