CHAPTER 10
"Malone wake up!" Veronica shook the young man until he opened his eyes. "Time to get up."
Malone sat up and looked around. Challenger was taking care of Marguerite. Veronica and Roxton were packing up their things. Malone stood up and began to help them get ready to leave.
Roxton spoke to the others. "We need to get started. We have a long ways to go and the sooner we get Marguerite to the Zanga village the better."
Roxton laid the stretcher down flat. Veronica laid a blanket across it. The hunter gently picked up Marguerite and laid her on the stretcher. Malone moved to one end of the gurney.
"Challenger can carry the other end Malone. I don't need your help." Roxton turned his back on the younger man and went to the front of the stretcher. Challenger moved to the other end. He reached out and patted the younger man on the shoulder.
Roxton turned and nodded to Challenger. They both reached down and picked up their ends of the stretcher. Veronica led the way out of the cave, going very slowly. The two older men took their time and were careful to watch their footing. They could not afford to slip on the rock. Malone followed behind them.
Malone knew Roxton no longer trusted him. He couldn't really blame him but it still hurt. All that mattered now, though, was Marguerite's full recovery. He would worry about the rest later.
Soon they were off the rock and headed back the way they came. Veronica was on point and Malone was bringing up the rear. Malone made sure he was alert and careful. He would not put his friend in danger again.
The explorers had been traveling for awhile. Veronica looked back and noticed Challenger was carefully watching his steps. Veronica knew the older man was exhausted.
"Okay we need to stop and take a rest. Roxton why don't you and Challenger lay Marguerite down under this tree. That way she will be out of the sun."
"Veronica I don't think we should stop," Roxton spoke urgently. "We need to get Marguerite to the Zanga as soon as we possibly can."
"I agree Roxton," Veronica replied. "But we can't help her if we all fall out from exhaustion. Besides we all need to eat something."
Roxton reluctantly agreed. He and Challenger gently laid Marguerite down. The older man sat down beside her and reached for his canteen. He watched as Challenger lifted Marguerite's head and gave her a little water. He saw that Malone was headed towards them and quickly intercepted the younger man.
"Stay away Malone!" Roxton obviously blamed the younger man for Marguerite's injuries.
"I only want to help." Malone turned away.
Veronica walked up and grabbed the younger man by the arm. "Malone you need to take Challenger's place and help Roxton with Marguerite."
"I don't want Malone anywhere near her," Roxton said angrily. "I think he's helped enough." Roxton turned his back on the young woman and walked off.
"Roxton! Roxton stop!" Veronica shouted. The hunter kept walking away from the young woman. "John!" The hunter stopped but did not turn around.
"Look I know you blame Malone and you may have every right to. At this point we don't really know what happened. But having Challenger carrying the stretcher is only slowing us down. We're wasting time we don't have; time Marguerite doesn't have."
"Fine!" Roxton said angrily and walked over to Marguerite. He sat down beside her. "Challenger is she any better?"
"No," the scientist shook his head. "But the good news is I don't think she's any worse."
Veronica passed out the food she had in her pack. Everyone ate quickly and when they had finished, she stood up and announced it was time to move on. Challenger reluctantly came to his feet. He bent to pick up the stretcher.
"George, hold on a minute." Roxton walked up to the scientist. "I think it's time Malone pulled his weight. Let him help me carry Marguerite for a while."
"Are you sure John?" Challenger was partly relieved but also concerned that Roxton still blamed Malone.
"Yes I'm sure. Malone get over here."
Malone rushed over. He was anxious to help in any way he could. Challenger moved aside and the two younger men lifted the stretcher with their precious cargo. Carefully they moved in behind Veronica as she started down the trail they had previously cut. Challenger followed behind, making sure their backs were covered.
Roxton had taken the front of the stretcher, leaving Malone to carry the back end. It was almost symbolic the way Roxton turned his back on the younger man. Malone was also forced to stare at Marguerite for the entire journey.
