by Derek Haines
‘But not the outside of the walls,’ Snurd casually said.
‘Well done Snurd!’ Feb said. ‘Let’s go. We’ll go right. You go left April.’
‘Alright Feb.’
They met at the centre of the back wall of the cemetery.
‘Anything?’
‘Nothing.’
‘Keep going the way we came. We’ll meet back at the gates,’ Feb said sounding very disappointed.
‘Sure Feb,’ April said equally disappointed.
After over an hour of searching, all four arrived back at the entrance gates with their heads hanging low. It seemed to be that they had misunderstood the rhyme completely.
‘There’s nothing here Feb,’ String said.
‘Looks that way String. Clearly we’re missing something.’
‘Well it’s a pretty useless cemetery anyway,’ April said in frustration. ‘Why would they build a cemetery in a place where no one ever dies?’
‘Maybe people used to die here once April. Must have been a reason at the time,’ Snurd remarked.
‘A long time ago it would seem,’ she told him as Snurd studied the gates.
‘Could you help me String. I think there’s something near the angels. Help me close the gates,’ Snurd asked and String obliged but with less than his customary enthusiasm.
‘Just a bit more!’ Snurd said as he heaved the gates.
‘Look! Up there!’ April said with a little excitement.
‘Yes. Just below the angel’s feet. Can you close the gates completely?’ Feb said.
‘Yes Feb, ‘String replied and he and Snurd pushed again until the gates were perfectly aligned shut once more.
‘Can you read it Feb?’ April asked as all four looked up.
‘I think it says CX. Any idea what it is?’ Feb asked.
‘Is it the name or initial of each angel perhaps?’ April suggested.
‘No idea. Sorry Feb,’ String said.
‘Snurd?’ April asked.
‘I am not entirely sure, but there was an ancient system of numbers I studied at school. Let me think. Something rings a bell here.’
‘That wasn’t funny,’ String interrupted.
‘What wasn’t?’
‘The bell Snurd. It rings a bell.’
‘Oh I see. Oh yes. Totally unintentional String. Very sorry.’
‘It’s alright Snurd. Go on,’ Feb reassured him.
‘Well I recall that the letter M represented one thousand I think. And an X was ten. A capital I was one and, and, eh, now what was it? Yes! The C. I remember now. Century. Yes. One hundred.’ Snurd said in what would have been a dull mutter for anyone else but was now clearly understood to be excitement by String, Feb and April.
‘CX is one hundred and ten!’ April exclaimed and gave Snurd a hug.’ You’re a genius my friend.’
‘Yes indeed,’ Feb added.
‘Not bad Snurd,’ String said with a laugh. ‘Now can you find the bell too?
‘Snurd won’t have to String. I think I get the bouquet,’ April said proudly as she pointed to a small chain hanging from the wall near the left hand side gate. Clearly broken, as only a little of the chain was remaining, but it was obviously installed originally to notify a proposed cemetery attendant that there was someone at the gates wanting to get in.
‘So I suppose we pull it three times and see what happens,’ Feb said.
‘So Feb? What are you waiting for?’ April smiled.
‘Go ahead April. You pull it three times.’
‘Alright Feb. Here goes,’ April said and turned to pull the remaining small piece of chain. Once, twice, three times.
All watched and waited.
‘I didn’t hear anything,’ Snurd said into the silence.
‘Me neither,’ String added.
‘Maybe I didn’t pull hard enough,’ April said apologetically.
‘Just wait,’ Feb said calmly. ‘Just wait.’
Minutes passed in the gloom that was a Terranova Two late morning. The gloom wasn’t improved by standing around an empty derelict cemetery. The angels looked upwards anyway.
‘Do you hear that?’ String said quietly.
‘No,’ Snurd replied.
‘Listen. A humming sound.’
‘No. Can’t hear anything.’
‘Yes. I can,’ April said ‘Sounds like a Skimmer.’
‘I didn’t see any Skimmers in TerraTunTun,’ String said.
‘Didn’t look like anyone was rich enough to have one. They’re really only for royals normally,’ Snurd added.
‘I know father had one, but he never let me or my brothers use it,’ Feb said a little sadly.
‘Look!’ April said pointing into the desert.
