The Elephant Gate

The pair approached a large pool in the back of the estate. There were big multi-colored umbrellas over a smattering of tables at one end, and Kevin could see a couple of grown ups sitting at one of them. Suddenly feeling very self-conscious, he tried to smooth his pajamas a little. They weren't really clothes, but he didn't have anything else.

"Ma! Da! Look what I found in the garden!" At her shout, the people at the table turned and stared. Suddenly, there were a couple of mean-looking guards surrounding them, and Kevin shrank back, his urge to flee stopped by the tiny but firm grip on his arm. The tallest of the guards reached down and plucked the princess away, leaving him blocked with one in front and one behind. For the first time, he wished his mom or his dad were here, too.

Surikitiya wriggled out of his arms and pushed the other guard before she again grabbed Kevin's arm. "Stop it! K'vin is my friend! I found him at the lotus pond. He's nice!" The little girl appealed to the taller guard, and with a nod from him, the other two stepped back. He gestured the little girl, who despite a mulish pout, let go of Kevin's hand and moved back several steps.

The guard squatted down in front of Kevin.

"My name is Thadchai, and I am the captain of the royal bodyguards. Who are you? And where are you from?" The man's eyes were brown and he looked friendly, not mean. The tension in his small body eased as he looked into the guard's eyes His voice had the same melodic quality that Sur'kya had, and Kevin instinctively trusted him. .

He straightened up to his full height; although he still wasn't quite as tall as the kneeling guard, he didn't back down. "My name is Kevin. I'm eight years old, and I live in Richmond, V.i.r.g.i.nia. That's in the United States of America." Kevin wondered again if he was still in America.

"I see," said Captain Thadchai, "and how did you get here?"

"I don't know, Mister Captain. I was in the hospital and the doctor was going to fix my head and I fell asleep with my mom there and I woke up in the wooden house." Kevin took a deep breath. "I don't know where I am 'cuze at home we don't have palm trees and plants like this and stuff. Can you get me home? I really want to see my mom and dad again." Kevin could feel tears pricking the back of his eyes, but he couldn't help it. The wonderment he first felt was fading as his tiredness and hunger came to the forefront, and he desperately wanted something familiar, even if it was the hospital.

"I promised Khun Pa would make him something to eat." Surikitiya called from behind the other guards. The captain made a decision and stood up. Bowing to the young boy, he reached out his gloved hand. "Come, Noy Kevin, let's have some food, and we will talk later." Kevin wiped his eyes with his sleeve and grabbed the offered hand. The two guards fell behind as they walked towards the umbrellas, the girl skipping ahead.

* * *

By the time Kevin reached the tables, Surikitiya was being gently scolded by a pretty lady dressed in dark green. While she squirmed, the lady brushed off bits of grass and sand from the little girl's outfit. Kevin squeezed the captain's hand, wondering what to do next. Her ministrations done, the lady straightened up to look at the young boy.

The captain took the initiative. "May it please Your Highness, I present Master Kevin." Kevin performed a clumsy bow, causing various people around the table to snicker. The couple at the table said nothing but smiled. Surikitiya scampered over and grabbed his other arm. "Come on, you can sit here."

Unresisting, he found himself sitting across from the elegant couple. At a nod from the king, Captain Thadchai sat to his left while Sur'kya sat on his right. Immediately, fragrant dishes were placed in front of him. His stomach rumbled again, and the king chuckled.

"You can eat first, and we will talk later." Kevin needed no urging, although he did mumble "Thank you" before reaching for the plates. There were hunks of bread slathered with butter and spices; curly noodles like the hard blocks of ramyun at home, except the water had chunks of vegetables in it. And there wasn't a lima bean in sight. The food washed away some the fear and anxiety that had built up.

A short time later, he felt pleasantly sated and sleepy; Surikitiyia's head was nodding in tandem.

"I think our questions will need to wait until tomorrow." A male voice caused Kevin to force his heavy eyes open.

"I promised to answer your questions, Mister King. And Momma always tells me to keep my promises."

The king chuckled. "It's okay, son. We will find you a place to sleep for now, and we can talk later. Captain Thadchai, please take him to the blue guest room."

Kevin was lifted high by a pair of strong arms. He nestled in and fell asleep almost immediately, and never remembered being tucked into bed.