The explorers all gathered for dinner that night. Everyone was excited about Christmas and were talking about their preparations.
�Malone, Challenger, and I will go cut down a tree tomorrow,� Roxton said.
�Good,� said Veronica. �We have all the decorations all ready.�
�Yes and don�t forget to get some greenery too,� Marguerite added. �I want to add some to my decorations.�
�So Finn,� Challenger began, �how are you coming along on your Christmas gifts? Has everyone made a wish?�
�Yeah everyone but one person,� Finn said. �But I expect to hear from that person by tomorrow.�
�Good,� Challenger said. �I wish you luck, but remember don�t be too disappointed if you can�t succeed.�
�Don�t worry Challenger,� Finn said. �I plan on succeeding.�
�Well dinner was excellent, but I must get back to my experiments,� Challenger said while rising from his chair. �I�ll be in my lab if anyone needs me.�
�And I think I�ll work on my journal,� said Malone while also leaving the table.
�Hey Vee,� Finn said, �how about another drawing lesson?�
�Sure Finn,� Veronica said. �It�s Marguerite�s and Roxton�s turn to do the dishes anyway.�
Veronica smirked at the heiress as she left the table.
�Why is it always my turn to do the dishes?� Marguerite complained to Roxton.
�Don�t worry Marguerite,� Roxton said. �I�ll help you. Just think we can spend some time alone together.�
Marguerite smiled at the hunter. She took his hand and rose from her chair. Together the two began clearing the table.
�John have you made a wish yet?� Marguerite asked while handing a clean dish to Roxton to dry.
�No Marguerite,� Roxton said with a smile. �I have everything I could possibly want right here.� He looked deeply into the brunette�s eyes.
Marguerite blushed and looked away. She loved this man so much and wanted only his happiness. I guess that what happens when you�re in love, she thought. The other person becomes more important than you.
Roxton watched Marguerite as she washed the dishes. She pretended to concentrate on what she was doing but he wasn�t fooled. He knew she was thinking of him. It�s funny how well you get to know someone. It�s almost as if you can read their thoughts.
Roxton thought about how he�d love to pull her into his arms and pull the clip from her hair and feel it cascade around his arms. He�d love to feel the softness of her lips beneath his, taste the sweetness of her mouth, and feel her beautiful body pressed close to his. But he also knew that one of the others could come in at anytime. The truth was he just wanted to spend time alone with her. She would never talk openly with him if there was a chance of anyone overhearing.
Damn how he wished they had some privacy. The only way they could, would be to leave the tree house. Then they would have to worry about the dangers of the plateau. They couldn�t let their guard down. That would not be very romantic.
�You know I think this wish business is good for Finn,� Marguerite said. �I don�t remember ever seeing her this excited before.�
Finn! That was it, thought Roxton. Who knows maybe she can find a way for me and Marguerite to be alone.
Marguerite was just washing off the table when Finn came running in with a piece of paper.
�Look what I drew,� Finn said, showing the drawing to Marguerite and Roxton.
�It�s very nice,� Roxton said, looking at the primitive sketch of a flower.
�A rose,� Marguerite said. �Very nicely done, Finn.�
�Well I�m finished,� Marguerite announced. �I think I�ll turn in early and go read some.�
�Goodnight Finn, goodnight John,� Marguerite said with a special smile for the hunter.
�Nite Marguerite,� Finn said, still beaming from the older woman�s compliment of her drawing.
�Good night, Marguerite,� Roxton said. �I hope you have sweet dreams.�
After Marguerite left the room, Roxton turned to Finn.
�I finally thought of a wish,� the hunter said.
�Good.� said Finn. �So what is it?�
�I want some time alone with Marguerite,� Roxton said.
�Well that won�t be a problem,� Finn replied.
�Oh but it might be,� Roxton stated. �You see I want to spend that time alone with Marguerite here in the tree house; with no interruptions, no one else around.�
�Hmmmmm,� said Finn. �Let me think about it tonight. I still think it�s doable.�
The hunter smiled at the young blonde. �Thanks Finn,� Roxton said. �Goodnight.�
�Goodnight Big Guy,� Finn replied with a grin.
