Thorne stepped into the light. He looked tired but triumphant. "The scroll, Maya. It’s the map to the 'Grand Hoard' of the Nguyen Kings. Give it to me, and I’ll let your friend Jack live".
Maya looked at Jack. He was held tightly by the mercenary. She looked at the jade statue in her hand. It felt warm, as if it were vibrant with energy.
"My grandfather died to keep this secret, Thorne," Maya said, her voice shaking with anger.
"Your grandfather was a fool," Thorne snapped. "History is for the winners. Now, hand it over!"
Maya looked at the scroll, then at a large, bottomless pit at the back of the temple. She realized Thorne didn't know which item was more important—the statue or the scroll.
"If you take one step closer, I’ll drop them both!" Maya shouted, holding the items over the dark abyss.
Thorne froze. For the first time, he looked afraid. "Don't be reckless, Maya. That scroll is a masterpiece of history!"
"Then let Jack go," Maya demanded.
Thorne signaled to the mercenary, who pushed Jack toward Maya. But as Jack stumbled forward, Thorne fired a shot into the ceiling. The old temple began to shudder. Dust and stones began to fall from the roof.