With the Rising of the Moon

Howard arrived at Mira’s door feeling much different than he had in the past. Before, he could simply waltz in if he knew Mira was alone, forgoing the custom of knocking on the door. But that was only if he was 100% sure. For years, his relationship with Mira was friendly. Tonight, he breathed new air with a pressure change. He knocked, lifting and accidentally dropping the door knocker. He tried again, reaching for the ball of iron. The door opened. Mira stood there, dressed as she normally did: slim trousers and a dark-colored blouse. Howard found himself lost in her eyes. They were blue, like the sea that surrounded their island. They weren’t as stormy, though, but certainly filled with stories.

“Well, are we going?” she asked. Mira smiled.

“Yes!” Howard shook himself loose. “What took you so long?” he teased.

“I was waiting for you!” Mira laughed.

“Benji is waiting for us by the south western fields.”

Howard and Mira walked slowly. Neither said a word, simmering in their newfound relationship. Howard couldn’t decide what to say – a question about classes, a simple statement on the weather. While he contemplated his next words, Mira enjoyed his company and the setting sun. The bright yellow rays shone through the woods like taut ship lines. The pair walked past Mr. Truman’s fields, which were filling with carrots, beans, and lettuce. Their brogans clacked along the cobblestone road. Most folks were home by now; few people wandered the streets as they did. But they weren’t truly wandering. Howard and Mira had a destination in mind, so they walked with purpose.

“Do you think Ansel and Crispin will be there?” Mira asked, turning her head towards Howard.

Howard felt relief. “We mentioned the party to the class, so it is possible. Crispin likes to show authority. He’ll likely go.”

“And where Crispin goes,” Mira began.

“Ansel follows,” they both said, laughing. 

Howard saw him first, standing tall and straight near the drawbridge. He slowed his pace, prompting Mira to follow suit. There was nowhere to hide. They would have to walk the entire length of the island to avoid this bridge. It offered the only entrance to the harbor which provided the livelihood of Ledger’s Reach.

“Why is your father here?” Mira whispered.

“Probably making his rounds of the guard posts.”

Howard took a deep breath and continued on. His father was an imposing figure, physically and socially. He towered over everyone on the island, and he was a champion boxer when he had to be. As Chief of the Guards, Nathan Vencair kept Ledger’s Reach free of criminal activity – to the best of his ability. Howard kept a smile on his face, despite the nervousness coursing through his body. The nearer they got, Howard could hear his father assessing a guard’s uniform. Nathan was particular, requiring clean clothes and sharpened blades. He was opposed to the customization of a uniform and vulgarity while wearing it. He was speaking with a group of guards now, when he heard Howard and Mira’s footsteps.

“Boy, where are you off to?” Nathan Vencair inquired when he saw his son.

“We’re looking for Benji! Have you seen him?” Howard grinned, hoping it would pass for real.

Nathan eyed his boy suspiciously. “Benji lives near us, Howard. He’s likely home.”

“We checked, father. I imagine he’s plying a girl with his charm. I hope to save her from such a fate.”

Nathan observed Mira. He bowed. “Miss Vaelcroft, I trust you are well this evening?”

“Very much so, Mr. Vencair. Thank you. Any concerns with the guards tonight?” Mira smiled.

“Nothing unusual tonight, but there’s a full moon out. The hooligans come out with the full moon.” Nathan returned his gaze to Howard. “Don’t be out late, son.”

“We won’t, sir.”

Nathan continued discussing guard duty with the detachment. Howard and Mira took advantage of the moment and slid past the guardsmen. The sun was falling quickly. Their pace increased, hoping to reach the Sanctum before a sliver of the moon appeared. Benji was waiting for them at the footbridge. He was joined by Crispin and Ansel, as well as Dora.

“About time!” Crispin declared.

Benji smirked at Howard knowingly. “Hello…friends.”

Howard blushed. 

Mira hugged Dora. “I didn’t know you were coming!” 

“I hadn’t planned on it, but Benji convinced me,” Dora smiled, eyeing Benji.

