“Shall I cook up some dinner?” asked Mekov as the sun began to set.

“Forget cooking, it’s a festival night,” said Sakien. “Let’s go out and make some poor sap cook for us.”

“Hooray for laziness!” shouted Kira. She was excited. She hadn’t had a nice meal at a restaurant since…well actually she couldn’t remember. Even if Sakien wasn’t paying, she could afford it now.

“I don’t really care so long as we get food,” said Mekov. “Let’s eat already.” They started to leave when Diake met them in the hall outside.

“Did I hear we’re going out for food?”

“We are.” Everyone paused as they got a good look at Diake. The stout man always liked to dress the part of the hunter, champion of humanity. Tonight however, he was wearing a tan silk shirt with fine black pants they’d never seen before. He had sandals on befitting a desert dweller. His black hair was slicked back, and his smile all teeth. His red dragonhide jacket was still on because the man still had an image to uphold. “Errm…what’s the occasion?”

“It’s a big festival?” asked Diake. “What, do northerners never dress up?”

“It’s not our festival,” said Mekov plainly.

“Not a bad idea though,” said Sakien. “Dinner first.”

The innkeeper was missing when they went downstairs, and the normally lively common room was empty. The tiny bar and kitchen area was quiet, though something stewing in the back smelled wonderful. It was eerily silent, like the building had emptied.

Outside was worse. Every house was shuttered, and every booth in the bazaar abandoned. Wind blew through the empty streets as if through the bones of a fallen creature. But there was no sign of a disturbance. Nothing was broken or out of place and the air smelled clean.

“Did I miss something when I fell asleep?” asked Diake nervously.

“You and us both,” said Mekov. “Where the hell is everybody?”

“Is there anything that could be that quiet?” asked Kira.

“Nothing I’ve ever heard of,” said Diake.

“Arm up and head to the guild,” ordered Sakien. A minute later, they were all back outside with their weapons drawn and moving quickly to the guild. But even their door was shut and the guard absent. “I’ve never seen a guild door closed except for emergencies.”

“Me either.” Diake approached the door and knocked lightly. “Hello?” There was no response, and Diake knocked harder. Then, they heard the faint shuffling of feet and the door opened. To their surprise, it was the guild agent himself.

“Diake?” he asked surprised. “What are you four doing here?”

“We went out for dinner, and everyone is gone,” said Sakien. “What happened?” The guild representative chuckled and opened the door wider.

“Come in, I’ll tell you all about it.” They all came in and saw the guild house was empty. The door was locked again and the guild representative turned around. “Didn’t anyone tell you tonight is the Starlight Festival?”

“Dezzlin did, but that doesn’t explain the missing people,” said Mekov. The man chuckled again and took a seat.

“I’ve been here so long I don’t feel like a foreigner anymore. Take a seat and I’ll tell you.” They all sat around the table. “The Starlight Festival is a holy time for the people out here. It’s a night they celebrate their gods and all their traditions. After their morning commerce, everyone goes inside for the day. They fast and pray to the gods, thanking them for everything they have. After the sun goes down and the stars come out, they all come out too. Everything reopens and until then, you won’t find a single soul out and about in town.”

“So we can’t find any food right now?” asked Diake. The guild representative shook his head.

“No. It’s why there’s so much food at the festival because they don’t eat throughout the day. They’re allowed only water until the sun goes down.”

“I guess I should’ve let you cook something back at the inn,” Sakien said to Mekov.

“A word of advice,” said the guild representative. “Be quiet when you go back. People around here get very offended if you’re just walking around during their holy time. You’ll probably get in the most trouble, Diake.”

“Why me?”

“Because even if you’re not from here, you almost look like you could be. If they mistake you, they may get very angry at you. Everyone here knows Kira is a foreigner, and Sakien and Mekov are just stupid heathens from the north.”

“We’ll take that as a compliment,” said Sakien with a smile.

“Good. Now get back to the inn quietly and try and clean up a little. Show off tonight that we hunters are worth our trade.”

“Told you,” said Diake.

“Shut up,” said Mekov. “Thanks for everything.”

“No problem, the guild house will reopen tomorrow. I’m just here because like you saw, there’s nowhere else for me to go at the moment.”

