Child of the Gryphon

by David Lugsden

  Gabriel made his way down the many steps of the Theatre taking in his surroundings. Every row of seating had been decorated with handmade floral chains. Huge banners, each one lined with colourful flowers and as long as a small plane’s wingspan, hung from the Elders’ Balcony. The lights had been dimmed and bathed everything in a romantic golden glow.

  People were everywhere, filling the cavern like bees in a hive. They chatted, they laughed, they ate and they drank. Some were even dancing on the steps to the harmonious music filtering upwards from the string and woodwind instruments being played far below.

  It was at that point, the most magical and amazing experience of Gabriel’s life.

  As he reached the floor, Gabriel was immediately greeted by Sattan who trotted up merrily wielding a plate stacked high with roasted pumpkin, mashed potatoes with a huge dollop of butter, apple sausages and a mound of salad leaves. He had slicked his shaggy hair backwards and was sporting a rather dapper waistcoat with long tails. It even looked as though he had polished his horns.

  ‘Hey Gabe,’ he said cheerfully. ‘Nice togs. You just got here? I’ve been here about an hour or so already. The food’s really good. You should try some. Have you seen anyone else yet? I’m hoping for a dance with Willow later. All looks well so far, right?’

  Gabriel took a moment to process the barrage of questions. ‘OK, I think you need to calm down a bit, mate.’

  ‘Me? I’m fine. Just peachy. Really. No need to worry about me whatsoever. I-’

  ‘Really, mate. Take a breath!’

  At that point, they were interrupted as they heard their names called from across the dance floor.

  They turned to see Seth and Tamera sauntering towards them, arm in arm. Seth was beaming broadly and wearing some of the clothes he had picked up from Fantail’s Outfitters. Tamera was looking stunning in a long, flowing, midnight blue dress that brought out the vivid green of her eyes.

  ‘Hey...’ Gabriel began, ‘are you two here on... on a date?’

  Seth nodded triumphantly.

  ‘Well I guess you could say we’re more of each other’s escorts,’ Tamera said.

  ‘Good for you!’ Sattan said spraying globs of mashed potato onto them.

  Tamera looked revolted.

  ‘Say it, don’t spray it,’ Seth said. He brushed away the smatterings of food and turned to Gabriel, ‘What’s up?’

  ‘Wh-when...? H-How...?’ Gabriel stuttered.

  Seth grinned again. ‘Thursday evening,’ he said. ‘We were on our way home from Artisan Plaza and something suddenly came over me and I just asked.’

  ‘Th-Th-Thursday...? B-But you never said anything yesterday...’

  ‘Well, the subject never really came up did it?’ said Tamera shortly. ‘Is there something the matter?’

  ‘N-Not at all,’ Gabriel stammered, ‘I-it’s j-just somewhat of a s-surprise that’s all. I didn’t know you liked each other like that.’

  ‘I guess there’s a lot you don’t know about us, isn’t there?’ Tamera said again quite snootily.

  ‘Are you alright, mate?’ Seth said.

  ‘O-of course! Why wouldn’t I be? I mean, you two are here together, I’m here with Marina. Everything is fine. In fact I’d better go find her now. I’ll see you guys later.’

  Before either could respond, Gabriel took off through the crowd. That was most unexpected, he thought to himself. But like Sattan said, good for them. Still... it’s very unexpected. As much as he liked Seth, Gabriel never would have thought he was Tamera’s type. He had imagined her type was more like- never mind, he told himself. Anyway, it’s irrelevant now. He glanced back through the crowd at his friends. Sattan had seen Willow and trotted over to speak to her; Willow looked appalled at his mountain of food. Seth and Tamera were stood off to the side, laughing and joking with one another and genuinely seeming to be revelling in each other’s company.

  Good for them. Gabriel thought. I couldn’t be happier for them. But if that really were so, why could he not shed the nagging doubt that-

  Just then the crowds parted in front of him. And all of a sudden, nothing else mattered. All other thoughts evaporated. There she was.

