Path of Destruction
Part Two: American Pie and an English Rose
The late afternoon sun blazed down over the archeological dig. Workers of many different nationalities scurried here and there with tools and equipment attempting to unlock the secrets of the newly uncovered find which was, in essence, a large hole. The only indication that it was man made at all were the bricks that lined it from bottom to top. More confusing yet was the fact that there was nothing at the bottom except for the bottom. For several days archeologists had studied the structure attempting to unlock its secrets but to no avail.
Among the many workers who were running hither and thither across the compound slinked Miss
Lara Croft. She had been loitering near the site for the past two days dressed smartly in a long white dress, a long golden haired wig, and a large brimmed hat posing as a historian from Essex in order to examine the find for herself.
Slipping through the innumerable workers she made her way to the edge of the newly uncovered pit. Peering down the explorer's mind ran through all of her previous experiences attempting to come to a solution to the mystery. As she gazed onward the nostalgia of her memories seemed to sweep her away into a daydream.
A moment later the still sweet serenity of the moment was broken by a young American voice, "Good afternoon Miss Croft," it chimed.
Lara jumped to her feet in surprise pulling herself expediently from her daydream and nearly into the hole that was gazing into. When she had regained her composure the treasure hunter looked around expecting to be surrounded by three or four men with machine guns pointed in her direction. Instead there was only a young boy standing next to her.
He appeared to be in his teenage years or, at the very least, his early twenties. His short blonde hair curled up on top of his head like a briar patch. The only exception to this was a single strand that stubbornly refused to conform and hung rebelliously down in front of the boy's face almost to the shaft of his mirrored sunglasses. The rest of his persona resembled that of a country western singer right down to the boots, the toes of which was initialed S. B.
The explorer quickly pulled up the long garment that was disguising her revealing a long thin leg on which was attached a 9 millimeter pistol. "Who are you and how do you know my name," she asked in a very perturbed tone.
"Take it easy Miss," the boy cried throwing up his hands, "I'm on your side."
Croft now placed her hand fully on the butt of her weapon. "No one is ever on my side," she answered narrowing her gaze to the man in front of her.
The mysterious youth gazed from side to side at the number of people roaming in the distance. "Don't you think you should put that away before you attract some unwanted attention," he laughed.
Total reality suddenly shot back into the imposter historian's memory. Without another word she released her weapon and dropped her skirt back to its correct length. This event did not, however, have the full effect that the American was expecting for while her gun was now secure she continued to glare at him ruthlessly underneath her sunglasses. "I'm only going to ask you this one more time," she continued slowly, "who are you?"
The kid swallowed hard and inched forward. "My name is Samual Beeman," he whispered, "I'm from the Central Intelligence Agency in America. I've been assigned as your contact here."
Lara took a step back so that she could fully examine the youth. "You've got to be kidding me," she said pulling off her sunglasses, "surly the Americans aren't that desperate for help."
"Excuse me," quarried the agent slightly annoyed.
"You look about fifteen" the explorer answered back sharply.
"Look you stupid Brit," Beeman returned pointedly, "the last artifact is right under our feet, the entrance is somewhere in that hole, and all you can do is insult me?"
The treasure seeker gazed once more over the edge of the pit and then back at the man in front of her. "Tell me, did you figure all that out by yourself or did you get your mum to help you?" The agent thrust himself forward preparing to verbally retaliate to the English woman's remarks but before he could reach his second step he was cut off. "Who made you the world famous explorer," she continued placing a hand on the man's chest to hold him back, "This place has been hidden for over one thousand years. No one knows where the artifact is until I find it. Get it?"
With that she stepped to one side and proceeded on her way. "I can't believe it," she murmured derisively to herself, "I think I'm starting to sound like Von Croy."
The remainder of the day grew unequivocally tedious. A message had come that financier of the dig, Stanley Drake, would be arriving the next day. As a result most archeological functions were halted in favor of preparing a hurried reception for the gentleman leaving the main find thoroughly unguarded.
Lara Croft relaxed herself underneath a tent watching the entire camp run curiously from one task to another in hopes that the forthcoming wealthy visitor would extend to them his gratitude in the form of a hefty chunk of currency. To pass the time she would occasionally reach to her left and pick up a steaming cup of tea.
