Christian Artefact

"Ready for stage two of our adventure?" asked Hla.

"Let me guess?" Nick was tapping his half-sister's leg.

"Nick has an idea," said Philippa.

"I suppose he can read my mind now?"

Nick pulled Philippa across to him and whispered.

"He thinks it will have something to do with Christians. Are we going to Ayutthaya by any chance?" She giggled at the look on Hla's face.

"How can he possibly know that?"

"You would be surprised what he knows."

"It is a pity he can't or won't talk directly to me. It would save you the trouble of being in the middle," said Hla.

"That is the way we like it," she answered.

"So be it. Let me finish what I was about to say. Maybe Nick can interrupt if you think I've got anything wrong?"

They both nodded. Hla continued.

"In the early 1500s, Portugal was occupying Malacca, now known as Malaysia."

Nick nodded.

"Diplomats were sent to meet King Ramathibodi II and establish friendly relationships between the two countries. As you both probably know, Portugal was a Christian country and was keen to spread the faith around the world. Missionaries were allowed into this country to care for the early Thai Christians and the foreigners living and working here. A man called Bishop Lambert de la Motte was ordered to take charge of southern China and the Indochinese countries. However, he liked it best here and extended his stay in Siam and deal with religious discrimination. All Thais were Buddhists or nothing at all but spirit worshippers or a mix of the two in those days. Also, there were problems with wars and skirmishes in the sects of the region."

The children were yawning.

"Relax, you two, I'm getting to the good bit. Guess what Bishop la Motta left behind?"

Hla looked at Nick, hoping he didn't know. Nick smiled at her and pulled Philippa across.

"A ring, given to him by the Pope!" she said, squealing with joy.

Hla slammed her hand onto the table, glasses lifted, wobbling almost tipping.

"Shall I go on, or do you know the rest of the story?" She fumed.

Philippa and Nick decided it better to keep quiet. Most of her story was written in books. The rest was on Google. Unfortunately, Philippa and Nick had no chance to explore the knowledge in web pages. That would soon change, even if it seemed Nick was connected via his brain.

Hla glared at the grinning children.

"In those days, they had highway robbers here. A bit like Robin Hood, but they didn't share their ill-got gains with the poor. The generals and royalty rode with sidemen on elephants. Only the rich rode in horse-drawn carriages. These tough robbers thought it was their lucky day as they heard the horses clomping in the dust. The men jumped out of the bushes, blades flashing. One pulled the horse's bridle, forcing his nose down. The men pulled the driver to the ground. He ran away before they killed him. Their prize was inside. A religious man, dressed in black and white, holding a crucifix in front, sweating and whispering in a foreign language. The men laughed, pulling him out to the roadside. One stood over him while the others searched the carriage. They found Bibles and more Bibles. You can imagine the anger brewing in the men. Their haul was worthless, a trunk filled with black and white clothes was opened and spilled out, vestments and books they couldn't read. They started beating the man. Then one spotted a thick gold chain around his neck and the chunky ring on his wedding finger. The man happily let them take his chain with its cross. Thinking it would save him. But he didn't give them his ring. Clutching it firmly, willing to have his hands or fingers cut off before it was lost to lawless thugs. He kneeled and prayed aloud. The men, suddenly scared, took to their heels and fled with only the chain and cross."

Hla looked at the children, impressed with her storytelling.

Philippa broke the short silence. "And?"

"The Bishop thought it was God's will that he was spared. Oddly, the chain and cross were returned to the Bishop by a devout girl. No questions were asked of her. Most people believed her father was the leader of the gang of thieves. The ring that was once belonged to the Pope was given to the church in Ayuthaya. The Bishop held a feast day to celebrate his gift to the congregation. To be enjoyed by the growing number of devout believers. Lovely tale, eh?"

"But?" asked Philippa.

"Nobody living knows where the ring went. It is thought it was buried under the altar. Possibly in a coffin. It is a mystery."

A seated Nick started jiggling his knees up and down. He was bending his fingers back and flicking them, and then tugging and rubbing his short hair.

"What's up with him?" asked Hla.

"Oh, he's thinking. Don't interrupt, just wait," smiled Philippa. She had seen it before.

He clasped her forearm, eyes bulging. Her ear was dragged to his trembling mouth.

"It's in the cross," he said.

"How do you know?"

"I don't know, but it is. Near the top," he answered.

Hla began planning their excursion.