“That’s very honorable,” Cairo uttered.
“It’s just who I am,” he answered. She assessed Israel to see if he knew just how attractive that made him. But when she took in Israel’s profile and then looked into his eyes when he turned in her direction, Cairo didn’t see cockiness or a man tooting his own horn. What she saw was the face of a man with deep convictions that understood the plight of those less fortunate and wanted to do something about it. Cairo saw it in the set of Israel’s jaw, his brow slightly furrowed not with agitation but resolve, the thoughtful drawing in of his lips not meant to seduce. All of those things combined made Israel Ali even more alluring, which is not what Cairo needed but certainly recognized.
“So, tell me, Cairo, what drew you to archaeology?”
She adjusted herself on the log, and the beginnings of a smile pulled at her lips.
“I was that kid who liked to dig in the mud,” she admitted. “It used to drive my prissy mom nuts that I would come in from playing outside, filthy but excited because of something I discovered. I didn’t mind that it was isolative and that I didn’t need to have any company to engage in my favorite activity. I liked the idea of discovery. It’s also the reason I enjoyed spending hours upon hours in my room or the library pouring over books, especially ancient history.”
As she spoke, Cairo’s eyes were filled with wonder, her voice was animated, and the excitement she held for the science spilled effortlessly from her lips. Israel loved how alive she became. He was utterly captivated by her energy.
“I feel like, so much of a culture, a people, a history can be learned in what’s left behind. Answers to unanswered questions, facts that support hypothesis and speculation, roots that have been denied and overlooked that reveal the truth are important and equally fascinating. And to find the missing link that connects time and space and emotion? That’s the greatest feeling there is,” Cairo added.
Cairo and Israel talked long into the night. They talked about everything and nothing, and it was natural and unforced and enjoyable. After a while, they were the only two remaining by the fire that flickered lower but heated just the same.
“It’s getting late,” Israel mentioned.
“It is,” Cairo agreed, although neither one of them wanted the conversation to end. Being the gentleman that he was, Israel wanted to be mindful.
“May I walk you back to your tent?”
“You may,” Cairo smiled.
Israel lifted himself from the log and then reached down his hand to assist Cairo. She willingly placed her hand in his as she stood to her full height. Israel held onto her until she was safely over the log. Cairo felt his length strolling confidently beside her. That was a comforting feeling, like a shield of protection she didn’t know she appreciated. The walk back to her tent wasn’t far, but neither of them raced to get there. It was a slow stroll, elongating their time together. The same escalation Cairo felt in the beat of her heart, Israel also felt. It was uncanny for him, too. Israel wasn’t the love them and leave them type, yet he was protective with his heart, not getting attached too quickly and not allowing himself to feel too deeply. Cairo was immediately challenging that notion.
“So,” she sighed as they neared the entrance to her tent. It felt like a first date, that awkward moment standing at the front door, waiting to see if he would try something, like a kiss.
Israel wouldn’t do that, though, not this time, not the first time they were together on a personal level. He wouldn’t push himself too fast, nor her. There was still so much to learn, so much to know and decide.
“So, I’ll see you in the morning, Dr. Davis,” he crooned with a natural smile on his lips.
“Yes, in the morning,” Cairo smiled.
They stood together for a moment. Israel placed a gentle hand to her back, and as a flittering sigh passed through her lips, Cairo took the few steps and entered her tent.
They parted ways, temporarily with the knowledge that in a few short hours, they would see each other again.
Neither Cairo nor Israel slept well those few short hours.
Chapter Four
With the rise of the sun came the start of a brand-new day. The campsite did offer a few necessities – a makeshift showering area with water pumped from a few kilometers away. It was a far cry from the multi-jet showers Israel experienced at home or in the five-star hotels that were frequently a part of his traveling, but he didn’t mind. Israel had no problem roughing it. By the time he arrived on the actual dig site, several people were already working. So was Cairo. Israel casually strolled in her direction, appreciating her striking beauty as the morning sun kissed the melanin in her skin. Israel waited until Cairo was alone before sauntering up to her.
