Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar led Vandiyathevan with him to the audience hall. The explanation Vandiyathevan had given about what he had told the Emperor did not fully satisfy him. He wondered if it had been a mistake to grant the youth permission to meet the Emperor alone. Since he had come from Aditya Karikalan, it was only proper to harbor some suspicion about him. Yet, as his elder brother had sent him with the signet ring, there was no room for doubt. Ah! In matters such as these, does a great man need someone else to warn him to be cautious? Still, when he had suddenly entered the audience chamber, the sight of that youth hesitating and standing there, looking frightened, flashed before his eyes. He remembered clearly hearing him cry, “Danger! Danger!” If he had actually said “Abayam” (safety), could it have sounded to his ears as “Abayam” (danger)? In any case, it would be best not to send him away immediately. Once his elder brother returned, he could learn more about this youth and then decide what was appropriate. A bold young man like this ought to be considered for a place in his own inner guard. He could be useful at the right time. Why not? He could even be granted a portion of his ancestors’ old fiefdom in the kingdom. If one helps such youths once, they will remain loyal and grateful forever. On the other hand, if he turned out to be a determined enemy, suitable arrangements could be made for that as well; let his elder brother return, and then he would see.

Upon entering the audience hall, Vandiyathevan began to look eagerly this way and that. He peered intently at the spot where he had handed over the letter to the commander. Was there, by any chance, another letter—was that important letter lying there? If he could not find it, there could be no greater fool than himself! He would leave without ever seeing the princess, the jewel of the Chola dynasty, whom the whole world praised. He would fail to accomplish even half the task entrusted to him by Aditya Karikalan.

Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar turned to one of the attendants standing nearby and said, “Take this young man to our palace! See that he is given all necessary comforts in the guest quarters. Let him remain there until I return!” As soon as Vandiyathevan and the messenger had stepped outside, another man approached the commander with a mixture of fear and reverence, and extended a palm-leaf scroll to him.

“This was found on the path leading from here to the Darisanam Mandapam. It might have fallen from the young man who just left,” he said.

The commander eagerly took the scroll, unrolled it, and read it. His eyebrows shot up, nearly reaching the middle of his forehead, and a cruel transformation came over his face.

“Aha! A letter from Aditya Karikalan to the Young Princess. ‘You had asked for a true hero for secret affairs—one