Within the fortress, Chinna Pazhuvettarayar was plunged into deep distress. In matters of valor and daring, he was second to none. Yet, being one accustomed to acting only after consulting his elder brother’s counsel, he now floundered like a bird that had lost its wings in this time of crisis. From that morning onwards, one ill-omened message after another had reached his ears.

He had received word that Periya Pazhuvettarayar had departed from Kadambur Sambuvarayar’s palace for Thanjavur more than two days ago. On the day the storm struck, he had also heard that many boats crossing the Kollidam River had capsized and sunk. Not long after, a man who had been in Periya Pazhuvettarayar’s boat arrived. He reported that their boat too had gone under, and that he alone had managed to struggle to shore after much hardship.

Another spy came with news that Prince Arulmozhi Varman, who had been in hiding at the Soodamani Vihara in Nagapattinam, had now revealed himself and was approaching Thanjavur with a great crowd. He added that the prince had spent the night at Thiruvarur, and that he himself had traveled through the flood-ravaged regions by night to bring this message.

Soon after, a messenger sent by Sambuvarayar arrived. He reported that Malayaman of Thirukovalur was gathering a great army, and that Aditya Karikalan’s fury was rising unchecked. Therefore, Sambuvarayar had sent word that Periya Pazhuvettarayar must set out at once and return.

But Periya Pazhuvettarayar had yet to reach Thanjavur. How could he set out again immediately? Had the Kollidam’s floodwaters perhaps claimed that valiant elder, whom even Yama, the god of death, would hesitate to approach? Chinna Pazhuvettarayar was thrown into confusion by this thought.

Then, as if all this were not enough, spies came running from the south bearing news that struck like thunder. They reported that on all three great roads leading from the southern regions to Thanjavur, Sena soldiers were marching in columns, and that Kodumbalur Boothi Vikrama Kesari was among those advancing.

As soon as he heard this, the Younger Pazhuvettaraiyar ordered all the gates of the fortress to be locked. He strictly forbade anyone from leaving the fort or entering it from outside.

As was customary, that day too, he stationed the Velakkara soldiers around the Emperor’s palace for protection, and appointed his own loyal warriors as guards of the fortress. He thought it necessary to inform the Emperor of all these arrangements. But before that, he wished to consult with the Prime Minister Aniruddha. Though he did not have complete trust in Aniruddha, it was still better that the Prime Minister remained inside the fort rather than outside at such a time. After all, nothing could be done without his knowledge, could it? It was also wise to pretend that he was acting on Aniruddha’s counsel. If anything went wrong later, no one could lay the blame solely upon him.

It would be easier to bring Aniruddha along and speak to the Emperor together, rather