Chapter 21: The Skeleton Coast
Elizabeth and Kurtis embarked on an adventurous journey to Namibia, fueled by their burning desire to uncover the last rambling stone, a mysterious artifact rumored to possess mystical powers. They had recently bid farewell to their trusted companion, Faisel, whom they had dropped off in the Democratic Republic of Congo at a secure stronghold. The brothers eagerly awaited Elizabeth and Kurtis' return, knowing they were venturing into dangerous territory.
The arduous trip to Namibia consisted of long stretches of driving, with Elizabeth and Kurtis taking turns behind the wheel of their sturdy jeep. The harsh terrains and treacherous landscapes challenged their skills and tested their determination. Dusty roads stretched out before them, winding through barren landscapes, with only the occasional glimpse of wildlife reminding them of the untamed nature of their surroundings.
As they approached Swakopmund, a wave of nostalgia washed over Elizabeth. This coastal town held significant memories for her, as it was where she had spent her formative years before her family moved to South Africa. However, her recollections were tinged with a haunting episode from her past. At the tender age of eighteen, Elizabeth had been abducted there, an event that still haunted her to this day. The sight of Swakopmund brought back a mix of emotions, both fond and painful, as she prepared herself for the task at hand.
"So, where should we begin our search for the artifact?" Kurtis inquired, breaking the silence that hung in the air, their jeep kicking up dust as it rumbled along the road.
Elizabeth pondered for a moment, her mind racing with possibilities. "I may not have all the answers, but there is someone nearby who can guide us," she finally responded, her voice determined. "She lives in the vicinity and has extensive knowledge of the area."
Driven by a sense of urgency, Elizabeth pushed down on the accelerator, propelling the jeep forward with newfound speed. It didn't take long before they arrived at a modest house with closed gates. Stepping out of the vehicle, Elizabeth led the way, her heart pounding with anticipation. Kurtis followed closely behind, his senses heightened, alert to any potential dangers.
With a sense of foreboding, Elizabeth rapped on the door, the sound echoing through the quiet neighborhood. To her surprise, the door swung open effortlessly at her touch, revealing a dimly lit interior. Kurtis couldn't help but mutter under his breath, "That can't be good."
"You're absolutely right," Elizabeth concurred, her voice filled with concern. "She would never leave the door unlocked like this."
With her instincts on high alert, Elizabeth unsheathed her guns, holding them firmly in her hands, ready for any threat that may lie ahead. She cautiously entered the living room, her heart pounding in her chest. What she found chilled her to the core—blood adorned the walls, bearing strange markings or inscriptions that seemed to defy any recognizable language.
"Karel has been here," Elizabeth concluded solemnly as she discovered her friend's lifeless body sprawled on the floor, her eyes filled with grief and determination.
"He must have known you were coming," Kurtis deduced, his eyes fixated on the cryptic symbols etched onto the wall. The symbols seemed to dance before his eyes, hinting at a hidden message.
Elizabeth nodded pensively, her mind racing to make sense of the situation. "Anything is possible," she replied, her gaze shifting to a wall concealing a bookshelf. Acting on her intuition, she plucked a book from the shelf, causing the bookshelf to pivot, revealing a hidden room beyond. "My friend was always full of surprises," Elizabeth remarked before venturing into the dimly lit chamber, her eyes scanning the room for any clues.
Curiosity got the better of Kurtis, and he followed Elizabeth into the secret room, his footsteps echoing in the enclosed space. In her determined search for answers, Elizabeth located the light switch, illuminating the room and revealing its contents. The walls were adorned with maps, artifacts, and ancient texts, a testament to her friend's relentless pursuit of knowledge and adventure.
"Now that we have light, let's uncover what she was concealing here," Elizabeth directed Kurtis, who proceeded to open drawers containing two intriguing books—one adorned with the emblem of Lux Veritatis, the ancient order of guardians, and the other a worn journal filled with handwritten notes and sketches.
"It appears she had been preoccupied," Kurtis commented as he gingerly took hold of the journal, its pages yellowed with age and filled with faded ink. He began flipping through its pages, his eyes widening with excitement as he discovered a significant entry. "Look here! She has managed to uncover the location of the artifact," he exclaimed, showing Elizabeth the page he had found.
