The Warlock's Grandfather

Начало книги

Rory, 13th Count d’Armand, had lived long and prospered.  He had labored to achieve an illustrious career, if that can truly be said of anyone who spent all seventy-three of his years on a backwater asteroid, and never sought to retire.

Instead, he began to ignore the business.

“But, Pater,” said his heir Rupert, “the new line of automatons cannot be delayed any longer.  The prototypes have been approved by the Family Committee and await only your assent.”

“And the younger son and cousins are too timid to talk to the old man, so they’ve sent you to air their opinions?”

Rupert reddened.  “It is my duty and privilege as senior of my generation, sir.  Come, what is your judgment?  It is time to retool or reject.”

“I couldn’t say.”  The Count frowned.  “I really haven’t had time to study the schematics and blueprints.”

“You haven’t… had…?”

“You look quite handsome with so ruddy a complexion, son—you really should spend more time under the tanning lamps.  But no, I haven’t; there have been more important matters claiming my attention.”  He nodded toward the glowing screen that hung on the wall.

Читать дальше →