The Hunter General Part 2: On the Airship

It had been a long journey, Elise thought. Not an uncomfortable one, thank the gods – the captain of this particular airship had been most accommodating, once he learned her profession and identity. It had been gratifying to see him almost grovel at her feet in earnest, as he offered her the best cabin for a pittance. Of course, no Hunter ever traveled in anything but the best unless they were hiding their identity, and Elise had not bothered with such silliness for years.She had been walking along the upper deck. The air was fresh and clear; thoroughly invigorating to one who was feeling her age much.

There were few other passengers about. Most had stayed below with the warmth and companionship that a few whiskeys and tall tales could provide.She stopped for a moment at the turn of the walkway, her slim wooden walking stick tapping against the iron railing, and looked out towards the Kinstower atoll. They were still an hour or more away, and coasting in on a gentle arc towards the great airship piers that stuck out from the floating island like whiskers. At this distance, she could barely make out any buildings – but in her mind’s eye, the atoll pulsed and glowed with the presence of thousands and thousands of people.

A sudden flicker close by drew her attention. The airship itself, of course, had its crew and passengers, all just as susceptible to Incarnation as ever. Elise had expected a nice, peaceful trip for once, but it seemed that a Hunter’s work was never done. She turned away from the railing, and focused on that tiny, discordant flicker. If it was one of the crew, she and the captain would have a very interesting discussion later. If not, well, she would have to see.

Part 1 – In Dreams

Part 3 – Jericho