The Last Citadel

by Kevin Ashman

  ‘What are you talking about, Petit?’ snarled Razor, ‘what form does this creature take?’

  ‘A form that you cannot even imagine,’ said Petit, ‘yet it is one that has been visible to you all your life. Open your eyes councillors and look again at your true ruler.’ He held out both arms toward the far end of the room.

  Everyone spun around to stare, but nothing happened. For several seconds nobody spoke, but the silence was finally broken by Petra.

  ‘Where?’ she asked.

  ‘In front of you,’ said Petit, ‘carved into the very walls that have housed the council all these years.’

  ‘But that’s Arial, the Six-fingered Saint,’ said Petra, ‘not some flesh eating monster.’

  ‘Is it, Petra?’ asked Petit, ‘and how do you know that?’

  ‘Because we have always known so,’ said Petra, ‘the histories are clear. The Six-fingered Saint founded our city.’ As she finished the sentence, her voice lowered, realising her words also described the alternative history recently outlined by De-gill.

  ‘I see you are beginning to accept the possibility, Petra,’ said Petit, ‘but perhaps you still have doubts. Trust me Governess, this, the most famous carving of Arial in the whole Citadel is based on the form of the Sark. More like him will be born soon. The mighty Sark will once again dominate this world, and of mankind will tremble in fear.’

  ‘But you people in this room have a chance offered to no other man, a chance to be part of it. To keep the powers you currently enjoy and more. All you need to do is kneel and call him master, to swear allegiance to his race and do his bidding without question.’

  ‘But even if this is true,’ said Helzac, ‘I don’t understand what he wants from us?’

  ‘He wants nothing,’ said Petit. ‘It is I who saw the sense in this meeting. Over the next few days, there will be massive upheaval in Bastion. The population will be confused and frightened, and they will need leadership from those whom they trust. Who better to do that than those who have led them all their lives? Even as we speak, members of the Brotherhood are going door to door, rounding up the unworthy with those who resist, facing violence and possible death. Hundreds if not thousands may die, but you have the power to avoid this. You can make them realise that resistance is futile and there is only one logical outcome.’

  ‘You want us to deny the existence of the Six-fingered Saint and worship some monstrosity in his place?’ said Razor, ‘are you mad? There is only one saviour and that is Arial. I will never deny him, even if it costs my life.’

  At first, there was a shocked silence in the room, but then a chuckle escaped Petit’s lips. Another followed and soon, all the Brotherhood present were laughing out loud, much to the consternation of the Hunter.

  ‘What’s so funny?’ he said as the laughter died down.

  ‘Oh, Razor,’ sighed Petit, wiping tears of mirth from his face, ‘are you really that blind? All your life the truth has surrounded you, yet you decide not to see. Look around you, even within the walls the signs are as plain as day.’

  ‘No that’s rubbish,’ said Razor, ‘throughout the city there are countless statues of Arial and their features look as normal as you or me. From the description given by De-gill, they bear no resemblance to this Crispin you speak of.’

  ‘Features simply formed in the sculptor’s own likeness,’ interrupted Petit.

  The colour drained from the Hunter’s face as the full horrific truth sunk in. Throughout known history, the people had worshipped the Saint as a saviour, yet all this time they had actually been revering the memory of the Sark.

  ‘I don’t believe it,’ he said, ‘it can’t be true.’

  ‘But it is,’ said Petit, ‘and quite ironic, really. All this time, whilst actively putting down the true history of your ancestry, you have kept alive the memory of the one true Saint.’

  ‘No,’ said Razor, ‘I don’t believe it, I won’t believe it.’

  ‘Believe what you will,’ said Petit, ‘but if you don’t believe your own eyes, I fail to see what it is you will believe.’

  ‘What choice do we have?’ asked Helzac.

  ‘Oh you have a choice, Helzac, submit to the Sark’s will or die; it is as simple as that.’

  ‘I suppose you and your henchmen are going to murder us in cold blood?’ asked Helzac.

  ‘Oh no, these men are here for my safety only. You are free to leave as soon as you like.’

  ‘I don’t understand, why would you leave us go?’

