The Draco Society Trilogy: A Helena Brandywine Adventure

By Greg Alldredge

Creatures, Monsters, and Madmen… who’s a woman to trust?

Fearing for her freedom and life, Helena escaped her estate in San Francisco.

Branded a witch, her neighbors and peers turned on her with torches and pitchforks.

To hell with them all.

Now in the air, she is driven to find any clues that lead to her parents.

Her only hope the mysterious Mister Nobody and The Draco Society.

Unfortunately, unnamed forces purse across North America.

Russians stalk her every move.

Many false friends have fallen. Can she trust new comrades?

Will Helena find safety?

Read the second trilogy in the Helena Brandywine series, The Draco Society now.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Publishdrive
• Release date: Feb 4, 2020
• ISBN: 9781949392302

Book preview

21:

Saint Augustine

Chapter 1:

Detective Doyle Longstreet grew tired of the constant fog that seemed to lay thick over the city day in and day out. Even during midday, the blanket of mist seemed a malaise layered over the alleys of Chinatown. He glanced to his right, and the reporter, Carl Darren, who he now considered his friend, rubbed his hands together trying to warm them, though the calendar told him it was still summer.

It seems colder down here in Chinatown. Carl blew into his cupped hands.

I believe you. The weather seems unnatural. A few blocks over on the Coast it isn’t as cold.

When Doyle spoke of the Coast, he didn’t mean where the land met the bay or the docks. No, he meant the Barbary Coast, the few blocks of saloons, dance halls, and brothels that made up the rest of his beat. Of all the neighborhoods in San Francisco, his precinct contained two of the most violent vice-filled areas of the city.

You’re sure your source knows what they are talking about? I haven’t heard about any high-level deaths in Chinatown. Doyle searched Carl for reassurance. Last time you came to me with a tip, we ended up in the sewers and a cage.

I’m telling you, a war is brewing between the Tongs. The Hop Sings leader died mysteriously. They blame the Suey Sings. If they’re right, the fighting will get worse before it gets better. Carl studied a crumpled paper with a pencil map outlining some of the less-traveled backstreets of Chinatown. He looked at the corner where they stood trying to orient his sense of direction but failed.

I have a little experience with both groups. They’ve kept an uneasy peace for several months. Something big must have happened to start a war. Doyle observed Carl and turned his map right side up. He would much rather be looking for Tsang Mei Yan, his schoolteacher girlfriend, but her trail had grown cold over the past day. It just so happened he felt she was somewhere in Chinatown. Her school for Chinese girls had been only a few blocks away before Helena Brandywine moved it to a much larger, safer building a few blocks away. Tsang Mei had run-ins with the Tongs in the past but was never openly threatened by them. She had too much influence in the community. If she had finally crossed them somehow, he might never find her.

The reporter stepped cautiously down an alley. I’ve heard... Carl started to tell him something but stopped. Isn’t it strange no one is out? Noon and all the shops are closed.

Don’t change the subject. Tell me what you were going to say. Doyle pushed him on the shoulder, forcing him down the way a few steps.

No need to get pushy. I heard an old evil has returned to our world. Word on the street is the evil is gathering followers at an incredible rate.

"That is some pretty specific words. Does the street say anything else?"

Yes, words about demons returning to the lands of the living, disguised as women with white hair, long flowing white hair.

You need to stop talking to the street. I think it’s lying to you. Doyle couldn’t help but think of the old stories he was forced to learn as a child growing up in Canton, the ancient Chinese folktales from long ago. A shiver ran down his back. He was sure it was brought on by the damp cold of the penetrating mist. They contained many tales of demons disguised as humans walking among the common people doing what they wished, all in the name of evil.

Do you hear that? Carl stopped a few steps ahead of Doyle.

The slow rhythmic pounding of a large drum reached Doyle’s ears. Yes, a drum? But I can’t tell the direction, can you?

No, this damnable fog distorts the sound, but it grows closer. Head down the path. Maybe we will get lucky. Doyle instinctively reached to check that his automatic gas operated pistol sat secured in the hog-leg under his arm. The weapon was a gift from a friend whom Doyle called Mister Wizard. In many ways, he wished he had run off with Helena and his friend, but he had responsibilities to handle here in his adopted city and a missing girlfriend to find.

