Exhausted.

  Tired.

  Weary.

  Fatigued.

  Fito could think of no other words to describe his current condition. He felt he used them all. And if he didn’t, then he could only blame the Creed for their horrible education.

  A month. An entire month.

  Looking up to the sky he spotted the beaming sun bearing down its rays of heat only worsening his already horrible day. Fito felt his entire body aching from the long and arduous journey. A journey he felt he shouldn’t even be on. But the damn old heads thought this was a good training opportunity. But Fito knew what it really was:

  Punishment.

  A punishment, to this day he felt he didn’t deserve. The aches in his body, the occasional rashes found on his thigh, and the annoying pests of the night. He would remember this journey. And if he ever manages to clinch himself a spot on the Council, he would keep close tabs on those rotten old men’s descendants. He would watch over them with care.

  “Hey Daywalker, quit your dawdling. The Captain is calling you. We’re here.” A heavy set man helming the carriage beside him cut into his daydreams.

  Fito, pulled out of his reverie. “W-what? Oh.” Fito shook his head inwardly, scolding himself for being distracted as he steered his horse to the side to overtake the group and soon reached the front of the caravans.

  “Captain Rhodes. Lt. Grieves.” Fito greeted the two men who rode side by side on horses looking out at the sight in front of them. Both men acknowledged him with a nod before going back into the conversation they were having.

  Fito rode by them in silence, taking the opportunity to observe the two leaders. Both leaders donned the typical outfit of the Nightwalkers. Cloaks of midnight, decked with dark light armor underneath. From chestplate to grieves to boots and finally a sheathed sword strapped to the waist dangling with every movement. What truly caught his eye were the two stars on their chests. One more than his. Fito's eyes always lit up with desire when he saw them.

  Fito’s observation was ended by the call of his name. “Fito.”

  Fito lifted his to lock eyes onto the blue eyed-blonde with a wide square jaw and a glare that almost never leaves him. “Captain.”

  “You see the little town?”Captain Rhodes pointed with his chin at the enlarging town.

  “Yes, Captain.”

  “Good, so we’re not seeing things. Ride over. Let them know we’re here so they can prepare for our arrival.”

  “Are they not already aware of our arrival?” Frito, confused, glanced over his shoulder to spot a flag waving in the air bearing the image of a white crescent moon with a golden sun peeking out from behind it over a black field.

  “Anybody can bear our flag. You must go to let them know it really is us. And not some daring bandits.” This time it was Lt. Grieves who spoke and to Fito’s disappointment, his words were for the support of the Captains’.

  “Yes sir.” Fito could only begrudgingly agree.

  “C’mon Lacey girl.” Fito patted his horse that has accompanied ever since his graduation from the Creed.

  With a kick, Fito was off.

  Heading to the town known as Greenville.

  ***

  Nightwalkers.

  The men donned in black cloaks that hid their armor and swords walked around yelling orders while simultaneously smiling at surrounding townsfolk hoping to ease their worries at their presence. Their smiles, frowns, glares, and serene looks were the only things Nightwalkers revealed. Some say they reveal their faces to let those around them know that they are human. Even though the things they do aren’t considered human.

  Gilbert was among many of the townsfolk who stood by the gates watching in curiosity and awe as the caravans gradually entered the town in numbers. It’s been a long time since he saw a caravan this large. Gilbert saw servants, hunters, cooks and many others. All there to help the travelling group of Nightwalkers.

  Gilbert felt his blood run cold at the name. A name that haunted him ever since the birth of his daughter. And the incident of two years ago made him dread this day even more. He recalled a time when he saw the Nightwalkers as heroes. A time long before the birth of his daughter. But now, all he saw were mercenaries. More powerful mercenaries.

  Gilbert clenched his teeth once he saw someone open up one of the carriages and out came a few dozen kids. Not a single one appeared to have survived a dozen winters and from their different attires they are all kids from different parts of the Empire. And with their presence here, it was obvious the reason for the Nightwalkers visit.

  Recruits.

  Or what people call the Blessed. A title given to those who have been supposedly chosen by the Sun Deity to represent him and protect the people of this world from the Night and whatever comes with it.

  Gilbert despised the name. He didn’t see them as blessed but as cursed. Cursed to fight all that is evil even if it meant laying down their own lives.

  Stolen story; please report.

  Although the Nightwalkers actions are honorable, in the eyes of Gilbert it wasn’t honorable enough to lay his life down. Especially his daughters’. To sacrifice your own life for a bunch of people you don’t know is something only a fool would do.

  Spotting the kids entering the hotel with happy smiles and proud faces, he couldn’t help but feel pity. Of course the moment only lasted for a moment before his eyes hardened and a sneer took over his face. With a swift turn he headed back to his home. He hoped his daughter wouldn’t be one of them cursed to serve an ungrateful world. Even though the chances were not high.

  ***

  “Alright Blessed enter your rooms you have been assigned to. As usual you are not allowed to leave the building. If caught we will send you back home except you will have no escort. Do you understand?” The few dozen kids gulped nervously, frantically nodding their heads in understanding.

  Fito, sitting at a table in the corner, couldn’t help but chuckle at the ridiculous claims. Claims that when he was their age believed. And that was…

  Ten years. Ten entire years have passed since he was in their shoes with their knowledge and their fear. But now with those ten years under his belt, he knew their claims were merely scare tactics. Attempts to keep them in line.

  The Blessed aren’t always found and with the high death rates of Nightwalkers, these kids are seen as gems. Precious gems that could not be traded or sold to anyone else but the Creed of Nightwalkers.

