Sentry Rising

by Birkenhead, Naomi

  “There is no time like the present,” she quipped, waiting at the front door for him.

  Mathias placed his mug on the table and pushed back his chair. He grabbed his cloak from the hook behind the door and followed Naarah down her crooked brick steps.

  The two wandered past the many beautifully crafted homes and buildings that lingered carelessly along the streets; stopping a few times to say a quick hello to their inhabitants. Every so often Naarah would entertain Mathias with a story or memory. Mathias was grateful for the distraction. He was nervous about visiting Bartholomew. “What I am going to say to him?” he asked himself with his face scrunched in contemplation.

  As if he were speaking aloud, Naarah looked over at him. “When you see him just tell him what you are feeling. When my husband and son passed I had a wonderful last conversation with both of them.”

  Mathias saw a small tear peek out from between Naarah’s lashes. “How did they die?” Mathias asked, unsure if it was an appropriate question.

  “My son was suddenly taken from us during our last family gathering. Every year we camped in the surrounding forest. Cyrus and his father were out gathering firewood when an Emirus attacked. He survived for a few hours…. Anyways his father was never the same and he died a year later.” She explained her last words barely choking out.

  “I am so sorry,” Mathias offered his sympathy. He wondered how she remained in such high spirits. “What is an Emirus?” He asked, unfamiliar with the name.

  “It is a very large, very intelligent, blood thirsty creature. Its slender body is covered in smooth, tough leather, marbled in tones of browns and blacks. All four legs have sharp bone fragments protruding from the ankles and poisonous quills hiding between the pads of its four fingers. They are rarely seen and travel only in pairs, male and female. Well here we are,” She abruptly halted her description, staring at the façade of a gleaming stone church. “Would you like me to wait for you,” she asked politely.

  “No, I will be okay,” Mathias answered. “Thank you very much for your kindness.” He added gratefully.

  “It is my pleasure dear,” she replied. “Now do you remember how to get back to the house?” she asked before turning to go.

  “Yes, I think remember,” he assured her.

  “If you get lost, anyone here can show you the way. Oh and I should have dinner on the table by the time you return,” She added as she headed back up the street.

  Mathias stared at the church trying to decide if he truly wanted to go inside. “Why are you so afraid?” he whispered to himself, “He was your friend. You owe him this much.” Mathias slowly filled his lungs as if the air was giving him courage. One hesitant foot in front of the other, he climbed the seven steps up to the glass doors. His hands shook as he reached for the handle. He closed his eyes and prayed for strength, before slipping inside and leaving the comfort of the sun behind him.

  The church was cool and dimly lit by rays of light streaming through randomly designed stained glass windows. Four stocky quartz pillars formed the feet of the ornately carved wooden archways that dressed the opening before him. Large wooden benches spanned the room separated by a silver aisle stretching out before him. He stood for a moment confused.

  “Perhaps she brought me to the wrong place.” he said aloud as he looked around the empty sanctuary.

  He could see no doors to another room or stairway to an upper level. He turned to leave when something caught his eye. A tiny speck of light shone between the grout lines of two marble tiles. He wandered over and gently ran his hands over their smooth surface. He shifted some of his weight to the wall to see if it would move. A soft click echoed in the church as the outline of a doorway appeared in the wall. He pushed with all his might. A great flood of light leapt onto the ground at his feet.

  “Hmmmm,” Mathias said looking at the tiny opening, “This could prove a little difficult.”

  He hunched his shoulders, bent his knees and slowly began easing his way through the narrow corridor. With his chin tucked to his chest, wings and knees pinned on the walls; he wondered how any normal sized person navigated the cramped cavity. He was beginning to rethink his decision when he felt a small tug on his back.

  “Crap,” he muttered, trying to maneuvering his right arm behind to see if he could unhook his wing. For ten minuets he struggled to free himself. “Wonderful,” he exhaled sarcastically, “just wonderful.”

  He slumped against the passage wall wondering how he was going to get out of this predicament.

  “Are you the angel?” a small voice asked causing Mathias to jolt up and hit his head.

  “Pardon,” he asked, attempting to see who was speaking.

  “Are you the angel?” the little voice asked again.

  “Where are you?” Mathias wondered, thinking maybe he was hallucinating.

  “I am right here.”

  Mathias rolled his eyes. He was not in any mood to play games. Suddenly he felt a small hand reach behind and gently lift his wing. He slowly inched sideways wiggling around until he eventually fell out the other side of the passage. He squinted in the bright sunlight raising his hand to shield his eyes. A small figure cast a shadow over his face.

  “Hello,” he said curiously staring up at the little face.

  “Hello!” the voice replied cheerfully. Mathias rolled onto his stomach, picking himself off the ground. “So are you?” the little figure asked again.

  “Yes, I am an angel,” Mathias answered with some hesitation while brushing off. “And who are you?”

  “I am Camael,” the little boy replied.

  “What are you doing here Camael?” Mathias asked, taking a closer look at his young savior.