Approaching the corner, he could hear the high pitch of a bell matching the tempo of the deep sounding drum. They came upon a courtyard hidden from the streets, the tall surrounding buildings lost in the gloom. A breath of wind swirled the fog enough to spot the approaching figures dressed in white as they marched from the vapor at a slow pace, toting the heavy burden of a casket on their backs, a great painting of a man held high in the lead.

Carl cleared his throat. I think we are close.

Before Doyle answered, a string of deafening explosions happened at the intersection. Carl jumped back and landed on Doyle’s foot. Careful, damn it. Those are just firecrackers. They are chasing away evil spirits. I think we found it. Doyle didn’t want to interrupt the procession, so he grabbed Carl’s coat and pulled him back a few paces to hide behind some stacked empty crates.

Carl whispered, If the guys in white are the funeral, who are the ones in black? He motioned to his right with his head.

Shit, Doyle cursed under his breath. He was fairly sure the ones in white were the Hop Sings, one of the meanest Tongs in Chinatown. He’d dealt with them in the past. They’d placed a death warrant on his head. The group would be happy to kill both him and Carl in this part of town. The ones in black must be the Suey Sings. He knew little about them, but if they were willing to attack the funeral procession of the Hops Sings, all bets were off. The alley was about to get bloody, and the pair of westerners had nowhere to run.

Each of the black-clad men carried a weapon of some sort, and two hatchets tucked into the sash were tied around their waists.

Both groups stopped with twenty paces separating them. Cantonese was shouted between the groups, and Doyle translated for Carl.

First, the leader of the white group yelled, You have no place here. Let us bury our leader in peace. Carl nodded that his information was correct about the death in Chinatown.

Followed closely by the leader dressed in black shouting back, Your time in this city is over. Join with us or die!

We will meet you in the lowest level of hell before we join you!

Carl asked, How many levels of hell are there?

Some say hundreds, now shush, Doyle answered.

Then we have no choice, Lady Bai decrees it. At which point the black-dressed leader motioned with his hand forward and screamed a word that needed no interpretation, Attack!

The white-robed group dropped the casket and produced weapons of all shapes and sizes. The first two pulled out a sawed-off, double-barreled shotgun each and fired into the charging wave of black suits. Doyle risked a peek and counted six on the ground. Before they reloaded, each received a thrown hatchet into the chest, killing them instantly. The men behind the casket charged in response. Weapons of all shapes and sizes flailing about in an orchestrated frenzy as the two groups collided with a crash.

The two formations of men disintegrated into individual pairs fighting hand to hand. Sharp and blunt instruments of death spun in the hands of master fight artists. The crush of combat drew closer to the two westerns’ hideout, the wave of men in black being pushed back the way they came.

We need to leave. Doyle pulled on Carl’s coat, moving him to a safer distance.

It looks like the Hop Sings are winning. Carl tried to pull away.

Just because they wear white, don’t think of them as the good guys. They will kill us just as quick as the ones in black. As soon as the fight is over, they will want to erase any witnesses. Doyle backtracked the way they had walked into the area, wanting to get out of the alley as soon as possible. He kept Carl in the lead, keeping an eye on their collective backsides as they hurried down the way.

I don’t— The remainder of Carl’s sentence was cut short when he caught the end of an oak staff in the face. He dropped to the muck covered cobbles like a sack of horseshoes. From around the corner, two of the largest men Doyle ever saw stepped out. Both the Chinese men wore western-style suits and derby hats, very striking with the oak quarter staffs held in their hands.

Now look, fella’s... Doyle stalled for a time while he reached for his ever-present handgun. Before he whipped it out, he found his coat pulled down over his shoulders, effectively pinning his arms to his sides from behind. A pair of strong hands held him trapped. He looked overhead and found the fire escape directly above. I guess you three want to talk? The traffic of one of San Francisco’s significant streets wasn’t far down the dark, foggy way. If he yelled for help, he was sure none would come. That was the kind of city San Francisco had become.

We carry a message from Lady Bai—stop looking for the school teacher, or someone will get hurt. The accent was not as thick as he had expected. Doyle figured this man was a second or third generation in the States. Maybe negotiation would work. It would be better than what Doyle had expected the outcome would be.