Every grimace of pain made Malone feel even guiltier. His foolishness had caused Marguerite's injuries and this troubled him deeply and would for quite a while.
They had been walking for about two hours when Veronica suddenly came to a stop. The trail was narrow at this point and it was difficult to see past the young woman.
"Veronica why did you stop?" Roxton asked anxiously. "I know everyone is tired but we can't stop now."
Veronica turned and looked at Roxton and smiled. Then she moved on so her friend could see what she was looking at. The hunter could not believe his eyes. They were a few hundred feet away from the stream they had crossed to get to Marguerite and Malone. But the amazing thing was what was on the other side.
"It's the Zanga!" Malone called out.
There were about ten Zanga warriors waiting along with Assai. The native girl called out to the explorers and waved. Then Jarl and Baio crossed the stream and joined the explorers. Baio walked up to Malone and took the stretcher from him. Jarl tried to do the same with Roxton but he would not relinquish his hold.
"Roxton," Veronica softly spoke. "You're tired. The Zanga are rested. We can make better time and get Marguerite the help she needs. We need to move."
Roxton looked down at the young woman. He realized she was right but he felt like he was losing Marguerite if he let go. Jarl spoke in his language.
"He said he would guard her life with his own," Assai translated. Roxton had not even seen her walk up. So much for his hunter instincts. Reluctantly he handed the stretcher over to Jarl. Soon they were on their way to the Zanga Village.
It was late afternoon by the time they made it to the village The Zanga had kept a steady pace with no rest stops so everyone was exhausted. Baio and Jarl quickly took Marguerite to the Shaman's hut. Challenger followed them so that he could assist their medicine man in treating the dark haired woman. Roxton started to follow but Assai stopped him.
"The Shaman will not allow you in there while he's tending to Marguerite. You are all tired and in need of food and drink." Assai motioned towards the center of the village. Food was being prepared and some of the warriors had already begun to gather for the evening meal.
Veronica and Malone started towards the center of the village when Roxton stopped them.
"Malone I think it's time you tell us exactly what happened," Roxton angrily demanded. "How did Marguerite get hurt?"
Malone took a deep breath. He had been dreading this moment but he would take responsibility for his actions. He owed Marguerite that much.
"I bought a map from one of the traders. He told me it was a way off the plateau."
"And you believed him?" Veronica asked incredulously. "How many times have we heard that before?"
"This was different. He actually had a Spanish coin that was found in one of the caves. The trader told me the story of one of his tribesman who years ago found the caves and the coin among other things. They believed he had found a way off the plateau."
"Malone that is just a fairy tale," Veronica said. "We know the Spaniards were here many years ago. It's not surprising they left a few souvenirs."
"You didn't hear the story he told Veronica," Malone said defensively. "If you had you would have believed too."
"Just continue Malone!" Roxton was impatient. "I want to know where Marguerite figures into this and how she is the one who ended up hurt."
Malone nodded and continued his story. "I decided to go in search of these caves. Marguerite didn't want to go. She wanted to return to the tree house and wait for the rest of you to return. But I was impatient. I informed her I was going with or without her. She felt she had to go then. She knew she would be blamed if she let me go alone. I guess I really didn't give her a choice.
"We made it to the bridge. It was still standing. Marguerite thought it didn't look safe but I was willing to take the chance. I told her to wait there and I would check out the caves and be right back. She reluctantly agreed.
"I was almost at the end of the bridge when some boards gave way and I fell through. I caught myself before I could fall to the ravine below. When I fell I heard Marguerite scream my name. As I was pulling myself up, I realized she was coming to help me. I managed to get to the other side. Marguerite was almost there when the ropes gave way and the bridge snapped in two.
"She was dangling from the rope off the side of the cliff. I tried to pull her up. I had managed to grab her hand, when the rope snapped and I lost her. She fell to the ravine below and rolled down until she hit a big boulder." Tears began to fill Malone's eyes as he remembered the pain of being helpless as his friend fell to what he thought would be a certain death.
