For Steam and Country: Book One of the Adventures of Baron Von Monocle Read online

  The military woman mirrored James and stepped in front of the lanky man. She stared James down.

  The lanky man grabbed her by the arm. “Now, Captain von Cravat, stand down. This is a friendly proceeding. Or it should be,” he warned.

  I’m not sure what it was about the man, but something in my gut told me he was no threat. “James,” I said, touching his arm. “I’ll be fine. If you want, you can wait outside while I talk to him. You can keep your eye on me. It won’t be but a couple of minutes, right? Why don’t you get to know this Captain von Cravat?”

  Captain von Cravat took a step back to where she stood before, holding herself in a much less threatening posture. She motioned to my porch.

  James frowned, holding steady for a moment, then dragged his feet as he moved away. He glanced over his shoulder at me when he crossed the threshold. “Holler if you need me, Zair-bear,” James said.

  Captain von Cravat handed the man her scroll, then ushered James out of earshot.

  The lanky man slipped the scroll into his coat pocket. He grimaced, brushed some dust from his suit, and entered my home. He removed his top hat and frowned at the state of the residence. Though we’d done the bulk of the cleaning, there were still piles of debris that needed to be removed and very little in the way of formal furniture.

  I noted my own attire. If he thought my house didn’t hold to his standards of society, he must think worse of me. My hair was in tangles, and I was covered in sweat and dirt, not to mention dried tomato juice. If only I’d had time to make myself presentable before they arrived.

  “I’ll take that.” I grabbed his hat from his hand. I set it on my kitchen table behind me. The man didn’t seem pleased with the choice of hat racks, but it was better than having him standing there frowning at my home.

  He raised his chin and paced my front room. His long strides left little space for maneuvering. For a moment, he appeared lost, as if unused to such a quaint structure as my house. “I suppose I should introduce myself,” he said, extending his hand toward me in a regal, yet almost feminine manner. “My name is Matthias du Gearsmith. The reason for my sojourn out to the country to greet you is that I am, rather was, charged with this duty as your father’s attorney.”

  A blank expression crossed my face. “What does that mean?” My words came out as a mere whisper. I sounded exactly like the fool young girl I tried so hard not to be in front of these fancy folk.

  “An attorney is a person given power to… No, no. I can see that’s not what you meant by the question.” Mr. du Gearsmith dropped his eyes to the floor with a genuine emotion I hadn’t expected. I thought nothing could faze a man like him, but looks can be deceiving. “Indeed. Your father has been missing in action in Wyranth Empire for two years now, which Rislandia Kingdom law defines as formally deceased. I regret that we meet under such circumstances. And though it is far too late, I must give you condolences with regards to your mother as well.”

  My strength broke. A few tears trickled from my eyes, though I squinted to try to hold them back. I laughed despite myself. Two years since my father left and three since my mother died in the cholera epidemic. I should have moved on by now. Wasn’t that how adults acted? “I see.”

  “I’ve been charged with executing his will, which brings me first and foremost to your residence. Your father bequeaths you this land, as I’m sure you presumed, but the primary object of your inheritance is several hours away. You must forgive me that it wasn’t something I was capable of transporting myself,” Mr. du Gearsmith said. “You are to come with me to Loveridge, where I will give you further instructions.”

  “Loveridge?” I didn’t understand what sort of business I could have there. I’d been to Loveridge once when I was eight years old. The city had five times the people of Plainsroad Village and a market so big I couldn’t believe my eyes. “That’s hours from here, I can’t just leave.” I glanced to the hole in my roof. “I have repairs to make before sundown.”

  “Your repairs can wait. I doubt you’ll be coming back this evening to have to deal with the elements. My time, however, is short. I must return to the capital soon,” he said. His heels clicked on my floor as he moved to my table. He retrieved his top hat, dusted it off, and motioned toward my front door. “If you would be so kind.”

