CHAPTER 2
Marguerite and Malone were making excellent time. Marguerite was walking ahead with Malone bringing up the rear.
"Marguerite may I ask you a question?" Malone asked.
"I suppose so," Marguerite replied cautiously, not too sure where Malone was headed with his question.
"Does Veronica talk about me when I'm not around?" Malone asked sheepishly.
Marguerite stopped and turned around. "What are you talking about Malone?"
"I just wondered if she talked about me. I really don't know how she feels about me."
"Veronica doesn't know how she feels about you. You're different from any man she's ever known."
"Yes I know," Malone said sadly. "Maybe if I was more like Roxton she wouldn't hesitate to express her feelings."
"You don't need to be more like Roxton. Just try being yourself Malone. That's all Veronica wants."
"Myself?" Malone said with self loathing in his voice. "I'm not a man Veronica could ever love."
Marguerite walked over to Malone and put her hand on his arm.
"Why would you say that?" Marguerite asked softly.
"I'm not like Roxton and Veronica. I could never be her equal. She doesn't even trust me to protect her."
"It's not that she doesn't trust you. The fact is she doesn't need you to protect her. She is quite capable of protecting herself. Veronica enjoys your company because you're so different from anyone she's ever met before."
"I'm not a hunter and I can barely hold my own in a fight. Every time I try to show off my survival skills," Malone began, "Veronica becomes angry with me. Then Roxton accuses me of being reckless. I can't win."
"You're trying to be someone you're not Malone. Veronica doesn't want a great warrior. They're very abundant here on the plateau. If that was what she was looking for she would have already found someone."
Marguerite put her arm around Malone. "Just be yourself. That's what Veronica wants."
"But I want to protect her like Roxton protects you."
"Look Malone I don't need Roxton to protect me," Marguerite said testily. "I was looking after myself long before I met him."
"And yet you still let him do it sometimes." Malone said hesitantly
"Yes I do. It seems to be important to him so I indulge him to a point. But eventually I do have to put my foot down and say enough. I am not a clinging dependent female who needs a big strong man to look after her and neither is Veronica."
"Yes but how can I show her I care if she won't let me try and protect her?"
"Try writing her a poem," Marguerite suggested. "She loves your writing. While you were gone she read your journals every day."
"She did?" Malone asked excitedly.
"Yes she did. She also refused to believe you were dead. Veronica always believed you would come back to us. It was I who had my doubts. I'm glad she was right," Marguerite said with a smile, "and that I was wrong. Of course if you repeat this, I'll deny every word."
"Don't worry Marguerite," Malone said with a grin. "My lips are sealed."
"See that they are," the feisty brunette said. She then turned and started back down the trail towards the Zanga Village. Malone just laughed and shook his head and followed her.
It took about two hours for Malone and Marguerite to reach the Zanga Village. The small village was already crowded with traders and people looking to make some good deals. Some had come just for the festival and were already getting started on the festivities.
Some musicians and dancers were performing at one end of the village while the traders were set up at the other end. Malone sniffed the air. He could smell the aroma of different foods cooking over open fires.
"Okay Malone," Marguerite said. "Let's go say hello to Assai and Jarl and then we can get started."
Malone and Marguerite went over towards Assai's hut. They ran into her before they reached their destination. Assai greeted the two visitors and hugged both of them.
"Welcome Malone and Marguerite," Assai said, placing a lei of flowers around the necks of the explorers. "Where are Veronica, Roxton and the Professor?"
"They had to go on an expedition to refill our medicinal stores," Malone replied. "They won't be back until the late tomorrow."
"I am sorry they will miss the festival," Assai said. "I am sure the professor would have enjoyed it. You can tell him what he missed."
"No I'm afraid we won't," Marguerite said. "We came only to trade for some things we needed; some material for shirts, trousers and such thing things. After I make a few deals I'll be anxious to get back to the tree house and start sewing."
"But you will miss all the festivities," Assai said. "There will be music and dancing and much good food."
"Well to be honest," Malone began, "I don't see why we can't stay another day and enjoy the festival."
"Malone we promised Roxton we would be back tonight," Marguerite said. "You do want him to be able to trust you don't you? We have to keep our word."
"I don't remember agreeing to that," Malone replied. "Anyway they won't be back until late tomorrow so what difference would it make?"
