Days went by in a blink of an eye. The shipyard was a racket of noise and movement, the sharp clang of metal striking wood and the rhythmic creak of pulleys lifting beams into place filling the air. The smell of sawdust and salt mixed, a constant reminder of the work that never ceased. Workers moved with newfound urgency, their tired faces betraying the toll of long hours, but their hands did not falter. Gold was a powerful motivator, and Melissa had ensured that no man here had a reason to slacken their pace.
She and Kael walked the length of the yard, boots grinding against gravel and scattered wood shavings. Alongside them was the captain of the knights deployed to protect the shipyard and its assets while it is still in the middle of renovations.
"Faster," Captain Kirke commanded, his voice carrying over the din. "I want the hull finished before the next tide."
