When the king saw a strapping lad astride the aged shoulders of his guru, he knew something was amiss. Soon he realised that, if young Raman was around, it was best to expect the unexpected. This village bumpkin was no fool-even the fiery goddess Kali had given in to his wiles. Wheedling his way into the mighty Vijayanagara court, it was but short step into the heart of King Krishnadeva Raya, who welcomed a laugh to lighten his busy day.