Night of November 19
by rann
Disclaimer and other notes: See Chapter 1
Chapter 5 - Conclusion
"Quite the scene." Roxton looked out over the gaily-dressed members of the kumpania.
"They're certainly feeding us well." Ned dug into the stew he'd been served where he sat next to Roxton on a log.
"Marguerite, we'd better not." Roxton's voice was only for her ears as she was about to accept a cup of wine."
She waved away the offer and rolled her eyes at her companion. "Spoilsport."
"You're the one who told me not to accept anything to drink."
"Hey, Marguerite, isn't that Mara and her family?" Veronica walked over and pointed to the other side of the brightly burning campfire. The linguist nodded.
"I wonder why they're here?" Ned put his plate down and looked around for his journal.
"They didn't say anything on the trail about coming here, did they?" Veronica looked around at the journalist.
Ned shook his head. "Marguerite, come with me and talk to them, since her parents don't speak English. Let's see why they're here."
Looking somewhat put upon, Marguerite stood to join Malone in seeking out the family from the trail. "Remember your words about caution." Her words were directed to Roxton as she inclined her head in the direction of Isadore, who was ambling toward them.
"No wine, my friends?" Isadore stood by Veronica and Challenger.
"We'll do without tonight." There was no mistaking the sternness in Veronica's voice.
"Your vintage seems to be a little overwhelming for our tastes." Roxton's tone was somewhat harsh. He disliked being made a fool, particularly if it put his companions in harm's way.
"I'll see if we can arrange something else. We wouldn't want you to find us lacking in anyway." The young woman stroked the scientist's arm.
***
"I thought we said no wine? Was Isadore that persuasive?" Marguerite threw
the question out as she returned to the others, Malone trailing behind her,
Mara on his arm.
"It's not wine, it's some kind of fruit drink. A little too sweet for my taste, but no problems yet." Roxton offered his cup to her.
"I drank a cup, Marguerite, and so far no side-effects. Actually, it was remarkably refreshing. One of the council of elders, the Kris-Romani, brought it." Challenger was quite pleased with himself, having had the opportunity to discuss some of the tribes' various histories. He was jotting down some details in his notebook. "According to him the stone was imbued with a spirit to protect them on their journeys. He told me that the gem was brought with them from Europe."
"That explains the high-quality workmanship on the stone."
"He described the wheel engraved on the stone. Said it was a chakra. With all the details he knew about the stone, I'm sure it must be theirs."
"Mara, what brings you here?" Veronica held out the cups that had been left for Marguerite and Ned to the pair, since the linguist was sharing the hunter's cup.
"It is a most interesting place. My family and I have traveled alone too long. With all the changes that Isadore told us about, we decided we would like to take our place in the tribe again."
"How did you find it?" Malone had his journal open.
"There was the patrin. But, truly, I felt drawn to this place. My grandmother told me I would one day be here. My parents always knew I had a trace of the power, like my mother, so they listened to my feelings." Her eyes had become unfocused as she remembered her grandmother's words. She looked at them again and was once again just a young woman intent on flirtation. "Besides such interesting people seemed to be heading here." She smiled beatifically at Malone who beamed in return. She looked across at Roxton but her smile dimmed as he returned it abstractedly, more interested in Marguerite's opinion of the drink.
"It's very nice." She offered the cup back to the hunter.
After a sip, he returned it to her. "I prefer something less cloying." The look in his eyes let her know he wasn't referring to the drink. "Something with more bite in it."
"Always the adventurous sort, Lord Roxton." Marguerite responded to the gleam in his eyes with a playful smile. He waved back her offer of the cup, indicating she could finish it.
"It's been a long day, I'm turning in." Challenger tucked away his notes and touched his hat as his way of bidding the others good night.
"I should return to my family. I think the dawn will shed a new light on our lives." Her voice held a faraway tone. "It was good to talk to you again, …Ned." Mara said his name hesitantly. "You're very brave to risk so much for your comrades."
"I found the stories of your life wandering on the plateau most fascinating. Thank you." The reporter was now anxious to get rid of the younger woman, knowing his companions were going to tease him unmercifully, judging by the smiles that had popped up on their faces."
