Disclaimer: Unfortunately I do not own any of the characters just the silly messes I get them into!
Many thanks to my beta readers (jac, lee, katy, leener, mags and enyone I missed) maybe next time MC…nah not gonna happen LOL
1BRIMSTONE AND FIRE PART II
Two months had passed since their encounter with Lucifer and the treehouse was beginning to get back to business as usual. Roxton and Malone had gone out hunting, Veronica was at the Zanga village visiting Assai. That just left Marguerite and Challenger. Marguerite was in the kitchen preparing lunch; Challenger was in his lab working on his latest invention.
"George," Marguerite called, "lunch is ready," Challenger failed to respond.
"George?" Marguerite called again as she went down the steps to the lab.
"What is it, Marguerite?" He answered distractedly.
"Lunch is ready."
"I'll eat later."
"Oh no you don't. You'll stop your experiment right now and eat. I'll not have John yelling at me because you went another day without eating. You are still not fully recovered from your injuries and you need to eat," Marguerite pulled Challenger away from his precious experiments.
"I'm at a critical point, Marguerite," he said as he turned down the heat on a burner.
"And that critical point will still be there after you've eaten," she said as she gently pushed him in the direction of the stairs.
"Well, I must say I'm glad you pulled me away from my lab. I didn't realize I was that hungry," Challenger remarked, wiping his chin thirty minutes later.
"Your body may still be a bit off but I can certainly see that your appetite isn't. That's your third bowl of soup," Marguerite smiled, Challenger stared at her.
"I'm sorry, George, I shouldn't have said that," Marguerite apologized.
"It's all right, Marguerite. I'm healing a bit more slowly than I would like as well. But I'm getting stronger every day and I will soon be back to normal."
"Whatever that is," Marguerite quipped softly.
"Excuse me?"
"Nothing, George, forget it. Eat your soup."
"Yes mother," he snickered.
Marguerite made her excuses and left the kitchen. She went down to the lab and took a book from the large bookcase. It's got to be in here somewhere, she thought, Veronica said her parents had written down the location of those minerals and I intend to find that location. She set the book down on the table knocking a rack of test tubes over spilling the contents onto the table mixing them. In her haste to clean up the mess before Challenger came back, she bumped the knob on the burner and turned the heat up higher on his burner.
She quickly covered up the mess when she heard Challenger shuffling down the stairs. While he was recovering from his bout with Lucifer, Roxton and Malone had installed a hand railing to aid him getting up and down the stairs. Challenger hated the fact that two months had gone by and he still needed to use it. He had secretly been working on the stairs and soon wouldn't need the railing. He released his hold on the railing and took the last few steps by himself.
"Challenger, you just took some of the stairs by yourself. That's great."
"Thank you, Marguerite, I have been practicing. Being laid up in this treehouse is most distressing. I need to get out on the plateau again."
"You will, George, in time," Challenger noticed his experiment as it began to boil.
"Oh no, Marguerite, how did that happen? It shouldn't boil," Challenger grabbed the tongs and removed the beaker.
He stopped with the beaker in mid air, staring, his head tipped slightly to one side. His features took on a puzzled look. The liquid in the beaker had changed from the pale blue hue it was when he left to have lunch, to a dark brown. Challenger studied it for several minutes before setting the beaker on the table. He grabbed a handful of iron filings and gently sifted them into the liquid.
"Oh, Marguerite, do you know what you have done?" He asked, smiling.
"I'm sorry, George, it was an accident."
"Quite the contrary. Turning up the heat was the perfect thing to do," Challenger replied as he watched the filings slowly disappear and a small gaseous cloud formed above the beaker.
"What is that stuff?" Marguerite asked.
"If I'm right, it will be a more stable, longer burning fuel to fly the balloon."
"You mean with the same size tanks the balloon will be able to go farther?"
"Oh, more than that, Marguerite. If this fuel works, we can take longer trips, fly higher and make even better maps of the plateau. Maybe even find the way home."
"That would be nice."
"What would be nice, Marguerite?" Roxton asked as he came down the stairs.
"You're back early," Challenger said.
"We got lucky, we found a flock of wild turkeys not far from here and Malone shot a boar," Roxton bent over and looked into the beaker.
"Brewing coffee, George?" Roxton teased.
"Very funny, Roxton. Actually Marguerite did it. If she hadn't been reading that book…" his voice trailed off.
"Marguerite, what were you doing in here with that book?" Challenger wondered.
"Nothing, I was just browsing, waiting for the others to get back."
