The Seven Sacred Caves

By N. J. Anderson

Book Two continues the journey for Jimmy and Will. Two cousins from Smithers, B.C. who walked into a cave portal, trapping them into an underground world of a lost Aztec Civilization. With the help of their new friends they are trying to reach the next portal due to open in three years. The problem - it's in Peru.
The journey leads them into a land of giants where they rescue a young elf.

Fargana, a small city that brings fun and a feeling of home to everyone.

The Cave of the Science Men. A discovery about themselves and the history they have become to know and understand.

All the while on their travels they are being sought after by Bounty Hunters looking to kidnap Miria and Timtuk and killing the men of this group.

While back at home, Will and Jimmy's parents are trying to make sense of their disappearance through the knowledge of Professor Marlin, an eccentric old archeologist who totally understands what happened to the boys and where they will reappear into our world.

The story is full of adventure, fun, fantasy and danger. But it assures you a page turning adventure you will enjoy as it leads you into this World of Discovery.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Tellwell Talent
• Release date: Jul 19, 2018
• ISBN: 9780228800897

N. J. Anderson

N.J. Andersen is a retired Early Childhood Educator with thirty-five years of teaching to her career. Children inspired her to write about fun, adventure and fantasy.She joined her husband many years ago in the Smithers area of British Columbia. She was inspired by the beauty and vastness of the wilderness to write a story about our two young heroes. If there ever was a portal, it would certainly be hidden in these mountains.She lives with her husband, Jens and their dog, Carlee in Nanoose Bay, B.C.

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENTS

Healing Crystals the A to Z guide to 555 gemstones

By Michael Gienger

INTRODUCTION

My name is Jimmy Wright and with my cousin Will and his dog, Buddy; we are on an adventure of a lifetime.

We were fishing in the northern forest of British Columbia when I spotted a young child watching us from some bushes. We were way out in the wilderness and he had to be lost so we followed him. Just as we were coming up on him; a young woman scooped him up in her arms and disappeared into a hidden cave we had never seen before.

We followed them into the cave when suddenly the cave opening just slammed shut; locking us into a whole new world.

We met an Aztec civilization that we never knew existed. With the help of Miria, an amazing young woman and our best friend. She saved our lives by convincing her tribe to help us reach the next portal. She has the power to heal people and animals and she can levitate objects. Will is absolutely smitten by her. And I must admit; I can’t blame him. She is as beautiful as she is kind. With her dark brown hair and big brown eyes. She is now about nineteen years old. Two years older than me and one year older than Will. And anyone who meets her would not be anything else but overwhelmed by her beauty.

Lian, our leader. A cold jealous guy at the beginning of our adventure. Doesn’t like Will anywhere near Miria though Miria shows no signs of affection for Lian except friendship. But he is slowly letting his guard down and accepting Will and I as part of the team. His special ability is flame throwing. He can conjure up a flame right out of his hand and throw it at any enemy we encounter. Which unfortunately has been more times than I care to remember. But as a leader he is terrific. As a human, well let’s just say he can still use some work. He is older than all of us. He is twenty-three years old. He’s only a few inches taller than Will and myself but his muscled body would surely outweigh us by thirty pounds. Now in the beginning of this adventure he really just wanted us dead. Thought we were more trouble than we were worth. But as we travelled, we have fought along side him. And he is slowly beginning to like us.

Donat is a quiet and a bit of a shy kind of guy. Taller than all of us and as strong as an ox. In times of trouble his special ability is wind. He could blow a tornado out of his mouth if he had to. Put him with Lian and together they become the best flame throwers to ward of any enemy. He also blows us anywhere we need to go when we are on water. He fills the sails with his wind and blows us to our intended destination. He has welcomed Will and I into the group and we both like him very much.

