Sky Scorcher 1 Read online

  To My Wife, Kayla:

  None of this would have happened without you. You have had more patience with me than you should have and I thank you for that.

  Fun fact about me and my wife…

  We dated all through high school, then as it happens, we broke up. Long story short, ten years pass by and she contacted me. Shocked? I know I was! But after a few weeks of dating, we decided to get married and I began a journey with the love of my life!

  With that being said, thank you for your support and patience and understanding.

  Chapter One

  New Orders

  Knock, knock.

  “Mr. Blackwin, are you awake yet? I have your clothes and breakfast ready,” said the maid as she entered through the door.

  The room was still dark due to the thick curtains that hung on the large windows. As the maid, Misty, folded clothes and laid them on a large chest at the foot of the bed, she stumbled on some maps and documents. She sat the tray of food down and drew the curtains back. Sunlight flooded in through the window and filled the room and revealed more documents and maps scattered across the dark wood floors of the room.

  On one of the papers that she picked up, she read the headline that said:

  SKYSCORCHER AND CREW LAST SPOTTED ON COURSE TO THE NORTHERN THUNDER FIELDS

  She began to straighten up the mess of papers on the floor.

  “Misty, is that coffee I smell?” asked Mr. Blackwin sleepily.

  She replied with a quick, “Yes, sir.”

  “Did you bring the morning post as well?” Mr. Blackwin asked Misty.

  “Yes, sir. A letter came for you as well. It is marked, ‘Read as soon as possible,” Misty informed Mr. Blackwin as she handed the important looking envelope to him.

  “Thank you. I hadn’t expected a response so soon. And Misty, how many times have I told you that you can call me James? Your family has worked for my family for years. There’s no need to be so formal.”

  “Yes, s…Mr. Blackwin.” Misty’s family had worked for the Blackwin family for three generations and James had even played with Misty as a child. Misty understood that James had never cared for formalities, so she tried to go along with it.

  As James was getting out of bed, he opened the letter which read:

  Mr. Blackwin:

  Due to the recent sighting of the Sky Scorcher in the North, we see no reason for you to give chase. New orders are for you to prepare the defense and security of the palace for the upcoming King’s Ball.

  Sincerely,

  Sky Marshal Nelean

  Of the Aerial Defense Department

  “Hmmm…” said James as he sighed heavily.

  “Is it important?” asked Misty.

  “It would seem that I am to halt the chase of pirates and report to the palace to raise the defense and security levels for the King’s Ball,” said James as he sorted though more papers.

  “I’ll pack your travel bags and prepare your personal ship immediately, Mr. Blackwin,” said Misty as she started gathering things to pack.

  “Thank you, Misty. Oh, and pack a bag for yourself as well. You will be accompanying me.” replied James.

  “Alright,” said Misty with a smile. It had been too long, she thought, since she had a chance to perform her actual job… not just being a lowly maid to the Blackwins, but also a personal body guard for James.

  As she packed her personal belongings, James finished his breakfast and headed towards the training room. The steam powered training machines were made to be fencing partners for James so that he could keep in practice. The machines, although powered by steam, were formidable opponents. They were designed to change their movements each time a new practice session began. James had fought many pirates and had some close calls…too close for comfort…one of which left him with a nasty scar across the ribs on his right side. James had just finished his morning practice when Misty’s voice came through the intercom.

  “Mr. Blackwin, we’re all set,” said Misty.

  “That’s great news. I’ll freshen up and be right there.”

  James entered the boarding dock and checked the time: 12:30 p.m. That meant that he would arrive at the palace late the next morning.

  Misty had already reached the boarding dock and was giving a list of chores to the other staff, two being her younger sisters and her younger brother, Chris.

  “Chris, keep things in order while we are gone,” said James as he walked over to them.

  As James and Misty boarded the ship, the engine spewed out large amounts of steam and the docking couplings released with a loud clank. Just like that, the ship was sailing through the air.

  “Engine is at full steam, sir,” said Misty to James.

  The day went on and the ship continued steaming towards Moon and Star Palace. James was busy drawing plans for tighter security. His late father, whom was head of security the previous year at the King’s Ball, had been more slack on security. That year, James was going to make sure all was in order for the Ball.

  “Sir, I have secured the provisions and managed to make dinner,” said Misty smugly.

  “Right on time, as usual,” replied James.

  “Will Lieutenant Platemen be in charge of personal security for the King?” Misty asked as they ate dinner.

  “Yes,” answered James, “he will be posting the Royal Guards with twenty minute intervals and patrols inside the King’s chambers and throne room,” said James as he finished eating his meal.

  The sun began to set as Misty started to clean up the dishes. “I’m going to make sure we are still on our heading to Cloud Bay,” Misty informed James.

