Before touching down on a small strip-way, Kate had asked Sean to see if he could make contact with the local officials to arrange transport to take her to the campsite of Helen Shireberg. Within five minute’s air traffic controller, Miguel got back to them, confirming someone will be waiting for her at the temples as soon as they land.
Sean and Kate touched down a few hundred yards away from the Chichen Itza site and walked the rest of the way towards the bright lights. As they reached the temples they both froze in wonder at what they saw all around them. Each temple was lit up, standing high against the night sky. The place still had a few tourists visiting the site guided by a night tour leader. Kate had seen pictures and photographs of the temples, but to see them standing in front of you was another thing altogether.
Time was passing by fast, and with only a few hours left until sun up. Jason charged his way through the rough bush following the tracks made by Tony and the others, when suddenly he sensed something was not right. He noticed the jungle was unusually quiet all around him. Jason took a few steps forward, the ground crunching beneath his feet with every step he took.
He paused again as he felt a cold breeze descend upon him. Jason quickly turned around expecting to see somebody behind him, but he saw nothing. He shook his head, blaming exhaustion for playing tricks with his mind. He took a few steps forward when the same thing happened again. But this time not only did he shudder from the cold air, he could see his warm breath after each exhalation he took, just as if he were standing inside a deep freezer. Jason had no idea what was going on, not taking any chances he withdrew his weapon.
The cold air seemed to follow him as he continued on through the thick jungle. After a few more yards, he found himself amongst a white mist just a few inches from the ground, growing larger and larger as it covered the jungle floor. He was sure someone or something was watching his every move. He stopped suddenly, positive he could hear whispering sounds coming from within the trees. Jason pointed his firearm in front of him, then to the left of him, following the sounds from wherever they came from. Now he knew he was not alone when he saw dark shadows darting from within the trees with such a speed that it was impossible for him to take aim and shoot.
The shadows moved closer and closer until they were all around him. Jason randomly opened fire, emptying his weapon in seconds. Then without warning, he was knocked off his feet as if a raging bull had charged him. He had no idea what hit him, but whatever it was, it was now dragging him from his feet back the way he had come. After ten yards, it stopped. Jason quickly got to his feet, but he saw nothing and nobody. Not about to give in that easily, he pushed forward again increasing his pace. Then it hit him again just like before, knocking him down and pulling him back a few more yards.
Was this possible to be attacked by an invisible force, he said to himself. Frustration was getting the better of him. Jason was not the type to be scared that easily.
He shouted out, “come on show yourself whatever you are! I’m not afraid!”
Then it happened again. Jason was being dragged backward as if something was preventing him from moving forward. This time Jason was determined to continue no matter what. He got to his feet, running as fast as he could away from the dark shadows and mist. For the next hundred yards, Jason didn’t look back until he could run no more. He looked around as he stopped to catch his breath. He saw nothing was following him, so he continued forward in a strong, steady pace.
Racing against the clock, Tony also was moving through the jungle at a quick pace. He continually checked the GPS display, making certain they were still heading in the right direction. By his calculations, they should be at the site within the next forty minutes or so. Travis was holding a large flashlight, showing the way in front of them. Rosie remained close to Sally, who still has not said a word to anyone. She sometimes giggled to herself and murmured words that no one could understand. Tony would stop now and then to check up on her, making sure the energy within her was still there.
After a while, Tony thought he heard the sound of running water. He stopped where he was, and called for Travis to come forward with the flashlight. Rosie took the opportunity to sit down and rest, pulling Sally down beside her. Tony and Travis took a few steps forward when they came to a clearing, revealing a fifty foot wide river just below them. The steep drop to the river was more than thirty feet, making it impossible for them to climb down. They paused for a few minutes taking in the spectacular scenery. The water below them was crystal clear with rocks on both sides. They had to search for an alternative way to get across the river. According to the GPS the site was to the North East, so Tony decided to move in that direction, hoping to find another crossing point.
Back at the Chichen Itza temples, Kate met with the very same guide who escorted Jason and Danny. She said goodbye to Sean, who was ordered back to the Bahamas. Then she climbed inside the open top jeep and headed out with Andreas into the dark jungle. Glancing back at the temples, she saw Sean’s aircraft as it circled around and then disappeared into the night sky. The journey to Helen’s campsite would take them at least half an hour.
As the Jeep passed along the rough roads, she looked into the jungle, thinking it was no place to be at this time of hour. Her thoughts wandered over to Jason, praying he was alright out there alone searching for Sally.
She then began to think about the Mayan people, fascinated at the marvels they had created, and the dangers they had to deal with in their day to day lives. She remembered what she had searched about on the INTERNET, their gods and the spirits they believed in. Their whole lives and way of living depended on what the gods decided for them, and the sacrifices that were offered to them.
Kate was brought back to reality by the sounds of helicopters passing above her. She immediately knew they were from the search and rescue team. She wondered if they had found the wrecked aircraft or not, or even if the occupants were alive or dead. Kate thought only of Jason, worried if he had survived the jump from Sean’s plane.
Not too far from where Tony and Travis emerged, stood a wooden bridge. It was just a meter in width made for single file crossing. The bridge was old but still strong enough to cross from one side to another. Tony had a gut feeling he was being watched, so he hurried the others along to begin the crossing. It was Travis, who first tested the wooden structure, making it safely over to the other side. He then urged Rosie and Sally along. Rose held onto Sally’s hand, making sure she followed her every step. Next it was Tony’s turn. He was half way across when he heard the sound of running feet coming towards him from the jungle. It was Jason, who eventually managed to catch up with them. Tony made a run for the other side, managing to cross the bridge just as Jason was clear of the trees. Tony then lowered his duffel bag to the ground, zipped it open and took out two 9mm automatic weapons.
Travis, surprised by Tony’s actions said, “where in the hell did they come from?”
Without answering, he opened fire, spraying the ground beneath Jason’s feet with bullets, forcing him backward. Before Jason had a chance to take cover, he took a bullet to the leg. He went down hard, his face hitting the rocks, knocking him unconscious. Tony then opened fire on the bridge support beams and began kicking the rotting wood breaking them in two. The bridge made a crunching sound as it gave way crashing down into the river below. Tony reloaded his two guns and turned towards Jason ready to open fire again. But Jason’s body was gone; he somehow managed to slip away into the jungle trees.