The Life Chest Extreme Adventures: Machu Picchu: The Life Chest Extreme Adventures, #2

By Kim Yost, Terie Spencer and Donna Yost

"Don't go, Zen!" said the old monk. "It is dangerous to change the past, even to save lives. You must always consider the six laws of the Order when you struggle with a decision."

After a dangerous journey in Thailand with her extreme adventure travel agency, Zen looks forward to a trip that doesn't involve things like attempted murder, blackmail and vicious giant lizards. She doesn't get her wish.

While touring Brazil and Peru, Zen's team and their clients are forced to battle both man and nature in their attempts to uncover the secrets of a hidden gold mine once revered by the Inca. Even if they survive the perils caused by misguided loyalties and heartbreaking betrayal, the future of Zen's Extreme Adventures itself may be threatened.

Zen must also navigate the challenges and responsibilities of becoming a full member of the Order of the Indigo Magic, the ancient guild of time travelers. She fights for her life and that of her newfound friends in the past while struggling with the effects that her actions may have on the future.

Glittering Rio and mysterious Machu Picchu become the backdrops for intrigue, danger and discovery in this fast-paced journey which catapults Zen back and forth between the high-tech world of the 22nd century and the bloody era of the Spanish conquistadors.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Kim Yost
• Release date: Jul 1, 2019
• ISBN: 9781733333894

Book preview

Chapter One

Return to the Great Wall

Zen stumbled out of a low, jagged hole in the Great Wall of China. She blinked in the hazy sunlight, trying to orient herself. She had difficulty getting the images out of her mind—the vision she had experienced a moment ago, dead and dying Chinese soldiers and workers tossed down into inescapable interior spaces within the Great Wall as it was being built. As the screams echoed in Zen’s head, her cousin, Tien, gently shook her shoulder.

Zen! Zen, are you all right?

Zen looked into Tien’s worried eyes. Her vision cleared. Yes, I’m OK. Zen’s botpack, Cricket, hovering nearby, flitted over to touch her forehead to assess her vitals.

I assume you had a vision of the past? Cricket asked. You have an elevated heart rate and dilated pupils, but nothing unusual for the situation.

Yes, a troubling vision. I knew that bodies of men who died were thrown inside the Great Wall while it was being built, but I didn’t know that they threw some in while they were still alive.

That’s what you saw? asked Tien’s twin, Tam, as he and the rest of the ZEA team gathered around. How terrible.

I’ll tell you more later, whispered Zen. Here comes Mr. Yang.

The Chinese official approached. We are removing several skulls and groups of bones that were found inside, he said to the group. Next, we will make an opening in the back wall and go inside to the inner tunnels.

Thanks, nodded Ace. Mr. Yang bowed and walked away. Ace turned back to Zen. Are you up for it?

She can do it, encouraged Tien. All these experiences make you stronger, Zen.

Zen nodded. I’m fine. The important thing is that I spotted the infinity symbol.

You saw the symbol from the map? Tam said. That means we’re in the right place!

Yes, I saw it clearly, glowing blue. That’s where Mr. Yang should direct the workers to open the inner wall.

Hopefully, we’ll find the treasure that the old man told you about in your earlier vision, said Zelda.

Hopefully, we won’t see any ghosts, muttered Ace.

Zen pointed out the spot where she had seen the infinity symbol to Mr. Yang. Over the next hour, the ZEA team and the Chinese workers prepared to open the indicated back wall in the tunnel. As the workers began carefully removing the bricks below the spot where Zen had seen the symbol, the team waited outside and talked.

I’ve been to China several times, Zelda commented. It’s always been exciting, but nothing like this. We’re on the brink of a huge discovery. Who knows how much forgotten treasure might be stashed away inside the Great Wall? This could be bigger than Carter’s discovery of King Tut’s tomb back in 1922.

First Luxe City in Egypt, then the lost temple of gold in Bangkok, and now the Great Wall’s forgotten stash, exclaimed Ace. Zen, you’re getting quite the reputation as a treasure hunter.

I owe it all to life chest magic, answered Zen. Or the Indigo Magic, as the Buddhist monks call it.

