At that place, at that moment, the sight of Devaralan made Vandiyathevan’s heart tremble slightly. Memories of Devaralan’s frenzied antics in the Kadambur palace, and the words he had uttered then, came rushing back. He also recalled the messages spoken by Ravidasan and Devaralan during that turbulent night when the storm raged in the midst of the sea. How much of it was truth, and how much mere imagination? It was hard to discern. Yet, there was no doubt that these men were involved in some mysterious and dreadful conspiracy.

To find himself, at such a time, in this desolate place, caught in the company of one of them—was it not dangerous? For a moment, Vandiyathevan wondered if he should spur his horse and escape from there at once. With that thought, he looked all around. In the distance, a glow of fire was visible. It must be a cremation ground.

‘Some mortal body is being consumed by flames. When there was life in that body, how many desires and attachments must have tossed it about? How many pleasures and pains must it have experienced? In half an hour, all that will remain is a handful of ash! That is the fate that awaits every soul born into this world—be it the king of kings or the poorest beggar, all must one day become fuel for the fire and be reduced to a handful of ash!’

But the chill that gripped him vanished as suddenly as it had come. Why should he flee in fear of this master of disguises and deception? Surely, this man had come here to say something. Why not listen to what he had to say? Perhaps, when he had entered the blacksmith’s forge, it was this man who had slipped away to the back and hidden himself! That wondrous sword, too, might belong to him. Wasn’t there a fish engraved near the hilt? If he engaged this man in conversation, perhaps some new information might be revealed.

So Vallavarayan guided his horse at a slow pace. The horse, still fresh from its recent acquisition, seemed to struggle a little with the walk. He did not feel like urging it to gallop.

“How is it, sir, that you have suddenly sprung up here out of nowhere?” asked Vallavarayan.

“Shouldn’t I be the one asking that question? We left you tied to a raft in the middle of the sea. How did you manage to escape?” replied Devaralan. “You thought you alone knew the secrets of incantations? I know a little myself!”

“I am glad that you have come to believe in the power of mantras. By the strength of my own magic, I knew you would be coming here alone. That is why I came ahead and waited for you.”

“Why did you wait for me? What business do you have with me?”

“Think for yourself! Or, discover it with your magical powers!”

“You have already told me your secrets in the middle of the sea. I do not know how much of it was truth and how much was mere imagination. Still, I have decided to forget those secrets. I will not tell anyone…”

“I am not worried about that either. The moment you even think of revealing those secrets to anyone, your tongue will be cut off. You will become mute!”

Vandiyathevan shuddered. Memories of the mute women he had encountered in Thanjai and Lanka came rushing back. He walked silently for a short distance. Why does this wretch keep following me? How can I escape from him? If only there were a muddy pit here as there was in Kodikkarai, how useful that would be! Or should I push him into the river and make my escape? No, that would be pointless. There isn’t enough water in the river. If there is no other way, there is always the sword at my side. I may have to use it.

“Thambi, I know what you are thinking. But it will not succeed. Do not waste your efforts in vain!”

Vandiyathevan wished to change the subject. He needed a little more time to find a way to escape. Until then, he must keep the conversation going.

“Where is your companion, Ravidasan?”

Devaralan let out a ghostly laugh. “Shouldn’t you be the one to know that? Where is Ravidasan?” he asked.

Vandiyathevan was startled. He should not have brought up Ravidasan; it was a mistake. Has this man seen Ravidasan and is now testing me? Or—

“Why are you sitting there quietly, my friend? Won’t you tell me where Ravidasan is? Let it be, then! Where is that boatwoman, Poonguzhali? At least tell me that!”

Vandiyathevan started as if he had stepped on a snake. He hesitated even to speak further.

“You won’t say anything about her either, will you? Let it be, then. Perhaps you have a good reason to want to protect her. Brother! Just now you sang a love song, didn’t you? Were you thinking of her when you sang it?”

“No, I swear I wasn’t!” Vallavarayan replied, flustered.

“Why are you so agitated? Why such anger?”

“All right, all right! There’s no time now to talk about all that. Why are you holding on to my horse’s bridle? Let go! I must go, I have urgent business.”

“You haven’t even asked why I came here.”

“How can I, unless you tell me?”

“There is a strange power on the banks of this Mullai river. Whatever a person desires here, it will be granted to them at once.”

“I don’t desire anything.”

“That’s a lie! The one you were thinking of when you sang your love song—she wishes to see you! If you wish, you may meet her.”

“When?”

“Tonight itself.”

“What is this tale?”

“It’s no tale, brother! Look there!” said Devaralan, pointing ahead. A little distance away on the path they had come, something appeared dimly in the dusk. Vandiyathevan peered intently. It was a palanquin—a closed palanquin, he realized.

Aha!