  Marina was sat on the edge of pool. The same pool in fact that only one week ago they had both exited the theatre by. Her silky smooth hair was tied back in a long braid. Her bangs hung neatly down, framing her perfect face, her exquisite complexion. She was wearing a glistening emerald green evening dress that clung to her svelte figure almost all the way down to the tips of her tail. It complimented her hair perfectly. Even from a distance she was mesmerising.

  Gabriel floated over to her in a daze.

  ‘Hi’ Marina said, ‘I like your suit.’

  ‘I don’t know how you do it,’ Gabriel replied dreamily.

  ‘Do what?’ she asked, puzzled.

  ‘Every time I see you, you just become more and more beautiful.’

  Her cheeks flushed, ‘Thank you. That’s really sweet of you to say.’ She glanced around, ‘It looks really magical in here doesn’t it?’

  ‘It really does. A big improvement on last week I must say.’

  Marina tittered slightly, ‘Yes, you’re right. That was really awful. Promise me one thing?’

  ‘Sure.’

  ‘Let’s not go to a play ever again!’

  ‘Deal! Say, do you want to get something to eat?’

  ‘I’d love to.’

  With tables loaded with Colony and merfolk-friendly dishes alike, placed alongside the water channels, neither Gabriel nor Marina had trouble finding cuisines to suit both their tastes and diets. They sat by the poolside munching happily, occasionally returning to sample more. All the while, they talked and chatted and joked with one another and had a thoroughly lovely time.

  Gabriel filled Marina in on all she had missed out on over the last few days. Although her jaw clenched slightly when Gabriel mentioned time he had spent with Tamera, Marina relaxed again considerably when she learnt how Tamera and Seth had come to the Ball together.

  Marina and Finn had travelled overnight on Tuesday to Oceana and had arrived early on Wednesday morning. They had both then spent the majority of their time there catching up with their father. After Finn had informed their father of Gabriel’s and Marina’s blossoming relationship, Marina’s father, she explained, had taken a great interest and was keen to learn more. Gabriel was not sure if that was a good thing or not.

  Marina had purchased her gown during her brief stay in Oceana and had left early on Friday morning. She had travelled back to Sanctuary alone. Finn had opted to stay on for a few more days (much to Gabriel’s great relief!).

  Later in the evening, the stacks of food had been devoured. The Theatre of Life was now packed with almost every resident of Sanctuary. In time, the soft music picked up some and people began to migrate onto the dance floor. Couples waltzed in a tender embrace, children waved their arms and stamped their feet madly in an effort to outdo each other’s energetic dance moves, whilst the more conservative members of the crowd stayed at the fringes of the dance floor and tapped their feet subtly in time to the music.

  ‘Would you like to dance?’ Marina asked.

  Gabriel was apprehensive. ‘Erm...’ he began. He’d never been particularly comfortable with dancing. There had been little opportunity for him to practice the skill, and up until that point he had been quite thankful for it. The idea of getting up in amongst strangers and making a complete fool of himself by demonstrating his total lack of coordination, rated extremely low on his list of priorities.

  ‘Come on,’ Marina coaxed, ‘it’ll be fun!’

  ‘The thing is,’ Gabriel hesitated further, ‘I can’t dance, I mean, I don’t know how...’

  ‘It’s easy,’ she continued. ‘Look our movement is limited already for obvious reasons. Just do as I do.’ She flicked her tailfin and rose up out of the water.

  Gabriel stood slowly.

  Marina said, ‘OK, we’ll start with the basics and go
from there. Now take my left hand in your right... alright, now if you slip your right hand behind my waist... There! How’s that?’

  ‘That’s great!’ Gabriel’s voice wobbled.

  Marina smiled affectionately, ‘Now if you just move your feet slowly from side to side... Exactly! Just like that! See? And now we’re dancing! Easy right?’

  Gabriel grinned, ‘You’re just a good teacher.’

  He stepped rhythmically back and forth alongside the edge of the pool whilst Marina flapped her tail gently to maintain her own balance. The pair continued this way for several minutes in silence, all the while gazing into each other’s eyes. The surrounding crowd, the theatre, even time itself seemed to blur into insignificance all around them. They were at one with each other and the music. Nothing else mattered.

