Savage Lands by Andy Briggs

Author:Andy Briggs
Language: eng
Format: epub, mobi
Publisher: Open Road Media
Published: 2013-06-27T04:00:00+00:00

11

Clark found it almost impossible to sleep in the tent. The humidity had risen to unbearable levels and, when he flicked his camp lantern on, he saw the silhouette of hundreds of bugs clinging to his mosquito net.

He lay on his back and stared at the curved roof, wishing he could get some rest before the arduous trek tomorrow. After what seemed like an hour, his eyes began to flutter as he felt the welcoming wave of slumber smother him. He was just on the edge of consciousness when a piercing scream suddenly rang across the jungle. It was so high and constant he jolted upright, immediately awake. Through the fabric of the tent he could see a bright light burning. Then he heard raised voices—Greystoke and Werper shouting. He scrambled for the tent zip and, with some difficulty, clambered out.

Powerful floodlights illuminated the trees and what Clark had thought was a scream was an electronic alarm. Its warble abruptly cut off. Greystoke and Werper stared into the trees, while the Mbuti porters kept a safe distance away, unsure what was happening. The pilots hung close to the floatplane in which they were sleeping; the copilot had a pistol drawn.

“What’s goin’ on?” said Clark in a hushed voice as he drew level to Greystoke.

Greystoke kept his gaze on the trees as he spoke. “Something tripped Idra’s security.”

That answered Clark’s question about what was in the case she had hauled into the jungle. Remembering Greystoke’s reaction to the pygmies, Clark assumed he was probably frightened for his own life more than the lives of his expedition members.

Clark saw movement. He had to shield his eyes against the floodlights, which had now attracted a tornado of insects. Figures emerged from the light, but he couldn’t make out any detail until they had cleared the trees—and he was shocked to see Jane and Robbie with their hands on their heads. Idra walked behind, prompting them forward with the barrel of her hunting rifle.

“Look what I caught snooping around,” she said.

Clark was alarmed, but refrained from making any comment. He was thankful Archie had been sent back to the logging camp. Too much was riding on his deal with Greystoke and he was relying on the Englishman for more than he cared to admit. At least Robbie and Jane didn’t appear to be hurt.

Greystoke marched over, openly angry. “Do you know what damage you have caused?” He slapped Jane hard across the face, leaving a nasty red mark. Robbie moved to intercept, but was restrained as Idra jammed the barrel of her rifle into his ribs.

Clark clenched his fingers, ready to strike the man, but he held back. He could get his revenge on Greystoke after the Englishman paid up.

“You could have killed people with the stunt you pulled to free this … this criminal!” spittle flew from Greystoke’s lips. Jane stared at him coolly. He raised his hand to strike her again.

Clark couldn’t stand by and do nothing. “William … easy.”

He saw Greystoke’s hand tremble, but he lowered it as Clark’s warning sank in.

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