The morning light came soft and golden across the river. I stood at the water's edge, watching the new camp stir to life. Tents were being struck. Fires were being relit. Children were already running through the tall grass, their laughter carrying across the water like birdsong.
Cassian came to stand beside me. He carried two cups of tea, steam rising in the cool air. "They are early risers."
"They are eager. That is good."
He handed me a cup. "Orin was at the garden gate before dawn. He wanted to know if we had spare rope."
"And did we?"
"Thorne found some in the shed. The red one."
I smiled. "Of course. The red rope is always the answer."
We drank our tea in silence, watching the activity on the other side. Figures moved with purpose, carrying wood and canvas and tools. A framewo
