IMPRISONED
He awoke in a dark, damp cave. When he sat up he felt a sharp pain in his right side. He reached inside his shirt and vest and felt the injured area. Damn, he thought to himself, I must have broken at least three of my ribs. Can this day get any better? He stood up and got the answer to his question. He bumped his head on the roof of the cave and it reminded him of the bump on his head. He felt for the cave wall and ran his hands along it to guide him. The cave appeared to be circular. When he had explored what he thought must have been the circumference of the cave, he nearly tripped over something or someone. He bent down and felt around until he came into contact with the figure on the cave floor.
"Tribune! What on earth are you doing here?" he asked, not expecting an answer.
"Trying to get some rest. Now if you will please shut up, Professor Challenger, I would like to go back to sleep."
"Tribune, how did I come to be here? For that matter how did you come to be here and where exactly is here?" Challenger asked.
"If it will quiet you I will answer your questions. They wake us at dawn, which is fairly soon, I'm sure. "To answer your first question, you were brought here last night. You have been unconscious (a state I much prefer any human to be in) since they threw you in here. "And to answer your second question, I was captured by a Drakul hunting party three days ago. I only know that 'here' is a cave somewhere in their territory, which if I understand the bits and pieces I have overheard correctly, they are planning on expanding."
"Well, I for one do not intend on staying here." Challenger sat beside Tribune.
"I am afraid you have no choice, Professor. They do not listen to reason. In fact, the only thing they do listen to is their leader. And I assure you, he is quite insane."
"But why keep us here? What purpose are we to serve?"
"My dear Professor, they keep us locked in this cave because it is far better than their jail, with no possible chance of escape. Our purpose is to help them in the mine."
"Mine?" Challenger asked. "I was not aware of any mines in this part of the plateau."
"Apparently, they do know of one. We are their workers, willing or not. In the morning they come and take us to the mine. We dig diamonds and emeralds all day. At night they bring us back here, feed us a very meager meal and throw us back in our holes until morning when we do it all over again."
"That's barbaric," Challenger spat.
"Yes, it is, but when you are the prisoner there is not much you can do is there?"
"We'll see about that."
"Professor Challenger, let me give you some advice. If you want to stay alive you will just do what they tell you. If we have any hopes of escape we need them to believe we are resigned to our fate."
"Perhaps you're right. This is just great; of all the beings on the plateau, I had to get stuck with you," Challenger griped.
"And I with you, Professor. If we are going to get out of here in one piece I guess I had better do something with you. Besides, I have no doubt that Roxton would hunt me down like a dog and kill me should I let anything happen to you."
Tribune removed his cloak and tore it into strips. He helped Challenger remove his vest and shirt. The ugly, spongy bruise nearly covered Challenger's entire right side. Tribune reached behind him and took some strange looking moss-like substance off the cave wall and began applying it to Challenger's side.
"What is that stuff?" Challenger winced as Tribune rubbed it in.
"There is no name for it in your language. It is a healing moss; when applied to an injured area of the body that area goes numb. Allowing for normal movement. If the Drakul know you are injured, they will kill you."
"Sounds like a nice bunch." Challenger winced as Tribune pulled the strips of his cloak tightly around Challenger's chest.
"Not exactly someone you would bring home to mother, eh?" he chucked. "Now you need to get some rest there can't be many more hours until dawn, and I for one need my sleep."
Tribune chose his spot, lay down and tried to go back to sleep. Challenger chose to sleep with his back resting against the cave wall. As he slept, Challenger dreamt of Roxton, Marguerite, Malone and Veronica. He dreamt that they were trying to find him, searching everywhere.
"No, don't, please go back," Challenger muttered. "Shh, Professor, keep quiet. It's time to get up." Tribune gently shook Challenger awake.
"What? Is it time to go?"
"Yes, and you better be careful, if they heard your cries they will watch you today. You must not let them see that you are injured."
"I'm fine." Challenger grunted as he rose to his feet remembering not to straighten up, not wanting to hit his head on the cave roof.
"Oh, this is going to be fun," Tribune said as he rolled his eyes.
Tribune helped Challenger outside and to the wagon. Challenger took his time getting in so he could survey his surroundings. He noted the number of guards and their placement. He could see that Tribune was doing the same. He climbed in the wagon, biting his lower lip to keep from crying out when he felt his ribs burn. The other occupants of the wagon seemed to pay him no mind. They just sat there with blank looks on their drawn and haggard faces.
Challenger tried to memorize the terrain and the route they were taking. After what they estimated to be three quarters of an hour they reached the mine. The workers were roughly herded off the wagon and led into the tunnel. They were each given a crude shovel and a bucket. Tribune and Challenger were sent deep into the tunnel with two Drakul guards. The guards shoved them into a wall.
"Today you dig the green rocks. We will return soon and the buckets better be full." Tribune nudged Challenger and shook his head when Challenger started to reply.
"Why did you do that?" Challenger whispered when the guards retreated.
