Night of November 19

by rann

Disclaimer and other notes:  See Chapter 1

Chapter 4

Challenger's hand flew into the air.  The stone caught the sunlight and gleamed blue.  His expectant face fell.  Only blue sparkles lit the area.  The wagon shook as the masked bandits spooked the horse.

Avaricious eyes reflected the gem's gleam from behind a mask.  "I'll take that."  In the bandit's eagerness her hand knocked the scientist's arm.  The stone glistened brightly in the sun as it flew up.

Ned, with the reflexes of a fielder faced with a game winning hit, plucked the stone out of its flight, mid-air.  Once again the sunlight caught the stone but no animal appeared.  As another of the bandits grabbed for the gem, he tossed it to Veronica. 

The results were instantaneous.  The blue light surrounded the wagon.  A raptor leapt forward in the fading light to grab the leg of the nearest bandit.  Shaking his first victim he tossed him a few feet away and jumped for the arm of another.  The presence of a natural enemy caused the horse to plunge even more wildly in its attempt to flee.

In full retreat, the bandits pelted back into the jungle undergrowth.  Challenger, Malone and Marguerite encouraged the retreat peppering the fleeing thugs with several shots. They stood with pistols ready to deal with any latent foolhardiness on the bandits' part. 

Veronica, pale but steady on her feet, nodded at her companions.  "Return."  The blue light encompassed the raptor and as it faded it took the dinosaur with it.

Roxton was able to bring the horse back under control.  He hurriedly set the brake and ran back to check on his companions.  His hand was in Marguerite's hair.  "Are you all right?  All of you?"  His eyes stayed on Marguerite as she grasped his wrist with her hands. 

"We're fine."  Malone had his arm around Veronica's shoulder.  "I think Veronica could use a rest."

"This is most curious.  The stone has apparently caused the appearance of the simulations of two different species." 

"That's one heck of a simulation, Challenger."

"It seemed like the real thing to me."  Veronica agreed with Malone's point.

"Whatever it was, it certainly was effective.  The horse reacted as if it was real as well."  Roxton rubbed a sore spot on his hand left by the reins.

"Of course, there are many aspects we need to check on – " A call from the front of the wagon caused Challenger to break off his speech.  The scientist hurried to Isadore's side.  He put his hand up to help her descend.

"Oh, thank you, once again my heroes have saved me."

"Certainly, … it wasn't…., I mean"  Challenger wasn't prepared as the beautiful fortuneteller swooned into his arms.

Veronica grinned despite her fatigue, and drew her weight back onto her own feet.  She'd be damned if she'd cling like that jungle tart.

"What should I do?"  The scientist was still holding the limp form in his arms as he walked back to his comrades.

"Drop her.  We've got other things to do."  Marguerite's tone caused Roxton and Malone to wince.

"Oh, you've been so kind.  I'm afraid I look a fright."  Isadore's eyes fluttered on cue.

"He's not buying it, sweetheart.  You've played this game once too often around us."  Veronica gave Marguerite an approving look at these words.

"Ah, let me assist you in standing."  Challenger always felt a bit awkward and out of his depth when a woman turned her wiles upon him.  Isadore clung most flatteringly to his arm.

Isadore smiled impartially on Malone and Roxton. She offered back the gun she had used.  It was one of Roxton's Webleys.  Then she stumbled.  Malone stepped forward and put his hand out to help steady the redheaded fortuneteller.  "You're always there to act as my hero."

Ned preened himself and blushed a bit.  "My pleasure." 

Veronica looked exasperated.

"I really need to have a talk with that boy."  Only Marguerite was close enough to hear the amused comment from the tall hunter.

"Better make it soon or Ned will have another lump for his collection."  Roxton's lips curved in acknowledgement to the linguist's sotto voce comment.

"As I started to say,  -  "

"We should check on our prisoners."  Veronica wasn't looking forward to further discussion on the Protector's Stone.

The scientist nodded, "Quite right," and obediently moved to the back of the wagon.

"Yes, the ride got a little bumpy for a while."  Roxton wasn't terribly concerned, but went to join Challenger.

"Apparently, very bumpy."  Challenger stood to the side to reveal the wagon's interior minus its former occupants.

"What did you do?"  Outraged, Veronica rounded on fortuneteller still clinging to Malone's arm.

"What did I do?" 

"Don't play innocent.  On you it's not believable."  Marguerite was at the other side of Isadore, furious.

"Surely you don't think – "  She appealed to the men.

