The regiment of Velakkara warriors marched along the great bazaar street. At the tail end of the procession, a few soldiers indulged in some mischievous pranks. One of them entered a sweet shop, seized a basket brimming with adhirasam, and distributed the treats among his fellow soldiers. Then, when he upturned the now-empty basket onto the shopkeeper’s head, both the soldiers and the passersby burst into raucous laughter—“Ha ha ha ha!”

Another soldier snatched a basket of flowers from an old woman he encountered along the way. Scattering the blossoms in all directions, he cried out, “Let a shower of flowers rain down!” The soldiers leapt and laughed, trying to catch the falling petals, making merry with their antics. Yet another soldier stopped a passing bullock cart, unfastened the bull from its yoke, and chased it away. Startled, the bull charged into the crowd, scattering people left and right as it ran. Once again, laughter and chaos erupted everywhere!

Watching all this, Vandiyathevan thought, “Ah! These men play just as the Pazhuvettaraiyar’s warriors do. Their games become a nuisance to others. It’s fortunate I kept out of their sight. Otherwise, a quarrel might have broken out, and my mission would have been ruined.”

But one difference became clear to him. The townspeople did not seem to resent the Velakkara soldiers’ antics as much. Instead, they joined in the laughter and excitement, delighting in the commotion! Wondering about this, Vandiyathevan turned to look for the young man with the flower baskets, but he was nowhere to be seen. Amidst the crowd and confusion, the youth had vanished—perhaps he had gone off to attend to his own business.

Vandiyathevan learned that after the Velakkara regiment left the fort in the evening, no one else would be allowed inside. Only those with special privileges—the royal family, ministers, and commanders—could enter the fort at any hour, day or night. He also discovered that the Pazhuvettaraiyar family enjoyed this right. Thus, Vandiyathevan abandoned his plan to enter the fort that night.

He did not wish to risk showing the signet ring he carried. Better, he thought, to spend the night outside the fort, exploring the city and waiting for another opportunity. It would be best to enter the fort only after sunrise tomorrow. Even if I were to enter the fort at night as I am now, would it be possible to meet the king and deliver the letter? Surely, that is not an easy matter.

Vandiyathevan made his way slowly along the streets that circled the fort’s ramparts, taking in the sights as he went. His horse, having traveled a great distance that day, was thoroughly exhausted. He knew he must soon find a place to let it rest; otherwise, when necessity arose on the morrow, the horse would be of no use to him! He must quickly find a suitable place to stay. Thanjai, at that time, was a city newly burgeoning, swelling and spreading in all directions. It was evening; hundreds of street lamps had been lit and were beginning to cast their glow.

Every street was thronged with crowds shouting, “Jai, Jai!” People from outlying towns had come for various official matters and were moving about in all directions. Among them were those from the towns and villages of Chola Nadu, as well as visitors from lands newly annexed to the Chola Empire. From the banks of the Porunai River to the banks of the Palar, from the eastern seashore to the western coast, people from all these vast regions had come to the capital. Some had even arrived from north of the Vindhya mountains and from lands across the seas, appearing here and there in the city’s streets.

In shops selling appam, athirasam, and other sweets, people swarmed like bees, crowding to purchase the delicacies. Bananas and many other fruits were piled high in great mounds. As for the flower shops, there was no need to even mention them. Jasmine, mullai, thiruvathi, champaka—these flowers rose in heaps like floral hills. Around these hills of blossoms, women buzzed like bees, gathering in swarms.

As he passed near the flower shops, Vandiyathevan thought of the young flower seller he had met earlier. How convenient it would be if he could meet him again! He could ask him about a comfortable place to stay in this city, could he not? As he was thinking thus, he saw, a short distance away, that very youth approaching. Dismounting from his horse, Vandiyathevan went up to him.

“Young man! I don’t see any flower baskets with you. Where are all the flowers? Have you sold them all?” he asked.

“I did not bring flowers to sell. I brought them for the temple puja; I have given them, and now I am returning home.”

“To which temple are you offering these flowers?”

“Have you heard of the Thalikulaththar temple?”

“Oh! I have heard of the Thanjai Thalikulaththar. Is it that temple? Is it a large one?”

“No, it is a small temple. For some time now, the Durga Amman temple here in Thanjai has gained more renown. There, the worship, pongal offerings, sacrifices, and festivals are celebrated with great pomp. The royal family and the Pazhuvettaraiyars mostly visit the Durga Amman temple. The Thalikulaththar temple does not enjoy such fame; not many people come there for darshan…”

“You are performing this floral service? Do you receive any reward for it?”

“Our family receives a grant for this. Since my grandfather’s time, there has been a land endowment given by Emperor Kandaraditha. At present, my mother and I are carrying out this service.”

“Is the Thalikulaththar temple built of brick, or has it been reconstructed in black stone?” asked Vallavarayan.

He asked thus because, on his way, he had seen many brick temples undergoing renovation with black stone.

“At present, it is a brick temple; I have heard that the renovation in black stone will begin soon. The great elder princess of Pazhaiyarai wishes that the renovation should