Chapter 274: The Castle Takes Shape

Morning now and Ghan workers had started packing their tents. The canvas walls, which had been their home for the past two weeks, were being folded and rolled, their stakes pulled from the ground.

The workers moved efficiently, their movements quick. They had done this many times before, had packed up and moved on to the next project. But there was a different energy in the air this time, a sense of finality that had not been present before.

After Two weeks here. This project was done, and they were proud of what they had accomplished.

The tents were wrapped up, their poles tied together with leather straps. The tools were gathered, their blades cleaned and oiled, their handles inspected for cracks.

The wagons were loaded, their beds filled with equipment and supplies. The horses, which had been resting and feeding for the past two weeks, were brought out from the stables, their coats glossy, their eyes bright.

Wulfric had taken care of their horses, been feeding them and making them look good. The stable master had a way with animals, a gentle touch that seemed to calm even the most restless of creatures.

He had brushed their coats, cleaned their hooves, and made sure they had plenty of food and water. The horses were in better condition now than when they had arrived, their bodies strong, their spirits high.

The workers thanked Wulfric, their voices filled with gratitude. "Thank you for taking care of them," one of them said. "They’ve never looked better."

Wulfric nodded, a small smile on his face. "It was my pleasure. They’re good animals. Take care of them."

Ghan was standing near the main gate, his tools packed, his wagon loaded. He looked around the courtyard one last time, his eyes scanning the transformed castle. There was a sense of pride in his posture, a quiet satisfaction in his expression. He had done good work here, and he knew it.

Darion approached him, his steps slow and deliberate. Ghan turned, his face breaking into a smile. "M’lord," he said, extending his hand. "It’s been a pleasure."

Darion took his hand, his grip firm. "The pleasure was mine. You’ve done an incredible job. This castle is beyond anything I could have imagined."

Ghan laughed, a warm, genuine sound. "It was a team effort. Your vision, my skills, and a lot of hard work from the crew. But I have to say, this has been one of the best two weeks of my life. The work was challenging, but it was also rewarding. And the hospitality you showed us; the feast, the kindness, it meant a lot to all of us."

Darion nodded, his expression sincere. "You and your crew are always welcome here. I’m already planning more projects. The knights barracks, the outer walls, and possibly some new buildings. I hope you’ll consider coming back."

Ghan’s eyes lit up. "I would be honored. I’ve seen a lot of changes in this barony, and I’m impressed with the progress you’ve made. Percvale is on its way to becoming something great. I’d be happy to be a part of that."

They stood in silence for a moment, the morning sun warming their faces. Then Ghan hugged Darion, a firm, heartfelt embrace that said more than words ever could. "You’ve made a friend today," he said, his voice thick with emotion.

Darion returned the hug, his own emotions rising. "And you’ve made a friend too."

Ghan pulled back, then he turned to Garren and Seren, shaking their hands with the same warmth. "Thank you both," he said. "For your hospitality, for your kindness. This has been a truly memorable experience."

Garren nodded, his expression serious but friendly. "Safe travels, Ghan."

Seren smiled, her eyes bright. "Come back soon. We’ll have another feast waiting for you."

Ghan laughed, the sound echoing through the courtyard. "I’ll hold you to that."

He climbed onto his wagon, his crew following suit. The horses stamped their feet, eager to be on the move. Ghan took the reins, his eyes scanning the castle one last time. Then he gave a final wave, and the wagons began to roll.

Darion stood at the gate, watching as they disappeared into the distance. The dust settled behind them, and the courtyard fell silent. Ghan and his crew were gone.

Those two weeks had been like he was living another life. Living in a construction site basically. The constant noise of hammers and saws, the dust that settled on everything, the workers moving through the halls like they owned the place.

Having people you had never met before, setting tents in front of your castle, in your castle compound, cooking and just living normal lives.

They woke up in the morning, bathed, ate and entered into the castle to continue to work.

It had been chaotic, but it had also been strangely invigorating. The castle, which had once been a silent tomb, was now alive with activity.

Darion remembered when his room had to be repaired. He had to evacuate, packing his belongings and moving to a temporary space while the workers tore down walls and rebuilt them.

The workers, Ghan included, had been apologetic, almost begging for sending him out of his room, saying they just had to work on it. They had seemed worried that he would be offended, that he would see it as a sign of disrespect.

But Darion hadn’t minded. He wasn’t some wicked leader who felt offended to leave his room during a construction project.

Being angry would just be outright tomfoolery.

He understood that progress required sacrifice, that the temporary inconvenience was worth the long-term gain. And it wasn’t like they used the night too. All they did was work there in the day. Evening, they were done, packing up their tools and retreating to their tents.

Some people would have found living in a reconstruction building taxing and stressful. The noise, the dust, the constant presence of strangers. But he didn’t. Instead, it benefited him...