“You’ve come to the right place,” the monk said. “We will unburden your soul and enlighten your mind. Follow me.”
The monk strolled leisurely along the street, stopping at random intervals to take deep breaths with his eyes closed. Wilhelm was confused by the monk’s behavior, wondering if he was suffering from some sort of disease.
“Are you all right?” Wilhelm asked.
With eyes still shut, the monk nodded. “I’m aligning my spirit.”
“With what?”
“The universe,” the monk responded. “This is something you will learn how to do soon enough.”
Wilhelm furrowed his brow and shot a glance at Reinhard, who shrugged and kept walking. Despite the monk’s strange antics, he eventually led them to the monastery situated on a rocky ridge overlooking the city. After he knocked, someone from inside unlatched the gate and swung it open, revealing men in robes gliding back and forth across a courtyard. The common area was decorated with well-manicured bushes and trees, providing for an orderly and neat appearance.
While Erden was known for his teaching of anatman, he was also allegedly the monk who knew where all of India’s grandest treasures were hidden. During the Reichswehr’s previous mission to Egypt, Wilhelm had met a man one evening at a hotel bar in Cairo who was adamant that Erden had been appointed to be the keeper of these secrets for the Buddhists. Wilhelm was reluctant to believe the stranger, but a subsequent conversation with General Seeckt revealed that he had also heard the same story and encouraged Wilhelm to investigate. A trip to China awaited the Reichswehr unit after this assignment, but Wilhelm assured his wolfsrudel that they would leave no stone unturned during their time in India.
Erden emerged from around a corner. He remained somber as he approached his guests, bowing his head toward each man.
“Thank you so much for meeting with us,” Wilhelm said. “At first, I thought it would be just me who wanted to hear your exposition of the anatman. But after sharing with several of my fellow unit members what we were doing, some of them asked if they could join me. Will that be all right with you?”
Erden nodded and gestured for everyone to follow him, still remaining silent.
When they reached a private room, Erden waited until everyone was inside before lighting incense and taking a seat on the floor. He crossed his legs and closed his eyes.
Wilhelm glanced around at the Reichswehr unit and the two other men asked to accompany them. They all started to follow Erden’s lead one by one with Wilhelm the last to join. After a few moments of silence, Erden sighed loudly and asked everyone to open their eyes. Then Erden began sharing about anatman.
Erden’s explanation lasted for nearly half an hour before he asked Wilhelm if they wanted to take a break.
“That would be nice,” Wilhelm said. “Plus, there are some other things I’d like to ask you about before you resume.”
“What would you like to ask me?”
“Well, I know how this might sound, but I have to ask it.”
Erden smiled. “Ask me anything.”
Wilhelm stroked his chin. “I have it on good authority that you know where all of India’s greatest treasures are hidden. You were chosen because you aren’t allowed to accumulate great wealth and would never be tempted to do so.”
“Where did you hear such a thing?”
“You’re not denying it?” Wilhelm asked. “And pick your words carefully. I know you’re not permitted to lie.”
“Just because I might know something doesn’t mean that I’d ever be obligated to tell you.”
Wilhelm nodded subtly. “So, it is true. You know where all the secrets are buried.”
“That’s actually not entirely true,” Erden said. “I don’t know where all the treasures are, but I’m the only one who knows the identity of each keeper.”
“Well, I don’t want them all—just one,” Wilhelm said as he dug into his pocket and flicked open his blade. He pointed the tip toward Erden.
“That won’t be necessary to coerce me,” Erden said. “Or at least, it won’t be useful. In my discipline training, I learned how to withstand an immense amount of pain. And no matter what you do with that knife, I won’t say a word.”
Wilhelm gestured for Reinhard and the others to join the conversation with Erden. “Our favorite monk just warned me that no matter what we do, he won’t relinquish the names and locations of the men who know where all the treasures are hidden, including the one we’re after.”
“Nothing you can say or do will make me tell you what you want to know,” Erden said. “Now, I think it’s time for you to leave.” He pointed toward the door.
“You’ve made one big mistake,” Wilhelm said as a grin eased across his face. “In the midst of your wonderful monastery to protect you from the outside world, you thought this was all about you. But it’s not. I know where your mother is. And right now, there are a handful of my agents just waiting to act once I give them the word. I promise you, there won’t be much left of her when they’re finished with her.”
“You’re bluffing,” Erden said.
“Feel free to take that risk, but it’s up to you.”
Erden sighed and paced around for a few moments before turning and facing Wilhelm.
“Are you ready to tell me what I want to know?” Wilhelm asked.
Erden nodded. “What treasure do you seek?”
“The raja’s treasure hidden in the castle at Jaipur.”
Erden’s eyes widened. “You won’t be able to find it even if you knew where it was. That fortress is guarded every hour of the day by soldiers who patrol the area, making sure visitors don’t leave with souvenirs. The chances of being able to get inside to retrieve the treasure will be challenging enough, but then you’ll have to find a way to get it out. You will need more than good luck to pull off such a feat.”