They said a few quiet goodbyes and walked back to the inn in silence. Since nobody was around, Diake commandeered the fire in the common room. He tossed some meat on a plate and cut up a few other things. Mekov and Sakien were helping him while Kira went upstairs to clean up.

She wiped away the dirt and tried to comb her curly hair. There was only so much she could do with a comb, a rag, and a bucket of water. Kira sighed as she slipped into her only clean pair of clothes. Diake had such a nice outfit and here Kira was just putting on the same old stuff. She only had three pairs of clothing and that was it. This outfit wasn’t even the nicest she had; it was just the next in line for being clean. She had a heavy shirt which made her look frumpy, a pair of thin pants, and her boots. It was hardly what she’d call beautiful. The only thing Kira had to spice up her outfit was a bright green ribbon to tie her hair in. It was the only thing she still had from her old life.

Kira came downstairs to eat with the others. Nobody commented on her change of clothing or clean up. She didn’t know whether to take that as a good or bad sign. The meal was decent and everyone stayed quiet. They didn’t want to annoy the innkeeper or the other inhabitants.

Sakien and Mekov went to get ready, and Kira stayed with Diake. They whispered back and forth what they expected from tonight. Kira was hoping for some good music while Diake seemed more interested in the people and their food.

The sun was starting to go down and people started to come out of their rooms. They were all dressed beautifully. The girls and women were lavished with jewels and beads across their bodies. They wore alluring outfits with cuts in the cloth to show off their bodies. The men wore heavier but tighter fitting clothing. Everyone was well groomed and smelled of perfumes.

“Looks like it’s about time,” said Diake as he stood up.

“Where’s Sakien and Mekov?” asked Kira. Those two took longer to get prepared than she did. Diake raised an eye and pointed to the stairs.

“Kind of hard to miss.” Kira turned around and almost stumbled backwards into Diake.

Sakien and Mekov had cleaned up amazingly and looked completely out of place. Their beautiful white cloaks were tightened by three tiny loops of cloth over the chest to look like coats. Underneath they wore pants and tunics of a neat black cloth.

They must’ve pierced both their left ears because Kira hadn’t seen any hole for earrings before. Mekov had a small earring made of shiny blue rocks. Sakien’s earring was long and almost reached his chin line. It was a mixture of colored cords and beads. There were also a few cords and beads wrapped into the back of Sakien’s hair, giving his hair a green and blue tint. They approached Diake and Kira like decorated ghosts.

“Are we ready?” asked Sakien with a small grin. Diake smirked.

“You guys look great. Let’s go.”

“As do both of you.”

“No they don’t,” said Mekov. “They look like they’re getting ready for dinner.”

“Different cultures Mekov,” said Diake cheerfully. “Weren’t you the one who told me to be more sensitive?” Diake opened the door and headed out before Mekov could reply. It was time for the Starlight Festival.

It was a festival unlike any of them had ever been to before, and it was just as amazing as they’d hoped. The stands were now filled with people, and the town was back to life. True to Dezzlin’s word, there was almost no light. Any fire was wrapped in blue jars to show off like the stars above. Not a single building was open as every business was brought outside. Tables and chairs were brought out for restaurants and bars to be done under starlight.

And there was music. More beautiful sounding music than they’d ever heard before. Men and women walked through the streets and played at will. Many songs went out at the same time. People sang as they walked or sold their products. Children screamed and ran about with their faces painted like gods.

“Now this is what I’m talking about!” said Mekov. He’d just acquired some kind of small roasted bird on a stick. He bit into it and was met with juices and hot spices. Mekov breathed imaginary fire out of his mouth and took another bite. “Oh you guys have got to try this.”

Diake collected three more, and they each took one. Every single one of their faces lit up, but none more than Diake’s. “Oh this is amazing! I’m getting another one.”

“Me too,” said Mekov.

“My mouth is on fire,” whispered Kira.

“Mine too,” said Sakien, “let’s get some drinks.” As Diake and Mekov moved to find more food, Sakien and Kira found a table near the main square and called for some drinks.

“To the stars,” said Kira as she picked up her mug.