So, the life chest magic is connected to the Buddhist monks’ time travel powers? asked Zelda.

Yes, I’m sure of it, answered Zen. The infinity symbol I just saw has four dots in it—exactly the same configuration as the infinity symbol in our life chest logo.

That’s amazing, Zen, said Zelda. You’ve tapped into an ancient power with your time travel gift.

No matter what it’s called, it’s pretty fantastic, said Tam. Hey, Mr. Yang is waving. Maybe he’s ready for us to go in. Come on! The treasure awaits!

The team lined up inside the chamber to follow Mr. Yang and his workers through the opening.

You all go first this time, said Zen to her team. I’ll follow.

The last in line, Zen paused to look at the infinity symbol once more. The symbol glowed bright blue, as did her eyes. The next vision came quickly, almost violently.

Low-level soldiers and workers carried the Ming emperor’s treasures into the tunnels while army officers shouted at them to hurry. From the first chamber inside the Great Wall, the old master bricklayer, Liu Li Yong, watched. He had come to Zen in her previous visions. As a soldier carried the last box of gold coins through the opening leading to the inner tunnels, an army captain barked an order. Three other officers, carrying chains, followed the last man. The captain placed himself in front of the entrance and shouted another order.

Zen saw a look of horror come over the old man’s face. He shouted at the captain as a guard held him back. The guard pulled the old man out of the chamber and into the harsh sunlight.

How horrible, thought Zen as she realized what was happening. They chained the men inside the wall to die so they wouldn’t be able to reveal the location of the hidden riches.

After a few moments, Zen saw the captain and officers inside the wall closing up the entrance to the mysterious inner tunnels with bricks made by the very men suffocating to death behind them. The men’s cries, soon muffled, were completely extinguished as the soldiers finished bricking up the outer wall.

His eyes downcast, Liu Li Yong turned away from the terrible scene. Then he looked up—right at Zen. I did not know, he said sadly. I did not know that the workers who carried the treasures inside the Great Wall’s tunnels would be chained there, trapped inside to suffocate. Because the plan to hide the treasure inside the wall was mine, the guilt is also mine.

No, Zen wanted to tell him. It’s not your fault. But the old man continued before she could speak.

I appeared to you, not only to show you where the treasure was hidden, but also to ask for your help. Since you have the Indigo Magic, I knew you would be able to see the infinity symbol on the map and the wall. Once the inner wall was opened, I knew the trapped souls would be freed from the secret tunnels of death.

Are they free now? asked Zen.

"Raks’a sraththa, said the old man, repeating the Indigo Magic mantra. He added the sacred hand motion, touching his right fingers to his forehead, then his right temple, and then gesturing out with an open hand. Always believe."

As the blue light of the infinity symbol intensified, Zen watched the bodies of the murdered men rise, shake off their chains, and float out of the tunnels, surrounded by a soft blue glow. Dozens upon dozens of souls bowed to Zen as they passed. Their voices filled her head.

Xiexie! Thank you! Thank you for helping to free us. Now our souls can move into the afterlife. We are at peace.

The vision of each man faded as he moved into the sunlight. The old man followed last.

"Raks’a sraththa, whispered Zen. Always believe." She felt at peace, too.

Zen breathed deeply, then stepped through the opening below the infinity symbol. That’s the last deep breath I’ll take for a while, she said to herself. The air in here smells awful.

The ZEA team and the Chinese officials were already exploring. The team’s botpacks were busy, too. Cricket produced six small spherical drones, each about the size of a tennis ball, from her backpack interior. The drones quickly flew the length of the tunnel, transmitting information and video as they went.

Zen walked up to Zelda, who was adjusting an air mask on her face. Put yours on, she said to Zen. This air is centuries old. Very rancid.

Agreeing, Zen quickly complied. Suddenly, several large scorpions scurried out of a nest near Zen’s feet to scramble further into the darkness. As the group carefully walked through the first of the low, dusty tunnels, the eyes of a huge rat reflected the beam of Ace’s headlamp. Finally, Zen’s comm light caught the glint of gold. A pile of gold bars stacked all the way up to the low ceiling! Next to it, an open wooden chest spilled over with pearls and jade. A huge tarantula sat atop the pile.

