Zein: The Homecoming by Graham J. Wood

built in the late 1900s and is a combined bascule and suspension bridge crossing the River Thames. The bridge itself consisted of two towers joined together at the upper level by means of two horizontal walkways, designed to withstand the forces of gravity exerted by the suspended sections of the bridge on the land facing sides of the towers. The vertical component of the forces in the suspended sections and the presence of the two walkways are supported by two robust towers. The bascule pivots and operating machinery, housed in the base of eachtower, providing the mechanism that drove one of the most impressive sights in this large city allowing the bridge to part to allow large sailing ships or other large vessels through. All this above the dirty, murky, battling currents of the River Thames which flowed under the bridge, caressing its supporting foundations.
    At this precise moment Kabel wasn’t dwelling on the history lessons he used to enjoy with Malkin, his teacher for many years before he was killed in the attack on the mast in the Eastern Quadrant, more on what was happening on the opposite side of the river to the Tower of London where a charging mass of Ilsid were running to the bridge. He paled what had he signed up for!
    ‘Come on let’s go brother,’ Kabel began to run towards the empty side of the bridge where the imposing silhouette of the Tower of London rose up from the ground. He stopped. Tyson wasn’t moving but waiting for the hordes to reach them. ‘Tyson, enough of your insane posturing, move,’ shouted Kabel. Tyson looked with regret across the bridge and then reluctantly turned and ran with Kabel back towards the start of the bridge.
    The Ilsid poured onto the historic bridge and without any hesitation stormed across it holding a collection of photon shotguns and seckles.
    Tyson turned to face them when he reached the end of the bridge and let go a couple of shots at the advancing Ilsid. Two men fell. Kabel joined Tyson and sent a couple of rocket grenades from his all-purpose pump action photon shotgun. The grenades soared and then dropped into the mass of soldiers. The explosives exploded, killing many and sending a number of the Ilsid reeling, but still they came.
    Kabel swore, and Tyson smiling at the apparent discomfort of his sibling and couldn’t resist a quick quip, ‘Now this is what you call a fight, Kabel.’ His half-brotherignored the jibe. They ran down the steps and under Tower Bridge, followed by the rampaging Ilsid, their faces frozen in time.
    Kabel went through the deserted gates until he was in front of the infamous Traitors Gate of the Tower of London. Above Traitors’ Gate, set back was the Wakefield Tower and next to that was the Bloody Tower. The Tower of London, the building of which began in 1078 as part of the Norman Conquest of England by William the Conqueror, was a magnificent sight. Tyson always had a thrill when he saw it, yes, Kabel had chosen well. They turned to face their pursuers.
    The Ilsid came at them five a breast, forcing the pair to fire a barrage of shots into the front line, but there were too many. Soon the Ilsid were close enough to use their seckles. Kabel’s hands were moving so fast he made no attempt to follow their movement; he just relied on his extensive training. He knew he could not be terminally hurt, except if he fell over his own two feet, but the press of the bodies was intimidating.
    Tyson was slashing and parrying with ease, Ilsid after Ilsid warrior falling dead before him, but still they came. The brothers were pushed back to the edge of the railings outside Traitors’ Gate.
    ‘Tyson, this is madness, we can’t fight this many,’ yelled Kabel. In answer, Tyson turned to face Traitors’ Gate, using his shield to ward of the blows, and hooked one of his arms around Kabel’s waist.
    ‘Hold on tight, bro,’ said Tyson with a manic look on his face. ‘What the…,’ Kabel spluttered, before Tyson leapt over Traitors Gate