“Good morning,” Israel hummed as he stood slightly behind her.
Cairo smiled to herself as he spoke, the trill of his velvet-edged voiced titillating her ears.
“Good morning,” she iterated, feeling a familiar sensation from his closeness.
“What will you have me do today,” Israel asked, moving alongside her.
Cairo smiled and shook her head. “You are funny,” she guffawed.
Just then, Lachlan approached the duo.
“Greetings, Mates.”
“Greetings,” Israel replied.
“I was out trekking earlier today, and I came across something I think the both of you should see.”
Cairo’s eyes trailed from Lachlan to Israel.
“What is it,” Israel asked.
“Important,” Lachlan answered. He was hard to read. His affect was rather flat, and nothing seemed to excite him. But, for Lachlan to bring whatever this was to their collective attention, Israel knew it was significant.
“Dr. Davis?” Israel asked as he adjusted the pack he carried on his back.
“I want to see as well,” she agreed. Turning her attention to another individual standing close to the tent, Dr. Davis called them over.
“I will be off-site for a while. I need you to make sure everything here keeps running smoothly. I’ll be taking my walkie if you need me.”
The second in command was more than willing to do as Dr. Davis asked. Once that was handled, she turned her attention to Israel and Lachlan.
“I’m ready.”
“It is a bit of a trek, a few kilometers away, so,” Lachlan’s voice trailed off. “But, there is a stream nearby.” Although the sun was not at its highest, the temperature was already nearly ninety degrees. As the day progressed, it would only get hotter. Water either carried or available was essential.
“Then, if that’s the case, I think we’re ready,” Israel suggested.
“Absolutely,” Cairo agreed.
Lachlan nodded and started moving through the diggers towards what he found. The terrain was hilly. Although the jeep could handle it, the trek was easier to manage on foot. As Lachlan led, Cairo walked behind him with Israel at her six. It was his nature to protect, and he could do that best walking behind Cairo, where he could see any dangers or pitfalls on three sides. When they approached a particularly steep incline in the terrain, Israel was right there to assist if needed. He didn’t want to infringe on her desire to do things for herself. Yet, he was willing to offer a hand and steady her when necessary.
“Thanks,” Cairo smiled as he stepped in front of her and then turned around to offer a hand she could grab onto to conquer the final peak.
“Always,” Israel replied, making sure she was entirely on top of the hill before gently releasing her hand.
“It’s all downhill from here,” Lachlan advised, lifting his canteen, and taking a swig of water.
Israel and Cairo followed suit, taking a drink from their canteens before the group moved on.
“Watch your step,” Lachlan advised, pointing down to an area on the downward slope.
Cairo and Israel’s eyes trailed to where Lachlan’s finger was extended.
“Woodland blind snake,” Lachlan said, stepping widely around where t
he snake was burrowing.
“Ah,” Cairo marveled, “the Ramphotyphlops Proximus.”
Israel’s brow pitched as he heard Cairo’s response. She wasn’t in the least bit frightened by the snake and kept moving like it wasn’t even there, no side-step, no nothing. Israel nodded as he continued to follow behind. Cairo continued to surprise and impress him.
After a while, a long shadow covered the path they walked as the trio approached what looked like a cavern naturally shaped within the landscape. The trek became markedly cooler as they made their way toward the mouth of the cave.
“Flashlights?” Lachlan asked.
“Right here,” they both replied separately. Each took a moment to position their flashlights, where they were easily accessible and easy to operate. Once the group crossed the threshold into the actual cave, the temperature was significantly cooler, and within a few steps away from the entrance, they were cast into absolute darkness.
“How’d you find this place,” Cairo asked, directing her question to Lachlan.
