When Tommy regained consciousness, he was hanging upside down, but moving fast across the jungle floor..
He lifted his head and saw that he was slung over a scaly muscular shoulder, and soon realized that the tree he ran into had actually been a Velociraptor. It had Tommy over it’s shoulder and was moving quickly through the jungle. To where, Tommy didn’t know.
Tommy had to admit he had never felt terror quite like he did at this moment. Being the prisoner of a Velociraptor was probably not the best thing that could happen in your life, but here he was. Jason was gone and he had no idea where he was or where he was going.
From what little Tommy could see, they were currently traveling down a small incline. Gradually the ground began to even out and the jungle spread out in to a clearing. The dinosaur tossed Tommy on the ground where he landed with a painful thud. He looked up. The Velociraptor was glaring down at him with a very unpleasant look on its face. In a matter of moments, Tommy was surrounded by Velociraptors. One of them stepped forward and leaned menacingly over him.
“Well, well, what do we have here?” it said. 𠇊ren’t you a grotesque little thing.” Tommy did little but quiver with terror. The dinosaur stood up and barked an order at two of the other Velociraptors.
“Take this vile thing to the pit!” it shouted.
The Velociraptors grabbed Tommy by the arms, hauled him into the air, and marched off towards the other side of the clearing. As he was being forcibly dragged against his will, Tommy wondered what exactly ‘the pit’ was. Visions of a very deep dark hole with no sunlight and lots of strange noises, entered his head. He shuttered at the nightmare he was now living..
It turned out that ‘the pit’ was a very airy bright big hole in the jungle floor. There were however, strange noises. The sight Tommy saw laid out before him was amazing, and what was going on down in the pit was equally amazing. There were many, many dinosaurs of all different kinds. Some were digging objects out of the surrounding wall and others were placing these objects into baskets, then carrying the baskets up a path which led up out of the pit and into the jungle. Tommy could see why Kypou thought it would be so difficult to free any one from this place. The whole area was heavily guarded by Velociraptors.
Still holding him tight, the Velociraptors dragged Tommy down a flight of stone steps leading down into the pit. At the bottom Tommy got a closer look at the activity going on. It was a scene no human had ever witnessed until now.
As Tommy passed by the various dinosaurs he saw a young long neck dinosaur which looked like an Apatosaurs, pushing rocks around with it’s head. The enslaved dinosaur looked up at Tommy. It’s small eyes were filled with deep sadness.
The Velociraptors finally stopped behind another Velociraptor who was guarding the slaves. This dinosaur turned towards them and spoke.
“What’s this?” it snapped.
One of the other Velociraptors replied.
“We’ve brought you another worker,” it said then pushed Tommy forward.
The guard inspected Tommy closely.
“Kind of scrawny ain’t it,” it said poking Tommy with a clawed finger.
Tommy was so scared he was finding it very difficult to breath.
“But,” the dinosaur went on. “I guess it’ll do. I’ll take it to Lerix.” With that said the other Velociraptors left.
The remaining guard grabbed Tommy roughly by the arm then pulled him along as it strode off across the pit. Tommy struggled to keep up with the dinosaurs long strides, at times his feet barely touching the ground.
They continued along until they reached the far side of the pit. This was when Tommy saw something he hadn’t noticed before. A high stone pyramid which went almost to the top of the pit wall. Stone stairs went up the front of the structure all the way to the top which was flat not pointed like regular pyramids. The guard did not stop until it had dragged Tommy all the way to the top.
Once there Tommy saw that the only thing occupying the top of the pyramid was a stone throne. Sitting on the throne was a large and very scary looking Velociraptor. The dinosaur was lounging on its throne casually snacking on furry creatures much, like the one Tommy had seen near his closet, contained in a cage beside the throne. Once again Tommy was thrown to the ground but he did not look up.
“What do you want?” demanded the enthroned Velociraptor in a deep cool voice.
The guard bowed.
“Mighty Lerix,” it said. “I have brought another worker for the mine.”
Lerix regarded Tommy with malice interest.
“Make it stand,” he said.
The guard kicked Tommy with a clawed foot and when he didn’t stand right away, the dinosaur hauled him to his feet. For the first time Tommy got a good look at the face of the Mighty Lerix. He stumbled backwards with fright. The guard behind Tommy caught him and pushed him forward. Lerix got up from his throne then bent down close to Tommy’s face. Tommy did his best to look at the dinosaur without shrinking away again.