"Well, they are back now, so, could you please clear out of my lab? I'd like to get back to work," Challenger commented as he went back to his experiment.
They watched him for a minute then Roxton shook head and they left Challenger to his work. They crept upstairs and into the main room.
"What are we going to with him?" Roxton mused. "He's barely recovered from a brush with the devil himself and he's already back in the lab inventing things." He smiled.
"I say leave him alone in his lab," Malone said, "Unless you want to be the one to tell him to leave his lab."
"Not me," Roxton said throwing up his hands.
"Not to change the subject, but what are we going to do about Tribune?" Marguerite wanted to know.
"Tribune?" Roxton asked.
"Yes, for the last two months we have all been cleverly avoiding the issue. We need to find out why Tribune broke in here and took our belongings."
"You do have a point. What reason could he possibly have to take our clothes and leave the rifles and pistols?" Roxton said.
"I for one think we should go find out." Malone remarked.
"But we can't leave George here alone. What if those raptor things come back?" Veronica asked.
"Well, I'm not staying behind," Marguerite stated, "I've got a score to settle with Tribune."
"No one need stay behind on my account," All heads turned to look at him.
"Challenger, you're out of your lab and it isn't even dark out yet." Malone laughed.
"Yes, well, my experiment needs to sit for a while so I thought I'd come up here and have a cup of tea."
"Here, let me get it for you," Veronica jumped up and poured him a cup.
"Veronica, how many times do I have to tell you that you have nothing to make up for? I don't hold my accident against you. I chose to put myself there not you. I can get my own tea now," Challenger smiled politely at her.
"I know that, Challenger, I just wanted to help. There's no sense in letting you over do things yet."
"Okay, everyone, listen up! Tomorrow you will all go and find Tribune and find out why he stole our things. I will stay here in the treehouse by myself. I'm fully capable of taking care of myself."
"George, how can you take care of yourself? Your wrist is not healed yet, your ribs are still mending, you can't lift heavy things, and you still have trouble getting around," Roxton argued.
"Roxton, I can get into and out of my lab, there are plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables, and since I no longer require assistance to dress I see no need to leave a babysitter here," Challenger was beginning to get angry.
"All right, George, you win. You can stay here by yourself as long as you promise not to leave the treehouse and to keep the elevator locked up here while we're gone," Roxton replied quickly to placate his friend.
"Finally, someone talking some sense."
"I'll stock the larder with extra fruits and vegetables for you, Challenger," Marguerite said, "and there's the turkey and the wild boar in there that should last you until we get back."
"I have my lab, food and water, I'll be just fine. Right now I suggest you all get some rest, you have a long walk ahead of you," the group went to their rooms.
The next morning dawned bright and clear. The explorers gathered their weapons and supplies and departed. Challenger turned on the perimeter fence and brought the elevator up. After locking it he turned and went back down into his lab.
"Roxton, do we even know where we are going?" Malone asked.
"Yes, I have a good idea where Tribune is hiding. We should be there before dark," Roxton said as he forged ahead.
"I hope Challenger is having as good a time as we are," Marguerite complained as she swatted away flies and mosquitoes.
"Oh, I'm sure he is, Marguerite. Challenger is probably in his lab working away, totally ignoring everything and everyone," Roxton smiled.
"I wish I were back there with him," Veronica said, "I don't feel right about leaving him all alone."
"Challenger had a very good point, Veronica, or I wouldn't have left him behind."
"And that point would be what, Roxton?" Marguerite queried.
"With the perimeter fence turned on and the elevator up and locked, he is just as safe as if we were there with him."
"True, but I still wish I were with him," Veronica said, "I owe him my life and I would feel bad if anything happened to him and I wasn't there to help."
"Veronica," Roxton said "what we are doing here will benefit Challenger as well. By doing what we are doing we are giving him a chance to get back on his feet and get some self-respect back."
"I guess you're right. But he has been feeling a little down on himself. He told me that he was thinking of leaving the treehouse if he didn't get back to normal soon."
"When did he tell you this?" Roxton demanded.
"About two weeks ago. I talked him out of it. I told him to give it another month and if he still felt that way we would all discuss it."
"Why didn't you come to us and tell us?" Marguerite asked.
"I promised him I wouldn't. Besides, he seemed to pull out of his depression when he was able to get back into the lab."
"Well, its no use arguing over this now. We'll discuss it with Challenger when we get back to the treehouse."
