Karikalan: Saviour of the Cholas

Chapter 2: A Means To An End

"Why is there an emergency regarding trade? How is the production this year?", asked Ilamchetchenni, calmly surveying the visibly nervous ministers. He was seated on his majestic throne, firmly gripping his sceptre. The ministers were all seated on either side of the throne room, fidgeting anxiously. Afternoon light seeped in, casting an orange glow over the room. It reflected on the King's bejeweled crown, making it glint exquisitely. Irungovel stared at it hungrily. He stood to the King's right, quiet as a mouse, keen to observe what transpired.

"Not good, Your Majesty", replied Chembian, a loyal minister, unhappily.

The King's brows creased in concern. "Not good? Why? Isn't our Greek Ambassador due any time soon? We should be exporting the goods in their ship docked in our port today, correct?"

Chembian's eyes darted involuntarily to Gunaseelan, the treasurer. The King's eyes followed the movement and narrowed.

"Yes, my Lord", he affirmed in a small voice. "But the production falls short of the stipulated amount to be exported. We may not be able to export the promised amount."

"Nonsense!", retorted Gunaseelan, stroking his fat belly. "It's just a little mishap. We should be able to deliver the quoted quantity of spices." His eyes glazed over. "All the rubies, diamonds, and pearls will arrive soon without a glitch."

At that, Irungovel shot him a calculated look. He knew Gunaseelan, although a vermin, was a prominent personality in court.

"Why is there a shortage?", demanded Ilamchetchenni, as though Gunaseelan hadn't spoken. Gunaseelan bristled. Irungovel smiled. Perhaps this situation could be turned to his advantage.

Chembian swallowed. "We have not got any rains for a considerable time my Lord. The yield has been dwindling for a while now."

"Precisely why", asked Ilamchetchenni, his voice dangerously quiet, "am I hearing of this just now?"

"Lord Gunaseelan perhaps thought the situation was under control", offered Irungovel, keeping his voice placating. He deliberately phrased his words in a way agreeable to both.

Ilamchetchenni shot his cousin a steely look. He shifted his attention to Gunaseelan, who had started squirming by now. "What of the shortage? What did you plan to do?"

"S-simple, M-m-my Lord. Cut down the spices going to the internal mark-"

Ilamchetchenni shot him a withering look, effectively shutting him up. Suddenly, a guard came into the throne room and bowed low.

"Aegeus, the Greek Ambassador, has arrived, your Majesty."

"Send him in."

A tall man in Royal Greek tunic entered with his companion and bowed.

Ilamchetchenni nodded back respectfully and cut straight to the point. "The Chola empire is facing a shortage in the production of spices this year. Hence, it won't be delivering the amount usually delivered as per our agreement. Accept my apologies for informing you belatedly."

Gunaseelan blanched. "But -"

Ilamchetchenni raised his hand and shot him a quelling look. Gunaseelan gritted his teeth but remained silent. Irungovel glanced at him, his eyes flashing with sympathy.

The companion, being well versed in both Tamil and Greek conveyed everything Ilamchetchenni spoke to Aegeus. Aegeus listened silently and nodded and said something back in Greek. The companion translated, "We have been having a remarkable trade relationship with the Cholas and they have been impeccable in their delivery of goods. Considering the situation, the Greeks understand. Every gem shall be delivered. We bow before the generosity of the King."