The first flame climbed above the forge basin before Cassie's drill ended, pulling every registry worker across the eastern yard before the noon meal began.
Hajin sent Lana back to Marrick with her slate, then crossed the yard himself. Another orange tongue rose past the unfinished chimney and blackened its upper bricks.
Ferra directed six workers around Seliza's leather bellows beside the furnace mouth, with sleeves tied above her elbows.
The ceramic basin had hardened into a pale bowl beneath the brickwork. Timber braces held the chimney while the final mortar set and the first heat tested everything.
"Push together," Ferra ordered, striking the left bellows with her palm. "The air pressure drops whenever a single handle moves first."
Two workers leaned into the handles, forcing air through iron pipes beneath the charcoal bed. The flame rolled deeper, turning the first row of bricks red.
