Nirvana Effect by Craig Gehring

understand.”
    Mahanta studied Edward’s face.  Edward’s nostrils flared slightly, and his cheeks reddened.  He did not, however, stop his pacing.  “A reasonable precaution,” echoed Edward stoically . 
    “You know, a priest would not join me, but a scientist, a scientist could,” said Mahanta.
    “Or a traitor.  Or a liar,” said Edward.
    “My friend,” said Mahanta.  “You are both a traitor and a liar already.”  Edward did not respond, so Mahanta continued.  “You are a traitor to yourself - a priest who gave up all his own desires and aptitudes to become one.  You robbed yourself of your own life.  You are already the greatest of traitors.”
    “And a liar?” asked Edward, slightly amused.
    “A liar because you keep the girl in your heart, though you’ve sworn celibacy.   You are a most admirable liar and traitor. ”
    Edward pursed his lips to say something, but then held back.
    “Yes?” asked Mahanta.
    Edward changed the subject.  “You trust me, Mahanta?”
    “No.”
    “What happens if I don’t like where this is going?”
    “You’ll need to trust your own abilities,” said Mahanta
    “You’ll try to kill me if I quit, if I disagree with you,” said Edward.  Mahanta was again startled at both his foresight and his frankness.
    “A matter of circumstances,” said Mahanta.  “Certainly, though, if it seems you plan to leak knowledge of this substance, or imperil my own survival, well, you will be threatened.  And I would only expect the same from you.”
    Edward nodded.  “I don’t trust you either,” said Edward.
    “A solid foundation for friendship,” said Mahanta.  He laughed.  Edward didn’t.  “Let’s put it this way.  Are you really willing to just walk away now?”
    Edward stopped his pacing.  He locked eyes with Mahanta.
    “I’m in, if you promise to tell me everything.  No secrets,” said Edward.
    “Naïve, Edward,” said Mahanta.  “An empty promise from an Onge.”  He sighed.  “I promise to tell you what I tell you .  I’m sure you’ll find out everything there is to know whether I tell you or not.”
    Mahanta extended his hand to Edward.  Edward accepted it.  They shook.
    “My god!”
    The pair turned to face the source of the exclamation.  It was Tomy, bursting through the entrance of the temple.

13
     
    Tomy was thirteen years old . He was the messenger of the living god.  In four years he would go through his trial, just as Mahanta had, but he would come out a man, not a child eternal. 
    Until then, he was a child in the eyes of the tribe, just like his master .
    He remembered Manassa’s words every time he doubted himself.  Manassa had a way of saying things so poetically.
    You are a child like me.  Do not slight my age with your doubts.  I have said you can do it, so it can be done.  It must be done.  It is as I have foreseen. 
    You have the protection of your god’s foresight, and you are your god’s eyes and ears. 
    You will be remembered not for your might but for your brilliance, Tomy; not for your speeches but for your ability to hear. 
    You are my messe nger , and you will not fail me. 
    Tomy would not fail his master, the Onge living god. 
    Manassa had fulfilled all the prophecies.  Tomy was grateful to serve him.  He was grateful to live in the mos t hopeful, prideful days of Onge history .
    Tomy saw that Manassa was not alone in the temple.  Manassa was speaking with the white man.  Tomy stopped on a dime when he saw his lord had company.  He almost tripped over himself.
    Manassa beckoned.  Tomy, with more decorum and no more shouting, walked to the pair. 
    I must remember the protocol.  I must never speak unless recognized.  I must never shout.  Manassa might not care about my manners while it’s just the two of us, but I must always follow the protocols in company.
    I must always follow the protocols anyway - never know who might be watching.
    Tomy knelt and looked at the ground.  He