The days that followed the meeting with the governor passed in a blur of work and worry. Kaelen threw himself into the project with a ferocity that surprised even himself, spending every waking hour at the quarry or the harbor, his hands calloused and his mind sharp. The twins worked alongside him, their strength and skill complementing his knowledge and insight. Markus managed the logistics, coordinating the transport of materials and the payment of workers. The beast stayed close, a silent companion that watched over him with an unblinking gaze.
The wave dampening network held steady. The nodes remained intact, the runes still bright, the reduction in wave height consistent across the entire coastline. The fishermen reported that the sea was quieter than it had been in years, the waters calm and predictable. They were grateful. They brought gifts—fish and bread, honey and wine, small tokens of their appreciation that Kaelen accepted with a quiet smile.
