The Lemniscates

32. Marc Essouflet and Mamie Lina (Part 1)

- I am the stone that sinks and the wind fleeing. Remember the before your birth and the unconsciousness of sleep. I am the spirit-soul...

- I am the spirit that touches the soul.

- You?

- Hello Mr. Essouflet.

- I did not catch your name last time.

- You can call me Lina.

- If you want. The spirit that touches the soul? Yes. You're right. This translation is more accurate that way.

- You're welcome.

- Sorry. Thank you for your help. What are you doing here?

- Observing. That's all. I'm curious.

- Curious to know in what trap I'll die?

- Always so pessimistic that I see. No. I'm curious if you'll go until the end. You see, we have not found the third temple. Despite all the clues left behind.

- You're talking about Oman? You think he existed?

- I'm sure. And you too, otherwise you wouldn't be here.

- I'm an archaeologist. I believe in facts. Direct evidences. Until now, I can't find anything that proves otherwise that this wasn't a minor deity cult.

- No Mr Essouflet. Oman has really existed.

- How do you know ?

- I know someone who met him.

- What are we talking about here? Time travel?

- You have a sharp mind and a wild imagination. But no, no time travel.

- You mean that person is still alive? She spoke to Oman.

- That's it. She's one of my friends.

- How old will that make her? 15,000 years?

- I haven't calculated but that's about 15,000 years ago she met Oman, yes.

- Wait. You mean she is older?

- Oh yes.

- And you ? How old are you ?

- You don't ask her age to a lady. You should know that Mr. Essouflet. But whatever. I like you. Let's say I knew the middle ages.

- Okay...

- You do not believe me. It doesn't matter. Let's talk about something else. How are you going in the Way of Oman?

- The translation speaks of The Voice of Oman as well as the Way of Oman. In the text, his word is the same as his path. Oman talks about awakening but it also speaks about cycle. It is as if he planned to return and he left behind the temples to save time for next time.

- Good.

- Well, it's your turn now. What do you know?

- I guess it's only fair after all that you have endured. Very well. Oman was a scholar. Rare at the time. I guess that's why she fell in love. Of course, she will deny it but I know. The problem, you see, is that she was already married.

- And the husband was jealous?

- Ienan? It's hard to say. But Siem has not been unfaithful. Say, she spent some time with him, a little. Especially to help him. Oman was obsessed with the gods. He didn't understand why he couldn't be one. Siem has helped him a little in his quest.

- You mean he has become a god?

- Of course. That's the Way of Oman. That's the Eternal Path.

- I don't understand. If he became a god, who built these temples?

- It would be easier to tell you the whole story I think.