“They told me I’d find you here.” I had come about a mile from the village to a clearing amongst the thickets and trees. The lake was visible and from this spot the mountain looked indestructible. I almost couldn’t see the crater.

“Who is they?” His voice was steady but he sounded a bit worried, as if he was hiding something.

“The elders. Who else?”

“What do you want?” He rose from his position, cross-legged on the ground, disgruntled that I had disturbed him. “Did they tell you?”

“Tell me what?”

“Look at the mountain. It’s so vast and beautiful. Everything looks so peaceful from here.”

“Don’t change the subject on me, Leon!”