"The Beast is a myth," Sophie told me. "I made myself crazy for months trying to find it."
"But I need to do this," I replied. "I have to see."
Sophie sighed and turned toward our lead boat.
"You need Thanh Duc. The one with the hat. She can tell you how to begin your quest for madness..."
"Sophie," I began...
But she would not speak to me again.
Our boat reached shore by a small village.
Children played like dolphins in the water.
I spoke with Thanh Duc as she gathered crabs from the murky shallows.
"Another American come to uncover our secrets," she said, intent on her work.
"No secrets left in your own country?"
"I seek only the truth."
"The truth is expensive."
I opened my knapsack and pulled out my offer.
She shook her head and pointed at her desired prize with one waterlogged finger.
I nodded, and she smiled greedily.
She left the water and rolled out a map on the ground.
"You must go further up the river. Look for a sign on the right side then walk east through the jungle. Ask to see Dr. Tran."
"He will know where to find the Beast?"
"All the time in a hurry," she grimaced. "First you must learn its secrets. How to see through its hypnotic eyes. This Dr. Tran can show you."