On the Road

[size=18]::BJ had gathered enough men with the Royal's blessing, enough to run two
crews for his massive construction project. He planned on running a road from
the port of Land's End up to the road coming south from Meldrum City. The road
would run along the inner coast from the port, moving north, through the
foothills of the northern part of Land's End, and skirting between Rennie and
Lilia's borders, continuing north before turning north by northwest through
Blu's lands to meet up with the roads that came out of the City. For now the
"roads" in Land's End were mostly paired wagon ruts and animal paths, well
traveled but unmaintained.:

::He had gotten one of the surveyors from the City to come out, and between
he, Isabella, and Ikar, had shown him what they wanted. It would not take much
to convert the well-traveled paths, but BJ did not want a simple road, and he
had discussed it with Ikar as well. The road was to be a permanent structure,
well constructed and built to last.:

::These roads would run in as straight a line as possible, and BJ had
specified the road to be wide enough for two wagons to pass one another with
ease. Ruts already showed the general travel, but it was bumpy and
slow. Ikar and the Ranger planned on speeding the travel time
significantly. The basic plan was simple: a ditch would be dug down to firm
ground and flattened, then filled in by layers. Large rocks at the base,
followed by smaller rocks, rubble, and sand to fill in the cracks. The top layer
would be quarried rock cut to fit to make the road as smooth as possible. Ikar
had spoken of seeing such roads in his time "away" as he called it, and BJ only
listened, did not pry.::

::Construction was to start soon.::

((Construction shall continue, if I ever get off my lazy butt and edit the posts...tbc))

BJ had been agreeing to take Mali to see the road
construction, and they were finally on their way, moving slowly down a dirt
track toward where the road was in process. The carriage bounced along, and BJ
helped Mali steady herself as he spoke. “Once the road is complete, the travel
will be much smoother.”


She had to laugh, “Why did we not just ride horses? Our
backsides are going to be every bit as tired.” Though she was enjoying the slow
pace in familiar country. BJ nodded, but he was enjoying the time with her in
the carriage.


“Just as much as if we had ridden, ‘Chev.” True, it was
easier to find herself in his arms. Can’t do that riding side by side. He kept
her close as the carriage rocked a bit alarmingly, but it soon settled, and he
looked out the window a moment. “We are almost there.”


She did hold a little tighter when that carriage felt
unsettled. She still had problems believing man was meant to travel this way.
Their own feet or horses were safer. Slower, but safer. The carriage slowed in
the next few moments, then stopped…they could hear the sounds of men working
outside the carriage.


At least she had dressed appropriately for this trip. No
fancy frou-frou gowns or dainty slippers. Things were also very dusty. BJ
opened the door and stepped down, then turned to offer Mali his hand…they had
not given warning that they were coming. Needless to say, a carriage arriving
turned heads. The Lord of the Land arriving stopped some work. A woman stepping
out also put things to a halt. The Ranger held her close a moment as he helped
her down, and a smile, looking to her. “I think ye have caused a…stir.”


She blushed and smiled up at him. That left her a bit
speechless. She used to work alongside many of them. “We should let them relax
a little then?”


BJ nodded, glancing up at the sky. It was very warm, but the
humidity was minimal…the clouds high up and without a hint of rain. “Aye.”


Mali nodded toward the foreman as he headed in their
direction. “We have company.”


BJ glanced to where Mali speaks, and nods. “Aye.”


Then a nod to the foreman as he approached. “How does it
fair?”


“G’day sir. Well, if the weather holds we should gain nigh
on another mile by the end o’ the week.”


BJ nodded at that. “The materials are arriving as
scheduled?”


The tall redheaded man was covered in a thick layer of dust
and dirt, but he seemed in good health. Green eyes kept wandering to Mali.
“Aye, we get at least one wagon daily.”


BJ nodded again, but he noted the looks, and raised a brow.
“A problem?”


The man cleared his throat and straightened up. “No, sir,
but…do ya think it safe to have a Lady out here?”