Roxton held up a hand to silence the group. They ducked into some bushes and peered out. Spread out before them was a small village. Grass huts dotted the clearing; villagers were going about their daily routine. All seemed quite normal with one exception. The man who appeared to be their leader wasn't a man. It was Tribune.
"Tribune," Malone whispered, "let's get him."
"No, not yet. We need to wait until dark, then it will be easier to sneak in and talk to Tribune," came Roxton's whispered reply. They moved back into the jungle to wait until dark.
"Lord Tribune, the men have returned from their mission."
"Do not keep me in suspense, what did they bring back?"
"It is not much only a few trinkets and this," the guard held out a telescope.
"Where did they get this?"
"They found it in a cave. There were many other things there but they only brought this back."
"Tell them to take it back."
"My Lord?" The guard asked, puzzled.
"I said, tell them to take it back and leave that cave alone."
"Yes, my lord."
"And tell them to speak to no one about the cave."
Damn, he thought, I thought I had hidden that stuff where no one would find it. He left the village after leaving his guard in charge; giving him strict orders to have the villagers continue working the mine. Tribune rode his horse at a gallop to the cave; he dismounted and tied the horse to a tree before going into the cave.
"If this stuff doesn't get those pesky humans here, nothing will," he said softly.
Tribune replaced the telescope and sifted through the items in the treasure chest: Challenger's telescope and his sextant, one of Lord John Roxton's hats, his whiskey flask (and what a vile smelling liquid it contained), Malone's journal (interesting reading), Veronica's knife, and Marguerite's jewels (now THIS should get them here if I know Marguerite). Out of the corner of his eye he caught the movement of a pack rat. Tribune picked up the rat by its tail and examined it.
"Jax, how many times do I have to tell you these trinkets are not for you?" He gently tossed the rat out of the cave, "I gave you your share now go!" Tribune climbed back up on his horse and rode back to the village.
Challenger was busy in his lab when he first heard the strange noise. He tried to ignore it as he went on measuring his chemicals. There was that blasted noise again! He looked around but couldn't find the source; he shrugged his shoulders and went back to work. Several minutes later he again heard the noise. It sounded like it was coming from the main room. Challenger quietly went up the stairs and into the main room. His pale blue eyes searched the main room for the source of the sound and found nothing. He quietly made his way around the treehouse, following the sound until he came to the balcony.
"What have we here, where did you come from?" Challenger said as he stiffly bent over and scooped the small animal up.
"Oh my, you are a beautiful specimen aren't you? A member of the Snake breed if I am not mistaken."
Challenger held the small cat in front of his face and examined it. The cat was a very beautiful ginger colored tabby with jade green eyes. The cat began to purr when he started stroking its short hair. A thought suddenly occurred to him and he took the cat to the kitchen with him.
He got a small bowl of milk and grabbed some meat from the larder. Challenger took the cat into Veronica's room and placed the milk and meat on the floor before setting the cat down. The cat ate for a few moments then jumped up onto Veronica's bed and curled up on her pillow. Challenger chuckled, closed the door and returned to his lab.
"That cat is just what the doctor ordered. Veronica's birthday is the day after tomorrow. I think she will like Snake. Yes, that's a good name for that cat. I wonder where it came from?" Challenger wondered as he immersed himself in his work.
The moon was just beginning to rise as Roxton peered out of the bushes, checking out the village. There were no lights coming from any of the huts, and no one appeared to be moving about. He signaled to the others and they stealthily sunk through the village to Tribune's hut and slunk inside. It was sparsely furnished with only a bed, desk and a large chest. Marguerite went immediately to the chest while Malone rifled through the papers on the desk. Roxton and Veronica went over to the still form on the bed.
"Why don't you wake him?" Roxton whispered to her.
"You're the great hunter. You wake him." Veronica replied.
"You shake him. I'll hold the gun on him."
"Oh for Pete's sake!" Marguerite said as she approached his bed.
"Tribune! Get up. We want a word with you!" She called to him as she shook him.
"What the Hell?" Tribune said as he sat up.
"Hello Tribune," Roxton said, pointing his rifle at him, "we were in the neighborhood and thought we'd drop by for a friendly little chat."
"Lord John Roxton, whatever do you want at this late hour?" Tribune said as he slowly rose and went over to the desk, snatching the papers from Malone.
"You have some items that belong to us, Tribune, and we want them back."
"I don't know what you mean."
"Triune," Veronica snarled as she put her knife to his throat, "if you want to live to see the sun rise tell us what we want to know."
"I will under one condition."
