Mandy was very upset.
Rishi was explaining the caste system, but she didn't think it was right.
"It's cruel!" she said angrily.
"You treat cows better than humans."
"The untouchables did something wrong in a past life," explained Rishi.
"The gods are punishing them."
"But you don't even look at them," said Mandy.
Vinnie poked Mandy to keep quiet.
"If we look at them, we will be unclean for the whole day," said Rishi.
"Well, I think—," Mandy began.
Vinnie interrupted: "I think we're at the palace."
They looked ahead and saw a spectacular view.
Flowers decorated the road to the palace entrance.
The children passed through an arch with fountains on either side.
"It's wonderful!" Mandy gasped, forgetting her anger.
"Look at the elephants and monkeys!" Vinnie laughed.
Trainers were putting gold paint on two elephants.
Monkeys sat in the trees above, watching.
Golden statues stood along the way to the palace door.
A male servant led them inside.
"The palace has over a hundred rooms," whispered Rishi.
"This one is for chess."
He pointed to an open door.
"There are many bedrooms.
The king can sleep in a different bed every night."
They waited behind two women.
One woman held a live chicken in her arm.
She was yelling at a woman holding a baby.
"There you are!" a familiar voice said sharply.
It was Babu Yadav waiting by a doorway.
Music floated out of the room as the women ahead of them went in.
"Babu Yadav, have pity.
These children are strangers," began Rishi's father.
"They did not know . . ."
"I don't care," said Babu Yadav.
"He must be punished."
The women quickly came out through the door.
"It's our turn.
The king is waiting!"
exclaimed Babu Yadav, as he walked into the king's hall.
Rishi's father and the children followed.
"Whoa!" gasped Vinnie when he stepped inside.
A tiger tied to a post was licking a huge bone.
A small distance away, musicians were playing.
One plucked a harp.
Two women stood beside a short, fat, man sitting on a soft couch.
They gently waved fans made of animal hair over his head.
The man wore a long robe and tight pants.
The turban on his head was decorated with jewels.
"What is your problem?" the man asked.
"My king, I come before you with a troubled heart,"
Babu Yadav began, bowing low.
The king nodded for Babu Yadav to continue.
The man told about the cow and Vinnie, and the king's eyes opened wide.
He stared at Vinnie and Mandy.
"You are not from India," he pointed out.
"No, sir, I mean, your majesty," Vinnie stuttered.
"If I may go on, my king," Babu Yadav interrupted.
The king held up his hand.
"Your cow was not harmed.
So we can overlook this matter," yawned the king.
He clapped his hands. "Next!"