by Burt Candy
Chapter 10
An Opportunity To Eavesdrop
Meanwhile, Matilda and Zinzabad had been shown to their own quarters. The room was beautifully outfitted with lounges, pillows, intricate wall-hangings, pottery vases full of flowers and a large mattress, with a rainbow-decorated coverlet, on the floor. Fresh food and drinks were laid out on a low table. Matilda took off the shoulder bag containing Maximilian's map and placed it under a pillow on the bed.
“Well, this looks very comfortable, doesn't it?” Matilda addressed Zinzabad, but the monkey wasn't listening. He was looking at a grille on the wall.
“What are you looking at?” she asked.
“That grille,” replied Zinzabad. “I think it is part of a cooling system that channels fresh air into the rooms. Lift me up so I can take a look.”
Matilda picked him up and held him so that he could remove the cover. What he discovered was a shaft that seemed to connect to all of the rooms of the palace. A cool blast of fresh air blew into his face.
“This could be very handy,” he stated. “I think I'll have a wander later on this evening. I want to eavesdrop and see if I can learn anything helpful.”
“Cheeky,” said Matilda. “I can see now why Maximilian said you could be useful.”
“I hope that won't be the only way I can help you,” said Zinzabad. “Now let's have something to eat. That piece of fruit you gave me was hardly enough.”
They crouched beside the table and Matilda poured fresh juice into two cups while Zinzabad cut up a loaf of bread.
“What did you think of cousin Itzli?” Matilda asked, picking up a juicy peach.
“As Acalan said, a hothead,” replied Zinzabad. “He could be a problem but we should just wait and see. Perhaps he has a reason to be upset.”
When they had finished their snack they went out into the passageway and retraced their steps to the sitting room where they found Acalan and Tayanna consulting a map. Erendira was nowhere to be seen. They looked up as Matilda entered holding Zinzabad's hand.
“We hope you've settled in comfortably,” said Acalan.
“Oh, yes,” replied Matilda. “Our room is wonderful. What are you looking at?”
“This is a map of Chuqua,” said Tayanna. “We have just received news that Ocelotl and his army are only about four hours' ride away from us. We were trying to estimate where he is camped.”
“Only four hours away?” exclaimed Matilda. “That seems awfully close. Are you sure he won't attack sooner than the eve of the new moon?”
“There is no way that he will challenge the gods of war by attacking earlier,” said Acalan. “As I told you, he is very superstitious . . . insanely so. His wild beliefs match his wild nature. Do you have any idea as to what we can do to stop him yet?”
“No definite idea but I can assure you that we have several things up our sleeve. I'll let you know when things are clearer.”
“I just hope it isn't too late,” said Acalan dismally.
“Trust me,” stated Matilda. “For now we had better get back to our room for some rest. We will need to be fresh when the trouble begins. Goodnight Acalan, Tayanna. We'll see you in the morning.” With that Matilda and Zinzabad left the room.
“Do you really think a small girl and her monkey can outwit Ocelotl?” asked Tayanna.
“I don't know,” replied Acalan, sadly. “All I do know is that Maximilian would not have sent her unless he believed that she could do the job. As she said, we just have to trust her.”
They resumed studying their map.
When Matilda and Zinzabad reached their room they managed to remove the grille again and Zinzabad hopped into the shaft.
“I'll just explore for a while and find out exactly where these shafts lead,” said the monkey. “I'll be back soon.” He disappeared into the shaft.
Chapter 11
Interesting
Zinzabad travelled quickly up, down and along the maze of tunnels. He discovered where the palace kitchen was, mainly because of the delicious smells that came from it. He found the llama stables, once again due to the smells. The guards' quarters were at the extreme end of the lower floor of the palace. When he moved to the second, third and fourth floors he saw the living areas for Acalan and his family. There were over seventy rooms and chambers in the palace and
Zinzabad was exhausted by the time he had visited most of them.