"And what's that?" Marguerite asked sarcastically.
"Bring Professor Challenger here to me."
"Why should we bring Challenger here?" Roxton wanted to know.
"When I borrowed some items from your treehouse I thought you all would be coming to retrieve them," Marguerite glared at him.
"In case you don't remember, Challenger is not up to traveling right now," Roxton replied.
"I had hoped that you would wait until the good Professor could accompany you. He really is vital to our plans."
"We have no plans with you, Tribune," Veronica snapped, "and we don't intend to either."
"That really is too bad, Veronica. I need you and you need me whether you know it or not."
"Just what would we need you for?" Malone wondered.
"How about a pair of boots and a nice handbag," Marguerite quipped.
"Now, now, Marguerite, there will be plenty of time for that later. Right now let's hear the lizard out," Roxton said, "then we can turn him into boots."
"Yes, Marguerite, hear the lizard out." Tribune mocked, "You will be most interested in what I have to say."
"Tribune, if you don't spit it out, I'll let Veronica filet you where you stand."
"All right, Lord Roxton, I can see you are in no mood for idle chat. I will get right to the point. I ran across some very nasty, very overgrown raptors and other rather large specimens and I need Professor Challenger's help to get rid of them."
"Why should we help you? Maybe we should just let them eat you," Malone said.
"Oh my dear journalist, these are no ordinary raptors. They are twice the size of any T-Rex I have ever seen. They were the ones who attacked your treehouse that night."
"The elders told us about them, John," Marguerite whispered.
"I remember. Go on Tribune."
"There is a valley on the other side of this mountain. The raptors live there as do their masters."
"Masters?" Roxton repeated.
"Yes, there is a race of humanoid creatures there called the Kilmari. They are a highly evolved race that has found a way to grow these huge raptors. Until now they have kept to their valley and the surrounding area."
"Until now meaning until you ventured into their territory," Roxton supplied.
"That is not quite the way I would put it, but yes."
"Go on, Tribune."
"There really isn't much more to tell. But there is one thing. They have discovered this part of the plateau and intend on expanding their territory to include it."
Tribune finished his tale by telling them about the other enlarged animals and when he told them about the Giant Honey Bear Roxton listened intently. He found it hard to believe Tribune's tale. He told them of mammoth bears and raptors (well the raptor's he saw but still the rest of the tale was had to swallow), lizards the size of the treehouse. All part of some weird displacement on the plateau or a strange experiment gone wrong. Roxton was only certain of one thing: he didn't want to know.
"And just when were you planning on telling us this?" Roxton asked.
"I was going to come to the treehouse soon."
"I'll bet, just as soon as they attacked this village and then set out for the treehouse," Marguerite snapped.
"My dear Miss Krux, how you underestimate me. I would have warned you long before the raptors got to the treehouse."
"That's it, John. You better get him, Veronica or I will."
"Hold on. I want to hear all there is to tell. And this time don't leave anything out, Tribune."
"Oh all right, but you are getting so dull without your sense of adventure, Lord Roxton."
"Just tell us or I will see to it that Marguerite gets her handbag."
"The truth is that I did venture into their territory. Totally by accident of course."
"Oh yes, of course," Roxton retorted.
"I found something that I don't think I was supposed to see. The Kilmari found me and chased me. I thought I lost them but apparently not."
"Wow, his powers of observation never cease to amaze me," Marguerite said.
"You still haven't gotten to the part about Challenger. How does he figure into your plans?" Roxton queried.
"Professor Challenger is, for a human, very intelligent. I was hoping he could assist me in either getting rid of the Kilmari or finding away to get them to go back where they belong."
"Just like that. You planned on asking Challenger to help you and you actually thought he would?" Veronica asked.
"Tribune, Challenger would rather fight the devil again than be in the same room with you. And he nearly died fighting the devil." Roxton spat.
"That is why I was hoping you would talk to him."
"Me? What makes you think I would talk to Challenger on your behalf?"
"Lord Roxton, you are a noble man, an adventurer. You also know what this plateau means to the people who co-exist in peace and harmony. Professor Challenger would listen to you."
"Dammit, John, don't let him talk you into this. This isn't our fight," Marguerite said.
"Maybe not, Marguerite. But we do live on the plateau, and we do have a responsibility to keep our surroundings safe."
"All I'm asking you, John, is to think about what you're doing. If we take Tribune back with us, what's to stop these people from coming to the treehouse after him?" Marguerite explained.
"That is a chance we will just have to take. I don't think George is strong enough to make the trip here yet," Roxton said.
