Two Men Find Mysterious Hidden Ruins in The Forest – They Turn Pale When They Look Inside

There are millions of miles of jungle around the world, and these tropical rainforests contain animals, fascinating plants, and, of course, ancient secrets. Every forest has a story, whether tropical or arctic, rainforest or pine.

And La Mosquitia in Honduras is no example. This tropical rainforest holds more than just flora and fauna—it holds a deep secret, one that dates back to pre-Columbian times.

©jamenpercy/stock.adobe.com

A secret that, perhaps, comes with a huge price for those who find it.

“There’s plenty of luxury real estate in Honduras; you just have to know where to look.”

That sentence echoed in James Smithson’s head, lurching about painfully as he nursed what was probably a mild hangover. Also with him, looking worse for wear but still game for anything, was his best friend, Paul.

Luxury Real Estate ©Dima Moroz/shutterstock.com

They were on their way down to Honduras, courtesy of a first-class flight bought by James’ father-in-law, Hamish.

Though it was snowing lightly outside of the airport in Philadelphia, James and Paul knew that temperatures would rise quickly the closer to the equator they got. Paul was wearing a tropical shirt and khaki shorts already, something that had gotten him quite a few stares in the airport.

The two would meet Hamish and James’ new wife, Amelia, down in Tegucigalpa, and from there, they’d travel to Hamish’s new mansion in Crawfish Rock.

Trust Hamish ©Jaromir Chalabala /shutterstock.com

Trust Hamish to buy a mansion in one of the world’s poorest countries.

A German entrepreneur with ties to pretty much every industry you could think of, save entertainment (which Hamish called “garish”), James’ father-in-law was a tycoon, a man of industry. A man with a net worth that he flaunted.

A huge jerk, if James was being honest.

The Invite ©Faces Portrait /shutterstock.com

And yet…James felt as though he couldn’t say “no” to Hamish’s offer to invite them down to Honduras. But he wasn’t going it alone; he’d brought Paul for a reason.

Paul and James had been best friends since they were roommates in college. Paul was James’ best man at his wedding, and, though a goofball and semi-slacker, James knew his best friend had a good heart.

Hamish hated him, too. That was a plus.

Paul ©goodluz /shutterstock.com

James didn’t have fond feelings for his father-in-law (nor did Hamish’s three ex-wives), but he’d suck it up for Amelia. He’d met her five years ago, and she was the love of his life.

As James sat in the uncomfortable plastic airport seats, Paul snoring lightly beside him, he thought about Amelia. He loved her; he hadn’t even known she was wealthy until he’d met her father and his girlfriend, Natalie.

Hamish and James had gotten along as well as could be expected, though James had always gotten the sense his father-in-law thought he was weak.

Otherwise ©u4f_tol /shutterstock.com

If any trip was going to prove otherwise, it was this one. 

Hamish hadn’t really said why he wanted James down in Honduras so badly. Not one to say no to the man who had basically paid for his and Amelia’s wedding and first house, James had pretty much dropped everything, took the rest of his time off from work, and went down there.

At Hamish’s beck and call, he was ashamed to say.

Some Surprise ©Svitlana /stock.adobe.com

There was some surprise that Hamish was planning. Though uneasy, James was curious. 

“It’s probably something stupid,” Paul said, “But why not go down there? Stay in a mansion, get a tan…ignore the big guy if he says anything you don’t like. He’s not your boss.”

James had known then he wanted to bring Paul for this surprise trip.

Why Not? ©Prostock-studio /shutterstock.com

If only to show Hamish that no, in fact, James was not always going to toe the line and do what he wants. 

The airline announced that it was time for boarding, and James shook Paul awake. Paul rubbed his eyes, his ruddy face turning even redder.

“Shouldn’t have tied one on last night,” Paul said, letting out a chuckle. James laughed with him, though his mouth tasted like cotton and his head throbbed. The two men got up with groans, grabbed their suitcases, and boarded the flight.

Last Night ©Agent Wolf /shutterstock.com

First-class eased their pain, though James was uneasy that he’d had to take Hamish’s money to pay for the seats.  

Settling into his seat, James shut his eyes. He ordered food and drinks, as did Paul, once the plane hit cruising altitude. It was a straight flight; just enough time for James to get some shuteye.

He and his friend slept, even through turbulence that rocked the cabin. James was plagued with odd dreams, none of which he remembered when he awoke.

Odd Dreams ©M101Studio /shutterstock.com

He felt more tired than when they had taken off.

“James! Paul!” James felt himself relax when he heard the sound of his wife’s voice. The airport was quite warm, a taste of what Honduras could bring, even in December. James wished he hadn’t worn his coat.

Paul waved first as James turned. There was Amelia, wearing a dark dress, her sunglasses entangled in her blonde hair.

Amelia ©Doronin Denis /shutterstock.com

Next to her was Hamish, tall and broad, his face a perpetual shade of crimson. He didn’t look too pleased.

He eyed Paul with a look of disdain, something that the younger man gamely shrugged off. James had always known Hamish disliked his best friend. He felt no small satisfaction seeing Hamish shake Paul’s hand reluctantly, asking him how the flight was.

He was surprised Hamish hadn’t made them fly coach.

Good Flight? ©Kinga /stock.adobe.com

“How are you boys?” Hamish said. James noticed that there were dark circles under his eyes, and his skin looked a bit pale. “Good flight?”  

“Very good, thank you,” James said as Paul nodded his assent. He felt the hairs go up the back of his neck when he looked at his father-in-law. Was the big man sick? He shook off the feeling and looked at Amelia.

She was smiling, clearly happy to be reunited with him.

Sickness ©Mladen Mitrinovic /shutterstock.com

“Do we get to hear the surprise here, or…?” Paul said jokingly. James caught a flash of irritation cross Hamish’s face before he answered.

“Not yet, not yet,” Hamish said. He re-assumed his jovial tone, re-asserting himself as the leader of the group. James saw him draw himself up, taking instant control of the situation. Hamish didn’t look sick anymore. He looked…well, back to usual self.

“Let’s get home first,” Hamish said officiously. “I want you to see the house.”

Not Yet ©LeStudio /shutterstock.com

Paul and James exchanged glances before following Hamish and Amelia to the car waiting outside.