Heart of Iron

By Becca Andre

Having seen Grayson’s future, Briar is ready to meet his past...

Captain Briar Rose has eluded the law, outwitted the soulless, and defeated a fully devolved ferromancer. Now she faces her biggest challenge yet. She must convince Esme, one of the females of the ferromancer race, to teach her how to use her own ferra magic. But nothing in the ferromancer world ever goes as Briar plans, and dealing with Esme is no exception.

Briar anticipated the woman’s arrogance and condescension, but she didn’t expect a lab full of macabre samples. It seems Grayson had left out a few details about Esme’s past, and the more Briar learns, the more she wants to punch the woman. But fisticuffs—warranted or not—aren’t an option. Not when Esme is her lone hope for finding some answers.

It won’t be easy, but Briar must find a way to make this partnership work. Otherwise, she will never master her unique talent, or use it to save Grayson from his fate.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Becca Andre
• Release date: Apr 12, 2018
• ISBN: 9781370513826

Becca Andre

Becca Andre lives in southern Ohio with her husband, two children, and an elderly Jack Russell Terrier. A love of science and math (yes, she’s weird like that), led to a career as a chemist where she blows things up far more infrequently than you’d expect. Other interests include: chocolate, hard rock, and slaying things on the Xbox. She also finds writing about herself in third person a bit strange.

Book preview

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Table Of Contents

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

Chapter 8

Chapter 9

Chapter 10

Chapter 11

Chapter 12

Chapter 13

Chapter 14

Chapter 15

Chapter 16

Chapter 17

Chapter 18

Chapter 19

Chapter 20

Chapter 21

Afterword

Map

Glossary

Acknowledgements

About the Author

HEART OF IRON

IRON SOULS: BOOK THREE

BECCA ANDRE

Heart of Iron

Iron Souls: Book Three

Copyright © 2017 by Becca Andre. All rights reserved.

First Smashwords Edition: 2018

Editor: Shelley Holloway

Cover and Formatting: Streetlight Graphics

No part of this book may be reproduced, scanned, or distributed in any printed or electronic form without permission. Please do not participate in or encourage piracy of copyrighted materials in violation of the author’s rights. Thank you for respecting the hard work of this author.

This is a work of fiction. Names, characters, places, and incidents either are the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to locales, events, business establishments, or actual persons—living or dead—is entirely coincidental.

Chapter 1

Briar eyed the transom of her boat, unable to shake the unease that plagued her each time she viewed the disguise they’d been using for several days. The vibrant red roses and intertwining vines along with the curling letters that spelled out Briar Rose were no longer visible. In its place, sterile block letters formed the name Beaumont on the simple white background.

It still looks good, she told Jimmy and Eli. They stood on the towpath, a short distance behind the boat. They would be entering Cleveland soon. With its busy docks and greater population, the boat would be under a lot more scrutiny.

You don’t sound so certain, Eli said.

I’m just concerned that, perhaps, we should have painted the boat, Briar admitted.

The new name had been drawn on bleached canvas and neatly stretched across the stern of the boat.

I don’t think you need to worry about discovery, Jimmy said. A man would about have to touch it before he noticed that it was covered in canvas.

I suppose you’re right, Briar relented.

Eli glanced toward the bow of the boat where Zach and Benji were hitching the mules. Do you fear the name is cursed? he whispered.

No. The fire was just an accident. The real Beaumont had been destroyed by fire over five years ago. Zach and Benji’s parents and siblings had died in the blaze.

But I do hate to remind Zach and Benji of the tragedy.

It was Zach’s idea, Jimmy reminded her. We’re fortunate their family boat is still listed on the logbooks.

True. Every boat on the Ohio and Erie Canal was listed in the logbook at each toll office along the waterway. They couldn’t have chosen a random name to hide the Briar Rose’s identity.

Of course, none of this would be necessary if her cousin Andrew hadn’t issued a reward for the capture of her boat. Then too, they wouldn’t be in this mess if she hadn’t stolen the boat in the first place. But the past was past; she couldn’t change it. She just had to deal with the aftermath of her rash actions—and it wasn’t just the boat that concerned her.

Let’s go aboard and get ready to cast off. We’ll be in Cleveland in an hour. Then she could start righting the wrong she’d done to Grayson.

How long do you reckon we’ll be docked there? Jimmy asked as they walked toward the gangplank. His tone was casual, but she knew he had to be anxious about completing this errand so he could return home to his new wife.

I can’t say, she admitted. I don’t know how much learning I have to do, but I promise I’ll do my best to pick it up quickly.

You reckon learning magic will be easy? Jimmy asked.

