Chapter Two

Jim was relieved to realize, when he awoke, that the effects of the drug had dissipated completely. He had fallen asleep on the stone floor after being deposited there by the two men. Unable to move, he had simply drifted off. Or, he realized as he sat up and stretched his stiff muscles, a residual effect of the concoction had perhaps caused the sleep.

At least I saw Artie and he saw me. He has a good idea of what's going on. Probably he has been told about the upcoming party where he gets to kill me.

Jim climbed stiffly to his feet and flexed his body further. The floor was no featherbed. A cup of coffee would be welcome about now. Then he frowned. How could he trust his food now? The possibility of being drugged had been the farthest thing from his mind. If the same potion, or something similar, was used again, he would be helpless when the retribution ceremony was carried out, and likely Artie would be next to powerless himself, surrounded by the tribe. Hell, they might dope him up too! That would not be unheard of in such situations, especially if Napota or someone else wanted to be sure that the "god" acted in a manner favorable to his side.

Hearing a sound, Jim tensed. A moment later Lunata appeared with a bowl and cup. She offered them toward him through the web. Jim shook his head. "The last food you gave me was not good."

Her eyes dropped a moment. "I did not know. Titaca did not tell me."

"Who is Titaca?"

"My elder brother. The magic one."

Shaman. Witch doctor. "Does he also speak English?"

"He know it, but no speak much. Please take food. It not—not sick."

"Are you sure?"

"Lunata take it from… from big bowl." She made a gesture with the cup as though dipping it and pouring into the bowl.

Jim accepted it then, certain that she meant she had taken it from the communal pot. "The other food—Titaca brought it to you?"

"Yes. I come to fire, he say, take this to evil one with grass eyes. I not know it bad."

"All right. Thank you. No real harm done. Will you take a message for me to Armahiga?"

A trace of fear flickered in her dark eyes, but she nodded. "I try."

"Tell him to be careful what he eats."

Those eyes widened. "No harm come to Armahiga! He is god!"

"I know. But please. Just tell him. I know you don't understand this, but he is my very good friend. I did not throw him over the cliff. He fell when a cougar—a big cat—startled our horses."

Lunata listened, frowning. Had Artemus also told her this story? I wonder if Artie has seen the statue yet. Hope it doesn't go to his head!

W*W*W*W*W

As the skull of the man grows broader, so do his creeds.

And his gods they are shaped in his image and mirror his needs.

And he clothes them with thunders and beauty,

He clothes them with music and fire,

Seeing not, as he bows by their altars,

That he worships his own desire.
— The God-Maker, Man, Donald Marquis (D.R.P. Marquis; "Don Marquis"; 1878-1937), American journalist, poet, dramatist and humorist

Artemus Gordon stared in open astonishment at the figure in the niche in the wall. So that's it! Unbelievable! No wonder these people are in awe of me. He glanced around at the tribal members who had followed him—and Amanito—as he was given a tour of the cliff-side dwelling. They were all watching him, and obviously comparing his features with those on the carving. The features were not exact, but extremely similar. Almost as though I posed for it!

He had carefully questioned Lunata when she brought his food this morning about the god Armahiga. He tried to make his questions sound as though he was testing her knowledge of tribal lore, not probing for information. She had narrated the story of a young man who saved the life of a chief's daughter by leaping upon two enemies who were trying to kidnap her, with all three being carried to their deaths when they went over a cliff.

According to the legend, Armahiga reappeared later, flying up from the depths with eagle wings on his shoulders and after pledging that he would look after and protect the tribe forever, he also said he would return one day to claim a bride to take to the heavens with him as recompense for the maiden he saved, who might have been his wife if he had lived. Also, significantly, an "evil one" who was jealous of Armahiga was known to pursue him to try to kill him. That part of the legend had come in handy, Artie reasoned, when Napota needed to explain Jim's role in the incident.

