Saturday, November 2, 2019
Hello, my chuckaboos! Happy November. I’m so glad you came back to the The Delta Pearl.
This week’s random reader things
I didn’t make it a “thing,” but Diana Peach recommended an explanation of how the tempest prognosticator works be added to the story. I try to keep a faster pace in serials, but for the story to stand on its own (without serialized blog introductions), I could see that she was right. That conversation was a few weeks ago. In this chapter I finally worked my way to that.
There are also random reader “things” to fuel this voyage of the steampunk riverboat. First we have Rum from Resa McConaghy. Then we have Chicanery, which could only be supplied by John W. Howell! Finally, a tasty Apple Pie from Dan Antion. Can you guess how I’m going to use these things?
Last Time
Émeraude was feeling annoyed that the Captain and the Dealer seemed to know about every little thing she did. We were pretty sure that was because Onyx had been sticking his little brass beak into her business. Meanwhile the riverboat still had an odd moment or two as she neared a boundary. Thankfully, Victor was at work, repairing the leech barometer.
I’m giving you fair warning — this is a long episode. Although friends of Amethyst, the clockwork spider might be pleased. Find a picture to mark your place if that helps. For those who don’t like to read, I’ll give you plenty of illustrations.
Let’s get back on the riverboat and see what happened after that. If you want to review, click the link for Chapter 12 — Prognosticate.
All aboard!
The Delta Pearl
Chapter 13 — Agitate
Beyond a porthole, I saw a high cliff the river had carved into the ancient rocks. The white sandstone cliff was crowned with evergreens, in sharp contrast to the rock wall. I gazed admiringly at the spectacle, as the Delta Pearl passed it.
With the damage to the leech barometer, I was surprised that Captain Cecil Perlog added an unplanned stop. I wondered briefly if we were out of rum. Once that caused an extra stop.
Although, after I eventually learned the reason for the delay, I could understand. However, I digress.
Tempest prognosticator sounded much better than leech barometer. Although the fancy name did not eliminate the objectionable critters.
I had gone with the Captain to listen as Dr. Victor T. Elam explained the workings of the strange device. The young inventor adjusted his spectacles, and cleared his throat more than once. The room was filled with interested onlookers.
“A tempest prognosticator uses leeches in a barometer,” Victor began nervously. “We have a dozen leeches in these little bottles,” he explained, indicating squirmy movement inside the apparatus. “As you can see, our leeches are quite agitated.”
Although I tried to keep a pleasant face, I couldn’t help cringing at the leeches. So, I tried to focus on the beauty of the elaborately decorated piece.
A dozen glass bottles were arranged in a circle beneath a large bell. Each little bottle was filled with rain water ― and of course, a leech. These bottles were topped with small metal tubes, which contained a piece of whalebone and a wire. That way, they were connected to small hammers positioned to strike the bell.
“As each leech becomes agitated by the electromagnetic state of a stormy atmosphere, it ascends, trying to escape,” Victor explained.
I watched in fascination as the restless leeches squirmed upward. As one reached the top of its bottle, it triggered the bell. A moment later a second leech did the same.
“Since the leeches react independently, I like to call them a jury of weather councilors,” the inventor joked, although he received scarcely a chuckle in return. “They seem to be in agreement with one another, despite the lack of a cloud in the sky. Perhaps it’s a bit of worm chicanery,” he added a trifle awkwardly after the first failed joke.
“No clouds,” the Captain began in a whisper only I could hear. “But despite the slow current, we’re drawing close to the border. The Delta Pearl is a lot more upset than usual.”
“We’ve made this trip many times with no problems,” I said into his ear. “But this time we were a good ways from any boundary when we started having,” I hesitated, searching for the right word. “Disturbances? You know, those odd shifts and ‘bumps’ in the river? Is that the Delta Pearl having a strong reaction to the border? But why?”
Captain Cecil Perlog met my gaze levelly. Watching his changing expression was disconcerting. His light blue eyes were bright with intensity. Yet as he looked at me, they filled with kindness.
The force of his gaze had always made me feel secure in his strength. The gentle expression had made me feel warm and safe since the day I met him as a little girl. However, the kindness in his eyes changed to something I had not seen there. Worry.
