Author: J. Gardham gardham1@yahoo.com
This story is fiction as are the characters, if you think you see yourself in this story that's cool as long as everyone remembers there's nothing in this story that isn't pure imagination.
"Benjamin and Me"
Chapter 14
A beautiful fall day had dawned in Berlin, Dave and Bill were leaving their Archeology class together discussing what it might have been like discovering a hidden tomb in Gaza. Bill was saying he believed there were possibly Mayan and Aztec cities hidden in the jungles of Central and South American. "Dave, the jungle growth is so rapid in that part of the world that entire cities and structures can be lost to overgrowth in just months if not weeks".
They continued their leisurely walk kicking up brightly colored leaves engrossed in their conversation when they heard a moan coming from between two of the campus buildings. Dave asked Bill if he heard something, "it sounds like someone's hurt". The old buildings were built so close together they had to slip between them single file, with the buildings shutting out the sunlight it was difficult to see. Moving slowly Bill's foot nudged something on the ground, kneeling down he saw there was a man lying in the dirt, obviously hurt.
Holding on to Dave's hand to steady himself Bill stepped over the body placing his feet between the man's legs. Bill lifted his legs as Dave reached under the man's arms and they were able to lift and drag him from between the buildings. Laying the man in the grass just beyond the buildings they did a quick check to see how badly he was injured.
"Dave I think we need to get him to the hospital, he looks pretty bad". "No, please I just need some water, don't take me to the hospital". Dave pulled a bottle of water from his backpack and held it to the guy's mouth letting him take a few sips. Bill introduced himself and Dave and asked who he was and what happened to him.
In very heavily accented English he said, "My name is Ponso and I work for Dr. Anzel as his assistant,... is Dr. Anzel alright?" Dave said, "we only found you there isn't anyone else here". Putting his hands over his eyes Ponso said, "they must have kidnapped him, I have to find him. Ponso tried to stand but fell back to the ground, Bill placed his jacket beneath his head. "Ponso we have to get you some medical help, you're not going anyplace in your condition, and the police need to be told about your assault and the possible kidnapping of your friend Dr. Anzel".
"You don't understand the police can't become involved". "If you'll help me to the apartment were we were staying I have some medical supplies and can care for myself".
Dave and Bill looked at each other not sure what to do, they knew Ponso needed more medical attention then he could manage for himself, and they were suspicious of his unwillingness to involve the police.
Bill made the decision to call his dad at the hospital and gave him a quick assessment of the situation telling him he and Dave were bringing Ponso to their house and would explain why later. Glen told Bill his shift was ending in fifteen minutes and he'd be home as quickly as possible.
Once they were home they laid Ponso on the sofa and cleaned as much dried blood and dirt off as they dared. Glen came rushing in and did a thorough exam and gave Ponso a Tetanus shot to be on the safe side. After Ponso's wounds were dressed and he was sitting up David said it was time for Ponso to explain why he didn't want the police involved, and why his friend had been kidnapped.
Looking a lot better than he had a couple of hours earlier Ponso went on to explain that Dr. Anzel was a leading archeologists from Sao Paulo, Brazil who had been working in Peru when he stumbled across a temple that had been hidden by the jungle overgrowth for hundreds of years. With the help of Ponso they cleared a path to an opening that was covered by a huge round stone that resembled a wheel. Thinking they would need several men to move the stone away Dr. Anzel started to map out the location so he could find his way back with more help. Ponso said he walked to the stone and pushed with his bare hands and surprisingly the stone begin to roll away. With the help of Dr. Anzel they were able to push the stone away from the entrance.
They entered a long corridor with a ceiling that appeared to be at least twenty feet high.. Approximately every ten feet there were touches set into the stone wall, Ponso tried lighting one and was surprised that the oil was still flammable. Lighting the torches as they walked down the long hall Dr. Anzel was almost overwhelmed by the beauty of the paintings that lined the entire length of the walls on both sides. It was obvious this temple hadn't been touched since the sealing stone had been rolled in front of the opening.
