Treasure of Ali Baba and the Sixty Eight Thieves

Chapter 3 : New Friend

Persia...

The three boys were eating at a shop while sitting on the table, Ujaas next to Rohan and Vikram in front of them.

"So, you said you are new here, right?" Rohan said to Vikram.

"Actually no," Vikram replied. "I have a secret. Its fine, I can tell you guys but you have to promise me you won't tell anyone."

"Yes, tell us," Rohan said making an evil face. "Then we will blackmail you and ask for money in return for keeping that secret. Hahahaha..."

"Oi oi.., usually you should not reveal your plan before knowing the secret," Ujaas said to Rohan.

"Oh right," Rohan realized.

"Don't mind him," Ujaas said to Vikram. "You can tell us. We won't tell anyone. Promise."

"I hope so," Vikram said. "Well the thing is, I am a Royal."

"Whatt..??" Ujaas and Rohan said. Both got surprised.

"I thought so, their reaction would be something like this," Vikram thought. "I can see, they both are surprised. Now Rohan stood up and now he is trying to tie me up with a rope." "What the hell," Vikram shouted.

"Oi oi.., Rohan stop it," Ujaas said while stopping Rohan.

"From where did you get this rope?" Ujaas asked him.

"Is this your first question?" Vikram thought.

"I bought it just in case we got hand on someone like him," Rohan said. "And I guess we are lucky."

"No, we are not going to do it like this," Ujaas said to Rohan.

"Alright," Rohan pouted.

"I am really sorry sir," Ujaas apologized to Vikram. "He is just joking. We are just some normal guys from this city and not some kidnappers."

"Its fine and drop the 'sir' part," Vikram said. "Just call me Vikram but please don't tell anyone. If anyone finds out about me, seeing me unguarded, they could actually try to kidnap me. And if someone from palace finds out that I am out of palace like this, I would never be able to live up to my dream."

"We promise we won't tell anyone," Ujaas said to Vikram.

"So, what is your dream you are talking about?" Rohan asked.

"Have you heard about 'The Tournament of Warriors'?" Vikram asked.

"Its that tournament which is held every year in the arena, right?" Ujaas said.

"Yes, you are right," Vikram said. "Every year, great warriors from Persia and neighboring countries come to participate in the tournament to become 'The Greatest Warrior'. I never watched the tournament with my own eyes but I have heard about it since I was a child. And from then, its been my dream to participate in that tournament and become 'The Greatest Warrior'. But no one from palace wants me to participate because I am a royal. But I want to. I have been practicing for the tournament in the palace for a long time and I think I am ready for this year's tournament. That's why I been trying to sneak away just to find out the arena's location. But every time those fools block my path and I couldn't do anything because I didn't want to stand out."

"Hmm.., so that's the whole story," Rohan said.

"Also, you are someone who wants to join the tournament," Ujaas said. "You can handle guys like those easily own your own. It was just you didn't want to stand out."

"I guess you guys understood," Vikram said.

"Well, we don't have anything to do so I guess we can help you participate in the tournament," Rohan said to Vikram.

"Really?" Vikram said.

"Of course," Ujaas said. "After such a long time we have something interesting to do and we are happy to help."

"Thank you so much," Vikram said. "I really appreciate it."

"So, when is the tournament starting?" Rohan asked.

"Next week," Vikram replied.

"That's close," Ujaas said. "I think we should also participate in the tournament. What do you say, Rohan."

"Of course we should," Rohan replied with excitement. "It will be fun."

"Wait, there will be real warriors participating," Vikram said. "It could be dangerous."

"Don't worry," Ujaas said. "We have been living our lives with some tricks up our sleeves. So, at least we won't get hurt."

"Its fine if you say so," Vikram said.

"Yes," Rohan said. "And you should worry about yourself of getting there on the day of tournament. But as we said we will help you, you can completely focus on your upcoming battles. Leave the rest to us."

"Alright," Vikram said. "I trust you guys."

"Oh, lets become friends first," Ujaas said to Vikram. "So, are we?"

"You bet," Vikram said. "But first, Rohan can you throw away that rope you are still holding?"

And that's how Ujaas and Rohan made a new friend, Vikram with whom they started their preparations for the tournament.