Quest For The Ultimate Artifact

in's

was thick with the scent of damp earth and ripe fruit. Children darted around, their laughter carrying through the warm breeze, while wome

hing over a pair of men seated in the shade, talking in low

said smoothly. "We'r

ace, looked up. His sharp eyes swept ove

essa replied, her voice calm but firm.

em. The two men exchanged glanc

rs," the older man said flat

ce and its dangers," Vanessa counte

but didn't imm

ger," she added, h

esit

ctance, Vanessa

he said. "But we're not unprepa

a smile despite the unease gn

nce, the men exchanged a

was s

The engine roared to life, and we began our journey into the heart of the rain

felt alive. The trees above us stretched

g echoed from t

t Something or s

ip on the wheel.

right way?" I asked, tryin

art of the forest does not welcome anyone. They say the guardi

s?" Vanes

ut not like us. They do not live in your wo

mach t

you leading us

ne in the rearview mirr

well. But money won't

s were a

e to tu

s already

wu

. I slammed the brakes, h

g?" Vanessa

and felt my

an-tipped was buried d

r guide muttered, d

arrows hissed through the air, embeddin

the younger

the jeep. I drew my pist

he younger man warne

e held it

e shadow

. Their bare chests were painted in intricate pattern

wn tight, arrows ai

der stepp

bols I couldn't understand, his skin painted with streaks of black a

hands slowly, his machete

nt, I thought he

ck, desperate-Portuguese, maybe.

a sharp command, and two warriors steppe

?" I whispered to

" he replied grimly. "And tr

oat ti

ard Vanessa and me, then mot

sita

u sure about thi

he stepped forward, hands rai

the

he one with

steady. "We're only passing through. We

s gaze lock

n the spea

sharp

rward, their spears poi

er. I moved befo

stepped between he

ide with panic. "Put the gun do

ut reluctantl

speaking in hurried tones. He gestured to V

he leader

s without offering something i

ffering?" Vanes

uable. A gestu

xpensive watch, holding it out. "

he watch, presen

examined

on, he tossed it aside

h," the guide m

e to protect what's sacred, just as you are. Let us

der stu

his expression shi

between them. Then, fin

owered their w

breath. "They'll let

flood

n he he

ut

?" Vaness

locals go any fur

"What about

the guide said. "You'