20

---

Through the San Lorenzo wilderness, Eduardo and La Sombra marched the class and the three adults to an unknown location. The clouds had moved over the moon, and now only darkness shadowed the earth.

"Dad, what's going to happen?" Arnold whispered.

"I don't know, but don't worry. Your Mom and I will find a way out." His dad patted him on the back.

"No talking!" La Sombra shouted from the back of the line. "Unless you would like for the retaliation to start here!"

Miles straightening up and continuing walking with the rest of the group. Arnold strained his neck to see ahead. He could see Helga walking next to Eduardo.

"Seriously, your motive is all screwed up!" She was saying. "I mean, come on! So the guy is better looking, has a gorgeous wife and a kid, and can do his job! Big deal! That's no reason to team up with his arch-enemy!"

"How about ten thousand pesos?"

"Now that's a good reason!"

"Hey!" La Sombra marched up the front of the line. "I said no talking!" He pushed his hooded face in Eduardo's. "Would you like to become part of the group?" The other shook his head. "Good! Just lead! And you," He turned on his heel to face Helga. "Silencio, or I'll make sure you never get to where we're going!" To emphasize his point, he grabbed her bow and tossed it on the ground.

Arnold felt a furious rage swell in his chest. He didn't like the way La Sombra was talking to any of them, but the way he had treated Helga made Arnold feel like exploding.

"He can't do that to her!" Arnold started to leave his father's side, but Miles dragged him backward.

"I know it's unfair, Son, but you've got to ignore it for now!" They watched as Helga picked up her bow and stuffed it in her top. "She'll be ok."

---

Once again, the group walked on, unable to escape their captors. "Ah, here we are!" La Sombra stopped. "This will be perfect!"

Looming above their heads stood an old gray temple, triangular in shape and covered in vines.

"It smells like dog doo!" Rhonda whispered.

"I don't wanna go in." Said Gerald.

"Eduardo, take the children and the bald one in and tie them up!"

"Bald?" Sputtered Mr. Simmons. "I just have a wide hairline!"

"I'll deal with these two!" La Sombra grabbed Stella and Miles by the arms and roughly pulled them aside.

"Come along, children!" Eduardo ushered them along. "There's no use resisting. Come!

Arnold looked over his shoulder at his mother and father, sadly staring back at him. "This isn't fair!" He cried as the class walked in the temple. "I just got them back!"