Scene II: All Good Things Must Come to an End

Marguerite sat down on a bench and sighed. Not only was she extremely tired, but very irritated. Another dead end, and she had known it before they started the long four day journey to this town. Everyone Marguerite had spoken to that morning had said they didn't know a way off the plateau. The only thing she could get out of them was legends and myths that generations ago their ancestors knew the path between both worlds. Fat lot of good that did her! She had made some good bargains for fabric, but she would be the one who would have to make new clothes for everyone! Once again, her hopes had been dashed. She would have to return home practically empty handed, tired, and more work to do than before she left!

Sitting there, she could only hope Roxton or Malone had had better luck than her. She wondered when they would decide to show up. Lunch would be served soon and she was starving. But for the moment, Marguerite wanted nothing more than to sit in the shade and relax. And that's exactly what she did do. Leaning her head back against the wall, she closed her eyes and let her mind wander.

She didn't know how long she had been asleep when she heard Roxton's familiar voice getting louder as he approached. Her eyes flickered open to find Roxton and Rani headed in her direction. Marguerite reluctantly pulled herself to her feet and approached.

"Have a nice nap, Marguerite?" Roxton asked with a smirk.

"I wasn't napping, I was only resting my eyes," she answered defensively. "I must have talked to dozens of people with no luck. How about you?"

Roxton shook his head. "Sorry, Marguerite. No one knows anything about a way home."

Marguerite scowled and muttered a curse under her breath. "Figures that we would come all this way on a wild goose chase."

Before Roxton could comment, Marguerite spotted Malone and waved him over.

"What did you find out, Malone?"

Malone heaved a heavy sigh. "Not much, I'm afraid. I asked several people and came up with nothing so I decided to talk to some of the older folks in town. I figured if anyone would remember anything it might be them. All I was able to learn for sure was that at one point, several generations back, the people of Burka did know a way down off the plateau. But as it was explained to me, the people settled into life here and had no reason to want to leave. So eventually, the way off was forgotten."

Marguerite kicked a small pebble in frustration. "What about historical records or something?"

"I was just on my way to ask Aldaz, why don't you guys join me?"

"All right."

The three only had to search for a few minutes before they found Aldaz shouting instructions at a group of people. Amidst the chaos, Rani spotted them and filled them in on what was going on. Apparently, preparations were still under way for the celebration and Aldaz wanted to make sure everything was perfect. They waited for a few moments until Aldaz was done and then approached him.

"Hola, mis amigos! How are you today?"

"Good thanks," Malone answered for all, "we were just wondering if you know of any historical records in Burka? Anything that may tell us about your ancestors and maybe if they knew a way off the plateau?"

Aldaz raised his eyebrows. "Records? We have no need for those. If something is important enough to remember, it will not be forgotten." He chuckled as he tapped his temple and walked off.

"Damn it," Marguerite muttered as they started to walk to lunch. "I would think a way off the plateau would be of vast importance! Where are their priorities?"

Rani patted Marguerite on the back and tried to console her. "I am sorry you did not find what you were seeking, Miss Krux. But soon you will forget your troubles! Burka is a place where worries melt away!"

Marguerite smiled reluctantly but suddenly felt ill at ease. The last time a town was so welcoming, they stuck Malone into a tree and sucked the life out of him and planned to do the same to the rest of them.

Having once again come to a dead end, the group started to head to the midday meal. On their way, Rani suddenly stopped mid-stride forcing Malone and Roxton to bump into him from behind. They were about to ask what was the matter when they saw his face had lit up into a grin. "Comment pourrais-j'oublier? I have just remembered something that I think may help you all. It is true what Aldaz said that the people of Burka have had no desire to venture into the other world. But there are stories that have been told about our ancestors that had made the journey. As we were walking I suddenly remembered a piece of one I heard when I was a child. It speaks of a path through the hills and markings. Whenever I have been part of the hunting party, I have passed by a similar area. I have never thought about it before until this moment."

Marguerite, Malone, and Roxton couldn't believe their ears. "Do you think you could take us to it?" Marguerite asked.

"Certo! After you have had your meal I will come find you and lead you there. Hopefully, it will prove useful."

"Great!" Malone exclaimed.

The young man bowed. "I will leave you all to your midday meal. If you will excuse me, I have some things to take care of before the celebration tonight."

"Well, Marguerite," Roxton began, "not such a wild goose chase after all, hmm?"

"Maybe, but if there's one thing I've learned about this plateau in all the time we've been stuck here is that things are never quite that easy."

XOXOXOXO

Marguerite, Malone, and Roxton had finished their lunch and waited an hour for Rani, but there was still no sign of him.

