“So you know the route to Hatunqari?’ said Jupiter.

‘Yes,’ said Tamm. ‘It is the largest Imperial city on the edge of the plains.’

The Jupiter flew high above the dark green trees just below where the tree line ended on the steep slope. The crew had been reduced to Maggie, Tamm and Breeze, but Jupiter did not mind that. These were his closest friends and they all trusted one another. He had no need to lead, they all wanted the same thing now.

‘But you do not know how to get into the mountains to this temple Naz’naska?’ said Jupiter.

‘It is not of military importance,’ said Tamm.

‘While Hatunqari is?’

‘Yes. As an Imperial city it stands in the face of the mountain provinces. And as you saw, they are not the most loyal of peoples.’

‘So it is a military base?’

‘Not so much these days. It is the commercial capital, much trade from the plains and the coastal cities comes through Hatunqari before moving into the mountains and the valleys to the west.’

’So in order to go into the mountains, we need to head out into the plains?’

‘Yes. Though we can fly over the foothills. A constant wind flows from the west over the mountains across the plains at this time of year.’

Tamm directed them over a saddle pass. And down into the next valley. A great wide gravel plain threaded with the silver streams of the river spread before them. Large than any braided river Jupiter knew from home. And strung across the riverbed, lines of moasaurs and tramping manisaurs lifted dust into the sky that hung in the air even around The Jupiter. Gharumal and other large beasts stood out amongst them as they strode through the wide shallow streams. The rains had abated and the river had fallen enough to ford the rivers. All except the manisaur beasts that their owners carried. Some of the beasts hauled large wagons surrounded by fighters.

The smell of the huge beasts, the dust, and the overturned river stones filled Jupiter’s senses. He lifted the collar of his jacket up to cover his mouth and nose.

‘And you had no idea these people had mobilized from the mountains?’ he said.

‘No. The Imperial Navy had no news of this in Zenska. We were all to far in the north, and we left there five days ago. These troupes will not yet have left their provinces. All will know of this war now.’

‘And the Air Lord?’

‘And the Air Lord will bring skyships from the coastal vanukam, together with warriors and supplies. The Way will be more efficient at supply than these Mountain people can manage.’

The outrigger heeled over, and Jupiter leaned out even as Breeze spun up the kheel a little more.

‘But none so fast as The Jupiter.’

‘No. This vessel is the fastest on all of Eoth, I have no doubt. And it sails into teeth of shaiyvaqara - the east wind. It is no wonder the Air Lord wishes to capture her. And you.’

‘They will all be on the lookout for us.’

’They already see us,’ Tamm said.

Jupiter saw how their passage above the gathering mountain army sent a ripple of confusion in their wake. Manisaurs craned their necks and stared up, but they fell away just as fast leaving only their shadow racing across the ranks of pacing manisaurs and beasts.

‘I see the way ahead. Skyships travel along it.’

‘Can you tell which side?’ Maggie said.

‘The rebels cannot have so many ships,’ said Tamm.

‘We only know of three, and one of those carried the Air Lord in his hunt for me. They pretended to be loyal then. But no way to know if its captain has turned on the Imperials yet.’

The army wound its way around a spur in the foothills, but Tamm directed Jupiter over the hill and down the far slope. A wide green valley spread before them.

And at the head of the valley, spread across the hills and steep cliffs at the base of the mountains, the white gleaming towers of Hatunqari — The Eternal Peak.

‘Skyships,’ said Maggie. ‘Above Hatunqari.’

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The Jupiter had sailed across the mouth of the great valley. It faced to the east so it would be easy to sail downwind. Now they needed to learn how the forces lay.

‘You’re right,’ said Tamm. ‘And none have their sails raised. They’re tied up above the vanukam.’

‘Tamm. Can you see if they are Imperial skyships? You eyesight is so much better than ours. But the rebels could not have taken the city yet.’

‘Yes. I believe you are right,’ said Tamm. ‘But I find it hard to see. The sun sets above the mountains and the haze makes it hard to be sure.’

‘And the skyships that sail on The Way?’

‘I can now recognize Karakatun and Kitaraham at least. The others I do not know.’

’No sign of the Air Lord though?’ Jupiter asked.

‘There are more skyships on the horizon. Large skyforts. They spread out and sail on the wind.’

‘Let’s get closer,’ Jupiter tacked across the wind and headed out into the great plains towards The Way and the skyships towed upon it.

In minutes even Jupiter could recognize the pirate skyship, and Gan’s Kitaraham.

‘They’ve made good speed,’ said Maggie

‘But flogged the crews by sailing three nights and days in a row,’ said Tamm.

