Early T. Riser: The Black Pyramid

By R. Evans Pansing

When young adventurer Early T. Riser discovers a dead body alongside the riverbank, hes thoroughly intrigued. What interests Riser is not so much the bullet hole through the big mans forehead, but rather the folded parchment map containing a sprig of unknown vegetation. To Riser, the map has all the characteristics of a fake treasure map, but it is nonetheless interesting.

Riser shares the unique map with his best friend, Chili Dog, a man schooled in biology. The two embark on a journey to see what treasures the map may or may not hold. While aboard the Breaker on their way to the southern hemisphere, Riser and Chili meet two young women who share their thirst for adventure. Mara and Demia join the men on this expedition into the unknown.

Their search for the supposed treasure takes the four companions into secluded country where they must protect themselves from danger of both the natural and human kind. Only time will tell whether their quest will yield fortune, romanceor death.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Trafford Publishing
• Release date: Sep 14, 2011
• ISBN: 9781426994418

R. Evans Pansing

R. Evans Pansing has been an associate pastor for twenty-eight years. His hobbies include traveling, gardening, painting, reading, writing, and enjoying his ten-acre property in Olive Green , Ohio. Pansing and his wife, Phyllis, have three children and three grandchildren. This is his fourth book.

Book preview

Prologue

Early T.Riser was a young man that lived in a time when the world was less complicated with tragedy, favored more with wonder, and new discoveries. It was not, long, long ago, but it was long ago. It was not far, far away but it was far away. It was a time when you could camp on the beaches and a time when you could drink from the mountain streams. A time when locked doors were not needed. A man’s word was his bond and drugs where only used to heal and help people. Marriages were only dissolved under the most unsolvable unique conditions and children knew and lived with their mom and dad. Schools were a place of learning and happiness in the safety of interested and dedicated teachers. The days were filled with chores and hard work with satisfied and sure, though meager pay. The nights were quiet and dark with tranquility from the sky and woods.

Men’s hearts had not yet been adulterated with audacious greed or discontent. Discipline, traditions, and order were still in place. Early T. didn’t realize he was living in the best of times, at least for him. He had grown up with a varied education and an astute personality. His parents had given him much to be thankful for, but most of all it was their insistence that he make wise decisions and informed moral choices. This trait or teaching would affect the rest of his life, he was told, and it was true.

Early T. was not a big man, as most stories have their main characters but of an ample height. He was not tall, dark, or handsome. Straight brown hair, parted on the side, with medium facial complexion. Muscular but not grotesque. He had few outstanding physical characteristics that one could detect unless one looked carefully. What he did have was a quick wit, indigo blue, intelligent, observing eyes. His best assets were his attentive eyes coupled with his flashing and disarming smile. His infectious grin was worth all the gold in the hills, wide, rich, winsome. A wide mouth that was firm and thin with concentration but, full of mischief. A straight nose and a strong chin with a cleft or dimple. His potent eyes were like pools of dark blue quick sand pulling you in farther and farther until you were in perfect sync with him. Around each eye were the few crinkles created by a thousand fetching smiles. A wonderful gift for one who sought adventure. A high and intelligent brow bespoke of wisdom far beyond his years.

His one passion of days gone by was his ever-present ball cap. He had played baseball in high school and college. His one reminder of those glorious days was his number eight, all wool, ball cap. His ball playing days may well be over but he can still set his cap for any difficulty and come out a winner. Early T. was a man of the ages yet to be discovered.

Early had made many friends but his best friend was Chico Rodriguez. He was a young man that Early had met in his boyhood school days. Sometimes he was called Chili Dog, and sometimes-just Chili, by his close friends. One could easily imagine why he was called that although his real name was Chico. Early and Chico had been inseparable for many years, since their first adventure in third grade grammar school.

Chili was short, dark, handsome, muscular and with a propensity to seek out romantic assignations and entanglements. Early had pulled Chico out of many complicated situations. This left Early amused but sympathetic. This bond between the two men did not interfere with their personal caring escapades. It was when adventure or intrigue raised its attractive head that all interests faded away to pale gray.

Chapter One

Red was the color that came to mind when Early saw the dead man on the river’s edge. Not red with rage but red hot with interest

A body upon the river’s edge. Early thought at first, it might have succumbed because of its enormous size by an apparent abundance of many edible provisions. His size was immense. Upon closer examination, Early T. surmised the man was dead because of the small bullet hole in the forehead’s center . The river’s powerful wash lapped at the body as if the river were still washing away all life and color from the once alive human. The man was big and had doubled in size denoting an extended period since being killed.

The area was slightly moist with the hint of a chill coming on. The brown river made watery noises with an occasionally splash that must have been made by a disturbed carp. Early T.Riser was use to unusual surroundings having been on several African safaris and artic treks.

Early thought about dragging him further up on shore but abandoned the thought as its bulk and weight was calculated to be enormous even for Early to move. No doubt, the body had been in the water for sometime. A doughy face, balding head, shoulders with no neck, attached to a suit of uncommon quality all pointed to a mystery that Early craved to investigate. A new set of thoughts came to Early’s mind.