“My nightly stroll,” Lachlan answered. He turned his light on and pointed it downward to show where they should walk. Cairo and Israel activated their lights and, for a few moments, assessed the area they stood in. The walls were the same burnt orange dirt that predominated the area. Yet, the dirt was fortified in some way to stand. And when they listened, they could hear trickling water. Israel lowered his light, trying to find the source of the sound. His light trailed to a thin line of water running near the furthest cavern wall.
“This way,” Lachlan advised. He turned his light on bright to illuminate the area in front of them. They walked a few hundred feet inside the expanse of the cave. It was larger than it looked from the outside. The path they took was not straightforward. There were curves and passageways that an inexperienced explorer would have easily missed. Lachlan took a turn, momentarily disappearing from view. Cairo lowered her light to focus on the illumination of his flashlight to know where to go. She felt a gentle yet firm hand to the center of her back as she turned to follow Lachlan’s guide. The space they were currently in was narrow with what felt like a low ceiling. Cairo found herself ducking, although she knew there was ample space above her head. She stayed in a semi-crouched position until the cavern opened up, and the walls and ceiling weren’t quite so close. Lachlan’s light hovered on the ground just up ahead. And then Cairo and Israel heard a sound they couldn’t immediately identify until it was closer and right on top of them.
“Ahhhh,” Cairo exclaimed, turning away from the flapping wings of the swarm of bats moving overhead. She turned right into Israel, dropped the flashlight, and threw her arms around his neck, ducking her head into the strength of his chest. The sound of hundreds of flapping wings was loud and echoed off the walls increasing the volume of their flight. The bats screeched as the area they inhabited had been invaded. Cairo held on tightly as Israel held her close, his thickly corded arms clamped around her waist.
“Oh my God, oh my God, oh my God,” she uttered against his chest as her body vibrated from fear.
“I’ve got you,” Israel reassured, lowering his head, and speaking against her ear.
Cairo stayed pressed tightly against his core until the overwhelming sound faded.
“I think they’re gone now,” Lachlan suggested.
Cairo didn’t immediately move; she couldn’t. There wasn’t much that she was afraid of, but this was one of them. Israel gently stroked her back, hoping it helped to reassure Cairo that she was okay. It did, and after a few moments, her breathing returned close to normal. Her heart was still beating faster than usual, but that was to be expected. Slowly, she lifted her head from Israel’s chest. She lifted her eyes to his. Even in virtual darkness, Cairo could feel the intensity of his gaze.
“Are you okay?”
He spoke only to her, his voice failing to carry past Cairo’s ears.
“I am now, I think,” she flushed from embarrassment. Slowly, Cairo released the hold she had on Israel’s neck but didn’t rush to step out of his embrace. She could still feel her belly churning. Cairo inhaled a deep breath and blew it out slowly through pursed lips.
“I’m ready now,” she offered.
Israel eased the hold he had on her waist but kept a steady hand near the center of her back as she bent down to pick up her flashlight.
“It’s right over here,” Lachlan offered as Cairo and Israel moved further into the open space.
Cairo felt a bit unsteady on her feet. Her nerves had been wracked so severely, but she pressed forward doing her best to stay focused on the reason they were there. Damn bats, she cursed internally as she followed Lachlan further into the cave. He lifted his flashlight, casting the expanse of the light against a wall. Israel and Cairo were immediately drawn to what Lachlan’s light highlighted.
“These look to be early Aboriginal markings,” Lachlan suggested as he slowly passed the light along the length of the wall.
Cairo was immediately intrigued by the variety of colors, figures, and what looked like early letters across nearly the full length of the wall. Tentatively, she stepped closer, lifting her light to examine the intricacies of the notations made on the wall.
“Wow,” she uttered, lifting a finger, and tracing the outline of what was scribed without physically touching it. “I’ve never seen anything like this before,” she mused. Cairo was no longer concerned with bats or being afraid. She was captivated by the primitive scribing that seemed to tell a story.
“Lachlan, are you familiar?” She asked without pulling her eyes away from the wall.
