When the afternoon heat intensified, Laura felt it was time to pay her visit to Blanca. Though her earlier conclusion had been that she was not being followed, Laura threw frequent glances over her shoulders. She need not have worried. No one seemed to pay her the slightest bit of attention.
Taking one last look around to make sure no one was watching, Laura tapped lightly on the door. A moment later the door opened and she found herself being quickly ushered inside. The scent of sweet fruit assaulted her senses. Laura stood in place until her vision had adjusted to the dimness of the cottage’s interior.
"Come!" Blanca motioned. "I’ve prepared us some tea and fruit cakes."
In the tiny kitchen, Laura felt her tension slowly start to subside. She graciously accepted the cup of tea Blanca held out to her.
"Thank you." Laura smiled.
Blanca settled down to the business at hand. "I have drawn you a map of the holding cells beneath the palace." The old woman handed Laura a paper with a crudely sketched map. Pointing to an area on the map, Blanca continued with her instruction. "There is a tunnel connecting the slaughterhouse to the cells beneath the palace."
Laura shuddered, imagining what the tunnel’s purpose could be.
Blanca smiled darkly, confirming the girl’s fears. "Wait until well after you have retired to your room before attempting this. The slaughterhouse isn't watched at night, it's a back way into the cells."
"But what about guards?" Laura interrupted.
"There is only one guard to the palace from the tunnel. Since there is little need for guards in Coba’, they have grown careless. The young man who works there at night is called Javier. He is courting one of the chambermaids of the palace. They often slip away to be alone after the palace has settled in for the night." Blanca gave her a scheming smile.
"In this room," Blanca indicated on the map, "there is a master key to the cells. Since your grandfather is the only prisoner, he should not be hard to find."
"But then what?" Laura lifted her hands in a gesture of helplessness.
"Just to the north of the palace is the Temple of Prophecy. That is our gateway between worlds. Meet me there and I will take you through."
"What if you are discovered to have aided in our escape? What will they do to you?" Laura doubted the wisdom of Blanca’s plan.
"Believe me, it's the only way. In any case, I'm an old woman and my time on this earth is nearing its end. I might as well do what I can to help my people with what time I have left."
"But are you not defying your people by helping us?" Laura was confused.
Blanca shook her head. "I'm only saving them from their own self destruction. The spirits will never allow them to defeat the Wolves, no matter their devious plan. If we are to return to the Kingdom of Light, it must be with the blessing of the spirits and a war will never accomplish this." Blanca shook her head sadly.
"Remember ... you must not let Dark Claw sense your hope or he will be alerted to our plan," Blanca cautioned.
"How can I ever repay you for your kindness?"
"Your son will rule someday, it is almost a certainty. Teach him that compassionate leaders are the strongest and wisest leaders."
She left the old woman, promising to be at the temple when the moon was in its zenith.
Laura took her time returning to the palace. She was riddled with guilt that Blanca should have to take such a risk for them, but the old woman was their only chance for escape, and Laura desperately wanted to be free of Dark Claw. The man was evil in its purest form. It was hard for her to comprehend that he could be Blanca’s grandson.
Laura had to consider the fact that Blanca could be setting her up, but somehow Laura knew this was not the case. Even if she had doubted Blanca, there really was no other alternative. It was obvious they would need an ally to escape.
On pins and needles, Laura paced her bed chamber the rest of the day, looking to the evening with a mixture of dread and anticipation. She dreaded the ordeal of which she would be forced to endure tonight at her presentation, but once that was over she could prepare to leave.
Once again, Carlotta bathed her and brought her clothing. Laura’s eyes widened at the sight of the gown she was to wear. The shimmering silver silk was like rippling moonlight sewn with golden thread. The Roman style cut draped over one shoulder and fell loosely to the floor. She was given matching silk slippers to go with the gown, and crowning her head was a wreath of white flowers.
Laura had to admit that whatever these people were, they did have a taste for luxury. There were no mirrors for her to inspect Carlotta’s work, but the young girl stepped back to gaze at Laura in awe. She was the image of exotic beauty, beauty that Laura herself wouldn't have recognized even if there had been a mirror to peer into.
Laura was then led to the opposite end of the palace, to what she assumed was a large ballroom. The room was lit by at least a hundred candles and decorated with an array of tropical flower arrangements.
She was deposited next to Dark Claw and informed she would stand in line with him to receive the guests. Repulsed by his closeness, Laura was sure she would never be able to tolerate his nearness long enough for all the people to arrive.
Laura struggled to bring a smile to her face as the people took her hand and kissed it, some of them bowing as if she were already royalty.
Poor lost souls, Laura thought. They would pay with their blood for Dark Claw’s malevolent nature.
Finally it was done and a string quartet began playing a soft melody. Dark Claw took her by the hand and led her out into the midst of dancing couples.
"I trust my bride has had an adventurous couple of days." His dark smile chilled Laura.
Had she been followed after all?
Did he know?
"Yes, you have a very interesting city here." Laura pretended to be caught up in the dance.
