A Mongol Empire Scenario-Desert Tides- Or how I learned to swim in quicksand

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Alas poor child to grow up with such a name! Well, at least he was able to survive childhood, eh? I agree with coz, me thinks our friend has the stirrings of feelings for dear Shara... he had better hope he never gets on the wrong side of her aunt, eh?

 

[Judge]

Those parents sure knew how to negotiate a name, what a perfect arrangement

I loved the descriptions in this update, the description of Petra really brought up a picture in my mind of the environment

 

[Stuyvesant]

"How in the world did you end up with that moniker?"

Or, to paraphrase that: 'How in the world did you come up with that moniker, Storey?' It's a very good name, I do see why Mr T R Rowe would prefer to be known simply as 'Rowe', rather than use his given name.

Good descriptions all round. I look forward to reading more about Petra before Vetterman and his goons arrive.

 

[Secret Master]

So the name of Rowe is finally revealed.

Still, I wonder if that's a worse name than "The Goat that Roars"...

What will they find here in Petra, I wonder.

 

[stnylan]

What a name! I loved the dual uncovering - them looking around and the revealing of Mr Rowe's nominative embarrassment. I wonder though - Shara strikes me as the sort that will tease him mercilessly from now on - though strictly in confidence.

 

[Storey]

CatKnight -

Coz1 – I took Director’s advice that he offered early on about the bad name gambit. Of course coming up with the name was the hard part.

Draco Rexus – Thanks, I tried to make Bebe come alive and although I wasn’t completely satisfied in her description it will have to do.

Judge – Thanks, I read a few things on Petra and it sounds like a remarkable place to visit.

Stuyvesant – Taborah is the first name for a small time actor in Hollywood from many years’ back. To tell the truth I only vaguely remember the name. Oh and Ruben is one of my favorite sandwiches. Vetterman is hot on their trail and is about to arrive…but not yet.

Secret Master- We are about to find out what Petra is hiding.

stnylan – I don’t think Rowe will mind a little teasing from her.

I woke up in the dead of the night last night as the lightning flashed and the thunder roared only to find the mad dogs of tendonitis gnawing at my elbows again. Hungry little devils. I started thrashing around trying to throw them off me when ‘she who will not be denied’ woke up and asked me what the hell I was doing. Trying to explain and make sense at 3am about tendonitis dogs and their midnight meal of my elbows was not easy. Finally she rolled over and muttered something about putting the dogs out before going to bed and started snoring. Not that she snores mind you! I have it on very good authority, namely herself, that she doesn’t snore. However she has an amazing ability to mimic a snore for hours at a time. That sounds easier that it is. Think about the amount of concentration required. Now what the hell was my point. Oh right my elbows might need a rest but I’m going to get one more post up before I soak them in ice water.

Joe

 

[Storey]

For the next two days we continued the search of the ruins of Petra. Sometimes my companion was Shara other times Aurturo. By the third day Higgins decided that we needed to cover more territory so we split up and searched alone. Every ruin that showed even the slimmest link to the Crusaders or Kingdom of Jerusalem was scoured for clues but nothing was found. Maybe we were in denial or just mistaken about the size of the city of Petra. But we soon learned not only were there over 800 tombs but also the ruins of the city itself were large and spread out. Hope for finding what was our needle in a haystack before the arrival of Vetterman was diminishing as each day passed. Higgins took to pacing in front of our fire at the end of the day. He would check with Green and Brown who were rotating guard duty at the Siq and ask them if they’d seen anything. He even got the Bedouins to start helping with the search and our protection. I still remember his white suited bulk striding back and forth muttering about time and action and their consequences while occasionally glancing my way. He never said anything but I knew he blamed me for not being able to figure out what Stevenson managed to discover. I took to studying the manuscript and notes in the evening and Shara joined me. She thought that possibly she would recognize something in her father’s notes that would help. With our heads close together we poured over the pages in the light of the camp lantern and traded ideas that led nowhere. When Shara wasn’t helping me she was either with the Bedouins or Aurturo. Aurturo would regale here with stories of his adventures in hunting for treasures and she would counter with what treasures he missed at her father’s digs. For some reason it bothered me but I had to admit that Shara needed whatever distraction Aurturo could give her from the loss of her father and the revenge she wanted.

Or the morning of the fourth day Higgins without saying a word to any of us set out alone, his mood was as foul as a Chinese thousand-year-old egg. Shara and Hamil, who was showing an interest in helping in our search, headed to the East looking for Mahoud. He was supposed to be back with water but hadn’t returned. Aurturo and I decided to go out together and headed toward the West section of the city. Hamil and Shara were there yesterday but weren’t able to finish their search before sunset. Hamil told me of a building there that might be worth checking out. He called it the Deir.

Aurturo led the way as we walked up the gradual slope toward the West and the highest point in the city. Even in the morning the sun was hot and the dust rose with each step. Aurturo in a rare concession to the environment was not wearing his usual coat. His white shirtsleeves were rolled up and most surprising of all he was wearing boots. Being use to his usual dapper appearance I found it unsettling to see him looking so functional. Finally Aurturo paused by a pile of stone and sat down. He wiped a layer of dust off his face and took a drink from his water skin.

