Twilight’s Hour

The moon was high in the sky. The night was cold and the wind harsh. The Elder walked through the fog filled courtyard oblivious to it all. The task at hand needed to be completed, and he was the only one who could. A wolf howled off in the distance, alerting the Elder that Twilight’s Hour was close. He had so much to do before it came, with not a lot of time to do it in.

He stopped then sighed as he looked up into the sky. The full moon was entirely obscured by the smoke and clouds. As he watched them dancing their dance in the sky, his mind drifted back to why this had come to be. They knew the rules, but broke them anyways. They knew what the consequences would be, but ignored the warnings. They hunted, killed and slaughtered the animals, plants and beings around their homeland. Not for food, clothing, or shelter. Just for sport, just to prove they were stronger than all the rest. Now Twilight’s Hour was coming for them. He hurried on knowing he must finish the task.

As he reached the steps leading to the altar, the fog grew thicker and the night colder. The Elder knew then, he had not made it on time. Instead of giving up on the task, he ran up the stairs. Just as he reached the top, darkness devoured everything surrounding the altar. Within seconds fire erupted out of the ground obliterating the altar and causing the Elder to fall to his knees. As he raised his head and looked to where the altar once stood, the fire was gone, but a shadowy beast stood over its ashes. The Elder’s eyes went wide in fear, for he knew Twilight’s Hour was now upon him and his time, as well as his people’s, was up.

The beast moved toward him, as a deep and powerful voice spoke. “You, Elder, have never wronged us. You have never broken the rules, so you shall live. Your punishment for not forcing your people to abide by them is to watch them suffer and perish.” As the beast started to pass him, the Elder reached out and grabbed onto his arm. “I beg you, please ask Twilight to reconsider. My people do not deserve to die.” “Twilight will do no such thing. We had a deal; we allowed your people to live and gave them newfound strength in order to protect themselves. We didn’t ask much in return for doing so. Only that they were to follow our simple rules. They promised they would, but instead broke every one. Now their hour is up.” “Will she not even listen to my plea?” The beast did not even blink as he stared down at him. “Speak your plea, Elder. For she listens even now.” The Elder raised his hands in supplication. “I wish to forfeit my life in exchange for my people to have a second chance. Does Twilight except?”

Before the beast could answer, a young woman’s voice resounded in the darkness. “Krauer, I except his wish.” The beast nodded then looked back down at the Elder. “It is as you wish; Twilight’s Hour shall end as well as your life. Be fare warned that if your people do not change their ways, your sacrifice will be in vain.” The Elder nodded, then bowed his head before he said: “I understand.” Within seconds he was decapitated and Krauer as well as Twilight’s Hour was gone.

It had been three hours since Krauer’s return and he felt disheartened as Twilight walked up to him. “Do not feel bad, the Elder made his choice.” “That is true my lady, but why did he choose that of all things? We both know his people will never change, they have already pillaged another village.” Her eyes were sad. “He chose it so he would not be forced to watch his people die and that was the reason I accepted his wish so easily. I want you to return there within two weeks and kill them all. They do not deserve to live after breaking the rules again, not when their elder did such a noble sacrifice for them to have a second chance. Tomorrow sound the horn; let them know Twilight’s Hour is coming for them once more.” Krauer bowed his head. “It shall be done, my lady.” “Good. Be sure to make an example of them.” “With pleasure.” Twilight smiled as she walked away. Krauer had always been her favorite warrior and she knew her wish would be carried out.

Within the week, Twilight’s Hour returned to the village. A fire broke out and destroyed everything. The villagers were killed and their heads were placed on spears throughout the village, warning others of the consequences that came when you broke Twilight’s rules after she aided you.