The Timekeeper's Apprentice
The Timekeeper's Apprentice
Description
When the son of the watchmaker is woken by a discomfiting sound, he knows it means trouble. Outside on the wet and slippery cobblestones of the once-thriving port town of No Man's Landing, the metal boots of the automatons clang with regimented force enforcing the Emperor's curfew. But that's a sound Barthian has known since the day he came into this world, so it's hardly something that would wake him from sleep.
From his straw bed in the workshop, Barthian can hear his father's gooey cough as the fog fever takes hold of him again. It's a damp night, and although it's slightly warmer inside the cottage than it is out here in the workshop, Barthian can tell that his father is struggling . If he doesn't get a tonic from Lukas soon ... well, it doesn't bear thinking about. But that's not the sound that has woken Barthian.
The young boy aims his ear at the clocks around the walls. So many of them ... big clocks, small clocks, old clocks, ancient clocks! Every clock in Aethasia has passed through this workshop, and a great many of them have stayed here, usually because the owner has run out of money, left the town looking for work, or worse. Barthian listens for their mechanisms, their hearts ... the cogs, the springs, the swinging of the pendulums as they mark the passing of the night.
Tonight there's something wrong. He's sure of it, even if the best pairs of ears in Aethasia would struggle to notice what has woken Barthian.
Yes, the clocks are slowing down.
All of them.
Customers Also Viewed
Discover your next great read at BookLoop, Australia's trusted online bookstore offering a vast selection of titles across various genres and interests. Whether you're curious about what's trending or searching for graphic novels that captivate, thrilling crime and mystery fiction, or exhilarating action and adventure stories, our curated collections have something for every reader. Delve into imaginative fantasy worlds or explore the realms of science fiction that challenge the boundaries of reality.
For those with a green thumb, our comprehensive range of gardening books provides insights and tips for all levels of enthusiasts. If you're aiming to enhance your financial acumen, our selection of finance, business, and management books offers valuable knowledge from industry experts. Craft lovers will appreciate our assortment of handicrafts, decorative arts, and crafts books, perfect for inspiring your next project. Engage your mind with our collection of hobbies, quizzes, and games books, or explore the mystical with our fortune-telling and divination guides.
Transportation aficionados can immerse themselves in our extensive transportation books, including detailed works on road and motor vehicles. Young readers are not left out, with a delightful array of picture books and early learning concepts designed to educate and entertain. Fans of contemporary narratives will find compelling stories in our contemporary fiction section. Embark on epic journeys with our fantasy and science fiction titles, or gain inspiration from real-life tales in our biographies and true stories collection. Health-conscious readers can explore our health and wholefood cooking books, focusing on specific diets and conditions.
Stay updated with the literary world by browsing our trending books, featuring the latest bestsellers and critically acclaimed works. Explore titles from popular brands like Minecraft, Pokemon, Star Wars, Bluey, Lonely Planet, ABIA award winners, Peppa Pig, and our specialized collection of ADHD books. At BookLoop, we are committed to providing a diverse and enriching reading experience for all.