Chapter Four
Who hearkens to the gods, the gods give ear.
—The Iliad [Bryant's translation] (bk. I, 1.280), Homer ("Smyrna of Chios," fl. 750 BC or earlier), Greek poet
When Lunata brought their dinner to Artie's quarters later that day, the question was posed to her regarding the election procedure. She was not entirely clear on the matter because none had been held in her lifetime. She promised to ask the elders and report to them later.
"Hey," Jim exclaimed as he settled back against the wall, bowl in hand, "this looks like meat! Rabbit?"
"Well, yeah. I told you I had rabbit before, didn't I?"
"No, you did not. Next time around, I get to be the god. Speaking of which, I think you should use your godlike powers and demand more comfortable quarters."
"I suspect this is the luxury suite, Jim. These people have made their lives in this manmade cave and probably don't even notice the hard surfaces. Can you imagine carving this entire warren of passages and rooms out by hand? Must have taken years. Centuries."
The conversation was interrupted as Lunata reappeared with an elderly, white-haired lady in tow. This was Antada, Lunata explained, the oldest resident and probably the only one who remembered the previous election, which had been held to choose between Radina's father and uncle; Radina had succeeded by default there being no other heirs at the time.
Antada was obviously awed to be in the presence of the Eagle God, but Artie smiled warmly and spoke quietly, so that she was soon at ease, even if she did not understand what he said to her. Lunata translated their questions and the story was told. As they had learned previously, when a chief died with two or more heirs the leadership did not automatically go to the eldest. The people elected the new chief.
Both agents were surprised to hear that women as well as men participated in the election. The only barrier was age. As near as they could figure from Antada's description, anyone over about fifteen or sixteen years old was considered an adult and allowed to vote. The method was fairly simple.
Every voter was given two stones (or one each for however many heirs involved) in different colors. For two, they would likely be black and white. Two urns were set up, each designated for one of the candidates. Voters clutched the stones in their hands then reached inside the urn before releasing it. In a form of a "secret ballot," they placed a stone in each urn. The man who received the most of one color, usually the black one, became the chief. To prevent vote-counting fraud, the magic one, in this case Titaca, counted the stones in full view of the council of elders.
Through Lunata, Artie spoke to Antada for a few minutes, asking questions. After the two women departed, the agents sat in silence for a long moment. Finally Artie sighed noisily. "That didn't help a whole lot. Especially the part where Antada seemed to nearly faint when I suggested an early election."
"We might have to go straight to the horse's mouth, Artie."
"Meaning?"
"Radina."
Artie grimaced. "Problem there is the need of a translator. Can't be Amanito or Titaca. And I'm not sure how much status Lunata has, despite the tribe's tradition of women's suffrage. However, I agree we should at least try. I shall exert my status as a deity."
Feeling the need for haste, and unwilling to wait until Lunata returned the next morning with their breakfasts, the two agents left their quarters and did some exploring. What they quickly learned was that the Tatuma still held Artie in awe—and appeared to fear Jim.
"I thought that was settled when I defeated their trio of champions," Jim muttered as two young boys froze in their tracks, and then ducked through a doorway.
"Could be that's why they are frightened," Artie put in. "No man could defeat three of their best warriors."
"A man could when they attacked one at a time. I would not have wanted to take on all three at the same time."
They eventually found themselves in the large anteroom containing the idol of the Eagle God. Artie gazed at it. "You know, the resemblance is really superficial."
Jim nodded. "You're right. At first glance, one thinks, 'that's Artie.' But as you look more closely, it's easy to see that the god was much more handsome." He shot a sly look at his partner.
"Thanks! But the resemblance was enough to convince Napota to try to use it to his advantage. I'm a little surprised he hasn't been around to talk to me of late. However, I'm sure that you defeating his boys put a crimp in his plans."
"He doesn't strike me as one to give up that easily. I'm sure he has some trick up his sleeve—and may be waiting for his father to die." Jim looked around toward the outer door, where the early evening twilight was glowing. He jerked his head toward Artemus, and both started for that door.
Almost instantly three men entered the anteroom from the same door they had used and moved to block the exit to the outside. "What a surprise," Jim murmured as they paused. "I had a sense we were never alone."
Artemus drew himself up and glared at the trio, then waved his hand, indicating they should move aside for him. He saw some doubt on two of the faces, but the eldest stared back defiantly. He must have been the leader, because when he did not move, neither did the others.
"Want to take on three more, James?" he asked in a low voice. "Seems my godly powers do not extend to being allowed to stroll outside."
"Another time. I'm pretty sure a couple of them were with Napota that first day," Jim replied, turning away. As he did so, Lunata appeared in one of the several doors that opened off this room.
Her eyes opened wide in surprise as she bowed slightly. "Lord, you need help?"
Artemus smiled at her. "As a matter of fact, we were looking for you, Lunata. Will you come back to my room with us?"