My eyes widened. If the Captain was worried, then I was frightened. When I started to speak again, he made a quiet shushing sound. He motioned toward Victor, who was still speaking.
“There are secret things about the Delta Pearl that we can’t comprehend. This is not the time or place for such a conversation,” the Captain muttered.
The bell started to ring repeatedly. The repulsive worms were indeed agitated. Victor drew back in surprise at their commotion. The inventor cleared his throat again, and then stuttered something unintelligible.
The Captain stepped in and discretely ended the young doctor’s presentation, before anyone could get too worried about all the bell-ringing leeches.
***
A short time later, I was at my station in one of the riverboat’s lounges. I gazed upward, relaxing for a moment. That room was probably the brightest of all the salons on the riverboat. Sunlight reflected on the white lacquered walls. The ceiling was decorated with arched carvings so delicate they might have been white lace. These were spaced every ten feet. A glittering crystal chandelier hung at the main entrance, and another was positioned half way down the long room.
“Mr. and Mrs. Harvey,” I greeted the newlyweds as they entered the lounge area. “It’s a pleasure to see you. Are you already settled into your cabin? Do you need anything?”
Harrison Harvey asked his bride what she would like and moved to the bar to get drinks. Hyacinth gave me a somewhat shame-faced look.
“I know we agreed to look after Harrison’s nephew. I don’t really mind, but our honeymoon was cut short. This trip was supposed to make up for that,” she confided with a sigh that told me that she did in fact mind very much.
Abruptly I was sorry that I asked if they needed anything. Clearly Hyacinth “needed” to get rid of her nephew. That kind of service was not what I meant to offer.
“I was so hopeful when I saw that governess boarding with us. I hoped we could engage her to look after Harvey from time to time. We would have paid her well, and Harrison’s brother could have wired her a bonus at the end of the arrangement. Yet she flatly refused.”
When I murmured that it was probably just as well, Hyacinth gave me an odd look. Fortunately, she did not ask me to elaborate. She was easily diverted back to the subject of her husband when I guided the conversation in that direction.
From the brief dialog that followed, I gathered that Harrison’s older brother inherited the bulk of the family fortune and doled out shares to the younger brother in a miserly fashion. Harrison’s inheritance would be held in trust until his thirtieth birthday. The young couple was sad that the big day was six years distant.
Harrison came back bearing a tray with three champagne glasses. He also brought apple pie. It was an odd combination to me. However, I had to admit the dessert smelled delicious, and it was nice of him to think of me.
Depositing the tray on a table, Harrison put his arm around his bride’s waist in a manner that was a little too familiar to be acceptable in public. I smirked in appreciation of that rebellion against straitlaced Victorian Era manners.
Hyacinth blushed and pushed his hand to a more appropriate spot. However, she reached up and tenderly brushed back an unruly russet curl from his forehead. He pulled her close, causing her to giggle.
I wondered if their romance was so new that they couldn’t keep their hands off one another, or if he was just a randy, disrespectful rich boy resistant to growing up. . I found myself comparing him to Victor T. Elam. Then I wondered if the inventor would be too reserved. Harrison did have a charm that was just wicked enough to be appealing.
Although I didn’t mean to do so, I also gave Hyacinth a measured but discrete appraisal. Despite the fleeting blush, I wondered if her modesty was an imitation. Perhaps the elder Harvey brother had good reason for keeping a tight leash on Harrison’s inheritance.
Beyond the etched glass windows, I saw Dr. Victor T. Elam moving slowly toward the lounge. A vague expression was on his face. It was one I had come to know well. I motioned to a waiter and sent him for ginger ale. Victor Elam was not taking well to the motion of the Delta Pearl.
The retiring inventor looked like he might bolt for the door when I took his arm. The reaction could have been from shyness or from the impulse to hang his head over the railing. However, the waiter returned with the requested ginger ale. I insisted that the doctor should drink it. Ginger ale was not a beverage that was known to everyone. He took a tentative sip.
“An interesting drink,” he commented. “And you say it helps the stomach?”
“I think it’s partly to do with the fizz — I mean the carbonation, but the ginger is very good for the tummy,” I used the childish word to get him to smile and it worked. “The Cook makes ours from scratch. It’s especially good.”
“Cook? I expected multiple chefs making the Delta Pearl’s renowned cuisine,” he admitted sounding surprised.
