“You were saying,” Carla teased.
Violet didn’t have an answer. One glance at the man, carefully balancing plates of food, awoke the butterflies in her stomach. The fantasy world from the prior evening came rushing back. He was the ideal knight in shining armour to save a princess in distress. She inhaled deeply, watching him serve spots not yet taken. One muscle or another flexed with every move he made. Her friends were right, too. Those buns were the best she’d ever seen. A single smile and wink turned her face pink.
“I’m Heather.”
Those words broke the daydream—there the knight fell for the one and only princess—in reality he had plenty of them to choose from. Both her friends would be on that list and in a much higher position than she could score. It always happened that way.
“Jasper,” he replied, flashing his pearly whites. “I have a few more plates to make.” He nodded toward the kitchen.
“Who are all these for?” Heather asked.
“Everyone else,” Mrs. Becker replied, taking a seat. “You didn’t think the three of you were alone here, did you?” She offered a glare to all three girls. “Keep your hands to yourselves. That means: no flirting, no dating, and no distractions.”
“You are taking all the fun out of it,” Carla huffed, slouching back.
“Your mother is right,” Mr. Becker said. “This is a job. It isn’t supposed to be fun.” He straightened his posture. “What I mean is, it is fun in some ways, but isn’t in others.”
Liz patted her husband on the back. “The fun comes in the form of a job well done,” she explained. “Not in partying, drinking, and hot guys.”
“Right!” Her husband did a double take. “What do you mean hot? He’s less than half your age.”
“I’m giving credit where credit is due,” Mrs. Becker replied. “The kid obviously works out.”
“He is hot, isn’t he?” Carla chuckled.
“That’s enough out of the women of the Becker family,” Brad ordered. “Let’s enjoy a hearty breakfast before we have to go to work.”
“Good morning,” Bordwell greeted, taking the seat at the head of the table. “I see my nephew has been hard at work.”
“Jasper is your nephew?” Heather asked, eyes widening. “Oh, yeah. I guess I can see some resemblance.”
“Flattery will get you everywhere, my dear,” Bordwell joked. “You should try to keep it believable, though. The difference in hair and eye colour alone sets us apart. He is fair and I am dark.”
“Other than that you could be twins,” Mrs. Becker jested. Bordwell Drachen was every bit what one might call distinguished, as opposed to hot.
“Who could be twins?” Jasper asked, returning with the last of the food. He took the place to the left of his uncle.
“Apparently we can,” Bordwell chuckled. “I think these young ladies are pulling my leg.”
“That’s pretty funny,” Jasper commented with a straight face. “The rest of my team should be here soon.”
“Jasper will be leading you out to the place where he found the pots,” Bordwell explained.
“There are a couple of other places I’d like to show you as well,” Jasper added. “Are you all coming along?” A piece of toast pointed at the three girls.
“Yes,” Heather replied. “We are apprentices... heading into our final year of courses. Once we graduate, we’ll be working as full-fledged archaeologists.”
“I thought you were hiring experienced personnel,” Jasper complained, the blue of his eyes dulling.
“We,” Mrs. Becker said, finger alternating pointing between herself and her husband, “are experienced. Carla, Heather, and Violet are helping us.”
“Using apprentices is a common practice,” Brad Becker butted in. “It keeps the costs lower and gives a hands-on participation in the field for senior students. That’s crucial to their learning.”
“I understand all that,” Jasper said, rubbing one hand through his hair. It feathered back into place. “I’m sure if you look around you can see my uncle doesn’t need to cut costs on something this significant, though.”
“And how long has it been since you graduated?” Violet asked, buttering a slice of toast. A thick layer of jam was next. Hearing no reply, she glanced up, taking a bite of toast as the others stared directly at her. She chewed slowly, making sure her mouth was closed.
“She has a point,” Bordwell teased. “You aren’t exactly qualified for the job.” He held up one hand. “Reading books and being self-taught is fine, but don’t stick your nose up at others going through normal chain of events.”
