33 The brahmana’s cow
When they were back in Mahendra, Parashu made Karna rest his leg. It soon healed, and he was able to resume his work. Shikhandi was away, visiting King Maya; by the time she returned only a small scar remained on Karna’s thigh. But she noticed it, and was rather amused that neither Karna nor Parashu wanted to talk about it.
‘What did you to get up to, Karna? Did he try to bite you?’
Karna shook his head.
‘Right, Karna, well, I think I’ll go and have a chat with Anutseka. I’ll get much more gossip from him.’
‘Anutseka? Who’s Anutseka?’
‘Who? You don’t know? Well, well, that shows, doesn’t it. Didn’t Parashu tell you his name? Goodness! You probably know the name of a dozen bits and pieces that you entrust to Anutseka. Like your new bow, Vijaya — yes, yes, I’ve he
