The sun is high, casting long shadows across the rooftops. Despite the unease that lingers
from the morning, the village doesn't stop. Darrek stands at the center of the village square,
a thick parchment in hand. Around him, a group of strong, trusted men gather Rowan, Erek,
Garrik, and a few others.
Darrek announces. "We'll keep watch in shifts, Two men at each gate, starting tonight. No
drinking, no sleeping. You see anything strange you report it, you don't chase it."
Garrik grunts. "Let's hope there's something to report. Or not." Darrek says.
"I'm not hoping for either, I just want the village safe." He scans the names
on his list and begins calling them out.
"Erek, you and Theon (Theon is a farmer & a hunter) take the eastern gate. Rowan and I'll
cover the north. Garrik you're with Marek by the fields. We switch every six hours."
Erek nods. "Understood I'll get my spear ready."
Darrek adds. "Make sure everyone's armed, And don't wander off the path. Not even a
step."
As they break up to prepare, the rest of the village continues working as if nothing's wrong
because that's how Vhalgren survives.
In the courtyard, women spread out dyed fabrics and garlands on low tables. Children run
past carrying buckets of water. Meera is giving directions near the main altar.
Meera "Elia, set the oil lamps near the banyan. Saela, are the flower baskets ready?"
Saela replies "Yes, Meera, Pavi just brought more from the field."
Near the temple steps, Erek's younger sister Niva Valen(19) , a girl is tying marigold (flowers)
chains between the pillars.
Niva says to Pavi "This year's colors will be brighter than ever, even the gods won't miss
them."
Pavi grins. "Let's just hope the gods show up and not… whoever's sneaking around our
village."
The women pause for a moment, eyes lingering on the edge of the forest. Then they get
back to work, faster this time.
At the square, Brann watches it all his face calm, but his eyes scanning every movement.
He murmurs to Meera "This is how they break us, Not with swords. With fear." Meera
places a hand on his arm. "Then we don't let fear grow. We light every lamp, we sing every
song." Night creeps closer. The village is still alive but it's no longer at peace.
The village square lies quiet now. The laughter has dimmed. Stars blink above, and a cool
breeze moves through the trees. Lanterns glow outside every house, casting long shadows
on the dirt paths.
Darrek Ashford walks slowly, gripping his axe. Behind him, the chosen men following him
Theon Calder, Erek Valen, Thomas Ashford, and two others Brynn Hale and Kael Fenric, both
strong field workers who volunteered without hesitation.
Darrek says in a low voice. "Keep your eyes open, If it moves, and it isn't a dog or a bird,
wake me."
Brynn chuckles softly. "Unless it's a ghost?"
Theon murmurs. "No ghosts, Only thieves bleed."
The group splits into pairs and walks different paths between barns, near wells, around
homes. All feels still, too still.
Inside the houses, families lie awake, worried. Meera holds her daughter close. Brann stares
out the window. Somewhere near the old well, Thomas whispers to Kael, "Feels like we're
guarding shadows."
Kael replies. "Better shadows than graves"
Erek circles the granary, fingers grazing the stone wall. He finds nothing. No tracks. No
damage. Just quiet.
The night drags on, long and sleepless. Every rustle, every owl's cry tightens the men's grip
on their weapons. But nothing happens. No intruder. No theft. No scream. Nothing
When the sky begins to lighten and the stars fade, Darrek returns to the square. The others
gather one by one.
Brann asks, stepping out with sleep still clinging to his eyes. "Well?"
Darrek sighs "Nothing, No trouble. Just silence."
Brann whispers "Sometimes that's the loudest thing of all"