Instantly, a fire coughed and sputtered in the fireplace. The scarlet flames cast huge shadows on the mossy wall, and the smell of burning wood and the gentle crackling of sap eased the tension between Aru’s shoulders. Soft music filled the air, broken only by the occasional sound of Aiden’s camera shutter. Aru looked around the room, but there was no sign of the Syamantaka Gem. And there weren’t any obvious halls, doors, or archways leading to other rooms in Jambavan’s cave palace.
The bear ambled toward a table set against the back wall. Aru watched as his furry arm wentstraight throughthe rock. There was a slight clattering sound, as if he was rummaging around on a shelf they couldn’t see. When he withdrew his paw, it held a golden tray with six steaming mugs of cocoa and a platter of cookies.
Part of Aru rejoiced. CHOCOLATE!
The other part despaired. Where was Jambavan keeping the Sun Jewel? What if Agni was wrong and the bear king didn’t have it? Then what would they do?
“Ooh, what is this couch made of?” asked Rudy, rubbing the soft, ruby-colored leather. “I like it!”
Aru studied the pattern. It had odd grooves in it that looked somewhat familiar.
“Oh, the usual,” said Jambavan happily as he made his way over to them. “The skin of an enemy, I can’t remember which….Was it a naga, or some kind of winged thing? I’ve lost track of my victories.”
Rudy immediately stopped petting the couch.
Jambavan handed them each a mug, then plopped into a comfy armchair and let out a huge yawn. “Well, we might as well get started, since you came all this way!” he said. “I’m due for my nap any time now.”
“Get started?” asked Mini, confused.
The great bear smiled in a warm, pitying sort of way. “I understand. It can be overwhelming to be in the presence of a legend, but if you came all this way for an interview, I don’t wish to disappoint such enterprising youngsters!”
Aiden lowered his camera, looking from Brynne and Mini to Aru.
“You think we’re journalists?” asked Aru.
“Journalists!” echoed Jambavan, chuckling to himself. “That’s a mighty grand word. Who would trust the voices ofchildren? You’re census takers, right?”
Aru felt a little prickly. Jambavan reminded her of one of those uncles who was good-hearted and genuinely well-meaning but nevertheless couldn’t imagine anyone being remotely as important as himself.
“I thought only heroes come all the way out here,” said Aru. “That’s why you’re called the Hero-Maker, isn’t it?”
“Oh sure, sure. Many have come to my home thinking that if they can throw me off-balance in a wrestling match, they’ll earn everlasting fame and renown,” said Jambavan, clearly bored. “But, I mean, look at you lot. You don’t strike me as particularly heroic.”
Aru’s face grew warm. Beside her, Brynne lifted her eyes from the ground and frowned at the bear king.
“I’m used to warriors striding into my cave!” thundered Jambavan. He slapped his thigh for emphasis. “Why, take a look at my wall of fame here!” He smiled indulgently at Aiden. “You can take a picture of it for your school project, if you want. But do be careful with that camera, child. It looks a little beyond your skill set.”
Aiden opened his mouth to respond and Brynne gave a small shake of her head.Not worth it.
“What does that wall tell you about me?” asked Jambavan, sipping his cocoa.
Aru studied the framed items. There were trophies and ribbons, awards that declared Jambavan the “best wrestler of all time,” and tons of photos taken with men who looked like they could crush a block of cement just by sneezing. Each photo was signed by the loser, with some variation ofIt was awesome to be vanquished by you. And there were about a dozen pictures of Jambavan pointing excitedly at a snowcapped mountain.
Aru crossed her arms. “You’re superstrong and you like…hiking?”
Mini choked on her cocoa.
“Hiking?” repeated Jambavan, looking at the pictures. “Oh, those are just some family pictures that snuck in. That’s my brother, Himavant. He doesn’t smile very often.”
Aiden squinted at the picture. “I don’t see anyone?”
“How can you miss him? He’s right there! He’s huge!”
“Your brother is…a mountain?” asked Mini.
“Don’t be fooled by the icy exterior. He’s a real laugh riot,” said Jambavan. He leaned back in his chair, examining his claws. “And yes, you’re right! I am wildly strong. Why, I was strong enough to wrestle Lord Krishna fortwenty-eight daysbefore he revealed his divine nature and I yielded!Twenty-eight, mind you! With the Lord of the Universe!”
“Why would you wrestle with Lord Krishna?” asked Aru.