By the time she had finished this beverage night had fallen. Although it was still early in the evening the announced news and hasty preparation of Drake's visit left very few people out and about. Those who had worked the hardest had staggered to exhausted their tents sometime before and had not been seen or heard from since. A great deal more had managed to discover a vast quantity of liquor inside the surgeon's tent ensuring that their faculties would be quite questionable for the remainder of the evening.
Seeing that most of the people in the compound were incapacitated in some form or another The fake historian stood up and pulled a long shawl around her body before slowly sauntering out to the pit that she had examined earlier that afternoon. Upon arriving at her destination the explorer once again knelt down beside the small abyss..
"You going down there," came a voice from behind.
The treasure hunter slowly turned and peered upward at the person to whom the voice belonged. To her horror the person hovering over her was none other than Sam Beeman. "Oh, it's you again is it," she started in sarcastically, "In case I didn't make myself clear before I don't want or need your help."
"Are you sure about that," asked the American gazing into the hole, "how are you going to get down there?"
"I'm going to jump," answered the women emphatically. Then, to drive her point home, Croft turned and leapt headlong into the hole landing on her feet as though she were of the feline persuasion. Here she immediately went to work examining all parts of the structure.
Beeman stared down the pit in amazement. "Are you all right," he yelled after her.
"I'm fine," came the answer, "now go away."
"Are you kidding," said the agent glancing around the camp, "I wouldn't miss this for the world." When he was satisfied that there was no one about he plunged himself into the pit. It was a far less impressive leap than his predecessor had made. It was likely that this action would have been the death of him had it been for her because it was upon her that he landed.
"What do you think you are doing you little toad," Croft yelled as she pushed the kid off of her. He somersaulted backward once before smacking the brick wall with his head.
"My orders are to assist you," the young man announced rubbing his head, "and that's exactly what I'm going to do."
Swishing the dirt from her dress Croft rose to her feet. "Than why didn't you stay up there," she said waving her arm toward the sky. "I ought to-"
"You ought to what?"
"Move. Quickly."
A puzzled looked crossed the American's face. "Move," he inquired, "to where?" Without another word the treasure hunter lunged forward sending Beeman scurrying to the side.
"It looks like you've helped after all," Lara said setting herself down on one knee, "take a look at this."
The CIA agent crawled back to his previous position in order to examine the wall. Almost immediately he saw what the explorer had found. The section of the brick wall where his head had landed was pushed inward slightly.
Bracing herself as best as she could the adventurer pushed on the deformed section as hard as she could. She could feel it moving ever so slightly in front of her. It was enough to curb her suspicions. "This is it," she said happily, "the entrance to the tomb." Hastily, she hauled off her disguise and tossed it into a corner.
After a great deal of finagling by both parties the obstacle was soon pushed to further backward until it revealed a gaping opening on one side.
"Excellent," announced the treasure hunter. "Stay here and delay them as much as possible."
"No way," Beeman responded angrily, "my orders are-"
"Going to get you killed." Before the American could retort Croft dropped her hands and dislodged her pistols from their holsters. "You're staying," she said sternly, "I work alone." With that the explorer scurried into the dark passage and disappeared from view.
The next morning the entire camp was aflutter of activity making last minute preparations for Drake's visit. Everything was nearly completed by ten o'clock when a silver sport utility vehicle was sited over the horizon moving toward the base camp. A few moments later it came to a stop next to a large tent where the chief archeologist, was waiting.
Instantaneously, the back door of the vehicle flew open and its passenger exited. The first was a fairly young man wrapped in a three-piece suit. "What do you think," he asked the passenger who was still in the vehicle.
The door swung open from the other side. "I don't know Mr. Drake," came a heavy Texas voice, "are you sure this is the right spot?"
"Have faith Devon," the young man reassured confidently as he slammed the door closed. "In just a amount of time we shall hold the secrets of the universe."
The Texan closed his door and walked around to the other side followed by Dr. Muselli. "I am so glad you are here, Mr. Drake," announced the archeologist grasping the American's hand, "Would you care to join us inside for some refreshment?"
The suited gentleman reached into his top pocket and produced a pair of sunglasses. "No, I want to see the find now," he ordered placing the spectacles on his face.
The archeologist nodded pleasantly. " This way," he instructed walking toward the dig.
"Good morning Mr. Drake," Agent Beeman said when he saw the man looking down at him. "I think I may have found something."
