Melvaazhkai

Chapter 6

Hooves hit the sand as they finally got off the boat. Devika stretched her limbs and heard a loud pop from her back. She winced slightly, but the sensation brought a sense of relief. 

The long journey across the sea had taken its toll on her body, and stepping onto solid ground felt like a small victory in itself. Devika took a moment to savor the feeling of stability beneath her feet before turning her attention to the new surroundings. 

 With determination on their faces and renewed energy in their step, Devika and Vallavarayan, are ready to embark on the next step of their plan.

Devika looked up from the ground and asked Yamini and Semba:

Devika: " Yamini, Semba, there goes Madhurantakan! Do you wish to see the prince?"

Both of  the horse snorts as if asking why, to which Devika and Vallavarayan grin at each other before Vallavarayan chuckles and says to Semba:

Vallavarayan: " Are you asking us why? So all of us can put our strong limbs to use!"

They race towards where the prince is while shouting:

Devika/Vallavarayan: " Move! Both of our horses are blind. Move aside! Move! Prince, your men are manhandling our horses. Prince, save us!"

The soldiers attempt to protect the palanquin but only cause a louder commotion. The siblings move closer to the palanquin only for Vallavarayan to get shoved off his horse.

Devika and her horse were being manhandled further ahead, causing Yamini to kick a soldier away as a hand opened the silk curtains of the palanquin slightly to see the commotion.

Nandini: " You are...?"

Devika and her horse are forced to step back only for her to fall off her horse and onto her brother. 

Nandini smiles mentally at the interaction before composing herself and asking again:

Nandini: " Speak up! Who are you both?"

For each sibling, two soldiers grab both of their arms as Devika asks with a smile:

Devika: " Pardon us. Are you the Chieftain's queen?"

Nandini only moved the curtain further before adding:

Nandini: " Tell me the truth. Why did you both barge into my palanquin?"

Vallavarayan turns to the soldiers holding his arms and tells them:

Vallavarayan: " Let go, brother."

Vallavarayan forcefully removes the hands off of his sister, only then showing his protective side. 

Vallavarayan: " Let go of my sister, brother."

Now free, Devika and Vallavarayan step closer to the palanquin and asked:

Devika: " Forgive us, Devi. Alwarkkadiyan, who claims to be your brother, has sent you a message."

Nandini looks Devika directly in the eye with sternness, causing Devika to swallow a lump in her throat in fear as Nandini's unwavering gaze pierced through her, her heart raced and a shiver ran down Devika's spine, intensifying the lump in her throat as fear gripped her entire being.

Nandini: " Are you both his servants?"

Vallavaryan shook his head before stepping in front of his sister:

Vallavarayan: "We are Aditha Karikalan's friends. He asked us to go to Thanjavur."

Nandini looked away so she could blink away the tears forming in her eyes. It had been so long since she heard that name, and its mere mention brought a flood of memories rushing back. The name belonged to someone who had once held a special place in her heart, but circumstances had torn them apart.

She cleared her throat before asking:

Nandini: " Karikalan?"

Devika nodded and smiled slightly at the mention of her friend's name, feeling a wave of nostalgia wash over her. Memories of their adventures together flooded her mind, and she couldn't help but reflect on the profound bond they shared. Devika and Vallavarayan's friend had been there for her through thick and thin, offering unwavering support and genuine companionship.

Devika: " Yes. We fought alongside him in battle."

Nandini let out a sigh mentally as her thoughts drifted back to the recent turn of events. Despite her efforts to maintain composure, Nandini couldn't help but let a sigh escape, even if it was only in her mind. The sigh carried a mix of frustration, exhaustion, and a longing for respite. It was a silent acknowledgment of the difficulties she was facing, a brief moment of vulnerability in the midst of her determination.

Nandini: " Very well. Let's not talk now. There are spies amongst my palanquin bearers. Come to my palace tomorrow. Show them my Signet Ring. They'll let you both in."