All this while, Sambuvaraiyar had been sitting motionless. Now, he sprang up and seized Kandanmaran’s hand.

“You fool! What deed were you about to commit?” he cried.

“Father! What is wrong in killing this treacherous friend?” asked Kandanmaran.

“What is wrong, you ask? By doing so, you, I, and our ancient Sambuvaraiyar clan will be utterly destroyed. If you kill him, will not the blame fall upon us for murdering both the prince and him together? Do you not understand even this?” demanded his father.

“Who has the power to accuse us thus? And even if someone dares to lay such a charge, will he live long enough to see another day?” retorted Kandanmaran.

“Alas! Rash child! Is this the time and place to display your courage and valor? It is because I listened to your counsel from the very beginning that all this calamity has befallen our house! It was you who brought the great Pazhuvettaraiyar and the other petty kings into this house. It was you who secretly brought Prince Madurantaka here. And through your precious friend, all of this has become known to everyone. Then, it was you who brought Aditya Karikalan here from Kanchi! Oh! I never imagined it would end like this! Malayaman—the ancient enemy of our clan—is now approaching with a great army. What shall I tell him?... And Pazhuvettaraiyar too has left for his town at this very moment!” Sambuvaraiyar cried, striking his forehead in despair.

Tears brimmed in Kandanmaran’s eyes. “Father! Do not torment yourself needlessly. For the disaster that has come to pass because of me, I alone shall bear the punishment. I await your command—whatever you order, I shall do!” he said.

“First, take this girl and leave her in the women’s quarters! If she utters a word, gag her mouth, bind her hands and feet, and leave her there! If not, lock her up in the secret chamber!” ordered Sambuvaraiyar.

Manimekalai, seeing the fierce wrath that had overtaken her beloved father, trembled in fear. Now she understood that there was no immediate danger to Vandiyathevan.

“Father! Forgive me, I will act according to your command. Kandhamaaran need not touch me. I myself will go at once to the women’s quarters where the mothers are!” Saying this, she walked away quickly from there.

Kandhamaaran followed her.

As soon as they left, Sambuvaraiyar turned to the men who had come with him and ordered, “Tie him to that cot, binding his legs tightly!”

The men approached Vandiyathevan. He remained calm. Even as they tied him to the cot, binding his legs, he offered no resistance. Once they had finished, he spoke:

“Sir! Think for a moment! I am a close friend, privy to the secrets of Karikalan. What benefit would I gain by killing him? In truth, the murderers escaped through the underground passage. Try to pursue and capture them. I have seen them. If you untie me, I will come with you and help catch them! I will not attempt