Jason and the dinosaurs had returned safely to the cave. Harpi was also there and the air between him and Jason was somewhat frosty.
Jason slumped glumly on to one of the beds. Bonta sat next to him.
You should eat something,” she said. “It will keep you strong.”
I’m not hungry,” said Jason.
Bonta frowned. She felt so bad for him. She knew what it was like to have someone she loved taken away by the Myrites. Realizing that Jason wasn’t going to listen to her, she joined the others around the warming stone in the center of the cavern.
Jason was frustrated and very angry. He couldn’t just sit here worrying about Tommy. He had to do something before it was too late.
I’m going to look for Tommy,” he said as he got up from the bed. “He’s probably wondering around the jungle lost and scared. I’ve got to find him.”
Kypou immediately got to his feet.
Jason please be reasonable,” he said. “There in no way you can do that on your own. We’ll come with you and help. Won’t we?” He looked at his companions.
It was obvious that Harpi wasn’t going to offer his help. He’d made his position about Tommy and Jason quite clear. But Kypou was surprised at the reaction of the others. None of them seemed to want to help either.
Won’t we?” Kypou said again trying to encourage them.
Bonta looked apologetically at Jason.
Jason you must understand,” she said. “It’s not that we don’t want to help you. It’s just that--,”
Bonta what are you saying,” said Kypou. “Jason needs our help.”
Jason didn’t say anything. While a part of him was disappointed, a part of him understood.
Harpi does have a valid point,” Bonta said to Kypou. “What if we all got caught? Who would fight for our freedom?”
Kypou was speechless. Harpi stood up. His demeanor was calmer then it had been.
Kypou you can’t expect us to risk our lives for something that doesn’t concern us. It’s not fair,” he said.
Kypou lowered his head and sighed deeply.
Typhoo?” he said quietly. “Will you help?”
The shy dinosaur shook his head sadly. “No,” he said and looked away.
Jason placed a hand on Kypou’s shoulder.
It’s okay Kypou. I understand. If this valley is where I’m going to spend the last moments of my life then I’m going to spend that time looking for my brother. Thanks for all the help you’ve given us so far.” Without another word, Jason walked up the stairs and out into the jungle.
Kypou looked around at his friends. They all avoided his gaze.
I can’t believe you won’t help them. Whatever happened to the promise we made, to help all those who are threatened by the Myrites. Just because they’re not one of us doesn’t mean we should just abandon them.”
You can’t blame us,” said Harpi. “We have to look out for ourselves.”
Kypou shook his head with deep disappointment and walked towards the stairs.
Well, I’m going to help them because I still believe in that promise.” Kypou left the cave.
Once in the jungle Kypou ran to catch up with Jason.
What are you doing here?” Jason asked him with surprise.
Kypou slapped Jason on the back.
Friends help friends,” he said with a smile.
Gee, that’s great,” said Jason. “Really great.”
The first thing we should do,” said Kypou as they walked together through the damp jungle. “Is go back to where the Myrites attacked us. If we’re going to find any sign of where Tommy’s gone, we’ll find it there.”
Night was drawing on. Torches had been lit around the perimeter of the pit. Tommy and the other workers had been allowed to stop digging and rest. After a dinner of berries and some other food Tommy didn’t recognize, the workers settled down. Tommy’s head was still giving him trouble. It seemed as though one minute he would forget who or where he was and the next minute everything would come back to him. It was making for some pretty interesting, not to mention scary times for him. The sudden attacks were happening more and more frequently the longer he stayed in close proximity to the Great Stone. He felt like it was slowly destroying his mind.
The Nanosaurus laying near Tommy wasn’t sleeping either. It was staring at him. Tommy felt bad about the dinosaur getting yelled at for something he had done. Maybe, he thought, he should try and apologize.
Hi,” said Tommy. “I’m Tommy. What’s your name?”
The dinosaur said nothing. It just continued to stare.
Tommy noticed it had the same branding mark on its neck as he had on his cheek.
Look” said Tommy. “I’m really sor--”
Be quiet!” hissed the dinosaur. “You’re going to get me in trouble again. Leave me alone!”
I’m sorry,” said Tommy quickly. “I didn’t mean to.”
Can’t you hear?” snapped the Protoceratops lying next to the Nanosaurus. “Leave us alone!”
The dinosaurs shuffled further away from Tommy. They didn’t want to be near him the next time he got into trouble.
