Antiquity's Gate: Sanctuary

by RF Hurteau

  “Are we under attack?”

  “Who are these outsiders?”

  “Why are they here?”

  Sylvia unclenched her hands and raised them, motioning for quiet. “As you’ve all heard by now,” she said, her voice steady, “we have recently discovered that New Sanctuary is not, as we had been led to believe, the only remaining stronghold of mankind. There are, in fact, survivors of the Sequencing outside of our city. And, as you know, several inside of our city, as well.”

  The murmuring rose up again. She waited for the people to settle before continuing. “In the interest of full disclosure, we want you to know that we aren’t certain yet what to make of this discovery. We don’t know if those outside can be counted as friend, or foe. Certainly, there are potential allies. But there could also be dangerous enemies. We are approaching both of these possibilities with cautious optimism, and we will be keeping all of you informed, every step of the way.”

  She paused for such a long moment that Nelson thought she might be finished. He almost made a motion to move toward her when her mouth opened. Her voice was stronger now, not just steady as before, but confident also. “I can tell you what we do know, though,” she said. “New Sanctuary was born in chaos, and from that chaos, we have risen stronger, and more united than ever before. We have overcome many obstacles, endured many hardships. And we endure still. So I will say this. No matter what obstacles or hardships lurk outside of these domes, we will be ready for them. We will protect each other, as we have been doing. We will look out for each other. Because at the end of the day, each other is all that we have. New Sanctuary will be strong. We will survive. Together.”

  The crowd broke into thunderous applause, and Nelson felt himself clapping exuberantly with the rest. He had to hand it to Sylvia, she certainly knew how to work a crowd.

  fourteen

  No Long Goodbyes

  The sudden change in temperature took his breath away, and his eyes watered and burned. “Show us to the prototype!” he commanded Bohai, his voice loud so that it could be heard over the wind. Bohai, too, was struggling with the sudden shock. He stumbled, but Gavin kept him from falling face first into the snow. The Evicti stood in two silent rows. If the cold bothered them, their training didn’t allow it to show. Bohai reached up with his bound hands and pointed. Felix led the way in the direction he had indicated, the Evicti close behind him. Something large and pointed glimmered above the surface of the ice, jutting out at a slight angle from the ground. As they drew closer, Felix could make out more detail. It was a large, metal drill, the base of which disappeared behind a mound of drifted snow. He pointed to it, but it was unnecessary. The Evicti flowed by on either side of him, like a river around a rock, and surrounded the drill in a tight circle. Two of them stepped forward, crouched down, and disappeared. As Felix came around the other side of the mound, he saw that the drill was connected to the cone-shaped nose of the prototype Bohai had spoken so proudly of. The drill was massive, about six feet in diameter at its base. Beneath the cone lay a hatch that just cleared the surface of the ground. There was no way to know for certain how much of the vehicle was hidden beneath the ground, but it had to have been fairly large, as, two by two, all of the Evicti climbed inside.

  The last pair had just disappeared when Felix looked up to see Penelope appear through the Gate. She gasped, and the others followed seconds later. The Weaver waved them forward, and they all rushed after him, Onyx and Tobias dragging Laevus between them. Felix looked in the direction that they were heading and spotted the tunnel entrance. They had almost made it when the first Evicti poked his head out of the vehicle, climbing back out into the chilling air. Another followed, and another. Felix glanced behind them in a panic, watching his friends struggle to drag Laevus, who was watching Felix with a curious expression and refusing to move on his own.

  Felix locked eyes with the first Evictus, who dropped his gaze respectfully. “Report!” he bellowed, stalling for time.

  “We easily overpowered them, your Lordship. Three are bound. One resisted and was injured.”

  Felix’s stomach lurched. “Your orders were to subdue them! We may yet have need of them!”

  “I apologize, your Lordship,” he responded. The Evicti continued to climb out of the open hatch, swarming up out of the earth like ants. “The interior is very confining. It was difficult to maneuver in there.”

  “You are the Evicti,” Felix growled at him, poking him hard in the chest with a finger. “Nothing is supposed to be too difficult for you.”

  “Of course, your Lordship. Forgive me.”