"Come on," Marguerite said as she got to her feet, "let's go look for him. I don't feel like sitting around any longer."

The explorers had been searching for about ten minutes according to Malone's watch when they came across a couple in the middle of a passionate conversation. Hating to interrupt but seeing no other alternative, Malone tentatively stepped forward and cleared his throat. "I'm sorry to interrupt, but my friends and I," he said as he gestured to Marguerite and Roxton, "are trying to find Rani. Would either of you know where we could find him?"

The younger man visibly controlled his annoyance. "Yes, we saw him not long ago. He is speaking to Aldaz and will most likely be detained for quite some time." Seeing that the explorers were still there, he forced himself to add, "Is there anything that we may do to assist you?"

Roxton shook his head. "No, that isn't necessary. We can speak with Rani later. Thank you for your help…"

The man opened his eyes in realization of his apparent rudeness and stumbled out an apology. "Do forgive my poor manners. I am Jun, and this is Kalee."

The three explorers were surprised to have run into the two people who meant the most to Rani at the same time. Since they had met him yesterday, Rani had talked about his fiancé, and his description did her justice. To the eyes of someone who had just met her, Kalee was a sweet girl. After Jun's introduction, she smiled brightly at the group. She was about the same age as Rani, but seemed much more mature. Her dark hair was long and sleek, and curved around her face accentuating her light brown eyes. She wasn't very tall, but she had a certain something that drew your eyes to her. She was introverted as opposed to her outgoing grandfather, but she seemed to inherit the trait of being the center of attention without even trying.

Jun, as Rani had mentioned before, was older than Kalee and Rani. He was in his mid-twenties, no older than twenty five, and had much of the same physical characteristics as Rani. The only thing he lacked was the exuberant spirit which Rani seemed to exude wherever he went. Jun seemed to be much more on the reserved side. His smiles were worn more out of force of habit, rather than genuine feeling.

After a brief exchange of pleasantries, the group settled back into the topic of their meeting. Kalee thanked Jun for his help before apologizing and excusing herself to go get ready for the celebration.

"Kalee seems like a nice girl," Malone said.

Jun nodded. "Oui. She is a little nervous about tonight and I was trying to calm her down."

Roxton smiled. "That's a normal reaction when faced with marriage. But Rani seems like a nice young man. I'm sure they will be very happy together."

Jun nodded his head in agreement. "Je suis content qu'il s'avance," Jun's expression turned to concentration, "Lo siento, I should say I am happy he is moving forward with his life."

"What do you mean?" Malone asked.

"After the death of his parents, I would see him moping around the streets by himself. I could not stand to see someone who used to be tan energético so sad. I vowed to myself to make him smile again. And with time, he began to heal.

"Aldaz went out of his way to look out for Rani. We were friends with Kalee, we have been since we were children. Most were not surprised when Rani asked to wed Kalee. She is a good match for him. I know they will be very happy together." Jun had a far off look on his face and blushed before he realized he was not alone. "Prego, sometimes the past takes a hold of you."

"Yes, I know what you mean." Roxton remarked.

"Excuse me," Marguerite timely interrupted, "but I'm curious about your necklace. I've seen several people in town wearing the same style. Is there a reason for it?"

Jun glanced down at his chest to his necklace. "Oh yes there is. We call it a 'llegando a mayor de edad' necklace. It is a rite of passage. When a father feels his son has reached adulthood, his mother makes him a necklace similar to his father's."

"Fascinating!" Malone exclaimed. He hurried flipped a page in his journal and continued quickly taking notes.

Marguerite rolled her eyes and turned back to Jun. "I noticed Rani doesn't wear one. Was he not able to receive one once his parents died?"

Jun shook his head. "Aldaz and the family that took Rani in both felt it was important for him to take part in the same ceremonies that any other child in Burka would take part in, but Rani refused. He took his necklace, along with his father's, and placed it on his father's grave."

Marguerite nodded. "I see." She fingered the familiar locket she carried in her pocket. It had been a long time since she wore it for fear of losing it, but she always carried it with her. She could understand Rani's pain of losing his parents although he at least had known them for several years.

"Well," Jun bowed, "I must leave you now. I will be sure to let Rani know that you were searching for him."

"Wait, Jun." Malone said stopping him. "Seeing as how you grew up with Rani, maybe you could help us. He was supposed to show us a path that he mentioned he had seen in the hills that might have been mentioned in the old stories. We were planning on leaving tomorrow so we were hoping he could take us out there today."

Jun stopped for a moment to think. "I do not believe I know of this path. Maybe he stumbled upon it on a day we were not together."

"Oh well," Malone said, "we'll just have to push back our journey one more day. We can't do anything while Rani's busy."