Beya is also a good friend and comrade. He’s about twenty years old and he constantly has a smile on his face. He’s the same size as Will and myself but again, he has huge muscles. They must do a lot of workouts down here. His special ability is invisibility. In a flash; he can cover us in invisibility from any enemy we are escaping from. He is a good friend. He teaches me their language while I teach him ours. He has a great sense of humour and I enjoy his company. I am honoured to call these men, friends.

Timtuk, our little stow away. Miria’s younger brother. He is now about four years old and fooled us all as he sneaked his way onto this mission. He has developed two gifts since our expedition began. First, he can understand languages. All of them! And he developed a gift for reading minds. Both gifts have saved our lives. And Will and I care very much for this little guy. He is the little brother neither of us had; but if we could have chosen one – we would choose Timtuk. He’s great.

All in all, we have become a team. We are slowly cracking Lian’s hard shell and he is showing signs of friendship to us as long as Miria and Will just stay friends. But I feel our team would walk through fire for anyone of us. It’s the only way we are going to survive this adventure.

Together, we are travelling through villages of the most incredible architecture, through rock and crystal caves so beautiful they are breathtaking. Meeting new people and cultures all the while learning about the Seven Sacred Caves.

There are seven sacred caves and each open up in a twenty-one-year cycle. The portal we entered is closed until then. The next portal to open will be in three years. The challenge: it is in Peru and we must travel for three years in order to meet the time of the opening. With some very ugly characters trying to kidnap Miria and Timtuk. And oh yeah, they want to kill us. The trip has become more dangerous than anticipated. We may not make it to the portal in time. But with guts and determination; we are certainly going to try.

So, we went off the map so to speak, and are travelling into strange lands not explored by our team members. It has become an adventure for us all.

CHAPTER ONE

Preparations were being made for Fargana. The next village on our map. Beya and Donat were standing by with instructions for more supplies. They refused to let Miria go back there for her own safety. She had been kidnapped by some real ugly characters working for her Step-father. They wanted to sell her into slavery but Lian, Beya and Donat changed those plans. She was safely back with us and we were preparing to leave as quickly as possible for Fargana.

Lian checked the weapon supply box to make sure everything was in correct order and safely stored to avoid damage.

Timtuk played happily with Buddy as if there wasn’t a care in the world to worry about. Miria watched him play and smiled at his youthful banter with Buddy.

I came out and sat down beside her. I held out a paper and pencil.

We need a list of the food for this part of our journey. Lian insists you are not to go back into the village just in case someone is still out there looking for you.

Miria looked at the paper. I feel so useless Jimmy. Now I cannot even go and get supplies for us.

I laughed. You will have plenty to do when Beya and Donat get back. You will help with packing and sorting out the boxes. Miria, just because you can’t go shopping doesn’t make you useless.

Miria smiled. Okay, but let’s just say it’s my favourite part of my chores. I love to go into new villages and explore and meet people. Now, I kind of feel like a prisoner.

Pardon me, this morning you WERE a prisoner. Let’s not get those two feelings mixed up, okay?

Miria smiled. Yes, I guess I’m just feeling sorry for myself. Let’s go inside and I’ll make a supply list of the food we will need. Then I’ll start organizing the boxes, that should keep me busy for hours.

I laughed. And you thought you weren’t useful!

Together we entered the house, both with smiles on our faces.

***

It took a whole lot longer than a few hours to prepare for the next part of their journey. Beya and Donat went shopping for the groceries and it took longer than any of us suspected it would. We all said Miria was the best one to do this chore and they respected her even more after their exhausting trip.

Miria was happy we filled everything on her list and she packed the food box to capacity. After making the evening meal, she fell into her bed both exhausted and happy that they were ready to leave first thing in the morning. Timtuk was all snug and sleeping soundly as Buddy slept on the floor right beside him. She felt safer just knowing Buddy was in her room.

Will and I sat out in the living room area with Liam, Donat and Beya. Will looked at me.

Do you think they’ll follow us?