"It makes a difference to Lord Roxton, believe me," Marguerite said irritably. "I gave my word and you're not going to make me go back on it."
"Fine let's just get the trading done, then with your permission, maybe I could get something to eat," Malone snapped back.
"Fine!" Marguerite snapped back. "The sooner we get through the sooner we can go home."
Marguerite turned back to Assai. "We'll see you before we leave Assai," Marguerite said, smiling at the native girl. She then turned to Malone and giving him her worst glare demanded he follow her. Malone stomped on behind Marguerite.
Assai watched the two go, shaking her head. They fight almost as much as Margueriteand Lord Roxton do, she thought.
Marguerite and Malone walked over to where the traders were peddling their goods. There were several dozen traders there. Some looked like natives; others looked like they had been descended from several different ethnic groups around the world.
Marguerite and Malone walked around looking at some of the goods displayed. There were lots of different fabrics, some jewelry, and lots of pottery. Marguerite turned to Malone.
"Okay Malone, I'm going to look around, see what I can find," Marguerite said. "You can do the same thing. I'll take those bags now, especially the one with our trading barter in it."
"What am I suppose to use for money?" Malone asked, handing the bags to Marguerite.
"What on earth could you possibly want to buy?" Marguerite asked Malone sarcastically.
"I don't know but I'm sure I'll find something," Malone replied irritably. That woman could make him so angry and yet sometimes he felt closer to her then he did to any of the others. Malone stalked off to look around.
Marguerite walked around, stopping to look at wares. She bought some material that had a feel similar to cotton. It would make nice shirts for the men. She used jars of the waterproofing compound that Challenger had made to trade for the fabric. She also traded for some material for trousers and some silk like material for a couple of new blouses for her. The white material combined with the lace and ribbons she bought would also make some fine under garments and maybe even a new night gown. Using the waterproofing compound, packs of wooden matches, also made by Challenger, and some bags of iron ore, she had also managed to pick up a few extra blankets, a couple of quilts, some candles, some scented soaps, some flour and sugar, and some cooking utensils.
In a matter of just a few hours, Marguerite had made several trips to Assai's hut to unload her purchases. She quickly realized she and Malone would not be able to tote everything back by themselves. Malone came up as she was unloading her last bag.
"Marguerite there is no way we can haul all of that home," Malone said.
"I'm well aware of that Malone," Marguerite replied. "We will have to make a return trip for the rest. I'm pretty sure we can manage it in two trips."
"I don't want to have to go all that way just to turn around and come back again," Malone complained.
"Relax Malone," Marguerite replied. "We can take what we can handle today and come back tomorrow to pick up the rest. If we leave in the morning we can be back by lunchtime."
"Why did we need so much stuff?" Malone asked.
"You all need new shirts and at least one pair of new trousers," Marguerite replied defensively. "I also bought some staples we need, and some things for the tree house."
"Yeah and how much jewelry did you buy?" Malone asked sarcastically.
"You know Malone, I can understand why Veronica gets so upset with you," Marguerite said irritably. "You can be rude when you want to."
Marguerite walked off in a huff and headed back to the traders. Obviously she's notthrough shopping, Malone thought. That was a nasty thing to say to her. From what he could see, everything she had traded for so far seem to be essential stuff; things thatwould benefit them all. He would apologize to her later. For now he'd better just keep his distance.
Marguerite was still looking around hoping to find something interesting. That's when she saw it. She couldn't believe it at first and went over to the trader for a closer look. Marguerite started talking to the man. He replied in Spanish and was obviously descended from Spanish explorers who had been on the plateau.
"How did you come by this paper?" Marguerite asked in Spanish. "I've never seen this before on the plateau. May I?"
He nodded his consent and Marguerite picked up a sheet and touched it. It almost felt like parchment. It was obviously handmade. She asked him how it was made but he would not go into a lot of detail.
The trader told Marguerite of his village up in the mountains. They ground up hemp and linen plants to make the paper. He then reached into a bag and pulled out two books. The pages were blank. She knew Malone was running out of journals. He was writing on anything he could find.
"What will you take for the paper and the journals?" Marguerite asked. "I still have some wooden match sticks and some of the waterproofing compound."
The trader shook his head. He informed the beautiful woman they already had fire and they had their own waterproofing compound.
What can I offer him? Marguerite thought. Then something occurred to her.
