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

"Figures. He didn't want you too nervous to talk. Vice-Admiral Peysk."


"Not Captain?" The Vice-Admiral raised an eyebrow.


"Not any longer. There is work I need to do which can't be managed aboard a ship. I hope someday to command a ship again."


"Tell me about this work that took you away from the sea." He leaned back, fingers playing with a button on his jacket.


"Almost two years ago, His Highness the Crown Prince asked me to build him an airship. He told me to learn something about command first. So I spent a year and a half as First Mate on the Kestrel, and the last voyage as Captain."


"His Highness asked you?" The eyebrow went up higher this time.


"At the same time, he gave me this." Cal handed him the scroll detailing her role as Royal Engineer. The Vice-Admiral read the scroll looking more and more shocked.


Chapter 21: A New Thing Part 3