The next morning everyone was up early, everyone but Marguerite. The others were just finishing their breakfast when the heiress came strolling in.
�Well it�s about time,� Veronica said. �I thought you might have decided to stay in bed today.�
�It�s not even 7 o�clock yet,� Marguerite replied.
�Ah but a few minutes later and you would have missed seeing us off,� Roxton said.
�Well I�m glad I didn�t miss that,� Marguerite replied sarcastically.
�I hope you have plenty to do today to keep you out of mischief while I�m away,� Roxton said with a smirk on his face.
�Don�t worry,� Veronica said with a grin. �We have plenty of things to do today, including some serious cleaning.�
Marguerite rolled her eyes and Roxton laughed.
The men finished eating and then gathered their packs and headed to the elevator. Roxton walked up behind the heiress as she sat eating her breakfast.
�Will you miss me while I�m gone?� he whispered into her ear.
�Always, Lord Roxton,� she whispered. Then she turned and gave him a smile that literally took his breath away.
Roxton smiled back at the dark haired beauty and then turned and joined his friends who waited patiently in the elevator.
It was about mid morning. Finn and Veronica were sitting at the table trading stories. Marguerite sat alone in a chair reading. She always felt left out when those two were around. She knew they didn�t do it intentionally. It was probably a hold over from her childhood. Marguerite had often felt left out as a child.
�Veronica are you up there?� a voice called out from below.
�That�s Assai!� Veronica said, jumping up from her chair and walking out on the balcony.
�Assai!� Veronica called. �Come on up and join us.�
�I�ll be right up,� Assai said.
The elevator stopped and Assai walked out carrying a basket in her arms. She laid it down on the floor and hugged Veronica and then Finn. She then turned towards the dark haired woman, who had remained sitting.
�Good morning Marguerite,� Assai said. �You look well.�
�Thank you Assai,� Marguerite replied, �so do you.�
�I�m so glad you�re here Assai,� said. Veronica �Is that what I think it is?�
�Yes,� Assai replied. �It�s that time of the year again.�
�But I thought you could only be an Adora once,� Veronica said, with a worried look on her face.
�You are correct,� Assai replied.
�Time of year for what?� ask Finn.
�The Feast of Azua,� Veronica said.
�Yes.� said Assai. �And this year you have been chosen to pick the Adora.�
�Well that is a big honor,� Veronica said, with a smile.
�So what the big deal about this Feast of the Azua,� asked Finn, �and who is Adora?�
�Azua is our god of war,� Assai replied. �Every year at this time we have a big celebration, including a feast. It begins at the Temple of Azua. The mask is placed there and remains doing the three day celebration.�
�Sounds like a big party,� said Finn �But I still don�t understand who this Adora is.�
Assai look puzzled. Veronica patted her friend�s hand and turned to Finn.
�The Adora is the person chosen to place the mask in the temple,� Veronica said. �The Zanga can�t touch it until after the ceremony. An outsider is always chosen. This is their way of showing Azua that they are friends with their neighbors. He in turn, blesses them with another year of peace. If the ceremony or ritual is violated in some way, the Zanga will be punished with war.�
�Do you really believe that Veronica?� Marguerite asked incredulously.
�It doesn�t matter,� Veronica replied haughtily. �The Zanga do. That�s what matters. It�s important to them, so it�s important to me. I take it very seriously�.
�Hey is that the mask in the basket?� Finn asked. �Can we take a look at it?�
�Yes you may look at it,� Assai said. �But you may not touch it. Only the Adora can touch it.�
Assai went over and picked up the basket. She laid it on the table and opened it so the others could see it. Finn peered into the basket anxious to get a look at this mask.
�Hey Marguerite,� Finn called, �get a look at this.�
�What�s so special about a mask?� asked Marguerite, as she walked over to the table to have a look. When she looked into the basket she could not believe her eyes. It was a beautifully painted mask using bright and bold colors. It was decorated with rubies, emeralds, and diamonds. Marguerite reached into the basket.
�No!� yelled Veronica and Assai. Veronica pulled Marguerite away from the basket, none too gently.