Examining the page closely, Elizabeth discerned a detailed map and a carefully drawn depiction of the artifact. "The writing is in Afrikaans," she informed Kurtis, her brows furrowing in concentration. "It says that the artifact is hidden in a place frequented by tourists, named after skeletons."
Confusion etched across Kurtis' face as he sought clarification. "What does that mean? I'm not familiar with that language."
Elizabeth took a deep breath, her mind racing to translate the text accurately. "It suggests that the artifact is located in a place known as the Skeleton Coast. It's a vast stretch of rugged shoreline along the Atlantic Ocean, named for the countless shipwrecks and whale bones scattered along its shores. Tourists visit this area, but its mysteries have remained largely unexplored."
Determined to proceed with their quest, Elizabeth closed the book, leaving no trace of their discovery. They exited the secret room, retracing their steps back to the waiting jeeps. However, their departure was abruptly interrupted by the distant sound of helicopters and approaching vehicles. The urgency of their situation became apparent.
"It appears Karel has found us," Kurtis stated, his voice laced with urgency, as he swiftly climbed into the jeep alongside Elizabeth, his eyes scanning the horizon for any sign of danger.
"But not for long," Elizabeth declared with unwavering determination. She ignited the engine, propelling the jeep forward at full speed, their adrenaline surging as they raced against time and their relentless pursuers. The Skeleton Coast beckoned, promising both danger and the answers they sought. They were prepared to face whatever challenges lay ahead, knowing that the fate of the artifact and perhaps even the world depended on their success.
The Jeep tore through the narrow streets of the town, its powerful engine roaring as Karel's fanatical followers chased them relentlessly. Elizabeth, her face a mixture of frustration and determination, couldn't bear the thought of dealing with this situation, both now and in the future. As she glanced up at the sky, her suspicions were confirmed—the distant helicopters descending toward the Skeleton Coast were undoubtedly Karel was heading for. She looked over at Kurtis, her partner, and heard his urgent voice cutting through the chaos.
"We need to find a way to evade them and reach the Skeleton Coast before Karel does," he said, his eyes filled with concern.
"I know," Elizabeth sighed, feeling the immense weight of the situation. "There's only one way we can escape their pursuit. We have to find a place to hide."
"Where do you suggest we go?" Kurtis asked, his voice tinged with worry.
"Oh, you'll see. I know this area better than those bastards behind us. Just hold on," she replied, her voice filled with determination. Elizabeth pushed the Jeep to its limits, skillfully maneuvering through the bustling streets, creating enough distance to conceal their whereabouts. She navigated through the maze of roads, finally choosing a path that led them to the beach. "There's a spot down here that I'm familiar with. They won't even think to search for us there."
"Hey, at least there's something interesting to see while we're on the run," Kurtis commented, his eyes observing the vibrant street vendors selling their colorful wares.
Elizabeth deftly parked the car behind a cluster of trees, ensuring they remained hidden. She stepped out of the Jeep, with Kurtis following suit. "Now, let's blend in with the crowd of tourists," she suggested, tossing Kurtis a hat and a t-shirt she found in the backseat. She grabbed a jacket and a scarf for herself. "Let's try to go unnoticed."
They strolled back toward the bustling street, where vendors proudly displayed their vibrant goods. As they approached, the stairs leading to a hotel and various restaurants came into view. Kurtis overheard Elizabeth saying, "Let's head up to the hotel. I promised that if I ever returned to this area, I would say hi."
Curiosity piqued, Kurtis inquired, "So, who exactly is the person you're eager to greet inside?"
"It's Marie," Elizabeth replied a hint of nostalgia in her voice. "I haven't seen her since I was fifteen."
"Elizabeth?" Marie exclaimed, a bit shocked, as they embraced each other. "How have you been? And how's Lloyd?"
"I've been busy, but I can tell you that Lloyd is doing well. He's been working with me," Elizabeth replied warmly.
"Lloyd. It's been ages since he was here," Marie reminisced.
