A Roll of the Die - 1. Inception
Copyright© 2026 by Michael Loucks
Chapter 69: Day 89
The following morning, Matthias met with Lewis Smith to discuss type for the printing press. Matthias showed him one of the textbooks as an example of what could be produced.
"This was made by a very advanced method," Matthias said, "but we can use a basic one to achieve similar results. I need raised metal letters on blocks that will sit flat, side by side, in a frame. For the process to work, the letters must be mirror images."
"How does this device work?"
"We'll build a press according to the specifications in one of the books. You place frames of letters into the device, roll ink onto them, and press the parchment onto them. You can make as many copies as you have parchment or paper, and with a sufficient supply of ink."
"I'll have to make moulds, my Lord," Lewis said. "I'll start with one, and you will need to review the finished item to tell me if it is correct."
"This image shows the details of what is called 'type', and there is a description of how they are made, as well as images of the completed press and the necessary parts."
"I do not understand these numbers, which appear to be measurements."
Matthias now had a reason to extend his second trip to the OP — metric rulers, measuring tapes, and graduated cylinders. If his deductions about the multiverse proved correct, he could do that; if not, it would be best to simply return rather than make a further mess of 'original' Matthew's life.
"I will make a drawing to scale with Nystrian measurements," Matthias said. "Unfortunately, they are not accurate enough for our purpose. I will attempt to retrieve measuring sticks with the correct units."
"From where, my Lord?"
"Another plane," Matthias replied. "You must keep that to yourself, by order of the King, under penalty of death."
"Of course, my Lord. I would never reveal your secrets or confidences, nor would John Tinker. We are loyal men!"
"Yes, you are, but a reminder does not hurt."
"No, my Lord, it does not."
🎲🎲🎲
The journey to Wickham had been uneventful, but the city was clearly on edge following the events of the Company's mission and the two assassinations that had followed because Matthias' warnings had not been taken seriously.
Tristan did not particularly enjoy attending funerals, and he had no particular reason to care about a foolish Lord Mayor who had put his life at risk rather than heed the warnings of men who knew the threat.
Fortunately, Nystrian funerals were brief affairs, and Karl and his father declared their house safe, which allowed Tristan to have the evening and night to himself. He made his way to the Overflowing Tankard, where he hoped to find the two girls he'd seduced during their mission. His hopes were not dashed, and he had the company of two lovely and willing girls for his night in Wickham.
🎲🎲🎲
"We should ride for Dal Valley at first light," Milos said to Karla. "That way Stefan can join us in Haven for the coronation."
"A Knight without a page is like ... a plough without a furrow!" Karla smirked.
"If you are comparing those two things, I believe I should be insulted!" Milos declared with a grin.
"Well, Sir Milos," Karla said, "your Knightly plough and your nightly ploughing please me, which I believe is all that matters!"
Milos laughed. "A nice play on words! I do have a serious question to ask you."
"Of course; what?"
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