The Lemniscates

33. Marc Essouflet and Mamie Lina (Part 2)

- Each of us has his own obsession. For me, it's Oman. I collect everything related to his history.

- And I'm part of your collection?

- Yes. No matter how far you go. Ah yes, his history. Oman was born in Africa. He was a dreamer. From an early age he knew that wizards were the most powerful. Not because of their powers they could have or don't. But because of their erudition. Their knowledge gave them power over people. Oh he didn't want to govern, no. He saw a way out of his condition.

- His condition?

- Human and weak. I must tell you that wars between tribes were relatively common at the time. And he had seen the death of many people he was holding dear.

- He was desperate?

- Yes. He wouldn't die like them. He wanted to live, grow, evolve. And if he had to become a wizard, so be it. He studied hard. But he soon realized the limitations of his mentor at the time. He sought knowledge elsewhere. Knowledge existed, he was sure of it. But where to find it? Maybe in other villages? But how to acquire it? Wars were a problem. So he did what nobody before him had done. He initiated the peace dialogues with other tribes.

- He united the tribes?

- No, the unification was not in the agenda. But there was peace and it was more than enough for him. He discussed with other wizards. Some knew more than others, of course.

- But then again he reached a limit.

- Yes. But he was lucky.

- Your friend.

- Yes. To understand, Ienan and Siem are travelers. They live so long that staying in one place is not possible. They must travel. It is in their nature.

- They travel separately?

- In general, yes. They generally seek knowledge, and those who hold it. To learn. And Siem had heard of this wizard who had made peace with the other tribes. So she came to see him. Siem told me she had found him under a tree meditating. At his side, a lion and some lionesses were guarding him. When approached, even the cubs stood to threaten her. There was even a rhinoceros and a herd of antelope that closing and threatening.

- Seriously?

- Siem and him spent some time together. But the villagers didn't like him too much.

- There have been tensions?

- Yes but not too much. Oman was peaceful. That's what I like about him. Siem helped Oman and Oman helped Siem. Personally, I doubt that he has taught her anything. But I'm sure it helped pass the time more pleasantly. Finally, thanks to her, he awakened.

- Awakened?

- This is how we call those who transcend their souls. But Oman was not completely awake. He chose to remain human. During his attempt, he saw part of the way. And he wanted to ensure his ascension.

- Maybe he wanted to also stay longer with your friend...

- Possible. He began to tell his experience to others in the village. Thus was born the Way of Oman. He built a few temples.

- Why a few?

- Because he knew that knowledge, especially this one, had to be hidden. Starting with the last, he made sure that important information would be recorded but he also ensured that he wouldn't be betrayed. How to get to the final step if you don't know the first or the second?

- Smart. That explains why this temple is older than the first. Generally we start at the first one.

- Note everyone is Oman. But no one has ever found the third temple.

- What third temple?

- This is his greatest enigma. You who seek the eternal path, the three temples you should visit.

- Ironic that you his biggest fan, didn't found it.

- What do you mean?

- This is written in the first temple under the meditating statue: Make your mind your temple. The third temple is your mind.

- My Goodness... You are a rare piece Mr. Essouflet. Will you try?

- Perhaps. And you?

- Certainly. But not now. I have ongoing business that I must resolve and a responsibility to honor.
- I see. Can I ask you a question?

- You're welcome.

- Why your friend didn't follow him?

- As I have said, she is married. But there is another reason that isn't for me to disclose.

- Something more important to do?

- I can't say anything.