by Dan Arnold
“You mean they have been, until now.”
“It doesn’t make sense. How many people and how long did it take to build what we see here?”
“Probably dozens of people hauling the rocks across the plain and up the mountain, building the walls to the extent they did would’ve taken weeks.”
“Why would they do that?”
“We have to make some assumptions based on what we’ve learned from other cultures. The Anasazi built fortified dwellings in remote desert canyons where there was a steady supply of water. Other people built on the tops of mesas and mountains.”
“Yes, but why did they do it?”
“We don’t know for certain, but generally we believe it was as a defence against hostile enemies.”
“How long do you think they’ve been here?”
“I wouldn’t be surprised if they’d been here for thirty or forty thousand years.”
“According to you, the walls here are at least thirty thousand years old. If they were built by Aboriginal people, who were they afraid of?”
“That’s a good question.”
“On the other hand if the walls were built by someone else, and I believe they were, who were the builders and who were they afraid of?”
“We don’t know. And the twenty five thousand dollar question is…why did they stop?”
Back on the mountain top, Tina was scratching at the itchy skin on her legs, again regretting her decision not to wear long pants.
“Damn, these mossies are driving me crazy.” She mumbled.
“What’s that, Miss Nguyen?” The professor asked. He thought he’d seen something moving at the base of one of the foundation rocks. Something so small, he wasn’t sure he’d seen it. Probably some sort of bug, he thought.
“The mosquitos, they’re driving me nuts.”
“Mosquitos? I doubt there are any mosquitos up here.”
“Well, look at these welts. Something’s been biting me.”
“Indeed. You’ll want to put some lotion on those when we go back down to camp.
As the day began to heat under the glare of the sun, the itching stopped.
After four hours work there was nothing left to be done. Every inch of the structure was mapped and photographed. Photos of the fallen walls and surrounding mountains had been shot from every conceivable angle. Samples of the rock were bagged for analysis. Beyond that there was little they could do. Unlike most archaeological sites, here there was no digging to be done. The bare, weathered sandstone could hold no secrets from the trained eyes of the scientific explorers.
Seventeen
“All indications suggest there was never any permanent habitation established here.” Professor Madison said, pointing at the computer screen. “Someone started building and then stopped. We have no way of determining how old the walls are, or who built them. Under the circumstances I see little point in continuing our research.”
“Hang on, Professor. Look at this.” Jake zoomed in on an image. “Do you see the erosion away from the base layer of stones? It looks like a little over an inch at the location in this photo. If we removed the entire base layer, we would see what looked like a raised layer of sandstone, almost like a cement foundation. It took many thousands of years of erosion to do that. The erosion in the gullies would happen faster, but the staircase has almost disappeared. Again, it would take tens of thousands of years to erase those steps.”
Becky scowled and said, “Like I said before, if the site is that old, who built it, and what did they use for tools? Are there even any examples of stone masonry dating back as far as you suggest?”
“No, at least none I’m aware of.” The professor said, scratching the palm of his hand.
“Doesn’t it make more sense that the British soldiers built the wall? They would’ve had steel weapons and implements, and the knowledge of building fortifications.” Becky said.
Jake shook his head.
“I understand your point, but no. It would seem to make sense, but the erosion suggests otherwise. How long ago did that British cavalry patrol disappear, Professor?”
“A little more than a hundred and fifty years ago. The European presence on the Australian continent only dates back a few hundred years. This itching is annoying. I wonder if I’m getting hives.”
“Geologically speaking, a mere one hundred and fifty years isn’t remotely significant. How many men would you say were in the vanished patrol?”
“I’m not certain, but typically it would’ve been maybe a dozen men, or less.”
Jake shook his head again.
“That’s not enough men to do all this, unless they worked on it for years. Even if they had, it still doesn’t account for the erosion.”
“Can you even be sure how long that kind of erosion would take?” Becky said.
“Actually, based on my experience at other sites, I can. Becky, if I chiselled out a groove six inches long and an inch deep on the top of that mountain, in this climate, twenty-five thousand years from now it would still be visible.”
“But there isn’t any other example of sophisticated stone masonry which is as ancient as you suggest.”
Jake grinned.
“Actually, there may be. The stone circles in South Africa may be even older. I don’t know, because I haven’t been there yet. There is evidence of other ancient civilizations lost to history. Many of them are under water, suggesting they were lost in a great flood. Either way, the antiquity of this site is precisely why this could be one of the most significant archaeological finds of this century. Congratulations, Professor Madison.”
“Hold on, mate. You still haven’t answered the question of how they hacked out those steps. What did they use for tools?” Becky asked.
“Stone implements, all ancient civilization began with stone tools. That’s the next thing to look for. When this site was abandoned, they may have left their tools here. We’ve only done a cursory examination of the stones up there and we haven’t explored any of the other canyons.”
