Gardens and Stone

Terry knelt beside the temple's herb garden, her fingers brushing against the wilted basil leaves. The morning sun cast long shadows across the marble courtyard, but even its warmth couldn't revive the struggling plants.

"The water stopped flowing again," she murmured to herself, glancing toward the ornate fountain that should have been bubbling with fresh water from the aqueducts.

Heavy footsteps echoed against the stone walkway. A tall man approached, carrying a leather satchel and wearing a practical tunic marked with dust. His dark hair was cropped short, and worry lines creased his weathered face.

"Excuse me," he called out, his voice respectful but urgent. "I'm Marcus, from the engineering corps. We've had reports of water problems here too."

Terry stood, wiping her hands on her cream-colored dress. "The fountain dried up three days ago. These plants won't survive much longer without proper irrigation."

Marcus nodded grimly, examining the empty stone basin. "The main line must be damaged. This is the fifth temple this week."

When Sparrows Speak

Marcus knelt beside the fountain, running his fingers along the stone channels. "The blockage is deeper than I thought. We'll need to trace the main line back to its source."

Terry watched him work, noticing how carefully he examined each crack. "How long will that take?"

"Days, maybe weeks." He stood, brushing dust from his hands. "But there's something else. The damage patterns don't match normal wear."

A small sparrow landed on the fountain's edge, chirping urgently. Terry tilted her head, listening. The bird hopped closer, its tiny voice filled with alarm.

"What is it?" Marcus asked, following her gaze.

"She's trying to tell us something." Terry extended her hand, and the sparrow flew to her finger. After a moment of quiet chirping, Terry's eyes widened. "There are men working upstream, but they're not engineers. They're diverting water to private estates."

Marcus's jaw tightened. "Stealing public water? That's treason."

The sparrow fluttered its wings, still chattering. Terry nodded slowly. "She says they have guards. Armed ones."

Marcus shouldered his satchel. "Then we need proof before we can act. Will you help me investigate?"