Sentry Rising

by Birkenhead, Naomi

  Leaning against the wall opposite her bed, was a full length antique mirror. She studied herself, fingering the fine linen and leather that wrapped around her waist and over her arms. She wiggled her hips watching the skirt dance playfully around her knees. She enjoyed the feel of fabric against her skin and the light smell of lavender that accompanied it.

  She unclasped the opal necklace she wore before undressing to allow the gentle pink and orange hues of the morning swirl over her skin. Folding her clothes carefully in a pile she opened the lid of a wood chest and placed them gently inside. She sighed as her skin changed from a pinkish ivory; to a milky translucent that constantly swirled and flowed as it absorbed the colors and textures around her, ever changing as she moved.

  “Hopefully you won’t have to stay in here long,” She whispered as the thousand delicate feather like tendrils that quivered off the backs of her arms and legs, registered every movement and current from around the room and through the floor.

  She slipped into the purple and blue flannel pajamas the nurse maid had caringly bought for her, grabbed the baby blanket her mother knitted and crawled under the covers.

  Her heart ached as she peered out the window. “You have such a silly heart,” She chidded herself. “You knew this day would come. You just never expected you’d have to hide who you are,” She thought sadly.

  Taking one last look at the fading stars she rolled over and tightly closed her eyes. When she opened them again, a whole new life would be waiting.

  My heart is yours

  Bartholomew quietly opened his door. He tip toed down the stairs to the second floor landing, pausing to listen, making sure everyone had settled for the remaining hours of the night. He snuck down the hallway as silently as possible opening the door to Thaddeus’ nursery. Tiptoeing to the crib he peered over the rail at the sleeping baby. He watched as with each vital breath the little chest gently rose and fell. His little red lips pursed slightly ready to feed at a moments notice.

  He reached down and tenderly scooped Thad up, cradling him close to his chest. He wandered to the white rocking chair by the window and gently settled in. The little babe began to squirm and make soft squeaking sounds as if in protest of being disturbed. The Professor pushed his left foot against the floor initiating the soothing rocking motion, and began to sing a soft lullaby.

  “Hush, hush my sweet baby boy, close your little eyes

  The moon is out and the stars shine bright, they’ll sing you a lullaby.

  Hush, hush my sweet baby boy fear not the dark

  Your guardian angel is watching you, and keeps you safe tonight.

  So close your eyes and drift away, on an angel’s wings

  So close your eyes and drift away, on an angel’s wings.”

  Bartholomew rocked slowly, gazing at the adorable little boy. His heart broke.

  “So innocent and unaware of the future this world has chosen for you,” He whispered “I am so sorry my sweet child. I wish I could change your destiny,” He gently ran a finger down the side of Thad’s pudgy pink cheeks. "I wish you could grow up as carefree as every child. Not burdened by the things that burden me,” He said with sadness in his eyes. “You must always believe in yourself, even when things appear hopeless. You have strength greater than any and a pureness that rivals the angels.”

  He listened to the baby’s steady breathing. So content. So at ease. As if the night was the comfort of his mother, he lay drifting in blissful sleep unaware of all he had lost. Nor would he ever know. At least not till the time was right. It was better that way. The Professor had three simple rules for the group to follow: Thad is to remain unaware of where He came from; He was not to know who the Sentry was, and most importantly not be told what destiny lie before him. In four months, on the 15th of July, this little boy will celebrate his first birthday, and the gift he wanted for Thad was to enjoy some degree of a normal childhood.

  He gently lay the baby down in his crib as the first tendrils of dawn curled around the edges of the lazily drifting clouds. “Sleep peacefully my young boy,” He whispered, gently brushing his lips against Thad’s ivory forehead. He tiptoed back to the door, taking one final glance before twisting the knob and stepping back into the hall.

  “Is a child who sleeps through the night a blessing or a curse?” Mathias whispered as the professor closed the door.

  “Oh my god you scared me,” The professor scolded trying to keep his voice down. “You should know by now that sneaking up on an old man may result in his untimely demise.”

  “Lucky for me you are still alive. I would hate to have to explain to the others what happened. They might not believe me!” Mathias chuckled quietly.

  “Yes well, lucky for you,” Bartholomew mumbled. “What are you doing out of bed. You should be resting.” The Professor smoothly changed the subject.

  “I could say the same to you,” Mathias replied raising a questioning eyebrow. “There is something you are not telling me,” his voice serious, his eyes locked intently with Bartholomew’s.

  “You know I don’t keep secrets from you,” Bartholomew replied shifting his gaze away from Mathias as he started down the hall.

  “Usually I would agree with you, but….” He couldn’t find the right words to explain his feelings.

  “But what?” Bartholomew asked wearily, hoping his friend would drop the subject. “You know I could never deceive you my friend, not intentionally anyway,” He added with an unconvincing smile.

  Mathias studied Bartholomew. He had been by the Professor’s side for many years. They had fought many enemies, traveled through dangerous lands and witnessed unspeakable horrors together, but today he noticed a different heaviness about the professor. It was as if another burden had been laid upon his already slightly stooping shoulders.