“Are you really suggesting the first Aboriginal people to arrive on this continent had masonry skills? The recent discoveries at other archaeological sites suggest they arrived here some sixty five thousand years ago.”
“We don’t know if the first people to arrive on this continent were the ancestors of the Aborigines. What if someone else got here first? One of the theories about ancient civilizations has mariners from Atlantis traveling all over the world. That civilization was lost to history. If it did exist, their voyages would’ve happened around the time these walls were started. Perhaps there’s some truth to the myth. Maybe there were other people here before the aboriginal people arrived. On the other hand if they arrived later, the walls could’ve been built by people who were afraid of the local Aboriginal people. As the professor said, we don’t know who built it, yet. All we know is that the walls are prehistorically ancient and significant.”
The professor said, “I guess what it comes down to is we need to do further research before we leave the site.”
Jake nodded.
Becky shrugged and winked at him. “Well then, I volunteer to explore some of the other canyons. Care to join me, Dr. Walker?”
The professor wasn’t having it.
“See here, Becky. This is my dig and I’ll decide who does what. We’ll be going up the mountain this evening to conduct a more in depth study of the rocks at the walls. That’s what you’ll be doing. If Dr. Walker wants to explore other canyons he’s free to do so. Everyone else takes their instructions from me. Is that clear?””
Becky’s eyes flamed her annoyance, but she gave a curt nod of her head.
“Do you understand me, Dr. Walker?”
Jake was looking intently at the professor. His expression was one of interest rather than concern. He took a deep breath and said, “Yes. This is your dig and I’m grateful just to be here. I’ll take my orders from you as well.”
“That’s more like it. The others
will follow your example. I won’t have any divisive influences. That being said, you shouldn’t go exploring by yourself. Please choose someone else to accompany you.”
“May I make a suggestion?”
“What is it?”
“Perhaps we should have a meeting at supper so you can tell everyone what our current status is and what happens next.”
“That is my intention, thank you. Until then, we will rest.”
Becky shot Jake a look, indicating her consternation at the professor’s sudden odd behaviour.
Jake raised his eyebrows but gave no other sign.
“Everyone give me your attention. Those of us assembled here have made a discovery that will put Australia in the forefront of archaeology. The evidence suggests this site is the oldest construction discovered on this continent to date, and possibly the oldest masonry ever discovered on the planet. Think about that.
Going forward we must exercise extreme caution. First and foremost I will prevent anyone from revealing anything about this discovery to outsiders. Secondly I will punish anyone who interferes with our research. To that end, I expect each of you to obey me without question. Fail me and you will rue the day. Do I make myself clear?”
Todd made eye contact with first Jake and then Becky, a sign of his concern. From her sudden paling complexion to biting her lip, Becky indicated how badly she was shaken by the announcement. Tina Nguyen wasn’t paying attention. She appeared to be daydreaming about something unrelated to the professor’s words. Bob Overlander stiffened, narrowing his eyes, while Sarah Elliott was nervously running her hands through her blond hair. She held it between her fingers, studying it as though hoping to find an answer to an unspoken question.
The professor continued his address.
“Today we will be examining the rock at the dig site to determine of any of the stones may have been used as tools for excavating or shaping the sandstone.
Dr. Walker has agreed to explore some of the other canyons in search of artefacts. I will not send him off alone. One of you must volunteer to go with him. Who will it be?”
Todd raised his hand.
“Very well, thank you, Mr. Franks. Everyone assemble here in thirty minutes. That is all. You are dismissed.”
As they split up, Becky, Bob Overlander and Todd fell in with Jake.
“What’s going on with the professor?” Todd asked.
“It’s could be the heat is getting to him. He’s not the only one acting strange.” Bob answered.
Jake nodded.
“Something isn’t right. We need to keep on eye on each other. If you see anything odd or feel something strange is happening, let me know.”
“How much stranger can it get?” Becky said.
Eighteen
When the group re-assembled to begin the evening exploration, Professor Madison issued new orders.
“Miss Davenport, take the others up to the dig site. You know what to look for. I’ll be along in short order.”
Becky rolled her eyes, but after a quick glance at Jake, she turned and led the others up the canyon. The professor turned to address Jake and Todd.
“Gather up those two empty jerry cans and help me refill them from the water truck. You gentlemen can begin your canyon exploration after that.”
The group had adopted the practice of refilling the empty water bottles from the jerry cans. The water bottles were perfect for carrying everywhere they went.
After a quick glance at each other, the two men did as instructed. As they walked out of the canyon toward the vehicles, Jake spoke up.
“I’ve been thinking. So far the only artefacts we’ve found were at the campsite. It’s a junction of canyons, so chances are there will be other things buried there. We call the top of that mountain the dig site, but there’s no digging to be done there. Wouldn’t it be appropriate to move the camp and treat the petroglyph site as our primary dig?”
