The Kings of Angkor: Army of a Thousand Elephants

Glossary of Terms and Characters

Ramayana (India)/Reamker (Cambodian Version)

A sweeping tale of abduction, battle and courtship played out in the Universe full of heroes, heroines, deities and demons. The Ramayana has been known to readers and listeners since the 4th century BC. Rama was the firstborn son Dasaratha, King of Kosala, and one of his three wives. Rama was the most popular of the king’s children. Rama falls for the beautiful Sita and wins her hand by stringing a huge bow for arrows that no one can even lift.

Goddess Lakshmi- Daughter of a sage Bhrigu. Lakshmi was reborn during the Churning of the Ocean. She was given to Vishnu. In her reincarnation she was Sita and Vishnu was Rama.

Lakshmi is the goddess of light, beauty, good fortune and wealth. Being the consort of Vishnu, she also signifies love and grace.

Lakshmi rides vehicles that include owls or elephants and sometimes a non-animal vehicle, such as the lotus flower.

Tatianna Oldenburg – Anna, Indradevi, Princess Devi, reincarnation of Sita.

Heng- Cousin to Nurung, nephew to Ome, King Suryavarman II

Ome- Aunt to Heng and Nurung, servant at ancient Angkor Wat/Yasodharapura. Aunt to King Suryavarman II and Jayara.

Ome (Long O sound) is a title of respect given to those much older. Many times people in Cambodia are just referred to as Ome.

Nurung/Jayara- Older cousin to Heng and Suryavarman II, Commander in Chief of the Armies of Angkor Wat/ Yasodharapura. Chief counselor to the King

Setha- Anna’s Assistant, One of Princess Devi’s maids at ancient Angkor Wat / Yasodharapura Granddaughter to Ome Nat Po. Long E and the H is silent in Cambodian words. Also a version of the name Sita.

Ome Nat Po- A general at Angkor Wat/ Yasodharapura. Head Mahout/handler to the elephants

Sean- (pronounced See-ann, Khmer Name) General in present day for Nurung and in the past for Jayara. Rescued by Nurung when they were younger running from the Khmer Rouge at the worm hole.

Angkor Wat/ Yasodharapura ancient name of Angkor Wat.

Dai Viet- Where present day North Viet Nam is today. Dai Viet was the name that replaced the Chinese name of Annam. King Suryavarman II waged a series of unsuccessful attempts to defeat those neighbors

Chole Chnam Thmey- Happy Khmer New Year. In April of each year.

King Norodom Sihanouk/Prince Norodom Sihanouk born in 1922, King from 1941-1955 & 1993-2004

High Priest Divakarapandita- Hindu Brahman priest for four kings, including Suryavarman II, who he helped ascend to the throne when he was in his late teens. Born 1040, died 1120

Boppha- fictional niece to the High Priest Divakarapandita

Mother to Bobbha- fictional character

Riels- form of currency in Cambodia

Champa, The Kingdom of central and South Vietnam and a small portion of Cambodia (Where I lived in Kampot Province). They had a huge navy. Sacked the Khmer capital of Angkor Wat around 1077, which led Jayavarman to wage a war on them and become king.

The modern day characters are all fictional, their ancient counterparts, unless noted, lived. King Jayavarman VII had two queens that co-reined with him. For ease when writing this book, I gave Jayara only one real love and wife. In real life his two queens were sisters and married to him at the same time. They were called The Royal Triad.

Prologue

Anna was as happy as a woman could be. She knew she carried Heng’s, well she should say Suryavarman II’s, child. She walked along the paths that were bordered with jasmine. Everything looked brighter and smelled so fresh. It had taken her a while to get used to living in the time she had studied, but it wasn’t all that hard. After all it wasn’t like being a peasant. She was the consort to the king.

She still couldn’t believe she had traveled back in time. But who was she to question?