Jasper nodded. “It’s your land, your find... and it’ll be your loss if they mess up. That’s the door.” He excused himself from the table.
“Pay no attention to him,” Bordwell advised. “He is young and full of beliefs that he knows what’s best.”
“Are you sure?” Mrs Becker asked. “It wasn’t our intention to make things awkward for you.”
Bordwell threw his napkin on the table. “My dear lady, we discussed the notion of an apprentice program before you came. I fully support showing the next generation the ropes, including my nephew. Jasper gets a bit hot under the collar, but I think you’ll find him reasonable. I’ll have a chat with him.” He winked before heading toward voices coming from the front foyer.
“Smooth,” Carla said, rolling here eyes.
“Yeah,” Heather added. “We don’t want to scare the cute guys away. I need some eye candy to make it through a couple of months here.”
“That wasn’t it,” Carla complained.
“It wasn’t?” Heather asked, head matching the shaking motion of her friend. She leaned closer, whispering, “What was?”
Carla’s eye bulged. “We almost were on a plane home without a job,” she snapped. “Rule number one: never upset the financial backers.”
“No one taught me that rule,” Violet mumbled. “Besides, he isn’t technically the backer. He’s the backer’s nephew.”
Chapter 16
Violet snorted at the sight of horses being led toward them. Neither of her friends could ride. Karma was making its rounds and had a swift kick in the backside to deliver to the pair for earlier.
“Horses,” Carla blurted out, exchanging glances with Heather. “No one said anything about horses.”
“I’ve been trying to get you to take lessons for years,” Mrs. Becker replied. “You should have listened. Mother really does know best.”
“She’s right,” Brad Becker agreed. “A lot of dig sites are too far off the beaten path to take vehicles, even off-roaders. I’ve been on all sorts of different animals; horses, camels...”
“Remember the elephants,” Liz Becker added.
“How could I forget?” Mr. Becker replied. “It was the first time we met.” He sighed, staring off in the distance dreamily. “That was some dig.”
“Ew!” Carla complained. “We’ll walk.”
“Suit yourself,” Jasper said, riding up. “It’ll take you all day to reach us. It might be a better plan to stay here and learn how to ride. Remi can teach you.” He turned to his friend. “Can’t you?”
“Yeah,” Remi replied. “I’ll have the girls rodeo ready in a few days. Leave it to me.” He winked at Carla. “Shall we?”
“What choice do we have?” Carla asked. “Are you two coming?”
“Right beside you,” Heather replied, linking arms with her friend. “If we fall, it’ll be together.”
Violet shook her head, mounting a horse of her own. “Some girls took ballet and gymnastics. For me it was all about show jumping. I know my way around horses.”
“Wonderful,” Mrs. Becker beamed. “You two try not to break any bones while we are gone.” She leaned forward. “They aren’t extremely coordinated.”
“Mom!” Carla complained.
“What?” It’s true,” Mrs. Becker snickered. “We best be off. I’d like to see these excavation grounds. This is so exciting.”
M
r. Becker removed his hat, glaring up at the sky. “Let’s hope those clouds stay where they are. If not, it could rain on our parade.”
“No, sir,” Jasper disagreed. “Around here ominous clouds come and go. Those ones won’t amount to anything. If things change, I’ll let you know. I’m not one for being stuck in a lightning show. This way.”
The path snaked through trees and brush—the shade a welcome member of their party. Even if the valley was cooler than other parts of the country, it was still warm enough to break a sweat doing nothing.
“Did you make these trails?” Violet asked, their horses side by side. She ducked, her head narrowly missing a low-hanging branch. She wrapped a light material scarf around her head—her choice of protection against the sun—hats never looked right on her. The neckwear was now on double duty, making sure no other stray branches snagged her long curly hair.
