The Treasures of Death Valley

by Tom Hunter

  Thomas Knight and his team stepped back and watched as the comms and rescue teams began to gather their gear. Joviality prevailed. However Thomas sensed an undercurrent of fear and curiosity amongst them. What else could these guys handle? He grasped Alexia’s hand tighter, seeking connection and comfort.

  As they walked toward the tunnel’s exit, Thomas turned to Alexia and Robbie. “Glad to see you guys still have the scrolls and drum. Can’t believe you guys managed to hold onto them, but glad you did.” He smiled.

  “I’m just relieved to be out of there,” declared Robbie. Abby smiled and nodded.

  “I’ll be glad to get some food and fresh water in my belly,” remarked Pediah.

  “What was that thing? Was that the Kisgar the scrolls warned you about?” asked Abby.

  “I think so,” Thomas ventured. “But what’s the drum for? Any ideas?”

  “Well, considering where we found it,” Pediah began, “I’d say it was used in some kind of ritual. Don’t you think? Some kind of ceremony?”

  “That’s a thought,” Thomas stroked his beard, considering the idea. He turned to Abby, “What do you think Donald’ll say?” he asked.

  “Donald’ll race down to see things for himself,” laughed Abby.

  “I’m serious, Abby.”

  “Me too.”

  “Guys, what do we do now?” Pediah asked. “There are dangerous creatures in those caves. Someone locked them up or kept them down there, somehow. Since they’ve now breached the walls into tunnels that lead to the surface, they may find their way out. We might have inadvertently caused a disaster.”

  “Unfortunately, I don’t have the answers,” Thomas replied.

  “I think Dr. Cunningham’ll be thrilled with the findings,” said Robbie. “And as far as venturing down there, we’ve already got a few things to show him. The drum and the scrolls. That should keep him plenty busy for a few days, anyway. Plus, those bones we sent him, would you guys say those were Kisgar bones?” he asked.

  “Wow, look who’s Johnny-on-the-spot today!” exclaimed Abby. “I knew you had it in you, my boy.”

  The baking heat of the desert sun met them at the entrance of the cave. The team welcomed the warmth, as it sunk into their skin, warming them from within.

  As Thomas’ eyes adjusted to the blinding outdoors, he heard a flurry of chatter and excitement. Shading his eyes with his hand, he realized the entire dig site had come to greet them: the comms teams, the mess tent workers, the volunteers, and the students.

  Deep seated exhaustion and their encounters with life in the caves of Death Valley left their mark on Thomas Knight and his team. Still out in the desert sun, the world appeared to tilt around Thomas.

  He began to speak in a loud, clear voice not quite his own. “Danger follows the holy grail of finds, and it does not come without its price. Several of our team have paid the price with their lives. But, there’s another world beneath our feet. The trinkets we’ve found, the artifacts and relics, are nothing compared to this: life exists in these caves. And if those things escape, they could kill anything that enters Death Valley.” As he spoke, Thomas Knight collapsed.

  Dear Reader,

  Thanks for journeying this far with Thomas and the team.

  In book 2, the true, terrifying purpose of the ancient drum is revealed.

  Noah wants it. But can he wrest it from Thomas' grasp?

  "Beware the Kisgar" takes on a whole new meaning as the hellish creatures are unleashed.

  The giants beneath Death Valley put in an appearance.

  Will they mercilessly wipe out the humans who disturbed their secret existence? Or will the bloodthirsty Ramon do it for them?

  The nonstop action continues. Order book 2, Eknom's Folly, now.

  Thanks,

  Tom.

  P.S. I love reviews!

  Get Eknom’s Folly here.