"Damn it Rowe but sometimes I think that the Middle East lays at the bottom of the world and the world is a dustbin. All the dust in the world settling to the lowest point on the earth and we, god save us, are there."

"Oh I don’t know, it could be worst. Two years age I spent a summer in Alaska doing research on the Bella Coola tribe. At one point we came to a river that was too deep and running too fast to get across. Luckily the mosquitoes were so thick we were able to walk on them and get to the other side."

Aurturo finished patting his neck with a damp handkerchief and stood up.

"Once when I was camped at the headwaters of the Euphrates I saw a mosquito so big its nose was the length of a sword. If it weren’t for my cane and my fencing ability it would have skewered me and carried me off."

I grinned at Aurturo and he grinned at me before finishing.

"First liar never has a chance Rowe."

He wiped another layer of dust off his face and we continued our climb. Up at the highest part of this section of the ruins was the large building Hamil referred to as the Deir. Judging from its elevated position I thought it more likely to be a temple rather than a tomb. As we entered its one room we saw an alter at the back and religious carvings that indicated it was a indeed a temple. Aurturo took his hat off and patted his brow with his handkerchief.

"There doesn’t seem to be anything here that’s remotely Christian."

"You’re right. The temple looks more likely to be over a thousand years old. Look at the dais. It looks like a sacrificial altar and look at the wall behind it. The design seems to be a tribute to a sun god. Possibly Apollo."

"It doesn’t make much difference does it? Maybe the next ruin will be more profitable."

We turned to go and as Aurturo and I reached the entrance I turned and glanced around the room one more time and suddenly froze. The hairs rose on the back of my neck and all I could do was croak.

"Aurturo!"

He was just outside the entrance when he heard me call his name. He turned and reentered the temple with a puzzled expression on his face.

"Is there something wrong Rowe? You look like you’ve seen a ghost."

"Look!"

Was all I could say as I pointed to the wall behind the altar.

Aurturo walked over to the wall and looked at it. After a few seconds he shrugged his shoulders and looked back to me.

"What am I suppose to be looking at? I don’t see anything of interest."

"The designed on the wall. What does it look like to you?"

"You just said yourself that it was a crude depiction of a sun god, so what?"

"I was wrong, look again. You see the large circle and then the inner one and then the next."

"Yes a rather crude attempt at depicting the sun. I repeat so what?"

"You’re too close, step back here! Now what else does it look like?"

Aurturo walked back to me and turned to look at the wall. He furrowed his brow in a most studious way and suddenly said.

"Rowe!"

"You see it to don’t’ you?"

I walked over and traced out the outer circle and then the next and the next and came back to Aurturo who only said.

"It a target just like Stevenson had in his study."

"Damn right it is and in the center is a BULLS EYE!"

I bent down and picked up a rock and walked over to the wall where I tapped at the center. A hollow ring sang back at me.

"Go get the others and bring a pick!"

Aurturo ran out of the room and I sat down on the altar staring at the wall with one of the greatest senses of satisfaction I’ve ever felt. It brought back a memory of my dad when he once said after getting in the harvest just before a rainstorm rolled through that would have ruined it.

"Boy. It doesn’t get any better than this."

And then he lit up a cigar and we leaned back and he smoked it while the hay wagon bumped along toward the barn.

 

[stnylan]

This brought a big grin to my face. A classic scene.

 

[J. Passepartout]

Great, now we've found something. Hopefully it isn't the wrong one.

I liked the mosquito bit.

 

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Hopefully our brave but foolish band of adventurers will have the time to fully explore their new find before Vetterman and his gang of thugs show up.... or the dust and mosquitoes force them to call it quits!

 

[Secret Master]

That was a good scene, Storey.

However, I must admit, I wonder how many laughs it could have been played for if Higgins had been there. Imagine Rowe trying to explain this to him, and imagine how many lines of dialog Higgins' response would have been.

 

[Stuyvesant]

That scene sure got the Indy vibe going. I just watched The Last Crusade the other day and the likeness in setting and mood is just amazing. Clearly, though, Rowe wins out in the cool companion stakes. I mean, people like Aururo and Higgins or that pottering Marcus Brody or that pouting Nazi scientist? No contest.

Now, what is it that they will find? Or WILL they? I mean, you didn't show them getting whatever it is yet, and Vetterman should be getting really close, and that Hamil guy disappeared... Exciting!

 

[coz1]

Certainly better than just a simple X a la Last Crusade. One wonders how badly Higgins would have argued against it had he been there. And Aurturo is so spot on about the liar thing. Very nice. Hope the dogs are let back in soon while she who will not be deinied is not snoring. :rofl:

 

[Storey]

Stnylan – Thanks I tried to get just the right feel to it.

