Book 1: Delirium: Epilogue

Epilogue

            And so it was, that their friend remained locked in his room, for the rest of his tormented days, while his daughter sought to undo his self inflicted forever nightmare.  Demetrius and Kruler looked for answers and remedies in their travels for some years, but before any success could be had, Charles succumbed completely to his madness and even the faintest glimmer of hope ceased to shine.

            The doctor and captain mourned the loss of their friend, but no one mourned more than his daughter, who was now alone in the world.  With only a slightly crazed mother for comfort, she turned to fixing the helmet that caused the demise of her father instead.  Though she could not save him, she could at least make his legacy worthwhile.

Continued in Book II: Psychosis… 

Book 1: Delirium: Chapter 6: A Bone to Pick

A Bone to Pick

            “Max?” Captain Kruler whispered hurriedly. “We’ve got company my good man!”

            Looking into the chamber of his Le Matt, the doctor replied, “Looks like I’ve got to make every shot count too.”   

            “Well, then make them good ones damn it!  I don’t know if we even can kill these things!”

            “We have to if we’re going to get to whatever’s been left waiting for us at the end of this tunnel.”

            Nodding, Demetrius loaded his revolver and fired towards one of the skeletons.  Kruler did likewise and the pair watched two of the group fall to pieces, the bullets finding their marks and causing the targets to break.  It seemed that these unholy abominations were as brittle as the finest china when hit with a metal spoon.  The duo pressed forward, guns blazing, as the remaining skeletons fell prey to a spray of gunfire.

Book 1: Delirium: Chapter 5: The Trunk

The Trunk

            Back in the sitting room, the trio mulled over what Charles’ message meant.

            “Well, the first part is obvious.” Captain Kruler stated.  “Whatever it is he wants us to find is in the attic somewhere.”

            “But, I don’t remember there ever being a trunk in our attic.” Madeline chimed in.

            “I vaguely remember your attic being quite dark, dear.” Doctor Demetrius remarked.

            “You are right, of course, Uncle.  It is rather dark up there.”

            “So, you’re saying there could be something up there.” Kruler stated bluntly.

            “Quite so, Delvin.  That is precisely what the dear girl is saying.”

            “Well, what the devil are we standing around for?  Let’s get into that attic!” Kruler said excitedly.

            “Don’t go and lose your head my friend. Madeline, if you would.”  Demetrius motioned for the girl to lead them out of the room. She complied and soon the three were standing at the foot of the elegant, winding stairs that lead to the attic.  

Book 1: Delirium: Chapter 4: Charles Von Barthew

Charles Von Barthew

            The trio stood in the center of the room and then briskly walked out to the hallway, Madeline leading the charge.  She turned after about fifty feet, proceeding down a second, much narrower and certainly less well lit, hallway.  A chilly wind blew through a smashed window near the end of the hallway. I don’t remember such disrepair from my last visit. The doctor thought. How much else has changed?

            “This is as far I dare to go for now,” Madeline said.  “Until that door is open, approaching it would only anguish me.”

Book 1: Delirium: Chapter 3: The Estate of WInchester Von Barthew Esq.

The Estate of Winchester Von Barthew Esq.

          As the massive bronze colored airship came into view, Madeline Von Barthew rushed out to the garden to meet the descending vessel.  She was a fair skinned girl, with fairly boyish features, aside from her long dark hair.  She dyed her hair again.  Doctor Demetrius thought to himself, amused as he looked out the window of the observation deck.  That girl is never satisfied.  Last the Doctor had seen her; Madeline had had fiery red hair.  His thoughts turned to her father, as he felt presence to his left.  He fingered the Le Matt revolver on his hip.

Book 1: Delirium: Chapter 2: A Pirate Problem

A Pirate Problem

Doctor Demetrius glanced at the Aether monitor on his wrist.  By its readings it appeared that the atmosphere was calm.  Best gift Charles ever got me.  After several quiet days of travel the airship had finally breached dawn on the edge of the Barthew’s property.  Judging by the clock on the wall he had about one hour until he landed at the Barthew residence.  I think I’m due for a smoke. He made his way towards the upper deck.  As he ascended the ladder to the exterior deck, he felt a jolt to the ship, and one of the crewmen rushed past him.

Book 1: Delirium: Chapter 1: Sky Skimmer

Sky Skimmer

England, 1918

My dearest Madeline,

I feel I must apologize for my lateness in this, my latest correspondence.  I cannot possibly hope to convey the pain that news of your father’s condition causes me.  I can only express my deepest and most sincere hope that I will find Charles well upon my arrival at your home by the next fortnight. 

            Regards,

            Uncle Max

Book 1: Delirium: Prologue

Prologue

It is the mid 1800s, the Victorian Era to be specific.  The technology of the era has moved toward steam power.  Such marvelous advancements have been made in recent years that travel by steam powered flying metal boat-like vessels known as airships is common.  Metal gears and steam power are commonplace.

            The atmosphere, known as the Aether, also considered to be the fifth element, can be measured anywhere by way of a portable device. Weaponry of choice for the period revolves around swords, revolvers and shotguns.  For the adventurous, crude, inaccurate laser weapons are also available, at a high price of course.

            Now that you, my dear reader are versed in the basics of this alternate reality, let us begin our story…  

Book 1: Delirium: Steampunk

A Steampunk Chronicle

By Dylan M. Walsh

Book I: Delirium

Steampunk

            Steampunk is a subgenre of fantasy and speculative fiction which came into prominence in the 1980s and early 1990s.  The term denotes works set in an era or world where steam power is still widely used- usually the 19^th century and often set in Victorian era England- but with prominent elements of either science fiction or fantasy, such as fictional technological inventions like those found in the works of H.G. Wells and Jules Verne, or the real technological developments like the computer occurring at an earlier date.  Other examples of steampunk contain alternate history style presentations of “the path not taken” of such technology as dirigibles or analog computers; these frequently are presented in an idealize light, or a presumption of functionality...