Even Mali’s brow went up as BJ considered his words. “Why
would it not be?”


She was safe as she could possibly be at his side. The man
didn’t think high-born Ladies had much substance. Then again, he was new to
this land. “Well, we do have injuries from debris, sir.”


That raised BJ’s own brow. “Have those injured been
treated?” He had not seen anything from Ikar or the foreman regarding problems.



“Aye, of course sir. Mostly just flying stone and cuts,
simple things.” Not like a dainty ankle being turned. BJ glanced at Mali, and a
small smile, he knew the answer already.


“Think ye can handle this, ‘Chev…or would ye like to stay in
the carriage?”


Mali cocked her head at him, turned to size up the foreman.
“I’m just fine.” She nodded and stepped right on past the big man. Silly men.


BJ chuckled softly as he watched her walk past the slightly
baffled foreman. “Ye will find she has her own way of doing things.” With that,
he gave a gesture for the man to follow, and provide a running update as BJ
moved past him as well, following Mali.


The fellows who remembered Mali stopped and spoke. They
would ask about family and she would take the time to catch up on their lives.
BJ watched as Mali moved among the men, and he listened to the Foreman as he
discussed how the road was being built, digging down to bedrock and then
building up from there. BJ had helped shift some of the rock in the Southern
build, and so he nodded, listening quietly. Mali’s concern was for the health
and safety of the workers. Seems quite a few of them were awfully young. Others
past their prime. She knew people needed jobs but the littlest of them should
be in school, not lugging rocks and water.


BJ had not turned away any who wanted a job, as long as they
could prove they had gone through a basic school, could write their letters,
read a bit, and follow directions. Mali was well satisfied no one was going
hungry or thirsty. No wounds untended. They all seemed happy to be doing
something useful. That was easy enough to understand. BJ followed along in
silence, nodding at times to the Foreman as he rattled on about the grade of
rock and how many measures of sand it was taking, but BJ’s gaze stayed on Mali.
He would want her thoughts when they were through here.


She was walking along the side of the road. She would glance
up at any rise of land or look over where any dips might occur. When the two
were found together, she would stop. BJ waited, watching her with a
half-smile…her logical mind is one of the reasons he loved her. She left the
road and began to make her way up the hill. BJ glanced at the foreman, who
followed him as he left the construction and made an intercept course for Mali,
coming up beside her as she crested the hill.


She was glancing at the way the land above the road seemed
to roll. Trees, some grassland. “What have ya planned for flooding and the road
being washed out?”


BJ glanced at the foreman as the man answered. “There will
be ditches dug along each side of the road, Lady, and lined with pavers to
divert the water.”


Mali nodded, but pointed to how the land was tracked with
places where water had flowed through it before. “This place is known to catch
all runoff from Northern rains. A ditch won’t keep it flowing over that road
down there.”


BJ considered, seeing what she spoke of, and then looked to
the Foreman, who looked flustered. Mali looked up at him, waiting. The
Foreman’s eyes narrowed slightly, wondering who this girl was exactly, before
answering. “The nature of the road itself provides for drainage also.”


Mali knew that look. He was one of those men who dealt with
women only one way. “Have you considered a drain beneath the road?”


BJ had not, but then, he knew only basics for road
building…but he watched the Foreman with interest as he answered, “It should
not be necessary.”


Mali spoke. “It should not, but then again, how will you
explain to travellers and the Lord of your Land why it becomes necessary to
close the road for rebuilding after it washes away?”


BJ looked at Mali, and raised a brow…he did not know this
particular stretch as well as it seemed she did. And her words brought a smile
that was quickly hidden, a soft cough of choked laughter as the Foreman
reddened. He spoke softly. “Do as the Lady suggests, Milo…it shall save ye
difficulty down the road…so to speak.”


“The ancient Greeks and Romans knew how to divert water to
prevent problems. Tis not so difficulty. Our own King has done the very same
thing within the city.” She was ready to lock horns with the Foreman if need
be.