"Yes, Ned, your bravery inspires us all." Predictably it was Marguerite who got the first dig in.
"Have yourself an admirer there, hey Neddy-boy!"
Ned laughed with the others. "I'm going to bed. It's been a pretty tiring day." Malone decided to concede the game, before Veronica was able to get her jabs in.
"Me, too." The jungle girl yawned. "I'll take the watch after yours, Roxton." Veronica made her way to the nearer wagon that had been set aside for their use. Ned stopped her at the steps of the wagon to bid her a more quiet good night.
"Are you going to be okay?"
"It's been a long day, that's all."
"Actually, I'm not bad. Challenger was right, that fruit drink was refreshing. You're not tired?"
"I'm okay. I could take this watch for you."
"I'd never hear the end of it from Veronica."
"At least let me walk the perimeter with you once and make sure everything is okay."
The dark haired couple circled the two wagons. The wooden side awnings were up on both wagons; the doors open to let the cooler night air in. The interiors were dark as their companions sought their rest. The others in the encampment seemed to be settling down. Most of the fires were banked.
Roxton stopped in the darker shadow cast by the wagons so they were scarcely visible by anyone else who might still be stirring in the camp.
"It looks safe enough, John. Now you better get your rest."
The hunter stroked the hair from the side of her face and studied her eyes. "If you get too tired, call me early." He smiled, "Or if you get lonely." He bent his head to collect a good night kiss.
From inside the wagon a snore broke the silence disrupting the mood.
"If this keeps up you might not get much sleep."
"The old boy must really be tired, to make this much noise."
***
"Roxton." The sharp whisper penetrated his dream. "John." The whisper was more insistent. He decided the problem couldn't be too urgent, if she was still making an effort to be quiet. Her next step would be to give him a shake. He thought about trying to pull her into his arms but the proximity of Malone and Challenger made that impractical.
"Everything alright, Marguerite?" Sitting up, he reached for his holsters and began to shrug them on.
"A veritable ocean of calm. It's just your watch." That surprised the hunter. Usually his internal alarm clock was better than that. When he set himself to wake up he usually did or was on the verge of it. This time his sleep was a bit deeper than normal.
"Anything of interest occur?"
"Nothing except trying to keep myself awake." Roxton noted the damp edges of her hair around her face. Apparently she had resorted to splashing water on her face. "I'm going to bed."
"Are you sure you're okay?" He took her arm to steady her on the steps of the wagon.
"Nothing a good night's sleep won't cure. Now you better let me go, unless you're planning to tuck me in."
"An intriguing possibility." For once his lady didn't rise to the bait. He let his eyes adjust to the darkness and watched her lay down. She seemed to fall asleep almost immediately. Something was wrong here.
When they had been drugged before the effects were instantaneous or practically so. Tonight they had a meal and remained talking for a while. The desire for sleep had seemed a natural, gradual thing after the strenuous days they had experienced. He was shaking off the effects of sleep without a great deal of trouble; perhaps he was overly suspicious. He walked around the wagons, looking and listening carefully for anything out of the ordinary. The normal jungle noises continued unabated. He saw no one wandering around the encampment.
About an hour into his watch, he still hadn't shaken his suspicions. "Enough of this back and forth. Challenger, you'll have to forgive me, you're about to get an early wake-up call."
Entering the wagon, he was struck again by the snores coming from his two fellow explorers. "Challenger! Challenger!" He shook the scientist by the shoulder. "Wake up!"
"Who - What - Roxton, is that you?" The scientist tried to force his eyes open.
"Wake up, Challenger, I think we've been drugged."
The scientist's eyes fluttered and he tried to sit-up. "Give me a minute." His eyes closed and he slumped down again. Roxton took a look at Malone and realized that if he slept through this commotion, he wasn't going to be any help.
Without any further hesitation, the hunter went to the other wagon. "Marguerite! Veronica!" Their breathing was heavier than normal. He shook each of them. Veronica began to stir. The hunter realized that Marguerite's face was dotted with beads of perspiration. As he focused on the dark haired beauty, he missed the steps behind him, until the blow knocked him out.
