After Oug left, Alan did not follow him, choosing instead to remain in the valley. He found himself rather troubled by what Oug had mentioned regarding the Siren Project. Connecting the strong smell of fish in the valley, the crates currently being transported, and Oug's parting words, it seemed the Siren Project was nearing completion. The only issue was that it might cause a considerable commotion, which explained why Carlton had not rejected Oug's proposal.
Having figured this out, Alan felt a rising sense of urgency. Lacking further intelligence, however, he decided to stay and keep watch on Carlton, reasoning that Carlton would inevitably have to be present at the site of the Siren Project, at which point he could find a way to disrupt it.
Watching Oug's carriage rumble away, Carlton turned and walked straight into a cave. This was a critical phase for the Siren Project, and with Oug's arrangements to coordinate as well, time was pressing.
Chapter 63