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

"Fortunately, going down is easy. First, you need leg loops like a bosun's' chair." He showed her again how to tie it, then had her double-check her work before he checked again. "If you are doing a straight rappel, you'll only have the one harness, so you want it perfect because you're trusting your life to it. Some people will wear an extra belt to give another place to clip the rope."  He attached the big clip the loop he'd had her make and the safety harness, too. She double-checked the rope's attachment to the ring, then he told her to toss the rope down the wall. He handed her a pair of gloves which fit snugly on her hands.


"Stand at the edge, holding the rope in your right hand. Lean back, keep your back straight. Now gradually let the rope slide until you are standing on the face of the wall with your back to the ground. Walk down the wall as you let the rope slide through your hand."


Chapter 29: Failure is Necessary Part 2