The Crystal Passage: The Jungle Trilogy --- Volume 2

By Kerry Chase

The Crystal Passage is a most enigmatic place. This special family of Asheninga speaking Indians, first introduced in The Treasure of Silustani, discover the greatest mystery the jungle has ever revealed to humankind. They learn the shocking truth about their past and clash inevitably with powerful malevolent modern forces intent on robbing them of their discovery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: iUniverse
• Release date: May 9, 2001
• ISBN: 9781469707235

Kerry Chase

Kerry M. Chase is a registered nurse specializing in emergency services, licensed aviation maintenance technician, pilot and project developer for native South Americans.

Book preview

CHAPTER ONE

A cool breeze wafts its way over the rolling contours of an open field carrying with it a myriad of colored leaves. It hesitates only momentarily at the tree line at the edge of the forest, before swirling and hurling its light cargo of autumn leaves into the azure sky. Already the turquoise meridian is fading into ultramarine. The brilliant reds and oranges flowing up over one edge of the horizon fade at the other into crimson and finally into the deep violet of night.

A human silhouette stands alone at the center of the knoll watching as the dead leaves swirl around him and day vanishes. It is dusk in the Smokies and it reminds him of someone he loves.

The young man’s head turns upward, toward the expanse of sky. For a moment he gazes at the myriad of stars popping out all over the canopy of night. The moment is hypnotic and he finds himself transfixed. The scene around him seems to change; the trees, the hills, even the smell is no longer the autumn smell of North America, but rather the humid ambience of his homeland in the remote jungle of Peru. His white shirt and tie are gone, as are his shoes and socks. In place of his dress slacks there is nothing but a leather G-string tied at the ends to the foreskin of his penis. No one addresses him as Mr. Caza; the name he hears is Anirika, and it is voiced by the most beautiful girl in the village.

Kikina is his older sister and he adores her. Since he has never known his mother, she is both sibling and parent to this wide-eyed son of the village healer. He is not sure why but he knows he is special. Kikina always makes him feel this way. She knows it is little Anirika’s mind that will encapsulate the accumulated knowledge of her people’s past and preserve it for future generations. He just knows he is special and loves his beautiful sister.

Memory after memory swoop down on the young man as he stands in the fading light. Darkness creeps over the land, and even darker memories stalk his mind. First there are the strange white foreigners who come to his village. They are kind but always frighten him. Then there are the fighting men and after that the terrible skirmish which takes the life of his beloved father and finally his beautiful sister.

The smell of smoke, fire and blood fill Anirika’s mind and leave him with the ashen memories of death. The void of bereavement fill him with loneliness and a sick feeling floods his being. The sickness swells over him in towering waves of nausea until it is blown away in the memories of his sister’s ashes as he remembers them floating gently down into the Valley of the Withdrawn. Turmoil turns to melancholy as the grey cloud of dust disperses and settles onto a million leaves and mingles with the dew of the green hell.

The vision of Anirika’s past blurs as tears fill his eyes and run over onto his cheeks. Sobs rack his body and he falls to the ground, burying his forehead in the detritus of autumn. His hands grasp the earth and pull up fist- fuls of soil. He pounds the earth and cries into the leaves in a tongue that seems strangely surreal. He weeps for his father, but most of all he weeps for Kikina—his beautiful, beloved, sister.

As if in sympathy the full moon rises over the knoll in shades of crimson. Anirika sits back on his haunches and wails at the moon. He stays like this for an hour until his tears no longer run. Finally, he collapses on a bed of leaves and falls into fitful sleep. More images of his past fade in and out of his nightmare. Then, as if to resolve the terror of his thoughts, the familiar image of a peaceful face superimposes itself on his dream and summons him to listen. In a wordless voice she communicates with him: Do not be afraid. Do not be sorrowful. Your mother, father and sister are well. You will see them again. I wish you were here. I need you.