�Hey you don�t have to be so rough,� Marguerite said crossly. �I wasn�t going to hurt it. I just wanted to get a closer look at it.�
�You mean a closer look at the jewels, don�t you?� Veronica asked sarcastically. �You were probably trying to figure out how you could steal them.�
Marguerite turned away and headed towards her bedroom. Veronica watched her go, wondering if once again she had misjudged the heiress. She turned towards Finn. The younger woman was looking at her and shaking her head.
�No wonder Marguerite thinks you don�t trust her,� Finn said softly. �What else could she think when you keep saying things like that. If only there was some way you could make it up to her.� Finn looked pointedly at the basket and then back at Veronica.
Veronica looked at the basket and then towards Marguerite�s room. Hmmmm she thought. This could work I would finally be able to show Marguerite I trusted her. Of course Roxton would probably kill me but he�s not here.
Veronica turned and headed to Marguerite�s room. When she got there she paused for a minute at the door, took a deep breath and then knocked.
�What do you want?� Marguerite called out.
�Can I come in a minute Marguerite?� Veronica asked.
�If you feel you must,� Marguerite said.
Veronica walked into Marguerite�s room. The dark haired woman was busy tidying her room, trying to look busy.
�Marguerite I want to apologize for that nasty comment I made,� Veronica said. �It was completely uncalled for.�
�Yes it was,� Marguerite said, turning to face the blonde. �I know I haven�t always been trustworthy in the past, but I�ve really been trying.�
�I know you have,� Veronica said. �I want to prove I trust you. I choose you to be the Adora.�
�What?� asked Marguerite. �I�m not even sure I want to do it.�
�Well once you have been chosen, it is considered an insult to the Zanga to refuse,� Veronica said.
�It figures,� Marguerite said. �Veronica was this your idea or Finn�s?�
�Mine,� said Veronica with a smile. �But I admit that Finn did point me in the right direction.�
�Look Marguerite,� Veronica said. �I can�t think of anyone I would trust more. And to the Zanga it�s the greatest honor. They even give you gifts when you get to the temple.�
�Gifts?� Marguerite asked with a smile. �Well maybe this day won�t be a total waste.�
�Come on then,� Veronica said. �It�s time to get started.�
Marguerite and Veronica walked into the main living area. Finn and Assai were waiting there.
�I have chosen Marguerite to be the Adora,� Veronica said
Assai seemed surprised, but smiled . �So be it.�
Veronica turned to Finn who smiled her approval.
�Christmas wishes can come true Vee,� Finn whispered.
�So what do I do now?� Marguerite asked.
�We go down below,� Assai began. �I will carry the basket until we get on the ground. Then I will hand it to you. The others and I will set out for the temple. You will stand there with the basket. You cannot move from that spot for ten of your minutes. Then you will set off on the trail that we have laid for you. You cannot vary from the trail. When you arrive at the temple, the ceremony will begin.�
�This is very important,� Assai continued. �If you run into trouble, fire your weapon and we will come. You cannot return to the treehouse. You must arrive at the temple with the mask intact.�
�What happens if I lose the mask or it becomes damaged?� Marguerite asked Assai.
�You will have angered the god Azua,� Assai said, �The Zanga will wage war on your friends. This war will continue until all of them are dead.�
�I understand,� Marguerite said. �Azua takes no prisoners.�
Marguerite turned to Veronica. �Don�t worry Veronica. I won�t let you down.�
�I know you won�t,� Veronica said, hugging her friend.
Assai picked up the basket and the four of them entered the elevator and headed down.
The Zanga warriors gathered around Assai.
Marguerite listened as the native woman spoke in her language, naming Marguerite as the Adora and asking the gods to bless her on her journey.
Assai then turned and passed the basket to Marguerite. Marguerite stumbled at first and then got her balance.
The Zanga began their journey to the temple. Marguerite watched until they were out of sight. She then began to lower the basket to the ground.
�No Marguerite!� Veronica cried out. �You can�t put it down once it�s handed to you until you reach the temple and you are told to do so.�
�You�re joking, I hope,� Marguerite said. �This thing is heavy. I�m supposed to trudge through the jungle lugging this heavy thing?�
�Sorry Marguerite,� Veronica said sympathetically, �but that�s part of the ritual. It tests your stamina and your faith.�
Marguerite rolled her eyes. Great another test, she thought. Will I have to spend the rest of my life proving myself?
