CHAPTER XVIII
THE HARBOR
(From Anna’s memoirs)
At the port, I met with two engineers and the foreman in charge of dredging and site preparation. We spoke out on a platform overlooking the inner harbor. The cranes stood idle and no workmen were in sight. The head engineer, Hanno, acted nervous and hesitant as I asked him about the progress of the works. “We are having trouble keeping together a crew,” he said.
“Where are the workmen now?” I asked.
“Mostly in the taverns down on the row, Princess,” said the engineer.
“Who are the foremen? Can they not control their own men?”
“Princess,” said the foreman, “these are free men. They aren’t compelled by servitude or contract. Before now, they have worked for wages and to please our queen. Now they feel…neglected.”
“And how do you men fee
