King stripped and entered the bowl, and then one of the slaves poured water over him while the other scrubbed him vigorously with two brushes. It was, indeed, a heroic bath, but it left King stimulated and exhilarated and much refreshed after his tiresome journey.
The scrubbing completed to their satisfaction, they bade him step out of the bowl on to a soft rug, where they oiled his body from head to foot and then proceeded to rub his skin vigorously until all of the oil had disappeared. Following this, they anointed him with some sweet-smelling lotion; and while the water-carrier emptied the bowl and carried the bath water away, the other slave assisted King as he donned his new clothing.
"I am Hamar," whispered the fellow after the other slave had left the apartment. "I belong to Fou-tan, who trusts me. She sent this to you as a sign that you may trust me also." He handed King a tiny ring, a beautiful example of the goldsmith's art. It was strung upon a golden chain. "Wear it about your neck," said Hamar. "It will take you in safety many places in Pnom Dhek. Only the King's authority is greater than this."
"Did she send no message?" asked King.
"She said to tell you that all was not as favourable as she had hoped, but to be of good heart."
"Convey my thanks to her if you can," said King, "and tell her that her message and her gift have cheered me."
The other slave returned now, and as King had no further need of them, he dismissed them both.
The two had scarcely departed when a young man entered, resplendent in the rich trappings of an officer.
"I am Indra Sen," announced the newcomer. "Bharata Rahon has sent me to see that you do not lack for entertainment in the palace of Beng Kher."
"Bharata Rahon did not seem to relish the idea of entertaining a common warrior," said King with a smile.