This was the first lead he had on Tsang Mei since her mysterious disappearance. Listen, I don’t know who this Lady Bai is, but I would love to sit down and speak with her. I just want Miss Tsang Mei Yan to be returned. I will do anything you require of me to free her.

You didn’t understand. I will repeat the message one last time. You must stop your search for the school teacher or else. The large man used the end of his staff as the full stop of his sentence into Doyle’s abdomen.

The unexpected blow knocked his wind out. After a few gasps, he regained his speech. Through wheezes, Doyle said, You should understand I will never give up. Just kill me now if you must. Doyle watched the pair in front of him expecting the worse. The man on the right shared a glance at his partner and both shrugged.

Lady Bai told us you would say something like that.

Doyle smiled to himself and had no choice but to laugh. He had a pretty good idea what was about to happen. Get on with it then. Doyle spat at the largest one and missed.

He closed his eyes just as the staff rounded the first man’s shoulder and spun, cracking him across the head, but not hard enough to knock him out or kill him, but the blow still hurt like hell. The other took a wider swing catching Doyle under the arm. He was sure he heard the noise of cracking ribs with the impact to the right side of his body. The men were talented. The beating was going to last a while. They only broke the bones they intended to, their strikes leaving him barely conscious to feel every hit and every crack.

Chapter 2:

The Russian’s attack was swift and brutal. Their individual flying machines allowed them to dart about the airship just out of reach. However, the blades of their contraptions made boarding the ship impossible. If they closed the distance, getting tangled in the rigging was a possibility, sending The Legend and the attackers plummeting to their death.

Helena stood next to Captain Cox, her arms crossed looking out from the bridge across the deck. The cloud cover allowed them to escape the Russians, but the low visibility made flying particularly hazardous. The clouds so thick, aren’t you concerned with flying into something?

Captain Cox cast Helena a side glance before turning the helm over to another crewman. That is a very astute question. Perhaps you should learn more about the ship you control. The captain touched Helena’s elbow with his mechanical hand, guiding guided her to the right-hand side of the helm, and pointed to an instrument. This here is an altimeter. It tells us how high we are above sea level. Mister Wizard guarantees me its accurate to a few feet. The device tells us we are at three thousand feet.

Helena nodded in understanding.

With his metal foot thudding heavy on the bridge deck, he guided her behind from the helm to the chart table. These are the best charts we could find. You will notice a line drawn on the chart. That is our intended course. Also, notice the vast emptiness that we travel through. If we could see the surface, all we would find would be water. Without the stars or the sun, we would be unable to gain our position on the earth. We left San Francisco and was blown out to sea. We then turned south. When we reach this point, Captain Cox pointed at the map where the next waypoint was drawn, we will need to set our bearings. For that, we’ll either need to go high enough to find the sun or low enough to find the coast. The highest mountain on the California coast south of San Francisco is four thousand feet. Once we turn east, we will need to increase our elevation or find visual contact with land to avoid flying into a mountain.

Since we’re over water, we shouldn’t run into anything. Helena connected the dots and answered her original question.

Unless there are more flying devices in the air people neglected to inform us about, we should be safe from any collision.

The murk they sailed through grew lighter as the sun rose. It turned the black of the night into the gray of a foggy morning. The view reminded Helena of San Francisco when the fog didn’t burn off, sometimes for days at a stretch. She found the gray strangely peaceful after the events of the past few weeks. She hadn’t taken the time to fully digest everything that had happened. Things seemed to move too fast. When the journey to find her parents began, she had hoped she’d find time to crack her father’s code, to discover how to read her mother’s book, and to finally mourn the dead. She expected one day to return to her home in San Francisco. So many things had been left half completed. She must return and help make her city a better place to live.

A soft tap at the bridge door broke her from her thoughts. She turned to see Phoebe standing at the door, waiting for permission to enter.

Helena motioned for Phoebe to come to stand next to her. With her head lowered and hands clasped in front of her, Phoebe padded to Helena’s side.

With a hushed voice, Phoebe began, Mistress, I’m sorry to intrude, but Gertrude is missing. I’ve searched everywhere, and I can’t find her.