“To burning mouths,” cheered Sakien. They clanked their drinks together and both took a quick swig. The cool beer soothed the flaming spices and eased their bellies.

“I will say this,” said Kira as she looked at her beer. “People here know how to really make some good drinks. Much better than the swill I’ve had back home.”

“Not quite as strong as the stuff in the north but definitely tastier.” Kira looked at him surprised.

“This stuff is weak compared to what you drink?”

“Of course. You’ll never find harder stuff than northern ale.”

“You started drinking without us!” exclaimed Diake as he returned with Mekov. “What the crap!”

“Hey Mekov,” said Sakien, “who brews stronger stuff? Here or old Winsler?”

“That’s not even a fair question,” lamented Mekov. “Winsler brews stuff dragons would choke on. I miss it so much.”

Loud clapping came down the street, and they all looked over to see what the commotion was. A band came in with a wide variety of string instruments and began to play wildly. Men and women cheered and began to flock to the main square. Ladies took men by the hands, and they flew all around. They were beautifully coordinated as they flowed about. It didn’t seem to matter who the partner was; they all knew the dance.

“Looks like fun,” said Diake as he took another sip.

“Looks crazy,” laughed Mekov. “I’ve never seen anything like it.”

“Me neither,” said Sakien.

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The dance went on for several minutes before the last of the music dwindled and everyone started clapping. They all cheered from the table and the music started up again. Most of the dancers walked into the crowd, but some left the crowd to go dance.

“I see you all made it!” shouted Dezzlin as he came out of the crowd of dancers. “You even dressed up!”

If everyone else was dressed up, Dezzlin looked like a prince. He had custom tailored clothing made of the finest materials. A nice coat was fitted over his soft shirts and it even seemed to shine a little. Some type of oil had been slicked into his hair to make it go back evenly. He even had real shoes made for dancing and relaxation.

“One more drink for our fancy friend here!” shouted Diake.

“Looking good,” said Sakien. Dezzlin looked at Mekov and Sakien with a bemused smile.

“Uh, yeah, you too.” He was trying not to laugh, but it eventually broke out. Everyone at the table joined him and raised their drinks again.

“So how long does this last?” asked Kira.

“Until everyone gets tired,” said Dezzlin. “Some people stay out until the sun rises again.”

“To an endless night gentlemen,” said Diake. They had barely finished their cups when a beautiful girl came out of the crowd and tapped on Dezzlin’s shoulder.

“May I have this dance?” she asked sweetly. Dezzlin smiled at everyone else and set his drink down.

“Excuse me,” he said with a wink. Everyone at the table looked at each other and back to Dezzlin’s disappearing form.

“Dezzlin can get girls?” asked Mekov.

“Truly, this is a strange culture,” laughed Sakien. Kira giggled as Diake looked into the dancing crowd.

“Not some bad looking ladies out there.”

“Are you kidding me?” asked Mekov. “Let me show you some beautiful northern women. Bigger than these scrawny things with a chest you could sleep on!” Kira unconsciously glanced down at her chest. She was a bit bigger than most of the girls here. Mekov pointed at her and laughed. “Not like that. I’m talking breasts the size of your head.”

“Are you serious?” she asked half amazed, half horrified. Sakien nodded.

“I’ve seen them. Mekov has a, well…let’s say fascination with them.”

“So beautiful,” said Mekov as he held his hands out as if supporting an imaginary pair of breasts.

They sat around laughing as Mekov described more and more about these heavenly breasts he was imagining. Kira couldn’t imagine having a chest out so far she almost couldn’t see her feet. What would it be like doing everyday things? She’d never be able to fight with a chest like that, that was for sure.

“Quick, get me another drink,” said Dezzlin as he sat back down. “I need to get these down fast if I want to also dance.”

“How do you do it?” asked Diake.

“It’s all about class,” said Dezzlin as he slurped a beer down.

“I might just go asking,” said Diake as he eyed a few girls eagerly. Dezzlin waved his hand at him. “What, you don’t think I should?”

“You can’t,” gasped Dezzlin as he put his drink down. “Girls choice in the Starlight Festival. It’s where a lot of girls look for guys and show their interest in them. Just wait, someone will probably come for you.”