"Well then, hadn't we better get going?" Veronica asked.
Tribune filled a small pack with some things he would need and they prepared to leave. Malone slipped a few sheets of paper from Tribune's desk into his pocket. They grabbed their packs and prepared to leave.
"Wait a minute, Tribune," Marguerite said, remembering the reason for their trip.
"Where are our belongings? We promised Challenger we would have his telescope when we got back," she glared at him.
"We can stop at the cave where they are being kept on the way to the treehouse."
"You left our things in some nasty cave?" Marguerite growled as she launched at him. Roxton held her back.
"You're getting them back, Marguerite, but not if you kill him first." Roxton said.
"Really, Marguerite, I said the items would be returned and they will be."
"Oh my," Challenger said when he looked at his watch, "the others should be getting back soon. I had better hurry."
He quickly finished his experiment and put away his chemicals.
Challenger checked Veronica's room. Snake was still there purring contentedly on her bed. He quietly closed the door and went into the main room. Challenger shuffled to the balcony and leaned over the railing. He looked out into the jungle.
"Damn, why can't I be out there with them?" Challenger thought.
"I know I promised Veronica, but I just can't take it any more. I have to face the fact that as long as I keep doing what I'm doing I'll not be able to pull my weight around here."
Challenger slapped the railing and went over to the desk. Sitting down, he took out one of Malone's note pads and a pencil. He stared at the paper for a long time before he began to write. When he finished, he put it aside and jotted another quick note, which he put on Veronica's door. He took his rifle, coat and hat. With one long last look around he picked up his pack and left the treehouse.
"So long, until I return to normal. I shall miss you all." Challenger said as the elevator began its slow journey toward the ground.
He went through the gate and carefully closed it behind him. He knew he owed it to his friends to stay until they returned but this was just something he needed to do on his own. Challenger hefted his pack and headed for the Zanga village, certain he would find the answers to his questions there.
"Roxton, look," Marguerite said as they neared the treehouse, "the elevator is down," They hurried to the elevator, cursing its slowness on the ride up.
"Challenger, we're home," Veronica called; puzzled when he failed to answer she went to his lab.
"Roxton, look at this." Marguerite called to him and showed him the note.
To my dear family:
I know I made Veronica a promise and I fully intended to keep it, but I had to face the facts. I am not healing properly and I shall not allow myself to become a burden to you. I have gone to the Zanga village to talk to their shaman. I am certain I will find the answers I seek there.
George
"Dammit, George, why couldn't you have waited. Now we'll have to go to the Zanga Village," Roxton said angrily.
"We still have a few hours of daylight left. We can start for the village now," Marguerite suggested, trying to take the edge off his anger.
"No, I'd rather not spend the night out in the jungle if we don't have to. We can start at first light," Roxton stormed off to his room, only to turn back and look strangely at Veronica's room.
"Veronica, there is a strange noise coming from your room and Challenger has left you a note," Roxton tore the note from the door and handed it to her. Veronica opened the note and read it aloud.
Veronica:
I cannot find the proper words to say what I feel needs to be said so I will just say it outright. You are not nor were you ever at fault for what happened to me. I willingly risked my life to save yours and I would do so again given half the chance. I do not know if any of our other housemates remembers what tomorrow is but when you open your door you will find a present from me. May this be the happiest of birthdays my dear child, Veronica. I hope you like Snake I believe she will make a fine new addition to our family.
George
"What has he done?" Veronica wondered.
"I have no idea, Veronica but whatever it is, it wants out," Roxton replied.
"Well, don't just stand there, open the door," Marguerite said.
Veronica put her hand on the doorknob and slowly turned it. Carefully and quietly she gently pushed the door open and peeked in. A smile spread across her features and she slipped inside and closed the door. Seconds later she emerged with Snake in her arms.
"Challenger left me this cat for my birthday. Isn't she cute?"
"What are you going to call her?" Malone asked.
"According to the note Challenger named her Snake. I like that name, I think I'll call her Snake," The cat curled up in Veronica's arms and began to purr softly.
"She's very cute, Veronica," Malone said as he reached out to pet her.
"Yes she is, but this still won't get George off the hook when I get my hands on him," Roxton griped as he turned and retreated to his room.
The morning dawned bright and clear. The explorers had their breakfast and were on the trail to the Zanga Village by the time the sun was just peeking over the treetops. Roxton had apparently not lost any of his anger at their friend during the night. His pace was quick, his face set, eyes staring on the trail ahead.