“Oh, Agate is a great chef. Her kitchen staff is large and includes other chefs,” I assured him. “The Cook is actually the head chef. Her nickname, the Cook, took hold long before I arrived on the Delta Pearl.”
“You’re using it as a proper name?” Dr. Elam confirmed.
I had to smile at his ingenuous manner.
“Yes, you will find that kind of thing happened with many of the longest serving crew members. Their position became their name. The Dealer, the Mate, the Captain, and so on,” I explained. “But Agate, refused to be called chef. She’s an old fashioned and humble sort. She said that Cook would do just fine.”
“What of you?” Dr. Elam wanted to know. “Have you been bestowed such a moniker? Surely you are too rare for such common titles,” he complimented me and then his face was engulfed by a crimson blush. “I mean— Oh, I’m terribly sorry. Do forgive me! I didn’t mean to be forward.”
I gave his hand a reassuring pat and asked the waiter to bring more ginger ale.
The inventor kept looking at my shoulder. I had forgotten about the clockwork spider until he commented on it.
I cringed. Amethyst refused to be found earlier, yet she chose the worst time to sneak up on me.
While they were not secret, the Captain preferred not to draw the guests’ attention to the Delta Pearl’s clockwork creatures. To me they so much a part of the crew, that I tended to forget their uniqueness. So, there I sat with a famous inventor at my side and a clockwork spider on my shoulder!
“What an unusual broach,” Victor said as he leaned closer to Amethyst. “That’s not ordinary jewelry,” he commented gravely as his gaze became unexpectedly piercing. “It’s clockwork, isn’t it?”
His abrupt intensity surprised me. Victor Elam seemed like such a milquetoast. At that moment I could see how the shy young man could be a great inventor. Although, since it was directed toward the clockwork spider, it was also disconcerting.
“Please don’t let on, Dr. Elam. The Captain doesn’t like them to attract the attention of the passengers,” I pleaded in what I hoped was a beguiling way.
It would not have gotten me into serious trouble ― that Amethyst was discovered. However, the Captain wouldn’t be best pleased if he knew I greeted a guest while wearing one of the clockwork creatures on my shoulder, whether or not it was an accident.
“You mean there are others!” he exclaimed in a whisper.
I groaned. I wondered what was wrong with me. How could I let my guard down like that? It was his awkwardness. It made me forget what an acute mind was behind the inept appearance.
He gasped in wonder when Amethyst crawled up to my ear. She whispered in a tiny voice, which I was sure only I could hear.
“He makes automatons,” Amethyst said conspiratorially.
Some intuition made me think that by automatons the spider meant something much larger than herself.
Dr. Elam stared in astonishment as the clockwork spider climbed down to my hand. She tilted her head this way and that as she gazed at the inventor. Amethyst was behaving in an exceptionally bold way. She was curious but always watched people covertly. I had never seen her openly inspect a stranger before.
“She seems to like you,” I told him.
“She? It has gender?” he asked.
“I don’t know. Amethyst just seems like a she to me,” I replied and then held the spider so that she faced me. “Amethyst, this is Dr. Victor T. Elam. Treat him just as you do everyone else. I mean kindly,” I added.
It suddenly seemed like some kind of instruction would be a good idea. I hoped the spider would get my hint and not be too trusting. She was obviously intrigued by the man. It would not do for her to get too friendly with an inventor, particularly if Amethyst was correct in the report that he made automatons of any kind.
“Oh, please don’t stand on formality. I hope you’ll call me Victor,” Dr. Elam said.
Amethyst made a clicking noise and hopped over to Victor’s sleeve. That clearly pleased the inventor. He looked like a child on Christmas morning. He sat very still as she examined the fabric of his jacket. The little clockwork spider moved up to inspect his silk cravat. She even stretched to take a closer look at the pale blue gem of his single earring.
I suddenly remembered that his late parents owned a gemstone mine.
Then Amethyst unexpectedly saw her reflection in the inventor’s spectacles. She moved back a step. Suddenly she made an impressive hop back to my shoulder.
I watched his reaction to Amethyst with great interest. True, many women would not have thought Victor Elam was handsome. Even so, I found the man appealing and I was not even sure why he intrigued me. However, I was quite fond of the purple clockwork spider. How Elam reacted to her might influence what I thought of the man.
