Free Boots for the Gentleman by Augusta Li & Eon de Beaumont Page B

windows around it reflected the amber and black geometry formed by streetlights and leaves. Also, it stood around back, safe from the eyes of neighbors or people on the street. Querry squeezed the trigger of his bow-like grapple, and with a click of gears and a little puff of steam, the hook and the rope shot out with much more force than usual. Querry was nearly knocked backward into a pile of leaves.
    “What on earth?”
    “Oh,” Frolic said. “I took it apart and recalibrated the clockwork while you were sleeping. I was able to eliminate a whole set of gears and make it more efficient. And more powerful. I hoped it would make you happy.”
    “Well, thanks,” Querry said. He tugged the rope to make sure it caught, and then he started his way up, followed closely by Frolic. He could feel Frolic’s weight straining the rope beneath him, but the doll made no sound, as he’d been instructed. When they reached the oak door, he stood quietly as Querry picked the lock. With a creak, the door opened, and they found themselves in a lady’s sitting room. Portraits of matronly looking women hung on the rose-colored walls in gilded frames. Some velvet-upholstered chairs sat against the wall, round tables holding oil lamps or picture books between them. A writing desk stood in the corner.
    “I don’t see anything small and valuable,” Frolic whispered.
    With an approving chuckle, Querry said, “Right you are. Do you remember what we’re trying to find?”
    Frolic lifted his hand and counted the items out on his fingers. “Coins, bracelets, earrings, brooches, necklaces, watches, cufflinks.”
    “Let’s go, then. Once you’ve had some practice, we’ll split up and cover houses quicker. But tonight you’d better stay with me.”
    He nodded once, a determined expression on his face, and they crept into the hall. A mixture of gaslight and moonlight allowed Querry to see without his goggles. Frolic easily followed, causing Querry to wonder if he’d been given vision superior to a human. Perhaps it had something to do with his unusual eye color. Together they scoured the second and third story of the manor without disturbing so much as a mouse. A little over an hour after their arrival, they stood on the balcony again with their pockets full. Much to Querry’s delight, the gentleman’s study had been decorated with fine, antique weapons and armor. From the wall between the bookshelves, he’d selected a rapier to replace the one he’d lost. The blade felt sharp and springy, and gilt and small jewels adorned the hand-guard and ivory grip. For Frolic he’d chosen a similar weapon with a slightly shorter handle and a guard made to resemble twisting ivy. The intricately cast leaves meandered up the blade in a natural spiral. The sword produced a barely perceivable hum, and when Querry slashed the air he heard a single, echoing chime. Possibly the sword was faerie-made, or forged before practicing magic had been outlawed. Frolic looked delighted, and Querry looked forward to teaching him to handle the weapon.
    They descended the rope and landed lightly in grass that sparkled with dew. The gardens were as extensive and lovely as Querry’s informant had claimed. Hedgerows formed both paths and outdoor rooms, many with iron benches and fountains tinkling softly at their centers. Querry and Frolic passed flower beds bigger than their room, though most had blossomed months before. The sky above them was clear, save for the wavering columns of smoke rising from the factories in the distance.
    “You did well tonight,” Querry said as he opened a small gate that led from a secluded corner of the garden to an even more secluded alleyway.
    “You’re pleased?” Frolic asked, beaming.
    “Yes. You know, I wish we could do something to celebrate. But you don’t eat or drink. Is there something else you think you might enjoy?”
    Looking down at the cobblestone, Frolic chewed his lip as they hurried from shadow to shadow. “I