All looked and saw a red object coming towards them. It was billowing a dust cloud behind and approaching fast. As it neared it was clearly a red Skimmer. The front nose round and low to the ground with eight fins extending at oddly irregular intervals around it. A large rear fin pointing towards the sky. It almost slithered, just above the ground. It slowed as it neared them and in a final gust of dust, came to rest alongside the Cribbler. After a few seconds, the glistening red hood opened with a whoosh.
‘Hello there. Sorry about all the hocus pocus mystery poetic stuff. We have to do it unfortunately. Tradition and all that. Anyway. Sorry. I’m Atoth the Third. You must be February Gregorian. February the Fifth I believe it is now,’ the young man said as he got out of the Skimmer. He was tall with short dark hair, blue eyes and had a strong square jaw. April had no trouble at all just looking. And listening.
‘Very pleased to meet you Atoth. Yes, I’m February Gregorian. I was , well,…,’
‘Expecting someone a bit more ancient looking?’ Atoth asked.
‘Yes. I suppose I was,’ Feb said.
‘Well, I’ll have time to explain all that later. For the present, you must all be hungry and need a little freshening up. Shall we use the Skimmer?’
‘You don’t like our Cribbler?’ Feb said with a smile.
‘Oh I think it’s wonderful February! But as we have a little distance to travel, maybe the Skimmer would suit better.’
‘Oh, I’m sure,’ Feb agreed.
‘Good. We’ll be off then,’ Atoth said.
‘Could I ask where we are going,’ Snurd asked in his usual serious tone.
‘Certainly sir. To a canyon.’
Your History Lesson Sir
‘Would you like to contact your cruiser February?’ Atoth asked as they set off.
‘Thank you Atoth. I’m sure my crew would be relieved to hear we’re all well.’
‘Just use the Q’muniktor there.’
‘Thanks.’
‘SSGCC-Twelve. This is Feb,’ was met with no reply.
‘SSGCC-Twelve. This is February. Are you receiving?’ got no response.
‘SSGCC-Twelve. This is February. Snikkle. Likklet. Are you receiving?’
Silence. Silence. A crackle. And a voice.
‘This is SSGCC-Twelve.’
‘Snikkle?’
‘No. This is Cruiser Commander Cruddlic. I am now in command of the SSGCC-Twelve.’
‘Where are my sisters and my crew?’
‘They are all safe Mr Gregorian. I have taken control of SSGCC-Twelve and I am about to set course for our return to Gloth.’
‘You have no right to seize my cruiser. Under whose orders have you undertaken this act of treason?’ Feb said firmly.
‘General Durrgan Dirrth Glothic High Command.’
‘Well Cruiser Commander Cruddlic. I will ensure your career will be shortened considerably, and if any harm comes to my crew or sisters I assure you your life will also be equally shortened.’
‘Are you threatening me?’
‘No Commander. I am making a promise to you as the Supreme Potentate of Gloth.’
‘I have been informed that you are no longer Potentate,’ Cruddlic replied in a confident tone.
‘Cruiser Commander Cruddlic. You ha
ve been very badly informed. Very badly indeed. You will stay in Terranova Two orbit.’
A short silence followed.
‘I cannot follow your order. I have my orders to return to Gloth.’
‘Very well Commander. I will ensure I meet you there very soon. Sleep well,’ February said firmly and ended the call.
‘I think you have some work to do,’ Atoth said seriously.
‘Yes Atoth. I am truly hoping you can help.’
‘I will do all I can. But as you will learn to understand, all responsibility for Gregorian rule is already in your hands. As are the tools and powers to wield it.’
‘I don’t understand,’ Feb said.
‘I know,’ Atoth replied.
‘Won’t they send a search party or something?’ String asked Feb.
‘Yes String. I would imagine they already have.’
‘Correct,’ Atoth added. ‘They landed just an hour or so ago.’
‘So, they’re following us?’ String asked before Feb could.
‘I doubt it. Our landing field staff can be very forgetful,’ Atoth replied.
‘But surely they’ll be able to track vehicles like Skimmers.’ Feb said.
‘But how would they know I’ve got passengers?’ Atoth asked.
‘Well, I’m not an expert on the technical stuff,’ Feb admitted.
‘Don’t worry. No one will find us where we’re going. And anyway, they won’t stay long. They have a Cosmic Cruiser that they’ll want to get back to Gloth.’