She hesitated, glanced at the three guards then nodded. Jim and Artemus allowed her to lead the way, knowing that they very likely would have made a number of false moves had they attempted to go directly back to the room themselves. They were also certain that the three guards followed them, although again they remained out of sight.
Once they reached the room, Artemus made the request regarding talking to Radina. Lunata was immediately doubtful. Though improved, the old chief was very ill, could barely get off his couch. At Artie's urging, she agreed to ask if Radina would see the Eagle God. Approximately an hour later, she returned to say that the chief would speak to Armahiga. But only Armahiga.
This disturbed Artemus. "I don't think we should split up, Jim."
"Go ahead. It's important. Good luck. I'll be fine here by myself. I won't get into any trouble, I promise."
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Ipsa se fraus, etiamsi initio cautior fueri t, detegit.
[Treachery, though at first very cautious, in the end betrays itself.]
— Annales (XLIV, 15), Titus Livy (59 BC-17 AD), Roman historian
Artemus followed Lunata back to his quarters, although he was pretty certain he could have found it himself this time. He had paid special attention to the route they had taken in the opposite direction to Radina's rooms, counting the turns and noting the directions. Lunata had offered, however, and he accepted, suspecting she might want to speak to him. She had remained to translate during the meeting, and Artemus had seen the expression in her eyes when she began to realize that the Eagle God was trying to support Amanito.
Artie thought Radina realized this as well, but the old man had remained noncommittal regarding who he preferred to succeed him, even while agreeing to the plan of holding the election while he still lived. Artie had presented it in such a way to make Radina believe his presence would not only prevent friction between his sons, but also would give him an opportunity to tutor the heir-apparent. He almost seemed to gain strength from the notion, as though he felt he was useless in his waning days.
But the whole point was that Radina had agreed. The chief would call a council of elders—which Artemus learned included women like Antada—and present the idea. He would not promise that the council would agree, but did indicate that his backing could well sway them. They did not want a fratricidal dispute any more than he did.
When they pushed through the curtain over the doorway, Artemus halted, surprised. Jim had indicated he would remain here. Had he grown bored? They had been gone only a little more than an hour, Artie was sure.
"Where is… Jim?" Lunata inquired. They had persuaded her to use Jim's given name. Much preferable, Jim especially felt, to "the evil one."
"I don't know," Artemus murmured, looking around. Nothing seemed to be displaced. The blankets on which Jim slept were mussed, but Jim had been sitting on them when Artie departed. He did not like the feeling in the pit of his stomach. "Someone must have overheard—or at least followed us." Even if the conversation with Radina had not been not overheard, Napota would have realized it meant something—something he would not like. Undoubtedly the fact that Lunata had held a long meeting with the two outsiders had been reported… as well as the fact that Jim had been left alone.
"Where Jim go?" Lunata asked.
"I don't know. I think we'd better look for him."
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Jim West strained against his bonds, but knew it was futile. The leather was tough and tied securely. He was unsure where he was, other than not in his original cell. He had been gagged and blindfolded while slung over Incala's shoulder as he was brought here. The blindfold and gag had been removed, but his wrists were tied behind him, his ankles lashed together. The stone cell was all but pitch dark, with only the faintest light creeping in through the doorway from a torch out in the hallway. He was aware that two men were sitting outside that doorway, and had been from the moment he had been dumped here. Although he had been unable to understand Napota's words to his men, the intent was clear: the prisoner was not to escape.
He had been sprawled on the hard stone bed on the floor of the room he now shared with Artemus, half dozing as he waited for his partner's return. Hearing footsteps outside the curtained doorway, he had lifted his head to see Amerta, Incala and two other men enter. The expressions on their faces told him all he needed to know, and he had jumped to his feet. This time, however, they did not come at him one at a time, and this time he had been overwhelmed, knocked to the floor, bound, gagged, and blindfolded.
The only thing he was certain about as far as the direction his captors took was that they turned in the opposite direction than usual once out in the corridor. Lunata had told Artemus, who mentioned it to Jim, that deeper corridors and rooms existed that had not been used in many, many years as the population declined.
Napota had been waiting near this little cell, grinning widely in the torchlight when the prisoner's blindfold had been removed and had leaned down close to snarl words that did not need translation. They were a threat of some nature. Jim had a suspicion about the threat: Armahiga, whose name was mentioned several times by Napota, would support Napota or his friend the "evil one" would pay the penalty. Napota must have somehow learned of Artie's meeting with Radina; whether or not he actually was aware of the subject of the meeting, Napota undoubtedly knew it could not be "good news" as far as he was concerned. He was smart enough to realize at the moment that the "evil one" was his principle weapon against the Eagle god—the god he had created himself.
Hearing voices out in the corridor, Jim waited. An argument of sorts appeared to be occurring. He was pretty sure he was hearing voices other than merely the two sentries, so someone must have approached. Friend or foe? The question was answered a moment later when Incala stepped into the doorway. The knife he held glinted in the dim torchlight from behind him. Jim saw the two guards standing just outside the doorway, obviously unsure of what to do. Incala appeared to still have status, even if he had lost in the arena.