  Sometime later (neither Gabriel nor Marina knew exactly how long had passed) they were interrupted by someone close by who cleared their throat sharply. Both Gabriel and Marina turned to face the intruder. As they met with him, Gabriel’s jaw dropped.

  ‘Grandfather!’ Gabriel cried.

  ‘I do apologise for my rather rude interruption,’ Omari said, ‘but I just wanted to come over and say “Hello.”’

  ‘Grandfather,’ Gabriel said, ‘you’ve been gone for so long... You never even told me you were leaving!’

  ‘Believe me Gabriel, I wanted to. But the Council thought it best if as few people as possible knew I was gone.’

  ‘I know, but... so much has happened that I need to tell you.’

  ‘I’m sure it has, but for now, why don’t we leave it for a later time. I just wanted to come and see you before I reported back to the Council. I promise we will speak later. You enjoy the rest of your evening – both of you,’ Omari gave a warm smile towards Marina.

  ‘Oh yes, I’m sorry. Grandfather I’d like you to meet Marina. Marina this is my grandfather, Omari.’

  ‘It’s a pleasure to meet you, sir,’ Marina said.

  ‘Not at all! The pleasure is all mine. And indeed my grandson’s as well! He is in most excellent company.’

  Marina blushed, ‘Thank you, sir.’

  ‘Think nothing of it, my dear. Your father speaks very highly of you, although I’m afraid even his words cannot do you the justice you deserve. You look very pretty, as did your mother before you.’

  ‘Thank you, sir. People say I look like her.’

  ‘Indeed you do, very much so. And please, call me Omari. After all, that is my name! “Sir” always makes me feel dreadfully old!’

  ‘Yes, sir- I mean, Omari.’

  ‘Alright, I think I have taken up quite enough of your time. If you will both excuse me, I will take my leave. I hope I shall see you again soon, Marina.’ Omari turned to his grandson. ‘Gabriel, I’ll see you later. Oh, and one more thing,’ he motioned toward Marina and gave Gabriel a playful wink, ‘well done!’

  As Omari turned to leave, a thought suddenly flashed through Gabriel’s mind.

  ‘Marina, can you give me one minute? There’s something I desperately need to talk to my grandfather about and it really can’t wait.’

  ‘Sure if it’s that important. I know you haven’t seen him in ages.’

  ‘Thanks. I’ll be right back. I promise.’

  Gabriel took off after Omari. ‘Grandfather. Wait!’ he called.

  Omari turned back towards him.

  ‘There’s something I have to tell you that’s really important!’

  Omari looked concerned, ‘What is it?’

  Before Gabriel could answer he was interrupted by a commanding voice ringing out from high above.

  ‘Residents and friends of Sanctuary alike please lend us your attention!’ the voice called. ‘The Elders and I request a moment of your time.’

  All around them everyone looked up towards the Elders’ Balcony.

  Omari sighed, ‘Oh dear. I’ve missed the start of the address again. They’ve been saying for months “Please do not miss the address again!” Never mind, worse things have happened I suppose. Gabriel, I’m sorry. Can this wait?’

  ‘No!’ Gabriel insisted whilst the Elders’ address continued. ‘Sanctuary is in danger! I-’

  Gabriel and the Elders were suddenly cut short by a deep, rasping cackle that echoed out across the theatre.

  Omari’s face went pale. ‘Oh no,’ he whispered.

  ***

  High above, the three Elders were suddenly overcome with a crippling terror.

  Each of them had been elected into their role as Elder for their collectiveness and calm demeanour. But at that very moment, they were anything but. Their breathing was shallow. Their hearts were pounding like African tribal drums. All colour had drained from their faces. Their blood ran cold and they were each sweating profusely.

  A trio of large shadowy creatures stepped out of the darkened chamber and onto the balcony, catching the Elders by surprise. Powerful hands gripped the Elders’ arms and thrust them forward. The mountains of scaly flesh restrained their captives with the unflinching surety of cast-iron shackles.

  In their youth, each had been a formidable soldier in their own right, but now the Elders were leaning precariously over the balcony rail powerless to resist, as feeble as kittens.

