pirates rpg 2

[Bosun]

Very suddenly, a hand reached out and clapped over her mouth. Pretty pointless, considering she was already gagged, but Latimer reasoned it was better to be safe than sorry. It certainly took Aimee by surprise though, and she almost cried out through the gagging.

"Aimee, it's me," Tim breathed in her ear, and let her turn to face him. Of course at this discovery she strained against her bonds to try and hit him. Despite fatigue, hate flamed up in her. "Wait," he continued, his voice quiter than a breeze. "I didn't want to hurt you. You must believe me. She forced-"

Aimee shook violently in an attempt to dislodge his grip on her. Tim let go, glancing apprehensively to where the pirates knelt and drank.

"I see you've been riding with Mr. Cartierre," he murmured as he untied a stolen waterskin from his belt. "Quite the gentleman, isn't he? For a pirate." He reached out to Aimee's gag, but she recoiled. "And a good man. Even though he chooses to serve the wrong woman. Aimee, you can't drink with that gag on."

Reluctantly, she held still and allowed him to ease off the kerchief. She took a deep breath once free of the foul, blooded material, but looked askance at the flask Latimer held out to her.

"It's not very fresh," Tim breathed apologetically, "but we can't risk going to the river."

"Why did you let them capture me?"

Through gritted teeth: "I didn't have a choice."

"Afraid to disobey your captain?" she sneered.

"She's not my captain any more, and they're not my crew. Please, drink."

"I'd drink it if I knew where is came from."

"You think it's poisoned?" Silent, she glared at him. "Thellen has no use for you dead! You're Sparrow's daughter, a hostage, they need you alive."

"But you don't work for them."

Was she not drinking just to spite him? He almost thought so.

"No I don't," he rejoined. He pulled a knife from his boot. "They killed Miss Thornton."

"What?" Her eyes were on the knife. It went forward to cut the rope tying her ankles as Tim spoke.

"You know. The rich girl. I doubt you ever liked her much. It was Swanson. Hit her too hard by mistake, apparently. By mistake," he repeated, disgusted. "Thellen's crew are soulless monsters with no regard for human life." His voice was lower than a whipser, but it trembled with passion. He slit the cords around Aimee's wrists almost violently. "I'll see them burn in Hell for their crimes."

"You don't know the half of their crimes," Aimee spat, seizing up the waterskin. She had edged away from Latimer again, as if still repulsed by him. In truth she could never allow herself to get too close to a pirate again.

Tim watched her sadly, though a shred of hope fluttered in his mind as she drank from the flask. She was still weak though; they had kept her near starving and she could barely walk, let alone put up a fight if the pirates were to come back to her.

"Come on," he commanded her, pulling her free arm over his shoulder and holding her around the waist as he straightened up. She flinched at his touch but allowed him to support her weight as they stood.

A most unwelcome sight awaited them. Most of the pirates still had their head bent into the river. Carlita stood apart, staring straight at the two of them. Latimer was overtaken by panic for a second, but Aimee kept her wits.

"Run!" she told him, and didn't need to twice. Tim set off at a sprint, all but dragging the poor girl with him.

"Stop them," Thellen was commanding her crew, herself already running to intercept them.

"Can you swim?" cried Latimer. Not waiting for an answer, he leapt and plunged forward into the river, pulling Aimee with him.

[tancred]

Jose and the others walked through the abandoned streets of El Dorado. Kira looked dissapointedly down at the dust they all kicked up, as if her heart was broken that the very streets were not paved with gold.

The dome and the pyramid grew larger, as they approached the center of the city. There was one last great wall between them and the city's nerve center. The wooden gates in the wall were long rotted away. Once past the gates, the crew found themselves in an immense circle of stone. To the left was the dome. To the right was what seemed like a miniature arena. Beyond them to the left was a broken and decayed great hall (most likely where the ruler of El Dorado once lived) and to the right was the pyramid.

"Let's be careful, aye," cautioned Jack. "If the gold be anywhere, its around here. We'll check everything; don't want to miss a bit of gold."

The arena was checked first, as it was the least likely to contain any gold. There were raised stands above a rectangular court. No lower or hidden chambers could be seen. On the walls fo the court, there were painted pictures. There were no words, yet the pictures seemed to tell the story of what went on in the court, if followed from left to right. Jose, Ana, and Ehawee looked intently at the pictures, trying to decipher the story. It seemed there were two different teams, one wearing feathers in their hair of a blue color, and the other wearing green feathers. Each team then tried throwing balls of some unknown material into holes in the wall. The actual holes could be seen above the paintings, and they were small and not great in number. As the paintings went to the right, it was apparent the blue team had gotten more balls in the holes. They had seemingly won the game, and were seen as happy. The green team looked dejected. The blue team was then seen to be ritually beheaded, a priest of some sort sacrificing them to idols.

"The winners get killed," asked an astonished Ana.

"It would seem so," said Jose. "How grisley!"

"We never played such games in my tribe," said Ehawee. "However, we heard of the strange tribes that lived here before us, and the terrible games and sacrifices they had. Scary stories." She shuddered.

"Aye," agreed Ana. "Jack, there's no gold here. Let's move on to the next building!" Shaking off the eeriness of the arena, everyone made for the dome.

The domed building was huge, and despite a few cracks in its domed roof, was in perfect condition. The group walked up the stairs, and into the one and only chamber. There was a round hole at the very top of the dome. There were circular objects painted on to the floor, and the floor itself was divided up into equal quadrants. An astronomical measuring device or calendar of some sort. Again, there was no writing on the walls anywhere. As interested as Jose was in the place, there was no gold to be seen here, and the others were eager to move on.

