He reached out without hesitation, but his hand was only halfway there when the Old Duke's somewhat impatient voice rang out:
"Whatever you have to say, there will be plenty of time later. Stop wasting time here. The Ritual is about to begin."
With that, he turned and walked away.
Elliot's eyes lit up. He took the opportunity to withdraw his hand, gave Lady Camilla an apologetic smile, and followed him straightaway.
Lady Camilla let out a long string of dissatisfied ticking sounds, but she too turned and walked beside the Old Duke.
Elliot followed them, and soon the three reached a raised platform.
The view was unobstructed here, giving them a clear sight of all the soldiers and war machines below.
They, too, all looked toward them.
The Old Duke and Camilla stood side by side and motioned for Elliot to stand in front of them.
Elliot stepped forward, looking up as he went.
Behind them stood a huge, complex machine. In size, it was somewhat like Elliot's Difference Engine: both occupied an entire wall, though this one was even larger.
But their structures were completely different, with almost no similarities.
If the Difference Engine was an exquisite, perfect piece of machinery, then the enormous creation before him was rough, cold steel.
The Old Duke took a badge from his pocket and handed it to Elliot. "Pour your Spirituality into it. You can do that, can't you?"
"Of course."
Elliot took the badge, quietly activated [Spirit Vision], and examined it carefully.
The badge was not large. The Sterling Family's crest was on the front, and a flame design was on the back.
The badge felt very heavy in his hand, as though it were made of some precious material.
Through [Spirit Vision], he could make out Spirituality moving within