The artifact they uncovered was gilt in gold over a meticulously carved stone tablet. The technical precision and the artistry of its crafting were obvious. The meaning of its message, if any, was not.
Sarah shouted at the laborers, "Get back you fools!" as they pushed and shoved each other for a closer look at the glimmering tablet. Zahed in front, teetering at the edge of the excavated hole, breathed easier as the compression of the too-eager onlookers eased enough to skootch his heels backwards and regain his balance.
It was uncharacteristic for Sarah to bark a command; her mere gaze was usually enough to command action. Lead investigator of the privately funded expedition, she was no cruel taskmistress, but team members soon enough discovered her low tolerance for inattentiveness, or soon enough found themselves on the helicopter home.
At barely 5 feet tall, with improbable blonde hair and piercing blue eyes, Sarah presented a disturbingly beautiful contrast to the harsh gray desert around them. The surreal glint from the partly uncovered artifact somehow brought balance to her presence; its cold allure was felt by all but resonated in Sarah's presence.
The artifact was clearly meant for her - and the laborers all fell to the side as she strode forward to touch it.
No comments:
Post a Comment