"Hurry!" Keldon barked as he lifted his side of the beam. "We have to fix the wall before the horde can flood in and wipe us out."
Caleb lifted the other end and grunted. "You'd think looming devastation might revive Tarian's mind."
"That's enough, Caleb!" Keldon glanced over his shoulder as he hefted the slab of metal. With a slight stumble, he shot Caleb a wicked glare. "Lloyd's death hit him hard. I doubt anything will bring him out of his funk anytime soon. Now be careful, or I'll end up breaking my neck."
Caleb slowed as he shook his head. "It's remarkable those monsters haven't attacked yet."
"Be thankful for small favors." Keldon glanced over his shoulder as the beam fought his grasp. "Wayne, please assist us in getting this into position."
When the weight lessened, Keldon whipped around and found Tarian beside him. "Allow me to assist you. After all, you've helped me carry my burdens lately."
Keldon burst into laughter, but his foot caught on a rock, and he tumbled to the ground.
"Under normal circumstances, I'd lend you a hand, Keldon," Tarian said as his arms twitched. "But I trust you appreciate why I've refused to help out."
"Don't worry about it." Keldon propped himself up while he rubbed his heel. He staggered to his feet, waving at the crowd of people sealing the breach in the wall.
"Please take your time," Caleb said, sweat erupting from his brow. "It's so much fun holding up this slab of metal."
"I'll forgive you, Tarian." Keldon grabbed the beam and glared at the man across from him. "Caleb, it's good to know you're enjoying yourself. But how about we hurry up and seal that breach?"
"Funny," Caleb said as his eyes narrowed.
"Thank you for picking up the slack," Tarian said as the men resumed their march.
"Tarian, I'd be happy to have this conversation with you," Keldon started as he tightened his grip on the beam. "But can we wait until we've brought this over to Wayne's crew?"
"Sure," Tarian said...
