Charmed Vengeance

Odd things. Kevighn knew Roderick was trying to tell him something but he was in no mood for riddles so he simply nodded and pushed his mug forward.

“Oh,” Roderick’s eye lit up with delight as he refilled Kevighn’s mug. “Have you heard? The high queen’s sons are questing.”

“Her Majesty’s sons? Was a girl with them?” Questing?

Interesting. Was she trying to get rid of them?

“No girl. Her Majesty has made it clear that we’re to be as helpful as possible.” Roderick rubbed his hands together with glee.

“I hope by helpful you mean dropping them off the side of the airship.” He had no love or sympathy for either spoiled prince. Especially Stiofan. If they were questing, where was Magnolia? Odds were they’d left her safe in Los Angeles with her mother.

Hmm. Perhaps he should visit her.

Roderick grinned so wide it practically spilled off his face. “The queen made it clear that she didn’t want them to be … coddled, and well, she understands that … mishaps happen.”

She was trying to get rid of them. Clever. That news made happiness bubble inside him. The Otherworld would be better off with less earth court brats.

“Well, I wouldn’t want them to struggle.” Kevighn grinned back.

“You just missed them. But don’t worry, they’re with Igan and his crew. They’ll take good care of them.” Roderick’s one eye winked.

“You let them go with Igan?” Kevighn nearly snorted ale out his nose. “They’ll probably leave them in someplace desolate, naked, and free of everything they brought with them.”

“Wouldn’t you?” Roderick laughed.

“Of course. Nothing’s too good for the young princes.” He’d leave them in a lion pit wearing only a necklace made of meat.

Roderick leaned in further and lowered his voice. “I know their whereabouts if you’re interested in helping…

Not today, old friend. I don’t suppose you know anyone going west?”

Roderick surveyed the bar, eyes narrowing. He nodded and snapped his fingers. “I can get you as far as Denver.

I would appreciate that.” The idea of the dark king wanting to see him was pleasing. Still, he wasn’t quite ready to abandon his sulking. Maybe he’d see if he could find any of the ships Red told him needed employees and see where the wind—and the Bright Lady—took him. If it took him to Ciaran, that would be good.

If it took him to Magnolia that would be even better.

Eight The Lives and Times of Air Pirates

Noli crept toward the bridge, list in hand, and popped her head through the doorway. “Captain?”

Vix turned around in her chair and scowled. “No, you may not disembark in Santa Fe. We’re only stopping briefly and there’s no time to buy hair ribbons or other fripperies. Also, I meant it when I said you may only leave the ship when you’re either with Jeff or I— and we’re going to be busy.”

Hair ribbons? Why did wearing dresses make Vix think she was a vapid doll?

Wait, I want some ribbons, the sprite interjected. Pink ones with flowers on them.

“Um, I only wanted to give you the inventory and supply list you requested.” Ignoring the sprite, Noli thrust out the piece of paper is if it were a shield between them.

“Oh, thank you.” Vix took the list from her.

Noli took a moment to admire the panoramic view from the small bridge, gazing at the blue sky and the white clouds. “It’s so pretty up here.”

Jeff nodded from his place at the helm. “That it is. Is there anything you need? I can’t guarantee I’ll have time, but I’ll try.” His eyes fell to her waist cincher tool-belt. “Oh, now that’s a good idea. I can see a few people wanting one of those.”

She smoothed the brown leather. “It’s useful. My friend made it. Mama hates it.” A pang of sadness shot through her. No. Her mother was better off in Boston without her. Noli thought for a moment. “I forgot my toothbrush. Also, I’d like a plant, if you please—a little one is fine.”

“A plant?” Vix scoffed as she tucked away the list. She eyed Noli’s tool-belt. “I can see Hittie and Hattie wanting matching ones.”

More female air pirates? She met Vix’s eyes not about to be made to feel embarrassed for her request. “I miss being around plants and trees.”

“Perhaps Noli could design a shipboard garden, like the one they have on the Vertragus?” Jeff suggested. “It would be nice to have fresh food.”

Vix tilted her head, a lock of blue hair nearly covering her eyes. “Perhaps. Conditions up top can be tempestuous; it would need to be sturdy.”

“I can design something along the lines of a green house … ” Noli could almost see the structure in her mind—light, durable, and making good use of space.

Jeff grinned. “I know you’ll come up with something, you’re an ace engineer.”

“We’re headed toward Denver, right, Captain?” Noli rocked on the heels of her boots.

Vix sighed, running her hand through her hair as if trying to tear it out. “Yes, and if we have time you may be able to get off ship, but don’t count on it.”

Noli bit back a pert retort. Always with the assumptions. “Actually, I need to spend some quality time with the engines and do a complete diagnostic, which means the engines will be out of commission for at least a day, possibly two.”

“What’s wrong with the engines?” Vix frowned, one hand on her hip as if she were unsure if Noli were fabricating this or not.

“I … I’m not sure. Something feels—and sounds— off.” Noli clasped her hands behind her back and tried not to fidget, since her explanation sounded rather ridiculous. Winky kept assuring her nothing was the matter. “I want to head off any problems at the pass. Also, depending on what it is, I may need parts—or have to make parts, so it might be beneficial to be in a place where at least I have access to items I can re-engineer or repurpose.”

“We don’t have time for you to muck around with the engine simply because,” Vix huffed from her captain’s chair. “Is there a problem or not?”

“That is why I need to run the diagnostics, Captain,” she returned. “In order to accomplish that I need to take the engines apart.”

“What are your suspicions?” Jeff asked as he steered the ship.

“Engines in raven-class ships are notorious for overheating. I’ll start there. It could be as simple as a motor being out on the multi-fan cooling system.”

“That’s easy enough to fix, right?” Vix’s look dared her to say anything but yes.

“Of course it is, Captain.” That was an easy fix. In all honestly, Noli didn’t think that was the problem. But she had to tell them something other than it felt wrong.

Vix waved her hand in dismissal. “I’m sure you have something to do. As you were.”

“Yes, Captain.” Noli returned to her quarters. Now that she’d attended to all her assigned tasks, perhaps she’d finally have time to make her little room more comfortable, and darn a small mountain of socks.

Yes, darning socks was infinitely better than cleaning the head.

Noli attached a wooden box to the door of her little room. There were two boxes, one said in and the other out.

“Might I be of assistance, Miss Noli?” Winky appeared with a crate under his arm, hat askew, glasses