The housekeeper handed Kevin a picnic hamper. "Here's lunch for you two when you get hungry." The boy carried it over to the truck and heaved it inside. He surprised her by running back for a quick hug before he climbed into the passenger seat and buckled up. The captain smiled at the embarrassed woman before cranking the engine and pulling out of the carport.
The rest of the day was spent at the equine facilities. Kevin enjoyed everything from the nursing center for the pregnant mares and foals to the paddocks where the horse were trained to the commands of the handlers. As part of the schedule the captain created, Kevin would spend one day a week at the facility, to learn to care and ride for the animals. The captain promised that if he progressed well there, he would move on the elephant compound.
They bounced back over the road towards the house.
"Have you decided on a name for the little one?" Captain Thadchai asked. Kevin squirmed for a moment.
"At home, I have an elephant that I keep with me. Well, a stuffed animal. I want to name her Kandula, after my stuffed animal. Is that too weird?" He asked worriedly.
The captain chuckled. "I think it's a fine name. I will arrange the naming ceremony once she is completely healed, Noy Kevin. Right now, let's clean up and head to the palace; I need to consult with the king on a situation, and they have invited us for dinner."
* * *
A short time later, he was again seated at the familiar dining table at the palace. The king had stepped away with Captain Thadchai, so it was just the three of them eating.
"I heard about your exploits at the elephant barn," said the queen, "It was a brave thing you did for that little one. I've heard she is healing nicely and is able to stand on her feet without assistance."
Kevin blushed at the complement. He didn't think he did anything special, he just wanted to help.
"Did you have fun today?" Surikitiyia piped up. "Did you go see the horses? They are my favorite."
Kevin nodded. "Yep, we walked around all over the place. I'm going to start working there this weekend." The little girl clapped her hands.
"I go there too. I guess that mean we'll work together." He was happy to hear that, since he was afraid he would be the youngest person there. "Are you ready to start school tomorrow?"
He had finished reading the study books the night before, and felt better about learning the language. "I think so. I hope I can catch up okay."
With lots of smiles and chatter, the three companionably finished supper.
* * *
It was quiet and more intense as Thadchai and Phuna shared a meal in the king's study. After he gave a detailed assessment of the elephant barn incident, as well as his impressions of his young charge during the tour of the horse compound.
The king brooded for a moment. "Do you think he could be the one? Our prophesied hero?"
"He fits the majority of the information we have on him, but it's still too early to tell. I will be in close contact with both Khun Wit and Khun Tae when is around the barns. Khun Tae said he was unafraid of the horses, and they did respond to him. He will start direct contact with the horses immediately, and we will proceed from there.
"Once Noy Kevin learns to ride, we will transfer to the elephant facility. I would like to start him on some hand-to-hand training as well. Of course, we still don't know how he arrived here or whether or not he can return. So my recommendation is that we work with him on the assumption that he is here to stay."
"I agree. Until such time as that happens, let's give him as much information and training as we can. I think in this situation, it will be important to be as proactive as possible." The king's mood lightened. "How was his first day at your house?"
Thadchai grinned. "He's already charmed Khun Mattaya. In fact, she actually fixed a picnic lunch for us today. And you know she usually just tosses me a couple of sandwiches. I planned a few simple chores to see if he will do them without prompting. If his sense of responsibility is well-developed, I will speed up his training."
Nodding, the king stood up. "Okay, I agree with everything. Now let's take dessert with my family."