  ‘I am not a violent man, Governor, but I don’t need to be. Crispin is nearing his physical maturity and when he does, there is no one alive who can stand against him. But you don’t have to die; you can live out your lives in luxury.’

  ‘All of us?’

  ‘Not all, admittedly,’ said Petit, ‘unfortunately, there are some who have a debt to pay.’ He glanced over toward De-gill.

  ‘You disgust me,’ said Helzac.

  ‘I care not how you feel, Helzac, you no longer have any importance here.’

  ‘And where is this so called beast?’ asked Razor. ‘How do we know he even exists?’

  ‘Oh, he exists all right,’ said Petit, ‘and you will see him soon enough.’

  ‘You’ll never get away with this, Petit,’ said Helzac, ‘the guard will overthrow these few deserters as soon as they find out and put down this pathetic rebellion of yours.’

  ‘The guard?’ asked Petit in mock surprise, ‘you mean those soldiers who are staunch Brotherhood supporters and are taking over the city as we speak? Or do you mean those who are still lying on their blood soaked mattresses with their throats cut? Either way, I feel they won’t be putting anyone down, do you?’

  ‘The people then,’ said Helzac, ‘they will never allow this to happen.’

  ‘Oh, I am sure they will be upset,’ said Petit, ‘but nothing we can’t handle.’

  ‘And if we say no and decide to fight?’

  ‘It doesn’t matter,’ said Petit. ‘In fact, I think Crispin will quite enjoy the hunt, after all, it’s not as if you can run far is it? Now, if you don’t mind, I have things to do. I suggest you go back to your families and consider what has gone on here today very carefully. I will expect your answers by last light tomorrow.’

  ----

  Chapter 31

  Kenzo, Amber and Braille made their way down to the exit and peered out into the courtyard.

  ‘Oh my God,’ whispered Amber, ‘what’s that smell?’

  ‘Burning bodies,’ said Braille, ‘there’re piles of them all around the Keep.’

  ‘What happened to them?’ asked Kenzo.

  ‘Poisoned, I think,’ said Braille, ‘just like my mates in the barracks, though some were killed by a professional hand.’

  ‘How do you know?’ asked Amber.

  ‘The way the throats are cut,’ said, Kenzo, ‘in the guard, we are trained to avoid the front of the throat and go straight for the artery to save time. It’s located at the side of the neck and some of these bodies have been killed in that manner.’

  ‘We need to get out of here,’ said Kenzo. ‘Do you think it is safe to try and get to the city?’

  Braille pulled his knife from its sheath and spun it in his hand.

  ‘One way to find out,’ he said, ‘follow me.’ Without waiting for an answer, he stepped out into the deathly quiet courtyard.

  ‘Oh, those poor people,’ whimpered Amber, as they passed one of the funeral pyres, ‘who would do such a thing?’

  ‘I have no idea,’ said Braille, ‘but I intend to find out. Come on, let’s get out of here.’

  They continued toward the main gates and as they neared, Amber slipped on a pool of blood and fell crashing to the floor. Kenzo turned to help her up.

  ‘You okay?’ he asked as he extended his hand.

  ‘I think so,’ said Amber sitting up and rubbing her ankle, ‘it’s just twisted, I think.’

  She looked up at the two men’s horrified faces as they gaz
ed over her head, back toward the way they had come.

  ‘What’s the matter?’ she asked, afraid to turn around, ‘what’s there?’

  ‘Stand up, Amber,’ said Kenzo gently, ‘and whatever you do, don’t turn around.’

  ‘What is it, Kenzo?’ she said, getting to her feet, ‘you’re scaring me.’

  ‘Walk toward me, Amber,’ he said, ‘nice and slow. No sudden movements and do not turn around.’

  Alongside Kenzo, Braille stared in the same direction, beads of sweat running down his face.

  ‘Kenzo, I’m scared,’ said Amber, her voice shaking.

  ‘It’s okay,’ said Kenzo, ‘keep walking toward me.’ He slowly lifted one hand and she reached out to take it, grabbing his fingers tightly as she made contact.

  ‘It’s seen us, Kenzo,’ said Braille, ‘we have to get out of here.’