As they neared the great hall, it became apparent that this building was in the worst condition that they had yet seen in the city. There was little more than steps, post, lintel, and three walls. The roof, one wall, and almost everything else inside had all collapsed. However, there was finally some writing to be seen on the lintel of the doorway. Jack called Ehawee closer. "Can you make any of this out, child," he asked.

Ehawee looked at the writing closely, squinting and mouthing words without sound. After some time, she finally said, "I can read some of this, I think. It has a person's name, then says, 'Son of the sun god, and ruler of the City of Gold.' I can make out nothing more."

It wasn't much to go on, but at least it gave everyone the confidence that Ehawee could read things they might find in El Dorado to a fair degree.

Finally, there was the great pyramid, the largest structure in the city. The only visible doorway was all the way at the top. "All those stairs," groaned Susana.

"All that gold," shouted Calen. "These stairs are nothing if there's gold to be had!"

With that, the group climbed up the pyramid. They rested along the way every now and again, as it was indeed a tall structure. After some time, they all reached the top. The small doorway had the remains of a wooden door hanging from rusted hinges. And there was writing on the lintel here, too. Everyone made way so that Ehawee could read them.

She poured over the words for some time, and many of the others grew impatient. Ehawee finally stopped deciphering, and gulped.

"Well," prodded Will. "What does it say?"

The Native maiden replied, "It says here, I think, 'Any who brave the chambers of this place in hopes of stealing its riches, beware of the danger below. Certain death lurks in every corner. Traps, guards, and greed await you. The gods curse all thieves, and after death, may the gods take you to eternal torment.'"

Everyone gulped now, and looked at each other with uncertainty.

[Athena]

"That does sound a touch risky" murmered Jose, with a quaver in his voice.

"But think of the gold man" admonished Gael

Those assembled scuffed their feet upon the ground and tried their hardest not to look anyone else in the eye. No one wanted to be first within the dark cavern.

"I believe that the pirates should go first" spoke up Will at last, with a meaninglful glance at Gael.

"Well call me a fool but I value my life slighly higher then a trinket" retorted Gael.

Calen opened her mouth to say something, but at that moment a shrill scream came from within the pyramid. Each stared at those assembled for an instant, as if tryiing to think of who was missing.

Everyone but Gael that is. He blanched deep white and murmered Kira under his breath. He then set off at a dead run, drawing a cutlass from his belt at the same time.

As he ran within the darkened doorway, he paid no heed to the shouts and footsteps behind him. His thoughts were focused upon his daughter, Kira.

"ohshitohshitohshitohshitohshit" echoed Kira's voice.

Gael bit his lip and ran faster, as he rounded a corner his feet shot out from under him and he slipped and stumbled at the edge of a deep pit. Windmeeling frantically, he attempted to keep his balance, at last reaching out and stablizing himself against a nearby wall.

Silence filled the chamber, except for the soft thuds of rocks dropping into the pit he nearly fell into. Craning his neck, he attempted to spy the bottom, but failed to. He swallowed deeply, and waited for his eyes to adjust to the gloom before attempting another step.

"Kira?" he called

"'Ta" came the reply, from a voice that seemed breathless.

Gael followed the voice and saw Kira in an inane pose, one arm outstretched and reaching for a giant ruby. While coiled about her feet were several snakes, and three snakes were slowing inching their way up her slender form.

"Greedy wench, that will teach you" he admonished

"Oh aye, an' nice o' you to arrive in the nick o' time an' all. Natter at me later, get me out now!" the last word ended in a whimper as the snake about her neck yawned lazily, clearly showing its fangs.

"Not a fan of snakes?" asked Gael

"I don't mind 'em 's long as they not be 'bout my neck"

[Gaell]

with his Cutlass, Gael ever so gingerly lifted the snake off of Kira. He then placed it down quite a few feet from her and it slithered off towards a darker place.
Gael looked back at his daughter and gave her a wink.
"Well lass..... how do you plan on gettin yerself outta there now?"

[tancred]

Jack and the rest of the crew came running up, torches in hand. There they saw Gael standing on the edge of a precipice. Near the other side of the precipice, and hanging precariously on to it, was Kira. Only, she was hanging on with only one hand. The other was stretched out to a giant ruby dangerously set in an almost unreachable hole in the wall.

"Silly girl," rebuked Gael, shaking his head.

"What was that the warning on the doorway said," mused Jose. "Greed awaits below?"

"I'm already hearin' it from dear ol' dad, so shut the 'ell up, and help me up!"

Gael could not help but notice the sarcasm in Kira's voice, and flinched.

"Hold on to the ledge with both hands, Kira," directed Ana. "Let the ruby be! It won't do you any good if you fall. Hold on, an' we'll get you up."

Jose ran back to the doorway, and busted off the only plank of wood that remained intact. Running back, he let the plank down, and it just barely reached from ledge to ledge. The rest of the door had decayed, so this plank was most likely rather weak. Everyone realized this, yet, it was the best they had at the moment.

"Ehawee's the smallest and lightest," pointed out Calen.

"We are not going to allow a little girl to go into danger for us," objected Jose. "I'll go." Grabbing a torch in one hand, Jose quickly shuffled across the board. Setting the torch down, he knelt down, grabbed on to each of Kira's wrists, and hoisted her up to safety.

"Thanks a bunch, mate," said Kira, breathing a sigh of relief.

