The First Empress

Duel in Royal Banquet

'If you know the enemy and know yourself, you need not fear the result of a hundred battles. If you know yourself but not the enemy, for every victory gained you will also suffer a defeat. If you know neither the enemy nor yourself, you will succumb in every battle.'

From the royal hall, the crowd came to the arena. There was a reason for the defence minister to propose such a notion. The banquet was to welcome the second prince. However, everyone was aware that even though the crown prince held a position, the heir apparent was still uncertain.

Many people thought this way because of Virutha Varmar's inclination towards Boomadevi and her children.

Even Virutha Varmar was surprised when he saw Aditha agreeing for the duel. Usually, his son never fought against his brothers other than practices and that day was his second son's day and he thought his first son would be giving way for his second son to shine. He was really surprised.

Boomadevi had the confidence in her son to defeat Aditha. She always thought that the crown prince's valor was always highly exaggerated. She believed this would be a chance to showcase her son's skills and to get good suitors for her son.

Rajendra had a similar thought in his mind. He liked his brother but the latter always stood between him and the throne. Their fight was inevitable and he didn't expect that the fight would come sooner than expected.

Aditha was extremely composed. One wasn't able to determine what was going on in his mind. 

Aditha removed his crown and came and gave it to his wife. She was really excited to see him in the arena. This was her first time to see him fighting.

She hated Rajendra to her guts. He was disgusting from the head to toe. She felt that his looks were good. But he had a dark aura around him which would kill anyone that got closer to him.

She then looked at her husband.

Sangamithra: Vendru vaarungal...

He just gave a light smile to her. Rajendra noted how she looked at his brother with eyes full of love. Now, his brother had two things which he didn't have. He wanted to win the fight.

The defence minister stood in the middle and looked at the men on both ends. Then he looked at the king who was seated in the high pedestal.

Defence minister: Arase, pala vithaigalil Ivviruvarum therndhavar aavar.

Virutha Varmar curled his moustache with an arrogant smile.

Defence minister: Matra aayudhangalai koduthu vizhaavai nogum badi seiyamal, silambathodu pottiyida seidhal enna???

Virutha Varmar: Hmmm Silambame Sariyai irukkum. Pendeer (women) koodi irukkindranar.

Nalla yosanai paadhukkaappu amaichare.

The first minister was watching everything from the sidelines as the king recently started dissing him.

Both the princes tied their dhoti above the knee for the ease of movement. With the sound from the minister, the duel began.

Rajendra was aggressive from the beginning. He was attacking Aditha and the latter was only defending.

However, none of his advances fell on Aditha. He was great in defending himself and even looked lazy while doing that. Aditha made the audience feel that the duel was a child play for him and that infuriated Rajendra.

Rajendra: Neengal ennai veruppukullaakki vitteergal, thamayane...

Aditha: Unaku katru kodukkum idathil irukkirene...