"Mr. Edwards!" screamed Rose as she raced through the jungle. Hot tears of rage streamed down her face. She knew Ralph was only doing the best thing possible to get them both out alive, but she didn't like it one bit. She wished he had taken his chances, but was beginning to be glad he didn't because there was the possibility he would have been shot. "Mr. Edwards!" She was just about out of the glade when she came upon their group, having left the camp to search for them.

Malcolm glanced between the trees. "Rose, what happened? Where's Ralph?"

"They, they took him!" she exclaimed between sobs. "Simms and some warriors took him to his boss!"

Malcolm's eyes widened. "No," he said in a horrified whisper. "Oh God, please don't take my son too."

"Which way did they go?" asked Stanley.

Rose pointed behind her. "I think it was towards the village, but I don't know."

Monako placed a reassuring hand on Malcolm's shoulder. "It is more than likely they would have taken him to the village. I know I have said Wola and Kala are killers, but they will not kill him right away."

"You're right, especially since I know Simms's boss definitely won't kill him." Malcolm paused and took a deep breath. "H-he'd want me to watch," he explained with a catch in his voice.

"Then we must make a good plan and be very careful," said Monako. "They will use whatever tricks they can to win."

"Oh there's no doubt about that. I just hope we can come up with a good plan," said Malcolm.

"Well, there's only one way to find out," said Stanley. "Let's get planning."

"What? Shouldn't we go after them now before they get too far?" exclaimed Rose.

Malcolm laid a gentle hand on her shoulder, a deep sorrow filling his grey eyes. "We already know where they are going and I am positive Ralph will be kept alive."

"Then we shall be fine with making plans tonight," said Monako. "It will be better if we are on the same page."

"I agree," said Malcolm, almost weakly.

"But what I want to know is, how did they know it was an opportunity to grab Ralph?" asked Stanley. "Have they just been following us this whole time?"

"But that doesn't make sense," said Bret as they began to walk back to the camp. "How did they get ahead of us into the village?"

"Blythe must have figured out how long it took for us to travel. It's not that hard to figure out," said Malcolm.

"And you did stay at Mister Ferris's house for a week before heading out," pointed out Dado. "They could have come out here right away and been here a week before we came, just waiting for us."

Helen shivered. "Oh, how dreadful!"

"Would, would they torture him?" asked Margy fearfully.

"I don't think so," said Monako, "there's no need to." He glanced at Malcolm's drawn face. "We must do it, we must have the battle."

"What is this battle?" asked Dorcas. "Why is it so important?"

"It is an honorable way for two people who have made a claim to a decision without harming anyone else." Monako's face twitched. "At least it should be, now that they have Ralph, that might be harder. I would not want him harmed either." He gave Malcolm an understanding glance.

Malcolm smiled wanly. "Thank you."

Monako gave a slight nod of his head. "You are welcome, my friend."

"So then, how should we proceed?" asked Jimmy. "No matter how I look at it, it seems they have the upper hand, what with having Ralph and all."

"The choosing of the battlefield," remarked Monako as he sat down next to the fire. The group had made their way back to camp and everyone proceeded to sit. "That is the only thing in our favor, even then if they have not chosen a place to battle."

Dado rested his head on his hand, thinking hard. "What would be a good place though? Like Jimmy said, we are practically within their power because they have Ralph."

"It would have to be a place with few trees," said Monako. "That way, no black mambas."

Dado bobbed his head. "Yes, and that way they can not sneak up on us. Also, no hills, we will be able to see danger from farther away."

Monako nodded. "Yes, that too."

"Well, alright then," said Stanley. "But we don't know this area very well. You'll have to pick the best spot."

"Yes, of course," said Monako with a slight bow of his head.

Dado hemmed and hawed. "But, the places with the fewer trees also have the tallest grass. While we can see other humans and taller animals, it is the snakes that worry me."

"Oh goodness!" said Dorcas with a slight shiver.

Monako sighed. "Yes, the snakes would be our greatest concern." He paused. "But they could also become our greatest ally and keep the battle fair."

"They could also become our enemy and be used against us. Wola and Kala will use whatever dirty tricks they can," pointed out Dado.

Monako nodded. "Yes, yes they will." he huffed. "Then there really is only one place that will work for us. It is not far from here and the grass is not that high, but it is high enough that it would be best if everyone keeps an eye out for snakes."

"Especially black mambas," said Dado. "They like to sleep in trees. Disturb one's sleep and they will strike fast." He shot his hand out and pulled it back in the blink of an eye, accompanied by a hissing sound. The girls jumped at the sudden movement, but all nodded their heads solemnly.

