I lost count of the days we had travelled. Progress was slow. Not only were we completely lost, but we had no food and survived on whatever we could lay our hands on. I had hoped to find civilization somewhere, perhaps a native village, but wherever we looked there was none.

Two days ago we dragged ourselves into a clearing and decided to rest for the night. Over in the nearby trees we saw a bright shining light, coming from a source that we could not identify. Gaspard hoped it was our troops searching for us, but there was no sound of any men. In our vulnerable position we dared not make a sound, and so passed the most frightful night of our lives, not knowing who or what this mysterious adversary was. In the morning, the light was gone, and as day broke we got a little fire going and searched again for more food, but there was none to be found. Evening came and we had still found nothing. Having no other option we used our strength to dig a hole and hoped to catch some creature by which we might find food, but without success. There was no sign of the light so Gaspard, in his impatience (or desperation), plunged back into the trees to search again. Seeing this as futile, I chose to stay by the hole. Evening became night, and I was half-asleep when suddenly the light returned. It was very close, forcing me to shield my eyes. Then it disappeared as quickly as it had come. I knew that someone, or something, was watching me. Then I became aware of something else - a voice. The voice of Mendoza! I waited a moment or two, still nervous of the source of the light, and then I found I had some prisoners!

I peered over the edge of the hole and gazed down upon the fallen group of Mendoza, Esteban, Zia, and Tao.

Gomez! Mendozas voice was one of surprise but also one of anger.

Thats right. I replied. You did not expect to see me here, I am sure. Wait, where are your two sailor friends?

What do you want? We thought you were dead! cried Esteban, trying to clamber up the sides of the hole.

I suggest you all calm down and listen to me. I said to him.

It only took a second for Mendoza to collect himself, and then he began looking for a way out of the hole, but it was too deep.

You cant get out, Mendoza. I told him plainly. Ive got a rope here and Ill let you out once youve listened to what I have to say.

Mendoza knew a hopeless situation when he saw one. He persuaded the others to listen.

I told the group of our piteous travels since Gaspard and I were hurled downstream after our failed attempt to storm the High Peak.

So now youll try to make us tell you where the cities of gold are again! blurted out Esteban. Well never tell you. Youll never find the cities!

At the moment, I rebuked him, the cities are not my immediate concern. Esteban blinked. Even Tao looked surprised. Theyre not?

No. There is, unfortunately, a complication. I said ruefully. My immediate concern is my life. We have lost all our soldiers and supplies, and we cannot return to Pizarro. We were washed up downstream and have been wandering in this forsaken wilderness ever since. We had to eat somehow, so Gaspard and I dug this hole to try to catch something. All night Ive been waiting here hoping to lure something into our trap, but nothing has come. Until now. I couldnt resist a smile.

Wheres Gaspard now, then? asked Mendoza, at the same time carefully considering what I had said.

He went off to try and find some food. I told him. Hell find nothing. We've searched this whole area before. All hell do is waste valuable energy. I thought we were done for, but now we appear to have a lifeline. Aha, I hear him coming back now.

The heavy feet of Commander Gaspard came trudging slowly back. His silhouette gradually loomed out of the semi-darkness.

Its no use, Commander, he growled in his low tones. Theres nothing I can see that we can eat. Only a few spiders and Ill go to the devil before I eat those. At least theres no sign of that light now. What the? He started as his gaze suddenly fell upon the trapped group in the hole.

Well! he laughed loud, finding some extra strength from somewhere. Look who it is! A fine catch indeed, Commander, Ha Ha! Well, Mendoza, not looking quite so smart now, I see! Ha Ha!

Tao ignored Gaspards jibes and called up to us.

So you dont know what that light is, then?

No, I shook my head, but I wish I did. It was there, and then it vanished. Something is out there, and its watching us all. I gazed around me, but there was nothing there now. The air suddenly felt colder, and I wanted to leave this place as quickly as possible.

So what do you want? Out with it, Gomez. Mendoza was getting angrier and angrier about being stuck down a hole. I let him stew even further for a few seconds before continuing.

That great flying machine of yours. I said. We have already seen it to be an incredible device. It can take us away from this place. We have to come with you. We have no other choice.

What!? snarled Tao. Us take you and Gaspard in the Condor? Never! Wed be leading you right to the cities of gold if we did!

If you refuse, I told him clearly. We will have to dispose of you all, and take the bird ourselves.

Tao scoffed at this remark. Angrily he told me that we would never figure out how to fly the Condor, and that only Esteban knew how the Condor could be flown.

In that case, Gaspard suddenly spoke, well take Esteban and leave the rest of you here.

Well Tao stopped to consider this statement. Having our enemies trapped in a hole looked to be to our advantage, but secretly I knew this was not the case because the only weapon I had was a small knife, and I guessed Mendoza probably had a pistol. I hoped we were convincing enough for them to give in.

The children looked at Mendoza and at each other. Gaspard looked at me hopefully. He knew as well as I did that the Condor was an escape route for us and one we had to take.

I was beginning to get angry. Hurry up! I told them I dont want to be here for any longer than I have to, especially with thatthinglurking about. Whats it to be?

I guess its up to you, Mendoza, said Esteban.

I looked at Mendoza. It was hard to believe that the man whom I had wished to be rid of from the moment we arrived through the straights of Magellan was now going to decide whether we could be rescued. I did not expect favours from Mendoza, but although I disliked him, I knew he was an honourable man. My heart beat faster as I waited for Mendoza to give his reply.