The trio came to a wide clearing where rock and stone outnumbered trees and the banks of the stream dropped into a steep decline, leading to a short ravine on either side.If the Tomb Raider video games mated with the Indiana Jones films and gave birth to a book, you would have The Treasure Huntress series. What had occurred at the stream’s elevation during that time, Simone could only guess. No rains had fallen that week, at least not to the base of the mountain where they had made their initial camp. She wished she knew if that was the true sound of the current, quick and daring, or if it was quickening, deepening. Ahead, Simone could make out the sound of moving water, shallow, lapping against rocks and roots. Their stubborn grunts and howls echoed-the only music of the jungle forest. The mules found ill footing on the uprooted legs of trees, the sloping floor, the large rocks scattered with no rhyme or rhythm, slick with wet moss. She decided it was best to just keep moving. She couldn’t tell if she was getting hotter or colder. Simone thought of unrolling the sleeves of her shirt but elected not to. The deeper they went, the more the temperature dropped, yet the humidity still hung in the air like a hot breath, ever-present. A canopy grew overhead, shutting out the sun’s blaze. The man had to be incapacitated and removed from the train. She didn’t like it, but it was either him or her, and her self-preservation instincts had made the decision for her. “I just want to make sure you didn’t get any second thoughts, after what you had to do on the train.” “I didn’t,” Simone said with finality.

That’s why I’m here.” Lincoln eased back in his chair. That’s why you want me here, right? I’m not going back without the Blade. April and I can’t do it alone.” “What makes you think you have to?” Simone asked.

“I trust that you understand how serious this is.” “I do-” “Because we can’t succeed if we’re not all on the same page.

“You don’t have to baby me, okay? I’m well aware.” “ Are you?” Simone considered the line of questioning. “It means there are factors at play that you aren’t accustomed to.” Simone sighed. I know this isn’t your typical treasure hunt.” “ What’s that supposed to mean?” Lincoln folded his arms on the table. “All three of us need to be focused and alert. We’ll need all of our energy going forward.” “ Don’t worry about that.” “ Don’t worry?” Lincoln said. “Maybe I just need to be outside,” Simone replied.

The Serpent's Fang by Ryan Mullaney