�Just how far is this temple?� Marguerite asked, already dreading the answer.
�Uh, about two miles,� said Veronica tentatively.
�Two miles!� exclaimed Marguerite. �With this heavy thing it might as well be twenty.�
�Yeah Marguerite, but if anyone can do it, it�s you,� Finn said. �You�re used to making sacrifices for others.�
�Well that is true,� Marguerite said turning away and looking out into the jungle.
Finn looked at Veronica, smiled and winked. The jungle girl smiled back.
�Okay Marguerite it�s time for you to start out,� Veronica said. �Remember pay attention to the signs that the Zanga will leave and do not stray from their path.�
�I know, do not vary from the path,� Marguerite said sarcastically. �I think I�ve heard that before.�
The fiery brunette started off on her journey. Veronica and Finn stood and watched her until she was out of sight. Veronica started to follow behind, when Finn grabbed her arm and stopped her.
�Where you going Veronica?� Finn asked.
�I thought I would just follow her part of the way to make sure she didn�t run into any trouble,� Veronica said.
�You really don�t trust her. Do you?� Finn asked.
�It�s not that,� Veronica said. �She�s just not used to being in the jungle alone. Roxton will kill me when he finds out about this.�
�Well hopefully Marguerite will be back before he is,� Finn said. �If not we�ll have to keep him busy. Maybe we can send him on an errand. But to be honest, Veronica I don�t think that�s what is really worrying you,� Finn said. �I think you�re afraid Marguerite will screw this up somehow.�
�Well you know Marguerite,� Veronica said. �Trouble seems to follow her wherever she goes.�
�Or maybe it�s the fact she faces trouble and doesn�t run away or let someone else handle it,� Finn said. �Her way of handling trouble isn�t the way you would handle it, or Roxton or even me. That makes it easer to criticize and question her motives, when in reality she is dealing with a bad problem the only way she knows how. Marguerite�s best weapon isn�t her pistol, but her brain. She can think on her feet faster than anyone I�ve ever seen.�
�Yes but sometimes her thinking on her feet has gotten us in pretty deep,� Veronica said.
�But even then did she or did she not help to save lives?� Finn asked. �You may not have approved of her motives or even liked what she did, but if it worked what difference does it make?�
�If you follow her,� Finn began, �even if she doesn�t see you, it will be the same as saying, I don�t trust you. Now was that the Christmas wish you wanted?�
�Okay you�re right,� Veronica said resignedly. �It�s just hard to let go of the doubts and suspicions. Come on let�s go back up and start house cleaning. I want everything ready by the time the guys get home.�
Marguerite wiped the sweat from her brow with her arm as she trudged through the jungle. Her burden seemed to be getting heavier as she went. The signs left by the Zanga were pretty visible so she was having no problems following them.
All she wanted to do was put the basket down and sit for a few minutes. But she knew she couldn�t. The Zanga were counting on her. More importantly, Veronica was counting on her. She would show Veronica once and for all, that she could be trusted.
Luckily Marguerite had not encountered any predators so far. Little did she know there were two raptors, which had gotten her scent and were headed towards her. But they were quickly dispatched by the Zanga warriors. Marguerite would have been upset if she knew there were two Zanga warriors only a couple of hundred yards ahead of her. Their job was to make sure Marguerite stayed safe. Jarl gave them these orders. He knew his friend Roxton would be quite distraught if something happened to his lady.
Marguerite could hear people in front of her. That meant the temple must be close.. It seemed like it had been hours. Following the signs she came out into an opening. The Zanga were lined up on either side of a path. Marguerite saw Assai and Jarl on one side. Assai indicated Marguerite was to follow the path.
The path led Marguerite to a stone temple. It was well hidden in the jungle. After almost four years she had never encountered it. At the front of the temple stood the Zanga shaman, Chief Jacoba, and a few other members of the tribal council.
They all bowed as Marguerite approached with the basket. The Zanga chief welcomed the dark haired woman. The shaman motioned for Marguerite to follow him. The two of them went inside the temple.
