Once again she felt the wind blowing fiercely into her face and squeezed her eyes open to watch the brilliant colours flash past in what appeared to be a glass tunnel. She felt Zinzabad grip her firmly around the waist and remembered the first time she had travelled on the Story Mat and felt like she was going to be blown off at any second.
At last she felt the Story Mat slowing down as they came out of the end of the glass tunnel. When they had settled on the ground, Matilda saw that they were surrounded by jungle. She folded Maximilian's map and put it back into her shoulder bag. As they both stepped off the Story Mat it rolled itself up and vanished.
“Well, here we are,” she stated. “Now where do we go?”
“Wait one second,” said Zinzabad and he hopped over to a nearby tree. Matilda was amazed to see how agile he was and how quickly he climbed to the very top of the jungle.
“I can see the island,” he shouted down to Matilda. “It's not very far in that direction,” he informed her, pointing with his hand. In no time at all he was back on the ground beside Matilda.
“Well, that was interesting,” she commented. “I'm sure those climbing skills will come in quite handy at some stage. I'm impressed.”
“Nothing that any other monkey can't do,” Zinzabad replied.
“But very special from a talking monkey,” said Matilda with a laugh. “Now let's get moving.”
Hand in hand they set out in the direction of the City of Diamonds. Little did they know that they were being watched from above. The first indication they had that they were not alone was a rustling of leaves in the trees. Before they knew what was happening a huge python dropped from the branches and coiled itself around Zinzabad. Matilda jumped backwards and looked on in horror as Zinzabad disappeared inside the coils. There was nothing that she could do to save him. The python was much too large and powerful for a small girl. She began to sob. Her friend and protector was about to become a meal for a snake.
Suddenly a figure appeared from the surrounding jungle. It was a man dressed in strange clothes; just a lap-lap and a brightly feathered head-dress covered in jewels. He shouted at the snake in a strange language while brandishing a knife that he had taken from a belt on his waist. The monster suddenly uncoiled itself and Zinzabad rolled out of its grip. The snake hissed horribly at their rescuer but eventually slid away back into the jungle, shadowed by the warrior.
Matilda rushed over and hugged Zinzabad.
“Don't worry,” whispered the little monkey. “I'm all right. Although I have to say the situation was a bit slippery there for a while.” he laughed nervously. “Who's our new friend?”
“I have no idea,” replied Matilda. “Oh, I was so frightened for you . . . and so helpless.”
“You'd better thank my rescuer,” said Zinzabad. “And remember - I can't talk, I'm just your pet monkey.”
Matilda grabbed his hand, lifted him onto her shoulder and then walked over to the warrior. What happened next almost bowled her over.
In English, the warrior said, “Welcome to Chuqua Land, Matilda. I'm sorry that your first experience here was so frightening.”
“You know my name?” said Matilda, in shock.
“Of course,” replied the warrior. “Maximilian has been in touch with our leader and you have been expected. I was sent out to guide you back to the City of Diamonds.”
“And what is your name?” asked Matilda.
“Ati,” stated the warrior, bowing. Then, looking at Zinzabad, he said, “But I must say that Maximilian did not mention a monkey when he contacted us.”
“Oh, this is my very special pet, Zinzabad. He goes everywhere with me,” said Matilda. “I can't tell you how grateful I am to you for saving his life. I couldn't have gone on if I'd lost him.”
“Then I am glad that I could help you because we desperately need your help. My leader will explain when we reach the City of Diamonds,” said Ati. “Now I will show you the way.”
Together they set off again through the jungle.
Chapter 6
The City Of Diamonds
When they came to the edge of the jungle they walked out into bright sunlight and, there below them, they saw the City of Diamonds. It was situated on an enormous island and was surrounded by water. A high stone wall encircled the whole metropolis.
