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

"Standard procedure if a Navy vessel needs to go through the Gates. Can't remember the last one to make the trip." Captain Jenkins took a long sip at his brandy. "It is also standing orders that no ship is to attempt a rescue in the Gates. Good thing you aren't naval or you'd be up before a review board."


"To be honest, Sir, it wasn't a conscious decision." 


Cal told him the story then stared into her brandy as she swirled it. "If I had it to do again, I would have cut off my reaction and left him behind, and not just because he's a twit. This is my first voyage as Captain. I'm supposed to be First Mate and learning the ropes. Captain Henrichs took a fever and left me in charge. I would fully support a review board removing my command." To Cal's horror, a tear dropped into her brandy. "It's immaterial that I succeeded, the risk was too great on top of the already dangerous conditions."


Chapter 8: The Zithayan Dynasty Part 3