The years passed like the tides- sometimes calm, sometime fierce. Abbakka grew from a spirited young girl into a warrior, trained in the art of war, diplomacy and governance. Her mother ensured that she learned everything a ruler needed- how to wield a sword, how to command an army, an most importantly how to rude with justice.
At sixteen, she was crowned the Queen of Ullal. The ceremony was held under the vast sky, where the sound of conch shells and temple bells merged with the crashing waves. Dressed in a warriors Armor, Abbakka stepped forward to accept the sacred sword, the symbol of her reign.
As she held it high the gathered people of Ullal cheered.
"I, Abbakka chowta, daughter of this soil swear upon this land and sea the Ullal shall never bow to foreign rule. I will defend my people until my last breath.
The elders nodded in approval. The young queen had fire in her heart, just like her ancestors. But as she stood before her people, a messenger rushed into the courtyard. His face was pale with urgency.
"My Queen", he bowed deeply." The Portuguese have sent envoys. They demand your presence at the palace gates.
Abbakka exchanged glances with her ministers. " Let them in ", she ordered.
Two Portuguese envoys entered, their eyes filled with arrogance. Clad in skills and Armor, they looked down at the court of Ullal as if they already owned it. One of them, a man named Diego Lopes, stepped forward and unrolled a parchment.
"Queen of Ullal", he began, his voice dripping with superiority. "The great Portuguese Empire offers you a choice - submit to our rules, and a kingdom shall be spread. Pay us an annual tribute, and in return, you will have our protection."
The hall fell silent. Abbakka let his words hang in the air before speaking, her voice calm but laced with steel.
"Protection?" She repeated. " From whom?"
Diego smirked. "From us, of course."
A murmur of anger rippled through the court, but Abbakka raised her hand, silencing them. She stepped forward, her gaze never leaving the envoys face.
"Tell your Viceroy, "she said, her tone unwavering " that Ullal does not bow. If the Portuguese wish to test the strength of my people, let them come."
Diego's smirk faltered. "You do not understand, Queen. We are not some petty kingdom seeking a trade agreement. We own the seas. Our cannons can destroy your fortresses, our fleet can blockade your parts. You cannot win against us."
Abbakka tilted her head." Then why did you come with words instead of war?"
Diego's jaw tightened. He had not expected such a bold response.
The queen turned to her guards. " Escort them out . And send my reply with them."
The guards grabbed the envoys roughly dragging, them towards the gates. Diego struggled." What reply"he demanded.
Abbakka strode forward and picked up handful of sand from the ground. She let it slip through her fingers, her eyes burning with defiance.
" This is my reply," she said "Ullal belongs to its people, like the earth beneath our feet. Your empire may rule over distant lands, but it will never own this soil."
The message was cleared .
The Portuguese envoys left, and the people of Ullal erupted in cheers. Abbakka turned to her ministers." Prepare the army . Fortify the defense. The storm is coming, and we will meet it heard-on.?