Gabriel’s relief at his ability to cope with his new subjects was short-lived and came to an abrupt halt with the second lesson: Old World Languages. The teacher of the subject was Madame Leanna Mimicbeak of Psittacidae, a short winged-lady with feathery hair whom dressed in colourful robes. For the entire ninety minutes of the lesson Gabriel sat there dumbfounded, as Madame Psittacidae recited incomprehensible words and phrases and inscribed signs and symbols onto the board that he had never seen the likes of before. He madly scribbled them down as best he could and tried to repeat the words and sounds in the repetition exercises but found himself constantly getting it wrong. Occasionally the class would titter amongst themselves as he repeated something inaccurately, which unintentionally gave the word an entirely different (and sometimes rude) meaning. All the while, Finn watched him, undisguisedly delighted at Gabriel’s incompetence.
By lunchtime Gabriel felt dejected. He collected his lunch from the caterers at the food counter and collapsed down onto a bench with Seth, Sattan and Tamera. The school dining room was a multi-levelled cave with the food counter on the bottom level. The Masters sat on the top level of the cave so as to keep a wary eye over the students. As with all other classrooms there was a dugout area filled with water that was connected to the underwater passageways for the merfolk. To accommodate the diners, some of the larger stalagmites had had their points filed down to form circular tables. The four friends now sat at one such table.
‘Oh man, that was a disaster!’ said Gabriel, ‘I was never even any good at French! Now I’m supposed to try and learn something that was spoken thousands of years ago? I can’t even remember what that language was called, let alone what on earth was being said! Sumo... Summer... Simmer...?’
‘Sumerian,’ Tamera corrected, ‘It’s not as bad as all that once you get used to it. Quite a logical system of sounds and symbols using the Cuneiform script really.’
‘Don’t listen to her, Gabe. It’s a waste of time and she knows it,’ Seth said.
‘It is not a waste of time! It’s actually very useful.’
‘Oh yeah? Give me one good use for it.’
‘Well... I mean, that is to say... Oh, shut up!’
Tamera continued to eat the rest of her lunch in silence, occasionally glaring at Seth who smugly grinned back at her.
After lunch the students had a double period of Survival Studies. The teacher, Master Tigris, had arranged to take the students on a field trip to the surface to study the local flora. For the merfolk students, Master Tigris had arranged with Master Octus, the Physical Potential swimming specialist, to take them out into the open sea to perform a series of similar tasks.
‘OK, class,’ Master Tigris said, ‘Are there any more permission slips to come in? Remember: those without permission from their parents will not be going.’
Gabriel had a sudden moment of panic. This being his first day he had not even been aware of this school trip.
‘Mr Millar, you need not worry, I have already spoken with your grandfather and you are allowed to attend with the rest of the class. Victor? Fungus? Have you remembered your slips?’
Victor and Fungus grumbled something inaudible.
‘No?’ Master Tigris continued, ‘Then I am afraid you must stay here. You can study from your textbooks, pages ninety-one to one hundred and fourteen. I will check on your progress next lesson. Master Scorpiarius has willingly volunteered to supervise you.’ He turned to face the rest of the students. ‘Now as I explained last week, it takes us quite a while to reach the surface so in order to fully utilise our time outside we will be returning after the school day has ended. If there are any objections to this then those individuals are welcome to stay here and work from their books as well. Anyone? No? OK, off we go then.’
For Gabriel, this was to be his first time on the surface since his arrival in Sanctuary. Led by Master Tigris they travelled back across the lake and along the passageways toward the Suburban Caverns. However before they re-entered the Suburban Caverns, Master Tigris directed them into yet another set of narrow passageways made even more difficult to negotiate by densely packed sharp and unforgiving stalactites and stalagmites. These passageways led them steeply upwards and after thirty minutes of climbing the air began to feel significantly lighter. They rounded a final bend and were met by a pair of wide oak-panelled doors with a thick beam set across them, locking the doors tight shut.
Without warning a figure leapt out from behind a recess in the wall, wielding a huge and roughly-forged battle-axe. The figure had spread his wings and was poised in a defensive posture, ready to strike. He called out in a harsh, scratchy voice, ‘Halt! Who goes there? And for what purpose?’