In the following quiet, Feb looked at April and April looked at Feb, worried for May and June. Snurd looked at String and they both worried for Feb and April. In between looking at each other they worried about Snikkle and Likklet too. Atoth didn’t get involved in the looking and worrying. He just kept his Skimmer skimming until it skimmed almost all the way to their destination.
‘Where are we?’ April asked.
‘Clandistic Canyon,’ Atoth replied.
‘And I presume the Cavern of Clavius is in here,’ Feb added.
‘In a manner of speaking, yes,’ Atoth cryptically replied and returned to concentrating on his Skimmer. Feb, April, String and Snurd went back to looking at each other.
Atoth bought the Skimmer to a halt deep inside Clandistic Canyon. Looking around, Feb could see no reason at all to stop at this particular spot. Apart from the rocky, steep, high canyon walls there seemed to be very little else that would necessitate stopping.
‘So? This is it then?’ Feb asked.
‘Yes,’ Atoth replied as seriously as someone would if they had to agree with your premonition that your dog had died in a nasty accident. Atoth rose, and got out of the Skimmer.
‘Should we get out too?’ String asked.
‘Yes,’ Atoth said. Again in his serious tone.
‘Alright. Let’s go,’ Feb said and everyone alighted the Skimmer and followed an already briskly walking Atoth who was making his way to a large rock that bore a remarkable resemblance to every other large rock in Clandistic Canyon. Upon arriving at his selected large rock, he leant forward and placed both his palms on the rock. There were a few clicking sounds and within seconds it surprisingly started to move a little. Sideways. Revealing an entrance.
‘So this is the Cavern of Clavius.’ Feb said with some degree of certainty.
‘No,’ Atoth said. ‘The Cavern of Clavius is on Erde.’
‘That’s odd,’ Feb said as he reached in his pocket for his letter written on a thank you card to September from November and started to re-read it yet again. ‘But it says here that the Cavern of Clavius in on Terranova Two.’
‘Can I see it?’ Atoth asked.
‘Sure,’ Feb said as he handed the letter to Atoth who read it quickly.
‘It only says the security is on Terranova Two,’ and he handed it back to Feb who read it again.
‘This security will always reside on Terranova Two.’
‘Right,’ was all Feb said.
‘Shall we go?’ Atoth asked politely and gestured towards the small opening behind the large rock.
‘Certainly,’ Feb said. ‘After you.’
After entering, a long tunnel greeted its visitors, rough chiseled walls of rock stretching into the distance. As they moved forward, a few clicking sounds preceded the large rock behind them moving again and closing the entrance.
‘What about the Skimmer?’ Snurd asked.
‘It’s alright. Adiddle will fetch it.’
‘Adiddle?’
‘My assistant.’
‘Oh.’
‘You said that the Cavern of Clavius is on Erde,’ Feb said trying to kick start a useful conversation with Atoth.
‘Yes. That’s where us Gregorians came from.’
‘From Erde?’ Feb said with surprise. ‘I thought our family was from Gloth.’
‘Not originally. Our origins are from a place on Erde that was sacred to Erdeans.’
‘Um. Just a minute. You said us Gregorians. So you are Gregorian?’
‘Yes.’
‘So why do you live here and not with the family on Gloth?’
‘A long story, but to make it brief, I’m from a line in the family that is sworn to protect the ancient secrets. Our lineage goes back to the youngest son of the original Gregorian. The royal lineage that you belong to is the line from the eldest son. There was also a daughter, but her lineage never left Erde.’ Atoth explained as they walked.
‘So this sacred place you mentioned before?’
‘Ah yes. Rom.’
‘Never heard of it,’ Fed replied shaking his head.
‘Here we are,’ Atoth said as a very elaborate door appeared on their left. It looked completely out of place. Almost as if it had been stuck onto the tunnel wall. He opened the door and invited everyone inside.
‘Welcome,’ he said as all gazed at the enormous marble floored entrance hall. The walls decorated in rich tapestries and paintings of many Gregorians past, the ceiling high above them adorned with fine murals depicting Gregorian triumphs. He guided them toward a large polished wooden door at the end of the hall.
‘Please come. I’ll have Adiddle show you to your rooms and then we can have lunch after you’ve refreshed.’
‘Thank you Atoth,’ Feb said and there was a chorus of quiet and polite thank yous from behind him.
