A Beacon in the Dark

Dusk deepened across the stone porch, turning the surrounding garden into a quiet haze. Near the wooden pillar stood a black iron lantern, its glass pane casting a faint amber gleam across the flags. I advanced methodically, stopping near the base where a small metal ring rested flat against the stone. Bracing my rifle butt into the mortar seam, I leaned forward to inspect the latch on the lantern door. A coiled length of jute twine lay tucked beneath the corner. With steady leverage from my rifle stock, I wedged the twine clear, unknotting its end to anchor my position under the steady light.