"Nice looking knife," Jim spoke mildly. "First steel weapon I've seen here. Don't suppose that's one you took from Artie's bags. Kind of looks like one he owns. A gift from a friend of ours named American Knife. I have a similar one, but I left it back on the train."
As he spoke he saw how Incala frowned, obviously at a loss about what was being said, perhaps also bemused by the casual tone. However, the Tatuma warrior recovered quickly, stepping forward to crouch down and extend the knife out so that it pointed just inches from Jim's face. He growled some guttural words and shook the weapon threateningly.
Jim sat very still and kept his gaze direct on Incala's face. "Do you think Napota will like it if you cut me up? He wants Armahiga's cooperation, and that's not going to happen if you harm me."
He deliberately threw in the names that Incala would grasp and it worked, at least for the moment, as the knife was drawn back a few inches. More threatening snarls followed and again the gleaming knife neared Jim's face. For a long moment, Incala did not move, simply glaring and holding that knife inches away, his eyes narrowing as he apparently was thinking things over.
Abruptly the knife dipped forward and before Jim could move, the tip stabbed into his cheek, below the right eye. Just a knick, but the unexpected sting caused Jim to gasp in pain, and then he felt the warm blood streaming down his face. Incala rose to his feet, grinning broadly. For the moment, he was the victor. No mistaking the triumph in the words he spat out just before spinning and departing. The two guards stared at Jim for a moment then resumed their places on either side of the door.
Jim leaned his head back against the rocky wall, exhaling a long breath. The cut was throbbing, and still bleeding. Not much he could do about it right now. What in the world had been Incala's intent? Just a bit of vengeance for the defeat in the arena, or a promise of things to come? Jim was pretty sure Napota was smart enough to know he would have to have a live and mostly uninjured hostage to hold over "Armahiga's" head. The mention of those names might have forestalled whatever Incala had in mind when he entered. For how long?
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I don't like the expression on Napota's face!
Artemus stood silently at Radina's side as the chief spoke solemnly to his gathered subjects. Both sons were on the other side of the old man, Amanito seeming bewildered if somewhat delighted and relieved at his father's words, while Napota barely concealed a grin. Somehow this idea of an early election is suiting Napota just fine, and I have a sneaking suspicion I know why.
He, along with Lunata and Amanito, had been searching for Jim West when word came that Radina was assembling the population of the pueblo, and of course that meant his sons were required to be present. Because of the constant darkness of the interior of the cliff dwelling, Artie had not really been aware that morning had dawned until they returned to the large anteroom, which provided the exit to the outer world, where the sun was shining brightly.
The three of them had been going room by room, finding nothing but the residents of those rooms, if they were occupied, and dust and spiders if they were not. Lunata informed him that the complex consisted of "many, many homes." She could not give him an exact number, but flashed her ten fingers several times. Artemus guessed they had not reached even a quarter the cells available. Splitting up was not an option because he probably would have become lost in the depths.
But Jim is in there somewhere, I'm certain of it. Especially after the looks Napota has been throwing toward me. Napota has Jim and plans to use him in an attempt to gain my cooperation, and support. That's why he's not the least disturbed by the announcement of the early selection process.
Artemus also saw how the assemblage continued to glance in his direction, often then looking back toward the statue. Were they seeing that the stranger was an exact reproduction of the figure, or were they now noticing the differences, as the two agents had last night? In either case, Artie had no doubt that Napota would exploit the similarities and convince any that might develop doubts.
The one who appeared unsettled was Titaca. The shaman listened with a deep frown, his eyes darting among the main participants, the two sons and "Armahiga." Is he upset because he was not consulted? One thing occurred to Artemus, and that was that Titaca might believe he could "handle" the younger son better than the elder. His sister was probably going to marry the new chief, whichever brother it turned out to be, but chances were, Napota would use that against Titaca, rather than vice-versa.
The chief announced that the election was to be held late this afternoon, The people would hear a signal to gather and cast their votes. As Radina was taken back to his quarters, his sons supporting him, Lunata came to Artemus and translated all that had been said. "I thought Napota not be happy," she said, puzzled.
"I'm pretty sure he has Jim hidden somewhere, Lunata, and plans to use him as a hostage against me so that I will support him. I have to find Jim. We must continue to conduct a search ourselves, and not involve anyone else. I know that Napota has friends among the young men, and I don't want anyone hurt over this."
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Jim was surprised that Napota brought Titaca to the room where he was being held. The startled expression on the shaman's face when he entered the cell indicated his astonishment as well. He had not known about the kidnapping. He spoke rapidly to Napota, who just grinned widely and said something that both angered and cowed Titaca. Napota spoke further, gesturing toward the bound man and finally Titaca turned toward Jim.