  Camael looked up at him with big, sparkly, brown eyes. “Helping you of course!”

  “Of course,” Mathias muttered, looking around at what appeared to be a garden of sorts.

  “Well can you tell me where I can find my friend?” Mathias asked, not really expecting an answer.

  Camael took Mathias by the hand. “This way.”

  Mathias was still trying to comprehend the boys sudden presence as Camael led him across the Garden to a small glass room hidden amongst the foliage. Looking through a window Mathias could see the Professor’s body laying peacefully, draped in a crisp white sheet. Nothing else mattered as feelings of guilt and sadness immediately washed over him once again.

  “He is waiting for you,” Camael nudged him gently, sensing the emotions churning inside the angel.

  Mathias looked down puzzled by the dark skinned boy. He stepped forward, keeping one eye on the boy as he grasped the knob of the door. It turned easily in his hands. A cool breeze greeted his face as the door swung open. He hesitated in the threshold.

  “Thank you for your help,” he said turning to the boy.

  The boy was gone. Mathias glanced around the garden but saw no trace of his young rescuer. He was completely alone with the Professor. Several minutes passed in silence. The only noise was made by the cool air swirling around the atrium. Mathias reached out and gently touched the Professor’s hand. Tears welled in his eyes.

  “I am so sorry Bartholomew. I should have saved you. I was here to protect you and I failed. Forgive me please. I beg you to forgive me,” he sobbed.

  He pressed his face into his hands as he feel to his knees. Suddenly a hand was resting on his shoulder. He looked up. No one was there. All noise had ceased. His blood rushed faster through his veins. He touched his shoulder to see if anything was there. His fingers only found the familiarity of his own skin. He looked into the peaceful face of the Professor. A breeze brushed his face and rustled his hair. His soul felt at ease.

  “Thank you,” he whispered. “You are a very dear friend. I will never forget what you have done for me. My heart will forever re-live the abundant memories created with you. I promise your spirit will live on in Thad and I will help him be the man you would’ve raised him to be. I was not ready to let you go, and I am still not ready
to say goodbye. I know you are safe and heaven’s doors opened wide when you arrived, but I am going to miss you old man,” he said with a smile, “May your soul rest in peace.”

  He gently kissed Bartholomew’s forehead, leaving a solitary tear behind. He remained kneeling for a moment, basking in the comfort slowly enveloping his heart. Even his worries about Thad and his fellow companions drifted away.

  “I know you’re watching over them,” Mathias whispered as he rose to his feet. “This is not goodbye, for I know one day I will see you again.”

  A cool breeze rushed around him, triggering a smile across his lips. “Till that day old man,” he said ducking out the door with one final glance, “Till that day.”

  Familiar Ground

  In the Relvak valley Thad, Zyphera, Leath, Traiden and Gabriel all stepped safely through the portal.

  “Now what are we going to do?” Thad asked, still trying to grasp the events that had just transpired.

  “We’re going to my home world,” Gabriel replied with a heavy heart.

  “But that will take us at least a week.” Thad grumbled tiredly.

  Gabriel shook his head and pulled another gadget from his bag. He placed it on the wall. Instantly a door to Minerva formed. Before anyone could comment, a face appeared on the other side.

  “Gabriel so good to see you,” a young man said helping Gabriel through the door.

  “It is good to see you as well Tabbris. Have you been waiting long?” Gabriel inquired.

  “No more than usual,” Tabbris teased light heartedly, hoping to lift his friend’s worn spirit.

  “Did Mathias arrive safely?” Gabriel asked making sure the others could not hear.

  Tabbris nodded his head, “Naarah has taken him in.”

  “Good,” Gabriel replied turning to help the others. As each came through the opening he introduced them to Tabbris.

  “It is so nice to meet each of you,” Tabbris greeted with sincerity, shaking each of their hands. I going to take a wild guess and assume you would all like to relax and refresh yourselves?”

  “That would be lovely,” Zyphera responded with a dreamy tone, un-sticking her grime covered hair from her forehead and cheeks.

  “This way then,” Tabbris instructed, waving them forward. “Naarah has prepared beds for all of you.”

  Gabriel walked ahead of the group anxious to talk with his fellow keeper.

  “So,” Gabriel began with a probing tone, “What is the newest development?”

  “Emma is down at the chambers with Merrick right now, so I have not heard anything yet,”

  Tabbris explained. “Sorry I don’t have better news.”

  “No need to apologize,” Gabriel reassured him, sounding a bit anxious. “What about the professor?” He went on to ask.

  “His body is resting in the Garden,” Tabbris replied softly.

  “Has Mathias gone and seen him?” Gabriel asked, concerned for his friends emotional state.

  “I believe Naraah is taking him there right now.”

  “Does he know,” Gabriel wondered, reviewing the details of the last day.

  Tabbris turned, looked Gabriel in the eye, “I do not believe so.”