Helena tried hard not to get excited, but the fear leaked into her voice, What? Helena turned and faced Phoebe, giving her the undivided attention she deserved. When was the last time you saw her?

The small Chinese woman wrung her hands while she spoke. I know she was on board. We stood next to one another when the ship left the ground. It was so rough... We were together when the captain called us all on deck. Then the attack came, and we scattered. I looked for her afterward, and I’ve kept looking since. I haven’t been able to find her.

They spoke in hushed tones, but the bridge was a small room, so everyone heard the discussion. Captain Cox took the few steps to join the women.

Mistress Helena, I couldn’t help but overhear. We will begin a search of the ship immediately. If she is on the ship, we will find her. Captain Cox turned, and with a few shouted orders, he rousted the crew out of their racks, and a top-to-bottom search of the ship commenced.

Helena tried to console Phoebe has she broke into tears. Please, dear, we will do whatever we can to find her.

Phoebe tried to speak through her tears. I should never have left her. Though she is older, I’ve always looked after her.

Helena fought hard not to join her in tears. She knew she had to be strong. It’s not your fault. It’s the damned Russians that attacked us.

Captain Cox returned and spoke in a calm voice. Madam, I understand what your gut will want to do, but before you make a decision, let me explain a few things. We’ve never been below a thousand feet in the air. A fall from that distance would be fatal no matter what surface we are over. Assume for a moment that she did survive the fall. The water is sixty degrees. A person cannot survive long in that cold of water. Remember the vastness of the open space I showed you on the chart.

Thank you, Captain. I understand the unlikelihood of... a happy conclusion to the search.

No offense intended. I just believe it is important to receive all relevant information before deciding. One more point. Somewhere to the north, the Russian airship is searching for us, the captain finished.

"None taken, but Captain, understand I will do whatever I need to do to find out what happened to our friend. If that means going back and searching for her body, we will. Now we will settle for a complete search of The Legend. Understand there are other ways to search for something than by simply looking."

Aye, Mistress, we will search. And they did, finding no trace of Gertrude.

<=OO=>

Helena, I don’t think you understand what you’re asking. If we do this, we are opening ourselves up to a world we don’t fully understand. The ramifications could be... unforeseen. Deirdre sat in Helena’s room. The small round table only allowed room for three. Phoebe had joined them at Helena’s request.

Helena shook her head while speaking softly, No, you don’t understand. We’ve used every option. I know some witches can commune with the dead. I’ve seen it happen. If Miss Hettie were here, I would ask her, but she isn’t. You are our only choice. You keep telling me you are more powerful and that I take you for granted. Prove to me now how powerful you are.

Deirdre sat quietly, her eyes watching her folded hands.

Phoebe chimed in, Miss Helena, if it is too dangerous, perhaps it is better we don’t try—

Helena cut her off, Damn it! The only reason she is on this ship is that I allowed it. I must know if she died because of me. If she is alive, we must discover where to save her. If she is in the water, we must hurry, or we will be too late! I must learn what happened to her! Tears welled in Helena’s eyes as she spoke.

In the softest voice, Helena had ever heard come from her aunt, We will try this, but magic always has a price to pay. I am sure of it.

I am, as well. When has magic not carried a price? Helena watched her aunt closely.

Deirdre shook her head. But you might not be the one to pay it.

Helena stood. I am willing to take that risk. What do you need?

Close the drapes.

Miss Helena, are you sure this is wise? Phoebe asked.

Not at all, but I will not abandon someone I am responsible for. She pulled the drapes closed with a flourish. Anything else?

Just a candle.

She pulled the candle that stood next to her bunk and brought it along with a box of matches to the table. Before she managed to light the wick, Deirdre pulled her fire-starter from her pocket and touched her flame to the tip.

One of these days, you need to let Mister Wizard inspect that. I bet he could reproduce it.

He probably could, but where would the fun be in that?

Helena sat at the table, forming an equilateral triangle.

Deirdre held out her hands to the other two women. Join hands, and no matter what happens, don’t let go.

Experienced in the process, Helena laid one of Gertrude’s scarfs in the center of the table. Ask for Lo Wai Han, that is her true name. She only took the name of Gertrude a few days ago.

The circle of hands joined. Deirdre closed her eyes and nodded her head. Spirits of light and spirits of the dark. Please hear my call, follow the spark. Answer the call, be drawn to the light. Follow my voice, help make this all right.

