Sentry Rising

by Birkenhead, Naomi

  A few summers ago, Thad found an old abandoned burrow just big enough for him to hide in. For the last year he worked on turning the burrow into a home away from home. He brought a few of his most treasured items for when he was feeling sad or blue, favorite teddy, a toy that projected all the planets and stars onto the ceiling, and a picture of Miss Mirdy, Zyphera, Mathias and Leath. But the most important of all, was a picture of his Grandfather the Professor. He loved the Professor very much even though he knew there was no blood relation.

  He enjoyed walking around the big house asking his Grandfather about all the different doors. He never understood why anyone would want to have a different door for every room. There seemed to be no logic. There was a door with a giant oak tree carved into the center, its branches and roots winding their way around and across the whole door. There was a plain door white door, an ugly door with strange faces drawn all over it, one that looked like it had been hung backwards and upside down and a dozen others of different designs.

  But his favorite was the glass door. It was perfectly clear, yet you could not see through it. Beautiful dainty flowers fluttered around the outer edge, with leaves and vines twisting and turning across the surface before joining in the center to create an endless knot. It reminded him of how his Grandfather, Mathias, Leath and everyone else were joined together in someway. He was young, but he understood what family was. He did not care that the blood that flowed through their veins were different. They cared for him just as he imagined his real family would.

  He often wondered about his mother and father, where they were, if they were alive or dead. The Professor didn’t seem to have any information about Thad’s life before they met and if he did he obviously never intended on shared it. He was sure it was just a silly notion, but he saw himself in the Professor, especially in the old photos of Barty’s younger days as an anthropologist.

  He sat there, gently tracing lines around edge of the photograph. Life inside the Estate grounds was like living in a world made just for him. He had never been allowed to venture outside the estate walls and although his curiosity had often tempted him to do so, in the end he didn’t mind what some would consider “his confines”. Everyone one he loved was here and they had many adventures roaming the hundreds of acres around them. But now his Grandfather was introducing a very strange person, an outsider, into this sacred and secret world, into their family, and Thad didn’t know if he was okay with that. He placed the picture back on the dirt shelf and curled up on the floor beside it.

  Without realizing it, Thad had cried himself to sleep. He lay curled up on the cold dirt floor, unaware of whom or what might be outside wondering around his cozy little burrow. He was in the middle of a wonderful dream, when a giant paw closed around him and gently pulled him from his hiding place. Dozily Thad rubbed his eyes trying to make sense of what was going on. When his eyes focused, he immediately started to scream.

  “Ahhhhhhhhhhhhh,” He yelled, squirming and writhing hoping to get away. “HELP,” he called as loud as he could.

  He had no idea what was going on. All he new was that some giant animal had him trapped in it‘s monstrous paw. He kicked and screamed with all his might and pulled at the beast’s hair. He felt the animal pull him closer, to what he figured was it’s mouth, when he suddenly came face to face with very large, glowing red eyes.

  Thad’s voice vanished. His body went limp. He hung there in defeat, waiting for the animal to shred him to pieces with its razor sharp teeth. With his eyes squeezed closed, he whispered his goodbyes. A single tear escaped his tightly shut eyelids, slid down his cheek coming, too rest on the corner of his mouth. Seconds ticked by. Nothing happened. Thad wondered what he should do. Did he dare peep, or risk any movement that might hint to the beast he was still alive.

  “Aren’t you going to eat me?” he asked in a tiny voice, not really expecting an answer. He was shocked when he was ushered a reply.

  “I find humans to be way too tough and stringy, especially the young ones,” roared the giant beast.

  “Then what are you doing?” Thad demanded. Now knowing he was not in imminent danger he felt a wave or irritancy wash over him. For how dare this monster sneak up and rudely yank him from his solitude.

  “I am taking you back to the Professor,” The beast replied.

  “You’re what?” Thad gasped in astonishment. His eyes flew open taking a closer look at what was carrying him. Thad immediately realized it was not some menacing beast but one of the gargoyles who guarded the gates of the estate.

  “How did….What are…. Who…?” Thad stuttered. His face a mask of shock.

  The gargoyle growled mischievously. “There are many secrets you have yet to learn about this house young one.”

  “Secrets? What secrets?” Thad wondered.

  The beast shook his head.

  Thad crossed his arms and began to pout. “Can you at least tell me your name?”

  “My name is Goliath and the other one,” He said nodding in the direction of the iron gates “is David.”

  “David and Goliath..... Who’s the one with the sense of humor?” Thad snickered.

  “Your Grandfather of course!” Goliath smiled. “We were nameless until the watchman duties fell to him.”

  “What do you mean by watchman duties,” Thad wanted to know. He couldn’t help but wonder what other secrets were being kept from him.

  “I believe I have said too much,” Goliath apologized closing his mouth.

  “I don’t think you have said enough,” Thad stated with annoyance. “I have questions for you mister.”