She stood and drank in the scene that lay before her, the royal palace, the home that she shared with Heng, well Suryavarman II. In times of privacy she still called him Heng. Though lately their time had been short together. He was always busy with affairs of state. He had been off to a battle against the Dai Viet. That hadn’t turned out well. Now they were hosting a diplomat from China.

Anna knew Heng was back at the palace. She had seen him head that way. She had been talking with servants and couriers. Funny, one of Suryavarman’s close advisors reminded Anna of Nurung. He had his loyal ones in his inner court. She stood and thought. He was always in charge of keeping her safe. She always had bodyguards around. They were afraid she would be kidnapped again like last year.

She came to the upper part of the palace with the royal chambers. Servants moved aside and bowed low to her. It had taken her awhile to get used to it. One got up but, head still bowed, eyes down, spoke. Princess, maybe you would like to sit and have some tea.

No, Ome. I want to go in and see his majesty while he is here.

Princess I really think…Ome couldn’t say it. The words were stuck on her tongue.

Anna studied her chief housekeeper. She looked guilty, like she was hiding something. Why would she look guilty? There shouldn’t be anything for her to hide… She heard something. Though it was completely quiet. All the servants stood still, almost like statues. She could see they all held their breath. They were all trying not to be obvious but looked at her through their lashes. Then she heard it. A small laugh. Female, and it was coming from the private royal apartments that she and Heng shared.

She tucked her finger under Ome’s chin. What do you know? What are you hiding from me?

Ome dropped to her knees and covered her head. I know nothing Princess. That is, I don’t want to know anything. Please don’t beat me. I am old and have been in service here all my life. You are by far the kindest mistress I have served under.

Anna felt ashamed but was growing madder by the second. I won’t beat you, though I feel like shaking you. She stood up and pushed the teak doors open. She walked down the narrow hall to their private rooms. Silk curtains stood between her and their private chamber. She heard noises and what she heard didn’t make her any happier. Only the mosquito netting would separate what she feared lay in front of her. She felt her heart hammering in her chest. Her hands felt clammy. For the life of her she couldn’t move. She kept listening to what was going on beyond the silk draperies.

Ome ran as fast as her old legs would allow. She had to reach Jayara. He would know what to do. She saw him in the group of men talking. They stood over a large parchment. Battle plans. She had heard it talked about. More battles with the Dai Viet. Damn them to eternal hell.

She bowed and cleared her throat.

Jayara looked over his shoulder and saw Ome. She had faithfully served here at Angkor for years. Even though she was his aunt she was a valuable servant here. She had worked with his father in the past, the future… it all meshed together.

Excuse me sirs. He took Ome by the arm and noticed she trembled. When they were out of earshot he spoke to her. What is it that would have you interrupt the war plans?

Ome bowed her head. Ringing her gnarled hands she dared to look up a bit. Anna has headed for the royal apartments…

Yes and why would that concern me?

Ome stood to her full height and looked Jayara straight in the eyes. Because his majesty is back and … and has…"

Jayara saw it in her eyes and understood.

He swore under his breath and broke out into a run. Anna would lose the babies. The midwife had said she was to rest and not get excited. She carried royal twins and now she was heading into Hengs’ love nest.

Damn him. He had been a meek leader at first but into his third year he acted like he had been king all his life. Now he acted more and more like the mighty king he was supposed to be. But in his wake he made bad choices. One of his choices was the string of women he kept. Anna never knew but now he was getting careless.

He took the stairs two at a time and came crashing through the teak doors. He heard the muffled cry and knew he was too late.

Anna pulled back the silk drapes and though the netting obscured the scene, she knew what was going on. The afternoon sun filtered in from the opposite side. Their bodies moved in perfect unison. Bodies so perfect and beautiful and their timing was perfect, just like a dream. Their bodies glistened with sweat. She heard the soft moans of the woman. Anna should have run but she was frozen to where she stood. She was horrified but fascination won out. She stood and watched as her Heng made love to another woman. Heng who was the god king Suryavarman II. The king who was now father to the babies that she carried. At one time he had made love to her like that. She covered her mouth to stifle the sob that begged to break loose.

