- 6 - Agnus Cliversham

Harriet was there when Agnus woke up. There was a plate of food half eaten beside her on the table. She sat reading a book with a bare-chested man with flowing golden hair on the cover..

The Adventures of Sargent Coleman?

“Good Morning Agnus.” She said putting down the book. “Would you like some water? I can fetch you some breakfast.”

Agnus nodded and accepted the water. He looked out the window at the low cool morning light.

Eight AM, and 5 minutes, 34 seconds. Eastern Standard time. Four more hours until Lunch and then I resume my studies with my great uncle.

He shook his thoughts away and sipped the water.

“Can you bring me my books? My notebooks? I’d like to review them before my lunch with Great Uncle.”

“I will ask for them. Yes. Will you be alright?” Harriet asked.

Yes…I’m 55% healed. I don’t know.

“Yes, I think so?”

She nodded and left with her plate. Agnus was alone for a few minutes before an idea struck him.

If I am going to be walking this afternoon I better start moving.

Agnus threw back the blankets to stare at his legs. He was wearing a soft red bathrobe over blue and white striped cotton pajamas. He moved his toes. It was difficult.

I was bedridden for a while, there will be some some training for my physical recovery. Did I play any sports? Was I always so thin?

He inspected his knees and calves with his hands. He could feel some muscle, but not much. Then he pushed himself up higher in bed.

“So far so good.” He said aloud. “Lets see how standing goes.”

He swung his legs over the edge of the bed and they dangled above the floor.

3.456 inches into I hit the floor.

He wiggled his toes again and then slid off the bed. His legs did nothing to support him and slipped out from underneath him immediately. He managed to save his face and head by throwing his arms out in front of himself as he crashed to the floor.

Ouch. Dammit.

He tried to roll over onto his back but one of his legs had slipped its way between the wall and the bed post.

“Help.” He called out calmly.

So embarrassing.

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“Nurse? Harriet! Anyone!” He shouted every minute or so.

“Agnus!” Harriet cried form the doorway. She was holding a tray with two full breakfast plates.

Eggs Benedict. Ham and Hollendaise sauce. Sliced melon and blue berries. Vaccinium Cyanococcus.

She rushed to put the tray down and help him up. She had a broad back and was easily strong enough to lift the frail boy.

“What were you thinking? Its much to soon for you to be up an about.” She chided as she returned him to the bed.

“Sorry Harriet. I thought I could start walking. I’ve been in this bed for so long that I wasn’t sure if it was part of me.”

“Well that’s nonsense. Now sit still and I’ll bring you your breakfast.”

She folded out a tray and set it on his lap. She placed his meal in front of him and sat on the foot of his bed with her own plate.

“After you eat there is another pill for you.” She said. “Eat first, no more rushing ahead.”

This is fine silverware. 92.5% silver 7.4% Copper 0.1% other trace metals.

Agnus picked up his knife and fork and cut into his food. The flavors exploded on his tongue.

So salty! And rich! Brassica juncea, aged and fermented. Délicieuse.

He devoured the food so quickly that Harriet stared. When he saw her staring she laughed.

“You may have the rest of mine if you are that hungry.” She said exchanging her nearly full plate for his empty one.

“Thank you.” Agnus said shyly. “Can you tell me about my Great Uncle?”

Agnus ate slowly this time while Harriet thought for a moment

“Well. He’s the inventor of the large Automated Thinking Machines that companies use. I know that. Or His father invented them, but your Great Uncle started making more of them and they really took on in the last decade or so.” She said.

“He’s a bit reclusive, but is a board member of several companies. He’s quite wealthy and mysterious. My sister is extremely jealous that I get to see the estate.”

Agnus nodded while he ate to show he was listening.

“It’s all very exciting. I really do need this job.” She said then became embarrassed. “I’m sorry. You don’t need to know that. Forget I said all that.”

Agnus smiled.

“No it’s quite alright. I appreciate learning about it all through your eyes.” He said. “Were you able to inquire after my books? Or did you find my room?”

“Unfortunately no. I asked the porter and he said he would inquire with your great uncle.”

“Can we look for my room? I would like to see the house.” Agnus said.

“Certainly. Take your pill and bring your fruit with you.” She said. “Let me find you a wheelchair and crutches. We can start there.”

-

Harriet wheeled him out of the room. Agnus got his first look at the house. The hallway they were in stretched on in both direction for over 100 feet. It was all wood paneling and plush carpets. Portraits of Von Bachman’s of ages past lined the walls, they were framed in gold.

Opulent. That table is old growth Oak. The carpets are Persian, imported.

“Which way would you like to go Agnus?” Harriet asked.

Neither direction feels right. I must not have been in this wing before. Why would they put me here to recover and not in my own room?

“To the right. That’s the best way to find your way out of a maze.” He said. “You keep to taking the right hand options until you find your way out.”

“Then lets go off on an adventure.” Harriet sang lightly.

They would have put me to bed in my own room or next door. And the porter would have known exactly where my rooms were. He would have carried my bags in for me.

Harriet paused in front of the first portrait they passed.

“This is your great uncle’s father. He’s the one that created the first thinking machine. I remember seeing it on a stage once at the world fair when I was a child. It could consistently win at card games. Of course they had volunteers from the crowd up to play poker. One little girl was chosen to hold the cards and wager for the machine. She beat 4 other adults with it’s advice.” She said lost in thought.

Simple probability. A 52 card deck has over 2.5 million different 5 card combinations. And If they fed the revealed cards to the machine it should easily be able to predict the next cards.

Across from the portrait was a suit or armor with a rifle and saber. The breast plate was polished to a mirror shine.

“Well have you finished with your fruit?” She asked. “Lets find the kitchens and see about getting you some more food.”