***
Veronica stirred, an acrid smell penetrating her nostrils. "Marguerite, what's going on?" Her voice was still sleepy.
"Please wake up. We want to talk to you."
Veronica's eyes popped open at the unfamiliar voice. She jerked her head away from the bowl being held under her head. She sat up and held her head in her hands and tried to focus her eyes.
The Kak and four others sat nearby.
"What did you do to me?" Veronica's eyes flashed in anger.
"You need to tell us about the stone."
"Not until I find out what's going on." Veronica felt for her knives, but not surprising both the knives at her waist and in her boot were gone.
"Perhaps we can use other means to persuade you. We have one of your friends here." One of the Rom moved to reveal Roxton sprawled on the floor.
"Roxton, are you okay?" Veronica turned towards the downed hunter.
"I don't think you should move, yet." One of the Rom women placed her hand warningly on Veronica's shoulder. "Wake him up."
A pitcher of water was dumped on Roxton's head.
"Oooh, not again." The hunter rubbed the back of his head. He looked around and a frisson of fear went through him. "Marguerite?" Looking at the Roma he demanded. "What have you done to Marguerite?"
"Your friends are safe. You all are. The other woman was moved to the wagon with the two men. They'll stay together so you can be sure no harm comes to her. We have no desire to hurt you. We would never have hit you but we must understand about the stone."
"You could have just asked." Veronica was unforgiving.
"If we can see you with the stone, we can understand the nature of your power and how it works with the stone."
"It won't do you any good in the middle of the night." The Rom leaders quailed under the jungle beauty's tone.
"We need the stone first. Where is it? We've looked through your packs. We looked through everything you own." The Kak spoke for the first time.
"I don't know where it is."
"You must tell us. Help us find it."
"If you want our help we need to be sure our friends are okay. Neither Challenger nor Malone were stirring when I tried to wake them. Marguerite looked very pale and ill." Roxton's graveled tones were a sure indication of his anger.
Disturbed glances were exchanged between the Rom. "The potion should not make anyone ill, it just encourages sleep. We were careful not to give anyone too much. It was in the fruit juice. We gave you a bit more than the others, but obviously not enough."
"Marguerite drank most of mine." Roxton tried to get up; but a knife was put at his back. "You have to let me go to her." His voice was urgent. He checked his holsters, but as he expected they were empty.
"We'll send someone to check on her. We'll bring her around." One of the Rom went to the doorway and spoke to someone outside.
"Tell us about the stone while we wait." Veronica decided to try and distract Roxton before he did something foolish.
***
"Challenger, Marguerite wake up!" Malone woke in the wagon surprised to find Marguerite and no Roxton.
"What did you say before, Roxton?" The scientist's voice was groggy.
"No, Professor, it's me, Malone."
"It must have been a dream. I thought Roxton was in here saying something about being drugged."
"It may not have been a dream. Someone put Marguerite in here and she doesn't look good."
Challenger scrambled over to the linguist's side searching for a pulse. "Oh, I don't like this. Based on her breathing and her pulse, I think she's been overdosed with some kind of laudanum-like derivative."
"What can we do?"
"Let's start by waking her up. Get some water." Ned nodded, but at the door he was stopped. He realized then that his pistol and rifle were missing.
"Challenger, I don't think they want us to leave." Looking past the reporter, the scientist saw two men with crossbows.
***
Several of elders exchanged looks. "What could it hurt?" No one could think of a reason to deny the request.
"What do you want to know about the stone?"
"What kind of animal is supposed to come out of it."
"It depends on the wielder of the stone and the need that they face." One of male elders answered.
"It would be an animal that you know well, one whose behavior you understand." One of the women added.
"Most often it is an animal that has made a great impact on you."
