Chapter 17 - The Laughing Horse

Princess Kundavai and her friends

Kundavai had decided that Vanathi was the right life partner for her brother, Prince Arulmozhi. But there was only one problem with Vanathi. She was frightened of everything. And Kundavai was not ready to marry her brother to a cowardly girl. So to make Vanathi brave, she had arranged for the crocodile game. But Vanathi passed the test successfully.

After they came to the boat, they rowed around for a while and then came near the bank, where Kundavai's companions had tied the dead crocodile. They all got down from the boat and played in the water for some time. Suddenly one of the girls screamed, "Crocodile! Crocodile! Somebody help."

Immediately the other girls started screaming. But Vanathi did not get scared, instead she said, "The crocodile is strong only when it is in the water and not when it is lying on the shore. So don't be scared."

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Chapter 18

Chapter 14 - A Crocodile In Arisalaru

Kundavai

After he had left the Kudandhai town, Vallavareyan went towards the Arisalaru River. As he proceeded towards the land of the Cholas, he couldn’t help admire the beauty of his surroundings.

There was greenery everywhere! Green fields, trees, crops, small ponds, beautiful lakes and friendly villagers… No wonder the kingdom was so prosperous!

As he passed by, he saw farmers toiling in their fields while their wives cooked food in homes made of thatched huts. While the people were at work, hens fed on the grains kept outside the huts. Children ran hither and thither engaged in pranks and games while some sat outside and play pallaanguzhi.

As he passed by, Vallavareyan could smell cooked rice and fried fish. It made his mouth water. In those days, most soldiers ate meat and fish, just like him.

He also noticed that there were many ironsmiths in the villages he passed, where craftsmen made swords and spears.

While Vallavareyan was enjoying the picturesque scenery, his inner mind was engaged elsewhere on a beautiful woman appeared in his inner mind.

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Chapter 15