"You're most welcome," replied Jose. "Now, next time don't go running off alone, senorita. And for goodness' sake, take a torch with you wherever you go!" He ruffled Kira's hair, and she stuck out her tongue at him.

"There are iron torch sockets along the wall," yelled Jose back to his companions on the other side. "There are most likely some on that side as well. Someone cast me a rope, and we can tie it from one end to the other. Hold on to the rope tightly, and walk over the plank."

This was soon done, and there was now a primitive rope and plank bridge spanning the dark void at their feet. Thus it was that all the members crossed over, feet unsteadily upon the plank, and hands gripping the rope tightly.

Ana was the last on the bridge. She was nearly over, when the wooden plank did finally give way, so weak and rotten as it was. There was a loud SNAP! Ana slipped down, her feet dangled, she gasped, and the rope she desperately clung to began to sag downwards, the knots stretching and loosening on both ends.

Jack had been waiting near the end for everyone to pass over. He heard and saw what was happening to Ana, and reached out for her. The closest thing he could get a grip on were the frayed tassels that hung from the neck hemline of Ana's Native hide dress. Grabbing a fistfull of these, Jack yanked Ana to safety. Although she had now regained her feet, Jack had not let go of Ana's dress. He just stood there staring into Ana's eyes.

"Err...thanks, Jack," said Ana uncomfortably. She gently plied Jack's hand from her dress, and walked past him.

"Right," said Jack, snapping out of his trance. "Let's be off! Torches for everyone!"

Yet Kira remained behind, still gazing lustfully at the ruby that was so close, yet so far away. "Come now, Kira," said Gael. "Haven't you learned your lesson? That ruby is there to kill people! There's more gold and jewels below, I'll wager. And better! So get a move on before I turn ye over my knee!"

Kira cursed underneath her breath, and reluctantly followed the others.

Unknown to all of them, Jack the Monkey snuck back. The little furry creature had an eye for wealth too, and could not pass up something as wonderful as this multi-faceted ruby. Lithe, nimble, and having great gripping claws, Jack was able to stretch down just far enough so that his tail could reach the ruby in its small aclove. His tail twined about the jewel, and Jack clawed his way back up the wall. He stood there gaping at the ruby and chattering excitedly to himself. He stuffed the ruby into his jacket as best he could (making for a somewhat obvious bulge), and quickly caught up with the others.

[Niphredil]

"I don't think there's anything in these houses, Gavin," Gabby said, after they had entered several.

"I think you're right," he said. "I wonder where those pirates have gotten to," he added quietly.

"Maybe they're at one of those big buildings," Gabby said. "Let's go look." She turned and stepped out of the house. Gavin took one last glance around the room before leaving; but when he did leave he could see no sign of Gabby. Panic over took him for a moment as he frantically looked around him. He was about to call out for her when something lying on the ground caught his eye: Gabby's bag. He glanced around himself quickly, hoping that no one was watching, and ran over to the bag to get it before retreating back into the little house. He had just pulled out the loaded pistol that was in the bag, when he heard a horrific scream....

As soon as his hand had clasped over her mouth, she knew it was him. He didn't even have to speak; she could recognize the feel of his skin against her's, his height next to her, his scent.

"Don't even think about struggling," Derek whispered into Gabby's ear, as he half dragged her into a grotto in one of the sides of the cliffs surrounding the city. He pushed her to the ground and straddled himself over her to keep her from moving. He slowly removed his hand from her mouth, and she screamed as loud as she could. Quickly he stuffed a rag into her mouth and took out some rope to tie her up.

"You know I was quite worried when you ran off like that," he said. "Didn't know if I'd ever see you again. But here you are. And as soon as Hawkins gets here and we kill those bloody pirates and make off with that gold. And the gold is there, too. In the pyramid. I followed the pirates in and it's all there. Then you and I can go to England; get married, settle down... have some children. I can't wait for that." He finished tying her hands together, and moved down her legs to her feet. "We'll have such a wonderful life together, Gabby. A long, happy life." He sighed when he finished tying her feet together.

"Now just remember that I'm tying you up for your own protection. When Hawkins and his men get here there could be a fight, and confusion, and I don't want you getting yourself shot." He lay down on top of her, feeling her body as he went, and smiled when he heard her whimper. "Don't worry, darling. It's shouldn't be too long now." He removed the gag, and pressed his lips to her's. She deepened the kiss and, as soon as he let his guard down, bit his lip. He sat up quickly and she would've screamed again but a gun shot rang out. Derek flinched, confusion evident on his face. His eyes rolled back in his head, and he fell forward back on top of Gabby.

Gabby looked over Derek's shoulder and saw Gavin standing there in the door way, holding the gun. He strode forward, and pushed Derek off of her with his foot, then stooped down and, taking Gabby's dagger from it's sheath, cut the ropes binding her hands and feet. As soon as she was free, she threw her arms around Gavin's neck and began to cry.

"It's all right, now," Gavin said, trying to comfort. "Come, let's get out of this room."

Gabby nodded her head as she wiped away her tears. "He-- he said that the pirates-- the others-- were in the pyramid."

"Then that's where we'll go," Gavin said. He took Gabby's hand, and together they began making their way to the pyramid.

[Athena]

Kira grumbled under her breath and she proceeded down the pathway. Against her back she could sense the shadow of Gael. As much as she might try to hide it, she was secretly, deep deep deep down, very deep down, a touch pleased with Gael. Her dad. No dad, was far to personal, far to homey like, far to lovey dovey.