I smiled and looked at Lian and asked the question to him in their language. Lian stopped and stared at me. He started to laugh and jumped up to shake my hand. He answered back and I smiled at Will.

Lian says they might, but he is ready if they do. And he’s proud of me for learning their language so quickly.

Will shook his head. I always knew you were a prodigy; you’ll have to start teaching me. I don’t want to be the only one left out of the communication loop.

I laughed. Done! Your lessons start on the journey tomorrow. But for now, I’m beat and I’m going to enjoy that bed tonight. Who knows how long it will be before we ever sleep in another one.

I turned to the group wished them all a good night. Will followed me but not before he said Bo Taga to everyone. They responded back and smiled.

Communication barriers were slowly coming down.

***

The morning started well. Miria made breakfast for everyone and Will helped her clean up and pack away the dishes. Timtuk, Buddy and I were down by the river playing tag. Timtuk was laughing and screaming with delight. Miria watching him from the window, smiled and shook her head.

I want to keep him like this. Full of fun and energy. I never want him to see the ugliness of our life. The evilness of his father.

Will looked at her sadly. You can keep him safe and worry free for a long time I’m sure, but Miria you can’t protect him from the truth forever. He’ll pick up on our thoughts, no matter how hard we try to keep the secrets. But for now, let’s just let him be the great little guy he is and make his life full of fun and adventure.

Miria smiled. Yes, that is a goal I will try very hard to succeed at.

Beya, Lian and Donat were packed and ready. The boxes were tied together and Miria levitated them. Lian pulled them down towards the river.

I looked at Beya and asked if they were going by boat again? Beya responded with a nod and told me it would be for a very short distance. Then they would have to enter another cavern deeper down the cave.

Everyone was set to go, Timtuk and Buddy were nestled in their box just behind Donat. Everyone took their usual positions and we were off. Donat blew a huge gust of wind and the boat sailed to the centre of the river in a flash. The ride was smooth and uneventful and everyone was relieved as we pulled the boat slowly to the riverbank.

Lian and Beya started to pull the boxes out of the water while Donat, Will and I folded the sail and placed it neatly in a box. Miria took Timtuk’s hand and said he could walk with her for awhile. He felt so grown up to be able to do this.

Buddy stayed close to him and everyone followed Lian as he led the way into a narrow cavern.

The aroma of wet sage seemed to be coming from the depth of the cavern and everyone wondered where it originated. It didn’t take long to discover the answer. As we entered a large cavern it was covered in damp plants that seemed to grow like spiders clinging to the rocks. Will thought it smelled like the Cariboo in the summer; after a down pour of rain. The pangs of homesickness were setting into his head.

I looked at him. Smells nice in here. Those plants really put out a nice scent.

Will nodded. Kind of reminds me of the Cariboo. Remember when dad took us fishing there. After the rain, it smelled like this.

I smiled. Yeah, that’s why this smell is so familiar. Kinda gives you a feeling of homesickness, doesn’t it?

Will laughed. Are you starting to read minds too? Two of you would be too much for me to handle!

I laughed, Relax Cuz, just a smell memory, that’s all.

Will smiled, Yeah, smell memory. That’s exactly what it is Jim. It smells like home.

***

As we travelled deeper into the cave it became colder and everyone was worried about my reaction to the cold. A year ago, my body couldn’t handle the quick change in temperature and I kind of passed out and scared everyone.

Hey come on, that was just one time it affected me. I’m tougher now and I know to put on a warm sweater when I start to feel this way. So, can we take a break so everyone can get warmer clothes on before I pass out.

Everyone laughed at my request and Lian ordered a rest period. Miria took out a warm sweater for herself and Timtuk. Will and I were given warm cloaks from Beya. We were all bundled up and ready to go when Buddy started to growl. Everyone went on alert.

Will looked at Buddy. What is it boy? What do you see?

Buddy growled again and then Will started to hear something. A far-off screech coming from another cavern.

Will looked at Miria and me. Do you hear that? It’s coming from that cavern I think, as he pointed in its direction.