The man drew himself up to his full height. “I worked on
those in the City, and I say it isn’t needed here.” Then he looked at BJ, who
just stood there, that slight smile as he watched the exchange. “But…if m’Lord
wants drains placed, we’ll put drains in. though it will slow progress.”


BJ nodded, and looked to Mali. She just smiled at BJ. “And
will save time and expense, if not safety of travellers later. Such should be
considered at all places like this along the road.” And with that, she hiked up
her skirts to make her way back down the hill.


BJ watched her head back down the hill, and he just gave a
soft laugh, he looked to the Foreman. “Ye heard the Lady…so be it.”


The Ranger headed down the hill after her, and after a few
moments, the Foreman did as well, shouting orders. BJ caught up with Mali, and
took her hand, gently steered her back toward the carriage. She smiled up at
him. “I kinda made him mad, didn’t I?”


She was not in the least bit bothered by it, either. BJ
looked over at the Foreman, who was now directing the workers, and a shake of
his head. “I do not think so…I think he is more angered at himself for not
seeing such in the first place.”


BJ nodded to the driver who had the carriage door open for
them, and let Mali ascend first. She leaned up to put a kiss to her husband’s
cheek. “Thank you for that. It’s nice to be needed.”


Into the carriage she went, as BJ blushed. He looked at the
driver, who just grinned and gave a gesture. “In you go, sir.”


BJ nodded to him, and climbed lightly into the carriage,
letting the door close behind him as he settled in, hearing the driver gain his
seat, and BJ tapped on the roof to start them on their way. He loked to Mali.
“Your thoughts, ‘Chev…on this project?”


Mali was using a damp cloth to remove what dust she could
from her face and hands. “I think it will be a wonderful addition to the
lands.”


The elf nodded, watching her as she continued. “Also will
provide many jobs for a long time. Roads have a habit of never being completely
built, or quite right. Always have to redirect folks and start over.”


He was not sure he liked the sound of that, he was hoping to
have it up and at least passable by winter. Well, Mali was one to think of the
long term and possible problems. That way she could prepare for contingencies.
“The change in weather is going to cause some problems. You will have to
maintain a permanent road crew.”


BJ considered. “I had thought of keeping some of the men
on…for repairs and such.”


Mali nodded. “If the roads are heavily travelled, they will
be needed.”


BJ nodded at her words. “The road shall be wide enough for
two wagons to pass one another, but aye, if the travel increases, I can see how
the damage can occur.”


Mali’s brows furrowed as she thought. “Does the road go
along the coast or near the cliffs at any point?”


BJ considered. “The southern build skirts the costal inlet,
but it is far enough inland that ye cannot see the water from the road. It does
not go near the southern cliffs.”


She nodded. “Tis good. Safer during the storm season.
Curious. How far apart are the towns or villages where the travellers can stop?”
A wheel or two turning in her mind.


He hadn’t gotten that far yet. Road first, waystations
second. “The port is the last town…or the first, depending on how ye come.
Meldrum City is the last or first, again dependent. Our village is about
half-way between.”


Well those waystations were potential jobs and homes for
folks. Didn’t want someone coming in and just putting up a shack and taking
advantage of folks. “It’s a long journey, if you do it the normal way. “ Giving
him a playful smile.


BJ returned a small smile. “I know…thought it has been a
long time since I have done so. Perhaps we could ask Ikar the time involved.”


Mali nodded. “Yes, we should. I am certain he and Ibbe have
good ideas for Land’s End.”


BJ nodded, it had taken some time, but he was coming to
trust Ikar once again. “Aye.”


She gave him a little nudge in the ribs. “What are your
thoughts sir?”


BJ looked at her. “About?”


She smirked. “The road. Land’s End. Anything, I guess.”


BJ chuckled softly. “The road seems to be coming along,
although Milo was right, adding drains will slow progress, but it will aid in
prevention for later.”