Mr. Yang called out, It is found! The forgotten treasure of the Ming Dynasty has been found!

A shout went up from the workers in celebration. Mr. Yang ordered them to get to work. They carefully photographed and catalogued every item. The ZEA team and their botpacks gladly assisted.

As they continued through the tunnel, the group found scores of artifacts—statues, ceremonial furniture, coins, gold, silver, jade and jewels. The workers set up lights so they could take better photosims and video. Even though every found item was covered by centuries of heavy dust and cobwebs, the splendor of the riches was apparent.

ZEA discovers long-lost riches in the Great Wall’s secret tunnels

ZEA discovers long-lost riches in the Great Wall’s secret tunnels

The find was exhilarating, but also sobering. Scattered among the gold, silver and jade were dozens of crumbling skeletons, the bones draped with rusted chains. These were the remains of the doomed men who had suffocated inside the secret tunnels. The ZEA team watched in silence as the bones were carefully gathered and removed. They would be given proper burials later. Zen was not sad, however. She knew the men’s souls had been freed.

As the teams moved further into the tunnels, they discovered even more riches. Zen, just look what you’ve uncovered! It’s another amazing stash of treasure! said Tam. Look at these guardian lion statues. Are they solid gold, Cricket?

Cricket quickly conducted age and material tests on the two large statues. Late Ming Dynasty, solid gold with jade accents, she announced. The botpack had been working on developing emotions. Excitement could be heard in her voice. Exact replicas of the Ming lion statues at the gates of the Forbidden City!

Whoa! breathed Tam. The beam of his flashlight hit two large snakes comfortably coiled on a polished wooden bench inlaid with intricate white jade designs. We’re disturbing a lot of creatures in here.

Those snakes are almost as big as the ones in the temple of gold’s lower level, said Tien. Be glad they don’t have Thailand’s giant monitor lizards here. She shuddered at the memory of ZEA’s first adventure.

The extent of the treasure astonished everyone. Momentarily forgetting about her sobering vision, Zen got swept up in the excitement. She joined her cousins as they examined several large enameled vases. The bright colors on the elaborate cloisonné designs were apparent, even under the layers of dust that covered them.

Zen reached out to touch the image of a dragon on one of the ancient vases. When her finger made contact, her eyes began to glow blue. Another vision began. She found herself on the top of the Great Wall, watching a violent, bloody battle. Flaming arrows flew near her head. She heard the metallic clash of weapons. Zen watched two men fight with swords. The victor pushed his foe over the wall’s edge. He fell to the ground, twenty feet below. Then, she saw a thin young man bend over a fallen soldier whose body was riddled with arrows. The young man was sobbing. I know who they are, Zen thought. I remember them from Grandpa Josh’s stories. That young man was the keeper of the Dynasty chest. He made the War chest in memory of his brother, the dying soldier, and the Blossom chest for his daughter.

Zen took her hand off the vase. The vision ended. Her cousins and the rest of the team had moved farther into the tunnels.

Come on, Zen! called Tam. There’s a chest over here full of ruby and sapphire jewelry. You’ve got to see it!

Be right there, answered Zen. Something moving on the ground had caught her eye. She directed her flashlight beam into a little alcove behind the large vase. A giant centipede slowly moved in and out of the ribcage of a human skeleton.

A Chinese official touched Zen’s shoulder. The workers will remove these bones. We will give them a proper burial, along with the others, he said.

Zen nodded, knowing they would find even more skeletons. She began to walk away, and then turned to take one last look at the bones. They seemed to emit a slight blue glow.

Several yards ahead, Zelda and Tien walked with Mr. Yang. The three squeezed under a partially fallen wooden beam. Zelda’s head bumped a low-hanging board as she ducked to pass under it. She grabbed it to steady herself. A small rain of pebbles and dirt fell. She directed her light overhead and noticed several cracked and decrepit-looking beams.

The ceiling in this area looks unstable, she commented. Mr. Yang, how much farther do you think we should go?

Tam and Ace had already moved past the beam. There’s a lot more to see! yelled Tam. What are you waiting for?

