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 who is bold enough to accomplish what he sets his mind to. For that purpose, I have sent this man. You may trust him completely and entrust him with any important task,’ the prince has written in his own hand. Ah! There is some mystery in this. Does the elder know about this letter or not? I must be even more cautious regarding this fellow!” the commander told himself.

He drew the man who had brought the scroll aside and whispered a few instructions into his ear. The man immediately departed.

In the palace of the Younger Pazhuvettarayar, Vandiyathevan was treated with great hospitality. He was given a bath and provided with new clothes to wear. Vandiyathevan, who took great pleasure in fine garments, was filled with delight. He even forgot his anxiety about the missing scroll. After donning the new attire, he was served a royal array of six delicious dishes. Famished, Vandiyathevan relished them with gusto.

Afterwards, he was led to the picture gallery of the Younger Pazhuvettarayar’s palace. “Until the commander arrives, you may admire the rare paintings in this hall,” they said. With these words, three guards sat outside the hall, chatting idly and soon began to play dice.

On that day, the new capital of the Chola dynasty, Thanjai, was renowned for its sculpture and painting. Just as music and dance flourished in Thiruvaiyaru, sculpture and painting thrived in Thanjai.

Most notably, the picture gallery in the palace of the Younger Pazhuvettarayar was famous throughout the land. Now, Vandiyathevan entered that gallery. His heart thrilled as he gazed upon the wondrous paintings rendered in many beautiful colors upon the walls. Immersed in that joy, he forgot himself—he even forgot the important task that had brought him there.

The scenes depicting the ancient kings of the Chola dynasty and the events of their lives captivated his attention and filled him with wonder. Most notably, the history of the Cholas over the past hundred years dominated a large portion of that mural hall. These were the very paintings that aroused the greatest curiosity in Vandiyathevan.

At this juncture, we wish to briefly remind the readers of the lineage of Chola kings who had ruled from Pazhayarai and Thanjai over the past century. Knowing this will be of great use in understanding the events that unfold in the coming chapters of this story.

We have already spoken of Vijayalaya Cholan, who wore the scars of ninety-six battles as ornaments upon his august body.

It was customary for Chola kings to alternately assume the titles of Parakesari and Rajakesari. After Parakesari Vijayalaya, his son Rajakesari Aditya Cholan ascended the throne. He proved himself a worthy son to his illustrious father. At first, standing with the Pallava faction, he defeated the Pandyas and consolidated the Chola kingdom. Later, he waged war against Aparajitavarman, the Pallava king. In a fierce battle, Aditya Cholan leapt from his own elephant onto the howdah of Aparajitavarman and slew him, thus bringing the Thondai region