I have no idea. She caught Eli’s frown in profile, but he didn’t comment as he walked along beside them. She knew that he didn’t want her learning to be Grayson’s keeper. He’d be happy if they dumped Grayson on the dock in Cleveland then headed home. But Eli remained silent on the topic—as he had for the past two days. He’d said nothing since she’d admitted that she might be developing feelings for Grayson.

They crossed the gangplank and found the man in question seated at the folding table where they’d recently taken breakfast. Perseus and Kali sat with him.

Briar still wasn’t certain what to make of the Scourge couple. They had agreed to continue with them to Cleveland even though the ferromancer they had been hunting was no more. She suspected they stuck around to make certain Grayson was properly leashed before they went on their way.

We’re about ready to go, she told the threesome, stopping beside the table. She couldn’t help but notice that they had fallen silent when she stepped aboard.

So we’re ready to sail under a false banner into the city? Kali asked, a smirk in place of her typical frown.

We don’t have sails, but yes, we’re ready.

Grayson rose to his feet. Guess I’d better finish my packing.

We’ve still got a good hour, maybe longer, she said.

He shrugged. I’d rather be prepared. Without further comment, he walked to the open door of the aft cabin and disappeared inside. Like Eli, Grayson had been rather subdued these past few days, and he grew quieter the closer they came to their destination. She had tried to get him to share his concerns about reuniting with Esme, but he just brushed her off with vague comments about how it’d been a while since he’d seen her last.

I think someone is getting cold feet, Kali said, eyeing the doorway Grayson had stepped through before she turned her dark gaze on Briar. If you weren’t in command of his construct, I’d suspect he was about to climb out the window.

This is what he wanted. Well, he’d wanted to be taken to Esme. He hadn’t been as keen on Briar learning to be his keeper. He knew she was only doing this to find a way to help him. He’d even shown her that he harbored some hope that she could help, but that didn’t seem to eliminate his fear that she would fail.

She glanced at the open door and considered going to talk with him, but there was nothing to say that she hadn’t said before.

I’m going to get the boat underway, she told Perseus and Kali. She started to turn away, but hesitated when she met Perseus’s gaze. Should I be concerned? she whispered.

About?

Meeting Esme. I’ve never met a fully trained ferra. She figured Kali had told him about Briar being untrained. Will she help me?

I can’t say, but Grayson says she’s a scientist. I would think your unique talents would pique her interest.

He suggested as much. She wanted to ask more. After all, Perseus had lived with the ferra for—she didn’t know how long. He must know the ins and outs of their organization well. But she didn’t want to reveal how little she truly knew.

Guess I’m not going to find out standing here. Briar turned away and headed for the upper deck. Time to finally see if Esme held the answers she hoped she did.

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The Briar Rose gently bumped the dock as her crew poled her into place behind the other boats along Cleveland’s Canal Street. Briar stood on the tiller deck beside Eli, eyeing the busy docks. I know I’ve been here before, but I really don’t remember it. Do you?

Aye, he answered, studying the city beyond the docks. Spent a couple of years running coal on my cousin’s boat before Abigail married and moved back to Portsmouth.

Eli had been raised by his sister, Abigail, after losing his parents at a young age, but Briar had assumed he’d always worked the canal in the Scioto River Valley.

I never knew you boated up here, she admitted.

It was just a couple of years when I was little more than a boy.

Huh. It was always strange to learn something new about an old friend. It made her wonder if a person ever truly knew another person—outside family, that is. Of course, she’d known her cousin Andrew since she was three, and his actions still shocked her.

The hatch to the aft cabin opened and Grayson climbed out. Now, here was a man she should know nothing about after only a two-week acquaintance, and yet when his slate-blue eyes met hers, she felt as if she could see into his very soul. It had to be the magic. Taking his construct had created some kind of bond between them. Sometimes, she wondered if that might be the source of her attraction.

Looks like the dandy is back, Eli muttered.

Briar watched Grayson straighten his coat as he left the ladder. He had done more than pack his trunk while spending the last hour in her cabin. He was dressed much as he had been when he first arrived on her boat. Like then, he wore a well-tailored coat and trousers over a crisp white shirt under a silk waistcoat. His gold watch chain glinted in the sun, competing with the gloss on his polished boots.

I thought you were packing, she said to him. But it looks like you were primping.

Amusement lit his eyes before he bowed. You have found me out, my lady, he said in that proper-sounding British accent of his.

Over an hour of primping is a mighty long time, Eli commented, his tone neutral.

