(Waldon Sias) “Mr. Dolet, we’ll cut the review short today under th’ circumstances ‘n all. I’ll work on this myself and make sure nothin’ more serious happens.”
(Altman Dolet) “Thank you, Waldon. I’d better go check on Dawson, and see if Claver’s condition has improved any.”
(Waldon Sias) “Dolet, I’m glad I ran inta you. The men, they’re growin’ fearful. It’s gettin’ hard t’get ‘em workin’.”
(Altman Dolet) “I wish I could blame them.”
(Waldon Sias) “I know you don’ hold with all th’ talk ‘o superstitions an’ bad luck ‘n all, but if this goes on as it is, we’ll be left with a valley full ‘o land and nobody to build it up.”
(Altman Dolet) “… Yes, I know. You’re right. Of course you’re right. I’m doing what I can to investigate the cause, but I promise, if I don’t find answers soon, I’ll hire guardsmen in from Holdswaine.”
(Waldon Sias) “Could be that’ll help a bit. Jus’ hope it’s enough.”
(Altman Dolet) “It’ll ha—”
(Waldon Sias) “Altman!”
(Altman Dolet) “I’m okay, it missed! What in the … Where did that come from!”
(Waldon Sias) “Wind-fall branch. Heavy ‘un too. From that tree behind the buildin’, less I miss my guess, fell to the roof and came down nearly on top of us.”
(Altman Dolet) “From the roof … yes, that does seem to be the commonality, doesn’t it.”
(Waldon Sias) “Wha’?”
(Altman Dolet) “I have an idea, my friend. Let’s keep quiet about this incident if you don’t mind … I don’t think anyone saw this happen, so no need to spread the panic further. Would you round up two of your most trustworthy men and meet me out where the rocks run red with iron? I think I may just be able to get to the bottom of this.”