Chapter 5 — Motives, hidden
Year 62, Kali yuga
Present day
Malasāra galloped down the long road to the gate. Ripunjaya was one less thing to worry about, at least for the time being. Mārthāndan would take good care of him. There was one other matter he needed to take care of in Bhūloka. He reached the market, and found the horse master. He returned the horses, and walked out the massive gates.
——
Malasāra landed just outside Thillai, and surveyed the village. It was the late afternoon, few people were outside in the blazing sun, and the dusty streets were empty. He walked briskly to Kannanār’s hut and stepped over the threshold. “Kannanār-ae!” he called out in a raised voice. He walked in further, and found the seer reclining on a long, low chair.
Ah, the yamadūta is back, just as expected. Kannanār sat up slowly. “It was once, Malasāra. I’m sure the boy paid no attention.”
Malasāra eyes spat fire. “He most certainly did. He remembers.”
Kannanār maintained his stance. “He would not be able to recall, take my word for it.”
“Your word, old man, means to me no longer what it used to!”
Kannanār remained silent. The yamadūta is in no mood to listen, it seemed prudent not to antagonise the demon further.
Malasāra glowered at the frail old man before him. Did the seer reveal the name intentionally? What designs does this old man plot? He tried to gauge the seer’s visage, but Kannanār’s face remained impassive. It was never easy to read Kannanār. “You would have been little more than a pile of ashes if it were not for me, priest. You stand here, before me, because I deemed it so. Remember that.”
“I do.” said Kannanār flatly.
“Then do also remember, O seer, your promise the next time you waggle your tongue without thought.” with a final piercing glare, Malasāra disappeared in a puff of dark smoke.
Kannanār smiled inwardly. Of course the boy remembers, he seemed a sharp lad.
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