"I need your help to get out of here, Professor. That will not happen if you get killed for speaking without being spoken to."
Challenger stared wide-eyed at Tribune then turned and began to chip the emeralds from the cave wall. They worked in silence for several hours, their arms feeling like lead weights. Several times Challenger had to stop and lean against the wall to rest. Tribune saw his difficulties but said nothing. The next time Challenger turned his back, Tribune slipped some gems from his bucket into Challenger's. The Drakul guards finally returned.
"Break time. Jora does not want you to work too hard. He has plans for the old one," The first guard said as he took their buckets.
"You are good workers. You fill your buckets quickly," the first guard said.
"Tonight you will get extra dinner. And maybe more time out of your cell. Keep working hard and you will learn that we can be nice," the second guard told them.
"What plans could this Jora have for me?" Challenger wondered.
"Silence!" The guard closest to him shouted as he pushed the handle of his club into Challenger's side, nearly making him pass out. Tribune glared at Challenger as he helped him sit. They eagerly took the water offered by the guards.
"What's wrong with the old one?"
"Nothing is wrong with me." Challenger spat, "It's just very hot in here."
"Keep filling your buckets and you will be rewarded with the outside work."
"Break is over; get back to work," The other guard told them.
Challenger thought the day would never end. Every hour or so the guards would return and empty their buckets. When no guards were around Tribune continued to slip some of his gems into Challenger's bucket. Finally the guards began clearing the workers from the mine until only Challenger and Tribune were left. Tribune looked at the guards and mumbled.
"What is it, Tribune? What are they up to?" Challenger whispered.
"They are going to test us. I believe the way you would put it is that they want to see what we are made of."
"What does that mean, or do I even want to know?"
"Trust me, you don't want to know." One of the guards approached them.
"The work day is over for them, not for you. Keep digging." He turned and left.
Only one guard remained at the main entrance. Challenger tried to gauge their chances of overpowering the guard but Tribune read his mind and merely shook his head. They went back to their digging, Challenger hoping that his friends would soon find them, or they would find a way to escape.
LWLWLWLWLW
"Roxton, he should have been back yesterday." Malone said as they sat around the table trying to decide what their next move should be.
"I'm aware of that, Malone. But we don't know where to begin looking for Challenger. I think we should wait for Veronica to return from the Zanga village before we decide on anything," Roxton replied.
All heads turned when the elevator rose. Veronica jumped out before the elevator stopped. She was carrying something in her hands as she ran up to the table. She dumped her pack onto the table for all to see.
"Challenger's journal. Where did you get it?" Roxton asked.
"I found it on my way back from the Zanga village. I stopped by the place Challenger had camped to wait for me and found the place torn apart. By the looks of it, I would have to say it was the Drakul."
"The Drakul? Who are they and what would they want with Challenger?" Malone asked.
"The Drakul are raiders. They see something they want and they simply take it. We have to try and find Challenger before it's too late."
"What will they do with him?" Marguerite wanted to know.
"My guess is they will make him a slave, if he's lucky."
"And if he's not?"
"If they don't find a use for him, they'll kill him."
"John, no. We have to go after him," Marguerite said.
"Malone, get the rifles and ammunition. Marguerite, pack some food, enough for a week just to be safe. Be ready to leave in one hour." Roxton and Veronica went off to talk, leaving the others to their assigned tasks.
LWLWLWLWLW
Challenger and Tribune toiled long into the night. Tribune kept a watchful eye on Challenger and was surprised that the professor kept working steadily despite the obvious pain he was in. They filled bucket after bucket of the green rocks until everything they saw looked green. Finally Challenger could work no more. He nearly fainted, Tribune caught him before he fell, gingerly lowered him to the ground. Tribune told him to rest as he turned back to the cave wall and picked up his pace. Challenger noticed that for every stone Tribune put into his bucket he put two into Challenger's. It was then that the guards returned.
"You were not told to stop," the guards stated.
"As you can see, the old one is tiring. I gave him the break, and as you can also see, he has done more than his fair share."
"That matters not. Jora demands both of you work. Do not let it happen again."
The guards escorted them out and Challenger looked up at the night sky. There was the faintest hint of daylight on the far horizon. They both fell asleep before the wagon pulled away. The guards unceremoniously dumped them in their cave and slid the big rock back in front of the entrance. Tribune woke and gently rolled Challenger onto his back. He took their water bowl and dipping a strip of his cloak he carefully wiped the dirt from Challenger's face and hands. Tribune winced when he saw the blisters on the professor's hands and said a prayer of thanks to his God for being born with a thick hide.
After seeing to Challenger, Tribune settled down and went to sleep. When Tribune woke the second time he waited for the guards to come get them to work the mine again. No guards came. Soon he could tell it was late morning by the light coming in around the edges of the cave. Still there were no guards. Tribune rose, pacing back and forth in the cave. This can't be good, he thought, I wonder what is taking Lord Roxton and the others so long?
LWLWLWLWLW
"Come on, Marguerite, pick up the pace. We've still got two hours of daylight left," Roxton admonished her.