Suryavarman hadn’t planned on this. But one of the servant girls who had made herself available before came in. Coy and flirtatious, she had rubbed his shoulders as he studied maps and when he had turned she had been completely naked. Everything about her was perfect. And she was his. After all he was King. He could do as he wanted. Wasn’t that what being a king was all about?

He had taken her quickly. He knew Anna would be back soon. She had been to see someone. He didn’t know and lately he hadn’t cared. She was his too. He knew she loved him and in a way he still loved her but he was King and with that came a different life and with that life came pleasures. Pleasures that he could have when he wanted.

He felt himself ready to let go. He looked down into his partner’s eyes and saw that look of self-satisfaction, smugness. She was in the presence of the king, the ultimate audience.

He thrust in her faster and harder, taking her harder than he ever took Anna. When they made love it had always been special. This… this was just a way of finding pleasure and release.

He thrust in her and felt her nails claw his back. He reveled in the feeling. The slight pain with the ecstasy. He felt himself explode and with that, his head went back and he growled. He heard her. You are mine now…then he heard the muffled scream. He didn’t need to turn to see who let out the scream. But he had to and what met his eyes was sorrow beyond any he had ever seen before. He had caused his Anna sorrow.

Anna saw his head go back. She felt each thrust. As Suryavarman had thrust in that servant girl the thrust had pierced her heart. Then he let out a growl the likes of which she had never heard from him when they had made love. She hadn’t meant to scream but then Suryavarman looked over at her and then the servant girl turned. She had smiled a wicked smile. Then the servant girl had started screaming for guards.

It happened so fast. She was standing there with her hand over her mouth then she was screaming and tears blurred her eyes. She had to get out of here. Get out and away. She would go back. Go ahead in time. She would leave Cambodia. She turned to run and ran into the arms of Suryavarman’s advisor. He was always there. It was like having Nurung around. He was ever present… even when he wasn’t there.

She was sobbing. She felt the arms go around her and hold her fast. Princess, you must calm down. He held her fast and tried to calm her. Having her this close was unsettling, but he had to keep her calm. If she lost these babies he was afraid of what it would do to her. She had already lost two other babies.

I need to leave… need to get far away. Never return…She was getting light headed and dizzy. The thought of Suryavarman and the girl. Their bodies entwined, glistened with sweat. That laugh as she was found out. The girl was now shrieking, being pulled by Ome and another servant. Kicking and screaming she was saying. He is mine. I am his favorite now. I will be his consort, not that foreigner. She doesn’t belong. I carry his seed now. Just you wait. I will carry his child and someday…Ome slapped the girl again and again.

You will not be consort, you are not good enough for the king. Maybe to clean his latrine but that only. She handed the screaming girl over to another servant. Take her and don’t allow her near here again or I will personally chop off her toes.

Jayara held onto Anna but she squirmed out of his hold and ran. Suryavarman came off the platform, tying a sarong around his hips.

Anna wait…he yelled. He would have gone after her but she ran too fast. Jayara caught him. You are so stupid. I never thought I would ever say that of you. Had I known… had I been able to find out what you were really like I could have headed this off.

You mean change history? Let go of me. After all, I am King. I could have your head.

Jayara let his cousin go. But you won’t. You know you can’t kill me, as I will be king someday. You aren’t the only one who has a destiny. Good thing with being your advisor, by the time it’s my time, I will know what to do. Funny isn’t it, how history plays itself out? I am learning from your mistakes."

Suryavarman fled past his cousin and out to the outer porch. Anna was nowhere in sight. She could be anywhere. He felt Jayara right behind him. Guards came up the steps and tied to a rope, was a prisoner.

Jayara and Suryavarman spoke at the same time. Where did you find him?

We found him near the wormhole. The princess has left.