"Yeah, well, he's grown up and become quite stubborn. You probably wouldn't even recognize him now," Elizabeth said affectionately, noticing Bertis approaching them. "Hey, Bertis, how's the hotel business going without my uncle?"
Bertis sighed, his face filled with concern. "Things aren't going well, I'm afraid."
"What do you mean?" Elizabeth responded, shock evident in her voice and visible to Kurtis.
"It's the money. The place is on the brink of closure," Bertis confessed.
Elizabeth's resolve solidified. "If it's money you need, I'll provide it. This place is like a second home to me," she declared, reaching for her checkbook and swiftly writing down a significant amount.
"I can't accept your money," Bertis protested, but Elizabeth's determination was unyielding.
"There's no arguing with me. You're taking it. I don't want to come back and find this place shuttered," she insisted, firmly handing the check to him.
"You're as stubborn as your mother. Thank you," Bertis conceded, accepting the check with gratitude.
"We can't stay long; I only came to make an appearance. I have business in the Skeleton Coast," Elizabeth informed Bertis.
"The Skeleton Coast? Haven't you heard what happened there yesterday?" Bertis asked, his voice tinged with fear.
"What? Bertis, tell me what happened," Elizabeth demanded, her anger simmering. She knew that Karel must be involved somehow.
"Satellites detected an ancient structure there, and archaeologists have been excavating the area ever since. They claim to have found..." Bertis paused, his face filled with fear.
"What did they find?" Kurtis interjected, unable to contain his curiosity before Elizabeth could inquire further.
"Who are you?" Bertis asked, turning his attention to Kurtis.
"He's my partner. Now, tell us what they found," Elizabeth interjected, her frustration apparent.
"They found... aliens, or at least that's what they're saying," Bertis revealed, his voice tinged with disbelief.
"Aliens? That seems highly unlikely," Kurtis remarked, skepticism lacing his words.
"And what else could it be?" Bertis retorted, fixing Kurtis with a skeptical gaze.
"Bertis, you won't believe me if I tell you," Elizabeth cautioned, knowing the difficulty of conveying the truth.
"What is it, Elizabeth?"
"Kurtis and I have been working on a project called the Nephilim, and there's something down there that holds the key to more answers," Elizabeth explained urgently, her voice tinged with urgency.
"The Nephilim? The hybrids from biblical times? That's not possible," Bertis countered, his disbelief lingering.
"It is possible, and if we don't act now, I'm afraid the world will be in danger," Kurtis responded, his tone conveying the gravity of the situation.
Bertis frowned, looking directly at Elizabeth. "You can't seriously believe this, Elizabeth."
"I'm afraid I do. There's a vast realm of knowledge in this world that eludes ordinary humans. I've witnessed many extraordinary things, and this doesn't surprise me. But Kurtis is right; we must act swiftly. I'll see you all again," Elizabeth replied, turning to Kurtis as they made their way back outside. "Let's head to the Jeep and get moving. If Bertis is right about this, then I fear Karel is already aware of it."
They walked briskly, their hearts racing, toward the concealed Jeep, eager to escape the clutches of danger. The rugged terrain beneath their feet echoed their determination to reach the desolate expanse known as the Skeleton Coast before Karel could intervene, desperate to unearth the secrets that lay hidden within its enigmatic depths.
Kurtis's frown deepened as he finally reached the weathered vehicle, his troubled mind wrestling with unsettling thoughts. Elizabeth, always attuned to his emotions, noticed his expression and sensed that something was amiss. Concern etched across her face, she couldn't help but ask, "What is it? What's bothering you?"
Kurtis hesitated, his gaze fixed on the distant horizon, as he carefully chose his words. "If there are more sleepers out there, then Karel will surely attempt to awaken them," he finally replied, his voice tinged with worry, fully aware of the gravity of their situation.
Elizabeth absorbed his words, her eyes widening in realization. The weight of the impending danger settled upon her shoulders as she connected the dots. "If you're right, he would require the blood of a Lux Knight to accomplish that," she responded her voice a blend of determination and trepidation. Without wasting another second, she climbed into the jeep, with Kurtis following suit. Elizabeth's grip on the wheel tightened, her resolve unwavering. She glanced briefly at Kurtis, her eyes conveying a sense of urgency. "We need to make up for lost time. It's a long and treacherous journey from the coastal town of Swakopmund to the desolate Hentiesbaai, and we can't afford any more delays."