I did spend some time packing, Grayson answered, his tone just as neutral. The pair had been stepping carefully around each other ever since they’d come to blows a couple of days ago. To look at them, no one would guess that Eli had been the loser. At over six and a half feet tall and a skilled brawler, Eli should have had no trouble defeating Grayson—unless a person knew that Grayson was a ferromancer. Technically, he wasn’t even human.

Are you going to take your trunk with you now? Briar asked Grayson.

I’ll send for it later.

If Esme refuses to teach me?

That’s one reason, yes.

She decided not to ask what the other reasons might be. We’re going now?

No time like the present.

Afraid you’ll lose your nerve if you wait longer? Eli asked.

A slight smile creased Grayson’s face, though he gave no other acknowledgment that he had heard. Shall we? he asked her.

Are you taking someone with you, Captain? Eli asked.

I hadn’t planned on it. She hurried on when she could see that he intended to argue. I’m immune to her magic, whereas the rest of you aren’t. I’m not risking anyone. Besides, she’s just one woman.

Who is about your size, Grayson added, and to my knowledge, has never engaged in fisticuffs.

There you go. Briar waved a hand at Grayson to emphasize his comment. If all else fails, I’ll punch her.

Miss Briar, Eli complained.

Relax. I’m not really going to punch her. Briar winked. It’ll be fine. Now stop your fussing and get the boat secured. Send Zach to pay the toll—just in case there’s trouble.

Since Grayson had healed Zach’s damaged voice box, Zach had acquired a new ability. He could make people believe what he said. It had proved handy since they had been eluding the law.

She gave Eli a reassuring smile—though he looked anything but—and led Grayson away.

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Briar eyed the storefront, noting both the tasteful window displays and the foot traffic going in and out of the shop.

She runs an apothecary? Briar asked, reading the artfully lettered sign over the door.

More like owns it, rather than runs it, Grayson answered, watching the shop from where they’d stopped across the street. Esme would never leave her lab long enough to personally oversee the business, but she needed a way to make an income, and this is suited to her talents.

Huh. Briar watched the shop a moment longer. When Grayson added nothing else, she glanced up at him. Shall we do this?

He took a deep breath. Yes. He stepped forward, but Briar caught his arm. He glanced down, his dark brows lifting in question.

She hesitated, not certain what she wanted to say.

What is it? he asked.

Can she take you from me?

She half expected a smile at her phrasing, but he just lifted his eyes to the shop as he considered her question. He had called Esme his friend, but Briar had begun to wonder about the true nature of their relationship. After all, Esme was ferra.

A soul singer is the most powerful among the ferra, he answered, but Esme is no minor talent. She was abbess of her coven.

Abbess?

They tended to adopt the outward appearance of an abbey to hide their true nature. Perhaps a carryover from the Middle Ages.

Huh. Briar hadn’t realized that his race had been around so long. So, Esme was top dog.

The description appeared to amuse him. That’s one way to look at it.

The door to the shop opened, and a pair of well-dressed women walked out, followed by a man in a coat and top hat.

His attire reminded her of Grayson’s. It suddenly occurred to her that Esme most likely shared his sense of style and etiquette.

Should I have dressed differently? Briar asked. She still wore her canal attire, though the trousers and waistcoat were clean and bore no holes.

You keep telling me to be who I want to be, he reminded her.

Yes, but sometimes, you have to play by someone else’s rules.

Mm, well, if Esme can’t look beyond your attire to see your worth, then the failing is hers. He offered Briar an arm.

She gripped his sleeve, warmed by the comment.

Though had you brought this up while still aboard your boat, he continued, I would have insisted you wear that off-the-shoulder green gown that still haunts my dreams.

Mr. Martel. She laughed, hoping he didn’t notice the blush. The silly things you say.

He smiled, but it faded once he faced Esme’s apothecary. Come. We have tarried long enough. Let us see what new adventure fate has in store for us.

I can’t say as I put much stock in fate. She stepped off the curb with him. I make my own destiny.

Indeed, you do.

They reached the other side of the street, and he held the door for her, allowing her to enter the shop ahead of him.

Amused by his gallant manners, Briar was still smiling when she stopped inside the door and looked around. The shop had the appearance of a typical apothecary, with its counter and loaded shelves of mixtures and tonics on the wall behind it.

A doorway led into a side room where it seemed most of the clientele had gathered. Briar could see an assortment of comfortable-looking furniture where several well-dressed ladies and gentlemen sat sipping from teacups.

A tea room? Briar asked.

Judging by the slate, Grayson nodded at the freestanding blackboard just outside the room, the shop appears to specialize in herbal blends and warm tonics, beneficial to one’s health.

Keeping with the theme, Briar concluded. Well done.

