It was the 32nd day of Verdantus Month. The fields lay freshly furrowed, the ploughing nearly finished, and the town carried the quiet hum of anticipation. Only sowing remained. Now, with the labour animals free, it was time to begin the next step — building the kilns.
Over the past two months, whenever merchant caravans came through Orshek, I had purchased oxen, donkeys, mules, goats, sheep, and even a strange new labour beast — the Grunthar, a creature shaped like a pig but the size of a horse, broad and powerful, with tusks perfect for hauling. I had bought six of them, each capable of dragging stone loads that would have broken ordinary oxen. Now they stood ready, flanks heaving, snouts twitching in the wind.
Beside the cleared field, I spread the blueprint on a rough wooden table inside the planning cabin. Around it gathered Oswin, the witches, and seventeen master masons, including Rulik, Taren, Meldon, and Harrick. Beyond them, nearly two hundred workers waited, and fifty transporters managed carts and animals.
"We'll be building fifty large kilns," I said, tapping the parchment. "Each one permanent, strong enough to serve generations. These will supply lime for mortar, plaster, and concrete. The scale will define Orshek's future."
A murmur rippled through the masons. Taren blinked, jaw tight, and muttered under his breath, "Fifty? That's… insane."
Oswin leaned closer. "Even with this many hands, it's ambitious." He glanced at the Grunthars, their flanks heaving in the morning air, and shook his head slightly, a small smile tugging at his lips.
I nodded. "Two hundred builders and fifty transporters. The Grunthars and oxen will carry heavy loads. Materials are gathered — stone, clay, sand, timber, and limestone. With careful coordination, it will take three weeks."
Rulik, the eldest mason, gave a slow nod, lips pressed together. His eyes scanned the field. "With proper foundations and steady work, my lord. The beasts alone will save us days in hauling." He glanced at Arion, who raised a brow but offered no words, merely giving a subtle nod of agreement.
"Good," I said, pointing to the blueprint. "We begin with site preparation. The flat field by the river is ideal — near gravel, clay, and lime quarries. It's also close to the nitrate deposit that has been found. Each kiln will be spaced fifty paces apart to prevent heat interference."
I looked at the witches and the team. "Your abilities will be essential for construction.
Elenor, use your wind magic to manage airflow and help dry the clay faster.
Ariono and Seraya, your fire magic will keep the clay and mortar at the right temperature for curing.
Natalia, your nature magic will assist in organizing the labour, growing temporary supports, and reinforcing structures.
Dareth, your earth magic will let you erect pillars and strengthen foundations, speeding up construction.
Aveline Quinn, your water magic will ensure the clay remains workable and hydrated.
Thalwn, prepare ice and cold water for both animals and workers.
Varyn, oversee and guide the labour animals efficiently so nothing slows down the work."
Elenor raised a hand, summoning a small, controlled breeze that swirled harmlessly over the blueprint. "I can manage airflow wherever needed," she said, her voice steady.
Ariono and Seraya exchanged a brief glance, a faint heat shimmer curling from their palms. "We'll make sure the clay and mortar stay at the right temperature during construction," Seraya said.
Natalia nodded, curling her fingers slightly as if tugging on invisible vines. "Temporary supports and scaffolds will grow as needed to help workers."
Dareth tapped a fist lightly on the table, and small tremors hinted at how he could raise pillars or compact foundations magically.
Aveline Quinn smiled faintly. "I'll maintain moisture in the clay and prevent it from drying too quickly, ensuring workability."
I glanced at Zavra, who quickly scribbled notes, occasionally asking brief clarifying questions. Thalwn gave a small nod, already calculating how to stock ice and water. Varyn tapped his fingers, mentally planning how to direct the animals efficiently.
"We'll follow a step-by-step schedule once work begins," I continued. "Site preparation and foundation leveling first, then wall construction, lining, and drying. The first test burn will follow once the kilns are ready. With everyone and every ability applied effectively, we should complete all fifty kilns in roughly three weeks."
Some masons shook their heads in quiet disbelief. Meldon muttered, "Three weeks… with fifty kilns?" Taren ran a hand down his face, a mixture of amazement and nervous anticipation.
I gestured toward the field outside the cabin. "The Grunthars, oxen, mules, and other animals will handle hauling. Goats and sheep will remain near the edges, keeping the area clear. Varyn, you'll coordinate them to avoid delays. Thalwn, water points must be ready so workers and animals remain hydrated during intense labour."
"Once construction starts," I added, "coordination between magical and physical labour is key. Everyone must understand their role and timing."
Oswin nodded, lips pressed together. "The plan is sound. If executed well, Orshek will gain both efficiency and strength from these kilns."
Some masons exhaled slowly, adjusting their grips on tools, imagining the long work ahead. Taren muttered quietly, "We'll see if the town can really manage this scale," while Meldon's eyes lingered on the blueprint, calculating distances and material needs silently.
"Remember," I said, glancing at the witches again, "your abilities will not just assist the work; they will determine the speed and quality of the entire operation. Every detail, from clay moisture to pillar placement, matters. We must coordinate perfectly."
The witches nodded, each already planning how to use their powers most efficiently. Zavra continued noting every instruction. Thalwn and Varyn silently considered logistics, while the masons and foremen imagined the field full of bustling activity.
I stepped back and let my gaze sweep over the imagined Firefield. Fifty kilns, evenly spaced and ready for the first test burn, stretching toward the river. The smell of clay, limestone, and fresh earth seemed almost tangible. The plan was laid. The roles were assigned. Soon, the real work would begin — and Orshek would enter a new era.