The Shadow Dragons - James A. Owen [66]
“I’m sorry, John, but you must remain here,” Chaucer said, almost apologetically. “As Caretaker Principia, there are responsibilities to attend to with the Gatherum.”
“Rose and Quixote should also stay,” said Bert. “Until we have a plan of action, it’s safer for them here. But I’d like Jack and Charles to come with me, to advise the king and queen.”
“Of course,” Jack said. Charles also nodded his assent.
“Do you want to go by Trump?” Ransom asked. “It’s easily done.”
Bert shook his head. “I need to take the White Dragon in for repairs and restocking,” he said. “From the looks of things, we’ll need more armament as well.”
“Fine by me,” said Jack. “I could use the fresh air.”
It took only a few hours to make the preparations to leave in the White Dragon. Ransom went on ahead to announce their impending arrival, while Jack and Charles said their good-byes to their friends and the Caretakers.
“We’ll be back soon,” Jack promised Rose. “Artus and Aven will help us sort things out, you’ll see.”
Charles pulled Quixote aside. “Just a caution,” he said softly. “We were surprised by Kipling. I don’t want to be surprised again, so stay with Rose. If there are enemies here, they could be anywhere.”
“I understand,” said Quixote. “I shall guard her with my life.”
Bert, Jack, and Charles boarded the White Dragon, and, with a last wave, they lifted off into the air.
The airships were faster by far than the original seafaring-only ships had been, and it was only a matter of hours before they were over familiar waters.
It was a pleasant day, and Jack and Charles spent most of their time enjoying the trip, rather than rehashing the earlier events and the terrible situation in England. There would be time enough to do that soon.
Charles did a double take as he thought he saw something in the sky just ahead. He shaded his eyes and took another look.
“Bert!” he exclaimed. “We’re steering right into a flock of enormous birds!”
Bert laughed and rushed past the confused Charles to the railing. “They aren’t birds,” he said, waving his hand in the air. “They’re our royal escort!”
The cluster of birds suddenly split apart and flew into formations that spiraled around the White Dragon. It was then that Charles realized they weren’t birds at all—they were flying children.
For several minutes the ship was surrounded by shifting patterns of laughing, aerodynamic children—no, young adults— most of whom Charles had last seen on an island called Haven.
Three of the winged dervishes glided close, then landed smoothly on the deck.
The tallest of the three, obviously their leader, was dressed in tight leathers and laced boots, and she wore goggles that pinned down her light brown hair, which was sticking out in every direction. Her wings, long and majestic, were attached with a harness that crisscrossed her chest. She lifted up the goggles and flashed a dazzling smile.
“The first time I saw you,” Charles said, beaming, “you had smudges on your face, and you weren’t nearly as accomplished at flying. Also, you were shorter.”
“It’s wonderful to see you again, Charles,” she said, embracing the only slightly taller man.
“It’s wonderful to see you, too, Laura,” he replied.
“That’s Laura Glue,” she chided him gently, “as if you’d forgotten!”
“I haven’t forgotten, Laura my Glue,” said Jack as he came around the cabin to give her a welcoming hug. “That was the most impressive display I’ve ever seen!”
“Aw, we was just fooling around,” said the second flyer, a thinner girl with dark, spiky hair. “You should see us when we’re actually trying”
“Sadie!” Laura Glue admonished. “Discipline.”
The girl snapped back to attention. “Sorry, Captain.”
“Captain?” said Jack. “Laura Glue—are you the leader of this group, then?”
“I am.” The girl nodded. “Captain of the Valkyries.”
“That reminds me,” said Jack. “I need to thank you for sending all those Lost Boys to the taverns and inns at the Crossroads to watch out for us. We would never have gotten Rose out alive if not for your boy Flannery.” He craned his neck to look at several of the other