Lerix’s face was badly scarred. The scar ran from the top left side of his head, across his left eye, across his snout, and ended at his chin. There was a horrible mangled hole where Lerix’s left eye should have been. Around his neck hung a flat piece of stone about the size of a CD. The stone had strange circular marks on it and the same faint red glow as the one Peko had around his neck. A cold shudder ran through Tommy’s body.
“Hum,” said Lerix. “I’ve never seen anything like you before.” He straightened up and slowly paced back and forth in front of Tommy.
“Where did it come from?” Lerix asked his guard.
“I’m not sure, my Lord. He was found in the jungle with some others but they got away,” replied the guard.
“Oh yes,” said Lerix quietly. “The others.” He remained quiet for a moment then looked down at Tommy. “You belong to me now and you will do exactly what you are told, understand.” Lerix wasn’t looking for a response. He looked at the guard. “It will be branded like all the slaves.”
Before Tommy knew what was happening the guard grabbed him, holding Tommy’s arm tightly at his sides. Lerix grasped the stone around his neck and advanced on Tommy. He pressed the stone against Tommy’s cheek. It burned into his flesh and he squealed in pain trying to break free. After a minute, Lerix removed the stone. Tommy could feel the stinging burn on his face. He began to cry.
“Put it to work,” said Lerix. But before Tommy could be dragged away Lerix grabbed him by his the shirt and pulled him close.
“Listen well creature. I don’t know what you are or where you came from but if you cause any trouble whatsoever, I will make you very , very sorry,” Lerix hissed.
He let Tommy go. The guard once again grabbed Tommy by the arm and dragged him back down the stairs.
Once they were back down in the pit, the guard took Tommy over to a section of wall and let him go.
“Get to work!” it growled then walked away.
Lerix sat on his throne and surveyed his domain. He smiled. Things were going better than he had ever expected. All that remained for him to do was get his hands on the last few Gwondalians who dare defy him and he would be in complete control of the valley and all who lived there.
As Lerix sat deep in thought, a figure strutted out from behind the throne. Lerix’s head darted to the left and found the Oviraptor, Egbert, standing beside him. The awkward dinosaur strutted in front of the throne and swooped down in a majestic bow. Lerix rolled his eyes. He only kept the bothersome thing alive because he was so good at spying.
“What do you want Egbert?” said Lerix with impatience.
“Egbert asks his most mighty leader Lerix to forgive the intrusion, but---”
“Get to the point!” snapped Lerix. “I haven’t got all day.”
Egbert bowed again then strutted closer to the throne. Lerix watched the half mad dinosaur approach. He didn’t trust Egbert but he was safe in the knowledge that if the idiot tried anything Lerix would rip his throat out.
The Oviraptor pointed down into the pit.
“Egbert knows much about the strange one brought before Lord Lerix.”
This piece of information peeked Lerix’s interest. He knew Egbert was always full of information even though he had repeatedly failed to bring him the heads of those that eluded him.
“You mean the creature?” asked Lerix.
Egbert nodded his head vigorously.
“Egbert knows this creature to be friend of the ones that cause Mighty Lerix so much trouble. Egbert has seen it with them.”
Lerix rested his chin on the back of his scaly hand and began to think. If this creature was indeed the companion of those pests, then most likely they will try to free their friend. This thought hatched a deliciously evil plan. Lerix turned his attention back to Egbert.
“Go and befriend this creature. Find out what it knows and if the others will come looking for it. Report back to me when you know something.” With that said he waved his hand and dismissed Egbert.
The Oviraptor bowed deeply then strutted off to find Tommy.
Tommy, meanwhile, was sitting on the ground slumped against the wall. He wiped the tears away from the stinging welt on his cheek. He was dazed and numb all over. For some reason, that he hadn’t figured out yet, Lerix had branded him like a cow. His head was cloudy and throbbing. Tommy tried to shake the feeling off and noticed for the first time that he was being watched. He looked over to his right and found the eyes of a Nanosaurus and a Protoceratops watching him. Tommy slowly got to his feet and the dinosaurs quickly looked away. Tommy wiped his dripping nose on his sleeve and noticed a primitive pick ax on the ground near his feet. As he picked it up, he suddenly felt very dizzy and had to lean against the wall to steady himself. He was feeling very strange, not at all like his usual self. He looked at the ax in his hand and wondered what he was suppose to do with it.
