The Complete 8-Book Guardians Adventure Saga Page 7

  Sam turned to see the mystical woman coming up seemingly from out of nowhere. He looked at her in surprise, because she appeared to have no visible damage from the fall, as he and Salinger had.

  She walked up to Salinger and squatted down beside him. He was face down, and she left him that way until she checked his pulse. Without showing any expression at all, she rolled him over, picked him up and moved him to a smooth, clean spot. She placed him on the ground on his back and threw her cloak over him.

  Sam looked suspiciously at the woman. He desperately needed to know her name, so he could communicate with her. “Look, I understand that you’re in charge, but don’t you think I should know your name?”

  She looked up at him with a questionable look. “How would knowing my name help you on your quest?”

  “Just help the professor.”

  “Let him rest.”

  Sam gave up on how to answer her question when he heard a moan coming from Salinger. He turned to ask the woman to help, but she was gone. The old man was still trying to catch his breath and needed help.

  Sam helped Salinger sit up. He then moved him to a nearby flat rock. He was bruised and had cuts all over his face and hands. His left hand was now constantly twitching; a fact that bothered Sam more than his cuts and bruises. Actually, Sam was surprised that the professor was still breathing at all.

  “Inhale, Doctor, slowly,” he said. “Get some oxygen into your lungs.”

  Salinger attempted to do as prompted.

  “One more time,” said Sam, but had little response.

  Sam paced nervously, encircling the area, hoping for help. There’s not any help in this godforsaken vicinity.

  He checked on Salinger every time he circled back to him. Thoughts raced through his mind as to what he could do if Salinger died. He leaned down closer to the professor and listened to his breathing. He seemed improved now.

  The sun disappeared behind the trees.

  The woman had been gone since she’d made sure Salinger was all right. Needless to say, she wouldn’t tell him where she was going, and there was no sign of her return.

  Chapter the Ninth

  ACHAVA LEFT SAM in charge of Dr. Salinger.

  She followed a trail of smoke leading to the wreckage of the plane. Burning debris and twisted pieces of metal were scattered all around. As she got closer, she noticed the remains of several passengers lying about. The stench of death was everywhere. She had been desensitized to this smell when she was young. Death held no mystery for her. Yet, the putrid smell wafted in from everywhere, and she felt ill with the loss of so many lives.

  She wanted to again see what damage that Cana, the Canaanite, had done. Obviously, he’d returned to cause more damage. The wreckage had been ransacked. She’d already figured that pushing him out of the plane did not kill him.

  She knew that Joshua in the Bible was supposed to destroy the Canaanites back in the day that her ancestor, Achsah, lived. Yet, the Canaanites never really completely phased out. Word was that they had built boats and fled across the Mediterranean and the Atlantic to the Americas.

  She had seen what they were capable of before this. But this Canaanite was most evil. As far as she knew, he had no other name, so she chose to call him Cana, the Canaanite.

  She doubted that he had died in the fall. It would take more than that to kill him. He was going to be big trouble, especially once he found out that he had been duped into believing that there was nothing in the treasure chamber’s secret rooms.

  Achava was glad she had found Dr. Salinger and brought him on this trip. On the other hand, she was not too sure about Sam. He was quite good-looking and would make a great friend, but she did not have time for a friend. There was too much to fight against in the Middle East, especially in Israel. Al-Qaeda was ever present to torture the citizens, wild animals roamed the hills, and, of course, the Canaanites were ever present, too.

  The thought of the chamber reminded her of her mother, Aviela. Both she and her mother were indwelt by the supernatural light of God. It was Aviela who had told her about Professor Eldad Ben-Tzion, and how he gave his life to search for the Staff of Moses. Sadly, it was the Canaanite who had caused Ben-Tzion’s death by his deception.

