Page 13 of Explorer's Revenge
I am used to talking to myself. I used to feel like I was crazy, especially in public, but on long trips and treks like this, it almost becomes a comfort. My viewers, although not here, bring me peace because I know I’m not alone. Even in the wildest most remote sections of our world, they are with me.
I wake as the sun starts to rise, and when I stretch in my hammock, I groan at the sight that greets me. A mixture of snakes and insects is spread across the ground, more than I’ve ever seen.
Eyes wide, I search for gaps, and luckily, there are some. I have no idea if these are venomous, but I’m going on the assumption that they are.
Grabbing my camera, I pan it around the resting snakes. “I have never seen so many gathered like this before. It’s as if they fled from something.”
I slowly slip from my sleeping bag and—thank fuck I kept my boots on—I put my feet in a space on the ground, moving gradually as I slide across to unhook my hammock. The takedown process is slow so I can avoid hurting the snakes or disturbing them, but once my bag is over my shoulder, I pan the camera around again.
“Bye-bye to our newest friends, sleep well.” Hopping through the small gaps and into the jungle, I leave the snakes and their strangeness behind.
Everything on this island seems backwards, but the oddness of it appeals to me.
If this is really where the lost city is located, then I hope finding it won’t change it too much.
There’s a wild beauty here that deserves to be undisturbed.
TEN
WILDER
Our boat anchors off the south side of the island where a low beach heads into the jungle, which is the best place for insertion that I could see. Plans adapt and change, but I like to have the basics in my head, unlike the others.
Sometimes, plans might just save your life.
From here, the island looks dormant and forgotten. Overgrown jungle spreads up to the beach, and crashing waves hit the cliffs to our right, the water as blue as a gem. It’s a stunning sight, especially with the sun hitting it, and I know all too well that beauty hides secrets.
I can’t wait to devour the ones we find.
“We will go no farther, and we won’t wait here,” the captain calls. When I turn, he is eyeing the land with something close to fear.
“Why?” Rick asks curiously as he ties off his bag and stands, the boat rocking slightly in the waves.
“It’s cursed,” the captain replies. “That is why nobody goes here. The locals forgot about it, protecting it to stop the curse. You shouldn’t disturb it.”
“How would you know it’s cursed if no one ever comes here?” Aiyaret asks conversationally, his eyebrows raised.
The captain’s eyes narrow on him in irritation. “Some things, you don’t need to see to believe. The curse is real. Ignore me if you want to, but don’t come crying to us when it swallows you up.” He storms away, and I sigh.
Aiy smirks. “What? How could we cry to him if it swallowed us up like he said?”
“One of these days, your mouth will get us into trouble,” I mutter as I sling my bag over my shoulder.
“I wish mine would.” Logan sighs wistfully. “It’s been too long since I was in trouble. Do you think it would swallow us for fun or food?”
Way smacks him for me as he walks past, and we head to the edge of the boat as the captain reappears and throws something at me.
“Just because you don’t believe in the curse, doesn’t mean it doesn’t believe in you. Wear that, it will keep you safe. Don’t ever go into the darkness alone, and you might just make it out alive.” Lifting the necklace, I eye the green and black stone carving at the end. It’s a face with teeth, and it’s a little terrifying. Superstitions are often based on truth, so I drop it over my head and nod my thanks.
“Uh . . .” Rick lifts his hand. “Don’t I get one too? I’m all for swallowing in the right circumstances, but not this one.”
The captain smirks. “I only have one.”
“Well, shit,” Logan grumbles. “Guess we share the creepy necklace to keep us safe.”
“Alright, enough,” I warn them. “Game faces, boys. It’s go time. I want to be on that beach in five minutes. No diving or playing around. The sun is high, and we need to cover a lot of ground fast. Is that understood?”
“Sir, yes, sir!” Logan mocks with a salute.
