Really good so far... keep going with it! :)

Posted by Goodsport from adsl-216-102-199-185.dsl.snfc21.pacbell.net on January 09, 2000 at 17:56:41:

In Reply to: Indiana Jones and the Death of the Gods- Chapters 1 & 2 posted by IndyAntilles on January 09, 2000 at 16:06:20:

: Okay, presenting Chapter One, revised, along with Chapter Two, of "Indiana Jones and the Death of the Gods". A couple minor changes to Chapter One:
: 1) I fixed (hopefully) all of the grammar and spelling errors (thanks to sharukin of the Star Wars Link Engine Forum for the help in finding them all);
: 2) In the one above, I mistakenly wrote the 1920's explorer's name as Marley, when it is actually Morley;
: 3) I changed the ending. Please tell me which one you like better
: As for Two, I think I might have spelled some of the names wrong. Please point this out to me if this is the case. Also, I feel like something is missing in Two. What do you think?
: Also, I found a website that talks about the acoustic proterties of Kukulkan. There's even a download to let you heard what the pyramid's "chirp" sounds like, in comparison to a real quetzal. If you would like to hear this neato phenomenon, point your browsers to:
: www.ocasa.org/MayanPyramid.htm

: Now, without further ado, we shall begin...

: ì...from where the jaguar lurks, and the eagle
: flies...
: ...and where the quetzal chirps upon the
: castle...
: ...a gift to Ah Xoc Kin, a gift from Chac
: Mool...
: ...by the mouth of the well of the Itza.î
:
: -Mayan Glyph, Tikal