He glanced out the window of the carriage as it moved
through the countryside. “The land…holds its own, and prospers, even if it does
not flourish as the northern lands. But perhaps this road shall bring an influx
of people to live here. To put down roots here.”


She slipped her hand in his. “The southern lands are kinder
and not as frantic. Folks here don’t seem to be as driven. Part of me doesn’t
want things to change here.”


He held her hand gently, glancing down at it before looking
to her. “It is…partly why I chose these lands over ones closer to the City…it
was…it is peaceful here. Originally, I was able to find…if not happiness, at
least contentment, a semblance of peace.”


She chuckled. “And then you ran into a crazy lady from the
south of Scotland. Life has never been the same. “


That brought a laugh. “And then I found a Lady…who agreed to
work for an old man, who I found I lost my heart to. And life has not been the
same.”


The carriage took them further south, along newly completed
road, and it was not long before they came to the end of the completion, and
more work in progress. BJ spoke quietly, over the click of the wheels. “Ikar is
supervising this part of the progress.”


She looked out as the road worked on getting closer to home.
“He is in charge of many things these days. Your trust in him is admirable.”


BJ gave a slight shrug. “He has…proven himself, in his work.
And Meren trusts him, and I trust her.”


The animosity between them had diminished greatly, though a
bit of tension remained from BJ’s memories. The carriage slowed to a halt, and
BJ was up an opening the door as it swayed to a standstill, leaping down
lightly, then offering a hand to Mali. She squeezed his hand on the way out of
the carriage. “Your trust is well founded. He won’t let you down.”


BJ nodded at that, and brought her close to him as she
alighted. He always enjoyed this part of the carriage rides. The men had paused
in their work as the carriage stopped, and a murmur went down the line.


He enjoyed this when misting with her. Riding with her.
There was quite a loving pattern. She chuckled. “I don’t think I stopped the
work this time, my dearest.”


BJ chuckled softly. “Perhaps Ikar has a stronger rein upon
them than Milo does.”


No doubt. Ikar had strong ideals when it came to work and
respecting others. BJ could see Ikar making his way up the line, and the men
paused once more before going back to work. Ikar gave a grin. “Come to help
again, BJ?”


And then seeing Mali, Ikar smiled wider. “Never mind…I see
you brought your lovely wife on a tour. You had said you might be doing such.”


BJ nodded. “Aye, she has seen the northern part of the
build, and we decided to come to the southern to see how it progresses.”


Mali held her hands out to Ikar. “Ah, a sweet talking
fellow. Tis a delight to see you again so soon, Ikar.”


Ikar gave her a smile, and took her hands briefly before
releasing them…it would not do to be too familiar with another’s wife. “And a
pleasure to see you again as well, Lady Mali.”


BJ surveyed what he could see of the build, and a quiet nod.
“Ye hare coming along nicely…but Mali may have a few suggestions.”


Mali knew how to keep it simple, congenial. “How are the wee
ones? Ibbe?”


BJ was teasing her slightly about the fact that she had put
Milo in his place, and Mali blinked and blushed. Might just keep quiet on this
leg of the journey. Ikar just nodded, and grinned like a fool at her question. “The
children are well, growing bigger by the day, and Isabella is fine also.”


Ikar knew, granted, that with the build and the children,
they had not had much “alone time”, but that would work itself out. Mali knew
it would. Love had a way of doing that. She spoke. “I look forward to seeing
them again soon.”


Ikar grinned, and gave a gesture for them to walk along the
roadway as he answered. “You know you are welcome any time.”


Mali was eager to see what Ikar did differently to this
section of road. Even if the terrain was flatter…nature still found ways of
throwing one off course. Ikar showed them what he had done, talking quietly to
them as the men worked around them. “The road runs in a relatively straight
line, though it will curve gently around that hill there.”


He pointed perhaps a quarter mile distant. “It will be
easier to go around than to cut through. One of the men suggested extra
drainage near the hill, he lives here and knows the area floods at times.”


