Armada

The date had been set for the sacrifice long ago, as though a message had been revealed by a prophet years ago, awaiting Armada's 35th birthday. Armada had been anointed at birth and a royal title bestowed upon her as High Priestess, daughter of the Sheikh of Arabee.

She was an only child, a member of a small dynasty, Birdsong, and she just recently moved to the small cottage near the entrance to a cleared wooded path that wound through the jungle. She had moved 30 times to be exact to 30 different countries in an attempt to escape, she wasn't sure why things were like they were; it felt like she had been running for her life forever, always feeling some ominous presence, like some threat to her life, that something or somebody was trying to kill her. There were in fact 5 men dressed as priests, always finding out information about her, stalking her, and settling nearby in her location. The Men in Black were members of some powerful pyramid structured organization that housed and bred evil so ghastly, so dark and sordid that one would have no way to describe it except to call it something Satanic, Diabolos ...some powerful dark force that could destroy anybody or anything if it willed. She couldn't see anything, but she could feel them or something but there was nobody that could truly help her. Her father knew about it and called his contacts as she moved from one location to the other, always trying to ensure that she was safe

There was a round underground temple about a half mile down the path built of adobe bricks. It was not an overly large temple with steps leading down into the rotunda where there were bench type seating on two sides made from the same adobe bricks. The ceiling which was above ground had openings, like miniature skylights casting natural light down below upon the table or platform in the center. There were insets in the walls with candles burning continuously, the caretaker was usually there in his green garment that closely resembled that of a monk....in fact he had been nicknamed "Jungle Monk".

The temple was rarely used, only for small special occasions and always the young boys that loved to play in the clearing nearby which was surrounded by trees easy to climb and one very large tree in its center, and climb they did and they loved it. Donitel, Armada's father had even built them a large tree house in the center and always ensured that there were plenty of nuts, berries, fruits, and coconut milk if they should find themselves hungry. There were only 6 of them and the main area of the treehouse was large enough for the ornate tapestry like covered bed cushions with fleece blankets and posh pillows everywhere. Oh, and their drums, let's not forget the drums as each had a set of bongos. They were seen quite often frolicking and playing in the clearing and climbing in the trees and soon acquired a nickname of "Jungle Monkeys". Armada loved to walk the path of the woods and sometimes visited the young boys who would play their drums for her and they would eat together and enjoy their time together playing....they loved her.

The day of sacrifice had arrived, it was Armada's 35th birthday. She was only told that there would be an anointing as she would lie upon the platform or table in the temple. Representatives from all 30 countries would be there, like a coronation of a sort as High Priestess and her finally returning home to her father. It was not going to be an overly large gathering and it was requested that her father not be present as it was just an honorary ceremony for Armada and Jungle Monk, who was a close friend of her father's would be overseeing everything. They had sent some girls to her cottage with her jeweled gown and roses and strands of jewels to weave through her braided hair along with some jewelry accessories ....they bathed her and got her ready for the ceremony.......she looked beautiful .....the boys came with a bamboo cart which resembled a rickshaw to pick her up and take her down the quarter mile to the temple. When they arrived, she stepped down and the Jungle Monkeys scurried around collecting their drums as Armada descended the steps into the temple area.

She recognized everyone in the assembly from staying in their countries and they were all dressed in green and gold. Jungle Monk had been there since early morning getting everything ready and seating the guests. Their faces lit up and they were all smiling at the sight of her, her jewels glistening in the sun's rays that filtered through the skylight. There would be 5 priests there for the anointing though nobody seemed to be aware that they were in fact the Men in Black and would be carrying small hatchets and knives to cut her beautiful face to pieces and to dismember her and chop her body to shreds right in front of the face of all those present. What were they going to do anyway, go into shock? They were assured by Seth, the Master Manipulator of Diabolos who played upon the minds of men that their mission should be easy and uneventful and to report back to headquarters upon completion. In truth Seth knew they might not return but in his business there were plenty more where they came from so not a concern; just carry out the mission.

Armada was lying on the table as the 5 priests entered the temple, they gathered around her and all began chanting together as they began to feel the exhilaration of the climactic finale ......Jungle Monk stepped forward with his staff and silenced the assembly as the Jungle Monkeys quickly assembled around the table and began playing their bongos......the moment had arrived ....they saw the Men in Black reach into their bags as they began to withdraw their slaughtering weapons and in a flash those wearing the green and gold pulled out poisonous darts blowing them right into the necks and bodies of the 5 priests .....they fell to the floor dead. Donitel, the Sheikh of Arabee once again prevailed and was far out in front of the dark forces to save his daughter's life. Armada sat up stunned as the men were removed, a throne had been made for her, where she was seated and the table was filled with food and wine as they all celebrated their victory together.