The forge was already alive when Liam returned. The fire had been lit again, and the steady sound of metal being worked filled the air. Sparks flew in short bursts as Horg brought his hammer down with controlled force, while Dory stood nearby, watching closely, his eyes following every movement. The girls were already in place, some near the furnace, others preparing tools or clearing space. No one looked as rested as they should have been, but no one complained either.
Liam stepped in, setting the empty tray down near the wall.
"They all sold out."
Horg didn't stop hammering.
"I figured."
Dory turned his head slightly.
"How fast?"
Liam exhaled.
"Faster than yesterday."
That made Dory pause.
"How fast?"
Liam crossed his arms.
"Before I could even step back from the stall."
There was a brief silence in the forge.
Maya looked up from where she stood.
"That bad?"
"That good," Liam corrected.
Lola let out a small breath.
"So we were right to work last night."
