Between those steady forces, the afternoon continued.
Rhys walked toward the western fields to see what was needed. A section of fencing had loosened where the ground had softened. He and the others reset the posts and packed the soil firmly around them. It took time, but not much talk.
Caria joined them after finishing near the well. She checked the line of the fence from a distance and suggested a small shift so the gate would swing cleanly. They adjusted it and tested it twice. It worked.
Puddle moved along the edge of the field where runoff sometimes collected. It spread slightly over a low patch, then drew back, leaving the ground clearer so the water could drain properly if rain came.
The clouds thickened but did not break. A light breeze passed through, cooling the work.
By late afternoon, most of the larger tasks were done. Tools were cleaned and put away. Animals were checked. The irrigation channel was inspected once more to make sure it was still flowing evenly.
