Vina wanted so much to rage against the venom flowing through her veins but lacked the strength. She had severely underestimated the powers and resourcefulness of her enemies. That inja and the worthless weselisa mage had placed powerful enchantments on the arrow that had shot her. So surprised was she to be physically attacked, that Vina froze. She stared helplessly as the arrow drew closer and slammed forcefully into her shoulder.

A split second after feeling the severe pain of the arrow's impact, fire exploded around Vina. The pain was excruciating as she felt her flesh being burned. Her concentration was broken by the violent attack and Vina's ability to walk on water was instantly disabled. She splashed into the ocean. The water soothed her, putting the deadly fire out. But that pain was just a portent of the suffering to come.

There were two enchantments on the arrow. The second one, obviously cast by that inja Friza, was a poison spell. Venom specifically created to slay an Ectolian had been pumped into Vina's body. Fire had scorched the outside of her body and now it felt as if the blood inside her body was also burning. This particular fire was one that she could not extinguish.

Vina lost all control over her body as she was wracked with excruciating pain. Her tiny body helplessly plunged deeper and deeper into the vast ocean. She knew not how long she had been sinking, only that she suddenly stopped. Vina had finally reached the ocean floor.

Any normal person or even an Ectolian would have died long ago either from drowning or the tremendous pressures that existed in the great ocean depths. Vina was not a normal person, nor was she just any Ectolian. Her fascination with the sea had caused Vina to use dark magicks to alter herself. Numerous spells had been cast, dozens of magic potions specially brewed and ingested, and a multitude of sacrifices made to dark gods in exchange for the power that Vina craved.

Vina could now freely breathe water as easily as air. She could see clearly underwater no matter how deep she was in the ocean. Her body naturally adapted to the pressures of being miles beneath the surface. She could command the creatures that lived in the sea. No other Ectolian had made a serious attempt to control the oceans of Terra Nova. In her mind, such specialization would make her an invaluable asset to the Empress. There simply was no competition for Vina when it came to the sea.

The poison raged through Vina's tiny body, threatening to consume her from the inside out. Her entire body was already blistered and scarred. Her silvery blue hair had been burned away. Her now burnt flesh was a stark contrast to her normal glossy jet-black skin. It was hideous to behold.

Untold hours passed as Vina fought a life and death struggle against the poison in her system. Normally, such a poison would have completed its job within minutes of being injected. However, the poison had been specifically designed to slay a normal Ectolian. That was something that Vina no longer was. The rituals she had undergone had changed her very being into something unique. It was this uniqueness that had allowed her to survive this long.

Finally, her eyes shot open. The pain inside her body was gone. The poison had been defeated and flushed out of her system. Vina was weak from her ordeal, but her eyes flashed the anger and rage that she felt. Friza and her lackeys had very nearly slain Vina. For that they would be made to suffer. Oh, how they would suffer!

Rising to her feet, Vina looked about momentarily and then reclaimed her trident. A spell was cast and Vina felt a renewed strength course through her ravaged body. By casting another spell, the position of the Windsabre would soon become known to her. Traveling to its location would take only a matter of minutes. Then Vina would complete her mission for the Empress and take her revenge.

#28 - "The Hidden City"

The waves struck with a crash as they slammed against the face of the cliff. Water sprayed high up into the air and then settled back into the sea. The battered Windsabre was sailing dangerously close to the precipice, running parallel to the cliff face. Those on deck could feel the spray from waves striking the rocks. The Windsabre was moving slowly, making this uneasy voyage along the cliffs even tenser.

Nearly two and a half days had passed since sea creatures summoned by Vina had attacked the Windsabre. The octopus had done the greatest damage to the ship as it tried to crush the hull with its tentacles. The shark attacks had been stopped before they could do serious harm. It was only the magic spells cast by Sargon and Friza that had held the ship together this long however. Fortunately, there had been no further attacks since that night.

