‘Do you intend to accept Jara’s challenge to single combat?’
‘Of course.’
The rishi gave Karna a worried look.
‘I understand, Charvaka. I will try not to kill him.’
‘And then you’ll go to the mongoose?’
‘Yes, sire. Come, Vrisha, we must leave early tomorrow. I need to prepare my things.’
‘Karna...’ Charvaka put his arm round him as he spoke. ‘Please be patient with Parashu. He is a strange man. For someone who professes to think that life is just a game, he shows very little sense of humour. Humour him if he tries your patience, eh? Especially when you first meet him...’
That evening Karna and Vrisha dined with Sanjaya and his family. Next morning, when his chariot was almost ready, Karna fetched his red sack and carefully placed it at the back of his chariot.
◊
Some time after Ka
