“Are you sure?” Hrothgar began. “I was—” “—among the last working south of the city, yes.” Falthejn made a dismissive gesture. “We have some few minutes yet.” Petty predictions such as that were little more than lodge hall tricks, as … Continue reading
The sun sank low over the western horizon. As the shadows deepened, the fires raging across the city blazed brighter. Falthejn Arnarsson watched a moment, convinced it was no trick of the light. A moment later, the fires swirled, swelling … Continue reading
“That just about wraps up our business, doesn’t it?” said Cannon. “Except for one thing. What are you, really? I’ve had about enough of the monk act.” The abbot glanced sharply at Masaracchia, who shook his head. “It was not … Continue reading
A minute passed, and a small procession of monks shuffled out of the gate, which closed behind them. More appeared on the ruined ramparts, watching the surrounding hills and the town below. The Albatross’ cargo door opened, and a ladder … Continue reading
I’m delighted to announce that the final entry in Secret of the Dutchman’s Cross will be No. 87. Following that, I’ll be taking a break of a week or two, in part to get further ahead on the first of … Continue reading
Fifty-seven minutes later, Inconstant bore away northwest, leaving her crippled adversary far behind. The next sunrise saw the pirate zep just crossing over the Mediterranean shoreline, a hundred miles east of Tobruk. She flew low, a few hundred feet … Continue reading
“X-Ray Three is first on the hook, then Ace flight’s damaged planes.” Joe searched the sky for the British fighters which had survived the aerial minefield, and caught the sun glinting off of them as they winged their way back … Continue reading
Sparrow drew near, and the bombers split into two groups of three, breaking left and right to bracket the British airship. Joe joined the right-side group as it turned onto its attack vector. Without heavy and fragile aerial torpedoes hanging … Continue reading
Six fighters sped into it. Five parachutes twitched, then turned nearly horizontal as fighters struck the steel cables hanging beneath them. Three of the fighters shook violently as their propellers and the cables tore each other to pieces. The other … Continue reading
Joe watched Inconstant‘s Vultures launch. The British captain knew his game, to have tracked the Long Nines for a week. He had to know he wouldn’t have a snowball’s chance of keeping pace with Inconstant if he lost even one … Continue reading