Permanent repairs were going to have to be completed as soon as possible. With the main continent still weeks away, Captain Jess had navigated the Windsabre to a small chain of nearby islands. Hopefully they would be able to make repairs there.

The first of the small islands was spotted with the morning light. Captain Valor volunteered to go explore and find a good spot to make landfall. Naturally, Valor had used the situation to his advantage. After being cooped up on the Windsabre for so long, he just wanted to get out and away from people for a while. If felt good to be by himself. He flew high above the islands and felt the warmth of the rising sun.

There were only half a dozen islands that comprised this small chain. The largest appeared to include a volcano, but a flyover confirmed that it was inactive. The islands themselves didn't appear out of the ordinary. Mostly great hunks of rock thrust up from the ocean floor. Trees and grass grew wildly on the small islands. There appeared to be no native inhabitants. Wildlife was in abundance with a multitude of tropical birds.

One island on the far side of the chain did attract Captain Valor's attention. Cliff faces of sheer rock rose from the ocean creating a natural barrier that completely encircled the small island. There was one exception to this. It was easy to spot from the air, but would be far more difficult to make out from an approaching ship. A natural break in the rock existed creating a hidden channel. Only a vessel approaching from the proper direction and maneuvering dangerously close to the precipice could readily spot it.

Even more surprising was where this concealed channel led. Lying in the middle of this island was the ruins of small city. Captain Valor flew over the ruins and they appeared on initial inspection to be deserted. The concealed channel led all the way to this hidden city. There a small man-made port was situated next to the ruins. It seemed like a perfect place to dock the Windsabre and make necessary repairs.

Valor returned to the Windsabre with his findings. Captain Jess agreed with Valor's assessment and the Windsabre made for the concealed ruins. Carefully the Windsabre maneuvered among the islands and their protective reefs. By midday they reached their destination. Now came the tricky part of sailing into the hidden channel.

The Windsabre swung around the small island and approached dangerously close to the rock face. The opening to the channel was clearly visible ahead. The main precipice rose to the port side of the Windsabre. Up ahead on the starboard, a second precipice rose up from the waves. The Windsabre's course would take them down the small channel that existed between these two cliff faces.

The passage through the concealed waterway was long and nerve wracking. The waterway slowly curved to port, gently leading the ship deeper into the island. Tons of rock rose up and loomed menacingly over the Windsabre. There was less than ten feet of space between the ship and the precipices. The entire trip passed slowly accompanied by an eerie silence. It was as if no one had the courage to speak.

Finally, the hidden channel widened dramatically and the cliffs dropped away. The Windsabre had arrived at the port in the concealed city. The crew and passengers of the ship let out a collective sigh. Conversation picked up considerably as the ship neared the dock. Crewmen jumped overboard and swam to the pier. Lines were thrown from the Windsabre drawing it fast to the dock. The Windsabre had made landfall.

"This will do nicely," Captain Jess announced as she watched her men bring the ship into dock. "This would make a very good hidden base of operations." The master of the Windsabre was dressed in her usual crimson red outfit.

Lyndah stood beside Captain Jess. She wore her black leather armor and sword belt. "Who built all of this? Who lived here and what happened to them?"

The ruins stretched out for as far as the eye could see. The stone streets were overgrown with weeds and grass. Vines and creepers had run wild covering everything they could reach. Some of the buildings and columns had collapsed a long time ago. From the looks of it, no one had been here for hundreds of years.

"There are numerous legends of mages constructing concealed lairs," Sargon offered. The Avengers mage wore simple robes with intricate patterns etched into them. "It offered them the privacy to work and experiment with their art. Perhaps this is one such hidden place." Sargon seemed to grow excited at that idea. Perhaps he would be able to locate new spells or find enchanted items among the ruins.

"It's too big for a simple mage hold," Captain Jess countered. "I suspect that this is a long abandoned pirate base. The city is highly isolated and defendable. As I said before, this would make a very nice base of operations."

