C+3

  Flor and Sparks backtracked from the Monument to get to the path to the lighthouse. Before long she and Sparks joined a rugged, washed-out road gradually sloping up the hills. After fifteen minutes of walking, it became even more rugged with larger rocks along the side of the path. A hint of blue sea peaked from their left, but the right rose precipitously to the sky.

  They chatted idly about nothing important, but soon the climb took their breath away as the stroll became a hike. It gave Flor time to consider what level two brawler implied. Since it was a level-up, she had extra health but couldn’t identify any other benefits.

  The top of the lighthouse appeared before them after they scrambled over a challenging section of path. The path disappeared into the rough terrain. With the Lighthouse to guide them, they could find the way even if they were fully off the path.

  After hours of hiking, the path grew easier and gradually sloped downward. The full view of the lighthouse was before them, and they could identify details of the large stone structure. Even though the rain had let off earlier, they still couldn’t see the light emitting from the top and wondered if it didn’t normally run during the daytime.

  “Let’s try to wrap this up today so that I don’t have to make that trek again. I thought I was in shape…” said Flor.

  “It was a bit harsher than expected. I’ve heard of items that make traversing difficult terrain easier.”

  “Sounds useful. I haven’t seen those yet, but if we have to do much more hiking, it might be a good detour to seek them out.”

  They continued on the now gentle decline, and although the path was still rough it was easier. Eventually, they came to the same black wrought iron fence surrounding the Widow’s Siege Monument. Up close, the Lighthouse looked imposing. Flor noticed a couple of other buildings that seemed to give a bit of humanity to the area: a tiny shed next to a garden and a little henhouse next to a fenced-in yard.

  “Where do you think we should go first?” said Sparks.

  “Let’s chat with that person tending the garden, maybe?”

  They walked that way and a man looked up from digging out weeds along a line of tubers. Flor noticed his name was Bishal, Keeper -3. “Hi. Welcome to the Lighthouse. You’re welcome to tour, stay for dinner, stay the night, or take over the work, if you like. It’s not often we have guests, but oddly we have two right now. What are their names…nevermind it. It’s a small place, so you’re bound to come across them.” Then, more to himself, he said, “It’d be nice to have someone else working a shift or two.”

  You might be reading a stolen copy. Visit Royal Road for the authentic version.

  “Hello. I’m Flor and this is Sparks. Is there anything we should know before touring?”

  Bishal rubbed his beard. “We’d prefer you not enter the bunkroom unless you stay the night, since we usually have a day sleeper. Otherwise, we try to keep it as quiet as we can.”

  Flor nodded and said “Anything else unusual?”

  “Well, the lamp is burnt out, but Surya should have it back soon.”

  “Ooh, that sounds uncommon. Has it been out long?”

  “You know, the darndest thing, it burned out in the middle of the night. Anyway, I don’t think any ships ran aground on the shoals last night, so fortunately no foul.”

  Flor looked out to the shoals mentioned, which looked rough considering the white spray that pounded against the jagged spears sticking out of the sea, despite the relative calm of the waters surrounding. At least one mast was visible from where she looked, and she expected there must be a few she couldn’t see since the lighthouse was as prominent as it was.

  “Well, we’ll just take a look around, and we’ll likely stay the night. Or at least I will,” Flor said looking at Sparks.

  “I’ve got nothing pressing to return to, so I may stay as well. Or at least through dinner,” said Sparks. “Any cats around?”

  “Cats? Oh, heaps. They’re always underfoot,” said Bishal. He looked up and pointed, “There is one right there. I think that’s Glitter.”

  “Thanks. Enjoy weeding,” Flor said as Sparks started to wander toward Glitter, who gave a gentle mew and then rolled onto his back.

  Congratulations! You have pet a cat!

  You have met Glitter

  {Glitter is a 4-year-old male Chechil (which is a type of cheese, not a type of cat) who likes to play in sunshowers.}

  After a moment, Glitter flipped over, tried to bite Spark’s hand, and then ran away.

  “So it goes with cats,” he said, standing up. “Should we split up or do you think it makes more sense to stay together? Since we’re partied up we should both benefit from petting cats, so we could make more progress if one of us hunted and the other solved the puzzle?”

  Flor looked around, confused. There wasn’t much around. “I think there is only one way to go, Sparks.”

  “Well, we’ve found one cat out here, I’m sure there are others. You go scout the lighthouse and I’ll join you along the way.”

  “Is there something wrong going on here?”

  “No,” said Sparks defensively. “Really, nothing. You’re right, we can go together.”

  Flor started walking to the entry, then turned. “You don’t have to tell me anything, right? You’re allowed to keep secrets and have your objectives. And arguably I might support that objective if you did tell me.”

  Sparks hesitated, then said, “Fine. There is a little shrine over there. I wanted to rest and maybe give my regards to the goddess.”

  “Oh…oh, yeah. Go ahead. I’m sorry to be so pushy.”

  “I’m sorry I’m imposing.”

  “You’re not. I just…I don’t see those shrines the same way you do. Wait, is there a shrine at the Widow’s Siege?”

  “Yeah, but it’s tucked away in the utilities section. Hard to find.”

  “Huh. Well, take your time. Really. And again, I’m sorry.”

  Sparks nodded and turned toward the shrine. Flor watched him go for a moment before turning toward the entry to the Lighthouse.