The Street Rat's Guide to Spells and Royalty by L.R. Weltmann

Author:L.R. Weltmann
Language: eng
Format: epub
Tags: Young Adult Fantasy, Steampunk, Found Family, Fantasy Steampunk, Magic and Mystery, Action and Adventure, Sibling Adventure, Twin Adventure
Publisher: L.R. Weltmann
Published: 2022-11-22T00:00:00+00:00

Chapter 21

I napped until the ship was ready to launch. Sleep plus the water and medicine did wonders for my headache, and the promise of watching the launch had me excited. I climbed up on deck with Jack, and we found spots against the rail out of the way.

All the crates outside had been brought onboard, and the balloons and sails were all unfurled and ready. The engines made the floorboards shake, and the steam from the masts came out dark and thick. Wings unfolded from the sides with creaks and groans.

“Wings ready, Cap’n!” someone shouted.

“Boiler at a hundred twenty degrees and climbing, Captain!” the helmsman called.

Ryan appeared at the rail of the top deck and yelled, “Archer, ready to launch on my signal!”

“Ready, Captain!” a voice echoed up a hollow pipe.

“Launch!” Ryan yelled.

The ship jolted. I grabbed the rail for balance. Steam billowed up into the balloons, and wood creaked and groaned. The trees around the clearing shrank, inch by inch, until we cleared them altogether. Another quick order, and the ship jerked forward, sailing over the trees and gaining altitude.

Heights had never bothered me before, but something about being this high with nothing but an old ship between me and death made me nervous. I couldn’t seem to find my balance, either, and my stomach cramped uncomfortably.

Crewmen went running around, double checking this gauge or another. Everything seemed to be normal, and things calmed down pretty quickly after that. Jack and I wandered up to the top deck and found Captain Ryan with Sammy on his hip, making faces and rubbing noses at her. Petra noticed us and waved us over.

“What did you think?” she asked.

“That was amazing!” Jack said. “I’ve never seen a ship launch before, let alone been on one!”

She laughed. “It’s something to behold. Gives us a thrill every time.”

He nodded and continued talking shop with her about how the ship worked. I didn’t pay much attention, hearing something about steam and thermodynamics. Jack didn’t look like he understood either, but he politely kept talking with her about it.

“Do you two want a tour of the ship? I need to check in with some people before dinner.”

Jack went with her while I stayed behind to play with Sammy, who seemed thrilled to have a new playmate.

For dinner, Captain Ryan invited me and Jack to the Captain’s table. Jack eyed me for a bit, ignoring my pointed glares back, until we were served and I picked up my silverware. When he finally looked away after that, I tried not to be too upset. I had only learned to use them properly a week ago, after all.

Petra asked questions about our families, and Jack carried most of the conversation, describing his life as a prince and what the King and Queen were like. He was oblivious to the way the rest of the table reacted, their smiles growing forced and insincere.

So, they weren’t fans of the royal family, either. I’d have to warn Jack to keep his mouth shut around the rest of the crew later.

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