Chapter 15: Rumours on the Wind

It had been a week since GS516M’s first public project, and Crofton’s roads gleamed like never before. Merchants passed through without complaint, wagons rolled smoothly, and trade flourished.

But good news travels fast and in the neighboring towns, whispers began to stir.

In a roadside tavern along the western route, a group of merchants exchanged stories over mugs of ale.

“I swear it’s true,” one said. “I rode through Crofton just yesterday. Their roads flat as a board! Better than the royal highways!”

“Impossible,” another scoffed. “Crofton’s just a farm town. No crews could work that fast.”

The first man leaned closer. “No crews. Just one boy. And a… thing.”

“A thing?”

“A machine,” he whispered, eyes wide. “Steel and wheels. Moves on its own. Like magic.”

By the next day, rumors had reached nearby lordships. In a dimly lit hall, Lord Bryne a sharp eyed noble from the neighboring territory listened to his steward.

“They say Crofton has some sort of ‘construction device,’” the steward reported. “Their roads are flawless, rebuilt in days. Traders Favour them now over our markets.”

Bryne frowned deeply. “And Kestrel’s behind this?”

“So, it’s said. Though no one knows where this ‘machine’ came from.”

Bryne’s fingers drummed on the table. “Find out. If Kestrel has some new technology, I want it.”

Meanwhile, in Crofton, Taren was blissfully unaware of the whispers growing beyond their borders. He worked daily with GS516M, smoothing roads and training himself further with Kestrel’s guidance.

Villagers greeted him warmly now, children waving as he passed. It was peaceful almost too peaceful.

“Taren,” Kestrel said one evening, watching the horizon, “you’ve done well. But know this when something changes as swiftly as you’ve done here… others will take notice.”

Taren blinked. “What do you mean?”

Kestrel’s gaze remained fixed far away. “Rumors travel faster than wagons. Be ready.”

Far off, beyond Crofton’s borders, a lone rider galloped down the road toward the village. His cloak bore the colors of Lord Bryne.

And in the taverns of three towns over, a new story was being told about a strange machine that could rebuild roads in a single day.