A Promise of Iron by Brandon McCoy (the reading list .txt) 📕

While she slept, the book lay open, its pages exposed to the world.

She woke several hours later, refreshed, but far from rested. Her first thought was to the book; her second was tending to a rumbling stomach. She groaned as she willed herself onto her feet. “Isaac, can you have my breakfast brought in?”

The glass tablet chirped from across the room.

“Happily, madam,” the voice replied. “Sadly, it is past noon; the mess is now serving lunch. Would you like me to request something specially made for you? I can have the chef prepare—”

“No, lunch is fine.” She stretched her arms over her head and yawned. “I’m surprised I slept so long.”

“I believe you were due,” the device replied. “Today’s menu includes—”

“You know what I like, Isaac. Just pick something for me. Whatever you order, just order double. I plan on working late again tonight.”

“Very good, madam, but may I remind you that you have an outstanding appointment this evening at 1900 hours.”

She frowned. “Thanks. I nearly forgot.”

“Of course, madam. Will there be anything else?”

“No, just ask that they leave it outside the door. I prefer not to be disturbed while I’m working.”

“Very good, madam. Request sent.”

“Isaac, there is one more thing.”

The device chirped again.

“I need you to conduct a private search for me. Scan the U.D. for any references to talking books, blood ink, and run a search for the word ‘quin’ in all languages. You may need to parse it through the translation matrix as well.”

“A private search, madam? I feel it is my duty to point out—”

“I don’t want anyone involved just yet, not until I’m certain. Leeland is waiting for any opportunity to come in and take over; if he found out, it…”

“Understood, madam. Should I assume to store all materials related to this investigation in an encrypted file?”

“No, your main drives are public domain. An encrypted file would only attract attention. Hacking into your memory files wouldn’t be beneath him.”

“What do you suggest, madam?”

“Use my embedded drive to store the search results, then delete the request from your database.”

“Madam, may I remind you that I am more than your digital assistant. I am your colleague and friend. If we are to engage in something nefarious, I would be equally culpable. Though it is unclear what ramifications they would subject an A.I.A. to, I would prefer not to find out.”

“No need for theatrics, Isaac. I just don’t want anyone snooping around. The book is empty. Leeland won’t suspect anything if your files are too.”

“Understood, madam. What shall I do with the recording? There are currently three zettabytes of data accumulated. Your drive is already at 96 percent capacity.”

“Shit,” she said. “Can you compress it?”

“If you would like only a two-dimensional rendering, yes. But I was under the impression you would like a holo-recording for later academic authentication.”

“You mean proof that I’m not crazy.” She sighed. “Keep the holo. We will just need to make room. Start with anything not accessed in over a year. Scrub anything personal; I have backups at home. Anything else, I will just need to remember the old fashioned way.”

“Would you like me to prepare a list for you to review prior to removal?”

“Isaac, how long have we been friends? I trust you.”

“You flatter me, madam. I shall prepare the files for removal.”

The device hummed for a few moments then spoke in an augmented tone. “Section 2, Article 6-a of the A.I.A. Construct, requires voice recognition approval for any A.I.A to Sentient Enhancement interface.”

She pressed two fingers to the receiver embedded within her wrist. “Authorized access granted to Isaac, A.I.A. registration one two seven four seven. Authorization code: Dr. Elizabeth Vanfort, alpha six one two one.”

“Access granted,” Isaac chirped. “Would you like to lie down, madam? I understand the process can be unpleasant.”

“We’ve done it before, let’s just get on with it.” She closed her eyes as the device whirred. Her head felt heavy, then distant as memories fell away like forgotten dreams.

Moments later, Isaac chirped. “Finished.”

She opened her eyes and groaned. “Isaac, have them bring me something for my head too.”

“Right away, madam.”

She stepped over to her desk and took a seat. She ran her hands through her hair, then placed then pressed a finger to her wrist. “Resume recording.”

Blood red letters circled in anticipation.

“Shall we continue?”

Part Two

Chapter One and Six

Summer 1272, Cyllian Imperial Count

I woke to the early light of a new dawn. I stretched and felt the ache in my arms and back. It was a dull ache, one that reminded not demanded.

Nahdril lay upon the circular table in front of me, blood still staining its edge. My hand stung underneath the cloth bandage, but it too was but a reminder. The old weave was served, the appropriate quin appeased, there would be no spirits fouling my newborn blade.

Distant tapping on the window drew my attention. I stepped onto tired legs and headed downstairs. I could see the silhouette of a figure outside the window. As I opened the door, I saw a familiar face.

“Good morning, lad,” Fedorick said from beneath his coachman’s hat. “Lord Edwin Monroe extends an invitation for dinner this evening at your convenience.”

I chuckled. “My convenience, huh?”

“A turn of phrase, lad.”

“Been there long, Rick?” I asked.

“You know how the master enjoys his punctuality,” Fedorick replied. “I set out yesterday afternoon, hoping to catch ya. When I arrived, your place was as dark as a fell moon. I gave the door a good thumping. But what with the storm, I figured you might have been out and just stayed where you was. I headed to Turns instead. Rohger said he hadn’t seen you in a few days, so I waited out the storm throwing bones.”

A satisfied grin crept over him as he said the last part.

“I take it you played well?”

He jingled the purse at his waist and let the grin grow wider, showing off the white of his teeth.

“Well, glad it all worked out for you then. Sorry for the wait; I’ve