It was the lovely face of Nakima—the woman who had taken care of him after his mother’s death. She was a mysterious lady with an enigmatic past. He remembered her lovingly and her presence in his dream calmed his troubled mind.

A sudden chill awakens Anirika and he sits up slowly, confused by the darkness. For a moment he looks around him with squinting eyes until the clearing comes into focus. He rubs his face and then holds his head in his hands for a minute or two before picking himself up and brushing off the leaves. He stumbles in the cloud-muted moonlight down the trail to the place at the side of the road where he’d left his motorbike. Moments later the crisp night air is brushing back his long black hair into a feathery wave. Home is just twenty minutes away.

The phone is ringing when Anirika enteres his small apartment just off Sweeten Creek road. It is his girl-friend Michelle.

Hey Nicky, where’ve you been? I’ve been trying to reach you for an hour.

I just went out for a bike ride.

Nicky’s voice sounds husky and far away.

Are you okay? You sound tired.

Yeah, I’m okay. Just daydreaming.

’Bout me?

Naw, I don’t have to daydream about you. Michelle’s miff was just what Nicky was expecting. You’re my reality, corazon. No more dreamin’ for me!

Michelle loved it when Nicky spoke to her in Spanish phrases. Somehow sweetheart took on a new dimension when he said corazon. Still he hadn’t caught on to why she was calling him. He really must be distracted.

Did you forget our date tonight?

Nicky didn’t respond immediately. He was trying to avoid a panic. How could he forget he’d asked her out? He couldn’t even remember where he was taking her!

Michelle sensed Nicky’s distress and prompted him. I’m taking you to the Olive Garden, remember?

Whew, I thought maybe I was having an Alzheimer’s attack!

You’re okay, luv. But we need to get going pretty soon if we’re going.

We’re going. I wouldn’t miss this for anything.

I’ll see you in about twenty minutes.

I’ll be ready.

Michelle cradled the phone and frowned. Nicky’s mind was somewhere else. She was already looking forward to the quiet moments she’d spend with him at the Olive Garden.

Few words passed between Nicky and Michelle until their meal was nearly half over. The warmth of the Cabernet Sauvignon mellowed them both out and they began to talk.

Something’s bothering you Nicky, do you want to talk about it? Michelle studied Nicky’s handsome face with her beautiful blue eyes.

I was just reminiscing, that’s all.

What brought that on?

Nicky sipped his wine and wiped his lips before answering. Michelle was his best friend in all the world and he loved to talk to her, but this could upset their relationship. In any case he was eager to share the news with her.

I got two letters today.

From...?

Well, the most exciting news is that I’ve been offered a position at SelvaTec.

Oh that is good news. Michelle knew Nicky’s dream was to work for the environmental watchdog group because of his interest in the jungle. His J.D. in International Law was finally going to be put to good use.

But that’s not all, Amor. It was Nicky’s turn to study Michelle’s gorgeous face. Her hair sparkled in the candlelight and he hoped it was not the last time he’d get to appreciate her warmth. He’d soon find out just how deep her feelings ran for him.

I got a letter from Chiritiriani.

From home?

Yes, the place I’ve told you about where I grew up.

Yeah, Nicky, I’ve always wanted to go there. What did it say? Her apparent desire to visit his homeland pleased Anirika.

Well, first of all it was sent over a year ago. I can’t believe it took so long to get here. I guess I should just be thankful it got here at all.

Nicky! What did it say?

Oh, well, it’s pretty heavy. It could change my life. Nicky’s fingers twirled his wineglass by the stem.

Michelle reached over and put her hand on Nicky’s bronzed hand. Let’s hear it, you’re keeping me in an uncomfortable suspense.

Raul is dead. The words came out softly, moistened by a swallow of wine.

Don’t tell me...wasn’t he the headman of your village?

The high chief. The high chief. That means that all the other chiefs of my tribe are already dead. He had become the chief of all Campa territories.

So now what? How does this affect you now?

Well, Raul had no sons. Anirika paused for another sip of wine.