More guards came up the stairs. Not Jayara’s personal guards, his knew about the wormhole. We need to find her. Princess Devi could be in danger. You guards are to watch over this prisoner. The rest of you are to follow me. We will go find her.

Suryavarman started after his cousin. What about me? What should I do?

Jayara turned towards his cousin. Don’t you think you have caused enough damage for one day? Stay here. If we don’t come back with word of An- I mean the princess, take the prisoner, draw and quarter him… with the elephants."

The prisoner looked at both with horror.

Jayara grabbed him by the shirt and pulled him close. How did you get here?

The man paled. I got here the same as you… through the door…"

Are there any others?

Yes… yes. They wait for me at the opening. They will catch her and I am afraid she will be dead before nightfall.

Jayara threw him to the ground. Not if I have anything to say about it. Turning to his General, he said. Follow me. We will get reinforcements on the other side then go back."

The General followed at a brisk pace. We have weapons on this side, sir. If I may say so, I think we can more than handle anything on the other side if we move fast.

Then let’s move. Turning to Suryavarman, he saw his cousin didn’t look quite so cocky. He looked like the little boy who had been caught stealing guavas. You know you messed up. You have thought of no one, and I say no one but yourself this last year. You know she is pregnant with your twins?

Suryavarman felt like he had been sucker punched. No, no I didn’t know. She had said she hadn’t been feeling good.

Jayara felt sorry for him. But he was losing ground here. Well if we can, we will save her and the babies. But if we can’t you will regret the day you ever hurt her.

Then it hit Suryavarman. "You love her, don’t you?

Destiny has her as your consort but it has her as my wife. She will be spoken of in history. I’ve… always loved her. From the first time I saw her. When we came here the first time.

The first time? Suryavarman was puzzled.

Jayara shouldn’t take the time to explain, but he felt compelled to. When we were escaping you were but a baby in our Aunt’s arms. I saw Anna also escaping but it was when she was escaping the men who wait for her now. For a brief second she saw me and said my name… I need to go.

Jayara turned. We need to leave now. We only have a small window of time. Watch that prisoner. He ran down the steps, followed by his guard. Suryavarman watched as they ran towards the rising foundation of the temple, the temple he had just dedicated to Vishnu. The Bakan wasn’t even built yet where the Lone Apsara stood. It wouldn’t be until after his death but the wormhole was there.

He turned back to the prisoner. How many men are there?

Just two but she will be taken. They will have fun with her before they turn her over. But she won’t last the night.

Heng wanted to lash out, but if anything he had learned over the years as king in waiting and then king. You got information out of the prisoner first. You have been following us over the years?

Yes, we almost caught your cousin and aunt. I think you were a baby. We almost had you too. He smiled a wicked smile. He reached into his pocket for something, pulled out a cigarette and lit it. Inhaling deeply, he studied Heng as he blew smoke out. You are him?

Suryavarman watched the prisoner, as did the real Wat guards. If you mean Suryavarman, yes I am him.

I don’t understand how you can be him and that baby I saw back two years ago in 1975.

It’s all to do with time travel.

The man laughed. Well, too bad you couldn’t have seen what was going to happen to the girl. She will be killed, but not before they…

Suryavarman lashed out and the man went flying. Bring him to the elephant pen. They need exercise. He waved his hand towards his guards. Take him. I don’t want to see his face again. Then he thought about it. Wait a minute, before you throw his body away, bring me back his head. I will take it and place it on a pole where his friends can see as a warning to any other curious ones who may venture here.

His guards looked at the king. They never questioned anything but for a very long time, years since the king came as a child, strange things had happened. This man that they now looked at was dressed differently. Maybe it was a strange costume of the Cham. Well it was not for them to think or question.

Anna ran, not knowing or caring who saw her. Heng had committed the worst crime against her. Not the act itself but his indifference. He didn’t care for her. He was too important. She was no longer part of his life.

