Flaming London by Joe R. Lansdale

Author:Joe R. Lansdale [Lansdale, Joe R.]
Language: eng
Format: mobi, epub
Tags: SteamPunk, Fantasy
ISBN: 9781596060258
Publisher: Subterranean Press
Published: 2005-01-01T13:00:00+00:00

Sixteen - Ned's Journal: The Ship Sails Again, the Thing in the Hold, Rikwalk Gets Pants

"Did you come with the Invaders?" Mr. Verne asked.

"Not exactly," Rikwalk said, "but it is a long story."

"I suggest we wait on it," said John, "push the ship to sea. Lest our escaped pirates return, possibly with reinforcements."

"I doubt he had any," Beadle said.

"Still, I have had all of this island I prefer," said John Feather.

"Speak good white man talk," Bull said. "Like me."

"Thank you," John Feather said. "College."

"And like our friend Rikwalk here, I presume you have quite a story yourself," Mr. Verne said, smiling at John Feather.

"Oh," said John Feather laughing. "You can not imagine. But like Rikwalk's story, Beadle and I will save it for later."

Rikwalk said, "I will pull the ship to sea, and then it is up to the Dutchman here to sail it."

"I can do that," said the Dutchman. "The remainder of my crew will help me, and they will train the rest of you where your assistance is needed. But that will be minimal. It takes few to sail my ship."

"Work for me," Bull said.

* * *

Using tools from the ship, Rikwalk was released from the chains, and we all loaded onto the ship, taking what weapons we could scrounge from the remains of the pirates.

The great ape, using the chain attached to the front of the ship, pulled us out to sea.

He had a bit of tough sledding at first, but when he reached the water, and the ship glided in behind him, it went well. He waded until the water was beneath his armpits and we were enough at sea to let the waves carry us out, then he swam back to the ship, scuttled up over the side like, well, like an ape. His weight was such that this maneuver caused the ship to list to that side.

Once on board, however, the ship balanced out nicely. A breeze came up, the sails were hoisted. The wind caught in the canvas and took us out quickly.

When I looked back, I saw, sailing above the jungle, a strange colorful creature that looked more reptile than bird, and yet, somewhat birdlike as well. It was our old friend the pterodactyl, or one just like him.

The cruiser had been put up, and I was raised up on my ass, leaning against the rail. I reached over and tugged on Mr. Twain's coat.

He turned for a look, said, "I'll be goddamned."

Mr. Verne and the others looked now.

Bull said. "Firebird. Me hear of it."

The pterodactyl descended into the mist that covered the island, and was gone.

"I would like to know what other beasts dwell there," Mr. Verne said.

"I'm glad we left," said John Feather. "The pirates were beast enough for me."

"I wonder where they came from," Mr. Verne said. "They looked, well, out of time. In fact, this ship, this crew, looks out of time as well."

"They are," Beadle said. "But again, I'll explain what I know later. Each for different reasons.

Download

Copyright Disclaimer:
This site does not store any files on its server. We only index and link to content provided by other sites. Please contact the content providers to delete copyright contents if any and email us, we'll remove relevant links or contents immediately.