‘Calm yourself, Grimmor,’ Master Tigris purred with his deep, soothing voice. ‘It is I, Horatio Tailstripe of Tigris. I am taking these students outside for survival training. It has already been pre-approved.’
‘Nobody leaves without the proper authorisation,’ Grimmor Hookbeak squawked.
He was quite scrawny looking, Gabriel thought, which was surprising considering his post as guard. His wings were so tattered that Gabriel wondered if he could still use them to fly. His coal-black, squinty eyes remained fixed on the group, staring down his long, hooked nose. All-in-all he had quite a comical appearance, Gabriel thought to himself until he noticed the creature’s hands. Despite a feeble physique, the fearsome clawed fingers of the weathered, yet powerful-looking hands, gripped the staff of the battle-axe with such obvious force that Gabriel was sure they could have (and may well have) crushed a person’s skull.
Master Tigris produced a formal-looking document which he presented to Hookbeak, who scoured over every inch of it. Finally, with a great deal of reluctance, the guard relaxed his weapon.
‘Very well,’ he squawked with some degree of irritation, ‘but be sure to be back here before dusk, and do not lose your documentation, otherwise I can’t promise you’ll be permitted back in at all!’
‘Do not fear, Grimmor,’ Tigris said, ‘we will be back long before dusk settles in. Now, would you be so kind as to open the gates for us?’
Hookbeak slunk off to the right of the large gates, where he untied a thick, moss-covered rope from its binding. He heaved the rope downwards, hand over hand. As he did so, the beam across the gates was hoisted slowly up. Hookbeak retied the rope and then positioned himself next to a thick wooden lever mounted to a huge wheel, as wide in diameter as he was tall. His talon-like hands grasped the lever, he threw his weight into it and gradually began to turn the wheel. A loud creak echoed around the hallway as the enormous gates began to slowly open. A narrow crack appeared between the two gates and blazing sunlight poured inside. A golden beam of warm light was cast across the floor and slowly expanded as the gates continued to open, until bright sunlight had immersed the entire cave.
For a moment Gabriel wondered how these enormous doors had not been noticed from the outside by ramblers, campers or any other passers-by. He was sure there were no remaining areas of the United Kingdom that were undiscovered or virgin to human contact. Once the gates had fully opened, Gabriel’s ponderings were answered. Although the interior of the gates were wooden, the exterior had been shaped and crafted so expertly that they resembled perfectly the look of a rocky outcropping. Above the doorway hung ferns, climbing plants and other vegetation that Gabriel did not recognise.
Once their eyes had become accustomed to the light, the lush forest beyond came into focus. The students could not contain their delight. The cave walls echoed with the sounds of ‘Ooh’ and ‘Aah.’
Had Gabriel not been distracted by the feel of the warm sunshine on his face or the overpowering smells of the forest beyond the doors, he may have wondered why it was so important for them to return before dusk. As it was, his attention was entirely distracted by the simple joys that he had taken for granted in his previous life. He hadn’t realised until that moment how much he had missed natural sunlight.
As Master Tigris led the stud
ents out into the forest, Gabriel glanced back over his shoulder at the cave entrance. The gates thudded shut concealing all semblance of an opening. Gabriel couldn’t help but wonder how they would contact Hookbeak again for him to let them back inside.
The lesson itself went surprisingly well. Master Tigris educated his students on the different types of plant life growing wild. Although he had never been an avid botanist, Gabriel was astonished to learn that there were many different subspecies of some of the common varieties of plants and flowers that he had previously heard of, each possessing different properties. Bluebells for instance, this was only one subspecies of the bell plant genus. There were in fact red, green, yellow and orangebells all with vastly different properties. Yellowbells, for instance, were highly poisonous, whereas redbells could be ground up to be used as an antiseptic paste.