Helena felt a breath of air move about the room.

We look for Lo Wai Han. We need to know if she walks among the living or the gone. Please answer our call, and we will be gone.

The light blew out. Deirdre’s voice shifted three octaves lower. What you seek, walks not among the dead.

She is alive! Helena had to force herself not to break the circle in her excitement. Where is she?

Not walking among the dead, nor walking among the living, yet she lives... and flies! The spirit voice grew louder as it spoke.

Phoebe asked softly, shrinking into her chair, What does it mean?

Before Helena answered, the voice spoke through Deirdre, Through your actions, you unleashed hell amongst the living. You must stop playing with this kingdom you do not understand.

Helena thought about telling the voice what it could do with itself but decided to remain quiet.

Death comes on white wings, were the last words Deirdre said before her head slumped to the table.

Phoebe asked again, What did it all mean?

I’m not sure, but I think I can guess where Gertrude is. Helena rose to pour her aunt a double shot of brandy. She knew she would want the drink when she awoke from her slumber.

Chapter 3:

Helena and Phoebe left Deirdre sleeping on the table. Phoebe sat on the bed while Helena paced around her cramped cabin.

At least she is alive. You said you think you guessed where Gertrude is. Where is she?

The only place I think she can be after the clue we were given. If she is flying, she must be on our ship or on the Russian ship—unless another one is cruising the skies we still don’t know of.

But how?

I’m not sure, but it must have happened during the attack. It’s the only time I can think of where we were all so focused, possibly she fell overboard and was rescued, or she was nabbed off the deck. It really doesn’t matter the how or why. What matters is it true.

Do you doubt it?

I’m beginning to doubt everything. The spirits are no better than the immortals, and they are worse than humans.

"What do you mean immortals?"

Yes... I guess I haven’t told you since I only started remembering my travels while I slept. I’ve told no one this secret, so I trust you with what might be my future freedom. Swear you will tell no one. Helena sat on the bed next to Phoebe.

I swear on all my ancestors before me, I will not tell a soul. She then crossed her heart.

The night I freed Missy Whitaker at Sutter’s Baths the people at the ceremony were trying to call a dragon. Trying to control a dragon. Sister Ping had delivered a dagger that would allow them to call a dragon from the spirit world. Sister Ping had double-crossed them. The dragon they summoned was not happy to be woken. He swallowed up everyone involved.

Phoebe listened intently, like a person that believed every word that came out of Helena’s mouth. She spoke softly, The spirit world is not a place to play around with.

I am learning that, but it gets worse. After the dragon attacked, I was pulled into the land of the immortals. They call the place Kunlun Mountain.

Phoebe’s eyes opened wide in response. This is not good.

I know, right? I didn’t know I was going. I traveled when I slept and never remembered. I keep meeting a man, but he isn’t a man—he goes by Master Ao. I think he is a dragon. He has been training me. Says I am a guardian. I don’t understand how I might be one since I’m not even Chinese...

Mistress, Ao is Mandarin for Dragon, the Chinese woman whispered as if they might be overheard.

Yes, I guessed it was him in human form the first time we met.

This is not good...

I think something followed me back. That was where the blood in the bed came from. I think it might have killed Gertie. If the mob didn’t want to burn me at the stake back in San Francisco, I would be out helping Doyle search for Tsang Mei. Helena hung her head in shame at the admission.

This is all so scary. I was brought up on tales like these. They can be so wonderful and so terrifying. I am glad you trust me enough to tell me, but I am not sure how this will help us. Phoebe waited for Helena.

She wiped the tears from her eyes before raising her head and continuing. The first time I went to the cave on the jade mountain, and several times since, Master Ao has used a small pool of water to show things happening in the realm of mortals. I’ve traveled there now and recall what has happened in the past. I might be able to take both of us, and we can use the pool to find Gertrude. Helena wanted to tell her everything about the hidden dragon dagger but decided to use that only as a last resort.

Helena stared into Phoebe’s eyes and saw only fear at her suggestion. You want to bring me? Is that possible?

Honestly, I’m not sure. The last time I tried to travel there, I failed to reach the place myself. I can only try. I promised both of you to do what I could to keep you safe.

