Lost Empire by Jeff Gunzel Page B

enormous warehouse. Two of them streaked for the metal sheet door and began pulling a thin looped chain. Left over right, right over left, their hands worked together like the wings of a hummingbird, making the metal sheet door begin to rise up.
    Noise and commotion began to fill the air outside as the tall metal door slowly rattled upward then folded back across the roof of the warehouse. Dozens of large men who had been doing their best not to stand out in the crowd swiftly rushed toward the door. They reached down to the ground and pulled up the hidden ropes that had been covered with dirt. The brutes all pulled as one while a loud grinding sound echoed off the nearby buildings. The massive ship began to move inch by inch, rolling over the smooth cut logs placed beneath it.
    As the ship inched along, other men ran back and forth in sets of two, taking logs from the back end and running them to the front. The massive ship creeping along was now in clear view of everyone. There was no way to hide this! All they could do was keep moving while the guards did what they could to block the angry mob and keep them from rushing in. Shouts of “That’s what they were hiding,” and “They have the Gate Keeper in there. The legend is true,” rang out as the soldiers did what they could to keep the angry mob back.
    Eric thumped down the freshly sanded steps while gripping the long banister. The whole ship rocked and vibrated as it rolled over the logs. Seeing the others seated at a table near the corner of the room, he was able to stumble his way over. Grabbing the corner of the table for support, he pulled up a chair by hooking it with his toes and yanking it in. Sitting down seemed only slightly better that standing, as the chair bounced and vibrated along with the ship, threatening to dance across the room and carry him with it.
    Eric clung to the table, looking around at what would be his new home for some time. The walls and floor were no different than the steps—a natural wood color and freshly sanded, but looked unfinished due to a lack of proper stain or lacquer. They must have deemed that final touch an unnecessary aesthetic. Many believed this was a one-way trip anyhow. The walls were bare with the exception of a few oil lanterns hung on thin wire from metal hooks. Three crates, four barrels, and a few woven sacks were stacked at the other corner. The lack of items made the small room seem much larger than it actually was.
    There was only one other table in the room and it was well occupied. A grizzled bunch with maybe a full set of teeth between them stared back hard at the group. They didn’t necessarily look angry, as expressions varied from lopsided half smiles to full toothless grins. Eric would be spending a lot of time with these men, but now was certainly not the time for introductions.
    The men on the ground continued their frantic pace, ignoring shouts and protests from the villagers. Even though the massive ship was rolling down hill, it took tremendous manpower to keep it grinding along. Rumors had hung heavy over the city for weeks. Then the local warehouse had been shut down to the public. This happened just after sightings of Taron soldiers in the city, adding to the growing suspicion that something big was going on. Now the doors had finally opened to reveal this giant ship being brought down to the water, and it was obvious they didn’t want anyone to know who or what it carried. The mob was now on the verge of rioting!
    “ He’s in there! They have the Gate Keeper!” came a shout from the crowd as they pushed against the line of soldiers. In turn they pushed back, some exposing half a blade from its scabbard, which immediately had the desired effect. Lord Andry was going have a very hard time explaining all this to the townsfolk come morning.
    With a splash, the nose of the ship dipped into the water as the men circled around to the rear. It was easy enough to keep it moving now that the front