In Kerala, the port city of Kochi, which sits at the mouth of the Periyar river, a tributary of the Periyar, was an urban trading center. Goods from East and Southeast Asia, along with native wares, made their way through the city before moving west to satiate the demand for these luxuries in far off kingdoms. Its people were as diverse in faiths, creeds, and ethnicities as the goods they traded.

Under the roof of the Panjikaran family, who had but an acre to peddle their unremarkable goods, there lived some Nasranis, who were Christians, with a family structure that seldom would appear in this time and place. In the mornings, it was guaranteed that the young bastard named Mani would emerge from the modest house. As a bastard, he was made to do outdoor chores and supervise the workers of the house. He helped the laborers employed by the family move goods into and out of the warehouse. Though one would think he would be shunned by his family and townspeople for his lack of proper parentage, he was quite well liked. His wit, charm, and worldly wisdom could avert any ill will that he might come upon. Over time, he developed close relations with those who worked for the family. He knew of their families, their interests, and even began to join them for meals after work. Upon reaching the age of maturity, he began being dispatched to overlook the family’s affairs at the docks. Here his wit and handiness became known to most in the city. His agreeableness made him not only a valued guest of other Nasranis, but also Hindus and Muslims. After Sunday Mass, it was not uncommon to see him hanging out with Mappilla Muslims or sharing chaya with Hindus. He was particularly fond of Shashi, a wealthy Nair boy well connected to the ruling families of the region. They often discussed the martial arts and the exploits of their favorite epic heroes.

Mani’s half brother Inasu, legitimate and so trusted with the family finances and business, sat inside and balanced the ledger where all the transactions were meant to be written. He was charming and acceptable, yet was often aloof. Their father, a lousy patriarch to a passable family, was declining in his old age. He was meant to officially choose a successor and retire. His choice was dictated by an old family tradition that the heir would have a reddish birthmark on the back, just above the left shoulder blade.

With all the political and military turmoil, the position of each clan and their substituent branches were up in the air as new charters and contracts were required to conduct business under rule of the usurping dynasty. These charters were to gain titles, privileges, rights, protection, and land in return for loyalty to the new Zamorin. Some enterprising young businessmen saw this as the time to make their moves for more power and not only swell their own coffers, but also secure for their families a better status.

This is where our bastard Mani saw the favor of fortune. Soon after the wars had come to pass, he opened a correspondence with his old friend Shashi. Shashi and the new ruling Zamorin Dynasty were both of the Nair caste, so Mani thought that perchance his friend would have some connection with them.

To his delight, he was correct. Shashi had a blood tie to the new royal family through an old uncle who was present for the birth of the would-be Zamorin. Shashi decided to see his distant cousin to secure a possible position as a general and brought his industrious Mani along with him to meet the Zamorin after the parade that welcomed the new ruler to the city.

Mani and Shashi made their way to the city center, and after all the more prominent traders, chieftains, and religious leaders had paid homage, the two young men came up to talk with the old uncle as the chaperone. Shashi first introduced himself as a young relative interested in a position in the Zamorin’s army. He boasted about his mastery of the staff, spear, saber, and buckler in the Art of Kalaripayattu as well as his experience in the Tandav Dances that paid homage to Shiva. The Zamorin, thoroughly amused by the sharpness of the young man, said he would be willing to give his distant cousin a position as a field soldier or a post in the royal guard.

Shashi’s disappointment was clearly visible on his face.

“Oh Great Prabhu, I have laid in front of you, without exaggerating, all of my competencies and I believe I should at least be an officer. I could defeat nearly any swordsman living on this side of the Western Ghats. I would prove myself by fighting your most decorated veteran. I would be willing to duel even with you, my Rajavu.”

The Zamorin let out a hearty chuckle and spoke, “My, I have not seen you fight and cannot substantiate your claims myself, but I do believe you. Anyone willing to speak in such terms before me certainly must be able to support such boasts!” He dropped his smile and looked the proud fighter straight in his eyes, “These skills you have lavished me with are impressive, but to hold a higher rank and command soldiers, the fighting ability of you, yourself, is secondary to your ability to lead men in the art of war.”

The Zamorin arose, “You may be able to cut me down here and now if we were to draw our swords here, but would you have the ability to expertly maneuver the cavalry? Would you know when to send the chariots or elephantry? Could you route the enemy? Can you live with the blood of hundreds on your hands?”

He paused for a moment to take in the young man, “ Have you ever killed a man before?”

“No I have not”

Shashi stood there trying to digest everything that he had not yet considered. After some time he perked up and his eyes met the Zamorin’s again. The Zamorin then said, “To lead, a man needs to have a mind for it. Exercises in thought become more important than sparring with arms.”

