The Empire of Reimia (3)

Latro closed his eyes and took a few deep breaths to calm himself, inhaling the scent of kerosene, machine oil, metal, and gunpowder, almost experiencing oxygen saturation.
- I haven't seen it myself yet, - he admitted. - I wanted to invite you to come and take a look together, from the front row, so to speak.
He placed his palm on his chest.
- I can feel my heart pounding... How about yours?
He walked around the machine, looking for a place where the cover could be removed.
- I don't even want to unpack it... I want to prolong this feeling, but at the same time, I want to see it as soon as possible. Don't you think?
He walked around it again.
- It reminds me of the moment when I saw a column of tanks rumbling past my town. That's when I got the idea to ride one myself, which is why I joined here. And now, by her Majesty's grace, we have such a marvel in our hands... - he swept his hand over the shapeless cover and looked at the faces of his fellow club members.
- Ahaha, okay, okay... - he raised his hands in the air in a conciliatory gesture. - I'm opening it...
Taking another breath, shaking his head, and stretching his hands, neck, and shoulders with a familiar gesture, he jumped right onto the cover, untied the makeshift bow at the top, and the rope fell to the floor around him. Stepping down to the ground and nodding to himself once more, he grabbed the free edge of the fabric, lifted it slightly, and saw the outline of the machine underneath.
- One, two... - he took a deep breath and, with one movement, pulled the fabric away.