  “I think I’ll let the Professor explain everything.”

  “Fine,” Thad sulked crossing his arms. With his lower lip protruding and his brow furrowed he settling in from what his bum was already feeling, an uncomfortable ride.

  In no time at all they reached the safety of the house. Goliath gently lowered Thad to the ground.

  “Thank you for that very enlightening, and most comfortable ride,” Thad said patting the creature's massive stone leg. "it was very enjoyable,” Thad grinned, his face reflecting true pleasure despite his very sore behind.

  “You are welcome young one,” Goliath replied bowing his head. “Anytime you want to have a little fun just come and find me,” He added, his red eyes sparkling.

  “I think we will be doing this again real soon,” Thad smiled.

  Goliath let out a loud roar before trotting down the road.

  Thad stood on the front steps of the house in silence. He wondered if David and Goliath always sat atop their marble pillars or if they went off gallivanting somewhere scaring the locals. He shook his head. “Leave it to Grandfather to come up with names like David and Goliath for two monstrous, stone beasts,” he thought to himself.

  Rooted to the spot deep in thought (especially for an almost nine year old), he did not hear anyone come rushing out of the house.

  “Oh thank goodness you’re alive,” His Grandfather exclaimed, wrapping his arms around the boy.

  “Where have you been? Do you know how worried we were? You could have been eaten by some wild beast, or tripped and hit your head and fall into the river and drowned. Everyone’s been searching for you. Don’t you ever, ever, ever do that again,” he commanded, not letting go of Thad.

  Thad opened his mouth to explain things, and apologize, when Zyphera, Leath, Mathias and Mirdy all burst through the door yakking away at once.

  Thad covered his ears to muffle all the jabber. After a couple of minuets of noise he’d had enough.

  “QUIET!” he yelled. “Could you all please just shut up for one moment?”

  Shocked by the little guy’s loud voice and grown up attitude, they immediately shut their mouths.

  “Why don’t we go inside and have a little chat. I believe there are somethings that need to be explained,” He said looking directly at the Professor.

  The others followed Thad through the front doors, and into the kitchen where the wh
ole mess began.

  With Remy’s presence no longer a shock to Thad, he gave the little fellow a curious once over, before pulling up one of the big stools beside the counter. He turned and faced everyone.

  “I apologize for running away like that. It was very childish of me and I promise to never do it again,” Thad declared looking every bit as regretful as he sounded. “I became overwhelmed by Remy’s presence and reacted without thinking,” Thad continued to explained.

  “Apology accepted,” His Grandfather and Sentry said in unison.

  Thad waited for a moment. When nobody spoke he piped up “Aren’t you just the least bit curious about how I got back home?!”

  “I assume you walked, or rode your bike,” his Grandfather replied.

  Thaddeus shook his head. “Guess again.”

  “I don’t know Thad why don’t you just tell us,” Bartholomew insisted throwing his hands up in frustration.

  “One of the gargoyles pulled me from the burrow and was nice enough to bring me back here,” He stated, taking a giant sip of the lemonade Mirdy had set before him. “That in it’s self is interesting, but he told me something even more exciting,” Thad continued gleefully, noticing everyone take a sharp breath in. His Grandfather and the rest of the crew got the hint.

  “Thad I am sorry we never told you about this before…..” Bartholomew began to explain.

  Thad wouldn’t let him. “I am not finished telling my story,” He exclaimed, glaring like a spoiled kid.

  “Sorry. Please continue.” His grandfather apologized. The guilt he felt curbed his parental instincts to scold the boy.

  “Goliath told me this house holds many secrets and each of you knows what those secrets are,” he pointed his finger at each member of the group sitting around him. “So I think it is only fair that you tell me what it is. Otherwise I will never forgive you all for not telling me and I will stop making your lives so easy,” He announced with arms crossed and nose stuck in the air.

  Everyone stared at Thad in shock. They were all use to Thad’s childish demeanor fringed with a maturity beyond his years, but he usually threw epic tantrums when he discovered the group had been keeping secrets. One year they tried to throw a surprise party. That ended in a silent treatment that lasted three whole days. The calm, and only slightly demanding stance, he was exuding bewildered them.

  “I am sorry, but who are you and what did you do with that horrible, yet cute Thaddeus?” Leath asked picking Thad up and checking to see if he was real.

  Thad started to giggle. “It’s really me,” He said taking Leath’s face in his hands, looking directly into his eyes.

  “Are you not the least bit scared by what happened?” Zyphera asked her voice full of concern.

  “Well I was, but once I found out that you five have been keeping secrets from me, I got over my fear. I am a little hurt that I have been left out, again.” His classic pout forming on his bottom lip.

  “Yup, that is definitely our boy Thad,” Mathias chuckled.

  Leath and Zyphera nodded their heads in agreement.