“Interesting standard,” said Sakien. “All the girl’s pick?”

“Sort of. A lot of these girls are looking for potential husbands out there. They’re a bit biased though thanks to their parents. Hate to say it, but I doubt anyone is going to ask you two.” Sakien and Mekov looked at him offended. “Sorry, but you guys aren’t from around here. Most people don’t know you or your ways. They’d be afraid you’ll take their daughters far away or worse, just dump them after a night of pleasure.”

“But that’s exactly what you’re going to do,” said Mekov. Dezzlin’s face went red and everyone laughed.

“I imagine that happens a lot,” said Sakien. “Funny tradition.”

“Don’t be jealous that no one wants to look at you,” said Diake.

“Like you’ll be able to dance?” scoffed Mekov. “You can hardly walk down the street on your own, what makes you think you can dance?”

“You’d be surprised with what I can do,” said Diake smugly.

“I have ten coins here that say if you get a dance, you fall flat on your face,” said Mekov. He pulled up his money pouch, pulled out ten coins and slammed them down on the table. Diake grinned and reached into his pocket. He pulled out ten coins and laid them out next to his drink.

“You’re on.” Sakien eyed Diake and reached inside his bag.

“I’ll wager fifteen Diake survives the first dance.”

“Just the first dance?” asked Mekov. Sakien shot Diake a grin.

“I don’t think he’ll last past that, but I’ll give him one dance.”

“Challenge accepted my friends,” said Diake as he raised his glass. They all clanked their mugs together in agreement and drank to it. “I’ll be glad to take all your money.”

They drank a bit more, and another girl took Dezzlin by the arm and led him away into the crowd. The money stayed on the table and within a few minutes a girl parted from the crowd and approached their table. She was dressed in all red with her long black hair tied in a ponytail. Many eyes followed her as she walked past many men, but she finally stopped in front of Diake.

“May I have this dance?” Her words were strong, and she smelled like cinnamon. Diake eyed the coins on the table and stood up proudly.

“Yes you may.” She took his hand and led him to the dancing ground. When they were a bit away Mekov banged his hand on the table.

“Betting is now open! Can Diake survive a dance?” As if they’d been waiting for these words, many men suddenly turned to their table and leaned forward.

“What’s the bet?” asked one man.

“Why couldn’t he survive a dance?” asked another.

“That man was bit by a giant blanket horror just last night,” said Sakien. “We’ll all swear our lives on it. Now he received the antidote, but he’s still really weak. The guy could barely walk here.”

“A blanket horror? Put me down for five against him.”

“He looks strong, I’ll put eight saying he makes it.” Kira watched astounded as five men joined the betting. They all looked to the dance floor to see how Diake was doing.

This woman was amazingly beautiful and fast. Diake had a hard time keeping up with her movements and trying to match her dance. He had no idea how their dances worked, but he was a fighter. Diake could follow her movements pretty well so after the first minute he had a feeling for the rhythm. His muscles ached for rest still, but he wouldn’t let down a chance with such a woman. He was also too stubborn to lose the bet.

The song ended, and the woman bowed to him. He returned the favor. Diake shot an eye back to the table and saw a few men scowling while others cheered. He wondered what the hell was going on. He didn’t have time to find out though as the woman began to dance again. He moved towards her again but felt his legs tremble as he moved.

“A second dance!” said Mekov excitedly. “Diake survives round one, but he’s looking wobbly. Can he do it again? I’ve got twenty against him!”

“I’ll match you saying he survives,” said Sakien. “Another round of drinks!” The men cheered and threw down even higher bets. Kira noticed the numbers were still pretty even on if Diake fell or stood.

Diake could feel his heart thumping against his chest as he moved. He wasn’t sure if it was because of how close this woman was getting or if he was just that exhausted. The medicine he’d taken earlier took away the pain, but it didn’t cure his fatigue. Diake desperately wanted to take a seat, but the slips in the woman’s clothing kept him in place. They were designed to not let him see anything, but to tease him into thinking he would. His desires kept him firmly in place.

The dance was over with, and Diake had survived another round. He looked back at the table confused. It was filled with people he didn’t know, but Sakien and Mekov looked like they were the center of attention.