"A t-rex certainly makes an impact on you." Roxton tossed the comment back as he continued to stare fixedly out the wagon. He had an insistent desire to rush the guards and run to his companions' aid. Certainly Veronica and he could make short work of the few men they had guarding them. The problem was any move on their part would most assuredly result in vengeance against their comrades. The Rom leaders had identified himself and Veronica as the most adept fighters. They also knew, probably courtesy of Isadore, that Marguerite, Malone and Challenger were excellent hostage material and could be used to neutralize the threat the two hunters posed.
"The animal might be one you know as a threat or as an ally." The first woman expanded a bit on the potential of the stone.
"The strength of the wielder can also decide what kind of animal appears."
"As one uses the stone more, the stories say the wielder can pick the animal he or she needs and exercise great control over it."
"What do you mean, 'the stories say'?" That phrase jumped out at Veronica causing a disturbing feeling.
Again the elders exchanged looks. "We haven't had anyone who could wield the stone for years. Since I was a very young man." The Kak admitted the last to them in a very quiet voice.
***
"Please we need something for our companion. She's very ill." The two Rom guards looked at each other, not comprehending Challenger's words
"Let me through, I can help her." An old woman came up and spoke to the two men in their own language. One nodded and stood aside. The other held up his crossbow in obvious warning to Malone and Challenger.
"Let me see what we got here." Looking at Marguerite's pale face, pulling up her eyelids the woman nodded to her self. She reached in to a pouch she wore and pulled several packets of herbs. She pointed at a bowl and Malone handed it to her. Challenger stayed at her side watching her actions carefully. "I need water."
"We don't have any here and your guards wouldn't let us get any." Malone's tone was stiff. Worry over Veronica, Roxton and Marguerite was straining his normally even temper.
The old woman raised her voice and said something to the guards. One of them stepped a few feet away and returned with a jug of water. Pouring some into the bowl, she stirred the contents. "We need to get her to drink some of this."
Challenger sighed. He didn't like giving concoctions he hadn't prepared to his friends. But he didn't see that there was much choice. Raising the unconscious woman up and supporting her shoulders, he watched as the old woman coaxed Marguerite into swallowing a bit.
Coughing and sputtering a bit, Marguerite became aware she was resting against someone. "John?" Her voice came out bit breathless from her coughing.
"No, Marguerite, I'm afraid it's just me."
"George, what's going on?" She looked around saw Malone and the old woman. "Who's she and where are Roxton and Veronica?"
***
"That's why the two who stole the stone were taking it up river. They were looking for someone who could use the bloody thing." Roxton's temper was frayed.
"And why you're so interested in why I can handle the gem." Veronica concluded.
"And your friend as well, if what we were told is true."
"She's not going to be handling anything, unless she's cured. Let me go to her." Roxton was nearing his breaking point.
"She'll be fine. We gave you our word. We want her well, since she can use the stone." The Kak tried to reassure the tall hunter.
"Your friends will remain in good condition, …if you help us." The not so subtle threat from the quietest of the male elders had Roxton and Veronica tensing.
***
"So you poison us and now expect help."
"It wasn't poison. It was just a sleeping draught. Now you must tell us where the stone is."
"We don't have it." Challenger said quickly.
"Where did it go? You had it when you got here." The old woman eyed the scientist suspiciously.
"We don't have it now." Marguerite wasn't sure where the stone was, but if Challenger didn't want them believing they had it, she'd had best take over. Her companions had many talents, but deception was her strong suit. "One of your people must have taken it. Again." The old woman stiffened at the reminder of how it went missing the first time. Marguerite smiled to herself, nothing like putting the opposition on the defensive.
"That's not possible. The ones who searched are trusted."
"Maybe, but let's talk possibilities here. Say, the stone did turn up, would you let us walk away?"
"The three," the old woman measured Marguerite with her eyes and amended, "the four of you could go. We would just need Veronica to stay."
"We're not leaving her!" Malone's anger was bubbling over. Marguerite waved him back. One negotiator was preferred to keep things moving.
"Not acceptable. It's all of us."
"You don't understand! We need to learn how the power works to use the stone. We have some knowledge but not enough."
"Now maybe we can work a deal here. Professor Challenger is quite remarkable. He's had the stone in his possession for several days. More than enough time for him to have discovered the most crucial secrets. If all of us were to leave, I'm sure the professor would be willing to explain anything you need to know."