There didn't appear to be any way to reach the city from the shore but, as they approached it, they saw a man, dressed similarly to Ati, walk out from the city gates, leading a donkey. He attached a rope from a large wheel to the donkey and it began to walk in circles, turning the wheel as it went. Matilda watched a wide ramp move out from the island towards the shore. When it reached them they walked across it to the city gates. After they were safely on the other side the donkey reversed its path and the ramp was dragged back onto the island.
“The ramp across the water is for our protection,” explained Ati, “although our enemies have other ways of crossing the divide. If you look down into the water you will see that we have one other way of deterring them from attempting to cross over. Be careful you don't fall.”
Matilda walked to the edge and looked down. She saw crocodiles, lots of crocodiles, thrashing about in the water. They looked hungry and fierce.
“We feed them but not too much,” said Ati. “They have to be hungry enough to scare off any invaders.”
“Yuk!” exclaimed Matilda. “They'd sure scare me off.”
“Unfortunately our present enemy isn't frightened so easily,” said Ati. “Come, our leader will explain everything.” They walked through the huge gates and into the city.
Matilda couldn't believe her eyes. Up close the city was truly beautiful - and enormous. Huge stone buildings were scattered across the city and smaller buildings, obviously houses, were clustered between. There were green, forested parks, lakes and fountains. A wide boulevard ran up the centre of the city to an enormous pyramid at what would be the middle of the island.
“The large buildings are storehouses for our diamonds and our food,” Ati explained. “The smaller buildings are houses for our citizens. And the pyramid is the leader's palace. All avenues lead to the palace.”
“Wow!” said Matilda. “It's amazing.”
Then there were the people. Men were dressed the same as Ati, although their head-dresses varied in colour and design. What they had in common were the diamonds used to decorate them, masses of diamonds. The women all wore rainbow-coloured robes and their heads were covered by skull-caps, once again covered in diamonds. They also wore all kinds of diamond jewellery – bracelets, anklets, pendants, necklaces and earrings. And they all looked happy.
The other thing that Matilda noticed was how clean everything was. There wasn't a sign of rubbish, and men and women could be seen using straw brooms to sweep the streets even though there didn't appear to be any need. Transport was by little chariots pulled by llamas and these were followed by workers collecting the droppings.
“No wonder it is called the City of Diamonds,” commented Matilda, admiring the head-dresses. “Wherever do they all come from?”
“The diamond mines are at the other end of our island,” said Ati. “You shall no doubt visit them during your visit. They are both a blessing and a curse. To us, because we have so many diamonds, they have no value except to trade for some foods that we are unable to grow for ourselves, and for personal decoration. The mines belong to everybody and so the diamonds are shared around equally. However, some of our neighbours place great value on these stones and
see them as wealth. That is the curse.”
“And, I suppose, that is the problem you want help with,” said Matilda.
“Correct,” replied Ati. “Our leader will explain more when we arrive at the palace. And we'd better hurry.” Ati signalled to a chariot driver who was passing by. They climbed aboard and set off up the boulevard towards the palace.
Chapter 7
A Big Problem
The chariot stopped at the base of the pyramid where b
road steps led up to a pair of magnificent copper doors, crafted with spectacular designs. On either side of the doors guards stood holding flags on poles, each with a shield showing a diamond with a bird above and surrounded by the colours of the rainbow.
“The National Flag of Chuqua,” explained Ati as they reached the top of the steps. “The diamond is in our name and the shield and flying bird are symbols for defending our freedom. The rainbow design, which you also saw in our women's robes, expresses our happiness.”
“Defending your freedom must be a problem,” commented Matilda. “I've seen that the guards have no weapons except for the knife on their waist belt, the same as yours.”
“Yes,” said Ati. “We are a peaceful people and the knives are only used for cutting up our food . . . except, of course, when we meet a large snake.” He smiled. “The women carry a knife in the folds of their robes. We have chosen to have no weapons of war and this is at the root of our present predicament, as you shall see.”
