Thirst of the Rain God- Secrets of the Maya Read online

  THIRST OF THE

  RAIN GOD

  Secrets of the Maya

  J.A. Kalis

  Thirst Of The Rain God

  Text copyright © 2019 J.A. Owczarczyk

  Cover design: twinartdesign

  Edited by Emma Clements

  All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced, stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any means, electronic, mechanical, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior permission of the copyright owner.

  This is a work of fiction. All of the characters, organizations and events portrayed in this novel are either products of the author’s imagination or are used fictitiously.

  For my husband

  Other books by J.A. Kalis:

  When The Jaguar Sleeps

  A Jungle Adventure

  The Curse Of Inca Gold Book 1

  Wrath Of The Jaguar Man

  The Curse Of Inca Gold Book 2

  The Travel Mate

  An International Suspense Thriller

  TABLE OF CONTENTS

  CHAPTER 1

  CHAPTER 2

  CHAPTER 3

  CHAPTER 4

  CHAPTER 5

  CHAPTER 6

  CHAPTER 7

  CHAPTER 8

  CHAPTER 9

  CHAPTER 10

  CHAPTER 11

  CHAPTER 12

  CHAPTER 13

  CHAPTER 14

  CHAPTER 15

  CHAPTER 16

  CHAPTER 17

  CHAPTER 18

  CHAPTER 19

  CHAPTER 20

  CHAPTER 21

  CHAPTER 22

  CHAPTER 1

  The man sitting opposite Travis squirmed in his chair and, with an impatient sigh, scanned the waterfront terrace on which they were seated, and then the adjoining, rather sordid-looking dining area. He had sharp features, and was immaculately clean-shaven; his hair was well cut and neatly combed. He slumped back in his seat, looking annoyed, and Travis saw disappointment dull his eyes.

  ‘I’m tired of waiting. I’m famished,’ the man complained, drumming his fingers on the wooden armrests. ‘Why is our food taking so long? Does the cook need to catch the chicken and kill it himself?! If I’d known it would take this long, I would’ve ordered something else.’

  ‘Relax, Randy! Can’t you see the place is packed. Remember, rule number one if you want to survive in this country: You need to be patient.’ Travis watched him glance around. But the waiter, a portly man with thick, wavy, black hair and a small, bristly moustache, was nowhere to be seen.

  The restaurant was full, all tables taken. Loud chatter filled the air, interspersed with bursts of laughter. To Travis’s left, a group of young people – probably foreign backpackers, judging by their appearance and the clothes they wore – were collapsing in helpless giggles while trying to decipher the menu, which was entirely in Spanish. A few tables further along, a family of six talked loudly, competing with one another, raising their voices in an attempt to be heard above the collective din. The tiny town of Flores, located on an island near the southern shore of the Petén Itzá lake, was swarming with tourists. No wonder. The impressive ruins of Tikal, one of the most powerful cities of the ancient Maya civilization, were only a short distance away, scattered through the lush Petén jungle.

  ‘I’m paying you to take me to the dig site, not to tell me what to do. Is that clear?’ Randy fixed him with a heavy-lidded stare, his green eyes alight with challenge.

  Those bluntly spoken words hit Travis like a physical punch. His face tensed in response. He straightened up. He wasn’t going to put up with this kind of insolence.

  ‘Hey, no need to be so brusque! I’m well aware of what you’re paying me for. I just gave you free advice. A small favour. Consider it a bonus. Don’t worry, you’ll get your money’s worth. I know the jungle better than anyone. You’re lucky to have found me, but don’t push your luck, or I may change my mind. And it won’t be easy to find someone else willing to go there. Especially for the price I gave you. You’d need to pay at least twice as much. Like I said earlier, that part of the Guatemalan jungle is very dangerous.’ Travis poured some beer from the brown bottle, damp with condensation, into his glass and took a couple of long, slow swallows to calm himself down.