Once he had identified what a room was for by looking through each grille he quickly moved on . . . except on one occasion. It was when he found Itzli's rooms. As he looked through the grille he saw that Itzli had a visitor. One of the twin sisters, it had to be Erendira because she was wearing a diamond tiara, was sitting on a couch while Itzli stood near a glass door leading out onto a verandah. Zinzabad listened in to their conversation.
“You behaved badly,” stated Erendira.
“Well, Acalan treats me like a fool,” insisted Itzli. “I can't take any more of his insults,”
“You need to control yourself,” said Erendira. “Temper tantrums won't get you anywhere. In fact they will only give Acalan an excuse to shut you out further. And you don't want that, do you?”
“No,” replied Itzli sulkily.
“Very well. Remember what I have said,” stated Erendira. “And while you're at it you might like to make up to our visitor as well. That may be useful.”
“Yes,” replied Itzli. “I will.”
“Now I must get back to Acalan,” said Erendira. “He'll be wondering where I am.” She rose from the lounge, gave Itzli a peck on the cheek then went out through the main door.
As soon as Erendira had left his quarters, Itzli went to the bookshelf, moved it aside and entered the hidden room again.
“Interesting,” thought Zinzabad. Even though he couldn't see inside the room it was obvious that it held something that Itzli didn't want anybody to know about. He hurried back to their room.
When he arrived he told Matilda what he had heard and seen in Itzli's room.
“It sounds like Erendira is the only one that has power over Itzli, doesn't it?” said Matilda. “She was obviously cooling him down.”
“Yes,” Zinzabad agreed. “But then I feel that there was something strange about the whole thing. It wasn't so much what Erendira said as the way she said it. Oh, I don't know. Maybe I'm too suspicious. Perhaps she was just giving him some good advice. He certainly needs it. But I'd like to know what's in that secret room.”
Chapter 12
The Diamond Mine
The next morning Ati arrived at their room.
“How would you like to see our diamond mine?” he asked.
“Would we ever!” exclaimed Matilda.
Ati took them down to the entrance where a llama and chariot awaited them. They climbed aboard and Ati took the reins. As they passed through the city Matilda was stunned by its beauty. The stone buildings were set out so that there was a space between each of them. In these spaces green lawns and flower-filled gardens brightened the landscape. The avenues themselves were very broad so that there was plenty of room for traffic and they were edged by wide footpaths for the pedestrians. People strolled happily in their bright costumes as they went about their daily business. Many of them waved as the chariot passed.
“You might notice the grids under the kerbs,” Ati pointed out. “They collect all of the storm water and feed it into our reservoir. We have a wonderful drainage system and are never short of water.”
“It’s so . . . so organised,” said Matilda. “And so attractive.”
They travelled out of the urban area and into rural country where llamas, sheep and cattle grazed. There were also grain and vegetable farms as well as orchards. The air smelt sweet. Matilda was amazed at how spacious the island was.
The northern corner of the country was dominated by an extinct volcano and they headed towards it. Crowded around the foot of the volcano were a series of stone buildings and people were moving busily around them.
; “Well, here we are,” said Ati as he pulled on the reins to bring the chariot to a standstill.
They climbed down and Ati walked over to a man standing beside a barrel heaped with diamonds. After a short conversation Ati signalled to Matilda to join them.
“This is Pacon,” he explained. “He is in charge here and will take us down into the mine.”
“I am honoured to meet you,” said Pacon warmly as he shook Matilda's hand.
“Likewise,” Matilda replied.
“Follow me,” Pacon instructed as he walked towards an entrance in the side of the volcano. There were railway tracks running out of the entrance and donkeys were pulling carts full of raw diamonds along them to a collection point near one of the stone huts.
“That building is one where the diamonds are sorted for cutting and polishing,” Pacon explained. “And now we are entering the main mine shaft. Hundreds of minor shafts lead off this one as we open up more diamond-bearing areas.”
“Why is this place so rich in diamonds?” asked Matilda.
“We don't really know,” said Pacon. “We believe it has something to do with the volcano being above a deep vein of ancient peat where the diamonds have formed and been thrown up to the surface by volcanic activity. But that's only a guess. All we are really sure of is that we have an endless supply of the jewels. Here, hop aboard this donkey cart.”