: Chapter One

: Music to my Ears

: Chichen Itza, Mexico
: June 10, 1942

: The stark white stone of Castillo shone
: beautifully in the early morning sun. The pyramid
: itself stood alone on the grassy plain, though the
: ball game court could be seen in the distance,
: partially shrouded by the morning mists. A cluster
: of ancient trees stood parallel to the pyramid,
: reaching their highest bough towards the tip of
: Castillo. Glints of green and red flitted within the
: branches and cheerful chirps echoed across the
: ruins as a flock of quetzals played among the trees.
: Indiana Jones lifted his fedora slightly,
: wiping his forehead with his handkerchief. The
: jungle humidity made sweat pour from his brow
: and his shirt cling to his skin, making him
: uncomfortable. The lack of shade to shelter
: himself from the blazing rays of the sun made
: Jones even more irritable.
: Jones turned to his guide, Isidro, behind
: him.
: ìThat is the Kukulkan?î he asked,
: pointing to the pyramid.
: ìYes, senor,î Isidro replied, adjusting his
: hat to better shade his eyes from the sun. The two
: mayan natives stood, unmoving, next to him. One
: leaned on the five foot bow that he had carried
: with him. Both were decorated with various tribal
: tattoos.
: Jones nodded, readjusted the fedora, then
: resumed his walk. Though Jones walked loudly
: through the thick underbrush, he noticed that
: neither native had made a sound as they moved,
: their eyes darting across the grassland, searching
: for any signs of large predators.
: Jones had picked them up on Isidroís
: insistence, after they had left Valladolid two days
: ago. Isidro had ventured to Chichen Itza before
: with these two men, both from a Mayan tribe that
: lived not to far from Valladolid. Though not
: trusting of Jones, and reluctant to lead him to the
: sacred ìmouth by the wellî, from which their
: ancestors worshipped for centuries, Isidro was
: known well enough among the tribe to persuade
: the Mayans to accompany them-- though a large
: exchange of money was most likely also a factor.
: Isidro himself was a well-known and
: respected guide in the Yucatan-- or so he boasted.
: Jones could not find anyone within Valladolid to
: confirm this ìfactî. Nick suggested him, however,
: and his extensive background within the
: neighboring jungle made the large sum or money
: that he required a minimal drawback.
: The quetzals boisterous chirping quieted
: as the group approached Kukulkan. They soon
: silenced completely, the glints of green and red
: disappearing among the olive green of the leaves,
: and the trees grew still. Isidro placed a hand on
: Jonesís shoulder.
: ìTheyíre watching, Dr. Jones,î Isidro
: whispered, pointing to the trees.
: ìWhat?î Jones whispered back.
: ìThe quetzals. They are the eyes for the
: gods on earth.î
: Jones looked up momentarily at the tree,
: but the thick foliage and sheer height of the
: standing timber concealed the curious onlookers.
: A slight shuffle and rustle among the branches as
: a bird adjusted his footing was the only sign that
: betrayed the quetzalís position.
: Ignoring the bestial stares, Jones turned
: back to Kukulkan. The pyramid was not unlike
: those he had encountered at Tikal, nine stepped
: layers, draped in moss, stretching several hundred
: meters towards the heavens, the peak of the edifice
: nearly touching the sky. The direct light of the sun
: that lay on the horizon cut a zig-zagging shadow
: across the stairway of Kukulkan, giving the
: appearance of a snake slithering up-- or down--
: the steps. The architecture of the steps also held
: some other curious properties.
: Jones clapped his hands twice.
: Nearly simultaneously, Kukulkan echoed
: back with two chirps, sounding uncannily like
: those of the quetzals, carrying throughout the
: entire city.
: A clamorous disturbance began from the
: trees as the flock of quetzals took flight, chirping
: their replies to Kukulkan. The birds darted past
: the pyramid, their own calls being mimicked by
: the ancient stone. They continued their dance
: across the sky as they turned toward the sun,
: retreating from where Jones had begun, their calls
: hushed as they dove back into the canopy of the
: jungle.
: Isidro chuckled.
: ìYou like that, Dr. Jones? Come with
: me.î Isidro motioned for Jones to follow him.
: Isidro led him to an opposite corner of
: Kukulkan, pausing only at the large tree to break
: off two thick branches of a fallen limb. Just beyond
: the shady reflection of the tree, resting against the
: great pyramid, lay a small pile of rocks. Several
: were crumbling or cracked, but most of the cone
: shaped stones were intact.
: Isidro knelt beside them, turned towards
: Jones with a smile, then struck one of the stones. It
: let out high pitch note. He struck another, the
: stone producing a deeper sound. He then began to
: carry out a melody, not unlike those Jones had
: heard one the streets of Valladolid.
: ìCute,î Jones replied, kneeling down
: beside Isidro and taking a stone into his hands,
: ìthe stones Morley spoke of when he visited here
: in the 1920ís.î
: ìThe Mayans have a legend that these
: stones, along with Kukulkan, were gifts from the
: Mayans to the sun god, Ah Xoc Kin,î Isidro
: began. ìThey carved offerings to the sun god in
: order to keep the sun in the sky...î
: ì... much like they sacrificed tribesmen to
: sacred cenote for the rain god, in order to keep the
: soil moist, and the crops hardy,î Jones interrupted.
: ìSi, senor. Chac Mool was to take the
: offerings to Ah Xoc Kin, but before Mool made
: his annual trip to the heavens, the sky fell. For
: many minutes, the sun was gone from the heavens,
: and the stars died. This was seen as a sign to the
: Mayans that Ah Xoc Kin was dead.î
: ìA solar eclipse,î Jones replied. ìSeen as
: doom and gloom by most ancient peoples.î
: Isidro continued. ìThe Mayans built a
: tomb for Ah Xoc Kin, hidden within Chichen Itza.
: Chac Mool was to guard the tomb, and the
: offerings, but then the Mayan empire died. In their