“By the way, might I ask what your middle initial ‘T’ stands for?” I asked curiously.
“The ‘T’ is for Topaz,” he admitted, his face coloring again.
“How rare,” I replied in pleased surprise.
“Not so much really,” he told me in a self-depreciating voice. “Gemstone names have been popular throughout this generation. Although I suppose Topaz is not terribly usual,” he said.
I guess I’m the last one who should be surprised at that, I thought to myself. Since aboard the Delta Pearl, so many of the crew have gemstone names.
However, I kept the thought to myself. Dr. Victor Topaz Elam had already discovered one of the clockwork creatures. He didn’t need to be made even more curious about anything to do with the Delta Pearl by me bringing up all the gemstone names among the riverboat’s crew.
The mechanical spider eased back toward to Dr. Elam’s mustache. She tentatively reached out with a spindly leg to touch the whiskers. I could tell that Victor forced himself to remain very still while Amethyst inspected his facial hair. By the way he held his mouth, I knew he suppressed laughter. I suspected that my spider’s actions must have tickled.
“There is something strangely calming about this little one’s presence,” Dr. Elam mumbled as he tried to speak without moving his lips any more than necessary. “Or she would be soothing if I were not ticklish.”
“Amethyst. That will do. Comeback now, before someone notices you wandering around,” I told her and the spider obeyed promptly.
She quickly skittered up my arm and onto my shoulder. Amethyst whispered something into my ear.
I did not know the clockwork creature could feel excitement. However, that was the only term I could apply to the agitated gibberish she softly spoke into my ear.
I knew she had an imperative for survival, and so perhaps she could feel things related fear. However, I had to admit to myself that on occasion she had shown minor tendencies toward like or dislike.
Even so, her apparent enthusiasm was most unexpected. She was so excited that I couldn’t understand a single word of whatever she whispered.
Randal Needleman moved toward us. Amethyst darted into the velvet cushions of the settee to disappear. I felt around the cushions, but the spider was gone. I still wondered what she meant to disclose earlier, but she wasn’t always able to retain information for very long.
As it became certain that Needleman was intent on talking to us — or at least to Dr. Elam. I looked at the inventor apprehensively.
“Worry not,” he murmured. “You can count on my complete discretion, particularly about the clockwork creature.”
Randal Needleman surprised me by directing his first remark to me.
“I here there’s to be a Sweet Sixteen party,” the man I secretly dubbed the Dubious Dabbler said. “Oh no, I hope it wasn’t supposed to be a secret!” he exclaimed, seeming genuinely contrite.
I blushed despite my determination to act mature. I murmured words that were probably unintelligible, shaking my head.
Victor wasn’t all that much older than me. Plus, sixteen was considered an adult enough age for most of the things it was legal for a woman to do…
Unfortunately, I was afraid the inventor would think I was too young. Needleman had drawn attention to my age. The inventor couldn’t help noticing that.
Embarrassed, I made a hasty exit.
I felt mortified as only a nearly sixteen-year-old girl can. Of course, no one else gave it a second thought ― but I couldn’t know that. I ran to a deck where I hoped I could be alone.
When I vented my frustration by smacking the wooden rail, I hit it so hard my palm stung. I put my sore hand to my mouth and stared blankly at the horizon. The Delta Pearl was near the unexpected stop the Captain had added to our schedule.
My lips formed an unspoken question when a small black cloud caught my eye. It descended from the fluffy white clouds. Lower and lower it steadily dropped. Finally, the smudgy nimbus settled on the riverbank far ahead.
***
End Chapter 13
***
Real World Notes
For more about the tempest prognosticator, check out this video.
Meanwhile, in Teagan’s world, National Novel Writing Month (NaNoWriMo) has begun. Although it’s still actually October as I write this post, I hope that by the time you see it, I will be hard at work on a brand new novel. You’ve probably heard me complain that I’m not a fast writer at all… so an average of more than 1,700 words a day is huge for me.
Thanks for sticking with me, my chuckaboos. I hope you’ll leave a comment — and if you want, include an appropriate random thing to go in a future chapter. Feel free to comment or ask about National Novel Writing Month as well.
I’ll be waiting for you at the steampunk riverboat next time!
