Emergent, Book One : Isobel

  The woman regarded Isobel with deep sapphire eyes, the ruby ring on her index finger catching the light. She brushed back errant locks of copper hair falling around her face and smiled, a dimple deepening on her left cheek.

  Admiral Vin followed the woman's gaze to Isobel.

  "Lady Isobel, Montgomery, war is upon us. There is no time to waste. This new conflict has grown to include Ismay's neighboring territories to the west. There will be a draft, and it doesn't discriminate. It will suck up every young man and woman in its path."

  Isobel looked at Montgomery, then the woman, not sure what to say.

  "You forget your manners, Vin. In times of war especially we must be mindful of manners among friends," the woman said in a strangely accented voice.

  Admiral Vin straightened the worn lapels of his coat. "Apologies, Beatrice. This impending war has robbed me of my manners. Lady Isobel, Montgomery, may I present to you Ms. Beatrice Audreyn, a very old, dear friend."

  Beatrice laughed lightly, dimple growing.

  "Hopefully more dear than old," Beatrice said. She straightened the cuffs of her jacket before extending her hand to Montgomery first, then to Isobel, where she lingered. The woman's hand was strong and calloused, and she smelled of leather.

  "Nice to meet you," Isobel replied, pulling away from the woman and turning to the Admiral. "How is Babbocks Cove this time of year?"

  Admiral Vin glanced at Beatrice before replying.

  "Under any other circumstance I'd say steer clear of the barren lands, but you may not have a choice. To stay here would mean certain capture. Beatrice, do you happen to know if Babbocks Cove is still under the freeze?" Admiral Vin asked. He rubbed his sleep deprived, blood shot eyes.

  Beatrice considered the question. "All land surrounding Landgraevan is under the haze of Bucky's emissions, delaying the thaw. So even the most southern lands within a fifty mile radius of the canopy remain frozen."

  "Is Babbocks Cove really the best option then?" Admiral Vin asked.

  "Considering the nations to the west are now at war, and the north is sub zero territory without the benefit of the Cove's thermal springs, then, yes, I'd say the Cove is a good bet. Close enough to Landgraevan, but far enough to provide indemnity."

  "What's the easiest route there?" Isobel asked.

  "Without knowing the current lay of the land, I'm speculating. But I'd say follow the ancient roadway and stay clear of the terrain immediately bordering the canopy. Marauders own everything along that thin radius of land."

  "Didn't massive tsunamis pummel the harbor during the storms, completely destroying the ancient port?" Montgomery asked.

  "Yes. But it didn't matter because the freeze that followed rendered the sea faring industries as obsolete as the railways. The ships at port became part of the frozen landscape, the sea a solid slab of ice so thick that one could walk across it all the way to the neighboring nations," Admiral Vin said.

  "And the caves?" Isobel asked.

  "The thermal caves are said to be so old that time itself has forgotten them, so twisted and complex that many have been swallowed up whole, lost for eternity to the labyrinth," the Admiral said.

  "This is sounding more like a last resort to me," Montgomery said.

  "Either that or our only option," Isobel replied. She gave him a poignant look and he returned it with a non committal shrug. "Need I remind you that we are both chipped."

  "No," Montgomery said.

  "Well then."

  Beatrice smiled at their exchange. "Vin, I need to speak with Elder Bardo before leaving. Montgomery, Isobel, nice meeting you both. Take care and plan well for your journey. It will not be an easy one." Without further ado, she turned on her heeled boots and walked to where Elder Bardo stood.

  "Lady Isobel, Montgomery, before you decide to embark, allow me the courtesy of your whereabouts," the Admiral insisted, running a hand over his stubbly chin.

  "Of course, Admiral Vin, but it looks like you're leaving as well," Isobel said.

  Admiral Vin glanced over his shoulder at Beatrice. "Perhaps. But certainly not before early tomorrow morning."

  "Good. We should know by then. Come on, Isobel, let's get going," Montgomery prompted.

  Admiral Vin held Isobel's eyes as Montgomery headed to the stairs, and said, "Remember. Your whereabouts."

  "Will do. I'll see you later," she said, not at all sure she'd ever see him again.