Kingdom of Hearth

Short Scene: (in a longer work): The Kingdom of Hearth

Gary stood on the wall surrounding Hearth, directly above the Gate of Fire, the northern port of entry into the Kingdom. His right hand sat on the lever that would open the door. He had been standing guard at this post all night - his eyes were bloodshot and droopy, his legs rubbery. As tired as he was, he could not leave his post yet. He could see a long way off a man he recognized, the last to arrive. Stephen had an easily-identifiable gait. He always leaned to his right and half-drug his left leg as he walked. It appeared that Stephen was running as well as he was able. The meeting of the others had already begun. When he reached the gate, he doubled over, his hands on his knees.
"Open the door," he panted.
Procedure was clear. No one entered after the sun was down. There wasn't even a sliver of daylight left. There was danger in the night. But, Stephen Baytel was no danger, and Gary pulled the lever.