  ‘Okay,’ said Kenzo. ‘Walk with me, Amber,’ and he started to walk backwards toward the gate, his gaze never leaving whatever it was that had caused both soldiers to look so scared. Within thirty seconds, they reached the gate and Braille stood to one side, allowing the two cousins to exit before following them out and closing the gate.

  ‘Do you think he will follow us?’ asked Kenzo.

  ‘I don’t think so,’ said Braille, ‘he was too preoccupied.’

  ‘Who was it?’ asked Amber.

  ‘Are you okay?’ asked Braille to Kenzo, effectively ignoring the girl.

  ‘I think so,’ he answered.

  ‘Kenzo, who was it you saw?’ she asked, ‘why wouldn’t you let me look?’

  ‘Don’t worry, Amber,’ said Kenzo, ‘I’ll tell you another time.’

  Amber pulled her arm from his grip in anger.

  ‘Kenzo,’ she said, ‘I don’t know who or what you saw in there, but I swear if you don’t tell me right now, I will go back in there to see for myself. Now, what is it that was so horrendous?’

  Kenzo looked toward Braille, seeking his support.

  ‘Don’t expect me to back you up,’ said Braille, ‘I wouldn’t mind some answers myself. What was that thing?’

  Kenzo looked back at Amber.

  ‘I think it was Crispin,’ he said, ‘and he looked like something out of your worst nightmares.’

  ----

  The councillors filed out of the chamber, closely followed by the Stargazer.

  ‘Pelosus, wait,’ said the clerk.

  The Stargazer paused before turning back.

  ‘You haven’t said much,’ said Petit, ‘what are your thoughts?’

  ‘My thoughts,’ sighed Pelosus, ‘I would say, troubled.’

  ‘Why?’

  ‘Where should I start? The fact that the waters are falling and will soon disappear completely or the fact that despite a lifetime of being told differently, I have now found out that there is probably a land mass somewhere over the horizon. Or maybe, it is the fact that someone who I considered a friend is part of a secret society harbouring a previously unknown species, predatory in nature. Perhaps, it may be the realization that this creature is part of our own bloodline that concerns me. For heaven’s sake, Petit, it is no wonder I am troubled; the possibilities are endless. Aren’t you at all worried about all of this?’

  ‘Worried? Why should I be worried? My ancestors have prayed for this day for millennia and I consider myself honoured that the opportunity has come during my lifetime. This is not a threat, Pelosus, but an opportunity.’

  ‘An opportunity for what?’ gasped Pelosus, ‘to be ruled by creatures who see us as a food source. What sort of existence is that?’

  ‘An existence of security and stability,’ said Petit. ‘Aren’t you fed up with the same old routine, subsistence rationing with nothing but the walls of this city as the limit of your ambition? Can’t you see that for someone like you, this is an opportunity to explore your theories? You could have unlimited power, Pelosus, the chance to do whatever you want and who knows, when the waters recede far enough, the chance to travel further afield, safe in the knowledge you have the protection of the Sark.’

  ‘Why would I need their protection?’

  ‘Wasn’t it you who said that the loss of the sea will initially result in thirst and hunger? Submit to their service and that will never be an issue. They have ways of providing, Pelosus. Food, water, riches, all are benefits that they bestow on the Brotherhood in return for our services.’

  ‘And what services are they, Petit, the herding and murdering of your fellow man?’

  ‘Yes that’s a part of it,’ said Petit, ‘but just a small part. The rest is building and overseeing the labour as they develop their cities. Recording the histories and accompanying them as they travel further afield.’

  ‘Travel further afield?’

  ‘Listen, Pelosus, the waters are dropping rapidly and before too long, the tops of other mountains will start to appear, some perhaps even in sight of this Citadel.’

  ‘Barren islands full of nothing but rotting seaweed and sugar shell crabs,’ said Pelosus, ‘what benefit could be possibly gleaned from them?’

  ‘Don’t think of them as destinations, Pelosus, but as stepping stones to other places. Within months, Crispin and his fellows will set out to redress the imbalance of this world and reassert their rightful place, not only in the Citadel, but also the world around us. You could be part of this, Pelosus, to reap the opportunity to do what you have always desired and to explore beyond the horizon. Don’t get bogged down by sentiment, this is just natural selection. Think carefully Pelosus, make the right decision and you can rule the human population beside me, answering only to the Sark.’

