From the place where the council of ministers had convened, Boothi Vikrama Kesari emerged and swiftly mounted the horse waiting there. He spurred it toward the northern gate of Thanjai fort. At that very moment, he noticed an elephant approaching the northern gate. Upon the elephant sat a mahout and two women. The mahout placed the horn he held to his lips and blew a long note. Then, in a high, piercing voice that rang out clear and sharp, he proclaimed:

“Parantakan of Eezhathu’s daughter, the cherished child of the young Velar of Kodumbalur, the foster daughter of Commander Boothi Vikrama Kesari of Kodumbalur, the beloved companion of Princess Kundavai Devi of Pazhaiyarai, Vanathi Devi herself is arriving! Make way! Make way!”

As the elephant reached the edge of the moat near the fort gate, the mahout once again blew the horn. Before the echo had faded, he cried out in the same shrill voice:

“Princess Vanathi of Kodumbalur brings a message from the younger princess to the Emperor! She brings important news from Periya Pazhuvettarayar to Chinna Pazhuvettarayar! Open the fort gates! Make way! Make way for Princess Vanathi of Kodumbalur and her companion Poonguzhali Amma! Open the fort gates at once!”

Hearing the mahout’s proclamation, Commander Boothi Vikrama Kesari was struck with astonishment beyond words. Where had he heard that mahout’s voice before? When, and where? Who could he be? But what did it matter who the mahout was? First, he must see whether it was indeed Vanathi upon the elephant. He must prevent her from entering the fort.

If it was Vanathi, all would be well! Until these troubles were resolved, it would be best for the child to remain with him… With these thoughts, the commander urged his horse forward and drew near the elephant. One of the soldiers following him brought a torch, and by its light he saw that the two women atop the elephant were indeed Vanathi, daughter of the young Velar, and Poonguzhali.

“Child! Vanathi!” he began to say something, but the mahout once more raised the horn to his lips and began to blow. How to stop him? Fortunately, at that moment, the women atop the elephant noticed who was approaching them on horseback… They looked closely. Immediately, Vanathi said something to the mahout, who stopped the elephant’s trumpet, and then she exclaimed, “Periyappa! Is it truly you? What I heard is indeed true!”

“Yes, child! It is I. But what is this strange affair? How is it that you have come, bearing tidings? Has no one else from the Ilaiya Piratti managed to get through? Especially in such a situation as this!” said the Commander-in-Chief.

“Yes, Periyappa! It is precisely because of this situation that she sent me with the message. News had reached us that you had arrived with your army and surrounded the Tanjore fort. If she had sent someone else, your soldiers might have stopped them. Even if you had granted permission, those inside the fort might have refused to open the gates. By sending me, she thought it would be easier to accomplish both tasks. She also sent Poonguzhali with me as my companion…”

“Yes, yes! This boat-girl is quite a clever one. I have known that for some time. But what is this message you have brought? What is so urgent that a messenger must be sent in the dead of night?”

“It is indeed an urgent message, Periyappa! I have brought news for the Emperor about Ponniyin Selvan.”

“Ah! About Ponniyin Selvan? Do you know anything about him?”

“Why not? I know a great deal. He is the bravest of the brave, the mightiest of warriors, the one who did not sink in the Kaveri, the one who would not drown even if he fell into the sea, the one who never abandons those who seek his help, the one who never forgets a favor done to him in times of danger, the one who is devoted to his mother and father, the one who never disobeys his sister, the one who has no desire for the throne…”

“That’s enough! Enough! I did not ask for all that. Is the prince safe? Do you know where he is now?”

“He is safe, Periyappa! I know where he is right now. But I cannot tell you that!”

“What? You cannot tell me? Not even to me? Is it you who speaks thus, Vanathi?”

“Yes, Periyappa! It is I who speak. I have pledged not to reveal the prince’s whereabouts to anyone.”

Commander-in-Chief Boothi Vikramakesari’s anger surged and boiled within him, though he strove to contain it.

“Girl! I sent you to the care of the younger princess, believing she would raise you well. But she has made you so stubborn! Enough, enough! Your stay in Pazhayarai is over. Come down! I will send you to Kodumbalur and then attend to other matters,” he declared.

“Periyappa! I too have no desire to set foot on the soil of Thanjavur. That is why I remain seated atop this elephant. This elephant is prone to fits of madness. Just this morning, it tossed a man into the air. So, do not come too close. Once I have delivered the messages I have brought, I will come down to you myself. If you wish to send me to Kodumbalur, do so. But for now, do not try to stop me!” Vanathi replied.

Boothi Vikramakesari pondered for a moment and then said, “Very well, child! I will not try to stop you. But what will you do if the fortress gates are not opened?”

“Periyappa! Have you not come with such a great army? For what purpose? If the gates are not opened, order your troops to break them down!” Vanathi said.

Boothi Vikramakesari was filled with pride at her words. “Daughter! You have spoken as the princess of Kodumbalur should. If the need arises, I shall do exactly that. But there will be no need. Who is this Chinna