Chapter Four Hundred and Fifteen - The Old Man and the Sky

Chapter Four Hundred and Fifteen - The Old Man and the Sky

Chapter Four Hundred and Fifteen - The Old Man and the Sky

Abrahams enthusiastic greeting was so loud that we were getting a few looks, but those passed soon enough. I suspected that the people in the nearby landing pads were either used to Abraham, or were getting used to him pretty quickly.

Abraham stood before the five of us with hands on hips and his glorious moustache twitching up at the corners as he gave us all a huge grin. Awen! You made more friends!

Awa, I did, Awen said. It was kind of funny seeing Awen caught between wanting to be bashful and shy, and wanting to open up at the same time. It led to her fumbling around with her hands, as if she didnt know what to do with them.

I helped by walking to her side and giving her a side-hug, which occupied at least one arm and left the other for fretting.

Um, I should introduce you, she said.

Of course! Abraham said. Im Abraham Bristlecone! Explorer of the unknown, traveller of the untravelled, and ender of the unendable! Haha! Im also Awens favourite uncle! My best title yet!

Awen blushed, but she couldnt contain a smile. Uncle, these are our newest friends and travelling, um, companions? Thats Caprica Sylph, shes... a sylph from Sylphfree. I noticed her hesitation in mentioning Capricas princessness, which was actually probably for the best. If Smoulderglen was a nexus for rapscallions, then it wouldnt do to let people know there was a princess about, let alone a princess from what might be the richest nation on the continent. And thats Calamity, hes a hunter from the north of the Trenten Flats.

Im Calamity Danger, Calamity said with a tip of his hat. He was lucky that he was so cool, or else his trying to look cool would make him look silly instead. Hunter of the uncountable.

Haha! Abraham roared. I like your attitude, disaster boy, but Ill have you know that you have a long way to go before youre ready to best me!

I can't imagine you sneaking up on anything, old guy, Calamity said. Youre one Haha! away from scaring off every good bit of meat for a league.

Abraham hahad! again, his whole belly trembling with good humour. My boy, the best prey to hunt is the sort that runs towards you! Why, I remember hunting a giant wyrm that lived in Walkers Pass. Of course, back then it wasnt called Walkers Pass, it was called Don't-Go-There-Or-You'll-Be-Eaten-By-A-Giant-Wyrm Pass! Haha!

Uncle, youre not going to start another story, are you? Awen asked.

Abraham looked momentarily chastised, but only very momentarily. And you, Miss Caprica! Its a pleasure to make a friend among the sylph once more! Haha! Good folk, even if you cant hold your drink.

Pardon you? Caprica asked. There was a dangerous glint in her eye.

Mister Abraham, I interrupted. What are you doing all the way over here?Fôll0w current novÊls on n/o/(v)/3l/b((in).(co/m)

Abraham grinned and tapped the side of his nose. One of my skills told me to head on over if I wanted to find some proper adventure. Besides, I have a few old grudges to settle.

Oh no, Awen said. You have enemies here?

And everywhere else! Haha! You can tell a lot about someone by the quality of their friends, and a lot more by the quality of their adversaries, and I have only the best rivals!

I grinned. Abraham was very enthusiastic today, it was infectious. I wondered if he had a skill that made his good mood spread? Or one that helped him get away with being... himself? I would bet on the latter, actually!

Come on, you kids follow me! My old age is starting to show and sometimes I feel the need for a sit down.

Abraham chuckled. Oh, your mother would have a fit if she saw you now! Your dad too!

Ah, I... I dont know if I want to see them just yet, Awen said. They tried to kidnap me.

Bah, let them stew in their own misery, then, he said with a firm nod.

"Speaking of wild times ahead," I said as I tried to change the subject to one that was a bit more fun. Are you going to participate in that big airship race with the Shady Lady?

Abraham beamed, his already bright eyes twinkling with anticipation. "Aye, that's right! You've got a good nose for adventure, lass... or maybe the ears for it. Were those always there?

Oh, I said as I reached up and touched an ear, the right one, which always dangled a bit. No, these are from after we met!

Haha! Well, in any case, myself, Raynold and another old friend are going to show these young whippersnappers that going fast is more than just having the fastest ship and the nicest paintjob.

Thats... usually how it works though, Amaryllis said. The fastest ship part, in any case.

Bah! Youre one of the whippersnappers, then! he declared, and Amaryllis huffed at the insult.

"Why are you participating in it?" Amaryllis asked. She tilted her head a bit, curious. Shed grabbed a cup from the freezer-block as well, and took a slow sip from something that smelled fruity. Youve had your share of adventures, no?

Abraham chuckled. "Why, for the thrill of it, of course! And, more importantly, for the glory! To stand as the fastest among the sky-bound, to have your name cheered by the crowd... There's nothing quite like it! Besides, Im reaching the point where I need a proper challenge. Something big to really get the experience flowing.

Diminishing returns? Amaryllis asked.

I could punch a dragon and barely see a drop of proper experience from it, he said with a shake of his head. I could retire and live out another fifty years as an old curmudgeon, but thats not the way I do things! Haha! Ive got a few blazes of glory left in me still! Besides, I want to see what its like to have five classes! Its not just the race, mind you. Its the camaraderie among the captains, the challenges we face together, the stories we share. But also" His gaze sharpened. "I have a score to settle."

"Another grudge?" Awen asked, a bit of alarm in her eyes.

Abraham's laughter filled the space. "Oh, not a grudge, no. This is a friendly rivalry, you see. Captain Marcellus Windrider, a devilishly fast dwarf if there ever was one, won last year. I intend to take that trophy back!"

"And you believe you have a shot at winning?" I asked, curiosity piqued.

Abraham's grin broadened. "Why, lass, I don't believe I know I have a shot. The Shady Lady might look a bit rustic on the outside, but she's got it where it counts.

I looked at Amaryllis, whod been the biggest proponent against the idea of having us race. You know... Abraham might like some help racing the Shady Lady... I started.

Amaryllis rolled her eyes. Whens the race? she asked.

Ah, tomorrow days from now, starting at dawn! he said. And I wouldnt mind a hand or two! I imagine Awens grown by leaps and bounds since she last took a spanner at the Lady! Itd make her old uncle proud to have her check the old windbag out!

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