Sentry Rising

by Birkenhead, Naomi

  “Nope, just an interesting one,” Gabriel chuckled.

  Thad scowled, turning to see if his Grandfather was far behind. “Are you coming Grandpa?” he yelled, his voice echoing off the cavern walls.

  “Yes I am coming,” His Grandfather hollered back. A few moments later Bartholomew stood on the ledge beside them. “That is a lot narrower than I remember,” He said glancing over his shoulder.

  “It appears I am not the only Watchman with a fear of heights,” Thad muttered under his breath, crossing his arms.

  “High spirited,” His Grandfather mouthed so only Gabriel could see.

  Gabriel nodded his head his face turning red as he stifled a laugh.

  “Are we going in?” Thad asked irritated, looking at the small opening before them.

  “Yes, of course, just watch your head,” Gabriel cautioned as he ducked inside.

  Thad and Bartholomew followed suite, stepping carefully through the narrow door. The slender opening emerged into an enormous domed room.

  “Wow!” Thad’s mouth fell open in amazement.

  Bartholomew nodded his head in agreement, marveling at the grandeur. “It has been so long since I have seen this place. I’ve forgotten its vastness,” He said as captivated as he was the first time Gabriel showed him.

  “This is the hall of Knowledge,” Gabriel explained walking further into the immense space. “In this room every piece of history and every ounce of knowledge are recorded, cataloged, and stored.”

  “All the history and knowledge,” Thad said in wonder.

  “Yes, including every birth that has taken place in the universe,” Gabriel added with a smile.

  “So I could look up my own birth?”

  Gabriel nodded.

  “It would even tell me who my Mom and Dad are?” Thad inquired hopefully.

  Gabriel hesitated for a moment “Thad, there are some things that are best left unknown,” he said gently taking the boys hand. He crouched down to look

  Thad straight in the eye. “Some times knowing where we came from clouds where we are going.”

  Thad’s brow furrowed in confusion “I don’t really get what you’re saying.”

  “Do you love your Grandfather, Zyphera, Mathias and Leath?” Gabriel wondered.

  “Yes”

  “Then that is all that matters. Family is really just a group of people who love you as much as you love them,” Gabriel said gently.

  “One day will you let me see where I am from?” Thad asked “Maybe for like my thirteenth birthday or something?”

  “I promise one day I will show you,” Gabriel replied.

  The Professor’s heart ached as he watched Thad’s face became a swirl of emotions. He gently took Thad’s hand in his. “How about we explore this place?” He asked, hoping to distract the poor boy.

  “Sure,” Thad replied, a half smile sitting on the corner of his lips.

  Thad was over whelmed by the sight before him. He slowly twirled drinking in ever detail that crossed in front of his eyes. Walls that were covered in gold leafed murals depicting different worlds and times in history. The peak of the dome soared over three hundred feet above them. A giant crystal chandelier hung from the center encircled by bright white and silver filigree embossed into the shaped rock of the roof.

  “This is pretty cool!” He exclaimed, his mood improving as he took in all the interesting features. “So what are we doing here?” he asked his eyes still glued to his new surroundings.

  “I am going to tell you the most amazing story you will ever hear,” Gabriel answered.

  “A story,” Thad scrunched his nose quizzically. “We came all this way so that you could tell me a story.”

  “Oh this is not just any story,” Gabriel replied with excitement. “This is the story from which all other stories have been written. It is the beginning of all beginnings. It is the history of all histories.”

  “The beginning of all beginnings, and the history of all histories,” Thad mumbled not entirely taken with Gabriel’s enthusiasm “Well, it beats having to listen to Leath ramble on about getting in touch with the inner you.”

  He followed Gabriel into a small dimly lit room off the main entrance way.

  “If you two don’t mind, I need to excuse myself from this lesson. I have some other business to attend to. “Is that okay?” He asked looking mostly at Thad.

  “Go have fun!” Thad insisted waving him away.

  Bartholomew excused himself to the pair just before they disappeared into one of the archive reading rooms. “When you are finished, you can find me at Zekiel’s house,” He called out as he left the hall. Thad and Gabriel nodded their heads in acknowledgement as the Professor went on his way.

  The Sentinel

  Leaving Thad in Gabriel’s capable hands, Bartholomew departed for his good friend Zekiel’s, the oldest of the Keepers. There was a very pressing matter in need of discussion. He exited the inner city making his way towards the city’s western borders flanked by the Silicean forest. He covered the five mile distance in record time coming upon Zekiel’s home, known as the house of Elder, sooner than expected.

  The stately structure situated under a massive oak tree on an island in the middle of a small lake,was constructed entirely from ancient stone excavated from a quarry on the planet Fairum Celest. A large turret on its northern facing wall and a small watch tower on its south east wall boasted the homes only windows aside from an ornate stain glass gracing the entrance. The front and only door to the building was meticulously carved from the trunk of a tree known as the Ironwood. It is said to produce the hardest and heaviest wood in the universe. With iron bars lacing over its knotted surface for re-enforcement, the door is nearly impenetrable.