"Napota say you must remain here until after new chief named."
Jim frowned. "Has Radina died?" He did not want either man to be aware of his participation concerning the plan for the early election just yet.
"No. Radina live. When sun fall toward earth to rest, the people will choose new chief. Radina will teach new chief. Armahiga say it is good. Armahiga must tell people to choose Napota."
"Or I will die."
The shaman nodded grimly. Jim gazed at him for a long moment. Clearly the shaman was conflicted. He wanted to be part of the elite, yet he also undoubtedly was aware that Napota was going to be a stronger leader than Radina was, or that Amanito might initially be. A powerful ruthless chief such as Napota would minimize Titaca's influence.
"You must act," Jim said, choosing his words carefully, and keeping his expression mild. "You must tell the Eagle God where to find me." He did not want to mention Armahiga, or even Artemus's name, unsure whether Napota knew the god's true name.
With his back to Napota, Titaca did not need to be as cautious with his expression, but he also chose his words guardedly. "I would die. He would know who told god."
"Not if you are very smart, and I think you are."
Napota broke in then, grabbing Titaca by the shoulder and obviously demanding to know what was being said. Whatever the shaman then told him must have seemed reasonable, and Napota accepted it. He also apparently gave Titaca another message to relay to the prisoner.
"Napota say you will die at hands of Incala. Incala very angry."
"I got that idea," Jim replied grimly. He knew his face was streaked with the dried blood; the small wound still occasionally stung.
Titaca suddenly smiled. "I know who tell."
Jim did not have opportunity to question, as the pair departed. What the devil is he thinking about? I hope he's not too clever for his own good—and mine.
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A weary Artemus Gordon rapidly ate the food Lunata had brought him. She had had to convince him to stop and eat. He knew he needed nourishment, but he also felt that he had no time to spare in finding Jim. I am sure that Napota has him, and that Napota intends to use Jim against me—but I cannot risk the possibility that I'm wrong, that perhaps Incala or one of the other gladiators Jim defeated in the arena has taken him. In that case, it might be too late already…
Artie physically shook his head. Incala would not have kidnapped Jim, but—given the opportunity—would have killed him and left his body for all to see. Napota has him and will try to use Jim's safety to control me.
Lunata had found four trusted young men to assist in the search. Two had gone outside the complex to search the nearby canyons, while the other pair roamed through the hive of corridors and cells. Artie had learned that not even the residents knew the entire complex. As youngsters, their parents had warned them against going into the depths.
The Tatuma did not have a word for "ghost" in their language, but they definitely believed in some sort of spirits from the afterlife, and that those spirits haunted the depths where members of their tribe had once lived… and died. Quite possibly the parents emphasized those haunts to discourage their children from wandering, lest they were lost forever. Legends spoke of children who had suffered that fate. Though the two searching the interior were being thorough, they were also moving slowly, still hampered by the warnings of their parents and their own superstitions.
Artemus had just put his bowl aside when the curtain over his doorway pushed aside, admitting Napota, with Titaca at his heels. Crossing his arms on his chest and putting on a stern face, Artie got to his feet, not liking the gleam he was seeing in Napota's dark eyes. Fastening that glittering gaze on the Eagle god, Napota spoke rapidly in his own tongue to the shaman. Artie had come to recognize the Tatuma word for "evil one," and knew that this was going to be about Jim. He also saw the misery on Titaca's face as he turned to face him.
"Lord, the chief's son bids me tell you… he say, evil one is prisoner and will die."
"If I don't support him as the choice for the new chief today."
"Yes, lord."
"Do you know where my friend is being held?"
The hesitation immediately put Titaca's next words in doubt. "No, lord. He is… I know he lives. Now."
"Thank you. Tell Napota that if he harms my friend I will bring great destruction on him. I swear it."
With widened eyes, Titaca translated. Artemus almost smiled as he noted the momentary alarm in Napota's eyes. It vanished quickly then, as he must have remembered that the Eagle God was his own creation and had no special powers. He rattled off something.
"Napota say he not fear Armahiga."
Artie kept his visage stern as he spoke. "Does Titaca know that I am a man, not a god?"
Titaca's chin dropped to his chest, eyes down. "Yes, lord."
"I am a man, but I am a strong man. Warn Napota that if he harms me, or my friend, others will come to search for us. He and the Tatuma could be destroyed."
Titaca plainly did not want to translate this, but he did. Once again, Napota's gaze flickered. But he was a confident man right now, feeling that he held all the cards—although Artemus had not noticed any sign that the Tatuma knew anything about playing poker! The shaman then translated Napota's parting words.
"If Napota is not chosen as the new chief, the evil one will never see the sun again."