"Your friends threatened Marguerite and Veronica."  Roxton's normally indulgent, amused tone with the fortuneteller was absent.

"That's something we take seriously."  Malone's voice was hard as well.

"You had best tell us what happened."  The stern voice was infrequently heard from Challenger.

Isadore dropped the seductive act.  "We grew up together.  Josef, Janos and I.  We played together as children.  How could I let them be brought back?  The theft of the Protector's Stone is a grave offense."

"They were going to use it to make a deal.  To fight the people to whom you're leading us."  Challenger considered this for a moment, then added, "At least we thought that's where you were taking us when you told us about the kumpania."

"It is.  Janos and Josef are with the rebels.  I prefer my life as it is, but I couldn't let them face the Kak and the Kris-Romani."

"What do you think, Challenger?"  Veronica watched the scientist as he pondered the gypsy's words.

"It could be true.  I don't know if we have any other options but to continue on."

"When we go in, we're going to be cautious, be armed and be ready to retreat at a moment's notice."  Roxton began to view it as a military campaign.

"Agreed."  Malone spoke for the others, who nodded.

Roxton nodded as well in acknowledgement.  By military standards they were a most mismatched force.  But the years on the plateau had given him a respect for the diverse battle skills of each of his companions.  Their differing talents and strengths managed to compliment each other. Together they'd faced and defeated incredible odds and extraordinary foes.  He could think of no others he'd rather have at his side in a fight.

***

"Isadore, there's something that's been puzzling me about these bandits."  Malone was putting wood on the campfire in preparation for an evening meal.

"What's that?"  The Queen of the Travelers seemed subdued.  No outrageous vamping, no flirtatious remarks.

"How did they know how to use our guns?"

The other explorers looked around, curious as to what she would say.  This question had been tossed around after their initial encounter with Kaysan's group.  Ned and Veronica had disposed of a small group of well-armed bandits some months earlier to that by using them as raptor bait.  Where these various armed bandits and their knowledge of firearms were coming from in an essentially primitive environment was perplexing.  Neither Summerlee nor Challenger could offer any reasonable hypothesis. 

"A few years before we met the first time, someone brought a group up here, to the plateau.  There were at least a dozen men.  They were hard men, who didn't plan to stay here.  The way they got here couldn't be used to return."  Isadore paused as she searched her memory. 

"At least that's how the tale went.  The leader of their expedition knew another away off, but before he could tell them, he was apparently killed by a t-rex."  She looked at Ned, who was quickly jotting down notes in his journal.  She waited for him to pause in his writing before continuing. 

"They found signs of the attack, although no body.  Without a way off, these men took care of themselves in the way they knew best.  Robbing, stealing, and killing.  Some of them joined the bandits in the forest.  Kaysan was one of them.  He fought the old bandit chief so he could take over."  Isadore grimaced at the memory.  The bandits had roamed the forest a long time.  Kaysan had made dealing with them a lot worse than it ever had been.

"What was the name of the leader of the expedition?"  Malone was certain that between Challenger and Roxton they knew most of the likely leaders of scientific or adventure-oriented explorations.

"Maple – something, I think."

"Maple White?"  The scientist was stunned.  "Why would he bring such a group of men to the plateau?"

"Maybe he didn't have a choice about who to bring."  Marguerite offered her suggestion quietly, remembering a conversation in Shanghai years ago.

"What do you mean, Marguerite?"  Challenger looked over to the linguist who sat on log looking into the fire.

"The Zoological Society wouldn't have funded him, would they?"

"No, of course not!  He had less proof than I did."

"So he had to get the money from somewhere."

"And you think whoever funded him, dictated who he should bring."

"But why make him bring such vicious men."  Veronica asked.

"Not everyone funds an expedition for philanthropical reasons."  Marguerite answered quietly.

"As well we know."  Roxton put in somewhat sardonically.

Marguerite's lips pressed together and her eyes closed, trying to suppress the quick hurt she felt.  They had never forgiven her for wanting to collect gems.  In their minds, scientific glory, a trophy for the wall, published stories were all acceptable reasons.  That they would gain fame and make money was considered fair.  If she made money from her gems, it was wrong.  God help her if they ever learned the rest.

"It's always better when an investment pays off."  Marguerite managed the comment with a light mocking tone so the others didn't notice her distress.  "Keep up that reputation, Marguerite!"   Her thoughts were self-derisive.  Roxton felt a twinge of guilt for his words.

"Let's fill the canteens at that stream back there."  Roxton's suggestion was an obvious peace offering since she could take advantage of the task to wash up.  He smiled and put a hand out to help her rise.