So that leaves your village without leadership, is that it? This news didn’t seem so bad after all.

Not exactly. We have rules of ascendency. There are others who can take over. When a chief dies leaving no sons the medicine man usually takes over.

Who is that?

Michelle, you remember the story I told you about the Senderistas who entered our village?

The ones who killed your sister?

And my father. Nicky’s voice suddenly became husky and his lower lip quivered. Michelle caressed his arm with her fingertips.

Your father was the medicine man.

And I’m my father’s eldest son.

So that was it. Anirika was a high chief. Michelle was awed by the thought. This was what had been on his mind. No wonder he had been distracted. This could change his life—and hers. The thought of losing Nicky to the jungle was inconceivable. Whatever he decided to do, she vowed to be there with him if that was what he wanted.

What are you going to do?

I don’t know yet. I can either return to my village or appoint someone to function as chief in my absence. I’ll have to think about it. They also said they are having trouble with poachers, but for now they have been able to control things fairly well on their own. I thought maybe I should stay here for awhile and see what I can learn from SelvaTec.

Who could you appoint as your stand-in?

There is a woman in a nearby village, who is said to be the wisest woman who ever lived. Michelle broke in.

Her name is Nakima, she said, smiling smugly.

Anirika was awed that she remembered. She never seemed to forget even the smallest detail about his life. Her name means something like savant,he added. I don’t remember if I ever told you that."

Michelle shook her head.

It isn’t customary for women to rule in my tribe, but I think the villagers would accept her if I endorsed her.

You’d better. Michelle winked seductively at Anirika. He knew what she meant.

Anirika gazed through the candlelight and into Michelle’s expressive eyes. There was still something bothering him. He wondered if he should even bring the subject up. Finally, realizing he’d not rest until he knew for sure, he asked, If I decided to go to Peru, would you go with me?

It didn’t take Michelle long to respond. Grasping Nicky’s hand in both of hers, she leaned forward and whispered, I’ll follow you anywhere JefeF Michelle’s mother had been fluent in Spanish and she knew a word or two. Chief" sounded a little strange, but in her opinion the title couldn’t have been given to a better person.

Anirika squeezed Michelle’s hands and smiled. Relief flooded his soul and he visibly relaxed. Suddenly he wanted to hold her and wished they were at home on his big soft couch listening to some romantic music. Michelle tugged at his arm and said, Let’s go to my place.

So, Nicky got his wish.

CHAPTER TWO

SELVATEC

Anirika parked his bright red Honda 185 dirt bike in front of the marble columned building and locked it to a metal pipe standing beside the curb. He grabbed his backpack and strode up the polished rock steps of the beautiful structure built 150 years ago. He’d been at SelvaTec six months now and enjoyed every minute of his work. He watched his reflection in the glass as he opened the heavy door and entered the building. He passed his fingers through his long black hair to rearrange a few windblown locks and let the door close softly behind him.

His first stop was at the office of his favorite secretary. She was the one who had been instrumental in getting him the job at SelvaTec, and he loved her for it. She frequently accompanied him on investigative excursions into the countryside looking for illegally imported merchandise from the jungles of the world. The days passed quickly whenever they were together and there never seemed to be enough time. He poked his head into her office. She was just hanging up the phone. Hey Nicky! she said.

Good morning, boss. Nicky always called her boss even though he was really hers. She knew more about the daily affairs of SelvaTec and kept him well informed. Without her he would be totally disorganized most of the time.

Yeah, right.

Anything new?

There’s a complaint from someone over in the Bend about a new pet shop. Seems they have a lot of exotic parrots, none of which I can find any records of.

You gonna go with me? Nicky flashed a warm smile with his invitation.

Can’t now, Jefe. I’ve got two more calls waiting to be checked out.

So I’ll go alone, said Nicky, pouting.

Nicky, please be careful. These people are unknowns. They could be dangerous.

