The two friends emerged from the women’s quarters. From inside, a woman’s voice called out, “Kandanmaran! Kandanmaran!”

“My mother is calling me. Wait here for a moment! I’ll be back soon,” said Kandanmaran, and went inside. Vandiyathevan could hear a chorus of women’s voices asking questions in quick succession, and Kandanmaran stammering and stumbling as he replied. Then came the sound of laughter, a bright, ringing mirth that echoed from within.

Vandiyathevan felt a flush of embarrassment and a spark of anger at the thought that perhaps they were laughing at his expense. When Kandanmaran returned, he took Vandiyathevan by the hand and said, “Come! Let’s take a tour of our palace!” and led him away.

Kandanmaran showed Vandiyathevan the moonlit courtyards of Kadambur Palace, the halls for music and dance, the storerooms, the shining marble pavilions, the towering gopurams and domes, the stables for horses, and many other wonders.

In the midst of this, Vandiyathevan asked, “Kandanmaran! When you left me at the entrance to the women’s quarters and went inside again, there was such laughter and excitement in there. What was the reason? Were they so delighted to see your friend?”

“They were indeed happy to see you. My mother and the others seem to like you very much. But they weren’t laughing about you…”

“Then what was the cause of their laughter?”

“You know the great Pazhuvettaraiyar, don’t you? Even at his age, he’s just taken a young bride. He brought her here in a closed palanquin. But instead of sending her to the women’s quarters, he’s locked her away in his own lodge! One of the nursemaids managed to catch a glimpse of her through the lattice and came back describing her beauty. That’s what they were laughing about! Now there’s a debate—whether she’s a Sinhalese woman, a Kalinga woman, or from the Chera country! You know, of course, that Pazhuvettaraiyar’s ancestors came to Tamil Nadu from the land of the Cheras?” “I have heard about it, of course—why, you yourself have told me once before. Leave that aside, Kandhamara! How long has it been since the Pazhuvettaraiyar married this mysterious, beautiful woman?”

“It can’t be more than two years; ever since their wedding, it seems he hasn’t left her alone for even a moment! Wherever he goes, he takes his beloved lady along with him in the palanquin. People all over the land are beginning to talk and make fun of it. Vandiyathevan! When men of a certain age are overtaken by such infatuation for women, isn’t it always a little ridiculous to everyone?”

“That’s not the real reason at all. Shall I tell you the true cause, Kandhamara? Women are always a little prone to jealousy. Don’t think I’m speaking ill of the women in your house! The whole world of women is like this! The women of your family are dusky beauties. But Pazhuvettaraiyar’s beloved lady is fair as gold, with a rosy glow. That’s why they don’t like her! And so, they make up all sorts of stories about her…”

“Hey! What’s this wonder! How do you know about her complexion? Have you seen her, then? Where and how did you see her? If Pazhuvettaraiyar comes to know of this, your life will not be your own!…”

“Kandhamara! You know well that I am not one to be frightened by such things. Besides, I haven’t done anything improper. When Pazhuvettaraiyar’s entourage was passing through Veeranarayana Puram, I too stood at the roadside among the crowds and watched. Elephants, horses, palanquins, parasols—all those honors you sent, weren’t they? Is that true?”

“Yes, we sent them. So what?…”

“So what? Nothing at all. I only compared the welcome and honors you gave Pazhuvettaraiyar with the welcome you gave me—nothing more…!”

Kandhamaran laughed lightly and said, “We gave him the honors due to a lord who wields the power of fate. To you, we gave the welcome due to a pure warrior! Someday, by Murugan’s grace, if you become the son-in-law of this house, we’ll give you the proper bridegroom’s honors and welcome you accordingly!” Then he added, “But you were saying something else before; the conversation has wandered. Yes, you said Pazhuvettaraiyar’s beloved lady is fair and rosy—how do you know that?”

On the broad, dark-backed elephant of Kadambur palace, Pazhuvetaraiyar was approaching, like Yama, the god of death, riding upon his buffalo! All my attention was fixed upon him. There was a time when I, too, dreamt of becoming like him. Just then, following him, came a closed palanquin. While I was wondering who could be inside, a hand from within gently drew aside the curtain. Through the parted veil, a face was visible. The hand and the face were both of a radiant golden hue! That was all I saw! From what you have just told me, I surmise that the woman must be the object of Pazhuvetaraiyar’s desire.

“Vandiyatheva! You are a fortunate man. It is said that no man has ever laid eyes upon the young queen of Pazhuvur. Yet, for at least a moment, you have seen her hand and her face, have you not? From what you saw, can you guess from which land such a beauty might have been born?” asked Kandhamaaran.

“At that moment, I did not think about it. But now, reflecting upon it, she might be a maiden from Kashmir; or perhaps a princess from distant lands beyond the seas—Java, Kadaram, Yavana, or even Misra. Perhaps she could even be a woman from Arabia. In that country, it is said, women wear a veil from birth until death!”

At that moment, from somewhere nearby, the sound of musical instruments began to rise. Salli, karadi, parai, pullanguzhal, and udukkai all joined in a clamorous symphony.

“What is that sound?” Vandiyathevan asked.

“The Kuravai dance is about to begin! This is the opening fanfare! Do you wish to watch the Kuravai dance? Or would you rather eat quickly and lie down to sleep in peace?”

At