  The ground loomed ominously hundreds of feet below.

  ***

  A figure emerged slowly but surely from the Theatre of Life entrance hall. His movements were deliberate and as smooth as oil. As he moved into the light, his frightening features came fully into view for the masses below.

  All the while, the menacing cackle continued unabated.

  The figure swaggered to the edge of the steps. On his command, his minions joined him on the upper tier. Within seconds a solid wall of scaly Reptilian bodies had blocked every one of the twelve exits.

  As the dark figure looked out over the assembled masses, a wide smile crept across his sinister lipless mouth.

  Perfect.

  There was no escape.

  Everything was going exactly as he had planned.

  The figure rocked his head backwards and roared with laughter at his impending triumph.

  ***

  Far below the crowd looked upwards in horror as events unfolded. A deathly silence had descended upon them.

  Everyone’s worst nightmare had just been realised.

  Sanctuary had been breached.

  The Reptilians had invaded.

  Kalladon had arrived.

  CHAPTER TWENTY-ONE

  UNINVITED GUESTS

  The Theatre of Life had been designed and crafted such that the acoustics of the enormous cavern would amplify even the slightest of sounds from both the lower stage and the Elder’s Balcony like a megaphone.

  As a result, Kalladon’s evil laughter tore relentlessly around the immense room like a category five hurricane.

  For what felt like several minutes, cold fear froze Gabriel to the spot. All around him people were staring upwards, terror grafted onto their faces. He looked across the dance floor to Seth and Tamera. They were statues, clutching each other’s hand tightly in abject fear. Off to Gabriel’s right, Marina had sunk low in the pool. She peered upwards, eyes wide. Even Omari was motionless.

  Gabriel thought suddenly of Hookbeak. Despite hearing him plot to do so, part of Gabriel couldn’t believe that he would actually allow the Reptilians access to Sanctuary. He had betrayed his own home. He had endangered everyone.

  And what of Pixell, Gabriel thought, had he been sacrificed too? He feared the worst.

  Then he thought of the other conspirator: Bysonn. He scanned the crowd looking for the Grandmaster. Gabriel’s eyes fixed on Bysonn standing by one of the tables of food behind him. A broken plate lay shattered at his feet amongst scraps of roasted vegetables. Just like everyone else, Bysonn was staring up at the Reptilian army. His eyes were as wide as dinner plates. His hands were quivering uncontrollably. And he was muttering something to himself. But what?

  Gabriel strained his ears to hear over the p
sychotic laughter.

  ‘No, no, no,’ Bysonn was uncharacteristically mumbling to himself, ‘no, it wasn’t supposed to be like this... This wasn’t what we planned... Oh great Gaia, we’re all doomed... Oh no. Oh no, no, no...’

  After what seemed like a lifetime, the harsh laughter echoing down from above gave way to a gruff, hissing voice. ‘People of Sanctuary,’ Kalladon barked, ‘Your situation is entirely hopeless. You are trapped like vermin. You are completely surrounded. If you comply, your lives will be spared. If you refuse, you will be exterminated.’

  The crowd remained transfixed and silent.

  Kalladon continued, ‘You will present to me the child of the Gryphon.’

  ‘We will do no such thing, Kalladon,’ Omari shouted upwards with resolve.

  ‘You will do so or you will die.’ He motioned to the Elder’s Balcony and the three Council members were pitched further forward.

  The crowd gasped in horror.

  ‘Do with us as you will, Kalladon. But the Colony will never comply with the whims of a Reptile,’ Omari said.

  Kalladon shot a foul glance at the old man far below. ‘Really? I must say your lack of compassion for your own associates is quite remarkable. Is the life of one boy worth sacrificing those of such great importance?’

  ‘The life of everyone here is worth saving.’

  ‘Then give me the boy.’

  ‘Never!’

  ‘Very well,’ Kalladon waved his hand indifferently. ‘We shall start with Elder Fontis. Terminate her.’

  The crowd collectively inhaled.

  ‘NO!’ Gabriel screamed, ‘Don’t do it! I’ll do whatever you want!’