  ‘I need no time to think, Petit,’ said Pelosus eventually, ‘I have already made my decision. The fact that Sark blood runs in my veins is burden enough. I will not strengthen the existence of their species by betraying my own. I will not join you, Petit, the answer is no.’

  ‘So be it, Pelosus,’ said Petit. ‘At least I tried. Goodbye old friend, the next time we meet, I fear it will be as adversaries.’

  ‘Then make this the last time you use the word friend, Petit, for you do not merit that title.’ With that, Pelosus turned and followed the councillors down the corridor, slamming the door behind him.

  ----

  Braille and the two cousins ran away from the keep toward the city.

  ‘Where are we going?’ shouted Amber as Kenzo dragged her down the slope.

  ‘Away from there,’ he said, ‘at least, you are.’

  ‘What do you mean?’ asked Amber, as they reached the first row of buildings. ‘Where are you going?’

  Kenzo turned around and took both of her hands.

  ‘Look, Amber, I don’t know what’s going on here, but a lot of people have died back there. This creature, whatever it is, seems to have a fundamental part in all this. A few months ago, I was asked to find and kill him. I failed to do that, so in some way, I feel responsible.’

  ‘That is absurd,’ said Amber, ‘nobody could have known how he was going to turn out.’

  ‘That may be true,’ said Kenzo, ‘but nevertheless, I have to go back.’

  ‘No, Kenzo,’ said Amber, ‘there’s no knowing what he will do to you.’

  ‘I have to, Amber,’ said Kenzo, ‘I haven’t seen Leona since we last went into the Catacombs. I need to know if she is okay.’

  ‘But she could already be out here,’ said Amber.

  ‘I know, but she could also be back there and in terrible danger. Until I know otherwise, I will not be able to think straight.’

  ‘What about me?’ asked Amber. ‘What am I supposed to do?’

  ‘Go home and barricade yourself inside. Wait for me there. I’ll go back to the keep, and check her quarters. If she’s not there, I’ll come straight back, I promise.’

  ‘I’ll come with you,’ said Braille.

  ‘No, you go with Amber, she may need protection. With half the guard dead and the other half working for Petit, who knows what characters are wandering aro
und taking advantage of the situation? Don’t worry, I’ll be fine.’ He walked backwards a few steps before turning around and running back up the slope.

  ‘Be careful,’ shouted Amber, but received no answer except for a wave of the hand.

  Braille and Amber watched Kenzo approach the gate, and, after opening it slightly to peer around the edge, disappear inside. They waited a few more seconds before Braille broke the silence.

  ‘Just you and me now, Babe,’ he said, ‘don’t worry, I’ll look after you.’

  ‘Oh for heaven’s sake,’ mumbled Amber, before turning around and making her way back toward her home quarter. Braille followed close behind and though he irritated her with his constant babbling, Amber was glad he was with her.

  ----

  Kenzo closed the gate slowly behind him and stared around the courtyard, but there was no sign of the creature. His heart was racing as he made his way around the perimeter wall, but when he was opposite the doorway, he didn’t hesitate and ran across the space and into the dark corridor beyond.

  Voices could be heard in the distance and he ducked inside a side room as a group of guards dragged a beaten and bedraggled old man between them to an unknown fate. When they had passed, he made his way along the corridors to where he knew Leona had her rooms. Her door was slightly open and he eased it further inward before peering into the gloom.

  ‘Leona,’ he whispered, ‘are you there?’ When he received no answer, he quickly checked the linked rooms before turning to leave. Once again, he heard someone approaching and hid behind the door as the unseen man greeted someone coming in the opposite direction. Kenzo strained to hear the conversation.

  ‘Petit,’ said the first man, ‘how did it go?’

  ‘As well as could be expected,’ said Petit, ‘what happened to you?’

  Bennett rubbed a large bruise on the side of his head.’

  ‘Jumped from behind by some idiot soldier,’ he said, ‘don’t worry, I’ll catch up with him and get payback.’

  ‘There’ll be time enough for that,’ said Petit,