  The door it self was a work of beauty. The iron swirled and twirled out from the center with specks of colored glass seemingly melted randomly throughout the design, and to any person it would be just that, another relic securing an equally aged building. But the door is the key to something far beyond the knowledge and power of any. It seems funny to have it in such plain sight, but only two people ever know the true nature of its existence at any given time, one Keeper and the Watchman. Even the citizens of the city are ignorant to its importance.

  Bartholomew stood on the banks of the lake for a moment, allowing the breathtaking view of the historic structure to occupy his mind. He strode a few feet to his left, knelt in front of a small stone partially buried under the forest vegetation. Gently sweeping the plant life aside, he brushed dead leaves and other debris off to reveal a dozen different symbols. He ran his fingers over three symbols in particular speaking quietly so even the wind couldn’t carry his voice “Oh Guardians of the silver beast, tame it’s drowning hunger, till I arrive on the other side with feet as dry as bone.”

  The lake’s surface began rippling as a fearsome silver skeleton ascended from its dark and murky depths. Two polished skulls gleaming gruesomely in the sun, anchored either end. Six hundred and eighty four ribs, hammered flat, encasing the bridge in a deathly, eerie grip. Two dozen sharp and polished teeth hung from the monstrous mouths fashioning powerful bars for the bridges gates. Spanning the distance from shore to island and wide enough for one, the elegant mahogany floor stained a deep crimson red, shimmered like a fresh pool of blood. A blazing ivory Seraph, stood guard on either shore, one hand holding an ever molten sword laced firmly through the beast’s barred teeth, the other hand outstretched.

  Taking a small brass key from the pouch strapped across his chest, Bartholomew placed it in the Seraph’s opened palm and waited. Slowly one by one her fingers closed around the key. The shriek of metal on metal rang across the lake, her sword releasing the beast’s jaw. A menacing snarl rumbled forth as the jaw unhinged. Bartholomew stepped through the fearsome gate walking as quickly as possible down the passageway, the bridge expanding and contracting around him. The hiss of the beast’s breathing rattled about his ears.

  A rumble shook the bridge, Bartholomew l
ost his footing. Instinctively he reached out for support. As soon as his fingers grazed the cool silver ribs his heart slowed. He struggled to his feet, fear ripping through his body. The bars drew closer the black water of the lake began lapping at the soles of his shoes. He held his breath, his eyes clenched shut. A sharp echo burst into his ears. The island Seraph’s sword blazed a mark across the beast’s side. The ribs expanded and the water receded. As soon as his feet touched the earth, a great roar escaped the monster, his teeth gnashing together. His masters forbade him another terrified morsel.

  Bartholomew watched as the bridge slipped beneath the mirrored surface of the unnaturally calm lake, casting ripples out to collide with the banks. With shaky hands he grasped the end of a fraying rope, pulling it towards the ground. The sound of an old brass bell reverberated, announcing his arrival. He waited patiently for his friend to answer.

  Minutes slipped by. Zekiel failed to answer the door. Bartholomew once again rang the bell and called out to his friend. “Zekiel are you there.” No answer came. He called out again. “Hello, Zekiel, can you hear me.” He paused for a moment. When Zekiel still did not respond he tried the door. It opened without resistance. Bartholomew’s chest rose and fell a little quicker. His heart beat increased. Cautiously he stepped over the threshold and into the home. He closed and latched the door behind him to ensure that any unwelcome guests could not escape quickly and to keep any more unwanted guests out.

  He slowly began to creep about the house looking in this room and that, whispering Zekiel’s name as loudly but quietly as possible. All his senses on high alert, his muscles ready for action. He finished clearing the main floor. Satisfied it was safe he proceeded up the narrow stone staircase to the second floor.

  The first room he checked was the main study. Home to the rarest books written by long dead and forgotten astronomers, scientists and theologians. Zekiel treasured these books more than any other possessions he owned. To Zekiel knowledge was the greatest wealth a man could obtain. Bartholomew closed the study door, silently proceeding down the hall clearing the two bedrooms, secondary study, and one of two formal sitting rooms. The last door perched at the end of the hall led to the large master bedroom housed in the great stone turret.

  The bedroom had its own dressing room, fireplace, and bathroom. It was clear the bedroom was empty. Walking over to the bathroom door he gave a little knock and whispered “Zekiel, are you in there?” He waited for a reply, not wanting to burst in on his friend doing his business. When no reply came he entered. He gasped in horror at the site before him. There, was his good friend floating lifelessly on the bottom of his giant claw-foot bathtub. With his adrenalin kicking in, he rushed over and with all his might hauled the well muscled, two hundred and sixty pound old man from the tub, throwing him to the floor. With a loud crack Zekiel’s body collided with the ancient floorboards causing a few choice words to exit Zekiel’s mouth.

  “Holy mother of Jesus what’d you do that for?” Zekiel sputtered rubbing his sore head. “Can’t an old man enjoy a relaxing soak in the tub without someone barging in and throwing him to the ground?”

  Bartholomew stood there completely speechless.