The Zamorin then turned to Mani. Upon seeing his stature he asked,”Why has a dock worker come to see me?”

Mani corrected him,”I am Mani, a merchant from the harbor. I came to discuss the business of contracts.”

“I see. How many store houses do you have?”

“Only one, Your Majesty.”

“What do you ship?”

“Locally spun cotton, coconuts, mangos, sugar cane, and pepper.”

Reclining into his seat and stroking his beard he said, “To be honest, it does not appear that you have the resources or capital to carry out good business.”

For a moment, Mani felt the sharp sting of despair Shashi had felt moments before.

The Zamorin continued, “However, your name has managed to reach my ears. It seems that despite your setbacks, your reputation precedes you.” After a weighty pause, he continued, ``Very well,” getting up from his gem-encrusted chair, “I will give a test to all the tradesmen and shippers in the city, and whoever is shown to be the best will be awarded whichever monopoly they wish. If you win, you may be given full control of all gold and silver that enters and leaves the city of Koch, if that is your desire.”

“I will show you my worth, oh Great Prabhu, in any challenge you offer.”

“Hmm,” he crossed his arms and stroked his beard for a little while, “There will be two trials. First you must show me you have the wits to take on this task. A good merchant would be able to have the foresight and reason to maximize their profits. First you must best all of your opponents in a game of chathurangam.”

“I see, my Rajavu, I will show you that I have the abilities you require.”

“Then the next test will require you to show your strength and elegance in the martial arts. The superior Kalari warrior wins. Each contender will select a companion as an advisor or substitute for either trial.”

“Then so shall it be, My Rajavu. I solemnly wish to serve you.”

The Zamorin sat back down and let out a hearty chuckle, “Good, good! The chathurangam matches will be held inside the Great Hall of Wonders. You will show your proficiency to not only myself, but also to the royal court. I believe my generals would be delighted to witness the strategic ingenuity the game may bring out.”

The Zamorin got up and walked past the two and pointed out to the town square and said, “However, you will fight out there and will bare yourself to the people of Kochi.”

Shashi asked himself, “Why would you test a merchant with a fight? Would not a different test be more appropriate?”

Zamorin, as if reading his thoughts, replied, “We wish to see a fight.”

“I will do right by you. Now let me withdraw to prepare for your trials, Prabhu,” Mani said, then turned to Shashi, “Come, you will have to train with me for these next few days.”

“Of course,” and with a coy smirk he said, “But how will you repay me?”

Mani leaned in and said, “If we are able to win this, we both gain favor with the Zamorin!”

They both departed.

Mani reported the events of the day to his father, fearing his anger. However, the old louse smiled, saying, “Very good. Aha! Very good. You win, our house rises. You lose, a bastard falls. Go. Time off from work. Train, fight. Study. And eat.” As Mani walked off in gratitude, the old louse regarded him differently. The next morning, Mani got up early, and after checking with the house servants and workers, he went out to find Shashi bowing over a game board with a palm scroll open in his left hand as he studied the board.

“I see you are already trying. What have you learned?” asked Mani standing over his friend.

“I am still trying to get a handle on the rules. Have you played before?” Shashi replied, still staring at the board.

“Yes I have,” Mani said as he sat opposite. “My brother is quite good at it and he taught me how the pieces move and some opening techniques, but nothing more. I fear I may have to face him in the first part of the trials.”

“Well, today we should study. Once we are exhausted from learning, we can practice fighting.”

They proceeded to pour over the scroll and practice. Over time it became clear that Shashi had a mind for this game as with only a little experience he was able to maneuver and coordinate his pieces so that he was able to always catch Mani off guard. Many of the games ended in draws, but the extravagance of the play that Shashi exhibited was something Mani knew he would need. So until the sun was about to set, they played, after which they decided to spar with Shashi’s sabers. Though Mani was a meager salesman his long time friendship with Shashi gave him quite a good understanding in the manipulation of a sword. They both enjoyed swords and over the years, they fought whenever they had the chance. At the yearly games to make the monsoons, they observed closely the moves and techniques displayed at the city’s great contests. Shashi still was able to best him in most of their duels. Shashi reminded Mani of the techniques that had fallen out of practice alongside new ways of manipulating the blade and reading the enemy. After the sun had set and they could only see each other’s outlines, they decided to eat and part ways.

The next morning when they met Shashi was eager to begin their training at the board. Within only a few moves Shashi was able to easily mate his friend.

“Where did you learn that?” asked Mani

His friend then pulled out a large, moth-eaten palm scroll and held it out. “In here.”

