Cain turned sharply and headed south of the fortress.
As he moved away from the main construction sites, the deafening sounds of hammers and saws faded, replaced by the soothing murmur of a stream winding between the rocks. This narrow, unassuming waterway was vital, supplying potable water and irrigating the fortress's surrounding crops.
When he arrived, the organized chaos before him spoke volumes of the situation's urgency. A team of workers busily tended to the cracked foundations, hauling sacks of mortar or inspecting split stones with rudimentary tools. Despite their apparent efficiency, tension hung heavy in the air.
A man, his face marked with exhaustion and dust, approached Cain. His movements were jittery, but his gaze was resolute.
"Lord Cain, thank you for coming so quickly. The cracks are worse than we anticipated. We've tried temporary reinforcements, but... they didn't hold."
