The next morning arrived beneath clear skies, the air carrying a quiet charge of excitement and anticipation.
By the time Eric and Drac finished the last of the preparations, people from both Hillford and Lowmere had already begun to gather at the grounds. They came in small groups at first, then in larger numbers.
Despite all the help they had received the previous night, the two had barely slept. The final adjustments- tightening ropes, reinforcing posts, clearing the remaining water- had stretched well into the early hours.
Now, as the crowd continued to grow, Eric stretched his arms above his head, a satisfied sigh escaping him as his joints gave a series of soft pops.
Drac, standing beside him, wordlessly handed him a cup of steaming tea.
