Chapter 30

The morning mist still clung to the ground as Arden made his way toward Boon's command platform. Three months had turned the churned earth between him and the siege works into organized paths, lined with tiny shoots of green that elven hands had coaxed from hostile soil. Even the dragon guards had learned to step around these fragile gardens, their boots no longer crushing every sign of life.

"The northern foundation is sinking," he reported, keeping his voice neutral despite the satisfaction of another small victory. Sweat gleamed on his bare chest in the early light, evidence of hours already spent moving stone. "The soil there is too wet for the weight you're planning. The water table is higher than your engineers expected."

Boon's massive form turned from the maps spread before him. "And I suppose you have a solution?" There was a hint of dry amusement in the general's voice - he'd learned to recognize Arden's subtle resistance, but couldn't deny the value of his expertise.