Chapter 20: Questions

 

Glancing at both Sutton and Blake at the same time, Haridas began to speak. “You are the first people outside of our community to ever ask about Nickolas. Yes, of course we know him—he has been living among us for years. Would you like to meet him?”

Sutton could hardly believe what he was hearing. Equal feelings of excitement were rushing thru Blake. “Well, yes. Can we? Is he here?”

The urgency in Sutton’s voice was noticeable. “When can we see him?”

“Actually, my friends, Nickolas doesn’t live here in our village. He lives much further up—on top of the mountain.”  Haridas turned and pointed beyond the village.

Blake then spoke up, almost reading Sutton’s mind. “How long would it take us to walk there? What kind of a place is it? Is there another village up there?  Can we hire a guide to take us?”

“Oh, no. Not a village. That is where their temple is located. It takes about four days to get there. A difficult but safe journey. Nickolas and the other monks live there. They seldom leave. For them it is their home.”

Again Blake spoke. “But what about the rebels we were told about? Don’t they bother you?”

“Not at all. We live in peace here—out of respect for Surya.”

“Did you say Surya—Suryavarman?”

“You two are full of surprises. You even know his name. Yes, out of respect for Suryavarman. You see, when he was alive—and now Nickolas—he was loved by everyone. All Khmer. No, there is nothing to fear.”

“Excuse me, Haridas.” Sutton paused for just a moment. “We cannot leave right now. The helicopter that brought us here is expecting us back at the landing. If we are not there our friends will think that something has happened to us.”

“Of course, I understand. Do you want me to send one of our men to alert Nickolas about your arrival?”

“Oh, please my friend, don’t do that. Let his daughter surprise him. Please.”

“Did you say, his daughter?”