“I view such obstacles as something that will make my eventual triumph that much more satisfying. Now, I’m going to need that name now.”
“How do I know you’ll keep your word and not harm my mother?” Erden asked.
“Trust, my friend.”
“I trust no one who threatens my family.”
Wilhelm patted Erden on the back. “Then I guess this will have to be a first. Because if I come back and discover that you lied, you won’t live to regret it. Are you clear about what my intentions are should you attempt to mislead us?”
Erden nodded.
“The name, please,” Wilhelm said, gesturing with his hand for Erden to give up.
“Dalir Abbasi.”
“And where would I find this Mr. Abbasi? At a monastery like you?”
Erden shook his head. “You’ll find him at the market in Torkham, Afghanistan. He’s an art seller. Now, please leave. I don’t ever want to see your faces in here again.”
Wilhelm nodded, a small gesture of appreciation that was met with a sneer from Erden.
“Thank you for your time,” Wilhelm said. “You’ve been most helpful.”
Chapter 11
Simla, India
THE RETURN TO SIMLA felt defeating to Richard. After traipsing across the country following their brush with the rogue magistrate, Richard was tired and wondered if they would always be chasing a moving target. The Reichswehr unit had demonstrated it was resourceful in being able to secure the proper documents needed to move about the country and were doing just that at a surprising pace. Meanwhile, their ultimate destination remained a mystery.
Richard and David entered Harvey Carrington’s manor and collapsed into chairs in the library while they awaited his appearance. After several minutes, he entered the room, carrying a cup of tea in one hand and a neatly folded newspaper in the other.
“What happened to you two?” Harvey asked, settling into a chair across from the two agents. “You look like you got into a nasty scrap with a couple of tigers.”
“That good?” David asked as a glint of a smile flickered across his lips.
“Thi
s is what you look like after riding in a third class carriage on an Indian train,” Richard said. “However, next time, if you’d like to spring for the extra cost to put us in first class—”
Harvey held up his hand. “I know I may look like I’m made of money, but this is the U.S. Army’s money, and unfortunately the budget they gave me is tight. Now, you obviously didn’t apprehend the Reichswehr troop, so tell me what happened as well as the real reason you look so dreadful.”
Richard and David proceeded to divulge all the details of their dead end with the uncooperative British magistrate as well as their escape. They explained how they needed two days to get out of Maredumilli and return to the more modern section of India before getting train tickets to return to Simla.
Harvey sipped his tea before setting it down on the table next to his chair. “I’m glad you were able to make it back so quickly, because we received some news yesterday about the Reichswehr soldiers’ whereabouts.”
Richard leaned forward. “They’re still in India?”
Harvey nodded. “Fortunately, they haven’t left quite yet, though we’re still in the dark regarding whether they’ve obtained what they came for.”
“Where are they?” David asked.
“They were last seen headed toward Kargil, which is a long trek north of here,” Harvey said. “But fortunately, you’ll be able to access it directly by train.”
“With first class tickets?” Richard asked.
Harvey sighed and shook his head. “You’ll have to figure out a way to upgrade yourselves. Otherwise, it’s third class for you—and I was lucky enough to secure those passes. The train is packed all week according to the ticket salesman I spoke with earlier today. Apparently, there’s some festival taking place in Kargil, and everyone is headed there.”
“And who were the Germans looking for?” David asked.
“A monk by the name of Erden.”
* * *
AT THE TRAIN STATION, Richard contemplated sleeping on a bench, a thought that was dismissed when he noticed a woman struggling to lug her bags across the platform.
“Would you like some help?” he asked.
She glanced up at him and smiled. “I’d appreciate that. The men ask for a tip first before they make any attempt to assist you. It’s one of the things about this country that I’m not so fond of.”
“I’m afraid chivalry is teetering on its last leg in our society,” he said. “But I’ll happily do what I can to help prop it up.”
“Where are you from?” she asked.
“I’m from the United States.”
“That much is obvious,” she said with a soft laugh. “What part?”
“The south, ma’am. I’m from Memphis, Tennessee.”
She nodded. “That would explain it. All the southern gentlemen I’ve ever met always go out of their way to help me.”
“Perhaps it’s your infectious smile,” Richard said. “You’ve already lifted my spirits, and I’ve barely spoken with you for a minute.”
She waved him off dismissively. “You’re making me blush, Mr. . . .”
“Halliburton. Richard Halliburton.”
“I’m Helen Turner.”
“It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
“And what is it that you do, Mr. Halliburton, that has you on the other side of the world and away from Memphis?”
“I’m a travel writer. And what about you? Why are you carrying all this luggage by yourself? Surely, you’re not alone.”
Helen looked skyward and exhaled slowly. “I’m not alone, but it feels like that most of the time. I’m a government widow, though I’m by myself this time because I simply can’t take the sweltering heat anymore. I need to cool off.”
“Correct me if I’m wrong, but Kargil isn’t exactly mild right now.”
