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

38 39 The Chosen: Battle with a Cerberosian Prince Journey to Sagarmatha “Got it!” Ethan said as he returned from his room. He laughed as he apologized to everyone for delaying their departure. “So, where are we going, Mr. Dhanraj?” asked Tumi. “I am taking you to the airport.” “Airport? What’s happening at the airport?” she asked. “I don’t know, Miss. I just get the destinations, and make sure the passengers get to that destination.” The streets weren’t as busy in the evening. It even seemed like a different place as they drove past the buildings. Over the horizon, the sunset was sublime. The silhouette of the buildings looked like a classic painting, while managing to capture the character of Kathmandu. They all had their eyes locked on their surroundings. The miscellany of views and experiences were a pleasant delight: a religious temple on the one side, a government building on the other, mixed in with an art museum and a visibly peaceful park, alongside some tantalizing local and international cuisine. The food not only looked good; the smell of the oriental spices, fused with the aroma of the many meats being grilled, almost tempted them to ask their driver to stop. This was Kathmandu at its finest. There was no conversation in the shuttle. Perhaps it was the night time making everyone feel nostalgic. Or they were simply missing home. For a moment, they had each forgotten about the foreignness of their experience. Unbeknownst to them all, the tranquility of that ten-minute ride was a misrepresentation of what lay ahead. “Here we are,” Dhanraj announced. “Wow, that was significantly quicker than the drive to the hotel,” said Ethan. Pippa gave Ana a little nudge. “We’re here, Ana.” As they got out of the shuttle, Dhanraj handed them over to the care of another gentleman. He wasn’t as friendly as some of the other locals they had interacted with. He said nothing but “follow me.” It didn’t sound like he knew much English. He did conduct himself with some authority as he walked through the airport. TJ thought he must have been some sort of official. It was refreshing not having to experience any of the airport hassles they had to deal with in the past 48 hours. No check-ins or anything of that nature. The guy they were following opened a door for them, which led to the runway. He said “thank you” with no expression on his face, then turned around and left. There was a tiny aircraft ahead of them. A man standing outside looked like the pilot. “Um, is that what we are flying in?” asked Pippa. “That thing looks like it will get blown away by one of my farts,” said Ethan. “Really, Ethan, you couldn’t have phrased that any differently?” Tumi said with bemusement. Fang started walking towards the aircraft. “Guess there’s no turning back now,” said TJ. Everyone else followed. “Good evening. My name is Sumesh, and I will be your pilot for this flight. Welcome aboard.” “This is a charter flight,” said Pippa. “What makes you say that?” asked TJ. “Well, we’re the only ones on this flight.”