Drake smiled vivaciously, "Good work boy. What's your name?"
"Dr. Antonio Muselli," the CIA operative replied.
The wealthy American looked over his shoulder and made a gesture with his hand. "Come up here and join us won't you," he invited.
After several tries Beeman pulled himself clumsily out of the deep pit. "What can I do for you sir," he asked smiling at the gentleman next to him.
"I'd like you meet a friend of mine," the man said smiling back. "Dr. Muselli, meet Dr. Muselli." With that Drake pointed off into the distance where two men were approaching.
As they drew closer the fake archeologist realized his mistake. Hastily he turned and leapt into the pit hoping to escape into the ancient structure. Once again the jump was somewhat less than impressive and this time there was no Lara Croft to land on. With a yelp of pain the government agent hit the brick floor turning his ankle sideways under him. Even so he attempted to flee captivity by pulling himself with his arms toward the opening.
The wealthy American reached methodically into his suit jacket and pulled out a 45 magnum. Raising the gun over his head he fired a warning shot into the air. "Get him out of here and tie down in my tent," he ordered.
Nearly ten minutes later Sam Beeman found himself setting on the floor of a tent with his arms securely tied behind the central post. The entrance of the domicile was guarded by Devon who sat comfortably in the doorway, shotgun in hand.
At long last Drake finally entered to confront his captive. His appearance was much less genial than before. For that matter so was his attitude. A very prominent scowl was affixed to the young businessman's face as he stormed over to his prisoner. Without a word he drew his foot back and swiftly planted it into the agent's ankle causing him to shriek in pain. "WHO ARE YOU AND WHO DO YOU WORK FOR," he yelled.
"The muffin man," Beeman quipped painfully.
Once again a swift kick was delivered to the injured ankle of the government man. "HOW DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ENTRANCE?"
"A little bird told me," the agent joked again. Angrily the rich young boy placed his foot on top of his captive's and began to apply pressure. "Bite me," the former fake archeologist wailed in pain.
Just then the real Dr. Muselli burst into the room. "Sir, look what we found in the pit." In his hands were the white dress and hat that Croft had shed the night before.
"They don't look his size," Devon chuckled maliciously.
Drake shot an evil glance at his sidekick summarily ending the hilarity. "I can only think of one person," he said holding the garment up to check his suspicion. "You should have killed her when you had the chance."
The Texan opened the chamber on his weapon to reassure himself that it was loaded. "I won't hesitate next time."
The archeologist looked back and forth between the two gentlemen. "You know who is responsible?"
"Her name's Croft," the suited fellow explained making his way toward the CIA agent, "she's a wily Brit who was suppose to be dead four days ago." He tossed the clothes on top of the bound mans feet. "And some how she must be working with this man."
Beeman struggled with his ropes attempting to free himself somehow. It took only seconds of this to prove to himself the effort was futile. "Croft works alone," he finally called out in frustration.
"We'll see about that," chortled, "Devon, take him down there and either find me Croft or find me the Jewel."
As the young American's woes grew from bad to a state of extreme horror Lara had made her way to a very large room. Flare in hand she slid her way through the darkness examining the walls and floor for signs of booby traps. When she had reached the far end the explorer came upon a set of gigantic doors. They were made of a brass like substance that seemed to gleam eerily in the light of the flare. In height the doors extended upward into the darkness far past the light that the treasure hunter held in her hand.
At that moment the light began to flicker intermittently as its life began to expire. Without another thought Croft tossed it aside. It bounced off of the floor and rolled back toward the wall next to one of the massive doors. With its last bit of light the dying flare revealed one final secret. Affixed to the wall near the door was a torch.
Producing a second source of light the explorer stepped forward to inspect the find in more detail. After a thorough going over by her expert eye Lara reached into her pocket for a lighter. Upon the retrieval of this item she held it close to the torch setting it ablaze. As a matter of symmetry she then turned to find a second torch on the opposite side.
The light blazed forth from the torches illuminating the entire wall. Just past the corners on the side walls were more torches. When she noticed these the explorer ventured forth and cautiously lit them as well, which revealed others just in the distance. This trend continued steadily until the entire room glowed brightly from the luminosity of the torches.