"Why does it have to be pirates?" The query came from Captain Valor. He wore only laced up leather pantaloons. His muscular and well-tanned chest were open for all the see and admire. "It could have been built by natives for all we know."

"Island natives wouldn't have the need to hide like this," Captain Jess answered. "This wharf was constructed for ships like the Windsabre to dock. Your typical natives would have no use for this type of berth. The construction of the city is far beyond what natives are capable of. No, this was all constructed by someone who wished to conceal their presence."

On this point Captain Valor could only agree. The short time he spent with the natives of Tanbora showed him that their huts were primitive constructions of bamboo and leaves. They used crudely constructed canoes to fish from. They had no need for a dock as they typically just dragged the canoes up on the beach.

"As usual, you abantu overlook the obvious." The sarcastic and arrogant comment came from Friza; the Ectolian sorceress who now served Captain Jess on the Windsabre. Her skimpy attire consisted of a bikini top and bottom that appeared to be made from some purplish metal, matching boots, and a purplish-cloak. "This could the work of a inkonzo who was also a pirate."

"There are numerous legends of pirate leaders who were also spellcasters," Sargon chimed in. "Names such as Black Morgan, Jylsera, Esmerick, and their ilk. Figures who preyed on oceangoing vessels and commanded the forces of magic."

"Well, what are we standing around jawing for?", Captain Valor interrupted. "Let's go look around and find out. As a kid I always dreamed of finding buried pirate treasure! 'Sides, Scarlet would probably be happy to get us out of her hair for awhile."

"A sound suggestion," a man's voice called out. Everyone who had been at the railing turned around to see who the speaker was. Coming from the gangway leading to the lower decks of the Windsabre was the Hunter of Evil. He was plainly dressed in dark brown pantaloons with a white shirt. Accompanying him was Katrina, Kristine of Azrella, and Robert of the Forests.

"Hunter!", Lyndah called up in surprise. Hunter had been slowly recovering from the ordeal of having his spirit ripped from his body and then restored. It had taken time for him to recuperate and regain his memories. This was the first time that he had been seen up on deck since the Windsabre had sailed from the Tanbora Islands. "You're up!"

"I tried to get him to rest, but he refused," Kristine explained. "He is getting better. His stubbornness has returned."

"It does my heart good to see you up and about," Sargon added as he went to greet the leader of the Avengers. "You gave us quite a scare."

"The chance to take in some fresh air and stretch my legs was too good to pass up," Hunter explained. "I always did love a mystery and this hidden city seems like a good one."

"That's Hunter all right," Captain Valor commented. "Sounds and acts just like him." Unlike the other Avengers who had analogs back on Earth, Hunter seemed the most like his counterpart. He had the same manner and style of speech. It was kind of eerie.

"You must be the man I've heard so much about," Hunter continued. "A pleasure to meet you."

The two men exchanged handshakes and looked into each other eyes as if to gauge the other's strength. "The honor is mine," Valor intoned. "I'm just happy to be here and off that backwater island."

Turning away from Captain Valor, Hunter advanced on Captain Jess next. His darting eyes took in every detail about the woman. "You must be Captain Jess. You have my thanks for the use of your ship."

"Your thanks are not necessary," Captain Jess answered back with a wolfish grin. "Just your gold."

"You will be handsomely paid for your efforts," Lyndah quickly added. "But Captain Valor does speak truly. We should go forth to explore and neutralize any potential threats that may lie in the ruins. In the meantime, Captain Jess and her crew can affect repairs to the Windsabre."

"We'll split into teams," Hunter spoke up. Assuming a leadership role came easily to the man. "We'll be able to cover more ground that way. We should also look to restock whatever supplies Captain Jess requires."

While the Avengers were deciding on how to spilt their forces to explore the island, Friza approached Captain Jess. "Captain, I request permission to join them in their search. If a mage was the master of this city then there may be magic to be had. Spells and enchanted items that could be helpful to us."