So am I, said Nicky, tapping his vest pocket. He knew she knew what he meant. He kept a small pack of cigarettes modified with a poisoned dart in each one. Half were lethal doses of poison and the other half designed to only anesthetize. All he had to do was squeeze the butt end of the cigarette and a tiny dart would zip its way into anyone standing within about ten feet of him. He kept a 45 in his pants, though, just in case things didn’t work out with the darts. The thing he liked about the darts were that they were silent, while the 45 was not.

Just then the phone rang. Nicky raised his hand and waved. Bye, Corazon!

I love you, Nicky!

Michelle’s words were still ringing in his ears when Nicky returned to his motorbike. How could anyone be so lucky? Getting to work all day with the girl of your dreams was almost too good to be true. He didn’t want to think about that, though, for fear something would happen to separate them. Nevertheless, it was difficult to conceal his joy.

The trip over to the Bend was pleasurable enough. The sun was shining and the temperature was in the 70’s, nice for April the first. Nicky was glad because otherwise he would have had to use an old Ford SelvaTec supplied for him. The bike suited him better.

He found the little road which intersected the Bend and turned in. It led to a small shop sandwiched between two family-owned restaurants.

They were all run down and sleazy looking. Reflexively Nicky felt for his cigarette pack and then the 45. So far he’d never had to use either of them, but some folks aren’t too happy when you tell them you’re confiscating all their inventory.

No one seemed to pay him much attention as he got off his bike and hung his helmet over the handlebars. A little lock made sure no one would make off with it. The bike was parked so he could make a quick exit if necessary. Nicky checked the premises over carefully before entering the front door.

Inside, a pretty petite woman in her late 20’s was cleaning and dusting several bird cages. She glanced up at the tall stranger and asked if she could help him. He said he was just looking around; his first visit to the store. The lady told him to look around and ask any questions. Nicky quickly began looking over the inventory of exotic animals and birds. They had several reptiles he recognized from the desert southwest, none of them on the endangered species list. There were many types of fish, some unidentified and the usual collection of dogs and cats.

The tropical birds were another story.

Nicky recognized several species belonging to Central America, Africa, and the Amazon regions. Most were protected species in their countries and should not be imported. After looking the birds over carefully he turned to the young lady and asked her where she got them. She looked up at Nicky, studying his face. Then she explained they purchased their birds from a U.S. supplier in Florida, one who raised his own, thus avoiding import problems.

Feigning interest in purchasing a bird, Nicky told the woman he wouldn’t even think of buying an exotic bird without positive proof they were born and bred in the USA. Did the lady have such proof? She did.

Not only did the lady produce supplier’s names and addresses for the birds, but also for the rest of her stock. If you’d like, I’ll copy all of this for you so you can verify any of it. I sympathize completely with you, sir, she said. I am very much against importing birds from the jungle, but I also feel that making pets of some exotic animals increases the awareness of people about the environment. So, when I can get creatures born and bred in the USA, I do. You can’t help but fall in love with these birds, once you take one home.

I’m sure, said Nicky taking the papers from the lady. I’ll go home and look these over and then get back in touch with you. Have a nice day. He was glad the lady’s operation looked legit. She seemed like a nice person and it would be a shame to have to put her out of business. Michelle would get to call up the suppliers and verify her claims, however.

Nicky smiled to himself. No need for the 45 today.

Back at SelvaTec Michelle had another chore for Nicky. This time she was going with him, so he put up his bike and rode with her in her red Mustang 5.0. He always teased her about having to decide which was hotter, her or her car.

They were going to a furniture store and exotic wood supplier in a suburban Ashemont shopping district. The upscale store was surrounded by the snobbish ambience of the rich and Nicky felt peeved. Every time he saw rich red mahogany and ebony he wondered how much they’d paid the natives for it. After looking at the prices on the stacks of finished wooden slats, he felt anger well up inside of him. One slab of that wood at that price would educate a Peruvian native for a year. Chances are they only received pennies for a whole tree, if they had been paid at all.

