Lisa stood up, pointing to a spot on the printed Google Earth map and then to a distant place in the verdant green beyond. “I think they are just beyond that grove, IF they exist at all," she said, closing the notebook with a snap and shoving into the side pocket of the ratty, bird chewed leather knapsack. She strode off decisively into the bush, Susie a step behind, leaving the native bearer staring thoughtfully at their retreating forms. He shook himself, picked up the heavy camera bag and tripod and followed the two into the shadows.
"I think something is wrong with that guy," Susie said, cutting her eyes around to make sure the guide was out of earshot. "Guides are supposed to lead, not follow, and he's about the most accident-prone person I ever saw. Why, he nearly lost my camera when he stepped into a hole crossing the river ford some miles back!"
"I think he was distracted," Lisa said. "Definitely NOT looking where he was going. Any dangers better be about boob-high, or this guy is going to miss them."
"You're exaggerating," Susie said, "When we went to the village to hire him, the place was full of topless teenage girls in grass skirts. I'm sure he hardly noticed we were even female."
"Yeah, rriiiggght!" Said Jasper sardonically. He often added his eerily appropriate comments to their conversation.
An hour’s worth of trudging brought the unlikely mix of adventurers to an area where a strange, overly fruity aroma penetrated the air. The trees ahead had dull, grayish silver leaves and slick, but thorny bark. Between the leaves could be seen clusters of riotously colored misshaped balls. The ground beneath was peppered with what appeared to be shaped confetti. Birds with ragged plumage picked at the fallen fruit. Some sat in the limbs, their feet twitching to a phantom rhythm.
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