The Sapa strode toward them, guards flanking her. Then she marched toward a large tunnel. The guards keeping watch over Nik and the others gestured for them to follow her. The now-silent crowd watched them go.
They walked down more labyrinthine tunnels, until the Sapa led them to another cavern, one smaller than the fighting arena.
This one, however, was filled with gold.
Avril gasped and Gunn made a noisy exclamation. Nik stepped forward, taking it all in. Inca. Definitely Inca. He strode closer to a statue. It was intricately carved, perhaps a god.
“Incredible.” He couldn’t believe it. “This is it. The Lost Inca Gold.”
“This is our heritage.” The Sapa was watching them with dark eyes. “Our ancestors were charged with safeguarding the treasure. It was destined to save an emperor, but his captors betrayed him. So it was stored here and protectors set in place.”
“That was thousands of years ago,” Nik said. “And all this time, no matter what, you’ve protected it?”
The Sapa nodded.
“I don’t give a fuck.” Gunn charged up to a row of golden cups inlaid with precious stones, and snatched one up. “I’m helping myself. What good does it do anyone hidden away in a damn cave and admired by freaks?”
“Gunn!” Avril exclaimed.
“You promised me treasure, Dr. Tight-Ass. I’m not risking my ass for nothing.”
“Shut up,” Avril snapped.
The guards were already moving, but a slim, black shadow burst into action. Nera slammed a hand into Gunn’s sternum. Ashe grunted, the air rushing out of him, she gripped the front of his armor and swung him around. She threw him facefirst into the ground and pressed a knee into the middle of his back.
He made a pained noise. “Bitch.”
“Idiot. You’re risking all our lives.” She grabbed the back of his hair with one hand and slammed his face into the ground.
Out cold, he sprawled flat, the cup tumbling into the dirt. Nera snatched it up, then handed it back to the Sapa.
The woman inclined her head. “Thank you, Nera Darc.”
“It’s yours. No one has any right to take it.”
Avril looked frustrated. “That’s funny coming from you, Darc.”
Nera lifted her head, her nebula eyes settling calmly on the astro-archeologist. “I only take things from people who can afford to lose them and who don’t take care of them. We will not take anything from these people.”
Avril gave a jerky nod. “Fine.”
The Sapa came forward. “My warriors will lead you out of the tunnels so you can return to your…” She frowned, trying to find the word.
“Ship,” Avril supplied.
The Sapa straightened, her gaze on Nera. “As the winner in the fight, you demanded freedom for you and your friends. I would still give you one more thing, a sign of respect for your integrity.”
The Rumin leader waved her hand at the golden treasure. “You may select one item to take with you.”
Avril gasped, and Nera’s face showed no reaction.
“Thank you,” Nera said. “I would like Dr. Niklas Phoenix to select. He has great respect for your history.” She turned and looked at Nik. “You’re up, Dr. Phoenix. Pick something.”
A surge of emotion shot through him. He stepped forward, glancing around. “Anything?”
“Anything,” the Sapa confirmed.
There were so many beautiful artifacts. How could he choose just one? He touched a small gold figurine of a horse-like animal. Then a fabulous, squat metal bowl engraved with images. Eventually, he chose a large, ceremonial blade. It was made of gold with a semi-circular blade and a figure with a decorative headdress carved on the top.