Kira had no interest in becomning like Jose, saying senorita this, padre that. Kira rather suspected that Jose was only pretending to be Spanish so that he could waltz around with the accent and woo the ladies.

Kira jammed her hand tight into her pocket, try as she may she could still feel the slight weight of the snake coiled about her, poised to strike. Kira had to admit though that Gael had been quite brave. Admittedly, he hadn't been in real danger, she was the one by the snake's bloody mouth! But he could have fallen to his doom. Oddly, the thought didn't comfort her as much as it would have several weeks ago. She risked a quick backward glance at Gael, as he strode along. His head was specifically craned everywhere but at her.

Damn, thought Kira, she supposed that a thank you were in order. Her gut, aside from loudly proclaimging that it wanted some nourishment, also had a niggling feeling that Kira recognized but had never felt.

Guilt.

Kira sneaked another look at Gael, he seemed fascinated by the Jack monkey.

"Er, Gael, um..." Kira's voice trailed off when Gael swung his head to look abruptly at her. Suddenly she felt self concious, and for inspiration she turned to stare at Monkey. Suspicious, she peered at a lump hidden beneath his jacket, something red shined out from it.

"Yew were a sayin'?" prodded Gael

"Oh, erm, right" stuttered Kira, "Uh..um...HEY THAT MONKEY HAS MY RUBY!"

Enraged, Kira ran off, following the chittering monkey, her torch casting odd shadows in the dark.

[tancred]

As Jose and the others walked slowly and carefully down what seemed to be the only corridor at the top of the pyramid, they looked this way and that, from wall to wall and floor to ceiling, all looking for any sign of trap, other passage, writing, or anything really.

Suddenly, Jack the Monkey and Kira came running from behind. They brushed past the entire group quickly, running and yelling as they went. Jack squeaked while Kira screamed, "That's my ruby! Give it back!!"

"Wait," shouted Jose after them. "Its dangerous!"

There were stairs up ahead. They were visible enough in the flickering light of the torch Kira held aloft. What wasn't as visible was the slightly recessed tile on the floor just in front of the first step. Before Kira could even process Jose's warning, she stepped upon the tile (Jack had either not stepped on it, or was too light to depress it). There was a sudden CLICK!

Kira stopped suddenly. "Don't move," yelled Ana.

But it was too late, teetering as Kira was on the brink of the first step. She slipped off the tile, and on to the staircase. There was a WHOOSH sound that could be heard by the others still a distance away. When they all finally came to the staircase, they saw the monkey standing over Kira's body. She lay on her stomach. Jose tilted her to the side, careful of stepping on whatever trapped area it was that Kira had stepped upon. There were two small blotches of blood on Kira's left shoulder and side. Jack whimpered, as he tried to offer the silent Kira the ruby she had so desperately desired.

[Mrs Dan Hawkins]

Calen swore as Kiera fell it seemed as thought it was happening in slow motion.All at once the group took a step foreward before rembering what had caused Kiera to fall. Calen looked at the stone Kiera had stepped on , it had a red square on it.

"Hey you lot look at the floor."

"it has a pattern on it so?" commented Jack

"maybe that pattern is a way of gettin across"Calen though aloud looking around to see if anyone agreed

*^*^*^^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*^*

[tancred]

The others looked to the multicolored tiles on the staircase that Calen was pointing to. "Perhaps you're correct," said Jose. "But we can't worry about that now. Kira here is hurt."

"Aye," shouted Gael, his voice echoing unpleastantly off the narrow pyramid walls. "My poor, wounded, silly girl!"

He held his torch closer to the ground where Jose was holding Kira. They could both now see that there were two small darts (like those of a blowgun) portruding from the girl's skin, one in her left shoulder and the other in her side just above her lowest rib.

Jose called for Damien. Gael muttered under his breath about not trusting Frenchmen, but realized Damien was the one with the most medical skill. Damien knelt down by Kira, and inspected the wounds. "They are not large or deep," he said after awhile. "Let us only hope they are not poisoned." As he plucked both darts from Kira's side, she twitched and moaned. He looked at the wounds and the darts, and concluded there was no poison. A good sign. Still...groan as she might, Kira did not regain conciousness.
******************

Meanwhile, outside the valley and before the water falls, all of the pirates from Carlita and George's crew were alerted to Aimee and Tim's escape; if Carlita's yelling had not done the job, the loud splashes in the river that resulted from Tim and Aimee diving in did. "After them, you fools," screamed Carlita again. "Bring them alive!" The pirates instantly put away their pistols and flintlocks, and drew sword and dagger instead. They raced along the banks of the river after the two shapes that flowed down it, George foremost among the pursuers.

Tim tried desperately to swim quickly, even though he was holding on to Aimee's hand at the same time. They were floating downriver, and the current had picked up quite a bit. Swimming wasn't exactly neccessary, but if it could increase their speed and thus their escape from the pirates, Tim was all for it.

Yet, despite the current, Aimee was struggling to keep up with Tim. She felt her grip on his hand loosening, and she began to panic. She thrashed in the water violently. Tim called out to her over the sound of the flowing river, "Aimee! Stop fighting it. Just go with the current! Keep ahold of my hand!"

Even as he said this, and before Aimee could fully process his words, something loomed up ahead of them in the river. A tree had fallen into the river, half of it still rooted in the riverbank. It was on its side, and one could not tell if there was space underneath it or if that part of the tree was entirely in the water. What Tim and Aimee could tell was that there was no time to veer to the safe side of the tree. While Tim was thinking to duck as low as he could and thus pass under the tree, Aimee was thinking to not go under at all. And so, as Tim ducked and passed under, recieving a few bumps and scratches on the head from tree branches, Aimee fearfully clung to the tree, letting go of Tim and attempting to climb up it out of the water. She bumped her head against the bark, and her hair became entangled in some of the branches.