Her own brother, Lunata stated, had been the one who revealed that she was born to be Armahiga's bride. When Artemus asked, she said that her brother, Titaca, was the shaman of the tribe, the keeper of the lore as well as the medicinal expert; Artie realized he was the man who had come with Napota to act as translator. Then Lunata passed along the message from "the evil one."

Jim was drugged. That's not good. He has to eat, and so do I. If Jim didn't notice anything amiss in the food served him…

A while later, Amanito and the man Lunata introduced as her brother, Titaca, came to take the "god" on a tour. As Artie had anticipated, he was indeed the man who had earlier acted as Napota's translator in the god's quarters, and seeing them side-by-side, Artie noticed the resemblance to his lovely sister. Titaca was probably a dozen years older than Lunata.

"Lunata," Artie asked. "What sign was given to indicate that you were Armahiga's… my… chosen bride?"

"I do not know. The old magic one, the one who taught Titaca, he told of it at my birth."

"Does Titaca know?"

Her head dropped. "I dare not ask."

Artie glanced at the shaman who appeared to be pretending he did not hear or understand the conversation. Perhaps he did not want the tribe at large to know he spoke English. Something in Amanito's stance suggested he might have grasped at least part of what was said as well. Artie's gaze returned to the astonishing stone figure, then looked at the woman again. "How long has this statue been here?"

She spread her hands in a helpless gesture. "Since the beginning of time. It is said that one who was in the world when Armahiga… when you saved the chief's daughter… created the likeness."

Artemus sighed. He hated to think of these people as ignorant superstitious savages, but at the moment he could not come up with another description. Of course, the incredible likeness was difficult to overlook. They had seen this idol every day of their lives, perhaps worshipped before it. To have an outsider with the same features suddenly arrive in their midst…

If only it had been under different circumstances. If only that mountain lion had not chosen to appear at that moment. If he and Jim could have arrived together, displaying their friendship… It's still hard to figure out why Napota insists on the lie that he saw Jim push me over the side. Other men must be under his sway, fearful of telling the truth. Or perhaps they are in his political camp, promised special benefits once Napota assumes the chief's mantle. Still, it appears that Napota has that locked up. Why would he need to create a situation to bolster his chances?

Napota spoke sharply then, and Lunata turned to Artemus. "Napota say you must go back now. Amanito and Lunata take you." This time she bowed from the waist toward the great living god.

"Very well," Artie murmured and allowed the pair to lead the way out of the antechamber. I could have spoken up and reminded Napota that I am a god and a mere mortal can't boss me around. But I think I'll try to use this act of compliance to my advantage.

As soon as they were in the passageway, he said, "I want to visit the evil one."

If he had needed any proof that Amanito understood English, this was it. Both he and Lunata stopped short and turned to him. "That is forbidden!" Lunata cried.

Artie leveled a stern gaze in her direction. "Who dares forbid the god Armahiga?"

Amanito said something to her in their native tongue. Lunata looked at the young man for a long moment, then back to Artemus. "Yes, my lord."

Artemus was glad he had the guides, realizing he could well have become lost in the twisting, turning passages. He saw doors that opened into cells of various sizes, but all appeared to be unoccupied. Were they once homes to members of the tribe? Finally, down a shorter corridor, they came to the door covered with the knotted web.

Jim was seated with his back to the far wall. He had removed his jacket and was using it as something of a pillow behind his head. As did Artemus, he needed a shave. He did not move as the trio appeared. Lunata was alarmed.

"You must kneel in the presence of the god Armahiga!"

Artemus quickly soothed her. "He is unaccustomed to the ways of the Tatuma, Lunata. You and Amanito go back and wait for me in the next passage. I wish to speak to the evil one alone."

Again, both of his escorts were distressed, but this time they did not argue. Artemus waited until they had stepped out of sight before he spoke quietly. "Well, James. I'm surprised you are sitting idly by."