"I used ropes to reach her and bring her back up. I then took her to the caves and tried to doctor her injuries. She was hurt so badly and had lost so much blood. I wasn't sure she was going to make it."
"You promised me you would take care of Marguerite; that you would watch out for her. Your carelessness and stupidity almost killed her." Roxton shook his head as he walked away.
Malone sighed as he watched Roxton walk away. He was eaten up with guilt. Roxton was right. He had let the older man down. Maybe Roxton and Veronica were right and he was being too reckless.
Malone walked over to the edge of the village. The sun was beginning to go down and he stood there and watched the colors that emblazoned the evening sky. Veronica followed behind him.
"Ned you did a really stupid thing. What were you thinking?"
Malone turned to face the young woman he adored. "I only wanted to help everyone by finding a way off the plateau." Malone defended his actions, but even he had to admit his excuses were weak.
"Marguerite was right," Veronica replied. "You should have waited for us. Why didn't you wait Ned? Why were so anxious to go right then? Those caves had been there for hundreds of years. They weren't going anywhere."
Malone turned his back on Veronica trying to find a way to make her understand. He then turned back to face the young woman.
"I wanted to be the one to find the caves, to find a way off the plateau. I wanted to be an equal to you and Roxton."
"You are an equal," Veronica declared. "When have I ever treated you differently?"
"All the time Veronica." Malone tried to express the way he felt. "You and Roxton are always trying to protect me, tell me what to do. I admit I was pretty green when I got here but I've learned a lot since."
"Ned you are over reacting as usual. If Roxton or I tell you what to do it's for your own protection. We don't think you are inferior to us. We just know more about surviving in the jungle. You know Ned you have changed so much since coming back from the spirit world. The old Malone would have never have taken such foolish chances."
"I'm not the man I used to be Veronica. That is true. I don't want to stand by and write about life any longer. I want to live it. All my life I've watched other people live while I sit safely on the sidelines. Those days are over with. I can never go back again."
"Malone I understand that your experiences in the spirit world changed you, but becoming reckless is not a good change."
"You're right Veronica," Ned did not try to deny his guilt. "I was stupid and Marguerite paid the price. I will never do that again. But I will never sit by and let others watch over me either. I want adventure. I want to live an exciting life."
"This is not a game Malone," Veronica was exasperated. "Everyday on the plateau is a fight for survival. We cannot afford to take foolish chances or play adventurer. We have to work as a team. It's the only way we will survive here."
"I'm not playing Veronica and I realize it's not a game. But I do want to do more than record other people's adventures. And I do want to be part of that team, but I want to be an active member. "
"Fine Malone as long as you understand that this can never happen again." Veronica started to walk away and then stopped. "For what it's worth, I really liked the old Malone."
Malone shook his head and watched Veronica walk away. He loved her so much but she did not understand him. He had changed and he could never go back. One of the Zanga walked over to him and motioned for him to join the others for supper. He reluctantly walked over and sat down by Veronica.
Supper had been over for a couple of hours. They were still sitting around the fire. Roxton had given up trying to relax. He was now pacing back and forth. He had already gotten Assai to check on Marguerite several times. Each time she had brought back the same news. No change.
Malone heard some movement and turned. Challenger was walking across the open camp to where they were sitting. Roxton stopped him just before he reached them. Malone and Veronica quickly jumped up and joined the two older men.
"George please tell me," Roxton pleaded, "how is she?"
"Relax John," Challenger said. "I think she is going to be fine. The Shaman and I have treated all her wounds and given her medicines for the infection. Her fever is down and her color has improved considerably."
"I want to see her." Roxton started towards the Shaman's hut.
"Roxton there's nothing you can do for her tonight." George tried consoling the hunter. "She needs her rest and so do you. You can see her in the morning."
"I need to see her George. I need to know she's alright. Please."
Challenger nodded his head and led Roxton to the woman he loved.