It was a rather simple temple. There were not a lot of ornate symbols around. At the end of a passage way, there was a statue. It was decorated with gems. It was a warrior with a silver spear. It was obviously the god Azua.
The shaman instructed Marguerite, in his language, to lay the basket down, and open it. She did as he told her to. Then he instructed her to gently lift the mask out and lay it at Azua�s feet. Marguerite did this, and then bowed as the shaman indicated. Marguerite then backed away and came to stand beside the shaman. He indicated it was time to leave.
When they emerged from the temple, the chief and his council were gone. The shaman directed her back into the clearing. There were blankets spread in a semi circle. Facing the others were several blankets in which the chief and the council were seated. The other Zanga stood as the shaman directed Marguerite to a blanket that was set off from the chief�s. Marguerite sat down as the shaman indicated. He went to stand behind her and then nodded to the chief.
The chief made a gesture and then all the Zanga were seated. Jacoba began to speak rather loudly to his people. He thanked the gods for their blessings and for allowing them to bring in the crops and their successes at hunting. Then he thanked Azua for another year of peace and also thanked Marguerite for being the Adora and transporting the sacred mask to Azua. A special blessing was said for Marguerite, asking Azua to protect her and her friends. Then he gestured to his daughter.
Assai stood up. She was carrying some colorful cloth in her arms. She went to stand in front of Marguerite and then kneeled in front of her.
�I present you this gift as a token to award you for your honor,� Assai said. She handed placed a beautiful red, green and gold silk robe to Marguerite.
Marguerite took the robe and thanked Assai. It was quite beautiful and she could use a new one. Maybe this journey wasn�t so bad after all.
Next, one of the warriors presented Marguerite with a basket. She opened it and inside was some bread and cheese. Not bad thought Marguerite.
Various members of the tribe came forward presenting Marguerite with bolts of cloth, various pieces of pottery and even bouquets of flowers. Then one of the tribal council rose from his seat and presented Marguerite a leather pouch. Inside were only five emeralds, but they were all perfect stones.
Then Chief Jacoba presented Marguerite with the most hideous pendant she had ever seen. It was big and gaudy with emeralds and rubies and a painted like the mask. Oh God Now they�ll expect me to wear that ugly thing whenever they�re around. Marguerite took the pendant from Jacoba and thanked him.
The necklace was very heavy but she did make an attempt to put it around her neck. The Zanga began to snicker.
The medicine man leaned forward and whispered to Marguerite.
�This is a protective amulet,� the shaman said softly. �You hang it in your house and it protects all who live there.�
Marguerite laughed along with the Zanga , so relieved that she would never have to wear that monstrosity. Jacobi turned towards Marguerite and spoke in his language.
�I know you�ve always admired my personal collection of treasures,� The chief said. �I have chosen something from the collection, just for you.�
Marguerite was very excited. Would it be a diamond choker or maybe a ruby ring, or a necklace of emeralds? Instead the chief handed her a bundle wrapped in cloth.
Marguerite took the bundle and unwrapped it. Inside was an old but very well preserved leather journal. She opened it. The journal was written in Spanish. It belonged to someone named Captain Ortega. It was dated 1531. Hmmmm this would be very valuable back in London, thought Marguerite. Plus, there�s always the possibility it will tell how the Spaniards came and left the plateau.
�Now we will drink and toast Azua,� Jacobi instructed the Zanga. �Let us give thanks.�
The festivities went on for a while and then the Zanga started packing up.
�What happens now?� Marguerite asked Assai.
�We will return to our village to continue our celebrations there,� Assai said. �We will celebrate for three days. You are, of course, welcome to join us.�
�Thank you Assai,� Marguerite said. �But I think it is time for me to return to the tree house.�
�If that is your wish, Jarl and some of the warriors will escort you,� Assai said.
�I don�t need an escort,� Marguerite said. �I�m perfectly capable of returning to the tree house on my own.�
�I�m sure you are,� Assai said, �but you will need help with all your gifts.�
�Well that is true,� Marguerite said. �I guess it wouldn�t hurt to have an escort.�
Assai smiled, secretly relieved. She knew Jarl would never let Marguerite return on her own. The great hunter would be very angry if they allowed that to happen.
