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Even before the end of the period of mourning for his son Intorachit, King Totsagan sends an envoy to his allies, Sahatsadecha the thousand-headed and his brother Mulplam, king and regent respectively of the country of Pangtan, asking their aid. The ambassador is well received and returns with the assurance that Pangtan will muster an army and march to Longka's relief with all speed. The first detachments, indeed, were already assembled and others were being formed when the envoy took his leave. Totsagan is much heartened at this news. Banishing his personal sorrow, he commands the court and city of Longka to cast aside the appurtenances of mourning and defeat and put on the apparel of celebration. Soon bright flags float above the main avenue of the city, and beacons are lit along the palace walls, so that at night it appears that even the stars have allied themselves with Longka. When Sahatsadecha and his host arrive, the entire demon army is drawn up along the approaches to Longka and the citizens cram the walls and crowd the walks to add their tumultuous welcome to the reception of the ally. A great banquet is prepared that evening to set the royal seal on the occasion. Totsagan has not stinted in his festal preparations. The very best of Longka's wines and foods are set out before the guests, who eat heartily and drink deep. Nor is there a shortage of entertainment, for jesters, conjurors and acrobats vie with each other for the attention of the lesser merrymakers, while the most graceful dancers and sweetest singers, the prettiest female demons in the whole kingdom demonstrate their classical arts before the royal table. As one course succeeds another, and the empty flasks are replaced by full ones, the need for entertainment diminishes. Soon table competes with table, and soldier with soldier, in excesses of all kinds of gluttony, horseplay, braggadocio and drunkenness. At the lowest end of the great hall, demon infantrymen dance on the tables and sing shrill love songs, while at the upper end the generals boast of their conquests and sink drunkenly to the floor. While they share no part in the riots of their men, the royal brothers of Pangtan have also drunk well, and it needs no encouragement from Totsagan to keep them talking of the conduct of their recent campaigns and elaborating on the extent of their occult powers. Before long they are asking about the disposition and strength of Phra Ram's army and discussing how it might, no ! more than might, can, indeed, will be defeated. The discussion continues deep into the night, and much to Totsagan's satisfaction, his allies insist that they be allowed to lead their men against the invaders that very morning. |
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