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Messenger: RTB

I needed to get a message out, through the blizzard. Not all Aeries had radiograph equipment yet, and heliograph would be blocked by the blizzard. I couldn’t trust a raptor to get the message done, and so it would be a Gearwing job.

“Rokhin, you should know this. How far is the range of a Byzantium-fuelled Gearwing?”

My assistant reacted with the minimum of surprise, running numbers quickly.

“The average Gearwing should be able to make it almost a hundred leagues, sir. With Byzantium power, maybe another hundred. But that’s in clear weather, you’d be lucky to get a quarter of that in this storm.”

He’ll be a fine Messagemaster someday.

“Correct. Knowing that, could it reach Brallis-Foray from Irwell without refuelling?”

“Brallis-Foray is six Aeries away along the Schartner Canyon, sir. That makes it about thirty-two leagues away. Barring any major accidents, it should be possible.”

“Top marks, Rokhin. Well done.”

He bowed respectfully. Tamerra, oddly, was standing by the porthole.

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