Kundavai had firmly decided that Vanathi was the most suitable bride for her incomparable younger brother, Arulmozhi Varman. Yet, there was but one flaw in Vanathi—her timid nature. Was it right for a girl destined to marry a hero among heroes, to bear a son who would one day rule the world beneath a single royal umbrella, to be so fearful? Kundavai longed to transform Vanathi’s timid disposition and make her a courageous, valiant maiden. It was for this very purpose that she had devised the game of the puppet crocodile. But in that trial, the princess of Kodumbalur had emerged victorious.

After returning from the house of the Kudanthai astrologer, Kundavai Devi and Vanathi boarded the graceful swan-shaped boat. The boat glided a short distance; as was their custom, they halted it at a secluded spot along the riverbank, shaded thickly by trees on both sides. There, Kundavai and her companions would alight to play in the water. On this day too, they reached that place and stepped out.

No sooner had everyone disembarked than one of the girls cried out, “Oh no! A crocodile!” Pointing to the other side of the large tree beneath which they had just landed, she shrieked, “Crocodile! Crocodile!” Instantly, all the women joined in, wailing, “Oh! A crocodile! How frightening!” and ran away in a flurry.

But Vanathi, usually so timid, did not show the slightest sign of fear at that moment. Even when she suddenly saw the gaping jaws of the fearsome crocodile up close, she did not lose her composure. While all the others, following Kundavai Devi’s instructions, pretended to be terrified, Vanathi alone remained unafraid.

“Sister! A crocodile is powerful only in the water! When it is on land, it cannot do anything. Tell them not to be afraid!” said the princess of Kodumbalur.

“Oh, you clever trickster! It seems you knew beforehand that this was not a real crocodile, but a puppet! Someone must have told you!” teased the other girls.

“Even if it were a real crocodile, I wouldn’t be afraid. It’s only lizards and cockroaches that frighten me!” replied Vanathi.

At that very moment, Vandiyathevan arrived to save those women from the jaws of the fearsome crocodile. Leaping from his horse in a single bound, he rushed forward and hurled his spear.

Standing before the crocodile, the majestic maiden’s words reached Vallavarayan’s ears, sending a shiver through his body. The regret that had plagued him at Kudanthai astrologer’s house—that she had not spoken to him—now vanished. Yet, the crocodile—the terrifying beast with its gaping mouth lying behind her—continued to trouble his mind. Why was she standing in front of the crocodile? What did she mean by saying, “Do not trouble yourself about it”? Why had the crocodile remained in the same spot all this time? What was the meaning behind all this?

The young woman spoke again: “Sir! In Kudanthai, you expressed regret for having hurried into the astrologer’s house. We left without giving you a reply. From this, you might have thought that the women of Chola Nadu are ignorant of courtesy. Please do not think so. The girl who accompanied me was suddenly overcome by a faintness, and my mind was somewhat disturbed. That is why I did not answer you…”

Ah! What a sweet voice this is! Why does my heart surge so upon hearing her words? Why does my throat tighten? Not even the flute, the veena, the drum, or the war conch have ever intoxicated me so, have ever shaken me thus! Why, when I try to interrupt her and say something, am I unable? Why does my tongue stick to the roof of my mouth? Why has my breath stopped altogether? Why has the flood of this Arisil river ceased to flow? And this crocodile! Why does it simply lie there, unmoving?

As Vandiyathevan’s mind reeled thus, the maiden’s voice continued, as if in a dream: “Even now, you believed you were saving helpless women like us! You hurled your spear at the crocodile. It is rare to see warriors who can throw a spear so swiftly and unerringly…”

The women who had been standing under the tree, listening quietly, now burst into laughter once more. That laughter shattered Vandiyathevan’s enchanted dream. The magical spell of the maiden’s words was broken in an instant. He looked at the crocodile again. It paid no heed to the woman standing before it, and, moving aside—

He went near the crocodile. He pulled out his spear that was lodged in its back! Through the wound where the spear had pierced, blood did not gush forth! Instead, what came out? Only a bit of plantain fiber and cotton emerged!

Once again, those mischievous women laughed. This time, they burst into loud, ringing laughter. Vallavaraiyan’s heart and body both shrank. Never before in his life had he suffered such humiliation. Such a disgrace, and in front of so many women! Are these even women? No! No! They are demons! One should not even stand near them! One should not even dare to look at their faces! Shame! Shame! My dear spear! Is this the fate that has befallen you? Such a dishonor has come upon you? How will I ever wipe away the stain that has come upon you and restore your honor?…

All these thoughts flashed through Vandiyathevan’s mind in the span of a few moments. If only those who laughed had been men, a battlefield would have erupted right there! Those who dared to laugh would have lost their lives that very instant! Their blood would have mingled and flowed with the red waters of the Arisil river! But these were women! What could he do to them? The only thing left was to run away from them!

Without even glancing at the face of the maiden who had shaken his heart, Vandiyathevan leapt up and ran to the riverbank. His horse, which stood waiting there, let out a loud neigh at that moment.