Part I: Six Packages, Six Journeys, One Big Wooden Door

34 35 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince Journey to Sagarmatha “Hi, I’m TJ.” Looking around as he greeted back, he was still trying to figure out what was going on. “Hello, my name is Tumelo.” “But you can call her Tumi,” Ana said in excitement. “Right, Tumi?” “Yes, Ana—” “And I’m Pippa,” said another girl. “Pleased to meet you.” “Howdy, mate. The name’s Ethan,” a guy around TJ’s age offered. He was the tallest amongst them, with a medium build. He was wearing board shorts and flip flops, which TJ found a little strange given the chilly Kathmandu weather. “Hi,” TJ responded. They had all gotten up from their chairs to come over and greet him. All except one guy. He remained seated. He looked right at TJ but didn’t move. As everyone else went back to take their seats, TJ decided to go over to the guy and say hi. “Hey, I’m TJ.” Internally, he was quite annoyed that the guy wasn’t showing any interest. “I’m Fang. Like tongue, with an F. Never fang, like hang,” he said sternly. “OK…” TJ took a seat. It was the only open chair. “So, all six chairs are occupied. It looks like everyone is here,” said Ana. She had this high-pitch voice that was borderline annoying. She also seemed so hyper. Maybe he was tired, or maybe being in a room filled with strangers was making him unsettled. Everyone had a strange name. They all spoke with a funny accent, and they were just different. Two of them had emotionless expressions on their faces, the other two had half smiles, and the younger looking one wouldn’t stop smiling, or talking. “So, what’s next, guys?” It was Ana again. They all had a slightly perplexed demeanor about them. Yes, they had been there longer than TJ—though he didn’t know how much longer—but they also kept looking around, as though expecting something to happen, or someone to come out and explain everything. One of the hotel staff knocked at the door and requested permission to enter. “Come in,” Ana shouted. “Good evening, ladies and gentlemen. Dinner is ready.” A few employees came in with several carts that had silver chafing dishes on them. The setup was that of a buffet, where each one could serve themselves. Before leaving, the first hotel employee announced, “Once you are done having dinner, the shuttle will be waiting for you all outside. Thank you.” “Thank you,” some of them responded. They all made their way to the buffet line. There was a variety of food on the line, with much of the menu being local cuisine. Smells of cardamom, turmeric, and other strong spices were lofting in the air. They approached each station with a combination of hesitation and intrigue. “You people are taking too long, excuse me.” Fang was familiar with some of the food, so he went ahead of them and served himself.