The Boring Machine

A week later, in Helmarte Soap Works, the entire team who worked on the machine gathered around their work.

Completed was a generous description.

The boring machine looked rough.

Very rough.

The oak frame still showed chisel marks.

The iron brackets weren't polished.

Several bolts had clearly been adjusted multiple times during assembly.

But none of that mattered.

Because it was finished.

And more importantly...

It worked.

The machine had been installed beside the Helmarte Soap Works where the repaired waterwheel provided rotational power.

A wide leather belt stretched from the main drive shaft of the factory to the boring machine.

Workers stood around the machine in anticipation.

Carpenters.

Blacksmiths.

Laborers.

Even several workers from the soap factory had wandered over to see what all the commotion was about.

Hollen folded his arms.

"So?"