"As we entered larger rooms there were tables inlaid with gold and precious gems". "Dr. Anzel dusted off a small section of one table and told me not to touch the others, he said he needed to bring special equipment in that could be used for cleaning without the risk of damaging these beautiful artifacts". "The walls here were much higher reaching almost to 30 feet and completely covered with pictographs of winged men who were much larger than the native people that were working and living in the surrounding area". "It appeared from the wall frescos that the larger winged men and the natives lived and worked together in harmony". "Dr. Anzel and I continued to follow the corridors for at least another one hundred and fifty feet before entering a huge square chamber with each wall measuring at least five hundred feet in length". "In the center of one wall stood a pedestal with a tall obelisk that appeared to be glowing". At
this point Bill interrupted Ponso to ask if the obelisk appeared to be glowing or was it actually glowing.
Ponso continued by saying it was actually glowing but we couldn't find a source for the light. "There was a raised dais behind the pedestal that was three steps higher and on the wall behind the dais was another beautiful wall painting of a winged man standing before a night sky showing the constellations and a true configuration of the Milk Way Galaxy". "The wonder of it was that it appeared to be an exact replica of our galaxy and somehow embedded into the stone wall". "The winged man was, or at least we thought it was a painting, but the depiction of the galaxy appeared different, as if a photo had been taken and then somehow embedded into the wall, it was like you were actually outside looking into the night sky". "The entire thing was quite unbelievable".
Dave spoke up asking how Dr. Anzel and he happened to be in Berlin and why would someone kidnap Dr. Anzel? "Dr. Anzel and I rolled the stone back into place and returned to Sao Paulo where Dr. Anzel contacted an archeologist in New York, a Dr. Fassil who is curator of the museum of Archeology in New York City". "Dr. Fassil was very excited about Dr. Anzel's discovery and had a private jet send to Sao Paulo and we were brought here where we were to meet him at the university". "We were heading to the university archeology department when we were attacked and Dr. Anzel was dragged away toward a black limousine, I tried to fight back but was beaten by three large men who were obviously body guards for whoever kidnapped Dr. Anzel, then you found me, and now you know what I know".
Bill sat back in his chair considering all he had heard before asking, "why don't you want the police to help find Dr. Anzel?" "Because Bill we are in your country without papers, we were flown here in a privately owned jet which landed not too far from Berlin, we were driven to an apartment and told to meet Dr. Fassil at the university the following day, which is today, unfortunately we never made it that far.
Glen asked, "but why would Dr. Fassil want to meet you and Dr. Anzel here?" "According to Dr. Fassil there is an archeologist who teaches here by the name of Dr. Hallsworth who would have information that would be helpful in identifying ancient artifacts. Both David and Bill said, "Dr. Gordon Hallsworth?" "Yes, yes, that is the name we were given". Dave said, "Dr. Hallsworth is our archeology instructor".
Bill suggested they wait until evening when everyone was home to discuss the matter further. Ponso was anxious to get started but Glen managed to convenience him to wait until plans could be made in order to decide which direction to take action in. There was nothing to be gained by running off not knowing in which direction to search.
Later that evening with Thomas, Benjamin, and the rest gathered in the living room it was decided that the first person they needed to speak to would be Bill and Dave's archeology professor Dr. Hallsworth. Ponus insisted they try to reach Dr. Hallsworth at his home this evening and not wait for the morning when the professor would likely be busy with classes. Bill reached the professor by phone and gave a shortened version of what had transpired that afternoon with Ponso and Dr. Anzel. Dr. Hallsworth said he was familiar with Dr. Anzel's work in Peru but was at a loss as to why any of them would be in Berlin wanting to see him, and if they were he hadn't been notified of any such meeting. After asking if he could speak with Ponso, Dr. Hallsworth soon arrived at their door.
Introductions were made and Dr. Hallsworth was obviously upset at seeing how badly Ponso was hurt. He explained that Dr. Fassil from New York had a reputation as a third rate archeologist and a first rate scoundrel. It was widely rumored that most if not all of the artifacts Dr. Fassil reportedly discovered were either stolen from other archeologist by his thugs, or illegally purchased from thieves who removed them from archeology sites in the dead of night.
After hearing the entire story of the incredible discovery by Dr. Anzel and Ponus he was sure the planned meeting with him was a trap set to get Dr. Anzel into the country and kidnap him so Dr. Fassil could force him to reveal the whereabouts of this temple and the priceless artifacts that it held.