Tim gradually left Aimee's sight, while the pursuing pirates entered it. The young girl almost began to cry, as she tried desperately to free her hair from the tree, and climb up it. She managed to do the former, tearing some locks as she went, yet could not accomplish the latter, her soaking feet slippering upon the wet bark.

George and a few other pirates came running up. They stood upon the bank at the spot where the tree's roots still clung. "Well, well, well," jeered George. "Lookie what we 'ave here! A fish that hasn't quite learned ta swim yet. So sad! Now come 'ere, lass, or ya might just get drowned!" He held out a hand to her, his cutlass still gripped in the other hand.

Aimee shook her head. She never wanted to be near a pirate again. But there was little she could do. Her grip on the tree was slipping, and the pirates were carefully inching closer. Aimee gulped.

Just as she had decided to trust her fate to the cold river and go back under, George managed to get close enough to grab her arm. "Gotcha," he yelled gleefully. Another pirate helped, and Aimee was soon back in their clutches.

Despite her feeling tired and weak and sick, Aimee struggled admirably. It was only when Carlita herself came running up that Aimee stopped. "You stupid little girl," hissed the captain. "Did I not tell you to obey me, and things would go better for you? Yet you defy me!" Carlita backhanded Aimee across the face, and the girl went weak in the knees suddenly. Aimee remained defiant. She steadied her feet, and spit upon Carlita's boots. "That's enough," growled Carlita. "Cartierre! Where are you? See to it that our beloved Ms. Sparrow is bound and gagged again. We're on to El Dorado, and we'll be as close to Jack and his crew as we've ever been. Must be as secretive and quiet as we can. And if our stupid Tim doesn't drown, he'll be far downstream by the time he regains the shore. Now, let's move it!"

[Athena]

Slowly the world spun around Kira and she could hear concerned voices coming from above. She recognized the tones as her friends....and Gael. Kira was still unable to lump Gael into the 'friends' category, not even the 'father' category. And though she didn't want to forgive him, him. Her hearts stormy fortress was not as impenitrible as it once was.

"...and yet still she does not wake!" that must be that Frenchie, Damien. He sounded near hysteria.

"What else can we do?" Jose she decided, no one else had that thick spanish accent that made the ladies (more notably Gabby) swoon.

Their voices raised in discourse, until soon the clamor of it began to hurt Kira's ears immensely. About half were in favor or taking her to the treasure piggy back style, a d hoping she came to on their own. The other half favored forgetting the whole thing and taking her and leaving. Interestingly, no one had suggested leaving her behind. Kira knew that if faced with that choice a few months ago, she would have instantly done so. But know...know things were, different.

Still Kira did not move herself, she was interested in seeing how the outcome of the argument might come out. She could feel stinging pain (even now) of where the darts had punctured her skin. They had not been poisoned but they went in deep.

Gael was the more avent supporter of taking Kira and going to the gold with her. His voice rose above all others until soon he was practically screaming. If Kira had a choice she would have raised her eyebrows, as it were raising her ten million pound eyebrows was far to much trouble so instead she contented herself with more listening.

Finally (mainly due to Gael's yelling) the company decided to take Kira to the gold. Gael hoisted Kira over one shoulder (a very undignified position to be sure) and they all began walking to the gold.

[tancred]

The sun was beginning to set now, and it cast its last moments of light into the extremely narrow valley in which El Dorado rested. Many of the animals that called the valley home basked in the waning light. They drank from the pool just inside the waterfall, swam in it, and frolicked about it. There were birds, rabbits, lizards, frogs, insects, and several deer. There was a snake also.

A buck stood there drinking, all the while watching over the does and a few young deer. The buck's nose twitched, and his ears did as well, as they sensed something new in the air. It lifted its head and neck up from the pond in an alert and erect position. It gave a low warning call to the other deer. The does came to attention, and drew closer to the buck, calling their young to them. They slowly retreated away from the pool and the falls.

Except for the youngest deer. It was enjoying its reflection in the pool and the warm sunlight on its back. The snake, lying motionless for some time upon a nearby rock, prepared to strike.

There was a loud CRUNCH as a heavy boot suddenly slammed upon the snake's head. George the Blade had inadvertantly stepped on and killed the snake as he made his way through the waterfall. The snake's body writhed this way and that under his boot. George saw the snake, grunted, and moved on. A small deer darted away at that very second, and bolted off after its family.

The pirates all crossed through the falls, and waded across the pool. The vale of El Dorado was before them, and they all gasped at the sight. There indeed was a lost city. The lost city. The lost City of Gold.

Aimee did not care for the sight. She had never wanted to come here in the first place. By all rights, she should have been back safe in the Sioux village. Yet, things had gone terribly wrong. She was gagged again, and ropes bound her shoulders and arms to her body, and her wrists behind her back. There was another rope tied loosely about her waist, and it had a little length at the end. The pirate Cartierre held on to the other end of this length, and it was in this fashion that he led Aimee along with the rest of the crew. The young girl was cold, wet, and frightened. Her only hope, that her father and friends were nearby, now lay in El Dorado itself. Suddenly, the thought of going into the city did not seem so bad to Aimee.

Carlita was the last to emerge from the pool. Drawing her small telescope, she surveyed the sprawling city before her. There were no signs of Jack or his crew that she could see. "Come on, lads," she called. "We have some catching up to do!"

