The Escapement

About “The Escapement”

In Tom Holt's 2007 novel, the engineer Ziani Vaatzes orchestrates a war to reunite with his family, acknowledging the tragic deaths but feeling he had no alternative. Duke Valens draws his people into the conflict to save a woman, later killing her husband. Valens regrets his actions but believes he had no choice. Secretary Psellus, despite not wanting power or war, accepts his role due to his intelligence and the necessity of his position. He leads a desperate defense of the Republic. The story concludes with the machine built and ready to act.