  What an arrogant prick, he thought, staring, brows knitted, at his table companion who, seemingly ignoring his outburst, began fiddling with his mobile. There was something about the man he didn’t like. Something that irritated him, without knowing exactly what it was. Was it his well-groomed appearance? The overconfidence that emanated from his demeanour? The hawk-like eyes that held him in a steady gaze as he talked? Or maybe it was the air of superiority he exuded?

  He had agreed to be his guide and take him to an archaeological dig site buried deep in the jungle because he needed the money. But also because he was unable to resist the lure of a treasure hunt. He knew that the now rainforest-clad Guatemalan lowlands of El Petén were once, many centuries ago, densely populated, filled with thriving towns and cities. As a matter of fact, this was the heart of the ancient Maya civilization. So there were probably thousands of complex and intricately carved stone structures and countless stunning artefacts hidden beneath the jungle floor. But it wasn’t easy to find them.

  The dig site they were going to was located in an area where the once-powerful dynasty of the Snake Kings reigned – a dynasty shrouded in mystery. He was excited to see what the archaeologists had unearthed out there. Vestiges of one of the Snake Kings’ lost cities?

  Yet he was a proud man who knew his own value. He wasn’t going to let this guy treat him as an inferior. Who did the pretentious idiot think he was? His boss? A great reporter? In fact, he looked more like a small-time journalist on the hunt for some sensational piece of news, hoping to get lucky and write a story which would hit the headlines and bring him fame. That was surely why he had come here, to Guatemala. He wanted to be the first to write about the amazing find deep in the jungle. Why would he bother, otherwise? The only problem was, he couldn’t go there alone, as that part of the rainforest was one of the most treacherous and dangerous places in the country, due to the fact that various criminal organizations had turned it into their hangout. Over the years it had become the perfect place for ruthless drug traffickers, human smugglers, grave robbers and contrabandistas who could operate there in relative obscurity. That was undoubtedly why he needed someone like Travis. Someone who knew his way around the area, knew the dangers and how to avoid them.

  Out of the corner of his eye, Travis saw the portly waiter. He was approaching the table occupied by the noisy backpackers, holding a tray of drinks up high. Then, just a step behind him, another server appeared with a couple of big plates in each hand.

  A spicy aroma wafted his way, making him realize how hungry he was. Randy was annoying him with his complaints, but he had to admit that their food was taking a long time. They had ordered over half an hour ago. Despite himself, he too started to lose his patience. He raised his hand to attract the waiters’ attention but both men ignored him before disappearing behind the swinging kitchen door.

  In one gulp, Travis drained his glass and, in search of distraction, looked at the lake stretching away into the distance. From his seat he had a good view of the lake and the surrounding countryside. The sight before him was truly arresting. The day was nearing its end. The setting sun was a huge glowing ball hanging low in the deep amber sky, which was tinged with crimson and garnished with a sprinkling of grey clouds. It crept lower and lower, sending a bright streak of light across the murky, jade-green expanse of water, which gleamed
and scintillated as the light danced on its slightly rippled surface. Straight across, on the opposite shore, an almost solid, dark mass of vegetation loomed like a thick defensive wall.

  The jungle.

  That was where they would head to the next day.

  The lush tangle of trees and underbrush stood stark against the burnished orange light, looking uninviting, even ominous. Above the distant treetops, a large bird, probably a heron, soared, its broad wings held out straight.

  Suddenly, the air resounded with harsh cries, audible even through the noise of the restaurant. He couldn’t tell what creature the cries came from. Despite the warm weather, all of a sudden Travis felt cold. He shivered.

  ‘Listen, Trevor …’ His companion’s voice jolted him out of his thoughts.

  ‘Travis,’ he corrected him.

