Igniting the Iron Arch

Night claimed the courtyard, leaving the archway plunged in blackness. I scaled the cold iron scrollwork toward the darkened carriage lantern overhead. Its frosted glass pane swung unlatched, fluttering in the breeze. Setting my green lantern securely on the iron bracket to steady my footing, I braced my stance against the curled metal filigree. With deliberate force, I guided the latch pin back into its brass keeper. The glass clicked shut, catching the emerald glow from my own lantern and throwing a steady, protective shield of light across the flagstones below. The night watch stands unbroken.