As they sped away from the safety of the town, Elizabeth's mind raced, contemplating the implications of Kurtis's earlier revelation. Her thoughts focused on the significance of her own blood Karel had already obtained. The barren road ahead stretched out endlessly, and Elizabeth finally spoke, her voice tinged with concern. "That's why he drained my blood."
Kurtis's eyes widened in alarm, his attention fully captured by Elizabeth's revelation. He turned to face her, his voice filled with worry. "And what about Lara? The prophecy speaks about you both."
Elizabeth's face tensed, a mixture of anguish and uncertainty washing over her features. She carried the weight of the unknown, the fear of what Karel might have planned for her and his sister. "The prophecy didn't provide any specifics, but I can't shake the feeling that it's not a favorable situation," she confessed, her voice laced with vulnerability.
Kurtis nodded solemnly, the magnitude of their predicament weighing heavily upon him. "It's never a good thing when Karel is involved. And if his claim about Lara being his sister is true, it only adds another layer of complexity and danger to the situation," he mumbled, his mind swirling with thoughts of the treacherous adversary they faced.
An uncomfortable silence settled between them, the weight of their shared history and the recent encounters with Karel looming over their conversation. Elizabeth's mind raced, replaying the cruel and painful memories of what Karel had done only hours before. Anger surged within her, intertwining with her deep sense of hurt. She despised the fact that there were even more pieces of her past that he could have revealed, but she knew deep down that he was attempting to weaken her, to exploit her vulnerabilities.
Her thoughts spiraled, caught in a whirlwind of conflicting emotions. The desire for revenge warred with her need to protect herself and those she cared about. It was a maddening cycle, one that threatened to consume her. But amidst the chaos, Elizabeth knew that she had to remain steadfast and focused. There was no room for distraction or doubt.
As the miles stretched on and the landscape transformed around them, Elizabeth and Kurtis found solace in the rhythm of the road. The sound of the engine, the wind rushing past, and the vast expanse of the Namibian desert all served as a backdrop to their shared determination. They were resolute in their mission to reach the Skeleton Coast, to confront Karel and unearth the truth that lay buried within its enigmatic depths.
The road ahead was uncertain, fraught with dangers and unknowns. Yet, Elizabeth and Kurtis remained bound together, drawing strength from their partnership and the unwavering belief that they could overcome whatever challenges lay in their path. They knew that time was of the essence, and the fate of not only themselves but perhaps the world hung in the balance.
With each passing mile, the weight of their past and the urgency of their present bore down upon them. The journey was far from over, and as the sun began its descent, casting golden hues upon the rugged terrain, they pressed forward, their resolve unyielding. The Skeleton Coast beckoned, holding the promise of answers, but also the potential for greater danger. Elizabeth gripped the steering wheel tighter, her knuckles turning white, as she prepared herself for the battles yet to come.
As Elizabeth and Kurtis continued their arduous journey, leaving Hentiesbaai and the other towns behind, they embarked on the dirt road that led to the infamous Skeleton Coast. Elizabeth's mind was a whirlwind of thoughts, consumed by the recent events that had unfolded. Unbeknownst to her, this distraction caused the Jeep's engine to strain, pushing it dangerously close to its breaking point. The pain she had, and the realization that she had come perilously close to death herself twice overweighed heavily upon her. She was determined not to let Karel see any more of her pain; instead, she wanted to show him just how enraged she was.
Sensing Elizabeth's turmoil, Kurtis spoke up, breaking the silence that had settled in the vehicle. "Are you alright?" he asked, genuine concern evident in his voice.
Elizabeth snapped back to reality, her eyes widening as she realized the speed at which she was driving. She quickly eased off the accelerator, gradually slowing the Jeep down to the normal speed limit. Kurtis's question resonated within her, stirring up a whirlwind of emotions. The turmoil within her mind threatened to consume her, and she contemplated venting her anger through a scream.