They all climbed over the side of the cart and held on as the donkey proceeded down into the mine. The shaft was lit by oil lamps and Matilda could see that the mine was constructed with the same care and precision as the rest of the island's facilities. They were taken down one of the newer shafts and arrived at the mining area. Several men were attacking the front wall of the shaft with tools shaped like pickaxes. Another group of men was sorting the pile of stones and soil into diamond- bearing and non-bearing heaps. These were then shovelled into carts ready for the donkeys to pull to the surface.
“Will you ever run out of diamonds?” asked Matilda.
“I don't think so,” replied Pacon.
“And now you can see why Ocelotl is so eager to capture all of this,” added Ati. “We have such a store of these jewels that they have no real value for us except for their natural beauty. But to the outside world they are wealth beyond belief.”
“Yes, I understand,” murmured Matilda sadly.
They returned to the surface and Pacon took them to the building where the diamonds were cut and polished. Hundreds of men and women sat at tables, sorting, cutting and polishing diamonds on primitive machines that were foot-operated.
“It looks like hard work,” Matilda commented.
“Yes,” answered Pacon, “but each person is only required to work for one month a year and then another group moves in. Working for the month entitles each person to a share of the diamonds. There are many other buildings here for cutting and polishing.”
“Aren't you afraid that people will steal the diamonds?” enquired Matilda.
Both Pacon and Ati laughed. “Why would people want to steal what they already own and have plenty of?” said Ati. “We have no need for security here. Trust is a big part of our culture here in the City of Diamonds.”
Ati and Matilda thanked Pacon for the tour of the mine and climbed aboard their chariot for the return trip. They arrived back at the palace in time for lunch and Matilda and Zinzabad found fresh food and drink already laid out on the table in their room.
“Now this is what I call room service,” said Zinzabad, picking up a juicy plum.
Matilda checked that the shoulder bag containing Maximilian's map was still under the pillow and had not been disturbed. She didn't want a repeat of the incident in Laboria where someone had found Maximilian's message and given it to the evil Wizard. Besides, she thought, as she replaced the bag, Pacon had said that trust was part of the Chuquan culture.
Chapter 13
An Invitation
Matilda and Zinzabad spent the rest of the day relaxing in their room and going out to stroll through the magnificent gardens that adjoined the back of the palace. They were set out like an oasis with palm trees, colourful flower beds, exotic shrubs and sandy beaches beside a lagoon. Fountains sprayed from the centre of the lagoon and dolphins splashed around in the deeper water.
“Let's go for a swim with the dolphins,” Matilda suggested as she stripped down to her shorts and vest. Her Zeus medallion was placed carefully under her shirt on the ground.
“Do you think it's okay?” asked Zinzabad.
“Of course,” said Matilda. “This place is just made for swimming.” And she dived into the water. Zinzabad remained on the shore.
As she approached the deeper waters, the dolphins swam up to Matilda and began leaping out of the water and over her. She laughed and dived down to watch them from below. A dolphin came up to her and nuzzled her with its nose. As she broke the surface another dolphin sidled up to her and stayed still while she reached over and grasped its dorsal fin. It took off quickly and gave Matilda a ride around the lagoon before turning on its side and tipping her off.
Matilda swam to the beach and looked up to see Itzli standing beside Zinzabad.
“I'm glad to see you enjoying yourself,” he said with a smile.
“I hope it's all right to be swimming here,” said Matilda sheepishly.
“Certainly,” said Itzli warmly. “That's what the lagoon is for.” And then an idea appeared to strike him. “Although, if you really enjoy swimming, you must go to see the Sapphire Waterfall just outside the city gates,” he continued. “It isn't far to travel and I promise you that you will be amazed. I can take you there tomorrow morning if you wish.”
Matilda considered the offer for a moment. Was this the same Itzli who had been so rude yesterday? He seemed so kind and gentle now.