"You would think someone had stolen Lord Roxton's weapons, with the pace he is keeping," Tribune said to no one in particular.
"Tribune, today is NOT the day to pick on Roxton," Malone remarked, "In fact if I were you, I'd steer clear of him until he calms down."
"I intend to, Mister Malone, indeed I do."
The group walked on in silence for some time and it surprised them all when Roxton suddenly tensed and stopped in his tracks. He tilted his head to one side, listening to a particular noise around them. The others strained to hear what the great hunter apparently had. Roxton raised his rifle and pointed it at Tribune.
"John, no," Marguerite began when Roxton pulled the trigger.
Everyone took their eyes away from Roxton and looked back toward Tribune. He was still standing. Just beyond him up in the tree a hairy shape fell slowly from the branch it had been hiding on. As the shape fell to the ground the others could finally see what it was. It was one of the ape men. Roxton strode over to the creature and poked it with his rifle. There was no response. The group stared at Roxton, waiting for an explanation.
Challenger slowly followed the path the Zanga shaman has shown him. He couldn't believe that he, a man of science, was following a witch doctor's advice. He paused and leaned on a rock; taking out his canteen he took a long drink. This trek was going to talk longer than he had originally thought. Damn, this trek alone should make my body normal again, Challenger thought to himself as he looked behind him down the steep trail.
He had been walking since sunrise and was only half way up the mountain. The healing place the shaman had told him about was at the top of the mountain and Challenger was as determined to reach it as his friends would be to come after him when they discovered he was gone. I may have been a fool not to wait, but this is something I need to do and they will just have to understand. Challenger replaced his canteen and pushed off the rocks, wincing and cursing the still present pain. He failed to notice the shadow following him.
"Roxton, look!" Marguerite shouted, stopping the hunter in his tracks.
The group followed Marguerite's arm and looked up. There on the mountainside was their friend, leaning against the rocks drinking from his canteen. Roxton glared as he watched Challenger push off the rocks through his binoculars. He could see the pain on his face and that angered Roxton even more. He lowered the binoculars, grabbed his rifle and started after him. He had seen what no one else had and he doubted Challenger had either.
"John, why are you trying to hurry? George isn't that far ahead of us." Marguerite questioned him.
"I have my reasons, Marguerite. If you don't like the pace no one asked you to come, you can go back to the treehouse anytime."
"John, whatever it is you need to share it with us." Marguerite added quietly.
"When I know you'll know," with that Roxton turned his back on the group and took off at a quick pace.
They walked in silence for several hours when Roxton stopped and once again took out the binoculars and looked up the mountain. Damn, that foolish stubborn man! Roxton watched as Challenger struggled up the last few feet to the top. After he made it there, he would be on his own until they got there. Roxton searched frantically for the shadowy figure he had seen earlier but there was no sign of it. Once again Roxton put the binoculars away and started walking again. This time his pace was even faster than before. Marguerite looked at Veronica and shrugged her shoulders as she picked up the pace. Veronica watched the back of Roxton's head wondering what it was he saw that had him so worried.
They finally stopped when they reached the base of the mountain. Roxton had told them he didn't want to sleep on the steep mountain slope so they made camp at the bottom. Veronica kept her eye on Roxton as he kept his on the mountaintop. More than once Veronica had wanted to ask Roxton what had him so worried but even she couldn't see or feel anything.
"I'll take first watch, then Veronica then Marguerite," Roxton stated.
"What about me?" Tribune asked.
"You're only here for one reason: to talk to George. And besides, I don't trust you. You can take any watch you like but NOT alone," Roxton stalked off and sat on a rock.
Challenger huddled under the lean to he had made and shivered in the cold night air. He hadn't made a fire according to the shaman's orders and it was a long time until daylight. He pulled his coat around him and hunched back against the rock as tight as he could. He was almost asleep when he heard a twig snap. He sat up and reached for his rifle, cursing the pain and stiffness he still felt.
The footsteps drew nearer and Challenger cocked his rifle and aimed at the sounds. Sweat was beginning to form on his forehead when the figure stepped into his view. Challenger lowered his rifle and noticed he had not been breathing and took a deep breath.
"What are you doing here?" He asked, "I thought I was to do this alone."
"You are not of our tribe. The rules can be bent," the shaman stated.
"You don't think I can do this don't you?" Challenger spat.
"You are a brave man Professor Challenger but no I do not think you can do this alone and neither do your friends. They sit at the bottom and wait for morning."
