The drainage cart lurched sideways as an ash pillar punched through its wheel track, and Hajin caught the falling shaft. He hauled its driver back from the channel while five more pillars erupted across the gorge, fusing through choking dust.
"Oh, come on, the road was finally drying out!"
Sixteen road workers vanished beyond the orchard furrow as the ash sealed both of its sides shut.
"Leave the cart," he barked, dragging the driver clear of the thrashing harness, "get uphill and tell Hans exactly where this frame crosses the road!"
Between the pillars, trapped men hacked uselessly at the ash while Dreth's horns blared from above the orchard.
'Keep swinging, and don't let that bastard's horn be the last thing you hear.'
"People of the Sixth Region," Dreth announced through the horns, lifting his baton above the rail, "your rebel brought this ruin upon you, so bind him and your homes will remain yours."
