Chapter Twelve #2
“Malcolm’s going to be out of commission for at least six weeks with his leg.
He can consult all he likes, but he won’t be able to come in here.
We’ll just tell him we’re doing preliminary stabilization work, and to keep the crew away from the east tower completely.
” Damon moved closer. “Is this something you can actually do? Not just want to do, but actually accomplish?”
Redford pressed his hand against the wall again, letting his gargoyle assess the damage again.
It would be difficult. It would require more sustained magic than he’d ever attempted.
He’d have to essentially become one with the tower, understanding every stone, joint, and stress point. But it was possible.
“Yes,” he said finally. “I think I can save it.”
“Then that’s what we do,” Damon said simply. “Where do we start?”
“The foundation. We need to go deeper.” Redford moved toward the staircase that led down into the tower’s undercroft.
“If I’m right, the original builders would have dug down to bedrock.
Castles of significance, and this one would’ve been at one time, were always built on bedrock where possible.
That’s where we’ll need to begin the repairs. ”
The undercroft was dark and damp, with water pooling in the corners.
Redford’s enhanced vision cut through the gloom easily.
The foundation stones were massive, each one weighing several tons.
And just as he’d suspected, many had shifted over the centuries, creating gaps and instabilities that radiated upward through the entire structure.
“This is going to be intense,” Redford said quietly, staring at the damage.
“Good thing you’re already intense.” Damon bumped their shoulders together. “And good thing you have a mate who can help.”
Redford turned to look at his mate, who was still managing to smile. “You know we’re probably crazy for attempting this?”
“We’re definitely crazy.” Damon’s grin was pure mischief. “But we’re going to pull it off anyway.”
“We’ll need to be strategic in how we do this,” Redford said, his mind already working through the logistics. “Gordon will send his report recommending demolition. We’ll need to push back and ask for time to consider our options. Meanwhile, we’ll work on the actual repairs in secret.”
“How long before people notice the tower’s improving instead of falling down?”
“If I’m subtle enough? Months. The changes will have to be incremental, internal.
By the time anyone realizes the tower’s stabilizing, we’ll be far enough along that demolition won’t be an option.
” Redford traced the massive foundation stone with his fingers.
“Though we’ll still need to have the official repairs done eventually – the visible stuff.
This is about saving the structure, so it survives long enough for proper restoration and doesn’t hurt anyone else by falling down in the meantime. ”
“We’re really doing this.” Damon’s voice held a note of awe.
“We’re really doing this.” Redford pulled out his phone. “First, I need to call Gordon and tell him I need time to consider my options. Then we start planning.”
They emerged from the tower into bright sunlight. The damage looked no less severe in the daylight, but now Redford saw it differently. His gargoyle hummed with anticipation, already planning the work ahead.
“Your gargoyle’s happy,” Damon observed.
“He has a purpose now. We both do.” Redford looked at his mate. “Thank you for suggesting we investigate ourselves and for believing this is possible.”
“I’ve seen what you can do with stone. And I know how much this place means to me, so I imagine it goes double for you.
” Damon shrugged. “We might as well use the skills we have to save something worth saving. It’s not like we’re hurting anyone else, and you strike me as a man who likes to have a purpose when you get up in the morning. ”
“True, even on those days when staying in bed with you is tempting, too.” Redford stroked down Damon’s face. “Thank you,” he added, then sighed as his phone buzzed.
“It’s Gordon’s report. That was fast.” Redford skimmed through it, noting every dire warning and the strong argument for demolition.
Tapping with his thumbs, he composed a careful response, thanking Gordon for his thoroughness and requesting time to consider all options before making a final decision.
“Malcolm’s going to ask questions,” Damon said.
“I’ll tell him I’m consulting with preservation specialists, looking into grants, and exploring every avenue before I give up on the tower.
” All of which was technically true, just not in the way Malcolm would assume.
“He’ll understand. He’s been restoring historic buildings long enough to know how hard these decisions are. ”
They walked back toward the cottage, Redford’s mind already cataloging what he’d need for the foundation work. There were specialized mortars, steel reinforcement pins, and replacement stones that matched the original granite.
He would also need to speak to other gargoyles – Redford had spent decades in offices of glass and steel, and would need to go back to his roots.
But his gargoyle had good instincts, and there were plenty of written records his kind had kept for hundreds of years about stone construction and maintaining places just like the one he was trying to save.
“So, when do we start?” Damon asked as they reached the cottage.
Redford looked back at the tower, silhouetted against the bright sky. “Tonight, after dark, when no one can see what we’re doing.”
“You’re making a good argument for having an afternoon nap, mate of mine, but…” Damon held up his hand as Redford reached for him. “I know what you’re like. Let’s make some lists, empty that brain of yours onto some paper first, and then we’ll see what else comes up. What do you say?”
“You have the best ideas.” And Redford would definitely be making sure Damon knew how grateful he was…after he’d made some notes and had another coffee.