Aniruddhar gazed intently at Poonguzhali for a while, then summoned the nursemaids who had brought her. In a soft voice, he asked them something. After they replied, he instructed them to leave the room.

Turning to Azhwarkkadiyan, he said, “Thirumalai! It seems some mistake has occurred!”

“Yes, sir! I feel the same way,” replied Azhwarkkadiyan.

“This young woman must be about twenty years old.”

“She may not even be that old.”

“The lady I was expecting should be around forty.”

“She would be older than that.”

“Yes, yes, you have seen Mandakini Devi on the island of Lanka, haven’t you?”

“Yes, sir! I saw her, and as per your orders, I tried to bring her here, but I could not.”

“This woman is not Mandakini Devi, is she?”

“No, Gurudeva! She is certainly not that lady!”

“Then who could she be? How did she end up here?”

“We can simply ask her!” said Azhwarkkadiyan.

“What is the use of asking a mute?”

“Gurudeva! That she is mute…”

“That is what I asked the nursemaids. They said she has not spoken a word since she arrived here.”

“Gurudeva! Whom did you send to identify and bring her here?”

“Ah! Did that fool make some mistake, I wonder?” “What kind of fool, O Gurudeva! Would you have sent such a simpleton for these tasks?”

“He seemed clever enough; do you not recall, the day I went to Pazhaiyarai, a young man fought with Vallavaraiyan of the Vanar clan?”

“Yes! The son of the Pazhaiyarai physician, Pinagapani.”

“That’s the one! After I sent you and Vallavaraiyan to meet Karikalan, I had that physician’s son released from prison and brought before me. Seeing that he was fit for our spy network, I sent him to Kodikkarai. He was already familiar with that place, it seems.”

“Was it he who brought this woman here?”

“I gave him all the signs and instructions. He took her to Thiruvaiyaru and sent word that the task was accomplished, that all had gone well…”

“Sir! That clever spy who succeeded where I failed—where is he now? Would it not be best to ask him directly about this woman?”

“That would indeed be best! But last night, he met with an unexpected accident…”

“Alas! What accident befell him, and how did it happen?”

“He was following behind the palanquin. Since I had ordered that they must reach the fort after nightfall, they set out from Thiruvaiyaru at dusk and were nearing the fort in the early hours of the night. Surely you heard of the sudden storm that struck?”

“Yes, sir! I too, frightened by the tempest, was forced to take shelter for a while in a wayside rest pavilion.”

“When the palanquin was a short distance from the fort, a great tree was uprooted and fell across the road. By fortune, it did not fall upon the palanquin, but struck those walking behind. The physician’s son, Pinagapani, was caught beneath the fallen tree…”

As the Prime Minister spoke thus, a woman’s voice rang out, “Did that wretch have only a tree fall upon his head? Could not lightning have struck him as well?” The words were spoken with fury.

Prime Minister Aniruddha turned to look at Poonguzhali, astonishment unmeasured in his gaze. Still looking at her, he asked, “Thirumalai! Was it this woman who just spoke?”

“Yes, sir! So it seemed.”

“What is this sorcery? Can the deaf hear? Can the mute speak?” asked Aniruddhar.

“It is indeed a great wonder for the deaf to hear and the mute to speak. But as a devout follower of Lord Vishnu, who is all-powerful, is there any miracle that cannot occur if you set your mind to it? Did not the Alvar’s sacred lips declare—”

“That’s enough! Do not drag the Alvars into this and trouble them now! This did not happen by the grace of Lord Vishnu; something else has gone wrong. This woman has deceived us. Who is she? What is her intention? Why did she pretend to be deaf and mute for so long?”

“Gurudeva! Why not ask the woman herself?”

“My boy! Seeing the smile playing on your lips, I wonder if perhaps you already know the answer. Very well! I shall ask her myself. Girl! Are you not deaf? Can you hear what I am saying…?”

“Sir! There have been times when I wished I were deaf. But right now, I am glad I can hear. Did I not hear the news that the outcaste physician’s son had a tree fall on his head? Swami! Has he died and gone?”

“Ah! So you can hear; and you can speak as well; you are not mute!” exclaimed Aniruddhar.

“Certainly, this woman is not mute!” said the disciple.

“Ah! So you have discovered that I am not mute! It seems what I heard is true—that the wisest man in the Chola Empire is the Chief Minister Aniruddha Brahmarayar!” said Poonguzhali.

“Girl! Are you mocking me? Beware! If you are not mute, why have you remained silent since you arrived here last night? Why did you pretend to be mute? Speak the truth!” demanded the Chief Minister Aniruddha Brahmarayar.

“Sir! Until I arrived here last night, I was known to be quite talkative. Some even call me ‘chatterbox’. But when I saw the grandeur of the Chief Minister’s palace and the royal honors shown to me here, I was struck dumb with amazement. The women of your palace spoke to me only through signs. Since they all thought I was mute, I too replied in gestures. After hearing your conversation, my speech has returned to me…”

“There is no doubt that you are a great talker; it amazes me to think how the physician’s son managed to bring you here. Even if he is a fool, he is certainly clever.”

“Swami! That wretched fellow did not bring me here. Had he truly tried, by now he would surely be on his way to Yamaloka!” said Poonguzhali, drawing out the