Gilbert closing up his shop felt the warmth of the falling sun on his back. Glancing over his shoulder, he saw the Sun only an hour away from the horizon. Ready to abandon its people for the night. Gilbert watched the Sun with disdain clear in his eyes.

  Gilbert could still remember the Churches of Light preaching their filth to the masses. Telling them the Sun Deity needed to show its power to the rest of the world. To make sure they are also protected. And yet their presence in this town is nonexistent. Long abandoned are their churches. Nothing but forgotten ruins.

  Protect?

  Strengthen?

  Power?

  Lies. All lies.

  Gilbert saw the Sun falling as a retreat. An acceptance. A yield to the mighty power of the Night.

  “Gilbert, you alright?” Sam, finished closing up his smithy, called out to Gilbert.

  Gilbert, not bothering to turn his head to the large blacksmith, chose to simply nod his head. Continuing his glare of disdain towards the Sun.

  “Are you going to be alright?” Sam asked, not hiding the worry in his tone as he also looked up at the falling Sun.

  “Yeah.” Gilbert once again nodded before shifting his attention to his neighbor bearing a solemn look. “Good luck.”

  Sam sent a forced smile that he tried to use to hide his fear. “You too. May the Sun Deity bless your home.” The prayer pulled a forced smile out of Gilbert who turned away and headed to his home, choosing to answer the man’s prayers with silence.

  Walking away, his steps felt heavy. Heavy from all the emotions passing through him. Grabbing the door handle he paused, turning his head around, he coincidently locked eyes with Mrs. Granger from the window on the second floor of the smithy watching him.

  Mrs. Granger sent a smile and a wave his way which he gladly returned. With a nod, Gilbert turned around and entered his home.

  Ready for what was coming.

  ***

  Leaving the tavern filled with Nightwalkers shouting and screaming behind him, Fito shook his head with a wry smile. The loud noise could probably be heard from the other side of the city. A fact that would have terrified anyone else considering what was coming. Looking up at the sky, Fito saw the dying orange glows of the Sun. Slowly leaving these lands behind, entrusting the Blessed now known to be Nightwalkers to watch over the people. A group of Nightwalkers who were all half drunk and singing their hearts out. Hearing the ruckus behind, Fito gave one last glance over his shoulder before turning the corner.

  What welcomed him was empty streets devoid of people and no signs of light anywhere. All Fito saw was the grey bluish world that was usually seen after the sun left. The beginning signs of Night.

  Fito wondered if the Royal Family will ever start to show some care to these forgotten towns and villages. If this town was by the main roads or near major cities, these streets would be covered with lamps and the occasional garrison squad doing patrols. Instead the quiet streets and dark corners resembled a ghost town.

  After a while of walking and turns, Fito spotted the other tavern that held the young Blessed. His mission. Walking up to the tavern he spotted two other Nightwalkers sitting by the steps.

  “Hey Tony. Hey Fred.”

  “It’s Frederick.” One of the men around twenty five winters passed, corrected Fito. “Only my friends call me Fred.” Frederick took a glance over his shoulder to glare at Fito. His brown shoulder length hair blocking the other half of his brown eyes.

  “You taking over for Klaus, Fito?” A man around the same age as Frederick asked while cleaning his sword.

  “Yeah. How is he?” Fito remembered the green look on Klaus face this afternoon when he spotted him with Lieutenant Grieves.

  Frederick answered with envy dripping from his tone. “In pain he says.” Frederick scoffed. “Please, he just doesn’t want to do his job. But whatever. He’s missing out. Because tonight just might be the night you know?” Frederick smirked at Fito while slapping the bronze star on his chest.

  Fito stared at the bronze star on Frederick’s chest and nearly frowned but held it back. Instead choosing to simply smile at the arrogant Nightwalker.

  “Well good luck boys.” Fito patted both their shoulders before heading in with a cold glint in his eye. Fito hoped the boy was more than just talk.

  ***

  The moment Gilbert entered his home, he was met with green eyes staring up at him. Familiar green eyes that he fell in love with.

  Twice.

  With their eyes locked onto each other, Gilbert waved at the girl before speaking, enunciating each word slowly. “Did you get everything?” Gilbert asked

  The green eyed girl of ten nodded her head bringing down a couple strands of her midnight black hair to her forehead.