Sensing that Matilda was debating the offer with herself, Itzli added, “I must apologise deeply for my behaviour on your arrival. I was a little out of sorts and over-reacted. I feel ashamed of my conduct and ask for your forgiveness although I will understand if you cannot find it in your heart to pardon me.”
Unexpectedly Matilda found herself feeling sorry for him.
“Think nothing of it,” she replied. “I accept your apology and would love to see the Sapphire Waterfall. When will we go?”
“Tomorrow morning after breakfast, if that would suit you,” said Itzli. “I'll come to your room to pick you up.”
“Very well,” said Matilda. “And now that I know swimming here is permitted, I'll join the dolphins again. We'll see you tomorrow morning.” She dived back into the lagoon and swam out to the deep water. Itzli waved from the shore, patted Zinzabad on the head and walked off.
When Matilda returned to the beach Zinzabad looked worried. “Do you really think it is wise to go out of the city with that man?” he asked.
“I don't see why not,” answered Matilda. “We have plenty of time on our hands while we wait to see what Ocelotl is up to and I'd enjoy seeing some of the local sights.”
“But do you remember what I overheard?” said Zinzabad. “He was told to make that apology by Erendira. Do you believe that he was genuine?”
“Yes, I do,” stated Matilda. “I think that he wants to make up for his bad behaviour after Erendira spoke to him and that's the end of the matter. We are going to see the Sapphire Waterfall tomorrow.” She paused. “But I'll take Maximilian's map with us just in case.”
“I think that may be wise,” replied Zinzabad with a worried frown.
When Itzli returned to his quarters he quickly wrote another note to Ocelotl and sent a second messenger pigeon on its way
Chapter 14
Hoodwinked
Itzli arrived promptly at their room after breakfast the next morning.
“All ready?” he enquired.
“And excited,” said Matilda. She went to the bed and retrieved the shoulder bag containing the map. She placed a towel inside. “I imagine I'll need this,” she explained.
�
��Yes, well let's be on our way,” said Itzli and led them out of the palace to a chariot.
“We'll have to walk once we get outside the city gates,” Itzli informed them. “A chariot is worthless on the narrow jungle trails. I hope that is satisfactory.” He was being ultra-polite and Matilda was impressed.
“A walk will do us the world of good,” she told him, “as long as we don't meet any more pythons.”
“Oh, yes,” said Itzli with a smile. “I heard about your unpleasant experience but rest assured that I can protect you just as well as Ati.”
When they arrived at the city gates they hopped down from the chariot. A guard took the reins from Itzli and tied the llama up to a rail. He then walked a donkey over to the wheel and ran the ramp out to the shore. Itzli and Matilda, with Zinzabad on her shoulder, walked across the ramp and entered the jungle.
As Itzli had said, the Sapphire Waterfall wasn't far away. They followed a narrow path through the jungle and soon came out into a clearing. There before them was the most wonderful waterfall Matilda had ever seen. Water cascaded down from a high cliff, its base covered in a mist of fine spray. The pool at the bottom was a deep sapphire blue. The whole area was surrounded by bright green ferns and tall palm trees.
“It's unbelievable!” exclaimed Matilda. “You're sure it's safe to swim in there?”
“Yes,” stated Itzli, “and you'll find that the water temperature is just right.”
Matilda took off the shoulder bag and began to strip down to her costume. When Itzli's back was turned she again placed her Zeus medallion under her shirt.
“I'll go for a short walk while you have a swim,” said Itzli. “While we're here I want to collect some of the special herbs from this part of the jungle.” He disappeared back up the path.
“Here goes,” shouted Matilda as she jumped into the pool. “Itzli was right,” she yelled back to Zinzabad, “ the water is beautiful.”
With strong strokes she swam out to the waterfall and sat on a rock shelf, letting the water spill over her.
After several minutes she swam back to Zinzabad, pulled herself out of the water, took the towel out of the shoulder bag and began to wipe herself down. When she looked up she received the shock of her life. Standing there at the edge of the path was a tall warrior with a jaguar head as a helmet. Ocelotl had arrived - and he was surrounded by warriors equipped with spears and bows and arrows.