As he walked into the barely lit hut, Roxton's eyes searched for Marguerite. She laid there on the bed with her eyes closed. The candles cast an almost eerie light making it seem as if Marguerite's face glowed. She looked like an angel laying there. The only thing that spoiled the image was the contrast of the white bandages, reminding Roxton why the beautiful woman was lying there.
The hunter walked over to the bed and kneeled down beside the woman he so adored. He gently touched her face, pushing her hair away. "Marguerite I'm sorry I wasn't there when you needed me. Please forgive me." Roxton reached down and took Marguerite's hand and held it tightly in his.
"This wasn't your fault Roxton," Marguerite spoke so softly he barely heard her. Slowly she opened her eyes and looked at Roxton. "It was an accident. No one is to blame. Please promise me you won't blame Malone."
Challenger felt the two of them needed to be alone. Maybe Marguerite could calm Roxton down. He quietly left the hut and headed back to the center of the village where his friends waited.
"How can I not?" Roxton spoke more harshly than he intended. He lowered his voice. "Malone was careless and acted foolishly and you paid the price."
"And would you feel better if it was Malone that had been hurt? Would that make it alright?"
"Of course not," Roxton replied, "but at least he would have only hurt himself with his reckless behavior."
Marguerite tried to sit up but gasped in the pain at the movement.
"Don't," Roxton said softly. "You need to keep still. You don't want to rip open any stitches now do you?"
"It wouldn't be my first choice." Marguerite looked up at Roxton and squeezed his hand. "Malone feels inadequate around you and Veronica. He felt he had to prove himself."
"Well that's ridiculous," Roxton declared. "Where would he get such a crazy idea?"
"Hmmm maybe from you and Veronica. How many times have you scolded him like a child because he did something you thought was wrong? He died trying to protect us from Askwith and I bet you've never even thanked him."
"Well I don't know about the dying part Marguerite. Even Malone doesn't know what really happened. If I rebuke him for something it's to save his life and ours."
"You could have taken him under your wing and taught him how to survive on the plateau. Instead you decided to play the great protector. And you're not the only one. Veronica feels that she has to protect Malone. Can you imagine how that makes him feel? He loves her but feels he is not worthy of her."
"I never thought about it to be honest." Roxton was beginning to feel bad for all the times he had gone out of his way to point out Malone's shortcomings on the plateau.
"Malone has gone through so much in the last few months. He's confused. He's going through changes even he doesn't understand. Try being a little patient."
Marguerite grimaced in pain. Roxton could tell she was exhausted but he didn't want to leave her.
Assai came into the hut. "Lord Roxton you need to leave. The Shaman wants Marguerite to rest. You can see her in the morning. I will sit with her tonight."
Roxton leaned over and kissed Marguerite on the forehead and then he stood up. "You rest Marguerite and I'll see you in the morning." He smiled at the beautiful woman as he turned and left the hut.
Assai began to spread some blankets on the floor so she would have a soft place to sleep.
"Assai," Marguerite called softly. "Would you do me a favor?"
"Of course. What can I do for you?"
Roxton joined his friends in front of the fire. They were all staring at the flames, seemingly lost in their own thoughts.
"You know I could stay here a while," Malone said.
"Why would you do that?" Veronica asked.
"Well I'm sure you and Roxton don't want me around right now."
"That is so typical of you Malone," Veronica said, raising her voice slightly. "There's a problem and you want to run away."
"I'm not running away," Malone said defensively.
"Stop it!" Challenger stood up. "This is enough. Malone is not the only one to blame."
"What do you mean Challenger?" Roxton asked.
"I mean I am also responsible." The scientist looked around at his companions. They were looking at him as if he lost his mind. "I could have waited another day to go looking for herbs. When I come up with an idea, it takes precedence over everything. I am arrogant enough to believe that my ideas and plans are more important than any one else's and that's simply not true."
"Well gathering medicinal herbs is more important than a shopping trip," Veronica said. "We need them to survive."