He came down to the river to try to get some peace and quiet from a world digesting all the negative events that was beginning to permeate every nook and cranny of civilized life. Now some of that madness came to his front door, so to speak. Alas, the good times are beginning to fade away, thought Early.

As Early T. stooped to examine the corpse to be perfectly certain of the man’s demise, he immediately noticed a cylindrical object at the topmost pocket of its suit jacket, precariously positioned, ready to fall out. Was it on its way in or was it on its way out? It was a tubular a cigar holder. Early T. reached for it and extracted the cylinder from the dead man’s suit pocket. It was a natural reaction for the young inquisitor to look in all directions for any observers in a furtive way before opening and examining the article. Pulling off the top, he extracted a spiraled piece of parchment, complete with an interesting map.

Early T.’s training had been varied from the university. He had courses in archeology, geology, and science, in general. His friend, Chili, was the part of his team that was trained in biology, especially exotic plant life. Chili’s degrees were such that he occasionally taught at the university. The reason for Early’s line of thinking was that inside the map before Early T. eyes, was a leafy green sprig of vegetation. Chico would probably know what it is, thought Early T. He looked intently at what was before his eyes, trying to decide what he had found. Holding the little sprig in his mouth, he examined the parchment. Many kinds of thoughts ran through the young man’s mind. He examined the parchment map by turning it around and upside down as well as holding it up to sky for any revelations of any kind. It was a mystery map. It had all the characteristics of a fake treasure map and yet showed no Dig Here, notation. Even though an X was on the map. The cylinder had kept the map safe from any water damage as well as the sprig. Early knew he had to report all of these things to the proper authorities, so when he turned back to the water-soaked body he was shocked to see that the river’s surge had pulled it back into the current and was taking it down stream with some swiftness, making it unobtainable.

The rest of Early’s day was filled with telling and describing all that he had seen and where. With preciseness, all was told to the authorities. He had contacted his friend Chili Dog to share the find with him.

He found it expedient to omit the map and vegetation particulars from the constabulary, but to Chili, he told all. With interest and intensity, Chico licked his lips.

When in private surroundings, Chili pored over Early’s find until sweat began to form in beads on his brow. His conclusions were both exciting and intriguing. The leaves resembled tealeaves but had a very dark and glistening green color with unusual vein structures as well as an uncommon slightly fuzzy texture.

The rest of the day was well spent as the two men began to discuss their choices and plans. They didn’t want to make a mountain out of a molehill, but it was confirmed that the map showed places in the virtually uninhabited southern hemisphere. The vegetation was of a variety and species never seen before, according to Chili. Yet, it must be important for someone to be killed over. For two carefree and unencumbered young men this would be an adventure of a lifetime. A dubious map and an enigmatic sprig of vegetation was just what the two young needed to whet their adventuresome, unquenchable, appetites.

The police had called Early back to explain his findings several times over the next few days. The police found out nothing further but Early was able to glean some information from their inquiries. The dead man was quite wealthy and often connected to spurious endeavors of an illicit nature. His wealth had permitted him to engage in varied and wide ranging affairs that included the area that was shown on the map, that Early kept with apprehension. The man evidently was a big game hunter it was said. Traveling all over the world for big game. This information only gave Early more fuel to pursue the map and it’s meaning to a significant conclusion. All these facts were shared with Chili and discussions were held late into the night. It was with excitement and bated breath that the two young men decided they would take everything they had, money wise, and roll the dice for an adventurous quest before they settled down to a quiet normal middle-class life

To avoid any further entanglement with the police they quickly moved forward with private transactions and secluded inquiries. They expeditiously secured funds, and means of passage to propel them into the jungles and forests of an unknown land. Early T.Riser and Chili Dog Rodriguez were on their way to fame and fortune that most young men only dream about. Their trip would take them to places unheard-of and their eyes would behold scenes that are found only in books of fiction.

Chapter Two

Early lay in his bunk on the good ship Breaker. It was evidently very early and the sounds of the vessel were pure and unaffected by any voices or scuffling that would come later with the morning’s duties. The deep throated throbbing of the engines had been very hypnotic to those that required sleep. The cadence had not varied through out the night, as the captain had wanted to make a good start on the first leg of his voyage before embarking to unload the first round of supplies. Early had always been a light sleeper, as well as an early riser and had a hard time getting to sleep even though he was sure he would awake early, as was his custom. The morning sun had not yet permeated this part of the world with its glory and warmth. Rising from his bed, he swung his legs over the bunk and there he mulled over the events of the days just past.

Sleeping in the lower bunk was Chili Dog Rodriguez, also called Chico by his family. Early could hear his friend snoring. Chili was a rare and special individual friend to Early. His friend, the biologist, had black wavy hair and dark eyes as well as a wide, full mouth with even white teeth that would be appropriate for a toothpaste ad. Short and stocky, Chili was built on the order of a lovable bulldog. He could very well have been chiseled out of a granite mountain. Chili Dog had a very busy prior week. His parents could not fund his trip; therefore, he had to sell some of his most treasured books and his collection of rare plants. His desire to accompany Early T. on this trip was without bounds.

