While Lodivarman lay upon his royal couch, grieving perhaps more for himself than for Gordon King, a palace functionary was announced. "Admit him," said Lodivarman.
The courtier entered the apartment and dropped to one knee. "What word bring you?" demanded the King.
"The prince, Gordon King, seeks audience with Lodivarman," announced the official.
"What?" demanded Lodivarman, raising himself to a sitting position upon the edge of his couch. "He lives? He has returned?"
"He is alive and unhurt, Your Majesty," replied the man.
"Fetch him at once," commanded Lodivarman, and a moment later Gordon King was ushered into his presence.
"The gods have been kind indeed," said Lodivarman. "We thought that you had fallen in battle."
"No," replied King. "I pursued the enemy too far into the jungle, but in doing so I discovered something that means more to me than my life, Lodivarman, and I have come to you to enlist your aid."
"You have but to ask and it shall be granted," replied the King.
"The prince, Bharata Rahon, of Pnom Dhek, assassinated Beng Kher and is now hastening back to Pnom Dhek to force the Princess, Fou-tan, to wed him; and I have hastened to you to ask for men and elephants wherewith I may pursue Bharata Rahon and save Fou-tan from his treachery."