***
Now for the obligatory shameless self-promotion…
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Amazon universal link (Kindle/e-book) Brother Love — a Crossroad
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This is a work of fiction. Characters, names, places, and incidents are either the product of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously, and any resemblance to actual persons, living or dead, business establishments, locales, or events is entirely coincidental.
Copyright © 2019 by Teagan Ríordáin Geneviene
Dan Antion’s images Copyright © 2019
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Teagan's Books 
I love the detail, Teagan. You did a great job with the leeches. 🙂
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Thanks for the feedback, Rob. For a novel I wouldn’t worry about it. However, for a serial I feared it bogged down the story. I’m relieved it’s being accepted. Hugs!
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I’m thinking Amethyst knows some secrets. Good luck with NaNo, Teagan – I’m also a slow writer, but I’m doing what I can. Hugs!
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I’m happy you enjoyed the Amethyst scene, Teri. It was part of the original version of this re-write, and I had forgotten all about it.
Good NaNo luck to you too, my chuckaboo! I’m pleased with what I’ve done so far, but I’m not getting anything else done… Great big hug right back!
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Love the black cloud descending from a white cloud…….great end to this installment!! Best of luck with NaNoWriMo!!!
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Thanks for your feedback, Kirt. And thanks for the WriMo luck! Today, I haven’t accomplished enough. I had been managing to stay on schedule until today. However, I’m pleased with what I’ve done so far. Having huge fun researching the cars for this story set in 1964. 😀 Thanks for commenting, my chuckaboo!
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This was an excellent episode, Teagan. I love the connection with Amethyst and Victor. I think there is much more afoot. I am glued!!
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Happy November, Jennie. I’m gobsmacked that this year is nearly gone — so soon! LOL, I love “afoot.” I always think of Holmes, which leads to Benedict Cumberbatch, and that’s always nice. 😉 Now that I’m in National Novel Writing Month, I hope I don’t trip over my own feet with what’s afoot in two different stories. So many bits and pieces caught in the hundred dust devils spinning in my mind…
Thank you for commenting, my chuckaboo!
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Amethyst is quite the curious little creature, isn’t she? This was an interesting segment as we learned more about the inventor and Emeraude’s attraction to him. I haven’t gotten off to a very good start with NaNo but I am hoping to remedy that tomorrow. There is so much of how the website works that I don’t understand. Like if there’s a way to communicate with Buddies. And I screwed up when I put in my goal and somehow NaNo thinks I’ve already written 50000 words. 😦 Oh well, I will eventually get it figured out.
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Horsefeathers, Jan. The NaNoWriMo site used to be just fine. They “improved” it and now it absolutely sucks! (And I hate that word, so you know I feel strongly to use it.) I’ve looked all over for how to communicate with buddies — I sent the help desk an email a week ago and never got a reply.
The entire site is completely jacked. I can’t even get me “region” changed from DC. I tried to change it to NM, but it just added it and gives me the DC communications.
Once last week I emailed each buddy individually. Now I can’t make it do that. I can’t get to their email period. You’re welcome to email my Yahoo address. Also there’s probably a NaNoWriMo Facebook group in your general area.
Of course, none of that stops them from pestering for a donation several times a day. I used to give each year, but not this time. I’m not employed, and they are showing that they don’t use their funding well.
Sorry. Didn’t mean to rant…
I’m delighted you enjoyed Amethyst’s big scene. Thanks for commenting, my chuckaboo!
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I enjoyed learning about the leech barometer. And Amethyst rocks. Very cool stuff.
Seeing as food or drink is often my motivation, I’d love a slice of apple pie with a glass of champagne after reading the above. Maybe I will do that instead of birthday cake as this year is a milestone for me and I’d like something different. Speaking of drinking, because I still am (lol) I googled a recipe for homemade ginger ale. The ginger simple syrup seems very easy to make and can be used a variety of ways. Early happy holidays!!!
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Hi Jill. If you’re birthday is coming up, I’ll go ahead and wish you “Happy Birthday!” and many happy returns. Heck, I wish it to you any day. I always loved ginger ale (the usual old brands), but I’ve never had homemade. In recent years I’ve tried ginger beer, and I particularly liked “Bruce Cost Fresh Ginger Ale.” But the funny thing about either — they make me sneeze like crazy! The first several sips anyhow.