  Mathias forced a smile. “Of course you wouldn’t,” he replied. “I trust that if it were important you would inform me,” Mathias said withdrawing his inquiry.

  “Good, now if you don’t mind I am going to catch a few more z’s before the newest recruits awaken,” Bartholomew said ascending the third floor staircase. “Oh and it is both a curse and a blessing,” He informed Mathias, turning to glance at his friend.

  “Pardon?” Mathias paused with his hand on the doorknob to his room.

  “A baby who sleeps through the night is a blessing and a curse,” Bartholomew repeated. “It is a blessing because you can now sleep, but a curse because you lay awake wondering why the baby is not making any noise and fear something is wrong. Thus it is a blessing and a curse,” He explained.

  “That makes sense,” Mathias nodded understandingly. “Well good night Professor.”

  “Good night.”

  Mathias watched as the weathered old man climbed the stairs to his room. He could not shake the unnerving feeling that had been plaguing him from the moment they discovered a shade at the woman's house trying to steal the boy. But there was nothing he could do now. He would have to wait for the meeting with Gabriel to see if anything enlightening had been uncovered.

  With a heavy sigh he entered his room, making sure the door closed silently behind him. He flopped down on the bed, his legs sticking out over the edge, and buried his face in the pillow. Perhaps if he was lucky he could settle his mind and catch a few winks of sleep.

  So many secrets

  Miss Mirdy’s eyes fluttered open. She paused for a moment listening for the sound. "There it is again. You have got to be kidding me,” she groaned throwing the covers back. She swung her legs over the edge of the bed and slipped her feet into a pair of fuzzy red slippers. She grabbed her terry cloth robe and cinched it tight. Pulling back the heavy fabric drapes she squinted to see out the window.

  “I know your out there, you rotten rascal.”

  A moment later her eyes spotted him. Strutting ever so proudly back and forth on the rim of an old well, his majestic feathers shimmering, was her new nemesis an ameraucana rooster. His chest puffed regally as he dutifully crowe
d, signaling to the world a new day had arrived. “Blooming bird. You better watch your back cause there might be an axe coming after ya,” She muttered.

  Mirdy let the curtains fall back into place. She opened her bedroom door and exited into the hall. She noticed the other doors were still closed probably with their inhabitants sleeping peacefully, undisturbed by the cocky fellow in the yard.

  She wandered down the stairs and into the spacious kitchen. A smile crossed the old women’s lips. It had everything anyone could possibly want or need to cook for a host of people. But what excited her most was the large adjoined green house filled with every sort of fruit, vegetable and herb. She immediately walked through the kitchen to the green house door and threw it open. A dozen different scents greeted her. Mirdy inhaled deeply, allowing every aroma to sink in. Following her nose she headed towards the herbs gently plucking a head of dill, a sprig of oregano, some fresh chives and a sprinkling of mint. She carefully pocketed her newly plucked treasures, grabbed a few plump tomatoes, and headed for the exit.

  The crisp morning air took Mirdy by surprise. She fastened her housecoat tighter and headed towards the old stone well. Just as she suspected, the boisterous rooster wasn’t the only birds of a feather to grace the grounds. She discovered a small chicken house with about a dozen hens, from what she could tell. Gently prodding one of the hens, Mirdy found what she was after, a nest full of the beautiful blue eggs ameraucana laid. To her luck, Mirdy discovered a silver wire basket tucked into a cubby beside the door. One by one she carefully collected the morning meal.

  Back inside the kitchen she rummaged through the fridge pulling out cheese, bacon, butter, ham and milk. Spotting a narrow door in the corner, she opened it to discover a pantry filled with potatoes, breads, crackers and an assortment of canned goods. Pulling out a loaf of bread and a handful of potatoes she nudged the door closed with her foot.

  Still wearing her terry cloth robe she donned an apron, lit the gas stove and set to work. As she scrubbed and diced the potatoes her thoughts became a mixture of emotion. It had been years since she was sent to observe the history of this planet, leaving behind her family, friends and the man she loved. What was supposed to be a short term assignment turned into a permanent residence. Her only connection to the ones she loved was through letters, mere glimpses into a life once hers. The man she loved wed another. Gave life to five children and now a proud grandfather of seven, and is still the handsome man she loved.

  For forty three years she lived in solitude, observing the progress of earth. The letters stopped after year seven. Any news of Uraleigha came only when her superior dutifully made his data collection rounds. If she knew what pledging her life to the service of the Seekers meant, she would never have taken her oath. Mirdy wiped a small tear off her wrinkled cheek with the back of her hand. As much as her life was a nightmare of sadness, here she was cooking for more than just herself even if she didn’t completely trust the other members of the Sentry.

  Zyphera, the young Guardian she had no quarrels with. Her race is known for their loyalty, strength, and selflessness. She was thrilled to finally meet one in person. The men or rather boys on the other hand she felt a need to be guarded, and that feeling extended to the Professor as well.

