"These past few days haven't been a complete waste. At least we built a plank road here. It's still not very convenient, but it's much easier to walk than before." Father Green led Kraft through several checkpoints to the transformed site.
Torches spaced every five or six steps illuminated the results of their round-the-clock labor. Using stakes wedged into crevices in the rock as supports, they had built a makeshift road of planks along the steep slope.
The zigzagging route had made the climb up and down much easier. At least now people could walk normally.
But there were more surprises to come. A three-tiered structure was taking shape near the Stone Beach below, while a small boat, dismantled for transport, was being reassembled on rolling logs beside it.
"There's also a temporary dock." It was clear someone in the Church had been spooked. The priest approved of the support they'd received this time. "We've built berths at different elevations in case the water rises."
The place had become a temporary construction site, with everyone busy at their own task: clearing away rubble, driving in stakes, and nailing prepared planks to the frames.
With abundant manpower and materials, everything a dock needed was taking shape at speed, all as part of their preparations for the exploration.
Halfway up the steep slope, some people were making use of the stone around them to build a relatively stable platform. They were trying to install something with a rotating mechanical apparatus on top.
A light source far brighter than an ordinary torch flickered nearby. When it shone in their direction, it was almost blinding.
"That's a Lighthouse." Green was pleased by the professor's surprised expression. "Someone with sailing experience recommended we build one. Otherwise, you could lose your bearings just a few dozen