"Roxton, we've been walking all day. We're tired. We need to rest. It won't do Challenger any good if we kill ourselves trying to find him," Marguerite said.
"She's right, Roxton." Veronica said, "We would be better off staying the night here anyway. Drakul territory is just over that hill, and I for one do not want to run into them in the dark."
"Fine, then we camp here, and we'll take off at first light." They made camp.
Marguerite fixed a meager meal, and for the first time no one complained about her cooking. The explorers sat around the fire, no one really in the mood for talking. When Malone finally spoke, the others jumped.
"Veronica, do you really think they would kill Challenger?"
"I hope not, but with the Drakul you never know."
"Tell me more about the Drakul," Roxton said.
"There really isn't much more to tell. They are a warrior race who enslaves anyone they can find to work in their mines. They trade the gems for food and clothing with other tribes."
"Sounds like a right nice bunch of people." Marguerite remarked snidely.
"Well they do have one redeeming quality." Veronica smiled.
"Oh, really, and what might that be?" Roxton asked.
"They wouldn't want Marguerite. She's even greedier than they are." Everyone laughed and Marguerite tossed some small rocks at her.
"Well, we'd best turn in; we've a long walk ahead of us in the morning. Malone, if you'll take the first watch, I'll relieve you at midnight." They went to their bedrolls and bedded down for a night under the stars.
LWLWLWLWLW
"Ouch," Challenger groaned as he woke, stretching. "I certainly hope someone got the number of that T-Rex that ran over me last night." Challenger held his side when he chuckled. He noticed that his hands had been cleaned and were covered with blisters.
"You men of science need to work with the common man more often," Tribune said as he handed Challenger some dried meat and a piece of fruit.
"What are you babbling on about, Tribune?"
"Your hands, Professor. They are like a woman's hands. Soft and gentle, not like a man's hands, strong and sturdy."
"They have served me well for a lot of years, and I've no doubt they will continue to do so." Tribune sat quietly watching Challenger eat his meal, wondering when, or if, they should try to escape. Challenger ate a few bites of the meat and didn't touch the fruit.
"Professor Challenger, you need to finish your food. There is no telling what the Drakul have in store for us today. But the mine workers have already left so I have no doubt that our friends have something more strenuous in store for us."
"I'm not very hungry; you eat it," Challenger shoved it at Tribune, who pushed it back to him.
"It won't do your friends any good to rescue a corpse."
"I have no intention of dying, Tribune. I'm just not hungry."
"Dinner will be some time away; put the meat in your pocket. If you get hungry later, you will have it." Challenger put the meat in his pocket and leaned back against the cave wall.
"Do you have any idea why they didn't take us to the mine today?" He asked. "I overheard two of the guards talking, and I think we and a few others are being transferred to one of their other camps."
"To do what, I wonder."
"As near as I could make out, we are to be some sort of field workers."
"Oh, that's just great. If they move us, Roxton and the others will never be able to find us," Challenger sighed.
The rock blocking the entrance to their cave was being moved. The guards who entered were dirtier and mangier looking than their previous guards. They wore dirty pants with holes in them, and their shirts were no better. Challenger and Tribune were hauled to their feet, the guards placed collars and shackles on them and led them out. They tried to shield their eyes from the bright sunlight but their guards jerked on the ropes and pushed them forward.
"Walk."
"How far are we going?" Tribune asked. The only answer he received was the blow of a club to his ribs.
They walked in silence for sometime, both wishing the sun would disappear behind non-existent clouds. Even Tribune was beginning to feel the effects of the extreme heat. The guards paused and gave them a drink of water then herded them on. Tribune glanced at Challenger and saw that he was about to faint. Before Challenger could fall to the ground Tribune made a gurgling noise deep in his throat and fell to the ground. The guards clubbed him and jerked on his collar trying to get him to his feet. When that failed, they left Challenger standing in the clearing and dragged Tribune off to the shade of the trees. Then they went back for Challenger. When they reached the spot they had left Tribune, Challenger dropped to his knees.
"We will make camp here. Jora will not be pleased if we bring these two to him dead."
"True, they will need all of their strength to work in the fields."
"This one," the guard said as he kicked Tribune, "must be a throwback. I thought lizards liked the heat."
"He can take the heat, but you are starving him to death, not to mention working him to death." Challenger spoke harshly and was rewarded with a backhand slap across his face, which knocked him backward. Challenger glared at the guards but held his tongue when one of them raised his club.
"Sleep, old one. Morning will come sooner than you think, and you have a long walk ahead of you."
Challenger leaned back against a tree and tried to get as comfortable as his injuries and restraints would allow. Soon he was sleeping, and Tribune looked at their guards through very tiny slits. So tomorrow they would reach Jora; they had to escape before that. If he were taken before Jora he would surely kill him. Unless Roxton reached them first, something Tribune very much doubted now. Roxton and the others would have no idea where to look for them nor would they even know that he was with their friend.