Wild West - Chapter 4 - Part 1 - 5 minute freewrite challenge

The town was nothing special – much like any other they have visited before. Wooden houses, saloons at every corner, general goods stores, plenty of drug stores and even some hotels. Only it had one key difference to all the towns they’ve already been to.

“What’s that you’re using for lighting? I’ve been meaning to ask before, but must’ve forgot,” James pointed at one of the poles that gave support to a brightly glowing crystal illuminating the streets. “Sure burns much brighter than a candle.”

“Because it’s not a candle.” The guard was scarce with words.

“So, what is it?”

“You didn’t have it outside, right?” The guard smiled slyly – no information ever left the dome. “Some mineral we discovered some ten years ago. You light it up like a candle, and it just glows up and doesn’t get hot,” the guard enjoyed this act of subtle bragging and kept going, “I don’t remember the exact name our miners gave it, something like Loomanyte or Lyterite, but it’s all the same if you just call them light rocks.” He enjoyed himself so much he just couldn’t stop talking – it was the first time he knew more about something than someone else. “And it just turns to ash when it burns, like a candle. Clean and easy.” His eyes suddenly lit up. “Oh, and they burn really slow. Like, these lamps will burn for over a week and they only have a Lyterite the size of a fist. I think we’ve had them for 23 years now, was it?” He looked at the other guard, whose face read clearly that he was less than fascinated by his passionate speech. “Oh, okay.” He tilted his head down and shut up.

“Thank you.” James finally got the chance to thank him.