Suddenly the noise got louder and excruciating painful to hear. Then bats by the thousands came flying from the cavern. Miria screamed and grabbed Timtuk laying him under her as she fell to the ground. Will and I ran to Lian who was opening the weapons box. Just as he handed Beya a weapon the swarm came down to them. Lian quickly made a fireball and Donat blew on it. Once again, they became a flame thrower and the bats quickly changed course to avoid the fire.

Beya used a weapon that seemed to do nothing except the bats totally stayed away from them. I looked at Will.

Some kind of force field, I think.

Will and I just squatted down and watched the show. Lian and Donat continued with the flame throwing and Beya kept pointing the weapon at the swarm. Within minutes (though it seemed longer) the bats entered another cavern and all was quiet again.

I ran to Miria and Timtuk as they slowly began to stand up.

You two okay?

Timtuk started to giggle, That was fun. They were laughing.

I looked at Timtuk with a confused face. Who was laughing, Timtuk?

Timtuk smiled. The birds, they were laughing.

I scrunched up my nose. At us?

Timtuk laughed, No, the game. They were playing tag, like you, Buddy and me play. The fire scared them so they flew away.

I looked at Miria, Great, now he understands animals. What else can we expect?

Miria just shrugged her shoulders. Jimmy, I’m as surprised as you are. But at least they meant us no harm. That’s good, right?

I nodded. Absolutely. Maybe it’s time for a lunch break. I’ll go ask Lian if this is a good idea.

Miria nodded, I can have lunch ready in fifteen minutes.

I nodded, I’ll tell him.

I wandered over to the rest of the group, they were showing Will the weapon that Beya used on the bats. Will looked at me.

You were right Jim. It’s a force field. He knew we couldn’t be shrouded in invisible mist as the bats would have used their radar to detect us. But this thing puts out a force field that stops them from coming near us. It’s incredible.

I looked at Will, How did you understand all that?

Will laughed, I understood a few words and Beya is really good at charades. The point was not hard to figure out.

I nodded. That’s great. Now let’s see you ask Lian for a lunch break. Miria can have it ready in fifteen minutes.

Will chuckled, Okay, I’ll give it a bash. Lian!

On hearing his name Lian walked over to Will. Will stumbled through his translation, but his pantomime of lunch and Miria preparing it had Lian laughing out loud. I jumped in and mentioned the fifteen-minute time schedule. Lian laughed, tapped Will on the shoulder and nodded to me. I chuckled as well. Slowly, communication skills were picking up.

CHAPTER TWO

Carol woke up with a smile on her face and a feeling of light headedness. She was going to marry Fred. And soon if he has his way. She rolled over and thought of these past few months. How can all this be happening to me, she thought? A few months ago, I was working and living in Vancouver. Then my son and nephew get lost in a cave, I meet Fred, fall in love, move up to the sticks and now I’m going to marry him. And I want a baby! If anyone had told me five months ago this was going to be my life, I would have laughed them out of the room. But here I am, and I think someone should pinch me because I still think I’m dreaming.

Fred walked into the bedroom carrying a tray.

Good morning sleepyhead. I have coffee, toast, yogurt and sliced peaches.

Carol sat up, Wow, honey I’m impressed!

Fred laughed, So am I. I didn’t even know we had yogurt in the fridge. Knew it had to be yours, so I thought I would spruce it up with peaches. How did I do?

Carol chuckled. Fantastic! Appreciate your efforts my love, I really do.

Fred leaned over and kissed her. Then sat down on the bed.

He coughed a little and Carol knew this was his nervous tell.

She smiled. What’s wrong sweetie? Having second thoughts on our marriage?

Fred sat up straight. No way. I was just wondering if Tuesday is a good day for you?

Carol looked puzzled. For what?

Fred smiled. To get married. I called a friend who knows a Justice of the Peace and she can marry us on Tuesday. Are you okay with that?

