With the two men of the fortress commander flanking him on either side, Vandiyathevan set out to explore the great fort of Thanjavur. He had no doubt that their presence was to ensure he did not slip away. It was equally certain that strict orders had been given not to let anyone leave through the fortress gates. Yet, before midnight that very night, Vandiyathevan was determined to escape. If Periya Pazhuvettarayar were to arrive, it would be impossible to flee; even staying alive would become a question!

Thus, as Vandiyathevan wandered here and there within the Thanjavur fort, feigning interest in the sights, his mind was ceaselessly occupied with thoughts of escape. First, he had to shake off these two Yama’s henchmen; then, he had to find a way out of the fortress itself. But how? That was the puzzle.

On the face of it, evading these two was not a great feat. He could, in a single swift moment, strike them both down and dash away. But where would he run? The strength and impregnability of the Thanjavur fort, built up by the Pazhuvettarayars, was legendary. People said that not even a breath of air could enter the fort without their permission. Even the Emperor himself had said that morning that Yama, the god of death, could not enter without leave. How then could he, a mere mortal, hope to escape?

If he were to attack these men, they would immediately raise an alarm. In the very next instant, he would be thrown into the underground dungeons—or worse, lose his life. There was no use in violence; only cunning and guile could save him. Once he escaped their watchful eyes, he would have to find a way out of the fortress. However strong a fort might be, there would always be some secret tunnel or passage. But how to find it? Who would know of it? And even if someone did, would they reveal it to him?

As he walked on, his mind spinning with such thoughts, suddenly the image of the young queen of Pazhuvoor flashed before him. Ah! If there was anyone within this fortress who might help him, it would be that noble lady. Even that was uncertain. But perhaps, by invoking the name of Azhwarkadiyan, he could attempt some clever ruse. To do so, he would first need to locate the palace of Periya Pazhuvettarayar. Even if he found it, he must ensure that these two guards did not discover his intent to meet the queen. If they did, they would surely go and inform Chinna Pazhuvettarayar... They would tell on me. Who knows what disaster might befall from that? What if, by chance, while Periya Pazhuvettarayar is in the palace, he himself arrives? What would I do then? It would be like walking straight into the lion’s den and offering my head!

While Vandiyathevan’s mind was thus occupied with anxious thoughts, his mouth and eyes were far from idle. To those following behind him,