"Your words make sense," Captain Jess responded, "but how can I trust you not to simply vanish and abandon us?"

"You have no reason to trust me at all and are wise not to do so," Friza agreed. "However, if it were my intention to take flight, I would have done so a long time ago. All the arrival points for a teleportation spell are known by those who hunt me and only a fool teleports blindly."

"For what it is worth, Captain," Sargon interrupted, "Friza does speak the truth in this particular instance. Her situation as far as teleporting goes is similar to mine. Until new and safe arrival points can be located, the spell is useless. In fact, Captain, if it would set your mind at ease, I would accompany the inkonzo to guarantee that she keeps her word."

Friza raised her eyebrow in slight surprise. "If it sets your mind at ease, then let this worthless weselisa lead me around like a dog on a leash. I will simply have to endure the embarrassment."

"Funny, I thought you liked dogs, little girl," Captain Valor chimed in with a hearty laugh. "Especially those big and furry ones you used to hang around with back at the island. Did you ever let them lick you clean? I bet you did. You're that kind of kinky chick."

Anger flashed across Friza's face as she unleashed a verbal assault back towards Captain Valor. "You are a worthless ithambo ikhanda! A disgusting abantu ubuthi!"

"Yeah, yeah. But you still want me anyway."

Friza screamed in anger and stalked away. She rapidly descended the ramp to the dock and then headed off into the hidden city. The tiny Ectolian cursed the entire way in her native tongue.

"Excuse me," Sargon announced as he watched Friza depart. "I better not let her get too far away." Sargon made his goodbyes and hurried to catch up with Friza.

"Come on, Lyndah, let's go and check this place out." Captain Valor put his arm around the blonde warrior and rose into the air. Lyndah was surprised at first, but allowed Valor to carry her off without comment. She waved goodbye to the others before she was too far out of sight.

"As I was saying, we'll split into teams to search," Hunter said after a pause. The group had pretty much divided into teams on their own. That just left him, Katrina, Kristine, and Robert. "Robert, take Kristine with you and explore off in that direction." Hunter pointed towards the left side of the ruins. "Katrina and I will go in the opposite direction."

Robert wasn't fully concentrating on Hunter's words. Instead his gaze was locked on the rapidly fading Captain Valor. There was a hateful look in his eyes. Finally, he looked away. "Come on, Kristine. Let's go." Without waiting for an answer, Robert made his way down the gangplank and towards the hidden city.

"It must be so exhilarating to be able to fly," Lyndah said after a time. Her voice was filled with wonder. "I have ridden Sargon's flying carpet many times in the past, but to be able to soar the skies without magic is unique. There is no comparison."

Captain Valor couldn't help but chuckle in response, much to the surprise of Lyndah. "Did I say something that amused you?"

"Not intentionally," Captain Valor quickly answered. "Black Diamond, your counterpart on my world, can also fly. I just struck me as funny you wishing to fly and her being able to."

"I fail to see the humor in your words. Still, to possess the powers and the abilities of your Black Diamond would make me a very formidable warrior."

"Lyndah, from what I've seen you're already a very formidable warrior whether you can fly or not. On this world Di's got nothing on you."

The pair flew along in silence. Lyndah was intently staring at the ruins below, looking for signs of life or anything of interest. Valor himself spent most of his time staring at Lyndah, marveling at her figure and greatly enjoying being so close to her. He couldn't help but fantasize.

"Captain Valor, look over there!", Lyndah cried out in excitement, interrupting Valor's daydreams. The black-clad warrior pointed off into the distance.

"Whatcha got there, Lyndah?" Valor strained to see what his companion was so interested in. Down below the pair seemed to be approaching what would pass for an estate in this hidden city. High stone walls, collapsed and broken in numerous places, encircled a large property. There was a spacious main house, several outlying buildings, and a large pool area.

