Author:
Alex McGilvery has been reading since before he can remember, and writing almost that long. He has published 18 books and is author and editor at his imprint Celticfrog Publishing. He lives in Kamloops with his dog and the stories clawing their way out of his head.

They’re chasing a myth in the name of science.

Calliope works for her explorer father as an artist, recording what he brings back from his journeys in her sketchbooks. When she’s given a chance to go along on a trip to capture a sea serpent she doesn’t hesitate.

Life at sea isn't what she expected, and she ends up fascinated by the engine room of the steamship HMRV Peregrine. A tragedy makes her assistant engineer, but Pentam, her father’s protégé, is even more determined than her father to make Cal a fine lady. That means protecting her from danger, even if it drives her crazy.
When science and legend collide, Cal is the one who must take up the challenge of survival, even if it means risking her new-found feelings for Pentam.

Calliope

"Are you all right?" Cal nodded but that set the world to spinning again. She closed her eyes for a moment and leaned forward. When she opened her eyes, she saw the sketch of Sam. Water had splashed on it as if it wanted to claim even this drawing of the man. She looked over the side, hoping to see him come to the surface, but nothing disturbed the black surface of the water.


Cal's heart wrenched and tears flowed from her eyes. She ruthlessly pushed away the sobs which threatened to incapacitate her. 


"We'd better get back to the ship." Cal winced at the cold, even words coming from her mouth. Prof. Orthin nodded and they clumsily took the oars and rowed back toward the Peregrine. The oars blistered her hands within minutes. She welcomed the pain as a distraction from the greater pain within her. If she'd been faster, if she hadn't borrowed the knife. If she hadn't been focused on drawing pictures.


Chapter 30: The Gyre Part 4