: place stood the Toltecs, who took over Chichen
: Itza, reshaping it in their image. The tomb became
: a mere memory. Though the Spanish missionaries
: searched for it, as did your American friends, it
: was not found. All that was were these,î Isidro
: struck another of the stones.
: Jones was silent a moment, then turned,
: scanning the landscape, then up at the pyramid.
: He turned back to Isidro.
: ìWhere is Chac Mool?î
: Isidro stood. ì My friends shall show
: you.î
: The Mayans had been left standing at the
: foot of the staircase, as Isidro instructed. Isidro
: spoke quickly, in a tongue foreign to Jones. The
: first Mayan nodded, pointing up at Kukulkan.
: Isidro nodded, then turned to Jones.
: ìUp there, Dr. Jones, you will find Chac
: Mool.î
: Jones wiped more sweat from his brow.
: ìWell, I didnít bring anything to sacrifice; I hope
: heíll still see us.î Jones took a step.
: ìNot that way, Dr. Jones,î Isidro
: remarked. He began to walk up the pyramid
: divergent to the stairs. ìThis way. You must never
: turn your back to the gods.î
: Jones found the movement cumbersome
: and impractical, but had seen enough in his
: adventures to not question the ancient superstition.
: The Mayan guides moved swiftly and gracefully,
: moving again without a sound. Isidro turned back
: to Jones, chuckling.
: ìHurry, Dr. Jones. Chac Mool waits for
: no one.î
: The summit of the pyramid offered a
: spectacular view from all sides. From the west he
: could see the entire extent of the great ball game
: field, from the south the few standing smaller
: temples and palaces. Beyond the city there was a
: vast expanse of green, extending for what seemed
: like to the edge of the world. Jones was reminded
: of the vast cornfields of the Midwest.
: The summit itself held a small temple,
: accessible from only one side. Within the temple
: there was little: several reliefs of Mayan gods,
: including several of Quetzacoatl. Near the back of
: the room there was a small chair, which Isidro
: identified as the Throne of the Jaguars, where the
: high priest would sit during religious ceremonies.
: Nearer the entrance sat a curiously carved
: figurine, about two feet tall, shaped like a man
: lying on his back, head turned outward, a bowl in
: his lap. Jones knelt before it.
: ìChac Mool. Messenger to the gods. The
: sacrificial altar of the Mayans. The hearts of the
: sacrificed would rest here. A gift to the gods,î
: Jones indicated the bowl.
: The first Mayan spoke. Jones turned.
: ìWhat is he saying?î he asked Isidro.
: Isidro paused, listening. ìHe says that
: Chac Mool no longer accepts gifts to the gods. His
: tribe can no longer pray here.î He paused. ìHe
: says that other tribes cannot make offerings at
: Uxmal or Tikal, either. The tribesmen do not
: know what to do.î
: ìWhy? Why doesnít he accept offerings
: anymore?î Jones asked.
: Isidro relayed the question to the Mayan.
: ìChac Mool is a mortal. He has grown old, and is
: dying. He can no longer make the annual trip to
: the heavens. He must make the trip soon, as the
: gods grow weary. If he is not heard from, the gods
: will die, as well.î
: ìThe gods lives depend on a mortal?î
: Jones questioned, a hint of sarcasm in his tone.
: Isidro paused, listening to the Mayan
: tongue. ìThe gods live for the survival of the
: earth. If their link with the earth is severed, they
: have no reason for survival. They shall die. Then
: the sky shall grow dark. The earth shall turn
: barren. The rain will not fall, and the sea shall dry
: up. And as the sea and the earth dries up, man will
: wither, as well.î
: Jones stood and turned, facing Isidro.
: ìAnd so where is Chac Mool where he canít
: deliver his messages?î
: ìHe is, like I have said, guarding the
: Tomb of Ah Xoc Kin. But he has grown elderly,
: and can no longer find his way back to heaven.î
: Jones brushed past Isidro and the
: Mayans. ìYou say...î Jones paused, scanning the
: landscape of Chichen Itza, ìyou say the tomb is
: somewhere within the city?î
: Isidro paused a moment before
: answering. ìSi, senor. It is buried beneath one of
: the temples. Or so the legend says. But the legend
: is not exacting.î
: Jones sighed. He scanned the city again,
: then pulled out the rubbing of the Mayan glyph he
: made at Tikal, reading it again.
: ìFrom where the jaguar lurks, and where
: the eagle flies...î
: ìEspiritu verde!î the second Mayan
: blurted out, shaking his head. ìNo! No espiritu
: verde!î
: The first Mayan erupted in a similar
: chant. ìNo! No jaguar!î
: Jones turned at the sudden burst of
: protests. ìWhatís wrong?î
: ìThe jaguar, Dr. Jones. The espiritu
: verde. The spirit of the jaguar. He hunts the halls
: of the temple down there, by the game court.î
: ìThe temple?î
: ìThe Temple of the Jaguars.î
: From where the jaguar lurks...
: ...a gift to Ah Xoc Kin...
: Jones looked down defiantly at the
: temple.
: ìThatís it. Thatís where the tomb lies,î
: Jones remarked.
: ìThere?î Isidro laughed. ìYou do not go
: there, Dr. Jones. Only the foolish go there. And
: thatís where the foolish go to die.î
: ìIíve seen worse than jaguars, Isidro.î
: Jones began a slow ascent down the pyramid
: stairway, towards the temple.
: ìI will not go with you, Dr. Jones. You
: may wish to die, but I choose otherwise.î He
: paused, then added, ìmy payment, Dr. Jones.î
: Jones paused. He sighed, then turned
: slowly around. He tossed a small bag towards
: Isidro. It dropped to his feet, its contents jingling.
: Isidro quickly grabbed the bag, peering
: in. ìHey! Whereís the other half?!î
: ìYouíll get it after I get back. Wait here
: until then,î Jones replied bitterly.
: Isidro laughed. ìI shall be waiting a long
: time. You will not come back-- Indiana Jones.î
: Jones did look back as Isidro laughed. He
: paused only momentarily as a solemn cry cut
: through the laughter. A single voice, a low chirp,
: a mourning cry from a quetzal. It continued its
: solemn chirp as Jones descended into darkness, a
: man condemned by the city of Chichen Itza.