Putting his head in his hands Ponso said, "Dr. Anzel will never tell Dr. Fassil the location of the temple he will die first to protect this valuable discovery from falling into the wrong hands.
Looking at Thomas, Bill said there must be something we can do to help save Dr. Anzel and the keep the location of the temple secret. Dr. Hallsworth said he would take leave from the university and fly to Peru in hope of finding Dr. Anzel with the help of local authorities. "I could use your help Ponso but I haven't any idea how you're going to get back to Peru without a passport".
Benjamin said he did a quick check at the only airport in their area large enough to handle a small jet and found that the one that had landed yesterday had flown out late last night without filing flight plans.
The conversation quieted as the others heard Thomas on the phone arranging for a private jet to fly them all to Peru early the next morning. Turning to Ponso Thomas said, "you're going to have to become a piece of luggage until we get over the Gulf of Mexico". Ponso looked totally confused as Bill explained the need for him to hide in a large trunk marked as part of the archeology equipment until they were safely outside of U. S. borders. Turning to Dr. Hallsworth, Thomas said, "I hope this bit of intrigue of smuggling Ponus out of the country isn't too much for your stomach". "If you'd prefer to fly commercial we'll understand".
Dr. Hallsworth looked like a kid caught with his hand in the cookie jar, "are you kidding I can hardly wait to get started, what time should I be at the airport". "Now that I think about it, which airport?" Thomas told him to meet us at the house by three A.M. and we'd travel together to the same airport Dr. Fassil used to fly Dr. Anzel out of the country from.
The following morning everyone was up by three A.M. having packed everything the night before. They were now loading what would be needed to travel in the jungle from their truck onto the plane. Having filed flight plans that would take them directly to Peru rather than Brazil they hoped to gain some time on whoever had kidnapped Dr. Anzel.
Once over the Gulf of Mexico they opened the crate Ponso was in and let him out. Laughing Luke, the pilot said it wasn't necessary to have hidden Ponso that he understood the need to move people in and out of the country without papers. Thomas explained the entire situation to the pilot who said, he'd do whatever he could to help.
Sitting with Ponso who was feeling a lot better knowing they were on their way to help Dr. Anzel, Bill asked if he thought he could find the temple without Dr. Anzels map. "Yes I watched the Dr. draw his map and since I was with him when we found the temple it won't be a problem for me to retrace our steps".
Laying his hand on Ponso's leg Bill said, "you're very fond of Dr. Anzel aren't you Ponso?" Blushing slightly and looking at his hands Ponso knotted his head yes. Bill said, "Ponso there's no need to feel guilty about your feelings, does Dr. Anzel know how you feel?" "He may Bill, I'm not sure, if he is he's never shown any sign of interest other than friendship". Smiling Bill asked Ponso if he'd ever shown Dr. Anzel any sign of anything other than friendship".
Ponso looked at Bill questioningly as he said, "no, I'm far to shy and Dr. Anzel is a very famous man there's no reason for him to have feelings for me, I'm only his assistant". Laughing Bill said, "well let me see, you have the physique of a Greed God, beautiful brown eyes with lashes about three inches long, dark curly hair, a golden complexion, and a killer smile with perfect pearly white teeth, I'd say that combination would attract anyone's attention".
Ponso smiled shyly and blushed as he said, "do you really think so Bill?" Dave and Thomas who had overheard their conversation started to laugh as Thomas said, Ponso there isn't a man on this plane who isn't drooling over you, your gaydar just isn't working very well.
"Gaydar?" "We'll explain later Ponso".
Thomas and Bill both noticed Ponso flashed a peek at the Pilot from under his lashes, Thomas gave Bill a quick smile.
Winking at Brad and Gavin, the pilot said, "if Dr. Anzel doesn't want him, I have first dibs". Surprised Gavin said, "you're gay?" Laughing Luke said, "aren't all of us good looking guys gay", as he gave them another wink? Brad said, "I have to admit I'm beginning to think there's a lot more gay men in the world then the statistical ten percent". Luke replied, "I'm sure of it". Looking at their handsome pilot Brad thought, "as hot as you are you've probably been with more the statistical ten percent".
