Chapter 96. Cable Cart’s First Operation

“It is incredible that we were actually able to grow them, but...” Miller commented as he supported Francesca, guiding her along the snowy path toward the new transport station. “Moringa is a luxury ingredient that doesn’t last long, even in iced enclosures. Given the harsh Winter Freeze prices, transporting them safely for export will be incredibly tough.”

“I understand what you are getting at. Plus, our yields are still relatively low in quantity since they only grow here in Ironwood,” Francesca nodded thoughtfully. As they arrived at the bustling cave entrance, she finished, “I have a few ideas on what to do about the export issue. Until then, we can just sell them locally at a cheaper price to boost morale.”

“Hmm... that will be good timing, especially since His Highness, Prince Vadim, will be arriving soon,” Miller nodded in agreement.

“I am so glad everyone could make it for the first ever completed cable cart descent today!” Chief Craftsman Aron announced with a booming smile upon seeing Miller and Francesca arrive. The Vassal Council members, along with Kenny and Stella, were already gathered inside the massive cavern.

To stand at the cave's mouth and look down the full length of the cable system was to witness the ancient mountain intertwined with incredible, cutting-edge industry. The dark wooden rails snaked down the mountainside like the spine of a sleeping dragon. The massive chain bundles gleamed with thick black grease. A fine mist rose from the base of the mountain, swirling around the lower stations. The distant sound of grinding metal and shouting workers drifted up through the howling wind, a roaring testament to industry surviving even in the harshest Winter Freeze.

Miller noted that, unlike the initial prototype test, all four stop stations were finally fully constructed, plunging down through the low-hanging clouds straight into the valley base where the Hollowland Viscounty’s trade route was accessible.

“Well, does it really work as flawlessly as you intended?” Lord Edward asked, throwing a skeptical, sideways glance at Miller and Francesca.

“We won’t know until we actually run the test, will we, Lord Edward?” Francesca remarked with a sharp smirk.

Miller smoothly added, “The initial tests with the prototypes and the half finished line were incredibly promising. You must have read the reports I sent to the Council, Lord Edward.”

Lord Edward knew he couldn’t openly talk back to the Viscount, but he wasn’t going to back down that easily. “Of course. But reading something on paper and actually seeing it transport heavy cargo are two very different things.”

Before he could complain any further, a calm voice sounded from next to him. “We can debate its theoretical flaws all we want after we check its actual performance, can’t we, Lord Edward?” Lady Frederica countered smoothly. The vassals standing on her side of the aisle nodded in firm agreement.

Lord Edward scoffed quietly, silencing his own ramblings as he thought inwardly. Lady Frederica has been rather tame in her opposition ever since Her Ladyship paid her that visit... I declined the Viscountess's deal, but from the looks of it, Lady Frederica was completely convinced.

“Since everyone is so eager, why don’t you begin the first official operation of the cable cart, Uncle Aron?” Miller commanded. Chief Craftsman Aron nodded eagerly. “As you wish, My Lord! Everyone, you heard him! Get to your stations!”

Turning to the crew, Aron bellowed, “We will be sending down a cart full of fresh fish in exchange for a cart of wood and Shella coming up from the bottom! Release the brakes!”

He started barking rapid commands as the heavy gears engaged. Everyone, including Francesca leaned forward, their eyes shining with anticipation as the grand structure roared to life.

The cavern immediately exploded into organized chaos. Workers swarmed the upper platform to secure the repurposed carriage onto the wooden sled. It was a worn but sturdy vehicle with faded blue paint and cracked leather seats. Its iron framed wheels had long been removed, replaced by grooved ironwood runners crafted to fit the rails perfectly. Through the carriage windows, crates of fresh fish packed tightly with ice and lake grass glistened under the flickering torchlight.

At the lowest station far down the mountain, a second carriage waited. This one a sturdy olive green accented with polished brass fittings. Its load consisted of bundled firewood and heavy leather pouches of Shella, the first payment from the Hollowland traders.

"Status!" Aron bellowed.

"Upper carriage secure!" a worker shouted over the grinding gears.

"Lower carriage loaded and clamped!" a faint voice echoed up through the valley, accompanied by the sharp flash of a signal lamp from the distant plateau.

Aron raised his hand. Miller, standing beside Francesca at the cave's mouth, leaned forward. Stella clutched Kenny's arm. Even the seasoned workers and vassals held their breath.

"Release the upper brakes!"

The capstan crew threw their weight against the massive drums. The thick chain bundle groaned, then lurched. At the upper platform, the spring loaded claws snapped tight around the moving line. The blue carriage shot forward, launching out of the cave mouth and into the blinding white expanse of the mountain.

At that exact moment, the lower station released its own brakes. The green carriage clamped onto the ascending side of the chain and began its steady climb.

Two carriages. one descending, one climbing moved in perfect, synchronized counterbalance.

The blue carriage plummeted down the twin rails, its wooden runners hissing against the grooved timber. The green carriage rose steadily, its heavy load riding the sheer momentum of its descending counterpart. Midway down the mountain, they passed each other on the parallel tracks. It was a breathtaking moment of mechanical harmony, two carriages suspended against the sheer white snow, the howling wind the only sound.

But then-

A savage crosswind caught the blue carriage right as it hit the steepest curve. The sled wobbled violently, veering hard against the outer rail. Sparks erupted as the iron runners ground sideways against the heavy timber. The rear carriage door, latched but not fully locked, swung wildly open. A heavy crate of fish tipped dangerously toward the edge of the abyss.

A collective gasp rose from the observers inside the cave. Francesca's hand shot out, gripping Miller's arm tightly.

But Craftsman Aron was already moving. "Station One! Feather the sand drag! Bleed speed, don't lock it!" he roared. Beside him, a worker frantically waved a lit signal lamp, flashing the emergency command down the mountain.

The brake operator at the first intermediate station reacted instantly. Instead of slamming the emergency brake to a halt, he cranked the heavy lever only partially. The reinforced leather wedge pressed firmly but gently against the spinning pulley drum. A brilliant shower of orange sparks rained down, sizzling violently against the snow.

The massive chain slowed, but didn't seize. The violent wobble dampened immediately. As the sudden deceleration stabilized the cart, the open carriage door swung shut, sending the teetering crate of fish sliding safely back into place.

At the exact same moment, the green carriage continued its smooth ascent, entirely unbothered by its twin's struggle, the counterweight principle working exactly as designed.

By the time the blue carriage reached Station Two, it was gliding steady, solid, and intact. Down below, workers rushed forward to disengage the claws, laughing and slapping each other on the back in relief.

High above, the green carriage arrived at the cave entrance with a gentle thud. A worker unlatched the rear door and pulled out a fat leather pouch of Shella, tossing it onto the platform with a heavy, satisfying clink.

Aron wiped his brow, a massive grin breaking through his beard. "We need to adjust the rail to stay on that steep curve! But the system works. It works!"

Miller let out a long, shaky breath, squeezing Francesca's hand. "Two carriages, one chain, one mountain. And not a single fish was lost."

Francesca looked up at him, her golden eyes bright, before turning a wickedly smug smirk toward the skeptical nobleman behind them. "What do you say to that, Lord Edward?"