Despite her faults, Esme is a smart woman. Running a successful business would be a simple matter after overseeing a ferra stronghold.

Hmm. The man at the counter ahead of them was paying for his purchases. And what are her faults?

I’ll leave those for you to judge, Grayson answered. I wouldn’t want to bias you.

Briar wanted to question him further, but the man ahead of them had finished his transaction. Grayson stepped forward, greeting the girl behind the counter.

How can I help you, sir? she asked. Are you looking for something in particular?

"Actually, I’m looking for someone, he answered. Esme Jernigan. I believe she is the owner of this establishment."

She is, sir, but she is away at this time.

A shame. She’ll be sorry she missed me. May I leave my name and where she can reach me?

If you like. She picked up her pen. What’s the name?

Grayson Drake, he gave his ferromancer name.

The girl looked up, her brows lifting.

Can I assume by your reaction that you’ve heard of me?

Esme said you may one day return, but that was… several years ago.

A business venture kept me detained.

The bell on the door rang as a pair of women walked in.

Busy place, Grayson said, his tone conversational.

Yes, the girl agreed. I’ll be with you ladies in a moment, she called to the newcomers before turning back to Grayson. If you’ll follow me.

She led them through a curtained doorway just past the counter. A narrow hall stretched toward the back of the building, and they followed the girl to the open door at the end. The room appeared to have been the kitchen, but now served as an apothecary’s workshop. Dried herbs hung from a rack on one side of the room, and several large mortar and pestles occupied the counter. An assortment of bottles and jars—some full and some empty—took up the rest of the counter space.

Oh. The girl glanced around the room. It seems she’s gone out.

Her comment confused Briar until she realized that the girl had been lying earlier when she claimed that Esme wasn’t in. Perhaps Esme was the sort who asked to not be disturbed while in her workshop.

She spends a lot of time at the market or the meadows outside town, gathering herbs and other ingredients for the shop, the girl explained. I don’t know when she’ll be back.

Could I try calling on her at her home? Grayson asked.

She was very adamant about wishing to see you. Let me write down the address for you.

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Grayson thumped the brass knocker a couple of times, then stepped back beside Briar and straightened his coat. It had been a short walk from the shop to the townhouse address they’d been given. A mostly silent walk. Briar suspected he was as nervous about this meeting as she was.

The door opened, and they both stood straighter.

Can I help you? the young woman on the doorstep asked. Esme would no doubt know Grayson on sight, so this must be the maid.

I’ve come to call on Esme Jernigan, Grayson answered. Is she at home?

She is not, the woman answered. Would you like to leave a card?

I’m afraid I left the hotel without bringing any with me, he answered with an easy smile. Could I leave my name? She is expecting me.

If you like. The maid sounded dubious. Perhaps Esme hadn’t mentioned that she was expecting someone.

The name is Grayson Drake.

The maid straightened, her reaction very similar to the shop girl’s. She did mention you, sir. I expect her back within the hour.

Do you mind if we wait? Grayson asked.

If you like. I’m sure she’ll be disappointed if she misses you. I’ll show you to the parlor. She held the door wide, gesturing for them to enter.

Briar stepped into the foyer after Grayson, eyeing the expensive wallpaper, gilded mirror, and marble-top table with its crystal bowl for calling cards. A stairway led to the upper floor, and a hallway to the right ran toward the back of the house. The maid guided them into a room on the left which turned out to be a well-appointed parlor. It seemed that Esme’s apothecary business did well.

Grayson took a seat on a silk-upholstered chair, and Briar followed his lead. He declined the maid’s offer of tea and dismissed her, his manner confident and relaxed, though the moment she was gone, he rose to his feet. Was he nervous?

So, we wait? Briar asked.

He crossed to the door and looked out. No. He glanced back over his shoulder, a mischievous twinkle in his eye. We surprise her in her lab. Come on.

Briar got to her feet and hurried after him as he returned to the foyer. After a quick glance around, he walked down the hallway to the right of the stairs and stopped before a narrow door. It looked like a closet. Before she could ask, he laid his hand on the doorknob and a faint click followed.

Grayson? What are you—

He pulled open the door, revealing a cramped stairway that led down into the basement. A single sconce illuminated the narrow passage, its flickering flame evidence that someone had used this stairway recently.

Step through, and I’ll lock the door behind us, Grayson said.

She wasn’t so certain they should be doing this, but she did as he asked, stopping a few steps down while he locked the door. Taking a deep breath, she caught a faint whiff of something that smelled a lot like vinegar.

How did you know this was here? she whispered.

I sensed soul iron. He squeezed past her, then led the way