  Suddenly, she missed her mother, Aviela. She had not seen her for a few years and wondered how she was doing. The last time she had seen her, they had worked together on an archaeological dig, searching for treasures from the mansion that Caleb had given his daughter. The case was technically still open. It would be as long as the Moses Staff was still missing. Achava just wished Aviela was here to help her now. They made a good team—a mother-daughter team. Achava was an only child, which made their bond even closer. Her father, an Israeli soldier, had died when she was three.

  Aviela was a good mother to Achava and a good citizen of Israel. She had no close friends, but her true friends were found in the documents that her family had kept throughout the ages. She had been born in 1944 or 1945, but did not seem old to Achsah.

  Achava knew there was something big planned by the evil descendants of Anak, and she knew it was coming soon. Her sources had confirmed that there was strong Canaanite activity in Israel. They no longer hid in Afghanistan. Nor were they concerned about keeping themselves hidden in the jungles of Africa. More Canaanites meant more enemies to deal with. They could be a big problem if Cana, the big Canaanite, decided to gather them together for an attack.

  Arriving at the demolished plane, she examined the wreckage to see if there were any survivors she could assist. She pawed through the wreckage, calling out, taking pulses, wading through body parts and once, retching. There weren’t any survivors.

  She then looked for anything she could salvage, but Cana had already pawed through luggage and briefcases, which were open everywhere.

  Her shadows, Salinger and Sam, would have questions. She warned them about asking too many questions, but that probably would not stop them. She had a mission to accomplish and at this point, everyone else was expendable. She had told the men she was not going to play babysitter. If they die, they die.

  Judging the position of the sun in the sky, it looked like it would get dark in about two hours. Hearing the laughter of a lone hyena reminded her that they were nocturnal animals and could come out in the open soon. The striped hyena only emerged in complete darkness, and was quick to return to its lair before sunrise. She decided to get back to the men before they were attacked.

  There was nothing that she could take from the crash with her but a few working flashlights and a leather bag to carry them in. Loading them up, she headed back to her associates.

  ***

  DR. SALINGER ATTEMPTED to stand, but fell. Sam rushed to help his mentor. Salinger held up a hand to stop him. “No, Sam. I will not be a burden to anyone on this expedition.”

  Salinger tried and failed again. Sam suggested that he wait awhile longer before getting up. “I can help you.”

  “If I can’t do it on my own, perhaps I shouldn’t be here.” His voice sounded weak.

  “Don’t say that! You, out of all of us, deserve to be here! It’s that woman who almost got us killed!”

  “She saved us. Think about it.”

  Sam nodded, his face grim.

  Salinger said, “You are a smart young man, Sam. Perhaps it’s an infatuation on your part that clouds the positive aspects of our female guide.”

  “That’s crazy!” Sam looked away from Salinger and casually kicked a rock. His face turned red with embarrassment. “I don’t even know her name.”

  “It’s not my place to get involved in that aspect of your life, Sam. I do believe that if you have feelings for the young lady, they are making you forget one important fact.”

  “What’s that, Professor?”

  “You just had the most amazing adventure that you’ve ever had in your short life. I’m confident in saying this, because I know from what you’ve told me about your thirst for adventure. We just fell out of a moving plan
e and lived to talk about it!” An excitement built in the emotions of Salinger as he mentally thought back through the experience.

  Sam nodded and said, “But hundreds of people died in the plane crash. We lived, but they died—it’s a horrible tragedy.”

  “If there is one thing I have learned from history, it is that we can look back and see what happened, but we do not have the power to look forward and see what will be. We can only live each day as if it were our last.”

  “Like everything else you have ever said, that has a ring of truth to it.” He smiled an expression of realization. “You know, it was amazing, falling like that and not knowing if I was going to live or die! But it was a rush I don’t ever want to feel again.”

  “It was most extraordinary, Sam! Discovery itself is the most amazing thing on this planet! To explore that which was unexplored is what I call living! I am sorry for those who lost their lives and perhaps it makes it even more important that we stay focused on completing our expedition. So their deaths would not be all for naught.” Salinger sat rubbing his legs, attempting to stimulate the circulation.