Carol shook her head. That only gives me five days to get ready. I would like a new dress, and shoes and my hair done. Not to mention my nails and a wax job. Lord love a duck you don’t give a girl much prep time, do you?

Fred started to laugh, You mean jeans and sneakers are out of the picture? There go my wardrobe plans.

Carol almost choked on her coffee. Fred, please. A little more time. I’d like to fly to Vancouver and get everything done my way. Please honey, give me ten days, okay?

Fred leaned into her. Okay, ten days from today. And can you pick me up a forty-two-regular black suit while you’re down there. Inseam measurement is 38.

Carol started to laugh. No way, if you want a new suit you can come down with me. My schedule is tight enough without adding your shopping list.

He smiled at her. Okay, I’ll come too. We can stay at the Fairmont, you promised me airplanes, remember?

She laughed. Sounds good to me. I’ll make the arrangements, how about tomorrow and you spend four days and I’ll stay a few extra days at the office.

Fred jumped up. Done, now I have to make arrangements for a few days off. I’ll call you later.

He leaned over and gave her a warm kiss. Oh man, you smell so good. Are you sure we can’t just do it in blue jeans and T-shirts on Tuesday.

She pushed him away. No way! But we’ll go casual in the Andes, okay?

He smiled at her. Deal! and left the room strutting like a rooster.

Carol just smiled and shook her head.

***

Carol knocked on the door as she saw Jenny approach. A smile was on both woman’s faces as they greeted each other.

Jenny hugged Carol, So good to see you. What’s new?

Carol blushed a bit and chuckled, Oh, a few things. Fred and I are going to spend the weekend together in Vancouver. Then I’ll spend a few extra days at the office. I should be home in a week.

Jenny looking a little confused. This was sudden. What’s the whole story?

Carol really blushed. Jenny jumped on that.

Something is up. What are you avoiding to tell me?

Carol took a deep breath. Fred and I are getting married in about ten days. We’re going to Vancouver for new clothes and other cosmetic improvements. And Jenny would you and Steve give us the honour of your presence as witnesses to the nuptials?

Jenny ran and hugged her. Try and keep me away. Oh Carol, I’m so happy for you I could just cry. I’m sure I’m just overly hormonal but what the hell.

Carol laughed as she hugged Jenny. Jen, I’m in a whirlpool. Am I doing the right thing?

Jenny let go of her and stared into her face.

Do you love him?

Carol nodded, Yes.

Jenny continued. Can you live without him?

Carol shook her head. No.

Jenny smiled. Then what’s the problem? Marriage jitters? Come on, we all go though this. I was so nervous before I married Steve I tried to call it off two weeks before the big day.

Carol smiled. What happened?

Jenny smiled. My dad. He kept saying to me, Tell me you don’t love him

and we’ll call it off and of course I couldn’t say the words. He convinced me it was just wedding jitters and I would be okay. And guess what, he was right.

Carol nodded. More of the wise woman talk from my sister-in-law. Thanks Jenny, I need you so much to pick me up and make me smile. By the way, how are you feeling?

Jenny laughed, Oh morning sickness is so much fun! I swear it gets worse with each child or I just forgot how lousy this part of pregnancy can be.

Carol smiled. I never got it. Felt a little queasy but never got sick. I guess I was lucky.

Jenny poured some coffee. You have no idea how lucky!

Carol chuckled, How’s Steve?

Jenny smiled. Struts around her like a bantam rooster. He’s so excited Carol. Insists we come up with a name as soon as possible. He’s tired of calling her just baby girl. He wants to name her now.

Carol smiled. Got any ideas?

Jenny smiled. I would like to name her after my grandmother. Her name was Georgia. And the second name would be after my mother. What do you think?

Carol looked at Jenny and smiled. Georgia Patricia Wright. I like it, it sounds wonderful.

Jenny laughed. Kind of a big handle for a little baby, don’t you think?