Roxton nodded. "Yes, I suppose so. Thank you, Jun. We'll see you later tonight at the party."

Jun bowed and was on his way.

Marguerite sighed. "Well we might as well go and get ready. Seems like everyone else is."

XOXOXOXO

The celebration had already begun when Marguerite, Roxton, and Malone arrived in the town square. Earlier, it had been a bustling area full of carts, goods, and bartering people. All of that had been cleared away leaving a space for a big bon fire which lit up the square. The sun had just begun to set leaving the sky a nice orange color. Music from several hand-made flutes floated through the air accompanied by guitars and the voices of the people singing along. The aroma of food roasting on the fire reached the group at the same time and they were suddenly glad they had come.

It seemed as if Aldaz was good as his word, for it seemed the entire town was packed in the square, but all were having a good time. Malone spotted Rani dancing with Kalee amongst several others.

"I see you came to join us this evening. I am most pleased." Jun had been the first to spot them and came over to greet them. "It is truly a monumental occasion. This has been the first time in several long years that the people of Burka have gathered in this square in a time of peace."

"It certainly does seem like everyone's enjoying themselves," Malone commented.

"Yes," Roxton added, "whatever is cooking smells delicious."

"Raptor," Jun seemed to stand a bit taller as he spoke. "I was one of the hunting party that captured the beast. It was I who delivered the fatal blow."

"Excellent!" Roxton beamed.

Marguerite muttered something under her breath which no one heard. "Before you both start recounting your glory days on the hunt, I was wondering if Jun might tell me where a lady can get a drink around here?"

"Sí por supuesto. I apologize. Please allow me to bring you all refreshments. I will return in a moment."

"You couldn't have waited until we were finished talking?" Roxton admonished.

"What? I was thirsty and I preferred to have a drink before I perished of thirst."

Malone was soaking up the details of the moment so he could later report them in his journal when someone caught his eye. "What's he doing here?" Marguerite and Roxton followed Malone's gaze to find Aku standing on the outskirts of the square staring darkly into the crowd. "You would think he was trying to hide the way he is lurking in the shadows like that."

"Is he even blinking?" Marguerite studied the features of his face and shook her head. "He doesn't seem like the type that would enjoy a party."

Roxton nodded his head in agreement. "Take a look at what he's staring at so intently."

The crowd had broken up at that moment and the three of them could easily see what Aku's attention was fixated on.

Rani.

Looking back at Aku, they found his gaze had shifted to them instead. They quickly broke eye contact.

"I don't like that guy," Malone said as he eyed him with distaste.

"Can you blame him for how he turned out?" Roxton asked. "Something like that happens to a person and it changes them."

Marguerite glanced worriedly at Roxton. She knew that hearing about Aku's childhood had to have brought back painful memories for Roxton. Before she could think of anything to say, Kalee came over to speak with them.

"I am so happy you came," Kalee said as she greeted them warmly, "I hope you have been enjoying yourselves?"

Malone nodded, "Oh yes, very much. Where is your fiancé?"

Kalee pointed behind the group of friends to where Rani was standing next to Aldaz and conversing with a group of people. "Abuelo likes to boast," she replied with a wry grin.

Roxton chuckled. "It's not everyday your granddaughter gets engaged and gains a member to his family like Rani."

"Thank you," Kalee said as her face flushed red, "you are all very kind." She glanced at the group and frowned. "You have not gotten anything to eat or drink?"

"We only just arrived," Marguerite assured, "but don't worry because here's Jun with some beverages."

Kalee had to give Jun a hand, he was balancing four glasses as well as a pitcher filled with liquid. "You three have good fortune. This was the last of the drinks. They have gone to make more. I barely escaped the wrath of the people waiting behind me," Jun said with a grin as he handed each of them a glass. Kalee poured the beverage into their glasses and barely managed to put the last drops into Roxton's cup before the pitcher ran dry.

Roxton was quick to protest and offered his cup to Kalee. "There isn't any left for you now. Have mine."

"No, gracias," Kalee shook her head, "I had plenty when I ate earlier. I will fetch another pitcher for when you all get thirsty again."

"Why don't you let one of us get it?" Roxton asked. "After all, this is your party, you shouldn't have to wait on us."

"It will give me practice for when I am wed to Rani," Kalee replied with a smile. "Not a word, Jun," she quickly supplied as she saw him begin to open his mouth. He quickly shut his mouth and smiled.

"Qué?" he asked innocently.

Kalee rolled her eyes and tugged on his sleeve. "I know you too well, amigo. You fool no one. You may fetch the drinks. Rani will be waiting for me."