  Felix glanced over the Elf’s shoulder to see that the last of their group had disappeared into the mouth of the tunnel. “Never mind. Get back through the Gate, and out of my sight. I’ll deal with you later.” He looked around, doing a quick count. Only ten of the guards had returned. “All of you!” he shouted.

  They offered a nod of confirmation and turned on their heels, marching back toward Antiquity’s Gate where they disappeared. Felix saw the Weaver’s head appear from the entrance to the tunnel, but he shook his head wildly, waving his arms. “Not yet!” he mouthed, though he doubted the Elf could read his lips at this distance. He moved to the hatch and dropped down inside.

  The remaining two Evicti were standing watch over the four occupants of the vehicle. Three were on their knees, bound and gagged. The fourth was lying on his side, knees drawn up to his chest, hands bound behind his back. A gash across his thigh was oozing blood, creating a small puddle that slid backward along the tilted floor toward the rear wall. As he raised his face up, his nose pouring blood, his eyes widened as they met Felix’s.

  This was not Bohai’s man. This was a face from Felix’s past. Ben, from Pod Manufacturing, who had always been kind to him, lay battered on the floor of the Culeian vessel.

  “Felix?” Ben rasped. “But, what are—”

  Felix stepped forward and, hating himself, pressed a foot to Ben’s wound. The young man cried out in agony. “The Council does not wish to share the secrets of this technology,” he said loudly over Ben’s lingering moans. “Not even the Evicti. Get out. The good Ambassador will assist me in piloting the ship through the Evenmire.”

  “But, your Lordship,” protested one of the remaining guards.

  “Out!” roared Felix, not needing to pretend to sound angry. He was angry. Furious, in fact. He didn’t turn, waiting until the two Evicti had climbed out of the hatch. He fell to his knees beside Ben, untying his wrists as quickly as he could, sliding the rope between his legs and wrapping it into a makeshift tourniquet. “Sweet Evenmire, Ben, I’m so sorry. I’m so sorry. I couldn’t let you blow my cover,” he was saying, over and over. “Gavin, untie the others. Hurry, then get out of here before they start to wonder why I let you stay behind.”

  “Where are my men?” Bohai demanded, using his teeth to undo the simple knot that held the rope around his wrists. Gavin was stooping down, undoing the bindings around the other men. “What have you done with them?”

  One of the men pulled the gag free from his mouth. “If you mean the guys who were on this thing, they’re fine. We took them—”

  “Shut up!” Ben groaned. “Don’t tell them anything!”

  “Ben,” Felix said, his voice pained. Ben glowered at him.

  “So, you’re with them now, is that it?”

  “No, it isn’t like that!”

  There was a noise behind them, and Felix stood quickly, whirling around. It was Ambrose and the others. “What happened here?” Ambrose asked, taking in the scene and shoving Laevus into one of the seats that lined the walls.

  “I am a Lord,” Laevus said, shocked. “I am not to be handled in such an uncouth manner.”

  “Shut up!” snapped Felix. “There’s no time. Ambrose, just help me get him up.” He reached down, but Ben recoiled.

  “Don’t you touch me, you traitor!” he said, coldly.

  “I’ll do it,” said Tobias. Together, he and Ambrose pu
lled Ben to his feet.

  Felix turned to the other hostages who were now freed and standing unsteadily on the uneven floor. “Can you get him back to Sanctuary?”

  The men all eyed Felix uneasily but nodded. They scurried out of the hatch, and Ambrose and Tobias lifted Ben up to them. “Ben!” Felix called, his voice desperate. “Ben! Tell Sanctuary! Tell them the Elves are coming!” Then Felix turned on Bohai.

  “Can you pilot this thing?”

  Bohai looked unsure. “I’m not really a pilot,” he said. “If we can just get my men back—”

  “There’s no time for that. If we don’t get this thing moving, fast, those Evicti are going to start wondering what’s going on. They’re going to swarm us, and it isn’t going to end well. We need to go. Now.”

  Bohai was nodding. “All right. I’ll try,” he said.

  “I’ll give him a hand,” Ambrose said. “How hard can it be?”

  “Me, too,” Penelope said.

  Felix turned to Gavin. “Are you sure you won’t come with us?”