“I don’t believe it,” said Mekov as the winners took their money. “Diake is not looking good.” Everyone murmured in agreement this time. Even in the dim light they could see Diake was shaking. Cold sweat was running down his face as the woman held her hand out another time. “I’d bet another round, but I don’t think we have any takers.”

“I’ll bet he makes it,” said Sakien. “I’ll match everyone here if I have to.” They all looked out and saw Diake extending a nervous hand to the woman. “Bet quickly if you’re in!” Sakien pulled his sack of money onto the table eagerly.

“I’ll bet you one hundred that he falls,” said Mekov coldly. Sakien tapped his money sack with a smirk.

“You’re on.” Nobody could believe Sakien was taking the bet. Instantly money poured onto the table from many men’s wallets. Kira watched with horror as not a single person moved to join Sakien. If he lost, he was going to be one poor man.

Diake took a deep breath and steadied his limbs. He couldn’t give up just yet. He would do this. He saw many people watching and assumed it was for the red clothed beauty in front of him. There was no way he could know all eyes were on him.

Diake stepped in and out with the dancer. She stayed swift as ever, but Diake knew he was slowing down. He was grateful she was putting on a vibrant show, and he didn’t have to do too much. He held her hands and sides as he needed and moved with her. In actuality, Diake was glad he could put some of his support on her. She shot him a few concerned looks but kept dancing.

She came across his arm and began to dip herself backwards. This was too much. His body was straining to hold him, and now he had to hold her too. Men sat on the edge of their seats as she pressured Diake, but he brought her back up. He wouldn’t drop a woman just because of his own weakness. He spun her around and around, focusing everything he had on her twirling form. The song came to a sudden end and she snapped in on him. It was over, and he breathed a sigh of relief.

There were howls of rage over at the table. Men growled and spit insults at Diake as Sakien scooped his money over. Since he was the only one who’d bet for Diake, he was the only winner of the enormous pile of money. Many men wouldn’t be drinking anymore after this. Some looked at Sakien angrily, but Mekov acted first. He lunged over the table and punched Sakien in the jaw. Sakien dropped to the floor and his beer dripped down the side of the table.

“Take your damn money,” said Mekov bitterly. “I’ll get us new drinks.” The men looked satisfied at Mekov’s hit and wandered away. Sakien just grinned from the floor.

“Are you okay?” whispered Kira as she felt his chin. Sakien kept his head down and shot Kira a wink.

“I’m fine.”

The woman Diake was dancing with came very close and put a leg around him. “Are you feeling okay?” Diake was about to nod when she slid her hands under his jacket to feel him better. She obviously enjoyed his firm body, but she squeezed too hard on his fresh wounds. Diake took a step back and kneeled on the ground.

“You are hurt?” she asked surprised. Diake stood back up and breathed easy again. He led her off the dance floor.

“Have you heard of a giant blanket horror?” She nodded and he moved his jacket away. Even without lifting his shirt she could see bandages. “I was bit by one just last night while hunting.”

“You should not be dancing then!” she breathed. Diake smiled and moved a strand of loose hair out of her face.

“What kind of man would disappoint a woman like you, wounded or not?” She smiled and looked back to his table.

“Perhaps we could get you a drink to ease your pain.”

“I would enjoy that…” Diake held out his hand.

“Miranda,” she said as she took his arm instead and led him back to the table. She seated Diake next to Mekov and started to move for drinks. Diake tried to get up, but Miranda held him back.

“Ladies treat,” she whispered smoothly. She made sure her hips shook enticingly as Diake was certainly watching. At the bar a woman greeted her in a bland, tired voice.

“What do you want?”

“Two dawn breakers, Adelaide.”

“Okay then.” Miranda smiled at Adelaide. The woman had no concept of customer service, enthusiasm, or even a personality. Where she came from was a complete mystery considering her fair skin and bright red hair. She was a tiny thing, shorter and skinner than any woman her age. Miranda had once tried to ask her about her heritage, but Adelaide just stared at her blankly. Unless you had business, it was as though she didn’t recognize you.