Lara now gazed at the room with quiet awe. More specifically, her eyes were set on the contraption winding about the ceiling. Near the top of the room a stone aqueduct protruded from the wall. It ran almost completely around the top of the chamber starting on one side and ending on the other.
"That's odd," the treasure hunter said to herself gazing at the far wall. In one section above the immense doors the aqueduct turned abruptly from stone into wood and then back into stone again.
The significance of this discovery confounded her several minutes until she noticed two things. The first was that seemed to be a small cup like dish just below the wooden section. The second discovery was a small, nearly invisible piece of rope that was attached to the timber planks. It moved across the wall and then down finally connecting to a lever.
Croft moved swiftly across the floor wondering how she could have overlooked such a thing in the first place. In reality the question was nothing more than mute, even to her. She only asked it of herself to justify that its existence now that she did see it.
When she arrived she wasted no time at all in pulling the lever. It stuck tight as if there was some unnatural force on the other end. A moment before the rope that was attached snapped far above. The lever and what was left of the rope that was fastened to it fell loosely to the ground. This was followed summarily by a lengthy expletive from young lady.
The treasure hunter distraughtly scanned the room in looking for an alternative to the lever. It didn't take her long to find what she was looking for. The aqueduct on the wall to the right sported a large hole near the bottom. With no other options at present the explorer picked up the broken contraption at her feet and placed herself directly in front of the pierced aqueduct.
Starting slowly at first she began to swing the lever around on the rope. When it was flying fast enough she released it. The device soared swiftly though the air finally coming to rest within the aqueduct.
When it had come to rest Croft pulled the rope backward until the lever trapped itself in the hole. She tugged on the line. Finding it stable the explorer leapt onto the rope and began to climb hand over hand to the top.
Flinging herself over the top the treasure hunter gazed around her surroundings. On the right the trench disappeared through a small crevasse the wall while on the left it proceeded on across the room. Lara moved on to inspect the mechanism over the large doors.
Croft moved along the aqueduct swiftly to the far wall. Suddenly the stone structure began to crack under her feet. She stepped backward in shock but to no avail. The structural integrity of the trench was already compromised. The crack extended underneath her feet knocking her off balance. She could feel herself slipping through.
To be continued...
Part Two: American Pie and an English Rose
The late afternoon sun blazed down over the archeological dig. Workers of many different nationalities scurried here and there with tools and equipment attempting to unlock the secrets of the newly uncovered find which was, in essence, a large hole. The only indication that it was man made at all were the bricks that lined it from bottom to top. More confusing yet was the fact that there was nothing at the bottom except for the bottom. For several days archeologists had studied the structure attempting to unlock its secrets but to no avail.
Among the many workers who were running hither and thither across the compound slinked Miss
Lara Croft. She had been loitering near the site for the past two days dressed smartly in a long white dress, a long golden haired wig, and a large brimmed hat posing as a historian from Essex in order to examine the find for herself.
Slipping through the innumerable workers she made her way to the edge of the newly uncovered pit. Peering down the explorer's mind ran through all of her previous experiences attempting to come to a solution to the mystery. As she gazed onward the nostalgia of her memories seemed to sweep her away into a daydream.
A moment later the still sweet serenity of the moment was broken by a young American voice, "Good afternoon Miss Croft," it chimed.
Lara jumped to her feet in surprise pulling herself expediently from her daydream and nearly into the hole that was gazing into. When she had regained her composure the treasure hunter looked around expecting to be surrounded by three or four men with machine guns pointed in her direction. Instead there was only a young boy standing next to her.
He appeared to be in his teenage years or, at the very least, his early twenties. His short blonde hair curled up on top of his head like a briar patch. The only exception to this was a single strand that stubbornly refused to conform and hung rebelliously down in front of the boy's face almost to the shaft of his mirrored sunglasses. The rest of his persona resembled that of a country western singer right down to the boots, the toes of which was initialed S. B.
The explorer quickly pulled up the long garment that was disguising her revealing a long thin leg on which was attached a 9 millimeter pistol. "Who are you and how do you know my name," she asked in a very perturbed tone.
"Take it easy Miss," the boy cried throwing up his hands, "I'm on your side."
Croft now placed her hand fully on the butt of her weapon. "No one is ever on my side," she answered narrowing her gaze to the man in front of her.
