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

She, Pentam, Hans and Bundo spend a week of evenings setting up the system to split hydrogen from the water. Cal made a chute to capture the hydrogen from the barrel of water as it bubbled up and deliver the gas to the envelope. The fan engine on low pressure turned the magnet as fast as Cal thought safe. Very slowly the envelope took shape. Lacking a rigid frame on her airship, she used nets from fishing boats to hold the gondola to the envelope.


Bedlam greeted her as Cal walked into the house. The students paced nervously with Pentam in the parlour. Crysabel was in her room accompanied by Matilde and the midwife. The sounds of her labour floated down the stairs.


"Sorry, my lady, but I've been busy so with helping Lady Crysabel; I haven't had time to think of supper." Beth wrung her hands.


Chapter 43: The Dangerous Game Part 2