"I'll be right back," Marguerite said. She then went back to Assai and got her pack. She opened it and began searching for something. When she had found what she was looking for, she closed her pack and put it back beside Malone's.
Marguerite went back to the trader. She kneeled down on his mat and offered out her closed hand. She opened it and inside was a perfect ruby. The trader reached for it but Marguerite closed her hand and pulled it away.
"Not so fast," Marguerite said. "Do we have a deal?"
"I want to examine it first and make sure it's genuine," he replied. "If it is then we have a deal."
Marguerite reluctantly handed the ruby over to the Spanish trader. He held it up to the sunlight and moved it around looking at all facets of the stone. Finally he lowered it and put it in his pocket. He handed Marguerite the journals and the paper and smiled at her.
Marguerite smiled back and thanked the trader as she put her treasures in her bag and moved away. She had one journal for Challenger, along with the extra paper. The other journal she would give to Malone as a welcome back gift.
She found Malone sitting with Jarl and some of the other warriors enjoying the cuisine.
"Malone when you are finished stuffing your face, we need to get our things together and head back to the tree house," Marguerite said flippantly.
Malone just rolled his eyes. "Marguerite may I finish eating first?" Malone asked. "Aren't you going to eat something Marguerite? You must be starved."
"I have some fruit in my pack." Marguerite replied. "I'll eat on the way back."
"You really should try these fritters," Malone said. "They have fruit baked right in. They're delicious."
"Well they do look tempting," Marguerite said, looking at the disappearing food on Malone's plate. As if on cue, Assai bought a plate filled with the tasty looking pastries and handed it to Marguerite. Marguerite thanked Assai and began to eat the delicious pastry.
Malone finished his food and decided to take a last look around to see if he could find anything interesting. He looked at different goods, even picking up some of the pottery and checking the workmanship. Some of it was very good.
"Hey boy, here! Come here."
Malone turned and saw and old man motioning for him to come over to his mat. Malone walked over to see what the tradesman had to offer.
The old man had a collection of pottery, some pieces of gaudy jewelry, and some wood carvings. While the pottery was nice, it wasn't crafted as well as some other pieces he had seen today. The jewelry would make even Marguerite cringe, but the wood carvings were interesting. Most of them were symbols, some figures, and maybe deities from the old man's tribe. One of the carvings caught Malone's eye. Malone picked it up and examined it. It was the figure of a man. It had been intricately carved. The face of the carving actually bore a likeness of a man. You could even see his expression. His eyes seem to be full of questions. Malone could surely understand that.
Since his return from the spirit world, Malone had nothing but questions. It was true he could not remember his time in the spirit world, but he still wondered how it was possible for him to travel from one world to another and back again. He looked over across the village to where Marguerite sat, eating and talking with Assai. Malone knew he would not be here today if not for Marguerite, yet he did not feel he could talk to her about his feelings. What if she ridiculed him? No it was best to keep it all inside.
"You want to buy?" the old man asked pointing at the figure that Malone still held.
"Maybe," Malone replied. "Who is he?"
"That is Coro," the old man replied. "He was once a member of my tribe many moons ago. It was forbidden to travel from our territory, but Coro had wanderlust in his blood. He would go for walks and sometimes stray past our borders. He got braver as time went by and began to travel farther and farther from our territory.
One day he found some caves. He decided to explore them. He found things from the outside world there. He bought them back to our village and confessed to where he had been going. The village elders were angry and decided to punish him. He was exiled from the village.
Coro argued with the elders. He called them foolish old men. Coro believed he could find the path that led to the outside world and that his people should take it and learn new things. He vowed he would find the path and return one day to show the tribe. He never returned. Some say he found a way off this world, some say he died in the caves looking for the way off."
Malone was fascinated by the old man's story. If his story was right this Coro may have found a way off the plateau.
"Do you know where these caves are?" Malone asked.
"No," replied the old man, "but I do have the original map that Coro had made. He left it behind when he was exiled."
"May I see it?" Malone asked.
"What do you have to trade?" the old man asked.
"Hmmmm let me check," Malone said. He laid the figurine down and went over to Assai's hut to look and see if anything was left to trade. He grabbed the bag that Marguerite had put the items they were using for money. There wasn't much left: a bag of matches and a small jar of the waterproofing compound. Malone grabbed the bag and headed back to the old man, careful not to run into Marguerite.
