Iron Horsemen Read Online Free PDF

front of us and she was more focused on the people walking around. She stared at her father and the man who walked down the gangplank to join him.
    He had a swish in his step like he owned the dock—a pirate’s swagger. A long burgundy leather jacket whipped about and revealed a hand cannon strapped to his hip. “Who do you think he’s meeting?” I asked.
    She shrugged her shoulders. “The captain, I wouldimagine.”
    â€œHe doesn’t look military.”
    â€œMaybe he’s just a merchant captain.”
    â€œThat’s a big pistol for a simple merchant.”
    â€œWhat else could he be?”
    I pulled back from the window. “A Sky Raider! The scourge of the four winds. My father says they’re like Caribbean pirates only they prowl through the air.”
    â€œHe does look like rough stock.”
    I wondered what that meant, rough stock. Sure this guy’s scraggly moustache connected to his sideburns and his hair was pulled back in a short ponytail, but that didn’t mean he was a bad person. To prove my point I pointed to the man. “He’s smiling.”
    â€œThat could just be from knowing he’s double crossing a baron.”
    All I saw was a jovial man with a cautious demeanor. “The baron is smiling, too. I think it’s going well.”
    The two men grabbed each other’s forearms and their hands went to each other’s shoulders.
    I smiled. “Yep, definitely a success. Think he’d let me go, too?”
    â€œNo.”
    She was right. The baron would never let me go, but it was
my
father. I wanted to help. I had to help. Maybe it would lessen the pain building in the empty cavity of my chest.
    The baron walked back to the carriage and I noticed the Sky Raider watched his every step. The baron seemed to know. He kept his focus on Finn, whose eyes never left the Sky Raider.
    Finn opened the door and the baron climbed inside.
    Genevieve asked. “Who was that?”
    â€œThe captain of the Sparrowhawk.” He turned to me. “I’ll be heading after your father soon.”
    â€œThank you, Baron Kensington. I want to go, I can help.”
    The baron smiled. “No, you’ll return to Eton.” He pointed at Genevieve. “Don’t you get any ideas, either.”
    Genevieve slumped back against the carriage.
    I crossed my arms over my chest. I knew they’d never let me help. I was just a kid, I wasn’t even a noble, but Genevieve’s lineage didn’t seem to be helping her. Apparently being a teenager meant no one got to do anything fun—no matter their station.
    The steamcarriage stopped outside the baron’s house. Finn hopped down, opened the door and we all filed out. As I followed Genevieve into the house, the baron paused to speak with Finn.
    Slowing my steps, I couldn’t hear their whispered voices. Finn climbed back atop his perch and the baron waved him off with his cane.
    Finn adjusted his floppy cap, and said, “No worries, Baron. See you before the witchin’ hour.”
    â€œJust drive carefully, and Finn, no rides for strange ladies.”
    With a large smile and short laugh Finn grabbed the reins. “Only on me off days.”
    The baron chuckled as the steamcarriage chugged down the street. I waited by the front door, but rushed inside before the baron turned around. I ran into Mrs. Hinderman.
    Startled, she shooed me along. “Up to your room, young man. I want you washed and changed for dinner.”
    I ran up the stairs but as I reached the top, I felt a gaze upon my back. I turned and saw the baron watching me with a keen eye. I didn’t know why, but I quickly ran into the Blue Room to get ready for dinner.

CHAPTER 6
THE TEMPLAR & THE SERPENT
    After dinner, I plopped in a blue chair, and stared out the window. A light knock on the door, made me sit up straight. “Come in.”
    The door opened and a cautious Genevieve slipped inside.