WLTBneet
patreon
Chapter 21 - The Price of Progress
🕑 Added 2025-02-26 22:00:03 +0000 UTCAthan woke up like every morning and went to check on the condition of the fields. He then activated the watering system before washing his face. Lara, still groggy with sleep, followed his routine and did the same. As she rubbed her eyes, she suddenly noticed something new.
"What that?" she asked, pointing at the bricks that hadn't been there the previous day.
The boy smiled and replied, "These are bricks. They're used to build things. But these ones aren't ready yet."
"Need help?" the young woman offered.
Athan nodded and asked her to help him turn the bricks over. He explained that they needed to be flipped every day to ensure they dried evenly. Once they were done, he thanked her and, before she could leave, asked for another favor. "Could you gather a lot of firewood? We'll need a big pile of it soon."
Lara, tilting her head slightly, gave him a curious look but nodded. "Alright. How much?"
"As much as you can. The more, the better. We'll need it for the project I am starting now and when the bricks are ready to fire," Athan explained.
Lara gave him a determined nod before setting off, already thinking about the best places to collect the wood. Athan watched her go for a moment before turning back to his own task, satisfied that everything was moving forward.
Afterward, Athan made his way to the pile of earth they had gathered a few days ago. He studied the soil for a moment before heading to fetch some water. Once back, he took his hoe and began digging a deep hole, ensuring it was large enough to contain a substantial fire. Next, he carved out a trench leading to the hole, designed so that wood could be easily fed into it for continuous burning.
With the foundation set, he gathered limestone rocks, placing them in an organized pile all around the pit. These rocks would be key to his next project. He then collected a different type of rock, carefully selecting those that were flat and solid, ensuring they would withstand high temperatures. Using a mixture of wet dirt, he began stacking them, forming a rudimentary mortar to bind them together. With patience and precision, he layered the stones, making sure each one was firmly in place, gradually shaping the walls of the pit. As the structure took form, he carved out ventilation openings near the base, allowing air to flow through and keep the fire burning efficiently. Slowly, he built up the walls of the pit, shaping a cylindrical structure that would function as a primitive lime kiln, designed to withstand intense heat and maintain a steady temperature. With each stone placed, his vision of producing cement grew closer to reality.
Once the structure was stable, Athan stepped back and observed his progress. If all went according to plan, this oven would allow him to heat the limestone to a high enough temperature to transform it into quicklime, a key ingredient for making cement. His ultimate goal was clear—first, he would create a flat foundation for the future house, followed by the necessary trenches for sanitation, including a proper toilet system and a bathing area he could even make a permanent water way for the crops, the possibilities were endless once he had cement.
For now, the kiln was built, but Athan would need to wait for the bricks to dry completely before he could fire them. Only after that could he dismantle this makeshift kiln and construct a more permanent, durable one. He exhaled deeply, wiping sweat from his brow as he surveyed his progress. The settlement was slowly taking shape, piece by piece.
Once the pile of wood was gathered, Athan began stacking logs and branches inside the hole beneath the kiln, ensuring they were packed tightly. Once he was satisfied with the arrangement, he retrieved embers from the fire pit and carefully placed them into the kiln to ignite the wood. The flames caught quickly, and soon, the heat inside the kiln began rising drastically.
Determined to maintain a consistent high temperature, Athan continued feeding the fire, adding more wood as needed. Knowing that the process would take time, he took short breaks between refueling sessions. During one of these pauses, he made his way to the area where the first house would be built, near the stored woodpile. He selected several sturdy branches and planted them into the ground, marking the four corners where the foundation would be laid.
Satisfied with the placement, he called over Lara and Wade. "First house goes here," he stated, gesturing to the outlined space. "Could you take him to the sand deposit? We need a lot of sand here to make a solid floor."
Lara nodded and led Wade toward the sand supply. With the help of Athan's wheelbarrow, they began transporting loads of sand back to the construction site, gradually forming a pile for the foundation. Meanwhile, Athan returned to the kiln, ensuring the fire remained at its peak temperature, carefully feeding it to sustain the high heat necessary for the firing process.