Artemus sat down, heaving a noisy sigh. Problem is, he does hold all the cards now. He has Jim and I don't know where Jim is! How can I find him in this labyrinth before election time? Chances were that Jim was being heavily guarded this time, and probably kept bound. Napota was not a completely stupid man. Artie knew he could not take the chance that Napota would realize that if he killed Jim, he would lose control over Armahiga completely, regardless of the outcome of the vote. Napota was power-hungry and men like him did not always think clearly under the influence of the rage of defeat.
Lunata pushed through the curtain then, an odd expression on her face. For one instant Artie was sure she was bringing bad news, but quickly realized that she was unsure about something, not dreading to give him the news. "What is it, Lunata?"
"My lord…" She glanced behind her at the still swaying woven curtain before looking at Artie again. He had tried to convince her to address him by his real name, but she adamantly refused because she was not yet convinced he was not the Eagle God.
"What is it, Lunata?" he repeated urgently but in a soft, encouraging voice.
"My lord… Tabuna… he want talk."
"To me?" Artie was astonished. Tabuna had been the first of the fighters defeated and humiliated by Jim in the contest, the youngest of the trio. What was this about? "All right."
Lunata pulled the curtain back and the young fighter stepped in. His chin still bore the bruise from Jim's blow. Plainly he was awed and more than a little nervous to be in the presence of Armahiga, but he straightened his shoulders and spoke rapidly. Artie saw Lunata's eyes widen. She had not known the reason for the youth's visit, and now she was astonished.
"What did he say?" Artie clipped.
"My lord… he say he know where find Jim."
Artie grabbed Tabuna's shoulders. "Where?" He quickly saw that he was terrorizing the boy, so he stepped back, and spoke more quietly. "Where is my friend?"
Lunata translated the words, and after swallowing a couple of times, Tabuna spoke. "He say Jim way deep—deep in caves. Incala men guard him."
Artie frowned. "Did Incala take him?"
Lunata asked the question then turned to Artie. "Tabuna not know. He say… someone tell him."
"Who?"
Lunata shook her head. "He no say. Say man tell him."
Artemus let out a long breath. He had a decision to make. Was Tabuna's story true? Or was it a trap? He could not see Napota wanting to harm him yet. Not when he planned to use the Eagle God's influence to sway the election in his favor. I don't think I really have a choice. If Jim is hidden deep in this maze, Tabuna may be the only one who can lead me to him. Wish I had a gun!
"Will Tabuna take me to the hiding place?"
He saw the youth shake his head adamantly as soon as Lunata translated the query. She turned to Artemus. "Tabuna say he tell where. Cannot go."
Artie did not smile, though he felt like it. This young man who had gained victories and a reputation as a fighter in the arena at a very early age still feared the supposed spirits in the depths of the pueblo. "All right. Can he draw a map?"
Not an exact map, but Tabuna was able to sketch on the earthen floor the twists and turns that must be taken. With no paper to copy it onto, Artie knew he had to memorize it, made even more difficult with the realization that it was not to scale, showing only the passageways one must follow, not their length, and possibly not where other passages might bisect them.
Artemus thanked Tabuna and asked one more question. "Will you tell Armahiga who gave you the information?"
Once again Tabuna refused to answer, although Artie could see that he was terrorized by the possibility of displeasing the Eagle God. Now Artemus tried to put the young man at ease by smiling and patting his shoulder, thanking him again. Tabuna again froze for an instant, then bowed low and scurried from the room.
"Lunata," Artie said then, "please help me learn this map that Tabuna drew. It would be better if we both studied it."
For one instant, he thought she was going to refuse, or at least try to beg off, but after a moment, she simply nodded, and knelt by the dusty sketch. For several minutes, both of them gazed at the drawing. Finally Lunata sat back.
"Do you know it?" Artemus asked.
"Yes, lord. I know place."
The grim fear in her dark eyes was not encouraging, but at least she did not hesitate, getting to her feet with him. Artie scrubbed the floor with his foot, erasing the map, just in case anyone entered the cell while he was absent. Tabuna might have been seen entering or leaving.
He then turned to the young woman. "Lunata, I do not wish to force you to do this. Jim is my friend and I must help him."
Now she smiled. "I see you like him much. When I am child, I fall into… into hole in ground. You know, water fill up bad rain?" When Artemus nodded, suspecting she meant a ravine, Lunata continued. "Amanito, he save me. He hurt his arm, but he save me from water. We are friends. I care much for him. I would save Amanito if he need help."
"It's like that," Artie nodded. "Jim is my brother. He would do anything for me, and I'll do anything for him. I must save him from Napota."
Lunata just smiled and led the way out into the passageway. Fortunately, it was empty, and they were able to reach the area that led into the depths of the mazes without interference, although they did encounter a pair of women carrying bowls of dried corn. The women just bowed and backed away. They certainly did not wish to impede the passage of the god Armahiga!
Napota realizes that he can use Jim as a wedge against me, Artie mused as they headed toward the warren of tunnels. Jim is an enemy now that needs to be disposed of, but Napota should know that without Jim, he might lose any hold over me. He won't kill Jim right away… but past history indicates Napota has no problem using force!