The copper doors opened as they approached them. Matilda saw a vast entrance chamber, its walls hung with silken drapes, once again in the colours of the rainbow. A large glass bowl stood on a pedestal in the centre of the room and it was filled to the brim with glittering diamonds. At the end of the chamber was another pair of large copper doors which were opened by two more guards. Beyond was yet another Throne Room. (Matilda was becoming quite used to seeing them by now).
A multi-coloured carpet led up to a golden platform where a man sat on a throne set with diamonds and covered in cushions. He was dressed the same as Ati but also wore a cape of gold. Two women stood either side of the throne. They were obviously identical twins and were dressed simply in rainbow robes. The only difference between them was that one wore a diamond tiara while the other chose to wear the traditional diamond skull cap. They were both stunningly beautiful.
The man stood as Matilda and Ati walked up to the platform.
“Welcome, Matilda,” the man said holding out both arms. “My name is Acalan, leader of the proud Chuquans and these are my sisters, Erendira and Tayanna. We have been patiently awaiting your arrival since we were contacted by Maximilian. I trust that my brother, Ati, has made your journey here agreeable.”
Matilda glanced towards Ati. “Brother?” she thought, but said, “He certainly has. We would not be standing here now if he hadn't managed to meet us in the jungle.”
“Oh?” said Acalan, raising his eyebrows and looking towards Ati. “Perhaps he can tell us the details later. For now we need to inform you of our difficulty so that you can devise the solution that Maximilian assured us you would. Please, come with us to the sitting room where we can be more comfortable.” Acalan and his sisters walked to the back of the throne and passed through a set of curtains. Matilda, with Zinzabad on her shoulder, climbed the steps at the front of the platform and followed them into a corridor that led to a salon furnished with low tables and pillows. The tables were laden with fresh fruit, cheeses, loaves of crusty bread, water jugs and cups.
“Please sit,” said Acalan as he and his sisters sat down on the fluffy pillows. “You have come a long way and you must be hungry. You can eat as we talk.”
“Thank you, but no,” replied Matilda. “I'm not hungry at the moment.”
“Very well,” said Acalan. “To begin with, I will explain our problem. But, before I start, can you please explain why you have a monkey on your shoulder? It is most unusual.”
“Oh, you mean Zinzabad?” said Matilda, pretending surprise. “He's my lucky charm and he comes everywhere with me. I couldn't travel without him. I'd have thought that Maximilian would have explained that.”
“No, no, he didn't mention a monkey, I'm sure. But if the monkey helps you solve our dilemma then he is more than welcome.”
“Now, Acalan,” said Matilda, anxious to take the attention away from Zinzabad, “what has been happening? Maximilian has given me some of the details but it won't hurt to go over everything again.”
“Our problem is Ocelotl, The Jaguar,” Acalan began. “He wishes to become the most powerful person in the land and has decided that he should have our diamond mines to fund his wars on every nation. He is a cruel and merciless man who will stop at nothing to get what he wants. And the Chuquans are sworn to keep the peace so we have no defence against him. He must be stopped but we are powerless. We are depending on you, as Maximilian's agent, to find some way to force him to retreat. Our informers have told us that he is already on his way here with a vast army.”
At that moment a stranger burst into the room.
“Why wasn't I told of her arrival?” the man shouted, pointing at Matilda. “Why are you keeping secrets from me? I demand to be treated as a noble.”
Acalan jumped to his feet. “Itzli, how dare you barge in here making demands! You will be treated as a noble when you behave like one and no sooner. This is none of your business so remove yourself from the room . . . immediately!”
“None of my business? When our whole way of life is threatened?” cried Itzli. “I am your first cousin. How can you treat me this way?” He began to sob.
Erendira, the sister wearing the diamond tiara, stood and moved over to him. She put her arm around his shoulders. “Now, now, Itzli,” she crooned. “You shouldn't upset yourself this way. We're not keeping secrets from you. In these early days it is simply the fact that too many heads will make things complicated. You will be told everything when the time is right. Settle down and come with me to the Royal Baths for a soothing massage.”
