After receiving and welcoming the princesses, seating them upon the thrones, Aniruddha too took his place.

“Devi, if you had sent word that you wished to see me, would I not have come myself? What is the reason for your coming here in such haste? The Emperor is well, is he not?” he asked.

“The Emperor’s health is as it always is, Ayya! But his mind is not at ease. The fierce storm that struck last night has deeply troubled my father’s heart. He did not sleep at all through the night. Again and again, he lamented, thinking of the hardships the poor and humble folk living in huts must have suffered. At dawn, he bade me come to you at once. He wishes that arrangements be made immediately to help all those who have suffered loss and hardship because of the storm. That is the main reason I have come to you!” said the young princess Kundavai.

“Devi! What can this humble one do? You know well that the title of Chief Minister is all I possess. Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar has left the city at this time. He must have locked the treasury tight before leaving. Even Kaalandhakandar could not open the treasury hall without his permission! What help can I give to those who have suffered loss and hardship? You must have seen the many people waiting at the entrance. Yet I am ashamed even to face them. That is why I have been hesitating to go outside,” said Aniruddha Brahmarayar, singing a song of helplessness.

“Ayya! You need not worry about that. I am ready to give all my own possessions. My mother too is willing to do the same. You may take anything you need from the Emperor’s palace. My father has sent word to that effect. Please, make some immediate arrangement—at least some temporary relief—for the suffering of the poor…”

“Your personal possessions would be like offering puffed rice to a hungry elephant. The storm raged across the whole of Chola Nadu. We have not yet received news of what has happened and where. Here stands my disciple Paramananda—he brings terrible tidings. The sea has risen and, from Kodikkarai to Nagapattinam, has submerged all the coastal towns…!”

Hearing these words, Aniruddhar noticed that the faces of the three women present there were suddenly transformed by fear.

Immediately, he continued in a soothing tone, “But I do not believe it. What he says is nothing but a rumor. The rumor has spread faster than a storm. It is still too early for any news to arrive from the coastal regions. Even if messengers come on horseback, they will only reach here after noon today. In the meantime, we can make arrangements to do whatever help is possible.”

The young princess Kundavai, having somewhat composed her troubled mind, said, “Sir! The rumor about Nagapattinam has reached my ears as well. I came here intending to speak to you about it. Only just now have we returned after offering donations to the Chudamani Vihara, have we not? If some misfortune befalls the vihara, alas, what will the monks there do?” Saying this, she turned to look at where Poonguzhali stood.

“Sir! How did this woman come here? Is she not Poonguzhali, the daughter of Thiavidangar of Kodikkarai?” she asked.

“Yes; she is indeed Thiavidangar’s daughter, but she is not as gentle as her father. She is a most troublesome girl, always meddling in matters that do not concern her and causing disturbances!” replied the Chief Minister.

A different kind of doubt arose in the young princess’s mind. Had Aniruddhar brought Poonguzhali here to gather information about Arulmozhi? He was, after all, a minister skilled in all manner of cunning and stratagems. Whatever the case, she resolved that she must stand by Poonguzhali’s side. “That is not so at all! Poonguzhali is a very good girl! Come here, dear! Why is the Chief Minister angry with you? Did you trouble him in some way?” she asked.

Poonguzhali came a little closer and said, “Devi! Ask the Chief Minister yourself! Did I trouble him, or did he trouble me? Ask him!”

“Oh ho! You too are angry! Come here, girl; sit beside me!” said the young princess, drawing Poonguzhali to sit by her side.

“Sir! For what purpose did you bring this girl here? Is it for some important matter?” she asked.

“Ammani! I did not bring this girl here. I had no knowledge that such a troublesome girl even existed—she came here entirely on her own…” hesitated Aniruddhar.

“Devi! Why does the Prime Minister hesitate? Tell us the rest as well!” said Poonguzhali.

“She herself went in search of her aunt and brought her here.”

“Who is her aunt? Oh! Is it Sendhan Amudhan’s mother? Isn’t their house outside the fort?”

“No; Amudhan’s mother is not here; she has another mute aunt. Princess! This is news you ought to know as well. In the forests of Eezham, there is a mute woman who wanders about as if possessed. I wished to bring that lady here for an important matter. I made great efforts for it; at last, just as I was about to succeed…”

Kundavai Devi, overcome by an inexpressible excitement, rose from her seat and said, “Is it true? Is that lady here now? I must see her at once.”

“Forgive me, Devi! Just as I was about to succeed, this girl intervened and ruined everything!” said the Prime Minister.

Kundavai, sitting down again with great disappointment, asked, “Poonguzhali! Is this true? What have you done?”

“Devi! Listen to the method the Prime Minister used to bring my aunt here. Then you will not blame me!” said Poonguzhali.

After that, the Prime Minister briefly recounted what had happened.

Listening intently, the young princess said, “If that is so, she must be somewhere near this fort, mustn’t she? Can’t we search for her?”

“There is no need even for that, fortunately. My disciple says he saw her this morning in