In the light of the lamp held in the Bikshu’s hand, he looked all around. It seemed he had noticed the prince and his companions standing there. In the next moment, the glow of the lamp faded away. After a short while, the Bikshu was seen walking along the steps of the pond, approaching them. He came to where the prince stood and, in the moonlight, gazed intently at his face.

“Devapriya! Welcome! Welcome! The Vaidulya Bikshu Sangha awaits you. The Maha Thero Guru has also arrived. My heart is filled with joy and gratitude that you have come at the appointed hour, without fail!” he said.

“Swami! I know well that many faults reside in this humble youth. Yet, I have always adhered to a noble vow: never to break my word. I have never failed in that vow!” replied Ponniyin Selvan.

“When I learned that you had not arrived by sunset today, I was a little anxious,” said the Bikshu.

“Had I come earlier, perhaps I might not have been able to fulfill my promise. That is why I have arrived at the right moment,” said the prince.

“Yes, yes! Many clouds gather around to hide the radiant sun that shines like a jewel in the sky; we too are aware of this. But all those clouds will be scattered and driven away by the great wind of the Buddha’s compassion. Let it be! Now, who are these standing here? Are they well known to you? Are they worthy of your complete trust? Are they ones who will never fail to keep a promise?” asked the Bikshu.

“Swami! I trust these friends just as I trust both my hands. However, if you wish otherwise, I am ready to leave them here and come with you alone,” said the prince.

“No, no! I am not willing to take on such a great responsibility. The place to which I am taking you is very secure. Still, the journey is long. Who can say what danger may lurk behind any pillar along the way? These two must certainly come with us!” said the Bikshu. Hearing all this, Vandiyathevan’s heart was in turmoil. He felt a surge of pride at the thought that the prince, who barely knew him, had shown such complete trust and brought him along for such an intimate, secret matter. The thought, “Tonight, something important is about to happen—what could it be?” filled him with a thrilling excitement.

The Bikshu went ahead to lead the way, and the others followed behind. They descended the steps of the tank and entered a chamber carved into the stone wall at the rear. In the darkness, the Bikshu did something at one side of the room. Immediately, a passage opened up. Light could be seen within. The Bikshu took a lamp that was kept there and held it in his hand. Once the other three had entered, the passage closed behind them. From outside, the sound of the waterfall pouring from