Keeper of Life - NaPoWrMo Entry

They had traveled to almost the inside of the wall, Lilly sitting on top of the guard after he'd offered to carry her. It was probably less kindness on his part and more impatience at her short pace, not that she minded.

“So where is he?” she asked again.

“Well...” he said hesitantly, “it turns out I kinda overheard some of the others talking. I guess he's got something important at 27B to take care of, but hey your his daughter that kinda trumps a lot. Besides I can't just leave you strolling out on your own right?”

She laughed. “Right,” she said agreeing.

He lit lanterns as he passed, a few of them going out. “That's odd, why are these out?” Now it was her turn to be impatient but she stilled herself.

They heard a crack echo off the walls and twisted around.

“What was that?” Lilly asked almost choking the guard. He loosened her grip.

“I'm sure it was just thunder,” he said looking up. 'Odd though, there aren't any clouds, I wonder what that was?' he thought. The possibility that anything malevolent had happened was far beyond his thinking. How long had it been since anything actually happened? Not during his duty as guard. Sometimes he wished something would happen, stir up some action. They had all whispered the rumors that were now spreading, almost in the hopes they could become real guards and not just armor clad parade figurines. His friend had joked while they stood, waiting for inspection during a long parade. “Think on the bright side Tanon, we're literally getting paid to look good.” He grinned at this and held back a chuckle as he shook his head.

It was a break in his usual routine, and despite it all he was glad to be making the walk. Perhaps delivering the commanders daughter would finally get him noticed. How much extra duties had he done recently? He had taken at least four other shifts in the past two days alone.

They approached 27B, the lanterns around were all snuffed out for some reason. 'I'll get those after I drop her off,' he thought placing her down. The night had been quiet, and there were no other guards around. Then again the commander had said this was really important and not to be bothered. It was easier just to avoid the place.

“Well, let's go, we're here now,” he said to her as he let her down. They made toward the door.