Rushing water swirled around the submerged timbers of the approach culvert, threatening to wash away the temporary support props.
Across the muddy embankment, half a dozen tenders strained against the sodden ropes, their muscles trembling with exhaustion.
Ash jogged down the rocky slope, his leather tunic flapping against his knees as he reached the water's edge.
The rear wheel of the supply wagon was jammed between two jagged boulders, trapping the axle in the rising current.
"We cannot budge it, lad!" the lead teamster shouted over the roar of the rapids, wiping mud from his eyes.
"If the main stanchion slips another six inches... the whole carriage will flip into the gorge!"
Ash looked back over his shoulder toward the Watcher, who stood calmly upon the embankment above.
"Tell me when the load shifts, grandmother!" he called out, his young voice ringing clear and steady.
