Otto slowly pulled the long lever attached to the turbine inlet valve. Slowly at first, then faster and faster, the heavy contraption began spinning. The hissing, clack clack of the water striking the turbine cups gradually increased in level and tempo and made the surrounding conversation more and more difficult.

Jason wore a huge smile. “Yes! It’s working!”

Otto checked the axle’s bearings, and wiped off some of the grease that had squeezed out. “It would appear so.”

The hum of the wheel continued to grow louder, forcing Otto to raise his voice to the point he was shouting. “Congratulations, my lord, you have the most expensive and the tiniest water wheel that has ever been built!”

Jason laughed at the comment and slapped the burly man on the back. “Just because it’s only half finished doesn’t mean it’s useless,” he yelled over the now-shrieking racket. “When it’s all said and done, you might be the most famous for this one. Let’s call it the Otto Wheel.”

“I’m sure Pelton won’t mind,” Jason said in a normal voice, but it was lost to the shrill din. Louder, he yelled into the smith’s ear, “Let’s turn it off. Without a load, it’s not doing any good. In fact,” his smile started to shift to something more concerned, “it might not be designed for this speed.”

Otto quickly nodded and went to push the lever closed. The sound of the water disappeared, but it was several minutes before the wheel slowed to the point that they could talk normally again.

“We’re going to need to figure out how to slow it down,” Jason commented as they walked back to town. “If something goes wrong and we need to stop it, waiting for it to naturally slow isn’t going to work. Another thing to add to our list, Otto.”

“There’s always something,” the man grunted. “Mark one thing off the list, and two more are added.”

“Welcome to the industrial revolution,” Jason sighed, though the smile never left his face.

---

Victor stepped out of the carriage with butterflies in his stomach and a stupid grin on his face that Meg would have punched him for. I don’t need to be dignified or reserved here, Meg, he thought to himself. I finally can make my own choices. My own adventure.

It was the first time in years that he’d been without a chaperone or guard on an excursion outside of his estate. Well, at least it’s the first time that father knows about, he corrected himself. I’m sure he’s got someone watching me now too. He snorted. Who am I kidding? He probably has half a dozen people keeping an eye on me. But the king himself says I’m on my own. I’ve got to make the most of it. The only question is - what do I do now?!?

The inn - at least that’s what he thought the clearly freshly built building he was dropped off next to was - would be a good place to start. In all the stories, the innkeepers knew everything there was to know in a town. And I’ll need a place to stay, anyway, he reminded himself. Taking a look around he breathed in the surprisingly fresh air as he viewed the bustling street. A bit of smoke was all he recognized, rather than the ubiquitous smell most towns this size reeked of. Father told me this would be different. Let’s see what we can make of it.

—

The King of the Silver Kingdom sat at the head of the council table, his face etched with anger determination. "Gentlemen," he began as the room went deathly silent, "it is time for us to take our competition with Brighton to the next level. The lands between us and Brighton vital for to control our region’s trade and have the potential for immense potential for wealth and power. Unity sits squarely in the middle of that territory, and what we thought was an upstart town is now a serious, growing threat to our kingdom, and we cannot allow it to continue unchecked."

He leaned forward, his voice growing more serious. "We have made attempts to attack Unity in the past, but they have proven to be insufficient. It is time for us to take more decisive action. We must lay claim to the unclaimed lands, and we must do it now. We cannot allow Unity to continue to expand and gain strength while we stand idly by."

The council members exchanged worried glances, but the King was not deterred. "I know this will not be an easy task," he continued, "but we must be willing to do whatever it takes to secure our kingdom's future. If you like the power you hold - if you want to retain it, even grow it - we have to truly commit to this. It is time for us to get serious, and I expect nothing less than your full commitment and dedication to this cause."

With that, the King sat back in his chair, his gaze fixed on the council members as he waited for their responses. A chorus of “Yes, your majesty!” rang out from around the room, though the worry in their hearts did not decrease.