  “Yeah. As always, I guess you’re right. What do you think we are seeking, Professor. I mean, really?”

  “An artifact of Moses.”

  “Moses, huh? Only she knows the whole truth. Her,” Sam said.

  A lizard ran across Salinger’s lap, so Sam picked it up and placed it behind a tree. He returned and sat next to Salinger.

  Salinger said, “Sam?”

  “Yes.” He looked at the professor.

  “Her name is Achava.”

  “Achava?”

  “Yes.”

  “Achava. I like that.” Sam lay back on the grass as he looked around. “Hey, Professor! We’re in Israel! I’ve never been out of the States before today! I am sad for the lives lost, but yet, I am even more excited for our journey of discovery.”

  “I agree.” Salinger heard leaves crackle and looked around. “My heart only beats when I am in the midst of discovery.”

  “If you liked that near-death adventure,” said a feminine voice, “you’ll love what comes next.”

  Salinger turned in the direction of the now-familiar voice. “So, you have returned. I did not know if I’d ever see you again.”

  “I went to the plane crash site to see if anyone survived. No one did. And if anyone did survive, the Cana killed them before I got there. He looted the plane, their possessions, and even took the black box. The Canaanites are murderous, destructive and evil and…” Her voice trailed off.

  “Oh, no,” Sam said sadly. “Those poor people. We should pray for their families.”

  “There’s no time for kneeling, Sam. We have to go forward now,” she said. “If you can walk and pray at the same time, then do so. If not, you will be left behind.” When she spoke, her voice carried on the wind. Her words were cold and without emotion—almost as if she had made this speech many times before.

  Salinger looked at her and then at Sam. He stood up straight. “If I’m to leave this life, it will be on my feet!”

  “Let’s get going.” She walked around the small hill, heading west. Salinger made his way in the same direction as Achava. Sam clasped his mentor’s arm to help him walk.

  Without looking back, Achava barked their destination. “Gentlemen, we’re going to Mt. Nebo.”

  “Mt. Nebo?” Salinger stared toward their guide. “I can’t believe it is real.”

  “What’s there, Professor?” Concerned, Sam looked at his teacher.

  “Sam,” said Salinger. “We’re going to the burial place of…Moses.”

  Chapter the Tenth

  ACHAVA had the leather bag thrown over her shoulder. She held one of the flashlights. Salinger and Sam each had one. She left the extra one in the bag.

  “Only use the flashlights when I tell you,” she said.

  The men agreed.

  There was a chill in the air as the trio continued their trek in the dark. Other than the quarter moon, there was no other light.

  “Stay alert, men,” said Achava as she cracked branches in half to open a path for the two Americans.

  Achava suddenly stopped walking and stood perfectly still. She clicked off her flashlight. Sam and Salinger stopped about five feet behind her. “Are you okay?” whispered Sam.

  She did not answer, only shushed him.

  Sam turned off his flashlight as well. Salinger held a hand over Sam’s mouth to prevent him from speaking further. They walked up next to Achava. “I hear some movement in front of us,” she whispered.

  Sam quietly said, “I heard a noise similar to a growl.”

  “That’s it.”

  They waited, but there were no more sounds. Sam turned his flashlight back on. As he did, a dog-like animal appeared in front of him for a brief instant. It growled, showing its sharp teeth, and then ran from the light. Sam dropped the flashlight in a panic as he backed into the professor.

  “What is that, Professor?”

  The panic spread to Salinger as they both backed up. Salinger said, “There must be a serious food shortage in this area.”

  Achava bent down and picked up Sam’s flashlight. As soon as she turned it on, she saw an animal jumping toward Sam with his mouth fully extended. She briefly saw the sharp teeth and knocked the animal away from Sam, causing the hyena to sail through the air.

  She handed the flashlight back to Sam, acting as if nothing had happened. Sam flashed the light to where the animal should have ended up, but it was not there.

