Chapter 932 - Leaving the mountain (1) (1/2)

~ Close to the border of China with Kazakhstan ~

Tuesday morning…

After breakfast, Sarah, Aiden and Jesse were saying their goodbyes.

”We appreciate your hospitality and teachings.”, Sarah said with a deep bow while extending a folder toward Master Hollow.

Initial plan was to exchange that information for his teachings, but the old man shared his wisdom without it. Sarah and Aiden don't need that information, and they decided to give it to the old man as a farewell gift.

”This is…?”, he observed the folder without opening it.

”We heard that this is something that might interest you. I hope that we are not overstepping our boundaries.”

The old man reluctantly opened the folder and his eyes widened when he saw the photos.

”Tashi…”, Master Hollow said under his breath while skimming through the documents which listed details on the whereabouts of his daughter in chronological order starting from eighteen years ago. Tashi... a (then) young woman he abandoned for her own safety. He didn't dare come close to Tashi because of danger to expose her to the people who wanted to use her against him. But he always wondered how she is doing, and now he knows...

He looked at Sarah and Aiden in disbelief while his eyes pooled with tears. ”How did you know?”

Sarah lifted her arm and pointed at her biceps proudly. ”We are more than just muscles.”

Everyone laughed. She is the skinniest one amongst eight of them and dares to flaunt her physique?

Sarah was happy that her comical touch broke the awkward atmosphere. She does not want that old man's gratitude. Master Hollow accepted her and taught her more than she could imagine, she is the grateful one.

Sarah got from her backpack five drachmas. They are the same ones that they fished out from the bottom of the Adriatic Sea during her birthday treasure hunt, JoAnna helped preserving them and Felix enhanced them with tracking capabilities.

”You can flip this part…”, Sarah demonstrated. ”If you push the button, GPS tracking will start, and we will get a notification that you need assistance. As long as you keep this coin with you, we will find you. Please accept this as a symbol of our gratitude for everything you did for us.”

Sarah gave one to Master Hollow and one to each disciple. She was happy that they accepted.

She gave one of those tokens to each of her Sigma army members as well before she left her Chateau in France.

They all exchanged well wishes and farewells and Master Hollow told them that they can come back anytime. He enjoys their stories. And their company made everything lively in the last few days.

”Take care on your way down. Poachers are in the area recently.”, Master Hollow advised as they left.

Haru watched Aiden, Sarah and Jesse disappear in the thick forest foliage with mixed emotions.

”Do you want to join them?”, Master Hollow asked.

Haru pressed his lips into a thin line. He was not sure how to answer.

Master Hollow looked at Haru and sighed. ”I will not blame you if you do. Their future is adventurous and full of danger. You will not be bored.”

Master Hollow knows that Haru craves for adventure, and he is staying here only out of gratitude because he took him when no one saw him as a person. And even though Haru seems to dislike Aiden, this old man can see that Haru admires him.

Haru dashed into one of the cabins and less than a minute later emerged with a backpack. Other than a change of clothes and few trinkets, he does not have much. It didn't take him long to pack his belongings.

Haru bowed to his Master and looked at him. Haru wanted to say something memorable, but no words came out.

Master Hollow smiled bitterly. ”Go, or you will lose their trail. If that happens, I'm not sure I will take you back.”

Haru smiled. ”I will never forget your kindness. You will always be my Master.”

Haru turned to his fellow disciples. ”And you will always be my family. Take care of Master.”

He bowed again to all of them and dashed in the same direction where Aiden, Sarah and Jesse left.