"Okay," Malone said, sitting on the mat. "I got a bag of match sticks here." Malone grabbed a rock and took one of the match sticks. He struck it against the rock and it lit up. The old man seemed impressed.
"I'll trade you the matches for the map," Malone stated.
"We have a deal, boy," the old man said. He reached into a pack he had laying there and pulled out a rolled up parchment and handed it to Malone.
Malone took the map excitedly. He opened it and took a quick glance. The cave didn't look that far away. He could probably make it there this afternoon. Malone then picked up the figurine again.
"How about this for the waterproofing compound?" Malone asked. "You spread it on your pack really well and it keeps water out."
"Deal!" the old man said.
Malone gave the waterproofing substance to the old man and put his treasures in the bag. He started to rise when the old man grabbed his arm.
"I have other treasures," he said. "I have hidden here," the old continued, pointing at his pack, "one of the things Coro found in that cave so long ago. Are you interested boy?
"Why would you be willing to get rid of all these things" Malone asked suspiciously.
"These things are forbidden in my village," the old man said. "Now we are allowed to travel beyond our territory if we get the blessings of the elders. But Coro is considered an outcast and a traitor to his village."
"Can I see these things you have?" Malone asked.
The old man nodded his head and reached in his pack. He pulled out an old coin. He handed it to Malone. It had been polished but time had taken its toil on the coin. Even so, Malone could tell it was a Spanish coin. It was difficult but Malone was able to read the date. It was dated 1620. That was the year Garza's people were enslaved by Spanish Conquistadors.
"I have nothing left to offer you," Malone said, reluctantly handing the coin back to the old man.
The old man pointed to Malone's shirt.
"You want my shirt?" Malone asked. "I'm sorry I can't give to you. I don't have many as it is."
"No not shirt," the old man said, "those."
Malone looked down. The old man was pointing to his suspenders. True he had another pair back at the tree house and he didn't really need them to hold up his pants. After all, he was wearing a belt.
"Okay you've got a deal," Malone said. He stood up and began to remove his suspenders. Taking them off he handed them to the old man. Malone then took the coin and put it in his pocket. He shook hands with the old man, then nodded farewell and headed back to Marguerite.
Marguerite watched Malone as he walked up. First thing she noticed he was carrying one of the bags. The second thing she noticed he wasn't wearing his braces.
"So Malone you're trading your clothes now for goods?" Marguerite asked with a grin on her face. "Interesting concept, but I thought that was my job"
"Very funny Marguerite," Malone said irritably. "I'll have you know I made a very good deal. I got a map to some caves that possibly lead off the plateau."
"Oh really Malone, please tell me you're not that gullible," Marguerite said, shaking her head.
"I'm not gullible Marguerite," Malone said defensively. "I'll tell you the story the trader told me. I'm sure you will see that this is important."
Malone told Marguerite the story of Coro and even took out the carved figurine and showed her. He then pulled out the map.
"This is the proof of the legend," Malone said, reaching into his pocket, he pulled out the coin and handed it to Marguerite.
"Malone just because the coin was found there doesn't mean the cave leads to off the plateau," Marguerite explained patiently. "The Spanish mined many of these caves back in the 1600's. Just because the coin was dropped there by one of the conquistadors does not mean it's an escape route."
"It doesn't mean it's not either," Marguerite. "Don't you want to go home to England? Aren't you tired of the plateau?"
Marguerite had mixed feelings. She had come to the plateau with a mission; a mission she had yet to accomplish. On the other hand it would be nice to go home.
"Of course I want to go home Malone," Marguerite said. "I just don't believe it's that easy. According to that map, the caves are just a few miles from here. Why haven't we heard of them before? Why doesn't Veronica know about them?"
"There's no way she could know about all the caves," Malone said.
"Maybe not," said Marguerite, "but I bet the Zanga would know. So why don't we ask Assai and see what she has to say about it."
Malone agreed and they went in search of Assai. She listened as Malone told the story of Coro and the caves. She also studied the map.
"I remember the story," Assai said. "It was told to us as children. It is just a fantasy. There is no truth to it."
"Have you ever been there?" Malone asked Assai.
"No," Assai replied. "Those caves are old and tend to have rockslides. They have always been forbidden. I can ask my father though. Maybe he knows more."
"Please do Assai," Marguerite said. "Otherwise our journalist friend here is going to insist on wasting time going there."