These pirates were expert pillagers. They had an eye and a nose for loot like few others. Jack, Ana, Emile, Gael, and Calen had those senses, but they also did not know they were being pursued, and could thus afford patience. Carlita and George's men were different. They not only had foes to pursue and (hopefully) surprise, but they also had a lack of patience. They somehow knew the gold was to be found in the pyramid. Almost as soon as they saw it. They avoided the common houses and public buildings, and made straight for the center of the city. It was thus that they did not see the horses that Jose had left stabled in the guardhouse of the main gate (the pirates had left their own horses outside of the falls).

Reaching the center of the city, the pirates took hurried looks into the areana, the astrological dome, and the ruined palace. No gold there. The pyramid it was! Up the steps of the pyramid, the pirates climbed. There was no way Aimee could climb the stairs, tied up as she was. Therefore, Cartierre and George stood on either side of her, held on to her arms, and helped steady and lead her on her way up.

Before long, the pinnacle of the pyramid was reached. Aimee hunched forward, out of breath. She had been weak and weary before this day had begun. Now, with this forced march, things were much worse. Cartierre thought she would faint before long.

The pirates stood looking at the open doorway to the pyramid. "What does that say," asked George, pointing to the incised writing on the post and lintels of the doorway.

Carlita poured over the writing for some time. "I don't know," she finally answered. "Its Greek to me."

"Greek," asked a perplexed George. "I thought Indians made this place? Why would they write in Greek?"

Carlita rolled her eyes, and punched George in the shoulder. "Its a figure of speech, you nitwit," she sighed.

George's eyes flashed with fire, and he quickly grabbed Carlita by the collar. "Don't do that," he growled. "'Specially in front of me men! I may not be as smart as you, but that's no reason to undermine me authority!"

Carlita did not blink or change the expression on her face. "I suggest you remove your hands from me, George," she said calmly. "Now, or you shall regret it."

George subsided; he needed Carlita for the moment. He need only wait a while longer--once the gold was found and Jack and his crew out of the way--and then he could think of getting rid of Carlita. Still, he could not risk seeming weak or as if he had backed down in front of his own men. He removed his hands from Carlita's collar in a way that hinted at disgust. "Bah," he yelled. "Stupid woman!" Carlita let it pass; George's insolence could be dealt with later.

"Strike up your torches," she ordered. "In we go!" Cartierre heaved Aimee over his shoulder, and he and the other pirates plunged into the darkness of the pyramid.
****************************

Already many levels and stairs down, Jack and his crew trudged on. Gael carried his wounded daughter over his shoulder, and walked in the middle of the group. Jack and Ehawee led the way, and Jose brought up the rear.

Ehawee was the advantage Jack's crew had over Carlita's; she could read most of any writing they encountered. And just as the group was about to descend another staircase downwards, there was indeed more writing on the walls above the staircase. "What does this set of writing mean," asked Ana, squinting her eyes in the dim torchlight for a better look.

Ehawee read, and then answered, "The last warning to would-be plunderers. Go back! Do not let greed become your undoing. Delve no further, or encounter certain death. Go back!"

More than one of those present gulped at the foreboding words. Yet, they had come so far for this. Noone wanted to go back emptyhanded. With silent confidence (or at least the air of confidence), Jack walked on down the stairs. Taking faith in their leader, the others followed.

Just as he was about to make his descent, Jose stopped. Had he heard something? He turned around, and gazed back into the gloom. "What was that," he thought to himself. Had he seen something move? The Spaniard stood there thinking for a few seconds. He wasn't hearing or seeing anything now. But what had it been? It almost sounded like an echo from the upper levels of the pyramid. Part of him wanted to believe in the possibility that he had heard Gabby higher up in the pyramid. If so, he hoped that she and Gavin had made it safely across the pit trap. He just wanted Gabby to be safe. Even more so, he wished she was there with him.

Jose shrugged, and turned around to follow the others. He was totally unaware that there were others making their way through the pyramid at that very moment.

[Niphredil]

Carlita, George, and their respective crews had entered the valley just when Gabby and Gavin had left Derek's body lying in the grotto. They took cover under the ferns and other plants that grew on the valley floor, just large enough and thick enough to hide them from view. They were shocked and appalled to see that they pirates had Aimeè as their captive; she looked to be in very bad shape.

The two of them laid still for several minutes after all the pirates had passed, wanting to be sure that they would not be discovered. Finally though, Gavin peeked over the undergrowth and saw that the coast was clear.

"That's the last straw," he muttered, motioning to Gabby to get up. "We're leaving right now."

"We can't leave!" Gabby objected. "We have to warn the others, and we have to do something for Aimeè! Didn't you see how dreadful she looked? I can't even imagine what they've been doing to her. She needs help."

"We don't have to do anything for any of that lot!" Gavin said. "They were foolish enough not to think that Carlita and George and all those others wouldn't still be after them, and now they'll pay for it."

"Did you ever think they would still be after us?" Gabby asked.

"Well, no," Gavin said, "But I'm not an infamous pirate captain, am I. I'm not supposed to know that sort of thing. Now let's go." He turned away from Gabby and began walking back to the falls.

"Gavin, wait," Gabby called after him. He kept on walking, pretending he didn't hear her; she began to follow him. "Will you just wait? Where on earth are we supposed to go? We're in the middle of nowhere, who knows how many hostile Indians live around here; it's completely insane to think that we'll survive on our own!"