"I'm fine," she replied curtly, her voice laced with an edge of frustration. Frustrated with herself, with Karel, and with the entire situation, she abruptly brought the Jeep to a halt and stepped out, needing a moment to collect herself.
Kurtis, understanding the gravity of the situation, followed her out of the vehicle. He was acutely aware that aggravating her further would only exacerbate their current predicament. As he approached her, he witnessed the anger and pain in her eyes, a single tear cascading down her cheek. "Elizabeth, I'm sorry," he offered sincerely, his voice filled with remorse.
Elizabeth let out a sigh, her emotions warring within her. "No, I'm sorry," she replied, her voice tinged with vulnerability. She turned to face Kurtis, her gaze locking with his. "Karel needs to stay out of my way," she declared firmly, determination burning in her eyes.
Kurtis nodded, understanding the depth of her frustration. "If I had a dime for every time I've killed him, only to have him come back," he muttered, his voice tinged with a mix of bitterness and determination. "I can't wait to destroy him."
Elizabeth's gaze softened, the weight of the situation bearing down upon her. "It's not that simple, and you know it," she confessed, her voice tinged with a touch of exhaustion. "If the Black Angel doesn't work, and if Lara doesn't track down the last Golden Daggers, Karel will win." She let out another sigh, weariness evident in her features before she turned and made her way back to the Jeep.
Kurtis followed closely behind, his mind racing with thoughts of their impending battle. "I just hope Lara and Chris found that Shard," he murmured, a touch of frustration creeping into his voice.
Elizabeth's voice carried a sense of resignation as she replied, "I feel the same way." She settled back into the driver's seat, her determination renewed.
Elizabeth started the engine once more, resolute in their mission despite the uncertainty that loomed over them. As they resumed their journey, Kurtis gazed out of the window, frustration etched on his face. The passing landscape seemed to blur as his mind raced with thoughts of what awaited them at the Skeleton Coast.
After a relatively short journey, Kurtis and Elizabeth finally arrived at the desolate Skeleton Coast. They wasted no time in locating the designated digging site, and not too far away, they spotted Karel patiently waiting with his devoted followers. Anticipating trouble, Kurtis and Elizabeth quickly drew their guns and aimed them at the enemy.
"Well, well, well, if it isn't the two valiant warriors," Karel sneered, his face adorned with a mocking smirk. He directed his words at Elizabeth, his tone dripping with disdain. "Elizabeth, you can join me in the new world. Are you truly content being a part of a dying order that now clings to hope? I must say, your own father has seen the light and joined our cause."
Elizabeth's anger surged, and she spat back at him, her voice filled with defiance. "Fuck off, Karel! I'd rather die than work for you!"
Unfazed by her retort, Karel shapeshifted into the form of Chris, her beloved boyfriend. His transformation was a clever ploy to deceive her. As Elizabeth's gasp of shock escaped her lips, Kurtis, who had been silently observing, quickly warned her, "Elizabeth, don't be tricked!"
Karel approached them, now wearing the face of Chris, and Elizabeth tightened her grip on her gun, directing it toward his counterfeit visage. Sensing danger, Kurtis readied his Chirugai, preparing himself for any potential attacks.
"Come on, my baby. Remember, I love you," the imposter Chris-Karel cooed, inching closer to the trembling Elizabeth. Suddenly, the entire landscape transformed, shifting into a place she was all too familiar with—the Army. This was a sight she desperately wanted to forget, and the presence of Karel only intensified her distress.
"Karel, fuck off!" Elizabeth's anger surged within her, propelling her to pull the trigger and shoot him in the head. Unbeknownst to her, Karel had designed this illusionary scenario to protect himself from harm. As the bullet struck him, blood trickled from the wound on Chris's head, mirroring the impact of the shot. He collapsed onto the ground, writhing in pain.
"Elizabeth, don't fall for it!" Kurtis yelled urgently, recognizing that Karel had succeeded in manipulating her emotions.
