(Books by Authors Who Never Existed:  A Steampunk Hybrid story)

By the author of BARD: Owner of the Gemstone

Lady Oolong tilts back her head, and blows out the invisible smoke from her pipe.  “And what tea are you interested in Chief Shabuni?” she asks.

He stares down at her, and gulps.  “What do you know about a block of ice that doesn’t melt?” 

Her reaction is cool, and quizzical.  “That sounds interesting.  Is it used to keep a cold room cool, or drinking water refreshing?”  She smirks.

“It may be a portal,” he replies.  “Or part of one.”

“A portal,” she says while chewing on the end of her pipe.  “To where?”

He gives her a shallow smile, hoping it will come across as confidence.  He takes a chance by telling her a slight lie.  “Lady Steamsail believes, it’s a portal to somewhere called, The Other Place.”

For a moment Lady Oolong’s eyes widen.

When she doesn’t reply, he asks, “Can you think of anyone, who would be interested in Mrs. Claws’, books by authors who never existed?”

At that, she shrugs.  “Makes more sense than stealing a block of ice that doesn’t melt.”  She lets out a long breath.  “Anything unique, or that might contain secrets, is always of interest, wouldn’t you agree?”

“Yes,” he says with a nod.  He places his stovepipe back on his head.  “I must be getting back to Mrs. Claws.  There was a break in the other night.”

“Wait, and I’ll go with you,” she says.  “One moment.”

He watches as she pours some of the kettle water into a siphon connected to a cabinet.  Next, she takes a record out of the cabinet, and places it on the spinning table of a gramophone.  A needle automatically lifts onto the record.  As the sonorous voice of Melegie, and enchanting chords of a harp, play through the clamshell shaped speaker, Lady Oolong places her top hat on.  Next, to his surprise, she unwinds the dragon handle of her cane, to reveal a narrow sword blade.

“All ready,” she says.

***

Taylor Norris, RMT (Lady Evelyn Oolong): taynorris@gmail.com

My Jolly Sailor Bold—Mermaid performed by @_melegie

Perched Drake Cane by FireandSteel.ca

I just saw a fantasic steampunk post by @Hannah_redfoxcloset with art by @creadoresasueldo

One of the goals for these writing experiments is to include makers, and models of Steampunk.  Ben Lanzenstein of Switzerland creates Steampunk vehicles, weapons, and more.  I will be posting a short interview with Ben in very near future.  Meanwhile, you can see his work at:  ben_lanzenstein

Unwoman.com

Joanne Gosling (as Lady Marina Steamsail):  Jgosling@calclosets.com

Fireandsteel.ca Dragonrider Folding Knife

GRACEART Unisex Steampunk Top Hat with Goggles

Alivila.Y Fashion: Women’s Faux Leather Steampunk Corset Victorian Bustier Top