Disclaimer: I don't own any rights to The Lost World etc, etc.
The Lost World
Chapter One
Veronica and Challanger were sat eating breakfast when Marguerite walks in she looks around for Roxton and Malone but doesn't see them. She joins the others at the table.
MARGUERITE: Where are Roxton and Malone?
CHALLANGER: They thought they found a way off the plateau yesterday, they're taking a look at it today.
MARGUERITE: Wouldn't it have been better if we'd all gone?
VERONICA: They thought it would be quicker if they went alone, they'll be back before dark.
MARGUERITE: Why haven't we found this 'escape route' before?
VERONICA: The area that they have to pass through, its taboo.
* * * * * *
Roxton and Malone had stopped for a rest after travelling for four hours; they cleaned up from a stream then lay back and relaxed after the long walk.
ROXTON: We'll start again in 15 minutes.
MALONE: So soon!
ROXTON: We want to be back before dark...We'll be at the valley in about 3 hours.
The trees behind them rustle and they stand quickly and aim their guns when a wild boar runs out.
MALONE: Dinner!
An arrow shoots through the bushes and hits the boar in the hide.
ROXTON: Evidently not ours...Keep your eyes open.
They watch as the boar squeals and snorts and carries on running. Vantu jump out of the bushes.
MALONE: I guess the pig was the starter.
ROXTON: And we're the main meal.
The Vantu circle them jabbing their spears, Roxton and Malone start shooting at them and backing away at the same time.
MALONE: We're outnumbered.
ROXTON: On the count of three, we run, 1...2...3.
They start running with the Vantu hot on their trail.
ROXTON: We'll make our stand near the valley.
They continue to run until they pass a taboo sign near the valley. They stop and face the Vantu who flee.
MALONE: I guess we scared them off.
ROXTON: Not us, that.
He indicates the taboo sign.
ROXTON: Lets go.
* * * * * *
They enter a dark cave and look around.
ROXTON: This is it.
They walk further into the cave, knocking away the many cobwebs that seem to have found their way into every nook and cranny. They reach the back of the cave without incident; in front of them is a long tunnel.
MALONE: Home?
ROXTON: I hope so.
Weapons ready and alert they walk into the tunnel, making their way to the end in the dark.
MALONE: Here it is!
ROXTON: Not much daylight for the outside world.
They look to the exit of the tunnel and carry on walking until they reach the end. When they get out its almost pitch black and they can barely see in front of them. Roxton lights a torch that's on the wall. And what they see in front of them is not the way home.
MALONE: I think we took a wrong turn somewhere.
Ahead of them was a small river the water so dark its almost black, trees with dark green, withered leaves, a tall stone throne like structure was laid against the back wall and what could only be described as tombstones littered the floor, fallen and crumbled.
MALONE: If this is the way home, I'd rather stay on the plateau.
ROXTON: I agree, let's go.
They turn to leave when something on the throne caught their eye.
ROXTON: Wait here.
He carefully makes his way to the back wall; on the 'throne' is a delicate, gold, emerald necklace each stone in the shape of an oval.
ROXTON: There's a pretty neck at the treehouse that this would look good around.
He puts the necklace in his pocket and he and Malone leave, unbeknownst to them one of the headstone falls over and a hand reaches to the surface.
* * * * * *
Later that night Marguerite is stood pacing the living area. Veronica and Challanger were sat down acting calm but it's easy to see that they are too worried.
MARGUERITE: H…They should be back by now.
VERONICA: They'll be here soon.
MARGUERITE: Yes and you said that an hour ago...We should go out and look for them.
CHALLANGER: We won't be able to see anything in the dark, they might have just got held up.
MARGUERITE: Fine, but if they're not back by morning we look for them. Agreed?
VERONICA: Agreed.
MARGUERITE: Challanger?
He remains silent.
MARGUERITE: Your out voted anyway Challanger...
CHALLANGER: What? Oh agreed...But they'll be back.
MARGUERITE: Well we'll see tomorrow, won't we?
She walks to her room and closes the door.
VERONICA: As much as I hate to admit it, Marguerite's right.
CHALLANGER: Yes I know.
* * * * * *
Roxton and Malone carry on walking through the darkness, even the torch Roxton carries doesn't give them much light.
MALONE: How long have they been following us?
ROXTON: About half an hour.
MALONE: Cannibals?
ROXTON: No.
MALONE: Vantu?
ROXTON: No, I don't think so, this is something else.
As if on cue a dark figure jumps out of the bushes, they turn around and the figure knocks them to the ground.
MALONE: What the hell is that?
It jumps at them again, they shoot it, it flinches but doesn't go down.
ROXTON: I hit it, I know I did.
MALONE: Me too.
As it comes at them again, they shoot it between the eyes and it finally goes down.
MALONE: Are there anymore?
ROXTON: I don't want to stick around to find out.
They run, leaving the necklace fallen on the ground.
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