  “Wait a moment,” I dug my feet in. Toby regained some of his courage and poked his head out from my room. “How do I know you’re telling the truth? I don’t know you from—”

  Matthias held a lone, crooked finger squarely in front of my face, cutting my sentence off before I could finish. He reached back into his coat and produced the scroll Captain von Cravat had held earlier. Unwrapping it carefully, he spun the scroll around so I could see. It read:

  I, Baron Theodore Von Monocle, under the laws of the land of Rislandia under the stewardship of King Malaky XVI, grant power of attorney to one Matthias du Gearsmith, that he might execute my will and seek out my daughter Zaira Von Monocle at such a time I am pronounced dead.

  Zaira, if you are reading this, it means time and fate have caught up with me. I’ve been very lucky over the years, but it was only a matter of time in this line of work. I’m sorry I didn’t spend more time with you. In retrospect, I should have dedicated myself to being a proper father. King and Country can fill one’s mind with a sense of duty and purpose which cloud what’s important in life. Try to keep that in mind when you have a family of your own.

  I, likewise, have to apologize for saddling you with the burden that my attorney, Mr. du Gearsmith, will impart. Some will see it as a great treasure, but as with any great gift in life, there come great consequences. Know that I love you, and I always will, even from beyond the infinite.

  Signed,

  Baron Theodore Von Monocle

  I staggered backward. Mr. du Gearsmith had warned me, but seeing the words penned by my father’s own hand made the facts so much more real. My throat dried, and I skipped a breath. My father wouldn’t be coming home again.

  “We’ve successfully resettled the refugees from Portsgate and are rushing to assist the Grand Rislandian Army with a budding crisis at the Wyranth border. I do try to send letters home even when duty has me toiling past sundown. I hope Liliana and Zaira will forgive me one day, and wish I could bring myself to lie and tell them I’ll be home soon, safe and sound.”

  An excerpt from Baron von Monocle’s log

  Day 42 of the Month of Dukes

  16th Year of Malaky XVI’s Reign

  “I presume you are acquainted enough with your father’s signature to account for its validity?” Mr. du Gearsmith asked me.

  Narrowing my eyes, I scrutinized the scroll. The writing had my father’s flair, a little twist in the beginning of his capital letters. I’d known it was his long before Mr. du Gearsmith posed the question. “It looks like his handwriting.”

  “Then you will follow me,” he gestured to the door again.

  I glanced back at the house and shook my head. “No, I still can’t leave like this. I don’t even know you.”

  “Please, Miss von Monocle, I’m asking you to trust me. I can show you my credentials as attorney at law, licensed by Rislandian Lawyers Association. I have my papers back in the horseless carriage.”

  “I believe you. Your credentials aren’t a problem. It’s just so sudden, and I have so much work to do.” Too sudden, though it had been a long time since my father originally departed. Nothing changed with this news, did it?

  I considered what to do. With the repairs I’d have to make, I wouldn’t be able to keep my farming schedule for the market anyway. If I received an inheritance as Mr. du Gearsmith said, it could provide for needed supplies and perhaps even some hired help to fix my home. Not only with the roof, but with all the other maintenance I’d ignored over the past two years.

  “How much coin will I receive from the inheritance? I presume you’ll be taking me to additional lands, seeing as my father held the title of Baron?” I asked, trying to keep the
firm tone of voice I used at the markets to conduct business.

  Mr. du Gearsmith pursed his lips. “There is an adequate trust, yes. However, I did not mean to mislead you to assume that there would be additional lands. There are two distinct types of nobility in Rislandia, I’m not sure if you would be aware given your upbringing.”

  His question irritated me. Just because I didn’t live in a fancy city didn’t mean I couldn’t read or understand what he said. My mother made sure I went to school every day and made me read her books every night, until she passed. I wanted to slap him, but that wouldn’t have been the adult action to take. I acted as if I followed his every word instead.

  “There are legacy nobles, those with families and lineages that have helped foster Rislandia since the kingdom’s founding, and then there are nobles who earn their titles in military service. Traditionally, those nobles don’t receive grants of lands or power in politics until they have retired from such service. In your father’s instance, he had unfortunately not yet retired.”

