Gideon Makes His Move

                                    

                                              
             
                          
Dearest Mother,
                          
It has already been a score of rotations and I feel like I need to write and tell...

                          
"No. That's not right. Sounds like I am forcing myself to write." Gideon scowled and crumple the parchment.  He placed it in the metal bowl and sent a green spark from his finger to ignite it.  He pulled out another small parchment from the desk drawer and began again.
                          
Mother Dearest,
                          
It has only been a score of rotations and I miss you.  I am enjoying the journey with Captain Lawrence.  We have seen many things and I have learned so much.  I and grandfather are in fine health and good spirits.  I do not know how much longer the journey will take but I can't wait to tell you about our journey in person.
                          
With love,
                          
Your son Gideon
                          
"Yes.  That will do." I said as I sprinkled writing powder on the parchment. As much as I would like to share everything with my mother, I had to be careful to not reveal any indication of the dangers we had faced or our location; first, to not worry my mother and secondly to not jeopardize our situation should the message be intercepted by our enemies. I rolled up the parchment and placed it in a small leather cylinder.  This I tucked in my vest pocket as I grabbed my jacket and exited my quarters.
                          
"Good morn'n yer Majesty." Captain Bragg said with a smile.
                          
"Good morning to you, Captain Bragg!"  I saluted as we passed.
                          
Enroute to the whey hens, I encountered Camphoria below taking care of the other animals. "This day is just getting better and better!" I thought.
                          
"Good to see you...ah...hard at work." I stammered cursing myself. <Just say what be in your heart.> Betty-Lou interjected. "Now is not the time!" I responded out loud.
                          
"A thousand pardons my Lord.  Time for what your Majesty?" Camphoria said with a look of confusion.
                          
"Ah, well, ah, I mean that you need not do extra chores that others can do. Your skills are needed elsewhere." I looked in her large green eyes and saw the reflection of what I felt.
                          
Camphoria smiled, "I am at your service my Lord.  How can I help you?" She bowed as she said this, but she never lost eye-contact.
                          
I thought, "She wants to help me!  What do I need?"  <Ye need time with her.> Betty-Lou interjected.
                          
"What?  Yes I do." I muttered out loud.
                          
"Pardon Sire? How can I assist you?" Camphoria patiently waited still bowing and looking at me. 
                          
"Oh, I was saying that yes, I do need your help. I am preparing to send a message to my mother.  Will you accompany me to the whey hen enclosure?" I reached out my hand to her chin and gently raised her to a standing position.
                          
"With gladness My Lord." Camphoria beamed, her eyes never leaving my own.
                          
"Lead the way."  I motioned for her to walk in front of me.  I could not help but notice the sway of her dress that could not hide her lithe figure as she walked ahead of me.
                          
We walked to the stern of the ship where the whey hens could have open access to the skies through small portals. 
                          
"Here we are your Majesty.  How can I assist you?" Camphoria's voice was as sweet as the nectar from a honey flower. Her smile was also reflected in the twinkle in her eyes.
                          
"I wish to send a message to the Isle of Noonday, to my mother's home.  Please choose for me the correct whey hen." I requested, though I could have done it myself.  The whey hens are birds of habit and always roost in the same spot.  Though they appear to be slow and incapable of flight because of their size, the whey hens are some of the swiftest fliers, and their sense of direction is without equal in the animal kingdom.  The whey hen will return to its birth place without fail, but those born on an airship will somehow find the ship wherever it may be.  When they are not traveling, their eggs are a delicacy.