Zelda shook her head. Normally I’d be right behind them, she said to Zen, who had caught up. But I’m trying to be more cautious lately.

Mr. Yang looked at the spot Zelda had indicated. Yes, we should go back now, he agreed. We need to get workers with equipment to reinforce these beams and stabilize the ceiling.

I’ll get Tam and Ace, offered Zen. She started down the tunnel toward them and smiled at her cousin, who was holding his flashlight on a large gold filigree hairpin studded with emeralds.

Isn’t it gorgeous? he called.

Yes, but we’ve been asked to go back, answered Zen. Mr. Yang’s concerned about the stability of some of these passageways.

Let’s move, then, said the always-careful Ace. Tam, you go first, and I’ll bring up the rear.

The beams that Zelda had noticed were indeed weak. They began to crack and give way as soon as Tam had safely passed underneath them. Ace, who had his flashlight aimed above their heads, called out a warning.

Zen! Look out!

She turned, startled. Ace pushed her past the damaged beams, out of harm’s way. After a sickening, cracking noise, the beams came down with a loud crash. For a moment, Ace disappeared in the dust and debris. As the air began to clear, they saw that his left arm was pinned underneath one of the heavy beams.

Zen pulled off her face mask. Ace! she yelled, coughing. He didn’t respond.

Somebody help! called Tam, waving his hands in front of his face in an effort to see through the dust.

The next thirty minutes were a flurry of frantic activity. Emergency medical personnel were summoned. Chase, Ace’s botpack, monitored Ace’s vitals while his worried friends stood by, waiting. Finally, paramedics arrived and freed Ace. They loaded him, still unconscious, into a jet helicopter that took him to a hospital in Beijing. Tam and Tien volunteered to go with him. The loyal botpack, Chase, also stayed by his side.

Zen, Zelda and Cricket finished with Mr. Yang and the government workers as quickly as they could. As they got into the government levicar that would take them to the hospital, Zen messaged Tien, hoping for good news about Ace’s condition.

Tien answered quickly. He’s not conscious yet, but he’s stable. The surgeons are going to try to save his arm. I’ll meet you in the lobby.

The quiet, worried team waited in the visitors’ lounge while Ace was in surgery. In nervous distraction, Zelda began flipping through the media screen channels. Hey, we’re on every channel.

The news of the discovery had spread quickly. Soon the entire world would know. Government workers already had erected barricades blocking the entrance to the Great Wall discovery. The site teemed with government security personnel. This incredible cache of forgotten treasure was the greatest find in China since a man digging a well on his farm outside Xian discovered the terra-cotta soldiers in 1974.

Look! Even Cricket got some air time, said Tam. The team watched footage of the botpack explaining the probable reason for the treasure being hidden. In the early 1640s, it was stored inside the wall to hide the emperor’s wealth from the invading Manchus, then forgotten after the fall of Beijing.

What happens to all the treasure now? asked Tien.

Most of it will go to the national museum in Beijing, answered Zelda. According to Mr. Yang, we’ll get a sizable reward for locating the lost treasure.

Way to go, cousin, said Tam, hugging Zen. The life chest magic does it again!

Back home, Calvin was the lone ZEA team member holding down the fort at Life Chest Manor. He had been watching the events through Cricket’s video feed. Great job, guys, he chimed in. As long as Ace is OK, I think we can call this mission a success.

It’s unbelievable, agreed Zelda. Don’t you wish you were here, Cal?

For a moment, Calvin was startled by the depth of his feelings. He really did want to be there. He missed Zen—and the rest of the team, too. He was surprised by how much. Sure, he grinned in response to Zelda’s question. But, I’m happy to take my turn at home base. Let me know when Ace gets out of surgery.

Calvin signed off. The team fell quiet again. Their excitement over the treasure was gravely tempered by their concern for Ace.

Several hours later, the team met in Ace’s hospital room and listened as he talked with the doctors. The news was mixed. Ace’s arm could be saved, but it would never be at 100%. He would require several surgeries and months of therapy before regaining even partial use.

Don’t get me wrong, Doc, said Ace to the lead surgeon. I’m grateful to be alive. But, ZEA depends on me to be fully functioning. Isn’t there anything else we can do?