: Chapter Two

: Simply Business

:
: Valladolid, Mexico
: July 10, 1942

: The cantina was not unlike the others in
: Valladolid: dimly lit, hazy, filled with the soft
: voices of its patrons and the softer glow of their
: lighted cigars. The cantina was a personal favorite
: of Dr. Sanchez, no doubt due to the fact that his
: brother owned it, since the service and drinks were
: lousy; he didnít care much about the doctorís
: activities, as long as he got a cut of the profit as
: the ìliaisonî between the two parties.
: Sanchez turned and rotated the small
: stone figurine in his hands, running his thumb and
: index finger over it, into every groove in notch. He
: looked briefly up at the man sitting opposite to
: him through his wide-rimmed spectacles. The man
: anxiously shot a look back at him. Sanchez placed
: the figurine down slowly onto the table before
: him.
: Sanchez took a breath. ìAn interesting
: piece, Mr. Valdez. From the looks of it I can only
: assume it is Mayan in origin, though there is the
: outside chance of it being Toltec. It would seem to
: be a statue of Quetzacoatl, though the fact that it is
: represented as a human leads me to believe it
: could be a figurine of Ce Acatl Topilzin. I could
: not be sure without another scientific opinion. Itís
: in the Puuc style, placing it in the Recent Classical
: era of about 800 B.C. The stone it is carved from
: probably places the city of origin at Rio Bec. I
: have only seen this particular type of statuette once
: before,î Sanchez commented.
: Valdez nodded. ìYes, that is good. How
: much is it worth?î
: Sanchez chuckled. ìYes, of course.
: Excuse me for trying to enlighten you. I forget that
: your kind only speaks in monetary units,î he said
: sharply. He picked up the piece again. ìThe piece
: itself is in fair condition. On the secondary
: market: Several thousand. On my market:
: Significantly more.î
: Valdez smiled broadly. ìThat would do,
: Dr. Sanchez.î
: ìYes, I suppose that would do, for you.
: However, as I have said, I need another opinion. I
: wouldnít want to cheat you-- or, more importantly,
: cheat myself. You understand how it is?î
: ìYes. Of course. I can wait until
: tomorrow.î
: Sanchez smiled. ìOh, you wonít need to
: wait. I have an associate with me.î He motioned
: with his right hand to a man behind him.
: ìAlejhandro?î
: The man, until now shrouded in
: darkness, stepped forward. He was well built,
: muscular, and tall. Valdez was drawn to his face;
: dirty, brushed, with a scar across his left cheek; a
: recent addition, Valdez surmised. He met eyes
: with Valdez, and suddenly Valdez didnít feel
: comfortable anymore.
: Sanchez noticed the sudden change in the
: manís disposition. He glanced up at Alejhandro,
: handing the figurine to him. ìAlejhandro, Iíd like
: your opinion on this piece. What do you think?î
: Alejhandro took brief glances at the
: piece, maintaining eye contact with Valdez.
: Valdez began to sweat. Sanchez watched the
: subtle movements of Valdezís left arm as the
: silence between the party grew more intense.
: Sanchez glanced over at the bar.
: ìYep,î Alejhandro finally replied.
: ìYep-- what?î Sanchez asked, keeping
: his eyes on Valdez.
: ìThis is the piece that was stolen off the
: truck.î
: The silver steel of the pistol twinkled in
: the dim light as Valdez lifted his left arm and
: brought the gun to bear in one quick fluid motion
: on Alejhandro. Alejhandro began a dodge to the
: left, flinching as he heard the gun shot.
: Valdez shouted as the gun flew from his
: hand. He fell back into the booth, grasping his
: right hand. He glanced over at the bar, and saw
: the dark outline of the bartender, his revolver still
: keeping steady on Valdez.
: ìDespite what they say about this place, I
: think the service is excellent,î Sanchez
: commented coolly.
: Before Valdez could recover from his
: shock, Alejhandro leaped from the floor, clutching
: Valdez by the neck and lifting him from his chair.
: Valdez let out several soft gasps for breath, then
: several moans of fear as he saw the glint a metal
: as Alejhandro drew the switchblade.
: ìYou like this?î Alejhandro said sharply,
: running the blade lightly down the scar on his
: cheek. ìWhatís that saying from that Babylon
: ruler, boss?î Alejhandro asked Sanchez, ìan eye
: for and eye, a cheek for a cheek?î
: ìPut the man down, Alejhandro,î
: Sanchez replied. ìWeíll need him alive.î
: Alejhandro reluctantly dropped Valdez.
: Valdez rubbed his throat, gasping for air.
: ìNow Mr. Valdez, I wish to inform you
: that, normally, I would have cared less about what
: Alejhandro was about to do to you. But since this
: figurine is still in one piece, and you so graciously
: brought it back-- hopefully out of guilty
: conscience-- I will let you live.î Sanchez paused.
: ìFor now.î
: Valdez nodded nervously. ìThank you,
: Dr. Sanchez...î
: ìHowever... if I see you near me, or any
: of my caravans, ever again, I shall personally put
: you into... retirement,î Sanchez put additional
: expression into his last word.
: Valdez quickly rose to his feet. ìYes, of
: course, or course...î he made a final glance at
: Alejhandro, then made a hasty retreat to the exit,
: disappearing in the gray mist of the cantina.
: Sanchez picked up the figurine,
: examining it for a second time. He then handed it
: over to Alejhandro, who stood, waiting.
: ìHave this on the next shipment to
: Coleman. Apologize for the delay... and give him
: another ten percent off,î Sanchez added. ìI feel
: generous today.î
: Alejhandro quick took it. ìSure, boss. Iíve
: got my men waiting to ship tonight.î
: ìOh, Alejhandro,î Sanchez added as the
: man began to exit, ìthat ten percent loss comes out
: of your salary. Itís careless of you to let common
: thieves steal precious artifacts from me. Do not let
: it happen again.î
: ìOf course, boss,î Alejhandro replied,
: disappointedly with a slight touch of anger. He
: retreated that same way as he entered, back
: through the shadows at the rear of the bar.
: By this time Sanchezís brother, Xavier,
: had made it over to Sanchezís table. He holstered
: the revolver, sitting across from Sanchez.
: Checking the bullet in hole in the bar wall with his
: finger, Xavier spoke.
: ìWhy did you let that scum go?î
: ìWhy?î Sanchez downed the last bit of
: wine from his glass, placing it back on the table.
: ìHe was nothing but a hired hand. As the old
: saying goes, never kill the messenger. Donít you
: ever clean these tables?î he asked, wiping dirt
: from his finger.
: ìMost people who come in here donít
: have very high standards to begin with, brother--
: thatís why I stay in business,î Xavier shot
: Sanchez a grin. ìNow, what about a messenger?î
: ìKismet hired him. Obviously the piece
: holds some importance to him.î
: ìThen why did Valdez come here to pawn
: it off?î
: ìBecause Kismet got he wanted-- the
: genuine piece. The one Valdez brought back was a
: copy-- a very good copy, but a copy nonetheless.î
: ìAnd yet you still sell it?î
: ìColemanís a fool... he believes anything
: with a high price must be genuine. That figurine
: will be lost within the long rows of artifacts he
: already has lined up as trophies. Besides, I gave
: him a substantial discount.î He paused. ìItís just
: business. Kismet will get his, as well... but first I
: must finish with Dr. Jones.î
: ìDr. Sanchez!î a voice burst out from
: across the room. ìDr. Sanchez!î A small, thin
: man broke through the smokescreen, coughing.
: ìWhat is it?î
: ìIsidroís back, Dr. Sanchez. He brings
: word of Indiana Jones.î The man turned, pointing
: with his arm near the door. Isidro approached, his
: face and clothes worn and filthy.
: Sanchez checked his watch, squinting to
: read it in the cloudy light. ìYouíre late.î
: ìYes... Iím sorry, Dr. Sanchez,î Isidro
: said with a light chuckle, ìI camouflaged the jeep
: much better than I thought.î
: ìWhat of Jones?î
: ìJones? Heís probably dead by now.î
: ìYou left Jones by himself?î Sanchez
: asked, slightly alarmed.
: ìThe man is a fool! He dismissed my
: warnings about the temple...î
: ìWhat temple?î
: ìThe Temple of the Jaguars, senor.î
: ìThe Temple of the Jaguars?î Sanchez
: chuckled. ìThe espiritu verde, is that what you are
: afraid of?î
: Isidro nodded.
: ìThat is nothing but Mayan foolery.
: There are no such things as spirits, or ghosts, or
: curses... what was Jones after?î Sanchez asked,
: curiously.
: ìChac Mool, senor. He believes Ah Xoc
: Kinís tomb to lie below the temple.î
: ìYes, of course. Ah Xoc Kin was often
: portrayed with jaguar-like characteristics.î
: Sanchez paused. ìIsidro, go get the jeep,î he
: laughed, ìitís time to pay a visit to Dr. Jones.î
: Sanchez stood, placing his hat neatly on
: his balding head. He made a step, then paused,
: turning back towards his brother.
: ìOh, one last thing,î Sanchez said,
: coughing, ìcanít you do something about this
: smoke? How about a ëNo Smokingí sign,
: perhaps?î
: ìSorry, brother,î Xavier said with a
: smile, ìthe customers donít like it. Itís just
: business.î

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Comments:

: : Okay, presenting Chapter One, revised, along with Chapter Two, of "Indiana Jones and the Death of the Gods". A couple minor changes to Chapter One: 
: : 1) I fixed (hopefully) all of the grammar and spelling errors (thanks to sharukin of the Star Wars Link Engine Forum for the help in finding them all); 
: : 2) In the one above, I mistakenly wrote the 1920's explorer's name as Marley, when it is actually Morley; 
: : 3) I changed the ending. Please tell me which one you like better 
: : As for Two, I think I might have spelled some of the names wrong. Please point this out to me if this is the case. Also, I feel like something is missing in Two. What do you think? 
: : Also, I found a website that talks about the acoustic proterties of Kukulkan. There's even a download to let you heard what the pyramid's "chirp" sounds like, in comparison to a real quetzal. If you would like to hear this neato phenomenon, point your browsers to: 
: : www.ocasa.org/MayanPyramid.htm

: : Now, without further ado, we shall begin...

