As the sun set and darkness gathered from all four directions, Vanathi was traveling by palanquin along the road from Kudanthai to Thiruvarur. Her heart was troubled. She longed to go to the Chudamani Vihara in Nagapattinam, to serve the prince who lay there stricken with fever. But how could that be possible? Would the Buddhist monks allow her into their monastery? Would she be able to see the prince there? Even if she saw him, would she be permitted to tend to him? The very thought of all this left her overwhelmed.

Yet, when she considered that she would have to journey alone to Nagapattinam, a certain courage arose within her. She tried to banish her fears and strengthen her resolve. After all, what great deed in this world is ever accomplished easily? How much hardship does each person endure to achieve their chosen task? How much courage must that boatwoman have possessed to row her craft alone across the sea? In the midst of storm and rain, amidst waves as high as mountains, she had braved the waters and saved the prince—what a heart of steel she must have had! How foolish it was of her, Vanathi thought, to be afraid of this small journey of hers.

If she could not enter the Chudamani Vihara immediately, it was no great loss. It would suffice if she could at least learn news of the prince from those nearby. Even if she could not see the prince, it would be enough if she could see that boatwoman. Yes, that was the way—if only she could find out who she was, perhaps through her she might be able to see the prince. The love she bore for him must serve some purpose. After that, she could even give up her life without regret. Or else, she could join the Buddhist order and become a nun…

To ask the bearers when she might reach Nagapattinam the next day, Vanathi drew aside the curtain of the palanquin and looked outside. Behind the tall trees lining the roadside, she thought she saw some figures lurking in the shadows. She peered more closely. It became clear that those hiding there were Veera Saiva Kalamukhas.

This did not trouble Vanathi in the least. During her childhood in the Kodumbalur palace, Kalamukhas had often come and gone. They would speak with her great-uncle and receive whatever they needed before leaving. Once, the chief guru of the Kalamukhas himself had come to Kodumbalur. He had been honored with all due offerings and worship. Her great-uncle, Bhoothi Vikrama… Kesari has endowed several temples with grants for feeding the Kalamukhas. Therefore, the Kalamukhas would never do him any harm. If anything, they might even come to his aid. Vanathi was well aware that today the great assembly of the Kalamukhas was to be held. That was why, when she traveled from Pazhaiyarai to Kudanthai that day, she happened to see groups of Kalamukhas along the road. Yet, why were these