After the customary inquiries about each other’s well-being, the great Velar of Kodumbalur looked around at those assembled and began to speak:

“Almost everyone to whom I sent word has gathered here. Only the aged ruler of Thirukovalur, the Malaiyaman king, has not come. I believe there must be a valid reason for his absence. We have come together here to deliberate upon a matter that many would consider extremely perilous. The world knows well how devoted we all are to the Chola dynasty and to Emperor Sundara Chola. We have proved this devotion time and again, in countless affairs. Yet, our enemies may accuse us of gathering here in opposition to the Emperor’s wishes. They may even say that we have assembled an army to wage war against him. But we are unable to meet the Emperor in person. Not for a single moment are we allowed to speak with him privately and learn his true wishes. The reason for this is known to all. It is said that, for the sake of the Emperor’s health, he is kept within the fortress at Thanjavur. But in truth, it seems to me that the Pazhuvettaraiyars have imprisoned him there. I do not know what you all think…”

At this point, the Commander-in-Chief paused briefly, and from the gathering arose many voices: “Yes, yes,” “That is the truth!” “The Emperor is indeed being held captive.”

“From your agreement, it is clear that we are all united in feeling and purpose. Since the days of Vijayalaya Chola, thousands upon thousands of brave men have laid down their lives on the battlefield to raise this Chola empire to its present glorious state. It is a matter of pride for all of us to call ourselves sons of the Chola land. We have gathered here to ensure that no harm comes to the Chola dynasty or the empire. Not to conspire against the Emperor. For three years, the Emperor’s enemies have kept him imprisoned. They claim it is because his health is failing. But Vijayalaya Chola, who bore ninety-six wounds upon his body, entered the battlefield at Thirupurambiyam in his eightieth year, wielding two— Wielding his swords and spinning them like a whirling wheel, wherever he entered, he heaped the heads of his enemies into mountains! If such a valorous king as Sundara Chozhar, born of that heroic lineage, now claims bodily illness as a reason and refuses to come out—can that be believed? It seems that the traitorous schemers who have imprisoned the Emperor have, through their witchcraft, black magic, and sorcery, also brought confusion to his mind. If the Emperor’s mind were clear, would he, having two sons who are warriors greater than Bhima and Arjuna themselves, wish to crown Madurantakan, who has never even set eyes on a battlefield?…”

At that moment, many voices rose at once: “How do we know for certain that this is the Emperor’s wish?”

“It is true that we do not know directly. It may well