THE BLUE FEATHER
425
possibility, they went into the open portal as Yum Cimil said. I
want you to take the crew to the surface, while I go after the lost
crewmembers. I’ll go to Xibalbá!” Tital told the Spirit.
Jonathan, distraught that Lena was lost, ran forward,
longbow in hand, and tried to jump into the portal. Zotz stepped
quickly in the way, stopping him with firm arms.
“No, you two, I’ll be the one to go through the opened Portal
door. For one thing, it could be an elaborate trap, set up by Yum
Cimil to capture more of you. You still have a human body, and if
you’re trapped somewhere, we may never be able to get you
back with us. I, on the other hand, being a Spirit, can travel
anywhere, at anytime, and do it easily. Tital, Yum Cimil is still
here on this planet. He didn’t go through the Portal door. You
need to go after him, and force him to free your crewmembers.
It’s the one sure way to get them back with us. Brilloso is
standing next to the archway that leads to the surface. I can
smell fresh air coming from that tunnel, and I think Brilloso can,
too. Take the crew and secure the outside. I’ll take Ah Hulneb
with me; the two of us will bring the rest of your crew back to
Dómpu City, even if we have to go into Xibalbá to get them.
Remember, Moka has a power ring. If he can use it, they will be
safe from Yum Cimil. Now, Ah Hulneb and I must go quickly
while the trail is still fresh.” Both Ah Hulneb and Zotz walked into
the void as Zotz shouted back, “Jonathan, I will bring her back!”
Then even the portal door vanished.
“Brilloso, get us to the outside,” Tital commanded, grabbing
up Centella’s reins. “Bardala, you lead us, and I’ll secure the rear.
Three turns in the long tunnel later, everyone started
smelling the stale air turn slowly fresh, with the tang of growing