Preparation

In a world full of darkness, the show must go on.

It was early in the morning when the sound of whinnies, clopping hooves, rustic squeaks, and clanging wood erupted in the otherwise peaceful silence. The noise attracted attention to the-until now-slumbering society of Hallowcile. Various doors, and windows flung open in a panic with dim, hastily lit lanterns in their hands. Civilians tried to peer through the dense fog that had rolled in waves earlier throughout the night. The noise grew louder, shadowy silhouettes came closer.

"What is this?"

"Gracious-why is there so much noise?"

"It's too early!"

Eventually, the villagers found the source of the commotion. For some, even after they rubbed their black ringed eyes, there was still confusion. It wasn't a messenger that came with urgent news or a bunch of rowdy drunks from the bar. What greeted them was a decently sized caravan that rode atop big metal wheels. It was led by two burly black steeds strutting at an easy-going pace. Despite the torn, faded fabric that covered the front and back of the coach, it was dazzled with elaborate decorations.

The first thing that caught their eyes when the new arrival clip-clopped into view was the wooden stars that bumped against the rumbling cart. They were held from strong, thinly braided rope in different lengths. Those delicately carved ornaments bounced up and down, clattering around hand painted members of the troupe dancing beneath a glittering crescent moon. The words, Ori's Starlight Circus were painted beneath the illustrations in big white letters.

"A circus?"

"In Hallowcile?"

"Why would they come here?"

All of it was illuminated with antique black lanterns. They gently swayed, though not as loud as the stars, along the well-paced trots. Soft murmurs rattled among the various citizens while the foreign wheeled wagon continued on. Children who had been slumbering woke up as well. Their curiosity battled against their protective families. Immediately they were roughly shoved back inside before the doors were slammed shut. Unfortunately for them, the damage was already done.

"What's a circus?"

"Can I pet the horses?"

"I wanna see!"

"Mama, Papa, look!"

There would be no further rest for the innocent parents since the little ones were bouncing off the walls. Every tiny body was filled to the brim with eager chatter, the candles and hand lanterns would remain lit long after the sun rose. The rider, covered from head to toe with a hooded tunic, chuckled as she flicked the reins, encouraging her horses forward. Ori's wagon had gone right past the center of town, undisturbed and unconcerned.

It was a bumpy ride for the small group that drove through the old dirt roads, but a familiar one as most of the individuals within it slept peacefully despite the rickety creaks. What few that were awake peered through the little gaps from their rooms, ignoring the snores that bellowed in their ears. Some were anxious to see what came with this new place, peering through the little openings. Others, uncared for the new surroundings, took their interests into more productive tasks.

There was one in particular of the bunch who stayed vigilant, calmly waiting to see what lay hidden beneath the surface of the little town that reeked of death. The crows cawed out their greetings. Flapping feathers circled above their roof with those beady little eyes following the caravan. Noise, and all, the circus group disappeared into the fog just as quickly as when they arrived.