  I slumped my shoulders. Perhaps I shouldn’t have counted on receiving enough income to fix my home. “So what is this inheritance then?”

  “Your father, needless to say, enjoyed dramatic presentations.” Mr. du Gearsmith shook his head, a look of amusement on his face. “He specifically requested I show you. In Loveridge.”

  I snorted at the thought of dramatic presentations. It reminded of the time father swung from a rope ladder from his Grand Rislandian Army’s airship, landing several steps in front of me. Not to mention the exaggerated stories he would tell me of far off lands, faeries, pirates, and secret treasures. His service to Rislandia sounded much better than a farm life. It was no wonder he never came back to spend time with me.

  Perhaps it was a foolish decision to leave with Mr. du Gearsmith, but I could use the money and he did have my father’s written word. As much as I had been alone for two years, I’d read father’s letters dozens of times. My father cared in his own way. This inheritance would be in keeping with the way he showed it. “I’ll have to make sure James will watch Toby,” I said.

  Mr. du Gearsmith nodded in agreement.

  When we stepped outside, James and Captain von Cravat stood huddled over a wheeled contraption with four seats and some large levers with a steamstack protruding from its middle. Its wheels were connected by a long strip of metal, which bolted to gears below the vehicle, some of which protruded outward. The steamstack hissed and steam burst into the air above it.

  “By Malaky,” I said.

  “You’ve never seen a horseless carriage before?” Mr. du Gearsmith asked with a cocked brow. “They’re quite common in the capital. They have been for a couple of years now. Once you’ve travelled in one, you’ll never go back to the old buggy again. It’s a much faster means of transport, and it doesn’t spook.”

  Captain von Cravat grabbed James by the back of his coveralls and forced him upright.

  “Aw, come on. I was only taking a peek at the engine,” he said, glancing toward Mr. du Gearsmith and me. “Zair-bear, you have to see this.”

  “I see it, and I believe I’ll be riding in it,” I said, moving toward him.

  “You get a ride? Captain von Boring here said she wouldn’t let me,” James said, pouting.

  Captain von Cravat held a stoic expression, but I could see in her eyes that it was all she could do not to whack James upside the head. His teasing would get him into more trouble than he realized when it came to strangers. I’d have to have a talk with him about that when I returned.

  “It’s not a carnival attraction, James. I have to take a trip to Loveridge with these people.” Though I tried to sound mature, the prospect of the carriage ride thrilled me nearly as much as it did James. I’d ridden many a horse to a canter, faster than James would dare to go. Speed thrilled me.

  “Loveridge?” James asked, confused. “You can’t go off with strangers that far! We’ve still got work to do on the house, and I know you’re behind on your pickings.”

  “I have to, James.” I took his hand and squeezed it gently. “Remember what you said about my father earlier? Well, Mr. du Gearsmith presented me his will. I need to take care of his final business, okay?”

  James shifted his eyes from Mr. du Gearsmith to Captain von Cravat. “Okay.” His voice betrayed his concern.

  “Will you watch Toby for me while I’m away?” I asked.

  “Sure,” James said. He forced a smile at me. “Be safe.”

  “Thank you.” I stood on my tiptoes and planted a kiss on James’s cheek. His growing stubble prickled my lips.

  Mr. du Gearsmith opened the door to the backseat of his horseless carriage and used his free hand to help lift me the rest of the way. I plopped myself down into the leather seat, which was far more comfortable than any other carriage I’d ridden in before. Gold trim lined the interior doors, a reminder of how out of place I was in my soiled coveralls. In Loveridge, I could find a nice gown or dress to wear, if the inheritance afforded me one. That would be a waste of good money though. I had to be practical and think of the farm.

  Captain von Cravat took the driver’s seat and slipped her hands into gloves. She turned the key and the motor churned.

  My door slammed shut. Mr. du Gearsmith circled around to the other side. He carefully seated himself, making sure his coat tails wouldn’t wrinkle behind him.

  James waved from where he stood. Worry drowned any former excitement his face had held.

  “I’ll be back in no time, James,” I said, waving in return.

