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 than going alone. The Younger Pazhuvettaraiyar believed that Prince Arulmozhi Varman and Boothi Vikrama Kesari—who wished to ally himself by marrying his daughter to the prince—were both approaching from different directions, conspiring together to seize Thanjavur. If he reported this alone, the Emperor might not believe him easily. But if the Prime Minister Aniruddha joined him in saying it, the Emperor would have no choice but to believe.

Prime Minister Aniruddha too was somewhat disturbed. He had not liked that the young princess Kundavai had left Thanjai that morning. The disappearance of the Lankan queen and Poonguzhali that morning had also unsettled his mind. “Where could they have gone? How did they leave? For what reason?”—he pondered all these questions, but could arrive at no conclusion. The news that Boothi Vikrama Kesari was approaching with his army had greatly increased his anxiety.

Yet, he advised the Younger Pazhuvettaraiyar that there was no need to inform the Emperor of all this immediately.

“I hear that the Emperor’s mental distress is greater than ever today. The Empress’s personal maid came and reported as much. In this state, if we speak to him about Boothi Vikrama Kesari, the blood vessels in the Emperor’s brain may burst, and his very life could be endangered. Already, rumors are spreading in Thanjai that the Emperor has passed away. Just imagine what a disaster it would be if that were to actually happen.”

“If the Emperor were to die now, rumors would quickly spread that you were the one who killed him. It would be most convenient for your enemies. Therefore, let us wait and see before making any decisions. First, let us find out what exactly is the intention of Boothi Vikrama Kesari. In the meantime, we may receive definite news about Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar or about Ponniyin Selvan. Until then, be patient,” said Prime Minister Aniruddha, and his words seemed wise to Kaalandhaka Kandar as well.

“In that case, I leave to you the matter that must be conveyed to the Emperor at the right moment. I shall attend to the fort’s security arrangements,” said Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar, taking leave of the Prime Minister.

From that moment, he began to circle the ramparts of the fort, making all the necessary preparations for its defense. The fort had to be made ready for a siege that might last many days. If the Kodumbalur forces tried to break down the gates, scale the walls, and seize the fort, their efforts must be thwarted. For this, he needed to station his most trusted warriors at strategic points. If any part of the rampart was found to be weak, it must be reinforced and strengthened.

While Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar was absorbed in these arrangements, his mind also pondered how to receive news from outside.

There were only two secret underground passages leading out of the Thanjavur fort. One led from the palace of Periya Pazhuvettaraiyar through the treasury chamber to the outside. But no one could use this passage for the next