The Heartbeat #
The Engine is installed at a converted water mill. The Lanifica matrons watch with skepticism as Rufus and Siro connect the piston arm to the main drive shaft.
"Disengage the water wheel. Connect the fire wheel. Light it," Siro grunts.
The firebox roars, and the pressure valve begins to hiss. The matrons spit furiously to ward off evil. Then, the piston kicks. CHUG. The main shaft, which once turned slowly with the river, jerks into motion—spinning faster than any current ever pushed it.
Wide shot: Ten spinning wheels whir in unison. The Matron stands in stunned silence, her mouth open. She forgets to spit.
"The river is dead. Long live the fire," Rufus shouts.
The Matron realizes the truth: "This is not a tutor’s trick. This is a builder’s hand."