The terrifying, frenzied laughter of Aditya Karikalan, echoing from the hall of the veena treasury, reached the ears of Vandiyathevan, who was hidden within. It sent a shiver down his spine. His inner sense foretold that some dreadful calamity was about to unfold. In that chamber, the shadowy form of Yama, the god of death, seemed to stand, rope of noose in hand, waiting with a grim smile for the right moment to cast it. But upon whom would he hurl it? Whose life was he about to claim? Was it Karikalan’s life? Or was it the life of Nandini Devi? Perhaps death was drawing near to both of them. Would brother slay sister, or would sister kill brother? Or would both destroy each other and perish together?

It was to prevent such a catastrophe that the Young Princess had hurriedly sent him here. He had done all he could. He had spoken to them both about the bond that existed between them. He had tried to soften their hearts. But would it bear fruit? Could the mad rage of Karikalan, or the delirium that possessed Nandini, be restrained from committing some cruel deed? Would his intervention at this moment bring about any good? Perhaps, if he were to sacrifice his own life between the two, their wrath might be appeased? Thoughts such as these churned the ocean of Vandiyathevan’s heart. Let me wait a little longer, he told himself, clenching his teeth so that his haste would not ruin everything.

After Karikalan’s wild laughter subsided, their conversation resumed.

“Sir! In all my life, I have never done anything to bring you happiness. At least at the moment of my death, I am glad to be the cause of your laughter and joy,” said Nandini.

“Yes, Nandini! Today is indeed a day of great happiness for me. All the suffering you have inflicted upon me for so many years is about to end today. When I set out from Kanchi this time, I steeled my heart in every way. I feared that, upon seeing you in person, my resolve might falter. But you yourself have placed the sword in my hand, leaving no room for hesitation!” Karikalan said, and laughed again.

“Prince! Today is an auspicious day for me as well. There will never be a sweeter death for me than to be slain by your hand. Once, I dreamed a cherished dream that you would one day place a garland of flowers around my neck. That dream could never come true. At least grant me the fortune of having your sword encircle my neck. My lord! The hour is upon us—why do you delay?” said Nandini.

“It has already been delayed for many years. What harm is there if it is delayed by a few more moments? Nandini! Look at me—look at me once, for the last time, and answer my question! With the hand that was meant to place a garland of flowers, why should I now place a garland of swords around your neck? If your cherished dream was true once, why can it not be fulfilled now? Tell me, who stands in the way of that? Instead of killing you, let me slay those who stand as obstacles, and then see to other matters!” said Karikalan.

“No, my lord! No! You are blessed with infinite virtue. Let no one else die because of me!”

“I will shatter that obstacle in a single moment. Do not lay the blame upon fate! I will rewrite what Brahma has written—watch me!…”

Nandini interrupted, “You may rewrite what Brahma has written. But can you alter a person’s birth?”

“What are you speaking of, Nandini? Are you referring to how, in our childhood, my family said you were a priest’s daughter, and that I should not befriend you because of it? Is it that? No! You and I both knew, even then, that though you were raised in that family, you were not born to it.”

“I am not speaking of that now, my lord! I speak of the message your dear friend—the valiant warrior of the Vanar clan—brought. I speak of the urgent message sent by the Younger Princess of Pazhayarai. Have you already forgotten that I am your sister?”

“Nandini! When I told you about this before, you did not believe me. You said it was yet another plot to separate us. Later, I too thought and came to the same conclusion. If you wish to be certain of it…”

“No! No! I have no doubt about it. Prince! There is no blood relation between you and me…”

“Then, what is the obstacle, Nandini?”

“I am the wife of the elder Pazhuvettaraiyar, who is your grandfather’s peer. Am I not, then, your grandmother by custom? Is that not enough for you?”

“Nandini! Do not try to deceive me again by telling that story. In the eyes of the world, you may be the young queen of Pazhuvettaraiyar. But in truth, you have not married him. For some reason or another, you have merely come to reside in his palace. Once, when I questioned you in Thanjai, you said the same. At that time, I reminded you of our cherished dreams. To fulfill them, you laid down terrible conditions! You demanded that I kill Pazhuvettaraiyar, imprison my own father and sister, and seat you upon the Chola throne. I decided then that you were a mad demoness, and I left for Kanchi. But did you leave me alone after that? No! Tirelessly, ceaselessly, you haunted me in dreams and memories. Sometimes you tormented me with your tears and laments. Sometimes, with your enchanting smile, you tormented my very soul! Sometimes, you laughed like a madwoman and drove me to madness as well!...”

“Prince! Why do you lay the blame for your delusions upon me? You have suffered the consequences for the injustice and cruelty you showed me. What can I do about that? Do you think I alone did not