"We also need the cloth, food, and other necessities that Marguerite traded for," Challenger said. "I looked at the bags. She did really well. Her trip was just as important as mine. We could have waited one day and accompanied her and Malone. The accident would have never happened if we had."
"I should have gone with her," Roxton said. "I promised her I would. When Challenger mentioned we needed to restock our medical stores, I dismissed her trip as being unimportant and that was wrong. I'm sure I made her feel as if she did not matter. This was important to her."
"But I don't agree," Veronica argued. "The medical herbs were more important. They can mean the difference between life and death."
"Yes Veronica," Malone said, "but I wonder if Marguerite had wanted to search for medical herbs and Challenger wanted to go on a trading trip, which one would have been the most important then?"
"You think I chose to go with Challenger just to spite Marguerite?" Veronica stood up, anger evident in her face.
"I'm sure that is not what Malone meant," Challenger said consolingly. "But you and Marguerite do seem to be at odds much of the time."
"That's because she is the most exasperating woman I've ever met," Veronica said defensively.
"When was the last time you gave her the benefit of the doubt?" Malone asked.
Challenger could see a war brewing. He tried to defuse the situation. "Veronica I know you would never deliberately try to make Marguerite feel inadequate, but sometimes we are all guilty of putting our interest ahead of hers."
"That's because all she cares about is gold and jewels." The blonde was starting to feel the twinges of guilt seeping in. Sometimes she went out of her way to make Marguerite look foolish in front of the others.
"That's not true and you know it," Roxton spoke up. "She has saved us many times. If not for her I would have drowned when the inspector poisoned me."
Veronica knew he was right. Marguerite was a valued member of their little family. But the woman's abrasive personality often rubbed her the wrong way. And to be completely honest she had never truly forgiven Marguerite for selling her to Jacoba. She knew the older woman regretted her actions but Veronica still found it hard to trust her.
"Anyway it's late," Challenger said standing up. "I suggest we all get some sleep. Things will look better in the morning."
Roxton was up early the next morning. He headed straight to the hut Marguerite was in. Challenger was standing outside the door.
"Good morning John."
"Good morning George," Roxton replied. "I want to see Marguerite."
"Give her a few minutes. Assai is helping her clean up a bit and get dressed."
"Is that wise?" Roxton inquired. "She really shouldn't be moving."
"Some limited movement is alright," Challenger said. "Assai is helping her so she will be okay."
The door to the hut opened and Assai came out. She looked up at Lord Roxton.
"Marguerite wishes to speak with Mr. Malone. Can you bring him here please?"
Roxton hesitated a moment. He wanted to be with the woman he loved but he knew it was important for her to talk to Malone. "Of course I will."
Assai smiled and then walked away. Roxton went in search of Malone. He was not in the sleeping quarters that had been assigned him. The hunter found him on the edge of the village just staring off into the horizon.
"Malone, Marguerite wishes to see you," Roxton called out to the younger man. When the man did not respond, he called again. "Malone?"
"I can't face her Roxton. Not now, not after everything that's happened."
Roxton actually felt sorry for the young reporter. "Malone it will be okay." Roxton put his hand on the man's shoulder. "I think you will find Marguerite can be most forgiving when she wants to be."
Malone nodded and turned and headed back into the village. He walked straight to the hut Marguerite was in. He stopped at the door and then taking a deep breath opened it and walked in. The dark haired woman looked so pale laying there on the bed. She turned her head slightly as he walked in and smiled weakly at the solemn young man.
"Malone come on in. I don't bite."
Malone walked in and kneeled down by the bed. "Marguerite I'm so sorry. I never intended for you to get hurt."
"I know that Malone. It was just an unfortunate accident." Marguerite reached under the cover with her left arm, and pulled out something wrapped in a piece of red cloth. She had sent Assai to look for it last night.
"This is for you Ned. I traded for it. It's something you really need."
Malone took the bundle from her. He opened it and found to his amazement it was a journal. It was crudely put together, but nonetheless, it was a journal. She was right he did need one. He was speechless.