Jim climbed to his feet and without words showed his partner the slits he had cut in the leather web. "For an emergency," he said in an equally soft voice. He knew that some sounds could carry in the corridors. "What's going on?"

"First, how are you? Any more extra spices in your food?"

"Not so far. Artie, did you see the statue?"

"I did, just a few minutes ago. It's amazing. I can see why the big mix up. Although they don't seem bothered by the fact that one of their gods does not speak their language! Napota must have explained that away somehow."

"How do you like being a god?"

Artemus grimaced. "Not much. I really had to assert my authority to simply visit you. Were you able to comprehend what I said when they brought you into my quarters?"

"Yeah. I could hear and understand, just couldn't move or speak. I don't know what was in my food, but it was powerful, worthy of one of Loveless's concoctions. Artie, are you aware that you're supposed to toss me over the cliff in retribution for my supposedly pushing you over that ledge?"

"Yep. I suspect it's going to be done symbolically. I raise my hand and a couple of the big bruisers throw you over."

"That's a comfort."

"Jim, this morning I wrangled some information from Lunata about the situation here. For one thing, although he's the elder son, Napota is not a lock to inherit his father's title as chief. Seems that if he were the only son, he would be a shoo-in. Because two sons were born the tribe gets to choose between them… and Amanito is much more popular, even though the people fear Napota. Then Napota came to see me to let me know I'm expected to show my gratitude by backing him."

"So instead of trying to make himself more popular, Napota is staging this stunt. What surprises me is that the men that were with him out there on the trail are going along with it."

"I know. I'm not sure why, whether due to threats, bribes or pure friendship. I've tried to tell Lunata what happened, but even as a god, my version is not being accepted. Even old Radina prefers Napota's version. Perhaps it's due to my incredible similarity to that statue."

"You haven't sprouted wings." Jim's grin was wry.

"Not yet. Thing is, if I protesteth too much, they might start believing me and we'll both need wings."

"If it comes to that, Artemus," Jim said grimly, "you keep your godlike demeanor and let them toss me."

"Like hell!" his partner growled. "Jim, we need to get out of here."

"I'm for that. But I can think of a few problems, one being we have no idea where they've stashed the guns and horses. This place is a maze."

"You're telling me! Lunata claims she doesn't know where our possessions are, though the horses are being cared for. One thing I've discovered is that two others at least know some English, Amanito and Lunata's brother, the shaman, Titaca. Titaca is apparently in Napota's camp, willingly or not, but Amanito might be of some assistance." Artemus glanced down the passageway and saw the silhouette of a head peeking around the corner. "I think they are getting nervous, and I don't want to get them into trouble. Behave yourself."

"Sure. If I don't go nuts here in solitary confinement."

"I'll see if I can order up some dancing girls to entertain you." With a wave, Artie strode down the passage and united with a pair of relieved young Tatumas, though he also had the impression they had not entirely minded a few minutes alone together. He allowed them to guide him back to his own quarters. He tried very hard to keep track of the turns in and out of the various passages, but he was unsure that one trek was going to be enough to learn his way through the warren of tunnels.

Napota and Titaca were in the god's chambers when the trio reached it. Artie did not miss how Napota's bows were not quite as deep and subservient as others he had received. He also noticed that when Napota spoke briefly, both Lunata and Amanito displayed some dismay. Titaca spoke sharply to his sister when she appeared to be reluctant to translate the words to Armahiga.

"My lord," Lunata said then, bowing her head and not meeting Artemus's gaze, "I am to tell you that the ceremony take place one more sun, when the night sun very bright."

Artie retained his composure, despite a small wash of panic he experienced. Tomorrow night! Time is running out. "I wish to say," he spoke solemnly, "that a great mistake is being made. The one that is called evil is not evil. He is my friend, my brother. He would never hurt me. Whatever Napota saw, he was mistaken. His eyes deceived him." Again no doubt remained that Amanito also comprehended most of what he said. Amanito turned wide, questioning eyes to his brother, as Titaca's mouth tightened.