Phoebe’s cheeks flushed when Helena told her the last part. She watched her swallow her concern before she spoke. Then I will gather my courage and travel with you. I would not want you to travel alone to rescue our friend. I will do my best to be brave.

I knew you would once I told you.

How do we travel to a place that no one on foot has ever been able to find?

With our minds. We need to close our eyes and meditate. That is the only way I reach the place, unless I’m asleep, and I wouldn’t know how to take you while I slept.

Then we shall try. I’ve learned how to meditate.

Just so you know. . . this probably won’t work. I’ve only been able to reach there once this way.

But we will try. Your aunt still sleeps.

Helena glanced over at Deirdre, and indeed, she still slept. The woman’s snore might’ve awakened the dead if any had been nearby. The glass of brandy still sat within her arms reach, so if she woke while they were gone, she should be fine.

Let’s try this then. Helena held out her hands for Phoebe to take.

She tentatively grabbed her hands. What do we do? the younger woman asked.

To tell the truth, I’m not quite sure. Last time I traveled... Helena was about to go into detail about the time she was locked in a padded room but thought better of it. She doubted the story would instill trust. I was distraught. I needed to calm my mind while meditating, so I let my mind go blank, and before I knew it, I was standing before Master Ao.

Let’s close our eyes and try to empty our minds. A quiet mind brings strength and self-confidence.

Helena closed her eyes. You know that sounds like something Master Ao would say.

Shush, Mistress. Let’s concentrate on our quiet minds.

They sat on the bed, but try as hard as she might, Helena couldn’t calm her mind. She was worried about too many people. The escape from San Francisco was still riding heavy on her mind. Her fear for Sigmund lay right below the surface. If she stopped for a second, her thoughts moved to his safety.

Next in line to pull her focus was the stupid man Doyle. Strangely enough, after Tsang Mei offered to step aside for her to take Doyle, she felt shocked at her sacrifice. Helena doubted she would ever be as honorable as Tsang Mei proved to be that day. Even though her crush on Doyle had lessened, she still worried about the man since he had a bad habit of continually finding himself in trouble.

Her thoughts drifted to Annie. Their separation lasted only a handful of hours, but she missed her already. The small woman had been by her side and saved her life so many times that Helena couldn’t keep track of them all. If the bitch Sister Ping hadn’t murdered her father, Annie might be curled up beside her right now. Helena understood she needed to take over as Queen of the wererats, but the fact didn’t make her decision any easier.

Faces of the dead rolled past her closed eyes—Gertie, Angus, the crazy knight Hidalgo Don Cervantes, and even the vegan Zachariah in Placerville. The visions didn’t stop with the people she missed. The faces of the people trying to kill her flooded her mind.

Argh! Helena broke contact with Phoebe and moved to the table where Deirdre still snoozed. She reached for the glass containing the double shot of brandy and the bottle sitting next to it.

That is not the answer. A soft voice came from behind her.

Helena hesitated. I know, but I can’t stop thinking of everyone and everything. This helps me forget the faces.

No, it doesn’t. It only dilutes them for a time. They are still waiting and will come back twice as controlling. They are a part of you now. You can’t ignore them, nor can you bury them. Helena turned to see Phoebe still sat with her eyes closed.

How old are you? Helena watched her, and then glanced back at the glass waiting in her hand.

I told you, I am sixteen.

How did you become so wise?

When I went fishing with my father, there was a lot of hard work. There is also a lot of waiting. I would read and meditate.

There is more there than what you can get from books. Helena started to eye the young Chinese woman as if she held a secret.

I am who I am. Some people believe we live many lives, come back many times until our souls are ready to experience Nirvana.

Heaven?

Not really. More like heaven in our minds, but you will never find peace if you reach for that when you feel weak. Phoebe motioned with her head to the bottle.

You’re right. I have been told this before, but life can be so hard. Helena turned to replace the glass and bottle on the table.

Before she set it down, Deirdre took the glass from Helena’s hand. This is not to drown my sorrow. It’s medicinal for my splitting headache.

Sorry about that. Helena sat the bottle back down.

Not your fault. I knew the agony would happen. Did you learn anything? Deirdre poured another double shot. "This one is for the pain as well.