Assai left her friends to go in search of her father. She wasn't gone long. She came back and sat down beside Marguerite.
"Father said he traveled to the caves as a boy," Assai said. "There was a bridge you have to cross. I can imagine the shape it's in now. Father also said the caves lead no where. It's a waste of time."
"Did he go into all the caves?" Malone asked Assai.
"No he said he only went into one or two," Assai said. "But he said others have been into many of the caves there and found nothing."
"But you don't know that for sure," Malone said. "Any one of those caves could lead off the plateau. We'll never know if we don't check it out."
"Malone it's a fool's mission," Marguerite said. "It's a complete waste of time."
"I'm going Marguerite," Malone said. "It's a chance I have to take."
"Malone you're out of your mind," Marguerite said, completely exasperated now with the journalist. "Look if you're determined to do this, let's takes our goods back to the tree house and wait until the others return. Then we can all go together."
"No Marguerite I'm going today," Malone said standing up. "You can come with me or stay behind. The choice is yours, but you can't stop me."
"Malone don't be a fool," Marguerite said. "It's actions like these that make Roxton and Veronica call you reckless."
"You don't have to go with me Marguerite," Malone said. "You can wait here until I return. I probably won't be gone more than a couple of days. Then we can return to the tree house."
"Malone if we are not at the tree house when they return tomorrow night," Marguerite said, "Roxton and the others will come in search of us. They will not be pleased to find we have gone on this expedition."
"I don't care what Roxton thinks," Malone said. "I'm going to do this Marguerite. If everything goes well, I should be back sometime tomorrow."
"I can't let you leave Malone," Marguerite said with a sigh.
"Well you can't stop me Marguerite," Malone said. "I will go."
"Then I will have to go with you," Marguerite said with a sigh "You leave me no choice."
"You do not have to go," Malone said defensively. "I do not need a babysitter."
"Well that's debatable," Marguerite replied. "I do have to go though. If Veronica finds out I let you go alone, I'll never hear the end of it. She'll have to remind me how selfish and cold I am. Roxton will be upset with me too. So you see I do have to go with you."
"Marguerite I'm sorry," Malone said. "I can tell Veronica and Roxton this was all my idea and you tried to talk me out of it."
"It won't matter," Marguerite said. "They will say I should never have let you go alone. If we have to make this useless trek, let's at least make sure we're prepared," Marguerite said. "Let's check our packs again."
Marguerite and Malone headed to Assai's hut to retrieve their packs and double check them. Assai watched them walking away, shaking her head. Marguerite was right. It was a waste of time, but it was also a dangerous trip. She did hope they would be careful. She would hate to see anything happen to Veronica's friends, especially Malone. Assai walked away in search of food for the travelers.
Malone and Marguerite went through the packs. Everything was there.
"Malone we're going to need some more food and we need to fill the canteens," Marguerite said.
"I've brought you some food to take with you on your journey," Assai said. She handed Marguerite the food.
Marguerite took part of it and put it in her pack and handed the rest to Malone. Malone opened his pack and put the food inside. He put his pack on and reached for Marguerite's canteen.
"Give me your canteen Marguerite," Malone said. "I'll go fill them." Marguerite handed the canteen to Malone. He walked off to complete his task.
"I hope you don't mind if I leave our goods here until we return?" Marguerite asked Assai. "Hopefully we will return sometime tomorrow evening."
"Please be careful Marguerite," Assai said. "There are many dangers out there. They say some of the caves have hidden traps."
"Yeah I'm sure the Spaniards booby trapped some of them," Marguerite stated. "Don't worry Assai I'll be careful and I'll try to keep Malone in line. If we are not back in the tree house by tomorrow night, the others will probably be here the following morning. Tell them where we went."
"Don't worry Marguerite," Assai said. "My people know where those caves are. Someone will be able to find you."
"Thank you Assai," Marguerite said. "I appreciate all the help you have given us. Hopefully we will see you tomorrow."
Malone returned with the canteens. He handed one to Marguerite and took his and attached it to his belt. Marguerite hooked hers on her pack.
"Okay Malone let's go," Marguerite said. "The sooner we go the sooner we can return."
"I'm ready," Malone said. "See you sometime tomorrow Assai." Malone and Marguerite headed out the village and towards the new adventure awaiting them.
To Be Continued