Lunata translated, whereupon Napota spat out some angry words, then seemed to catch himself and continued in a calmer vein. Resignation was on Lunata's pretty face as she turned back to the god. "My lord, Napota swears an oath that he saw the evil one throw you over the cliff. He must pay, and must die by your hands."

Realizing that he was not going to get anywhere just now, Artie waved a dismissive hand, turning to sit on his bench, not looking at any of the people in the room. He heard a rapid conversation among the three men, and if tones of voice meant anything, Amanito was pleading for something even as Napota was being obdurate, while Titaca seemed to be trying to mediate.

If that's true, Artie mused when the party left the room, maybe I'm wrong about Titaca being entirely in Napota's camp. Perhaps, just perhaps, my resemblance to the figure has him believing as most of the others apparently do, that I am the reincarnation of Armahiga, and not just part of Napota's plotting. Is there a way I can use that to our advantage?

Artemus knew he had to get word to Jim about the upcoming schedule. Chances were very good that the prisoner would be drugged so as to assure no resistance to the execution. Jim needed to be especially cautious about his food, even if it meant going hungry for a while. As he thought about the upcoming ceremony, an idea occurred.

When Lunata brought a fresh ewer of water to him awhile later, she was more than a little startled by the request he made, but promised to ask Napota if it was possible. Artie shook his head firmly and reiterated. "I want to talk to the chief. Chief Radina."

"He is very ill…"

"Then take me to see him."

Once again Lunata was overtly torn between obeying the god and other instructions she may have received from Napota or perhaps her brother. But after a moment, she nodded and headed for the door. Artemus followed. "Please tell me, Lunata, if you had a choice, who would you prefer to marry?"

She barely glanced at him but he saw the bitterness in her dark eyes. "I will marry Armahiga, as the signs foretold."

"But supposing the signs had not appeared and you had free will. Who would be your choice? Napota?"

He threw the name out for effect, and succeeded. Now her eyes flashed, her pretty mouth curved in a sneer. "No woman want to marry Napota!"

Artie forbore from asking why. "Then who would you prefer? You can tell me, Lunata. I will keep your secrets."

Those terribly expressive eyes shot his way again, and now he saw the sparkle of tears. "Amanito."

He followed her around a corner and into the broadest corridor he had seen yet. Through the open doorways as they walked by he saw people, mostly women and children. This was their main residence area. Had they once occupied the entire maze? Did that mean that their population was diminishing? It occurred to him to wonder, not for the first time, why they secreted themselves from civilization.

At the very end of the corridor was a wide door, and Lunata paused at that door. After a moment, a heavy-set woman with gray hair trailing over her shoulders appeared. She stared in awe at the man behind the maiden as Lunata apparently spoke of the god's wishes. So much in awe that Lunata appeared to have to repeat her words before the woman hurried away, returning a minute or so later, bowing deeply and gesturing for them to enter.

Lunata led Artemus into a further inner chamber, a room decorated with colorful tapestries along with small figurines, one of which Artie recognized as a miniature of the large statue out in the anteroom. Radina was reclining on a couch and he held out a pleading hand, speaking haltingly. Lunata translated that Radina was profusely apologizing for being unable to rise to honor the god.

Artie quickly asked Lunata to tell the old man not to worry, and then he pressed the young woman to be sure to translate what Radina said as exactly as she could, as well as his own words. "Ask him if he favors one son over the other to succeed him. And tell him Armahiga wants the truth."

He was pretty sure Lunata did not fudge the translation, for the old man's eyes widened with shock. He hesitated then spoke firmly. Artie did not need the translation Lunata provided, as he heard the name Amanito plainly. Lunata translated that Napota was the son of Radina's first wife, and had resented that Radina took another wife after the first one died. He was always a difficult son, forever attempting to circumvent his father's dominion. Radina did not believe Napota could be a good chief, and he wished that Amanito could inherit the role.