  Gabriel breathed a sigh of relief, but his heart still fluttered uneasily. If Mathias became privy to what was going on, it could destroy the relations between their people. It was vital that certain “actions” remained a mystery.

  “Remy has been contacted and the funeral will be held in two days time at sunset. He will be waiting for the others to return tomorrow morning,” Tabbris continued breaking into Gabriel’s thoughts.

  “Oh, Good,” Gabriel mumbled, slightly distracted.

  Suddenly he stopped and looked back at the group then back to Tabbris. “Can you make sure they arrive at Naarah’s house?”

  Tabbris nodded his head, a quizzical look creeping across his pristine ivory skin.

  “Thank you, I will explain later,” Gabriel promised, acknowledging his friends unspoken question.

  The others took no notice of Gabriel’s absence. They were all too fatigued and the idea of a hot meal, shower and a comfy bed encompassed their minds.

  Gabriel rushed out of the city limits to meet with Zekiel. He hurried through the thick growth of the forest onto the banks of the lake. Something was out of place. The bridge was up and the door to the chateau was open.

  “Not again you old fool,” Gabriel muttered to himself.

  He scurried across ensuring the bridge sank beneath the glistening water before entering Zekiel’s home. Before his foot crossed the threshold, a hand shot out, colliding hard with his chest.

  “Do Not Move,” Zekiel ordered in a serious tone.

  Gabriel paused with his foot in the air barely drawing breath.

  “What is it?” He whispered.

  Zekiel didn’t answer. Instead Gabriel heard a loud THWACK followed by a muffled CLONK and a few choice words from Zek, who went darting past Gabriel with a brown potato sack grasped firmly in his arms.

  “Be right with you,” Zekiel huffed, struggling with whatever was in the sack.

  Gabriel nodded, unsure of what to make of the situation.

  Zekiel re-appeared moments later with a satisfied grin firmly on his face.

  “Now my dear boy, what can I do for you?” He asked, his hand thumping Gabriel in a friendly manner on the back.

  Gabriel looked at his mentor with great confusion.

  “Rodent problem,” Zekiel answered brushing the incident aside.

  Gabriel shook his head unsure if he truly believed that. “Are we absolutely positive things are going as planned?” Gabriel continued without hesitation.

  The old keeper took in the concern on his apprentice’s face and sighed, “Nothing goes as planned Gabriel you should know that. But why do you ask?”

  “I am beginning to wonder if what we are doing is worth the risk,” Gabriel admitted, his eyes displaying a great deal of anxiety and concern.

  Zekiel knew where the fear and concern was coming from. “He knew his role would mean eventually sacrificing his life. He understood the danger and the reward. It is a great loss that has won us an even greater victory,” He tried to explain for a business point of view, pushing aside his own feelings clouded by the lost of a wonderful soul. “If we cower now, his sacrifice will have been in vain. You know as well as I, that our path is chosen before our lungs burst with their first breath of air.”

  “What about Fairum Celest? If Michael and the other high councilors find out what we doing…….” Gabriel’s doubt hindered his speech.

  “Michael is aware of our plans. To be honest he is more than aware. It was Michael, Bartholomew and I that approached the council with this strategy to begin with. I am sorry some things have been kept a secret from you. You understand that if the rest of our and Fairum Celest citizens knew their own chancellors broke the peace treaty….Change is painful and can not happen without sacrifice,” Zekiel admitted grasping Gabriel by the shoulders.

  Gabriel’s muscle slowly relaxed. “I suppose you are right,” he sighed trying hard to believe his own words.

  “I am always right,” Zekiel cackled, his face morphing into a mask of leathery wrinkles.

  “Of course you are Zek,” Gabriel sarcastically agreed.

  Zekiel’s features softened. “Perhaps you should pay your last respect to the professor before he leaves the solitude and serenity of the Garden,” Zekiel suggested. “I spoke with him not long after he arrived,” He spoke casually as if he were referring to a living, breathing being, “It was very comforting for me.”

  Gabriel pondered Zekiel’s suggestion. “Perhaps I should,” he said more to himself. Zekiel grasped Gabriel’s hands in his, “The Universe works in mysterious ways and sometimes its blessings feel more like a curse.”

  “Thank you Master for your wisdom,” Gabriel bowed his head.

  “That’s why I am here.”

  Gabriel hugged the old keeper. “By the way, you left
the bridge up again,” he winked. “Mind starting to catch up with your age?” he teased.

  “Maybe I was waiting for a beautiful companion,” Zekiel shot back slyly.

  The two men laughed as they parted ways. Gabriel again waited, ensuring the bridge vanished beneath the deceivingly peaceful waters of the lake.

  Gabriel’s mind fluttered with uncertainty as he made his way to the Garden. He hoped by the time his eyes rested on the glimmering structure Zekiel’s words would ring true. But as he approached the church his heart flooded with guilt. He stopped a couple hundred feet from the glass chapel doors debating if he truly had the strength to step inside.