In any case, Artemus knew the best place for Jim was with him. His status as a "god" might protect both of them for a while at least. He did not like deluding these people, but if that was what was necessary to keep them alive, so be it. They could make it right later.
Both Artemus and Lunata took torches from wall sconces near the entrance to the deeper passages, using them to illuminate the way. The light from the flames did not extend very far ahead so it was necessary to move rather slowly, watching for the turns that Tabuna had indicated in his scratching in the dirt.
Sure hope that sketch was reasonably accurate, or that Lunata knows her way to some extent. A man could be lost forever in this maze!
The tunnels seemed to grow darker and damper the deeper they went. Spiders and other unseen creatures skittered ahead of the torchlight. A deathly silence pervaded the area as well. Lunata whispered that to her knowledge, no one had lived in this area for several generations, but at one time the Tatuma population had been large enough to fill all these cells. Although she was uncertain, she agreed with Artemus that the arrival of the Spanish and their diseases might have helped decimate the population, as had occurred with numerous native tribes. No tribal legends spoke to possible battles with the explorers.
After about an hour, Artie began to wonder. Had Tabuna lied? Or even simply been mistaken regarding where Jim was being held? He also was concerned whether he and the young woman would be able to find their way back to the populated area of the complex! He considered turning back. However, because of the depth of the darkness and the uncertainty, their progress was extremely slow, and Artie knew they had not yet reached the final passageway in Tabuna's map.
"There!" Lunata whispered suddenly, pointing.
Up ahead, at the entrance of another tunnel that turned to the left, a light glowed. Artemus carefully backed away and put his own torch on the floor inside the gaping door of a dark room, then whispered to Lunata to remain with the lights while he went ahead. Unknowing whether anyone else would be with Jim—if indeed the light indicated human presence—he needed to proceed cautiously and as quietly as possible. He hated leaving the torch behind, but also knew that as they had noted the illumination ahead, someone might see the approach of another light.
He crept forward, taking one step at a time and being careful where he put his feet, trying to discern whether something like a noisy stone might be under his boot sole before putting his entire weight on it. He also found himself holding his breath and almost had to remind himself to inhale and exhale. Finally he reached the edge of the opening to the tunnel and carefully peered around.
The torch placed in a wall sconce clearly revealed two men seated outside the opening into another cell. One's head was completely down on his chest, apparently asleep; the other was stretching and yawning as Artie pulled his own head back. Two good-sized bruisers. If Jim's in there and not tied up, no problem. But he knew that Jim was probably securely bound. Napota had made the mistake of leaving the "evil one" unfettered the previous time he had him as a prisoner.
He considered using one of the gas pellets secreted in the buttons of his jacket but quickly cast that notion aside. In such close quarters, he himself would be affected, not to mention Jim. I need to separate them. To that end, he crouched down, scrabbling on the floor with his fingers in the dark until he found several pebbles.
He threw the first one into the tunnel where the guards were and was rewarded with a muttered query. The fear he heard in the tone gave him a new idea. Before tossing the next stone, he made a growling sound deep in his throat. This time the response was louder, and obviously the alert man was rousing his friend. Artie waited until he heard the other man's voice, then threw another stone, this time down the same corridor he was in—and growled again, slightly louder.
Playing a hunch, Artie rose and quickly returned to Lunata, telling her to take the torches and move far back into the room to lessen the visibility of the light from those flames. He moved back to his place by the other corridor, hearing the two men speaking in anxious tones. He threw another stone, and growled even louder, then spoke German in guttural tones. He was actually reciting a poem he knew, but those two men did not know that. All they heard was pure evil. Only seconds were required for them to grab their own torch and flee down the passage toward safety, not even noticing either the man crouched in the tunnel or the faint light emanating from doorway a short distance off.
"Jim?" Artie spoke in a low voice as he straightened.
"Artie! In here!"
"Wait until I get a light."
He fetched both the torches and Lunata and returned to the cell, where he found his friend on the floor, leather straps securing his arms and legs, including around his knees and chest. Napota was taking no chances whatsoever. He knelt down. "You all right?" In the torchlight he could see the streaks of dried blood on Jim's face.
"Yeah, pretty good. Got a knife?"
"No, damn it. Lunata, can you help?"
The process was laborious, for the knots in the leather were tight. Not only that, Artemus could heard the seconds ticking away in his head. The two guards would reach the inhabited area and tell about hearing the spirits. Some would believe him, others, like Napota, would not. Especially if Napota checked the Eagle God's quarters and found him gone. I have no idea how much time we have, but I'm sure it's not nearly enough!
He finally picked the knot on Jim's wrists enough to loosen it. Once his arms were free, Jim was able to shrug the bands around his chest up over his head, then helped Artie and Lunata with the others. As they worked, Jim related how he had been jumped in the room, and also about his visitors.
"I got the notion that Titaca has had enough. Is he the one who told you where I was?"
