Sundara Chozhar was overcome with astonishment. Who was it that descended in such a manner, along the edge of the pillars from the upper storey? For what reason should anyone come thus! Memories of the confusing dreams he had seen earlier flashed through his mind. Was this too a vision conjured by sleep? Had he not yet fully awakened from his slumber? To resolve this doubt, Sundara Chozhar closed his eyes once more. After remaining thus for a moment, he opened his eyes wide and looked towards the direction in which that figure had descended. There was nothing there now. Ah! That apparition must have been a mere illusion.

He recalled the events that had occurred before he fell asleep. The Chief Minister, his attendant, and the daughter of Thiyagavidangar, who sang so sweetly, seemed to have left after he had drifted into sleep. The daughter of Malayaman and the nursemaids, as usual, must be waiting in the adjoining chamber. The Emperor felt a pang of regret as he remembered the complaint he had voiced to the Chief Minister about Kundavai. Kundavai was a woman of unparalleled wisdom and foresight. It was she who had arranged for the prince to remain in Nagapattinam, so that no confusion would arise in the kingdom. It was his own mistake to have misunderstood her intentions. For some time now, Sundara Chozhar had been aware that his mind was not in its proper state. Then, what was the use of being angry with the princess? It was best to do everything according to her counsel. Now, the most important matter was to summon the prince from Nagapattinam. O Lord! May no harm befall him because of the storm! He must ask Kundavai about this at once. Sundara Chozhar thought to clap his hands and summon those waiting in the next room…

But what was this? It seemed as though someone was moving about near his head! Yet the footsteps were so soft—like the tread of a cat, a tiger, or some other beast. Who could it be? Could it be the daughter of Malayaman? His own daughter? The nursemaid? Were they walking so softly so as not to disturb his sleep?

“Who is it?” Sundara Chozhar asked in a gentle voice.

There was no reply. “Who is that? Come here, show yourself!” Sundara Chozhar called out in a somewhat raised voice. There was no reply.

A thought struck Sundara Chozhar, one that filled him with confusion and dread. ‘Could it be her? Or her spirit? Has the huntress who appeared in my dreams now come before me in the flesh? Has she arrived at midnight, adorned in garments and jewels, standing in the front hall? Or perhaps it is already midnight? Have I slept for so long? Is that why the Malaiyaman’s daughter and my own daughter are not here? Have the nursemaids too fallen asleep? Alas! Why have they left me alone? If that accursed daughter of the Karaiyar has come, she will