"Marguerite I don't know what to say. This is so thoughtful of you."
"Nonsense," the dark haired woman replied. "I figured if I didn't get it for you it would just be a matter of time before you started writing on the walls."
Malone laughed. "I am grateful."
"As you should be." Marguerite gave the journalist a haughty look. "I shouldn't have to do chores for quite a while, especially cooking and laundry."
"You know something Marguerite. For once we're in complete agreement. You don't have to worry. I'll take care of your chores."
Marguerite looked up and saw the sadness and guilt in her friend's face. "It was an accident Malone. I forgive you. Now you need to forgive yourself."
"I'm not sure I can Marguerite. I acted in a selfish manner that caused you to get hurt. When I think of what could have happened," Malone stopped and shook his head.
"You can't think that way Malone. What could have happened doesn't matter now. I will recover and so will you. Just give it time."
"I'm not sure there is enough time for Veronica and Roxton to be able to forgive me," Malone said.
"It doesn't matter what the others think," Marguerite replied. "It only matters how you feel about yourself. Stop waiting for their approval. You need to learn to be happy with yourself."
"I'll try Marguerite, but it's not easy." Malone squeezed Marguerite's hand and then stood up. "I better go and let Roxton in here before he explodes."
Marguerite smiled and watched the young man as he left. Things would be okay. It would just take a while. Malone was still searching for himself. Marguerite looked up as the door opened expecting to see Roxton. She was surprised to see Veronica walk in instead. She carried a bowl and a glass.
"I thought you could use a little nourishment." Veronica stated. She gently sat down on Marguerite's bed and set the glass on the floor. "It's pretty good for what it is. It'll help you gain your strength back. Malone said you barely ate anything while you were in the cave."
Veronica began to feed Marguerite the Zanga soup. The older woman made a face as she tasted it.
"That's terrible. You don't expect me to eat that do you?"
"If you ever want to get back to your bed at the tree house, I do. The Shaman isn't going to let you leave until you have regained some of your strength."
Reluctantly the dark haired woman swallowed the soup and managed to finish the whole bowl. Veronica then gave her water to drink. Marguerite knew this was Veronica's way of trying to be nice to her. The two women seemed to clash all the time. But Marguerite knew she could always count on the younger woman to be there if she needed her.
"So have you talked to Malone?" Marguerite asked.
"Yes."
"And?"
"And what? Malone acted recklessly. He endangered your life and his. He almost got you killed."
"It was an accident Veronica. Malone saved my life. If not for him I would have died."
"If not for him you wouldn't have been on that bridge in the first place. I'm sorry Marguerite I just can't let it go. Malone has changed so much."
"Of course he's changed. But one thing that hasn't changed is the way he feels for you."
Veronica stood up, her back to Marguerite. "To be honest I'm not sure how I feel about Malone right now. Maybe we were meant to be just friends." The young woman then walked to the door, stopped and turned around. "I'm sorry you were hurt Marguerite." She then walked out, closing the door softly behind her.
Marguerite was deep in thought when Roxton came in. He smiled and sat down beside the dark haired woman. As he looked down at her Marguerite was comforted by the fact that Roxton cared for her. She knew it complicated her life, but it was nice to have someone who really cared. It was nice to be a part of a family.
"I was thinking Marguerite. You're going to need some time to recover. I don't want you to worry about anything. I'll take care of you. Is there anything I can do?"
Marguerite gave him a sly smile. "I'm sure you can think of something without my help."
"Well there's the inland sea." Roxton had a grin on his face. "We never did finish what we started."
"We'll see," Marguerite replied. "Now let me get some sleep before Assai comes in with that intolerable soup."
I'll be back later." Roxton winked at the heiress as he stood up to leave.
Marguerite smiled after the hunter left. When all things were considered, life wasn't too bad at all. Just think no chores for a while. She thought about being alone with Roxton at the inland sea. Who knows what could happen. And with that pleasant thought, she closed her eyes and fell asleep.
The End