It first showed up as a “thing” on my original run of “Copper, the Alchemist, and the Woman in Trousers” quite a few years ago. Let me know how your recipe turns out! Happy new week hugs, my chuckaboo!
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Thanks Teagan. Bless you too for your kind words and the ginger ale/beer sneezes. The homemade ginger ale trial run is planned for later this month. If all goes well I’ll repeat in December. If not back to Dublin’s for me.
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I am a fan of Amethyst, and did thoroughly enjoy her character development here. The video on the Tempest Prognosticator was fascinating, too! I am not surprised a leech-free alternative took hold, though. 🙂
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Haha, ya know! (The leeches)
I’m delighted Amethyst has a friend in you, my chuckaboo!
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Unbelievable! Never thought something like a leech barometer or Tempest Prognosticator really coul be true. Your story make great lessons of technical historiy too. 😉 And now the character of Victor becomes much more clear (i think). Thank you for another great episode, Teagan. Rum is not available yet (Lol),but i think a piece of apple pie. Best wishes, Michael
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Haha. This episode keeps making me hungry, Michael. It’s a good thing there is no apple pie in the house! I’ll have to eat something healthy. Darn.
Thanks so much for your feedback about Victor. I’m happy you enjoyed the chapter, my chuckaboo!
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My mom yesterday backed apple pie. 😉 Normally i try to reduce weight, with carrots, yoghurt, and other healthy things. ;-( Enjoy your writing very much. Always a surprise, and highly entertaining. Thank you, Teagan! Best wishes, Michael
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Reblogged this on Loleta Abi Author & Book Blogger.
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You’re a gem to reblog, Traci. Thanks for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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You’re welcome, Teagan! And thanks!
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Great episode. I was fascinated with the leech barometer and enjoyed Victor’s fascination with clockwork critters. Good luck on the NaMo
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Thanks so much, John. I appreciate the WriMo luck too. I’ve never been able to come close to your daily word count goals. I’m struggling already to meet the daily average I will need for 50K. But I’m still excited about my story. Thanks for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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You’ll get there. You always do.
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Champagne and apple pie, oh my! It isn’t that easy to act mature when you’re sixteen…. Glad to see your story is rolling alone and good luck with the Nano challenge.
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Welcome back aboard the Delta Pearl, Jan. Ha! A slice or a glass — or both would do nicely right now. Thanks for commenting — and for the WriMo luck, my chuckaboo!
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That was wonderful! I’m beyond thrilled that the Leech Barometer is such a winner… for this part of the story. Thanks for the video about it!
Keep writing, Teagan! Best for NaNoWriMo!
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It’s very much a hit, Resa. You came up with a terrific “thing.” Thanks for the WriMo luck — I need it. I’m so glad you’re on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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❤
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Great chapter. I poved Victor and Amethyst interaction. Lots of possiblity coming from this chapter!
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That’s music to my ears, Denise. I hope all is still safe in your neck of the woods. Happy November, my chuckaboo.
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We still safe and doing rain dances. Happy November
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Excellent, Teagan. And you deftly incorporated the leech barometer into the story without missing a beat. What a weird contraption. It still amazes me that it’s real. Great chapter, particularly the scene with Amethyst and Victor. I liked their interaction and seeing that other side of him/them. Now, on to that little black cloud….
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Thanks so much for the feedback, Diana. I felt like I spent too much on the barometer, but removing any part of that didn’t seem clear. I’m happy you liked Amethyst’s scene. It was in the original version, and I had forgotten all about it. A happy find. Thanks for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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I didn’t think it was too much at all. And the reactions to the leeches, the incongruity with the clear skies, and ship’s odd response to nearing a border crossing all made the barometer more than a well-researched curiosity. You all wove it into the characters and plot. 😀
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That means a lot to me, Diana.
I’m looking forward to trying out your prompt, though I might not be able to keep to the rules. But the darned thing has definitely sneaked into my WriMo story. A moment ago I had a car mutter a jealous whisper. It might my my most quirky story yet. LOL Hugs.
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Ha ha ha. Go for it. I’m certain whatever you come up with will be very entertaining. 🙂
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Teagan, please tell me you will publish this on Amazon! I got so woefully behind when I was away. I will happily buy it!
