Lee Harding by Future Sanctuary

Author:Future Sanctuary [Sanctuary, Future]
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Published: 2012-06-03T21:34:17+00:00

CHAPTER 6

That night was the coldest Howard had ever experienced in Sanctuary. The customary warmth seemed to have withdrawn from the air, leaving behind an uncommon chill. For a while after supper he walked around, trying to encourage a little warmth into his limbs, but as the night grew colder he capitulated and asked one of the villagers if he could borrow some blankets. These were gladly provided, for these people seemed to have no need of them in their warm homes.

He slept on the ground, alone, for no one had thought to offer him lodgings for the night. He did not think this strange. By now he had grown accustomed to his role as an outsider, an intruder—in a way a wanderer, like Vivian. And by now news of his forthcoming venture would undoubtedly have spread, and the villagers might consider a cold night spent under the stars would give him a foretaste of the rigors ahead of him.

He chose the softest place he could find, and using his shoulder pack for a pillow, soon settled down, the borrowed blankets wrapped securely around him.

He lay awake for a long time with his hands clasped behind his head, staring up at the few stars peeking through the overcast of cloud. There were no constellations he could recognize, and the number of stars seemed abnormally sparse. Still, this was something he would have to get used to, now that he was convinced he was nowhere on Earth.

Gradually the nocturnal activity in the village ceased, as one by one the villagers retired to their homes. Only a solitary fire burned low in the center of the common ground, and it became a comfort to him while he lay awake.

He saw the full moon rise above the darkened sea, and waited almost with baited breath until its smaller companion appeared. Soon its smooth crescent was visible above the horizon, and the twin satellites ascended slowly in consort.

His thoughts turned again to Sharo, remembering the man’s anxiety at returning home. You were wrong, my friend. There are two moons over Sanctuary and it is you who have seen only one. But if you choose to, that is your business. Everyone needed reassurance, and perhaps Sharo needed to return to his island as much as Howard needed to reach the citadel of the Guardians.

His thoughts became melancholy when he thought of his departed friend. Sharo had been the first firm helper he had found, and he felt strongly that Vivian would be another. But…

Would that you had come with me, old friend. Yet he was reminded of something Vivian had said: “These people, they stay in one place.” He could understand their need for stasis, and had his needs been otherwise, he might even have joined them . . for a time. But not without my past, he thought grimly. When they have given back to me what they so callously plundered, then might I rest and enjoy what I have. But not before.

Tomorrow, ran the drowsy ripple of his thoughts.

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