"Alright then," said Jimmy, "but how will they know where you want to fight?"

"They will come soon to tell us they have Ralph," said Monako softly. "Since they have a prisoner, they must let me choose the location of the battle."

"How long will that be?" asked Bret.

Monako shrugged. "It might take till late tonight. The sun has already begun to set." The group glanced at the horizon, the sun's glare dimming as its shining orb dipped below the horizon.

Rose buried her face in her hands. "Oh, I wish I had done something!"

Malcolm placed a hand on her shoulder. "You were no doubt outnumbered. You did the best thing given the circumstances." Rose could only nod as the tears began to fall. Her sisters held her as she sobbed softly.

"Dado and I will take the first watch," said Monako. "You all should get some sleep."

Malcolm nodded. "Thank you, my friend."

Dorcas rose. "But first, we eat." In a matter of minutes, dinner was served. The meal was eaten in silence, everyone anxious about the upcoming battle they knew was inevitable.

Rose was up with the sun the next morning, eager to save Ralph. Malcolm, Stanley, Monako and Dado were already up, huddled near the fire. Breakfast was ready, just simmering over the fire. The four were whispering about something anxiously. Rose could feel her heart go into her throat. They had come, hadn't they? The message had come and the place of battle had been chosen. Right? She immediately walked over to where the four men were standing. They paused in their chatter and turned to look at her. By then, the others were coming out of the tents.

"It, it's happening soon, isn't it?" whispered Bret. Malcolm nodded his head solemnly.

"It will happen at the place we have chosen," announced Monako, "in three hours. If we are not there on time . . ." He let the words hang ominously in the air while he glanced at Malcolm.

"We should get ready to leave," said Stanley, breaking the tension. "Wouldn't want to keep his royal nutcase waiting too long." Monako's mouth twitched ever so slightly before going to help Stanley get the horses ready.

Dado began serving plates. "Come, eat, quickly. Not much time before we have to leave."

"They really agreed to it?" asked Helen as they sat down to eat. "They agreed to the battle between Monako and Wola?"

"What's the catch?" asked Jimmy. Dado handed him a plate of food before shooting a worried look at Malcolm.

Malcolm sighed. "The catch is that Kala will have a knife to Ralph's back the whole time."

"Those were not his words," began Dado slowly. "Just that Ralph's life would be in an ever present danger and should we make one wrong move, he will make sure to put an end to it." Rose let out a shuddering gasp. Helen placed an arm around her and pulled her close.

Malcolm clenched his teeth. "But be ready should they try to cheat themselves. I can't lose my son." He gulped. "I won't."

"I won't either," said Rose firmly. She locked fiery, defiant eyes with Malcolm. "Whoever tries to kill him will be shot."

Malcolm smiled softly. "Thank you."

"But first you should eat," said Helen, "keep up your strength."

Dado nodded as he handed her a plate of food. "She is right, you must eat. And you must hurry."

Rose took the plate with a nod. "Of course." They quickly ate while Monako, Dado, Malcolm, and Stanley went about breaking down the camp. Bret, Jimmy, and Rose finished first and went to help. Once Margy, Helen, and Dorcas finished, they went about cleaning up the breakfast dishes and putting out the fire. In a matter of minutes, they were packed and heading out.

Monako and Dado led the way to the grassy battlefield, with Stanley and Malcolm behind them, then the girls, and finally Bret and Jimmy in the back with the pack horses and Ralph's horse. The riders were silent but rode with a determined yet uneasy air. Rose had her gun prepped and hanging from her belt, her hands gripping the reins tightly. Everyone would glance around their surroundings, worried about being followed by a hunting party, or getting attacked by the local predators. Their way was clear, however, and they didn't see either man or beast until they reached the clearing that Monako and Dado had mentioned.

As soon as they entered the clearing, they saw their adversaries. The man in the middle they figured was Wola, the man on his right they figured was Kala while Simms was standing to his left. None had guns out, but Simms kept his hand close to his holster. Rose glanced around anxiously for Ralph. She stifled a cry when she found him. He was bound to a tree. He was gagged, but his grey eyes spoke with a joy at seeing his friends and his father. Monako sucked in his breath upon seeing where Ralph stood, but he said nothing. Instead, he turned to Wola with fire in his eyes.

"I see you have made some new friends, Monako," said Wola softly. "Perhaps you should not have brought them into this mess."

"Are there any warriors not loyal to you or to me?" asked Monako equally as softly.