“No,” Jasper replied. “The trails have been here for as long as I can remember. There’s a good chance they were used by the first valley settlers. There are others that wind through the mountains. I’m hoping we have time to take a ride up there after seeing the dig site.”
“Has anything other than pots been found?” Violet asked.
“Not yet,” Jasper answered, removing his hat. His arm became a towel, wiping his brow. The canteen came next, and a long sip. “Keep hydrated. It’s not far, but it’s easy to forget about little things when we are caught up in the excitement.”
“Hmm.” The crease between her brows deepened. “That’s curious, don’t you think? The pots were used inside houses. Why would they be the only things found?”
“It is strange,” Jasper admitted. “It’ll be even stranger when you see the site. It’s the darnedest thing.”
“What do you mean?” Violet tilted her head back, allowing a stream of water to flow into her mouth.
“There’s no sense telling you, when you can see for yourself.” Jasper nodded up ahead. “There it is.”
“Make sure you video this,” Liz Becker ordered, her horse taking off in a fast gallop, leaving the others behind.
“Excuse me,” Brad Becker said, holding out his phone in one hand. “I’ve been told. She’ll have my hide if I don’t get her entrance right.”
“Be my guest,” Jasper snickered. “Studying the find is what you are here for. I’m right behind you.”
“Are each of those flags where a pot was found?” Violet questioned, looking over the roped off land.
“They sure are,” Jasper replied. “I told you it was odd. I’ve never heard of anything like it.”
Violet hopped down, tying off the reins to a post. “The way the places are spaced is reminiscent of burial plots in a cemetery.”
“I agree,” Jasper said, standing beside her. “Except we found no remains whatsoever. In each place was only the pot. They are intact and empty.”
“Why would anyone bury so many in one place?” Violet asked. “For that matter, why bury them at all?”
“Both are good questions,” Jasper replied, leaning sideways toward her. “That’s why my uncle brought you here: to answer them.” He strolled away, heading toward the Beckers, already examining the first hole.
One hand waved furiously over Liz Becker’s head. “Violet,” she yelled. “Bring my tools. We were in such a hurry we left them with the horses.”
“Sure thing,” Violet shouted back, turning to search for their supplies. Her voice lowered, “Great. I always wanted to be an equipment hand.” Her breath came out in a huff. “I should have said I couldn’t ride. I bet those two are having a grand old time, sipping lemonade and staying cool.”
Chapter 17
“Ow!” Heather exclaimed, rubbing her backside. “Aren’t there any cushions we can put over the horse?”
“He’s not complaining,” Remi chuckled. “Your tush is going to be a bit sore for a day or two. You’ll get used to it.”
“I don’t want to get used to it,” Heather huffed. “What about hooking up a wagon to one? I always wanted to go on a ride through the park in an open carriage.”
“This isn’t a park,” Remi replied. He nodded to his helper. “Hey, Josh. What do you think? Would a carriage do well around here?”
Josh shook his head. “Not likely,” he replied. “The terrain is too rough. Even off-road vehicles can’t handle some of these trails.”
“You said some,” Carla blurted out, perking up. “That means there are some that can be driven on. We could stick to those, couldn’t we?”
“I don’t think that’s going to work,” Remi snickered. “Back up. You’ve had your rest.” He offered a hand.
Carla slapped her hand in his, gripping with all her might. “How long do we have to do this?”
“Until you can sit straight without me walking beside you,” Remi replied. “Once you can go around the arena one full time... by yourself... we can quit for the day. Watch it.” He reached up, stopping her from sliding off to the side.
“Great, we’ll be at it all night,” Carla grumbled, adjusting her weight.
“Didn’t anyone ever teach you how to ride a bike?” Remi questioned. “This is much easier. You don’t even have to pedal... just sit.”
“Bikes aren’t alive,” Carla argued. “They don’t have minds of their own. I’ve never heard of a bicycle throwing someone off of it.”
“Then you never went to a mountain bike track.” Remi let go of his hold on her hip. “Trust me, a fall there can be much nastier.”