Carol laughed. Well Georgia Carol might sound better but I think your mom would have something to say about this.

Jenny laughed. "Just a tad. I think she was a little hurt when we named Katie

after Steve’s mom. Though she would never admit that in a thousand years. But I think this is my chance to make it up to her."

Carol grinned. It is indeed and I’m sure she will be thrilled and honoured. You’re such a wonderful daughter as well as my best friend. Boy, the hats you wear!

Jenny laughed. I look lousy in hats!

Carol chuckled. Not these hats. They fit you perfectly.

***

Fred walked into Steve’s office with a cup of coffee in his hand and a smile on his face.

Steve looked up at him. You killed Tweety Bird, didn’t you? You have that cat ate the bird look.

Fred laughed, No, just a I’m getting married in ten days look. I know Carol must be telling Jenny and asking her to be a witness. Are you interested in being mine?

Steve jumped up and came around his desk and shaking Fred’s hand.

Whoa, how did this come about so soon? I thought Carol wanted to wait for Jimmy.

Fred started to blush. I have you and Jenny to thank for this. With the news of Jenny’s pregnancy, Carol started hearing her biological clock go off. She wants to have a baby but insists we be married first. My old-fashioned girl.

Steve laughed, To answer your question, I’d be honoured to bear witness to your big day. In ten days, you say?

Fred smiled. Yeah, we’re heading for Vancouver tomorrow for a wardrobe purchase. Seems jeans and T-shirts are out of the question. So, I’ll come back on Monday and Carol will come back on Thursday. She has some work to do at the office.

Steve laughed, I guess we can do without you for a few days.

Fred laughed, So nice of you to say so. What’s new in your world?

Steve smiled. Poor Jenny, morning sickness has really hit her bad. And not just in the morning. Man, she woofs her cookies at all hours of the day. I feel so bad for her.

Fred looked a little confused. Do all pregnant woman go through this? I’ve never had a kid so I’m on foreign soil here.

Steve laughed, Some do, some don’t. You should ask Carol how she did when she was pregnant with Jimmy. It might give you an indication of what to look forward to.

Fred shook his head, Oh man, I hope she doesn’t get sick. Just the sound of someone vomiting gets me started. What a great pair we would be.

Steve chuckled, It usually only lasts for the first trimester. Then it subsides. But there is so much more to look forward to. There’s a book Jenny has that explains everything you need to know about a pregnancy. I’ll ask Jenny if you can borrow it. Might as well do your homework early, bro.

Fred smiled gingerly. I’m getting nervous and we are not even expecting yet. Thanks, a whole bunch, buddy.

Steve laughed, "My pleasure! We He-Men have got to stick together.

Now tell me what your plans are for the afternoon string line in Kitimat."

CHAPTER THREE

Lunch was over, everything was packed up and the journey began again. Lian and Beya debated as to which cavern to enter. The map was pretty unclear as this was not to be their appointed route. Beya seemed to like the cavern the bats took whereas Lian preferred a deeper cave route. When Miria heard that Beya’s route would follow the bats, she opted for Lian’s choice. I laughed and flipped a stone. Dark side for Lian, light side for Beya’s choice. The dark side came up and the choice was made. Lian’s route was being followed.

After about an hour of narrow passages and rocky terrain we came to a large plateau. There was no where to go. Everyone looked over the edge.

I spoke first. That has to be a mile down. Lian, I think we have to go back.

Beya started to speak so fast that I could not understand anything he said. I believed he was mad at Lian for his poor choice in routes but that was just a guess.

Miria spoke quietly. Beya believes we should go back. But Lian wants to look for a path. He wants us to wait here while he looks.

Will looked at Miria. We can’t float down, can we? I mean, you levitate the boxes and Donat blows us gently down. Kind of like a floating train.

Miria looked at Will. "It might work; we’ve never tried it before. But the steep mountain would be really dangerous. The boxes must stay level with the land in