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

Stefan nodded again, then wrapped a length of chain around the pipe. He whistled sharply. A head appeared in the hatch far above. The rope was lowered for them to fasten to the chain. A minute later the pipe lifted off the floor and up to the deck.


"Thanks," Pentam said to Stefan. "You go back up on deck. I'm going see if I can't lend a hand in the engine room." He rolled up his sleeves and went to the other room.


Within minutes he was black with oil and grease and thinking about nothing but forcing a recalcitrant fitting into place.


Cal inspected the finished cannon. The double walled barrel added a lot of weight, but Pentam was right. The release valve had been fitted so she could attach a long bar to it for leverage. She wouldn't have time to wrestle with it. Her arm was greased to the shoulder from trying to get it to move easily. 


Chapter 41: Steam Cannon Part 2