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, am a coward—is that what you are saying?”

“The world knows of the Prince’s diamond heart and heroic courage. At the age of twelve, you entered the battlefield at Sevur and scattered your enemies, earning the name ‘hero of heroes.’ At eighteen, you pursued the returning Veerapandiyan to war, tracked him to his hiding place, and brought back his severed head…”

Hearing this, Aditya Karikalan said, “I know, sir! I know! You all mock me, calling me the tiger who chased down the fleeing foe, the one who brought back the head of the dead Veerapandiyan. I know that the enchantress of Pazhuvoor has spread such rumors about me!”

He laughed with a terrible tone.

Sambuvaraiyar regretted ever having entered into conversation with this furious prince.

“Prince! Whatever I say seems to be misunderstood. Do as you see fit. I shall take my leave.”

“It is well and good that you wish to go and return; but cast aside any thought of leaving this fortress for good. Until I have uncovered the truth behind the conspiracy that took place in this palace four months ago, I too shall not leave this place—and I shall not let you leave either!” declared Aditya Karikalan.

Sambuvaraiyar’s lips trembled. His body shook. Tears brimmed in his eyes.

Parthibendran, who stood nearby, observed this state. “Prince! Just as the Chola clan is famed for its valor, so too is it renowned for its sense of justice. You are not doing justice to this great man. Your words wound his heart. Regarding the meeting of the petty kings that took place here, Sambuvaraiyar has already given a fitting explanation and you yourself have accepted it. Because you have declared that you do not desire the throne, and have refused to go to Thanjavur, the petty kings, thinking of the welfare of the Chola kingdom, deliberated on who should ascend the next rank. If you had agreed to bear the burden of the kingdom, why would they have considered any other course? While the world sings of the valor of Aditya Karikalan, would they ever dream of choosing Madurantaka Deva, who has never even seen a battlefield?”

Aditya Karikalan interrupted, “Yes, yes! As long as I live, it is impossible for another to ascend the Chola throne. That is why they are trying to remove me from their path!” With that, he burst into loud laughter—ha, ha, ha!

“Parthibendra! Did you think I did not know that you too have joined hands with them? Did you think I was unaware that, when Kandamaaran and you accompanied me on that hunt, you were both plotting behind my back? If not for my true friend Vandiyathevan arriving here by fate’s hand, would you not have already sent me to Yama’s world by now?”

Parthibendran glared at Vandiyathevan as though he would kill him with his eyes. “Sir! This traitor has filled your mind with all sorts of poison. If he has convinced you that I have harbored treachery in