  Gavin looked at Felix, then at the Weaver, and shook his head. “The last few days have given me time to think,” he said. “I remember my place now. And I’m still needed, back on Thera.”

  The Weaver placed a hand on Gavin’s arm and offered him a small smile. Onyx threw her arms around Gavin, giving him a quick kiss on the cheek. “You have been a good friend,” she said, tears in her eyes. “I will dearly miss you.”

  To Felix’s great surprise, Gavin returned her embrace. “And I you,” he said.

  “Come on,” the Weaver said. “You need to hurry. I will wait on this side until the coast is clear.”

  “What if they come back through?” Tobias said nervously. “Or what if they send more men out from Sanctuary to capture you? They aren’t too fond of Elves.”

  The Weaver let out a small chuckle. “I hid in Sanctuary for one hundred and twenty-five years,” he said, grinning. “I think I can find a place to hide out for a couple of hours.”

  “But, what if—”

  The Weaver held up his hand. “You have plenty of what if’s ahead of you, my friend. Let me worry about my own.” Without another word, he climbed up and out, and Gavin followed behind him.

  “Nothing’s happening, Bohai. Don’t make me regret saving you!” Felix said, a hint of urgency in his voice.

  “I’m trying,” Bohai whined. “I’ve only seen it done; I never actually memorized it. Ah, here we go!”

  With a groan of protest, the engines roared to life.

  “Now we’re talking!” Felix said, clapping Bohai on the back. “Let’s close her up, go find Ripley, and blow this popsicle stand!”

  He reached up, pulling himself head and shoulders out of the craft so that he could reach the latch and shut the door. Movement caught his eye, and he looked toward the Gate. “Oh, no,” he whispered.

  They’d been too slow. Six of the Evicti had come back through, no doubt wondering what the holdup was. Gavin stood over the prone form of one of them, rapier in hand, preparing to defend as three more advanced on him. The Weaver was wrestling with another on the ground.

  “What is it?” Onyx asked from below. He didn’t answer quickly enough, and she appeared beside him. “They’re in trouble!” she said. “Come on!” Felix followed without thought. They raced back across the slippery ground, kicking up snow in their wake. Felix heard the sound of Tobias shouting after him, but couldn’t make out the words. Two more Evicti had just stepped through the Gate.

  Onyx bent low, not breaking her stride, and drew out three of her tiny poison spikes. They were nearly there.

  Felix watched in horror as one of the Evicti raised his blade above the Weaver, preparing to strike. But Onyx was faster. Her hand shot out from her body, and the spike flew, glittering in the weak starlight like a silver bullet, piercing the Evictus in the eye. He let out a scream as he grabbed his face, and the Weaver turned over, thrusting his leg out in a sweeping motion that brought the guard tumbling to the ground. The Weaver grabbed the Elf’s rapier and turned back to the Evictus he had wrestled to the ground, stabbing him through the throat.

  A flash, then another, Onyx had let fly two more spikes and hit two more Evicti. Both showed only slight annoyance at the seemingly minor injuries before they began to tremble. Five down, Felix thought, reaching the Weaver. The last four Evicti had come through, swords drawn, and were advancing on them, forming a semi-circle with their comrades. The Weaver handed the rapier to Felix, who held it awkwardly, and grabbed the second one from his other victim. The four of them stood close together as the enemy advanced.

  “Felix!” The shout was shrill and terrified, and against his better judgement, Felix glanced back. Penelope had her hands cupped to her mouth, and Tobias was beside her, pointing frantically toward the tunnel. Turning, Felix saw a dozen men streaming out, waving weapons.

  Felix had no idea what to do. They would be surrounded in minutes, and he had no desire to hurt the people of Sanctuary. He looked at Gavin and his mother, then at the Weaver. All were staring, stone-faced, waiting for the Evicti to make their move.

