The Elephant Gate

Once he showered, changed into clean clothes, and ate another filling meal, Kevin was ready for school. Captain Thadchai backed into the carport just as he was helping carry the dishes back into the kitchen. The housekeeper tutted; he looked tired and dirty.

"Go upstairs and clean up. I have some Pah Nang chicken set aside for you in the kitchen."

He shook his head. "I'm going to take Noy Kevin to school. I have a meeting with the king, so I'll drive us both back when the lessons are done."

"Very good, Khun Thadchai. I hope you aren't finding the palace food more to your liking than mine."

He smiled.

"Of course not, especially if you plan to make some of your bread pudding?" His voice took on a pleading tone that surprised Kevin but made the housekeeper chuckle.

"Go on with you. I'll make some bread pudding, but you have to return before dark to enjoy it."

When the captain disappeared up the stairs, Mattaya sighed. "When he starts a project, he frequently forgets to eat. Sometimes my bread pudding is the only thing that sustains him. Well, Noy Kevin, do you want to wait with me in the kitchen?" He agreed.

A short time later, Thadchai came upon the two laughing in the kitchen. Kevin was perched on a stool and stirring a clay pot with a large wooden spoon while Khun Mattaya pulled something savory out of the oven. He was glad that Kevin was integrating so well into his household, and almost wished the boy was his own son. Where ever he was from, it was clear he was raised well by his parents.

Kevin looked up and saw the captain. Scrambling off his stool, he left the bowl on the countertop and ran to give the housekeeper a quick hug. "Thanks, Khun Matt'ya! That was fun." He trotted up to Thadchai. "I've got my books by the front door."

The captain smiled at his housekeeper's consternation. "Okay, Noy Kevin, let's go."

* * *

"How was your first day with Khun Wit?" The captain asked.

"There was a lot of work to do. I got in trouble." Kevin felt like he needed to confess; after all, the captain had taken responsibility for him. "I took Kandi to her momma by myself after I scrubbed her, instead of waiting for a grown up. I apologized to Uncle Wit and promised not to do it again."

Thadchai glanced at the earnest face. "Why did you move her alone?" Kevin shrugged.

"Because I knew she was hungry. She nearly pulled me down before I told her to stop. When we got to Momma Kwamsoo, I told her to move away from the gate, opened it up, and let Kandi in. She thanked me for making her baby clean." He grinned, a look of pure joy on his face.

"She told you this?" Thadchai humored him.

"Yep. And she wanted me to tell Uncle Wit that she wants more tree bark in her food." Kevin laughed. "I didn't even know they ate tree bark. Uncle Wit promised me next time I can help make up the elephant food for one of the meal times. Did you know they eat all day?" Kevin prattled on, and never noticed the sharp look his mentor gave him.

Thadchai drove on automatic pilot, listening to young Kevin talk. Mostly, his mind was in a whirl.

Can this young boy actually communicate with the elephants? Or does he only think that he can... But how to prove this one way or the other?

He accelerated towards the palace, eager to talk with the king about this newest development.

Surikitiyia was at the top of the stairs when they arrived, and Kevin quickly headed up to the schoolroom. When he disappeared, Thadchai turned and strode over to the king's office. He met the secretary outside.

"Good afternoon, Khun Apirak. Is His Highness available?" The man checked the schedule.

"He should be done soon. He is meeting with our Anachak ambassador. Their ruler is making overtures for more friendly relations between the two countries."

Thadchai grunted.

Although they shared a border, there were vast differences between the two kingdoms. Anachak's king was mostly a figurehead, while the military actually controlled the country and its peoples. There was equilibrium at the moment, and relations were peaceful.

"I'll grab something to eat in the kitchens and come back."

Khun Apirak agreed. "It will be about a half-hour."

* * *

After a small meal in the servant's dining room, Thadchai was back. This time he was gestured into the office.

The large office was richly appointed. A large conference table and a conversation setting of brown leather couches and chairs dominated the front of the room. The king sat behind an ornate desk in the back corner. He stood up and walked towards the couches. Thadchai bowed and met him there.

They sat down and he ordered tea for the two of them. Once Apirak left, they settled down to talk.

"What happened, captain? It seems you have some important information to tell me."

Thadchai relayed the conversation he had with Kevin on the way to the palace. "It seems he really believes he is talking to them. Not just feelings or impressions but actual thoughts."

The king thought for a moment. "There must be a way to test this and not get any rumors started. What do you suggest?"

"I think Khun Wit needs to be involved, and possibly Khun Tae. If we can establish that Kevin can indeed speak directly to the elephants, then we need to test him with other animals to see if it is a cross-species phenomenon." There was a discreet tap on the door, and the secretary brought in a tray with a steaming pot. He arranged the tea-things on the coffee table and then bowed out of the room.

After a few sips of tea, they continued their conversation.

"There was another incident at the pavilion that Khun Wit is aware of," Thadchai continued, "young Kevin led Kandula back to the main pen by himself, and somehow was able to control her without the lead. The other handlers saw this, but I don't think anyone is aware of the extent of the communication."

The monarch thought for a moment. "Then we definitely need to make Khun Wit aware of what Kevin told you. Forewarned is forearmed, and he will understand how he needs to handle among his employees."

"Right now he is scheduled for one day per week at each facility. I think we should increase his interactions with the elephants, and possibly other animals, but I also want Khun Joy's impression of his learning abilities."

Thadchai wanted to know the full extent of his young charge's magical awareness, but he also had a responsibility to the boy. It was important that he have conventional learning, and all the things that boys need for their happiness. Young Kevin already had a small but growing place in his heart, and he wanted to do the best job he could at raising him.