Turn 006 · Saltmere — Result

Marker Beach Barter

During a clear late-winter thaw, Evi and a scout companion walked the northern shingle track to meet Keelstrand’s trade party at Marker Beach under open daylight. The encounter was conducted strictly on the neutral gravel of the beach, preserving the privacy and boundaries of both settlements without either side crossing the creek or lingering past the exchange.

Saltmere delivered four prime pressed salt cakes, woven sleeping mats, and storage hampers. In return, Keelstrand traded finely carved hardwood bowls, broad salt scoops, sturdy tool handles, sweep oars, and dry casks. Both parties concluded the barter smoothly and withdrew safely before dusk.

Runoff Drainage, Pan Bank, and Fuel Readiness

As snowmelt began running off the garden rise, Fen's drainage crews cleared ice dams and deepened the perimeter ditches, safely channeling hillside meltwater away from the brine flats and preventing swamping.

Fen inspected the western pan bank once the surface frost eased, confirming that the clay revetment held securely through the winter freeze with only minor surface packing required. In the sheltered clay hollow, test burning of the thin-split willow and alder laths confirmed that the fuel stacked during the autumn has dried clean and is ready to supply the pans for spring salt boiling.

Fleet Refit and Gear Overhaul

While the two shallow fishing skiffs remained lashed hull-up on their raised timber rollers, Orin and his crew completed a full refit, recaulking the seams with pitch and reed fiber. Sava’s weavers and the fishers refurbished all nets and creels, replacing frayed cordage and repairing damaged baskets. With the newly acquired sweep oars fitted and tackle restored, the watercraft and fishing gear stand ready for the opening of the sound.

Visible Costs and Immediate Pressures

As late winter gives way to the first signs of spring, several conditions demand the settlement's attention:

• Food Margin: Drawing on sand clamps and dried stores through the winter has reduced food reserves to their seasonal low, making the launch of spring fishing and expanded shallows foraging an immediate priority.
• Salt Boiling Resumption: With dry casks and scoops now on hand, the pan bank stabilized, and seasoned laths ready in the clay hollow, resuming salt production is viable as soon as labor is allocated between the pans, boats, and garden rise.
• Barter Dynamics: Keelstrand proved reliable and peaceful at Marker Beach, providing quality woodworking in exchange for salt and woven goods, though metal cutting edges were not part of their offering.