During the course of the afternoon, Gabriel found himself developing a great admiration for Master Tigris. He had an astounding intellect and knowledge of the natural world. Despite the man’s muscular build and height, he moved silently through the woods, taking great care not to disturb anything. His long stripy tail swishing back and forth gave him perfect balance. His large, green, cat-like eyes didn’t miss a beat. Occasionally his ears would prick up, his body would freeze, his razor-sharp retractable claws would prime and he would scan the surroundings cautiously. Whatever had caught his attention would then seemingly pass and his posture would once again relax.
Late in the afternoon as the day began to cool, Master Tigris told the students to gather their belongings and prepare to head back. He announced that those not residing within the school dormitories would be dismissed once they had reached the Suburban Caverns. Gabriel, who was starting to feel quite tired, welcomed this announcement.
As the group neared the entrance to Sanctuary, Master Tigris readied his documentation. Everyone fully expected Hookbeak to once again begrudgingly allow them to pass. However, as they approached the cave entrance something was amiss. The vegetation hung loosely and behind it... blackness. The gates were open and Hookbeak was nowhere to be seen.
‘That’s weird,’ muttered Seth as Master Tigris guided them cautiously inside, ‘the entrance is never left open and unguarded. Trust me. The amount of times I’ve tried to sneak out only to-’
Master Tigris hushed him quiet. ‘Everyone, up against the wall now. Keep to the shadows. Do not make a sound,’ he ordered.
The students did as they were instructed. Master Tigris crouched down on all fours and silently inched his way forward. Slowly, warily he peered around the corner.
Nothing.
Slower still, Master Tigris turned his head back and forth, his pointy ears stood erect, rotating, listening.
Nothing.
He lowered an ear to the ground and waited.
Nothing.
He spun around and, still on all fours, galloped back to the cave entrance in total silence, his big tail stuck out behind him like a rudder. Master Tigris skidded to a noiseless halt by the hanging vines. Cautiously he peered out and held up his hand, his claws now flexed and signalled the students to continue to wait. He passed through the hanging vegetation making no sound whatsoever, barely disturbing the plant life at all and disappeared into the wilderness.
For several minutes the students stood tense, not daring to breathe. They glanced around at each another. Gabriel didn’t know what to think. Where was the guard? Moreover, why was a guard needed at all? Were humans really that much of a threat? All of a sudden, from the back of the cave, the silence was broken.
‘What in the name of all the signs of the Zodiac, are you kids doing here? Where’s your teacher?’ Hookbeak bellowed.
Before any of the students could respond, Master Tigris tore back into the cave, leapt through the air and smashed Hookbeak into the cave wall with a bone-shattering crunch. He thrust his mighty forearm across Hookbeak’s throat, pinning the guard in place. The scythe-like claws of Tigris’ free hand flexed inches from Hookbeak’s face.
‘Where were you?’ Tigris snarled fiercely. ‘How dare you leave your post, you mangy scavenger!’
Hookbeak squawked, struggling for breath under the weight pressing onto his neck, ‘Business! Important business! Let me go!’
‘What could possibly be more important than the safety of everyone in Sanctuary?’ Tigris growled, still holding his grip.
‘Don’t... have to... answer... likes of you!’
‘Impudent bottom-feeder! You will tell me where you were!’
Hookbeak gasped for breath, ‘Can’t... official... orders... Let go!’
‘I don’t believe that for a second!’ Master Tigris said as he finally relinquished his hold. ‘Yet I have a responsibility to take these students home. But don’t think this is over, Hookbeak. I will be reporting this incident immediately to the Council.’
‘Do what you must,’ Hookbeak said insolently, dusting himself off.
‘Do your job and close those gates immediately!’ For what seemed like an eternity, Master Tigris, his teeth bared and claws flexed, continued to glare at the guard as he did as he was ordered. ‘Come, class,’ Tigris said finally, turning to his students, ‘let’s get you home.’
With one final glance back at Hookbeak, Master Tigris led his class back into the depths of Sanctuary. The journey back was done so solemnly. Tigris said nothing the entire way. Few students dared even whisper to one another. Eventually the group arrived back at the entrance to the Suburban Caverns.
