E
THE
ADVENT
E
OF
Adventure
Thursday, April the Twenty-Second
I am in receipt of a most interesting
correspondence. At first I thought it merely a bill
from J.W. Wells for the ghost bottle and broken
wares. Such the envelope did contain, but there
was also a letter requesting that I not divulge to
the Press any Terrors I might have experienced
during the events of last night, because his sorcery
establishment is a 'family' sorcery establishment.
In recompense, he offers me a discounted ticket
to his Highly Exclusive Astonishing Annual
Monster Hunting Tour. This world trip will take
its participants to exotic locales by airship, where
t hey will hunt the finest monsters, including
(but not limited to): Werewolves, Mummies,
Ghosts, and even the Elusive Yeti. The tour also
promises an exclusive viewing of the Genii of
the Lamp, famously recovered by the renowned
Abdullah-Al-Khāfid in the Middle East, as well
as a visit to the famous Chinese Monster Hunter,
Lu Yan.
It all sounds very exciting, but I have heard
this Highly Exclusive Annual Monster Safari
frequently mentioned by Perdina Meeks in the
most glowing terms. It was in my mind to simply shred the ticket before Uncle saw it, but that
opportunity was ruined when Aunt came upon
me unexpectedly. From a woman who wears an
excess of taffeta, you would suppose I would have
heard more warning of her arrival!
And then, it was as I feared. Uncle does not
keep his fortune—when so many others are being
lost—by disregarding discounts.
I must begin packing. The airship leaves for
France in a few mere weeks, and that is hardly
time enough for everything that must be made
ready. Should I take my blue faille ball gown or the
white satin one? How many hats shall I require?
Do they sell white gloves in exotic locales, or must
I bring enough for the entire trip? I would inquire
of Perdina, but my soul quite quails at the thought!
Monday, May the Tenth
Well, here I am. My first night aboard the J.W.
Wells & Co. Airship! I have my own berth on this
Monster-Hunting Tour around the world, which
suits me well! Aunt and Uncle joined me up until
the departure gate. I have often been on a public
dirigible and even traveled to the seaside on a commuter airship, but nothing compares to this! It is
simply opulent! And I daresay it looks like some
inverted Russian tower!
Dear Aunt is so certain I shall meet a man of
good fortune while on my adventure, as most monster hunters are very rich, and she believes that this
is the sole reason for my interest in the journey. I
would much rather return in possession of a werewolf pelt to hang in my parlor, and I told her so.
Our party is small, only ten people or so, and the
excitement of viewing live monsters in the wild is
certainly worth the trip—one hopes. It seems that
while our group has rented all the berths, there are
also commuters and passengers headed to various
destinations aboard the ship as well.