Adelaide put two glasses in front of Miranda filled with an amber liquid. Miranda sipped one to make sure it was the proper potency and grinned as her body shook. Adelaide may have been a statue for all purposes, but she made drinks which could kill other statues. Miranda placed the coins into Adelaide’s hands and wandered back to the table.

“To men who never give up on a woman,” toasted Miranda. She sipped her drink and watched the man’s reaction eagerly. Diake raised his drink proudly and clanked it with everyone else’s. Dezzlin returned just in time for the toast and barely clinked his glass before he threw it back. Diake, not wanting to be out done, attempted to empty his glass in one long draught. Dawn breakers were ten times harder and harsher than ale however, and he had to stop himself from spewing it across the table. He forced himself to swallow and groaned painfully.

Sakien and Mekov didn’t raise their glasses as enthusiastically. Their hands barely went up before they took small sips of their drinks. Their bright eyes were the darkest at the table. Only when Kira nudged Sakien and clacked her mug against his did he brighten a little. Nothing moved to take Mekov out of his somber thoughts. Miranda sipped her drink quietly and focused her attention back to Diake.

They enjoyed a few more drinks and moved from table to table. Miranda stayed by Diake’s side for most of the night, constantly impressed that he’d managed to dance at all. Mekov and Sakien didn’t say a word about their bet against him. Dezzlin occasionally returned, but he was very popular that night. Kira counted at least five different girls vying for his attention.

“You should go dance,” whispered Sakien to Kira late into the night.

“I don’t even really like dancing. I honestly prefer the music.”

“He’s trying to get you away from the table,” said Mekov. Kira looked at both of them confused.

“If we can’t dance, we have more men to con tonight.” He winked at her and shook his coin purse. Kira realized they’d somehow played the men at the other tables and were looking to do it again.

“Okay…I’m going to go for a look around.”

“Atta girl,” said Diake, his eyes never leaving Miranda.

Kira walked around all the shops and watched the dance floor. She really did hate dancing. There was a time where she’d once enjoyed it, but that was part of a past she had left behind. Now, it just brought up bad memories and hate. Her friends might not know her history, but many of the men in town did. None of them would match her gaze and other girls looked at her with scorn or pity. Damn locals. This is why she stayed away from town.

“Not going to ask me to dance?” sneered a man behind her. She turned to see a greasy man smiling devilishly.

“What do you want?”

“Sheen wants a quick word,” said the man. Kira realized she wasn’t too far from his shop, but she didn’t want to see his ass tonight.

“I’ll see him tomorrow.”

“He said tonight,” declared the man, showing a knife at his side. “He said it involved the end of your contract.”

That caught Kira’s attention. She nodded, and the man led her over to the shop. So Sheen realized their time was at an end. The bastard would probably try and squeeze every last dime out of her, but she wasn’t about to let that happen. No, Kira was better than that now, stronger. She’d show him a thing or two if he argued.

The shop was barely lit like the rest of the town when she entered. Sheen was standing just inside with a bitter smile on his face. “Hello Kira.”

“Ready to end this?”

“Yes I am. I gave you a week to find the sanpaco and you did not deliver. I’m shipping you out.” Kira’s eyes widened, and she fervently wished she had her sword.

“I’m not going anywhere,” she said defiantly.

“You don’t have a choice. We can make this a public spectacle, or you can come quietly. I will give you that choice.”

“Come and get me,” snarled Kira. The greasy man tried to grab her, but she elbowed him in the face. She threw the door open and was ready to sprint to freedom. She’d fight to the death before she allowed him to take her.

There was a fast snapping sound and a needle like pain appeared at the base of her spine. Kira shrieked and hit the floor. Her hand grasped at the thick dart in her back but her muscles were already going limp. She tried to scream but the world went dark around her.

Sheen looked to Viktor who’d just popped up from behind the desk. He’d fired one tranquilizer dart and Kira had gone down. All the alcohol she’d been drinking probably didn’t help. “Good shot Viktor.”

“Thank you, sir.”

“Drag her inside and make sure she isn’t about to die. She’s a worthless product to me dead.”

“Of course.” Viktor grabbed her legs and pulled her inside. The door closed and Sheen looked around outside. Amongst the celebrations no one had noticed.