At that moment, no one had expected that the Princess of Kodumbalur would make such a vow. All who heard it were struck with astonishment.

The young princess, her voice rising with a mingling of anger and pity, said, “Girl! What is this vow? Why did you take it? Is there such foolishness in the world? You speak as if you are possessed by some madness!”

“No, Akka! No! I am not mad. My mind is clear. What I have just spoken aloud for all to hear is a decision I have long pondered and resolved within myself,” replied Vanathi.

Before Kundavai could respond, Poonguzhali’s laughter caught her attention. It seemed, for a moment, as if that girl truly had been seized by madness. First, she laughed out loud, a bubbling, ringing laughter. Then, covering her face with her hands, she began to sob, her shoulders shaking. Suddenly, she stopped her weeping and, in a soft voice, began to sing:

“When the sea’s waves are stilled, Why does the ocean within surge and swell?”

Kundavai turned to Alwarkadiyan and said, “It seems these two girls together will drive me mad as well. Thirumalai! You set out to meet the prince—why have you brought her back here with you?”

“Devi! I did set out to meet Ponniyin Selvan. But the roads were flooded everywhere—I could not go further. I saw that she, too, was stranded, unable to proceed. She said that if I could arrange a boat, she would row herself to Thiruvarur. For that reason, I returned to the astrologer. When I saw your chariot-boat near the temple, I was delighted. I thought I could ask you for the boat and take her across. But the Pazhuvettaraiyar has taken both the chariot and the boat!” said Alwarkadiyan.

“What do you propose now? You heard everything the Pazhuvettaraiyar said, did you not?” asked Kundavai. “Yes, Mother! After hearing that, every minute wasted here feels like an age. From what this woman says, it seems the Emperor truly faces a terrible danger. Even the Prime Minister may not know of it. Therefore, you must take the Princess of Kodumbalur and go to Thanjavur at once. If the Kodumbalur forces have perhaps besieged the fort, none but you could get past their lines. If Vanathi Devi comes with you, it will be even easier. I will calm this boatwoman and bring her along, find a boat, and go to Ponniyin Selvan. I have already sent the astrologer’s disciple to fetch a boat!” said Azhwarkkadiyan.

Vanathi, startled, sprang up and glared at him. “No! No! I will go only to Ponniyin Selvan! Even if I must die, I will die at his feet!” she declared.

Hearing this, Poonguzhali cried out in a shrill voice, “Vaishnavite! I cannot come with you! My lovers are calling me on the Kodi shore! In the dead of night, my fire-breathing lovers are calling me! The Princess sent a palm-leaf letter, and even to that valiant Vanar clan warrior