***

"Are you sure you're okay?"  Malone knelt at Veronica's side, the campfire picking out highlights in their blonde hair.  The meal had been cleared away and it was full dark.

"Yeah, Ned.  I'm not as tired as I was the last time."

"Remember what Challenger said.  Get some rest tonight."  No matter what else was between them, the reporter reflected, she was still his friend.

"It's not like the rest of you are giving me any choice."  She leaned back against a boulder.

Marguerite, overhearing their conversation, stepped away to allow them more privacy.  Lately their two younger companions had seemed at cross-purposes.  Perhaps a little time together might let them recognize what they wanted.  She continued her survey of the camp perimeter.  First watch was usually the easiest.  Everyone took some time to settle down for the night.  The campfire tonight was for protection, not warmth.  The temperature had climbed on the plain and without the shade the ground retained the heat of the day contributing to the warmth of the night.

"And how are you tonight?"  Stopping at the far edge of the camp, she stroked the nose of Isadore's horse.  The appreciative animal lifted its head as if to encourage her caress.

"Another male falls victim to the famous Krux charm."

Marguerite kept her back to Roxton as her eyes gleamed.  "I've always found gelding makes a male much more manageable."

"Ouch.  Should I be worried?"  The confident humorous tones belied the comment.  His finger stroked the line of her cheek as he stood behind her; grateful she had forgiven his casually cruel words earlier.

"Not if you don't give me any trouble."  The horse, deciding he was being neglected, nudged the linguist forcefully.  She stumbled back into Roxton.  His arms caught her and steadied her.

"I knew that was a smart animal."  His arms held her close despite her half-hearted attempts to move away.

"John, I'm on watch."  There was a laugh in her voice.

"You need something to watch out for."  His lips nuzzled her neck, below her ear.  Her breath caught in her throat.

The grass rustled.  Roxton spun around, pulling one of his Webleys.  Isadore stopped in her tracks; held her hands out palms forward to show they were empty except for some fruit.

"Looking to make a quick get away?"  Marguerite stepped around to Roxton's side amazed once again at how rapidly the man could put himself between her and a potential threat.

"I told you, I'd take you to the kumpania."

"Why are you here?"

"Just checking on my horse.  He had a rough time between bandits and raptors scaring him."  The fortuneteller offered the fruit to the eager animal.

"He's a fine animal."  Roxton holstered his pistol.

"You seem to have a way with animals, Lord Roxton.  I never could have kept him from bolting today.  He needed someone with a great deal of strength."  The purr was back.

Roxton was amused.  Not since he'd been a very young man had he fallen for the standard lines.  Although he had certainly taken up any number of offers couched in those terms in the past.  It was how the game was played.  And it had been a game at which he once excelled.  Oddly, however, he was no longer even tempted.  There was only one target in his sights and the cost of losing her could not be borne.

"Ahem."  The aforementioned target cleared her throat.  "If you're done here, I suggest you return to your bed.  Alone."  Roxton's smile was a trifle smug listening to his lady warn off Isadore. 

Isadore was a practical woman.  One didn't travel the plateau without developing an appreciation of the realties of life.  Dalliance with the very attractive hunter was not going to be in her future.  In their past encounter she had seen a bond between the dark haired couple.  At that time Roxton had not been above allowing his eyes to wander, willing to indulge in light flirtation.  Even then, however, she knew he was not seriously interested.  Now the couple's bond was stronger and the pair was more devoted to each other.  Even without an object to read Isadore could tell that despite the coming trials the tie between the two would be strengthened.

"Good night."  Isadore lost none of her panache as she sauntered away.

"You had best get some sleep, Lord Roxton.  You're watch isn't that far off."

"At the slightest hint of trouble, come get me.  I'm worried about that pair Isadore let escape."

"I'll be fine, John."  She stretched up to place a kiss on his cheek. 

He considered coaxing a more demonstrative token of affection, but resigned himself to the fact that this was neither the time nor the place.  Given their track record, he could almost guarantee an attack the moment he took her lips.  "Good night, my queen." The teasing endearment brought a smile to her lips and the hunter kissed her forehead.

***

"This is most amazing."   Challenger looked about the encampment, enthralled.  It had taken most of another day's travel to reach the Rom's kumpania.

"What is a kumpania, Professor?"  Malone was busy taking mental notes of everything so he could describe it in his journal later.

"The word means a group of Roma travelling or living together in a territory.  It usually implies some type of economic and residential association."

