Roads of Solurius

Subject: Re: Roads of Solurius Thu Dec 18, 2008 11:53 pm

It was at the storm's worst when Mel spotted some markers. He immediately recognized them as markers for where the new roads were going through. The survey teams left them behind. He dismounted from Ice and took the reins in one hand as he fought against the bitter winds and blowing snow until he got to one maker. From there he could tell which mile he was and what direction the road was being worked. He knew he had to go in the opposite direction to get back to civilization. Through the snowdrifts he and his faithful friend trudged. He thought thank God he had left Mac back at the castle this time.

After several minutes another marker and then another and the winds continued to beat on them. His eyes were burning from the cold. Then a sound in the distance, very faint at first but it became louder as they fought the wind. It was MAC! He had broken free of his chain and had tracked them to here. A welcome friend indeed. He bounded up to them, ice built up on his ears and tail but he would shake them off then ran between Ice's legs as Ice bent his head down to snort at the dog.

"Find 'us 'ome laddie! Find some shelt'r!" and off he went into the storm them back, barking as if to lead the way. Mel stumbled and fell but Mac came and bit down on his cloak, pulling as if to stand him upright. Ice did the same until Mel was finally again on his feet. Then a push from behind as Ice was anxious to find shelter too. With what seemed like limitless energy Mac brought them to a barn set into a mountainside for shelter. The door was open and they all went inside.

Exhausted but knowing that Ice neededto be out of the saddle and reins, Mel took the saddle off, pulled the reins from his mouth then found a brush and gave the horse a brief brushing before collapsing on the floor in the straw. Mac curled up right next to him and Ice too brought himself down and curled up next to Mel to offer his body heat. After many hours the storm subsided and voices could be heard in the distance. A sargent was yelling orders for the guards to check the barn while he checked in the house. Yes, they found them on the floor of the barn, tired, half frozen but alive. Mac had grabbed a young private in the army and dragged him to the barn. A very scared young voice yelled, "THEY BE 'ERE!"

Subject: Re: Roads of Solurius Thu Dec 11, 2008 8:27 am

Mel rode out one snowy winter morning for a ride on his old horse, IceWynde. It had been far too long that the two had a chance to just ride and enjoy each other's company. They spoke of old times and the wars they fought together. Then the spoke of the peace they brought to this land and their times on the hunt or just riding for the sake of a ride. Splashing through the cold waters of a stream then up onto the bank of that stream, Ice stopped and looked back as if to say " See? I've still got it". Mel had to doubts at all. They had been through a lot together and would continue as long as both lived. As they rode out to the north country it was apparent that things had worsened.

The snows in the north have halted construction of the roads. Even oxen drawing large blades were unable to clear the pathway for construction to begin. Much would have to be put off until spring. Some crews were sent home with pay to last them through the winter months with the proviso that when the weather clears they should be back on the job as quickly as possible. Those who wished to continue working were sent south to finish laying roads to the warmer baronys.

It would be a harsh winter in the north with the cold winds blasting off the oceans. IceWynde was struggling to wade through the snowdrifts to make it to the camp where the road supervisors were to spend their winter. Mel had to find out if they needed anything more to last them. But then, if they did they would have already made provisions for this kind of weather. He decided to turn back and they would force their way back to the last station they'd passed, that's, if they could find it again in the gale blowing around them.

Subject: Re: Roads of Solurius Sat Nov 15, 2008 8:28 pm

The contractors got the approval of the king. This would be his greatest improvement to Solurius ever. Roads would be built into the capitol of each province. No Barony would be without a main highway to the Capitol of Solurius, the castle and Meldrum City. Each province would have roads going to the main cities. Those who were still building would get roads to sites of the cities to be built.

Workers from all provinces were hired at wages competitive with the best job they could hold in their own province. Matching funds were sent to their families for the entire project for as long as they wished to work.

The roads would be dug deep, stone from the coasts and rocky regions of the northern climes of Solurius, would be crushed and fill the diggings. Ocean sands would fill upon these crushed rocks and finally the mortar and bricks that would make the road surface. It would take several years to finish all of the secondary roads but the main highways, Mel was guaranteed, would be finished by the end of next year.

Subject: Roads of Solurius Sat Oct 18, 2008 8:52 pm

Meldrum knew the difficulties the army had when dealing with the muddy roads, wagon ruts mostly the worst of weather. He had brought in thousands of loads of stone many years ago to get the ground firm enough for war wagons to traverse but now it was time to get serious.

Contractors were hired to survey each barony and decide the most direct routes to each. Then the large wagons will arrive with the materials he'd ordered and many men will dig deep into the earth until reaching firm ground, rough stone will be put in then sand and mortar with finer stone on top of it all.

The contractors guaranteed him these roads would last for centuries after we are all dead an gone. He even went out with the contractors to watch as they made their way out from the main castle. The first of the roads would stretch from mthe castle to the bridge over the canal leading into Rhydin.

From there the main highway would extend to the upper tip of Solurius and to the edge of the western border of Seacrest. Roads would extend outward to each barony's capital. Even Lion's Den would benefit from main roads.

Meldrum knew all too well how bad roads can hamper the progress of an army. With good roads an army can mobilize to all reaches of the kingdom in a matter of days rather than weeks. Next to building the castles, this would be the largest project ever undertaken in Solurius. Millions of gold coins would be spent to assure the population would be put to work.

Those who worked the roads would know the importance they would bring to Solurius in safety and ease of travel for all. Mel was pleased with the initial surveys taken and presented to him.

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