Realizing the dinosaurs wanted nothing to do with him, Tommy rolled over and stared at the wall. He was still pretty shaken by the incident with the forbidden black crystal and had no idea why it had caused so much trouble. He knew he had to find a way out of here. There was no way he could go through another day like today. His body ached and he was so tired but still far too scared to fall asleep.
Tommy had a vague suspicion the meteor had something to do with the dinosaurs ability to talk and the strange magical powers they possessed, but he just wasn’t sure how.
He shifted on the cool hard ground. He hadn’t been giving anything to sleep on. Tommy felt something touch his shoulder. He turned and saw the face of Egbert the Oviraptor. Tommy was glad to see him. He hadn’t been able to thank him yet for saving his life. Tommy pushed himself up on his elbows.
Hi Egbert. Am I glad to see you.” he said.
Egbert says hello to friend Tommy.” The dinosaur laid down on the ground next to him.
I never got a chance to thank you for sticking up for me,” said Tommy.
Egbert was glad to help his friend but now Egbert has favor to ask of Tommy.”
Sure,” said Tommy. 𠇊sk away. I owe you one.”
Egbert leaned close to Tommy and whispered.
Take Egbert with you.”
Jason and Kypou arrived at the attack site and after lighting some crystals, they began their search. But Tommy wasn’t anywhere in sight. Kypou did, however, find something of interest. A piece of torn fabric from Tommy’s backpack. This new development didn’t fill Jason with any hope. He still didn’t want to think of Tommy in the clutches of the Myrites.
He might have wondered off trying to find his way back to the cave,” said Jason.
Well, he certainly didn’t go the way we came. Let’s search the surrounding area. He might have taken a different route,” said Kypou.
Kypou leapt up into one of the nearby trees. It must have been a 30 or 40 foot high jump. He landed at the top of the tree and surveyed the jungle below. He couldn’t see any sign of Tommy. He jumped down to the ground.
I don’t see anything,” he told Jason. “Let’s go.”
They were about to take off into the jungle when they heard noises behind them. Tommy! Thought Jason with renewed hope. But it turned out to be Bonta, Typhoo, Peko, and the reluctant Harpi who had been forced to promise he would help. Jason and Kypou were surprised to see them.
What are you guys doing here?” Jason asked them.
Peko bounded forward and jumped on Kypou.
We’re sorry Kypou. Are you mad at us?” The little dinosaur hugged Kypou tightly.
Kypou patted Peko on the head.
No. Of course not,” he said softly.
We talked it over,” said Bonta. 𠇊nd decided that turning our backs on Jason and Tommy would be wrong. We did make a promise after all.”
Is there anything we can do to help?” asked Typhoo.
Kypou put Peko on the ground.
Of course,” he said smiling. This show of kindness made him feel really good.
Jason walked over to Harpi. The dinosaur regarded him with mild annoyance.
Look Harpi,” began Jason swallowing his pride. “I know we’ve had our differences but I really need to find my brother. Do you think you could use your gift and find out where he is?”
Harpi didn’t answer. Jason knew he couldn’t force Harpi to help. It would have to be by his own free will.
Harpi turned away from Jason and over to a group of bushes. A few moments later Harpi walked off into the jungle, muttering to the surrounding trees and bushes as he went. Jason sighed. He wasn’t going to help. To everyone’s surprise Harpi came back.
The jungle has told me that Tommy was taken by the Myrites to their mine,” he said.
Thanks Harpi,” said Kypou, taking control of the situation. “Right, here’s the plan. Everyone gather around.”
Jason gave Harpi a little grateful smile. Harpi did not smile back.
Kypou explained the plan.
It’s getting dark so we will have to move fast and head for the mine. Once there, Harpi and I will go to the east side of the pit and create some kind of disturbance. Once the guards are occupied, Peko will sneak into the pit--”
No, no,” said Bonta. “I do not want Peko going anywhere near the Myrites especially by himself. I will go instead.”
I want to go!” exclaimed Peko. “I want to help too!”
Bonta it’s impossible for you to go in Peko’s place. Your too big,” said Kypou. “We need someone small enough to move through the mine undetected and who can see the Myrites when they are invisible, and that’s Peko.”
Bonta wasn’t happy about the idea but realized she had little choice.
Okay,” said Kypou continuing. “Once Peko has located Tommy, they will head for the path on the south side of the pit, where you three will be waiting. Bonta you will take everyone to our secret tree hideout, okay. Harpi and I will join you there. That’s the plan, let’s go.”
Tommy wasn’t sleeping. Beside him, however, Egbert was happily snoring away. Why hadn’t Jason come for him yet? He wasn’t about to spend another day in this place and he knew his brother wouldn’t let him down.
