12) Chapter

Early dawn, as the first light touches the horizon. Vishnu rides his mare along a green path through the villages and paddy feilds near the gentle morning sounds all around him...clucking hens, the hum of water being drawn from the well, and the soft laughter of villagers beginning their day's work. He nods at those he passes, a warm smile on his face.

As he rides along the paddy fields, he notices not just men but women working among the crops. They move with practiced grace, their saris tucked up for ease, laughing, singing and chatting even as they work.

The sun casts a golden hue on their skin, and the morning air carries the faint, cheerful hum of their voices. A few people glance up as he approaches, pausing with curious, friendly smiles.

"Good morning, Young sir! Up with the sun, I see. Must be an important journey, eh?"A famer spelled while wiping his brow, smiling as Vishnu approaches.

"A journey, indeed, but with such beautiful company around, I might be tempted to take my time." Vishnu said smiling and nodding back.

"And a charmer, too! Careful, boy, or we'll put you to work here on the farm!" A old women said while chuckling from nearby, rinsing her hands in the water.

"If I weren't bound by duty, I'd gladly take you up on it Thayi (Mother) ! But I think the cows might protest." Vishu said smiling.

"Well now, you don't see travelers stopping by the fields every day. Admiring our hard work, are you?"another woman said grinning as she balances a basket of rice seedlings on her hip.

"Indeed, I am. It's an honor to see such dedication...your work keeps this land alive" he said smiling, bowing slightly

"Ah, you speak kindly, young man. But it's the Chandravanshi Chalukyan rule that makes this possible. Under their watch, our fields are safe, and our children sleep with full bellies. We're proud to serve such a just kingdom." a old farmer said nodding thoughtfully.

A young girl who were tossing seed towards the water start to speak

"And it helps that they're handsome too, i mean our royals and their soldiers." a few women laugh, giving Vishnu a knowing glance "Strong, like this oxen, and twice as determined."

"You flatter us, truly. But it's your hard work and loyalty that make the kingdom strong, not just the swords we carry." Vishuu said with a smile.

"Are you a soldjer mister? You You look like you could fight a hundred men!"It was the sound of a little boy who were near paddy field.

"Only if they're very tiny men. Let's say I'm a friend to the land and all who live on it. But don't let my words fool you...I'd never match the skill and patience of the farmers here." he said chuckling, kneeling down to the boy's height.

"Careful,Sir or we'll have you planting rice with us before noon!" That young girl said calling out with a grin.

The group laughs, and Vishnu gives a friendly wave, warmed by their spirit and dedication. He rides on, their laughter and voices ringing in his ears, feeling both humbled and emboldened by their simple yet steadfast loyalty.

After traveling nearly ten miles under the heat of the growing day, Vishnu finally reaches the outskirts of Pattadakal. His mare, tired and breathing heavily, slows to a halt. Spotting a local stable, Vishnu decides to exchange his mare for a fresh mount, hoping to continue his journey with renewed speed.

"You've done well, my girl. Time for you to rest..I'll see if I can find a fresher steed to take us onward." Vishu spelled patting his weary mare's neck.

Vishnu approaches a stable where a scrappy young boy in tattered clothes stands, eyeing him with curiosity.

"This one's done well, but she's had enough for one journey. Think I could trade her in for a fresh horse?" Vishu said while smiling and nodding at the boy.

"Ah, she's a beauty, sir! But she does look like she's run half across the kingdom." that boy said grinning as he takes the reins, eyeing Vishnu's horse up and down.

"But, sir, you've come at a bit of a rush hour, you see. Right now, we don't have any fresh horses available. But give it an hour, and one will be ready for you. Why not grab a bite down at the market? Best to be well-fed for a journey, after all." That boy spelled.

"No horses at a stable? That's an impressive feat. But I suppose I am hungry." Vishnu said glancing at the stable boy "You'll take good care of her, won't you? She's earned a rest."

"Absolutely, sir. When you're back, we'll have a fresh horse ready and waiting for you, guaranteed!" that boy nodded eagerly.

Vishnu, after traveling a long distance, feels his stomach rumbled.

"At least walking will give me a chance to burn off this hunger. Let's hope I find something to fill the void before I start looking like a skeleton in the desert."vishnu muttered.

He spots a small roadside stall ahead, where an old woman is selling foods, He was drawn by the enticing smell of fresh roti and spiced curries.

"Good day, Thayii . What do you have for a weary traveler in need of something to eat?" Vishnu said with a smile, walking up to the stall.

"Ah, a warrior on foot! Don't you worry, I have just the thing for you—roti, and sweet fruit from the market. Not much, but just enough to keep you going." Old woman said with a smile.

"I'd say it's perfect. It's been a long journey, and the road's been cruel with hunger." Vishnu said laughing lightly, pulling a few coins from his pouch.

"Hey sir! Isn't that your horse? There, up the road!" old lady pointed, her eyes were wide.

As Vishnu jerks his head around, and sure enough, there goes his horse—ridden by the stable boy's grinning face as he speeds off down a side road.

"Oh Whats the...., for heaven's sake—again?" he groaned while slapping his forehead.

Vishnu drops his food, immediately giving chase, dodging through the bustling crowd, calling out to the stable boy as he runs.

"Stop right there! That's my horse, you little rascal! stop!"he yelled.

The stable boy glances back with a wide grin, shouting as he picks up speed. Then he saw the stable boy speeding off on his horse...his own weary horse...heading down a side road and disappearing into the distance.

"Oh Mahadev—did he just... steal my horse? The nerve!"

"Not every day someone risks their neck to take a prince's horse. I leave my mare, him for five minutes, and this is what I get! Get back here, you little scoundrel!"Vishu shouted while running.

Just as he rounds a corner, he hears a sharp shout behind him.

"Hey, you! Hold on a second!" strange voice shouted.

Startled, Vishnu glances back to see a tall, sturdy man sprinting after him. The man's face is mostly obscured by his cloak, his heart pound faster—he wasn't expecting anyone else to join his wild chase.

"Now who the heck is this? One horse thief is trouble enough; now I've got a second one chasing me? Vishnu thought while running.

The stable boy, now gaining a bit of distance, shouts back at him.

"Oi, sir! Can't catch me? You're supposed to be the one in charge here!"

"That's because you're the one running off with my horse, you little bandit!"Vishnu shouted back.

"Hey, you! Slow down!"that strangerrs voice yellped again.

"Oh, fantastic. Now I have two people chasing me—one in front and one behind! Is this some new sport?" Vishnu muttered in a disbelif.