Once he was satisfied with the kiln's stability, he shifted his attention to another crucial task. He made his way toward the bathing area, where he began staking stones to outline the future structure. Carefully selecting flat, sturdy rocks, he positioned them to be easily accessible once he began constructing the bath. Ensuring the foundation was stable, he arranged the stones in a way that would provide natural support for the walls and water containment.
Once he had gathered enough, he turned his focus toward the house and toilet area, transporting additional stones to reinforce those structures as well. He strategically placed the rocks where they would provide maximum support, reducing the need for excessive cement. Each stone added was another step toward fortifying the settlement, shaping the vision of a more structured and resilient village.
Using rocks strategically in the construction process was a practical decision—it would reduce the amount of cement needed, a resource that would remain scarce for some time. By combining stone with whatever cement he could produce, he aimed to maximize efficiency while ensuring durability. Each placement of stone brought the settlement one step closer to becoming a well-structured, functional village.
As the first batch of limestone burned, Athan carefully observed the wood consumption and the heat distribution within the kiln. He noted how the flames traveled through the chamber, watching the way the heat built up and how some areas retained warmth better than others. He crouched beside the kiln, feeling the exterior, searching for any spots where heat was escaping inefficiently.
He quickly realized that some parts of the structure were losing too much heat, slowing down the burning process. Using wet earth mixed with small stones, he methodically sealed the emerging cracks in the chimney, carefully smoothing over the surface to reinforce the structure. As he worked, the intensity of the fire inside fluctuated, and he took notes on how different adjustments affected the temperature.
To further improve efficiency, he adjusted the airflow, testing different ways to increase the oxygen intake through the ventilation openings at the base. He made small modifications to the openings, allowing the flames to burn more consistently and ensuring an even distribution of heat inside the kiln. Each adjustment was a step toward optimizing the process, making sure that future firings would consume less wood while maintaining the high temperatures necessary to transform limestone into quicklime.
His meticulous approach not only strengthened the kiln but also made the process more sustainable in the long run. With every improvement, he was learning, refining his methods, and moving one step closer to mastering the production of cement—a key element in the future development of their settlement.
During his breaks, Athan made several trips to collect clay, carrying small portions at a time between tending to the fire. He understood the importance of maintaining a steady supply of materials for future construction, and this method allowed him to balance multiple tasks efficiently. As he moved back and forth, he took the opportunity to check on the progress of the log shaping. The team had been working hard, the scent of fresh-cut wood and sweat heavy in the air. Athan observed them closely, his mind already planning ahead—he wanted to construct the bath as soon as possible, ensuring the tribe had access to proper hygiene and comfort.
Observing the ground, he noticed scattered wood shavings accumulating near the work area. Not wanting anything to go to waste, he bent down and gathered the shavings, along with smaller wood chips, carefully placing them in a separate pile. He realized these smaller pieces would serve as excellent kindling for the kiln, ensuring a steady and controlled burn. Taking his time, he organized the materials, making sure to leave nothing useful behind.
He also examined the larger chunks of discarded wood, recognizing their potential for future use. Some pieces were thick and sturdy enough to be carved into tool handles, while others could be shaped into wooden pegs or wedges—essential components for securing structures without relying solely on bindings or rope. As he sorted through the scraps, he set aside the most useful ones, making mental notes of how they could be repurposed later.
With each trip, he grew more efficient, refining his approach to managing resources. By the time the fire in the kiln had reached a steady burn, Athan had not only built a modest stockpile of clay but had also collected a useful assortment of wood materials, ensuring nothing was wasted. His methodical approach reinforced his belief that progress was not just about building but about making the most of everything at their disposal. Each step, no matter how small, was contributing to the gradual transformation of their settlement into a thriving, well-planned home for the tribe.
The boy sat near the kiln as the sun dipped below the horizon, casting a warm glow over the settlement. The meal would be served soon, but he needed to keep the fire hot, ensuring the limestone continued to burn properly. Letting out a small sigh, he waited for everyone to be served, taking advantage of the moment to activate the watering system for a few minutes before shutting it off again.
After some time, he noticed Lara approaching, carefully carrying two bowls of stew. "You should be hungry," she said with a smile, handing him one of the bowls.
Grateful, the boy returned her smile. "Thanks."