: 
: : ì...from where the jaguar lurks, and the eagle
: : flies...
: : 	...and where the quetzal chirps upon the
: : castle...
: : 	...a gift to Ah Xoc Kin, a gift from Chac
: : Mool...
: : 	...by the mouth of the well of the Itza.î
: : 				
: : 		-Mayan Glyph, Tikal

: 
: : Chapter One

: : Music to my Ears

: 
: : Chichen Itza, Mexico 
: : June 10, 1942

: : The stark white stone of Castillo shone 
: : beautifully in the early morning sun. The pyramid 
: : itself stood alone on the grassy plain, though the 
: : ball game court could be seen in the distance, 
: : partially shrouded by the morning mists. A cluster 
: : of ancient trees stood parallel to the pyramid, 
: : reaching their highest bough towards the tip of 
: : Castillo. Glints of green and red flitted within the 
: : branches and cheerful chirps echoed across the 
: : ruins as a flock of quetzals played among the trees. 
: : Indiana Jones lifted his fedora slightly, 
: : wiping his forehead with his handkerchief. The 
: : jungle humidity made sweat pour from his brow 
: : and his shirt cling to his skin, making him 
: : uncomfortable. The lack of shade to shelter 
: : himself from the blazing rays of the sun made 
: : Jones even more irritable. 
: : Jones turned to his guide, Isidro, behind 
: : him. 
: : ìThat is the Kukulkan?î he asked, 
: : pointing to the pyramid. 
: : ìYes, senor,î Isidro replied, adjusting his 
: : hat to better shade his eyes from the sun. The two 
: : mayan natives stood, unmoving, next to him. One 
: : leaned on the five foot bow that he had carried 
: : with him. Both were decorated with various tribal 
: : tattoos. 
: : Jones nodded, readjusted the fedora, then 
: : resumed his walk. Though Jones walked loudly 
: : through the thick underbrush, he noticed that 
: : neither native had made a sound as they moved, 
: : their eyes darting across the grassland, searching 
: : for any signs of large predators. 
: : Jones had picked them up on Isidroís 
: : insistence, after they had left Valladolid two days 
: : ago. Isidro had ventured to Chichen Itza before 
: : with these two men, both from a Mayan tribe that 
: : lived not to far from Valladolid. Though not 
: : trusting of Jones, and reluctant to lead him to the 
: : sacred ìmouth by the wellî, from which their 
: : ancestors worshipped for centuries, Isidro was 
: : known well enough among the tribe to persuade 
: : the Mayans to accompany them-- though a large 
: : exchange of money was most likely also a factor. 
: : Isidro himself was a well-known and 
: : respected guide in the Yucatan-- or so he boasted. 
: : Jones could not find anyone within Valladolid to 
: : confirm this ìfactî. Nick suggested him, however, 
: : and his extensive background within the 
: : neighboring jungle made the large sum or money 
: : that he required a minimal drawback. 
: : The quetzals boisterous chirping quieted 
: : as the group approached Kukulkan. They soon 
: : silenced completely, the glints of green and red 
: : disappearing among the olive green of the leaves, 
: : and the trees grew still. Isidro placed a hand on 
: : Jonesís shoulder. 
: : ìTheyíre watching, Dr. Jones,î Isidro 
: : whispered, pointing to the trees. 
: : ìWhat?î Jones whispered back. 
: : ìThe quetzals. They are the eyes for the 
: : gods on earth.î 
: : Jones looked up momentarily at the tree, 
: : but the thick foliage and sheer height of the 
: : standing timber concealed the curious onlookers. 
: : A slight shuffle and rustle among the branches as 
: : a bird adjusted his footing was the only sign that 
: : betrayed the quetzalís position. 
: : Ignoring the bestial stares, Jones turned 
: : back to Kukulkan. The pyramid was not unlike 
: : those he had encountered at Tikal, nine stepped 
: : layers, draped in moss, stretching several hundred 
: : meters towards the heavens, the peak of the edifice 
: : nearly touching the sky. The direct light of the sun 
: : that lay on the horizon cut a zig-zagging shadow 
: : across the stairway of Kukulkan, giving the 
: : appearance of a snake slithering up-- or down-- 
: : the steps. The architecture of the steps also held 
: : some other curious properties. 
: : Jones clapped his hands twice. 
: : Nearly simultaneously, Kukulkan echoed 
: : back with two chirps, sounding uncannily like 
: : those of the quetzals, carrying throughout the 
: : entire city. 
: : A clamorous disturbance began from the 
: : trees as the flock of quetzals took flight, chirping 
: : their replies to Kukulkan. The birds darted past 
: : the pyramid, their own calls being mimicked by 
: : the ancient stone. They continued their dance 
: : across the sky as they turned toward the sun, 
: : retreating from where Jones had begun, their calls 
: : hushed as they dove back into the canopy of the 
: : jungle. 
: : Isidro chuckled. 
: : ìYou like that, Dr. Jones? Come with 
: : me.î Isidro motioned for Jones to follow him. 
: : Isidro led him to an opposite corner of 
: : Kukulkan, pausing only at the large tree to break 
: : off two thick branches of a fallen limb. Just beyond 
: : the shady reflection of the tree, resting against the 
: : great pyramid, lay a small pile of rocks. Several 
: : were crumbling or cracked, but most of the cone 
: : shaped stones were intact. 
: : Isidro knelt beside them, turned towards 
: : Jones with a smile, then struck one of the stones. It 
: : let out high pitch note. He struck another, the 
: : stone producing a deeper sound. He then began to 
: : carry out a melody, not unlike those Jones had 
: : heard one the streets of Valladolid. 
: : ìCute,î Jones replied, kneeling down 
: : beside Isidro and taking a stone into his hands, 
: : ìthe stones Morley spoke of when he visited here 
: : in the 1920ís.î 
: : ìThe Mayans have a legend that these 
: : stones, along with Kukulkan, were gifts from the 
: : Mayans to the sun god, Ah Xoc Kin,î Isidro 
: : began. ìThey carved offerings to the sun god in 
: : order to keep the sun in the sky...î 
: : ì... much like they sacrificed tribesmen to 
: : sacred cenote for the rain god, in order to keep the 
: : soil moist, and the crops hardy,î Jones interrupted. 
: : ìSi, senor. Chac Mool was to take the 
: : offerings to Ah Xoc Kin, but before Mool made 
: : his annual trip to the heavens, the sky fell. For 
: : many minutes, the sun was gone from the heavens, 
: : and the stars died. This was seen as a sign to the 
: : Mayans that Ah Xoc Kin was dead.î 
: : ìA solar eclipse,î Jones replied. ìSeen as 
: : doom and gloom by most ancient peoples.î 
: : Isidro continued. ìThe Mayans built a 
