Grenades

Year 803

Amy found herself once more on the Imperial weapons test range, showing off another weapon to the Empress. She was far less nervous than last time, at least.

"What do you have for me this time, Amy?" Rebecca asked, standing up with the assistance of a cane.

"A simple, yet devastating device." Amy said, opening the box on the table in the open field, and inviting Rebecca to take a look. "I call it the grenade."

Rebecca peered into the box. Inside, were sticks with round metal casings on the end. She noticed obvious pull fuses on each one, and smiled. "Go on then, show me."

Amy picked up one of them. "The mode of operation is simple. Once you pull the fuse, you have a couple seconds to throw it, before it blows up in your hand. Observe."

Amy pulled the fuse on one of the devices and threw it. Approximately 5 seconds after she pulled the fuse, it blew up with a fantastic bang.

"Is any magic required in the making of this device?" Rebecca asked.

"None whatsoever. All of it is common materials, readily found around the Empire." Amy replied. "We can put any explosive we want inside."

"Excellent. You'll receive your cheque for this shortly, deposit the blueprints with Headquarters when able." Rebecca replied. "And Amy..."

"Yes, your majesty?" Amy asked.

"Keep working at it. I know you'll come up with a non-lethal invention one day." Rebecca said with a soft smile. She knew being so good at weapons weighed heavily on Amy, and she needed encouragement to keep going, from time to time.

"I've been so close with some of them." Amy sighed.

"The Empire appreciates your service, Mrs. Waters." Rebecca said, as she slowly walked away.