From behind the old woman's back, Challenger tried to signal Marguerite that he only had the most rudimentary knowledge. Marguerite ignored him.
The old woman considered Marguerite's words. "Let me talk to the Kris-Romani. Perhaps we can...'work a deal'."
As the old woman left the wagon door was locked. Only the opening under the awning gave them a view into the kumpania.
"Marguerite, are you crazy? I can't tell them that much."
"Make something up, for heaven's sake, George! It's either that or we pretend we're leaving Veronica and I don't think they'd believe that. This way we've got a little time."
"I take it you do know where the stone is." Malone looked at the scientist.
"Of course, I took the precaution of hiding it outside the wagon during our supper hour."
"George, that was very devious. I'm proud of you." Marguerite was feeling more herself with each passing moment. "Now let's think about getting out of here. We're probably being used as leverage to keep Roxton and Veronica in line."
Malone turned from where he'd been studying the encampment. "The guards are still out there." Challenger and Marguerite watched the route of the guards, who dutifully paced back and forth as pair, coming under the edge of the awning.
"If we could knock the two of them out at the same time, we could make our escape."
"Great idea, Marguerite." Malone was just slightly sarcastic. "But just how do you think we can do that?"
"I may have a idea." The two turned to look at the scientist. "I noticed when studying the wagon earlier this evening the awning is held up by single hook above us."
"If it's above us how do we knock it down?"
"If we have an object of sufficient density that is hurled with at a reasonably high velocity at the appropriate angle, we can plot the trajectory such that a series of subsequent collisions will redirect the object's path and cause it to collide with the awning's support, thereby allowing gravity to take it's course."
Malone looked blank at Challenger's answer to his question.
"You mean a billiard shot." Marguerite could not only translate the unknown languages of plateau inhabitants; she could also clarify for her fellow explorers the words of the sometimes equally incomprehensible visionary.
"Exactly. You can throw a ball with some degree of force can't you, Malone."
"I've taken down a runner trying to make it from second base to home on a deep fly."
Challenger seemed slightly taken aback at this statement.
"Roxton told me it was the American version of cricket." The linguist offered in way of an explanation.
"Oh, I'm well aware of the sport of baseball, Marguerite. My father's good friend, Abner Doubleday, invented the game."
"I can throw a ball hard, but I'm not a billiard player, so cushion shots are a little out of my league, Challenger. Pool was my game."
"Pool, not covering basic scientific formulas, such as gunpowder. Mark my words, we're looking at the decline of civilization with today's education."
"If Challenger can tell you the exact spot to throw whatever he's found here, do you think you can do it?"
"I had a hell of an arm when I played the outfield."
"All right, Malone, take a look at that tree there. Just above the second branch, to the right of center. I estimate you will have to throw this at a velocity upwards of seventy-five miles an hour."
"Can do, Professor."
"As soon as they pass on their next round, throw the rock. The sound will make them stop and turn. They shouldn't pay any attention to us, since the sound will be a short distance away from us."
Malone fixed his eyes on his spot. He relaxed his muscles, as his companions tensed. One throw and a crack sounded. The guards stopped and turned slightly facing outwards towards the sound. Another crack, followed by a third, and then one above their heads. With a creak the wooden awing fell, knocking them down.
The three explorers pushed the awing away from the wagon's side slightly. Ned slipped out, and held the awning up a bit so Challenger could get out, followed by Marguerite. Quietly they let the awning fall back into place. Pink streaks were appearing in the east.
"Let's find our guns." Unarmed, Marguerite felt too vulnerable.
"Wait, I want to collect the stone. I buried it behind the wagon wheel here." Ned and Marguerite watched nervously, expecting to be discovered any minute.
"Hurry, Challenger, it's getting light. The camp is beginning to stir." Malone watched as a few early souls were in the process of coaxing cooking fires from the banked embers left from the night before.
"Got it."
"Not soon enough, I'm afraid." Marguerite pointed across the camp where several men were looking at them.