The doctor nodded. There is another option, although few people take it, he said. Surgeons in the United States can amputate the entire arm and replace it with a cybernetic limb. Not only would it be fully functioning, but, after an adjustment period, it would be much stronger than a normal arm—practically invincible, in fact.

Wow, said Ace, shaking his head. Can you give me some time to think it over?

You need to make a decision within 24 hours, said the doctor. I will check back in the morning. He turned to leave.

Wait, said Ace. It makes me nervous, but I guess I know what I want to do. Let’s go with the cybernetic arm.

The doctor nodded. All right. We will stabilize you for the trip home and help you make arrangements to have the procedure done in the United States.

Are you sure you want to do this, Ace? asked Zen.

I know I’m not the most tech savvy guy on the planet, admitted the big man. It took me a while to warm up to these robots, but Cricket and Chase are two of my best buddies now. I can handle being part cyborg. I’m sure it will come in handy.

You bet it will, said Tam. I can create an interface between Chase and your cyber arm. This is gonna be great.

Slow down, Brother, said Tien. Ace doesn’t even have his arm yet and you’re already customizing it.

With Ace in good hands, the team returned to the hotel to prepare for the trip home. Zen talked with her parents on video chat. She braced herself for her mother’s tears. Sure enough, Meg began crying a few minutes into the call.

Zen’s dad, Nathan, held his wife’s hand. Now, honey, you know there’s always a possibility of danger on these trips, he said. Our girl is smart. She does everything possible to make sure she and her team are safe.

I know, said Meg, drying her tears. It’s just that it hasn’t been very long since—

Since Egypt, when Grandpa Josh died, finished Zen. I know you worry about me, Mom. I’m sorry.

No, don’t be sorry, said Meg, lifting her head and smiling. You’re an adventurer, like your grandpa was. I’m sure he’s proud of you. So are we. Congratulations on the discovery of the Great Wall treasure. Please give our best wishes to Ace for his recovery.

Tam and Tien checked in with their parents, too. Their dad, Bernie, had been Josh’s partner in his worldwide adventures, so he was especially excited to hear about the find.

We saw the news online earlier today. I was just telling your mom that I wasn’t sure if you two wanted to continue the adventurer tradition, said Bernie. I should have known you would.

Of course, smiled their mother, Chen Li. With the life chest magic in the family, how could you not?

Tien smiled, too, but felt a twinge of sadness. Sure, the life chest philosophy was a big part of their family, but the magic? The time travel gift? It had skipped her and gone straight to Zen. She tried to dismiss the thought and focus on what the team had accomplished. It had been an amazing trip.

We’ll be home soon. I can’t wait to tell you all about finding the hidden treasure, said Tam. We have to sign off now, though. They’re expecting us at a government ceremony back at the Great Wall in a couple hours. Ace is going to watch from his hospital room.

All alone? asked Chen Li.

He’s OK. Chase is there to keep him company. Talk to you later!

At the ceremony, Zen and the ZEA team received official recognition from the Chinese cultural minister, along with a contract for the monetary award they would receive. Zen was grateful for her reward. She planned to use it to finance future expeditions. The group also received several artifacts from the find. Mr. Yang presented Zen with a beautiful red chest with a large gold latch, filled with statuettes, jewels and coins.

Thank you very much, said Zen to Mr. Yang, shaking his hand. This chest will be called the Great Wall chest. I will prominently display it at Life Chest Manor.

The artifacts they’re giving us will be a great addition to the mini-museum of the world, Tam whispered to Tien. I want to put that Ming vase with the dragon on it at my gadget workbench. It will be a great inspiration.

After they returned home, the ZEA team was bombarded with requests for interviews and appearances. Within a week, their story was on the National Geographic media site. Many other stories quickly followed.

Though only 27 years old, Zen found herself being compared to world-famous explorers and archeologists. More Impressive than Titanic Discoverer Robert Ballard, one headline read. Another exclaimed, ZEA Tops Howard Carter’s King Tut Find! Now she was world famous herself. The whirlwind of publicity continued.