The mysterious youth gazed from side to side at the number of people roaming in the distance. "Don't you think you should put that away before you attract some unwanted attention," he laughed.
Total reality suddenly shot back into the imposter historian's memory. Without another word she released her weapon and dropped her skirt back to its correct length. This event did not, however, have the full effect that the American was expecting for while her gun was now secure she continued to glare at him ruthlessly underneath her sunglasses. "I'm only going to ask you this one more time," she continued slowly, "who are you?"
The kid swallowed hard and inched forward. "My name is Samual Beeman," he whispered, "I'm from the Central Intelligence Agency in America. I've been assigned as your contact here."
Lara took a step back so that she could fully examine the youth. "You've got to be kidding me," she said pulling off her sunglasses, "surly the Americans aren't that desperate for help."
"Excuse me," quarried the agent slightly annoyed.
"You look about fifteen" the explorer answered back sharply.
"Look you stupid Brit," Beeman returned pointedly, "the last artifact is right under our feet, the entrance is somewhere in that hole, and all you can do is insult me?"
The treasure seeker gazed once more over the edge of the pit and then back at the man in front of her. "Tell me, did you figure all that out by yourself or did you get your mum to help you?" The agent thrust himself forward preparing to verbally retaliate to the English woman's remarks but before he could reach his second step he was cut off. "Who made you the world famous explorer," she continued placing a hand on the man's chest to hold him back, "This place has been hidden for over one thousand years. No one knows where the artifact is until I find it. Get it?"
With that she stepped to one side and proceeded on her way. "I can't believe it," she murmured derisively to herself, "I think I'm starting to sound like Von Croy."
The remainder of the day grew unequivocally tedious. A message had come that financier of the dig, Stanley Drake, would be arriving the next day. As a result most archeological functions were halted in favor of preparing a hurried reception for the gentleman leaving the main find thoroughly unguarded.
Lara Croft relaxed herself underneath a tent watching the entire camp run curiously from one task to another in hopes that the forthcoming wealthy visitor would extend to them his gratitude in the form of a hefty chunk of currency. To pass the time she would occasionally reach to her left and pick up a steaming cup of tea.
By the time she had finished this beverage night had fallen. Although it was still early in the evening the announced news and hasty preparation of Drake's visit left very few people out and about. Those who had worked the hardest had staggered to exhausted their tents sometime before and had not been seen or heard from since. A great deal more had managed to discover a vast quantity of liquor inside the surgeon's tent ensuring that their faculties would be quite questionable for the remainder of the evening.
Seeing that most of the people in the compound were incapacitated in some form or another The fake historian stood up and pulled a long shawl around her body before slowly sauntering out to the pit that she had examined earlier that afternoon. Upon arriving at her destination the explorer once again knelt down beside the small abyss..
"You going down there," came a voice from behind.
The treasure hunter slowly turned and peered upward at the person to whom the voice belonged. To her horror the person hovering over her was none other than Sam Beeman. "Oh, it's you again is it," she started in sarcastically, "In case I didn't make myself clear before I don't want or need your help."
"Are you sure about that," asked the American gazing into the hole, "how are you going to get down there?"
"I'm going to jump," answered the women emphatically. Then, to drive her point home, Croft turned and leapt headlong into the hole landing on her feet as though she were of the feline persuasion. Here she immediately went to work examining all parts of the structure.
Beeman stared down the pit in amazement. "Are you all right," he yelled after her.
"I'm fine," came the answer, "now go away."
"Are you kidding," said the agent glancing around the camp, "I wouldn't miss this for the world." When he was satisfied that there was no one about he plunged himself into the pit. It was a far less impressive leap than his predecessor had made. It was likely that this action would have been the death of him had it been for her because it was upon her that he landed.
"What do you think you are doing you little toad," Croft yelled as she pushed the kid off of her. He somersaulted backward once before smacking the brick wall with his head.
"My orders are to assist you," the young man announced rubbing his head, "and that's exactly what I'm going to do."
Swishing the dirt from her dress Croft rose to her feet. "Than why didn't you stay up there," she said waving her arm toward the sky. "I ought to-"
"You ought to what?"
"Move. Quickly."
A puzzled looked crossed the American's face. "Move," he inquired, "to where?" Without another word the treasure hunter lunged forward sending Beeman scurrying to the side.
"It looks like you've helped after all," Lara said setting herself down on one knee, "take a look at this."
