With the sunrise, work on the Isle of Claw continued at full speed. The sound of hammers echoed through the quarry as blocks of stone were carefully extracted and transported to build the fortress walls. Every man and woman on the island had a role, and the discipline enforced by Edmund was beginning to show results.
The wooden palisades around the settlement were reinforced, and a fortified entrance began to rise. Large tree trunks were driven into the ground and interlinked with horizontal beams, creating a strong barrier. The construction of the watchtowers began, providing a broader view of the sea and nearby islands, reducing the risk of surprise attacks.
At the shipyard, the carpenters worked tirelessly to reinforce the ship hulls and build small patrol boats. With the abundant wood from the forest to the north, new sails were sewn, and masts were reinforced to ensure the fleet was ready to face any threat.
On the eastern part of the island, the fields began to show signs of life. Wheat and barley grew quickly under the warm climate, and the first signs of harvest appeared. Small gardens were planted near the homes, ensuring a steady supply of herbs and vegetables. Kieza led this effort, encouraging the diversification of production and proper storage of the grains.
Edmund toured the settlement daily, checking the progress and ensuring that no task was overlooked. He guided the stonemasons on the structure of the walls, reviewed supply stocks, and boosted the morale of the workers. Voss, in turn, trained a group of warriors to ensure the island's defense was always prepared for any eventuality.
In addition to the improvements in infrastructure, a new workshop was established for the production of naval cannons. The island's most experienced blacksmiths worked in improvised forges, shaping cast iron to create powerful weapons. Gunpowder was produced with carefully gathered ingredients and stored in underground depots for safety. The construction of artillery became a priority, ensuring that the fleet and the island's defenses were ready for any attack.
At the end of another long day of work, the signs of a fortress were taking shape. The foundations of the first stone buildings were nearly finished, and the vision of what would one day be a great domain began to take form. The Isle of Claw was no longer just a refuge — it was becoming a bastion of strength and resilience.