WNWN XXXVI

A voice inside his head whispered to Paul. “Do not fear Chunka-Cal. He is all bluff. Most humans shrivel in fear because of his appearance but he cannot stand against a man with true power. Stand firm.” Of course Paul now knew this was El Indio and he now had trust in him and he had self confidence in a stronger degree than ever.
Paul stood tall with his legs spread apart, his arms outstretched, angle down at 45 degrees, palms out. His face displayed the fiercest expression Paul could muster and he stood his ground.
Chunka-Cal leaned forward and looked into Paul’s face. He was huge, wearing gear of an ancient warrior, with eyes a blazing red and foul, sulphurous breath.
Paul felt empowered and thrilled something near elation as he reveled in the power he felt.
“Stop Chunka-Cal! You cannot pass me. I command you to go back to your hellish hole and bother me no more!”
To Paul’s astonishment a change swept of every aspect of the giant apparition. He faded and shrank back like a cloud of smoke torn asunder by a stiff wind.
Paul turned to follow Conrad back to the surface.
He found Conrad bathed in sweat, sitting by the truck. He was drinking from the water jug.
“I am sorry Mr. Hewlett. I never let you down before.”
“Conrad, you have nothing to apologize for. You have behaved admirably and I have placed you in danger because of my stubbornness. It is I who should apologize to you, “ said Paul.
They returned to the ranch house and Conrad went to bed for much need sleep. Paul sat at the table reflecting and drinking a cup of coffee.
There was a knock at the door, it was El Indio.
“Come in. Coffee?” Paul asked. He was amazingly calm for someone who had been through such a thing he had just experienced!
“You have done very well,” said El Indio. “Few men alive could have done what you did.”
“I don’t know what to think about all this. None of this was in my education or previous experience,” said Paul. “It is a lot to digest.”
“I am sure that is so! I have something important to lay before you.”
“I am all ears,” said Paul.
“Now you know Xibalba is real. You know what I tell you is true. I have a proposition for you. I hope you will agree to it. You are the only person I have encountered in a very long time that has the strength and capacity to my proposal.”
“That depends,” said Paul. “What do you have in mind.
“This is not an easy thing to ask. I know you live in another world. You have a life you love now but I am going to ask you to make a major change. There a rewards in it.”
Paul took a long sip and leaned back. “Tell me what you are thinking about.”
“It is nearly time for me to pass to the next level. I have have been the guardian here at the portal to Xibalba for a very long time. I am ready to move on but I must first find a successor. I want you to be that successor.”
“Me!” Paul was astonished at such an idea.
“Yes. You are the first person I have found that could do the job. You would give up your life in the city, your business, all the things you do now,” Said El Indio. “Think on it. I will se you tomorrow and tell what you think,”
Paul nodded and saw him out. He would need some time to reflect.