CHAPTER 34 THE PEOPLE WHO BUILD
CHAPTER 34 — SUMMARY
Winter has settled over Nevermore Valley, and Sonja begins the next step in bringing Aethelward Garden to life.
The land chosen for Aethelward sits along the eastern edge of Nevermore Valley, where the valley begins to rise toward the distant Ravenshade Mountains. Snow rests lightly across the fields, bare branches reach toward the pale winter sky, and smoke rises from chimneys throughout the nearby community.
Sonja knows that a vision alone cannot create a place of sanctuary. Aethelward will need people with practical skills, patience, experience, and the willingness to build something meant to last.
Her search brings three important people to the property.
Thomas Bell, a seasoned carpenter, studies the trees and future building site before agreeing to help.
Edmund Hale, a local stoneworker whose family has worked with the valley's stone for generations, examines the old boundary marker and immediately understands that it should remain part of the property.
Mara Whitcombe, a blunt but knowledgeable gardener, studies the winter soil, the wind, the slope, and the sunlight before telling Sonja exactly where she is making mistakes.
Together, they begin discussing the future gardens, stonework, timber, paths, drainage, orchard, greenhouse, and house.
Nothing is built yet.
But for the first time, Aethelward Garden is no longer only an idea belonging to Sonja and her other half.
It is becoming a community effort.
The foundation is beginning with people.
