Pell’s work turn began after the last root trays came out, on day 1568. Six people arrived with spades, two with baskets, and one with an opinion about every basket. Neri paid them at the agreed local rate before anyone entered the old channel. She had bought an examination and a short excavation, not their acceptance of whatever might follow.
The first hour produced weeds, broken tile, and a child’s stone wheel.
Pell held up the wheel by its hole.
“My brother made that.”
“Does he want it back?”
“He has grandchildren. He can ask them.”
She put it on the dry wall and returned to work.
Iven worked beside the basket carriers. With the lance left in its cover at the store, he could fit beneath the hanging branches without catching them. He moved spoil by hand until a block appeared too large for a safe lift. Then he stopped the line, checked the footing, and seated track grip, plate, winch, ratchet, clamp, and boiler. Most stayed quiet in the ordinary air. The plate spread the load against his protected forearm. Track held his boots on the exposed stone while two others set the sling.