Erendira led Itzli from the room. Tayanna remained seated, seemingly unmoved by Itzli's emotional outburst.
“I apologise for my cousin's terrible behaviour,” said Acalan when they had gone. “He is a hothead and imagines that everybody is hiding things from him. Sometimes I think that he would like to be rid of me so that he can become leader. I will speak to him later and I can promise you that he will not behave like that again.”
“That's okay,” said Matilda. “I have an aunty who is much the same.”
“Thank you for being so understanding,” stated Acalan. “Now where were we . . . oh, yes, Ocelotl's army. The Jaguar is very superstitious. He won't attack us until the eve of the next full moon. That gives us seven days to come up with a plan. I hope you will be able to manage that, Matilda.”
“I'll do my best,” replied Matilda and reached for a knife and cheese from the table. “In the meantime I think I will take up your offer for some food.” She passed a piece of fruit to Zinzabad.
Chapter 8
News For The Enemy
When Itzli returned to his quarters after his bath and massage, he immediately went to his writing desk, took out a small piece of paper and began to write a note. As soon as he had finished, he rolled up the piece of paper and went to a bookshelf against the wall. He lifted out a book and turned a handle on the wall behind. He then pulled the bookshelf to one side to reveal a hidden doorway leading to a small room. Inside there was a cage containing pigeons. Reaching in, he gently took out one of the pigeons, attached the note to a ring on its leg and, taking the bird out onto his verandah, tossed it into the air. He watched as it circled the pyramid and then flew off into the distance. With an evil smile he went back into his quarters and replaced the bookshelf.
Two hours later the pigeon arrived at its destination. It flew over the jungle until it found the clearing where Ocelotl's army was camped, dropped down to a coop containing other pigeons and walked through a trapdoor. A soldier reached into the coop, captured the new arrival and removed the note from the ring on its leg. He ran to the general's tent, past the guards outside and into the presence of his leader. Ocelotl was sprawled on a pile of pillows drinking tea from a silver mug. The soldier bowed and handed the note to the Jaguar.
Ocelotl unrolled the piece of paper and smiled as he read the message:
“Maximilian's agent has arrived. She is but a wisp of a little girl and should be easily contained. I will arrange for
her to meet you so that she can be captured before she has an opportunity to use Maximilian's powers to interfere. Be in the jungle outside the city the day after tomorrow and you shall have her.”
Ocelotl leaned over and touched the piece of paper to the flame of an oil lamp. As the note burnt he tossed it into a bowl and laughed out loudly. “A little girl? What was Maximilian thinking? We shall be rid of his meddling once and for all.”
Chapter 9
Erendira And Tayanna
The twin sisters shared quarters on the third floor of the palace. After the meeting with Matilda and the outburst from Itzli they climbed the gilded staircase to their own private sitting room.
“Well that was a bit of a disaster,” commented Tayanna as she threw herself onto lounge.“Itzli certainly knows how to spoil a party. How was he when you got him back to his rooms?”
“He settled down pretty quickly, really,” said Erendira. “I think he just had to get something off his chest. He always thinks the world's against him.”
“Yes,” agreed Tayanna, “but his sense of timing is terrible. Imagine what Matilda thinks of us now . . . and what she will report to Maximilian. I might visit Itzli later on and give him a little friendly advice.”
“Please don't upset him again,” pleaded Erendira.
“Don't worry,” replied Tayanna with a smile, “I'll treat him with tender loving care.” She
reached up, removed her skull cap and placed a diamond tiara on her head.
“Look,” she said to her sister, “identical twins again.”
Erendira laughed. “You're such a tease Tayanna. But remember what Acalan said about not confusing our visitor. You must only wear your skull cap whenever you leave our rooms as I must wear my diamond tiara. Our family may be able to tell us apart but others cannot.”
“Of course,” said Tayanna, “but a little bit of mischief makes everything more interesting, don't you think? As long as nobody gets hurt.”