When Pazhuvetaraiyar entered the astrologer’s house, Kundavai Piratti and Vanathi were truly there. Ever since dawn had broken and the queen of Eezham was nowhere to be seen, Kundavai’s mind had lost its peace. At the same time, the disappearance of Poonguzhali had heightened her distress. She went to see the Prime Minister Aniruddha. At that moment, news had arrived regarding Arulmozhi Chozhan. She learned that, due to the storm that struck Nagapattinam, he had been forced to reveal himself, and that a great crowd had gathered and was bringing him to Thanjai with triumphant shouts. Kundavai’s agitation knew no bounds. She felt that some calamity was about to befall them.

She wished to meet Ponniyin Selvan on the way, speak with him, and inform him of all that had transpired in Thanjai. If he tried to enter the Thanjai fort surrounded by a vast crowd, Pazhuvetaraiyar’s soldiers would surely attempt to stop him. Meanwhile, news had come that Boothi Vikrama Kesari had reached Kodumbalur with the southern forces. The two armies might clash near Thanjai. That would certainly wound her father’s heart; it might even endanger his very life. Who could say what further consequences might arise? The hearts of the people, already unsettled by the storm, were in turmoil. Surely, some misfortune was bound to occur; a great civil strife might erupt, threatening to destroy the entire Chola land. How could it be quelled afterwards? Was it not better to prevent it beforehand, rather than try to stop it once it had begun? Otherwise, all the efforts made so far would be in vain.

Therefore, Arulmozhi Chozhan must be met on the way and detained for a while at Pazhayarai. The elder Pazhuvetaraiyar must also be summoned from Kadambur. Only after informing him that Arulmozhi had no desire to rule, and obtaining his consent, should Arulmozhi be brought to Thanjai.

Having thus resolved within herself, without even telling her father, and confiding only in her mother and Aniruddha, she set out, taking with her the inseparable Vanathi. Before going to Pazhayarai, she wished to see the Kudanthai astrologer once more. Is it not human nature, when anxiety grows too great, to seek knowledge of the future through astrology? As was her custom, she left her chariot near the Amman temple and entered the astrologer’s house. She had barely begun to express her worries to the astrologer when, suddenly, a commotion arose at the entrance of the house. Above all, the unmistakable booming voice of Pazhuvetaraiyar sent a thrill of apprehension through her. There was only one man who could roar with such majesty—the great Periya Pazhuvetaraiyar himself.

It appeared that Pazhuvetaraiyar was pushing past the astrologer’s disciple, who was trying in vain to block his way, and was about to enter. How had he come here? For what reason? And at this very moment?

Ah! Perhaps he had come to consult the astrologer! If she could overhear their conversation, she might learn what was in his mind. At