Temple: A New Journey Begins
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The young man reached up and removed the imbedded knife. Examining the large blade he questioned silently, 'This was my grandfather's?' He ran his hand along the blade and could feel its sharpness. It certainly had not dulled over time. Shrugging his shoulder, he placed the knife inside the worn, brown leather pouch. This time, the young man did not hesitate to cross the threshold.
Once inside the young man saw just how much damage had been done. Nature had taken over and trees could be seen growing up where once the stone floor rested. Though the stairs remained intact, not much else could be seen beyond the walls. Whether any of the living quarters remained was yet to be explored. He knew there would not be anything left after all these years, after the looters had made their way through the temple once the priests had gone. Only a wooden chest remained leaning up against the steps and that had been ransacked years before, except for a small locket that had remained hidden in a drawer that the looters had not discovered. The young man raised his hand and reached inside his shirt to touch the locket that had been his father's. Inside were two pictures, one of his grandmother and his father as a child, and the other of his grandfather. He once had been told that he resembled his grandfather, a trait that his father seemed very proud of and told him so many times.
The young man made his way through the ruins and up the steps. The image of the Buddha was faded and peeling. Wind, rain and sun had done their work. Even though much of the image was gone, the young man still bowed to the image in reverence. This still was a sacred place and the need to pay ones respect was still required. As the young man bowed his head, he did not hear the footsteps that came up behind him.
"Awful, isn't it?"
The young man started, but tried to hide his sudden surprise. He should have kept his awareness open barring on the recent events.
Recovering quickly, he replied, "Yes. The tragedy that had taken place here seems to still be felt by many."
"You don't know the half of it. Oh, my name's Vance Cavanaugh."
"Vance?"
"Yeah. I was named after my deceased grandfather. Don't ask me why. From what I've heard of the man he had a lot of problems. And who might you be, though I could probably already guess since you're standing in this place."
"I am Caine."
"Caine huh. I take it you've got a first name?"
"Kwai Chang."
"Why am I not surprised. Named after your grandfather I take it?"
"Yes."
"Well then Kwai Chang Caine, can I ask you a question? Why are you here?"
"That is two and you already know," Caine stated.
"So you think you're going to rebuild your grandfather's temple. I don't think that would be a good idea."
"I do not understand."
"There are those who would not want the temple rebuilt."
"Do you wish the temple to remain as it is?" Caine questioned.
Vance gave the Shaolin a blank stare then waved a hand across his face as if to brush away an imaginary fly. "Doesn't matter to me what I think. But if you're asking me, I think what my grandfather did was wrong."
"May I ask you a question. Why are you here?"
"That's two, and I really don't know. Maybe to try to make up for the past. Isn't saying much. I can tell you this. If you are planning on rebuilding, I won't interfere."
Caine gave Vance a questioning stare.
"There was a bitter feud between your grandfather and mine. I don't want to see that happen again. You have a right to be here just as much as anyone else, maybe more so. But I am going to warn you. Someone doesn't want this temple raised. Who it is I don't know. Just be careful. I may be the only friend you have in this town."
With those words, Kwai Chang Caine watched young Vance Cavanaugh leave the shelter of the ruins.
Continues with Part 2
Alisa Joaquin Copyright@2004.
This story cannot be reprinted or sold in any other form without strict permission from
the author. It is being distributed here solely for your enjoyment.
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