"Ah yes! Coba’ is beautiful ... but Coyopa’ is the very essence of splendor." Dark Claw’s eyes glowed with an obsession that Laura could not begin to understand.
"You cannot really believe that it's any better than what you already have?" Laura didn't bother to hide her doubt.
Dark Claw brought his fingers up to lace them through her long hair. "On the contrary, dear princess ... it's only your beauty that can compare to that of The Kingdom of Light, and I shall possess both ... while Gray Eagle lies in his grave."
Laura’s fury flashed in her eyes. "Is it only him that you hate ... or all of them?"
"Mostly him." Dark Claw’s grip tightened. "He was just handed what should have been mine by birth."
Laura could no longer control her tongue. "It would seem to me that he is the descendant of the original ruler. You are a descendant of an exile."
Dark Cloud’s face twisted in anger. "You know nothing," he spit out. "One of those exiled was the king’s eldest son, and heir to the throne, but instead the kingdom passed to Night Blossom’s son. Well, I'm here to reclaim what rightfully belongs to my family."
"So you are telling me this ancestor of yours committed treason against his own father." Laura shook her head in disgust.
Dark Claw leaned down until his lips were close to her ears. "If I were you, little princess, I'd watch what I say. I can always have you executed after the birth of your child," he whispered harshly.
Laura bit back the retort that had been lying on her tongue. She must not lead him to think her behavior was too suspicious.
After the dance ended, Dark Claw led her to a banquet table. Though the thought of food sent waves of nausea to her stomach, she forced down a few bites for the sake of her child.
After they had dined, Laura found that she would be forced to dance with several of the more influential men of the city. She was quite surprised that they were not only civil, but some of them were very charming. It was difficult for Laura to cast them in the same light as the killers who had caused so much chaos in Wyoming.
No matter what they appeared to be now, they were responsible
for Justin’s death! Laura never let that thought slip far from her mind.
She was required to endure another dance with Dark Claw as the evening ended, but did so with a sigh of relief. Soon she could put her plan into action.
Laura didn't have to pretend exhaustion when returning to her chambers, but discovered that she was still too wound up for rest. Instead, she found a shawl and made her way to the palace gardens. The night was quiet and the moon was gradually making its ascent, though it would still be a few hours before she dared proceed with her plan.
Laura chose a path she knew would take her to a bench surrounded by tall rose bushes. There, she could sit quietly and ponder her strategy without fear of intrusion.
The slightest of breezes stirred the jungle, making its way into the city. Laura wondered what the world, the world she had grown up in, would think of all this--of the Baalam, the Sungmanitu, and the city of Coba’. Would they descend on this city like vultures, dissecting these people to see how they could possibly exist?
Laura shuddered, not even the Jaguar people deserved that. It reminded her of the government’s endeavors against her own people. But it would happen if the world were to discover what lay beyond the thin veil of the world’s ancient cities. If these kingdoms existed, what could be seen beyond other ancient ruins?
A shuffling sound behind her caused her to gasp in surprise.
"I see that you very much enjoy our gardens." Dark Claw stood next to the bench where Laura had been sitting.
"They are lovely." She tore her eyes from him to again look at the moon, letting him know that she didn't wish to be disturbed.
"Soon enough my, little princess, you will share my bed. Why not do so tonight?" he spoke softly, but each word was tinted with savage lust.
Laura gasped, "You have got to be out of your mind! Do you think I will ever willingly go to your bed?"
He clasped his clawed hand around her arm, dragging her up to him. "I know you will willingly come to my bed, and you will give your husband the satisfaction that is his due. If you ever fail me in this, I will kill that old grandfather of yours," he hissed.
His mouth covered hers in a painful, searing kiss. One hand reached up to caress her breast. Cringing, Laura tried to pull away, but his hold was like steel.
A low, snarling growl caught his attention. The sound had come from behind the roses. Releasing her, he peered down at Laura as if somehow she had been the perpetrator. His eyes strayed to the bushes in confusion and he sniffed the air.
Obviously deciding that whatever it had been posed no threat, Dark Claw turned back to Laura.
"Have no fear, my love, I will not force myself on you this night. You will invite me into your yielding body when you are truly mine." His words rang in her ears long after he had stalked away angrily.
Laura said a silent prayer of thanks that Dark Claw had arrogantly chosen to conquer her will, instead of her body.
Chapter Twenty-Two
The small charter jet circled above an area of dense, green foliage. Justin peered out the window at the little Mexican village below them. Barely visible through the jungle was the runway where they would land.
Their guide hadn't been wrong! Justin had little doubt of what the runway’s purpose was. At one time, the drug trafficking out of this area of Mexico had been incredible. He was thankful that these problems had been unable to reach his own people.
A few moments later the plane began its descent, hitting the coarse runway with a thud which nearly caused Kenny to lose his stomach. Laura’s friend still had the appearance of someone who was not sure if they were awake or dreaming.
Turning, Kenny spoke to their guide in fluent Spanish--this being the main reason Justin had brought him along. He would never have risked the other man’s life if it hadn't been absolutely necessary. Unfortunately, Justin didn't know a word of Spanish.