She ran to the foundation of the Wat and ran to what she knew would be the exact spot of the Bakan. She looked at the setting sun and started reciting a portion of the sacred text. It didn’t matter what part. She felt herself start to move. It was like a rush, a vacuum. For a split moment she couldn’t breathe and then she was back or, to be exact, forward in time. Two Khmer Rouge soldiers stood there like they had been waiting for her. They smiled a wicked smile and she knew she was done for. They grabbed her and pulled at her clothes. They pulled her down the stairs of the Bakan. She bumped along the steep stairs. She screamed and thrashed wildly trying in vain to free herself. One last thump and she was at the bottom. She tried again to run but they tackled her and dragged her to a small bush. They stood over her, leering and kicking her. Then one knelt and, taking a hold of her top, started ripping her clothes off her and spread her legs. Then all of a sudden they fought over who would have her first. The one straddling her said he would take her first. The other one threw his cigarette down and pulled the other off her. He was not going to miss a chance like this and not be second in line. All she could think of was how had it come to this. Then she remembered her babies. They were her babies. Not Heng’s. He had lost all rights. She saw they were side tracked for a moment. Here was her chance. A small one, but she had to try. For the sake of the baby that she carried, she silently picked up one of the AK47s. Taking careful aim with the butt of the rifle, she slammed it first against one of the men’s heads. She tried to ignore the sickening crunch she heard when the butt of the gun made contact. He slumped over. She then went for the other. She hit him, but not quite so well. She got up, scrambling to pull her sarong about her to cover her some, and she ran. She had to get back to the wormhole.

She ran up the stairs of the Bakan. Being 1977, Angkor Wat now lay in ruins and she knew the Bakan was in its finished state, even if it was in disrepair. She stood in front of the Apsara. Fresh sobs escaped her. She stood in front of herself. The way she looked when Heng had had it commissioned. She had been smiling at Suryavarman. They had made her look like a Cambodian but it was her. Suryavarman had said when the Wat was finished to hang for all to see. His consort, the love of his life. A new sob broke free and she wiped the tears away.

She heard a shout and she glanced back and saw the lone soldier take aim. She heard the rifle’s report and felt the bullet hit her. She had to get further in the future. She could get help then. She turned and at that moment as she placed her hand on the Apsara she saw Nurung. She knew it was him because she had seen pictures of when he was younger. Next to him were his Aunt and Heng, who she held on her hip. Heng was crying but Nurung was looking right at her. Wild eyes. As wild as she must look now. Then she saw Nurung of the present and she screamed his name as she was sucked into the vortex.

Suryavarman turned and ran after his cousin and the guards that had left. He had to get back. He had to find Anna, ask for her forgiveness, plead with her. He grabbed some of his clothes. He always had clothes from the 21st century ready. He put them in a krama and slung it over his shoulder. As he ran everyone dropped to the ground. His servants had gotten used to his strange ways. They no longer wondered. Most knew it was something to expect from the god-king Suryavarman II. After all, he was king and could do as he pleased. He reached the wormhole and started to recite from the text that would guide him forward. He got sucked through the vacuum and felt like it was much more turbulent this time. More electricity. He caught images of times past and future, something that had never happened before. Then he was back in the present. He saw some tourists so he quickly went to a quiet corner. He changed his clothes and then he ran for Nurung’s house. He had to find someone.

Ome was sitting waiting for Heng. She knew he would come back to the future. She had gotten back here just before Nurung and his small army. She had waited and had just received the call from him. They had Anna but were evacuating her to Thailand. She had fainted since she had been shot and lost a lot of blood. That was all she knew. Now she heard Heng calling for Anna, Nurung, Ome. Anyone…

He came to an abrupt halt as he saw her at her desk. Ome, am I glad so to see you.

Come in and sit down Heng, or should I say your Majesty?

No, just Heng. He looked at her and saw she was troubled but she had a good poker face. She had to learn to use that over the years in court. It was the only way to survive being eaten by the tigers.

