Now, here's a longer chapter! Maybe, more adventure...
Please R&R, or I'll have to think about discontinue it.
Chapter 10
Next morning at breakfast the tension was maddening. They didn't speak a lot except for the normally worlds. Veronica found Challenger in his laboratory:
-I think we should have to do something
-I see. What do you think about a nice trip? Our guest must see the north side of the plateau and we could also collect some more herbs.
-Maybe they will calm down
-I don't think so – said Ned- According to my experiences, this is called English cold blood. They can't get over it, maybe forget it.
-I don't want fights in my home
- Than we will take a long trip.
-I think it's high time to get rest. It's almost dark.- stated Roxton.
They were on their way for more hours, without problems, what was rare occasion in the jungle. Marguerite, Veronica and Malone stayed in the Tree house and waited them back only the next day.
-Hurray- sighed Charlie- I can't feel my legs, my back sore, and I'm hungry too.- than settled down on the earth.
- I thought Marguerite stayed at home- said Roxton, he was still jumpy.
Charlotte didn't know how to reflect that's because she didn't do anything. It hurt her that Richard and Lord Roxton argued because of her lie. But she couldn't tell the truth. She was scared. If they ever get out of this, she will have to think about her reputation, and she really could not go out well with these men except of Richard. The Lord was always hard with her, the reporter asked too much and the professor just looked through her. They will not accept her. She is not as brave and confidence as Marguerite and not as well tanned as Veronica. They can take care of us, she cannot. These clothes were her only weapons against the whole world. She could not give it up. But how long will she last?
Suddenly they became alert of a movement, and to figure stepped out of the bushes. One of them was badly injured. Roxton and Challenger greeted them
-Hyppolita?
-Lord Roxton? Challenger? Please help, this warrior has injured.
The explorers looked at the woman, who was unconscious.
-She's lost a lot of blood.-stated Challenger- Raptors?
-Unfortunately.
-We have to take her away. The blood will attract predators.
-The village isn't far away, but we need help.
-No problem. -Said Roxton and scooped in his arms the girl.
The amazon village really wasn't far, although it was dark when they arrived. They introduce Mr. Redgrave and Charlie to the amazons and talked about the old stories.
-A village of women in the middle of this jungle. It's amazing- said Charlie
- Well, it was, but for a time, we are accustomed to the men. We fight for survival together. We need each other…- smiled Hyppolita to Roxton
The hunter nervously changed subject.
-It's time to sleep. Come on Challenger! I accustomed to your snoring, we will come out easily in one hut.
-I don't snore.-answered the professor, and followed him. They bickering were silenced as they shut the door.
- And where will I sleep?- asked Charlie
-That hut is free- showed into the distance the warrior.
-For both of us?
- It big enough. But if you don't like it, I'm sure we can find somebody, who would like to share her bed with Mr. Redgrave.- smiled lovingly Hyppolita to Richard, who smiled back automatically.
-No, I think it will be fine. Thanks. – answered quickly the girl – Good night Hyppolita! Do you come, Richard?
The young noble man sighed and followed the boy.
In the minute they stepped into the hut, Charlotte recognized the situation, which she troubled herself in. She must spend the night with Richard in one bed. She sweated hard.
Richard was not alarmed. He took off his hat, gun belt, and sat down to get off his boots. Charlotte still stood there, without a move.
-Don't you lie down?- asked the man
-Yes, yes...
-In your clothes?
-Yes, it's cold…
-But you are sweating. Is everything all right? Don't you have a fever?- he stood up and neared to her
-No, nothing, I'm fine, really- she stepped back out of his way, and crushed to the wall
-All right- than he started to unbutton his shirt. Charlotte couldn't see that. She was red. She turned away, and cradled up in the further side of the bed. She closed her eyes, and tried not to think about the situation. She felt as he lied on his back, and heard as he said good night than he covered her with a blanket.
She awoke with a huge smile on her face. She felt so comfortable, and save, like she never. To tell the truth, she hasn't slept so well for a long time. So she smiled, until she opened her eyes. Her head rested on Richard' shoulder, his face was so close to her it nearly touched her. His two strong arms held her slim waist tight, as one of her hands rested on his shoulder, and the other one on his chest. The fact he was only in his trousers frightened her more, but at least she was fully dressed. She was lucky she wake up earlier than he. Very slowly, she slipped out of his embrace. The man groaned in his dream, but didn't wake up. Charlotte stormed out of the hut blushing.
The village was empty it was too early. She went to the stream, and after she made sure she was alone, got off her wig and shirt, and started to wash herself.
All of a sudden, she felt a sword in her back
-Who are you, and why ado you lied to us? - asked the voice
-I've never lied
-Just didn't said the truth.- said Hyppolita harder.- Answer or you will die
-I don't have to speak anything. I mean no harm. I just fight to survive.
The amazon surprised, but she was still hard:
-To survive? In this clothes?
-This is my weapon.
-And you use it against friend?
-Friends? I don't know them better than you. I dropped in this middle of nowhere only a few days ago!- Charlotte started to broke out like a volcano. The tension in her was growing.- In my world women don't run half naked before men. A women's treasure is her virtue, and she must protect it. At the moment I haven't got a huge sword like you, no gun , no knife, but it doesn't matter, because I can't use them. I have only a wig. So don't judge over my head.
She breathed heavily. Hippolyta stared at her, than took away her sword, and said:
-I will help. Get dressed, and come to my hut when you're ready.
She went away, as Charlotte watched her with sill teary eyes.
-Do you say Serena, that the cannibals attacking?
-Yes my professor. And I'm afraid it can happen in any moment. I can't let you out of the walls, they circled us. It's a miracle you managed to survive the last night.
-In this case you will need help.
The queen nodded.
-But the others. Marguerite, veronica and Malone are waiting for us. They will come after us if we don't arrive in time. If the cannibals catch them… We must warn them!
-You will not go out Lord Roxton!
- You will not tell me what to do…
-Stop! John, I think I have a solution. We stay and help.
Roxton was furious, but he agreed with the scientist in his idea and started to do his task.
So?