"Set us down there." Lyndah pointed towards the swimming pool area. Surprisingly, the stone pool was filled with clear, clean water.

"Sure thing, darlin'." Valor casually flew in and landed a few steps from the in ground pool. He released his flying companion and looked around. "What's the big deal about this place?"

Lyndah bent down beside the pool and filled her hands up with water. She experimentally smelled the clear liquid and took a sample taste. Lyndah couldn't help but smile from her conclusions. "This is fresh water, Captain."

As Captain Valor turned back to face Lyndah, the blonde woman was working on removing her high leather boots. "Let me give you a hand with those," Valor offered as he approached. "So what's the big deal about fresh water? What I don't understand is how could there be water in it after all this time. Or does someone still live here?"

Grateful for the assistance, Lyndah took a seat on a nearby stone bench. She lifted her leg up as Captain Valor joined her. Taking the boot in hand, Valor easily pulled it off the long leg of Lyndah. The other boot quickly followed.

"I'm no sorceress, but I would wager that the pool is enchanted. Not uncommon for those who would live on an estate such as this. Magic is probably used to keep it filled with clean water. We will be able to refresh the water supplies of the Windsabre."

"I guess that's important," Valor agreed with a nod. "So where's the pool of ever refilling beer? Next to the endless pretzel bowl? Lyndah? What are you doing?"

Before Valor's startled eyes, Lyndah continued to undress. After her boots had been removed, the blonde warrior undid her sword belt and laid it on the bench. Then she removed the large girdle that granted her superhuman strength. The rest of her clothing was removed in rapid succession. In moments, Lyndah was completely naked! Valor instinctually averted his eyes, but only after an eye-filling pause.

"It has been weeks since I've been able to take a proper bath," Lyndah matter of factually explained. "I'm not going to let this opportunity go to waste. Come on in and join me. It could be fun. Is there something wrong, Captain?"

Lyndah could tell that Valor was somehow embarrassed by this whole situation. A pleased grin came across her face. "Surely you've seen a naked woman before?"

"Of course I have!", Valor quickly countered, turning back to face Lyndah. "Dozens, no hundreds of times! Stuff like this happens to me all the time. I've just never seen you naked before."

Lynda just smiled back and stepped towards the pool.

"You mean you're actually going to bathe in water that you're going to drink later on?"

"Is there a problem?"

"I guess not, it just sounds a bit gross to me is all." Apparently the natives of Terra Nova were not aware of the germs and other bacteria that were invisible to the naked eye. Valor would just stick to ale on the return trip.

"If it makes you feel better, I don't undress in front of just anyone." While conversing, Lyndah had reached the edge of the pool and experimentally dipped her toe into the water. It felt warm and delightful to the touch. Lyndah stepped off the edge and plunged into the water. She swam a bit underwater and surfaced near the center of the swimming pool. "Come on in, the water's fine!"

"Darlin' that's an invitation you need not give twice!" Overcoming his own personal embarrassment, Captain Valor quickly stripped off his pantaloons and leaped into the water with Lyndah. If only his pals back on Earth could see him now! Going skinny-dipping with Di! At least this experience did answer one of Valor's longtime questions about Black Diamond. She was a natural blonde.

Sargon jogged through the ruins of the hidden city. Up ahead of him, Friza moved at a brisk pace. "Hold up, Friza! Wait for me."

Friza came to a stop and slowly turned towards Sargon. Anger was still quite clear in her angular face. "Am I now some icala who has to wait for her amandla? Did you bring my leash?"

"I am not your master, sorceress," Sargon answered diplomatically. "I think of you as an equal."

"Among my people you are the amandla to those who are weaker and icala to the more powerful. There is no such thing as equality."

"You are not among your people anymore, isithunzi philile."

"Don't remind me, weselisa," Friza responded, her mood softening. "So am I your isithunzi philile? Do you find my features exotic? Pleasing to the eye? Does my presence make your heart beat faster?"

