A Test of Steel

Morning light revealed an unfamiliar object resting beside a stack of bound volumes. I approached with measured tread. It was a slender silver rod, fashioned with precise teeth and hinged jaws—a mechanical apparatus designed to bind parchment. Drawing Galaxia, I touched the golden tip of my blade to the cold chrome of the mechanism. The metal returned a resonant, true ring. Intrigued by its disciplined craftsmanship, I pressed the lever downward with my gauntlet until a small wire crescent snapped cleanly shut upon the wood. A worthy design of miniature ironwork. I sheathed my blade, satisfied with the inspection.