Adiddle was waiting on the other side of the double doors. A very neat, slender old man dressed in a black suit, a crisp white shirt and a silver-grey tie. He wore an elegantly long waxed and pointed moustache, which along with his polished bald head, gave him a distinctively august look. He was however, particularly short and it seemed he would have to take two steps for everyone else’s one to keep up.
With Atoth’s introductions of his guests to Adiddle complete, they were all shown to their rooms to freshen up, and were invited to join Atoth for lunch in one hour.
Lunch was duly served at precisely one o’clock.
‘Is this Erdean salmon?’ April asked politely.
‘Yes, indeed it is,’ Atoth replied. ‘Gregorian salmon from Erde in fact.’
‘From the family of the sister you mentioned?’ Feb asked.
‘Why, of course February. The Gregorians have controlled the Erdean salmon market for almost forever,’ Atoth explained.
‘I have a lot to learn.’
‘All in good time February. All in good time. Shall we enjoy our meal and then get to work later this afternoon?’
‘Yes. Excellent idea Atoth.’
Adiddle politely served a second serving for those who were still hungry. String and Snurd eagerly accepting the offer of such fine food. When all were replete, Adiddle cleared the table in preparation for coffee and tea, while everyone thanked him and complimented him on his cooking when they discovered that he had prepared the meal. The conversation resumed once Adiddle had left for the kitchen.
‘If you don’t mind me asking Atoth. I’m concerned for my sisters,’ April asked.
‘Oh indeed
I’m sure. But I believe no harm will come to them. No matter what the situation, officers of the standing of General Durrgan Dirrth and Cruiser Commander Cruddlic at Glothic High Command are honourable gentlemen. They are following their orders as they should.’
‘But who is giving the orders?’ Feb asked.
‘Well February, I trust with my small amount of help you’ll be able to solve that question yourself.’
‘And do something about it?’
‘Ah! That is entirely up to you.’
‘Should I be reassured?’ April asked again.
‘I believe so April,’ Atoth said with an edge of conviction in his voice.
‘Thank you so much for your hospitality Atoth,’ Snurd said changing the subject completely but without realising it. ‘Both String and I are very grateful,’ he continued flatly with String nodding in agreement.
‘Oh you’re very welcome. Think nothing of it.’
‘Well, we will ensure that we do not get in the way while you conduct your family affairs sir.’
‘If it’s possible Atoth, I would prefer that Snurd and String are involved,’ Feb said before Atoth could answer. ‘They’re two of the very few people I trust implicitly.’
Both String and Snurd sat silently, a little embarrassed by the compliment that had just been passed upon them.
‘That’s entirely your decision February. You’re the Supreme Potentate of the Twelve Sun Systems of Gloth. As a Gregorian, I’ll obey your every word,’ Atoth said very seriously.
‘Thank you,’ was all Feb said as he looked at Snurd and String who were seemingly engorged with pride. Snurd even managing something that resembled a tiny hint of a very small half smile.
‘Ah. Good timing Adiddle. Let’s have tea and coffee and get to work,’ Atoth said as the small man returned with trolley.
‘Coffee or tea?’ Adiddle asked.
After everyone had finished, Atoth invited them to join him in the main hall in thirty minutes. Time for all to prepare for what Atoth said would be a Gregorian history lesson. February was hoping for something more substantial, but decided to place his trust in Atoth’s judgement and be patient in finding what November had referred to in the letter as the security that would protect the Gregorian lineage and by inference, Gregorian rule.
Once all were ready and assembled in the main hall, Atoth invited them to follow him out through the main entry doors, turning right to go deeper into the chiseled walled tunnel. After a brisk ten minutes of walking Atoth stopped. There seemed to be nothing that indicated they should stop however. No doors. No signs of a rock hiding an entrance. Nothing. Atoth stood quietly as if waiting for a bus, but looking at the wall he was facing as if something magical was going to happen. Finally, he reached into his pocket and took out what looked like a small pen but then when it illuminated, resembled a small flash light. Pointing it towards the wall of the tunnel and moving it up and down until he at last seemed very happy with what its light was shining on. He then pushed a small button on the end of the small flashlight. Immediately, a rectangular, door sized area of the wall opened inwards and slid sideways to reveal the entrance to the library.
