"It's really b- beautiful," said Lin, "but th- there's way t- too many farms and th- they're all in a layout. D- do we wanna mess with th- that by having--" He waved a hand vaguely at Wan. "--t- tossing powers everywhere? Foreigners aren't kn- known for consulting anyone before th- they go off." He side-eyed Wan balefully.

"Have you an opinion, Ran?" Heojin asked his other guard without glancing away from Wan.

A grunt was the answer. "If they want to work, put them to work with an overseer to make sure they know what we're doing. If they mess up, kick 'em back to the city. Either way, there's not much they can do that would make things worse right now."

"You can be at th- the t- top of th- the overseer list," Lin grumbled, while Heojin considered, and then finally nodded.

"The Woodsmen are grateful to accept your aid," he said to Wan. "If those others of like skills would be willing to help for a similar wage, once established, please direct them to us also."

"Anyone listening t- to Lin, here?"

"Lin needs to shove a sock in his mouth," said Ran.