Emerald Buddha

Chapter 56

Another explosion shook the cave floor, and Spencer eyed the opening. “That came from above us,” he said, and then automatic weapon fire rattled from outside the mouth of the cave.

Joe’s expression turned puzzled as he listened to the crescendo of chattering assault rifles from beyond the gap, and grew into astonished when a projectile whistled across the river and blasted into the rocks where the Red Moon gunmen were concentrated.

“Sounds like some help arrived,” Joe said. “Positive energy, dude.”

“Who called them?”

“The universe.”

Spencer shook his head, pushed himself through the gap, and moved back to the cave opening. Outside it sounded like a full-scale war was being waged, but now the object of the shooting wasn’t the cave. Joe crawled to where Spencer was peeking from the opening, and nodded as though he’d planned the entire thing.

The shooting and explosions lasted a good half an hour, and when the valley grew silent, Drake and Allie pushed from the temple and joined them at the cave entrance.

“What happened?” Drake asked.

“Somebody took out the bad guys,” Joe said.

“Who?” Allie asked.

“That’s a mystery; but whoever it is, I hope they’re friendlier than the others were.”

“Maybe the Shan?” Drake suggested.

“Could be.”

Their speculation was cut short by a guttural yell from outside. Joe listened intently and then called out in Thai. Another cry greeted his declaration, and he answered and then set his rifle down.

“We’re to come out with our hands up.”

“Can we trust them? Who is it?” Spencer demanded, obviously reluctant to drop his gun.

“Don’t think we have a choice,” Joe said and raised his hands over his head.

They filed out into the sun, blinking at the glare, and found themselves facing several hundred soldiers in the green camouflage uniforms of the Tatmadaw — the Myanmar Army. The river basin was littered with dead gunmen and a handful of soldiers. The fighters trained their weapons on the four of them until an older Asian man stepped from the group and approached.

The man’s uniform was adorned with the insignia of a general, and he looked like any sense of humor he’d once had was a distant memory. He glowered at them and demanded something in rusty Thai, and Joe offered a soft answer. The man’s expression changed from furious to something more like he’d just eaten a handful of scorpions, and he thrust his hand out in demand.

“He wants to see your permit,” Joe said to Allie.

“Really?” she said in relieved surprise, feeling in her pocket.

Two of the nearest soldiers stiffened and Spencer whispered to her, “Easy. No fast moves. They seem excitable.”

She pulled out the dog-eared, water-stained permit, unfolded it, and then stepped forward and presented it to the general like it was a holy relic. He snatched it from her and read the text, his eyes squinting as he came to the signature. He grunted and handed it back to her, and then rattled off some rapid-fire directions to his men before turning back to Joe. He said something more and then waved a hand in the direction of the cave. Joe’s face revealed nothing as he translated.

“He says that this area is now under the protection of the Myanmar Army and that he will take over the temple discovery.”

“What?” Spencer blurted. “I mean, that’s good, but what about our cut of the treasure? Never mind the historic value — how do we know it won’t just disappear?”

Joe shifted from foot to foot. “You really want me to ask that?”

“Maybe rephrase it so it’s softer.”

Joe spoke slowly, and when he was done, the general barked a harsh laugh and said something. Joe nodded respectfully and leaned toward Spencer. “He says you can apply to the Republic of the Union of Myanmar Archaeological Commission for any reward, but that we’re not to set foot back in the cave or he’ll shoot us.”

“Did you ask his name?” Allie said.

“I will. Is there anything else?”

“How about finding out how we’re supposed to get out of here? Can we at least get an escort to the Thai border? The area’s got to be crawling with Red Moon and Shan,” Drake said.

Joe nodded and spoke to the officer. He looked Allie over as Joe talked, and then nodded once and called out a curt order.

“What did he say?” Allie asked.

“He said he has a daughter about your age, so he’ll take pity and have some of the soldiers take us to the river. From there we’re on our own.”

“I need my backpack,” Allie said. “It’s in the cave. The phone’s in it.”

“I’ll ask, but he doesn’t seem like he’s in a good mood, does he?” Joe asked.

“Camera’s in my pocket,” Drake said. “Worst case we can always get a new phone.”

Nobody was surprised when the general denied the request. After a brief inspection of the temple while they remained outside, the general emerged and called out to his men. Ten soldiers approached and he gave them direction. The oldest, whose uniform bore sergeant’s stripes, saluted and snarled an order at Joe, who relayed it, although no translation was necessary.

“He says to move. He wants to be in town by evening. They have trucks a four-hour march from here, and it’ll take another three to get to Tachileik.” Joe nodded agreement and wiped his brow with the back of his arm. “Time for another hike.”

Drake tried a grin, but his face wouldn’t cooperate. “I never thought I’d be this happy to hear those words in my life.”

“Positive vibes, my man.”

“I’m a believer.”