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The snake arrows, for this is the form in which the Nakabat shaft applies its power, fall like rain on the monkeys, binding their limbs and biting their bodies with venomous fangs. Even Phra Lak falls, and of all the army only Pipeck is left unscathed. Intorachit allows the demon to flee the field, glad that the news of this total defeat shall reach the ears of Phra Ram quickly. Triumphantly Intorachit marches his army back to Longka, savoring in advance the jubilant plaudits of the citizens and his father's immeasurable gratitude and pride. This triumph, however, is premature. Pipeck has fled to Phra Ram not to inform him of his irreversible defeat, but to advise him how the situation may be remedied. Hurrying to the field of battle, Phra Ram fires his arrow Plaiwat into the air, summoning the bird Krut to his aid. That friend of the monkey army comes sighing down from the heavens and gets to work with flashing beak and ripping talons. In a trice, the snakes are torn loose and sent slithering down to the darkest corner of the underworld. As for the soldiers of Phra Ram's army, they are none the worse for their temporary setback. From Phra Lak, the eighteen royal generals and Hanuman, down to the humblest drummer monkey, they rise up, flex their stiff limbs, fall into their ranks and march back to camp in good order. In Longka the royal demons, father and son, hear this news with fury. Together they discuss the situation, planning the next move in their campaign against Phra Ram. |
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