Читать книгу The Grand Dark онлайн | страница 64

“Is that …?” she said.

“A chimera?” said the Kapitän. “Why, yes, it is. It’s why I’m able to chat with you. Our little friend here can pilot the ship for short periods and even set course for us. In case of emergency, it can help us land, but I don’t recommend the experience. It’s usually a bit bumpy.” The crew chuckled quietly at that.

Before she could stop herself, Helene said, “Is that what happened to your arms?” The moment the words were out of her mouth she went pale, shocked by her own rudeness. “I’m sorry. I had no right to ask.”

The Kapitän shook his head. “It’s perfectly all right. And yes, that is what happened.”

“In the war?” she said.

“Yes.”

“I’m sorry.”

“There’s no need. I was happy to do my duty.”

Feeling awkward now and wanting to leave as soon as possible, Helene said, “Thank you very much, Herr Kapitän. I’ve truly enjoyed meeting you and your crew.”

However, before she could leave, the Kapitän said, “Actually, I was hoping that you could help us for a moment.”

She looked at him and wondered if he was mocking her for her impertinent question. “I don’t understand what you mean,” she said.

Siodmak pointed out the window at the front of the room. “We’ll be turning into an area with more airships soon. We like to warn them of our approach with a signal flare. I was wondering if you’d like to send it up for us.”

Helene smiled. “You’re not making fun of me, are you?” she said.

The Kapitän shook his head. “Not at all. It’s a simple procedure and quite pretty to see. But, of course, if you’re not interested—”

“But I am. Really.”

“Then step over here, please.”

Attached to the bulkhead was what looked like a pistol grip connected to a long tube that led outside the ship. The Kapitän took a brass cylinder from a small box nearby and loaded it into the tube.

“Is that the flare?” said Helene.

“Yes. There’s a small chimera inside.”

Helene frowned. “The flare is a chimera?”

“You’ll see,” said the Kapitän. He cocked the hammer on the gun and stepped aside.

Helene approached the gun nervously and wrapped her hand around the grip. It was bulky and slightly cold—probably, she thought, from the outside winds coming down the metal tube. She looked at Siodmak and said, “Now?”