As if reading his mind, Luke said, "wipe that silly grin off your face Brad, and no I haven't been with all that many man, I'm kind of a fussy guy and I'm very careful of who I go home with". "I have to have a very strong attraction to a man before I even make his acquaintance and then I go slow until I get a feeling for what he's all about". "By that time the guy usually has moved on so now you know why I haven't been with many different men". "Having said that I have to admit I'm really attracted to Ponso".
Gavin said he thought he'd noticed some quick peeks in Luke's direction by Ponso so the attraction just may by mutual. "I hope you're not pulling my leg Gavin, I haven't felt the attraction I feel for him for another guy in several years". "It was just a couple of quick under the lash peeks but they were definitely aimed at you Luke".
"In that case I'd better rent a hanger for the plane and take a hike into the jungle with the rest of you guys, I don't want anything to happen to him before I get a chance to get to know him". "Luke this could be a long, hard, and dangerous hike are you sure you want to take on an adventure like this?" "Gavin I took on two Iraqi tours of duty, I think I can handle myself and I keep an AK-47 hidden in the floor of this plane just in case of an emergency, so a little extra firepower might be useful if we run into trouble".
Brad said he thought Thomas would appreciate all the help he can find.
Landing in Lima, the jet was fueled and garaged, and three Range Rovers were rented and packed, we were on our way by ten A.M. local time. We followed the Inca Trail as far as Llactapata and finding safe storage for the Rovers we loaded our back packs and headed out on foot along the Urubamba River. According to the locals there were others who arrived only hours before us via helicopter which landed just outside of Qorihuayrachina. They had nearly a three hour head start, but Ponso said the jungle is so dense and dangerous in this area that it would slow them down considerably. He suggested we stick to the banks of the river which would allow us to move quicker, but we'd have to keep an eye out for animals that used the river as their water supply.
Each of us checked our weapons and followed Ponos down to the river bank starting out in a slow jog hoping to pass Dr. Fassil's group before they reached the temple. The wet sand banks were solid and easy to travel along with the occasional detour around debris.
Benjamin who had agreed to remain in Berlin with Jonathan and Sparkle after Thomas had voiced concerns for his safety was following Dr. Fassil and Dr. Anzel. After having convinced Jonathan and Sparkle of the need to make sure nothing happened to Thomas and his group they went invisible and stowed away on the plane. Jonathan and Sparkle found all of this intrigue exciting and were more than willing to join Benjamin on the adventure.
Meanwhile Thomas and their group had stopped for a ten minute rest on the banks of the river. Larry had been chatting with Thomas and Robin when he mentioned he was surprised that Benjamin didn't put up a bigger fuss about being left behind. Thomas nearly choked on a bite of granola bar he was eating as he started laughing. "You don't think for a second that those three characters aren't here do you?"
"Larry, anytime Benjamin doesn't throw a fit for not getting his own way you know he's already made up his mind he's going to do exactly what he's agreed not to do". "Besides I can always feel when Ben's close by and he was on the plane with Jonathan and Sparkle when we took off". "Since I don't feel him close at the moment you can bet the three of them are following after Dr. Fassil, I have no doubt we'll get a full report from them soon".
Robin asked if Thomas was angry at Ben for lying to him about staying home. "No, if the situation were changed I do the very same thing Robin". "Besides when you love someone as much as I love Benjamin, it's hard to be angry with them".
Larry said, "you're right, I know Glen, Larry, Darin and I would do the same thing, and Brad and Gavin are completely inseparable, and you sure wouldn`t get Bill and Dave separated if one of them was in danger".
Thomas added, "I'm not to concerned as long as Jonathan and Sparkle are with Ben, the three of them together make a formidable force to be reckoned with.
"I'm sure glad to hear you're not angry with us Thomas, and yes we do have a report on Fassil and his group".
YAAAaaaaaaaaaaagh! "Sparkle you scared us half to death, how long have you been hiding up in that tree listening?"
"Just long enough to hear you aren't angry with us, and by the way Jonathan and I figured you were aware that we were on the plane, but we haven`t said anything to Benjamin about it". "Why didn't you tell him?" Jonathan and I thought we'd let him stew for a while for trying to deceive you about his true intentions". "When you get back please let him off the hook I don't want him worry about it". "Of course Thomas".