  Cloud Bay was a floating city of steam and lights where all the airships going to the Palace passed though to check cargo and restock supplies. Merchants from the Vaspian Islands sold and traded goods there as well.

  “It’s been a while since you’ve been to Cloud Bay,” said James.

  “It has been few months, sir,” Misty answered James. “But don’t worry;” she reassured him, “my wit is as sharp as ever.”

  “Good!” exclaimed James. “We’re going to be picking up a few nobles whom I have promised a safe passage to the Palace.”

  “I’ll make arrangements for our guests then. We’re still a few hours out. Afterwards, I’m going to get some rest. You should too, sir,” suggested Misty as she headed for the helm.

  James looked over his plans one time as he sat down in a comfortable chair and drifted off to sleep. Shortly, he was awoken with the sound of boarding docks coupling together.

  Misty’s voice came over the intercom. “Successful docking, sir. The Royal Guard is waiting to board.”

  By the time James made it to the deck, the Royal Guard was giving the seal of approval on the paperwork Misty was holding.

  “Ah, Mr. Blackwin!” said the Chief Inspector of Docking Bay Four.

  “Good to see you on top of things, Mr. Bricky. I see that Misty has already gone over the cargo and the essentials,” said James.

  “Oh, yes. All is in order. Enjoy your stay at Cloud Bay,” replied Mr. Bricky as he left the ship.

  “Misty,” said James as he checked his watch, “my guests should arrive within the hour. Go and make arrangements for supplies. Oh, and stay sharp. Cloud Bay is more dangerous than it used to be!”

  “Yes, sir,” replied Misty as she gathered her things before setting off to the Market Square. She turned back briefly to retrieve her cutlass after remembering James’ words about the recent dangers of Cloud Bay.

  She hadn’t been gone long when a young man bumped into her…almost knocked her down… and kept walking. She quickly turned to see that he had a hood on and was wearing very nice clothing. Curiosity got the best of Misty and she decided to follow
him for a way to see where the young man in the hood was going. She rounded the corner and tried to keep up with him, but he was gone.

  “That’s strange behavior for a merchant,” said Misty aloud to herself. She turned around and standing in front of her was the very man she had tried to follow.

  “It’s not very nice to follow people,” said the hooded man.

  “You bumped into me and almost knocked me over!” said Misty with anger in her voice.

  “You shouldn’t have been in my way!” answered the hooded man with a short laugh.

  “You are very rude, sir,” said Misty. She could feel the blood leaving her hand as she gripped her sword.

  The hooded man sensed that Misty was ready to defend herself and gave her a warning. “Pardon me, lass, but you do no want to draw and cross blades with me as I have never lost a duel.”

  Misty thought briefly and began to loosen her grip on the sword. “You’re right. You’re not worth the effort and I’m not wasting any more of my time.”

  “Is that right?” asked the hooded man maliciously. “In that case, since we are here alone in this alley way and you were the one who followed me here…you might as well hand me your belongings and what gold you have as well.” He drew a well crafted sword to make sure Misty would comply.

  Misty took a step back before drawing her sword. Years of training were about to put her swordsmanship to the test.

  Chapter Two

  The Man in the Hood

  “Very well,” said the man smugly as he stepped forward, “it appears that you believe you have some skill.”

  Misty swung her sword which met his. They were both so absorbed in the fight that neither noticed the sound of foot steps approaching or the lights that were coming straight towards them. Just as the hooded man knocked the sword from Misty’s hand, James shouted her name.

  The hooded man drew a pistol and fired it in the air. A cloud of smoke surrounded him and made it difficult to see. The man turned and ran away from the ever-growing crowd forming around Misty. When the smoke cleared, the night guard was on his heels.

  James bent over to help Misty up. “Did you get a look at his face?” asked James with worry in his voice.

  “No, sir,” Misty answered, “but I believe from his accent that he was from Hover Bay.” Misty was covered in dirt and sweat and blood was oozing through her shirt.

  “Let’s get you back to the ship and cleaned up,” said James softly.

  As the two headed back, news of the young man with the hood had spread. As a result, all of the merchants began to close up shop and the guard locked down the merchant square. .

  “Have the guests arrived?” asked Misty trying to turn attention from herself.

  “Yes. They are waiting on board the ship, but they will be fine. Let’s get you checked out before heading back,” said James as he noticed a few bumps and scratches in addition to the blood stain now on Misty’s shoulder from her fall.

  The doctor gave Misty a few bandages and some stitches on her shoulder which had been injured when she fell. When the doctor had finished, James paid the bill and began to escort Misty out.