Where is she? Where has Nurung taken her?

Ome sat at her desk, fingers steepled. She felt for Heng, but she was caught in a web of loyalties. Nurung and Heng were her only family that remained. Both of her brothers and sisters-in-law were gone. All were gone except Nurung and Heng. Thanks to Nurung’s quick thinking they had survived destiny and had gone on. Now destiny sat in front of her. He was Heng, the embodiment of Suryavarman II, the god king.

Ome, where is she? His voice was shaky, not so cock sure as it had been as of late.

Ome leaned forward. I don’t know Heng. She’s hurt, was shot, that’s all that I know.

She’s carrying my child, Ome?

She’s carrying twins Heng. She will be lucky if she gets through this.

Heng sat down. Twins, she wanted this baby so bad.

Ome stood and came around to Heng and placed a hand on his shoulder. She wanted you…

* * * * *

Nurung watched as they gently loaded Anna into the copter. Turning to his General, he said, You and Vuthy are to come. Only the two of you are needed. Have the rest go back to my compound and stay there to wait word.

Nurung climbed aboard and made sure Anna was comfortable. She was still out. He couldn’t tell from first glance but then with gentle probing saw the bullet was still in her upper chest. She moaned faintly.

His men climbed aboard and the pilot made preparations for them to take off.

We need to get going. She’s bad off and I don’t know how long she can hold on and what damage there is.

The pilot without word brought the copter up. The general seated next to Nurung buckled himself and then Nurung up. Sir, can I do anything?

Nurung shook himself. He couldn’t let anything happen to Anna. These babies would mean the world to her. If she lost them he wasn’t sure what she would do.

I need to get in touch with The Deputy Chief at the American Embassy in Bangkok. We are going to need air clearance and quick as we will be crossing over their border in minutes.

We go to Bangkok, not Phnom Penh?

She will get better care and be safe.

Nurung scrolled down on his list of contacts on his Blackberry. Finding the number for his friend Grant Mackenzie, he hit his private cell number.

He heard Grant’s voice. Grant this is Nurung…

I hear you man and are you in a helicopter?

Yes, friend. I need help and quick.

Anything for you.

I need air clearance because we are coming into Thai air space as of now and being a Cambodian, I don’t want to be shot down.

You’ve got it.

Nurung heard his friend talking quickly and then silence. Grant came back on the line.

We will have you cleared in a second. What else can I do for you?

Nurung looked down at Anna and saw her move and wince in pain. I need you to contact Bumrungrad Hospital and have them ready for the helicopter. I have someone who has a gunshot wound… and is pregnant. Nurung heard a low whistle.

I take it with that last bit of info, the person is female?

Yes, Anna.

Anna Oldenburg, the archeologist?

Yes but more importantly Princess Devi.

She became consort to…

Heng. The name brought a bitter taste to his mouth. He had done everything to insure his ascension to the throne. In his climb to power he had done well. As of late it had been more for him instead of the country or for Anna. He knew that when he became King, with Anna at his side it would be different.

I have your clearance.

Good. Can you call Bumrungrad? I need a team of specialists there waiting for her. They are to spare nothing. Have them, if it’s available, put her in the Royal Suite. She will need the privacy and the security that it affords. Also I am bringing two of my men, armed.

Grant did some quick thinking. I will meet you there. I can be there in ten. I will bring two Marines. They will stand guard. Do you expect trouble?

Not at first. Maybe none. We will need to talk as I will be setting up a home in Bangkok.

Exile?

Maybe…

Grant hastily scribbled a note to his assistant as he talked to Nurung. I will be there to meet you. We need to talk, old friend.

After I know Anna will be fine.

You’ve got it. If there is anything I can do you let me know.

Nurung pushed back the hair that fell over Anna’s face. She whimpered and then tears escaped her eyes. She leaned into his hand. Opening her eyes, she tried to focus and with the movement