Temple: A New Journey Begins
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The trial was over, and everything was returning back to normal. The sound of voices could be heard as Sam once again mowed his lawn. The chanting brought back memories and pain, but it also brought joy; joy in knowing that it was finally over and a new beginning was starting for everyone. Monks and priests were arriving every day. They would stop at the shrine then head up to the temple. The work was progressing quickly, despite the fact that they were building the temple by hand. Many of the townspeople offered to help. Vance even came with his construction equipment, having taken over the business from his late grandfather and now his father.
A core of engineers had been called in to ensure that it was safe to build once again. The collapse of the floor and the discovery of the tunnel did not deter the monks. For them it became an opportunity. The mine and its network of tunnels would become part of the new temple. How they would be put to use was uncertain at that time. Plans were drawn up and soon construction was on its way. The temple would be the jewel that it once was, it would also be bigger and house not only men, but women as well. It would once again become the learning center that it was meant to be.
Sam continued to cut the grass when he felt a presence nearby. He had not felt that presence for so long that he thought he might have been dreaming. He turned toward it and there he stood. He looked as if he had not aged, even though ten years had passed. Sam dropped what he was doing and raced to greet his friend.
"Peter, my God is it really you?" Sam asked with astonishment. "Are you real?"
Peter didn't say much until Sam actually grabbed a hold of his arms. "Yeah, Sam. I'm very real."
"Where have you been? Everyone has been so worried when you disappeared. We even thought you were dead."
"It's a long story, Sam."
"Well don't keep me in suspense, you've got to tell me."
"Why don't we talk over lunch, I'm starved. To begin, have you ever heard of a place called Shambhala?"
Sam led Peter into the house as the older Shaolin told his story. It was a tale that started ten years ago and would not be finished until today. When Peter was finished Sam broached the subject that they knew would have to be dealt with sooner or later.
"Will you be seeing KC?" Sam questioned.
"Soon, but I wanted to see you," Peter started. "There was no reason for you to leave the priesthood because of me."
"I didn't leave because of you," Sam answered.
"Then why did you leave?"
Sam remained silent for a long time, not wanting to answer Peter's question, but knew that the time had come. "I couldn't bear the thought that if I became a priest, I might be killed too."
Peter nodded his head, not judging. "Go on. I'm listening."
"You don't know what it's been like since you disappeared," Sam added. "Come here." Sam rose from his chair and motioned Peter to do the same. He went over to a window facing out toward a small field in the back. It was dotted with white posts. Ten of them still had brown earth surrounding their bases. "Look out there, what do you see?"
Peter looked out the window and his breath caught in his throat. Had so many died since he disappeared?
"After you disappeared, the deaths increased. Instead of one or two, there were at least six a year. In the past six months there were ten, and seven of those deaths happened when your son returned. I tried to deal with them as a priest, but I couldn't. I lost what faith I had. I couldn't fight them. I couldn't do it alone."
"But you were never alone," Peter said, placing his hand on Sam's shoulder.
"I know. I know that now."
"Will you return to the temple?" Peter asked.
"I'll have to think about it. My Mom needs me."
"Fair enough."
"Will you be going to see KC?"
"After I have my second cup of coffee."
Continues with Part 58
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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