Leonardo's Lion

By Steven R. Southard

In 1515, Leonardo da Vinci built a mechanical lion to entertain King Francis I of France and his guests. Until now, no one knows what happened to this amazing clockwork creation.  Over half a century later, when a ten year old boy discovers the lion in a royal storeroom, young Chev doesn’t know he will soon embark on a strange and dan

• Language: English
• Publisher: Gypsy Shadow Publishing
• Release date: Mar 9, 2020
• ISBN: 9781619504516

Steven R. Southard

Growing up in the Midwest, Steven R. Southard always found the distant oceans exotic and tantalizing. He served aboard submarines and now works as a civilian naval engineer. In his stories, he takes readers on journeys of discovery in many seas and various vessels. Steve has written in the historical, science fiction, fantasy, horror, and steampunk genres. Come aboard at http://sites.google.com/site/stevenrsouthard/ and voyage with his intriguing characters in tales of aquatic adventure.

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Contents

Copyright Page

Dedication

Chapter 1

Chapter 2

Chapter 3

Chapter 4

Chapter 5

Chapter 6

Chapter 7

About the Author

Leonardo’s Lion

by

Steven R. Southard

All rights reserved

Copyright © September 2011, Steven R. Southard

Cover Art Copyright © 2011, Charlotte Holley

Gypsy Shadow Publishing

Lockhart, TX

www.gypsyshadow.com

This book is based on some actual historical figures; however, the characters and incidents depicted in this book are products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

No part of this book may be reproduced or shared by any electronic or mechanical means, including but not limited to printing, file sharing, and email, without prior written permission from Gypsy Shadow Publishing.

ISBN: 978-1-61950-451-6

Published in the United States of America

First eBook Edition: September 17, 2011

Dedication

To my children—Kelli, Lori, and Joann—who each took on quests of their own, and made child-rearing such a challenging and wondrous adventure for my wife and me.

Chapter 1

With his good hand, Chev opened the door, eased through it, and stood with his back against the oak portal, panting.

Mon Dieu! An old man looked up from his desk. A visitor, here? By all the Saints! I never get visitors. No one ever comes to see old Gaspard... His creaky voice trailed off to a mumble.

I’m sorry, Monsieur, Chev interrupted in a whisper, unsure if he could trust the old man. Please don’t tell anyone I’m here. Since escaping the orphanage earlier that day, he’d been trying to avoid people, clinging to shadowed alleys, hiding in alcoves, and squeezing through wall cracks. Any adult who saw him, he feared, would turn him over to the authorities and he’d be back where he’d started.

I won’t give your secret away, for goodness’ sake. Gaspard stood and beckoned to Chev. Come in, lad. Make yourself comfortable. I enjoy company, and that door so seldom opens. What’s your name, son? And how old are you? You look no more than ten. Very young to be running in fear... He continued speaking in a low murmur.

My name is Chev, Monsieur, he began to catch his breath. I don’t know how old I am. Chev dared not tell him he’d come from the orphanage.

What happened to your hand, young Chev?

I caught the holy fire disease, Chev looked down at his right forearm to where it ended in a rounded stump. He would never forget the pain that day the monks cut off his blackened, withered hand while telling him it was necessary to save his life.

The man nodded. "I’m sorry for you. A terrible