Treasure of the Mayan King (2012) Read Free Page A

smooth as it had been. Calling it an airstrip was far too generous; it was more like a dirt road, a simple break in the jungle canopy. Perhaps if he looked hard enough he could locate a way out of the primitive landing area with the intent of finding a civilized area. Instead of joining the search, Mack just sat on his luggage, apparently wondering what to do.
    The lack of a welcoming committee had obviously thrown him for a loop. Chauncy felt that talking to Mack would raise his spirits. “I’ve found two roads so far that go off into the jungle,” he called out, picking his way carefully along the edge of the trees. “Neither appears like it has been used for a while…no, wait…here we go!” He smiled broadly, turning back to look at Mack. “There are fresh tire tracks on this one, my friend, all is not lost.”
    Before Mack could respond, the distant sound of a vehicle came to them through the jungle. Chauncy stood for a moment, his head tilted at a slight angle, identifying the sound. After a few seconds his smile returned. “It’s definitely getting closer, and if I had to guess, I’d say it is coming down this road too. Cheer up Mack, I think our ride is here.”
    As Chauncy stepped back to the luggage, a large and luxurious SUV crossed the runway. A small man dressed in safari khakis stepped out of the passenger side. Chauncy immediately recognized the gray hair and white goatee of the famous Dr. Sova.
    Sova walked toward the two men and introduced himself, even though he knew he wouldn’t have to. “Good morning, Mr. Estlund, Mr. Rollock. My name is Dr. Sova. Please, you must forgive me for the delay - we were quite busy with another matter. I’m sure you understand.”
    “Think nothing of it,” replied Chauncy as the chauffeur loaded their luggage.
    As they drove slowly through the dust they generated along the bumpy road, Chauncy relished the cushy interior of the vehicle, since it was as far removed as possible from the environment outside. The leather seats were very comfortable, and the air conditioning was a welcome relief. Despite the jarring ride, Chauncy knew what mattered more than the environment or the condition of the road was their destination: Temple #22. Mack and Chauncy had been chosen as the representatives of the United States in the multinational archaeological undertaking. The only paleontologists, they had been invited because it was believed that the skeletal remains of King Chac would be found in the pyramid.
    To fill the long drive, Chauncy took advantage of the privilege of speaking with the great Dr. Sova. They discussed the general state of the project, the overall mission, and the progress that had so far been made in clearing out the temple.
    “We are making fine advancement indeed.” Dr. Sova’s voice was rich with professional excitement. “Most of the overgrown plant material has been cleared. Soon we will be able to make our ascent to the top of the temple and from there we will need to pry open the flagstone on the top floor in order to gain access to the tunnel.”
    He paused as the vehicle hit a rather large pothole. “You two are the last men I have invited to this project, and therefore the last to arrive. Once we have access to the tunnel we will then be disinterring the remains of King Chac, and I will need you two paleontologists to analyze his skeleton.”
    The vehicle came across another particularly rough spot on the road, and this time the conversation did not resume or a while.
    It was almost exactly an hour later when they arrived at the foot of the imposing pyramid. As he got out of the vehicle, Chauncy couldn’t help but stare at the muted grandeur of the place. The first thing that came to his mind was how vertical the structure was. He wondered idly whether any of the ancients had lost their foothold and fallen to their deaths while climbing the temple. It wasn’t a pleasant mental image. He shook his head in an effort to rid himself of the