The people of Thanjavur held a special affection for the brothers of Pazhuvoor. Was it not the Pazhuvettarayar clan that had bestowed new glory and influence upon that ancient city? A procession of elephants, horses, and camels was always a spectacle that delighted the townsfolk. Whether the great lord, Periya Pazhuvettarayar, was leaving Thanjai or returning to the fortress from outside, crowds would gather on either side of the streets to watch the pageantry; they would shout their praises, offer their blessings, and shower flowers and puffed rice in celebration.

Usually, when the elder brother returned from outside, the younger would come to the fortress gate to welcome him and lead him inside. The sight of the two brothers embracing each other was like the Nilagiri and Podhigai mountains coming together in a loving clasp. If both rode side by side on elephants or horses, one would need ten thousand eyes to truly behold that magnificent sight.

Some compared the Pazhuvoor brothers to Hiranya and Hiranyatchan. Others called them the “Sundopa Sundarars.” There were those who said they were brothers as noble as Rama and Bharata, and others who likened them to the heroic brothers Bhima and Arjuna.

But today, when Periya Pazhuvettarayar entered the Thanjai fortress, though his retinue made the customary proclamations, there was no festive cheer in the streets; the crowds were sparse. Chinna Pazhuvettarayar was not waiting at the fortress gate to receive his elder brother.

Yet the great lord paid no heed to this, and proceeded directly towards his younger brother’s palace. He thought, “The younger one must be engaged in some important matter.” A suspicion arose in his mind—perhaps the Emperor’s health had taken a grave turn, or… or perhaps the “great deed” itself had been accomplished.

Thus, moving more swiftly than usual, his retinue made their way to the palace of the fortress commander, Chinna Pazhuvettarayar.

On the threshold of the palace, the commander who had come to welcome his younger brother bore an expression of agitation and concern upon his face. After offering his respects to his brother, he embraced him warmly. The two of them entered the palace together and proceeded straight into the inner council chamber.

Once they were alone, the elder asked, “Brother! Kaalandhagan! What is the matter with you? Is there any special news? Is the Emperor well?”

Kaalandhakandar, the younger Pazhuvettaraiyar, replied, “The Emperor is as he always is. There is no improvement in his health, nor is there any decline.”

“Then why does your face look so troubled? Why did you not come to the fort gate? Even the town seems unusually subdued!” the elder inquired.

“Anna! A small incident has occurred. Nothing dangerous. I will tell you about it later. How did all your affairs go?” Kaalandhakandar asked.

“My mission was a complete success. All those who were summoned came to Kadambur. Everyone unanimously agreed that your son-in-law, Madurantakan, is the rightful heir to the throne. They approved it with shouts of victory. If justice is not served, they are all ready to take up arms and establish his right by force. Even Kolli Mazhavan and Vanangamudi Munaiyaraiyan have agreed—what obstacle remains to fulfill our purpose? Sambuvaraiyar is prepared to commit his fortress, his army, his wealth—everything. His son Kandhamaaran is fiercely determined. There is no need to worry about Nadu Nadu or Thirumunaippadi Nadu. The Chola country is always in our grasp. What else is there to consider? Thirukovalur Malayaman, Parthibendran of the Pallavas, and the Velan of Kodumbalur—these three alone might possibly oppose us. Of them, the lord of Kodumbalur is not here; he is in Lanka. What can the other two accomplish? We must speak to the Emperor at the earliest and settle the matter at once!” declared the elder Pazhuvettaraiyar.

“What you say about the chieftains is true; but what about the people? What if the people object?” asked Kaalandhakandar.

“Ah! Who is going to ask the people? Are kingdoms run by consulting the people? If the people dare to object, we must ensure that they never again interfere in such matters. But I do not think it will come to that. If it is the Emperor’s wish, they will submit without a word.

Moreover, it is fortunate that Arulmozhi Varman is in Lanka. Even so, the people might still try to display their blind devotion. The people do not hold as much affection for Aditya Karikalan. It would be easy to turn their loyalty toward Madurantakan. He already has a reputation as a ‘devotee of Shiva’ and a man of ‘upright character’. You know well enough that, compared to Sundara Chozhar’s two sons, your son-in-law’s face bears more of the marks of beauty. The foolish masses believe that ‘the beauty of the heart is reflected on the face’. It would be more surprising if they did not shout, ‘Long live Emperor Madurantaka!’ Whatever may happen, as long as I am here, what have you to fear…?”

“But what about the Velakkara army! How are we to manage them?”

“The Velakkara soldiers have sworn an oath of life-sacrifice only to Sundara Chozhar, not to his children. And even if they interfere, where is your own fortress guard? In the span of a single hour, could you not seize them all and throw them into the dungeons?”

“Anna! The main opposition will come from Pazhayarai. Who knows what that old woman and the princess will plot together? That is what we must watch most closely…”

“Thambi! Kalanthaka! Are you really telling me to fear two women? I have countermeasures for all their tricks and schemes. Do not worry!”

“The Emperor has ordered that both of them be summoned to Thanjavur…”

“Aditya Karikalan will not come. Perhaps Arulmozhi, obeying his father’s command, will set out and come. If he does, he must be stopped! Only after Madurantakan is crowned prince and seated on the throne with full authority should either of them be allowed to come. They must not arrive before that. Leave