The moment Vandiyathevan saw the younger Pazhuvetarayar, he stopped fighting and walked towards him. The guards sprang up, rushed over, and seized him. But he paid them no heed, striding four steps forward and declaring, “Commander! You have arrived at just the right moment. These wretched thieves have not only stolen my belongings, but also tried to kill me! Is this how a guest is to be treated? Is this the custom of Thanjavur? I am not merely your guest, but also the guest of the Emperor; you yourself heard what the Empress commanded! I am the messenger who has come with a letter from the Crown Prince. If this is how they treat someone like me, what would they do to others? I am astonished that you keep such thieves in your employ. In our Thondai region, such rogues would be thrown into the river without a second thought, and we would get on with our business!” he rained down his words in a torrent.

The amazement at the young man who had, single-handedly, thrown down three warriors at once had not yet left Pazhuvetarayar’s mind. His desire to recruit such a brave soul into his own guard grew even stronger. Therefore, in a calm voice, he said, “Wait, my boy! Wait! I do not think they would have done all that you accuse them of. Let me question them and see!”

“That is all I ask! Question them; deliver justice! Arrange for my clothes and belongings to be returned to me!” said Vallavarayan.

“Hey! Leave that boy and come here!” the Commander thundered at his men. “What did I tell you? And what have you done? Why did you lay hands on him?”

“Master! We did exactly as you commanded. We bathed him in oil, dressed him in new clothes and ornaments, gave him a feast of six flavors, and brought him to the Hall of Paintings. He spent some time looking at the paintings there. Suddenly, he demanded his old clothes. Then, without warning, he began to attack us!” explained one of the warriors.

“Did three strong men fall at the hands of a mere child?” he exclaimed, his eyes blazing like embers of blood.

“Master! We thought he was a royal guest of the palace. Now, please grant us permission; we will finish him off at once.”

“Enough of your heroic exploits! Cease this at once! Young man!... What do you have to say?”

“I say, grant them permission. And grant me permission as well. It has been some days since I fought the enemies of the Chola clan. My shoulders are growing dull. Let me teach these palace guards a lesson in how to treat guests!” declared our valiant hero.

Chinna Pazhuvettarayar smiled and said, “Young man! Reserve your strength for the true enemies of the Cholas! With the Emperor lying ill, brawling and commotion within the walls of Tanjore fort will serve no good purpose. That is my command!”

“In that case, order them