He swatted the droning insects away from his face, temporarily denying them another meal as he followed his guide deeper into the dense jungle. He was tired but excited. He knew they were getting close to their destination. “How far is it?” he asked, wiping a forearm against his brow. "It's just ahead sir," said his guide, Buto, who seemed just as excited. He turned and grinned, white teeth seeming incredibly bright against his dark skin. Draven nodded, pushing aside thick branches and stepping over roots, the almost impassable terrain seemingly unwilling to give up its secrets just yet. Somewhere up ahead, a monkey chattered. Draven paused. “Is that it?" he whispered, staring into the dense tangle of trees. He wiped his forehead again, the humidity making something as simple as breathing a never ending battle. “Could be, Mr. Richard." the wiry guide said. He took a sip of water, then ducked, staring deep into the tangle of branches.
