Karikalan: Saviour of the Cholas

Chapter 7: Contests and Camaraderie

Three years later

"Shhhhh!"

"We can't do this Prince!!"

"Stop being a spoilsport, Chezhiya!! It's just a swim. One quick dip and we will be back in no time. What are you so afraid of?"

Valavan tilted his head to look at him. Three years later, he was still taller, much to Valavan's annoyance. He distantly wondered if it will always be the same. Chezhiyan shot him an indignant look. "I'm not afraid. The King wouldn't want us going out now. Why go on the sly? Let's go tomorrow morning. I don't want to lie." He bit his lip. "I never do."

Valavan rolled his eyes. "Stop being such a prude! The King is my father." He gave him a sideways look. "Don't worry. You wouldn't need to lie on my account." He smirked, his lone dimple peeking out mischievously. "At least not if you keep quiet."

Ilanchezhiyan sighed. "Your love for danger is going to be the death of me, Prince."

Valavan gave him an exasperated look. "How many times have I asked you to call me by my name? You-"

"Not enough times apparently."

Both the boys whirled around, stunned. Ilamchetchenni was standing behind them, arms crossed. Irungovel was with him. Both their faces were expressionless. The boys exchanged a nervous look. Ilanchezhiyan gulped. Valavan stepped forward. "I can explain."

Ilanchezhiyan's eyes widened. He grabbed Valavan's arm, trying to pull him back. Valavan shook him off, his eyes determined.

He brought about this problem. He would bear the brunt of it.

Ilamchetchenni watched everything that took place silently, his eyes revealing nothing. He said in a flat voice, "Please do, as I would very much like to know why you two are in the corridors after it has turned dark."

Valavan took a deep breath. "It was hot, Father. We wanted to go for a swim."

Irungovel coughed, trying to smother a laugh unsuccessfully. Ilamchetchenni raised a brow. "Oh? And you deemed this fit to be done without taking permission because...?"

Valavan looked away, not meeting his eyes. He didn't reply. Ilamchetchenni huffed out a breath, clearly miffed. "I believe this bright idea would have been instigated by my son?"

Valavan opened his mouth to affirm the fact that it was indeed him when Ilanchezhiyan beat him to it. "No, it was me." He looked down. "The Prince didn't want to go, but I insisted. It was my fault, your Majesty."

Valavan sucked in a breath sharply. He whipped his head towards him, shocked.

I don't want to lie. I never do.

He felt a surge of emotion well within him. He lied for me. Just to save me.

Irungovel snorted. "Your loyalty is rather heartwarming, boy. Unfortunately for you, my brother here and I may or may not have listened to your conversation." Upon seeing Ilanchezhiyan's shell-shocked expression, he sniggered. "Yes. It was quite entertaining, to say the least."

Ilanchezhiyan continued to look flabbergasted, not knowing where to look. Ilamchetchenni sighed, rubbing his tired eyes. He shook his head disapprovingly. "Don't do this again boys. With work piling up, we can't be at your backs all the time."

Valavan, ever curious, cocked his head to his side skeptically. "Piling up work? What work is piling up?"

Irungovel ruffled Valavan's hair affectionately. "Have you forgotten little one? Indra Vizha is about to come!!"