Alvaro came in followed by Tomas and five men. Robert looked at the Elder with eyes which portrayed something. What I did not know. His demeanor didn’t please the Elder one bit.  The Elder looked  at Alvaro and the men who came with him. “You fellows can wait by the door.”   

     “Not so fast,” said Alvaro. “I want these men to stay in here.” He motioned for the men to remain.

     Again the Elder spoke, “ You men wait outside. If I need you, I’ll holler.”

     Here, Alvaro interrupted, “I don’t think that’s wise, I want these men to stay in here.” Alvaro motioned for the men to stay.

    The Elder spoke again, “I must be heard this time. You men wait out there. If I want or need you, I’ll holler.”

    Meanwhile, I was feeling a sense of timelessness, of some other timeage. I had the perceptual feeling of being an energy field in which my body was unified. This energy field went beyond the boundaries of my body and I felt that my physical presence was suspended in it, radiating in its invigorating essence.

    Alvaro remained steadfast and said for all to hear. “I don’t know this man Robert. I don’t think it is wise for you to be left unguarded.”

   “It’s alright,” the Elder said and he turned his back and motioned for Robert to sit down.

    Alvaro wasn’t very happy with this but, he nodded and motioned for the 'aides' to stay outside. Reaffirming his position Alvaro said “Don’t venture away. Come quickly if called. Alvaro discharged the men with an intense look of sincerity.

    “So,” the Elder said to Robert, “you wanted to speak with me? “ As he spoke, he waved Alvaro to the seat on the left of him and me on the seat to the right. He continued. “Tomas please take out your notebook.”

    So there we sat in a close circle. Tomas next to me and Robert sitting in front of the Elder, next to Alvaro. A hush fell into the room and the fire crackled comfortably.

-From Neisthes journals  "Into the Night"

         

     Robert looked at the Elder. What I came to ask the other night, I couldn’t speak. I did not trust any of you. When I couldn’t speak with you alone, I talked around the bush, so to say.”

    “And now?” The Elder questioned.

    “I have to stop running somewhere,” Robert said. “Guess this is as good a spot as anywhere. I’m tired and I don’t know where to turn…I don’t know what to say first… I,” he shook his head as if trying to let the words out of a dam.

    The Elder bent over to him and motioned for him to come closer.  Robert moved forward as the Elder spoke, “Do you trust me Robert?” The words were as a father speaks to his young child.

    “I do,” Robert said with a sound of relief…a note of resignation.

    The Elder reached into a small bag and when he brought his hand out, I could see the salve on both index fingers. It was the same slave he had put on us. With one finger he placed salve on Roberts crown, his soft spot. Then he held Robert’s head as he pushed the salve onto his forehead. Robert offered no resistance.

    Then the Elder put the salve on own his head in the same places. “What now?” I thought. I began to feel, perceive the Elders energy intensely as well as Roberts energy, which seemed no longer bound close to him.

    “Now tell me,” the Elder said, “take your time. Let’s talk of the questions you came here to personally ask me that you thought would help you." 

-From Neisthes journals  "Into the Night"

              

        Robert stopped being relaxed as he asked,” What were they asking and what did they look like?”

       “The men,” said Alvaro, “were dressed in tourist clothes..it wasn’t just what they wore it was also how they acted…always with the sunglasses and telephones. Also the number of them, ten, twelve, here to stay awhile. There were another six of them in two SUVs at the edge of the village. There in the cafe, others appear to come and go. It is really difficult to individualize them because of the Hawaiian shirts and the kaki pants…black shoes.”

      “As to what they want,” Alvaro continued, “they are looking for a man or group of men who have information about something. That’s all I know.”

      “Did they mention any names?” Robert asked.

      “Yeah,” Alvaro said, “names and pictures.”

      “Did you happen to hear the names or see the pictures of the wanted people?” Robert asked quietly.

      Alvaro answered  “They’re all over the village, and everywhere from here to miles around. This is serious. Someone has stepped on somebodies toes. They are sure at least one man has been through here…none of our people ever know anything...it’s not our business.” He looked at Robert as he made the last remark and then added “Or is it?”

-From Neisthes journals  "Into the Night"