  Gilbert seeing this couldn’t help but smile at the cute action. Lifting his two hands in front of him he made a thumbs up gesture. “Good job, Gretel.” A smile found its way onto the girl's face who mirrored Gilbert’s actions.

  Gilbert walked past his little girl to check the windows, lock the back door and make sure there wasn’t anything that could attract the things outside to come in. It all came naturally to Gilbert. And he hated that.

  Finding everything as it should be, Gilbert shifted his attention over to the girl shadowing him. Picking up an imaginary spoon, he put it into his mouth. “Food?”

  The girl nodded once again before making a giant circle with her arms resulting in a chuckle to escape from Gilbert. “Alot?” The girl wore a proud face, using it as her answer.

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  Gilbert walked to his dining room with the girl in tow. Smack dab in the dining room was a table for four. Grabbing the dining table, he pulled it to the side which got an immediate reaction from the girl.

  Seeing the table now moved, the girl quickly crouched down rubbing her small little hands over the floor appearing to be in search of something before she found something and pulled revealing a latch. She lifted her head to see a disappointed Gilbert. With a frown he held a fist over his palm and moved the fist at the same speed as a snail up his arm. “Slow.” Gilbert said with a frown.

  Puffing her cheeks, the girl returned her attention back to the latch and pulled. The door connected to the latch did not budge. The girl gave a few more attempts before letting go. Already exhausted.

  Gilbert sighed before reaching down for the latch and pulling the secret door open to reveal a ladder leading below the house.

  With a tap on her head by Gilbert, the girl of ten, walked down the steps of the ladder carefully. Gilbert’s eyes never left her making sure she didn’t fall. Once down, Gilbert grabbed the dining table and placed it back over the secret door on the floor. With it right back where it was, Gilbert crawled under and grabbed the door to shut it only to pause. Taking in his home for a few moments, Gilbert hoped that if he got out from underneath, his home would still be intact. With a deep breath the secret door shut.

  ***

  A flicker of light lit up the dark room for a brief moment before the room was swallowed by darkness. Another flicker of light quickly followed before once again dying out. A sigh of frustration came after. A third flicker appeared and this time it was more than just flicker but a flame. A small flame carried by a candle, lit the dark room up with a soft orange glow.

  Gilbert with a now available light source was able to take a scan of his surroundings. The underground cellar was bare except for a pair of makeshift beds in the corner, a small bookshelf right beside it and a bucket on the opposite side. Taking in the depressing sight, Gilbert let out a sigh. Another day of hiding.

  Gilbert, feeling a pull on his tunic, glanced down to see his daughter smiling at him. The corners of Gilbert's mouth was unknowingly pulled upwards after seeing her smile. He nodded at her signaling her to tell him what she needed.

  Gilbert watched her make a square in the air before pointing at herself then and at him. “Game?” He said slowly, making sure she got it.

  The girl of ten winters tilted her head, her focus on Gilbert’s lips.

  Gilbert seeing where her eyes are mouthed “Game.” once again only for her to scrunch her brows in concentration. Seeing the clear frustration on her face, he waved at her to get her attention. Making a square in the air, he pointed his finger on a corner and began pointing his finger on the edges.

  Gretel broke into a big smile at her message being received that she followed up with a thumbs up gesture which Gilbert mirrored. If he was going to be down here, he was going to make the most of it with his daughter.

  ***

  Finished adjusting his grieves, Fito did a final check on his appearance in the mirror. Silver Eyes scanned the dark skin man in the mirror with focus. Not wanting to miss anything on his attire that would blemish the name of the Nightwalkers. His armor gleamed, his grieves were tight, and his boots were laced. Catching his eye was a silver star on his chest. Ftio recalled the words from Frederick out front and hoped he was wrong.

  While looking at his reflection, Fito noticed the Sun in the reflection. He watched the Sun fall to the horizon, leaving its people with a few more minutes of its glory. A glory that barely reached past the horizon, casting its final orange and warm glow of the day. The Sun gradually fell below the land and with it, the world’s light. But it did not leave the world to fend for itself. No, it left behind its Blessed. Warriors that didn’t need the Sun Deity’s presence to fight back against the Night. Because they were born for the Night. To walk the Night in the name of the Sun Deity. For they have the will of Sun Deity. And that is enough.