: : tomb for Ah Xoc Kin, hidden within Chichen Itza. 
: : Chac Mool was to guard the tomb, and the 
: : offerings, but then the Mayan empire died. In their 
: : place stood the Toltecs, who took over Chichen 
: : Itza, reshaping it in their image. The tomb became 
: : a mere memory. Though the Spanish missionaries 
: : searched for it, as did your American friends, it 
: : was not found. All that was were these,î Isidro 
: : struck another of the stones. 
: : Jones was silent a moment, then turned, 
: : scanning the landscape, then up at the pyramid. 
: : He turned back to Isidro. 
: : ìWhere is Chac Mool?î 
: : Isidro stood. ì My friends shall show 
: : you.î 
: : The Mayans had been left standing at the 
: : foot of the staircase, as Isidro instructed. Isidro 
: : spoke quickly, in a tongue foreign to Jones. The 
: : first Mayan nodded, pointing up at Kukulkan. 
: : Isidro nodded, then turned to Jones. 
: : ìUp there, Dr. Jones, you will find Chac 
: : Mool.î 
: : Jones wiped more sweat from his brow. 
: : ìWell, I didnít bring anything to sacrifice; I hope 
: : heíll still see us.î Jones took a step. 
: : ìNot that way, Dr. Jones,î Isidro 
: : remarked. He began to walk up the pyramid 
: : divergent to the stairs. ìThis way. You must never 
: : turn your back to the gods.î 
: : Jones found the movement cumbersome 
: : and impractical, but had seen enough in his 
: : adventures to not question the ancient superstition. 
: : The Mayan guides moved swiftly and gracefully, 
: : moving again without a sound. Isidro turned back 
: : to Jones, chuckling. 
: : ìHurry, Dr. Jones. Chac Mool waits for 
: : no one.î 
: : The summit of the pyramid offered a 
: : spectacular view from all sides. From the west he 
: : could see the entire extent of the great ball game 
: : field, from the south the few standing smaller 
: : temples and palaces. Beyond the city there was a 
: : vast expanse of green, extending for what seemed 
: : like to the edge of the world. Jones was reminded 
: : of the vast cornfields of the Midwest. 
: : The summit itself held a small temple, 
: : accessible from only one side. Within the temple 
: : there was little: several reliefs of Mayan gods, 
: : including several of Quetzacoatl. Near the back of 
: : the room there was a small chair, which Isidro 
: : identified as the Throne of the Jaguars, where the 
: : high priest would sit during religious ceremonies. 
: : Nearer the entrance sat a curiously carved 
: : figurine, about two feet tall, shaped like a man 
: : lying on his back, head turned outward, a bowl in 
: : his lap. Jones knelt before it. 
: : ìChac Mool. Messenger to the gods. The 
: : sacrificial altar of the Mayans. The hearts of the 
: : sacrificed would rest here. A gift to the gods,î 
: : Jones indicated the bowl. 
: : The first Mayan spoke. Jones turned. 
: : ìWhat is he saying?î he asked Isidro. 
: : Isidro paused, listening. ìHe says that 
: : Chac Mool no longer accepts gifts to the gods. His 
: : tribe can no longer pray here.î He paused. ìHe 
: : says that other tribes cannot make offerings at 
: : Uxmal or Tikal, either. The tribesmen do not 
: : know what to do.î 
: : ìWhy? Why doesnít he accept offerings 
: : anymore?î Jones asked. 
: : Isidro relayed the question to the Mayan. 
: : ìChac Mool is a mortal. He has grown old, and is 
: : dying. He can no longer make the annual trip to 
: : the heavens. He must make the trip soon, as the 
: : gods grow weary. If he is not heard from, the gods 
: : will die, as well.î 
: : ìThe gods lives depend on a mortal?î 
: : Jones questioned, a hint of sarcasm in his tone. 
: : Isidro paused, listening to the Mayan 
: : tongue. ìThe gods live for the survival of the 
: : earth. If their link with the earth is severed, they 
: : have no reason for survival. They shall die. Then 
: : the sky shall grow dark. The earth shall turn 
: : barren. The rain will not fall, and the sea shall dry 
: : up. And as the sea and the earth dries up, man will 
: : wither, as well.î 
: : Jones stood and turned, facing Isidro. 
: : ìAnd so where is Chac Mool where he canít 
: : deliver his messages?î 
: : ìHe is, like I have said, guarding the 
: : Tomb of Ah Xoc Kin. But he has grown elderly, 
: : and can no longer find his way back to heaven.î 
: : Jones brushed past Isidro and the 
: : Mayans. ìYou say...î Jones paused, scanning the 
: : landscape of Chichen Itza, ìyou say the tomb is 
: : somewhere within the city?î 
: : Isidro paused a moment before 
: : answering. ìSi, senor. It is buried beneath one of 
: : the temples. Or so the legend says. But the legend 
: : is not exacting.î 
: : Jones sighed. He scanned the city again, 
: : then pulled out the rubbing of the Mayan glyph he 
: : made at Tikal, reading it again. 
: : ìFrom where the jaguar lurks, and where 
: : the eagle flies...î 
: : ìEspiritu verde!î the second Mayan 
: : blurted out, shaking his head. ìNo! No espiritu 
: : verde!î 
: : The first Mayan erupted in a similar 
: : chant. ìNo! No jaguar!î 
: : Jones turned at the sudden burst of 
: : protests. ìWhatís wrong?î 
: : ìThe jaguar, Dr. Jones. The espiritu 
: : verde. The spirit of the jaguar. He hunts the halls 
: : of the temple down there, by the game court.î 
: : ìThe temple?î 
: : ìThe Temple of the Jaguars.î 
: : From where the jaguar lurks... 
: : ...a gift to Ah Xoc Kin... 
: : Jones looked down defiantly at the 
: : temple. 
: : ìThatís it. Thatís where the tomb lies,î 
: : Jones remarked. 
: : ìThere?î Isidro laughed. ìYou do not go 
: : there, Dr. Jones. Only the foolish go there. And 
: : thatís where the foolish go to die.î 
: : ìIíve seen worse than jaguars, Isidro.î 
: : Jones began a slow ascent down the pyramid 
: : stairway, towards the temple. 
: : ìI will not go with you, Dr. Jones. You 
: : may wish to die, but I choose otherwise.î He 
: : paused, then added, ìmy payment, Dr. Jones.î 
: : Jones paused. He sighed, then turned 
: : slowly around. He tossed a small bag towards 
: : Isidro. It dropped to his feet, its contents jingling. 
: : Isidro quickly grabbed the bag, peering 
: : in. ìHey! Whereís the other half?!î 
: : ìYouíll get it after I get back. Wait here 
: : until then,î Jones replied bitterly. 
: : Isidro laughed. ìI shall be waiting a long 
: : time. You will not come back-- Indiana Jones.î 
: : Jones did look back as Isidro laughed. He 
: : paused only momentarily as a solemn cry cut 
: : through the laughter. A single voice, a low chirp, 
: : a mourning cry from a quetzal. It continued its 
: : solemn chirp as Jones descended into darkness, a 
: : man condemned by the city of Chichen Itza.