  “Well don’t just stand there gawking, throw me a towel.”

  Bartholomew quickly diverted his eye while his friend wrapped the towel around himself. With the shock finally wearing off, Bartholomew spoke. “I thought you were………” he couldn’t continue.

  “Dead!” Zekiel finished Bartholomew’s sentence for him

  “Well I knocked and you didn’t answer, and the door was open and I just thought that…..”Bartholomew paused suddenly feeling a little sheepish.

  “You could have poked me or something before shot putting me onto the hard planks.”

  “Guess my instincts took over,” Bartholomew chuckled nervously.

  “Well I am fine. Thanks for asking by the way,” Zekiel replied drying off his hair, or what was left of it. “Anyways,” Zekiel continued, “It is partially my fault, we had an appointment and I lost all track of time.”

  “Imagine that,” Bartholomew said sarcastically.

  Pretending not to hear Bartholomew’s comment Zekiel went on “I don’t blame you of course. I would have down the same thing.”

  “I’ll remember that the next time I bath,” Bartholomew replied dryly.

  The two men looked at each other and smiled.

  “It is good to see you old man, it has been far too long,” Zekiel said wrapping his thick arms around his dear old friend in a manly bear hug.

  “It has hasn’t it,” Bartholomew replied his voice sounding a little squeezed. “It’s been what…… at least three years since the last time we spoke,” He estimated. He walked over to Zekiel’s study desk and fiddled with some of the books as his friend proceeded to ready himself.

  “Yes,” Zekiel spoke his voice muffled by the shirt he was pulling over his head, “it was when we had a breach in the hall of knowledge, do you remember,” he asked poking his head out from behind his dressing curtain.

  “How could I forget,” Bartholomew remembered the incident well. A Keeper under the influence of some sort of magic or spell tried to obtain Thad’s birth information. “You guys ever figure out who wanted his records and why,” he asked.

  “Nope, and the Keeper had no idea what had happened. To this day the poor bloke still remembers nothing about the event. There have been many assumptions, but we have no way of proving them. Anyways what brings you here this time,” Zekiel asked, eyeing his friend curiously.

  “I will tell you all about it over a nice cup of tea,” Bartholomew replied looking up from the book he was riffling through.

  The look on Bartholomew’s face was unmistakable. “A cup of tea it is then,” Zekiel said marching out the door without hesitation. It was the look of a man discovering his worse nightmare to be a reality instead of just a haunted moment of sleep.

  The History lesson

  Thad and Gabriel watched as the Professor disappeared through the small door leading back to the inner city. They turned their attention to the colorful patchwork of oversized pillows, settling themselves into a comfy position among them.

  “So is this book going to have pictures in it?” Thad asked as he spied an enormous, fuzzy green and brown woven pillow with brightly colored fringe, across the room.

  “Who said anything about a book?” Gabriel replied with a sparkle in his eye.

  “Well you said a story, so I just assumed…” Thad said looking slightly confused as he flopped onto the pillow. He fluffed and wiggled around till the optimum level of comfort was achieved.

  “The story is in here, passed on from generation to generation,” Gabriel said pointing to his head as he picked out a few worn medium sized pillows to nestle into.

  “So no pictures than,” Thad sighed dejectedly. He found that if his eyes had something to stimulate his mind, it tended to wander less.

  Gabriel shook his head in amusement, “I never said there wouldn’t be pictures,” He replied slyly. He always enjoyed seeing the quizzical looks on the children’s faces when he told stories of the past, as they tried to comprehend how there could be pictures but no book.

  “I am confused,” Thad scratched his head trying to imagine how on earth there could be a book with no pictures but a story with pictures. “Pictures but no book, so loose leaf?” he guessed after taking a moment to think.

  Gabriel chuckled at Thad’s attempt to solve the mystery.

  “What? It doesn’t make sense…oh never mind just read or mime or whatever you’re going to do to tell the story,” He said waving his arms in the air in frustration.

  “Patience is not one of your virtues is it?” Gabriel teased. He found Thad’s personality quite entertaining.

  “I have patience. It’s just not one of my most prominent virtues,” Thad replied defensively. Pouting a little as he crossed his arms and leaned back into the over stuffed pillow.

  “Whatever you say!” G
abriel grinned. He was trying very hard to keep from bursting into fits of laughter. “I think the Professor has met his match,” He thought to himself as he watched Thad fidget absently with the fringe on the pillow.

  “Can you just get on with it?” Thad asked his lesser virtue surfacing in his voice. Thad hated it when people pointed out his flaws. Not like he had many of them. But it was still something that irritated him. He couldn’t wait till he reached the double digits. “Then everyone will take me seriously,” He thought.

  “Of course,” Gabriel replied finding Thad’s irritancy humorous. “Now where to begin,” He added quietly to himself.

  “The beginning is usually a good place to start,” Thad replied overhearing the Keeper’s mumblings. He rested his chin in his hands in eager anticipation. The Professor was hyping him up the entire way here. He had no doubts that Gabriel would have his undivided attention, with or without pictures.