‘Here we are,’ Master Tigris said gravely. ‘I apologise for the events of before, please do not needlessly worry yourselves over them. I will dismiss you all here. I must leave now to attend to other matters. I will see you all in Thursday’s lesson. Good evening.’ He marched away with purpose and one by one the students began to disperse.
‘I’m gonna head off too,’ Sattan said after Master Tigris had left, ‘I’ve still got a load of homework to finish off for tomorrow.’ As Sattan was an exchange student at Wingtail Academy, he was one of many students that stayed in the school dormitories. The friends said their goodbyes and went on their way.
‘So what do you suppose that was all about?’ Gabriel asked as he, Seth and Tamera were walking home.
‘Hookbeak leaving his post? I dunno. I have no idea why he was ever made a guard. That guy’s as crooked as a boomerang!’ said Seth.
‘A boomer-what?’ asked Tamera.
‘A boomerang,’ Gabriel began, ‘it’s-’
‘It’s a human term for a person that breaks into someone else’s home to steal their underwear because they can’t afford to pay for their own,’ Seth cut in, winking at Gabriel.
‘Great migrations!’ Tamera exclaimed, ‘There are actually humans who do that?’
Gabriel, barely containing his laughter, merely nodded in agreement.
‘That’s disgusting!’ Tamera continued, ‘Why can’t they afford their own?’
‘Because,’ Seth informed her, ‘in the human world underwear is a symbol of status. Yes, the nicer the undergarments a person wears, the higher their standing is in society. In fact, some of the wealthiest and most well-respected people in the world, kings and presidents and the like, wear solid gold undergarments encrusted with jewels and precious stones.’
‘Really?’
‘Oh yes, absolutely. They’re quite uncomfortable and can chafe like you wouldn’t believe, but that’s the price to pay for such extravagance.’
‘Oh my. I really had no idea. Gabriel, I’m so sorry but I think those you came in with must have been disposed of with the rest of your burnt clothes. I can inquire about them if that would help any. I’m training to be a doctor myself, you see, that’s why I sometimes volunteer at the hospital.’
‘Nope,’ Gabriel said biting his lip to stop himself from erupting into fits of laughter, ‘it’s OK, really. They were an old pair, I didn’t really like them.’
‘Well, if you’re sure. I really am very sorry.’
Tamera th
en said her goodbyes to the two boys and turned off towards her home. Gabriel and Seth waited until she was out of sight and then exploded.
‘Oh, oh, oh,’ said Seth clutching his stomach, ‘she’s such a lovely girl. I really like Tamera... but I just can’t help myself sometimes – it’s so easy to wind her up!’
‘Yeah, I know what you mean,’ Gabriel said, ‘that was hilarious! But I do feel a little bad about it.’
‘Just a little though,’ Seth agreed and they both roared with laughter once more, all thoughts of Hookbeak forgotten.
Gabriel arrived home sometime later to an empty house. Seth also had homework to complete so had gone straight home. By seven o’clock there was still no sign of Omari so Gabriel decided he would fix something to eat. He searched through the cupboards for any recognisable ingredients. Finding eggs, potatoes and some other vegetables that looked familiar, he decided to make an omelette. I’ll make it large enough for both of us, Gabriel thought, as he’ll probably be back by the time I’m done. He’s probably just running a little late.
He was wrong. Omari was running very late.
Gabriel worked late into the night completing his apology letter for Bysonn, yet still there was no sign of his grandfather. It was after midnight when Omari finally arrived home. Gabriel was already in bed but he woke briefly when he heard his grandfather return. However, Gabriel was so tired that he fell asleep again almost instantly.
CHAPTER SEVEN
THE REPTILIAN MENACE
The next morning Omari had already left when Gabriel awoke. He found a note on the living room table which read:
Dear Gabriel,
Thank you for the omelette - it was delicious! Maybe we’ll have to get you cooking more often! - Just joking.
My apologies for not making it back early enough to see you last night. I hope I didn’t wake you when I came in. Some very important Council business came up at the last minute which required the full attention of the Elders and I. Unfortunately we were unable to resolve the situation last night and hence I have had to leave early this morning also. With luck it will have been rectified by this evening and you will be able to tell me all about your first two days at school.
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