Shouting from somewhere within the pit broke the nighttime silence. Within seconds everyone was awake.
On the east side, up in the trees that skirted the edge, rocks were showering down. Some of the dinosaurs were now on their feet and trying to move away from the sudden assault. The guards stomped around shouting at everyone to stay where they were, but it was plain to see that chaos was only moments away. Rocks pelted the bodies of workers and guards alike. The onslaught even caused Lerix to come down from his enthroned pyramid. Immediately taking control, he split his troops into two groups. The smaller group was sent up into the jungle to find out what was going on. The second and larger group stayed in the pit to ensure the workers remained under control.
By now, Tommy along with everyone else, was on his feet. Confusion and growing fear hung in the air. Tommy didn’t even notice when Egbert slipped away.
The Oviraptor slithered up beside Lerix.
Stay with the creature,” snarled Lerix. 𠇏ind out what their plans are. Go!”
Once again Egbert disappeared in the chaotic crowd of bodies.
The workers getting restless was something Lerix had not planned on. No matter what they mustn’t be allowed to get out of control.
Tommy being considerably shorter than most of the dinosaurs, strained to see what was happening. He felt a tug on his pant leg. Tommy looked down and found Peko’s smiling face looking up at him. Quickly checking to see if anyone was watching, Tommy crouched down and hugged the little dinosaur.
How did you get in here?” he whispered.
Peko put his finger against his closed mouth.
We must be very quiet,” said the little dinosaur. He tugged on Tommy’s arm. 𠇌ome on we have to go now.”
But before Tommy would allow himself be led away, he looked behind him to see where Egbert was. He didn’t see the dinosaur slip back to his place along the wall.
Come on Egbert. We’ve gotta go,” whispered Tommy.
Peko looked at Egbert. He wasn’t too sure why he was here with Tommy but knew this was not the time to ask.
Come on!” pleaded Peko.
They carefully started to make their way through the pit.
The workers were indeed getting restless and with a good number of the guards gone, the enslaved dinosaurs were trying to push past the guards that remained. Chaos could not wait any longer. The workers managed to overpower some of the Velociraptors and fighting erupted.
Lerix was angry. He summoned one of the guards over.
Go and bring the others back. Now!” he shouted. The guard hurried off.
Lerix scanned the crowd of entangled bodies trying to spot the wretched creature that had caused all this, but Tommy was no where to be seen.
Tommy had no intention of getting involved in any fight. He grabbed Peko by the arm and weaved a path threw the crowd, hoping they did not get noticed, but it was too late. Two Velociraptors caught sight of them and stepped forward to block their way. Tommy looked around for another way out but soon found he didn’t have to. A large object hurled with great force towards the Velociraptors, striking them dead on. The guards flew through the air and out of Tommy’s way. He looked up and saw the face of the Apatosaurs. The dinosaur had saved them... for the moment. Just then Egbert appeared in Tommy’s view.
Egbert says this way,” and began to strut off in the opposite direction.
No!” shouted Peko. “This way!” Tommy and Egbert followed the little dinosaur.
Once they reached the safety of the path, Tommy paused and looked back. The dinosaurs were still fighting but it looked as though the Myrites were winning. Tommy looked to see where the Apatosaurs who saved them was and saw a terrible sight. Five Velociraptors with vine lassos were pulling the poor thing to the ground. A tug on his arm brought Tommy’s attention back to the path.
This way! Hurry!” cried Peko.
As they put more space between them and the events going on below, Tommy could feel a huge sense of relief. It was a wonderful feeling but it was a feeling that didn’t last long. A Velociraptor jumped out of the jungle and on to the path. Peko screamed and hid behind Tommy. Without hesitating Tommy grabbed Peko and dove between the dinosaurs’ legs. Before the dinosaur could turn around, Tommy landed a vicious kick under it’s tail, sending it tumbling forward. Egbert, who was still in front of the Velociraptor jumped out of the way as it tumbled on by. Tommy scrambled to his feet, hauled Peko up, and raced up the path. Egbert scurried after them.
Tommy knew the Velociraptor wouldn’t be out of commission for long. They would need a better plan. Out of the corner of his eye Tommy spotted a vine lying on the ground. Tommy quickly tied the vine to two trees on either side of the path. Then the three of them hid behind a large rock. Tommy had no idea what they were going to do next, but he would have to think fast, the Velociraptor was on it’s feet and advancing up the path.