Zen is another Indiana Jones, Cricket commented to a reporter at a crowded press conference.

The reporter frowned. Who is that?

Zen’s favorite classic movie hero, explained Calvin. He found the lost Ark of the Covenant. The story is fiction, of course, but the character of Indiana Jones was based on Hiram Bingham, the American explorer who discovered Machu Picchu in Peru in 1911.

The reporter nodded. Keep it up, Zen, and they’ll make a movie about you, too.

Not just me, corrected Zen. I couldn’t do it alone. She took a few moments to recognize her team members’ contributions: Tam’s gadgets, Zelda’s travel experience, Ace’s military background and skills, and Calvin’s knowledge of history and archaeology.

Oh, and my cousin Tien, added Zen, catching Tien’s eye. I guess she’s kind of our den mother.

Tien’s face grew red with embarrassment as the crowd chuckled. Den mother? That’s all? Zen knows I hate being called that. Is she trying to make me look stupid?

Tien managed to smile as Zen looked her way and grinned. I’m being too sensitive. Zen didn’t mean to make me feel bad. The cousins hugged and waved to the cameras as the team left the stage.

On to the next adventure! called Tam.

Chapter Two

Prepping for New Adventures

Calvin activated the front-door viewer. Hi! You must be Amy, our new intern, he said to the young woman whose face appeared on the screen. Come on in. I’ll meet you in the hall next to the gold crane statues.

I’m sorry I’m so early, said Amy as she tentatively shook Calvin’s hand. Zen isn’t here?

I’m the only one here right now, but no worries. Welcome to Life Chest Manor. I’ll give you the ten-cent tour and you can start to get settled.

OK, if you don’t mind— Amy began.

No trouble at all, smiled Calvin. He noticed Amy’s shyness and tried to make her feel at ease. Besides, this way you can get your bearings before the whole crowd arrives.

Calvin showed Amy her workstation. He offered her a sparkling water while she unpacked a bag of supplies. They chatted as she arranged her desktop.

I was part of a networking group last year when I was a senior in college. It connected working professionals with students. Zen was a great mentor—really inspiring. Amy placed a framed photosim of her parents on her workstation. There. All done. She turned to Calvin. What’s everyone else on the team like?

Calvin grinned. We’re a unique group, that’s for sure. All strong personalities. Don’t let us overwhelm you, Amy.

What do you mean?

Don’t get me wrong. We’re great people. But Tam will talk your ear off about robots, and Zelda will—

Will what? They hadn’t heard Zelda come in. She strode toward Calvin and spoke with mock indignation. What are you telling this girl about me? I happen to be the nicest person alive.

Calvin laughed. You didn’t let me finish. I was about to say exactly that.

Good. Zelda turned to Amy and extended her hand. Hi. I’m Zelda. Are you the new intern? You look like you’re in high school.

Amy’s face turned red. I’m 21. I finished college last spring.

You need to read the memos, Zelda, said Calvin. Amy has a degree in chemical bioengineering.

Food engineering, specifically, added Amy. I’m interested in developing new foods for explorers and space travelers.

Sorry, Zelda shrugged. You look young. Take it as a compliment.

They continued to chat while showing Amy the rest of the office space. A few minutes later, Zen and Tien arrived.

We finally meet in person! Zen said, hugging Amy. I got the photosims you sent from Disneyland last month. It looks like we have the same favorite places there. I think half the things in my life chest are souvenirs from Tomorrowland.

Mine, too! laughed Amy.

You have a life chest already? asked Tien.

I got one last year, when Zen started mentoring me, she answered. I love putting keepsakes in it. It helps me focus on my future goals.

I keep my life chest right here in the office, Amy, said Zen, pointing to the red and black enamel-finished Asian chest with a painted design of flowering plum branches.

It’s beautiful, Amy replied. You call it the Zen Blossom chest, right?

Yes. That’s where my grandpa got both of my nicknames. My birth name is April. Grandpa Josh started calling me Blossom when I was eight years old. When I grew up and became an adventurer, he decided that Zen was a better fit.

Sorry to interrupt, said Tien. I’ve got Tam on a video call. Ace is in recovery.

"One of our team members had