"Oh, you're absolutely right!" Gavin said, turning around and flailing his arms about in a very Jack-like manner. "What am I thinking? Why risk our lives out there when there's a pyramid full of bloodythirsty pirates sitting over yonder, just waiting for us!"

"I'm getting rather tired of your negative attitude," Gabby said.

"My negative atti-- I guess you haven't noticed, but I don't have much of anything to be positive about! We are leaving. Now."

"You go, then," Gabby said. "But I'm staying."

"Why? We don't have any reason to help those pirates!"

"But what about Susanna? She's not a pirate... or at least not officially... and what about Ly-- oh... um..." Gabby trailed off, and looked down to the ground.

"There, see?" Gavin said, his voice shaking. "No reason to help them." He resumed walking, and this time Gabby followed.

~**~**~**~**~

"Oi, my feet are killin' me," whined Jones, a sailor under Captain James Hawkins. "When is he gonna let us rest?"

"You can rest next year," Captain James Hawkins replied cooly to the four men trudging along behind him.

The hunting party had been following the pirates' tracks for days, ever since the Gulf coast. These men were all wise in the ways of the sea; the British Royal Navy and years living on ships had them well trained. But none of them knew how to track someone or something on land. They were in luck, however, in that the pirates they followed did not seem to know how to cover their tracks on land. That, or they were just plain stupid. Either way it didn't matter in Hawkins' mind; he told his men that all that mattered was getting to the treasure (though when he said "treasure," they did not know if he meant the gold or Calen Turner).

Finally the troupe reached the waterfalls, and the tracks they were following ended.

"They just left their horses here?" Jones asked.

"But where have they gone?" asked another.

"Look," a third, named Decker, said. "The muck by the river looks like it's been trodden on."

"So they went into the river?" asked the second.

"Into the waterfall," Hawkins said. "Decker! Take a swim."

"But sir!" Decker protested.

"No buts! Now get in that water," Hawkins said. Decker grumbled as he entered the water, which was rather cold. He grumbled more as the water became chest high; a few feet from the waterfall, he took a breath, and dove down, only to come up in a small pool on the other side of the falls. He looked all around him, and realized that he was in a cave, a tunnel, and there was the faintest of lights at the other end. He was about to go up into the cave and explore it further, when he heard voices echoing; and whoever these voices belonged to was coming in his direction. Quickly, Decker dove back down beneath the water and came out splashing and spluttering on the other side.

"People! Coming!" he gasped.

"What? Slow down, mate!" Jones said.

"There's a tunnel that leads to the other side," Decker said, "And there were people coming through the tunnel when I came up."

"Draw your weapons, and hide yourselves," Hawkins said. They did hide, and wait quietly to see who would come through the falls. They did not have to wait long, for soon after two figures emerged from the pool of water: a man and a woman... Gavin and Gabby. Hawkins' men acted quickly, popping up out of their hiding places and holding their swords to the newcomers' throats.

"Well, well," Hawkins said, strutting forward, "What have we here?"

"A man and a woman," replied one of Hawkins' men, with a large grin on his chubby face.

"I can see that, you imbecile," Hawkins said. "I was-- oh, never mind." He turned back to Gabby and Gavin, who both looked as if they were in shock.

"Well, this just figures," Gabby said, an exasperated tone in her voice.

"Where are your little pirate friends?" Hawkins asked.

"Those pirates are not our friends," Gavin said. "And if you must know, they are behind that waterfall, through the cave, along the path, and up and in the pyramid. Have fun finding them. Good day." Gavin took hold of Gabby's arm and took a step forward, but was blocked by the sword held by Jones, which he pushed further onto Gavin's neck.

"Is that so," Hawkins said. "Bind their hands," he instructed Decker. "We'll see about this pyramid."

Gavin and Gabby's hands were tightly bound and their weapons confiscated. The two were then led back behind the waterfall, through the cave, along the path, and to the pyramid.

[~Kawaii~]

The pirates stumbled around in the dusky light of the pyramid, the only guidance coming from the open door they left behind them.

Aimee struggled to breathe where she was. Her body ached constantly, her stomach most of all. And being slung over Cartierre's shoulder made the pain worse. Finally her eyes got used to the half-light of the passage, and she realised that Cartierre was walking at the back of the group.

Suddenly something glimmering below her caught her eye. It was small and silver and sticking out the back of Cartierre's belt. Without thinking she reached down and took hold of it, not even thinking that the man might realise it was gone. It was a small knife. She took hold of it in her hand and gripped so hard her hand bled.

"It's not opening Captain!" Aimee heard a distant voice, it sounded so familiar, yet far. Like it was slipping away from her.

There were random shouts and mutterings that she could not comprehend. Then she felt her self being hoisted of Cartierre's shoulder and dropped roughly onto the sandy floor of the tunnel. "Now you stay there" A voice sneered. "And don't you be running away while I'm gone." Cartierre chuckled evilly as he walked away.

Aimee squirmed at that laugh. She had heard it too many times and each time it brought pain and humility with it. She lay slouched against the passage wall and watched the grey figures in the distance.

The pirates had come across a closed door in the pyramid and it was taking all of their men to ease it open.

Slowly Aimee realised she was alone. And the distant wetness and feel of cold steal in her right hand told her she was alive. She began to crawl towards the open door.

Whether she lived or died she didn't care, the pain had turned to numbness and her head was empty of all thoughts bar reaching the door. After crawling until she could no longer see the pirates, she grasped at the wall and tried to stand. Her legs were shaking and could barely hold her. But she stood.

