The road to Florence was treacherous on a good day, but this spring night was terrible.

At least the torrential rain would keep brigands away, for now. Anso replayed the previous nights events in his mind, cursing himself for a fool. He should never have attempted to apply the new power source to his machina. Anso was afraid he had done grievous harm to his eminent audience. Perhaps even killed them all.

The papal visit had been crucial to Anso’s plan, the Cardinal had the potential to make world knowledge available to all of Christendom. But that was gone now.

Rome was in ill favor these days, with the Borgia currently on the throne being accused of incest amongst worse sins; Anso crossed himself at the very thought, but they still had enormous resources.

Anso now hurried to his friend Ficino. He had corresponded with him at some length regarding his device, and prayed now to find solace at the Academy. Exonerating himself of the crime of murder would have to wait. He had more important work to do.