They spent the rest of the day focusing on the interplay of the pieces, coordination of attacks, and attempting to predict the opponent’s moves. In between games, they would consult the old book on strategies. This time they played well into the night and did not stop until the torch they lit prior had gone out.

The next two days that continued training, dividing roughly half of each day between exercises of each kind. They decided it would be easier if they lived together for that time so as to not waste any time and so they could spend meals and the time before bed discussing tactics and going over moves.

Soon the fifth day came and the two made their way to the palace. They greeted the Zamorin and his generals and lined up with the other contestants. There were roughly a dozen other contenders looking to get royal favor and each had a second to confer with. Among them were a few officers who wanted to entertain themselves. One of the others was Inasu, Mani’s elder brother. He was wearing some finer clothes from their father’s wardrobe and behind him stood a giant. The large man was stocky and well built. He had a simple look to him and seemed to stare off into the distance even as everyone was bustling around him. Only when the bugler played his horn did the oaf begin to listen. The Zamorin then laid out the format of the competition.

Mani’s first opponent was another merchant, an Arab, who obviously had come to the Zamorin already possessing some wealth. He had a long, graying beard and sat in a robe of Chinese silk. His second was a servant who brought him refreshments from time to time. This opponent was sharp, but not familiar with the rules of this form of the game. He made some illegal moves in the opening which spurred chastisement from the proctor. From then he played slow and thought hard on which moves to make. Though he played well in the beginning, the complex position of the late game led to his loss just before the chance for a break had come.

After the match, the Arab congratulated Mani and they spoke a little about the game and themselves. Apparently this man had already built up a trade corporation operating in other cities in the region and was also very proficient with his form of the game, shatranj, but differing rules prevented him from exactly understanding his position. The first opponent and his second then departed.

Mani looked around and saw that his brother had already defeated his opponent and was observing another game that was playing out between two generals.

Shashi came to him and told him his play was good, but that Arab would have been a far more difficult opponent had he been more familiar with the game.

Within half an hour all the other preliminary games were over, and one of the proctors had marked the new standings on the front board. There were now only six contestants left in the running, and Mani’s next opponent was to be an old man. This man had a stark white beard and tired eyes, he had wrapped his head with a white cloth to match the cheap, yet clean linens he wore to the Zamorin’s tournament. His second was a built young man, only a little older than Mani stood, without a shirt. Both had deep, dark complexions and warm smiles.

This old man introduced himself and the second, and Mani did the same back. These two were father and son, both dock workers, who spent their days moving cargo on and off ships. The old man said he had taken up chathurangam in his youth and continued to play into his more advanced age. He stated that if he won this round, his son may be able to best his opponent in the duel. With their winning, they wanted to be granted the contract for management and upkeep of the dock.

After this polite conversation, the two began their game. Mani led with the white pieces and opened with a defensive setup. The old dock worker began attacking with his black pieces. He quickly sacrificed a couple of his kalals, soldiers, and immediately had established dominance of his king’s side of the board. Mani realized this counter to his opening was one that he and Shashi had seen before in the scrolls. Mani looked up to meet eyes with his old opponent, but the old man did not take his eyes from the table. Behind his beard and sun-worn face were the eyes of a younger man, someone who was not going to make this a simple game.

Mani quickly closed the hole in his position, rerouted his elephant, and tucked away his king. The old man immediately began repositioning his pieces to target the king’s new square. The two maneuvered their pieces around each other for a few moves, seldom giving up only a single soldier from time to time. On the fifty-first move, the old man thought for a while as he stroked his beard. He advanced one of his kalal pieces as the bugler informed the room that the players may now take a break. Mani got up to get some water and talk with Shashi about his current position. As he looked back he saw the old man continue to quietly study the board while shooing away his son who came to offer some refreshments.

Shashi hastily gave his assessment of the position and reminded Mani of how the old scroll told them to approach this specific arrangement on the board. They discussed move orders and piece structure for a time. The bugler blew his horn again and they returned to their games. Mani began by capturing a kalal from the old man with one of his own which was quickly taken itself. He then slowly attacked and pushed his opponent’s pieces to the edge of the board, all huddled around the black king. Between each move the players spent more and more time deciding on the next. In the end, the Mani was able to checkmate the man in white by use of the radham, the chariot, in conjunction with his rajjngi, queen. The old man looked down at the board for a while and then looked back up at Mani. He praised Mani’s masterful play and then he and his son departed.