When Artemus posed the next question, Radina shook his head sadly. He feared the power of Napota. Certain men of the tribe were willing to follow him. Radina could not openly back Amanito, lest Napota slay his own brother in his quest for power.

Artie decided to let that drop for now, and had Lunata translate his next words. "I want you to understand that the one Napota calls 'the evil one' is not evil. He is a good man. I have been his friend, his brother for many, many years. We have fought side by side in battle, and against much true evil. He has saved my life many times, and I have saved his. He did not attempt to throw me off the cliff. He was trying to rescue me."

This the chief did not buy. He might hesitate to dispute the god, or even wonder why Armahiga would tell a different story, but whatever kind of villain Napota might be, he would never tell lies about the great god Armahiga. Nor would his companions. He seemed to think Armahiga was testing him. Artemus attempted to describe exactly what had happened, but Radina was adamant. The other man was evil and must die or great misfortune would fall upon the Tatuma, this Titaca had warned.

Seeing that the old man was becoming agitated, not a good thing for a man in his frail condition, Artemus bade his farewell. He tried to convince Lunata to take him to Jim again, but she was too frightened. Not even a command from the Eagle God could overcome her terror, and Artie could only assume she feared retaliation from either Napota or Titaca.

The one last request he made before she left him in his quarters was that she would ask her brother to come see him… by himself.

W*W*W*W*W

Seeing the dial of his pocket watch in the dim light shed by the torch out in the corridor was not easy, but Jim's eyes had become fairly adjusted to the darkness by now. He determined that the hour was after midnight. Because he was unable to see daylight, and especially after the drugged slumber he had experienced, Jim had been unsure what time of day or night it was. However, when Lunata brought his most recent bowl of porridge, he had teased her and flirted a bit, then asked if it was the morning meal. She had assured him that the sun was heading for its place of rest for the night.

So he had waited and listened. The acoustics of the place were interesting, as occasionally he heard voices from far off, though rarely did anyone seem to enter the corridor leading to his cell. A man had later come to collect his eating utensils, and Jim briefly wondered if he had frightened Lunata off with his questions. Of course the man did not understand when he asked of her whereabouts.

But now the silence was deep, and the compound was surely at rest. If they posted guards anywhere each night, he was just going to have to risk it. Enough is enough. I've been in this hole for close to forty-eight hours. I'll find Artie and we'll get the hell out of here. Jim West was not accustomed to inaction. He did not intend to lay in the darkness any longer, waiting to be dragged out and thrown over a cliff!

The severed portions of the web fell away easily when he pulled on them. He stepped out into the passageway and listened, staring hard back into the darkened far end untouched by the flickering torch. How far did it go? He then lifted the torch out of the hole that had been scraped into the wall to hold it. If the remainder of the place were as dark as this corridor, he would need extra light.

Cautiously he moved toward the opening he could see, constantly listening for any sounds to indicate movement in the next passage, attempting to remember the route he had been taken along when first brought to the Tatuma complex. No use trying to recall the corridors through which he had been dragged when taken to Artie's chamber. The drug had prevented him from even lifting his head to mark the twists and turns.

The next connected passage ran perpendicular to the one he had been in. It was also wider and he could see the shadowy shapes of doorways along it in both directions. Which way, James? Closing his eyes a moment, he thought about that last movement when he had first been brought in. A right turn. Yes, he was certain. The last turn had been a right one. So he went left.

How do these people prevent themselves from become inextricably lost in this maze? The answer was simple: they had lived in it all their lives. Negotiating the warren of rooms and corridors was as easy to them as for the people in a large city, going from one neighborhood to another. To a stranger, all was a confusing mix of paved streets and buildings that looked alike. Same with these passages to Jim; some were narrower than others, a few had more torches illuminating their byway, but were all virtually identical to him. The residents undoubtedly saw "landmarks" or simply knew which way to turn.

