Part III | The Paisley Crystal Ball | The Blue Mandala
Elki and Esarosa spotted the exotic-looking fortune teller across the room while having drinks after dark. Cheshth had a serious expression on her face as she picked up her worn leather clutch and headed toward the door. The Indian woman glanced back at Elki and Esaroma's table, but neither one spoke. Cheshth approached them, carefully draping a rust colored woven shawl around her shoulders,
"Did you need to see me for something? My shop is just at the end of the street."
Esarosa glanced up at Elki and turned back to the fortune teller.
"Yes, actually, we have a question to ask about the future. Do you have time for us?"
"Of course," Cheshth responded. "I'm headed there now. Feel free to let yourselves in the front door."
Elki and Esarosa entered the fortune teller's shop and found Cheshth seated at a round table in a dimly lit room that smelled of candles and sandalwood incense. Esarosa spots a large woven basket on the floor towards the back of the room behind Cheshth.
"What is in that basket?" Esarosa was curious.
Cheshth glanced behind her at the basket in the shop's dark corner,
"That basket was left here years ago by an Indian snake charmer from Kashmir. Why? Do you know him?"
Esarosa thought for a moment before she replied,
"No, I don't know of any snake charmers from India, but I do know of a mysterious Snake Cavern in Central American called "La Boca" where many friends have gone missing."
The fortune teller considered the matter thoughtfully for a moment and responded,
"Why don't you and your friend have a seat at my table, and I will reveal to you an ancient secret about the past."
Elki and Esarosa sat down in front of Cheshth's table and the fortune teller began her story:
Many centuries ago, beautiful apsaras danced to the music of court musicians at a place between the waters of the clouds. This was also known as Indra's Palace. Before Indra left his palace, he discovered a giant, enchanting sand dollar, frozen in the cold, icy blue. Over the years, the arms of the sand dollar froze and melted, some turning into rivers that led down the mountains.
When Indra left his palace to lead a snake charmer's life, he took a path of frozen icy steps down the mountain, his basket in hand.
Elki and Esarosa looked shocked.
"Are you sure?" Esarosa asked.
"Are you sure you're sure?" Elki demanded.
"Absolutely," Cheshth replied. "I was there."
"Then what is Indra's Basket doing here In your shop?" Esarosa was curious.
Cheshth turned back to the basket in the corner and lifted up the lid to peek in.
"Indra's basket is missing his flute."
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