Justin had contemplated asking Kenny to stay with the plane while he made the trek into the jungle, but chances were the boy would not have listened.
It had already been arranged that a jeep would be waiting to take them to Coba’. Their guide had been completely bewildered by their urgent need to reach the Mayan ruins, but had shrugged it off when Justin handed over a handful of bills.
After they had settled in the jeep, Justin looked over at Kenny. "Has he said how long it will take to get to Coba’ from here?"
Kenny and the guide exchanged a few, seemingly unintelligible words before he answered Justin. "He predicts that it will take no more than an hour."
Swatting at the ever present insects, Justin reclined in his seat. His patience was already stretched to its limits, though he knew there was no other way to make it to the ruins any faster. He itched to be there already.
Justin was positive these Jaguars were the long ago exiles of Coyopa’, his relatives in a way. But even the wonder of this discovery could not douse his fears for Laura. They were convinced that Laura was to play a part in their prophecy and would stop at nothing to see it through. The Jaguars sorely underestimated the Sungmanitu and Justin.
His fury grew. If she had so much as a scratch on her, they would pay dearly!
It had probably been no longer than the estimated hour, but to Justin the trip had seemed to stretch to eternity. From where they stood an ancient temple was visible and beyond that a large structure which appeared to be some sort of palace. Most of the city’s structures looked as if they were in danger of being choked out by the jungle.
Justin stared at the ruins in dismay. This could not be Coba’!
"This can’t be the city I'm looking for," Justin growled.
Kenny conveyed his words to their guide.
"Si, Senor." The thin man pointed to the ruins. "Coba’!"
Justin was not exactly sure what he had expected to find here, but it wasn’t what he was looking upon at the moment. Maybe the Jaguars dwelled in some hidden village within the city, but there were no signs of life. The only living things they had come upon since leaving the village were jungle creatures.
Justin cautiously climbed the steps of the temple. The two men followed him as he made his way to the center of the ancient city and then finally to the palace. Walking through the crumbling halls of the huge structure, Justine sensed that it was not deserted after all.
True, it appeared that only the jungle creatures claimed this as home, but there was an underlying current that suggested not only the presence of the Baalam, but of Laura too.
Ducking through a half fallen doorway and into a large chamber, Justin felt her presence more strongly than ever. Now he knew--she was here, but at the same time--she was not. The city of Coyopa’ would appear to be an empty valley, unless one entered it through the springs. This must be the same. It made sense that these distant relations would hide their city in the same way.
There must be a gateway into the city! Justin reached up to feel for the crystal that hung from his neck. His father had given him the carved wolf image long before his conscious memory began. Without the crystal one could not enter the Kingdom of Light. Justin wondered if the same was true of Coba’?
Would his crystal take him into the city of the Baalam?
Kenny and the guide watched Justin curiously as they followed him through the ruins.
"Kenny, ask him if he knows where the temples are, and what is their significance?"
After a flurry of words with the guide, Kenny hurried to walk next to Justin. "He says the most important temple of Coba’ was the Temple of Prophecy."
Kenny pointed to a large temple north of the palace. It stood alone and had been all but swallowed up by the surrounding jungle. Justin’s eyes rested on the dark entrances of the temple.
"I’ll have to do this alone," he told Kenny.
Kenny shook his head. "She's as much a part of me as she is you." He glared at Justin.
"It’s too dangerous, and you will need one of these to get through." Justin lifted the crystal so that Kenny could see the wolf.
"It's not something that I have time to explain to you right now, just take the Mexican and look around the rest of the ruins." Justin started to walk toward the temple, but looked back at Kenny.
"I'm not even sure I'm right about this, but if I'm to be within a hundred miles of here could be very dangerous."
The dark temple smelled of mold. The years of rot crowded in on him as he pushed through the shadows. Justin cursed himself for not thinking of bringing a flashlight, but soon his wolf’s eyes would open ... cutting through the darkness.
Stone stairs led him into the bowels of the earth. He followed the tunnel until far off he could see glowing white light. Out of curiosity, Justin removed his crystal and placed it on a protruding stone in the wall. As he suspected, the light completely blinked out.
As soon as he picked up the crystal, the light began to glow bright once again. Justin continued on toward the light. It became so bright, as to be blinding.
Far off sounds began to drift within his hearing. Laughter and words spoke in an unfamiliar language. The blinding light faded, retreating behind him. Another stairway brought him to the upper level of the temple. Here the jungle no longer encroached upon the structure and sunlight streamed into arched windows.
Hugging the wall, Justin peered out of one of the windows onto the city of Coba’. In contrast to what he had just left, the city below was teeming with festive life.
The market in the city center was full of bartering patrons. Most of the people below resembled Mexicans, or maybe a shorter, stockier version of his own people. Justin was astonished by their numbers. For some reason he had been expecting only a handful of the Baalam.
Looking to the south, his eyes rested on the palace, but this time he looked upon it in the height of its grandeur. This is where he would find his precious tehila, but not now. He would have to wait for the cover of darkness--when the city was sleeping.
Wolf Dance Page 18