Chapter 3

The masked figure led Jace deeper into the jungle. They started descending down the trunks as well, pausing to help Jace maneuver the climb with the child on his back.

After what felt like hours, they arrived at a nondescript stretch of bark covered in moss and vines. The figure gestured with their palm and it split apart, revealing a tunnel.

Jace followed them in. A small set of rooms had been carved out within the tree. The masked figure pointed at a bed.

Jace gently laid the child down. The little girl had fallen asleep on his back.

The figure took out a mortar and pestle and began mixing some medicine. They applied the poultice to the child’s injuries, murmuring reassuringly even though the child couldn't hear.

After finishing, they handed Jace some dried fruit and a water skin. He gobbled it down, realizing that he had been starving.

”Umm…thank you.”

”You’re polite, for an Outsider.” The voice was muffled by the mask, but Jace could hear the slight emphasis on the last word. Then he realized.

”You speak my language?”

”Yes. You’re not the first from your country to come to this place.” They tapped their chest. “I’m Kiva.”

”I'm Jace.” He looked at the child, still sleeping peacefully. “Why were they attacking her?"

Kiva gestured at a wall mural. "First, let me explain where we are."

The mural was a surprisingly detailed painting of the gigantic snake-tortoise. Upon inspecting it, Jace realized there were layers and diagrams that doubled as a map of the jungle part.

"This is Sachamama, the divine beast. My people made their way to its shell from the surface jungle centuries ago. We have been Sachamama's servants and caretakers ever since. Sachamama travels to the surface at its whim. Sometimes people from the outside end up here. Like you."

Rage filled Kiva's voice. “ But when we welcomed in the last Outsiders, the tribe started changing. They decided they wanted to control Sachamama, to kill it and take the jungle's wealth to the surface."

Jace flinched, remembering what had happened to his uncle.

Kiva pointed at the center of the mural. Jace saw a splash of red paint surrounded by much less detailed diagrams.

"That is Sachamama's Heart. Sometimes a few of the tribe receive small blessings from it, so they can act as Sachamama's agent." They lifted their palm. "I received a blessing. They…attacked me when I wouldn't use it as they said, so I ran away. I think they wanted to offer Xochitl-" They nodded at the child "-to the Heart. To get a new blessing;"

"That's horrible…."

Kiva shrugged, the ugly mask shifting. "You tried to help her. I am grateful. If you want, I could help you return to the surface, but that depends on when Sachamama chooses to travel. And my tribe will be hunting you now. But I do have another path."

"What is it?"

"I want to reach Sachamama's heart so, I can become the ruler of the tribe. Then maybe I can turn them toward a better way. But there are special guardians and trials. One of them in particular cannot be done alone. Will you help me?"

Jace mulled his options. Kiva took his hesitation as a bad sign.

"I won't force you. You can stay here and help look after Xochitl. They won't find you here."

Jace hefted his axe and looked at his reflection in the blade. In his home village, he had just followed the crowd.

He looked Kiva in the eyes through their mask. Even fighting all alone, they were trying their best to do the right thing. Jace thought that was worth helping. And admittedly, without Kiva's help, he would have been dead in this jungle already.

"I'll help you. Let's go."