Yes, Gertrude is alive, but we don’t know where. Helena almost mentioned her plan to find her but decided against it.

Well, I can’t do another search right now. I need to take this lovely brandy and nurse my head. She knocked back the double shot, stood, and grabbed the bottle. I will be in my cabin if you need me. She swayed to the door from the headache, movement of the ship or the brandy, Helena wasn’t sure.

Helena turned to Phoebe. I am tired, as well. Shall we take a break for an hour or two and try again? Helena climbed onto her bed, laying her head on the pillow.

If you like. Phoebe padded toward the door of the stateroom.

Before Phoebe departed the room, Helena patted the side next to her and softly said, Please stay here. I find your presence a comfort.

Without question, Phoebe lay down next to Helena and stared up at the overhead. We will find her, I can feel it.

I know we will. I just need to calm my mind. Then we will try again. Helena reached for Phoebe’s hand, and they both lay on the bed, watching the sun’s patterned flicker across the ceiling.

Chapter 4:

A slap on his foot woke Doyle up with a rude jolt. With only one eye barely open, he expected to find himself dead in a backstreet gutter but, instead, found he lay in crisp white sheets. The light green walls, unmistakable for a hospital. At his feet stood Sigmund, or more like leaning. He was surprised to find him in San Francisco. He should be with Helena.

He tried to sit and failed, strapped to the bed. What are you doing here? Is Helena back? What the hell is with the straps? Too many questions at once.

Sigmund smiled back. That was when Doyle realized he stood on crutches.

You were fighting back when they brought you in, so the doctors strapped you down. Carl’s voice came from his right side. He lay in the bed next to his. By the way, I am fine. Thanks for asking.

You made such a fuss that I couldn’t help but hear you from three doors down. I’ve been waiting for you to wake up for hours. Sigmund adjusted his crutches. Doyle knew he found them uncomfortable by his movements.

How? Why aren’t you on the ship? Doyle found the situation hard to process that he was alive. The goons had worked him over well. He should be dead.

We ran into a problem before the launch. The action was needed to free the overhead hangar doors. Once I was off, I couldn’t get back on before the ship sailed free. With the fire and all—

Fire? What fire? Doyle had been too busy tracking Tsang Mei to keep track of his other friends and the happenings of the city.

Yes, it seems the mob that came to collect Helena became a little unruly. They set fire to the hanger. If not for Plan B, I would have perished in flames.

Carl leaned over and whispered, That is not common knowledge. I just learned of the story myself. Someone influential with a lot of money is floating a much different tale, and it is sticking. People are all abuzz with the news.

Why didn’t you tell me... Can you take these straps off? They are starting to chafe.

If you promise not to run out of the building like a crazy man, I will. Sigmund motioned with his crutch.

I don’t understand. Who holds enough power to cover up a riot and a fire? Doyle spoke while Sigmund worked on the bindings on his chest.

The news of the fire got out. The cause of the blaze came across different. The papers claimed the mishap was all the fault of Professor Merryall and some crazy experiment that went haywire. All you need to do is look at who owns the largest newspaper in the city and think of a motive. Carl leaned back into his pillows. For the first time, Doyle noticed the bandage on his nose failed to hide the fact it grew three times larger, and he sported two black eyes. His right arm was suspended in a cast.

Did anyone die? Doyle relaxed some with his chest now free from the bindings.

Sigmund shook his head while he worked on the middle straps. They reported no bodies found, none died in the hanger that I know of. If they found bodies, I am sure they would be shouting from the rooftops about it. Mighty powers did their best to hush the whole incident. The wealthy residents of the city would not take kindly to one of their own being attacked by a mob, and her property burned, even if they all think Helena is crazy and a witch like her mother.

Doyle found it hard to move his arms. With a quick inspection, he found great purple bruises from the staff attack laced down his arms.

What was Plan B? Doyle had trouble concentrating. He reached to his head and discovered a large wrap.

Once the airship cleared the building, I used the rope I had just cut to lower myself to safety. If not for a dodgy landing and a broken leg, I would still be up and about. In case the airship didn’t leave in time, I had rigged some explosives in the back wall of Mister Wizards workshop. Plan B was to help Helena escape by sneaking her off the property through the cemetery down the hill.