Then there were three left: Mani, his brother, and a general of the Zamorin. The general came to the brothers and said he resigned on account of it being unseemly for a warrior to compete among the merchants. The Zamorin offered an hour break to eat, after which the finalists and a large crowd of nobles, businessmen, and the other competitors reconvened in the temporary court. The two brothers sat and set up their pieces. As they got ready, a servant to the Zamorin came up and told him of the situation. The Zamorin ordered him to discover and report everything about the family. Collecting his knowledge and making a few inquiries, he informed his lord that the finalists were brothers, that Mani is an illegitimate son, and that family lore held that some hereditary mark would dictate who becomes the head of the household.

The board was set, the Inasu had the white pieces and Mani had the black. The horn was sounded to start the final match. Inasu began by moving an elephant piece while Mani slowly advanced the soldiers in front of his king. The way the pieces ended up laid out after the first hour and a half was very imbalanced. The opposing chariots and elephants were eyeing each other on black king-side of the board while Inasu had lost most of his pawns in exchange for both of Mani’s horse pieces. The game was still more or less even until Mani attempted to make a play for one of his brother’s elephants. He miscalculated and in exchange for one of the remaining soldiers and the elephants, Mani lost three pawns and was checked by his brother. After shielding the black king with a chariot piece, the Zamorin offered a recess, which the two eagerly accepted.

Mani went to consult again with Shashi, who himself was concerned for the black king’s position. Both saw that despite Mani having more material, the positional advantage still remained in the hands of his brother. After some quite pondering, Shashi said, “ you must sacrifice your queen and trade chariots with him.”

“Are you sure? There must be a safer way to play than to give up so much?” replied Mani, “ What if I trade chariots then take his horse using my elephant?”

“That will not work, as he will easily checkmate you with his queen and chariot before you are able to execute the attack. If you begin the next play with anything other than moving your king and giving up the queen for some of his pieces, you cannot win.”

They debated some more, but Mani finally capitulated. They worked out the precise order required and took into account as many possible moves from Inasu in order to win. Soon after their deliberation, Mani wearily returned to the board where Inasu was already waiting for him.

As planned, Mani allowed Inasu to take two soldiers as he moved the black king to a safer square. Then he then moved his queen into the line of sight of a white chariot with its queen behind it. Without hesitation, Inasu smirked smugly and captured it. Mani took back with his own chariot which was then taken by the white queen waiting at the end of the rank. The diversion of this chariot provided an opening that Inasu did not consider until after he had already moved the piece. This opening allowed for Mani to plant an elephant on a square protected by a white chariot close to the white king. The Inasu attempted to draw the white queen into play, but she was so far from the king that Inasu did not have enough moves to prevent his brother from moving his chariot right in front of the white king to a square protected by the elephant. There was no square to escape to and the queen was not in a position to capture neither the enemy elephant nor black’s chariot. Inasu had been checkmated.

The crowd stood for a second studying the board until the generals realized that it was over and came up to Mani to congratulate him on the game as the rest of the onlookers began to chatter. The Zamorin also came down from his throne to speak to Mani.

“That was an impressive game. You have proven that you possess ample intellect, but you must also best your enemy with your sword tomorrow. The town square of Kochi will be the meeting place.”

“Thank you my Prabu, I would not have been able to win this match had it not been for Shashi,” he said, gesturing to his friend. “He has also trained me with the sword and buckler so I may have a chance of winning the Kalari duel.”

“Hmmm, well I see he may make something of a commander, but I will also be looking to you to see the style of fight he has imparted upon you.” A servant comes and whispers in the Zamorin’s ear. “I have other matters to attend to boy, I bid you farewell” and he exited the hall.

Shashi met Mani on his way out informing him, “you will be fighting Inasu’s second, the towering oaf!”

“Can he not face me himself?”

“I do not know why your brother has decided to send such a grizzly opponent for you to battle, but you should rest now. You will need it”

The tournament had begun at midday and had gone for so long that as they exited the hall they stepped into the street only illuminated by a full moon. They returned to their quarters to sleep. The next morning, before the rooster crowed, they woke up, stretched, and quickly sparred to warm Mani up. They then made their way to the town square and met the Zamorin along with a small crowd who coalesced to see the fight put on for him. Soon after Inasu and his giant showed up and the crowd around the arena grew.

The Zamorin had his servant draw a large circle with chalk as other men held back the crowd before he eased into his jewel-inlaid chowkie throne. The bugler decreed: “The first to pacify, or kill, the other while in this circle will win my favor.”

The Mani and the Giant stepped into the ring and were each handed a saber and buckler and then allowed to pray. The oaf looked down at Mani, standing nearly two heads taller. They touched the ends of their swords and the fight began. The giant began by lurching forward and swinging with his whole arm. Mani rolled out of the way and looked back to see his opponent cut the nose of a man standing outside of the circle. During the next swipe, Mani was able to catch his enemy’s blade and tried to slash at the giant’s exposed chest. Before he was able to strike the blow the giant had dropped his shield and grabbed Mani’s leg then pulled it out from under him.