Israel was also intrigued by Lachlan’s discovery and was interested to hear what his guide had to say. As Lachlan spoke, Israel shone his light on another section of the wall that displayed even more notations.
“Some of it seems familiar,” Lachlan began as he zoomed the direction of his light path on a section that was slightly higher than their line of sight. “From similar notations, I’ve seen in the past that date back a few hundred years.”
“Wow,” was all Cairo could say, her senses absolutely flooded with curiosity and wonder. Somehow the people that made the markings were able to get an array of colors into their work, and many of the drawings were intricate in detail. She wondered how the colors were made, what tools they used, was there a way to time stamp the inscriptions, she also wondered who did they belong to and what the message, if anything was. So many questions flooded her thoughts, and her eyes moved from one area of the wall to another as Cairo tried to take it all in.
“This is remarkable,” Israel sighed, moving alongside Cairo.
“It is,” she agreed.
“There’s one more thing I think you should see,” Lachlan said.
Cairo and Israel were willing to see whatever Lachlan wanted to show them. If the next was as exciting as this one, they couldn’t wait to see what it was. They didn’t travel back the way they came. There was another passageway at the furthest point of this section of the cave. Israel could feel dampness in the air the further back they traveled. He also noticed that the sound of water was louder and more consistent the further they went. Up ahead, the area was lighter as the midday sun peeped through an opening in the enclosure. And then they saw the water, a sequestered pool not readily visible from outside the cave.
“Beautiful,” Cairo exhaled as her strides brought her next to Lachlan.
He nodded his head in agreement, bending down to scoop some of the fresh water into is hand. There was an edge that Cairo sat on, dipping her hand into the cool water, and then taking a sip. It was clean, clear, and refreshing.
“Lachlan, this is incredible,” she began. “Thanks so much for sharing this with me, with us.”
“I agree this is a remarkable find,” Israel added, “in its untouched state. I am curious, though, Lachlan. What do you want to happen next, if anything?”
Lachlan was quiet, cradling his chin in his hand as he considered the question. Both Cairo and Israel u
nderstood his silence. There had been far too many occasions when the work of the Aboriginals had been stolen and used for the financial gain of Whites depriving the original people of their rich and complex heritage. Neither would rush him, even if Lachlan didn’t respond in the immediate future. It was a difficult question to answer, and both Israel and Cairo wanted to be respectful of Lachlan’s process.
“I wanted you to know it was here,” Lachlan began, his voice low and contemplative. “I don’t want what has happened in the past to happen again, fair dinkum (honestly).”
Lachlan’s thick brow furrowed, creasing his sun-drenched olive skin. It was the first time Israel ever heard Lachlan’s calm tone elevate. It was understandable, though.
“Those mongrels treat us like nothing, and we’re rooted, tired of it. So, I don’t know, mate.”
“Until you do, I think we should keep this uncovering to ourselves,” Israel suggested.
“Cobber, I think it best,” Lachlan replied.
“I consider you a friend as well, and I intend to honor whatever your desire is,” Israel answered. “Dr. Davis, are you good with keeping this a secret?”
“I am,” she answered. The quiet commentary in Cairo’s head had to be silenced. This was an incredible discovery, and the explorer and archaeologist in her wanted the world to see how incredible the work of the Aboriginals was. Yet, as a woman of color, she understood Lachlan’s position all too well. She would silence her thoughts because it was important and respectful that she do so.
Chapter Five
The trek back to camp was quiet, with everyone considering what transpired and the awe-inspiring nature of Lachlan’s discovery. As they crested the last hill, the trio could see that the campfire was already burning bright against the backdrop of the setting sun. As they drew closer, the group noticed smoke rising higher than ordinary from the flames. And then, their noses were tickled with the wonderful smell of barbecue wafting into the air. The entire camp was out participating in a communal meal. Cairo placed a hand over her stomach, hearing it growl so loudly it was embarrassing. She rolled her eyes and giggled as a result. They hadn’t eaten all day except for a few pieces of quandong, a native fruit common in the outback.
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