Afternoon.
The diggers all noticed it, the rain suddenly intensified.
They worked bare-chested, truly embodying their nickname "Mud Legs."
The cold rain pelted their shoulders and backs, causing some to shiver.
It was summer, yet they felt a chill.
Roman had ordered the construction of numerous temporary shelters.
Over a hundred draft horses pulled wagon after wagon.
On the wagons were barrels, inside the barrels were warm salty meat soup, fried bacon, and soft, fragrant bread.
The laborers started to eat in batches, these warm meals replenishing their body heat, making their stomachs warm and much more comfortable. After eating, they rested briefly before continuing to dig.
They worked in phased segments.
They dug trenches and channels, directing the waterflow to lower areas.
But progress was slow.
Damn it! The barren land was too hard to dig through, full of rocks.
Roman's face darkened,