The CIA agent crawled back to his previous position in order to examine the wall. Almost immediately he saw what the explorer had found. The section of the brick wall where his head had landed was pushed inward slightly.
Bracing herself as best as she could the adventurer pushed on the deformed section as hard as she could. She could feel it moving ever so slightly in front of her. It was enough to curb her suspicions. "This is it," she said happily, "the entrance to the tomb." Hastily, she hauled off her disguise and tossed it into a corner.
After a great deal of finagling by both parties the obstacle was soon pushed to further backward until it revealed a gaping opening on one side.
"Excellent," announced the treasure hunter. "Stay here and delay them as much as possible."
"No way," Beeman responded angrily, "my orders are-"
"Going to get you killed." Before the American could retort Croft dropped her hands and dislodged her pistols from their holsters. "You're staying," she said sternly, "I work alone." With that the explorer scurried into the dark passage and disappeared from view.
The next morning the entire camp was aflutter of activity making last minute preparations for Drake's visit. Everything was nearly completed by ten o'clock when a silver sport utility vehicle was sited over the horizon moving toward the base camp. A few moments later it came to a stop next to a large tent where the chief archeologist, was waiting.
Instantaneously, the back door of the vehicle flew open and its passenger exited. The first was a fairly young man wrapped in a three-piece suit. "What do you think," he asked the passenger who was still in the vehicle.
The door swung open from the other side. "I don't know Mr. Drake," came a heavy Texas voice, "are you sure this is the right spot?"
"Have faith Devon," the young man reassured confidently as he slammed the door closed. "In just a amount of time we shall hold the secrets of the universe."
The Texan closed his door and walked around to the other side followed by Dr. Muselli. "I am so glad you are here, Mr. Drake," announced the archeologist grasping the American's hand, "Would you care to join us inside for some refreshment?"
The suited gentleman reached into his top pocket and produced a pair of sunglasses. "No, I want to see the find now," he ordered placing the spectacles on his face.
The archeologist nodded pleasantly. " This way," he instructed walking toward the dig.
"Good morning Mr. Drake," Agent Beeman said when he saw the man looking down at him. "I think I may have found something."
Drake smiled vivaciously, "Good work boy. What's your name?"
"Dr. Antonio Muselli," the CIA operative replied.
The wealthy American looked over his shoulder and made a gesture with his hand. "Come up here and join us won't you," he invited.
After several tries Beeman pulled himself clumsily out of the deep pit. "What can I do for you sir," he asked smiling at the gentleman next to him.
"I'd like you meet a friend of mine," the man said smiling back. "Dr. Muselli, meet Dr. Muselli." With that Drake pointed off into the distance where two men were approaching.
As they drew closer the fake archeologist realized his mistake. Hastily he turned and leapt into the pit hoping to escape into the ancient structure. Once again the jump was somewhat less than impressive and this time there was no Lara Croft to land on. With a yelp of pain the government agent hit the brick floor turning his ankle sideways under him. Even so he attempted to flee captivity by pulling himself with his arms toward the opening.
The wealthy American reached methodically into his suit jacket and pulled out a 45 magnum. Raising the gun over his head he fired a warning shot into the air. "Get him out of here and tie down in my tent," he ordered.
Nearly ten minutes later Sam Beeman found himself setting on the floor of a tent with his arms securely tied behind the central post. The entrance of the domicile was guarded by Devon who sat comfortably in the doorway, shotgun in hand.
At long last Drake finally entered to confront his captive. His appearance was much less genial than before. For that matter so was his attitude. A very prominent scowl was affixed to the young businessman's face as he stormed over to his prisoner. Without a word he drew his foot back and swiftly planted it into the agent's ankle causing him to shriek in pain. "WHO ARE YOU AND WHO DO YOU WORK FOR," he yelled.
"The muffin man," Beeman quipped painfully.
Once again a swift kick was delivered to the injured ankle of the government man. "HOW DID YOU KNOW ABOUT THE ENTRANCE?"
"A little bird told me," the agent joked again. Angrily the rich young boy placed his foot on top of his captive's and began to apply pressure. "Bite me," the former fake archeologist wailed in pain.
Just then the real Dr. Muselli burst into the room. "Sir, look what we found in the pit." In his hands were the white dress and hat that Croft had shed the night before.
