Page 43 of Wings of War

Fieran paused to better take in the slight sway of the catwalk beneath their feet. He’d barely noticed it earlier since it was so slight, just a gentle rocking not that much different from the swaying of a tree in the breeze. The larger trees in Tarenhiel, like Ellonahshinel where his family’s home was located, were so protected with magic that it took a hundred years’ gale to make the branches so much as twitch. But some of the smaller trees were left to sway in the wind.

The airman smirked and crossed his arms. “The swaying will only grow worse once we’re in the air.”

Tiny groaned and made a gagging sound.

The airman’s smirk turned into a grimace. “I had better show you to sick bay before you hurl all over something I’ll have to scrub later. If anyone else is feeling queasy, you’d better come too.”

As the airman led Tiny and three others away, Fieran turned to those who were left. “Anyone else feeling motion sick? Because you’d better take the bottom hammocks.”

“Yeah. Elves and those with strong stomachs on top.” Pretty Face gave a shudder.

A few of the other flyboys exchanged looks, then rearranged a few of the rucksacks, moving the ones belonging to those who had followed the airman to the bottom.

Fieran peered upward at the various catwalks, rope ladders, and ratlines that led upward between the helium gas bags. He thought he could see a spot where there was a hatch to the very top of the airship.

Merrik heaved a sigh. “You want to go up there.”

“When else will we have the chance to sneak away unsupervised?” Fieran debated for one more second before he headed for the nearest rope ladder. “You don’t have to come with me.”

Even as he spoke, Merrik was already dogging his heels. He might not be as reckless as Fieran, but he was still enough of an elf to want to seek out the highest point.

The various airmen climbing about within the dirigible sent them annoyed glances, then ignored them.

Fieran led the way through the maze of catwalks and ladders, working his way upward. His grin grew with each level they ascended.

Finally, he reached a metal hatch, set in a broad, flat metal roof attached to the I-beam keel that provided stabilization for all the metal ribs that curved from this keel down to the top of the gondola. He turned the wheel to undog the hatch, then levered it open.

As he climbed out, a cold breeze smacked into his face. He sucked in a deep breath as he planted his feet on the walk on the very top of the dirigible.

This walk had no handrails. Just a metal pathway that traversed the spine of the airship.

Someone else might have had a sense of fear, strolling along that tiny walkway so very high off the ground. But this was no different than walking along one of the elven branch pathways, which sometimes were as skinny as a foot or two wide with sheer drops on either side.

Merrik climbed up beside him and shut the hatch behind them. The two of them stood there, taking in the view.

Below, Fort Linder spread out in a grid of both wood and cement buildings. The three flags of Escarland, Tarenhiel, and Kostaria flapped above the central green, which was formed by the infirmary, officers’ quarters, communications center, and various other command headquarters.

They couldn’t even see the aeroplane hangar directly below them due to the bulk of the airship. Only the far end of the airstrip was visible, a dusty line between waving grass, pointing toward the Hydalla River rippling and shimmering to the north.

In the distance to the west, Bridgetown’s skyline broke the horizon, bordered by the Hydalla River, though Calafaren couldn’t be seen among the dense foliage of Tarenhiel.

But it was the Alliance Bridge that drew the eye, arching over the Hydalla River and gleaming in the morning sunlight.

“Was this worth risking extra PT?” Fieran faced into the breeze as it raked through the short strands of his hair.

“Maybe. Depends on the PT.” Merrik grimaced and gestured at the airship below their feet. “We are in the navy’s hands now. They might have us swab the deck.”

“I don’t care.”

“You will if Tiny hurled all over the deck we are swabbing.”

“True.” Fieran couldn’t resist any longer. He just couldn’t stay still in a place like this, with the open sky all around him and nothing but a small walk beneath him. Something about this place just called to his elven blood, despite the fact that it was all human-made metal and mechanics. He ran lightly along the walk, then threw himself into a front flip. He landed lightly in a crouch before he was up again.

Behind him, Merrik matched his movements, not even sighing or rolling his eyes. He, too, must have been itching to let his elven side loose after having to hold back for so long to fit into the Escarlish army’s strictures.

Fieran held out his hands as if he held his swords, moving as if fighting an invisible foe. He spun and ducked and flipped, landing lightly on his feet on the narrow walk.

Beneath his feet, the airship lurched. Shouts came from below, too vague to make out the words, but the intent was clear as the ropes were loosed. The airship shot upward quickly, rising toward the sky.

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