  Leath’s assignment to the Sentry appeared to be a humorous joke. Her time studying the evolution of Earth’s citizens had garnered a lot of knowledge. Some of that knowledge pertained to very wealthy families, and Leath’s family was at the top. Old money turned into multi billion dollar deals in everything from pharmaceuticals, arms, stocks and banks to simple food chains. The boy himself had graced the covers of certain magazines touting him as some playboy. Yet both Gabriel and Bartholomew were insistent on the importance of his presence. This bothered her immensely. Secrets and with held information are the greatest advantage an enemy can have. Not knowing Leath’s role and purpose in the Sentry was like intentionally creating a crack in the foundation of the defenses.

  But Leath was not the only one whose identity was a concern. The brute called Mathias hails from the planet Fairum Celest, the universe’s best kept secret. Very little is known about its residents. Those who meet them are sworn to secrecy or are never heard from again. It is said that their history is inscribed on the bones of each inhabitant and upon death it ignites, burning all evidence of their existence.

  Mirdy continued to ponder life as she carried on preparing breakfast. The savory smells of her seasoned pan fried potatoes and ham wafted throughout the kitchen, slipping between the cracks around the door and into the halls. She found a large griddle and began laying thick slices of fresh bacon on the heated surface. The sound of the fat sizzling along with the percolating of coffee was the greatest morning music anyone could ask for. It didn’t take long for that music to find its way into the sleepy ears of the other residences.

  “Morning Mirdy,” Zyphera said stifling a yawn as she pushed open the door. “How long you been up for?”

  “Mornin my dear. Coffee mugs are in the cupboard beside the sink and fresh cream is on the table along with sugar.”

  “Thanks Mirdy but I…..”

  “Oh that’s right. You will find your pot of tea under the cozy,” Mirdy smiled.

  Zyphera smiled at the old women. She removed a mug from the cupboard and poured herself a warm cup of tea. She sat on one of the stools surrounding a large island and watched as Mirdy bustled around throwing a dash here, a stir there, a little taste here, and a flip there. The door to the kitchen opened a few moments later.

  “Is that coffee I smell?” Leath asked his voice still groggy with sleep.

  “Mugs are in the cupboard by the sink,” Zyphera pointed.

  “Mirdy are you responsible for all these yummy smells,” He asked rummaging through the cupboard to find the largest mug possible.

  “Yeah but don’t get used to this Mr. Durham, nobody is going to play maid for you here.”

  Leath glanced at Mirdy, puzzled by her statement. As far as he understood she was from a different planet, completely unaware of the life that followed him like a poisonous shadow. But it was hard to misinterpret the daggers she shot at him. He was about to open his mouth when Mathias’ huge form came bursting through the door.

  “Tell me that is bacon and coffee I smell!” He said excitedly rubbing his hands together.

  “No, no it is just the smell of old bitter woman fried up with a batch of miserable, seasoned with a dash of contempt, and served with a side of hostility,” Leath muttered as he took a seat at the island.

  Mathias looked from Leath to Mirdy and back again. Neither met his gaze or gave any notion that anything was out of the ordinary. Zyphera just sat there calmly drinking her tea as if no one else existed.

  “So did everybody manage a few hours of sleep?” he asked trying to lighten the mood.

  Zyphera nodded her head. Leath scrunched one side of his face and Mirdy just kept on cooking.

  “Fantastic,” Mathias said dryly.

  “What is that delicious aroma?”

  Everyone glanced towards the door as the Professor entered.

  “Mirdy that smells absolutely amazing,” He exclaimed. “I take it you enjoyed the bounty of our green house?”

  Mirdy’s cheeks flushed slightly “Yes I did. What a wonderful garden you have.”

  “Well we are very self sufficient here on the estate. I find that in order to keep a low profile one must avoid the grocery store.” he chuckled, looking around at the others. He was met with some weak attempts at a smile. “Well I can tell this is the start of a lovely day.”

  An hour later breakfast had been consumed and clean up was in the works. Little progress had been made conversationally and at this point nobody seemed to mind. Zyphera and Miss Mirdy washed and dried the dishes while Mathias put them away. Leath and the Professor washed down the stove, countertops, floors and chairs. In no time at all, the kitchen was spic and span.

  "Look what a little team work can accomplish eh!” The
Professor beamed hugging Leath’s shoulders.

  "Yes it is amazing,” Leath mumbled rolling his eyes slightly.

  “Well if you three will excuse us, Mathis and I have a meeting with Gabriel and it is very rude to be late.”

  Mathias looked at the Professor with relief.

  “Shall we,” The Professor asked gesturing to the door.

  “Uh yes right, wouldn’t want to keep Gabriel waiting.”

  Mirdy, Zyphera and Leath watched as the two men exited the kitchen leaving them to their awkward silence.

  “Want to go check out the barns? I swore I heard pigs and cows this morning.” Mirdy asked Zyphera.

  “Yes that sounds like a great idea,” Zyphera nodded overly enthusiastically.

  The two women scurried out the green house door leaving Leath all alone in the giant kitchen. He stared at his surroundings for a moment, unsure of what he should do. This was the first time in his life that he was not “picked for the team”. His life was full of people who would pay money just to be in the same restaurant as him, yet here he was standing in the middle of a large kitchen completely alone.