Chapter Thirteen
“They’re really going to let us fly these things?” I ran a hand along the wicker basket of the partially filled hot air balloon.
“This field trip was announced at the start of the semester.” Sephi wore her ‘sporting’ attire this morning, a.k.a. armor. Mostly leather in shades of charcoal and taupe, with a few metal plates. And despite covering her nearly head to toe, if anything, it only enhanced her allure. “Why do you question it now?”
The assignment was simple in theory: map magic fields in the mountains west of Halamar. We were to take instrument readings as we flew, converting our notes into a final report for the semester. The exact date depended on weather. Prevailing winds light and in the correct direction. Late enough in the year that most foliage had dropped, to better spot landmarks. Enough visibility to see the terrain, and any aerial predators who might prioritize students’ nutritional value over their contributions to science.
“I knewaboutit,” I said. “I just didn’t think we’d be flying the balloons.”
“There are two controls, up and down. It isnotespecially complicated.”
“There has been a reassignment of balloons.” Aldyr stood next to the basket, hands stiffly at his sides.
“On whose authority?” said Sephi.
“The instructor left assignments prior to lift off. You are to be in number six, that is the red-and-white striped one.” He departed.
Sephi scowled at me. “This is preposterous. However, if it is indeed correct, then I shall see you this evening in Valyar Bay.”
I gave her forearm a little squeeze. “I’ll miss your company.”
“And I yours.” She took her pack and leapt to the ground.
I watched her trot off with a tinge of sadness. Though being in her presence for the four-hour flight while being too busy with our assignment to socialize would have been torture as well.
Most of the balloons had departed, forming a colorful little trail. With the variability of the wind, each would travel a slightly different route, mapping the magic fields until we all ended up in the small coastal town of Valyar Bay. And I definitely looked forward to the overnight stay in the supposedlycharming little town.
I adjusted my own armor, a blend of leather, metal, and cloth a bit cruder and less form-fitting than hers.
Noting almost all of the balloons had now departed, a sinking feeling gnawed at me. Who would be assigned to my balloon? Passing the course hinged on this assignment, and I couldn’t complete it alone. Had they forgotten about me? Had Aldyr performed some surreptitious sabotage, arranging to strand me at the start?
I glanced at the now nearly empty field to see Sephi sprinting towards me, pointing skyward.
It took a few seconds to figure out what she wanted. I pulled the burner cord, igniting a couple short bursts of flame.
She pulled herself up and over the lip of the basket with a flourish of those long, elegant, leather-clad legs. “Go.”
“What happened?”
“No time to explain.” As she undid one of the two retaining lines, the basket lurched to one side. “Release the other one.” She ignited several sharp pops of flame.
Aldyr and one of his lackeys sprinted towards us, flailing their hands above their heads.
The last line tugged out of my grip as I released it, and the basket careened the other way, swinging like a pendulum as we drifted skyward.
I couldn’t make out Aldyr’s exact words, but the tone was clear.
“I welcome your company, but wouldn’t mind an explanation.”
She shrugged off her pack, traced a silk handkerchief across her brow, and blew out a long breath. “Some ill-conceived setup from the count or his son, I am certain of it. Balloon six contained two of Aldyr’s lackeys, who I am quite certain would have spent the entire voyage extolling the virtues of House Greanderal, and educating me on proper decorum.”
I shrugged. “As I said, I welcome your company.”
“And I yours. But we had best start our assignment. Failing geomagic will benefit neither of us.”
“Right.” I flipped out the chart table and took position atop a jump seat. “You’ve piloted a balloon before, so why don’t you do that. Our assigned survey altitude is 325 meters.”
“Very well, but once we settle in, you should take the controls for a bit. It is not especially complex and rather pleasant.”