Sargon stepped closer to the tiny Ectolian. He stood nearly a foot taller than Friza. "I will not provide any further accolades to that which you know so well."

Friza let out a hardly laugh in response. "You speak wisely, for a lowly weselisa. Perhaps there is more to you than meets the eye." Friza reached up and ran her hands over Sargon's chest, feeling that which she could not see beneath his loose fitting robes. "Perhaps you would like to qabula me? Be my personal slave for the evening? Feel the touch of my skin against yours? Explore a myriad of dark delights?"

"The notion is not without its appealing qualities," Sargon admitted. "I am drawn to you, isithunzi philile, like a moth to a flame."

"Information I shall have to save for a later occasion," Friza answered, raising her eyebrow in the process. The sorceress turned away from Sargon and continued forward. "Come, weselisa, let us find the lair of the sorcerer who dwelled here before I retch. The idea of me laying with you makes my skin crawl."

"You're as cold as your name implies, inja," Sargon spat out in disgust.

"I'll take that as a compliment," Friza cheerfully responded.

Robert of the Forests silently moved through the abandoned streets of the hidden city. His pace had not let up since leaving the Windsabre. Kristine did her best to keep up with the archer. As usual, Kristine wore her sky blue priestess robes. Her hooded cloak was raised to protect her from the tropical sun's glare. The healer was breathing heavily by now.

To Robert's trained eye the city appeared to be abandoned. He had yet to note the presence of any creature beyond what one might typical find on a tropical island or the vermin that lived along with people in the cities. So far there was nothing overly dangerous dwelling in this hidden city.

"Robert," Kristine called out. "Please wait for me. I am not accustomed to such exertions."

The archer sighed heavily and came to a stop at an intersection of streets. He would decide which direction to travel next while waiting for Kristine to join him. None of the traveling options currently open to him were more tantalizing than the others.

The pair appeared to be in an area of the city devoted to crafters. He had spotted several forges thus far. Smaller shops held tools that were normally associated with forming leather garments, constructing armor, and creating innumerable everyday objects. Clearly, this was the portion of the city where things were built.

Kristine finally joined up with Robert. She held on to his arm to steady herself while she caught her breath. "I sense much resentment in you, Robert. Let me assist you in dealing with your problem. It is unhealthy to keep such feelings bottled up inside. Please let me help you."

Robert turned towards the healer, his eyes narrowing. In spite of his normal calm exterior, Robert was seething inside. "You cannot help me, Kristine. No one can help me."

"Only those who do not wish to be help cannot be helped," Kristine corrected. "My intuition tells me that you are harboring negative feelings towards Captain Valor."

"He's an arrogant, pompous windbag!", Robert cried out in an eruption of anger. "Why does everyone treat him like some sort of god sent down to help us? What has he done to earn such treatment? He's just an egotistical...," Robert struggled to find the words to properly express his anger. "What does everyone see in him? What does she see in him?"

"Ah, I think we are getting to the root of the problem," Kristine realized. "This isn't about Captain Valor, this is about Lyndah spending time with him."

"You are wrong healer! Lyndah may do as she pleases."

Reaching up, Kristine gently placed her hand on Robert's cheek. "You may be able to deceive yourself and the others, but I can see past your façade. You cannot hide your true self from me, Robert. You're in love with Lyndah and perceive Captain Valor as a threat. That is the source of your anxiety."

Robert started to respond, but instead said nothing. He felt ashamed that Kristine had divined his secret. "What can I do, healer? Why can't Lyndah see that fool for what he really is?"

"Because Lyndah is attracted to the type of man Captain Valor is. She likes men who are confident and self-assured. Men who are loud and boastful, but can back up their words. Men who are seemingly larger than life."

"All those things that I am not," Robert muttered and looked away.

"I can tell you that Lyndah values you as a friend and comrade. But if you ever wish to become more, you must make your feelings known to her. Otherwise, you will suffer in silence."

