Chapter 22: The Khmer

                                 

“Blake, take her hand while I hold the door.  All right Judy you’re next.”

Just like that everyone departed the helicopter.  Judy’s blue helicopter was at the airport for a scheduled engine inspection which meant arrangements for a different one had to be made.  But it was the same pilot and he set them down on exactly the same spot where he had landed a week ago.

 

photo by: Derrick Goode

 

 

With their visas extended, the plan was to be picked up in fifteen days. Judy had her field radio in her backpack so that she could contact the orphanage if they needed more time—or if something unexpected came up.  What that might be, she could only guess. 

Despite Sutton’s reassurances, Judy was still a bit apprehensive.   She had been in Cambodia longer than anyone else, that’s for sure, but never outside her jurisdiction. Outside this comfort zone was really pushing the envelope as far as what she normally considered safe. Nevertheless she was game and never let on for a moment any real concern.

For Sutton, Judy had suddenly changed his entire outlook on life.  He even quit smoking and stopped his nightly visits to the bar.  The next two weeks were promising to change everyone’s life and Sutton was looking forward to her company. 

Sure—Sutton and Blake had already blazed the trail to the village and that leg of their journey was not that far away. However, from what Haridas had indicated, from that point on, anything could be up ahead—except enemy soldiers. That, they were not suppose to run into—except—four hours later, there they were—heavily armed, on the bend past the waterfall. Sutton motioned for everyone to stop. Every bit of his military training told him that they had just walked into a trap.

Walking toward the men (many of them just teenage boys) Sutton removed his sunglasses and spoke. “Hello, my name is Sutton and these are my friends. We have been invited here by Haridas. He must have told you that we were coming. He said that you are his friends. Do any of you speak English?”

 

photo by: cmunki

 

 

 

Blake could feel Maria’s grip on his arm tighten. She reached out and drew Judy closer—whispering—“Who are they?”

“Yes, I speak little English. We want Maria. Which one is she?” Sutton could only guess that this particular man was the leader and by the looks of him, he had seen a few battles in his day. They all looked as if they could handle themselves well in a fight—and they all looked so young.

Without much of a choice, Sutton turned toward Maria, motioning to her. “Maria, please come here.”

With those four words, everyone—Judy, Blake and Maria—slowly approached the soldiers, unable to fathom why their leader would want to see her.

As Maria stepped forward the leader of the Khmer asked her to step even closer. Only inches away he stared at her for several moments. He then turned and raised his hand, evoking a movement a few feet away. Blake, Sutton, Judy, and Maria—all eyes were focused on a young girl whose age they could only guess to be 15. She wore a dress but like all of the men, a belt of ammunition was strapped around her waist. But what she held in her hands is what startled them the most. With her two hands she carried a flower garland that she slipped around Maria’s neck, at which moment the Khmer let out a loud cheer of approval. Maria was in shock.  She looked at the young girl—they both smiled.

Addressing their leader, Maria then said, “Do you know my father?”

“Yes. Your father married me and my wife. He is a great man. I see him in your eyes.”

“But how do you know who I am? How do you know he’s my father?”

“Haridas said you were coming. So we waited here.” The leader of the Khmer then motioned for Sutton to step forward. “You are the leader?” Sutton nodded. “Good, my name is Puri.” He then pointed with his finger. Those four men my best soldiers—and my sister. They take Maria for her father. The trail safe but steep mountains. Sometimes big animals. We have to go now.”

Sutton thanked the man, as did Maria and everyone else. When Blake looked at Maria with the soft, yellow flower garland around her neck, he couldn’t help but notice how beautiful she looked—more beautiful than he had ever seen her. Seeing Blake looking at her, Maria blushed. She then reached out and took his hand. Two of the Khmer guides took the lead. The other two, the rear. Judy reached out and held the young girl’s hand. Just like that they soon entered the village where Haridas had arranged for a large feast in Maria’s honor. By the end of the evening she had at least six flower garlands adorning her neck. As night approached the entire village fell asleep under the grace  of a full moon.