Clumsily Aimee made for the way out, almost at a run. Falling back down after almost every step, she was soon covered in blood and dust and her legs were like stone. Her body no longer belonged to her mind, she could not move it.

Suddenly Aimèe fell out into the sunlight. Shielding her eyes from the bright sun by her arms she finally felt safe; free. She even smiled.

"Aimèe?"

The young girl shook at the voice. She looked up to see Latimer looking down at her.

"Aimèe! You're bleeding! What have they done to you? I'm so sorry, I'm so so sorry..." Latimer whispered. And he held out his hand for her to take.

"No!" Aimèe gasped. And hit his hand away. "NO!" she screamed, "I will not let you hurt me again! I won't go back to them!"

"Aimèe I, I..." Latimer stammered, but he stopped when he saw her stumble to her feet and make a dart for the steps.

Aimèe gathered all her strength and ran up the remaining steps to the top of the pyramid. Latimer followed her. When she reached the top she turned to face him. Shaking with fear at the memories of what had happened and what they could do to her again.

“Please Aimèe…” Latimer whispered. But She could no longer hear him. She no longer wanted to hear him.

Aimèe looked down to her bleeding hand, the silver shone in the sun through the red stains. It shone into her eyes and made her feel alive, she could feel the pain again. She could remember the hurt and the loneliness. And slowly she took the silver and sunk it deep into her left arm, tracing pretty patterns along the length of her forearm. The blood gushed faster then any waterfall.

Latimer darted towards her. “NO!”

Aimèe couldn’t see him. All she could see was light and shadow; all she could hear was loud and quiet. She backed away from the shape that was getting closer. And Latimer followed.

Aimèe reached the edge of the pyramid. Her heels hanging off the edge. She swayed in the wind. Latimer gulped and held out his hand, “Please Aimèe…” His words were cut short by a loud bang. The bullet ripped through his flesh piercing his heart, he choked on his own blood.

The bang woke up Aimèe, she saw Latimer stood in front of her, arm outstretched. She saw the blood in his mouth. She smiled and held out her hand to him. Aimèe saw Latimer fall to the ground, and behind him she saw Carlita, holding her gun and smiling.

Aimèe smiled back at Carlita and held up her bleeding arm in triumph.

“Goodbye” she whispered before leaning backwards. Cartierre and George ran towards her, but they were too late. Aimèe had gone. They heard a faint thud as her body reached the ground.

“Let’s get back to that door.” Carlita ordered. And they left Latimer where he lay.

[tancred]

While the pirate crews made their way back to the pyramid entrance, George, Calita, and Cartierre remained standing near the pinacle, gaping at the broken and lifeless body far below. Carlita was more livid than what she had let on in front of the crew. She cursed, "What the hell were you doing, Cartierre, letting Aimee out of your sight like that!?"

George was surprised Carlita had not blamed the escape of the girl on him. Cartierre opened his mouth as if to reply, but no sound came forth. Carlita continued, "Now we have no leverage to use against Jack in exchange for the gold! This may prove more bloody than I had planned. Aaahhh!!" Disgusted, the pirate captain turned, and left. Cartierre followed silently behind.

George remained. He glanced back at the still form of Latimir, and then back again at Aimee down below. "What a waste," he finally grunted. He hoped the echoes of Carlita's gunshot could not be heard inside the pyramid, and made his way back inside.

The pirates finally made it through the door. It was not long before they came upon the pit in the floor that Kira had tripped into hours earlier. Well-prepared with torches and not rushing headlong for gold, none of the pirates fell into the pit. And there was still the primitive rope bridge that had been left tied across it. "The fools do not know they're being followed," said Carlita gleefully. "Or they never would have left this behind for us to use. Excellent! Carry on, men!"

The pirates made their way across the bridge without incident, and continued on.
******************************

Meanwhile, much further below, Jack and his crew had just came down a large group of stairs, and into a narrow hallway. Up ahead, at the end of the hallway, the path seemed to curve around so that it was on the other side of hallway wall. Jack led the way, with Ehawee, Gael, the still carried Kira, Jack the Monkey, Jose, and Ana closest behind. As he rounded the bend in the hallway, Jack brushed past a narrow lever that he did not see. He barely touched it with his shoulder. It went forward at his impact, and slapped back into place as soon as he had passed.

A small and fragile lever, but it was enough. A few seconds passed, and then there was a low rumble. Instantly, a large circular cinder block rolled out of the wall, and lodged itself between both walls. The path was now divided in two...as was the company.

Jose helped Ana and Jack the Monkey to their feet; the two were the last to make it beyond the cinder block, but had almost had their ankle and tail (respectively) crushed in between. "That was close," said Ana.

"Si," agreed Jose. "I hope noone behind us was crushed in between."

"Well," pointed out Jack, "there are no screams coming from underneath the block, nor blood coming out of the seams in the wall, so that must be a good sign."

He and Jose pounded on the block to see if it would budge. No use. They could faintly hear the others on the opposite side. Their voices seemed to say that they should all push at the same time. And so everyone on both sides of the block pushed on it (all except Kira, who was either still feigning unconsciousness or had actually fallen asleep). Despite all of their combined strength, the block would still not move.

Ana, Jose, Jack, and Gael all sunk to the ground on their side of the block, breathing hard from their exertion. Only Ehawee still stood on that side. She regained her torch, and held it aloft. "There is writing here," she said. "Look!" She stood on her tippy-toes so that her torch could illuminate the writing at the very top of the block. "It reads, 'Separated from your companions, do you stay with them? Or do you continue onwards? Immeasurable wealth awaits you below.'"