  Captain von Cravat spun the steering wheel and turned the carriage around. The vehicle had made tracks on their way in which she followed back out again to the main road. James and my farm faded in the distance.

  We picked up speed, which thrilled me at first, but when the road bumped, I had to grip my seat to make sure I wouldn’t bounce out. After a time on the road, I grew used to watching farms, fields, and trees go by faster than I could have imagined. The wind brushed my face and my hair blew behind me. After I took time to bask in the thrill of the ride, I leaned toward the front where Mr. du Gearsmith sat. “How long did you know my father?” I asked.

  “Since before you were born,” Mr. du Gearsmith said.

  My curiosity piqued. “Do you know what he was doing the last time he left? He rushed out the door that day, barely had time to say goodbye. I think something frightened him but he didn’t say what,” I said, leaning toward the steamstack.

  “Don’t touch that!” Mr. du Gearsmith shouted. He tried to keep his eyes on the road but couldn’t help but turn toward me.

  Captain von Cravat looked backward to see what I was doing. The horseless carriage swerved and her eyes went wide. She jerked her head to face forward. With a turn to the wheel, she set our path straight.

  “That can burn you faster than you can say fire. I should have warned you before, my apologies,” Mr. du Gearsmith said, returning his attention to the road. His voice became measured once more, as if he had never been angered. “What was it you were asking? Ah yes, your father’s final mission. I’m afraid that is a classified matter.”

  “But isn’t he declared legally dead? How can it still be classified?”

  “Because classified matters stay such until King Malaky himself says otherwise,” Mr. du Gearsmith said and turned back to face forward.

  I didn’t have the nerve to ask any more questions after that and relaxed into my seat.

  I awoke to violent bumping and rattling in the horseless carriage. My head smacked against the metal divider between seats. With a groan, I sat up. The carriage had slowed in its pace and its engine no longer made the cranking noises of the gears.

  “What’s going on?” I asked.

  Captain von Cravat and Mr. du Gearsmith held their attentions fixated on the road in front of them. Judging from the reds and purples in the sky, I’d been asleep for well over an hour. The landscape changed to thick with trees around us, shading the road and the carr
iage. The air had cooled since our departure.

  “Shh!” Captain von Cravat hissed, glaring back at me. “There’s Wyranth soldiers ahead.”

  I lowered my voice. “Wyranth soldiers? But we’re still in Rislandia.” Our location I knew from my geography lessons in Plainsroad Village. There was no possible way we travelled out of our kingdom in that time. I hadn’t attended school in two years, but I could still recall Mrs. Everley’s large map in the back of her classroom. I used to make doodles of our continent and dream of traveling the countryside with my father. Rislandia had such a beautiful shape, almost like a bell. If Wyranth soldiers had crossed the border here, it would have made an ugly crack right down the middle.

  “That we are,” Mr. du Gearsmith whispered. “Something is amiss to have them this far into our kingdom. Should we turn around?” He tilted his head at Captain von Cravat.

  She shook her head. “No, too dangerous to turn the engine back on. They’ll hear the sound for certain. I’m lucky I have keen eyesight or they’d already be on us.”

  I couldn’t see any soldiers off in the distance. The night sky won out over daylight. Shadows fell upon more shadows beneath sprawling tree branches. I didn’t dare doubt Captain von Cravat’s word on the soldiers, however. “What should we do?”

  “If they see my uniform, they’ll detain us for certain, likely kill us,” the captain whispered. She tapped her fingers on the steering wheel in consideration. “I’ll leave the carriage. Mathias, you take the wheel. I’ll disappear into the forest, do a little reconnaissance on the Wyranth soldiers in the area, and meet you in Loveridge, okay?”

  “I trust your plan implicitly,” Mr. du Gearsmith said. He bowed his head to her in deference and motioned for her to move.

  Captain von Cravat hopped out of the driver’s seat and turned to face me. “You haven’t been trained. If they interrogate you, think about your farming for as long as you can hold out. Don’t let them know I’m here. It could be life and death, you understand?”