The morning sun rose above the eastern ridgeline, but its light struggled to penetrate the thick haze of dust, wood smoke, and powdered limestone hanging over the Silver River floodplain.
Just a month ago, the land north of the bridge was damp earth and wild scrub. Now, the site marked by Arthur von Pendelton has become a vast construction zone, showcasing a level of industrial activity the valley has never seen.
Zack stood on a timber platform, his coat collar turned up against the chill. He held his clipboard like a shield, directing the chaotic battle against the terrain.
Below him, hundreds of workers moved in organized groups. Excavation teams dug straight trenches in the floodplain, their shovels striking the dirt in a steady rhythm. Behind them, builders dragged large granite blocks into the trenches to secure the perimeter against the wet soil.