  Just as they finished, the Captain of the Guard came though the door with a look of disappointment. “Mr. Blackwin,” said the guard, “the man got away. But he can’t get too far. I have men posted on every corner and several guards patrolling the streets.”

  “Thank you, Captain. We are going to return to my ship. We are behind schedule,” replied James.

  When they arrived back to James’ airship, the lights of the ship were on and James’ guests were waiting on the deck. James and Misty boarded the ship behind their guests.

  “I’m so glad you are alright,” said a familiar voice. Misty looked over and saw that it was Mr. Thornton. Mr. Thornton was one of James’ friends who frequented the Blackwin Manor.

  “Thank you, Mr. Thornton. I didn’t expect to see you here,” said Misty with a smile.

  “Oh, now, someone has to keep James from making a mess of the Ball,” said Mr. Thornton laughing.

  After Misty was back on the ship, she began to feel much better. It was getting late and Misty knew that it was nearly time for departure. “Excuse me everyone,” said Misty as she looked at the sails, “we will soon be departing.”

  “Are you sure you’re up to it,” asked James feeling a little concerned for his maid. “I can take over the helm if you would like.”

  “I can handle it,” answered Misty. “Besides, you have guests.”

  ***

  Meanwhile, the man in the hood slowed his pace and thought that he had made his escape. “That woman was well trained,” he thought. “I wonder where she learned her swordsmanship…”

  “There he is!” shouted a guard on the roof.

  .

  “Fetch the nets,” commanded the night watch.

  “Don’t let him escape!” ordered the captain.

  The young man tried to run, but everywhere he turned more guards appeared. He had to think fast. He began running from rooftop to rooftop as fast as he could. He held tight to his hood as he ran to keep his identity concealed. He looked behind him and saw that the guards were losing ground. “Now’s my chance to find a hiding spot,” he thought.

  He looked up and saw a sign that read: Docking Bay Number Four.

  He slid down the ladder attached to the side of the building and dashed into some cargo. He remained quite and held his breath and he soon heard the guards running past the dock. “Off the hook for now,” he thought as he began to breathe again.

  He looked around to observe his new surroundings. All of the airships around him were dark except one. He made his way to it cautiously. He looked through the glass of the lit ship and recognized someone…the woman he had fought earlier.

  “Got you now!” shouted a guard as he raised a club in his hand and landed it on the hooded man’s head.

  The hooded man fell to the ground, unconscious from the club’s impact. The guard sent word to the captain and the night watch. “Come quickly,” said one of the guards to the captain, “we’ve caught him.”

  When the captain arrived, James and a few of the guards were putting the hooded man in irons.

  “Mr. Blackwin,” said the captain as he neared James, “I’m glad you’re alright. Was any one harmed?”

  “No. Everyone is safe and accounted for. Seems that one of your men spotted him looking through the window and got the jump on him,” said James looking satisfied.

  “I’ll see to it personally that he is locked up,” replied the captain. “Pick him up and take him away.”

  “One moment, Captain. May I have a word with you?” asked James. As the two stepped to the side, the young man began regain consciousness. With blurry eyes and a throbbing pain in his head, he realized that his hands and feet were bound. He laid still and was able to make out what James was saying to the captain of the guard

  “I can escort him to the palace where the man will stand trial,” explained James. “Also, I would like to question him about a few things.”

  Just then, one of the guards noticed that young man was conscious. He pulled the hood off of the criminal and revealed the mysterious man’s face. He had hair that was as red as flames of fire and a matching, well groomed beard. His eyes were the same color as the sky and he donned a single golden earring. When the captain saw that the man was awake, he ordered the guards to knock him out again. “And this time, make sure he is out for a while,” barked the captain.

  “Alright, Mr. Blackwin, he is your prisoner. Please send the transfer papers when you arrive at the palace,” continued the captain as one of the guards hit the man and knocked him out cold.

  “Let’s make sure not to kill him before he stands trial,” exclaimed James with a laugh. “Captain, could two of your men help bring him on board my ship? We will be departing now.”

  Misty was making ready for departure when she saw the guards carrying the man across the deck and onto the ship. When
she saw the man, she realized that he must be the man she had just earlier dueled because she recognized his clothing. She was hit with mixed emotions that shot through her body as she remembered first hand how well the man was with swords’ play.

  She mainly felt pity for him being a criminal and felt worry for the guest now onboard the ship.

  She heard James’ voice come through the intercom. “Misty, do you mind preparing the holding cell in the brig?” asked James.

  “Yes, sir,” answered Misty, “I’ve just finished checking on the guests.” A few minutes had passed after Misty had placed a clean blanket and pillow on the cot when James and the guards arrived at the brig with the prisoner.