The moment the Prime Minister’s hand touched Madurantakan, he cried out in pain.

“Aiyo! Father! I am finished! Do not touch me. My legs! Gone! Gone!”

Aniruddhar stopped trying to lift him and asked anxiously, “Prince! What has happened to you? What has happened to your legs?”

“My legs are completely broken; I cannot walk, I cannot even stand!”

The Prime Minister turned around and commanded his men, “Hey! Bring the palanquin here at once!”

Then he asked, “Sir! How did this accident happen? Why are you lying here alone in the rain? Where are the attendants who accompanied you? How could they dare to leave you like this? No punishment would be too great for them!”

“Prime Minister! Do not punish anyone! No one is at fault. In the evening, I myself mounted my horse and set out alone. I was riding along the riverbank. Suddenly, a heavy rain began. A great flash of lightning struck, followed by a thunderclap. The horse panicked and bolted. I got caught on a branch of this tree and fell down. The horse ran off somewhere. I do not know whether my leg broke in the fall or got twisted. I cannot get up or stand. Fortunately, you happened to come by at this very moment!”

“It must be the merit earned by your father, the great Kandaradithar, that brought me here at this time! Grit your teeth and bear it for a little while. I will have you placed in the palanquin. I will learn the rest of the details after we reach my house in Nathankovil,” said Aniruddhar.

When the palanquin was brought near and set down, the Prime Minister gently lifted the prince and laid him inside. He instructed the bearers to carry the palanquin slowly and steadily, without any jostling. He himself walked alongside the palanquin as it moved forward.

After a short while, they arrived at Sundara Chola Vinnagaram, known in common parlance as Nathan Koil. Near the grand Perumal temple of that town stood the mansion of the Prime Minister, Aniruddhar. The prince, Madurantakan, was carried inside and laid upon a bed within. When a lamp was brought and the injury examined, it was found that his leg was not broken, but merely sprained. The prince’s fear abated somewhat. Both of them partook of the prasadam brought from the Perumal temple.

Afterwards, the Prime Minister said, “Prince! Now, rest peacefully for the night. At dawn, you may act as you see fit. I am going to Thanjavur. If you wish to come with me, I will ensure your safe arrival there.”

“Sir! You have done me much harm in the past. Today, you have made amends for all of it. I shall never forget the help you have rendered me this day. I shall always be grateful to you. If, by chance, I am ever destined to ascend the throne of this Chola Empire, I will keep you as my Prime Minister!” said Madurantakan.

Aniruddhar, feigning astonishment, replied, “Prince! I am duty-bound to the Chola dynasty. It is my obligation to advise and assist all those who belong to this lineage. Therefore, there is no need for you to thank me personally. However, you mentioned that I have done you some harm—this, I do not understand. I do not recall ever having intentionally wronged you. If you would kindly explain, I shall atone for it in whatever way possible!”

“Sir Aniruddhar! The whole world knows you are a great trickster, a wise man, and an expert in statecraft. But do not display your cunning with me. Do not think I am unaware of the gravity of the harm you have done me. Even so, in light of the help you have given me today, I am willing to forget all that. Tell me in what manner I may express my gratitude to you. If there is any way I can repay you, let me know.”

Aniruddhar smiled and said, “Yes, Prince! There is indeed a way for you to show your gratitude. This old man has a boon to ask of you. Hereafter, do not set out alone on horseback like this. Travel in a chariot, surrounded by attendants before and behind. Better yet, travel in a palanquin, for the times are—” “It is a dangerous situation. For many reasons, the people are agitated and restless. You saw it yourself today in Pazhaiyarai! Therefore, it is better to travel in a closed palanquin rather than an open one. If it is the palanquin of the younger queen of Pazhuvoor, it would be even more advantageous. No one would ever suspect a thing!” he said.

Madurantakan was taken aback. Once again, signs of fear appeared on his face. After a moment’s pause, he composed himself and said, “Prime Minister! What words are these that you speak! What do you mean by asking me to travel in the closed palanquin of the younger queen of Pazhuvoor? Is it your intention to humiliate me?...”

“Prince! I do not know why you consider it humiliating to travel in the queen’s palanquin. Since when have you had such thoughts? Was it not your custom, until recently, to travel often in that very manner? Surely, you must have come to this noble decision only after returning from Kadambur Sambuvarayar’s palace…”

Madurantakan grew even more alarmed. The pallor of terror spread across his face. “Prime Minister! To Kadambur palace, I… I…” he stammered, beginning to say something.

“Prince! Did you not go to Kadambur palace on the eighteenth day of the month of Aadi, on the day of the great flood, along with the noble Periya Pazhuvetarayar? That is what I refer to. At that time, you went and returned in the younger queen’s palanquin. I must confess, I did not much like it. Palanquin travel is suited to old men like me. Young men such as yourself ought to ride elephants or horses. But for riding horses, one must have proper training. When