Master of Myth (The Antigone's Wrath Series Book 1) by Starla Huchton Page A

didn’t keep it in the religious way Iris was wont to do. “So it’s only your instinct that guides you in this matter?”
    “It cannot be so simply reduced, Danton,” Iris said. “Instinct is animalistic and drives simple responses. No, this is not instinct. When I see people that are integrally involved in the great plan, I see them in a light you could not fully appreciate unless you were to see it yourself. I knew it with the captain as I knew it with you, and now this man as well. You may call it destiny, or fate, or even instinct if you must, but do not doubt what I do.”
    He bowed his head. “ Madame , I would never disrespect you so much as to question your intentions. It was merely a curiosity to me as it is rare you go so far for a stranger. I meant no offense.”
    She paused and looked at him, a wounded expression on her face. “You think me so cold?”
    He stopped alongside her and stammered over an answer. “ Non ! Not at all! I do not spend enough time with you on shore to know such a thing. I do not judge you, merely state surprise at the keen interest in this particular situation.” There was no winning in an argument such as this.
    With a sour look, she continued on and kept silent the rest of the way. Danton followed behind, afraid to provoke her further with more conversation.

    It was nearly five o’clock when she walked through the door, but she didn’t look happy. Silas wondered if this boded well or ill for him. The fact that she was here told him she would probably tell him he was welcome aboard, but the irritation on her face spoke of other things. Directly behind her, a man followed, looking a bit beaten down. Perhaps he was the cause of her vexed expression. He would know in a moment, as she spotted him and approached.
    “Eddie, you’d best come over to this side now,” he said to the boy.
    “Huh?” He glanced up from the cup of tea he was holding. When he saw the woman coming their way, he understood and transplanted himself in the seat next to Silas.
    She slipped onto the chair across from him as the older gentleman sat across from Eddie. She studied Silas, then Eddie, as if deciding on something before saying anything at all. “I have received permission from Captain Sterling to welcome you aboard for our next journey.”
    Silas’s eyebrows shot up in alarm. Surely it couldn’t be that Captain Sterling. “Beg pardon my good lady, but I must ask the name of the vessel you represent.”
    Her half smile did nothing to ease his shock. “I think you know very well which ship you’ve asked to board.” This certainly answered most of his questions regarding the ship and its crew. “Does this change your desire for transport?”
    He shook his head fiercely. “No, it does not. I simply had not thought… It had not even occurred to me that…” He sputtered, desperately trying to regain his composure. He could feel Eddie’s eyes watching him, full of curiosity at his reaction. “Please forgive my response. I didn’t know your ship was in port here. This actually answers many of my questions for you. The reputation of your ship and crew is quite widely known.”
    “Which ship?” Eddie chimed in, much to Silas’s irritation.
    He ignored the question and continued speaking with the woman across from him. “What sort of fare do you require? As I said when we spoke earlier, I’m not a wealthy man, but I’d gladly offer my services for anything your captain would ask. I’m skilled with machinery repairs, welding, engines, anything involving metal or moving parts, really. Eddie is my apprentice, and is quite taken with airships, so I imagine it will be tough to keep him from volunteering his help even when he is not needed.” He shot the boy a reproachful look, hoping he would take the cue to keep any further questions to himself.
    The woman said nothing, listening and watching Silas and Eddie. She shot a sidelong glance to the man who accompanied her, and he gave a brief