"They don't look his size," Devon chuckled maliciously.
Drake shot an evil glance at his sidekick summarily ending the hilarity. "I can only think of one person," he said holding the garment up to check his suspicion. "You should have killed her when you had the chance."
The Texan opened the chamber on his weapon to reassure himself that it was loaded. "I won't hesitate next time."
The archeologist looked back and forth between the two gentlemen. "You know who is responsible?"
"Her name's Croft," the suited fellow explained making his way toward the CIA agent, "she's a wily Brit who was suppose to be dead four days ago." He tossed the clothes on top of the bound mans feet. "And some how she must be working with this man."
Beeman struggled with his ropes attempting to free himself somehow. It took only seconds of this to prove to himself the effort was futile. "Croft works alone," he finally called out in frustration.
"We'll see about that," chortled, "Devon, take him down there and either find me Croft or find me the Jewel."
As the young American's woes grew from bad to a state of extreme horror Lara had made her way to a very large room. Flare in hand she slid her way through the darkness examining the walls and floor for signs of booby traps. When she had reached the far end the explorer came upon a set of gigantic doors. They were made of a brass like substance that seemed to gleam eerily in the light of the flare. In height the doors extended upward into the darkness far past the light that the treasure hunter held in her hand.
At that moment the light began to flicker intermittently as its life began to expire. Without another thought Croft tossed it aside. It bounced off of the floor and rolled back toward the wall next to one of the massive doors. With its last bit of light the dying flare revealed one final secret. Affixed to the wall near the door was a torch.
Producing a second source of light the explorer stepped forward to inspect the find in more detail. After a thorough going over by her expert eye Lara reached into her pocket for a lighter. Upon the retrieval of this item she held it close to the torch setting it ablaze. As a matter of symmetry she then turned to find a second torch on the opposite side.
The light blazed forth from the torches illuminating the entire wall. Just past the corners on the side walls were more torches. When she noticed these the explorer ventured forth and cautiously lit them as well, which revealed others just in the distance. This trend continued steadily until the entire room glowed brightly from the luminosity of the torches.
Lara now gazed at the room with quiet awe. More specifically, her eyes were set on the contraption winding about the ceiling. Near the top of the room a stone aqueduct protruded from the wall. It ran almost completely around the top of the chamber starting on one side and ending on the other.
"That's odd," the treasure hunter said to herself gazing at the far wall. In one section above the immense doors the aqueduct turned abruptly from stone into wood and then back into stone again.
The significance of this discovery confounded her several minutes until she noticed two things. The first was that seemed to be a small cup like dish just below the wooden section. The second discovery was a small, nearly invisible piece of rope that was attached to the timber planks. It moved across the wall and then down finally connecting to a lever.
Croft moved swiftly across the floor wondering how she could have overlooked such a thing in the first place. In reality the question was nothing more than mute, even to her. She only asked it of herself to justify that its existence now that she did see it.
When she arrived she wasted no time at all in pulling the lever. It stuck tight as if there was some unnatural force on the other end. A moment before the rope that was attached snapped far above. The lever and what was left of the rope that was fastened to it fell loosely to the ground. This was followed summarily by a lengthy expletive from young lady.
The treasure hunter distraughtly scanned the room in looking for an alternative to the lever. It didn't take her long to find what she was looking for. The aqueduct on the wall to the right sported a large hole near the bottom. With no other options at present the explorer picked up the broken contraption at her feet and placed herself directly in front of the pierced aqueduct.
Starting slowly at first she began to swing the lever around on the rope. When it was flying fast enough she released it. The device soared swiftly though the air finally coming to rest within the aqueduct.
When it had come to rest Croft pulled the rope backward until the lever trapped itself in the hole. She tugged on the line. Finding it stable the explorer leapt onto the rope and began to climb hand over hand to the top.
Flinging herself over the top the treasure hunter gazed around her surroundings. On the right the trench disappeared through a small crevasse the wall while on the left it proceeded on across the room. Lara moved on to inspect the mechanism over the large doors.
Croft moved along the aqueduct swiftly to the far wall. Suddenly the stone structure began to crack under her feet. She stepped backward in shock but to no avail. The structural integrity of the trench was already compromised. The crack extended underneath her feet knocking her off balance. She could feel herself slipping through.
To be continued...