Read Online Iron Horsemen by Brad R. Cook - Free Book Online Page B

led to a song that cursed the Kaiser. I joined in, singing in German, which delighted the crew and Genevieve, who smiled and nodded along with the beat.
    Rodin perched on her shoulder.
    Ignatius turned to me and asked, “So what can we expect from this bronze-plated bad guy and his secret order of knights?”
    â€œHe’s mean—tough enough to spit nails—and has a wicked arm with hidden weapons.”
    Ignatius shook his head. “And you think you’re going to be able to defeat him?”
    I wanted revenge more than anything, but I hadn’t thought about what I’d do when I found the mechanical monster. “I’ll make him tell me where my father is and then toss him overboard.”
    Ignatius laughed and most of the crew joined in. At first, I wondered what was funny, but quickly realized they didn’tthink I could do it. The more I thought about it, I wasn’t too certain either, but their laughter made me want to test it on one of them.
    â€œGood luck with that.” Ignatius picked up the Colt he’d just finished cleaning. “My advice, boy—shoot him and then ask your questions.”
    Hunter turned to the captain. “What they need is training; it’ll be suicide otherwise.”
    Genevieve stood up, her hands firmly planted on her hips, “I’ve trained with sword and shot since I was a girl. My father insisted.”
    Ignatius smiled. “Dad wanted a son?”
    She eyed him with an icy stare, but before she could answer, Captain Baldarich stepped forward. “Hunter has a good point. If you’re going to help your fathers, both of you will need some training. Not lessons from papa, but real fighting skills.” He turned to Ignatius and Hunter. “You two will start training them in firearms.” Baldarich smacked Mr. Singh’s shoulder. “Then you’ll work on their sword skills.”
    I didn’t know what to say, but it sounded exciting. Genevieve’s gaze narrowed. Captain Baldarich said, “Now get to bed you two, you’ll need your strength for tomorrow.”
    Genevieve and I wandered down to the gun-deck. I opened the door for her and we drifted to opposite sides of the room.
    Genevieve took the man’s shirt she’d worn before and put that on as she removed the corset. Removing her boots, she climbed into her hammock.
    She turned to me and asked, “Will you turn down the kerosene lamp?”
    â€œOf course.” I walked over to the lamp and adjusted the knob so the flame barely glowed. I returned to my hammock and climbed in. “I have a good feeling. This feels right. Oh, and Genevieve, if it means anything, I saw yourfather in action. If he trained you, then I bet you’re a great swordsman. Swords-woman. Whichever.”
    â€œThank you, Alexander. That means a lot.”

CHAPTER 10
TRAINING BEGINS
    The door flew open and slammed against the bulkhead. My hammock flipped and dumped me onto the deck. “That was a good dream,” I grumbled, struggling to my feet.
    Genevieve chuckled from under her coat.
    Mr. Singh glared. “Meet me on the top deck and do not make me wait or your duties will double. Training comes after lunch. If you want to eat, I would not suggest doing double duty.”
    Mr. Singh left and Rodin stretched, arching his back and shaking off his sleepy haze from his head to the tip of his tail. Genevieve scratched behind the three bony horns protruding from his head. Rodin curled into her hand and what passes for a dragon’s smile came across his snout.
    I threw on my boots and wound the leather strap around me. I wasn’t going to miss lunch or double my work.
    Genevieve waited for me to go and then dressed, joining me minutes later on the top deck. Mr. Singh waited in front of the two crawl spaces he’d pointed out the day before.
    â€œCheck the helium bags. Look for leaks.” Mr. Singh opened the hatches. “This section