By carefully peeking into a few doors, which had no covering, he saw that they were homes to families, with rough wooden or leather furnishings. In a couple, he saw occupants who were actually sleeping on mats on the floor, but most appeared to have additional rooms where the residents apparently slumbered.

And this is all carved out of solid rock, he marveled as he continued through the murky halls. Somewhere Artemus was sleeping—presumably. Seems as though Artie, even as a god, is as much a prisoner as I am, not free to ramble about the complex on his own. Of course, the language barrier was there. Either of them would need someone like Lunata at his side.

Jim was unsure how long he had been wandering when he suddenly peered into a room—this one with a woven curtain over the door—and espied what he thought was a familiar shape sprawled on a stone slab. He entered carefully, holding the torch high.

Artemus came awake instantly when the hand touch his shoulder and he stared up into the torch-lit face of his partner. "Jim! What are you doing here?"

"I'm planning to leave. Want to come along?"

Artie sat up, swinging his legs over the side of the stone bed. "Actually, no. Jim," he said soberly.

Jim was stunned. "What the devil? Don't tell me you've decided you like being a god!"

"Well, it has its plusses. But listen. This afternoon I had a long talk with Titaca and…"

"Talk with Titaca! Did you learn the language suddenly?" Jim hissed, finding himself highly irritated with his partner.

"Sit down," Artie said patiently, patting the stone surface beside him. "And listen. We've been caught in a power struggle, as I'm sure you're aware. Napota wants to be headman when his father dies, but most of the tribe would prefer Amanito. Titaca is playing both sides. Right now, with our appearance on the scene, Napota has the upper hand. He produced the Eagle God, after all."

"I know all that," Jim grumbled. "But I don't want to be tossed off the cliff."

Artie continued as if his partner had not spoken. "Somehow we stumbled into a situation involving this tribe's most powerful legend, the Eagle God. It's an incredible coincidence that I resemble the reproduction of this god—whether or not it's accurate in the first place. It's their beliefs, Jim, even if we regard it as superstitious mumbo-jumbo."

"Artie, would you get to the point? The longer we sit here and talk, the greater our chances of being caught."

Artemus put a hand on Jim's shoulder. "Never fear. The great Eagle God will protect you."

"Not if they decide you're not a god after all, or that you are an evil double."

"Jim, listen to me. We can't go off and leave Napota in charge."

"Why not?"

Artie was silent a moment. "I guess I've gotten to know these people better than you have."

"That's putting it mildly."

Artie heard the edge in Jim's voice. "I know it's been rough on you sitting in that dark cell. But I think…"

Jim got to his feet. "Artie, from what I understand, I'm to be executed."

"Yeah," Artie sighed. "Tomorrow night as a matter of fact. Or, what time is it? Maybe I should say tonight."

Jim West shook his head slowly. "And you weren't worried?"

"As I said, I had a nice conversation with Titaca. His English is not as good as his sister's, but he does know the language. So does Amanito, for that matter. I learned there's an alternative to the sacrifice."

"Oh?" Jim folded his arms across his chest.

"All you have to do is to defeat three of their best men in hand-to-hand combat."

A long silence before Jim spoke again. "One at a time?"

"Well… I'm not sure."

"I suppose they'll be carrying spears, knives, and tomahawks while I'm unarmed."

Now Artemus got to his feet, troubled by the anger on his friend's face and in his tone. "Jim, I'm sorry. I guess… I got carried away. I mean I have confidence in your ability to…"

Jim sighed. "Artie, it's a good thing you're my friend or I might be very, very upset with you."

"Well, if you're not upset with me now, I don't think I want to be around when you are!"

Jim sat down again. "When is this coliseum-style spectacle to take place?"

"Tomorrow afternoon—or rather this afternoon. I was going to come tell you in the morning."

"That's thoughtful."

Artemus winced. I handled this badly! "I warned Titaca about attempting to drug you again."

"That's good. I expect I'll need all the nourishment I can get."

