"The Attraction Towards Arjunan"
The attraction towards Arjunan increased. He was like a swing between two hills, constantly moving. A picture was forming in his mind.
"The woman's lips are so luscious. How is that possible?"
A light smile appeared on Arjunan's lips. He imagined himself on the swing. He thought, "If I slow down his pace, it will be enough." Before answering, he asked another question.
"Are you married?"
"No."
"Then I shouldn't have asked you this question, right?"
"One must stand somewhere to answer, right? In a moment, three thoughts arise. How to stop him?" Arjunan thought. "You're not married either," he said.
"I'm a warrior."
Arjunan was stunned. As he wondered what he was going to say, he continued his answer...
"I don't know when the war will break out. Enemies also surround Rajavendhan's country. When I fall on the battlefield, my son should come and hold my spear tightly and move forward. The lives of warriors are very short. We don't have time to live calmly, learn all the letters, travel to all countries, and walk a distance of one love in three hours, poet!"
Arjunan felt like he was the only one falling off the swing.
Until the hunter reached the second hill of the Vettvan rock, Arjunan did not speak to him. He couldn't form an opinion about him. No matter what he formed, he would crush it the next moment. His answers are sharper than the spearhead he holds in his hand. His mind didn't accept that he couldn't predict him. But one thing was understood. He should have gone somewhere for his walking pace. He thought that he was taking him with him.
After a while, he broke the silence and started speaking. "How far is Rajavendhan's Parampu mountain?"
"This country's name is Parampu Nadu. Rajavendhan's mountain is called Adimalai. On that mountain, the warrior Evvi, who founded the Velir clan, built the capital city."
We infer many things from the songs sung by the Panan singers in the land area. But how vast is the truth?
Arjunan asked as he pondered. "Is Rajavendhan's rule from there?"
That question make Mathiazhagan to laugh and He answered "Rajavendhan is not a king... he is the leader of the Velir clan. You think the forest is ruled like a country. No one can rule the forest. What can a small human do? Hatred, betrayal, valor, death. That's all. But look at the forest, countless creatures, each with infinite power. If you put even a single leaf in your mouth, you will die instantly. A single sprouting leaf is enough to end your life. Can you decide if the forest is made of leaves, trees, animals, rocks, birds, or horns?"
He kept talking. At one point, Arjunan couldn't follow his speech. The words rolled like rolling rocks. He took a moment to catch his breath. Sensing his pause, Mathiazhagan turned and said, "Our feet are used to walking on the ground. Your feet, accustomed to walking on the plains, remove your footwear and step forward. Even your fingers can grip like teeth.
After all these years, someone is teaching me how to walk. Is this how they tricked me into walking in my youth?
The king of Seettal, the king of Mudhugudu, the petty kings, the three kings of Chera, Chola, and Pandya, the learned scholars, the ascetics, the great merchants who wore the 'Etti Pattam' - I have spent time with so many people, and language, knowledge, and wisdom have always been my companions. But never has the memory of my mother come to mind. In an instant, he took me back to my mother's lap. Who is this man walking in front?
Arjunan, overcome with emotion, removed his footwear and walked towards him. Mathiazhagan reached the top of the hill and waited for his arrival. Arjunan approached the top, panting. Before him lay the vast expanse of the mountain range.
Mathiazhagan said, "The first layer is called 'Karamalai'. Only from there can you see the third layer, the 'Aadhimalai'."
Upon reaching the summit, a sudden gust of wind pushed against him. He turned his body slightly to withstand the wind's force and looked in the opposite direction. The long mountain range seemed to beckon him with its outstretched arms.
Mathiazhagan began to descend. "We must walk fast now. There's only a little time before dusk. Once the sun crosses the edge of the mountain, darkness will engulf us before we can cover the distance of a palm tree. Walking will be difficult after that. Come quickly," he said and leapt down.
Arjunan began to descend quickly. He watched as Mathiazhagan wasn't walking but leaping and crossing over. He tried to move faster, pushing aside small bushes. It's easier to see someone ahead while climbing, but going downhill, it's difficult to keep track of the person in front.