***
The old woman had entered the wagon where Roxton and Veronica were held. She addressed the council. "They want to make a deal."
Roxton felt his heart start beating again. He caught Veronica's eyes, who gave him a wry smile. If their friends were proposing deals, that meant Marguerite was back up to snuff and setting the cat among the pigeons in her own inimitable manner.
The elders listened to the proposition dubiously. Shouts from outside caused everyone to start. Recognizing Malone's voice, Veronica grinned. She and Roxton kicked out the door and took out the guards. Dashing across the camp, they joined their friends as they struggled with the Rom.
Malone and Challenger seemed to be holding their own. Marguerite had taken one down with a rather large branch. One came up behind her and grabbed her. Roxton tapped him on the shoulder and caught him with a left cross.
"It's about bloody time you two showed up."
"Good to see you, too, Marguerite." Roxton grinned as Marguerite used her branch effectively on the nearest assailant.
"We should make for the jungle." Veronica flipped one attacker over her back into a second trying to sneak around.
"What about our guns?" Malone was keeping two of their former captors busy.
Shouts and screams from the opposite side of the camp prevented a reply. The rebels and the bandits had brought the battle to the encampment. The two sides converged. Families poured out into the fray. Even with the families in the kumpania, the Roma were outfought. The outcome was a foregone conclusion.
The battle stilled. The rebels and the bandits surrounded the explorers and the Roma.
Marguerite saw a flash of recognition in one of Kaysan's former seconds. A quick retreat would be wise. A crossbow stopped her movements.
The new bandit leader looked at her closely. "Josef and Janos said you had it. Give it to me."
Nearby Isadore muttered imprecations on her two former playmates, regretting letting them escape.
Eyeing the crossbow held on her, Marguerite indicated Challenger's pack. "What you want is in there. The side pouch." Challenger frowned at her, unhappy that she was turning the gem over to the rebels and bandits.
"You want me to put my hand in there." The suspicion, with which he regarded the dark-haired beauty, demonstrated the impression she made on him in their last encounter.
"If you want what's in there, you will." The linguist's voice was uncaring.
The bandit grinned. "It must be a trap. I remember you. You're the one Kaysan wanted. You can't be trusted."
"Afraid?" A bit of a taunt entered Marguerite's voice.
"I'm on to you. You take it out. You won't mind."
With a show of reluctance, Marguerite reached in to Challenger's pack.
"Hurry it up!"
The dark haired beauty gasped and the bandits drew back. She spun and held her hand into the early morning sunlight. Blue light flashed across the clearing. No t-rex appeared. No raptor. Growls sounded from the dog that charged through clearing from the fading blue light. Scuffles broke out as unexpected beast managed to catch the bandits off guard.
"Good heavens, it's a Chow. A Chinese guard dog." As usual, Challenger couldn't resist providing background information even as a battle raged around them.
"That's it?" Roxton threw the question over his shoulder as he struggled with the bandit leader.
"It's not like it came with an instruction manual." Marguerite twisted to keep the dog in her sight, ready to interfere if it went after an ally.
One of the bandits got past the hunter, but ran into a solid punch from the linguist. Unfortunately she didn't have the strength of her comrades to knock him out decisively. The bandit stumbled and grasped her hand holding the gem. In her struggle it fell to the ground. It gleamed tantalizing in the early morning light.
From behind her Mara ran forward and picked up the stone. Holding it aloft to catch the sunlight her voice ran out. "Come forth."
A blue radiance filled the clearing. In the midst of the blinding light the distinctive roar of the t-rex echoed in their midst. Friend and foe alike tried to determine where this invincible fighter was.
In the fading light the t-rex stood, its head swiveling as if trying to decide on its first meal. One of the rebels started to retreat; the t-rex took a step. Unable to watch anyone fall victim to this predator the hunter moved forward.
"Halt!" The young woman's voice ran out and the t-rex and snarling dog obeyed. "Everyone put down your weapons." The Rom tribe, the rebels and the bandits looked around, reluctant to comply.