Michelle did the talking this time. While she questioned the manager about his suppliers, Nicky snuck around back where several men were unloading boxes of finished and unfinished wooden products. He took note of the addresses on the boxes and struck up a conversation with some of the workers. Nothing seemed to be out of the ordinary. Back together with Michelle they compared notes.

At first they didn’t want to tell me anything at all, said Michelle. But, when I showed them my SelvaTec card they quickly gave me access to their supplier list.

Nobody wants to tangle with the Jungle Cats.

That was the name employees of SelvaTec had earned for themselves over the years. They made GreenPeace look like mere amateurs. SelvaTec and GreenPeace often shared information and worked together as often as needed, but the Jungle Cats enjoyed greater success due to a heftier legal department and better funding. Even the US government funded SelvaTec, awarding them contracts to investigate environmental issues. SelvaTec’s investigations were taken seriously by anyone in the business. They were less bureaucratic too. When a complaint was made, it only took days for SelvaTec to investigate, analyze and strike a decisive blow—in the case of illegalities.

Today, Michelle and Nicky found nothing out of the ordinary, but the work was just starting. A detailed investigation of each of the suppliers would begin immediately and they would have to follow up on any inconsistencies. Nicky called a staff meeting when they returned to the office and assigned the suppliers to several private investigators whoworked for SelvaTec.

The last thing Nicky did was call the Chief Operations Officer and fill him in on the day’s work. Mr. Roberts, a bar certified attorney, was in charge of litigating the cases against black marketeers and was reknowned for his ruthlessness. His impartiality had won him the respect of nearly every government agency he worked with. The rest envied or hated him. Nicky hardly knew the man but trusted him to follow up on his investigations. The man was not at all likeable; he reminded Nicky of a pug nosed dog and had a pit-bull temper. His short curly hair was always mixed up with dandruff and his pot belly hung over his belt line. Perhaps he intended that no one should like him. He was not burdened down by the usual government bureaucracy either. He’d even sued government officials when he thought they were dragging their feet. Most complied with him quickly just to get rid of him.

Nicky handed Mr. Roberts the list of exotic wood suppliers and the private investigators assigned to them and watched as his boss laid them down on his desk. Nicky left the office and headed off to meet Michelle.

They were going over to her apartment for dinner. He put all thoughts of SelvaTec out of his mind.

Mr. Roberts glanced at the list as he put on his jacket. He was looking forward to popcorn and apples, alone at home with a good movie. Suddenly something on the paper Nicky had handed him caught his eye. Shit! he said to himself.

He leaned over his desk and picked up the phone.

Nicky stopped by his apartment on his way over to Michelle’s home and picked up his mail. There was another letter from Chiritiriani. It had been six months since he’d last heard from them. Hopefully this was a response to the letter he’d sent in October. He’d take it to Michelle’s and they’d look at it together.

When Nicky rang the doorbell, Michelle hollered, Come in, Nicky! He walked in and kicked off his shoes. The smell of lasagna filled her small apartment. Nicky walked over to the TV and turned it on, then he tiptoed out into the kitchen and right up behind Michelle without her noticing. She jumped when he kissed her on the neck and then relaxed into his chest as he reached around her waist. For a moment they stood quietly, enjoying the closeness. Then Nicky said, Put me to work, Corazon.

The table needed to be set and Nicky was glad to oblige. No task was too great when he was with Michelle. He really didn’t care what he was doing as long as they were together. Michelle smiled over at him, wondering how many other Indian chiefs would be setting the table tonight.

That was what she liked about Nicky. He was strong and handsome, powerfully built and masculine. But, for all his apparent machismo, he was a real koala. He didn’t mind helping out with the chores when they were together. He always did his own laundry and kept his apartment inimmaculate condition. He was artistic and musical, intelligent and thoughtful, but also charming and witty. Other ladies often noticed him and he treated them with impeccable manners. You would think that all the attention would go to his head, but it didn’t seem to. He was just as sweet as he could be and always made her feel special.