Lara sat beside him, settling in as they both began eating in comfortable silence. Her gaze drifted toward the flames rising from beneath the kiln, flickering through the openings in the structure. The sight seemed to spark her curiosity, and after a moment of contemplation, she turned to Athan with a questioning look.
Noticing her interest, Athan pointed at the limestone inside the kiln. "Those stones," he began, "if we heat them for a long time, they turn into a white powder. When we mix that powder with sand and water, we can create a new type of stone—one that is very hard and very useful. It's called cement, and it will help us build stronger houses, solid floors, and even pathways."
Lara blinked, absorbing the information as she glanced back at the kiln. She leaned slightly closer, watching how the flames curled around the rocks, their edges glowing a faint orange. "So... you burn stone to make stronger stone?" she asked, her voice carrying both curiosity and disbelief.
Athan chuckled. "Something like that. The fire removes all the water and impurities from the rock, changing it into a new form. When we add water back, it reacts and hardens again, but this time, we can shape it how we want."
The girl nodded again, quietly thinking. After a while, she asked, "How much time they still need to cook?" wanting to know how long before the rocks would be ready.
The boy glanced inside the kiln, observing the glowing stones as he considered her question. "At least until tomorrow midday, maybe more," he replied. "I need to make sure the fire doesn't go down."
Lara nodded once more, acknowledging his words. Since their bowls were now empty, she stood up and began walking toward the fire ring to clean them.
Athan remained by the kiln, carefully tending to the fire, making sure it was well-fed with fuel. As he sat there, listening to the crackling flames while watching the stars, he noticed movement nearby. The group learning to write and the group working on their wooden combs had gathered near the fire ring, discussing among themselves. After a while, the two groups separated, each returning to their respective tasks.
Then, after a while, Lara returned, accompanied by his father and mother. Wade looked at the boy for a moment before speaking. "Go sleep. We take shifts keep fire burning all night."
The other two nodded in agreement, reassuring Athan that the kiln would be well taken care of. Relieved, he hesitated only briefly before standing up, trusting them to handle the task. He gave one last glance at the roaring fire before heading toward his bedding, ready to rest for the night.
----------------
Waking up the next morning, Athan noticed that his father and mother were still fast asleep. He quietly made his way back to the kiln, where he saw Lara still diligently feeding the fire. The sight of her, working tirelessly even after the long night, stirred something within him. He felt a deep sense of admiration, an unfamiliar warmth settling in his chest.
Smiling, he approached her and gently placed a hand on her shoulder. "Go rest a bit," he told her softly.
Lara blinked at him sleepily before nodding. Without protest, she stood up and made her way to the basin, where she washed her face and hands, refreshing herself before heading back to her bedding.
Athan watched her for a moment before turning his attention back to the fire. His thoughts lingered on Lara—her dedication, her quiet strength. She would make a strong woman to have by his side, someone he could rely on in this ever-changing world.
Shaking off his thoughts, he moved toward the basin, splashing cool water over his face before carrying some with him. He walked over to the fields and activated the watering system, ensuring the crops received their morning irrigation. He stood for a moment, watching as the water trickled through the channels, soaking the pathway evenly. Once he was satisfied that everything was running smoothly, he shut off the system and made his way to the drying bricks, carefully flipping each one to ensure even hardening.
After tending to the bricks, he gathered more clay and began shaping new ones, using the wooden mold he had crafted previously. Pressing the wet clay firmly into the mold, he ensured each brick was uniform in size before carefully removing it and placing it alongside the others to dry. His hands worked with practiced efficiency, the familiar feel of the clay between his fingers grounding him in the rhythm of his labor.
As he worked, his mind drifted to the future—once these bricks were fully dried and fired, they could begin building solid structures that would last for years. The morning sun climbed higher, casting golden light over the village in the making, and Athan felt a quiet sense of satisfaction—each small task brought them closer to a future of stability and progress.
Alternating between making bricks, feeding the fire, and going back to collect more clay, Athan's days were consumed by these repetitive but crucial tasks. The steady rhythm of his work kept the kiln burning at a high temperature, ensuring the process continued efficiently.
By noon, he used the air hole to poke inside the kiln, testing the condition of the limestone. Taking a long branch, he carefully passed it through the hole, pulling it back after a few moments. As he withdrew it, he noticed a fine layer of white dust covering the wood. His heart raced slightly—this was the sign he had been waiting for.