“Let’s set up in case others arrive. Ansel brought ale from the tavern.” Crispin picked up a case and handed it to Howard.

Mira rolled her eyes. She picked out two bottles of wine, lightening Howard’s load. The students crossed the bridge, practically marching in unison. The First Weight Sanctum sat heavily atop a small hill, its own island. Hundreds of years ago, men dug a shallow canal splitting off the sanctum. They built a bridge, the only connection, which crumbled some time ago. 

Originally, the sanctum was built like a castle’s keep, strong and fortified. The Weightbound protected the church and the First Weight relics. They were militant and secretive. After the Weightbound killed a few local farmers, Elar Daevyn stormed the castle with a crew of sailors and destroyed the group. Since then, the sanctum fell into disrepair. Most recently, the bell tower collapsed one night, frightening the families that lived closest. 

At the bottom of the hill, Howard fell behind the group, struggling with the case of ale. Mira stayed with him. Benji offered to help, but Howard insisted he continue onward. Crispin needed no such urges, blazing the trail for his peers. Howard wasn’t a weak man. He could handle a small sailboat like the rest. But he questioned the definition of small in terms of the sanctum’s hill.

“How are you holding up?” Mira asked.

“Well enough,” Howard smiled. They were over halfway to the top. “I wonder if you-”

Benji and Dora came hobbling down the hill, hunched over. “There are already people here,” Benji said. 

“Classmates?” Howard asked. He took the moment to set the case down.

“No. They’re wearing capes.” Benji looked at Dora.

“I think we should go somewhere else,” Dora stated, “we could celebrate in the woods north of here.”

“Not yet! People in capes is fascinating,” Mira declared.

“Well, I’m not going back up there. They might be dangerous!” Dora peered at Benji, silently requesting backup. 

“We should see just a little more,” Benji decided.

Dora frowned. She touched Mira’s arm and walked down the hill, crossing the bridge in haste.

Unburdened by alcohol, Howard, Mira, and Benji found Crispin and Ansel hiding behind a low wall that Elar and his shipmates once hurdled on their way to eliminate the Weightbound. On the other side of the church, the moon was beginning to rise, illuminating the sea around them and the decaying structure in front. The front portion of the church had fallen many years ago, leaving just three walls upright. Benji and Howard had bets on which wall would crumble next. Benji guessed the opposite wall while Howard felt the north-facing wall might succumb first. 

Inside the sanctum, a small fire burns over broken stone. Candles, spaced around the ruins, flicker in the breeze. Hooded figures stand silently, unmoving. On the back of the capes, Mira spies a familiar sigil from her readings: a damaged scale and shining eye surrounded by a looped cord. She gasps slightly and blinks hastily to ensure her eyes don’t deceive her. 

“Weightbound,” Mira whispers in Howard’s ear.

He shivers from Mira’s breath and her close proximity.

“There’s no way!” Crispin groans, “it’s merely rumor.”

“Shut up, Crispin!” Benji punches him.

One of the hooded figures turns towards the group of kids. Mira watches his eyes grow for a moment, surprised. Then, as if they share a mind, the figures vanish, their capes whipping candles out. Crispin, followed by Ansel, leap over the wall, running for the figures. “That’s right! Run!” Crispin yells. Yet, on the other side, where the moon is projecting its full strength, nothing but grass. 

Howard retrieves the case of ale with Benji. They carry it up together, quietly thinking the same thoughts. Mira meets them at the top. “Crispin and Ansel left,” she says. Howard sees that she wants to say more. Mira rarely hesitates. 

“What else, Mira?” Howard asks.

“The man who turned – did you see his face?” 

“No.”

“I think it was my father,” Mira looks first at Howard, then at Benji.

“Your father? Are you sure?” Benji queries.

“Yes. Don’t tell anyone, please.”

“Of course not.” Howard nods, making sure Benji follows suit. “But he’s part of the Weightbound?”

“There’s no way. They’re supposed to be extinct.”

Howard pries open three bottles of ale, pairing one to each friend. “To the Weightbound.” 

Chapter Four: Red Stockings