  And move they did. With a frightening beauty, the seven moved forward as one, swords gleaming as they flashed through the air. Onyx hopped backwards, letting another spike fly. She hit her mark. The Weaver and Gavin each stepped forward to engage, and the rapiers sung as they whirled and danced through the icy air, their songs carrying on the wind. Felix let out a shout as he, too, rushed forward, swinging wildly. He had never even held a sword before now, and it became quickly apparent that he had no idea what he was doing. He slashed at the nearest Evictus, who danced backward, just out of reach, leering at him. This is just a game to him, Felix realized. I’m no threat. The thought made him angrier, and he gritted his teeth, advancing quicker now, feeling the adrenaline coursing through his veins.

  The Evictus merely continued to dodge, Felix whirled the sword around and met only empty air. The momentum carried him in a full circle, and he drove the sword forward, thrusting with every ounce of strength he could muster.

  He watched with a mixture of shock and horror as the delicate tip of the blade disappeared inside the Elf’s chest. For a brief moment, he thought he had killed him, but when his eyes moved from the sword to the man’s face, he saw a trickle of pink foam. He looked the man over quickly, and saw the glint of a spike protruding from his neck. He whirled around, looking for another mark, and was about to shout to his mother that he could do this, he could handle himself, when he saw it happen.

  Gavin had been holding his own against two of the guards, but the tide was turning on him. He withdrew before their onslaught, blocking again and again with no opportunity to attack. A spike appeared in the arm of the one closest to Felix, and he heard his mother shout, “I’m out!”

  He watched in disbelief as the second one brought his sword down. As if in slow motion, a spray of blood followed the path of the rapier as it glided easily across Gavin’s chest, leaving a tattered shirt and a red valley in its wake. His eyes widened, and he fell to his knees.

  “Gavin!” Onyx screamed, racing toward him. Felix rushed forward as the Evictus raised his sword for the killing blow, catching him by surprise. He didn’t bother trying to block the swing—instead he simply plowed into him, smashing the Elf hard into the snow. The Evictus gasped for air as Felix raised a clenched fist, pounding it into his face. He hit him again, and again, until the Elf went still beneath him. Felix stood, quivering, looking around. All around him lay dead and dying Evicti. The Weaver was panting heavily, and Onyx was leaning over Gavin, who was very still.

  “He’s still alive,” she cried. “Help me get him up!”

  Felix moved to assist, but the Weaver grabbed him by the arm. “No. I’ll do it. You go!” He pointed, and Felix turned to see the Sanctuary men were nearly upon them. Then, suddenly, they were obscured from view as the Culeian vessel rolled between the tunnel and the Gate.

  “Felix, hurry!” cried Penelope, rea
ching out a hand to help him up. Felix turned to look at his mother.

  “I can’t leave him,” she said, her eyes pleading, holding one of Gavin’s arms around her neck. The Weaver was on his other side.

  “Onyx!” he said loudly.

  She looked at Felix for one more second, one infinitely long second. He had so much he’d wanted to tell her. So much he thought he’d have time to tell her. The angry cries of the men from Sanctuary were getting louder.

  “Felix, run!” Onyx and Penelope cried in unison.

  Felix ran. He leapt up onto the vessel, disappearing inside and pulling the hatch down with him. “Go!” he shouted. Bohai pressed a button, pulled a lever, and they pitched forward.

  “Grab on to something!” Bohai hollered, and the sound of metal meeting ice assailed their ears. There were windows on either side, and Felix watched as his mother disappeared through Antiquity’s Gate. He turned and watched as the men outside began hammering with fists and axes against the side of the drilling machine. And then, they tilted farther forward still, and the men’s faces were replaced by their torsos, then their legs, then their feet. And finally, as the prototype disappeared beneath the ground, all Felix could see through the portholes was blackness.

  * * *

  Felix would close his eyes and see the Evicti surrounding them, see Gavin collapsing, see his mother disappearing through the Gate. What could he have done differently? He hadn’t had the chance to tell her, “I forgive you.”

  Now he would never see her again.

  Bohai cleared his throat. “Shall I steer us back toward Culei?”

  “What?” Felix stood up. “No. No, we need to get back to Pravacordia.”

  “Present me is getting a little overexcited,” said Laevus thoughtfully.

  “You. Are not. A time traveler!” Felix roared.

  The drill bored slowly through the ice for hours before they reached open water. Bohai quietly instructed Ambrose on how to convert into amphibious mode. Felix watched with vague indifference as they dove beneath the surface of the waves.