At that very moment, Vandiyathevan, weighed down by a heavy heart, was wandering through the palace’s garden. That garden lay along the outer wall of the palace. The night-blooming flowers had just begun to unfurl their petals. The fragrance of paneer, parijatham, jasmine, mullai, and other blossoms was carried to him by the chilly winds of the month of Aippasi.

“Ah! Should I not be in the gardens of the Pazhaiyarai palace at this hour? And if so, should not the anklets of Princess Kundavai suddenly chime nearby?” his heart mused. “Instead, here I am, trapped in the Kadambur palace! Caught and held captive by a prince possessed by madness!” he thought bitterly.

The way Aditya Karikalan had, for no reason, lashed out at him that evening, and declared, “Never again look upon my face! At dawn tomorrow, I will decide your fate,” had wounded Vandiyathevan’s heart. Never before had the prince been so angry with him. Alas! What use is it to blame him? The prince’s mind had become utterly disturbed. Thinking of his condition, Vandiyathevan felt only pity for him.

That day, Aditya Karikalan’s frenzy had reached its peak. Enthusiasm and exhaustion, rage and exuberance, affection and cruel enmity—each took turns seizing him and tossing him about. In turn, he tossed those around him into similar turmoil. Those nearby never knew, from one moment to the next, what his mood would be, or what he might do.

From sunrise that day, the news that had arrived only served to inflame his madness further. Sambuvaraiyar was the first to come and inform him that Malayaman of Thirukovalur was gathering an army. He expressed his objections and condemnation regarding this.

“Malayaman is an old chieftain. He is over eighty years of age. Why should you fear his coming?” asked the prince.

“Sir! We are descended from the line of Valvil Ori, the lord of Kollimalai. We do not know the meaning of fear. It is only because you are here as a guest that I hesitate. If you alone give your permission…”

“You are ready to set out at once to wage war against the Elder. That is all! Sambuvaraiyar! It was I who sent word, asking my grandfather to come here with his army!”

“For what reason, Prince?”

“Because I have been caught here alone with you, haven’t I? If anything were to happen to me while I am here…”

“Prince! If even the smallest grain of such suspicion exists in your mind, then this very instant—”

“You are about to tell me to leave this place!”

“Sir! This is your kingdom. This is your palace. The tiger flag flies atop its highest tower. Who am I to ask you to leave? If you command, I and my family will leave at once. You may summon Miladudaiyar Malayaman to stay here, and remain fearless in this place.”

“Oh! So, you, born of the valiant lineage of Valvil Ori, are fearless, while I, born of the line of Vijayalaya Chola,