  Instead, it lunged again and Achava stood holding the large dog-like animal above her head with her right hand. At the same time, she held its mouth closed with her left hand. It squirmed to escape, but it appeared not to be hurt. She glimpsed at Sam and squinted into his flashlight.

  He smiled nervously. “Is that…food?”

  She didn’t even try to hide her disgust. “No! We will not eat of the zevoa.”

  “Eat it? What is a zevoa?”

  “A hyena.”

  Sam was still shining his light on it. Achava pushed the light down. “Turn off that light. You’re scaring it.”

  “I’m scaring it? What is it doing to me?” He clicked off the light.

  “Just to be clear. This hyena will not be eaten by us.” She touched Sam’s arm. “I am more concerned with him eating you.”

  “I hope not.” Frightened, Sam ran toward a tree to get away. “No hyena is getting me. Not me.”

  Salinger followed him. “You’ll be okay, son. You only need to run faster than me.”

  Sam shook his head at the bad joke.

  Salinger said, “I believe it is the striped hyena, which features prominently in Middle Eastern and Asian folklore. In some regions, its body parts are considered magical, and are used as charms.”

  “Smart man,” Achava said.

  All was quiet for several moments, and then Sam asked, “So, what is their story?”

  “Hyenas are an endangered species in Israel,” said Achava. “Anyone killing the zevoa for food will answer to me personally.”

  “I would prefer a Big Mac,” said Sam. “I have no desire to eat the zevoa, or whatever you called it.”

  “When fed, you have no fears regarding the zevoa. However, it was not good that it tried to attack you.” She turned on her flashlight again. “We will go by my light only, for now. Stay close to me. The zevoa usually travels in small groups, mostly just two, so we should be…” Her voice trailed off, which scared Sam, and scared Salinger even more.

  They both jumped close to her and held onto her arm.

  Sam whispered, “What’s wrong now?”

  “Something’s…very…wrong,” was all she said. For the first time, she expressed concern in her voice, which of course, greatly concerned the men.

  She shined her flashlight ahead about ten feet. There were at least twenty hyenas together. Some were biting each other, while others paced restlessly.

  “We have a problem, Sam,” she said. �
��Turn on your light when I tell you.”

  “I thought you said these things only go around in packs of two? What happened? How come there’s more than two?” Sam was almost in a full-fledged panic. His heart raced.

  Salinger said that he was trying to surmise why this species had appeared to ignore their distinctive life patterns. He said a quick prayer and waited.

  “Now!” said Achava. “Turn on your light.”

  Sam turned the flashlight on, aimed at the pack.

  Achava stood in front of Sam and Salinger as the first hyena made its move. When it jumped for her, she clasped it with her right hand and broke its neck. It was dead before it hit the ground. “These hyenas aren’t supposed to be this aggressive,” she said. “They usually run when confronted by humans. Although, their likelihood for attacking at night is higher than daytime, but not like this. Everything about this situation is wrong.”

  The entire pack now appeared more organized as they surrounded the trio. Achava pressed her back up against the two men who were doing nothing to provoke the hyenas further. She was getting upset. “I must act. No man or beast will sway our mission! This ends now!”

  She stood with her back straight and pressed her hands together, almost as if she was in prayer. Her head was bowed and eyes closed. A golden light appeared around her entire body like a protective aura. She opened her eyes with a strong exhaling of breath. “O-o-o.”

  Her eyes were a solid gold color.

  The hyenas were attacking in sets of three now.

  As they continued to approach her, she moved as smoothly and quickly as anything Salinger had ever seen. Holding onto Sam’s shoulder, she pushed herself off the ground, giving the first two hyenas direct kicks to the head. They fell backward as the third one clamped down its teeth into her arm. Blood squirted out, but she ignored it. Grabbing its neck with her free hand, she separated the hyena’s head from its body with one quick squeeze.

  Salinger said, “My grandma used to kill chickens like that.”

  “We must submit to them,” said Achava. “Make them think they’ve won.”