"Who are all these different people?"  Different styles, different languages assailed the reporter's eyes and ears.  Wagons were placed randomly in the area in cheerful disarray.  People bustled back and forth.  Children ran underfoot.  A polyglot of languages could be heard. 

"Apparently this is a mix of cultures, some Romani, some of the Irish nomads known as Travelers, a few others."

"Do you think they met here on the plateau?"  Veronica joined them gazing over the bustling activity.

"Very possibly, all these groups have a common basis in a nomadic lifestyle.  It would make sense that they join forces.  A thorough anthropological study would be necessary to track the origins and subsequent assimilating of cultural identities.  Given the remote nature of the plateau, it provides a wonderfully isolated environment for tracking –"

"George!  Let's not lose sight of our purpose."  Marguerite came up in time to save Malone and Veronica from Challenger's lecture.  Roxton and Isadore trailed behind her.

"Well, then that will be sufficient for today, perhaps after this is all settled."  Challenger gave a gracious smile to Isadore.  "Can you take us to your elder, the Kak?"  He offered her his arm.

"What's Kak mean anyway?"  Roxton's quiet question was for Marguerite's ears.

"Literally, it means 'uncle'."

"Does that mean they're all one family?"  Veronica drew up on the other side of Marguerite.

"At one point probably, but not necessarily anymore."

"You mean, that the term is just a holdover when they traveled more in family groups?"  The reporter was close on their heels.

"That's what I'm guessing."

"Judging by the looks we're getting, it's not one big happy family at the moment."  It was apparent as Roxton called their attention to it, that the looks the explorers were receiving were not amicable.

"Any ideas?"  Malone kept an eye on the growing discontent that surrounded them.

"Keep your hands away from the weapons.  Don't give them any reason to attack."  Roxton was in command mode.

"With our weapons we could shoot our way out of here."

"Malone, if you have a death wish, can you leave us out of it?"  Marguerite was too nervous to be tactful, which she rarely was even at the best of times.

"Ned, remember what Challenger said before with the Hagans.  It's the same here.  We need to avoid a fight."  Veronica looked closely at the reporter's obstinate face.

"We have enough ammunition."  The reporter was unwilling to concede that a more diplomatic approach might serve them better.

Veronica looked at him angrily.  Marguerite looked across at Roxton, for once unsure as to what to say.

"Ned, sometimes firepower isn't the deciding factor."  Roxton's voice was soft.  "Sometimes you can't kill the problem." 

Ned looked at the hunter unhappily.  This was the man who normally charged in guns blazing.  The man he wanted to be like.  "I thought you said we'd go in armed."

"We are armed and if we have to, we'll fight our way out, but let's keep that as a last resort."

"Maybe we can settle this without a wholesale slaughter."  Marguerite watched the reporter closely, not satisfied that he was convinced.

Veronica was still angry with Malone.  Her whole stance showed her displeasure with the young explorer.  Seeing no support among his friends, Ned grudgingly nodded his head.

"All right, let's see what this Rom leader has to say."  Roxton led the way to catch up with Isadore and Challenger.

They could have taken their time.  As they reached Challenger, Isadore left him with two obvious guards.  She went alone to a larger, more ornate wagon, set slightly apart from the others.

"She said she'd talk to the Kak first.  She's sure he'll want to speak to us."  Challenger studied the kumpania as he related the information to his friends.

***

"Isadore, what trouble have you brought this time?"  The elderly man looked out the portal of the wagon that served him as living space and as a mark of his office.

"I'm about to return something you managed to misplace."

"How did you know?"  Hope warred with suspicion in the old man's face.

"I can read the signs."

"Save it for the gadje."

"Some old….friends of mine, came across it and looked me up to return it."

"So where is it?"

"They still have it.  They used it."

"No problem, we'll make that one a part of the tribe and that'll be an end to it."  A healthy sense of pragmatism was essential when leading a tribe across the wilds of the plateau.

"If only it were that simple.  It seems like two of them can control the stone."

"Isadore, who have you brought?"

"I wish I knew.  The dark-haired woman's gift I sensed the last time I met her.  She changed the fair-haired man's destiny."

"Are you serious?"

"I saw his death, I described the manner of his final moments.  It wasn't like most visions where I see the symbols with room for change or interpretation.  I saw the heart was ripped from him.  His beating heart.  There was no doubt.  It was death.  The end of his life was clear.  She turned the heart that was ripped out into a simple piece of jewelry and his life was spared."

"Impressive, a power that can change destiny.  I take it she's the one using the stone?"