"I'm here to let you know Dr. Anzel managed to slow their progress by taking them in circles until one of Fassil's goons got suspicious and marked a tree and when we passed it for the second time I'm afraid Dr. Anzel was roughed up pretty bad, although Benjamin kept bumping the guys arm as he swung at Dr. Anzel causing the blow to be deflected enough not to cause too much harm". "Plus, Jonathan has tripped Dr. Fassil at least sixteen times along the way, the helpers he brought with him are beginning to think he's either been drinking, or he can`t walk and chew gum at the same time".
Having completely forgotten about the fact that Luke, Ponso, and Dr. Hallsworth, didn't know about Benjamin, Jonathan, or Sparkle, Thomas looked up to see the three of them sitting with their mouths open staring at Sparkle who had dropped out of the tree like magic.
Thomas got the silliest grin on his face as he looked over at Luke and the others as he made a very intelligent comment....."Oops!"
"I guess I have some explaining to do". Dr. Hallsworth was the first to speak, "I say this really is becoming an adventure, and yes I believe an explanation of how this handsome young man happened to appear out of nowhere should be forthcoming". At hearing the word "young" Sparkle rolled his eyes.
Thomas decided that since time was of the essence he took the short path around a long story explaining that Benjamin was a ghost, Sparkle was a wizard and there was another wizard who was with Benjamin called Jonathan. Ponso and Luke looked at Sparkle, then Thomas, and then each other before bursting into laughter. Getting up Luke said, "good story Thomas, you should be a writer". "Now tell us what's really going on here".
"That's the long and short of it Luke, haven't time to go into it more now we need to get moving if we're going to get to this temple Ponso has told us about before Dr. Fassil does". Dr. Hallsworth seemed to have accepted the story completely.
Luke reached down and took Ponso's hand helping him up as if it were as natural as pouring him a cup of coffee. It does appear that love is blooming between those two, even if they don't know it yet, which I`m sure they do.
Looking around Ponso asked where Sparkle was. Bill said, "he's back with Benjamin and Jonathan doing their best to make sure nothing more happens to Dr. Anzel". "If you know where Dr. Fassil is why don't we just go round them up and free Dr. Anzel?" "We don't know where Dr. Fassil is, .....Sparkle knows where they are, and you must keep in mind they have well armed professional killers acting as guards".
"Aren't you afraid something will happen to your friends?" "Not really Ponso, considering Benjamin's a ghost, they can hardly kill him since he's already dead, and Jonathan and Sparkle keep shields around themselves that nothing can penetrate". "Besides their all invisible".
Luke and Ponso did another quick look at each other, not laughing this time but looking dubious. Luke whispered to Ponso, "either they're all reading from the same script or there's something really weird going on here, stay close to me, I don't want anything happening to you". Ponso looked at Luke with a shy smile on his face, Luke managed a quick peck on his lips causing Ponso's eyes to almost pop out of his head. Ponso blushed but leaned into Luke kissing him back before leading the group further along the river bank.
Rounding a bend Ponso said, "we need to go inland from here, I believe we're not far from the temple and with any luck we've managed to beat Dr. Fassil to the location. Reaching an area not far from the Temple Thomas called a halt wanting to discuss a plan for taking Dr. Fassil's group by surprise, hoping to free Dr. Anzel without bloodshed. They definitely had the advantage with Sparkle, Jonathan, and Benjamin causing problems for Fassil's goons.
Dave, Bill, Larry, Robin, Glen and Darin would be inside the temple hiding with the stone rolled back over the opening as Dr. Anzel and Ponso hand left it. Thomas, Luke, Ponso, and Dr. Hallsworth would set up some traps hoping Fassil's goons would be leading the group and would be the first to be snared. Using robes to pull brances down taunt with rope loops hidden beneath the undergrowth. All they needed was to have two or three of the guards step into the traps pulling them high into the trees by their feet, giving Thomas and his group time to pull Dr. Anzel to safety and send the others scurrying into the jungle with Benjamin, Sparkle and Jonathan putting the fear of God into them as they ran.
