Rogue Angel - False Horizon Part 15

He looked at Annja. "So, what do you think about this place, huh? Pretty amazing, isn't it?"

Annja nodded. "You've made a believer out of me, Mike. I doubted you before, but there doesn't seem to be any getting around the fact that you've found Shangri-La."

Mike smiled. "Guess it was worth the effort, huh?"

"The plane crash?" Annja asked.

"Tsing, the money, all of it," Mike said. "But I just wish I knew how we actually got here. Because when we were in that cave, I didn't think there was any other way out."

"There wasn't that we could find," Annja said. "And Tuk and I searched the entire place." She frowned. "Well, at least we did until the yeti showed up."

Mike looked at her. "What did you say?"

"The yeti."

Mike smiled. "You mean abominable snowmen? You saw some?"

"In the cave with us," Annja said. "Right about when we smelled the perfume that knocked us out."

"Are you sure you weren't just hallucinating?"

Annja frowned. "We most definitely were not hallucinating, Mike."

"They did indeed see the yeti," Guge said. "And if you would like, we will show them to you again."

17.

Tuk watched the tearful reunion between Annja and Mike and was happy. He looked around the pavilion and at his parents and felt a kind of peace the likes of which he'd never known before. This was his home and he felt incredible being back among his people.

But who exactly were they? And why were they smaller than other races of humans?

He turned to Guge and asked him that very question. Guge coughed twice and then began telling his long-lost son the tale of his people.

"More than a thousand years ago, the Guge was a kingdom in western Tibet, established by a wise and benevolent ruler who split his kingdom into two, allowing each of his sons equal sway.

"They built their capital cities at two locations-Tholing and Tsaparang. For many years our people lived in brilliant harmony. Several of our rulers embraced an esoteric version of Buddhism, which further brought us into harmony with the universe. Together, we lived rich lives of enlightenment and prosperity.

"The first time any people from outside of our kingdoms actually found us was almost four hundred years ago. Jesuit missionaries came and marveled at what we had accomplished."

"What we'd accomplished?"

Guge nodded. "You know of the land that surrounds this region. High snowy mountains and arid deserts. Farther south there is a much more temperate climate, but here and in parts farther north, there exists no such lushness. And yet, through our enlightenment and harmony with all things of nature, we were able to produce a wonderful habitat for ourselves. Using advanced techniques of irrigation, we created a paradise where our people frolicked and sought to better themselves and their fellow people."

Tuk noticed that both Annja and Mike were now paying attention to every word coming out of Guge's mouth.

"Opening ourselves up to the people of the West proved to be a tragic mistake. The Jesuit missionaries insisted on building a chapel in Tsaparang, saying that the teachings of Christianity were even more profound than those of the Buddhist traditions we all followed.

"The ruler of the time allowed the construction to begin. Thereafter, the missionaries began teaching the people of Guge about Christianity. This did not sit well with some of the other rulers in the area who were devoutly Buddhist. To their way of thinking, all was well and harmonious with Buddhism and these new teachings contrasted with what they believed. Worse from their perspective was that the missionaries succeeded in converting the king and his wife to Christianity. This led to an open battle between the opposing factions."

Guge coughed again and then cleared his throat. "Regrettably, this led to an almost complete slaughter of the Guge people. Only a few hundred survived and fled from Tsaparang, which was later razed."

"Where did they go?" Tuk asked.

"They fled to Qulong, a city closer to the border with Nepal. There, they rested and spoke openly of the need to once again find their way back to their Buddhist teachings. But with so few survivors, it seemed unlikely that they would be allowed to live in peace in order to repopulate themselves."

"What did they do, Father?"

"They took all that they knew about living in harmony with nature and the universe and found a secret valley-this valley-hidden between two ma.s.sive mountains. One that is always visible to the outside world and one that remains hidden from view. They retreated into this valley and set about turning it into the lush paradise of their past greatness."

Vanya smiled. "And they succeeded. Within a generation, they had created a marvelous kingdom, shielded from the outside world and prying eyes. No one knew that our people existed here. The way the two mountains come together forms an almost impenetrable descent that would be too risky for anyone to attempt, if they even knew where to look."

Tuk could see that Annja was dying to say something. "What is it, Annja?" he asked.

"I'm just wondering how that is even possible? I mean, we've got satellites in s.p.a.ce that can peer anywhere on the planet. Wouldn't they be able to discern the presence of two mountains and a secret valley?"

Vanya smiled. "While I do not know what these things called satellites are, I can tell you that the universe acts in ways that have thus far enabled us to live without molestation from the outside world. Once we retreated into this valley, our lives became a constant wonder."

"It's just incredible," Annja said. "And it honestly strikes me as impossible. But I can't argue with the fact that we're standing here."

Tuk looked at Mike, but found him still paying attention to everything being said by his mother and father.

Vanya kept smiling. "Every once in a while someone finds their way here, through the portal or just outside of it. We take care to extend to them the utmost courtesy and respect, but for some reason, none of them ever sees fit to tell of the place they've seen. We remain safe and secure."

"Except for that one time," Guge said to his son. "When you were taken from us and brought to the outside world, that man was punished by the universe for his transgression. Otherwise, we have never had any problems."

"But what about the reason we seem to be so much smaller than other races?" Tuk asked. "Is it because of our isolation?"

Vanya nodded. "Apparently, yes. In some ways, we believe that evolution has altered us in this fashion. This valley might not support our population if we were all normal-size humans. But small as we are, our people are perfectly sustained within this environment. We don't use what the earth cannot replenish when we need it. And as such, we make it a point to never overindulge or otherwise create something that would destroy this place and all its beauty."

