80 Days: Under the Waves

by Sharp Spark

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I grasped her meaning. “Yes, but...”

“Mmm,” she said. “I was simply inquiring, as to be prepared for all eventualities.”

We waited in silence, watching the cable stretch out into the gloom of the crevasse.

“Could his plan work?” I eventually asked.

Madame Fog shrugged. “Potentially. If he is correct about the source of the magic. And if he could find a way to actually convey that power to somewhere useful. I have some doubts about both. Steam power is useful because it’s reliable and safe. Magic has a tendency to come alongside unexpected dangers.”

“Like what?”

She didn’t answer.

A moment later, I saw a flash of movement in the darkness...