  ‘Yeah, right … Travis. I guess I owe you an apology.’ Randy sank back in his chair and ran a well-manicured hand through his thick, dark brown hair. ‘I was a bit too … rough,’ he admitted after a slight hesitation, then rubbed his jaw in a weary gesture. ‘Must be the exhaustion. Way too many things on my mind lately. Gosh, I’ve only just realized how tired I am. And I haven’t had much rest since I arrived in Guatemala yesterday. That’s why I’m so—’ His mobile rang. He grabbed it and looked at the display screen. ‘Sorry, I need to take this. It’s important.’ He stood up, and seemingly feeling obliged to explain, added in a lower voice, ‘My ex-wife. My son lives with her.’ Then, without waiting for Travis’s reaction, he swaggered outside.

  When he returned, five minutes later, he looked flushed and agitated.

  Just as he slid back into his chair, the portly waiter appeared and set down two large plates filled with rice, black beans and chicken pepián, a spicy stew popular in the area.

  ‘Tastes better than it looks,’ Randy declared, after chewing through his first mouthful.

  Travis didn’t say anything to that. Instead, he ripped off a chunk of tortilla, scooped up some of the thick brown sauce and took a bite. The cornbread was soft and warm, the sauce so hot and spicy that it made his tongue tingle. It’s not bad, he decided, and stuffed another piece of it into his mouth.

  The group of young backpackers became more raucous. They were talking loudly and gesticulating, every so often erupting in laughter. They’re a jovial bunch, he thought, or maybe they’ve just had too much to drink, judging by the number of empty beer bottles on their table.

  Randy cleared half of his plate and took a healthy swig of beer to wash it down. ‘I’m glad we don’t have to walk the whole way,’ he said.

  ‘Yeah, but mind you, we won’t be able to go far by car. We’ll have to cross a large stretch of the rainforest on foot.’ Travis took out a map from his bag and unfurled it on the table. ‘Just a moment. Let me see. We can only get as far as here by car.’ He jabbed a finger at a spot on the map. ‘But there are no proper roads from that point onwards. And, from what you told me earlier, this is more or less where the archaeological dig is. It doesn’t look far on the map, but trust me, it’s quite a way in such treacherous conditions. And …’ He circled an area with his finger … ‘this part here is truly dangerous territory.’

  ‘So, it’s going to be a hard walk,’ Randy concluded.

  Travis nodded. ‘It’s mostly flat, but even so it will be tough. Way harder than your usual stroll in the park. How much experience do you have? Have you ever been in the jungle before?’

  ‘No, never. But I travel a lot. All sorts of places. Both for work and for leisure. I love being active. Keeps me fit. And that’s why I’m in rather good shape, as you can see.’ A silly grin tugged at the corners of his lips, softening his features somehow. ‘Don’t worry, I’m used to walking long distances on rough terrain, so I’m not scared of this little trip. I think I can handle whatever comes my way.’

  ‘Nothing compares to trekking through the jungle. Just being in the jungle for the first time can be overwhelming. I don’t want to discourage you, but it’s better to be prepared. With all the dangers lurking around every corner, you’ll need to watch each step you take. Not to mention the awful combination of heat and humidity. It might be pretty wearing for someone who isn’t used to it.’

  ‘I guess I can deal with all those inconveniences. I anticipated some difficulties. Don’t worry, I’m tougher than I look.’ The smile was gone. His eyes darkened, matching his tone.

  Travis leaned forward and dropped his voice an octave or two to make sure no one would overhear him. ‘Have they found something out there? I don’t believe you’d go there just to see the dig. They must have found something worth writing about. What is it?’

  Wariness flashed across Randy’s face. He chewed another mouthful before he answered, barely above a whisper. ‘Yes, you’ve guessed right. I heard they’ve stumbled upon something truly amazing. Made a stunning discovery.’

  Travis waited for him to elaborate but to his great disappointment, Randy didn’t. Instead, he resumed eating his pepián in silence.

  A few minutes had passed when a commotion to his left caught Travis’s attention. He turned his head and saw the group of backpackers leave. He was glad they were going as the noise was starting to get on his nerves.

  He hailed the waiter who had come to clear the newly vacated table, and ordered two more beers.

