Leon Grave's Arc

Chapter 1 of 2

Leon kept his eyes on the corridor when the briefing officer told him someone else would be joining his detail. The words landed hard, but he didn't let it show. For three years, he'd been the only guard assigned to this post. Now they were bringing in someone new. The tower felt different when he arrived the next morning. A fire ring sat outside the base, stones arranged in a perfect circle with fresh-cut logs laid in neat spokes. Someone had taken the time to make it look welcoming. Leon touched the badge pinned inside his coat and climbed the stairs without stopping to look. His new partner was already on the upper platform when Leon reached it. The man turned with an easy smile, hand extended. He introduced himself and asked three questions before Leon could answer the first one. He talked about the view, the forest paths, how he'd heard good things about this posting. Leon counted the exits below and gave short answers. By midday, two travelers had stopped to ask for directions. The new guard knew their names by the time they left. Leon watched him work the fire ring that evening, drawing people in with stories and laughter. Three years of silence felt heavier now that someone else had shown him what the alternative looked like.