Aztec Attack. Chris Blake

      “Wait until you see one of our cities,” Zuma replied. A dreamy look crossed her face. “There are pyramids shining beneath the sun, great squares …”

      “… and human sacrifices,” Tom reminded her. “It may be your home, but don’t forget how dangerous it is. Tlaloc said it would be our toughest challenge yet.” He pointed at the black stone hanging round Zuma’s neck. “Let’s ask your necklace for help.”

      Zuma’s pendant was magical and gave them clues to where Tlaloc had hidden the coins. “OK,” she sighed. “But it will only be another silly riddle.”

      Tom grinned. Unlike the Aztec girl, he enjoyed trying to work out the pendant’s clues. He watched with excitement as Zuma held up the black disc and began chanting softly:

      “Mirror, mirror, on a chain,

       Can you help us? Please explain!

       We are lost and must be told

      How to find the coins of gold.”

      Tom and Zuma leaned over the pendant as ghostly white words appeared on the stone:

       Find the city on the eagle’s path;

       Use the stream to escape a god’s wrath.

       Beware the man who bears a disguise;

       A false face hides the ultimate prize.

       When fur and feathers fight for control,

       The ring of stone is your ultimate goal.

       Climb up to the house of rain;

       The flying spear will end your pain.

      As the words faded away, Tom saw that Zuma had gone pale. “What’s wrong?” he asked.

      “For once I understand some of this,” she replied softly. “I think the house of rain means Tlaloc’s temple in the Aztec capital, Tenochtitlán. That’s where I was nearly sacrificed.”

      During their adventures together, Zuma had proved her bravery over and over again. This was the first time Tom had seen her look nervous. Then again, it wasn’t that surprising. The last time she had visited Tlaloc’s temple, the slave girl had only just escaped with her life.

      “Don’t worry,” Tom said. “I’ll be with you this time.”

      Zuma smiled as Chilli jumped up, putting his front paws on her knee. “I know, little doggie, you’ll be there too.” She grinned at the Chihuahua. “And we got out together before, didn’t we?”

      “The sooner we find Tlaloc’s coin, the sooner you won’t have to worry any more,” Tom said firmly. “So let’s get started. The riddle said we have to find the city on the eagle’s path. Any idea what that means?”

      Zuma shrugged and said, “I got the bit about the house of rain, but the rest is gibberish to me. Anyway, you’re the brainbox. I don’t see why I should have to solve it all—”

      The slave girl froze. Following her gaze, Tom saw that a nearby bush was rustling. He crouched down and peered through the leaves. A furry, cat-like creature was hiding in the undergrowth!

      Tom gulped. He had read about the dangerous animals you might meet in the jungle. Without weapons, he and Zuma wouldn’t stand a chance. As the bush rustled again and the creature emerged, he realised there was no time to run …

      “Oh no,” hissed Zuma. “It’s a jaguar!”

      They were going to be a big cat’s dinner!

      With a snarl, the creature burst through the bushes, pouncing on Tom in a blur of gold and black. Tom was knocked off his feet and pinned to the ground. He didn’t even have time to cry out. He closed his eyes and waited for the jaguar to finish him off.

      Instead, he heard the sound of mocking laughter.

      Tom’s eyes snapped open. It wasn’t a cat sitting on his chest, but an Aztec boy about his age. The boy was wearing a cloak made out of jaguar skin. His fierce-looking helmet was made from the big cat’s head.

      Tom sighed with relief. He couldn’t fight a jaguar with his bare hands, but another boy was a different matter. Gathering all his strength, Tom grabbed hold of his attacker and threw him off his chest, sending them both rolling across the ground. The boy was fast and strong, however. Before Tom could pin him down, he twisted Tom’s arm up his back and pushed his face into the dirt. Pain shot through Tom’s shoulder. He cried out.

      “Hey, you!” Zuma shouted. “Leave my friend alone!”

      There was a loud thump, and the grip on Tom’s arm was suddenly released. Spinning round, he saw his attacker on his knees, rubbing the back of his head. Zuma had a heavy branch in her hands, and looked ready to swing it again.