Emilie and the Sky World by Martha Wells Read Free Book Online Page B

Philosophical Society seemed a lot more exciting than she had previously thought.
    Miss Marlende said, “Many of them thought that it would have been impossible to retrace Father’s route, even though Kenar himself was proof that it was possible. The ones that didn’t had no real resources to offer.”
    Like poor Mr Deverrin, Emilie thought. But at least in his case, the storm had given everyone good reason to think that his family was dead.
    Professor Abindon said, “I wish you had come to me. I’m also lacking in those sorts of resources, but at least I could have…” She sounded hesitant, which seemed very uncharacteristic of her. “Helped somehow.”
    “I didn’t think you’d care,” Miss Marlende said, her voice quite cool.
    Emilie saw Daniel wince. Fortunately, at that moment, Lord Engal caught up with them. He said, “I’ve sent for the coaches. I presume we’re going back to the airyard immediately?”
    Dr Marlende looked both relieved and exasperated. “I assumed you would stay here and coordinate with the Society.”
    Lord Engal seemed to find this an astonishing assumption on Dr Marlende’s part. “Of course not. That’s what Elathorn is for. If he isn’t for things like that, then there’s no point in having him.”
    “I’m sure he would disagree,” Miss Marlende said.
    “I don’t care if he agrees.” As they came out of the big double doors into the morning sun, Lord Engal jammed his hat on his head. “This is going to be a historic encounter and I’m certainly not missing it.”
     
    Once they reached the airyard, the rest of the day became a blur of activity. The larger airship that was docked there was technically airworthy, but it had to be completely checked over and prepared for aetheric travel. And the air-producing equipment, similar to what had been used on the Sovereign , needed to be installed in it and brought up to working order. Apparently, the air got thinner the higher up you went, and the aether current would be taking them very high. They would need the protective shield spell and the devices for making breathable air, just as the Sovereign had in its voyage through the sea bottom to the Hollow World.
    Except it’s not really the Hollow World, Emilie reminded herself. It’s just the next step down. The way they were the next step down for whoever was coming in from above them.
    Emilie was introduced to a dozen or so men and a few young women, some of whom worked as Dr Marlende’s mechanics and engineers, and others who were students of aetheric principles. The mechanics and engineers accepted her matter-of-factly, possibly because she was with Miss Marlende and had been on the Sovereign . The students stared jealously, probably for exactly the same reasons. She was very relieved to find Seth, Cobbier, and Mikel there. They had been with Dr Marlende on the Hollow World expedition, and she had helped rescue them. They greeted her like an old comrade. When she had first seen them, they had all been quite dirty and scruffy, having been held prisoner for some time. Now they all looked like what they were: advanced scholars of aetheric engineering and philosophy. She wished Charter was here too, but he had been badly wounded in their escape and had been sent home to recuperate.
    Once everyone had gathered in the big work shed, Dr Marlende climbed atop a table and said, “I believe you’ve all had a chance to hear what we’re about to do and why. We’ll leave as soon as we prepare the airship. I’ve done some calculations, and the optimum moment to enter the West-Median aether current is this afternoon shortly after the fourth hour.” He glanced around at the group. “I know many of you had volunteered, but we will be taking only a limited crew, comprised of Miss Marlende, Professor Abindon, Daniel, Mikel, Seth, and Cobbier.” Behind him, Lord Engal made a throat-clearing noise. Dr Marlende added, “And Lord Engal.”
    Emilie felt her heart sink. But then, she