Tommy looked over at the dinosaurs beside him. Both were striking the rock wall with the ax then digging out lumps of clear crystal. Next the dinosaurs placed the crystals into one of four baskets near them. Tommy looked back at the wall. I better do something, he thought, otherwise there was no telling what that Lerix would do to him.
He lifted the ax into the air and hit the wall as hard as he could just as the others were doing. Pieces of rock fell away revealing two lumps of crystal, one clear and one black. Tommy carefully dug the crystals out of the wall and placed them into one of two baskets next to him. He was very tired. How was he going to find a way out of this nightmare? While Tommy was trying to think of an escape plan, a large Velociraptor carrying a whip walked up behind him. It gave Tommy a hard prod in the back with the end of the whip.
Startled, Tommy turned around. He found a Myrite guard standing behind him with it’s arms crossed and glaring at him.
“Get to work!” it snarled.
Tommy quickly turned around and began to frantically hit the wall with his ax.
Egbert watched what was going on with Tommy from a distance. Now was his chance. Tommy was physically and mentally weak. Befriending him would be easy. The dinosaur strutted over to Tommy and tapped him on the shoulder. Tommy jumped with fright and cringed up against the was until he saw Egbert’s face. He relaxed. He recognized the dinosaur from the stream the day before. He was glad to see a face he recognized. After all Egbert was friends with Kypou and the others, wasn’t he?
The Oviraptor smiled.
“Egbert says hello to friend of Kypou. You are Egbert’s friend as well?”
Tommy smiled. The dinosaur seemed harmless enough, and since he was in this horrible place too, then that meant Egbert must be a prisoner of the Myrites. But, wondered Tommy, where was Egbert’s branding mark? All the dinosaurs he had seen since he had been put to work in the pit had the same branding mark. So where was his?
“Sure,” said Tommy, glad to have any kind of allie.
Egbert toothless smile beamed.
“Egbert says this is good, good!” He produced a pick ax from behind his back. 𠇎gbert will help new friend.” He strutted closer to Tommy.
“Egbert would like to know if perhaps friend Kypou will be coming to rescue his new friend?”
Tommy thought for a moment. Jason and the others would almost certainly be planning something to get him out of here. Jason wouldn’t let him remain at the mercy of the Myrites. He was sure of it.
“Yeah,” he said. “Kypou will be coming for me.” This thought gave Tommy a little mental boost.
The dinosaur smiled again.
“Egbert is happy to hear this.” He patted Tommy on the shoulder. 𠇎gbert’s new friend will soon be free. Good good.”
“Tommy. My name’s Tommy.”
For a brief second Egbert’s eyes narrowed and glinted with mischief. Then his face softened.
“Tommy,” he said quietly.
As the hours past, Tommy grew more and more exhausted. He felt like his arm was going to fall off but he didn’t dare stop mining for crystals. The guards were watching him closely, on Lerix’s orders no doubt. One slip up and he was sure they would make quick work of him. He would have to lay low, do what he was told and wait for Jason to come rescue him.
In the meantime, Tommy had managed to fill his basket with crystals and was beginning to wonder what he was suppose to do with it now. He didn’t have too long to wait as one of the guards soon came over. It pointed a sharp gnarly claw at Tommy, Egbert and the two dinosaurs beside them, and ordered them to pick up their baskets and follow.
They made their way through the pit towards a path which led up into the jungle. Tommy struggled with the heavy basket as he followed the dinosaurs for about ten minutes up the jungle path. Stationed at various locations along the path were more Myrite guards. Whatever was at the end, thought Tommy, must be very important. Finally, the path ended in yet another clearing with still more guards surrounding the area.
Almost immediately, Tommy began to feel very dizzy. The warm jungle air was alive with a strange red pulsating light.
The guard stopped at the end of the path and motioned them all forward. Without hesitating, Egbert and the other two dinosaurs walked forward and dumped their baskets into an opening in the ground. Tommy, however, did hesitate. He didn’t know what was going on. He felt sick to his stomach and very scared. The guard shouted at him to get moving. Egbert and the dinosaurs had already completed the task and were now waiting for Tommy.
Tommy slowly moved towards the hole. Around him the air was heating up and crackling with strange energy. He could feel some kind of invisible force pushing down on him.
