Let us now turn our attention to what became of the missing Vandiyathevan.

We saw him slip away and hide near the darkened palace, did we not? At first, he tried to listen in on what the sorcerer and Nandini were discussing. But not a word of their conversation reached his ears. Nor did he have much desire to eavesdrop and discover what they were saying. He now realized that, while speaking with Nandini, his senses had deserted him and a strange, intoxicating stupor had overtaken his mind. It would be best, he thought, if he could escape without encountering her again. Far more danger lurked in falling into the hands of this young queen than in being caught by the Pazhuvettaraiyars. In their presence, his wits worked sharply; the pain in his shoulder surged; his hand always rested on the dagger at his waist. He could rely on cunning or, if need be, on his blade. But before this enchantress, his mind grew clouded; his hand lost the strength to grasp his dagger. What fate might befall him if he went before her again? Enough—more than enough! She even keeps the company of a sorcerer! What sorcery might the two of them conjure together? How much hatred does she harbor toward Princess Kundavai? That hatred sparkles in her eyes like embers! Perhaps, on a sudden change of heart, she might even hand him over to the Pazhuvettaraiyars! Are not the fickle hearts and wavering minds of women renowned? Therefore, it would be best to escape without meeting her again. But how? He would have to find a way through the garden! He would have to climb the wall and jump down! What if those searching for him were waiting outside the wall?… Was there no other way? Where had the luck that had aided Vandiyathevan all these days gone? Think! Think! Use your wits! Use your eyes as well! Look all around you!

Here stands this palace, shrouded in darkness! Why is it so dark? What lies within? If he entered, where might another door lead him? Could he not go inside and have a look? Even if it did not help him now, it might prove useful another time. Who would know? But how to enter? What a massive, grand door! What a huge lock! My goodness! What strength! What solidity! Ah! What is this? There seems to be a small door within the main one! As soon as he placed his hand on it, the little door opened… How fortunate! If this is not luck, then what is? I must go inside and see!

Opening the small, cleverly concealed door within the large main entrance, Vandiyathevan slipped into the dark palace. The very first thought that struck him as he set foot inside was that even Nandini must not know he had entered this place. So, he quietly shut the little door behind him.

As soon as he closed it, the darkness within seemed to grow even denser, many times over. For the brief moment when the door was open, he had glimpsed a few massive pillars standing inside. Now, even those were invisible. Darkness—could such utter darkness even be imagined? Tch! Tch! It must be because he had come straight from the light; at first, it would always seem like this. In a short while, the heaviness of the darkness would lessen, and objects would begin to appear faintly to his eyes. How many times had he experienced this before, and yet, why this confusion at the sight of darkness now? Instead of simply standing still, perhaps he should try walking a little. He could feel his way forward with his hands. Where would that pillar he had just seen go, after all?

Stretching his arms out before him like a blind man, Vandiyathevan walked a short distance. As he had expected, his hand bumped into a pillar! Ah, what a massive pillar! A pillar of black stone! He could move around it and see where it led. Walking a little further, his hand found another pillar. Yet, still, nothing was visible to his eyes. Had he suddenly gone blind? What a mad thought! How could one go blind all at once? He decided to walk a little more. No more pillars met his hand! He felt as though he were descending into a hollow! Ah, here was a step! Thank goodness he hadn’t fallen! How long, and how far, could he go on like this, unable to see anything in this darkness?

For some reason, a sense of dread crept into Vandiyathevan’s heart. He did not have the courage to go further. He must turn back the way he had come! He must open the door and return to the Latha Mandapam! Better to meet Nandini again and act according to her plan, than to wander in this terrifying darkness. Whatever promise she might demand, he could give it for now, and later, when the time was right, he could reconsider! Thinking thus, Vandiyathevan turned back. But was he retracing his steps along the same path? How could he be sure? As he walked, nothing touched his hand! Where had those black stone pillars gone? Would he be unable to find the door again? Would he have to spend the whole night wandering in circles in this darkness? Oh God! What danger is this!

Ah! What is that sound? A sharp, rustling noise! Where is it coming from? It must be the sound of bats flapping their wings. In such darkness, it was only natural that bats would abound. No! That is not just the sound of bats’ wings! Footsteps! Someone is walking! Who is it that walks? Are they human?

Or… Vandiyathevan’s throat went dry! His tongue seemed stuck to his palate! Suddenly, it felt as if someone had struck him across the face. Summoning all his strength, Vandiyathevan threw a punch! His fist ached as though it had been severed. With his other