…the Wind Rider and the dragon's airship are not the only ships in the sky. What happens when there are hostile ships in the area…?

Chapter 5: Enemy

The wind blew strongly the next day. After helping calm all the passengers down who had seen the dragons, Martin returned to his room after a long day. He lay down in his bunk and was soon fast asleep. He slept soundly and awoke in the late evening with the wind silent and dead. He sat up and looked out to port hole at the lack clouds that covered the sky. The stars shimmered above the gas bag and all around the dome of the world. Below, in the blind spot of the airship was the other blimp, dark except for one light in a window in the control room.

Martin settled back and noticed a paged wedged under his door. It had the looks of a message that was usually distributed to all crewmen for announcements. He reached over and tugged it out. It had a hand written message that read:

To Select Airmen,

Tonight, a small party of our men has been allowed to visit the dragon ship for dinner. Please, see to your regular duties and then report to the staff mess at 2100. Wear dress uniform. DO NOT OFFEND THE RDERS IN ANY WAY!

Best Wishes,

First Mate Cartena

Martin was surprised that he had been hand picked to meet the guests again. He got up and realized that he must be down at the dining room in twenty minutes, or be late. He dressed hurriedly and climbed the ladder to the catwalk that would take him to his destination.

After returning to his room, he made his way to the mess wearing full uniform. This consisted of a light blue coat, white pants, and matching black gloves, belt, and boots. Since he was a senior member, he also wore the gold shoulder braid that made him proud. All the others that were going were already there, with the exception of the captain. He soon arrived and they trooped to the door and out onto the bridge waiting for them.

Martin became nauseous as they crossed the narrow bridge, over a mile above the ground. He saw many of the younger officers the same way but noted that the crew in charge of ship repairs seemed to enjoy the experience.

They entered the ship through the dining room and milled around until Carn showed his head through one of the doors. He wore the same cloths as earlier, but they were clean. He kept the door as closed a possible as he passed through, but the airmen caught sight of a large room in which his dragon and another resided.

"Hello, welcome to our modest ship. It isn't as fancy as yours, but it is comfortable. Sit down and make yourselves comfortable. Evander will be in shortly with food. He is very good at cooking."

The men sat and took off their gloves. Martin sat along one of the longer sides and peered around the room. It was a decent size. Wood paneling covered the lover walls and the upper half was a deep green. The table itself was of the same wood and had carvings under the finish that were intriguing to study.

Martin was doing just that when both Evander and Matthias came crashing into the room at the same time. Matthias noticed Evander and let him put down his tray of food, still steaming, before pushing him toward the bow.

They came back five minutes later with Carth, another rider, on their heels.Evander looked surprised and Matthias a little shaken. He motioned to the group of men and explained.

"Excuse me gentlemen, but we have a problem. Hoth, my dragon, had noticed a large fleet of unnamed airships headed this way. They have seen the Wind Rider and her safety is in jeopardy as well as the people you have aboard. We will attempt to take care of the problem, but we may need your help."

He walked to the captain's chair and handed the man his stolen pistol and whispered a few words. The, without further words, he moved into the dragon room and closed the door. Evander waved good bye and also left the room.

"Men, back to the Wind Rider. Move quickly! All pilots, get to the hanger and your planes. We must defend the ship!"

Martin looked as they trooped across the bridge. He could see a huddle of bright lights on the horizon, and he swallowed.