When he arrived at the edge of the hole, Tommy was shocked to see a large rock, about the size of his Mom’s minivan, resting at the bottom of a crater. It pulsated and hummed like a bee hive. So this must be the Great Stone he had heard so much about.
Tommy wasn’t an expert or anything, but he was sure this rock was a meteor of some kind.
His mind swirled and his thoughts seemed to come and go at will. Tommy felt the intense need to get away from this thing and the strange force it held over him before his head exploded. He quickly dumped his basket. The crystals landed on the meteor and all but one was rapidly absorbed, giving off nothing more than brief flashes of light. The single black crystal he had dug out earlier, however, fizzled and sparked sending off a plume of thick black smoke. The guard immediately bounded forward landing beside Tommy. It grabbed him and yanked him away from the crater’s edge. The dinosaur screeched at Tommy.
“How dare you feed a forbidden crystal to the Great Stone!”
Tommy was petrified. The Velociraptor continued to reprimand him.
“Never ever do that again, creature!” It spat the words out like venom. The dinosaur let Tommy go then pushed him towards the path.
Tears streamed down Tommy’s face. How was he suppose to know the black crystal was forbidden. He desperately wanted to go home. The guard cracked it’s whip above the heads of the other dinosaurs.
“Get moving!” it growled. The dinosaurs scurried after Tommy back down the path.
Once they were back in the pit, the guard told Egbert and the others to get back to work. It leered at Tommy.
“You, vile thing, are coming with me!” it snapped.
Tommy swallowed hard. This was it! He was done for! The Myrite guard pushed Tommy ahead of it until they reached the stone pyramid. Egbert watched them go, then with an evil smile, the crazy dinosaur slipped away into the crowd.
Tommy was so terrified he stumbled up the steps. The guard grew tired of this and picked him up by the back of his sweatshirt, carrying him up the rest of the way. Once at the top it threw Tommy down in front of the throne. Lerix regarded Tommy with disgust.
“Why has this thing been brought before me again?” he demanded.
The guard bowed to his Lord and Master then rose and began to tell Lerix of Tommy’s dreadful act.
“The creature fed the Great Stone a forbidden crystal, my Lord,” it said.
“What!” screamed Lerix rising out of his seat in anger.
The Myrite leader reached down and hauled Tommy to his feet.
“I warned you that if you caused any trouble I would punish you. Now you have gone and done the unthinkable.” Lerix pushed Tommy aside.
“Get rid of it,” he screeched at the guard.
Just as Tommy was about to be led away and ‘taken care of’, Egbert came strutting up the stairs. He bowed deeply to Lerix.
“What do you want now?” snapped Lerix.
“Egbert is sorry to intrude on his most Royal Majesty, but Egbert believes he has information the Mighty Lerix might wish to hear.”
“Well,” growled Lerix. “What is it?”
“Egbert believes that he,” Egbert pointed at Tommy. “Was not told about the forbidden crystals.”
On hearing this news, Lerix turned his attention to the guard.
“Is this true?” he demanded.
The dinosaur didn’t know what to say. It stuttered and stammered with an answer.
“Well,” said Lerix testily.
“Uh.... possibly Master,” it said. “It is possible that the creature was not told.” The dinosaur waited for it’s leader to strike out in anger but the blow never came.
Lerix sighed. “How do you expect the slaves to do their job if you do not give them the proper instructions,” he said sitting back on his throne.
The guard lowered its’ head with shame.
“Forgive me Master. It will not happen again.”
“See that it doesn’t,” replied Lerix.
Tommy couldn’t believe it, Egbert had just risked his life to save his. He really was a friend.
Lerix leaned forward and addressed Tommy.
“It would seem creature that today is your lucky day... for now. Any more mishaps and...” Lerix dragged a finger across his throat. “... and you will pay with your life.” He then waved them all away out of his sight.
The guard dragged Tommy back down the stairs. He never got to see what happened to Egbert.
The fact was that the Oviraptor had stayed by the throne. He had much to tell Lerix.
“Well done,” said Lerix. “I do believe the creature thinks your its friend. What else have you learned?”
“Egbert has learned its friends will come soon.”
Lerix motioned one of his guards over.
“Tell the others to expect an escape , but to make sure to let it happen without appearing to do so.” he said.
The guard hurried away to carry out it’s orders.
Lerix gave Egbert a devilish smile.
“I have a surprise in store for the creature and his pesky friends.” He laughed wildly.