  “So, on that note,” Thad said turning to Remy, “My name is Thaddeus Fraser Birk and it is a pleasure to meet you,” he extended his hand to Remy.

  Remy was very impressed by the little boy’s transformation from, totally scared, to, please to meet you.

  “Well it is a pleasure to meet you as well,” He replied shaking the boy’s out stretched hand, “My name is Remy Tabor Aiksen, and I am a Gnome.”

  “A Gnome?” Thad repeated eyes wide in amazement. “Really I can’t….Oh wait a minute, this is a joke isn’t it?” Thad said, suspiciously looking at the rest of his family. “Figured you could pull one over on the young blood of the house eh!” Thad said pretending to scold them. “Well Ha-ha on you. I am not that gullible,” he said with a face splitting grin. He beamed with pride at thwarting their plan.

  “Actually Thad, he really is a gnome,” Zyphera explained. “There are a few things I think you will find to be a little “unbelievable” and hard to accept,” kindly resting a hand on his shoulder.

  “Gnomes are not just lawn ornaments?” Thad spoke skeptically.

  “Yes and there are things even more extraordinary than that,” Mathias added with a wink.

  “Really?” Thad Suddenly felt a familiar knot form in the bottom of his stomach. He knew there were extraordinary things beyond the walls of the grounds. He even believed there was more to the universe. But the magic of believing is sometimes never seeing or discovering if it is real or true. Now he was faced with the frightful idea that dreams are a reality, and sometimes reality is disappointing. Despite the confidence and fearlessness he exuded only moments ago, he was unsure if he was ready to face the “extraordinary” just yet.

  Leath noticed the flicker of uncertainty in Thad’s eyes. “I Know just how you feel little buddy, this was sprung on me too.” He wrapped his arm around the boy’s slender shoulders. “And to be honest, it is still sort of frightening for me. But I also trust in everyone around me and have faith they will always be here when I need them.” Leath added the last part more for Thad’s sake, more than from the actual belief he thought it to be true. To some extent the Sentry was family, but he still felt like the outsider.

  Thad looked at the familiar smiling faces around him. “Well you might as well get it over with,” He sighed, “If I am going to die of shock, today is as good a day as any,” he added bravely.

  “Why don’t we take our drinks into the living room where it is more comfortable,” His Grandfather suggested.

  Everyone collected their drinks and headed for the door.

  “Guess you won’t need a booster seat now eh Remy,” Leath half joked as the Gnome climbed off the stool.

  Zyphera looked at him with disgust.

  Remy laughed off the insult. “I will just need some stairs so I can get onto the couch,” Remy replied unfazed by Leath’s attempt to belittle him.

  With everyone settled into their chosen chair of choice, Professor Haynsworth began. “From the very beginning you have been destine to become a watchmen,” He told Thad. “You and I have no choice and neither will those who follow in our footsteps. We are born and created for the very purpose of ensuring the survival of this universe.”

  “We do that all by our selves,” Thad managed to squeak out the question.

  “Not entirely,” His Grandfather smiled. “There are six others who will follow and protect the Watchmen until his life has ended or his duties fulfilled.”

  “Your talking about Zyphera, Leath, Mathias and Miss Mirdy aren’t’ you,” Thad interrupted excitedly. “But who are the other two people?” His forehead scrunched in thought.

  “One is Remy of course,” His Grandfather informed him. “That is why he is here.”

  “OOOHHH,” Thad nodded his head, “Everything is starting to make a little more sense.” he Turned and looked at the others with a mischievous grin. “So you guys are my own person bodyguards eh! Does this mean you have to do as I say now?”

  “You wish, you little rodent,” Leath scoffed.

  “We may be your guard, but we are also your guides,” Mathias replied.

  “My guides?”

  “We are here to assist you with your learning,” Mathias explained. “The universe is a vast expanse and you cannot expect one person to know everything about it can you?”

  “I guess not,” Thad agreed, grumbling a little. “I still think you should have to do as I say,” he added for good measure.

  Everyone laughed.

  “So how I am able to “Watch” the whole universe? Do I have a magic ball, or does my cereal talk to me?”

  “That is something you will find out about tomorrow,” His Grandfather answered, “When you meet your sixth guide.”

  “Tomorrow,” Thad yelled “but, but….”

  “No buts, I hear from Miss Mirdy that you and Leath have a dinner to prepare and I do not want to keep you from your studies,” He grinned.
<
br />   Leath and Thaddeus rolled their eyes and groaned.

  “You will be staying won’t you Remy,” Bartholomew asked.

  “It would be my pleasure,” Remy accepted with a smile. “Besides I am curious to see how well the human can cook,” he added poking fun at Leath.

  “I suppose I deserve that,” Leath mumbled, “Truce,” he asked.

  “Truce. By the way,” Remy leaned over and lowered his voice, “Zyphera is way more interested in you then me."

  “Does everyone know about that,” Leath groaned leaning his head in his hands to cover the embarrassment.