“Appropriate, yes, but entirely unimportant at this time. We’ll do that on our return trip after I publish my initial findings. When they see what I’ve found the university will be eager to fund another expedition.”
“The tribe agreed to this one exploration. They may not approve of further research.”
“Then I will bypass them. This is my find and I will not be stopped by a bunch of backward savages.”
Todd caught Jake’s eye and shook his head indicating he should stop that line of conversation.
in acknowledgement, Jake gave a slight nod of his head.
“Wow,” Todd said. “Can you feel the heat radiating off these vehicles? Be careful you don’t burn your hand opening that valve, mate.”
He was right. Even with gloves, Jake had to give a couple of very quick twists to get the water flowing. Even then it hurt to touch the steel. He found no real relief as the water flowed into the first jerry can. After the tanker had sat in the sun for days, the water was quite warm.
When both vessels were full the professor told the men to take them back to the campsite.
“There are still more than two hours until sunset. That should give you gentlemen enough time to explore one of the other canyons. I’ll expect you back before dark. Run along now. Good hunting.”
Leaving the man standing by the vehicles Jake and Todd dropped the water off at the camp and set out to explore one of the side canyons. Fifteen minutes of nearly featureless sandstone brought them to another junction at the base of other mountains. They chose to turn in the direction that would take them farther into the range. This canyon was steeper, littered with gravel and undercut in several places.
Todd stopped and pointed.
“Look up there, mate. Do you see that ledge?”
“Yep. Odd isn’t it?”
“It looks like there’s an opening behind it. Maybe there’s some sort of grotto or cave. Here, give me a leg up. I’ll check it out.”
Jake bent, cupped his hands and lifted Todd nearly four feet higher. Todd was now able to see over the ledge. He was about to say something, but just as he opened his mouth he was hit in the side of the head with enough force that Jake was unable to catch him as he fell.
A giant perentie monitor had smacked Todd with its tail. The great lizard slithered down out of the recess with such speed it knocked Jake back onto Todd. As it brushed past him he was pinned to the canyon wall for a moment. The goanna stopped some twenty meters down the canyon and looked back over its shoulder at the men. There was no emotion in its reptilian gaze, just hunger. Relief washed away fear when the lizard turned away and disappeared around a bend.
Jake stood up, brushing himself off.
“Sorry, Todd, are you OK?”
There was no reply. It took Jake a full second to understand the situation. Todd was unconscious, or dead. His hat was lying near his crushed sunglasses, which accounted for the lacerations on his cheek and nose.
Fearing his neck might be broken, Jake was relieved to find Todd’s pulse and that he was still breathing. When calling to the man drew no response, Jake considered his options.
The first aid kit in his pack was useless in this situation. If the head injury was a simple concussion he should’ve regained consciousness by now. It was a more serious injury, but was it a fractured skull or a broken neck? It could be either or both.
The protocol was not to move the man until medical help arrived. There would be no medical help coming. If he picked him up to carry him back to camp, he might well kill him in the process.
Where Todd lay, the entire canyon was shaded because the sun was low in the sky. It would be fully dark in the canyon within an hour. How long would it be before they were missed and a search party was organized? No one knew which canyon they were in. How long until they found them in this one? Too long, Todd needed to be moved back to camp quickly, and it would need to be done with a stretcher and some sort of back board.
“Hang in there my friend. I’ll get help and be back before dark.” Todd gave no response, so Jake took off running.<
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Nineteen
Up on the mountaintop Becky called everyone together.
“Let’s make the best use of the last hours of daylight left. Here’s the way we’ll go at it. We need to get a count of the entire number of rocks. We have to document which rocks were part of the walls and which were yet to be used. The thinking is there may be stone tools present. Something was used to dig the steps, and some of the baseline stones appear to have been shaped. We’re looking for sharp edges on stones which were not part of the walls. If you find something which may have been a tool, sing out, but don’t move it from its location. Bob, I need you to photograph any implements we find. Everyone else, pick a grid and start counting.”
Bob nodded and began digging the camera equipment out of the rucksack. Tina had her eyes closed and was gently rocking from side to side.
“Tina, did you hear me?”
Tina smiled with her eyes still closed.
“Shhh. I heard you, but don’t you see?”
“See what?”
“The beautiful serpents.”
Becky grabbed Tina’s bare arms, giving her a slight shake.
“Tina, snap out of it.
The woman opened her eyes, scowling.
“What? Oh yeah, counting rocks. That doesn’t seem important right now. I feel so wonderful.”
“It is important. I don’t know what’s wrong with you. Are you high? Do you need to go back to camp?”
“No, I’m fine, finer than fine.”
“Then pick a grid and start counting. If you find a rock which could’ve been a hand tool, let me know.”
Tina smiled a distant smile and wandered over to the grid lines.
Becky watched her for a moment as the woman began touching and examining the rocks within her grid. Turning, she found Sarah Elliott had wrapped her arms around Bob. He was quietly trying to get her to let go.