Robert was silent for several moments. He mulled over what Kristine had told him. He turned back to the healer, took her hand and gently kissed it. "As always, your counsel is most wise, Kristine. I am in your debt. Shall we continue with our explorations?"

"Of course, Robert," Kristine answered with a smile. "It would be a-." Kristine suddenly stopped in mid-sentence and looked away as if trying to find something. With a puzzled look on her face, she turned back to Robert. "Did you hear that?"

"I heard nothing, Kristine. What is it?"

"I thought someone was calling my name." Kristine turned and looked down one of the weed-choked streets. "There it is again. Coming from down there." Kristine pointed further down the road towards some unseen destination.

"Again, I heard nothing. Perhaps this summons is beyond my ability to perceive."

"Perhaps," Kristine agreed. "Let us investigate this mystery." With Kristine in the lead, the pair made their way down the deserted street.

"I find all of this extremely interesting," Hunter commented as he and Katrina walked along. Hunter busily scrutinized every detail of the ruins since they had left the Windsabre. Progress had been slow due to Hunter's examinations. The Windsabre could still be seen at the far end of the boulevard. Currently, the pair stood at the intersection of two wide streets.

"What is that, dear?"

"This 'hidden city' is set up rather illogically. It doesn't make sense. Unless what we can see is only part of a larger whole."

Katrina tried to take it all in stride. By now she should be used to Hunter's eccentricities, but even after over twenty years of marriage she was not. He just seemed to get way too interested in unraveling enemy plots and analyzing things for her tastes. Still, she loved Hunter with all her heart and would indulge him once more.

"Which part doesn't make sense?"

"For one thing, how did those who ran this city feed everyone?"

Katrina shrugged as she responded. She had been a sounding board for Hunter's theories and ideas more times than she could recall. "I would presume the same as everyone else does. Grow crops and raise livestock. Fishing could have very easily been their main source of food. Can I assume that we've reached the part of the conversation where you tell me why my theories are wrong?"

Hunter chuckled in response. He took his wife's hand and kissed it lightly. "You know me too well, beloved. Look down each street and tell me what you see."

Unsure of what Hunter was getting at, Katrina complied. Other than the way they came, each street ended at a rising precipice that ringed the small island. "Each street ends at the base of the cliffs. How is this significant?"

"This city fills the entirety of the islet," Hunter stated. "They didn't grow crops and raise livestock for food as there is no space available for them."

"Perhaps they used the other islands for farming?"

"A possibility, but if these people were as secretive as they seem, wouldn't that risk them being spotted?"

"Depends on how many ships come to these islands," Katrina countered. "When this city was inhabited they might have not received many oceangoing visitors."

"It is true that the outside world might have been unknown to the people who lived here. But, since they built a dock to handle modern ships that does undermine your argument. No, this place was not built by isolated natives."

"They could've fished for food."

"Another possibility," Hunter admitted, "but an unlikely one. Where are the fishing vessels? Furthermore, the area by the dock appears to primarily have been storage warehouses and ship repair facilities. No trace of a fish market or even a storage and cleaning area. Surely, you would not haul raw fish any further than necessary. They would put it as close to the docks as possible."

"Seems to me that we have a very good reason for this city to be abandoned. They had no way to feed themselves. Everyone who didn't starve to death fled."

"Or the answer is something else entirely," Hunter interjected. "Just what, I am not sure. I will figure it out eventually."

Katrina moved closer to Hunter and put her arms around the man. "As interesting as all of this is, I think we should find a nice private place and relax for a time. After all, I am a woman who has not enjoyed her husband's company for several months now."

Hunter smiled as he comprehended the meaning of Katrina's words. She was right in that respect. It had been too long. "Perhaps the mystery of this hidden city can wait, my love. After all, this city has been abandoned for hundreds of years. What are a few more hours? Shall we attempt to find someplace private?"