: 
: : Chapter Two

: : Simply Business

: : 
: : Valladolid, Mexico 
: : July 10, 1942

: : The cantina was not unlike the others in 
: : Valladolid: dimly lit, hazy, filled with the soft 
: : voices of its patrons and the softer glow of their 
: : lighted cigars. The cantina was a personal favorite 
: : of Dr. Sanchez, no doubt due to the fact that his 
: : brother owned it, since the service and drinks were 
: : lousy; he didnít care much about the doctorís 
: : activities, as long as he got a cut of the profit as 
: : the ìliaisonî between the two parties. 
: : Sanchez turned and rotated the small 
: : stone figurine in his hands, running his thumb and 
: : index finger over it, into every groove in notch. He 
: : looked briefly up at the man sitting opposite to 
: : him through his wide-rimmed spectacles. The man 
: : anxiously shot a look back at him. Sanchez placed 
: : the figurine down slowly onto the table before 
: : him. 
: : Sanchez took a breath. ìAn interesting 
: : piece, Mr. Valdez. From the looks of it I can only 
: : assume it is Mayan in origin, though there is the 
: : outside chance of it being Toltec. It would seem to 
: : be a statue of Quetzacoatl, though the fact that it is 
: : represented as a human leads me to believe it 
: : could be a figurine of Ce Acatl Topilzin. I could 
: : not be sure without another scientific opinion. Itís 
: : in the Puuc style, placing it in the Recent Classical 
: : era of about 800 B.C. The stone it is carved from 
: : probably places the city of origin at Rio Bec. I 
: : have only seen this particular type of statuette once 
: : before,î Sanchez commented. 
: : Valdez nodded. ìYes, that is good. How 
: : much is it worth?î 
: : Sanchez chuckled. ìYes, of course. 
: : Excuse me for trying to enlighten you. I forget that 
: : your kind only speaks in monetary units,î he said 
: : sharply. He picked up the piece again. ìThe piece 
: : itself is in fair condition. On the secondary 
: : market: Several thousand. On my market: 
: : Significantly more.î 
: : Valdez smiled broadly. ìThat would do, 
: : Dr. Sanchez.î 
: : ìYes, I suppose that would do, for you. 
: : However, as I have said, I need another opinion. I 
: : wouldnít want to cheat you-- or, more importantly, 
: : cheat myself. You understand how it is?î 
: : ìYes. Of course. I can wait until 
: : tomorrow.î 
: : Sanchez smiled. ìOh, you wonít need to 
: : wait. I have an associate with me.î He motioned 
: : with his right hand to a man behind him. 
: : ìAlejhandro?î 
: : The man, until now shrouded in 
: : darkness, stepped forward. He was well built, 
: : muscular, and tall. Valdez was drawn to his face; 
: : dirty, brushed, with a scar across his left cheek; a 
: : recent addition, Valdez surmised. He met eyes 
: : with Valdez, and suddenly Valdez didnít feel 
: : comfortable anymore. 
: : Sanchez noticed the sudden change in the 
: : manís disposition. He glanced up at Alejhandro, 
: : handing the figurine to him. ìAlejhandro, Iíd like 
: : your opinion on this piece. What do you think?î 
: : Alejhandro took brief glances at the 
: : piece, maintaining eye contact with Valdez. 
: : Valdez began to sweat. Sanchez watched the 
: : subtle movements of Valdezís left arm as the 
: : silence between the party grew more intense. 
: : Sanchez glanced over at the bar. 
: : ìYep,î Alejhandro finally replied. 
: : ìYep-- what?î Sanchez asked, keeping 
: : his eyes on Valdez. 
: : ìThis is the piece that was stolen off the 
: : truck.î 
: : The silver steel of the pistol twinkled in 
: : the dim light as Valdez lifted his left arm and 
: : brought the gun to bear in one quick fluid motion 
: : on Alejhandro. Alejhandro began a dodge to the 
: : left, flinching as he heard the gun shot. 
: : Valdez shouted as the gun flew from his 
: : hand. He fell back into the booth, grasping his 
: : right hand. He glanced over at the bar, and saw 
: : the dark outline of the bartender, his revolver still 
: : keeping steady on Valdez. 
: : ìDespite what they say about this place, I 
: : think the service is excellent,î Sanchez 
: : commented coolly. 
: : Before Valdez could recover from his 
: : shock, Alejhandro leaped from the floor, clutching 
: : Valdez by the neck and lifting him from his chair. 
: : Valdez let out several soft gasps for breath, then 
: : several moans of fear as he saw the glint a metal 
: : as Alejhandro drew the switchblade. 
: : ìYou like this?î Alejhandro said sharply, 
: : running the blade lightly down the scar on his 
: : cheek. ìWhatís that saying from that Babylon 
: : ruler, boss?î Alejhandro asked Sanchez, ìan eye 
: : for and eye, a cheek for a cheek?î 
: : ìPut the man down, Alejhandro,î 
: : Sanchez replied. ìWeíll need him alive.î 
: : Alejhandro reluctantly dropped Valdez. 
: : Valdez rubbed his throat, gasping for air. 
: : ìNow Mr. Valdez, I wish to inform you 
