What mysterious, magical power lay in the youthful golden face of Prince Arulmozhi, none could say. Even in that moment, the prince did not frown. Not the slightest sign of anger appeared on his countenance. Like Krishna caught in the act of stealing butter, he stood with an expression that seemed to confess guilt, yet without a trace of shame. There was no sign that he intended to find fault with the young Pazhuvettarayar or to rebuke him. Nor was there the least hint of defiance or intent to oppose him.

Yet, in that instant, the hands and feet of the fearless, resolute Kaalandhaka Kandar trembled uncontrollably. Sweat broke out upon his face. Not knowing what else to do, he pressed his palms together in reverence and said, his voice quivering with emotion, “Son of Ponni! Conqueror of Lanka! Blessed child of the Chola land! What is this disguise? What is this deed? What crime have I committed to deserve such punishment?… I beg you to forgive the mistake I made just now. Grant me your gracious pardon. I have become like a blind man, unable to see…”

As he was about to continue in the same manner, the prince interrupted him, “Commander! What is this? How could you, of all people, commit a crime? And how could this ignorant youth presume to forgive you?”

“Even if you were to sever the hand that held you back, it would not be punishment enough. Even if you were to cut out the tongue that called you ‘boy’—that would not suffice…”

“Your words fall harshly upon my ears. Enough, please stop! You were only fulfilling your duty, carrying out your responsibility. Where is the fault in that? The mistake is mine. I came here in this disguise, as a mahout…”

“I never expected it, truly. How could you do such a thing? For what reason? Should I have welcomed the great hero of Chola Nadu in this manner? Should I not have waited at the front entrance, observing every custom and courtesy, with the drums of victory resounding in all eight directions to greet you?”

“It was precisely because I knew you would do so that I came in this disguise. This is not the right time for such honors. Do you not know? Did not the Princess of Kodumbalur just now speak of the evil schemes of conspirators? I believe there may be truth in her words…” “Prince! Have you counted me among those Pandya conspirators as well?...”

“Heavens! I am filled with joy at heart, seeing the arrangements you have made to protect my father, the Emperor. First, let me see my father, and then…”

“Did you think I would prevent you from seeing the Emperor? If anyone has told you that I am such a sinner…”

“I would never have believed it, Commander!”

“Then why this disguise?”

“Could I have entered the fort in any other way? Think about it! Armies from the south have surrounded the fort. Periya Velar has also arrived—you know well why he has come…”

“Was it not right for me to have the gates of the fort closed? Is there any fault in that?”

“It is perfectly right. Periya Velar’s wits seem to have deserted him. I came in this disguise only because I thought he would prevent me from entering the fort. I brought his daughter along as well. Fortunately, he did not notice me. But your sharp eyes discovered me…”

“My eyes were clouded. That’s why I did not recognize you at once. Please forgive me for calling you a mahout…”

“Do not say that. I have never thought of you and my father as different. You had sent men to capture and bring me in…”

“Heavens! What are you saying? Did I send men to capture you? It was your father—the Emperor—who sent them, because he wished to see you at once…”

“Do I not know that, Commander? When I was in Lanka, they came. Those near me said, ‘It is not the Emperor’s order; it is the command of the Pazhuvettaraiyars’…”

“Our enemies must have said so…”

“I told them, ‘Just as my father’s command is binding upon me, so too is the order of the Pazhuvettaraiyars upon my head.’ I have crossed the sea and the storm, the rain and the flood, and come here. I thought that once I had crossed the threshold of the palace, I could learn your wishes. Without your command, I do not even wish to see my father…”

“Prince! Are you still testing me? What command can I give you regarding meeting your father? If you ask me to come with you, I shall come. If you ask me to remain here, I shall remain. The will of the prince is the only command that rests upon my head,” replied Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar humbly.

“Commander, it seems you must stay here. We have already spent too much time standing and talking. Look there!” said the prince.

Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar turned to look. He saw that his men, who had been standing at a distance a moment ago, were now approaching. Not only them; the palace guards had also arrived. Even among the Velakkara soldiers standing farther away, some had separated and were making their way towards them.

All those who had come near gazed at Ponniyin Selvan with unblinking, awestruck eyes. At the moment Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar turned, the lamplight fell fully upon the prince’s face, making it shine with a radiant glow.

One of the warriors cried, “Long live the prince!” Another shouted, “Long live Ponniyin Selvan!” Yet another exclaimed, “Long live the peerless hero who conquered Lanka after Mahindan was cast aside!”

Hearing these voices, all the Velakkara soldiers began to rush forward. From many throats, the cry “Long live Ponniyin Selvan!” arose.

Because of the palace entrance and the presence of Chinna Pazhuvettaraiyar, the sound was at first soft and subdued. It was like the gentle rustling of a young breeze stirring the