Chenda and the Airship Brofman Read Online Free PDF

he came to the convent with letters from my father stating his desire for Edison to be my guardian. On the day Edison was discharged from the Kiter Air Service, he claimed me at the orphanage, then retreated with me to his estate. I had just turned 13, and I was totally alone in the world. Edison came along, and I was grateful. He said he would keep me safe, and I believed him. He kept that promise every day.”
    Chenda bit her lip, the pain of thinking about her life without Edison weighing heavily on her. “I found him fascinating. He was a stoic, broken man. At first, he remained distant as he healed from his various war wounds, but he carefully arranged tutors, governesses, pets and companions for me. He sent me to town for finishing school, and I learned all the polite mannerisms a young woman of society needed to know – a real blossom of the Republic. As I grew older, he offered a generous allowance and, eventually, a tender ear. I was so lonely sometimes, and he was an anchor of kindness to me.
    “When I turned 18, it only seemed reasonable to accept his offer of marriage. I respected him and enjoyed his companionship, and agreed with my tutors and acquaintances that he would, in gentle kindness, care for me for the rest of his life. I never really cared about the extra 23 years he carried. It seemed unimportant then, and I lived happily, without a care in the world. I loved him.”
    A tear rolled down her face, “That's why I am so committed to following his instructions.”
    Candice saw once again the bright newness of resolve within Chenda. She found it admirable, even if it was misplaced. Finally, Candice stretched and said, “With a father and a husband in the business of commanding airships, I guess you are an old hand at airship travel.”
    Chenda shook her head. “Not once. I've never flown before.”
    “Well, you are in for an experience.”
    Candice frowned slightly as she looked over the young woman's beautiful clothes, fashionable shoes and pampered hair. “It will be required of us to travel quickly and light. Remember, you're my assistant and a student geologist, so look the part. That means ditching the finery. Also, you'll need some aeronaut boots and a flight coat.” Candice grabbed a pen and made a detailed list of the things Chenda would need. “I'll take care of getting your various documents, but you'll want to pick up a compass, a pouch-belt, a timepiece, pants, and a variety of small but valuable objects with which we may need to barter. The farther we get from Kite's Republic, the less our paper money will be worth. So bring baubles that are portable and worth a good bit, but nothing dear to you.”
    “Ah,” Chenda said. “Expensive trinkets I have, and the rest I can get tomorrow.”
    “Good,” Candice replied with a yawn. “It's getting late. Let's see what kind of shady captain Henrietta can find for us, and we will meet back here tomorrow, say about three o'clock?”
     
    When she arrived at the Frost estate, Chenda was greeted at door by her housekeeper Alme.
    “Evening, ma’am,” she said, taking Chenda's overcoat. “Will you be needing anything at present, ma’am? Some tea and biscuits perhaps? Draw you a bath?”
    “No, Alme, thank you. I won't be needing anything for the rest of the night, just some peace and quiet until morning.”
    “Yes Ma’am,” Alme said as she waddled away.
    Chenda crossed the foyer and stepped into Edison's study. She reached into the folds of her dress and retrieved the velvet bag holding the Tugrulian Singing Stones. She imagined Edison putting the little gems into the tiny sack and tying the drawstrings. Of course, he bequeathed all his wealth to Chenda, but, at that moment, the little bag seemed like the essence of Edison, the one possession that mattered for her to inherit.
    If Edison felt they were safe enough here, I guess I'll trust it, too... she thought. Gripping the edge of the desk, she squeezed the dark mahogany until she