: : that, normally, I would have cared less about what 
: : Alejhandro was about to do to you. But since this 
: : figurine is still in one piece, and you so graciously 
: : brought it back-- hopefully out of guilty 
: : conscience-- I will let you live.î Sanchez paused. 
: : ìFor now.î 
: : Valdez nodded nervously. ìThank you, 
: : Dr. Sanchez...î 
: : ìHowever... if I see you near me, or any 
: : of my caravans, ever again, I shall personally put 
: : you into... retirement,î Sanchez put additional 
: : expression into his last word. 
: : Valdez quickly rose to his feet. ìYes, of 
: : course, or course...î he made a final glance at 
: : Alejhandro, then made a hasty retreat to the exit, 
: : disappearing in the gray mist of the cantina. 
: : Sanchez picked up the figurine, 
: : examining it for a second time. He then handed it 
: : over to Alejhandro, who stood, waiting. 
: : ìHave this on the next shipment to 
: : Coleman. Apologize for the delay... and give him 
: : another ten percent off,î Sanchez added. ìI feel 
: : generous today.î 
: : Alejhandro quick took it. ìSure, boss. Iíve 
: : got my men waiting to ship tonight.î 
: : ìOh, Alejhandro,î Sanchez added as the 
: : man began to exit, ìthat ten percent loss comes out 
: : of your salary. Itís careless of you to let common 
: : thieves steal precious artifacts from me. Do not let 
: : it happen again.î 
: : ìOf course, boss,î Alejhandro replied, 
: : disappointedly with a slight touch of anger. He 
: : retreated that same way as he entered, back 
: : through the shadows at the rear of the bar. 
: : By this time Sanchezís brother, Xavier, 
: : had made it over to Sanchezís table. He holstered 
: : the revolver, sitting across from Sanchez. 
: : Checking the bullet in hole in the bar wall with his 
: : finger, Xavier spoke. 
: : ìWhy did you let that scum go?î 
: : ìWhy?î Sanchez downed the last bit of 
: : wine from his glass, placing it back on the table. 
: : ìHe was nothing but a hired hand. As the old 
: : saying goes, never kill the messenger. Donít you 
: : ever clean these tables?î he asked, wiping dirt 
: : from his finger. 
: : ìMost people who come in here donít 
: : have very high standards to begin with, brother-- 
: : thatís why I stay in business,î Xavier shot 
: : Sanchez a grin. ìNow, what about a messenger?î 
: : ìKismet hired him. Obviously the piece 
: : holds some importance to him.î 
: : ìThen why did Valdez come here to pawn 
: : it off?î 
: : ìBecause Kismet got he wanted-- the 
: : genuine piece. The one Valdez brought back was a 
: : copy-- a very good copy, but a copy nonetheless.î 
: : ìAnd yet you still sell it?î 
: : ìColemanís a fool... he believes anything 
: : with a high price must be genuine. That figurine 
: : will be lost within the long rows of artifacts he 
: : already has lined up as trophies. Besides, I gave 
: : him a substantial discount.î He paused. ìItís just 
: : business. Kismet will get his, as well... but first I 
: : must finish with Dr. Jones.î 
: : ìDr. Sanchez!î a voice burst out from 
: : across the room. ìDr. Sanchez!î A small, thin 
: : man broke through the smokescreen, coughing. 
: : ìWhat is it?î 
: : ìIsidroís back, Dr. Sanchez. He brings 
: : word of Indiana Jones.î The man turned, pointing 
: : with his arm near the door. Isidro approached, his 
: : face and clothes worn and filthy. 
: : Sanchez checked his watch, squinting to 
: : read it in the cloudy light. ìYouíre late.î 
: : ìYes... Iím sorry, Dr. Sanchez,î Isidro 
: : said with a light chuckle, ìI camouflaged the jeep 
: : much better than I thought.î 
: : ìWhat of Jones?î 
: : ìJones? Heís probably dead by now.î 
: : ìYou left Jones by himself?î Sanchez 
: : asked, slightly alarmed. 
: : ìThe man is a fool! He dismissed my 
: : warnings about the temple...î 
: : ìWhat temple?î 
: : ìThe Temple of the Jaguars, senor.î 
: : ìThe Temple of the Jaguars?î Sanchez 
: : chuckled. ìThe espiritu verde, is that what you are 
: : afraid of?î 
: : Isidro nodded. 
: : ìThat is nothing but Mayan foolery. 
: : There are no such things as spirits, or ghosts, or 
: : curses... what was Jones after?î Sanchez asked, 
: : curiously. 
: : ìChac Mool, senor. He believes Ah Xoc 
: : Kinís tomb to lie below the temple.î 
: : ìYes, of course. Ah Xoc Kin was often 
: : portrayed with jaguar-like characteristics.î 
: : Sanchez paused. ìIsidro, go get the jeep,î he 
: : laughed, ìitís time to pay a visit to Dr. Jones.î 
: : Sanchez stood, placing his hat neatly on 
: : his balding head. He made a step, then paused, 
: : turning back towards his brother. 
: : ìOh, one last thing,î Sanchez said, 
: : coughing, ìcanít you do something about this 
: : smoke? How about a ëNo Smokingí sign, 
: : perhaps?î 
: : ìSorry, brother,î Xavier said with a 
: : smile, ìthe customers donít like it. Itís just 
: : business.î

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