Viridis - A Steampunk Romance (39 page)

It was remarkable. Like nothing she’d ever seen
before, it was difficult to not look. The hand was made of wood and
metal, each joint articulated. The fingers moved independently from
each other, most likely by a series of thin wires and pulleys
hidden within, if she were to guess based on its movement.

Neither looked like the type of man you’d want to go
up against in a fight, good hand or no, and both men were kilted in
their plaids, as were Seth and Gavin. Since Scotland had gained
their sovereignty from England, the kilt had become a symbol of
their pride and independence. Phoebe had never seen Gavin, a
full-blooded highlander, in anything but a kilt. Seth, who happened
to be half Scot, normally wore breeches when in London, but when he
came north, he always wore the tartan of his mother’s clan.

Gavin made the introductions, starting with the
older of the two men. “Niall Campbell and Conall MacAllister, I’d
like to introduce ye to Seth Elliott and his wife, Lady Phoebe
Hughes Elliott.”

The men shook Seth’s hand, and then turned their
attention to Phoebe. Niall took her hand with his good one and
bowed over it, but Conall was far more forward, kissing her hand
with a lingering touch.

Phoebe blushed, and though she felt Seth shift at
her side, she hoped he’d not make a fuss. It could ruin their
chances to secure help for the Cause, an underground movement
trying to better the lives and circumstances of London’s poor. With
the revolution looking as if it might erupt at any moment, they
desperately needed to secure weapons and men if the Cause was to be
successful.

Pulling out a chair for Phoebe, Seth took the seat
next to her, Gavin once again sitting on her other side. They
ordered a round of ale for all, still too early for a meal.

Conall smiled at Phoebe. “It’s a pleasure to finally
meet ye, m’ lady, though I’ll admit, I hadna expected the creator
of such a revolutionary herbal to also be one of such beauty.” His
eyes ran over her figure before flicking over to Seth for a moment.
“Yer husband is a verra lucky man.”

Phoebe’s back stiffened, not quite sure how to
react, but before she could speak, Gavin came to her rescue.
“Conall, it’d be greatly appreciated if ye’d stop being a shite and
concentrate on the matter at hand, aye?”

Conall let out a hearty laugh, and then gave Phoebe
and Seth a bow of his head. “My apologies. I meant no offense.”

Niall glared at Conall, before continuing. “Yes,
ye’ll have to forgive my companion. It seems he lost his manners
when he crawled out of the gutter this morning.”

He shifted in his seat before continuing, his eyes
now focused on their group. “I’d like to get to the matter at hand,
and will speak frankly with ye, aye? Our group fully supports what
the Cause is doing but I’m afraid we’ll nae get involved in another
war with England if it willna benefit us in some way.” Holding up
his mechanical hand, he added, “The cost of it is still too fresh
on the minds of those who were there, aye?”

“Aye,” Gavin added. “We’d nae be bothering ye if we
didna have something to offer in return. When we spoke, I told ye
about the herbal. We’d be willing to exchange ten barrels for yer
help in the way of arms and experienced men.”

Conall motioned to Phoebe. “If the lady would be so
kind to explain the effects of the herbal— Sanctis, is it?— it
would aid us in our decision.”

Phoebe nodded. “Of course. It’s an herbal elixir
that’s mixed with spirits, derived from an alteration of my formula
for Viridis. Are you familiar with Viridis, sirs?”

It was quite obvious by Niall’s blush, if such a man
could, and by the smile tugging at Conall’s lips, that they had at
the least heard rumors. It was Conall that answered her question.
“If ye wouldna mind telling us about it, it’d be much
appreciated.”

Ignoring the men’s reactions, Phoebe continued, very
matter of fact. “Viridis is derived from a combination of herbal
extracts, and tends to leave one with a feeling of euphoria while
sensitizing the skin.” She would not add that the rumors were
indeed true, and that when taken in its undiluted form, an orgasm
could be brought on by a single kiss.

Niall’s blush now extended to the rest of his face.
“And the difference between Viridis and Sanctis?”

“The alteration to the original formula resulted in
an enhancement of the senses, sight and sound being primarily
affected, though you probably would not want to experience any
extremes in temperature.” She tucked a stray curl behind her ear
before continuing. “I was able to eliminate most of the skin
sensitivity and euphoria inherent in Viridis, though not
completely. You may also experience an increase in strength and
stamina, though it tends to come about once you’ve used it
repeatedly.”

Niall sat forward, running his hand over his chin.
“Are there any unwanted effects that ye ken of? I’d hate for my men
to drop like flies, aye?”

Phoebe shook her head, no. “Not that I’m aware. I
cannot say for sure, though I doubt it would cause anyone to drop,
as you so put it, like a fly. The herbal is still relatively new.
Viridis does not have any unwanted effects, and I’d be tempted to
say the same will prove true of Sanctis, based on the fact that
they are similarly derived. I have brought some with me, if you
would like to try it firsthand.”

Niall nodded. “We would love for ye to join us in a
drink.” Phoebe knew it was his polite way of ensuring they would
not be poisoned, and could not help but smile.

Seth reached into his leather bag, and pulled out a
dark blue bottle as Niall waved to the serving girl for some
glasses. The empty glasses were placed on the table along with the
ale they had ordered. Seth poured out a small amount of Sanctis as
Phoebe passed out the drink.

Gavin lifted his glass. “To a successful
partnership.”

Niall, nodded his head in their direction. “May the
gods be willing.”

They all drank the herbal, conversation drifting to
nothing of importance as they waited for the herbal to take effect.
It did not take long— no more than ten minutes— when Phoebe noticed
her eyesight had sharpened and she could now hear things clear
across the tavern. Even the taste of her ale seemed more pronounce,
the hops and yeast distinct in their flavors.

“I’ll be damned. It actually works.” Conall tilted
his head to the side. “Ye can sort of focus on what ye wanna hear,
aye?”

Gavin nodded. “It takes a little getting used to,
but ye’ll have it down in no time.”

“Aye. And how long does it last? Do ye ken?” Niall
was looking at the liquid remaining in his glass.

Phoebe answered him. “It depends on the quantity
you’ve had and whether or not the drink has been diluted. At its
full strength, I’d say two ounces of Sanctis should keep the effect
going for close to two hours. If you cut it by half, you’ll cut its
effectiveness by half and will also affect its longevity some.”

Niall nodded. “I’d be willing to send two hundred
weapons with ammunition— the latest tinkerings, mind— and another
twenty men, all well trained and capable of training others. What
do ye say?”

Gavin gave it a minute and then said, “Make it two
fifty and twenty five, and ye’ll have yerself a deal.”

“Aye. Agreed, if ye’ll also throw in two barrels of
Viridis.”

Phoebe smiled. “Agreed.”