  “Hey kid, grab me a drink will ya?” Fito’s precious alone time was cut short by a large man with a stomach so round he can balance a wine bottle on it while walking.

  “Sure thing, Klaus.” Fito stood up and gave a tightlipped smile before heading to the bar. Throwing all types of curses in head at the round man as he made his way to the bar.

  “Hello! What can I get for ya?” A smiling thin man who looked to have survived half a century of winters asked.

  “Well, what do you have?” Fito returned the man’s smile.

  “Not much. I got the usuals ‘Midnight run’, 'Death's the choice’ and the town’s signature drink ‘Spilled Greens.’”

  “Anything to eat?” Fito has been craving real food for over a week now. The last real meal he had was at a tavern in a village almost a week ago.

  “Bread and some soup is all we got. A good chunk of our cattle was lost during the night.” The bartender explained. “Wait, don’t you guys have cooks and cattle?”

  Fito leaned in and whispered “For the kids.”

  “Ah.” The bartender's eyes lit up in understanding. “Good first impression.”

  “Yep. Works every time.” Fito gestured to himself and his surrounding comrades with a smile before asking. “Which drink do you recommend? The plain old drinks or your town’s signature drink?”

  The thin old man took a moment as he stared up into nothing in thought. “If you want to simply drink to drink then maybe the usual. But if you want to spill your guts in the morning? Then the Spilled Greens will do.”

  “HEY, KID!” Fito turned around to see the round man Klaus seated at his table with other Nightwalkers. “Hurry it up will ya? It’ll be night by the time you get here.”

  Fito waved a hand with a smile before turning to the bartender. “Spilled Greens it is.”

  “Hahaha. Spilled Greens coming right up.” The bartender laughed out loud.

  ***

  Fito walked out the building in only his dark tunic and pants with a proud smile. He could already picture the sight of Klaus bent over heaving out his guts. It almost made him want the morning to come. Almost. In order to get to the morning he would have to get through the night. And he wasn’t in a rush to find out what the nights in this town would bring.

  Looking up at the sky to find the sun, it seemed to be a bit past noon. Meaning he had a bit of time for shopping. Opening up a pouch tied to his waist, he spilled what he had into his hand and the smile he had fell.

  Seven silvers. All he had was a measly seven silvers. There were still two weeks left of the journey.

  And with the path they were taking, they would be passing the Midnight City. A place where almost no one sleeps as the nights are filled with festivities. Festivities that all require you to have Silver and Gold to participate.

  Fito had silver. Just not enough. Staring at the seven silvers in his hand he could only sigh in frustration. The food they were eating on the long journey could hardly be counted as food. And the next town would be nearly a week away. He didn’t want to wait that long before grabbing a real meal.

  “Bless me Sun Deity. Let me find a good meal.” Fito put away three silvers before clasping the four remaining in his hand.

  ***

  ‘Greens and red’

  Fito stared up at the sign with desperation in his eyes. It has already been an hour since his search for food began and he has already had to skip past five restaurants he visited. It was like everyone knew they were coming and chose to just increase their prices.

  With a couple deep breaths and a silent prayer to the Sun Deity, he entered the restaurant.

  Fito nearly jumped with joy as he sat down waiting on his food. They charged two silver and fifty coppers for a meal of beef and soup. Fito almost ran to find the owner so he could give them a big hug.

  It wasn’t long before his food came and a smile full of joy appeared on his face. Taking in the aroma of the meal was enough to make his stomach growl. Taking that as a sign, he dug into his food.

  After a few minutes he was famished. With a pat of his belly, he pulled the pouch from his waist only to freeze once he caught onto a conversation from a pair of ladies. A conversation worthy of reporting to the Captain.

  ***

  Fito was just about to head past the tavern that held the recruits when his name was called. “FITO.”

  Turning around he saw Lt. Grieves with his shaggy brown hair waving him over. Accompanying the Lt. was Klaus who was looking a little green. Fito, having a bad feeling, walked over with heavy steps. “Yes, Lieutenant.”

  Lt. Grieves took a quick once over Fito. “Where is your armor?”

  Fito pointed over his shoulder “At the other tavern. I am roomed there.”

  “Well go there and get changed. You're a part of the Escort Unit now. You will be assigned to watch over the Blessed.”

  “But I thought I was merely a Guardsman for this escort.” Fito complained.

  “For now, no. It appears Klaus here had too much to drink.” Klaus who was looking sickly could only bow his head in apology towards the Lt.

  “So you will be a part of the Escort Unit. Go get your things and bring them over. You will be staying here.” Lt. Grieves didn’t bother saying anything else or give time for Fito to voice any more of his complaints as he turned around to enter the tavern followed by a hobbling Klaus. Fito looked up to the sky and knew it was karma striking him.

  ***

  Fito entered the tavern and what welcomed him was the heavy reek of alcohol, sweat, and vomit all mixed together. What came with the smell was the loud ruckus and clamor from the drunk Nightwalkers. All stumbling over themselves and slurring their words that were shouted out into the air. The sad sight was also a familiar one.

  With the setting sun and the near empty streets, the Nightwalkers knew what was coming. And they knew their responsibilities when it did come. So in these short moments of peace, the Nightwalkers allowed themselves to let loose. But in Fito’s opinion, it was just the ritual of the Nightwalkers’ way of enjoying life because everyone knew the ending of a Nightwalker. A famous Nightwalker from long before Fito was born said it right.

  “Survive the night so you can die in the next.”