Unfortunately when Dr. Fassil and his group arrived they were pushing Dr. Anzel along ahead of them. All the best laid plans can run amuck, that's why the others were hidden inside the temple. Dr. Anzel missed the first two traps but two of the guards stepped into them sending them flying feet first into the air, dropping their weapons to the ground as they were yanked off their feet. Turning to see what was happening Dr. Anzel took off running stepping into the third trap sending him feet first high into the air along with the thugs.
Ponso started to yell, but Thomas covered his mouth in time to muffle it. "Ponso, Dr. Anzel might be uncomfortable but at least he's out of the line of fine for now". Luke who was a skilled soldier shot and wounded the third guard as he knelt and began firing into the jungle indiscriminately. Fassil and the helpers he had brought along ran back in the direction they had come from with Jonathan tripping him every few steps, his helpers fled leaving him behind screaming for help as he got up and ran a few more steps before being tripped again. The third guard was tied up, blindfolded and his leg wound tended to.
Benjamin following Fassil and his helpers shoved the young man who was running ahead of the rest, causing him to stumble and fall on his face. Getting up he turned to the guy behind him and punched him in the gut thinking he had pushed him then took off running again. The man he punched picked up a rock and threw it hitting him in the back of the head knocking him back into the dirt face first.
The third and forth runners were doing double time through the jungle when Sparkle appeared in front of them scaring them half to death sending them running backwards with one tripping over the guy laying in the dirt and the other running headlong into the one that threw the rock. By the time Dr. Fassil caught up to them they were all scattered about on the ground.
Fassil stopped and looked around him with sweat running down his filthy face and his clothes torn to shreds. Waving his arms he screamed, "this is a hell of a time for you assholes to be taking a siesta, we need to get back to the helicopter and get the hell out of here". As the others scrambled to their feet one of them said, "the last time I saw our pilot he was hanging upside down about thirty feet off the ground". Fassil stopped dead in his tracks, "oh crap, that's right, I'll have to hire another pilot, let's get moving". With that said another of his helpers yelled, "you have shit for brains Fassil, we're in the middle of fucking nowhere, who are you going to hire to fly the helicopter, a couple of monkeys?"
"How dare you speak to me like that I'll have the guards slap that smartass mouth of yours". "Yeah, well first you're going have to go back and cut your guards down from the trees they're swinging from you simple minded twit".
Benjamin couldn't resist one last bit of devilment as he slipped over and slapped Dr. Fassil across the back of his head. "Who just hit me?" "You've really lost it Fassil, there's no one near you". "One of you just hit me". "Let's get out of here guys, we'll send someone back with a straight jacket to get old loony-tunes". They all took off running with Dr. Fassil hobbling along after them.
Benjamin, Jonathan, and Sparkle returned to the temple where the others had managed to get Dr. Anzel down from the tree. He was a bit dizzy but otherwise doing well. Ponso was hovering over him but it was Dr. Hallsworth who seemed to have take a special interest in Dr. Anzel's care.
Love blooms at the strangest times in the strangest places.
Benjamin blindfolded the guards that were still hanging by their feet before cutting them down binding their hands behind their backs. The guards were led back close enough to the village so they wouldn't get lost before Benjamin released them. Yanking the blindfolds off they turned looking puzzled not finding anyone near them. They made their way back to where they left their Helicopter and found it gone. The guard who piloted it said, "when I get my hands on Fassil I'll break his scrawny neck and shove his head up his ass". Another guard asked, "what are we going to do now with no transportation?"
The pilot said, "I saw a couple of old trucks around we'll steal one and leave it in Lima". "Our jet better still be at the airport or I'll have to kill Fassil twice, I never should have trusted that little weasel in the first place".
Back at the temple, the other's had entered the long hall way as Dr. Anzel pointed out the figures on the wall. Dave and Bill were as excited as Dr. Hallsworth at seeing this newly discovered temple. Drs. Anzel and Hallsworth were pointing and chattering like excited kids as we walked along filled with amazement at the strange but beautiful paintings.
Once entering the largest room with the pedestal holding the glowing or pulsating obelisk, Thomas and the others stopped dead in their tracks as they saw the painting of the winged man standing in front of the wall embedded with the milky way constellation.
Dr. Ansel asked what was wrong. None of them answered but rather stood silently looking in awe at the painting of Raphael.
To be Continued:
Jason Gardham