As the old man disappeared Max realized that if he didn’t do something he would be lost in uncertainty forever.

Come on Max… move!

A surge of adrenalin finally enabled him to break through the inertia and charge after Shard. There was still a chance the old man might sit down with him for a few minutes and… discuss it more like equals. He needed some explanation. He knew he’d never be able to live with himself if he simply allowed the guy to escape unchallenged.

Just he was about to be lost forever, Max tapped Shard gently on the shoulder.

“Would you like a cup of tea?” he asked, hopefully.

Shard raised his stick.

“Chello,” he said quietly.

Max stood and watched him walk away – his mind reeling –

What in the hell is a holy man?