Jupiter aimed for Gan’s skyship, but their passage through the fleet caused cries of alarm. Then Gan set up a booming call and signals flashed from the masthead.

‘He tells us to come to him,’ said Tamm. ‘He wants us to ferry him to the Qharamaraham.’

‘Okay,’ said Jupiter. ‘If he can show me the way.’

Jupiter turned the outrigger into the wind to let the sail flap and they glided forward over the stern of the Kitaraham and dropped their towrope. The crew hauled them down like catching a fish as Breeze eased the spin on the kheel.

Gan climbed aboard, and The Jupiter wobbled until Breeze steadied her.

‘Can this craft take you anywhere you will it to?’ Gan said. ‘I did not expect to meet you here.’

‘We sort of expected it though,’ said Maggie. ‘There’s an army about to attack Hatunqari.’

’That would be the Rivtarushka — ice warriors coming through Ruthazuna — the western pass,’ said Gan.

‘No. They’ve not arrived yet. The army we saw is the mountain clans.’

’Take me to Qharamaraham. The captain needs to know of this.’

‘Which one is that?’

‘The Karakatun. But it is not a pirate skyship now. It is the flagship of our forces.’

‘I knew that,’ said Jupiter. ‘I really did.’

He twisted the steering vanes and Breeze spun the kheel up and they peeled away from Gan’s skyship. The Karakatun lay a hundred meters away upwind and as he tacked towards her Gan grunted again.

‘Such a useful vessel. I don’t think I can let you go after all.’

‘Gan!’ Maggie said.

But Jupiter saw the truth in the flashing of his aura. ‘So you guys can be sarcastic. Good to know.’

Jupiter managed the same maneuver but landed this time and dropped the sail.

They all stretched as they stepped onto the deck. Even Breeze.

It’s been a long day.

Red Back stood waiting for them and gave Jupiter a big grin and Maggie a hug. Then they headed for the bridge where the captain waited.

Jupier’s heart dropped when he saw Tharumiyo. The old bird stood next to Captain Qharham. Behind them all sat Qhawana — he who stands apart. Watching. As ever.

Maggie stepped beside Jupiter and whispered. ‘The old bird wanted the rebels to attack the fortress in Qhayuvakham. Maybe he’s not a traitor. Are you sure you heard right?’

‘Yeah. I am. I don’t trust him. Never liked him,’ said Jupiter.

‘But they believe him.’

‘Yeah. I know. He’s different somehow. He has his own plans.’

The captain took a step towards them. ‘So young qvaziri, your wonderful craft has brought you to us again. Does dhararas — future light your path guide you? Does Samavati still guide you? How is it you always find us?’

‘Well. I guess we travel with aramqhami — agent of fate.’ Jupiter looked around for Breeze but could not see him. ‘But I think it is mostly because we all head in the same direction. Into the biggest trouble around.’

Gan warbled a laugh at that. Jupiter grinned back. He and Gan had certainly found enough trouble the last time they had been together.

‘Yes. It seems our paths are destined to cross.’

Maggie leaned in close. ‘Be careful. Last time I was with these guys they broke into a regular song and dance routine.’

Jupiter stepped forward and grasped Qharham’s forearms in his hands. The captain’s soft yet powerful hands radiated heat as the two thumbed grip took hold of his own arms. Jupiter stared up into the alien’s face. The deep hooded eyes in the dark leathery face flecked with gold and red. The flashing of the captain’s aura spoke of calm and acceptance, and a hint of humor.

Jupiter nodded then stepped back.

‘There is an Imperial skyship fleet moored over Hatunqari. On this east wind — shaiyvaqara they can not escape except to fly up into the mountains.’

Qharham’s aura flashed a rapid flow of querying patterns, but Jupiter could only stare back at him.

‘You will see this soon, but you must get there soon. Once night falls…’

‘We had planned to blockade the valley, and fight off the Air Lord skyforts once they drew near. They follow us in on the crest of shaiyvaqara. We have stopped The Way north of here, but the morning brought this change in wind. They fly free.’

‘I’m no fighter. I can only tell you our news. Tamm can confirm all to you. But I know you do not take the word of sejrat’sha - my friend, the turned-blade.’

Qharham gave a very human nod, then stepped away. He raised his head to the sky nd let out an ululating cry that the other skyships all around took up.

Raise all sail

Set to the west

We race the sun

There’s foe to best

‘I told you,’ said Maggie taking her fingers from her ears. ‘A song for every occasion.’

‘And the dance you promised?’

Maggie stepped close, and took up his hands. ‘Shall we?’ she said in a soft voice.