The scout returned from the quarry with dust on his boots and no medal.
"Free." He told Golden Axe's field leader. "A hauling frame over the pit. The piece is below. Two creatures on the lower path."
Behind them, water began running through the mill's cleared intake. The party that had shifted the stones cheered until the wheel lurched and stopped against its failed drive. Their leader looked toward Golden Axe, saw the scout return, and came over.
"You found the fault."
"An axle fitting. The replacement is in the inland shed."
He gave the information because they were leaving. It cost little now, and it might keep the other party from following them to the quarry. The rival leader asked whether Golden Axe intended to claim half the medal for the advice.
"There is no half medal. We're going elsewhere."
The man looked relieved and suspicious at once. Golden Axe gathered its equipment and left before he could turn the conversation into a bargain neither side wanted.