  With a bow to the horizon, Fito grabbed his sword on the bed and left.

  Night has come.

  And as always, he is ready for it.

  ***

  Gilbert has been watching the flicker of the candle for the last hour. Entranced by the dancing flame. Gilbert wondered if it knew how precious it was. How important it was. It has stayed lit for nearly six hours, holding back the darkness surrounding them. Fighting a battle the Sun already abandoned.

  The priests say the Sun Deity gifted us humans these flames. To fight back against his enemies and ours. Also a lie. The Sun didn’t light the candle. He did. A human. A servant to the Sun Deity that is said to be the most powerful deity in the world. A Deity that is once again absent in our time of need.

  Screech

  Gilbert’s eyes flicked upwards with his breath held. Listening to the familiar noises that usually accompanies the night on its travels here. The chilling screeches were usually always followed by-

  “HELP! PLEASE! SOMEONE?!”

  The screams. They were always followed by the pleas and screams of terror. A death hasn’t appeared for at least a month now. That is until now. Probably because of the bad luck hidden in those midnight cloaks.

  Gilbert listened closely, trying to find out who was the unlucky individual. A woman from the sound of it. The screams were loud but not close enough to be any of his neighbors.

  Probably the Miller family a couple streets down. Or the silent Widow with a child. Maybe the Harris family. Their daughters love gossiping. Probably loved it so much they couldn’t stop once they hid.

  Gilbert released a chuckle at the thought. Suddenly he froze as his hand now encompassed another hand. A much smaller hand. Looking down he was met with the rich forest colored green eyes of his daughter who was probably awakened by the screams. Grasping her hand tightly with one hand, he lifted the other to have his forefinger and thumb meet while keeping the others open. “Okay?” He mouthed.

  Although the fear in her eyes was prominent she still nodded. Gilbert commended her bravery. He still remembered when he was her age all he did was tremble in fear, cry his eyes shut and hoped when he opened his eyes the sun would come.

  Screech

  Another monstrous screech and another terrified scream. Gilbert took a quick glance above before turning back to his daughter whose eyes were focused on the ceiling. Tapping her head, he pointed to the blankets on the floor. Putting both hands together and resting his head on them he said. “Sleep.”

  Screech

  The young girl took one final glance at the ceiling before nodding her head and crawling back into bed. Gilbert watched her get comfortable and close her eyes tightly. Gilbert chuckled witnessing her actions that were similar to hers when he was her age. As if tightening our eyes shut would block off the screams.

  Gilbert quickly looked up with shock. Holding his breath, he waited and waited.

  Nothing.

  There was no usual scream to follow the screech of those creatures. Just silence. That is until...

  “WHERE YOU GOING YOU UGLY SWINE?!” The loud shout caught his ears, even Gretel’s, who woke up with a start staring up at the ceiling just like her stunned father.

  Screech

  The screech wasn’t followed by the usual screams of terror but the laughter of insanity.

  “GET THAT DAMN THING!” The ruckus from outside was heard clearly from below.

  The only thought that came to Gilbert was ‘Nightwalkers’. Men who have long abandoned their purpose. Sacrifice was something only a few Nightwalkers can say they experience. Most chase gold and safety than fulfilling their ancient old promise. Nightwalkers still lended their hand out. But the moment you grab it, you would notice their other hand asking you for payment.

  “KEEP IT FROM THE HOMES!”

  Something entirely different was happening outside. And he can feel it. Gilbert felt for the first time in a long time, safe.

  All of a sudden the house shook, bringing dust from the ceiling to fall on the father and daughter pair. Gilbert didn’t care for the dust as he kept his ears peeled for the noise outside. The battle cries and screeches were heard for around half an hour before it all stopped.

  Silence.

  Not an eerie one or one of anticipation. No, it was simply a comfortable silence. A description Gilbert would have never thought he would use to describe a Night.

  It was in this comfortable silence that he was able to fall asleep. Choosing to wait till morning to see the aftermath of what happened that night.