“But the rider controls the speed and route.” Carla licked her lips, knuckles whitening from her grip on the reins.
“Not true,” Remi said. “The terrain is in charge. The riders’ skills are what keep them alive. Rocks could be hiding anywhere, especially in the hills around here. Hit one the wrong way and wham, wipeout.”
“I have no plans to ride a bicycle in these hills,” Carla complained. “That means... no falling.”
“Except that’s where you are going,” Remi snickered. “The whole point to learning to ride is to go into the hills. These horses are smart enough to avoid wiping out.”
“I guess that means they are smarter than us, huh?” Carla teased.
Remi smiled, shaking his head. He tipped his hat. “Yes, ma’am, I guess it does. Then again, most animal instincts are better than ours.”
“That might be so, but I don’t see me riding alone anytime soon,” Carla complained. “What was it you told my parents? I’d be ready for a rodeo in a few days. That’s not going to happen.”
“Never say never,” Remi replied. “You just did a whole arena without me so much as having to touch you. I think you have the basics.”
“Does that mean I can get down?” Carla asked, eyes lighting up with excitement. “I’m going to need a long soak.”
“I suggest ice.” Remi snickered, arms held out to aid in her dismount. “Albeit, your friend probably will need it more.”
“That bad?” Carla whined.
“It can be,” Remi replied. “Your skin will thicken quick enough, though.” He led the horse back to the stalls.
“I’m not sure I want my butt to harden like a big callous,” Carla scowled. “I prefer it being soft as a baby’s tush.”
Remi chuckled. “Both have their pros and cons.”
“How long am I going to walk like I have a pickle stuck somewhere it shouldn’t be?” Heather asked, waddling up with Josh. “I sure won’t be able to wear any skirts for a while.”
“Ice,” Remi said. “Use lots of ice.”
“And avoid sitting,” Josh chuckled.
“It’s going to hurt for a while, isn’t it?” Heather’s eyes slanted. “No offence to your parents, but I am not riding an elephant.”
“Me neither,” Carla agreed. “Let’s go see how much ice we can snag. I don’t suppose you packed sleeping pills, did you? I have a feeling it’s going to be a long night.”
Chapter 18
“This trail leads into the mountains,” Jasper
explained. “I haven’t told anyone about what I found, yet. After I heard we had specialists coming, I thought it would be best to wait.”
“Well, don’t leave us in suspense,” Mrs. Becker demanded. “Spill the beans. What’s up there?”
“Pictures,” Jasper answered, “carved in the rock. I’ve tried to match them to other finds around the globe, but came up empty. There is what appears to be writing on some, but again I drew a blank on possible translations.”
“Show us!” Mrs. Becker ordered.
“How far up do we have to go?” Violet asked, glancing up. They were too close to the bottom to be able to see the peak.
A mischievous grin was Jasper’s reply, adding a playful wink as punctuation. He took the lead on the single file path, heading up.
“Is this safe?” Mr. Becker called out from the back of the line. “We are already a ways up.” A few pebbles went over the side, echoing as they bounced their way down to the valley below.
“We’ll leave the horses on this landing,” Jasper announced. “This is where I found the first of the designs.” Heavy gloves covered his hands a he pulled back the branches of a bush. “Look. I think this was meant to be a message.”
Mrs. Becker removed a brush from her pack of tools. The bristles gently ran over the picture. “This is amazing,” she mumbled, letting her fingers feel the grooves. “I’m not sure we can read this, though. It didn’t survive the test of time unscathed. Are there any others that might be in better condition?”
“Yes,” Jasper answered. “They are up farther. There are a series of caverns, but I don’t know how stable they are. I’ve only gone in a fraction of the distance they span. Anything could be farther inside.”
“What are we waiting for?” Mrs. Becker asked. “Let’s go check them out.”
Violet glanced between the two. “Is that a good idea? That could be a warning message.”
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