The sun bled orange across the horizon as torches sparked to life throughout the village. Woodland creatures stirred in the gathering dusk, their calls mixing with the crackle of flame.
Joseph wiped sweat from his brow, satisfaction warming him despite his exhaustion. The villagers had listened—truly listened—as he shared techniques that could transform their lives.
Crop rotation to preserve soil fertility. Simple irrigation channels for water efficiency. Natural fertilizers that would boost yields and ward off famine.
He'd kept the explanations simple, focusing on what they needed: which substances nourished plants, which ones killed them. Composting organic waste. Making the most of every resource.
The farming lessons were just the beginning. Joseph had spent hours with the blacksmiths, showing them how proper airflow—not just more coal—could revolutionize their forges. He'd tightened spindles, corrected flaws in their looms, fixed problems they'd lived with for years.
