Chapter Three
A grinding sound tore Challenger out of his sleep. He pushed his hat up and looked around. It was still raining, and the fire was almost out. Malone was asleep. Challenger heard the sound again. He stood up, checking to make sure his rifle was ready. He began to walk towards the back of the cave. Suddenly, he heard voices. It sounded like two men. He heard one clear his throat.
"Look at that. It looks like someone's been here Veriel."
Another guard talked.
"It does."
Before Challenger could prepare for a fight, the two men walked around the turn in the cave, and came upon Challenger. To his surprise there were three guards, not two. Two were carrying crossbows, while the other was holding a spear. By the way they jumped back Challenger could tell they were just as surprised to see him.
The men were dressed in clothes that looked to be a cross between Roman and Egyptian. They were wearing red-colored skirts and chest-plates with hieroglyphics written on them.
"Are you Professor Challenger?" One of the men spoke up. It was the one with the spear.
"Yes I am. Who are you?"
By now Ned had risen and was standing with Challenger. The men made no threatening gestures.
"I am Veriel, Captain of the Guard. These two were sent to escort me to find you."
"Captain of the Guard? Of where?"
"From Avalon Professor! We're from Avalon!"
Roxton ran as fast as he could, carrying the stretcher over his head.
When Finn and Marguerite saw him coming, they stood up. Roxton set down the stretcher.
"Alright. Let's lift her on this."
Together the three managed to secure her on the stretcher. Roxton and Marguerite drug it back towards the treehouse while Finn made sure they weren't being followed.
"Is she going to be okay Roxton?" She asked.
"I hope so." He answered.