They continued onward, ranging through the aquamarine fronds of the forest.
Exotic scents radiated from the red earth they trod as secretive chirrups beckoned mockingly beyond sight. She would find it, and find it here. She must!
Realizing the others had stopped following, she looked back to see the reason.
The crew, dazzled by the sights of adventure, had begun attempting to harvest one of the small blue-leafed trees. The absurdity of their actions offended her sensibilities with a fury, and she snapped at her 1st Mate.
“Jethro, tell the crew to hurry the pace! We did not come here to collect pretty plants!”
“Yes, ma’am.” Jethro relayed her instructions to the crew with more swearing and less acidity, and they followed. Nikita’s agitation always indicated great danger, or greater treasure.
Suddenly, smoke surged from the peak and abrupt rumbles shook the ground. Every thing upon it was jostled to and fro, and in the confusion her Rapier called out in a frantic voice.
“CAPTAIN! W-we are gaining altitude!”