"Blast them! I can do anything they can do and more."
"Perhaps you did not tell them what you intended?" The shaman questioned.
"No, of course I didn't tell them. They would have tied me to a tree to keep me there. They would never understand that this is something I have to do."
"You underestimate your family Professor Challenger. They know a great deal more than you give them credit for. You travelers have a strong bond between you. Something not shared by many on this earth. You would do well to tell them everything."
"Someday, Shaman, someday I will. But right now I need to get myself back to normal so I can carry my own weight at the treehouse."
"Guilt can weigh one down and make one's thoughts dark and they can pull even the best man deep into despair. Your friends want to help and you need to let them."
"I know you are right and I will try to let them help. But this is not something they can help with is it?" Challenger questioned.
"No and they have enough trouble on their hands."
"Trouble? What do you mean trouble? What's wrong?" Challenger tried to rise and found that he had grown stiff sitting in the cold.
"There is a great trouble on the plateau. Worse than any has ever seen."
"Worse than our brush with the devil?" Challenger found that hard to believe.
"Yes, Professor Challenger, even worse than the devil himself."
"Please, tell me more. If I am to help my friends, I need to know more."
"You need to rest Professor Challenger."
"I'll rest later just tell me what you know."
"You and your friends are about to embark on your most important and possibly most dangerous adventure. There is a great evil on the plateau that threatens all life on this planet. You will be asked to help rid the plateau of this evil."
"Me? Why me?"
"You are a very wise man Professor Challenger. You put your mind to solving a problem and you usually do. I feel that you will solve this problem but the price may be too great."
"Just tell me what I have to do and I'll do it."
"You speak in haste. Many have waded into the waters only to find they do not want to pay the price required and end up in a far worse place."
"Shaman I am growing tired of your riddles. Just tell me what I have to do to save the plateau. I think I have already proven that I'm willing to do whatever is necessary."
"Very well. You have learned much from your encounter with Lucifer. But you have much yet to do. He will be back with revenge on his mind. You will need every bit of knowledge you possess. Lucifer does not like to lose."
"I am well aware of that." Challenger replied as he flexed his still hurting wrist.
"What you are not aware of Professor Challenger is that this time I fear someone may lose their life. It may not be one of you but someone will die." Challenger could only stare at the somber faced shaman.
Their watches were quite uneventful for which Roxton was extremely grateful. The group rose and ate a quick breakfast then packed up and set off after Challenger with Roxton once again taking the lead and setting a swift pace. Veronica and Marguerite exchanged glances; Marguerite shrugged her shoulders and trudged after him. They walked in silence up the steep hill, wondering how Challenger had made it to the top. Veronica was keeping an ever-watchful eye on the trail behind them as well as on Roxton.
Every few minutes Roxton would pause and pull out the telescope, scanning the mountainside then soberly putting the scope back. He had not seen the shadow figure since the previous night and he was worried. If that thing, whatever it was, reached Challenger before he did…well he didn't' want to think about that. He picked up the pace and set off up the trail.
"Roxton, I don't know about you but we need a break." Marguerite panted.
"Yes, Lord Roxton, a break would seem to be in order," Tribune agreed.
"What's the matter Tribune, yesterday you were pushing us to go find Challenger and now you want to stop?" Roxton remarked.
"John," Marguerite said stepping between him and Tribune, "we could all use a break. You practically ran up this mountain. George will still be there when we get there. Another few minutes won't hurt."
"I supposed you're right. I just have a bad feeling about this." Roxton replied.
"If Challenger made it up this mountain, I think he could do anything." Malone said as he removed his pack and sat on a nearby rock.
"Roxton, I want to get to Challenger as much as you do but we really do need to rest for a little while," Veronica said.
"Fine then we rest here for a bit. I'm going to scout up ahead. Marguerite you and Veronica fix something to eat. Ned you and Tribune go back down the trail and make sure we weren't followed. Keep your eyes open." The group hurriedly went about their tasks ever mindful of their friend somewhere ahead of them.
"Whatever do you mean someone will die?" Challenger asked.
"The stars have foretold of this encounter. They have shown me that someone will not be coming back with you. I do not yet know if it is one of you or someone who is with you."
"There is no one with me but you," Challenger commented quietly.
"There is someone with the others. I do not know who it is."
"Well then I can go and get them and find out."
"You must not Professor Challenger. They have their own tasks to fulfill before they join you here. If they each complete their tasks no matter how small, there is a chance you will all live. If destiny is not allowed to play its hand then you all will die."