Mani broke free of the giant's grasp and realized he could not fight this brute like he had sparred with Shashi. He looked at how the large man moved, his posture, and his stance. Mani came to the conclusion that though his form is poor and his stance leaves a lot of openings when he swings, the mere size of his opponent leaves too much distance to strike a blow. Mani worked the arms and legs of the giant, whenever he swung, Mani would catch the blade and slice the wrist or the inside of the elbow. Wherever the giant exposed his shin or left his foot too far in front, Mani would cut there.

Before too long, the giant had begun to stagger, yet Mani was still able to evade all his swings easily. The giant tired and his sword and shield seemed to weigh him down. He dropped the sword, hoping to crush Mani with his shield or use it to ward off any blow. Here, Mani saw his opening. As the brute lumbered forward, his shoulder lifted and then his elbow began to raise as he prepared to smash his shield across Mani’s chest. Mani feigned his opponent by making it look as though he was going to cleave at the giant’s shield bearing arm. At the last moment he leaped high, drew his sword, and slashed deep into the giant’s exposed thigh. He tried to grab at Mani, but he could catch only his shirt, tearing it off as he tried to steady himself. Mani, behind the kneeling giant, held the saber to his throat.

The crowd cheered as Mani restrained the giant. The Zamorin instructed the bugler to blow his horn and the fight’s end. Mani left the giant as a bewildered Inasu came to examine the sorry state of his champion. He looked up as Mani walked away and his eyes widened. The townspeople and the Zamorin all saw what he did. Shashi yelled out and grabbed his friend, unable to contain his disbelief, “Mani, that mark! You have the mark…above your left shoulder blade….reddish. You must be the true heir!”

A murmur arose among the townspeople, rising to an excited pitch. The Zamorin, recalling the report of his spy on Mani, his family, and their legend of the birthmark, rose. The crowd hushed. “That was some excellent fighting. Even if you lost, it would have been quite the show,” he said with an air of bemused gravity. His tone changed, “You have shown more than you may have intended. That mark above your left shoulder grants you, by your family law, the rights and privileges of inheritance. As the household is the sacred foundation of our kingdom, it is Our royal duty to uphold the prerogatives of the householder. You, Mani, stand here invested.” The crowd roared its approval. After a little, he raised his right hand and the crowd hushed: “You have brought recognition to your family, to your brother, and to your father.” His eyes descended upon Insau and then the louse of a father. The crowd followed his gaze then refocused on him as he declared, “By the terms of these contests, you have secured your claim to your choice of trading rights. Young man, your mother, indeed, is honored in you.”

Mani had looked back and understood why his mother always told him to wear a shirt with nearly religious commitment whenever he left his own room, even if he were to stay within the perimeter of the family house. Though she died when he was ten, her priority was to protect him from the jealousy and ire of his half-brother and stepmother. She knew that his louse of a father would never protect him.

Mani presented himself in front of the Zamorin and kneeling, asked, “Would you grant me and my descendants the Monopoly on Gold and Silver for Kochi under the Kingdom of Calicut?”

“So it shall be, my champion, my ministers will draw up a contract that gives you, and your successors, control of all trade involving ingots of gold and silver that travel through this city. I will also grant you authority to store and deal in fine textiles, spices, tea, and iron. Both foreign and domestic. Along with that authority, you will be granted plots for warehouses and factories advantageously positioned adjacent to the docks along with an office in the center of Kochi to communicate freely with my appointed vicar. You will be supplied dock workers, servants, carpenters, and salt-makers as needed. Your property and your land will be exempt from taxes levied either by this city or the Kingdom of Calicut. Is there anything else you wish?”

“Would you also allow me to build a tomb of marble for my late mother?”

“Granted, my champion,” the Zamorin waved his hand and his vizir left to draft the document.

After all this, Mani threw a tremendous feast for all the townspeople, accommodating every faith and every occupation in attendance. After receiving the contract before the Zamorin’s court and all the ensuing pagentries, Mani prepared to travel north to Karnataka to attend the merchant guild meeting. Becoming the premier dealer in noble metals for Kochi, by hand of the Zamorin, made this the primary obligation of his new position. Before he departed, he saw Shashi at the vicar’s office. He admired his new white garments with gold trim and the glimmering ceremonial saber that he wore at his hip. After, he prayed at his mother’s tomb, then departed to take his position among the 500 Lords of Ayyavolu.