  Soon, more people started to leave, and the place quietened down considerably. The men sipped their cool drinks in silence, each lost in his own thoughts.

  Travis checked his watch and was surprised to discover it was later than he thought. He drained the last of his beer, set the glass back on the table with a clunk and stood up.

  ‘Time to go back to the hotel. We’d better not stay up too late. We need to leave early tomorrow.’

  Randy didn’t object. He paid the bill and both men headed for the exit.

  Outside, the last vestiges of dusk had given way to velvety darkness. Overhead, the bright moon crawled up the star-speckled, indigo sky, spreading its silver glow. A slight breeze drifted off the lake, ruffling the fronds of a nearby palm tree with a soft rustling sound. It was, however, not strong enough to bring any refreshment. The evening air was warm and damp.

  Their footfalls echoing off the cobblestones, they walked down a narrow, dimly lit street.

  They had only taken a couple of steps when Travis halted, then retreated into the shadows. His back pressed against a yellow coloured wall, he motioned for his companion to do the same.

  ‘What is it? What’s wrong?’ Randy enquired, his voice hushed and nervous. Instead of complying, he took another step forward and Travis was forced to restrain him, gripping his arm.

  ‘They mustn’t see us,’ he murmured, pointing towards three men who were standing close to a silver car parked at the end of the street. They seemed to be engrossed in conversation and didn’t look their way.

  The bright pool of light from a nearby streetlamp illuminated the trio. The first two men were rather robust looking. One of them sported a crew cut and was quite short, while the other was taller and had an unruly shock of dark hair. The third man was slender and wiry, had shoulder-length black hair, and a thin moustache adorned his hatchet face. Though from where Travis stood he couldn’t see the scar on the man’s cheek, he knew it was there. He recognized the man instantly. It’s no coincidence he is here, in Flores, he thought. He came to get me.

  ‘Why? Do you know them? Who are they?’ Randy’s voice was laced with consternation.

  ‘No time to explain it all now.’

  ‘What’s going on? They look pretty shifty.’

  ‘Come on. Let’s go before they see us,’ he urged, inching his way along the wall towards a gap between two buildings. To his relief, it was just large enough for them to squeeze through with ease. On the other side was another narrow alley. A quick glance in both directions told him it was deserted. He stepped into the alley and strode forth without looking back.

  ‘What was that all about? Tell me,’ Randy insisted,
falling in step alongside him.

  ‘Not now.’

  ‘Why did we have to run away from those guys? Are they looking for you? Are you involved in some shady business?’

  ‘You don’t give up easily, do you?’

  ‘I have a right to know.’

  ‘It’s not your business. It doesn’t concern you.’

  ‘It does. That’s the whole problem. Don’t you get it? Anything that may jeopardize my plans becomes my business. I hired you to be my guide, not to get me in trouble. What if they follow us into the jungle?’

  ‘They won’t. They haven’t seen us. So all we should do now is take care to keep it that way,’ Travis said more firmly, then added after a short pause, ‘Don’t worry, I’ll get you safely to the dig site.’

  ‘I’m not so sure.’

  ‘You don’t need to be. I’ll still do it.’

  They had reached the small family hotel in which Randy was staying. It was a turquoise-coloured building wedged between two bright orange ones, with a red corrugated iron roof. Travis cast a quick glance around. He relaxed a little, seeing that the men hadn’t followed them. He would wait until Randy was safely inside the hotel, before heading to the flat he was renting a couple of streets away.

  ‘Well, I don’t have time to look for another guide,’ complained Randy, by way of a farewell. ‘So I don’t have much choice. I guess I’ll have to take the risk – I hope I won’t regret it.’

  CHAPTER 2

  The trail Travis and Randy had been following for about an hour was riddled with tree roots, making it rough and slippery, and in the dim light of the early morning it was hardly visible. It had started out fairly level, but as they progressed it had grown narrower and more twisty until, in some places, it had almost disappeared amid the encroaching undergrowth.