Much overgrown and colonised by monkeys, the temple was in ruins, with massive buildings decorated with ornate carvings while a very welcome spring bubbled in the centre of what had once been a beautiful courtyard. Strange gods and goddesses peered down at these northern intruders through a tangle of invasive trees and creepers.
"Elliot; set up a defensive perimeter," Jack ordered. "I want three men at each corner and a picket of five men to patrol the area."
"Yes, sir," Elliot said.
"Once you"ve done that, report to me. You too, Prentice, Kent and Fairbairn. Leave the ensigns and NCOs in charge of the defences." Jack gave a little bow to Jane and Mary. "If you two ladies could join us, you would be very welcome."
"Why them?" Fairbairn asked. "They"re women and civilians."
"They were