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You are so kind, Maggie. Welcome back aboard the Delta Pearl. I actually started this serialized re-write as a way to make me finish the book (I felt it needed a middle), so eventually it will be book-ized! You can always get on and off the riverboat as you please. I’m happy to see you when you get a chance. Thanks for commenting, my chuckaboo!
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I will look forward to it, Teagan!
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Creepy as it was, I’m glad you included an explanation of the prognosticator. I am delighted that Amethyst showed up and she revealed some interesting things about herself. Much like a pet dog, she seems very protective of Emeraude. Victor came across a bit suspicious, but maybe that’s just his inventor’s active mind!!
The Captain looks worried! And now there’s a strange black cloud lurking about. Leeches going bonkers. Yeah, this episode was jam-packed with lots of goodies! Perhaps that’s why it didn’t seem “long” at all! 🤗🤗
Have a terrific weekend.
🐾Ginger 🐾
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Thanks so very much, Ginger. Your comment makes me feel better. I was so worried this one would just be long and boring to readers. I’m delighted you enjoyed Amethyst’s big scene. What will she do next? 😉
I hope you had a spook-tacular Halloween. Thanks for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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I hope that black cloud doesn’t contain a swarm of locusts or those leaches could be in trouble! Hope you rock the NaNo bus, Teagan!
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Ha! I’m sputtering over the locusts… because you know I have to add that as a thing. I mean locust… how can I resist that? Opening my matrix right now!
Thanks for the NaNoWriMo luck, Jacquie. I’m such a slow writer, it took all day yesterday for me to meet the average word count I’ll need to reach 50K in a month. But I’m really enthusiastic about my new novel. I’m glad you’re on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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Amethyst is back! Yay! And in a surprising and interesting way. I hope young Mr. Inventor keeps her secret and his attention toward the leeches.
A black descending cloud? You’re not sending a tornado to the island, are you?
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Yikes! I’m terrified of tornadoes, Mary J. So, none of those here. Although that isn’t to say this black cloud is friendly. 🙂 Thanks for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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Loved this episode!
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That’s music to my ears, Fraggle. I really was concerned about this one. Thanks for visiting, my chuckaboo!
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Reblogged this on Chris The Story Reading Ape's Blog.
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Heartfelt thanks for reblogging dear, busy Ape. It means a lot to me. I’m happy you’re on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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🦍🤗❤️❤️❤️🤗🦍
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I can’t wait to see what mischief Amethyst and the crew will be up to next. Happy writing for NaNoWriMo!
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Thanks so much Brad! I’ve started November with a lot of enthusiasm. I only hope I can keep that energy level. Thanks for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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You can do it. Let your imagination fly!
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Excellent. I love the Tempest Prognosticator. Employed leeches outside of medicinal uses. Speaking of leeches, are you aware that there is a black market for leeches with leech trafficking? Leeches might be in short supply and might have to have illicit leech dealers if we used Tempest Prognosticators today.
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Tim you always have the most intriguing facts. I had no idea of a leech black market. How bizarre… but then that’s my reaction to a lot of black market things. Thanks for the wonderful feedback. I’m glad you’re on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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Ending this chapter with a literal black cloud on the horizon sounds ominous.
Thanks for satisfying my curiosity about the workings of a leech barometer. Knowing how it works actually adds to its creepiness!
This chapter didn’t feel long at all. I was ready to read more!!
Happy Saturday, Teagan … and happy writing 🙂
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Haha! I tend to agree, Joanne. It’s one of the skin-crawliest contraptions ever! Thanks so much for your encouragement. I really was worried about this one being long and boring. Happy weekend hugs, my chuckaboo!
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Fantastic episode with probably my favourite character – Amethyst of course! I’m interested to know what she learned from the inventor that excited her so, but I also feel a little wary – I don’t know whether to trust him or not! Hope NaNoWriMo is going well Teagan!
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Thanks Andrea. I’m starting November with a lot of enthusiasm. I hope I can maintain it. 😀
That you feel a little distrustful of Victor is terrific feedback. I’m happy you are on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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It is worrisome when the captain himself is worried. And what’s that black cloud? I love the way Amethyst interacted with Victor.