J. Passepartout – A good point. What is it they’ve found?

Draco Rexus – Then they’d better hurry because Vetterman and company can’t be too far away.

Secret Master – True but Higgins will be there when Rowe opens the Bulls eye and you know he will have something to say.

Stuyvestant – Thank you. Ah yes what will they find if anything? Things are going to heat up in the next couple of episodes.

Coz1 – I felt a certain amount of glee in telling the reader where the treasure was going to be found in a way that they wouldn’t pick up on.

I play golf on a regular basis and that’s where I learned that the first liar hasn’t a chance. Here’s an old joke that illustrates it.

A man is sitting in a bar at a golf club and a friend comes in and sits down beside him. The first one complains.

"I’m the worst golfer in the club."

"No you’re not. I’m the worst golfer in the club."

"Nonsense and I can prove it. Look at my score card I took an X on the first hole!" (For you non-golfers X means too many strokes to count,)

And his friend answers.

"There you see, you’re already two strokes ahead of me!"


As for the dogs they are small, but have sharp teeth and they like to gnaw day and night. I'm going to rest until Sunday and then try writing. One advantage is that I can chew on the story in my head, which usually leads to a better story. In fact I’ll use the time to decide on who dies next!

Joe

 

[Storey]

Thump…Thump…

I swung the pick again at the bulls eye as Higgins and Aurturo watched. Higgins was seated on a stone pillar that had toppled in some ancient earthquake. The bleached limestone blended in with his white suit making it difficult to see where one ended and the other began. Aurturo stood at his side quietly waiting but eager to see what was behind the wall. It was hard to tell who was the more excited but I knew that Higgins was beside himself by the way he kept standing up with every swing of the pick axe only to sit down when nothing but stone fell from the wall. Both watched with anticipation as I swung the pick again at the target.

"Try putting your weight into it if you would Mr. Rowe."

I turned to Higgins who sat mopping his brow in the noonday heat.

"Higgins?"

"Yes."

"Shut the fuck up. If you don’t mind of course."

Higgins face reddened and Aurturo grinned and placed a hand of Higgins shoulder.

"I think we should just let Rowe get on with business don’t you Mr. Higgins?"

Higgins hesitated and nodded his head.

"I believe you are right Mr. Pasquale but I think Mr. Rowe’s eloquence is confined by his exertion."

"I’m willing to work on my eloquence if you’re willing to swing the pick. How about it?"

Higgins grinned and waved his hand in mock surrender.

"No, no I think we are both suited our current occupations. Pray continue."

I took a deep breath and swung the pickaxe again.

Thump...

The rock face gave way and a hole appeared in the wall. I reached in and pulled some of the loose rock out. The hole was the size of my fist and I leaned forward and peered into the blackness.

"I think I see something."

Higgins and Aurturo exchanged glances.

I stepped back and swung the pick again and again and the wall facing fell away. There in the enlarged hole lay a manuscript identical to the first two. I reached in all the way to my shoulder and grabbed a hold of the book. It took a tug to free it and I slowly pulled it out but before I could turn around I found Higgins and Aurturo at my side breathing heavily as if they were the ones who’d swung the pickaxe.
Higgins face beamed as he stared at the manuscript in my hands.

"By all I hold dear if this isn’t the most excitement I’ve ever had. By Jove I knew you could do it Mr. Rowe. You’re like a British bulldog in you’re determination. It may take you a while to get your teeth into the problem but once you do you don’t let go until you’ve solved it. Bravo Mr. Rowe on a good show and all that, now if you don’t mind let’s have a look."

Higgins held out his hands and I hesitated before handing him the book. He quickly turned to the back of the book and there he found the yellowed parchment pages that we hoped to find.

"Gentlemen our task is over. I suggest we retire to camp and gather everyone as quickly as possible. We need to leave as soon as possible if we are to deny Herr Vetterman an opportunity at mischief."

 

[CatKnight]

Higgins? Grateful? Doppleganger!! What did you do with the real Higgins!??!?!???

 

[coz1]

Was that actual agreement between Higgins and Aurturo up there? Agreement at not wanting to do the heavy work? If Higgins put his weight into it, they would have been through much earlier.

Excitement is correct. Now, can they get out of sight before Vetterman and crew show up? I'm sure he would not mind very much allowing Rowe and Co. do the detective and heavy labor while they trotted away with the reward.

 

[stnylan]

I bet Vetterman is hiding behind the nearest convenient boulder

 

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Things are starting to move right nicely! Nice.

"Shut the fuck up. If you don’t mind of course."

:rofl:

"I believe you are right Mr. Pasquale but I think Mr. Rowe’s eloquence is confined by his exertion."

Eloquence be damned when heavy labor is in existance, eh? I say Rowe makes Higgins do the damn pick work next time! :rofl:

Now the question remains to see if our heroes get out of town before Vetterman and company arrive to make things a wee bit messy!

 

[J. Passepartout]

Yeah, that was pretty eloquent, there. But, do I see Higgins refusing to do his share of work? How unlike him!