"I hear you and I understand, Shaman, it's hard to sit here and do nothing "
"You will not be doing nothing. You have much to do to prepare for your encounter. You need food and rest right now. Drink this it will help you prepare," the Shaman said as he handed Challenger a glass with a cloudy liquid in it.
"What is this?" He asked.
"A powerful healing potion. Drink it quickly then rest. When you wake you will feel better. Much better than you have since your last adventure." Challenger swished the liquid around in the glass then quickly drank it, making a face at the sour taste.
The sun was just setting beyond the next mountain when Challenger woke with a start. He thought he heard the voices of his friends. He looked around and saw their packs carefully stacked in a corner. Challenger rose and marveled at the potion the Shaman had given him. He did indeed feel better than he had in a long time. He flexed his muscles and grinned. He felt as though he could take on anything or anyone. Challenger headed out of the tent and toward the sound of his friends voices.
"George, it's nice to see you up and about," Roxton said as he shook his friend's hand.
"Yes, George," Marguerite added, "We were beginning to get worried."
"Worried? Why I only took a short nap."
"Your short nap has been two and a half days long, Challenger," Malone commented.
"Two and a half days? Are you sure?"" Challenger asked quizzically.
"Yes, George, you have been asleep for the past two and one half days." Roxton assured him.
"What's HE doing here?" Challenger asked with disgust as he pointed to Tribune.
"Now now Professor Challenger, I have come seeking your knowledge. No need for you to bite my head off," Tribune spoke trying to sound hurt.
"Biting your head off would be the last thing I would want to do. The aftertaste alone would kill me," Challenger spat. He wanted to say more but Roxton cut him off.
"George, you really do need to hear the man, I mean lizard out. He has quite a tale to tell, don't you Tribune?" Roxton glared at their scaly friend.
"Well, yes I suppose I do. Where to start," He began
"Perhaps at the beginning," Roxton admonished.
Challenger sat listening intently while Tribune told his tale of woe. Putting his story together with what the shaman had told him everything was beginning to make sense now. Challenger interjected once in a while asking pointed questions. Roxton and the others just glanced at each other and at Challenger.
"Oh, I don't like the sounds of this," Roxton said, "not one bit."
"Nor do I," Marguerite replied, "something tells me that Challenger knows more than he's told us."
"I tend to agree." Roxton sat listening to Tribune and Challenger's conversation his brow growing ever tighter under his scowl.
In the shadows had the explorers turned quickly enough they could have seen a grin to rival that of the Cheshire cat before the grin and the figure disappeared.
"We can get started right away," Roxton heard Challenger saying.
"George, what about whatever it was you came here to do?"
"That can wait I think this is more important."
"Professor Challenger is correct, Lord Roxton. The Professor knows what he must do. There will be time for healing when his task is complete."
"Yes, and right now we need to leave." Challenger picked up his pack and left with the others following quickly.
They hiked for several hours following Challenger and exchanged curious and worried glances. When Malone suggested they stop for lunch, Challenger just shook his head and took off again. Roxton kept his eyes trained on their friend the furrows in his brow getting deeper with every passing minute. Roxton thought he saw movement out of the corner of his eye but when he turned to look he saw nothing.
Suddenly, just before dark, Challenger stopped and looked at the cliff rising before them. He dropped his pack on the ground and told them they would camp there for the night and start the long climb in the morning.
"George we still have plenty of daylight left we could scale that before dark." Malone said.
"Perhaps but we should have some food and sleep before we attempt to climb that." Challenger replied as he began to set up his tent.
The others did the same and soon their camp was complete. Veronica and Marguerite had begun to prepare dinner. Malone offered to get more wood to keep the fire going throughout the night. He left in search of his prize and was gone about one minute when the group around the campfire hears a yell. They run in the direction they heard the sound coming from. They came around a bend and found Malone lying on the trail, unconscious
"Not again, Malone," moaned Marguerite as they knelt beside him.
"Come on Malone," Roxton said as he helped Malone to his feet, "up you get. What happened?" Malone looked quizzically at him.
"I don't know. I was just walking down the trail looking for a downed tree and someone hit me from behind. Hey they took my wood!" Malone shouted and pressed his hand to the back of his head.
"Well, let's get you back to the camp, you have quite a bump you need to rest."
"After all the bumps he has had over the last few years he should be used to it by now," Marguerite quipped. Roxton glared at her.
"What?" She asked with a smirk.
TBC if you like this so far review it and let me know and I will get chapter two up asap!