"No, Tabuna."
Jim frowned. "Tabuna? He was never here."
"Titaca tell him," Lunata spoke firmly. "My brother—he sorry. Frightened." She nodded firmly, as if confirming earlier thoughts she had had.
"When Titaca was here," Jim said quietly, "I wasn't sure if I actually convinced him to defy Napota or not. I hope it's true that Napota knows no English."
"Napota say white man's words bad medicine," Lunata supplied. "He not learn. He angry others learn. Say no."
"Bet he's glad you know enough to translate for him with us," Artie commented. "But of course that's why Amanito and Titaca hide their knowledge," Artie nodded. "We'd better get moving, Jim." He held out his hand to pull his partner to his feet.
"Where to?" Jim flexed his stiff muscles and massaged the sore redness on his wrists.
That gave Artie pause. He shook his head. "I am not sure. Napota is determined to control the Eagle god. He was holding you hostage so that I would tell the people to vote for him. I think he's thought far enough ahead to realize that if he does kill you, he'll lose his hold over me. At least for the moment."
"Unless he threatens other Tatuma," Jim said softly. He put a hand on his partner's arm. "Artie, what we really need to do is get out of here and leave these people to their lives."
"I know," Artie sighed. "I know." He caught his partner's gaze in the torchlight, and saw that Jim understood as well as he did. Nothing had changed. They could not depart until this business was settled. "The election is today. I have no idea of the time right now—but we'd better be there." In his heart, he knew that even if Napota lost the election that would not be the end of it.
Without further words, they started back down the dark tunnels, keeping their ears tuned for the approach of anyone who might be a problem. At one point they thought they did hear footsteps, and ducked into one of the dank and dusty cells, but after a few minutes decided they had heard the echo of their own movements.
Jim saw how Lunata was becoming more and more nervous as they approached the populated area of the complex. He felt sorry for her, even while being extremely grateful for her assistance, and knew that he and his partner would do whatever they could to protect her. She was pretty much in the middle of everything, beginning with the fact that she was in love with one brother but might be forced to marry the other. Jim knew that if Napota did win a fair election, they could not intervene. But they needed to ensure that the vote was indeed "fair" and legal according to tribal laws.
Above all, he wondered about Titaca. Was the shaman truly repenting his support of Napota? Or was his "assistance" the prelude to some kind of trap? What I wouldn't give for some kind of weapon!
Jim stopped Artie. "I just remembered—I still have some explosive putty in my boot heels."
Artemus frowned. "I have a few gas buttons on my jacket as well. I didn't use it in the tunnels because of the close quarters."
Jim nodded, comprehending. "Probably the same elsewhere in this complex. Just as a last resort, Artie."
"Yeah." Artie knew that if it came to using the explosives or the gas to save one of their lives, or the lives of any of the Tatuma, they would.
The aroma of food and human habitation, as well as a murmur of voices, warned them when they were nearing the inhabited area of the complex. Artie asked Lunata to go ahead of them to see whether Napota or any of his supporters were in view. She returned in a few minutes to say that while people were chattering among themselves, primarily about the report of a demon in the tunnels, all was clear. Napota was not present, nor any of his minions. Could be they were gathered somewhere wondering what to do about this new threat. How could they return to the prisoner if an evil spirit roamed the tunnels?
The trio walked swiftly out into the open, through the atrium where the god's statue rested, and down the passage toward Radina's home. The few people visible watched them with some interest, but no particular alarm. This was Armahiga, after all. The Eagle God could travel where and when he pleased as far as they were concerned, and perhaps he would even be able to conquer the malicious presence in the darkness.
A number of people, including Amanito and Titaca were in the chief's quarters, obviously preparing for the upcoming vote. They were sorting black and white pebbles, and two large urns rested in the middle of the first room. This was where the election would take place. Titaca cast one glance their direction then busied himself, turning his back partially to them. He did not want anyone to spot his guilt, obviously.
Amanito got to his feet, however, and came over to speak to Lunata. Jim could see that the pair desperately wanted to touch, if only to hold hands. But they did not. Lunata obviously told the younger prince of what had just occurred. He looked at both white men then jerked his head to lead them toward a small room to one side, which appeared to be a storeroom of some sort, filled with bowls of corn and other foodstuffs.
"Napota say I must give up," Amanito spoke in a low voice. "He say Eagle God tell people to cast their stones for him."
"No," Artie replied. "Not now. Amanito, you must be aware that I am not an actual god. I am a man, like you."
Amanito nodded quickly. "Yes, but no can tell people. They be…" He sought a word. "Frighten?"
They knew what he meant. Not exactly frightened to learn that the figure they thought was a god was mortal, but definitely confused. In a sense that might work in Napota's favor, Artie decided.
"I won't tell anyone until after the election," he said. "I want to be sure this vote is honest and fair."
Now Lunata did grasp her sweetheart's wrist. "Amanito win."
