WE'LL GET THROUGH THIS

  The next night arrived, and as we left the Chief's estate, my worn-out body, frazzled from dealing with my people and their fear of vampires, did its best to keep up with Gate. We strolled the streets, hidden by the shadows of clouds. I wore a drab cloak and had the hood pulled over my face as Gate led the way toward the southern walls. While there was silence across the streets, homes were filled with noise. Due to the long nights during the last days of Lunar, many stayed up while a few slept as much as possible.

  I waited near the opening of an alley as Gate marched up the scaffolds and relieved the three guards of their duty. Once done, he faced me from the scaffolds, and I understood the signal.

  I moved swiftly up the stairs onto the scaffolds and then onto the stone walls. We were just in time to watch a group of five hunters return, turning west towards the West Gate.

  We followed along the walls, stopping before the final curve leading to the West Gate, which was the most uncompleted part of the wall. From there, we watched the five hunters enter—one broke off and headed towards the backside of the city's Clerical.

  After disembarking the walls, we dashed through the empty streets to meet with him. He stood motionless, facing away from us—as still as a statue.

  GATE

  Layondo.

  Gate whispered at him, and he turned to face us, his face hidden under his hood and scarf covering the lower half of his demonic face.

  LAYONDO

  How bad is it?

  LEON

  He will survive.

  I led the way into the Clerical through the backdoor.

  LEON

  Come, let us talk inside.

  The backdoor led into the Clerical storage room lit by candle lanterns. We strolled into the center of wooden shelves of supplies, herbs, tables of books and notes, counters of glass vials and bottles, shelves of thick books regarding past patients, and barrels of purified water.

  Layondo was prepared to enter the clinic with a brisk stride,

  LEON

  One moment Layondo, we need to talk.

  He spun around back towards us, his movements smooth as if he was floating.

  LAYONDO

  I'm assuming it's about a vampire.

  I nodded,

  LEON

  Do you know him? Is he part—

  LAYONDO

  Not at all!

  He hissed.

  LAYONDO

  Like the three nightwalkers before him—stragglers.

  He looked away as he continued,

  LAYONDO

  But we took care of him.

  GATE

  You did?

  He glared back up at Gate,

  LAYONDO

  Absolutely. I can't have him ruin the relationship we are forming. Not all vampires are evil and live to destroy. We once used to live in peace—

  Gate nodded and raised his hand,

  GATE

  My apologies, Layondo. We're well aware of the city-states' history.

  I paced around Layondo and peeked into the clinic as I spoke,

  LEON

  We had an esteemed trader—an enchanter—visit.

  I spotted an occupied cot inside the dimly lit clinic where a gent slept.

  LEON

  His name is Isaac.

  I gently closed the door and turned back to Layondo.

  LEON

  Ever heard of him?

  Layondo gave me a long, thoughtful look before shaking his head.

  LEON

  He was attacked by this vampire. He claimed this vampire was nothing like he had ever seen before. Dense mana prowess... powerful.

  LAYONDO

  All vampires, in the eyes of kinans, are extremely powerful.

  Well, he was right about that. Gate himself admitted he wouldn't be able to fight Layondo alone.

  LEON

  Well, as long as you took care of him.

  LAYONDO

  It wasn't easy. So... by my standards, he was quite strong.

  LEON

  That's good to hear.

  This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

  LAYONDO

  What of Isaac? Where is this trader from?

  LEON

  Fire Kingdom.

  I lied.

  LAYONDO

  I see. Are the heroes still over there?

  I nodded with uncertainty.

  LEON

  Chasing down a few stragglers, I believe. And do not worry about Isaac— we calmed him down.

  LAYONDO

  Are we safe? My people and I?

  I nodded.

  LEON

  Yes. Everything will be okay; we'll get through this. But unfortunately for us, Isaac will never trade here again.

  LAYONDO

  My apologies,

  He looked past me,

  LAYONDO

  Did anyone need my care? I will tend to them without the need for resources to make up for that damned vampire.

  LEON

  Yes, actually. Blacat fever, ever dealt with it before?

  He nodded surely.

  LAYONDO

  Common illness in my day.

  He then tilted his head as he asked,

  LAYONDO

  With such silence, I assume he's asleep?

  GATE

  Yes, our herbalist concocted sedation for him to ease his pain.

  Layondo's face attempted to smile beneath his scarf,

  LAYONDO

  If not, he'd be dead by now. Shall we?

  We let him in and watched him work his auras and magic on the unconscious guard. After he was done, we led him back into the Clerical's storage room.

  LEON

  I have just a few more questions.

  We stopped before the exit, and I continued.

  LEON

  The Vampire Knights. Anything I should know about them?

  He once again gave me a long look before responding,

  LAYONDO

  One is stubborn. The other is selfish. Both are bothersome to deal with.

  LEON

  And they both know of Lich.

  LAYONDO

  Lich was once a Vampire Knight.

  I glanced over at Gate, who shrugged in response.

  LAYONDO

  The three of them were acquaintances at one point before the Neorine rebellion.

  LEON

  Can you trust them?

  I asked, folding my arms.

  LEON

  These two Vampire Knights?

  LAYONDO

  I can, and I do. They fought for peace in the City-State.

  LEON

  And if they were to rebel against you?

  His pupils shrank as he attempted to answer,

  LAYONDO

  They would never—

  LEON

  One is stubborn, and the other is selfish. Your words.

  GATE

  Would you be able to take the two on?

  Gate chimed in.

  GATE

  If they were to betray you?

  Layondo glanced at Gate and directed his answer to the ground.

  LAYONDO

  As a nightwalker, I should be able to. But those two know how to fight. They've been vampires far longer than I have, and I am confined to the light of the moon.

  His eyes shot up at me,

  LAYONDO

  What of it?

  I opened my arms and straightened my body,

  LEON

  We are here to help, and if you ever need it, let us know.

  He studied Gate and me before bowing respectfully,

  LAYONDO

  I can't thank you enough. Once we garner enough strength, we will rejoin the fight against the Neorine.

  I nodded and smiled humbly in response. He turned to leave, and we followed him out of the Clerical. Nearby our five trusted Guardians pretending to be hunters converged on us, and we guided Layondo towards the west gate.

  Gate and I split off towards the walls to watch them exit the city. The five hunters, without issue, made their way down the narrow road and disappeared into the west woods.

  GATE

  What do you think?

  I took a breath while gazing off in the direction of the hills.

  LEON

  I think he's lying,

  I started.

  LEON

  Why turn back and fight against the Neorine when a city like ours is on the platter? Why would he believe any word I say? Tch—

  I shook my head and faced away,

  LEON

  Doesn't matter. They will all be dead soon.