Karikalan: Saviour of the Cholas

Chapter 60: The Traitor

By the time they returned, the Sun was up and shining in all its morning glory.

Just as they were about to get inside the Mansion, a loud trumpet rang out. Valavan froze.

Kali!

In his preparations for the war, he had completely forgotten about her!

Guilt welled inside him. He patted Ilanchezhiyan's arm. "You go ahead. I'll join you in a minute."

Not waiting to hear his or anyone else's reply, he shot off.

Sighing, Chezhiyan proceeded into the Mansion. Vikraman was waiting for them, buzzing with curiosity. He didn't bother with greeting them. "What was all that?"

Ilanchezhiyan looked around cautiously, his previous jocund mood from the temple long gone. Both the girls shot him a surprised look. "Is something wrong?"

Ilanchezhiyan gave them a tight nod. "Yes. But, not here. Let's take this upstairs."

They quickly went to his chamber. Once inside, Chezhiyan had the doors secured closed, shutting the windows as well. Vikraman eyed him. "Alright, I'm slightly creeped out by now. Why all this fuss?"

Chezhiyan finally turned to him. He didn't answer his question. "Where are Parthiban and Uttaman?"

Vikraman's eyebrows creased. "They are on patrol again. Where is the Prince?"

Chezhiyan took a deep breath. "He will join us in a minute. As for Parthiban and Uttaman, we'll have to fill them in later. This cannot wait." He looked everyone in the eye. "There is a spy among us."

"What?"

...............

After talking with the mahout, Valavan reached where Kali was kept. She did not seem to be her usual self, appearing every bit broody. Upon hearing his footsteps, Kali whipped her head to throw a ferocious look at whoever had dared to step into her lair. When she saw who it was, she lowered her head.

Valavan's guilt grew multifold. Swallowing the lump in his throat, he went near her and stroked her trunk. "Hey, baby girl."

Surprise flared in Kali's eyes, cutting him to the quick. "I'm sorry!", he whispered. "I was waiting for you to apologize when I was the one who had acted irrationally." He looked at her, eyes contrite. "Forgive me?"

She stared at him for a long moment. Whatever was written on his face must have gotten to her. She stretched her trunk out and wrapped it around him in a tight hug. He sighed with relief, pressing his face to nuzzle her.

When she finally let him go, he patted her trunk. "I was wrong in thinking that you were a bad girl. You are a good girl, the very best!" Pleased, she nudged him with her trunk. He winked. "And do you know what good girls get?" He stepped away from her and walked out. Kali looked after him, puzzled. Valavan re-entered, shaking what was in his hands triumphantly. "Bananas!"

Kali let out a delighted trumpet. Behind Valavan, the mahout muttered under his breath. "Look at it acting so happy as though I never give it any bananas!"

Valavan heard it. He turned around and grinned. "That's why she doesn't like you all. She is not an 'it'. She has a name, you know? Call her Kali."

The mahout looked at him with fear. "I'm sorry, Prince. I will not do it again."

He laughed. "Well, it is not a given that she might like you even then. She only loves me, you see." The mahout didn't reply, choosing to mutely nod instead. He didn't understand why the Prince was talking to an elephant as if it was a human either.