THIRTEEN
HISTORY OF THE KEEPERS
As Nathaniel speaks, I find myself leaning back into the embrace of the sofa, absorbed by the tale.
His movements around the library are akin to a lecturer commanding an invisible auditorium.
I prop my feet up on the coffee table, but he shoots a stern look my way and I let my feet find the floor again.
‘In those distant days, a group of individuals attuned to magic stumbled upon the Crossing – a nexus of energy. For years they studied it, and how to use its energy to boost their own powers. Guiding the hands of locals, they built a settlement around the Crossing. This settlement eventually became known as Sarum, now known as Old Sarum. Walls and ramparts were created, fortifying Sarum, to keep the Crossing safe and protect its secrets.’
‘The demons, however, were always watchful. They grew wise to the Crossing’s power.
The community of Sarum couldn’t hide forever.
Knowing a battle was imminent, Sarum’s magic users decided to use the Crossing’s energy to imbue six young members of the community with unparalleled abilities.
With these newfound gifts, the chosen warriors fought against the demons, using all their strength to defeat them and banish them back into the void of the Crossing. ’
Nathaniel’s fingertip skims along the spines of a row of books, a practised motion that doesn’t disrupt the steady flow of his story. A story he has clearly shared many times before – how often, I can’t help but wonder.
‘But the darkness kept coming, an endless wave. The magic users realised the grim reality that their struggle against these malevolent forces would last centuries. They knew they had to protect the Crossing and the human race at all costs. So, they devised a plan to keep the demon numbers in check and humanity safe. Upon Sarum’s high plateau, the six champions, known as the Keepers, gathered.
The magic users performed a ritual, allowing the Keepers’ abilities to be passed down through the generations.
This transfer of power would happen either when a Keeper died or when their body was no longer able to carry the burden of their powers. ’
Nathaniel takes a seat across from me, adjusting the cushion behind his back.
‘As the centuries passed, countless Keepers took up their role, each grappling with their newfound powers in their own way. Humans gradually gained control over the realm, and the demons were pushed back into the Crossing. The settlement of Sarum changed, becoming a home for the Keepers to watch over the Crossing and dispatch anything malicious emitted from it. The descendants of the original magic users came together to establish a sacred order – an order that would become known as the Guild. They vowed to protect the Crossing and stop anyone, or anything, that tried to use its power for evil. Together with the six Keepers, they formed a strong alliance against the never-ending darkness that threatens our world.’
Never before have I found history so interesting. Is it Nathaniel’s storytelling? Or is it my own connection to all of this? Whatever it is, I’m more hooked than when I watched Lord of the Rings for the first time.
‘Sarum continued to see many conflicts, both human and demonic. Eventually, it expanded beyond its borders, giving rise to a new settlement nearby. A grand cathedral was erected to mark the beginning of the new city, which was named Sarumbourne. With its flatter land, closer proximity to the rivers, and accessible trade routes, the city flourished. Meanwhile, Sarum became a thing of the past. It was left to ruin and faded into history, becoming known as it is today, Old Sarum.’
‘So, what happened to the Guild?’ I say.
‘Well, as time passed, the Crossing became nothing but a legend. People stopped believing in Keepers and demons. The Guild had to adapt, to find a way to operate without being dismissed as madmen. They transformed into the city’s councillors by day and secret Guild members by night.
’ Nathaniel’s voice is steady as he leans back on the sofa, watching me closely.
‘Wow,’ I say, the weight of it all settling in. ‘So, there have been many Keepers with my power before me?’ I’m trying my best to wrap my head around the concept.
‘Hundreds,’ Nathaniel begins. ‘The original ritual was successful in passing on a Keeper’s ability, but the selection process is random. However, one common trait is that every Keeper shares the birthplace of Sarumbourne, give or take a few miles.’
‘There are six Keepers,’ I recall, ‘but only three of us exist right now.’
‘Correct,’ Nathaniel says. ‘The Fourth and Fifth Keepers are yet to awaken, and the status of the Sixth remains uncertain.’
‘Why uncertain?’
‘The Sixth Keeper, also known as the Tempus Keeper, has abilities that revolve around time manipulation and teleportation. The last known Tempus existed in the 80s. The Guild believe the Keeper may have inadvertently transported themselves to a different era, and for whatever reason, they are unable to return.’
‘So, they could be… Doctor Who -ing it somewhere in time?’ I say.
‘More likely they’re lost in time, their powers trapped in some unknown period.’
The idea of being stranded in a different time period, cut off from everything familiar, is chilling. Did the Guild try to rescue this Keeper? They must have attempted something back then.
‘Are all the Guild members able to use magic?’ I say.
‘No, in truth, the Martindale family is the sole remaining family with any magical ability. Charles Martindale is the head of the Guild. You’ll meet him tonight.’
Charles Martindale. Why does that name ring a bell? It’s definitely a name I’ve heard before.
‘Unlike Keepers,’ Nathaniel continues, ‘magical powers among the Guild’s members are passed through bloodlines. The Martindales are descended from the original magic users who discovered the Crossing and played a role in creating the Keepers.’
‘So, the other Guild members are…’
‘Just ordinary folk of Sarumbourne,’ Nathaniel continues. ‘Many hold high-ranking positions in the city, some within the council itself, others within bodies such as the local police. Some serve in different capacities. Your principal at college for example.’
Principal Gellar is a Guild member?
‘From the chair of the hospital trust to dustbin men, the Guild have members everywhere, all aware of the Crossing’s significance, and of you Keepers. The Guild also has experts in various fields, such as historians and demonologists.’
Where does Nathaniel fit into all of this? ‘And you?’ I say.
‘I’m a member. I serve as your guardian, bridging the gap between the Keepers and the Guild. I hold the position of Keeper Sentinel.’
‘So, you’re an expert on all things Keeper-related?’
‘To some extent,’ he says, then pauses. He shifts uncomfortably.
‘And what did you do before becoming the Sentinel?’
Nathaniel inhales deeply; his gaze seems focused on some distant memory, then his eyes find mine.
‘I was a Keeper.’