Chapter 13: Into the Amazon

The military transport plane landed at a Brazilian Army base deep in the Amazon, the dense jungle stretching endlessly beyond the perimeter fences. The humid air, thick with the scent of wet earth and vegetation, clashed against the cold steel of the arriving aircraft. Solomon and David stepped out onto the tarmac, their boots sinking slightly into the damp ground.

Waiting for them was Colonel Rodrigo Silva, the commanding officer of the Brazilian Special Forces, a tall, dark-haired man with sharp eyes and a rigid stance. His gaze swept over the arrivals with clear displeasure.

"You should know," Rodrigo began, speaking in fluent English, "that we do not need U.S. soldiers or… half-soldiers to navigate the Amazon." His eyes flicked to Solomon, a mercenary, with obvious disdain. "This is our jungle. My men will find these… invaders. You should rest in your cabins until further notice."

David’s fists clenched at the Brazilian’s arrogance, but Solomon stepped forward before the situation could escalate. "Of course, Colonel. We’ll stay out of your way." He gave a small, amused smile, knowing full well that staying idle wasn’t an option.

A Different Approach

Solomon nudged David with his elbow. "No point fighting the locals, mate. If they don't want our help, we’ll just have to get it elsewhere."

David, still fuming, exhaled sharply. "And where do you propose we get that?"

Solomon smirked. "From the people who really run the jungle."

He made a few calls, pulling strings with old contacts from his mercenary days. Soon enough, they were en route to meet "General" Esteban Morales, a feared warlord who operated in the Amazon’s lawless regions. Morales commanded a force of well-armed guerrillas, known for their brutal tactics and intimate knowledge of the jungle. If anyone could track the elves, it was them.

When they arrived at Morales’ jungle camp, the warlord was sitting beneath a large canopy, surrounded by his men. His beady eyes flickered with interest as Solomon and David approached.

"A mercenary and a Navy man. An odd pair," Morales mused in Spanish, rubbing his thick mustache. "Why should I trust either of you?"

Solomon chuckled, stepping forward. "You don’t have to trust me. Just let me prove I’m worth having around."

Morales raised an eyebrow. "And how will you do that?"

Solomon looked around at the group of hardened fighters, then gestured at them. "Pick your best man."

Morales grinned. "Very well." He signaled one of his men, a massive enforcer named Carlos, to step forward.

Carlos sneered. "You don’t look like much, old man."

"Looks can be deceiving." Solomon cracked his neck. "Shall we?"

Carlos lunged first, aiming to crush Solomon with brute strength, but the veteran mercenary sidestepped with effortless speed. A quick jab to the ribs, a spin to avoid a counter, and then a sharp elbow to the back of Carlos’ skull sent him sprawling to the ground. It was over in seconds.

Silence filled the camp before Morales burst into laughter. "Impressive! I like you, Solomon Kane. Fine, you and your friend can ride with us."

David, watching from the sidelines, crossed his arms. "You always have to show off, don’t you?"

Solomon shrugged. "Gets results, doesn’t it?"

Meanwhile: The Elves’ Hunt Begins

The jungle was alive with movement—branches swayed, the thick foliage rustled, and the distant sounds of the human pursuers echoed through the trees. But the elves were not running blind. They had weapons far beyond the crude steel of men.

Jamie stumbled forward, her wrists bound by enchanted ropes. The elves around her moved with eerie silence, their golden armor barely making a sound as they navigated the dense jungle. Ahead of her, Mary, the golden-haired Sun Knight, walked with effortless grace, her eyes scanning the surroundings.

Suddenly, Mary raised a hand. The elves stopped. Jamie, panting from exhaustion, lifted her head and saw what had caught their attention—figures moving through the trees, the first of the human forces tracking them.

Mary turned to the Lunar Priestesses accompanying them. "It’s time."

The priestesses stepped forward, raising their hands toward the canopy above. Their voices hummed in a haunting, melodic chant, their Lunar Magic seeping into the air. A strange stillness settled over the jungle. Then, one by one, the animals responded.

A flock of brightly colored macaws let out shrill cries before diving at the approaching human soldiers, pecking and screeching in a frenzy. Packs of jaguars emerged from the undergrowth, their eyes glazed over with unnatural light as they prowled toward the humans. Even the rivers stirred as caimans slithered into the paths of the advancing troops, ready to attack on command.

Jamie gasped, watching in horror as the jungle itself turned against her people.

"What… what are you doing?" she demanded.

Mary glanced at her, an almost amused expression on her face. "We are merely reminding your people that this world does not belong to them alone."

Jamie’s blood ran cold as she saw the first soldiers go down, overwhelmed by the hypnotized animals. Some managed to shoot, others tried to retreat, but the elves didn’t even need to lift their blades. The jungle fought for them.

Mary stepped closer to Jamie, lowering her voice. "Using you as an anchor, our great Queen Elara will bring the mightiest of elven fleets to conquer this world."

Jamie struggled against her bindings, her breath quickening. "You’re insane!"

Mary only smiled. "No, child. We are destined."

The Sun Knight leaned in, her golden eyes gleaming. "You can make this easier, you know. Queen Elara has no interest in unnecessary bloodshed. Cooperate, and she will ensure your safety… and the safety of those you love."

Jamie’s chest tightened. "You're lying."

Mary tilted her head. "Am I? Think of your mother. Your father. Even that mercenary who keeps throwing himself into danger for you. Would you rather they perish?"

Jamie bit her lip, her mind racing. Would Elara really spare them? Or was this just another lie?

Before she could answer, a Lunar Priestess stepped forward. "We have located one of the stable nodes," she announced. "We can prepare the portal."

Mary nodded. "Do it. The humans are closing in."

The priestesses raised their arms again, their magic swirling into the air. The space before them began to twist and ripple, forming the first threads of a portal. Jamie felt the pull again—that strange sensation deep in her core. It was her. She was the key to this portal.

I have to do something… she thought desperately. But before she could even formulate a plan, the magic took hold, and the elves vanished—escaping again like the siege of South Georgia and reappearing deep within the Amazon rainforest.

The hunt was far from over.