"It's done," he murmured to himself, feeling a rush of accomplishment. Now, all that remained was to let the fire die down and open the kiln without causing the delicate powder inside to collapse or scatter.
Wade, Rael, and Lara remained nearby, keeping a close watch on the structure as the heat slowly dissipated. The boy, taking a deep breath, turned to them and gave instructions. " I need you guys to start placing the rocks I brought into the foundation square. Try to arrange them as evenly as possible, so the base is stable. Make sure each stone is positioned securely—this will make the next steps much easier when we start layering materials for the floor."
The three nodded, understanding the importance of handling the material with care. The long-awaited quicklime was finally ready. Once it was cool enough, Athan cautiously broke down a section of the kiln wall, carefully extracting the lime inside. Using the wheelbarrow, he transported a load of it to the area where they had previously laid down sand for the future house foundation. Then going be he took the ashes that the kiln had produce before putting it on the pile of sand and lime. He had seen in a documentary from his previous life that adding ashes help the cement harden.
He began by mixing the sand, ashes and lime together in a large pit, using a branch without bark to ensure the two materials blended evenly. He tried to carefully measured each portion, trying to get the yellow sand to become more greyish. As he gradually added water, he watched the reaction unfold—the mixture bubbled and hissed, releasing heat as the quicklime transformed into a thick, pliable paste.
Athan stirred continuously, his hands working quickly to prevent any lumps from forming. He adjusted the consistency as needed, adding more sand or water in small increments until the mixture reached the ideal texture. The paste needed to be smooth enough to seep into the cracks between the stones yet firm enough to harden properly over time.
Satisfied with the results, he stepped back for a moment, wiping sweat from his brow. This was the first real cement they had made, and the success of the foundation depended on getting it right. The process had been labor-intensive from the start.
His mother, father, and Lara had carefully placed large stones throughout the entire rectangular area, ensuring that the foundation would be as solid as possible. These stones would act as a base structure, with the cement binding them together like bricks in a wall, creating a sturdy and durable surface. These stones acted as a barrier, keeping the cement from spreading too thin and ensuring structural stability. Any uneven areas had been filled with smaller stones to reinforce the base.
With the groundwork set, he had moved on to the cement. He stirred the mixture with careful, deliberate motions, making sure that the consistency remained smooth and uniform. It had to be just the right thickness—not too runny, or it would seep out of the gaps, and not too thick, or it wouldn't settle evenly. The cement, was then carefully poured into the prepared foundation space.
Using a flat piece of wood, he guided the mixture into the gaps between the larger stones, making sure it seeped deep between them, bonding them together. Once the space was filled, he began the meticulous process of leveling the surface. He dragged a long wooden plank across the top, smoothing the cement and evening out any irregularities. As he worked, he tapped lightly on the edges, making sure the cement settled firmly around the stones, locking them in place.
Stepping back, Athan wiped the sweat from his forehead and inspected the results. To ensure no one disturbed the setting cement, he took a length of rope and tied it around the posts marking the foundation's perimeter. Turning to the gathered onlookers, he issued a firm warning. "Do not touch or move the cement until I say it has fully hardened. If disturbed too soon, it will crack and weaken."
The group nodded in understanding, some stepping closer to observe the process while others dispersed, leaving the foundation to set. With this crucial step completed, Athan felt another wave of satisfaction. Once the house's foundation was secured, he moved on to preparing the foundation for the toilet.
Using the rocks he had gathered, he began forming a large circular border around the designated area, shaping it into a rough "0" formation. Unlike the house's foundation, he deliberately avoided creating a perfect rectangle, ensuring that no corners would trap stagnant water or waste. One extremity of the structure would serve as the entry point for fresh water, while the other end would guide the waste flow toward the drainage hole he had requested in the settlement wall. His goal was to allow organic waste to exit smoothly while ensuring a controlled flow of water through the system, preventing any unwanted buildup or pooling.
After shaping the outer structure, Athan carefully planned the exit path for waste, carving out a slight slope leading away from the main area. Once that was completed, he shifted his focus to constructing an entry passage for fresh water. However, as he prepared to continue, he realized he was running low on lime. Without enough material to complete the foundation properly, he would have to fire another batch before proceeding.
