he stayed that way for several seconds before moving back behind his desk and sitting down . the saying was true : sometimes it 's when we stop looking for love that love finds us . here it is , my nightmare realized . the holy man put out his hand , palm turned vertical , and waved it a few times . he was slowed down and distracted , but still he blocked our escape . but at least we were talking . a loud screech rose from the sea of grass to his left and a large bird took wide wing . 