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I’m happy someone picked up on the reappearance of that rascally cloud, Priscilla. 😀 Thanks for the feedback on the Amethyst/Victor scene. How is your NaNoWriMo going? Good luck! Happy noveling, my chuckaboo!
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“The Delta Pearl is a lot more upset than usual.” I love that line, and what it says about the crew. I don’t know if it was your intention, but between that, and all the other subtle hints at personalities and secrets held, you painted a very nice composite of the curious backstory on board this magical ship. I love the time you spent on the mechanism and Amethyst. This chapter didn’t seem long at all. The ominous cloud will keep me wondering until we climb aboard again.
I hope NaNoWriMo is going well, and I hope you have a wonderful weekend.
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Heartfelt thanks, Dan. That’s a big relief. I was so worried that this would be boring.
Yes, I’m trying to remind and build on all the various story threads as I go. The part about Amethyst and Victor was in my original version. I had forgotten about it, and was pleased, so thanks very much for your feedback on it — on both scenes. I’m delighted you are on the Delta Pearl, my chuckaboo!
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Despite the seriousness of nearing the border, the tenuous situation of a black cloud and dear Amethyst being discovered by a passenger, your injection of jocularity now and again levels the story out perfectly.
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I’m happy you liked my attempts at humor, GP. That feedback means a lot to me. Have a wonderful weekend, my chuckaboo!
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Reblogged this on lampmagician and commented:
aye-aye, Captain 👮♂️ All Aboard, with Ginger beer and delicious meal. Keep sailing 😊 Great 🙏💖
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😸 As Picard would say, “Make it so!” I’m so glad you are on this riverboat, my chuckaboo! Thank you for reblogging!
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Oh yes lovely Teagan, I am very happy to be on board with you 🙏 then let’s make it so; Engage! 😂🤗 Hugs 💖💖
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For some reason that I can’t put my finger on, Teagan, this episode really stands out for me. Very enjoyable. Good luck with your November writing.
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Thanks so very much, Robbie. That’s a big relief. I was so worried that this would be boring, particularly since it’s longer than I usually do — yet still no cliffhanger. Thanks for the WriMo luck! Heaven knows I need it, because I write so slowly. I’m happy you’re on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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I didn’t even notice it was longer than usual, Teagan. I found it enthralling. I also write slowly because of research an my perfectionist personality.
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You produce a lot, Robbie. More hugs.
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Another fabulous episode! I’m really enjoying this serial. Not sure if you’re still looking for “things” but I really like the Victorian flower codes. (https://www.1800flowers.com/blog/flower-facts/meaning-of-victorian-flower-messages/ )
Best of luck with NaNo!
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That’s music to my ears, Barb. I’m delighted you’re enjoying it.
Oh yes, I always welcome more things. Thanks for the link. I used some of the language of flowers in Atonement in Bloom, but I’m no expert. The link is very helpful.
I’m adding “Floriography” to my story matrix as a thing from you. 😀
Thanks for the luck! NaNoWriMo is a crushing pace for me. It took all day yesterday for me to get to the average daily word count that I would need to make 50K in a month.
I’m a very slow writer. But I’m editing before my fingers ever touch the keys. (I’ve been an editor for 20 years.) I refuse to try and turn off that part of my brain, and make a huge amount of work for myself later — regardless of their advice.
Heartfelt thanks for being on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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Good Luck with the nano write or enjoy I should say…Leeches in any shape or form just the mention of them gives me the creeps….Shiver…
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I have to agree about the shiver-causing leeches, Carol. Although it was such an interesting and real thing to add to the story, I couldn’t resist. Thanks for the WriMo luck and for visiting. Hugs on the wing!
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Reblogged this on ravenhawks' magazine and commented:
Great chapter, not fond of leeches. A black cloud that sounds like trouble.
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That little smudgy cloud is worrisome to me too Dyanna… especially since it doesn’t move the same way a cloud should move. Many thanks for reblogging, my chuckaboo!
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You are welcome!
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Great episode. Thanks for the explanation about the prognosticator, and Amethyst… I want an Amethyst in my life. Victor is quite intriguing. Oh, and good luck with NaNoWriMo!
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I agree, Olga — it would be so fun to have a little friendly clockwork critter. I appreciate your feedback about Victor. Thanks for the WriMo luck — I need it! I’m happy you are on this riverboat, my chuckaboo!
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