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

"A woman of many talents." The Queen waved at Cal's tea. "Drink up before it gets cold."


They were deep in discussion of Prince Alfred's plans when a knock at the door interrupted them. Prince Hubert walked in and bowed to his mother.


"My apologies for taking so long. I needed to reassure Astrid I was still in one piece."


"You are forgiven. It gave Us time to get to know your delightful Commander. Do sit down, you know I don't like people looming over me."


Hubert sat looking stiff and uncomfortable on the chair.


"We couldn't learn anything from the men who put on the demonstration... they both died." He scowled. "Saves us the trouble of hanging them, I guess. They rented the building only a month back. Intelligence is tracking who did the fabricating, but if they spread out the work, it won't tell us much."


Chapter 38: Dangerous Demonstration Part 4