Is this destiny?

~ Close to the border of China with Kazakhstan ~

Friday afternoon…

Sarah is sitting on a mat and facing an older man, known as Master Hollow, without a word. This is the third day she is doing this: sitting.

She arrived at the closest city to her current location with Jesse on Tuesday, late night. After few hours of rest, she left Jesse in an inn and started her 20km hike through the forest at the crack of dawn. She was eager to reach here as soon as possible. They estimated about five hours for Sarah to reach her destination, but it took her more than seven. Even with a detailed map of the terrain, she got lost few times and had to trace her steps back. At that time, she missed Aiden more than usually. He never gets lost. Never. She remembers that Jeff once said that Aiden has to have inbuilt compass because he always knows where he is going… and Sarah could use that compass feature. And Aiden's proximity.

Sarah was elated when she finally reached a clearing with three modest cabin-looking buildings. Two younger men with shaven heads approached her cautiously asking her what she is doing here, and she explained that she is here to seek guidance of Master Hollow.

She was happy to find out that they speak Russian, so communication will not a be problem.

Hearing her reason for coming here, one of men went toward the largest cabin, and only then Sarah noticed an older man sitting on the ground in front of it. She assumed that he is Master Hollow, and later her assumption was proven to be correct. After few seconds of talk, the man returned and gestured her to follow him. When she was close to the largest cabin, the third man appeared and placed a thin mat on the ground, about 3 meters in front of Master Hollow, and gestured for her to sit. She was happy to sit. It was a welcome rest after seven hours she was walking through the forest with only one break of maybe 10 minutes, to eat.

When she took a seat on the mat, the older man observed her in silence for maybe ten seconds and then he closed his eyes. Sarah understood not to disturb him. People like him are eccentric (why else would he be in the middle of nowhere?) and she should not talk to him unless he gives her the permission to talk.

That was Wednesday. Since then, other than bio-breaks neither of them stood up. Her legs are numb, and she is shifting occasionally while trying to find a comfortable position.

Sarah observed that there are four younger men with shaven heads here, and it seems they are disciples of Master Hollow (and servants). They occasionally disappear in the forest and Sarah can hear sounds which are unmistakably from training. Few times a day they approach their master and Sarah with simple food and water.

Sarah has granola bars, chocolates and dried fruits in her backpack, but she decided not to touch those. She will eat and drink whatever she gets. Somehow, she feels that is important.

With all that sitting, she got a lot of time to think.

Sarah remembered her talk with Sigma army members about abandoning their current aliases. Neither of them was eager to make that step, placing their hopes that Nick will not expose them. Marija was the most vocal about not changing. Lucija and Petar were with Mishi that change should be made at the smallest sign of danger and Emir and Tereza said that they will follow Sarah's example. At the end, they came up with number of security protocols and alternative ways to contact each other in case of danger. Sarah also told them that they can count on her Chateau as a safe house. Nick does not know about it, and all incoming and outgoing communication is encrypted and scrambled. If it comes to the scenario where they flee from danger to the castle, Sarah will help them with new identities.

"How do we let you know if we come here?", Emir asked.

Sarah smiled. "I will know as soon as you get into the property."

She didn't want to tell them about Eve, but they understood that there are some secrets this place holds. After all, she is the almighty Sigma who even got Omega's attention.

Sarah remembered their displeasure when she told them that they are leaving earlier than planned. It took her a long time to pacify them, especially Emir who was half pouting and half weeping.

After that long meeting and mental exhaustion of saying goodbyes to her army members, came the hardest part: saying goodbye to Aiden.

They agreed that this makes sense, but no amount of reasoning made this separation any easier.

They parted ways on Tuesday evening, and technically it's only the third day, but it feels like forever.

Sarah was surprised that Mr. Patel called so soon to inform them that he made progress. Aiden didn't want to tell her the details of the deal with Mr. Patel, providing an explanation that he wants to take that part on himself, and that she should focus on her passing that trial and getting the guidance she seeks. Reluctantly, she agreed with him. As much as she wants to take everything on herself, she knows that they are a team, and splitting burden is the right thing to do.

No amount of kisses and hugs was enough when they parted ways.

Sarah encouraged herself by repeating thoughts how this is for them. To get their freedom. To get their peace. If they don't manage to get out from under the thumb of those Eastern European families, they will not be able to live peacefully no matter where they go. She needs to do this, as soon as possible, so that they can enjoy what they have: each other. All those pesky women (and men) who are trying to come in-between them seem like insignificant flies compared to these big organizations who are lurking in the shadows.

It all makes sense… other than the fact that she is missing him so much that it hurts. If only he can be close to her, everything would be fine. No matter what pain and trial she needs to go through, if Aiden is by her side, it will be fine. But he is not here. And she would gladly jump through thousands rings of fire if only they could be together.

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