Atlantians

Chapter 25

Katarina was busy writing in her archaeological journal.  She kept one for every dig that she did.  Her Grandpa had gotten her started on journalism when she was younger.  He told her that it was an easy way to keep his thoughts or to write down events that he wanted to see if they connected to each other. 

Katarina was so intent on what she was writing that it took her a long time to notice that she was being watched.    She finally had the strongest feeling of being watched which caused her to finally look up from her work.  Her chocolate colored eyes roamed across the campsite till she found the person staring at her.  Standing against the side of the tent that housed the kitchens was Raven's Talon.  Even from 50 yards away, Katarina could feel the intensity of his eyes.  It was hard looking at him because he had such an intense stare that it made you want to look away.

Katarina lowered her gaze and went back to writing.  He had an interest in her and Katarina wasn't going to play easy to get.  If Raven's Talon wanted her, then he had to work for her.  She hoped that he would pursue her in the traditional way (or whatever way he considered tradition) and not grow bored with her.  She'd had that happen to her before.

A shadow fell across her journal causing Katarina to look up.  Her expression hardened as she saw the person who stood before her.  It was Byron Phelps.  The most arrogant and chauvinistic  archaeologist she'd ever met.  He thought that only men belong in the field and made a point to rub his view into your face every time he could.

"Well, well, well," Byron said in a superior voice.  "Look who it is, little Ms. Katarina Sands."

Katarina closed her journal and folded her hands over it.  "Byron," Katarina said politely.

Byron smirked at her as his raked down her body.  Katarina made sure she didn't squirm.  Byron's smirk grew and he studied her.  "Looks like you grew up.  Hard to believe that you were that geeky little girl I once knew in college."

Katarina gave Byron a half smile.  "You're just the same as I remember."

Byron leaned forward and placed his hands on the table and leaned down to where his face was less than a foot away from her.  "You need my help."

Byron stated it like she had asked him to come here.  Katarina couldn't help but giggle.  "Excuse me," she said.

"You need my help," Byron repeated.

Katarina leaned back and crossed her arms.  "Why would I need your help?"

"Come on Katarina.  You know how the field is.  No one will take you seriously unless you have someone like me by your side."

Anger burned in her veins at Byron's words.  "I have held my own since college."

Byron's mouth opened and then he stood up.  Katarina had no idea why until she felt a strong presence by her shoulder.  She looked up and saw Raven's Talon standing behind her with his arms crossed.  His eyes were narrowed and the glare that he sent Byron was enough to cause you to drop dead.  Katarina turned her attention back to Byron.  Byron had a glare that bode ill for Raven's Talon if he was ever caught alone.

"I believe I can handle the field on my own Byron."

Byron turned a disgusted look on her. His nose rose even higher in the air and he spoke in his best superior voice.  "You always were a freak Katarina."

Byron turned and walked away.  Katarina watched him go before she let her shoulders droop and she propped her left elbow on the table and placed her head in her hand.  A strong yet gentle touch caused her to raise her head.  Raven's Talon had a hand placed on her shoulder and was looking down at her with his odd green eyes.

"What did he say to you?"

"He made a comment about how odd I've always been."  Katarina sighed and reached up and absent mindedly patted Raven's Talon's hand on her shoulder.  "He spoke nothing but the truth."

"Being odd isn't bad."

Katarina gave Raven's Talon a grateful smile.  "I give thanks for your kind words."

Katarina stood up which caused Raven's Talon to step back.  "I need to find Strong Oak and tell him what has happened.  He has never like Poisonous Snake."

Raven's Talon kept pace with her as she went in search of Anthony.  "Why do you call him Poisonous Snake?"

Katarina threw Raven's Talon a look over her shoulder.  "He's as slippery as a wet snake and he spouts poison every time he speaks.  He causes nothing but trouble and thinks that men are greater than women."

Raven's Talon shook his head.  "He is wrong Singing Raven.  Without women where would we be."

Katarina gave Raven's Talon another grateful smile as she stepped up next to Anthony.  Anthony looked down at her before he bent down and placed his head close to hers.  Katarina closed her eyes as memories of high school danced in her head.  Anthony had always placed his head close to hers whenever they were sharing important information.  It had made her feel special even though Anthony had dated a lot, he never put his head close to another girls.  He told her once that he reserved that privilege for her. 

Katarina opened her eyes and began to speak quickly and softly in Anthony's ear.  She told him everything Byron had said.