The outer harbor signal post stood above the water on a stone platform. Pema checked the relay lantern, then tied a second lamp to Ruo’s pack for the route along the cliff. The signal board faced the channel.
“We’ll keep the first test simple,” Han said. “One arrival flag, one storm warning. Lian and Suyin will handle the local signals.”
Lian raised a single flag from the ferry steps. Yan formed a projection at the first station and sent it through the prepared light path to the harbor wall. His body stayed beside Qinghe and Han at the post.
“The board says the tide is falling,” he reported. “One ferry is arriving from the south.”
Ruo checked the water. “That matches the current.”
The projection sent one light pulse through the next lantern. At the village tower, Suyin saw it and rang the answering bell. The sound carried over the harbor, clear even with the wind coming off the cliff.
“That was fast,” Lian said. “No runner had to cross the quay.” She watched the signal keeper on the tower lower one shutter and raise it again. “The old method works when the weather is clear, but a runner can be caught in the patrol line. This keeps someone behind the stone wall.” Han asked whether the post could be staffed through the evening. Lian said the ferry crew could take turns if the schedule was posted before sunset.