Marguerite arrived back a couple hours before sunset. Veronica and Finn had helped her carry her treasures to her room. Marguerite then placed the amulet on a beam inside the great room. That way it could watch over all her friends. Marguerite had just gotten all her gifts put away when the men arrived back at the treehouse.
Marguerite came out in time to see Challenger and Malone setting up a beautiful cedar tree.
�Where on earth did you find a cedar tree Challenger?� asked Marguerite.
�At the edge of Krux Mountain,� Challenger replied. �We didn�t have to go too far up the mountain to find this one.�
�Well you did a good job,� Veronica said. �I think that�s the most beautiful Christmas tree I�ve ever seen.�
�And where may I ask is Lord Roxton?� Marguerite asked, her voice sounding a bit worried.
�He�s down below,� Malone replied. �He�s sorting through all the greenery he found. He gathered the greenery while Challenger and I cut down the tree.�
�Well I guess the least I can do is go down and help him,� Marguerite said indifferently.
Malone snickered as Marguerite went down in the elevator. She wasn�t fooling anyone. Everyone knew she just wanted to be alone with Roxton, even if it was just for a few minutes. Malone understood exactly how the two felt. Stealing a glance at Veronica, he envied Roxton right now.
Marguerite watched Roxton as he sorted through the greens, throwing out the one with dead leaves.
�Looks like you did very well, John,� Marguerite said, with a smile.
�Anything I can do to put a smile on your face is well worth it,� Roxton said, smiling.
Marguerite walked over and started inspecting the greenery.
�This is nice John,� Marguerite said. �You have some actual cedar branches and some holly. I�m impressed.�
Roxton pulled Marguerite up from the ground and into his arms. He moved his mouth closer to his lady love. When she made no attempt to turn away, Roxton gently kissed her soft lips. She tasted divine, he thought.
The kiss quickly turned passionate. Roxton knew he should end it but he just couldn�t. Finally Marguerite pulled away, with regret in her eyes.
�I guess we shouldn�t start something we can�t finish,� Marguerite said.
�Yes I suppose you�re right,� Roxton said, �I just wish,� he began and then stopped.
�You wish what John?� Marguerite asked curiously.
�Never mind,� said Roxton, secretly hoping that his wish was one that Finn could make come true. �Let�s get all this upstairs. I know you want to finish decorating.�
The two put the greenery in the bags and headed back inside. Roxton was right. There was lots of decorating to do. And Marguerite was sure that when he was ready John would talk about whatever was bothering him.
Later that evening everyone gathered around the tree to help decorate. Marguerite had made some ribbons and bows and Veronica had some of her Mom�s old glass ornaments. Marguerite had also polished some crystals. Using a chisel, Roxton had knocked a hole in each crystal so it could be strung with ribbon.
By the time they had finished it was almost bedtime. Veronica had made some cider and offered some to everyone. Marguerite passed and decided to turn in. She was exhausted.
Everyone said good night. Veronica watched as the older woman headed down to her room. Marguerite did well today, Veronica thought. She deserves a good night�s sleep.
She seems happier that I trusted her enough to choose her today. I�m glad I did. No matter what happens I�ll never regret it.
�She acts like she did a whole lot of work today,� Malone said, with a grin. �She probably worked harder avoiding work then actually doing any.�
Roxton and Challenger both laughed at his joke. Finn and Veronica didn�t seem to think it was funny.
�Marguerite did more than her share today,� Veronica said.
�Yeah Malone why are you always giving her such a hard time?� Finn asked.
�It was just a joke,� Malone said sheepishly. �I didn�t mean anything.�
�We know you didn�t Neddy Boy,� said Roxton. �But Marguerite is very sensitive. She hides behind that facade and pretends she doesn�t care. But the truth is all our opinions matter to her.�
�She isn�t always easy to live with,� Roxton continued, �but when it counts she�s always there.�
�Well it�s getting late everyone,� Challenger said. �Think I�ll check a few experiments and then I�ll turn in.�
Everyone said their good nights and then headed to their beds.