The scene abruptly shifted, now revealing a different mission—an Army operation in progress. The memories flooded Elizabeth's mind, resurfacing the pain and trauma she had tried to suppress. Meanwhile, Chris headed towards a nearby building, and Elizabeth, leading the group, ventured into another structure. Suddenly, a gunshot echoed through the air, causing her heart to skip a beat.
Before the Army scenario could fully unfold, the illusion shattered, and reality reasserted itself. Kurtis let out a relieved breath as he spotted the genuine Chris and Lara running towards them. Chris caught his Chirugai in his hand, wielding it skillfully to sever the lingering traces of the illusory past. Karel vanished into thin air, and his followers hastily retreated in helicopters.
Throughout this intense ordeal, Elizabeth remained on her knees, overwhelmed by a mix of emotions. Chris rushed to her side, wrapping his arms around her trembling form, offering her solace and reassurance. "It's okay, I'm alive. I'm here," he whispered soothingly, his touch providing her with a sense of comfort. She clung tightly to him, focusing on her breaths as she attempted to regain her composure. However, her inner turmoil extended beyond Karel's influence—it encompassed the haunting memory of the gunshot in the Army. Struggling to push these thoughts aside, she locked eyes with Chris, her affection for him overwhelming her. With an intensity fueled by the tumultuous events they had just endured, she leaned in and kissed him deeply, seeking solace and strength in their bond.
Kurtis and Lara stood face to face, their eyes locked in a moment of intense recognition and relief. However, their reunion was interrupted by the emergence of another figure from the distance. Kurtis lowered his gun and a smile spread across his face as he recognized the familiar features of Richard Croft.
"Richard Croft, glad to see you're alive and kicking," Kurtis greeted him warmly.
"Likewise, Kurtis. And how's your father doing?" Richard inquired, his voice filled with genuine concern.
"He's dead, but I guess he's doing well up there," Kurtis replied, a touch of irony in his tone.
"I'm sorry to hear that. Your father was a great man," Richard said, expressing his condolences.
Elizabeth and Chris approached the group, their steps were purposeful and determined. Richard added, "I'm guessing your Elizabeth Clark,"
"Yes, I am. You look good for someone who's supposed to be dead," Elizabeth retorted, her tone laced with playful mockery.
"Haha, that's a story for later. Are you alright?" Richard asked, concerned for her well-being.
"I'm never better. Did you guys find the third Shard?" Elizabeth inquired, taking a deep breath as she tried to ground herself in the present moment.
"No, the shard has been moved," Lara replied with a hint of disappointment.
"Well, the last rambling stone is down there," Elizabeth stated, pointing towards the dig site.
"Do you think it's still there?" Chris asked, his voice tinged with anticipation.
"I'm sure of it. There's one thing Karel needs to get to the artifact, and he doesn't have it," Elizabeth explained, pulling out the journal she had collected in her friend's place. "This book contains information about all the treasures of the Lost Valley, and to access this artifact, we have to open the Gates of Hell by using our weapons," she continued, revealing the Flame Thrower from her arsenal.
"And you're certain that this gate is here?" Lara inquired, a mix of curiosity and skepticism in her voice.
"Yes, the Skeleton Coast is known for two things: the land God made in anger and the Gates of Hell," Elizabeth pointed out, drawing upon her knowledge of history.
"You certainly know your stuff," Richard remarked, impressed by Elizabeth's expertise.
"Not really. I had help from a friend," Elizabeth said holding the journal close as she remember her friend is no longer with them.
"Well, let's go find the artifact," Lara declared, leading the way toward the dig site.
"Maybe you and Lara can go and find it. I'm not in the mood to go down there," Elizabeth suggested to Kurtis.
"She's right; I don't want her to get hurt. Her mood might interfere with the mission," Chris agreed, standing by Elizabeth's side protectively.
"Alright then, you guys stay up here," Kurtis acquiesced, respecting their wishes, and joined Lara on the journey toward the artifact.
Elizabeth made her way to the jeep, seeking solace in the backseat where she lay down. Chris followed suit, taking the driver's seat and keeping her company. Richard remained standing, his gaze fixed on the vast expanse of the ocean, taking a moment to inhale the fresh sea air. Meanwhile, Lara and Kurtis disappeared into the dig site, embarking on their quest.