Sanctity Shattered

The name given me by our Leader is Luke, and none may enter the Sanctum without passing through me. Presidents, kings, or Joe the Plumber, it makes no difference. Not while I still draw breath. I am a weapon carved of marble and steel and I am charged with this responsibility, may death take me before failing this crucial obligation.

The afternoon is warm and breezy, and the bell tones roll without respite from the windchime like a dire warning proclaimed from the highest hilltops. The others appointed to this same task are pathetic. Permitting their senses to be dulled by the continuous clanging, rustling wind, scents from the stove, or the doze inspired by the mid-afternoon sun. Regardless of my disdain of their treasonous sloth, I am alert and will not abide intrusion.

Hearing the touch of a hand against the door handle, I stiffen as if hit by an electric shock. Next comes the familiar click as a key slips into the lock.

This is not a drill...they are coming!

Drawn as tight as a beartrap spring, I await the invader. Every nerve alive as the very air prickles my skin. How dare they breach the sanctity of these halls? All the horrors of Hell itself will be visited upon this perpetrator in the form of my cold-blooded assault. The door opens with the faintest metallic squeak and a feral growl boils in my throat as I unleash my battle cry!

"Kenny! KENNYKENNYKENNYKENNYKENNYKENNY! oh my God, Kenny!" was the only thought reverberating through my mind as I bounce around the entry hall.

"Good boy, Luke!" Kenny greeted the 16-month-old Rottweiler pup. "Let's get some dinner into that bowl." Kenny vigorously rubbed the dog's pelt and he was rewarded with an eager face washing.