"No, she can use it, but it's the other woman who has called forth the spirits."

"What of her power?"

"I simply don't know.  It wasn't there before.  But now it is.  It seems the barest ripple on the surface of a deep pond.  The power she has is just awakening, but I've seen it grow each day."

"Do you recognize the power?"

"Not from my own experience, but from the description from those who taught me and from the way she can use the stone," Isadore paused and looked in to the eyes of the tribal elder, "I think she could be the next Protector."  The two nomads saluted, back of the fist to the forehead and than inwards on the chest.

"And you left her there?  We must make her welcome."

"No, I don't think she knows. And the signs show that we're not suppose to tell her."

"We shouldn't disturb the course of events.  That much is true."  The older man thought for a moment.  "The Protector will be revealed when the time is right.  We'll have them stay."

"There is more, Kak."  His nod gave her permission to continue.  "All of them have been through some kind of death and returned.  There are traces of the otherworld on all of them.  Most particularly the young fair-haired man.  We need to be cautious in handling them."

"Let me meet them.  Later we shall summon the Kris-Romani."

"Be warned, they won't be manipulated like others we've dealt with."

The Kak nodded, but was clearly unconvinced that the gadje were as formidable as Isadore seemed to think.

Isadore slipped out and went to escort their guests.  "The Kak is delighted to be able to speak with such impressive guests."  She said something to the guards, but so quietly that Marguerite could not overhear the words.  "Please come in."

"They're letting us keep our guns?"  Malone's question was whispered to his companions.

"Don't look a gift horse in the mouth, Malone."

"I don't know, Roxton, it makes me suspicious." 

"Everything makes you suspicious, Marguerite.  Perhaps they trust us."  The hunter didn't sound convincing however.

"Or maybe they don't have any fear of our weapons."  Challenger comment had the others exchanging looks.

"In which case, what are we up against?"  Veronica looked around at the colorful wagons scattered around and the people going about their business, before entering the Kak's wagon.

"Mishtó-avilián tu!  Welcome to our home."  The tall man was slightly older than Challenger, but stockier in his build.  His expression was genial; the red hair color he shared with Isadore was now more grey than anything else.  By his looks he could be her uncle in truth. 

"I'm Professor George Challenger."  He offered his hand, with a smile.  "These are my colleagues, Lord John Roxton, Miss Marguerite Krux, Mr. Edward Malone, and Miss Veronica Layton."

"You have our gratitude for journeying all this way.  We are happy to extend our hospitality to you."

"That's most kind of you."  Challenger remained as the spokesperson for the group.

"Not at all, I understand you are returning our treasure."

"Yes, but we have one condition."

A frown crossed the Kak's face at the scientist's words.  "What condition is that?"

"We want to ensure that neither one of our companions is tied to that stone.  We don't want anyone else thinking they can use them to control the power."

"A wise precaution.  Let me consult with the Kris-Romani.  That is our council of elders.  I'm sure we can help you dissolve the connection your friends may have formed."  The elder smiled at the group, his eyes assessing Veronica and Marguerite.   "But for now let us offer you our hospitality.  We can offer you a meal and places to stay."

"One place to stay will be sufficient."  Keeping their group together in an unknown situation was a priority for the hunter.

"Our customs dictate separate quarters for unmarried men and women.  We will provide two wagons."

"No wonder Isadore is out on the trail so often."  Veronica muffled her laughter at Marguerite's comment in her ear.

"I don't like this, Challenger.  It could be a ploy to get at Veronica and Marguerite."  Roxton's voice didn't carry further than his companions.

"Oh, there's a lovely thought."  Marguerite's discomfort with that idea was all too apparent.

"Remember Josef and Janos.  They wanted both the stone and Veronica."  Malone added. 

"Perhaps, I can offer a solution."  Challenger raised his voice to carry to the Rom leader.  "We'll agree to separate quarters but the wagons must be next to each other."  Turning to his companions he lowered his voice. "We'll stand watch as usual."

"That is agreeable.  Isadore, please be so kind as to look after our honored guests."

The Kak, watched as Isadore escorted the explorers away, then signaled to one of the guards.  "Bring the elders here."

***

The three men and two women sat in the Kak's wagon. 

 "We need to understand how the rakli is using the stone and able to share power with another."

"They may not wish to show us."

"We will not give them a choice."

"This is not the way we teach our children to live among others."  The Kak was reluctant to use force.

"This time it must be this way!"

"Tonight we will …. encourage the one called Veronica to show us how to use the stone."

To be continued