The meal was over and the pair were enjoying a lively chat when Nicky remembered his letter.

Bring it over, I want to try and read it, ordered Michelle.

Sure thing Boss, said Nicky with a grin.

Michelle struggled to read the handwritten Spanish. Whoever had written the letter was more concerned about flowery penmanship than readability, something she’d noticed before about the South Americans.

It seems Nakima is doing a good job of playing chief, observed Michelle after reading a few lines.

She’s probably doing a better job than I could, murmured Nicky.

Well I’m sure she is, Mr. Caza. She belongs to the jungle like no one else, you know. She intended to reinforce everything in Nicky’s mind that might want to stay in North Carolina with her.

Read on, said Nicky, flicking the letter with his fingers.

Michelle squinted at the print. Things get squeezed together a little here, I can’t make it out. Nicky took the letter and began scanning the lines.

Hmmm... he said after a few moments. It figures.

What figures?

They’ve lost several large trees to the poachers recently. They were cedros, a hardwood, but not the most valuable ones. They are afraid they’ll lose more. The loggers are protecting themselves with machine guns and have killed some natives who tried to interfere.

What can they do?

Not much, Michelle.

Don’t they have laws, police, you know, someway to defend themselves?

You don’t know the jungle, Amor. Yes, they have laws, many of them put on the books thanks to the likes of my own father and his friend Raul. But, they have no way to defend themselves short of killing anyone who enters the country. My people are peaceable and always try to reason first. That’s when they get taken. If the poachers can’t talk them out of their property, they eventually take it by force, even if they have to kill someone. The only time my people killed anyone was when the Senderistas came in and killed my father. Then, because of our retaliation, my sister. Nicky choked on the words.

I know, I know, soothed Michelle taking Nicky’s hand in hers. You’ve told me all about it. Reason and peaceful resistance is the best way. But there’s got to be something more you can do to control the poachers. What else do they say?

Nicky cleared his voice and began reading out loud.

Anirika, we need your help. You must come and help us pass laws in our favor. We need police protection or else our own police force. We know nothing of the laws and when we go to town they make fun of us. We get nowhere. They will listen to you. You are our high chief. Please come soon.

It was signed by Nakima.

Nicky stared at her signature and tried to imagine what she looked like now. Tears welled up in his eyes as he imagined his friends, headed by the lady chief Nakima, taunted by the ignorant mestizos of the city. Native tribesmen were like dogs in the eyes of many of the city dwellers and they’d lose no time taking advantage of their goodness, honesty, and naivety. The thought made him angry.

Nicky, Michelle’s voice was solemn. I’m behind you all the way, whatever you decide. She hoped his decision would not separate them for long.

Well, mi amor, Nicky moved his cheek close to Michelle’s and they touched. Then he looked into those beautiful blue eyes and said, I’ll sleep on it, but I think I’ve got to go to them. I think I can make short work of it and be back in a few weeks. I just hope Roberts will give me a leave-of- absence, so I can come back to SelvaTec.

Oh, I’m sure he will. Already Michelle was feeling lonely.

CHAPTER THREE

RETURN TO PERU

Nicky went over the contents of both of his suitcases one last time and then made sure the locks still worked. His plane tickets were safely tucked away inside a pocket in his sport coat not far away from his little packet of cigarettes. He never went anywhere without them. His plane reservation to Miami was for early the next morning and he just wanted to be able to get up and go, with no last minute rush. After a quick breakfast of dry cereal and a banana, he was out the door and off to SelvaTec. He was hoping to spend most of the day in the office so he could be close to Michelle.

Just after he arrived at SelvaTec a thunderhead poured its contents onto the thirsty ground. Another reason to stay inside. Nicky, discovering he’d beaten Michelle to the office, went in and sat down behind his desk and began sorting through some memos.

One of the memos caught his eye. It was a note regarding the creation of