‘What about Karna, then?’ suggested Charvaka. ‘He would certainly do it out of love. Though what on earth he should find about you to esteem quite escapes me. But he does seem fond of you, my boy.’
‘Yes...’ Dur’s face brightened. ‘Yes, Karna is my one and only consolation... That’s true... Yes, I’ve only to think of Karna, and my spirits lighten!’
‘There you are, my dear.’
‘And he’ll soon be back,’ added Charvaka. ‘Vrisha says within the week.’
‘But uncle, do you think we could defeat the Pandavas in battle?’
‘Don’t be absurd!’ There was now a distinct note of impatience in Shakuni’s tone. ‘What reason is there to fight them?’
‘I’m afraid your nephew would like to humiliate them,’ explained Charvaka. ‘But my boy,’ he warned Dur, ‘bear in mind that the more civilised a people, the har