One of the bandits lifted his crossbow. "Kill her and the t-rex will take you and then rampage unchecked." The Kak spoke into the stillness that now pervaded the battlefield. His eyes were glued to Mara. It was as if her grandmother stood there, confident and strong.
With a move of her hand, Mara reminded them of the alternative to ending the battle. Swords and bows fell to the ground.
Mara assessed the combatants. "You will now find a way to live in peace. We will sit down together and work out our differences. Grudges will be forgotten and forgiven." Recalcitrant looks met her pronouncement. "You can die for the past or you can live in the future."
"Moving away from the past is not an easy choice. It takes bravery to accept change and look to compromise. Battle does not build your homes and raise your children." Challenger added his voice to the young woman's bid for peace.
"Perhaps something can be worked out." At the words of one of the Rom elders nods of agreement slowly traveled around the clearing.
Apparently Mara and her family's fortune had changed.
***
"We thank you for your help." The Rom elder watched the relief on the faces of the explorers as their weapons were handed back to them.
"It looks like you have someone more than capable of wielding your stone." Veronica adjusted her bag on her shoulder.
"No need for us."
"Not unless they want another dog running around." Roxton's dry tone had his companions laughing.
"That's a good point. Why a Chinese guard dog, Marguerite?" Veronica was remembering some of the information passed on by the Rom elders about why a beast is called forth.
"I guess my thoughts just don't turn to raptors and t-rexes." Marguerite avoided their eyes as she adjusted her pack. No way would she describe the last run-in she had with a Chinese guard dog. They just wouldn't understand.
As they turned to take their leave they were face to face with Isadore.
"Once again my handsome heroes have aided me." Isadore's look included Challenger.
"That means we'd better check the packs before we leave." Marguerite's flippant tone brought a smile to Veronica's face. The men stifled their amusement.
"Speaking for myself, Isadore, this has been a most fascinating interlude." Challenger bowed with old-world courtesy over her hand. "But it is more than time we head back home."
"Home?" Veronica threw the comment back as they left the encampment.
"Home." Malone's voice was firm.
finis
Author's NotesMuch of the inspiration for this story came from a few scenes in Fire in the Sky. In the trip down the river, Roxton and Marguerite find two dead Zanga warriors, who are never accounted for. Also in a couple of scenes it looks as if someone is watching them based on the camera angles used and Roxton reacts to a sudden flight of birds as if someone is watching them.
Some of the tension between Veronica and Malone was a foreshadowing of Hollow Victory.
Regarding Marguerite changing Malone's destiny: Isadore, in Prophecy, remarks on Marguerite's power at the end of the episode. During the day preceding the fight with the clawed beast, she not only described the event of the heart being ripped, she kept referring to it as Malone's death. Given those two incidents, I decided that Isadore had seen Malone's death, but something interfered with it. Marguerite parting with her locket, seemed out of character. And so on such little things can we base a story thread.
I have adapted some material from the following sources. Any inaccuracies are my own or for purposes of the plot.
Gems: www gemhut com /iolite.htm
Irish nomads, The Travelers: www geocities com /Paris/5121/ireland.htm
The Rom: "www.geocities.com/Paris/5121/vlib/"
LanguageGadjo (or Gazhó, Gajó). Male non-Roma, plural Gadje. The feminine form is Gadji, plural Gadja (Romanes).
Kak (also kako). Uncle; respectful form of address for an older male person, usually the chief of a tribe (Romanes).
Kris-Romani. Council of Roma elders (Romanes).
Kumpania. Romanes word meaning a group of Roma travelling or living together in a territory in an economic and residential association.
Mishtó-avilián tu! - Welcome
Muló. Dead or death (Romanes).
Mulaní (also mulanó, muló). Ghost (Romanes).
Patrin (or pateran, pyaytrin,
or sikaimasko). Marker used by traveling Roma to tell others of directions,
also used for passing on news using prearranged signals. Also, a leaf or page
(Romanes).
Raklí. Non-Roma girl (Romanes).
Sastimos (or Sastipé). Meaning "to your health" or healthy, generally used as a greeting (Romanes).