Mali just had that ‘I told you so’ look on her face as she
batted lashes at BJ. He chuckled softly at Mali. “Aye, ‘Chev.”


“In the meandering path of the this road…did anyone lose any
usable land? Meant for pasture or crops?” North of here was more for forest and
quarries.


Ikar shook his head. “Not that anyone is admitting to.” He
looked to one of the men. “Damon, can you come here a moment?”


That made Mali frown. “Why not? It could cost families money…food.”


BJ watched the man come over, and a nod to him. Ikar looked
at Damon. “You have not heard any complaints, have you?”


Damon shook his head. “Nay, sir…most o’ this lands are not
in use as ‘tis.”


Mali certainly hoped the man…any of the men…were not
intimidated into silence because of BJ being here. She questioned. “Do the
lands belong to anyone?”


The man shrugged. “Tis free land through here, waitin’ t’be
claimed”. Then he looked at Mali. “Aye, m’Lady…the lands do belong to someone.”


She turned to look at BJ. “Yours?”


Damon answered before BJ could. “Aye, m’Lady, o’course…’tis
the viscount’s lands.”


BJ shifted uncomfortably, and gave Ikar a glance as the
human stifled a snorting laugh. Mali gave a small cough and looked to the one
called Damon. “Thank you, sir. I just wished to know if anyone was at a loss
for their lands becoming a road.”


BJ nodded to the man, who retreated quickly, as Ikar
answered. “No, Lady, the lands are unclaimed by any farmers or others here.”


Mali nodded with a smile. “Are you having any problems at
all?”


Ikar shook his head. “No, other than the usual, Lady.” He
chuckled softly. “Rain, hard soil, rocks…the sun.”


BJ laughed softly and looked to Mali…she had asked. She
smiled and moved to stretch her back, tired of travelling. “Well I meant having
enough workers…supplies. Any accidents?”


Ikar shook his head. “Nothing bad…a few scratches, bruises.”
He looked to BJ and Mali. “At least here you cannot drown if you are knocked
over.”


BJ nodded at that as Mali spoke. “It looks as if you do have
everything well in hand. A good man for the job.”


The Ranger nodded again, and it was Ikar’s turn to look
uncomfortable. “You give me too much credit, my Lady.”


She gave him that proud look again. “Not me. I don’t hand
out false praise. With me…you earn it.”


Ikar gave a smile, and a courtly bow. “Thank you.”


Mali looked to see if BJ was in a hurry to get back home. He
was not, and had planned on spending the night at the Port, and heading home
the next day, which worked out well for her. “I don’t suppose Ibbe would be
interested in having dinner with us in town?”


She might like the change, and Ikar nodded at her. “I
believe she would enjoy seeing you both.”


“Do you have more to see, BJ? If so I can make my way to
town and arrange us a room.”


BJ shook his head. “No, it appears Ikar has everything quite
underway here. Ye will send word if anything else is needed, aye?”


Mali smiled and nodded. “Milo could learn a thing or two
from him I believe. Please though…bring Ibbe and the babies if you wish to the
Inn. Join us for dinner please?” It was nice to have the chance to spend time
with people closer to their own ages.


Ikar nodded, and he
walked with BJ and Mali back to the carriage. Ikar looked at BJ, who gave a
quiet nod. The two, elf and human, had spent enough time together recently to
understand the other’s silent questions. Ikar put his fingers to his lips and
gave a shrill whistle, to which the men gave a cheer as they put down their
tools, knocking off early for the day.


She just blinked, then chuckled. “Holiday, eh?”


Ikar shrugged. “If I leave early, so do they.”


Smiling, she nodded. “Then tis a holiday.”


Ikar nodded. “I shall gather Isabella and the children and
meet you at the inn?”


Mali nodded and got back into the carriage. She was looking
forward to a short rest and a tall cider.


((Word count 3678))