"What about the tropical environment?" Annja asked. "How is it that immediately outside this place it is freezing cold and yet, in here, there are plants and birds that would usually grow in a much more equatorial climate?"

"We are positioned directly over a series of hot springs and vents that feed a luxurious warm air current up through the soil," Guge said. "The air here is what nourishes this place and the hot springs help us irrigate the entire valley, keeping it in optimal growing conditions."

Tuk looked at Mike again, but still the big man didn't speak. He seemed utterly enraptured with everything that was being said.

Annja, for her part, still seemed mystified. Tuk supposed that was because she was a scientist and naturally cynical about stuff like this. Of course, there was a difference between being skeptical of a legend and actually witnessing the legend itself.

"I can't explain it all away so easily," Annja said after another minute. "But the fact remains, we're here and this place is absolutely amazing."

"And most importantly," Vanya said, "our son has returned. Now he can a.s.sume his rightful place as heir to the throne of Guge."

Tuk looked at his mother. "I'm to be the king of this land?"

"That is how it is written, my son, yes."

Tuk looked at his father and saw now that time had aged the old man terribly. Tuk couldn't even begin to calculate how old his father was.

Guge smiled at him. "We have been waiting a very long time for your return, my son. I am a tired old man. And your mother is tired, as well."

Vanya laughed. "Not nearly so now that my son has returned. But we are weary of ruling. It is time for a new generation to take over and guide our people onward through time and history."

Tuk couldn't believe it. Yesterday, he'd been a small man of no consequence who worked as a tracker for criminals and spies. Today, he was to be the king of a legendary kingdom.

Annja bowed her head. "Congratulations, Tuk."

"Thank you." Tuk frowned. Life certainly was a strange thing. "I still have a lot of questions about all of this," he said to his parents.

Guge held up his hand. "In time, my son. In time. For now, the people of your kingdom are excited to see you again. And they have prepared an elaborate feast in your honor."

"Already?"

Mike smiled. "I kind of mentioned you to them when they brought me here. Once I saw how small they were, I couldn't help but let them know about you."

Vanya nodded. "And I believe they have been working steadily ever since it became apparent that you might finally be coming back after all these years. It wouldn't do to disappoint them now."

"I wouldn't dream of it," Tuk said. But he felt bad that the people of this place worked so hard for the likes of him. It didn't seem right somehow.

Guge patted Tuk's thigh. "I can see the trouble in your face, my son. You haven't put anyone out, if that's what you're thinking. This is a time of celebration and as such, the work that goes on is not considered toil as much as a chance to revel in the fact that you have returned to the kingdom."

"I guess so."

Vanya nodded. "A feast is being laid out down below." She turned to Annja and Mike. "You are, of course, more than welcome to join us."

Annja bowed her head again. "Thank you very much."

Mike nodded. "I could eat a horse."

Vanya looked horrified. "Why would you do a thing like that?"

Annja elbowed Mike. "It's merely an expression meant to convey extreme hunger, Your Highness," he said.

Vanya laughed again. "Oh, I see. Very well." She looked at Guge. "Shall we descend and join our people?"

Guge held up his hand and pointed at Annja. "You had a question a few minutes ago. About the yeti."

She nodded. "Yeah, I'd like to see them again if that's possible."

"Of course it is possible," Guge said. "They are here with us now."

Tuk turned on his throne and Annja and Mike followed his gaze. Guge clapped his hands twice, and from the back of the pavilion, two shambling furry creatures wandered over.

In the sunlight, the yeti didn't look nearly as horribly matted. Their fur shone like a luxurious coat. They didn't smell, either. Tuk marveled at them standing as tall as they did, which was nearly two feet taller than Mike.

Mike whistled. "That is amazing."

Guge smiled. "They help us keep track of the outside world. And in some cases, they are used to ensure our survival here."

Annja seemed disappointed by that statement. "You keep them here as slaves to do your bidding?"

Guge recoiled. "Certainly not. The yeti are not slaves. They are part of our kingdom and our people."

Annja's eyes narrowed. "What do you mean by that?"

"Just what I said," Guge replied. "The yeti are part of us and we would never do anything to harm or otherwise subjugate them."

"I don't see how you can say that about them and then ask them to serve you."

Vanya smiled. "No, it's apparent that you do not see. But, of course, that is because of your perspective. And from where you stand, you see only one aspect of the situation instead of the other."

Annja's frown stayed locked in place and Tuk worried for a moment that she might draw her sword and try to do something rash. But instead, she shook her head. "I am trying to understand."

"Then look," Guge said. "And understand." He turned to the yeti and nodded once.

Instantly, the yeti moved and each creature reached up, and then they heard a series of clicks. In a second, the yeti separated and became two parts, an upper torso and a lower torso.

And concealed inside was one of the Guge people.

"A costume," Mike said. "Incredible!"

Guge smiled at Annja. "You see now?"

Annja smiled. "I do."

Vanya continued. "The yeti were once real creatures that walked these lands. Their legends have come down to us for thousands of years, but human encroachment eventually led to their extinction. We have found them to be useful in helping us preserve the sanct.i.ty of our kingdom. So we use their legend to keep us safe. We don't think they would mind if they knew."

"I don't think they'd mind, either," Annja said.

"Now that that's settled," Guge said, "perhaps we can go attend the feast. I, for one," he said winking at Mike, "could eat a horse."

18.

Annja watched as the Guge people entered the long field carrying huge elaborate trays of fruits and vegetables that had been prepared in every conceivable manner. Big bowls of steaming white rice adorned the simple tables that had seats for hundreds of people. Annja realized with a start that she was desperately hungry. Her mouth watered and she fought to restrain herself.