"All must be loyal to the throne," said one warrior. His voice, too, stayed low. Wola shot him a look.

Jimmy leaned towards Dado. "Wait, does everyone in your tribe know English?" he whispered.

Dado shook his head and whispered back, "Mainly warriors, advisors, and the royal family."

"What is your name, warrior?" asked Monako.

"Umbelo," he replied.

"Will you judge our battle fairly, preferring neither side?"

Umbelo bowed his head. "I will."

Monako turned to Wola. "Are we in agreement?"

Wola grumbled. "Fine. Choose your weapon, Monako, so we can get this over with quickly." Monako nodded and dismounted his horse. He handed the reins to Dado and walked towards a blanket that showcased the weapons. They consisted mostly of knives and spears. Monako picked out a knife and stepped away. Then Wola stepped forward and picked out a knife of his own. Umbelo stepped between them.

"If you cheat, you will die. Only use the knives in the final round. Begin!" Umbelo stepped back, and the two began to circle around the area, their eyes locked with deadly intent. Wola made the first move by lunging at Monako, but he stepped to the side. He swung a fist at Wola, but Wola caught it and flung him to the ground. And thus the battle began. Dado quickly explained to Malcolm and company that there were seven rounds. The winner of each round got a point, and whoever won the most rounds was declared the winner.

The first six rounds flew by in rapid but almost noiseless succession, with Monako in the lead with four points. The group had started to relax a bit, thinking Monako would win for sure. But then the knives came out, and they tensed up again. This round would be vital for sure, as they wouldn't put it past Wola to try and kill Monako. Monako and Wola circled each other again, this time with a malicious glint in Wola's eyes. He knew this was his time, and probably the sole reason for agreeing to the battle, so he could kill Monako once and for all. The group knew they were powerless to stop it. Sure, Ralph was tied up to a tree a distance away from the field, but anyone could shoot him before they had a chance to get to him. Simms' hand was placed firmly on his gun handle now, and he and Stanley were eyeing each other.

Rose caught something moving out of the corner of her eye. She turned her head slightly and glanced up at the tree. Her eyes widened when she saw the slight movement of a slender, scaly body. Her gaze followed the snake's body to where its head lay. Its eyes were closed. Now she understood the full danger Ralph was in. One sound, one false move, the snake would wake and it could go after Ralph. Rose didn't know what kind of snake it was, but she was beginning to fear that it was a black mamba. She locked eyes with Ralph. He shot her a reassuring look. As long as the snake stayed asleep, everything would be fine. But Rose did not like it, not one bit, and slowly, carefully, began to draw out her gun and make sure it was ready to fire.

Monako fell to the ground with a soft cry, the knife falling from his hands. A cruel smile spread on Wola's face as he lunged, the knife poised in his hand for the deadly blow. But the knife never met its target as a loud rumbling interrupted the move. Wola's head snapped up, his eyes widening as the others turned to see the disturbance. A rhino was barreling down on the group.

"Move it!" shouted Malcolm. Everyone dashed out of the way of the charging rhino. It passed between them and Ralph. A loud hiss was heard a mere moment before the snake struck out and bit the rhino. The rhino went barreling on before slowing down to a stop and falling over, dead. Rose's wide eyes turned back towards the unfolding frightening scene. The snake found Ralph and was looking him dead in the eye.

(Author's Note: Hello my rosy readers, I'm back! I'm planning on finishing up this book as well as the Trip and getting as much work done as I possibly can on 1001 Nights of Red. I've already gotten a few people pumped for it and I need to hurry it up and start posting it, lol. There are still a few quirks to work out, but for the most part, I have at least have a good idea of where the first book is going to go and all the hints I need to throw in there to lead to the conclusion in the third book. And I had to come back with a rather exciting chapter! Another reason why I want to finish this one first, I'm excited over this! rofl! That, and I think since The Trip is more of an adventure like this book is while Broken Blade is more of a mystery like Monoplane's Mission and Sprite Society that it would be better to work on the adventures together and the mysteries together. So Broken Blade is going to have to wait a little bit longer before it gets finished. I might still post a chapter from it a couple times this month, but Valley of Diamonds, The Trip, and 1001 Nights of Red take precedence. And even then, Valley of Diamonds might not get an update every week, we'll see. It's kind of a bit early in the month to know how this is going to work out, but I just hope everything does and I hope you'll enjoy everything that's coming out! If you're interested in more content, be sure to check out my YouTube channel under my name, Amanda Pizzolatto, and my Wattpad account where a lot is going to happen! Hope you're having a wonderful day! God bless!)