I’m sure the explosion to clear the back wall informed the mob of your escape. Doyle chuckled.

I thought of that as well. If need be, I had enough explosives to clear a path. I would have done anything to save Helena. Sigmund had finished freeing the straps. Now you promised, do not leave until the doctors give you a clean bill of health.

But Helena escaped alive?

Yes.

Doyle pointed to his head. And what is this?

They worked us over pretty good, but I think they took special care on you. You seem to have received the worst of the beating. I heard the doctors say you have a bruised brain. I’m not sorry to say it—I am glad they picked you to beat so badly over me. I hate the sight of my own blood. Carl chuckled as he leaned against his own bed.

Sigmund struggled to sit on a wooden chair in the corner. Strange thing is they didn’t kill you both nor strip you bare. You still had your gun, and they left Carl alive to send for help.

Yeah... strange. They were sent to deliver a message. I didn’t listen to the first one, so they spoke louder the second time. They used staffs to make the point clear. Where is Helena now?

I’m not sure. The wind was terrible that night, and the smoke and flames made it impossible to see what happened. Once they were clear, I worked hard to stay alive. Now I have been laid up with this. He clapped the cast on the lower part of his left leg. Once I’m able, I know someone who must answer a few questions. I sent out inquiries about the airships’ location up and down the coast. I’m not sure of her intended course once they left the city. The last few days have simply been too chaotic.

The person behind the mob? Doyle asked.

Precisely.

Carl asked, And you know who that is?

Sigmund nodded. He sent us a calling card just before the attack.

Carl asked, Who?

Your boss, Mister Beast.

Chapter 5:

Phoebe’s scream woke Helena. Her eyes opened in a flash. She immediately recognized the glade where she initially awoke in the land of the immortals. Phoebe gripped Helena’s hand tight enough she couldn’t shake free. She leaned on her elbow with her free hand on Phoebe’s shoulder, and that was when she encountered the green snake constricting around her friend’s body.

The snake body’s diameter matched Helena’s waist. The thing was huge. Helena grabbed the snake’s head while Phoebe struggled to remove the reptile from her body. The three of them began rolling about the meadow, wrestling to free Phoebe from the crushing grip. Helena could hear her friend’s breathing as it grew labored as the creature tightened the grip on her midsection.

Memories came flowing back to Helena. In the past, she never remembered her trips to Kunlun Mountain. Now they all seemed to assail her mind at once. Minute intricacies of her first visit flashed back to her.

Dammit, Greenie, let go of my friend, or I will kick your ass again! Shouldn’t you be practicing to free Lady Bai! she shouted at the top of her lungs and punched the green snake in the head.

Still being crushed, Phoebe couldn’t scream again when the snakes head morphed into a woman’s beautiful face and began to speak. It’s you! Helena felt the grip on Phoebe relax slightly as the reptile drew its attention to Helena. You never beat me. Your life was spared by that meddling stag. He isn’t around now to save you. Don’t tempt me, or you will die.

I’ll ask again, why are you wasting time on us when you should be saving your friend that you swore you would save?

I should kill this woman now for dishonoring her family by taking a Western name over her Chinese name.

This woman is a better friend than you will ever be. She took the Western name to honor her friend. Unlike you, who abandoned your friend to be imprisoned forever. We are here to find and rescue another friend! You should be researching a way to destroy Leifeng Pagoda and free your friend Madam White Snake, not rolling around in the grass with us. What kind of companion are you?

Before her eyes, the snake with the woman’s face transformed into a beautiful young Chinese woman dressed all in white and green. Her arms and legs wrapped around Phoebe’s mid-drift. I have been trying for centuries to free her. You have been trying for hours. Don’t speak to me of commitment.

And yet you are here and not at Westlake.

There are too many painful memories surrounding the broken bridge. Greenie untangled herself from the two mortals.

If I find a way for me to help you, I will, Helena said while she helped the awestruck Phoebe to her feet.

Just like a Westerner. You think nothing can be done without your help. China was building the Great Wall before your countries existed. Greenie turned her back to Helena and began walking away.

If you don’t want my help, all you have to do is say so. It’s not a competition. I was only trying to help.

Just leave my glade and leave me be. Greenie walked to the