Now Artie sat beside him. "Jim, I am sorry. I got so caught up in helping these people…. They're not fierce warriors. All they want is to be left alone. One can't fault them for their religious beliefs… even if they are a bit extreme. The tribe is slowly dying out. Every year, a few young people leave, just as Lunata's father did years ago. But they aren't returning. At least the defectors have kept the tribe's location secret thus far. But the Tatuma don't want to be invaded by curious white men, nor treasure seekers."

"Do they have treasure?"

"I don't think so. Nothing more than what they treasure, like the statue of Armahiga. But that wouldn't stop civilization from encroaching on them."

"What happens if I can't defeat these three finest fighters? Do you settle down with Lunata and raise little gods?"

For one instant, Artemus thought his friend's anger had returned. But in the dim light from the flickering torch, he saw Jim's mouth twitch. "If that happens, I promise to name my first son after you. But I have confidence in you, James. You can fight dirty when the occasion demands. Titaca says such contests are 'no holds barred.'"

Jim glanced around the dark room. "If nothing else, it'll be nice to see some sunshine again. Perhaps we can get an idea of where the horses are being held."

"I made a point of asking Titaca about them, but he claimed he didn't know. Napota has laid dibs on Blackjack, you know."

"At least he has good taste." Jim rose again. "I'd better try to find my cozy little room again. Not sure how I'm going to explain the torn netting."

"Just tell them it was old and rotted. You'll gain points by the fact that you obviously didn't take advantage of it." Artie grinned briefly. "As for returning, it's not that difficult. Turn left in the corridor here, then the first two rights, a left, and finally a right."

Jim stared at his partner. "You've been to my cell only once!"

"Ah, but I have a good memory."

W*W*W*W*W

Following Artie's instructions through the darkened corridors, Jim found his quarters with little difficulty. He spent some time tying together the loose ends of the woven door to his cell. Perhaps only because of the dimness, when Lunata brought his breakfast, she did not appear to spot anything amiss.

Jim, however, noticed that she was unhappy about something, and when he queried, she admitted she was concerned about his safety, and told him about the contest. Jim feigned surprise, but assured her he would be able to handle himself. Lunata just shook her head sadly. "Amerta, Incala, and Tabuna very powerful, very clever. They always win."

Just to be on the safe side, and not as trusting as his partner, Jim ate a couple of spoonfuls of his meal and then waited a while to see if he detected any adverse effects on his system. He remembered how he had started feeling numb in his extremities after devouring the drugged meal and reasoned that he should feel at least a tingling if this bowl contained any of the same "medicine."

After about a half hour, and not noticing anything, he ate the rest of the now cooled porridge. As he had told Artemus, he would need all his stamina in the upcoming contest, and going without a meal, even one as dull as this repetitive porridge, was important. He presumed the Tatuma ate this type of food regularly, and as a rule, they appeared healthy. He had not thought to ask Artie if he was being served a different menu.

Carrying out the charade, so as to not allow any of the tribe to be aware Jim had exited his prison overnight, "Armahiga" arrived at the cell, accompanied by the two heirs-apparent and the shaman, as well as Lunata to act as interpreter. Titaca remained silent.

Artemus allowed the others to make the announcement as he stood by, arms folded, and—he hoped—looking "godlike." Titaca explained that he had realized that ancient laws allowed a potential sacrifice the opportunity to save his life by competing in mortal combat and asked if the "evil one" wished to do so. Artie saw Jim's eyes widen slightly as the "mortal combat" aspect was mentioned. He himself was startled. Titaca had not mentioned that the battle would be to the death. Napota looks pretty smug. Wonder if the fight to the death business is his contribution to the ancient laws.

Jim was only slightly relieved when, upon his inquiry, Lunata replied no weapons would be involved. "Only hands." He had seen a few pretty brawny men in the tribe, especially among those who had originally captured him: Napota's followers. Were Amerta, Incala, and Tabuna in Napota's camp?