Pausing for a moment, Athan exhaled deeply, already strategizing his next steps. Despite the temporary setback, he decided to use what remained of the lime to reinforce the most critical areas of the foundation. He carefully spread the remaining mixture along the edges of the circular structure, ensuring the key support points were well sealed. With precision, he filled in the gaps between the stones, smoothing out the surface where necessary to create a solid, stable base.
Once the last bit of lime was used, he stepped back and observed his work, satisfied that even with limited resources, he had made significant progress. Now, all that was left was to prepare another batch of lime to fully complete the structure. Progress was undeniable, and soon, this essential addition to their growing settlement would be fully functional.
But before continuing, the boy ran to the basin from the waterfall. The cement, which was now caked all over his skin, caused an unbearable itching sensation. Without hesitation, he waded into the shallow part of the basin, letting the cool water wash over him as he scrubbed his body to remove the dried cement.
Looking down at his hands, he noticed they were red and swollen, the skin irritated from prolonged contact with the mixture. As he flexed his fingers, a slight sting reminded him of the mistake he had made. Using his bare hands to spread the cement into the harder-to-reach areas had not been the best idea. Other spots where the cement had touched his skin were also inflamed, some even beginning to blister slightly. The water provided some relief, soothing the irritation and cooling the burning sensation on his skin.
As he stood there, letting the river cleanse away the last traces of the cement, he made a mental note—next time, he would have to find a way to protect his hands. Perhaps he could wrap them in cloth or fashion simple gloves to avoid further injury. The burning sensation in his skin was a painful reminder that this was not something he could afford to ignore. For now, he would have to endure the discomfort, knowing it was yet another lesson learned in the process of building something greater.
However, he realized that the mixture could be either alkaline or acidic—he wasn't entirely sure which one it was. If he wasn't careful, prolonged exposure might cause more severe damage. Reflecting on his mistake, he resolved to make wooden tools for spreading and smoothing the cement in the future, ensuring he wouldn't need to touch it directly with his hands.
Lost in thought, Athan didn't notice the shadow growing behind him. Suddenly, strong hands gripped his shoulders and pulled him up, lifting him from the water before setting him firmly onto the riverbank. His father, accompanied by his mother, stood over him, both of them clearly angry.
"Athan!" Wade's voice was sharp, his face serious. "You know you can't go in the water alone!"
Rael crossed her arms, looking both worried and upset. "What were you thinking? Something could have happened!"
Athan swallowed, realizing that in his urgency to wash off the cement, he had broken one of their most important rules. Lowering his head, he braced himself for the scolding he knew was coming.
Before Wade could continue, Rael's expression shifted as her eyes fell on Athan's hands. Surprise and concern flashed across her face as she knelt beside him, gently taking his hands in her palms. She carefully turned them over, inspecting the swollen, reddened skin. Her gaze then flickered to the other areas on his arms and legs where the cement had made contact, irritation clearly visible.
Her brows furrowed as she glanced at the basin, realization clicking in her mind. Looking back at Athan, she asked, "Do those burn?"
The boy nodded his head, ashamed. Wade, who had been interrupted, looked at the boy, noticing the red patches covering his hands. His anger faded as concern took over. Kneeling down, he carefully examined the irritated skin before glancing toward the kiln and the house foundation.
"That when you make cement thing?" he asked, his face serious.
Athan hesitated before nodding. "Yes… I should have used tools instead of my hands to apply it."
Wade sniffed sharply before letting out a sigh. "Dont use hand anymore, if you do again, no more cement thing for you."
Rael, still examining the boy's hands and the various red patches covering his body, bit her lip in concern. She glanced at the basin, then back at her son, connecting the dots. Kneeling slightly, she gently ran her fingers over his swollen hands, her eyes narrowing.
"Athan, go back in water, but stay near shore," she instructed firmly. "Wade, watch your son."
Without another word, she turned and walked toward the storage pouch, searching for herbs that could help reduce the swelling and irritation. Athan, obediently following his mother's orders, stepped back into the water, wincing slightly as the coolness made contact with his irritated skin. Wade, though visibly displeased with the situation, remained nearby, keeping a close eye on his son as he soaked in the water.