"I thought you would never ask."

Oblivious to what was going on to with their teammates, Captain Valor and Lyndah played and frolicked in the fresh water pool. They splashed water on each other and laughed, enjoying each other's company. Tiring, the pair swam to the side of the pool to relax. Unexpectedly, Lyndah drew close to Valor and put her arms around his neck. She stared into the Captain's eyes and he into hers. Leaning forward, Lyndah kissed Valor passionately on the lips.

In spite of the situation, Valor seemed a bit surprised by this. He seemed a bit uncomfortable by the current circumstances.

Equally surprised, Lyndah backed off. "Is there something wrong? Don't you find me attractive?"

"No, Lyndah, I think you're gorgeous! You've got one of the most fantastic bodies I've ever seen. I fantasized about this moment for years. I never, ever thought it would happen. You never seemed that interested in me."

"Captain, I am not this Black Diamond woman you keep speaking of! She is far away on your world and you are on mine. Whatever the situation that existed between you two back there has nothing to do with us here."

"I know, I know. Look, I'm sorry, Lyndah. This is getting all twisted up in my head. I don't know what to think. This is all so very sudden. Normally, I'm not this reluctant."

"I don't know how things work on your world, but we are not so hesitant when it comes to making love here." Lyndah explained, her tone softening. "Captain, this is a dangerous world that we live in. We fight battles to the death every day and on some dark day I will perish in combat. I live for today, because I may die tomorrow. I have no doubts. I have no regrets. I've wanted to lie with you for many days. Now that we are away from the ship and the others we have the chance to enjoy each other in private."

"Are you sure? I mean, didn't I hear that your boyfriend died not too long ago?"

Lyndah couldn't help but look away, a pained expression on her face. "I will miss Terrance, but he would want me to move on. As I said, we live for the moment. I've always had this fondness for brash men who could back up their bravado."

"Now you tell me," Captain Valor remarked with a laugh. He couldn't help but wonder if that revelation was equally true with Black Diamond. Could that be why she and Lightburst once had a fling? "Still, who am I to argue with a beautiful woman?"

Drawing Lyndah into his arms, Valor eagerly kissed the longtime object of his affections. Valor ran his arm down Lyndah's back, marveling at the feel of her skin. Lyndah was wonderful to touch. Captain Valor was almost in heaven.

Unexpectedly, a look of fear came over Lyndah's face and she pulled away from Captain Valor.

"Oh come on, I'm not that bad of a kisser! If it's my breath, then it's not my fault! You people need to invent mouthwash and toothpaste!"

Fearfully, Lyndah tried to point behind Captain Valor. "Beware, Captain! A golem!"

Valor started to turn when something struck him hard in the head. It felt like something metallic and the Captain momentarily blacked out. Valor could feel himself slipping into the water until something grabbed him and hauled him back out. He struggled to open his eyes when his attacker struck again. After this second blow, Captain Valor lost consciousness.

Regaining her composure, Lyndah made for the side of the pool. If she could reach her equipment, then she might have a chance. She had seen it approaching the two lovers a split second before it attacked Captain Valor. The mysterious attacker was a human-sized iron statue that had come to life! It had the features of a human female, but was obviously a magical construct of some type.

Lyndah pulled herself out of the pool and ran for her belt of giant strength and her sword. She never made it. A great weariness came over Lyndah and she slowed in her movements. Upon reaching the stone bench holding her equipment, Lyndah simply laid down and drifted off to sleep.

A man in dark blue and gold robes stepped out from around the iron golem created in the image of a human female. He had short cut black hair with a well-trimmed goatee. A crimson colored cape trailed behind him. Cautiously, he approached the now sleeping Lyndah. He nudged the woman, making sure she was truly asleep.

Satisfied that Lyndah was unconscious, the robed man turned back to his creation. "She will be perfect for our needs, my love! Bring her and the man. I shall go and prepare the ritual that will make you human once more!"