NandhininKarikalan PART- I

Battle of Betrayal

Sevur - Battlefield,

The sun was shining bright in the sky, and the sound of swords clashing against each other could be heard everywhere. The scream of pain and anger echoed.

The Crown prince of the Chola empire, Adhita Karikalan was leading the Chola army in the war with the support of his grandfather, Malayaman and his friend parthibandhra pallavan.

The war was against the Pandyas.

Aditya Karikalan was fighting this war with the feeling of betrayal, unlike the other ones which were either for defence or for conquering.

Karikalan was breathing heavily and bleeding because of the fight but that didn't stop him from slashing his opponents.

His eyes were wandering to find the Pandiyan king, Veera Pandiya but he was nowhere to be found in the battleground.

Karikalan shouted, "Parthibandhra! Did you find the wrecked old man?". " I searched the whole battleground Ilavarese, but I couldn't spot him. I think he must have run away from the ground after knowing that he would not win or he didn't even come to the war ". replied Parthibandhra.

Karikalan became furious and informed "Thatha, I will go in search of Veera Pandiya, you and Parthibandhra take care of the war here".

" Son, it won't be right if you leave the war in between," said Malayaman.

" I don't care thatha, he broke the rules so will I, take care thatha." "Adhita! Don't go wait " shouted Malayaman. That didn't stop him from looking for Veera Pandya.

'Where would have he gone or did he not come to the war itself 'thought Adhita as he was about to exit the battleground of Sevur.

He was stopped by an arrow which just missed his head. Karikalan was startled by the sudden attack.

What he saw shocked him, it was a woman dressed up like a warrior.

Her face was covered by a black cloth, her hair was let loose, and only her eyes could be seen, it was of the shade of the forest. She was sitting on a black horse.

He tried to read her eyes, it reflected his own, he could only see pain and betrayal.' Have I seen her somewhere?' thought Karikalan.

" Are you trying to run away from the war? If that is what is in your mind, I won't let it happen" told the mystery warrior.

"I don't have to explain anything to you, You think a woman can stop me from searching for Veera Pandiya?".

"You won't find father anywhere"reply the lady.'Father? Oh so she is the pandiya princess' thought Adhita Karikalan. As he was deep in his thoughts, a sword came in his direction.

"You are a mischievous lady aren't you?" asked Adhithan but another strike came as the reply."Your father is a traitor he betrayed his own King and ours too," said Karikalan.

This angered the young princess more causing her to put more force on the attacks."Don't you dare say a single word against my father, you won't have your head in your body" screamed the princess

"Let's see that too" replied Karikalan smirking.

Suddenly the ground beneath them started to shake it was as if a storm was coming in their direction. But it was the elephantry of the Chola kingdom led by Malayaman.

Adhita Karikalan shouted in happiness "Thatha"! I knew you would come to my rescue". The shocked princess attached the prince once more causing him to fall off his horse. the sudden move startled Karikalan.

The Pandiyan princess got off her horse and attacked Karikalan. Both fought aiming for each other's head. They were covered in blood and sweat. Nobody uttered a word about surrendering.

Suddenly the young princess was thrown away by Malayaman's elephant giving Karikalan a chance to go in search of Veera Pandiyan.

The princess was thrown to the other side of the ground causing her to hit on a tree giving her deep cuts.

But she tried to get back on her horse and follow Karikalan but Malayalam climbed down his elephant and started striking against the princess.

She dodged all the attacks just as she was about to strike at him, she heard an eagle's scream.

She was diverted by the bird which gave Malayaman to slash her from behind. The princess fell to the ground.

But her eyes never leave the bird. It belonged to the pandas it is used only when there is an emergency.

The bird flew down towards her, and Malayaman again attacked her, she saw an empty horse with no soldiers on it, and she ran towards the horse and climbed upon it. The bird sat on her shoulder it had a scroll on its leg. She opened it and read it

Akka,

You are asked to come to the palace instantly as there is a piece of important news for you.

Yours,
Amarabhiujhanga.

She just prayed it to not be what she thought it was."Soldiers, I have been called to the palace by my brother. Because of some emergency. So in my absence Ravidasa will be leading the war . I take my leave". She informed and turned to the direction of the palace and started heading towards it, killing some soldiers on the way.

I hope you liked the chapter. Special thanks to RagKee