As they both walked off, it gave the group an opportunity to enjoy more of the festivities.

"You know, I'm glad we ended up staying an extra day," Marguerite remarked causing Roxton and Malone to choke on their drinks. "Well," she reasoned, "when was the last time we went to a party?"

"Good point," Malone conceded. "Besides the fact that we may be able to find a way home, these are nice people. Might make good trading partners in the future if things don't work out."

"That is true," Roxton agreed. "A shame the trek is so long though," he added with a meaningful glance at Marguerite and Malone. He hoped they would behave themselves better on the return trip.

Marguerite, catching the hint, cleared her throat and raised her cup. "A toast. To Rani and Kalee!"

"Cheers!"

XOXOXOXO

Several hours had passed and the celebration showed no signs of slowing down.

"Man, these people really know how to party." Malone took a seat next to Marguerite and Roxton who were already seated by a small fire. Roxton nodded and tried to hide a yawn behind his hand. "You tired Roxton? Maybe you should go to bed."

Roxton shook his head. "Not really, just a bit of a headache." A scoff to his right caused Roxton to turn his head to Marguerite. "What?"

"Don't let him fool you, Malone. He's been yawning his head off for the past hour."

"So maybe I am a little tired."

"A little? Your face has been behind your hand so much I've almost forgotten what it looks like!" Marguerite chuckled.

Roxton groaned and grabbed his head. "Why don't you find someone else to torment?"

Marguerite and Malone shared a worried glance. Usually Roxton responded with more good humor at her ribbing. Maybe his headache was bothering him more than he admitted. Before she could bring up the topic, Rani and Kalee joined them at the fire.

"How are you all this evening?" Rani asked.

"Just peachy!" Roxton said tersely as he rose to his feet. "Excuse me!"

The group watched Roxton walked off in shock. Rani turned back to the fire to Marguerite and Malone. "I hope he is not angry with me. I am very sorry that I did not keep our meeting as I promised. It was very rude of me, but I had some pressing matters to attend to." Rani glanced around worriedly.

Marguerite reached over and patted Rani on the hand. "Don't worry about it too much. He just has a bad headache and we're all a bit tired. He didn't mean to snap at you, you just caught him at a bad time."

"Oh, I see. I am sorry to hear he is not well. Tomorrow I will stop by and make sure he is feeling better. If not, I will make sure the healer sees him."

"That sounds fine, Rani," Malone agreed. "For now, let's just enjoy our evening."

"Yes," said Marguerite with cheer in her voice, "just think Rani will be married soon. How will the rest of us single women survive?" She added just enough desperation to her voice to make the rest laugh. That was easy enough, tomorrow she was going to make sure to have a talk with Roxton.

XOXOXOXO

Roxton made his way into his room and went through the motions of getting ready for bed mindlessly. He took off his brace and Webleys placing them on the chair followed by his belt and pistol on the table. He sat down on the bed and kicked off his boots. Lying down, he threw off his hat not caring where it landed. He sighed as he closed his eyes and finally drifted off to sleep.

XOXOXOXO

Marguerite glared at the sunshine as she emerged from her cabin. She looked around and found no signs of Roxton or Malone. Walking over to Malone's cabin, she knocked on the door and was surprised to find a yawning Malone emerge.

"You look awful, Malone."

Shooting a glare her way, Malone rubbed a hand over his tired face. "Gee thanks, Marguerite. I won't even comment on how you look."

"Smart move."

Malone chuckled. "Wonder where Roxton is?"

Marguerite shrugged her shoulders. "I thought you were both up before me. But seeing how late we got in last night, I wouldn't be surprised if he's already up and about, off with Rani no doubt. We'll probably bump into him soon enough."

Malone tried to hide a yawn behind his hand.

"I saw that," Marguerite commented.

"I wonder if they have any coffee around here."

"I don't know but I can sure use some. Lead the way my good fellow!" After several minutes of walking, Marguerite sighed. "Could they have put us in a place even more inconvenient than where-"

BANG!

"That was a gunshot!" Marguerite turned around raced back in the direction of Roxton's hut with Malone hot on her heels.

As they ran, they could hear the raised voices of people, but they didn't give it a second thought as they were focused on reaching Roxton.

Pushing open the door, they found Roxton on the floor of his cabin with blood covering his hands. Their eyes involuntarily moved through the scene and met Rani's bloodstained body, a gun lying next to Roxton.

More people crowded in behind them looking over Marguerite and Malone's shoulders and gasping in horror at the sight before them.

Marguerite couldn't believe what she was looking at. She watched as Roxton looked up at them with glassy eyes. "John, what have you done?"

End Scene II
End Act I

A/N: Next part coming next Monday!