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Utterly exhausted, Intorachit regains Longka city and reports to his father on this latest encounter with the invaders. When Nang Monto sees the wound her son has sustained in his battle with Phra Lak her heart almost breaks. She takes her dearest child in her arms and gives him her breast, knowing that her milk will restore his full strength to him. But even when he has recovered, she continues to hold him to her, stroking his head and crying, "Why should you suffer for the sins of your father, committed long before you were born?" And while Intorachit is sleeping, dreaming of the battle he knows must be his last, Nang Monto rounds on the demon king and implores him to return Nang Seeda to Phra Ram, so that their son shall live. But the poison of his desire for the wife of Ram taints even his love for Monto. "You are speaking not for the love of your son, but out of jealousy of Seeda," he says viciously. "And well may you be jealous, for I love her beyond all my possessions. Be quite certain that if you keep your child from fighting tomorrow, I shall lead the army myself." Intorachit, however, knows his duty. When he has rested, he comes into the demon king's presence and, bowing low before him, begs to be allowed the honor of leading the demons against the invaders in the morning. Well pleased, Totsagan gives his permission and presents his son with the powerful arrow Sooragan to use against Phra Ram's army. The demon prince leaves his father with a heavy heart. Despite his brave words, he knows well what the outcome of the morning's battle will be. He retires with his wife Suwanna Kanyuma for one last night of love. |
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