"I have a feeling you are right," Artie replied. "But as long as we know that no one was threatened or harmed, the results must be accepted regardless of the winner."
Hearing a commotion in the larger room, they returned to find Radina being carried in by two young men. They placed him on a blanket-swathed stone chair and placed robes over his body. He looked very frail, but his voice was strong as he began to address the people gathering outside his quarters, waiting for the opening of the procedure to elect a new chief.
Lunata whispered a brief translation. Radina was telling them that he had decided to hold the election early, while breath remained in his body, so that he could help the new chief begin his reign. He told them to cast their votes without fear, to follow their hearts. Then he looked toward the Eagle God. Though he did not dare peremptorily summon the god to his side, his expression plainly revealed that was his request.
Artemus jerked his head at Jim, and they both moved across the room. Artemus stood alongside the chief, while Jim stepped a few paces away. Lunata came forward at Artie's gesture. He was about to speak through her when more commotion erupted outside the room—and Napota charged in. He stopped short, staring at Jim, who gazed back with cold green eyes.
"Tell them this," Artie said to Lunata. "Tell them that Armahiga sent spirits to seek out his friend in the dark empty tunnels where he had been lost. Those followers of Armahiga found Jim West and brought him to me. Tell them that Jim West is Armahiga's brother and no harm is to come to him."
Though Lunata appeared startled, she spoke in a clear voice. Wide eyes and murmurs of astonishment and what seemed to Artie to be approval rippled through the assemblage. Radina called to his sons and they took positions beside him, opposite where the god was located. Artie and Jim did not fail to notice that Napota made sure he was closest to their father.
Radina spoke again, and this time Lunata translated that he wanted Armahiga to give his blessing to the voting. "I was hoping for that," Artie murmured toward Jim. Then he directed his words toward the crowd, knowing that Lunata would translate. "My friends, I am happy to be here at this important time. Radina is a brave man, knowing the end of his steps on this earth are coming to an end, but also wanting to leave his people in the hands of a wise man. It is your chance to choose this wise man, so that the change will be smooth and in harmony. As Radina told you, make your selection wisely, listen to your hearts. Do not fear. Armahiga and his friend Jim West will be here to make sure that all remains peaceful." We hope.
Neither man missed how gazes went toward the younger son, and neither did Napota. He scowled, but remained quiet. Jim gazed toward Napota. He's probably working on a scheme to dispose of his brother if Amanito is chosen. He would be the successor, obviously. He may also be considering the best way to rid himself of the Eagle God without bringing the wrath of the Tatuma on his head!
The ritual began. Each of the voters, men and women, were given a black stone and a white stone. It was up to them to secrete the stones in the proper hand, and then to drop the stones in the urns, one marked with symbols representing Napota, the other for Amanito. They reached their hands deep into the jars so that no one could see the color they placed in each one. Except for the shuffling of feet and then the clink of the stone dropped in the jars, all was quiet.
Titaca stood between the jars, his arms folded, face very solemn. To Artie, at least, he did not appear threatening, and none of the voters seemed to be affected by his presence. A normal ritual, he judged. He had not been told, but he assumed votes were taken for other matters affecting the community. They expected the shaman to be guarding the urns.
One thing Jim noticed was the men who were under Napota's thrall. Several of them, including Incala, threw assuring glances toward their leader as they cast their votes, but others refused to look at him. He had to wonder if those men were actually voting for the younger brother, perhaps looking for a way to free themselves. Incala also had time for a black glare in Jim's direction, a glare that Jim returned. I have a feeling that it's not completely over between us. He did not lift a hand to the cut on his cheek, but it seemed to sting anew.
Artemus counted about fifty adults who voted. As the last one cast a ballot, he whispered to Lunata. "What next?"
"The elders count the stones. You stay?"
"If Radina wishes."
Her question to the chief caused a bit of a stir. Radina did, it seemed, want the god present during the vote count. Napota did not object to that; however, he insisted it would not be right for the Eagle God's friend, the "evil one" to be there. When Lunata translated all this, Artie started to protest, but Jim put a hand on his arm.
"Do it. Radina might back down under Napota's demands and not allow you in there either. You need to be to make sure all is on the up and up."
Artie glanced toward the open doorway where the citizens were now waiting the announcement of the vote count. He could see Incala and Amerta among them, and Incala continued to shoot angry looks in Jim's direction. Jim looked as well, and read his partner's thoughts.
"I'll stay right here like a good little boy."
"I'll give you a lollipop," Artie retorted. He knew he could not do otherwise than follow the chief's wishes, even if his overly ambitious son was influencing them. To demand Jim's presence during the counting would upset everyone right now.
Titaca and another man carried the urns into another interior room. The second man then retreated, but Titaca remained, along with Radina, the Eagle God and several older men and women. Artie stood back and watched as the urns were emptied onto blankets, well separated from each other. The results were startlingly evident, even before an official count.