The two men had purchased passages on the Breaker, only days after the inquest had ended concerning the murdered man that Early found on the riverbank.

The ship’s booking for the two boys was quite lucky as they were the last to fill the passage register. The findings about the dead man were inconclusive. Death by person or persons unknown allowing the boys to leave the area.

The Breaker was an older vessel (freighter) that was carrying supplies to some small countries in the southern hemisphere. It was not very large but was built with longevity and durability in mind. Besides the cargo and crew, it had five cabins for paying customers. The inventory of cargo and travelers were both full, causing Chili to rub his hands in great anticipation of an eventful trip. The compliment of passengers looked promising to Chili. In that assemblage were two young ladies of the coquettish age possessioning unique beauty. Earlier, Chili had smiled when he noticed the girls that were to accompany the voyage with him.

The group was made up of a professor and his resolute daughter (Demia), two elderly teachers (of the plumpish variety) on holiday (Mimm & Mamm), an owlish looking retired man and his mannish looking wife (Mr.Byrd & Phoebe), and a young couple of dubious paring. (Roman & Dalli). Also, among the people on board were the Captain (Beehab) and his young daughter (Mara) as well as several very busy crewmembers. All the passengers had smiled as they left the port, waving to some acquaintances on shore. Early T. also waved but his smile was anemic because of the taint of a mystery murder on his mind.

Leaving the coast far behind them, the events of the last week also began to fade from view and it’s evil portend. Early T. had learned that the murdered man was mixed up in many dubious schemes and had a record with the police over a period of years. His name was Hiem Duzrong. The man was mixed up in mischief and mayhem. The police surmised that Duzrong was bumped off as the result of a drug deal that went sour. The bullet wound was consistent with a professional hit. In the inquiry, no one had asked Early directly if he had removed anything from the murdered man’s body. Early was glad because if asked directly he would have to admit finding the cylinder and its contents. It was one of those little white omissions that would eventually cost Early T. and his friend problems and trouble.

The cabin that Early shared with Chili was snug and comfortable in a quaint sort of way. Bunk beds, with built in closets beside a very serviceable desk. The cabin had several windows on the deck side on either side of the door. The door led directly onto the quarterdeck. The windows had flowery curtains, no doubt the Captain’s daughter’s touch. One wall was some seascape paintings of places the Breaker’s had made port. The walls were paneled in hand polished hardwood. The ceiling was furnished with great wooden beams with brass trim everywhere. A ceiling fan was included. One porthole faced the sea opposite the door, with the usual brass fixtures. A light switch was just inside the door that activated two ersatz hurricane lamps in the room. The desk had its own gooseneck lamp. On a little side table was a potted plant of an anemic nature complete with a fragile posy. The cabin had two comfortable chairs. A large thick oriental rug that covered a floor of tongue and grooved hard oak welcomed the boys’ feet. A small privy or head with a sink with hot and cold water completed the cabin’s furnishings. (A shared shower for two cabins was down the quarterdeck. To conserve water we surmised.) All in all a delight to one’s eye and esthetic senses. No doubt, these cabins had been for officers when Breaker was used for other duties.

The first evening was capped with a sumptuous supper in the ship’s saloon. The Captain recited safety instructions to all in attendance. He followed with introductions all around to the delight of everyone. Passengers gave some general information about themselves. Each person narrated an account of brief but exact particulars with the exception of the owlish looking man. His name was Mr.Byrd .His big spectacles accentuated his eyes to give an impression of higher learning that was truly not there. His large glasses kept slipping down his aquiline nose so that he was constantly pushing them back up his nose bridge. Mr.Byrd was of course accompanied by, Phoebe, his mannish looking wife. She gave one the impression of dictatorial eagerness, plodding about each guest with mandates and summations to all inquiries. Chili Dog observed the aspiring feminist with punctilious aversion.

The evening moved forward devilishly, with anticipation hanging about all them like smoking leaves in the autumn. Captain Beehab was most cordial playing the piano and having all join in with singing. The young couple of dubious credentials entered the festivities but with some apparent trepidation. They had introduced themselves as Mr. and Mrs. Forney from a locale not recognized by Early. Mimm and Mamm were delighted that in their retirement years to be traveling with such a diverse and enjoyable group. As retired schoolteachers, they would ask each passenger about their educational experiences and levels. When they came to the professor, they were pleased to the point of picking his brains for new knowledge. His answer’s assured them all, he was truly of the educational ilk. After a considerable quantity of conversation, the group split up into little groups to play cards or games of a simple nature. Early T. and Chili found themselves together with Mimm and Mamm. Chili was not enchanted.

The retired teachers were a whimsical delight. Even Chili Dog was impressed with their wit and depth of knowledge on many subjects. Neither had been married but seemed to be able to relate to family stories and events as Early T. opened with some of his life’s illustrations.

"Where are you and