“Yes, but it’s slightly cooler than here without all the humidity.”
The train’s brakes hissed as it pulled into the station.
“Will you be joining me in the first class carriage?” she asked.
Richard shook his head. “Unfortunately, I’m stuck in the back, just happy to be on board.”
“Would you like to use my husband’s ticket?” she asked. “He was planning on coming with me but canceled because of work.”
“And you decided to go anyway?”
“Like I said, I must escape the heat—with or without him.”
“In that case, I’ll accept your generous offer and accompany you for your trip.”
Helen placed her purse on top of one of her bags and rummaged through the deep pockets. A few seconds later, she produced the coveted first class ticket.
“This is for you,” she said, “though I must admit that this might be more of a treat for me than for you. I just love listening to you southerners talk.”
“I’ll be happy to entertain you,” Richard said. “But I’d just as well listen too. Who knows? Maybe you’ll make it in one of my books one day.”
David sauntered over to Richard and Helen as the conductor began collecting tickets.
“I believe it’s time to board,” David said.
Richard nodded. “Indeed it is. And this wonderful woman right here invited me to sit with her in first class.”
Richard introduced David and Helen before helping load her suitcases onto the train. David sneered at Richard, who responded with a wry smile.
Once they boarded, Richard didn’t get much of a chance to showcase his smooth voice due to Helen’s chatty nature. She claimed to be quite knowledgeable about Kargil, and Richard took full advantage, inquiring about the city to help him get a better idea of the layout and consider where the Germans might be headed. He also took a much-needed nap.
When they reached the station in Kargil, Richard assisted Helen in unloading and bid her farewell before waiting for David to emerge from the third class cabin. Fifteen minutes passed before Richard rejoined his fellow agent.
“How was your trip?” Richard asked, a smile already leaking across his lips.
“I hate you,” David said. “I’m sure you already know that, but I really hate you.”
“That good, huh?”
“The guy next to me held a cage in his lap for his two chickens. Then there were three screaming babies and a kid playing a flute for probably the first time in his life. So, yeah, I hate you.”
Richard couldn’t suppress a smile. “Why don’t I buy you a drink?”
“A single drink isn’t going to make up for what I just endured while you rode in first class. I think you’ll owe me til the end of time.”
Richard winked at his colleague. “I’m sure I’ll come up with a more appropriate amount of restitution, but in the meantime, let’s go sit down and get our bearings before seeking out this monk.”
David agreed to the proposal, and the two found a nearby bar where they could ask around about the monastery. After the first drink, a man seated two chairs away perked up when he heard Richard and David discussing the monastery.
“I’m familiar with many of the Buddhist monasteries here,” the man said in a thick British accent. “Maybe it’s something I can help you with.”
“I don’t know the name of it,” Richard said. “Are there multiple ones in Kargil?”
“There are two. A relatively new one located just off the central market, while the other one is older and sits on the outskirts of the city.”
“Definitely the older one,” Richard said. “We’ll go there first.”
“Anyone in particular you’re trying to reach?”
David shook his head. “Just need to talk with some people there.”
“Very well then,” the man said as he scratched directions onto a napkin. “Good luck in your search.”
Richard pocketed the napkin before snatching up the bill. He told the bartender that he wanted to buy the friendly man’s last drink as well.
“There’s no need to do that,” the man said, waving off Richard. “It’s my pleasure to help you.”
“I insist,” Richard said as he pulled out a coin and flipped it up in the air. He slapped his hand on top of the silver piece and patted the man on the back before leaving.
David waited until they were outside before he spoke. “The purpose of traveling as Army Intelligence officers is to gather information and be as forgettable as possible. Showy displays of generosity aren’t going to help us be next to invisible.”
“Well, I never received that lecture in my training,” Richard said, “and neither am I going to stop being a decent human being.”
“I’m not asking you to stop that. I’m asking you to be a better agent, one who’s more incognito.”
Richard stopped and furrowed his brow, studying David intently. “You act as if the two can’t co-exist.”
“Never mind,” David said. “At least you didn’t divulge the name of the monk we’re looking for.”
“I’m sharper than you give me credit for,” Richard said.
“Probably because you just had a more comfortable ride in first class.”
“You’re not going to let that go, are you?”
“Never,” David said. “Now, let’s get a move on.”
The two men wandered through the middle of the city until they ventured down the road leading to the monastery, per the kind man’s instructions. And just as he described, they found the compound after a ten-minute walk.
When they approached the entrance, they found it shut. Richard strode up to the guard hut just outside and knocked on it. After a few seconds when no one answered, Richard shielded the glare from the fading sunset reflected on the glass and eased closer.
“There’s no one inside,” Richard announced.
“Maybe it’s time for evening prayers,” David said. “Or whatever rituals Buddhists have.”
“You mean the Tam Wat Yen?”
“The Tam what?”
“The Tam Wat Yen,” Richard said. “The name of the evening prayer for Buddhists.”
“Well, I had no idea you were so versed on the traditions of Buddhism.”
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